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Coming Together For Follansbee Flood Victims

Relief Efforts Continue for Follansbee Residents Affected by July 30 Flooding

Photo Provided Several groups have teamed to form the Follansbee Long-Term Recovery Team focused on helping victims of the city’s flooding on July 30. Gathered to discuss plans at the Brooke County Salvation Army Service Center were, seated, from left, Bob Fowler, Brooke County emergency management director; the Rev. Penny Calmbacher of Follansbee United Methodist Church; Mike Linger of House of the Carpenter; and George Smoulder, executive director of the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley: and standing, Andy Nickerson, Brooke County EMA assistant director; Barb McConnell, Brooke County Salvation Army office manager; the Rev. Frank Haas of Follansbee Presbyterian Church; Liz Paulhus, director of program development and evaluation for Catholic Charities West Virginia; Andrea Staron, Northern Region director, Catholic Charities West Virginia; and Sharon Kesselring, executive director, American Red Cross of Northwest West Virginia.

WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Commission learned Tuesday of continuing efforts to aid those affected by the July 30 flooding in Follansbee.

The Rev. Frank Haas of Follansbee Presbyterian Church told the commissioners several area charities and other groups have banded together to assist. In addition to Haas’ church, they include the  Brooke County Emergency Management Agency, Follansbee United Methodist Church, House of the Carpenter of Wheeling,  the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley, the Brooke County Salvation Army, Catholic Charities West Virginia and the American Red Cross of Northwest West Virginia.

At an earlier meeting, George Smoulder, executive director of the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley, said, “We’ve had long-term recovery teams in place in years past, after storms had struck our area and caused extensive damage. The teams bring agencies and other entities to the table to gather information about what needs to be done to help residents recover. In this way, efforts are not duplicated, and every effort is made to make sure no one is overlooked. The long-term team will continue to meet as long as unmet needs remain.”

Haas said with support from others, the Brooke County Salvation Army has set up a recovery center at 866 Main St., Follansbee, the former site of Hood’s Pharmacy.

Barb McConnell, office manager for the Brooke County Salvation Army, said with the help of the House of the Carpenter and other donations, the organization has some used washers, dryers and furniture and a large amount of clothing to distribute to flood victims who registered with the Brooke County Emergency Management Agency following the flood.

She also thanked James and Randy Hood for use of the building, which will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Friday and Monday through Oct. 7.

Anyone with questions or needs may call (304) 737-0071 for information.

A list of flood victims compiled by the Brooke County EMA, in an effort to seek federal aid, also has been used to distribute money donated to the Follansbee Flood Relief Fund established at the Follansbee Branch of First National Bank.

Haas said most of the $115,000 collected has been disbursed in checks to flood victims, though some haven’t come forward yet. Checks of $600 or $800 were given to residents, depending on the extent of their damages; while businesses and churches received $700 each.

“That was all from private donations. There was no government money in there,” Haas said, wishing to clear up some misunderstandings about the fund.

Haas also secured a $7,500 grant from the national Presbyterian church’s disaster relief program for Follansbee United Methodist Church and the Christian Assembly of Follansbee, which both were flooded by Allegheny Creek, and his own church, which was flooded when stormwater backed up into its social hall.

The commissioners thanked Haas for his efforts and volunteers at his church, who set up a feeding site after the flooding occurred.

“They were up there all week long, making sure people had a place to stay and they got something to eat,” said Commissioner Stacey Wise.

Haas said volunteers and donations from sources, including other churches and Drover’s Inn of Wellsburg, made that possible.

Commission President Tim Ennis praised the Presbyterian church and James Funeral Home for opening their doors to the congregations of the Methodist church and Christian Assembly, respectively, until their buildings can be restored.

In other business, County Clerk Sylvia Benzo announced early voting for the Nov. 8 general election will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays from Oct. 26 to Nov. 5.

In addition to the presidential race, the election will decide which candidates will hold seats representing Brooke County and other Northern Panhandle counties in the state Senate and House of Delegates.

For election information, call (304) 737-3661.

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)

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