Wessington Springs Relief Fund Nears $80,000

WESSINGTON SPRINGS, S.D. (AP) — A relief fund set up to help residents of tornado-ravaged Wessington Springs has raised nearly $80,000 in the two weeks since the June 18 twister.

Residents say they're grateful for the help. Mayor Melissa Mebius says the amount surpasses what officials expected.

A committee has been formed to determine how the money will be distributed. Mebius says all of it will go directly to homeowners.

The tornado destroyed 15 homes and damaged another 44, displacing nearly 80 people.

Cash donations to the town can be dropped off at American Bank & Trust locations in Wessington Springs, Alpena, Huron, Wolsey, Miller, Pierre, Mellette and De Smet.

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