The investigation continues after smoke has settled from flames that destroyed the north elevator at the Living Learning Center, leaving Washburn with $200,000 to $300,000 in damages, and a reward which totals $12,500.

Capt. Ed White of the Washburn Police Department said the reward for information regarding the arson is a combination of money offered by Washburn, Crimestoppers of Topeka and the State Fire Marshall’s Office.

Investigations are still trying to determine how and who started the fire that destroyed the elevator in the early morning hours of Oct. 18. White said officials from the State Fire Marshall’s office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms of Kansas City and the Topeka Fire Department are all conducting investigations that will be compiled to determine exactly what happened.

White said one item had been sent to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation’s lab, which appreciates all of the cooperation and information students have provided.

Darrell Dibbern, director of Washburn’s Risk Management, said the university’s insurance carrier will pay for repairs after the deductible, which the school pays annually. The initial $1 million estimate on the police report was made by the fire department immediately after the incident, but estimates by the insurance company have dropped tremendously.

Mindy Rendon, director of residential living, said students are left with no elevator at this time. She said that in the effort to put out flames, both elevators were made inoperable.

“One will be working before the other,” said Rendon.

Students don’t seem to be worried about the early morning disruption or the aftermath.

Freshman Lisbeth Hollenbeck said that students have only been complaining when it comes time to move something or bring in groceries.

“Because you have to take everything single handedly-down,” she said.

Students who have to move rooms or residences at semester hope repairs are completed by then. compiled to determine exactly what happened.

White said one item had been sent to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation’s lab, which appreciates all of the cooperation and information students have provided.

Darrell Dibbern, director of Washburn’s Risk Management, said the university’s insurance carrier will pay for repairs after the deductible, which the school pays annually. The initial $1 million estimate on the police report was made by the fire department immediately after the incident, but estimates by the insurance company have dropped tremendously.

Mindy Rendon, director of residential living, said students are left with no elevator at this time. She said that in the effort to put out flames, both elevators were made inoperable.

“One will be working before the other,” said Rendon.

Students don’t seem to be worried about the early morning disruption or the aftermath.

Freshman Lisbeth Hollenbeck said that students have only been complaining when it comes time to move something or bring in groceries.

“Because you have to take everything single handedly-down,” she said.

Students who have to move rooms or residences at semester hope repairs are completed by then.