Flood notebook: Lumpy’s, antique fair return

A Cambridge City gathering spot is reopening, long-term recovery efforts are starting, assistance deadlines are nearing, and emergency management staff are visiting the county.

Downtown momentum

Known for breaded tenderloin sandwiches, hearty breakfasts and other comfort food, Lumpy’s Cafe reopened Oct. 3 after extensive repairs from Aug. 12 flood damage. Nearly 900 likes have been added to the restaurant’s social media post announcing the reopening.

Current hours are 6 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays-Tuesdays and Thursdays-Saturdays, and 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays.

In late August, owners thanked supporters for their help with moving out wet items, repairs and cleaning at 20 S. Foote St. in Cambridge City, just off U.S. 40. Many inventory and equipment losses were noted.

Many downtown merchants and restaurants have previously reopened, and the annual fall antique fair is continuing as planned from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10. Dealers and artisans will line sidewalks along U.S. 40 with their wares. Additional booth space is available by contacting Building 125 at 765-478-5000.

FEMA deadline nears

Hoosiers seeking Federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursement for Aug. 12 flood damages must apply for aid or update their existing application by Oct. 25.

They can apply through disasterassistance.gov or FEMA’s app or by calling 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). FEMA typically calls or texts within 10 days to schedule an inspection. Inspectors can be asked for the client’s application number; they won’t ask for money or bank information. Verification is available at 800-621-3362.

Application help is available 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 8-9 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 10 at Hamilton County Fairgrounds, 2003 Pleasant St., Noblesville.

A few updates and suggestions from FEMA:

• Self-employed applicants with damaged tools, computers or other job-related equipment may qualify for replacement. They’ll need tax returns showing self-employment; an itemized receipt, estimate or repair bill identifying each item; details explaining the equipment’s necessity and that they have no employees; a required statement that “I declare under penalty of perjury that the information I provided is true and correct”; and an insurance statement or denial letter.
• Check furnaces and water heaters to ensure they weren’t impacted by flooding because the Oct. 25 deadline applies.
• Report private well or septic system damage. FEMA might pay for a professional estimate of repairs/replacement and the actual work.
• Funds for mold cleanup are available. FEMA must verify residents can’t live in their home because of mold growth. Additional funds might be available to renters and homeowners to prevent additional losses or potential health/safety concerns.
• Those who’ve already begun/completed repairs can still apply for aid with photos, receipts and other documentation.
• Notify FEMA if contact information changes, and respond to phone calls or other requests for documents, using the above phone number or website.

SBA loans not just for businesses

The Oct. 25 deadline also approaches for some U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans, including loans to buy cars.

Home disaster loans are available for renters or homeowners to repair or replace damaged personal property including automobiles (up to $100,000) and real estate (up to $500,000).

Business physical disaster loans are available to businesses of any size plus churches and charities to repair or replace disaster-damaged property.

Economic injury loans offer working capital for small businesses, small ag co-ops and aquaculture businesses, and most private nonprofit organizations.

Physical-damage applications are due Oct. 25; economic-injury applications are due May 25, 2027. Applicants can apply before insurance settles and aren’t obligated to accept an approved loan. No interest accrues and no payments are required during the first year.

Apply at lending.sba.gov. For help, email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or call 800-659-2955. 

Official visits

FEMA and state representatives have been visiting government units and utilities affected by flooding. They recently visited Jackson Township’s Cambridge City office and encouraged the township to seek financial assistance for repairs and flood prevention. That application is underway.

Officials suggested seeking help for hurricane-resistant doors, record-storage tubs, generator use, dehumidifiers, industrial fans, cleanup, drywall, carpeting and furniture.

Township board members agreed that an earlier purchase of a generator and an early call for professional cleaning helped speed mitigation and repairs and prevent additional damage so residents could come in quickly and apply for aid.

The board approved a $22,599.57 mitigation payment and plans to approve a $23,324.26 restoration payment at its next meeting if work is satisfactory.

WC Cares funds remain

The Wayne County Foundation and township governments began distributing Wayne County Cares funds about a week after the flood.

Jackson Township Trustee Lyndon Wicker said that speed would be hard to replicate at higher levels of government.

Funds remain available, and township officials remind flood survivors not to feel shame about applying for money donated for that purpose.

Those of all income levels can apply to their township trustee and quickly receive up to $750 if they’ve reported measurable damage to 211.

Jackson Township has served about 100 applicants from approximately 330 damaged homes.

Contact these township trustees or designees to learn how to apply for Wayne County Cares aid: Abington, 614-402-2375; Center, 765-855-5176; Green (Williamsburg), 765-969-5094; Jackson (Cambridge City), 765-478-4620; Jefferson (Hagerstown), (765) 489-4824; Washington (Milton), 765-462-9964; Wayne (Richmond), 765-973-9392.

Donations are accepted at godonate.akoyago.com/waynecf or by sending/delivering them to 33 S. Seventh St., Richmond, IN 47374.

Help for veterans

Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs has distributed more than $158,000 and is reviewing applications for $50,000 more for veteran households’ flood-related needs in 10 counties, including Wayne.

Indiana’s Standard Military Family Relief Fund continues offering financial assistance to support veterans and their families as they rebuild. Applications are available from county veterans service offices (Wayne County’s is in the administration building, 401 E. Main St.), or at wwn.to/militaryfamilyfund.