Hermosa to receive funds for flood recovery

Chronicle Staff

Published: Wednesday, November 12th, 2008

The Black Hills Recovery Network has announced the establishment of the Hermosa Improve-ment, Prevention and Education Fund.  On Thursday, Nov. 6, representatives from the Black Hills Area Community Foundation will present a donation of $33,000 to cover costs associated with the clean-up of Hermosa resulting from the devastating flood of Aug. 17, 2007, and to purchase a warning siren to alert citizens in a future crisis situation.  The check presentation will take place in Hermosa at the intersection of Ferguson and McDermond streets. In case of bad weather, the presentation will be at the Town office, 230 Main Street, Hermosa.  “Hermosa was a thriving town before the Aug.17 flood,” said Dan Holsworth, president of the Hermosa Town Board. “After that terrible event it looked like a war zone. The people of Hermosa cleaned up, rebuilt their homes, moved 21,000 tons of debris and started fresh. Since the flood, we are more determined than ever to make Hermosa a great and safe community to live in.” The Board of Black Hills Recovery Network includes president Linda Kramer, vice president Dan Holsworth, secretary/treasurer Joan Harris and trustees Gary Hunsaker and Pastor Chuck Hazlet, who expressed their thanks to the many who helped with their time, equipment, money and most importantly, their hands and hearts.  “We could not have achieved our goals without the support of the state and local churches, the South Dakota National Guard, Gov. Mike Rounds and staff, the Custer County commissioners and staff, and the City of Rapid City, Mayor Alan Hanks and staff. We’ve gotten the community back on track because of them,” said Kramer. “Additional funds are being raised to pay for a drainage study and to purchase greenways to assure the future safety of Hermosa. Any donations or contributions are greatly appreciated, because we have a long way to go,” said Holsworth.  The Black Hills Recovery Network was formed only days after the Hermosa flood to assist those affected in Hermosa, as well as outlying areas of the disaster.  “We want to share the lessons we have learned during this crisis with other communities,” said Kramer. “Our mission is to provide education, referrals and assistance in developing a quality disaster response system that addresses the unmet needs, after a natural disaster, in western South Dakota.”  “It’s a privilege to be part of this effort,” said JoVayne Cappa, chairman of the Black Hills Area Community Foundation. “We are pleased to assist the people of Hermosa and the Black Hills Recovery Network in repairing the damage done by the flood and rebuilding their community.” The Black Hills Area Community Foundation was created by and for the people in the Black Hills area to inspire people to invest as a community to enhance the future prosperity and quality of life of the people throughout the Black Hills area.  Through its tax-exempt charitable status, it enables people with philanthropic interests to easily and effectively support the issues they care about and programs that improve the quality of life in the Black Hills area.  For more information about Black Hills Recovery Network, call Linda Kramer at 255-4291.