Leachville Mayor Rodney Robertson said the city has a lot of clean-up and rebuilding ahead following the Dec. 10 tornado that came through the area.
“As fast as we get something cleaned up, there is more,” Mayor Robertson said. “We are probably 30 to 40 percent into the clean-up phase. It will be an ongoing process for some time.”
Robertson said the county has been there helping, along with area farmers, individuals and organizations.
“The county judge, county workers and equipment have been here working every day and we appreciate them and all of the others,” Mayor Robertson said.
Damage in Leachville included at least 20 apartments, over 40 houses, and several businesses were destroyed, including Mayor Robertson’s Big Butts Restaurant, and the Dollar General Store. Adams’ Gin received major damage, along with several businesses located on the north end of Main Street.
“People will know more about what they will do once all of the adjusters have reviewed the damages,” Mayor Robertson said.
City Clerk Ruth Ann Keith said a lot of the debris is on private property and the city will need permission to clean up.
She said the county EOC officer, Wayne Reynolds, has been in Leachville talking to them about procedures they need to take.
Mayor Robertson said a representative from the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (EDEM) will be in Leachville on Jan. 10 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
“As soon as I get a location where it will be set up, we will do our best to get the word out to the residents who suffered damage,” Mayor Robertson said. “A disaster area has been declared in five counties. I think residents will be able to apply for assistance from FEMA.”
Mayor Robertson said they have had calls from the county and state officials and they appreciate all of the concern.
An account has been set up at the First Missouri Bank in Leachville in the name of Leachville Disaster Relief account. A committee has been selected to help oversee the funds and ensure the needs of the tornado victims are met.
“To the Missouri State Line through Buckeye, over 70 homes were damaged,” Keith said.
“Over 100 utility poles were replaced. We had over 400 workers in the area working on the power and volunteers were here feeding all of the workers.”
Leachville has six employees working on clean-up, along with their regular duties. Mayor Robertson commended Robert Ballard and his crew for keeping the city’s water and sewer up and running through the disaster.
Both Robertson and Keith estimated the city’s local tax income will be cut by one third due to the closing of the businesses.
“We will know more exactly at the end of January,” Keith said. “The one cent sales tax is divided by three departments, the water department, the fire department and the police department. The tax helped make the payments on the new sewer system. With the loss of the sales tax we will have to tighten our belts.”
Mayor Robertson said a relief center was set up at the former school cafeteria and thanks to donations have been able to provide food and clothing.
“It has been amazing to see the organizations, companies and individuals ,” Mayor Robertson said. “We are hoping all of our businesses will be able to rebuild. We appreciate all of our businesses.”