marengotornado.com

Current News

Please visit weatheringthestorm.org for up-to-date news on Marengo.

Outdated news items will remain on this site for historical purposes.

Old News

• Aug 2nd - Marengo DRC to Close Wednesday August 4th
• July 6th - FEMA Updates / August 2nd Deadline
• July 1st - DUA - Disaster Unemployment Assistance
• July 1st - Marengo Elementary School to be Rebuilt
• July 1st - Food & Clothing Still Available
• June 22nd - Many Types of Damage are Eligible for Assistance
• June 21st - Temporary Housing in Crawford County
• June 21st - Libraries receving Photos and Memories CDs
• June 18th - Disaster Recovery Aid Nears $2 Million
• June 14th - Additional Donations Presented
• June 14th - Insured Should Apply for Disaster Assistance
• June 13th - Must Register Directly with FEMA for Assistance
• June 11th - Use Care When Hiring Contractors
• June 11th - Supplies Still Needed and a Thank You
• June 11th - Latest FEMA Emergency Aid Numbers
• June 11th - David Mauck Provides Clarification
• June 10th - FEMA Continues Operations During National Day of Mourning
• June 10th - Updated FEMA Numbers
• June 9th - More Photos & Memories CDs Soon
• June 8th - Volunteer Labor Needed
• June 8th - Emergency Transportation Available
• June 8th - FEMA Update
• June 8th - The Red Cross at Hillview
• June 7th - First Donations Presented
• June 7th - Relief Supplies Still Needed
• June 7th - Photos and Memories CD supplies exhausted
• June 6th - FEMA Emergency Aid
• June 6th - Up-to-date information
• June 5th - New photos added to CDs

Marengo DRC to Close Wednesday August 4th

Marengo DRC Closing

Effective 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 4 the Crawford County Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) located at Marengo Elementary School, 179 Elm Street, will be permanently closed. The center opened June 7 and has served 541 residents.

FEMA Updates / August 2nd Deadline

August 2nd Deadline

Federal and state disaster recovery officials urge those who have not done so to apply as soon as possible by calling the toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

Crawford County Numbers

There have been 138 Registrations. Individuals and housing assistance has reached $104,628.48. Other needs assistance has reached $180,227.39. Crawford County's total assistance so far (July 2nd) is $284,855.87.

DUA - Disaster Unemployment Assistance

Hoosier residents in 68 counties may be eligible for weekly benefit payments under the Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program. The DUA program extends coverage to people ineligible for regular federal unemployment. Those who may be eligible include farmers, self-employed persons, those living or working in the affected areas at the time of the disaster and others who jobs were affected as a result of the storms. Residents who do not qualify for regular unemployment should stress that they are applying for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

Deadline is Near

The deadline to apply for disaster unemployment assistance in the designated counties of Clark, Crawford, Marion, Miami, and Washington is July 9, 2004.

Obtain your Application

Applications can be obtained by visiting a local WorkOne Center. To get information about the closest WorkOne Center, call 1-888-WorkOne. Applicants will need the following:

• social security number
• name, address, phone number of their last employer, and the dates they worked there
• photo ID

Self-employed applicants should also be prepared to provide information about earnings from their previous federal tax year.

Marengo Elementary School to be Rebuilt

There were rumors as to whether or not the Marengo Elementary School would be rebuilt. Today, Pam confirmed that plans to rebuild the school are already underway.

Food & Clothing Still Available

Any Marengo resident still in need of food or clothing items can contact the following locations:

• Food: Leavenworth Food Pantry at 812-739-2476 (8am to 4pm on W/TH/F)
• Clothing: Old County Court House in English at 812.365.2207 (Contact is Carla Batman).

For other needs or information please call the Marengo Town Hall at (812) 365-2158 (Closed on Wednesdays).

FEMA is the only agency that remains at the Marengo Elementary School.

Many Types of Damage are Eligible for Assistance

If you're a homeowner, renter or business owner and you have damage, simply pick up the phone and place a call to register.

