Dresden, Tenn.–As clean-up continues in Dresden after the town took a direct hit from Friday’s tornado, free food will be available today on the courtsquare and at Dresden Elks Lodge and will be available for some time.
Mayor Jeff Washburn said City Hall–which was destroyed in the tornado–has relocated to the Civic Center and will be open to transact business soon. Businesses are reopening on courtsquare today as well.
The Weakley County Courthouse will reopen to the public on today.
Mayor Washburn said the city will be open for business hopefully Wednesday afternoon, but check on the city of Dresden Facebook page to verify that city hall is ready to begin receiving citizens before going to the Civic Center to conduct business.
The Dresden Fire Department will be temporarily housing its pumper trucks at the Weakley County Rescue Squad located at 8220 Highway 22. The Fire Department also was destroyed by the tornado.
Mayor Washburn provided this update on progress of cleanup efforts:
On Tuesday, volunteers assisting in the tornado cleanup once again made great progress in removing tree debris from our streets. The TEMA representatives assisting the city stated Tuesday afternoon that the debris cleanup is currently three to four days ahead of where they would expect it to be at this point in time after an event of the magnitude that Dresden experienced. This is attributable to the great efforts of the volunteers who sprung into action immediately after the tornado and came to Dresden with a fierce drive to make a difference, and they did. Each day, I have been amazed at the progress being made by these volunteers who are being being directed by Tommy Wilson of the Weakley County Baptist Disaster Relief Team.
Persons wishing to volunteer can report to the Dresden First Baptist Church beginning around 7:30 a.m. each morning except Sunday to sign in and be assigned to a team for the day. If there are already enough volunteers for the day when you arrive, please check when you can return and be a part of this great cleanup effort. As time goes go, there will be a greater need for fresh volunteers to replace those who have already volunteered.
Weakley County Municipal Electric, along with other electric companies assisting them, are working long hours to restore electricity to all areas of the city and county. Please be patient as they seek to have all service returned as quickly as possible. Electricity was restored to the Weakley County Courthouse on Tuesday and a portion of the downtown area of Dresden. WCMES was working to extend the area of service Tuesday afternoon to the public housing apartments off Fuller Street and to areas on the north side of the downtown area.
Most city streets are currently back open for vehicle traffic. However, some streets may be temporarily closed to allow for debris removal or utility work to be performed. Please be understanding that these street closures are necessary for your safety as well as that of the workers performing the work. These closures allow for the work to be performed more quickly. Please be attentive when around personnel and equipment working in Dresden for everyone’s safety
Dresden City Hall has been relocated to Harmon and Lucille McWherter Civic Center, otherwise known as the Dresden Senior Citizens Center. lves a problem caused by the fire station being destroyed by the tornado.
Schools in Dresden and Sharon will reopen on Wednesday and operate on normal hours.
The Warming Center located at the Adult Learning Center at 8230 Highway 22 remains open and now has a shower trailer available.
Dresden Elks Lodge will continue serving three meals a day to volunteers and displaced residents at the Lodge building on South Poplar. There is no charge for the meals, but a donation would be appreciated.
Food may likewise be available on the courtsquare throughout the remainder of this week and beyond. The Dresden Senior Center is serving meals at noon each day during the week for persons needing fed.
Schools in Dresden and Sharon will reopen on Wednesday and operate on normal hours.
The Warming Center located at the Adult Learning Center at 8230 Highway 22 remains open and now has a shower trailer available.
Dresden Elks Lodge will continue serving three meals a day to volunteers and displaced residents at the Lodge building on South Poplar. There is no charge for the meals, but a donation would be appreciated.
Food may likewise be available on the courtsquare throughout the remainder of this week and beyond. The Dresden Senior Center is serving meals at noon each day during the week for persons needing fed.
Photo by Bobby Goode.