Full Notification

McDowell County Continues Storm Debris Removal Efforts
As of Thursday, October 31, Ashbritt has deployed six debris trucks actively working to clear storm-related debris across McDowell County. Yesterday alone, crews collected 880 cubic yards of debris—imagine filling a line of dump trucks stretching over 20 football fields in length! Debris collection will continue daily in multiple areas, with current pickup in: Town of Old Fort Old Hwy 70 Mill Creek Road Graphite Road Different trucks are designated for specific types of debris, so please keep sorting items and moving them to the right-of-way for safe and efficient collection. This extensive cleanup will carry on for months, with multiple passes through each community to ensure thorough removal. Please remember that household bagged garbage should follow normal collection routes or be taken to the landfill as usual. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is working closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to coordinate efforts and reach all communities countywide. For ongoing updates and details about debris removal, please visit www.mcdowellgov.com/helene. We thank everyone for their patience and cooperation as we work together to restore McDowell County.

Protect Your Health: Free Well Water Testing Available After Flooding

Following a flood event, it’s important for residents with private wells to consider testing their water for bacteria to ensure safety. The McDowell County Health Department is currently offering free bacteria testing kits (normally $60) for well water. Follow these steps to request your kit: Visit the McDowell County Health Department Website at foothillshd.org to print an application or stop by the Health Department to pick one up. Complete the Application and submit to the Health Department at 408 Spaulding Road, Marion, NC 28752. After submission, an inspector from the health department will contact you to schedule the water sample collection. If you need a full panel well test (typically $150), it is available at a reduced cost of $90. For questions, please contact the McDowell County Health Department’s Environmental Health Division at (828) 652-6811, then dial 4. The department is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Support for Local Farms Continues

The Cooperative Extension remains committed to supporting our local farms, providing essential resources like animal feed, hay, and fencing assistance while supplies last. Starting November 1, these supplies will be available by appointment only. To schedule a pickup, please call 828-652-8104 and connect with a staff member. A heartfelt thanks to the Cooperative Extension, NC Department of Agriculture, and the US National Guard for their dedication and hard work in assisting our farming community during this challenging time.