Salem Public Works Director Annette Sola says major progress was made in cleaning up the area hit by the Friday night tornado on Monday.
After initially dealing with gas and water leaks and pushing debris off the road in the initial aftermath of the storm Friday night, loads of debris were removed on Monday.
“We divided up into teams. We asked residents that were effected to separate into piles into the trees fallen, debris and then things we can pull out and recycle. The main reason is to save with the dumpsters so we can get more hauled away. We think so far we have pulled over 70 loads out.”
The loads were full dump trucks full of trees and debris.
“We did have some volunteer organizations in cutting those trees up. I know over the weekend several of the homeowners were able to get trees cut down and removed and brought to the curb. There are a few volunteers down there that have been using small tractors and pushing stuff from the yards to the roads for us which we are so happy about.”
Sola says the Town Hall meeting at five Tuesday night at the Marion County Exhibit Building will help determine other needs of residents. Volunteers who want to help are also encouraged to attend so they can be matched with those with needs.
The Salem City Council voted to keep the curfew in effect for the hard hit area each night from seven pm to seven am through Monday morning. The area includes East Blair and Lake Streets between Broadway and Marion as well as Lake Street to Wells Street between College and Broadway.
Police Chief Kyle Ambuehl says while most people have gathered their possessions, he felt the extra protection should continue a while longer. City ordinance tickets can be written for violation of the emergency order.
The city has also released information on the number of homes and businesses damaged. One home in the 1300 block of South College is reported as destroyed. Six others are listed with major damage, seven more with minor damage, and 18 others affected. Seven businesses were impacted, including Midwest BBQ which was listed as a total loss. MRJ Survey at 1200 South Broadway received major damage. Four businesses in the Red Roof building also received significant damage.
Salem Mayor Nic Farley joined City Manager Rex Barbee and the city council in once again thanking all of emergency responders and city crews for their quick response and assistance following the tornado.
Loading up trees that came down during the Friday night tornado on the south side of Salem. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
