Lt. Governor: "Laurel has a lot of heart and is resilient"

(LAUREL, Ind.) – Indiana Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith visited Laurel to get a firsthand look at the flood damage on Monday. 

Dozens of homes and buildings were heavily-damaged or destroyed when the Whitewater River breached its banks on Thursday and caused the worst flooding in Laurel since 1913.

Lt. Gov. Beckwith visited the town to get a better understanding of what the State of Indiana can do to assist those who have been affected. 

“There’s a lot of displacement going on and many people’s lives have been uprooted. We’re going to try and get some more resources to this town and we will be working to get everyone back on their feet as quickly as we can," Beckwith said. 

He joined Franklin County council member Brian Patterson for a tour of the damage.

Patterson has been one of the many volunteers who's been assisting affected residents since last week.

They first stopped by the Laurel Community Center which has served as a shelter and supply hub for the affected residents. 

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Local volunteers and Red Cross officials have been staffing the facility around-the-clock and donations of supplies fill the bleachers at the old school. 

Beckwith also stopped by Laurel Pentecostal Church where the flood ruined the sanctuary, several rooms, musical instruments and other items. 

Pastor Glen Goins estimates that the flood caused approximately $125,000 worth of damage. A fundraiser has been ongoing which you can access here.

Beckwith also visited some of the affected homes and spoke with people who are cleaning up the debris.

While he described the situation as devastating, he also noticed how the town and surrounding communities have come together to help those impacted.

“What I’ve also noticed is that the people here have a lot of heart and are resilient. They love one another, serve one another, and this is what makes you really proud to be a Hoosier when you see people coming together and having each other’s backs," Beckwith told The 812.

He didn't have to look far to find the sense of volunteerism that has persisted through the community the past few days.

12-year-old Dustin and 10-year-old Drew Whittington are two brothers from Blooming Grove.

Those two are their dad, James, have been in Laurel everyday since Saturday to help with the cleanup efforts.

Beckwith chatted with the two boys and told them, "Keep it up, you guys are certainly making Indiana proud and we appreciate what you are doing."

On Monday, representatives from U.S. Congresswoman Erin Houchin's also surveyed the damage in Laurel. There were also EMA officials from Floyd and Clark counties who inspected homes and buildings in conjunction with Franklin County EMA.

There are three verified community fundraisers that are ongoing for both Laurel and Metamora. You can access those fundraisers by clicking this link.