Wharton boot shop hit by Harvey standing tall once again

WHARTON, Texas (KTRK) -- When we were last here, we visited one of 150 businesses damaged in the flooding that inundated Wharton. They were struggling to work through the mess. A lot has changed in just a couple of weeks.

The sign on the door says TNT Western Wear is open. And it is.

The inside of the shop is a little worse for the wear, but what a huge improvement.

"It's been good. Considering the situation, I think it's outstanding," says Price Phillips, of TNT Western Wear. "If you go down any of the streets in Wharton, people have stuff piled up. It's unbelievable."

On September 3rd, there was water everywhere and countless thousands of dollars in inventory destroyed.

Business owners in Wharton work to reopen after Harvey


When we visited a week later, they were knee deep in cleanup, not knowing how long it might take to get up and running. But with the help of friends, neighbors, and strangers, they're making it.

"How can I put into words the generosity and everything of the people of Wharton? People who've lost everything," Phillips said. "It's breathtaking the overflow of love and support for each other in this community. "

There is still a long road ahead in Wharton. Homes are uninhabitable. Debris is lining some of the streets.

But there are signs-like the one that reads open on the door of TNT Western Wear that demonstrate recovery is underway.

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