City provides tornado recovery update

An update on tornado recovery efforts was given by Jacksboro City Manager Mike Smith during an April 25 council meeting.

Smith said the progress was good, with the hardest thing being getting dumpsters taken and replaced in a timely manner. Smith reiterated the city is working with the county on the formation of a long term recovery group to aid people getting back on their feet, be it in rebuilding homes and filling the financial gaps insurance will not cover.

Smith said the plan is for local people to take part, but if not, going outside to people who do things like this on a regular basis. He said there are very charitable organizations that help fill the gaps and give people the opportunity to start their lives over again.

The goals is bringing in anywhere from $1 to $2.5 million for recovery efforts. Smith urged homeowners not to take their first offer from their insurance companies, hit the road and move on.

“People need assistance. It’s not going to happen tomorrow,” Smith said. “We don’t want folks to take their insurance monies and leave. We really don’t.”

For the full story, see the Wednesday, May 4 edition of the Jacksboro Herald-Gazette.