Pastor Renae Meggitt, President of the Kinsman Area Rotary, asked me to write to you about the local disaster resulting from the July 20, 2019, storm.
The "Lakelands" area located in Kinsman Township and separated by the Kinsman Lake from Main Street, is accessible by vehicle by the causeway and dam. When the storm hit Kinsman, dropping 8 inches of rain on our township within 24 hours, it washed away the causeway cutting off the area and causing evacuation efforts from our first responders by four-wheeler through farmland located behind the township area. Families were only able to bring their immediate belongings and pets, and were displaced. Fifty-five people were evacuated from the Lakelands, including about 20 children.
The community absorbed most of the evacuees, while rushing waters washed away the remains of the causeway leaving about a 150 foot gap between Lakeview Drive and the Lakelands homes.
There were other homes on the township side of the lake that sustained disastrous damages. One home took in 17 feet of water leaving a family of 2 adults and two older children with no running water or plumbing. Another home, the father of one of our trustees, was found in his kitchen with his oxygen tank eating a sandwich with creek silt and mud at his feet. Every appliance in his basement was floating in water. His home sustained devastating damage and has to be gutted. Several homes have had to have water pumps or hot water heaters replaced, and several furnaces are gone.
Our community has banded together to try and address the immediate needs of those who need water, hot water, and food. We will be holding a meeting tonight to hopefully find others that are in need so that we can address their circumstances.
We are currently waiting for funding from the state of Ohio and an emergency declaration so that we can rebuild permanent access into the Lakelands, since children will be starting school in a couple of weeks.
Thank you, Julia, for your efforts in offering to help our community! Your consideration is very much appreciated!
Gratefully yours,
Marge Crupi, Vice President, Kinsman Area Rotary, and Fiscal Officer of Kinsman Township