Ferry County Wind Storm 2012

Local residents of Keller, Washington used the words "wind sheer" to account for the trees snapping fifty feet above ground.

On July 20, 2012, hurrican-force winds, flash flooding, and hail the size of golf balls struck Ferry County leaving the county in the dark.  The storm killed one person, injured 14 people, destroyed 11 homes, and damaged 30 more homes.

The PNW Disaster Response Coordinator, working with the Inland Northwest Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (INW VOAD) assisted in setting up a Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG) in Republic Presbyterian Church.  Bishop Grant Hagiya is requesting an Emergency Grant from the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).  This money will match that of the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and provide an early operating budget for the LTRG.

For additional information or to volunteer to help, please call Alexander Wirt at 509-846-3519 or email him at alexwirt@RCableTV.com.

White Swan Long Term Recovery

Everyone helped clear land for the new house.  Pictured are Rev. Derel Olson's grand daughter and Rev. Terry Hall, Cheney UMC, in the background.

With the forms in place, concrete can be poured for the foundation.

Volunteers are needed to build the house. Construction will begin on August 6, 2012, and continue until complete. The house is being built for an Hispanic family who lost their home to the fire of February 12, 2011.

For more information, contact Rev. Derel Olson, Toppenish/White Swan United Methodist Churches, cell phone 509-930-5155, office 509-865-2477.  Overnight accommodations are available for singles and for mission teams.