Region 3 Update

Region 3 was fortunate to miss most of the early spring storms that seemed to be affecting more of the Ohio Valley area. Things have changed during the early summer time frame. We are now working in so many different communities that the Units are stretched to the limit and hardly know where to turn to next.

Oklahoma

The work in Tushka, OK, has shifted from clean up to rebuilding. The first of several new homes builds have been started.

Missouri

The tornado response in Joplin has moved into the repair and rebuild stage after an overwhelming response by volunteers during the clean up phase. Mobile units are being moved into Joplin as we prepare for a long-term response. To volunteer in Missouri, call the MO volunteer line: (417) 317-4498.

Arkansas

The Arkansas Unit responded to storm damage in the communities of Clarksville, Denning, Harmony, Etna and the surrounding rural area. They have helped clean out and dismantle a number of poultry facilities that were damaged by the tornados.

Kansas

On May 21, Kansas experienced a tornado that, for all practical purposes, destroyed the town of Reading, Kansas. Volunteers are roofing and weather proofing for winter and working on interior finish work.

Iowa

Mapleton, Iowa has requested the help of the Iowa MDS Unit to provide housing for a local resident. The maximum FEMA grant has been awarded and the community will try to provide the balance of the funding, but needs the MDS labor component to complete the project.

Texas

At one point Texas had 57 wildfires burning simultaneously. The Bastrop Fire destroyed entire subdivisions of this town which is northeast of Austin. Investigations have begun in the area. Over 1600 homes were destroyed in Bastrop, but it is not determined how many were uninsured.

Montana

Montana has just recently hit the news regarding flooding due to heavy rainfall and record snow fall, which is melting rapidly at the same time, due to the warmer weather. This flooding is expected to affect the entire state, as well as North Dakota.

North Dakota

The Sauris River flooded the city of Minot, ND. MDS has a project in Minot that will be open through the winter. There is a great need for volunteers in Minot, especially skilled electricians. To volunteer in Minot, call the (800) 241-8111.

Anyone wishing to volunteer or donate to this response effort in Region 3, may contact the Region 3 officers. 

Region 3 Directors - Al and Jan Kroeker - region3(at)mds.mennonite.net

Regional Assistant Director - Roy Smith - roy.smith_75(at)yahoo.com 

Regional Sec./Treas. - Daniel Swartzentruber - dankarenswartz(at)juno.com