RENICK — The town of Renick, Missouri, is asking for financial assistance to replace a tornado siren.
Renick lays about five miles south of Moberly and has fewer than 200 residents. The siren, which is the town’s only emergency alert system, broke two years ago.
John Muehe, the town’s mayor, said it’s been difficult trying to find funds to get the system replaced.
“We barely keep our heads above water. You mention raising taxes and everyone wants to come at you with a hatchet, and I can understand that,” Muehe said. “Almost everyone in this area is on fixed income or very low income.”
The current alarm was originally built in 1980 and was installed in Renick after a tornado hit the town in 2006.
Since the system is over 40 years old, replacement parts are no longer manufactured and a new system is needed.
“I had originally been told it was going to be closer to $30,000,” Muehe said, “but it’ll be a little less than 25, brand new one installed. New pole, the whole shot. Nothing used.”
With limited ability to raise money, Muehe said he was open to trying new avenues for assistance.
“It’s just a shot in the dark,” he said. “[We’re] trying the GoFundMe, hope it works. We’ve raised over a thousand dollars so far. All donations are appreciated.”
As of Sunday, Jan. 24, the GoFundMe for the new systems has had 35 individual donors give $1,425. Muehe hopes to have the new system in place before storm season to help protect all of the town’s citizens, and especially those nearest to the alarm.
“It’d really be nice to get one working again,” Muehe said. “It’s right across from the school, and that’s our most valuable in the whole town, at least in my opinion. Hopefully it works.”
by Noah Brown (2021, Jan 24) KRCG 13
