-------------- UPDATED Tuesday 5/30 4:00 p.m.
We have secured additional volunteers to run the volunteer center through Sunday. Check back for hours.
-------------- UPDATED Tuesday 5/30 12:00 p.m.
VOLUNTEER NEED- we are in need of trucks/trailers to haul all sorts of debris throughout the area, there is some saw work remaining as well PLUS ground crews & equipment helping pick up/rake debris at Prairie Lake Estates trailer park.
FREE TIPPING at the Almena Incinerator ends TODAY. Wednesday through Friday will have a reduced rate of $50/ton.
Town of Chetek & Prairie Lake Township have placed dumpsters at R Bar, 24 3/4 St, &, Wednesday afternoon, Hoover landing for non-vegetative debris. These will be pulled when they are filled or if their use is abused.
-------------- UPDATED Sunday 5/28 11:00 a.m.
As stated in our press release (Click here) we are wrapping up our operation this week but still coordinating assistance whenever possible. If you need clean up assistance, call 715-924-4440 to report. If there is significant need that volunteers can help with, we may be able to get future assistance. Make sure any storm damage or need is also reported to 211.
-------------- UPDATED Saturday 5/27 5:15 p.m.
(moved to top)
-------------- UPDATED Saturday 5/27 11:55 a.m.
Free DMV/DOT services at Mosaic in Cameron for victims. Click here for info.
DNR Clean up info. Waterway cleanup info click here. Woodland cleanup info click here.
-------------- UPDATED Thursday 5/25 8:55 p.m.
Weekend hours, volunteer sign-up, and more below.
As we get a little warmer and the sun comes out, we want to remind you to drink water (even if it isn't that warm). We have cases available at the information booth if you need it, regardless of if we're assisting you or not.
St Vincent De Paul is accepting donations and giving vouchers to victims but cannot guarantee that all donations will go to victims. Click here for their site.
Living Water Lutheran Church continues to post donation updates on their Facebook page. Click Here.
Donation Fund- the Chetek Lions Club has a fund for relief efforts and victims at Sterling Bank in Chetek.
Make checks out to: Chetek Lions Club, put Disaster Relief in the memo line and drop them off at Sterling Bank on 2nd Street in Chetek or mail them to 427 2nd St. Chetek, WI 54728.
$1,000,000 Challenge Grant- click here for info and how to donate
-------------- UPDATED Thursday 5/25 2:10 p.m.
There is still a dumpster located at R Bar on Hwy M for non-vegetative debris. They plan to have that in place through Monday as long as it is not being abused (inappropriate dumping).
-------------- UPDATED Thursday 5/25 10:10 a.m.
Volunteer coordination hours for the holiday weekend are Friday 9 - 1, Saturday through Monday 9 - 12 from the Chetek Resort Owners information booth on Hwy I or by calling 715-924-4440. We are NOT looking too coordinate large equipment this weekend but need vegetative debris pulled, stacked and hauled to the brush site.
Brush Site is open 7 days a week as long as we have volunteers to staff the gate and direct traffic. M-F shifts are 11-3 and 3-7, Holiday weekend (Sat-Mon) 10-1 and/or 1-4.
Barron County updates here including DNR info on help cleaning up woodlands. Specific DNR info here
-------------- UPDATED Wednesday 5/23 11:10 p.m.
There are several meetings set for Thursday to discuss plans going forward. We will compile the information once it is verified and share it here. We will reopen Thursday at 9 a.m. to process volunteers.
Tonight, our prayers are with the families affected by the plane crash.
-------------- UPDATED Tuesday 5/23 11:45 p.m.
We coordinated over 100 volunteers today. Thank you for the continued support. We will process volunteers from 9 - 3 through Thursday. We will be setting reduced hours for the weekend as many victims and volunteers are looking forward to enjoying graduations, family time and a break from the work. Stay tuned for those hours.
