The death toll in Dawson Springs remains unchanged for now with the number unaccounted for dropping to less than 20 on Wednesday.
Hopkins County Emergency Management Director Nick Bailey said the number is dropping because tornado victims are turning up at the homes of other family members outside of the county.
click to download audioHopkins County Judge-executive Jack Whitfield said the death toll remains at 14 in Dawson Springs although three more could be added in the coming days.
Whitfield said volunteers are needed every day to help with the clean-up in Dawson Springs.
click to download audioDuring Wednesday’s visit to Dawson Springs, President Joe Biden said the federal government was picking up the tab for the first 30 days of work. Whitfield was appreciative and said that’s why work needs to be done quickly.
click to download audioDawson Springs Police Chief Mike Opalek said law enforcement will begin loosening restrictions at checkpoints to allow more people to return to their homes and get work completed.
click to download audioThere had been reports of looting homes and businesses in the hours that followed the tornado Saturday, but Opalek said that has been — in his words — nipped in the bud thanks to the help of multiple law enforcement agencies assisting with patrols.
