ELKVIEW, W.Va. (WCHS) — The devastating flood of 2016 took the lives of 23 West Virginians, and caused more than $1 billion in damage. One of the hardest hit areas was the lower Elk River basin which included Herbert Hoover High School.

The 1963 structure was deemed unsalvageable and was eventually demolished, taking with it the memories of thousands of local graduates.

A brand new Herbert Hoover High School was constructed at a different location, opening in 2023.

Billy Wehrle was a member of the class of 1998 and had a dream of doing something for his community.

"I've wanted to do something for a long time, actually before the flood," Wehrle said. "I always said there needs to be something dedicated to the school."

Wehrle's dream has come true with the opening of The Husky Den in August of 2024, the husky is the official mascot of Herbert Hoover. The walls are covered with Hoover memorabilia.

This is a very tight community and while the flood was horrible, it has brought these people closer together. Covering the flood, the cleanup and the continuing rebuilding has been an experience none of us will forget. Neighbor helping neighbor, complete strangers coming to the aid of flood victims, and the overall determination to persevere has been nothing short of incredible.

Wehrle's Husky Den is a great eatery, specializing in hotdogs, and a variety of burgers and specialty sandwiches.

"We're mainly known for our hotdogs," Wehrle said. "I come in every morning and make my chili and my slaw."

Wehrle didn't play sports in high school, but his brothers did in the 90s. These days Billy closely follows the softball team which his two nieces are members of.

"My two brothers Matt and Chad, Chad was a state champion wrestler in 1999. Matt was a state champion in 1999 and 2000," Wehrle recalled. "My nieces have three softball state championships between them."

Sports obviously plays a big role in Billy's life, and now his restaurant fills up much of his time. But make no mistake, he's doing exactly what he want to be doing.

"I wanted a safe place for the kids to able to go, and their parents not have to worry about it," Wehrle said.

The Husky Den is located at 1009 Main Street in Elkview. You can visit the restaurants's Facebook page to look over the menu and hours of operation.