Donation Fund- the Chetek Lions Club has a fund for relief efforts and victims at Sterling Bank in Chetek.
Make checks out to: Chetek Lions Club, put Disaster Relief in the memo line and drop them off at Sterling Bank on 2nd Street in Chetek or mail them to 427 2nd St. Chetek, WI 54728.
$1,000,000 Challenge Grant- click here for info and how to donate
Living Waters link should be updated, sorry for the error.
Scroll down for more information and read the Barron County updates for additional info on donations, debris sites and more.
-------------- UPDATED Tuesday 5/23 2:25 p.m.
Mosaic Telecom Cameron (MARC) is looking for trucks & such to help move donations to the old Cameron Re-Store this afternoon and tomorrow.
FREE ICE for anyone at Mosaic in Cameron while supplies last. They have excess to be picked up ASAP as the ice truck is leaving tonight.
Volunteer work continues. Click here to register.
Thank you for all the support. More info below.
------ Updated Monday May 22 at 10:30 p.m.
Governor Walker Town Hall about the storm relief efforts. Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. in Cameron
------ Updated Monday May 22 at 9:30 p.m.
CITY OF CHETEK welcomes you to come visit but AVOID ALL UNNECESSARY TRAVEL INTO THE RELIEF ZONE. Crews need to operate safely and travel freely. If you can communicate blockages, backups or issues to us we'll see what we can do to help- whether you're coordinating through us or not.
We will coordinate volunteers from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and close at 5 p.m. through Thursday. Friday hours will be announced but we intend to be open. Click volunteers to register. Help is needed for site work and clerical, food delivery, and non-labor help. You can also stop by the visitor booth on Hwy I near 53 as you come into town.
We need lots of trailers to haul away brush!
Brush Site is open 7 days a week as long as we have volunteers to staff the gate and direct traffic. M-F shifts are 11-3 and 3-7, Holiday weekend (Sat-Mon) 10-1 and 1-4. Please give 3 or 4 hours to help this happen. Crews are working regularly to clear the roadside.
Free waste tipping at the Almena incinerator through Monday. Extended hours as well. See Barron County update for more info.
211 services are still available for questions, aid, and more. See more info in the Barron County Update below.
We could use some $10 or $20 gas cards to give to volunteers for saws, equipment, & vehicles.
Chetek Food Shelf has added hours for distribution and DO NOT NEED to be a Food Shelf client. Wednesday & Friday from 9:30 to 11:30. Regular hours are Tuesday & Thursday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Many agencies are reporting an overwhelming donations and want to remind you that in most cases they have the ability to stretch a dollar further than anything.
Facebook Resources- Chetek Mayor's Facebook • Barron County Public Health • Living Water Church (donations) • Mosaic Telecom
Barron County update- Click Here
-------------- UPDATED Monday 5/22 6:25 p.m.
We are compiling information from variety of agencies, we will post one update after 9 p.m.
Barron County update- Click Here
-------------- UPDATED Monday 5/22 12:12 p.m.
We will coordinate volunteers from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. this week and close up at 5 p.m.
Brush Site is open all weekend as long as we have volunteers (gate staff & unloaders)
211 Services will continue for the foreseeable future. This is the 1st place to contact for requests for aid.
-------------- UPDATED Monday 5/22 7:43 a.m.
We are processing volunteers at the information booth on the right hand side as you come into Chetek from Hwy 53. We will start registration at 9 a.m. and dispatch immediately. There is little parking so exercise your best judgement in regards to traffic safety.
-------------- UPDATED Sunday 5/21 10:43 p.m.
PLEASE VOLUNTEER! Information got out that volunteer coordination efforts were ending in the area but that is not accurate. We have many sites to work and are still adding new ones!!
Read on for full details.
-------------- UPDATED Sunday 5/21 16:00 p.m.
Brush site is closing at 5 p.m. Reopen Monday at 11 a.m.
Information Booth is closing at 5 p.m. Reopen Monday at 9 a.m.
