Tornado cleanup Saturday for Beason farming family

[October 14, 2009]  The Salvation Army and Logan County Emergency Management Agency have rescheduled the tornado debris cleanup day for the Dahmm family of Beason. No EMA personnel were available earlier in September due to the heavy manning of the Gee Homicide Task Force, and no work-release crews could be permitted in the area until the task force search efforts were brought to a close in that area.

This family has already lost their home, three outbuildings, two vehicles and multiple pieces of large farm equipment, including their combine, and is not able to harvest their corn until their cornfield acreage is cleared of debris.

This is an official appeal to business and church leaders and community members to help on Saturday to clear the remaining debris.

The need is urgent for volunteers with gloves and boots and a heart to help this family that has been delayed in disaster recovery because of the needed priority of the Beason homicides investigation.

All the needed equipment -- tractors and wagons -- and debris disposal containers are arranged.

Drinks and meals will be provided for all of the workers.

The start time is 8:30, and the assembly point is the parking lot at the safety complex in Lincoln at 8 a.m.

Volunteers should call the EMA office at 217-732-9491 or Rebecca Van Nydeggen at the Salvation Army office at 217-732-7890 to confirm participation.

[Text from file received from Rebecca Van Nydeggen, Logan County director, Salvation Army]