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Walworth County residents finding help at FEMA recovery center

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Jose Guzman and Mieres Rodrigues, human service specialist with FEMA. FEMA is in Walworth county at the Law enforcemanet center through Thursday.

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Jose Guzman and Mieres Rodrigues, human service specialist with FEMA. FEMA is in Walworth county at the Law enforcemanet center through Thursday.

ELKHORN — Worried she might lose her house, Jeanne Korosec walked into the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s disaster recovery center for help.

“My kids have been out fishing in our front yard,” said Korosec, a Sugar Creek Township resident. “It’s just really a mess where I live.”

Every time it rains, Lake Wandawega overflows. Sandbags are protecting the front of her house. Her neighbor’s garage and several nearby homes are under water.

“Our main fear is that the water will not recede,” Korosec said. “You can’t control the water.”

Korosec was one of about a dozen Walworth County residents who have met with FEMA representatives since the recovery center opened Saturday at the Law Enforcement Center, 1770 County NN, Elkhorn.

More than 100 people have registered with FEMA for relief after the county was declared a disaster area last month. Private property owners and businesses qualify for relief.

Damage included rising lakes flooding basements and wind damaging roofs on agricultural buildings.

Kevin Williams, Walworth County emergency management director, said flash flooding was reported last weekend in the Darien and Walworth areas after heavy thunderstorms.

Residents who have flooded basements and waterlogged cars should register with FEMA, Williams said.

Gregory Rosado, the recovery center’s manager, said the center is a one-stop shop for assistance.

Residents can talk with officials representing FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Internal Revenue Service.

Agencies might be able to help with the cost of repairs, construction and other expenses related to flood damage, Rosado said.

Thirty Wisconsin counties have been declared disasters by FEMA. The agency has doled out more than $33 million in relief statewide.

“FEMA’s mission in the state of Wisconsin is to assist all residents that have been affected by flooding in recent days,” Rosado said. “This is a continuous effort.”

DISASTER HELP

What: Information on disaster relief.

Who: FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration representatives.

When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Thursday.

Where: Walworth County Law Enforcement Center, 1770 County NN, Elkhorn.

To learn more: People with weather-related property damage should call the Federal Emergency Management Agency at 1-800-621-3362 or go online to www.fema.gov.