Damages caused by flooding, power surges, lightening, a sewer backing up, sewer seepage, the tornado winds, hail, rain or wind driven rain may all be eligible and people should call to determine their eligibility.

Temporary Housing in Crawford County

The first temporary homes are being set up in Crawford County but determining the need for additional housing in other Indiana communities is ongoing.

The main goal of FEMA, the state and local communities during recovery is to keep communities together. A travel trailer is one of several temporary housing solutions. FEMA will work with each eligible family to determine what type of assistance will best meet their needs... Temporary alternative housing while repairs are made is also available for renters whose apartment homes have been damaged and are un-livable due to the tornadoes and flooding.

Libraries receving Photos and Memories CDs

Both the main library in English and the Breeden Memorial Library will be receiving a copy of the Marengo Tornado Photos and Memories CD.

Disaster Recovery Aid Nears $2 Million (statewide)

Crawford County

A total of $236,782 to-date has been approved for Crawford.

• $80,552.37 in Housing Assistance
• $156,229.63 in Other Needs Assistance.

201 people have called the registration number.

Statewide

• 2,056 individuals have called the registration number
• $1,520,849 approved through the Individuals and Households Program.
  • $1,447,210 disbursed to victims.
  • first checks issued four days after the June 3rd presidential declaration.
• $427,100 in loans has been approved by the SBA.
• 563 people have visited the six DRCs.
• 1,180 home inspections requested. 833 (71%) have been completed by nine inspectors in the field.

Crawford specific information provided directly from FEMA. Statewide information from FEMA's Friday recap press release.
View the full release from FEMA.

Additional Donations Presented

Yesterday, June 14, 2004, an additional $1,300 was presented to Larry Bye, a county commissioner. The money is going towards the Crawford County Tornado Relief Fund.

Insured Should Apply for Disaster Assistance

Individuals who suffered damage from the tornadoes and severe storms that began May 27th, and were insured, may still be eligible for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Anyone who sustained damage should apply for assistance with FEMA by calling the toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The special number for those with speech or hearing impairment is TTY 1-800-462-7585. The phone lines are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until further notice - including weekends.

Excerpt from a FEMA press release. View the full release from FEMA.

Must Register Directly with FEMA for Assistance

Homeowners, renters and non-agricultural business owners who sustained damage during the severe storms and tornadoes that began May 27th, must register directly with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in order to be eligible for federal disaster aid.

It has been reported that storm victims who contacted the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army, or answered a county emergency management survey regarding their storm losses are under the impression they are already registered for federal disaster aid. However, to be eligible for federal and state disaster assistance, it is necessary to call the FEMA toll-free registration line, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The speech or hearing impaired may call TTY 1-800-462-7585.

Excerpt from a FEMA press release. Emphasis added. View the full release from FEMA.

Use Care When Hiring Contractors

Disaster officials cautioned residents not to sign contracts or make down payments without first receiving written estimates from contractors and to avoid offers which seem too good to refuse. People should ask for references and check with relatives or friends before deciding which contractor to choose.

"Be especially alert for door-to-door solicitors who ask for large cash deposits or entire payments in advance," said Luther J. Taylor, Sr., State Coordinating Officer for the Indiana State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) "Sometimes the work is never performed or the down payment is never returned."

"You should also remember that official inspectors do not charge victims for their services," Hernandez said. "If someone posing as a FEMA representative attempts to collect money for their help, report the person and their vehicle number to your local police department."

Federal employees carry official photo identification and applicants may receive a visit from more than one inspector or verifier. If someone represents themselves as a federal employee but does not produce identification, residents are urged to ask to see it.

Excerpt from a FEMA press release. Emphasis added by us.

Supplies Still Needed and a Thank You

Thank You!

Thanks to your help a large box full of deodorant has been donated and a more than enough thick workers gloves.

Still needed:

• hand sanitizer (that cleans without water)
• sunscreen
• rakes, scoop shovels
• blankets
• hand towels, dish towels, towels
• general cleaning supplies (Windex, Mr. Clean, etc)

NOT NEEDED

Relief efforts currently have way more than enough of the following... DO NOT BRING

• NO thick work gloves, deodorant, brooms, or mops (thanks, we now have enough)
• NO clothes or toys
• NO perishable items (things that will spoil) or large cans of food (over 2lbs)
• NO bread or water
• NO yardsale leftovers

Above relief supplies can be dropped off at the Marengo Elementary School with the Adventist Disaster Relief Team located there.

