Report from Wisconsin
by | July 03, 2008
Tuesday, July 1, Baraboo, Wisconsin The massive flooding that swept across much of southern Wisconsin has devastated the lives and homes of hundreds of thousands of families, including about 200 of our own members. In early June, Lake Delton emptied out into the nearby Wisconsin River, washing out roads and highways, tearing apart trees and homes in the village of Baraboo in nearby Madison.
Although in need of help themselves, AFSCME city and state workers have been on the front lines, stepping up for flood victims, helping in rescue operations and providing aid. They are now putting in 12 to 16-hour days in clean up operations, hauling tons of debris and repairing and restoring roads.
Kenny Weaver, Local 758 president (Council 24), oversees the flood relief operations for the state's Dept. of Transportation and coordinates the clean up of Sauk and Juneau counties with county DOT workers from Council 40.
Kenny describes the devastation in Baraboo to Gloria T. Caoile, head of the AFSCME Midwest Flood Relief team. "The surging waters swept four feet of sand in this area, destroying dozens of homes," explains Kenny." Our task now is to prevent the damage from getting worse by digging out the sand, fixing the roads and restoring the streams."
Kenny confers with Mike Keichinger (right), a county DOT foreman and a member of Local 569, Council 40. He drives a back hoe excavator. For more than a week now, Mike and his co-workers have hauled away 100 truck loads of debris from the area. Council 24 and Council 40 members have been working together to clean up the mess. "This is what public service is all about," Mike says proudly.
"We have the expertise, the equipment and the skills to get the job done," adds Jim Garrity, a member of Council 40 Executive Board who works for the Jefferson County Highway Department.
The AFSCME Midwest Flood Relief team made on-site inspections and delivered cash assistance from the International union, with assurances of continued support.
An aerial view of Sauk county, one of the flooded areas.
From the airport, the team hit the road right away, crossing the Wisconsin River in a ferry and meeting up with members at a work site an hour away from Madison. Debbie Garcia, organizing director, provided valuable logistical support.
Photos by Jon Melegrito
