OZARK, Mo. -- After multiple weather disasters this year, Christian County is struggling to meet the costs of recovery. Part of the problem is how slowly federal money is coming in.

Tropical Storm Ike's wrath last weekend put more stress on the county’s already-stressed Department of Emergency Management in this year of torrential storms. Playing the waiting game for the promised federal funds is not turning out to be any fun.

From Christian County Emergency Management Director Phil Amtower about the flooding in September:

 


1) Christian County will not do curbside pickup of debris from the recent flooding. We realize lots of people have debris; therefore, in the coming days, we will open up a site that the residents can drop off debris for free.


 


2) We need anyone and everyone who had damage due to the recent flooding, whether or not they had insurance, to call and report the damage to us. Next week, FEMA and SEMA will come and do a damage assessment. We need to show them that there is a need here in Christian County for assistance to individuals. To submit a damage report: visit http://christiancountymo.gov/ or
call (417) 581-2126.


 


3) On a side note. Lots of debris is along roadsides. Once the road crews clean up these sites, they will leave what they can in the ditch, cut and stacked up for firewood. Any residents who need firewood are encouraged to stop and pick up what they need.