The mandatory evacuation order for Pacific Junction, Iowa, was lifted Thursday by Mayor Andy Young.
The entire community is now open, so residents and property owners can return to their properties to determine their viability following the March flooding.
For security purposes, entry to Pacific Junction will continue to be limited to the south side of town via 195th Street.
A security checkpoint there has been removed, though law enforcement will patrol the area 24/7, according to Iowa Emergency Management in Mills County.
Teams have completed gross rapid hazard assessments of all structures in Pacific Junction. Those initial assessments do not constitute building or electrical inspections.
Street lights have been restored in most areas, but electricity has not been restored to homes.
As the clean-up begins in all areas of Pacific Junction, residents are urged to use caution. Personal protective equipment, including water-tight boots, cut proof gloves and N95 masks, are required. No open burning is allowed.
Debris should be placed at curbside and separated into the following categories:
- Garbage
- Household waste
- Appliances, electronics and tires
- Scrap metal
- Tree limbs and trimmings (vegetation)
Those who need help should contact the Mills County Communication Center at 712-527-4871 or a representative of the City of Pacific Junction.
Federal money available for farmers
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is providing money to help farmers plant cover crops on storm-damaged fields.
The assistance is available through the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and farmers are encouraged to apply sooner rather than later.
Cover crops reduce erosion, help restore soil health and lessen water pollution. In some cases, the fields can be grazed.
This funding is available statewide and is for cropland directly impacted by the severe weather in March. The highest priority cropland includes land that can’t be planted with a cash crop and/or harvested this year.
For information, visit your local USDA Service Center or www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov.
Downtown restaurant plans Easter brunch to benefit flood relief
The Old Mattress Factory Bar & Grill, 501 N. 13th St., is planning an Easter Sunday Brunch, and a portion of the proceeds will go to flood relief. Staff also will be taking donations.
Brunch will be served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults and $7 for children 12 years of age and younger. For information, email [email protected] or call 402-932-0721.
Disaster center to open in Council Bluffs
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will open a Disaster Recovery Center in Council Bluffs on Tuesday.
Pottawattamie County was recently approved for individual assistance as part of the disaster declaration issued for Iowa by President Trump.
The center will be located at the Council Bluffs Public Library, 400 Willow Ave.
Hours of operation will be:
Tuesday: Noon to 7 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday, April 25: 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday, April 26: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, April 27: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Disaster center to open in Wood River
The State of Nebraska and FEMA will open a Disaster Recovery Center in Hall County on Friday.
The center will be at the Wood River City Clerk’s Office, 108 W. 10th St.
Hours of operation will be Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The center will be closed on Sunday.
Centers are operating in several other locations; flood survivors can visit any open center.
To find locations, go online to FEMA.gov/DRC or call 800-621-3362.
