The Iroquois County Long Term Recovery Committee put former Watseka Mayor Bob Harwood in charge of the group that’ll help direct efforts to assist flood victims.

The committee, made up of several individuals representing many agencies, will focus on distributing monetary donations to those in need. Harwood knows it’s a long-haul effort; the process takes many months or longer to get people back to normal.

The assistance provided includes financial, psychological and spiritual support. In addition, volunteers will reach out with physical help for those unable to do many things on their own. Coordinating the continuing process takes ongoing meetings and discussions to meet the needs of people.

The long-term committee first organized after the 2008 flood, when Watseka and other Iroquois County areas were devastated by flood waters. The committee was also pressed into action for floods since 2008, including the 2015 event
The group of about 30 people organized again at First Trust and Savings Bank, which has an established account for monetary donations. The public is invited to get involved with several different committees.

Harwood is serving as chairman, replacing Kerry Bell, who headed up the committee since its start in 2008.

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