Politics & Government

St. Louis County Council Chairman Steve Stenger Visits North County Storm Damage

Stating that the scene was "profound," Stenger urges Mehlville and Oakville citizens to help.

St. Louis County Council Chairman Steve Stenger visited North County on Thursday to evaluate damage caused by last Friday’s F4 tornado. 

Stenger, along with County Councilman Mike O’Mara and a team of officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, State Emergency Management Agency and Small Business Administration, visited several storm-ravaged neighborhoods in North County. O’Mara, who represents much of the affected area, led Stenger, Captain Lawrence Stulce of the St. Louis County Police Department and municipal officials affected by the terrible storm on a tour of the devastation.

“We went through all over the line of the storm. Specifically we were in Moline Acres, Bellefountaine, Riverview, Ferguson, Delwood and Berkeley—a lot of unincorporated areas and Maryland Heights,” Stenger said. “It was profound. The level of distress of the citizens was moving. A woman in Berkeley was crying the whole time; probably a quarter of her home was blown away.”

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Stenger represents St. Louis County’s sixth district, encompassing much of South County. As chairman of the County Council, Stenger joined the team of officials to assess the progress of relief efforts and determine what level of support is needed from the Council to aide in the rebuilding process.

Stenger said that throughout the visit, there were power lines down on nearly every street. Trees that looked to be 40 years old with enormous root balls were lifted and thrown over. He also viewed damage to automobiles and homes; some homes were completely wiped out and some were not even on their foundations.

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“It was highly significant damage,” Stenger said. “I’ll be honest I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Stenger was impressed by the strides North County elected officials and police are making by collaborating to clean up and move forward.

“I cannot speak highly enough about the remarkable efforts and progress of the local officials and police. Despite the extensive damage, there is a true sense of community, as neighbors work together to remove debris from backyards, front yards and their neighbors’ yards,” he said in a statement.

As for the role the St. Louis County Council will play in this joint effort, Stenger said in a statement: “St. Louis County will continue to assist victims of the storm in any way that it can. We will see this through together. I want all of the victims of the storm to know that St. Louis County is engaged and present in the community to help them. We are committed to provide relief for as long as it takes. And we will do whatever is necessary to help the residents of St. Louis County to recover from this tragedy.”

According to Stenger, the County is coordinating with FEMA to provide some services for tree and debris removal. His office also is referring those who would like to volunteer to the Red Cross and other affiliated agencies. If anyone would like to make a private donation, Stenger urges those to call his office and they will coordinate those efforts.

To make a donation to help the tornado storm victims, call 314-615-5442.

 

 


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