Public Media funding is under threat. You can help! Join WEKU's 1850 campaign for the future! 1,850 new supporters, each giving $10 monthly to keep WEKU strong. We are down to 1529 to go! Donate today!
Laurel judge-executive says tornado recovery going well; praises FEMA
By John McGary
June 12, 2025 at 3:58 PM EDT
Laurel County’s judge-executive said the recovery from the May 16th tornado that killed 18 people and destroyed nearly 300 homes is going well, but much remains to be done. David Westerfield said 75 to 80 percent of the storm debris has been cleaned up and things are improving for the citizens he talks to every day.
“They're just so fortunate to have the help that they've had to get them back up and going, and I just think they're overly pleased. And, you know, it's depressing, absolutely, but the overall morale, I think, gets better every day.”
Westerfield said he wanted to thank people from across the state who’ve pitched in to help and employees of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“They have just went above and beyond to try to help these people, and they continue to do that each and every day. They've been great to work with, from my standpoint.”
Westerfield said they still need items like nails for nail guns, plumbing fixtures and electrical wire. He said 75 to 80 percent of the storm debris has been cleared.
“They're just so fortunate to have the help that they've had to get them back up and going, and I just think they're overly pleased. And, you know, it's depressing, absolutely, but the overall morale, I think, gets better every day.”
Westerfield said he wanted to thank people from across the state who’ve pitched in to help and employees of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“They have just went above and beyond to try to help these people, and they continue to do that each and every day. They've been great to work with, from my standpoint.”
Westerfield said they still need items like nails for nail guns, plumbing fixtures and electrical wire. He said 75 to 80 percent of the storm debris has been cleared.