Latest FEMA Emergency Aid Numbers

These numbers are for the whole of Crawford County, not Marengo exclusively.

172 people registered total.

The total dollars approved through the Individuals & Households Program (IHP) is $167,731.83. This includes $51,854.74 for housing assistance and $115,877.09 for other needs assistance.

Because of the National Day of Mourning, the U.S. Treasury is closed and it's not possible to get "on the street" (dispersed) numbers.

The above numbers and information were provided to us directly by FEMA. They are lower than previously posted numbers because they only include Crawford County, where as the original figures included the five county grouped area.

David Mauck Provides Clarification

A news story Fox 41 (maybe other channels as well) aired recently has caused quite a stir in Marengo. Carrie Doutaz called David Mauck, President of the Marengo Town Board, this afternoon. Mauck stated that the Dearborns would not be assessed any sort of fine for their recent town ordinance violation. Mauck is advising everyone to remain calm and be patient; the board is doing everything they can to meet temporary and permanent housing demands.

FEMA Continues Operations During National Day of Mourning

FEMA will continue to operate its Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) to assist victims of the Memorial Day weekend storms and tornados. All DRC's will be open 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., seven days a week, until further notice. The registration line will continue to operate from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. seven days a week.

Excerpt from a FEMA press release.

Updated FEMA Numbers

29 people came into the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center on Wednesday, bringing the total seen to 115. The largest interest was in housing assistance and SBA loan packets. 163 people total in all of Crawford County have registered to-date.

$246,456 in housing assistance has been dispersed to-date. Again, this is a total for the 5 county area that includes Crawford.

We do not have any county specific numbers yet, but we are hoping FEMA may have those by the weekend.

The above numbers were provided to us directly by FEMA.

More Photos & Memories CDs Soon

Due to recent publications in the Clarion News and The Courier-Journal as well as local news coverage, DWG Solutions will be producing a limited quantity of CDs for continued local distribution. We aren't yet sure how many additional CDs will be distributed at this time. To simplify distribution, CDs will be available exclusively at Circle A in Marengo. We hope to have more CDs available sometime Friday.

Again, we thank all of you for your continued support.

Volunteer Labor Needed

Physical labor volunteers are also needed. If anyone can volunteer to help with clean up efforts, please call the Town Hall at (812) 365-2158 (Closed on Wednesdays). Volunteers may also show up at the Marengo Elementary School and report to the Clean Up Tent for assignment.

A Growing Need for Relief Supplies

Desperately needed:

• deodorant (men's & women's)
• hand sanitizer (that cleans without water)
• sunscreen
• brooms, mops, rakes, scoop shovels
• blankets
• hand towels, dish towels, towels
• thick work gloves (not garden gloves) for picking up sharp objects
• general cleaning supplies (Windex, Mr. Clean, etc)

Above relief supplies can be dropped off at the Marengo Elementary School with the Adventist Disaster Relief Team located there.

Emergency Transportation Available

If you have emergency transportation needs, please contact Blue River Services at (812) 738-7461. They are open 6:00 am - 6:00 pm Monday-Friday. They cannot cross the river into Louisville and service is based upon driver availability. Examples of emergency need would be the following:

• needing to get to the grocery store
• needing transportation to work

FEMA Update

FEMA is now open 10:00 am to 6:30 pm 7 days a week until further notice. 52 families were seen by FEMA on Monday, June 6th, and 34 were seen today. Housing inspections are now underway in Marengo. If a house is declared uninhabitable upon inspection, funds could be provided within days (depending upon circumstance). In the 5 county area (grouped to qualify for FEMA funding) over $144,000 is already "on the street" and in the hands of those affected.

