Help available to for Cassville flood recovery efforts
June 28, 2019
Vinnie Roberts
On Wednesday, June 26, Cassville and the surrounding area faced catastrophic flash flooding. For several hours between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., the town received several inches of rainfall that caused creeks to overflow and streets to become impassable due to rushing water. Multiple structures throughout the area were damaged from the flood.
In order to facilitate recovery and relief, both the City of Cassville and Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC) Barry County Neighborhood Center are working tirelessly to provide relief to citizens.
The city has been sending out maintenance employees since the flood ended to make repairs throughout Cassville that were damaged by the disaster.
“Our crews are out still cleaning debris, culverts and starting repairs on handrails for some of the culverts that were knocked off,” said David Brock, Cassville public works director.
According to Brock, in addition to city employees, community service workers have stepped up to aid in the town’s recovery. “We’ve got community service workers from the county DWI and Drug Court working out in the parks. They’ve been cleaning up flood debris. There’s lots of trash and flood debris there,” said Brock.
On Friday, June 28, the city also began dispatching crews to begin repairs to the gravel trails along Flat Creek. They also began working with a mechanical broom to clear debris and gravel from the streets.
The city is also working in conjunction with Republic Services to provide a place for citizens to dispose of their flood-related refuse. “For residents cleaning flood debris, Republic Services is donating a number of 40-yard roll off dumpsters,” said Brock.
In total, four dumpsters have been placed in the following locations: Ken’s Collision parking lot on County Farm Road; East 11 street; at the Intersection of East 10th street and Herald street; and at the South Park, located near the Aquatic Center on Sale Barn Road.
At the Aquatic Center location, wood debris can also be taken for disposal, according to Brock.
Brock went on to explain that, while the city currently isn’t recruiting volunteers to help at these sites or any other cleanup sites, that community volunteers are always welcome. The only requirement is their attendance and a sturdy pair of work shoes.
In addition to the city’s efforts, the Barry County OACAC Neighborhood Center is offering aid to citizens affected by the flooding.
“Ever since I’ve been here, flooding has been an issue,” said Gail Reed, supervisor of the Barry County OACAC in Cassville. “We’re naturally where people come to for help.”
The Cassville OACAC is currently distributing cleaning supplies, masks and Red Cross Disaster Relief Kits to residents who request them.
In addition to these services, OACAC can provide additional, non-standard aid to families in need through the use of their emergency fund.
“We’ve got two families whose washers and dryers were affected by the flood,” said Reed. “We’re sending them to the laundromat. That’s a first for us.”
Reed also stated that the center is focused on making sure that citizens working to clean and repair flood damage in the heat are taken care of.
“We also have some cases of water that have been donated,” said Reed. “We’re sending those with everyone to help keep hydrated because it’s so hot.”
Reed went on to explain her amazement at the resilience of the community during times of great turmoil. “I’m always amazed that when something like this happens, everyone steps up in to gear to help,” said Reed. “People just step up and start working to get their lives back. It just always amazing to me that the people around here are so resilient."
To contact the City of Cassville regarding flood clean-up, call city hall at (417) 847-4441. For more information on OACAC and their disaster relief services, contact the Barry County Neighborhood Center at (417) 847-2140.
Vinnie Roberts
On Wednesday, June 26, Cassville and the surrounding area faced catastrophic flash flooding. For several hours between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., the town received several inches of rainfall that caused creeks to overflow and streets to become impassable due to rushing water. Multiple structures throughout the area were damaged from the flood.
In order to facilitate recovery and relief, both the City of Cassville and Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC) Barry County Neighborhood Center are working tirelessly to provide relief to citizens.
The city has been sending out maintenance employees since the flood ended to make repairs throughout Cassville that were damaged by the disaster.
“Our crews are out still cleaning debris, culverts and starting repairs on handrails for some of the culverts that were knocked off,” said David Brock, Cassville public works director.
According to Brock, in addition to city employees, community service workers have stepped up to aid in the town’s recovery. “We’ve got community service workers from the county DWI and Drug Court working out in the parks. They’ve been cleaning up flood debris. There’s lots of trash and flood debris there,” said Brock.
On Friday, June 28, the city also began dispatching crews to begin repairs to the gravel trails along Flat Creek. They also began working with a mechanical broom to clear debris and gravel from the streets.
The city is also working in conjunction with Republic Services to provide a place for citizens to dispose of their flood-related refuse. “For residents cleaning flood debris, Republic Services is donating a number of 40-yard roll off dumpsters,” said Brock.
In total, four dumpsters have been placed in the following locations: Ken’s Collision parking lot on County Farm Road; East 11 street; at the Intersection of East 10th street and Herald street; and at the South Park, located near the Aquatic Center on Sale Barn Road.
At the Aquatic Center location, wood debris can also be taken for disposal, according to Brock.
Brock went on to explain that, while the city currently isn’t recruiting volunteers to help at these sites or any other cleanup sites, that community volunteers are always welcome. The only requirement is their attendance and a sturdy pair of work shoes.
In addition to the city’s efforts, the Barry County OACAC Neighborhood Center is offering aid to citizens affected by the flooding.
“Ever since I’ve been here, flooding has been an issue,” said Gail Reed, supervisor of the Barry County OACAC in Cassville. “We’re naturally where people come to for help.”
The Cassville OACAC is currently distributing cleaning supplies, masks and Red Cross Disaster Relief Kits to residents who request them.
In addition to these services, OACAC can provide additional, non-standard aid to families in need through the use of their emergency fund.
“We’ve got two families whose washers and dryers were affected by the flood,” said Reed. “We’re sending them to the laundromat. That’s a first for us.”
Reed also stated that the center is focused on making sure that citizens working to clean and repair flood damage in the heat are taken care of.
“We also have some cases of water that have been donated,” said Reed. “We’re sending those with everyone to help keep hydrated because it’s so hot.”
Reed went on to explain her amazement at the resilience of the community during times of great turmoil. “I’m always amazed that when something like this happens, everyone steps up in to gear to help,” said Reed. “People just step up and start working to get their lives back. It just always amazing to me that the people around here are so resilient."
To contact the City of Cassville regarding flood clean-up, call city hall at (417) 847-4441. For more information on OACAC and their disaster relief services, contact the Barry County Neighborhood Center at (417) 847-2140.