FREMONT, Wis. (WFRV) – Floodwaters continue to disrupt life in Fremont, where downtown remains shut down and several roads are still closed off.
Shiocton residents allowed to re-enter their homes on Thursday
Despite the widespread damage, residents and local businesses are stepping up to support one another as cleanup begins.
Grocery stores and community partners, including ‘Let’s Meat’ in Fremont, have been collecting food and household supplies for families affected by the flooding.
“We realize a lot of people are getting tired and need a hot meal and a place to come and just sit down and relax for a minute and talk to each other and support each other,” Alecia Raschek, a volunteer with Let’s Meat, said.
Residents say the generosity has been overwhelming as neighbors check in on one another during the ongoing flooding.
“You search within yourself when you see the kindness from other people that you don’t even know,” Fremont resident Jamie Kumhala said. “People will come by in a kayak past your house and ask, ‘Do you need anything? Are you guys OK? Do you need any water?’ It’s overwhelming and heartwarming at the same time.”
While community support continues to grow, essential services have also been disrupted.
WE Energies reports that approximately 2,400 homes and businesses across Fremont, Shiocton, and New London had natural gas service temporarily shut off as a safety precaution due to flooding.
Officials say customers whose homes experienced floodwater intrusion should take additional precautions before restoring service.
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“If customers have had flood water that got into natural gas appliances, those appliances need to be inspected by a contractor to verify they are safe to use,” Matt Cullen, a spokesperson for WE Energies said.
Utility crews continue to assess conditions as waters recede and restoration efforts move forward.
