WEST UNION, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) – Wednesday night’s rains brought flash floods to West Union, Illinois.
The most damage in the area from this water could be found surrounding the West Union Cafe.
“It completely flooded the back parking lot, it was at least up to my waist in the back parking lot. It came in through the back doors and the front doors,” said Kaycee Adams, West Union Cafe owner.
The water that made it’s way into the cafe caused minimal damage to the main dining room, but other areas of the restaurant weren’t so fortunate.
“The back rooms have to be completely re-done and the kitchen has to be completely cleaned down,” Adams said.
Restaurant staff spent their Wednesday afternoon cleaning up and repairing some of the damage but they weren’t alone.
Community members like Misty Monk volunteered her time to assist the restaurant staff with this clean up. Monk says she’s giving back to a family who would do the same for others.
“We’ve had house fires in town. We’ve had flooding in town, flooding outside of town, deaths in people’s families and they’re the first ones to step up. So in return everybody steps up for them,” Monk said.
Adams says the community has shown this kind of support even before the flood waters receded.
“I really didn’t get emotional last night until I turned around and seen our whole town plus other people from Palenstine and Robinson, Marshall, all here bagging sand in the pouring down rain when they could be sitting at home,” Adams said.
Staff and community members plan on working throughout the day to repair the cafe. Adams says they have been approved by the health inspector to re-open tomorrow if possible.
The cafe is unable to receive financial help from insurance due to being located in a flood plain.
