Water damages two Willmar businesses

WILLMAR -- Cold weather Sunday caused water pipes to break Sunday, resulting in water damage at two Willmar businesses.

The damage was reported at the New 2 You Thrift Store, 1401 First St. S. and at North American State Bank, 1516 First St. S.

According to the Willmar Police Department, a passerby noticed water running out from under the door at the New 2 You Thrift Store around 3:30 p.m. and called law enforcement.

A sprinkler in the small front entrance of the store froze in the frigid temperatures, causing the pipe to burst and water to pour from the ceiling. The entrance was filled with eight inches of water, which then seeped into two main floor display areas.

The Willmar Fire Department responded to the emergency call and helped squeegee the water out, said Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Gilbertson.

The store is run by Central Minnesota Christian School of Prinsburg. About a dozen volunteers were mopping up the mess Sunday night.

"We've got wet carpet," said Kevin Wassenaar, development director for the school. "None of the merchandise was damaged, praise the Lord."

He said the fire department removed most of the water and school volunteers had fans and dehumidifiers running to dry the carpet in the building, which the school rents.

Wassenaar said the store will be closed for a day or two so the school can assess the damage and meet with its insurance agent.

He said the store's manager, Heather Bulthuis, will "have it looking ship-shape in no time."

Around 6 p.m., the Willmar Fire Department was called to North American Bank where a sprinkler on the second floor of the newly-constructed building froze and broke.

Gilbertson said the sprinkler was located in an unfinished room that apparently didn't have adequate heat. The water seeped through the upper-level floor and dripped into Dunn Bros. coffee shop below.

Gilbertson said the fire department has responded to seven incidents this winter where frozen water pipes caused damage to businesses.

Wind chill advisories were posted for much of Sunday in west central Minnesota.

Many area churches cancelled services and Sunday School because of the weather.