We definitely need brush site volunteers and food runners.
Volunteers are still needed for all types of jobs- physical and not. You can register through THIS FORM
-------------- UPDATED Sunday 5/21 12:22 p.m.
Chetek Food Shelf will be open Monday, May 22, 2017, between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to distribute donated items to people affected by the tornado and or resulting power outages.
We have received donations of fresh eggs, paper products, personal care supplies and miscellaneous food items.
If we can help you, please full free to come in; you do not have to be a regular food shelf client.
-------------- UPDATED Sunday 9:11 A.M.
Barron County Visitor Reception Center at St. Peter's Church is requesting more volunteers! It is our understanding that they have both physical labor and support roles to fill. Details here.
If you cannot make it to Cameron we have some needs as well but try to get there 1st.
Bridgestop BP in Chetek on Hwy 53 & I still has free Gatorade for victims & volunteers.
-------------- UPDATED Sunday 8:25 A.M.
Continuing volunteer efforts will be coordinated by us this week. Not all needs are manual labor- food prep/deliver, office, brush site gate/check-in, traffic. Today's information booth hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can register through THIS FORM
CITY OF CHETEK welcomes you to come visit but AVOID ALL UNNECESSARY TRAVEL INTO THE RELIEF ZONE. Crews need to operate safely and travel freely. If you can communicate blockages, backups or issues to us we'll see what we can do to help- whether you're coordinating through us or not.
Keep reading below for complete information. Thank you for all the support.
-------------- UPDATED Saturday 11:30 P.M.
Tornado Relief Radio-thon- Koser Radio in Rice Lake is hosting an all day fundraiser on Monday with a goal of $50,000. Click here for info.
Updated deleted some of the unnecessary info below to shorten the blog.
-------------- UPDATED Saturday 8:30 P.M.
Mosaic has posted on FB: Sunday morning donation station will be open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm in the back garage of Mosaic. If someone does not have a place to store items, due to displacement, we encourage them to stop in and box up items that will be stored for them until they have a place to fill with these items. Please encourage those to stop and pick out items, there are so many great items donated!
-------------- UPDATED Saturday 8:30 P.M.
Information Booth hours for Sunday- 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. We will continue to operate into the week as long as we can match resources to needs. Expect some changes in protocol to further improve the aid provided. STAY TUNED but tonight, we rest, and hope you do as well.
UPDATED Barron County PRESS RELEASE- there is new info for donations, brush & debris disposal, etc. PLUS they are registering needs for aid and volunteers. Direct link to donation info.
We are sharing info with 211. You can also ask for assistance, offer assistance or provide verified information, using THIS FORM or call 715-924-4440.
CITY OF CHETEK welcomes you to come visit but AVOID ALL UNNECESSARY TRAVEL INTO THE RELIEF ZONE. Crews need to operate safely and travel freely. If you can communicate blockages, backups or issues to us we'll see what we can do to help- whether you're coordinating through us or not.
Keep reading below for complete information. Thank you for all the support.
-------------- UPDATED Friday 10:32 P.M.
We are planning to continue operations into next week if possible. We are coordinating resources and needs as best we can but will need additional support/volunteers including office work, brush site work (clerical & physical), food prep/delivery, etc. You can register through THIS FORM
EGGS have been donated for the victims. We've tried to place them directly without luck so they will be available to any storm victims via Chetek Food Shelf starting at 9:30 a.m. on Monday.
We are trying to find anyone without power still, please call 715-924-4440 after 9 a.m.
Remember to scroll down for more info and check back or subscribe by email for updates. Thank you for all the support for our community.
-------------- UPDATED Friday 2:34 P.M.
WHERE TO TAKE DEBRIS: check the latest Barron County Press Release linked above.
-------------- UPDATED Friday 12:54 P.M.
Volunteers Requested in Cameron at St. Peter's Catholic church to be checked in and sent out.
