The Athens Messenger reported on Sept. 30 that Vinton County is slowly recovering from flooding, a week after Gov. Mike DeWine toured the area and issued a state of emergency declaration. The newspaper said state Route 32 and U.S. 50 reopened by Sept. 24, which restored one of the county's connections to the outside world.
Although the floodwaters have receded, the Messenger reported that signs of damage remain across the county. Dust and silt cover roads and low-lying areas. Rivers and streams are clogged with debris, including fallen trees and remnants of trailers, buildings, homes, and vehicles. Downtown McArthur has returned to normal life, but the destruction becomes more visible farther out. Most stores and buildings have reopened, though a few that were submerged remain closed.
The report identified two particularly hard-hit buildings: Renovate Life Church of God at 64698 Infirmary Road and Xena Place Apartments at 420 S. Market St. The lower floors of Xena Place flooded, causing thousands of dollars in property damage and displacing 24 families. The Messenger said residents worked Tuesday to salvage what they could and throw away ruined items into dumpsters. Renovate Life Church was completely gutted by four-foot-tall floodwater, but its food pantry continued handing out weekly meal bags to Vinton County residents.
Rhonda Woodard, co-president of the church's food pantry, told the Messenger that the church has received some donations for rebuilding. However, she said the immediate focus is on providing food to county residents. According to the report, Woodard said the church wants to serve the community before it rebuilds. The Messenger's article included an email address for story tips.