Community members are being invited to come together to help clean up storm debris during a community-wide effort at WACO Jr./Sr. High School.

School officials are grateful for the strength and support shown by the community and are organizing the cleanup for this morning. Crews from several companies with large machinery have agreed to assist with removing major debris, helping speed up recovery efforts.

At the same time, volunteers are still greatly needed to help tackle smaller cleanup tasks. Jr./Sr. High School students will also have the option to participate in the cleanup during the school day if they choose.

Community members who are able to help are asked to gather at 10:00 a.m. at the high school, with parking available near the Eichelberger Agri-Science Center. Volunteers are encouraged to wear gloves, long pants, and boots to help stay safe while working.

Local businesses are also stepping up to support volunteers. Your Choice Family Restaurant has offered to donate pizzas to help feed those taking part in the cleanup effort.

School leaders are thankful for the opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder with staff, students, and community members as recovery efforts continue.

After days of active spring weather, our region will get a brief break today before another round of potentially dangerous weather arrives Friday.

The National Weather Service has issued an Enhanced Risk — level 3 out of 5 — for severe storms across much of the area Friday afternoon into Friday night as a strong cold front approaches.

Forecasters say the primary threats with Friday’s storms will be damaging straight-line winds and isolated tornadoes. In addition, there is a Slight Risk — level 2 out of 4 — for localized flash flooding, especially in areas that have already received significant rainfall.

Storm timing is expected to unfold in stages. By mid to late Friday afternoon, isolated to scattered severe storms could develop ahead of the main cold front, although confidence in how widespread those early storms will be remains low.

The greatest concern is expected during the evening into early nighttime hours, when a more organized line of storms — possibly a squall line — is forecast to move through the region, bringing the highest potential for severe weather.

Residents are encouraged to monitor forecasts closely, review severe weather safety plans, and make sure they have multiple ways to receive warnings Friday afternoon and evening.

The Mount Pleasant City Sanitation Committee met Wednesday morning, April 15th, addressing several infrastructure and service-related items.

Among them, the committee reviewed a reimbursement request from a West Henry Street resident following a sewer backup. After discussion, the committee determined the city would not cover repair costs or damages. However, officials did add that section of West Henry Street to this summer’s sewer lining schedule to help prevent future issues.

The committee also approved upgrades to the Saunder’s Branch lift station, a key part of the city’s wastewater system that handles about 60 percent of the flow to the main treatment plant. John Boecker, Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator, updated that a large buildup of grease has been interfering with the current float system. A new system, costing approximately $25,000, will bypass the floats and include an updated control system, improving reliability and expected to last at least 20 years.

Spring cleanup was also discussed. The city discontinued the service in recent years due to low participation and high costs. One current waste contractor, Wemiga, has indicated it does not have the capacity to offer the service at this time but are exploring possible drop-off options and say more information will be shared when available. The committee plans to revisit the issue next year.

In other business, the committee approved a $1 increase to the base sanitation fee, raising it from $4.25 cents to $5.25 cents. This increase is due to increasing overhead expenses. The proposal will now move to the ordinance committee and then to the city council for three readings. If approved, the increase would take effect July 1st.

Officials also noted that Mount Pleasant’s new City Administrator is scheduled to begin work June 1st.