A week and a day after a tornado tore through the Indian Lake area, the Logan County Emergency Management Agency and other local agencies converged for a press conference at Lakeview Home Center Hardware on Friday, March 22.
Ben Vollrath, who is serving temporarily as the county’s public information officer, invited Helen Norris, director of the EMA, to update community representatives and the media on how the cleanup efforts are going.
According to Norris, once the search and rescue efforts concluded, the EMA brought in the Butler County Incident Management team to assess the damage. Their report brought the destruction into focus.
After surveying 900 structures, they determined the tornado destroyed 133 buildings, with major destruction to 164, minor damage to 421, and 178 affected properties. They then reported those numbers to the Ohio EMA, which then consulted with Governor Mike DeWine to request a FEMA response.
“We’re working through the process for a higher assessment for federal purposes,” Norris said. “We did achieve the numbers they were looking for, but we’re still waiting to hear back.”
The next step will be a joint preliminary damage assessment with FEMA. The agency will be in Lakeview on Tuesday, March 26. Norris will show them the destruction, even though much of the debris will be cleaned up by then.
They are ready to present their case, Norris promised, and will let the community know if they receive that declaration or not.
Joe Antram, Logan County commissioner and lifelong Indian Lake resident, spoke next. “We appreciate all the help from the sheriff’s offices and EMAs and local governments that came in to help without being asked or asking anything in return,” he said.
In fact, the community has been overwhelmed with the response from the community and other areas. According to Vollrath, donations reaching $792,000 have been sent in to the United Way so far. Those wanting to contribute can do so online at uwlogan.com.
Though they know people are ready and waiting to help, Vollrath, who is the Logan County Chamber of Commerce president, asked them to hold off for now.
“Thank you for your patience as we know many of you want to come,” he commented, “but we’re in very good shape with our volunteers.”
Multi-agency resource centers at the former Bridges Community Action office in Lakeview and the Lookout in Russells Point have serviced nearly 200 households since March 14. They also have a shelter setup at 301 Lincoln Blvd. in Russells Point.
An emphasis was placed on encouraging Logan County residents to self-report any damage by calling 937-292-4041. This is for anyone in the county.
Indian Lake school superintendent Dr. Rob Underwood attended the press conference and updated the community on how things are doing since the school reopened on Wednesday, March 20.
“We’ve had really good attendance, about 90 percent,” Underwood said. “We have a good plan for mental health, and we’re glad to be back.”
The schools saw 96 students displaced with about 56 living outside the district.
For now, the focus is on clearing the debris as quickly as possible. On Thursday, March 21, for instance, 532 tons of debris was removed, and that was just a dent. Those still needing help with this can call a free hotline at 844-965-1385.
As a result of the amount of debris, the county commissioners took the action of increasing the normal landfill limit of 250 tons. And they lifted tipping fees until the emergency ends.
In addition, the commissioners took the action of waiving building fees for four townships—Stokes, Washington, McArthur and Richland, along with the villages of Lakeview, Russells Point, Huntsville and Belle Center. Building permits are still required, but fees are suspended until occupancy, with an option to defer.
Finally, utility reconnect fees are being deferred for those areas for sixty days.
Vollrath concluded the press conference by speaking briefly on how the area will respond to the total eclipse heading our way on the afternoon of Monday, April 8.
“We’re asking those planning to come here to please go to other activities in Logan County.” Vollrath mentioned the big events taking place in Bellefontaine and West Liberty as good options.