Stoplights in Spencer are back in action, but power is still out in many neighborhoods following flash flooding that hit the city ten days ago. Spencer Mayor Steve Bomgaars says initial estimates indicate 40% of homes in Spencer have flood damage.
FEMA representatives went door-to-door in southeast Spencer on Saturday. Bomgaars says the latest tally shows nearly 1,500 residents have applied in person or online for some form of federal assistance. Iowa Department of Transportation dump trucks started hauling debris out of Spencer this weekend. Deputy City Manager Kevin Robinson says the first DOT crews who rolled into Spencer on Saturday collected 152 loads of debris — including 350 appliances from the north central area of Spencer.
Some Clay County residents have brought their flood damaged debris into Spencer for disposal, but Clay County officials say residents in the rural areas can also arrange for crews to pick-up flood debris at their homes.