County road crews are continuing to clear downed trees and debris from the roads while utility crews continue working to restore power to hundreds of customers after severe thunderstorms in Caldwell County Sunday and a tornado in the Crider community Sunday night.
Judge-Executive Kota Young praised the first responders and utility lineman for their efforts following the two rounds of severe thunderstorms that moved through the county Sunday morning and Sunday night.
click to download audioAccording to Judge Young, the greatest blessing from the aftermath of the tornado was there were no fatalities and only minor injuries reported.
click to download audioSadly, Governor Andy Beshear reported late Monday afternoon that a 54-year old man died from a heart attack while cutting fallen trees in Caldwell County.
Judge Young said Caldwell County Emergency Management personnel are also undertaking damage assessments across the county which continued throughout the day on Monday.
If you were impacted by the tornado, you are asked to call (270) 365-7860 — the non-emergency dispatch line. Judge Young said they are working to set up a dedicated phone line, and that number will be provided once they do. In addition, Judge Young asks that you call the non-emergency dispatch line to report damage and to share your volunteer needs. He said they will use these damage assessments and reports to request further state and federal assistance.
Judge Young indicated the county is partnering with the Caldwell County Long-Term Recovery Group and the Community Foundation of West Kentucky to create a method for the community to donate to tornado victims.
click to download audioIf you would like to donate, there is a link on Judge Young’s Facebook page or click here. You can also drop off your donation at any of the local banks, or the Caldwell County Courthouse. If you use a check, make it out to ‘CFWK – Community Foundation of Caldwell County,’ with the memo line ‘May 26 Tornado Relief Fund.’ He mentions this is for cash donations only. He adds they will set up another outlet for physical donations once they have identified the needs.
In addition, they are finalizing plans for burn sites.
click to download audioYoung also asks sightseers, to stay away from the tornado-impacted area.
click to download audioFurthermore, they are working on a coordination process to connect potential volunteers with those in need. If you know someone who needs help, Young said to help them. If you just want to help and don’t know where to begin, they are working on a way to get you connected.
Young stated “we’ve been through this before, and came out on the other side. There’s nothing this storm can throw at us that we haven’t overcome before. And we shall again.”
***Photos provided by WPKY’s George Kilgore
