SISTER LAKES — Through snow damage, a GoFundMe campaign, months of planning and waiting and a second winter, the 91-year-old Ramona Roller Rink has weathered obstacles to remain open. More than a year after heavy snowfall damaged one of the building’s trusses, a new truss was lifted off a trailer on Friday, March 15 to await installation.

Owner Harold Schaus is proud of his nearly century-old building. The former big band dance hall and longtime roller rink has operated under the same name since its opening, despite being passed down through four different owners. Ramona is the oldest operating business in Sister Lakes, according to Schaus. Like the name and longevity of the business, the building itself has lasted surprisingly well through the years, until last year’s temperamental winter took its toll.

Heavy snow put stress on one of the building’s trusses, which was added in the early 1960s. Although the situation was not ideal, Schaus was still impressed that the oldest and original trusses were not damaged. According to Schaus, the addition constructed in the ‘60s lasted well for what it was, but was not built to the same caliber as the original design.

“They inspected the rest of (the building), and it was all in perfect condition. The 90-year-old trusses were perfect,” Schaus said.

Replacing the damaged truss has posed its challenges, according to Schaus. He received mixed messages from his insurance only to find out it would not fully cover the cost of the repairs. Then Schaus’ daughter set up a GoFundMe campaign in the hopes of raising $150,000, which to date has raised $4,276, not including other donations made through fundraisers and other gifts.

Finding a contractor who would take on the project proved itself a difficult task as well. Schaus said contractor after contractor rejected the project, mainly due to the age of the building. Eventually, he found two local contractors, Ben Neidlinger and Greg Knisley, willing to take on the project.

“It’s a milestone project. It’s very hard to find people who can work on older stuff,” Schaus said.

Only one truss will be replaced, and it is an ideal replacement because it is on the end of the building, as opposed to the middle. Even so, the project will take careful work and involve the use of a crane. Schaus does not have an exact date for the installation, so the supporting component will sit in the Ramona parking lot until he receives a green light from the contractors, which he believes will be any day.

“I’m not sure when it will go in. They’re going to take the end of roof off,” he said. “I imagine we’ll be hearing back any time.”

When snow damaged the building, Schaus was not worried about the survival of the business. He was, however, concerned about staying open to keep his community entertained. Ramona is a year-round attraction in Sister Lakes. Customers come from Coloma, Decatur, Berrien Springs and beyond to roll and skate and race. Closing was not an option for Schaus, so he kept the business open throughout the process.

“I said, ‘No, there’s no closing.’ I could have made that choice, but I didn’t want to be closed. I wanted to stay open,” he said.

The damaged truss and accommodated space did not affect business, according to Schaus, which is the way he and his family wanted it.

“As far as business goes, we’re a family business. My wife and kids own it and take care of it,” he said. “Business-wise we’re still doing the same, and we’ll continue to.”