“I have asked our students and staff to be ready to help with cleanup efforts today in Moscow but that may not be possible after all,” New Richmond superintendent of schools Adam Bird said in an email to the district staff early Saturday.
“The sheriff (A.J. Rodenberg ) has closed Moscow to all non-residents. It may be a couple of days before that changes. I will let you know when we are allowed to help.”
Bird confirmed that Carol Forste, wife of New Richmond Middle School custodian Butch Forste, died in the tornado.
“It is with a heavy heart that I tell you what some of you may already know,” Bird said in the staff email. “Butch Forste left work early yesterday to find his wife and his house gone. Please pray for him as he deals with this grief.”
2007 New Richmond High School graduate Billy Loyd carries his nine-month-old baby, Mason, down U.S. 52 outside Moscow. Loyd said his house was destroyed. (The Enquirer/Gary Landers photo). Link to Enquirer tornado photos
New Richmond High School was opened Friday evening as a Red Cross shelter and some of the district’s current and former students spent the night there.
“Many others have also lost their homes but were able to spend the night with family, friends, or neighbors,” Bird said. “I am not sure yet how we might be a blessing to those in need. As soon as I know what we can do, I will pass it on.”
More than 50 volunteers who showed up at the high school Friday night to help the Red Cross set up.
“The Red Cross is an impressive organization,” Bird said via his Twitter account (@AdamCBird) from the high school Friday night. “Coordinators, doctors, nurses, equipment, food all here quickly and ready to help.”
Bird said New Richmond schools will be open on Monday.
“Some have asked me if we are going to close school on Monday,” said Bird. “Unless something changes, we will stay open.”
“As we go forward, I know that our buildings and staffs will discover ‘needs.’ I know that athletic teams, student councils, and other school organizations will find ways to help.”
