Story Created:
Jul 19, 2008
Story Updated:
Jul 21, 2008
Jefferson Starts Flood Clean Up
Jay Olstad
JEFFERSON - It took an army to fill sand bags a month ago, and it took an army to carry them out Saturday.
"We're moving an awful lot of bags, getting into the residents and getting them out, and at this point I think we're ahead of where we thought we'd be at this point," said Ron Wegner with the Jefferson Fire Department.
Of the 100 volunteers who showed up in Jefferson, some came as far as Mukwonago.
"This is kind of mom's idea. She likes helping out with stuff," said Joe Tyksinksi.
"Up on the shoulders you guys, it's a little easier to lift," Maria Tyksinksi to her son, Joe.
In fact, almost Joe's entire family came to help.
"We have seven out of eight here," said Maria.
They, along with everyone else started early Saturday morning.
"It's very muddy, some of those bags just explode when you touch them," she said.
For most of the day, volunteers cleared away sand bags for people like Melissa Walhovd who is still dealing with the flooding.
"We had help getting them in and we appreciate help getting them out," said Walhovd.
"I'm a little surprised. I thought the waters would recede by now," said Joe.
A lesson learned the hard way.
"It doesn't take a lot of money or other things. It just takes people, manpower working together," said Maria.
Whether at first you wanted to be there or not.
"Just help others, that's all we can do, right," Joe said.
"It's been a great day. I hope my kids remember this all their lives," said his mom, Maria.
Volunteers will be back at it Sunday in Jefferson. If you would like to help, officials are asking people to call the Jefferson City Hall. That number is 920-674-7700.
