Volunteers needed for weekend debris removal as Dexter looks at month of clean up

Dexter residents have until 10 a.m. Friday to request help with debris removal following Sunday’s EF2 tornado.

Dexter city officials are in the process of organizing a push Saturday and Sunday with volunteer crews.

The city expects it will take in excess of $200,000 and months to complete clean up efforts, according to city manager David Wyman.

“It really reminds me of the ice storm we had in 2009,” said Wyman. “It really is a miracle we didn’t have anybody injured. That’s just amazing to me.”

East Park alone had 42 trees felled by the storms. Many of the trees taken down across the city are old growth, Wyman shared.

More than 100 loads of debris were removed Tuesday and another 150 loads of debris were removed Wednesday, Wyman said.

Yet, he estimates the city is less than a quarter of the way through the work that needs to be done.

“The size of the trees is just mind-boggling. We had one that’s in our town, that’s kind of on the east side of town. It’s at least seven feet in diameter,” Wyman said.

While the city is coordinating the disposal of debris, city workers cannot go onto private property to retrieve downed trees and limbs, Wyman said. The debris needs to be brought to the edge of a street or alleyway in order for city workers to retrieve it.

This is where volunteer help is needed.

A group of St. Louis AmeriCorps members who specialize in debris removal will be in Dexter on Saturday and Sunday.

Wyman hopes additional volunteers will help.

“We’ve got a lot left to do,” he said, adding that in the past week, “The folks in Dexter have been great about donating time, money and materials.

“We certainly appreciate that. That’s a great community right there.”

Firefighters will also be on hand to help this weekend.

Volunteers are asked to meet at 9 a.m. Saturday at Fire Station 2 at 301 Cooper St. There will be a brief safety meeting before groups move out. Volunteers are asked to wear long pants, and closed-toed shoes and bring safety glasses and water.

Groups have donated lunch to be served to volunteers both Saturday and Sunday.

Work will go until 7 p.m. on Sunday and start again at 8:30 a.m. and continue as needed.

Residents who would like help with debris removal can find permission slips on the city of Dexter’s Facebook page and attached to this article.

The slips need to be turned in by 10 a.m. Friday at city hall, Wyman said. If a resident cannot make it to city hall in person by 10 a.m. Friday, they can call 573-624-5959 for assistance, but it needs to be done before the deadline.

Anyone with questions about volunteering should call, 573-624-3425.