Corning, Iowa – Officials with the Adams Community Foundation say a Disaster Recovery Fund (DRF) has been established to support vulnerable populations following the severe weather events on May 21, 2024. The DRF provides an opportunity for the public to give, with the reassurance that donations will be quickly moved to resources where they are needed most to adapt to evolving needs. The flexibility of the fund ensures that the county can respond to supplement needs being provided by existing nonprofit, local, state, and federal programs.

Adams Community Foundation President Nancy Turner said “Our county has proven that we are better together, and this collaborative spirit will once again prevail as we support our neighbors in need.” The Adams Community Foundation has committed an immediate $500 to the DRF. Join us in giving to support Adams County: https://desmoinesfoundation.org/AdamsCountyDisasterRecovery.

Funds received will first focus on disproportionately affected communities by addressing economic barriers and health impacts of populations negatively impacted by disaster. The long-term application of the fund will focus on additional needs that are not already being met that may inevitably arise. Grants will be provided to community-based organizations and service providers active in current response and will not be made available for individual application. A team of community leaders and grantmakers will work together to identify recipients with deep roots in the community and experience delivering support and services to vulnerable populations in moments of crisis.

(Greenfield, Iowa) – Officials with Alliant Energy report Alliant’s crews are beginning to reestablish natural gas services in Greenfield. The process will begin in the north half of town. Crews will go door-to-door requesting access to each home or businesses to safely relight natural gas appliances. An adult (18 years or older) must be present for technicians to enter your home. If you are not home when they come to relight, they will leave a message on your front door or garage door to call Alliant Energy at 1-800-ALLIANT (800-255-4268) for an appointment. Please note, all Alliant Energy employees carry badges with photo identification.  

ALLIANT ENERGY INFORMATION OFFICE:  

Alliant Energy has set up a temporary information office at the Warren Cultural Center (154 Public Square) in Greenfield for customers seeking gas service information or other inquiries.  

Alliant Energy customer service is also available at 1-800-ALLIANT (800-255-4268).  

CHARGING STATION AVAILABLE:  

Alliant Energy has a mobile charging station available at the Warren Cultural Center (154 Public Square) in Greenfield. Electronic devices can be charged for free.   

(Audubon, Iowa) – The Audubon School Board met earlier this week, and acted on several matters. Superintendent Eric Trager tells KJAN News, following a Public Hearing, the Board approved the Bus Garage low bids and will get started on the project this Summer.

The Board also approved a Budget Amendment, following a Public Hearing.

In other business, the Audubon School Board, Monday, approved a 2024-25 Cross Country Sharing Agreement with Exira-EHK, where E-EHK is the host. The took no action, however, on a 2024-25 Junior High Football Sharing Agreement with Exira-EHK.

Eric Trager is retiring on June 18^th. He says he’s not given a whole lot of thought to what he’ll do following that last day.

The next meeting of the Audubon School Board takes place in their High School Board Room on June 17^th, beginning at 7-p.m.

(Radio Iowa) – There’s still no official tally on how many houses were damaged or destroyed in Greenfield by Tuesday’s massive tornado — easily dozens — and the community shelter set up in the town’s Nodaway Valley High School remains a very busy place. Emily Holley, spokeswoman for the Iowa chapter of the American Red Cross, says the agency is planning to keep that shelter open at least for several more days.  “A lot of times when things like this happen, folks will stay in their homes for maybe a little bit longer, thinking, ‘Okay, I can make this work,’ and then, after a few days, they realize that maybe that’s not great,” Holley says. “That’s why we’re leaving the shelter open. That’s why we are available for folks who need a place to stay, or even just a place to kind of regroup.”

While Greenfield saw the worst damage, that was one of at least six tornadoes in Iowa on Tuesday, while there are reports of hail, high winds or flash flooding in at least another 40 counties. Holley says the Red Cross is working with storm survivors all over the state. “We also have teams going out in the emergency response vehicles, delivering relief supplies, gloves and tarps,” Holley says, “and it’s also a good opportunity for us to speak with folks who have been impacted, to get a handle on what they need and the services that we can provide.” Another important element in the disaster recovery process is being handled by what Holley calls spiritual care and mental health support.

A tornado-ravaged home in Greenfield. (Photo by Melissa Ehrman Johnson of Atlantic)

“Our hearts are with the folks of Greenfield and everyone who has been impacted. There has been loss of life and we want to make sure that people are taking care of their minds and their spirits through this time as well,” Holley says. “That is another service that we are offering and we have available for folks who need it.”

Those who need help can contact the agency at 1-800-RED CROSS, while Iowans who’d like to donate to the relief effort should visit: redcross.org/donate.

DES MOINES, Iowa — Governor Kim Reynolds has requested an expedited Presidential Disaster Declaration for Iowa counties where significant damage was sustained from severe storms and widespread flooding that occurred on May 21, 2024.

The letter requests activation of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Individual Assistance Program and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans for the following four (4) counties: Adair, Polk, Story, and Montgomery. In addition, the letter requests the activation of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance Program for Adair County. Additional counties may be added once the request is approved.

Funding under the FEMA Individual Assistance Program provides disaster-affected homeowners, renters, and businesses access to programs and services to maximize recovery, including assistance with housing, personal property replacement, medical expenses, and legal services.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program provides homeowners, renters, businesses, and most nonprofit organizations in the affected counties whose property was damaged or destroyed by this disaster, the ability to apply for low-interest disaster loans from the SBA.

The FEMA’s Public Assistance program provides funds that can be used to rebuild damaged infrastructure that may include roads, bridges, culverts and other public facilities, or to cover costs of emergency work during, and debris removal after, severe weather.

In addition, the governor requested funding to conduct hazard mitigation activities for the entire state.

The letter can be read in its entirety here.