Community; a feeling of fellowship with others. After a large storm system stretching from just North of the Missouri line to North of Wayland produced numerous tornadoes, hail, and torrential rain causing destruction; our communities immediately banned together.
The City of New London updated that residents and students have one of the homes destroyed by the tornado packed and will continue to assist affected residents. If you would like to help, cases of water, snack items, totes, cookies, Gatorade, and cereal can be dropped off at the New London Library. The Tiger Food Pantry is open tomorrow, Thursday from 3:30 to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. The city of New London will be picking up residents’ limbs and branches curbside tomorrow (Thursday, 4/18/2024). After this date residents can haul their branches to the city lot south of the school’s football field (on Adams St.).
Burge Cemetery West of New London needs volunteers to clear debris and repair monuments. If you would like to volunteer, show up to the Cemetery after 8 am on Thursday, April 18th as they will be working all day. If you are not able to physically volunteer, donations are being accepted for repairs. To donate send a check addressed to Burge Cemetery to PO Box 123 New London, IA 52645.
Holy Trinity Catholic will be sending Holy Trinity Catholic High School students to Houghton to aid in clean up this afternoon. Houghton Mayor Gayle Thompson suggested following the path of debris as the best way to assist in clean up efforts. Some homes in the Houghton Area are still without power. Alliant Energy originally told residents they may be without power for up to four days but has since updated they hope to have power restored by the end of today.
Clean up efforts in Salem persist. Randy Kruse is in need of volunteers to assist in repairs and cleanup at 3389 Hickory Avenue Salem, IA 52649. Kruse’s property was severely damaged in yesterday’s storm resulting in debris scattering neighboring properties.
Please refrain from driving around areas affected by yesterday’s storms as utility workers are still repairing downed power lines and clearing debris. Thank you to everyone for your quick actions, giving hearts, and limitless drive to assist.