Insurance company visits Hodag Dome, timeline still TBD

The School District of Rhinelander issued a press release on April 3 saying a timeline still has yet to be determined for when the Hodag Dome will be repaired, but Aegis Insurance representatives were slated to visit the facility April 4.

Aegis Insurance representative Jim Bradfish speaks to activities director Brian Paulson, middle, Jerry McKenzie of maintenance, Pat Kegley of buildings and grounds and business manager Robert Thom in the lobby of the Hodag Dome on Friday, April 4, in Rhinelander.
(Photo by Bob Mainhardt/Northwoods River News)

On March 30, the dome was damaged by severe winter weather and had to be manually deflated for the time being after it lost power and the generator failed to start. 

The press release reiterates what district superintendent Eric Burke said last week in that a timeline will be better known once Arizon, the manufacturer of the dome, is able to visit the site and assess the damage themselves.

Aegis Insurance’s visit, the press release said, included an inspection of the “entire facility” and “detailed evaluation of the generator specifications.”

“Once enough snow has melted, Arizon will assess the damage and determine the necessary repairs,” the press release said. “SDR will then collaborate with Aegis Insurance to facilitate and schedule the repair work needed to reinflate and restore the Dome. After the Dome is successfully reinflated, further assessments will be conducted on the interior to identify and address any additional repairs required. Once all necessary repairs are completed, the Hodag Dome will resume normal operations.”

The press release continued, saying the district is “committed to understanding the cause of the generator failure.”

“The District will implement protocols and procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future, ensuring the continued reliability of the facility,” the press release concluded. “The School District of Rhinelander appreciates the patience and support of the community as we work diligently to restore this vital resource. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”