Everly to seek additional grant opportunities

The Everly City Council on Aug. 19 discussed additional grant opportunities to purchase flood mitigation equipment and emergency supplies.

City Clerk Kristi Fliss was instructed to investigate grants through the Clay County Community Foundation's (CCCF) emergency funds. According to discussion, the city needs an extra trash pump and supplies at the Hap Ketelsen Community Center for displaced residents.

"I think you go for all of it," said Mayor Ron Thompson.

Everly was slammed by flooding in June when a railroad dike over the Ocheyedan River broke west of town. Several homes on the south side of town were affected, with at least one basement collapsing during the deluge.

"We would have thought it would have come from that direction," said Council Member Tara Patrick.

In addition to a trash pump, Fliss will look into funding to purchase emergency supplies for the community center in case it needs to house displaced residents in the future.

"Cots or bedding, or maybe inflatable mattresses, are a necessity," said Council Member Tracey Grigg-Schuver.

In addition to CCCF grant opportunities, Fliss will continue looking into possible reimbursement from FEMA for future mitigation purposes.

On a related note, the council agreed to hold a community-wide fall cleanup on Tuesday, Oct. 1. Members noted many residents still have flood-damaged material they need to dispose of despite a prior city-wide cleanup in late June.

"It's needed," said Grigg-Schuver.