Help is available for those impacted by last month’s tornado in Wabash County. Wabash Area Development, Incorporated and the Wabash County Ministerial Association are working together to aid families affected by the May 19th EF-2 tornado that ripped through Keensburg and the south end of Mt. Carmel. Donations from the community have made it possible for WADI to launch a fund to assist with repairs of minor damages, clothing needs, and expenses related to housing. Those residents affected by the tornado can contact WADI at 618-262-4151 or visit the WADI office at 119 West 12th Street in Mt. Carmel.
Wabash County supervisor of assessments Connie Larry has announced that anyone who had property damaged or destroyed by last month’s tornado may be eligible for a reduction in their property assessment. should contact her office at the courthouse. Larry said the property must be rendered uninhabitable and unfit for occupancy of customary use by the natural disaster. She said those affected have 90 days after the destruction to come to her office and complete the necessary paperwork. Failure to do so may result in no reduction of assessment to property.
Monday’s county commissioner meeting was the first since the tornado and WEMA director Gerald Brooks praised his volunteers for the work they did during and after the tornado. He said WEMA volunteers helped with everything from debris removal, traffic control, to even sitting at a shelter set up at Parkview Christian Church where one person needed to stay.
Sheriff Derek Morgan said the power outage caused by the storm knocked out the new phone system at the sheriff’s office. Morgan told county commissioners that the battery backup only lasted about three hours. He said a five hour battery back up is being purchased for $1,200 to provide extra time.
WSJD File Photo