WESTON, W.Va. — The residents of Upshur and Lewis Counties are writing an inspiring comeback story after what some agree is the worst flood since 1985. The once flooded area is the focus of a massive cleanup assisted by the members of the West Virginia National Guard so they can begin the next chapter of their lives.
In downtown Weston, Community Care West Virginia is offering a variety of services for those in need. Chief Operations Officer Kristi Walker said they are providing for the immediate needs while being mindful that the cleanup will likely take months, if not years.
“We’re doing vaccines, behavioral outreach, and crisis intervention, and we’re here today to staff the showers that were so graciously donated by Rotary of West Virginia,” Walker said.
In the Vicksburg Road area, residents said the Buckhannon River had never made it to the “curves” where the ParMar store is located. Just down the street, the resident of River Place Apartments said a pasture that’s historically dry was a pond the morning after heavy rains. The residents said early the next morning soldiers rolled in with equipment to provide assistance.
“The communities have really come together to organize and help all of the citizens in Lewis and Upshur Counties,” Walker said.
One of just a handful of restaurants to be able to open following the storm is Country Time Cooking on higher ground about 3 minutes away from the River Place Apartments. Owner Roxanne Tacy said she and her staff knew it was a very serious situation, and while nearby, Country Time Cooking was spared.
“The other ones were either closed because they didn’t have power or they closed because there was no way to get to them,” Tacy said.
Business was good in the days following the storm, and thankfully, they had stocked up and were ready. Many people that needed a bite to eat or a cup of coffee or those on a break from flood response had a place to go.
“Luckily we were pretty stocked because we couldn’t have gotten to Wendlings if we needed anything at that time,” Tacy said. “We were pretty stocked up, but there on the third day we were slowly running out of stuff.”
Supply drives are still going on and are planned into the future. Many church groups and civic organizations have put together teams to work in the flood zone, and it’s important to check in and register at one of two supply distribution centers. The main distribution centers are the Market Place Mall in Weston and West Virginia Wesleyan College.
“Make sure you check in with one of the two distribution centers to let people know you came out and you are verified,” Walker said. “We know there will be some scams.”