First Responders Help Fremont Recover
Members of Cedar Township Fire, New Sharon Fire, and the Mahaska County CERT Team helped Fremont recover from the destructive storm that moved through on Saturday evening.
Fremont, Iowa – The wind howled down the eastern side of Mahaska County on Saturday evening. It left a trail of destruction beginning in New Sharon, making its way through Keomah Village. The storm picked up steam as it worked south, lashing out on Fremont as it left the County.
Mahaska County Emergency Manager Jamey Robinson said winds are estimated to have been approximately 65 mph sustained but believe there were stronger gusts.
In rural Mahaska County, just north of Fremont, a shed was blown off a property, rolling it out onto the roadway.
A six-car garage at a local apartment building was blown apart, while several roofs took significant damage.
Trees fell on homes and power lines, and authorities were asking people to stay away from Fremont until utility workers could make things safe.
By Sunday morning, the power had been restored, and utility workers were restoring phone and internet services.
Cedar Township Fire was assisted in the clean-up efforts by volunteers from New Sharon Fire and the Mahaska County CERT Team.
The Mahaska County CERT Team did similar work a few weeks ago in Eddyville. “Unfortunately, we’re starting to become pros at it,” said Robinson, whose department oversees the CERT Team.
Robinson inspected the damage and believes straight-line winds were the cause. “I don’t have any indication that it was otherwise.”
For the residents in Fremont, it’s requested that you deposit your debris to the curbside. You can also haul it to the lagoon, or a large pile of debris that is north of town that is also being used.
At the Southern Iowa Fairgrounds, Mahaska County Reserve Deputies and Posse members moved individuals under the grandstand, which is the designated shelter for the facility.
The concert featuring Lonestar was canceled, and the band agreed to stay overnight in Oskaloosa, performing on Sunday afternoon inside the pavilion due to the threat of more rain.
