photo by: Eric Ayres

Wheeling Mayor Denny Magruder, left, and Vice Mayor Jerry Sklavounakis encourage individuals impacted by this past weekend’s deadly flash flooding to complete the individual assistance damage survey through the West Virginia Emergency Management Division.

WHEELING — City officials on Tuesday night gathered for their first council meeting since deadly flooding devastated sections of the city and stretches of neighboring communities.

City council members applauded the work of first responders and the many people in the community who have come together to offer an outpouring of support for recovery efforts following Saturday evening’s flash floods that ravaged neighborhoods along Little Wheeling Creek and spilled into Big Wheeling Creek, causing extensive destruction and claiming the lives of at least seven local residents.

“I think everybody knows that this has been an extremely tragic week for our community and for our neighbors in Valley Grove and Triadelphia,” Wheeling Mayor Denny Magruder said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the families who lost loved ones, as well as those who have lost property and who have otherwise been affected.”

In addition to first responders from the police and fire departments, city leaders praised city staff and city work crews that have also worked tirelessly since this past weekend’s tragedy and are now focusing on massive recovery and cleanup efforts.

According to Magruder, the response to this tragedy and the outpouring of support to those in need demonstrates the true character of the community.

“Thanks to the army of volunteers,” Magruder said. “It’s really unbelievable what’s going on out there. I’ve had the opportunity over the last couple of days to see America at its best — to see that happening.”

The Armory in Clator, now owned by the city, is one of the designated supply pickup locations. Magruder said there have been between 150 to 200 volunteers there in an “amazingly organized” relief effort for those impacted by the flooding. The mayor also tipped his hat to those at the recovery command center at Riesbeck’s in Elm Grove and to the Elm Grove Elementary School, which opened its doors as an emergency shelter Saturday night as the disaster was unfolding.

“I don’t think that we can put into words what these volunteers have done over the past few days,” Magruder said. “I only hope that they continue, because for those people who have been affected, this recovery period is not short. It won’t end this week or next week or next month.”

Councilman Dave Palmer, who represents the Elm Grove neighborhood in Ward 6, was not in attendance at Tuesday night’s council meeting and has been out of the area with his family, the mayor noted. The mayor noted that Palmer has remained in contact with those in Elm Grove through the disaster and sent his thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families, noting that his family was “heartbroken” and expressing gratitude to those who have helped with this “horrific event.”

Each member of council Tuesday expressed condolences and praised first responders.

“They’ve been going above and beyond,” Councilman Tony Assaro said of the first responders and the city and county workers.

“I’ve lived in a flood zone my entire life, and I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Councilman Ben Seidler, a resident of Wheeling Island. “It’s completely unprecedented. My heart just breaks for the families that have lost family members, lost their property and just the trauma and devastation they’ve been through.”

Seidler said he was “blown away by the outpouring of support.”

Councilwoman Connie Cain said she had several family members and friends who live in the impacted areas, some of whom lost their homes.

“My heart goes out to everyone,” she said. “We are strong. We are the city of Wheeling. We will get through this and will continue to pray for everyone who is out there doing their job in the community.”

The city of Wheeling’s Toe Tappin’ Tuesday concert in Warwood and the Waterfront Wednesday concert at Heritage Port originally scheduled for tonight were both canceled in the wake of the ongoing flood recovery efforts. Cain announced on Tuesday night that this week’s Juneteenth celebration will no longer be held.

“Juneteenth is canceled because of the latest events,” she said. “Hopefully next year, we’ll get it back again and enjoy some time together. Right now is not the time to celebrate anything, but we will get through this.”

Councilman Jerry Sklavounakis said the loss of life puts this weekend’s events into perspective, but he noted that the resilience of the people who have stepped forward to help also puts into perspective how great the local community can be.

“I think the outpouring of people providing not only donations but also providing their time and talents to help other members of our community is very impressive,” Sklavounakis said. “I think this is an unfortunate incident, but it shows that we are a resilient community that sticks up for each other and looks out for each other.”

Councilman Ty Thorngate noted that when many people run to safety in the face of danger, first responders face the fear head-on.

“These guys are truly heroes … these guys run right toward fear every single time, no matter what, to save a life,” Thorngate said. “This isn’t going to end soon. I can’t imagine how difficult it’s going to be to rebuild some of the infrastructure out there. These people are going to need our help for a long time.”

City leaders stressed how important it is for impacted residents and property owners to complete the individual assessment survey, which is located online at emd.wv.gov/disastersurvey. This will inventory the loss from this weekend’s disaster and help make the case for a federal disaster declaration that will open the door for funding assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

“In order for us to get an assessment of all of the damage and in order for us to get possible assistance from the federal government, we need to complete these forms and to get it done as quickly as possible,” Magruder said, urging people to report anything damaged or lost in the flood.

Officials encouraged everyone to document damage with pictures because once a repair has been made, FEMA will no longer consider it as a needed repair unless proof of damage has been documented.

“We’re very fortunate that we do have political support for that designation,” City Manager Robert Herron said. “Sen. (Shelley Moore) Capito’s office has reached out and is supportive. Congressman (Riley) Moore was here yesterday. Sen. (Jim) Justice’s office has also reached out, and of course, Gov. (Patrick) Morrisey has been here, and he made his declaration very quickly.”

Herron said the governor’s office and the state EMA will receive compiled damage assessment information and forward it to the White House for a presidential disaster area declaration.

“Hopefully we can get that designation, that unfortunately, we deserve,” Herron said. “The vast majority of the damage and the worst damage was clearly in Valley Grove and Triadelphia. Those communities aren’t as well equipped to handle this type of thing as the city of Wheeling is. They are going to need help.

“But the community support has been extraordinary.”

The mayor thanked everyone involved in the ongoing recovery and cleanup.

“You make me so proud to be your mayor and, most of all, to be a member of this community,” Magruder said. “The community has been exemplary, and if the nation can only get a real look at what’s happening here as a model, it would just be outstanding.”