GLENVILLE – A crew of Salvation Army Austin Corps volunteers is feeding workers and residents of Glenville where a tornado struck Tuesday night.

Friday, May 04, 2001

GLENVILLE – A crew of Salvation Army Austin Corps volunteers is feeding workers and residents of Glenville where a tornado struck Tuesday night.

Rain on Wednesday and Thursday postponed cleanup work, but the feeding efforts continue.

Maj. David Logan of the Salvation Army Albert Lea Corps and other volunteers started serving meals Tuesday night after the tornado struck the Freeborn County community from a van.

By 10 p.m. Tuesday, the Austin Corps kitchen canteen vehicle was on the scene with Maj. Doug Yeck. The canteen made hourly rounds throughout the community feeding victims and rescue workers as well as the 30 National Guard soldiers on hand to secure the community.

On Wednesday morning, 30 percent of the community still was without power.

About 50 homes and businesses sustained damage from the tornado.

Another kitchen canteen from the Salvation Army Mankato Corps joined efforts to feed victims and rescue workers.

"We will eventually need volunteers to help with cleanup," said Capt. William Mealy, who is serving as the Salvation Army’s incident commander. "The cleanup will have to wait until the rains stop."

According to Mealy, damage estimates now exceed $1.3 million with three homes destroyed, 24 with major damage and 75 homes with minor damage.

Another estimated $627,000 damage occurred in the rural Glenville Township area.

Yeck said Glenville residents are showing "resiliency." He also said the Salvation Army will remain on the scene through the weekend.

Anyone wishing to help the community may call (800) 456-4483.

Call Lee Bonorden at 434-2232 or e-mail him at lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com.