FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Saturday, June 21, 2014

CONTACT: Sandy Frentz at 605-940-2689

         Wessington Springs Makes Progress in Tornado Clean-up

WESSINGTON SPRINGS, S.D. – Tornado clean-up efforts focused on clearing streets and removing debris from public property continue in the community of Wessington Springs and the surrounding Jerauld County.

“Neighbors have been helping neighbors, and families have been helping families,’’ said Mayor Melissa Mebius. “We are also thankful for the assistance we have received in cleaning our public areas”.

Personnel from the South Dakota National Guard and inmate crews from the Department of Corrections have focused their efforts on helping with debris removal on public properties, including streets, parks, the golf course and the cemetery.

As work progresses on clean-up of public property, officials are preparing for a transition from an emergency response to a volunteer-supported recovery process.

Community leaders and support agencies are working to finalize and implement a plan that will support the safe and most effective use of volunteers.  Mayor Mebius said the plan will match volunteers with the work that needs to be done.  Officials are continuing to work with residents to develop a list of volunteer and donation needs.

Some activities in the community are returning to normal.  Main street businesses are open, summer youth baseball and softball will resume on Monday and next week’s scheduled children’s musical will be performed as planned.

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