City of Bakersfield working hard in aftermath of tornado

The City of Bakersfield posted to its Facebook page March 22, updating residents there on city facilities in the aftermath of the March 14 tornado.

The post said that Jerry Bean had been busy at the wastewater treatment facility insuring that the infrastructure is working properly there. “What a blessing it is that the control panels seem to be unharmed and the generator kept the facility running during the power outages...” the post said.

Mayor Tony Johnson has also been busy, as he’s met with representatives of the Missouri Rural Water Association, fence companies, representatives of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, insurance adjusters and plumbers since the storm. 

“Of course our water operator, Stewart Leach, will face a few challenges while reading meters today. He did face some in the days after the tornado with water meter leaks at some of homes that had been destroyed from last Friday’s tornado,” the post said. “ Weeks before this storm, Stewart made sure that the generator at the city's well was in working order, as he does that monthly... The well generator runs off batteries, and they needed replaced and that was done and working if needed. Luckily the well did not need to be operated by the generator. The electricity was restored there by roughly 5 a.m. Saturday morning.”

City clerk Shelly Scott  has also filed claims, contacted needed agencies and took photos of the damage at the wastewater treatment facility. Scott has also been in contact with SCOCOG, the Ozark County Emergency Management director, the Bakersfield Volunteer Fire Department and plans to connect with FEMA soon. 

“We thank everyone who has helped in the clean-up efforts, donations and in ensuring that their neighbors are taken care of,” the post says.

The reach Bakersfield City Hall, call 417-284-7238