-------------- UPDATED Friday 12:22 P.M.
Volunteers Requested in Cameron at St. Peter's Catholic church to be checked in and sent out.
Volunteers at the brush site are still needed for the coming days.
-------------- UPDATED Friday 9:55 A.M.
Living Water Church in Cameron is full and not taking donations.
-------------- UPDATED Friday 12:10 A.M.
Info an the Mayor regarding high water.
Info from the Sheriff regarding scams.
-------------- UPDATED THURSDAY 11:30 P.M.
New format. We will post new info at the top but continue to scroll down for complete information.
Chetek Animal Hospital reporting they and the Humane Society are full on supply donations and fosters are being arranged. They need monetary donations. Local money donations can be done through Barron County Humane Society or Veterinary Care Foundation (be sure to select Chetek)- source
-------------- UPDATED THURSDAY 9:51 P.M.
WATCH YOUR DOCKS/BOATS- The lake is very high and moving. The dam is wide open. If you need someone to check on them we can try to facilitate that but we should not be your 1st contact. If you head out on the lakes use extreme caution. There is massive amounts of debris in the water.
READ THE Barron County PRESS RELEASE. If you have damage call 211. This press release covers debris removal, donations, volunteers, & victims. If you are volunteer beginning Friday or donate items call 211. IF NEEDED INFORM THEM YOU ARE CALLING FOR BARRON COUNTY, Wisconsin. Protocol for volunteers is to go to St. Peter's Church in Cameron to get banded, vetted & assigned. They have 5 sites they will be working, not just Prairie View Estates park- the damage is wide spread.
Many of our services are being shifted to Cameron sites. However, we plan to be at the Visitor Center on Hwy I near Hwy 53 beginning at 8:30 to help connect people to resources including volunteers, meals, water, and MORE! Feel free to stop by for water, donuts, gloves, garbage bags and a smile. Check our Facebook Page, too.
• VOLUNTEERS- do not overwork yourselves and work safely. Stay away from downed power lines and their crews. Don't burn out in one day and DRINK PLENTY OF WATER!
• St. Vincent DePaul- victims in need of clothing or food can contact them at 715-736-1601. Voucher info in press realease.
• Relief funds are in progress We have not been notified of verified GOFUNDME accounts so exercise caution. No Chetek area bank funds have been reported to us at this time. Rusk County info is below.
Salvation Army Monetary Donations for Chetek, TEXT: Chetek to 41444 for donation link, BY PHONE: 1800-264-6412 "Chetek Tornado", MAIL:The Salvation Army PO BX 8 Rice Lake, WI 54868 Make checks payable to The Salvation Army MEMO LINE: Chetek Tornado.
Red Cross is taking monetary donation at Mosaic in Cameron or through their website.
Full donation info is in the press realease.
• General donations are being accepted at New Auburn Village Hall, Brions grocery in Cameron, Fireline STC in Rice Lake, Living Waters church in Cameron. DO NOT drop items off the Chetek Fire Dept. (this info may be outdated)
• Ruby's Closet is in need of donations of bedding, linens, blankets. Donations can be dropped off as soon as possible at Living Water, 411 N Main St, Cameron. Thank you! (this info may be outdated)
Rusk County Relief Funds- Pioneer Bank in Ladysmith - 2 Funds set up, one for all of Rusk County, one personal. Come in or mail in checks, nothing over the phone or online. "Rusk County Emergency Fund" - will go to all victims in need in Rusk Cty. "Laurae Mallinson Benefit Fund" - specifically for her family who lost their home 400 W 9th St N. Ladysmith, WI 54848 (715) 532-5551
Ladysmith Federal Savings and Loan. Come in or mail in checks, nothing over the phone or online. "Tornado Relief" - All money donated goes to families in Rusk County. PO BX 146 Ladysmith, WI 54848 to mail or 119 W 4th St N Ladysmith, WI 54848 to stop in
More info will be added as we receive it.