Be sure to call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to register and receive a registration ID #

The Red Cross at Hillview

The Red Cross is set up at Hillview Christian Church just outside of Marengo (towards English). They are conducting case studies at this outreach facility. If you cannot come to them, they can send a team to your location. Depending on your circumstances, vouchers may be issued for specific items of clothes, medicine, and food. They may be reached at (812) 365-2113, (812) 365-2171, or (812) 365-2152. Their hours are 8:30 am - 6:00 pm.

Outside of these hours, in case of a non-medial emergency, please call the Red Cross' 24/7 access line: 1-800-696-3783. Example: If a family that has no place to stay the night...

First Donations Presented

Today Larry Bye, a commissioner, was presented with donations totaling $2,309. This money is going towards the Crawford County Tornado Relief Fund. The Fire Department was previously presented with $580 of raised funds. Stay tuned, there'll be more coming!

Relief Supplies Still Needed / Contact Information

You may call (812) 365-2116 to reach the Marengo Elementary School. The school secretary will answer (during normal business hours), just ask for the Adventist Disaster Relief by name. If you have more specific questions about what suppliers are still needed they can likely help provide the answers.

Relief Supplies Still NEEDED

• deodorant (men's & women's)
• hand sanitizer (that cleans without water)
• sunscreen
• brooms, mops, rakes, shovels
• blankets
• hand towels, dish towels, towels
• thick work gloves (not garden gloves) for picking up sharp objects
• general cleaning supplies (Windex, Mr. Clean, etc)

NOT NEEDED

Relief efforts currently have way more than enough of the following... DO NOT BRING

• NO clothes
• NO toys
• NO perishable items (things that will spoil)
• NO large cans of food (over 2lbs)
• NO bread
• NO water
• NO yardsale leftovers

Donations are still very much needed, and those who donate $10 or more online will continue to receive CDs despite their dwindling local availability.

Photos and Memories CD supplies exhausted

The supply of Photos and Memories CDs is dwindling. Some may still be available at local Marengo businesses (Circle A, Vans, Marengo Cave, and The Old Town Store). Because of reduced local demand, there will be no more local distribution after today, June 7th, 2004.

CDs will still be available for those making online donations or mailing checks.

We will continue to bring you important information from Marengo. If anyone has photos they'd like for us to post online, please contact us.

FEMA Emergency Aid

Who: FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
Where: Marengo Elementary School
When: Officially opens at 11:00 am Monday

Very important:
You must first call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to register and receive a registration ID #. Lines open at 8am Monday morning.

A phone or phones will be made available at the elementary school starting at 8am Monday to call the registration phone # if you do not have access to a phone otherwise.

If you do not have a registration ID #, you may not be seen, period. We cannot stress it enough... get a registration ID #.

Please have basic information (if at all possible) for FEMA including: mortgage/insurance information, driver's license, social security #'s, employment info, income info, etc.

The following may provide helpful: photos, proof of insurance, birth certificates, etc. (we aren't sure, but be as prepared as possible)

Up-to-date information

The only place left to get food and supplies is now the Marengo Elementary school. There are no phones available there [at the school]. They can not send nor receive phone calls.

All other disaster relief centers have closed (This does not include FEMA).

NEEDED

• brooms, mops, rakes
• blankets
• hand towels, dish towels, towels
• thick work gloves (not garden gloves) for picking up sharp objects
• general cleaning supplies (Windex, Mr. Clean, etc)

NOT NEEDED

Relief efforts currently have way more than enough of the following... DO NOT BRING

• NO clothes
• NO toys
• NO perishable items (things that will spoil)
• NO bread
• NO water
• NO yardsale leftovers

Electric

Electric has been restored to all the homes possible (some are too badly damaged for service to be restored at this time, if ever).

Phones

Some residents are still without phones. There are a number of Verizon personnel in the area working to restore service.

New photos added to CDs

Demand for CDs has been overwhelming. We've started to receive requests from businesses outside of Marengo wanting to help distribute the CDs and collect donations. We'd like to thank all of you for your continued support, and a special thanks to those that have come forward with extra info and corrections to our timeline.

Also, 165 new pictures of the clean up around Marengo...