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Committee members thank emergency responders and highway crews for Towanda storm response
Summary
Committee members commended Metcom, local fire departments, railroad and utility companies, the sheriff's office and county highway crews for rapid response after a severe wind event in Towanda that downed trees and power lines.
During other business at the Sept. 2, 2025 meeting, committee members recognized emergency responders and county highway crews for their response to a severe wind event in Towanda that downed trees and power lines. Committee members said the event caused substantial damage and that local responders coordinated quickly to secure crossings and clear hazards.
Member Reeves specifically thanked Metcom, Towanda Fire, Lexington Fire, Union Pacific (which had crossing gates damaged), Ameren Illinois, Corn Belt, the McLean County Sheriff's Department and members of the McLean County Highway Department. Reeves recited names of highway personnel who helped secure the railroad crossing and remove debris, and thanked highway staff for bringing equipment and clearing the road within about an hour of the event.
County staff acknowledged the collaborative response and praised the crews for stepping in, often while traveling home, to protect public safety and reopen roads. The committee did not take formal action on the item; it was presented as an acknowledgement and thanks to agencies and staff who assisted in the emergency response.
