WELS members evacuate
Filed Under: Committee on Relief, North Dakota, WELS relief
As flooding remains a threat in the upper Midwest, Rev. Newt Trimmer of St. Paul's, Valley City, N.D., reports 40 to 50 members, including his own family, have evacuated the community after officials urged residents to stay out of town as they wait for the Sheyenne River to retreat.
Trimmer reports that although the river has been over flood stage for three weeks, the most serious problem is the backed up sewer system, which was damaged by all the heavy machinery brought in to shore up the dikes in the area.
Officials say it may take as long as three to four weeks to repair the sewers; until then residents aren't allowed to flush toilets or run water into drains. Many are spending nights at home but using the plumbing at friends or relatives in the area.
St. Paul's was forced to cancel services Sunday, but Trimmer says plans are to worship again this coming Sunday—with portable toilets on hand.
WELS Committee on Relief has contributed $3,000 to the cleanup effort. Among other things, the congregation has used the contribution to purchase portable generators, hoses, shop vacuums, pressure washers, and sewer drain plugs.
