Dexter, Missouri - The city of Dexter and surrounding areas were hit hard by a severe thunderstorm early Wednesday morning.  Winds knocked out power, blew roofs off of a few buildings, and caused damage to trees, even a few trampolines didn't survive the storm!

"We are steadily cleaning up the city," commented City Administrator Mark Stidham. "We had 17 blocked streets and as of this morning we have only Catalpa and Walnut as the two remaining streets closed.  Our guys have been working hard and AmerenUE sent in additional staff to help get power restored and trees off of power lines.  There were at least 10 electric lines down and poles broken."

"Several out buildings were destroyed or damaged, Rainey-Mathis had a tree fall into their crematory, Dexter Collision had some major damage and the Masonic Lodge's roof blew off and landed in the parking lot of the United Methodist Church causing Walnut St. to be closed."

"There are also a few people on Grant St. without power this morning," continued Stidham.  "We are working to get them restored.  It just takes so much time to get things cleaned up, but we have done a good job handling so much storm damage."

If the citizens of Dexter can get their limbs and cut-up trees to the curb the city will pick up the storm debris.

"If the citizen can call the water department at 624-5527, they will come and get your debris; however it may be a day or two depending on the backlog. Just get it out to the street and we will get it," stated Stidham. "If we see several housed with debris piled up we will pick it up and no need to call.  Clean-up is a longtime effort, but together we can get it done."

Stidham also said that in the past when there has been major storm damage and elderly or handicapped citizens have needed help with storm clean-up area volunteers, church, civic organizations have pitched in to help.  If you are in need of assistance please call the city of Dexter at (573) 624-5959 and they will put you on a list.  If you are an organization willing to offer your services also call and leave contact information.  Together we can make a difference!