(courtesy of e-reporter Jason Coffee in West Liberty, Ky.)

WEST LIBERTY, Ky. (WSAZ) -- A tornado ravaged hospital in Morgan County, Ky. has celebrated its grand reopening with a ribbon cutting Monday morning.

Some $4 million in repairs had to be made to the ARH Hospital in West Liberty following the March 2 tornado.

The hospital and the clinic sustained the brunt of the damage when the second floor windows of the hospital were blown out, the roof was damaged, exterior doors were torn off their hinges, and cars were demolished in the parking lot when the tornado struck.

The hospital emergency room never closed and operated for a period of time on emergency power and heat through generators.

In addition to the damages suffered at the hospital and the clinic, major damage occurred at the ARH home health agency, home medical equipment store and payment posting center.

"We would like to salute the staff and management of Morgan County ARH for their incredible courage and strength during a time of true crisis. Stationed at their patients' besides they never wavered in their duty to safe guard the patients," said ARH President and CEO Jerry Haynes. "We would also like to commend the citizens of West Liberty, their elected officials, and the countless numbers of first responders, volunteers, and outside agencies working shoulder to shoulder to rebuild the community."

Following the ceremony, Morgan County ARH hosted a Back to School Bash from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. where local school children received free school supplies, free food, entertainment and the opportunity to win giveaways.

The school supplies have been donated by employees of UK Chandler Hospital, Kentucky Children's Hospital, UK Good Samaritan Hospital and several other areas of UK HealthCare.