Shepherd's Fold volunteering time to help Butler County residents

The unmistakable sound of metal scraping against metal could be heard Monday behind the Shepherd’s Fold building in Lake Wappapello.

Larry Heaton vigorously worked to sharpen the teeth on his chainsaw.

Since Saturday, he and his fellow members of the Shepherd’s Fold ministry have traveled to Poplar Bluff to volunteer their time and effort by helping cut up and remove trees that fell during the Friday night tornado.

“We’ve been working with Hope International out of the Lighthouse Church in Dexter,” assistant Director Jeremiah Yeley explained. “Yesterday, we had a crew of about 27 guys cutting and hauling trees. Today, there will only be about seven of us. But we’re going to do what we can.”

Yeley believed many in the Lake Wappapello area are fortunate to only receive minor storm damage.

“So many places in Poplar Bluff got hit pretty hard,” he noted. “And other places, like in Wayne County, got it as bad as anyone could.”

Heaton continued to sharpen his chainsaw with his file.

“It’s heartbreaking, for real,” Yeley noted. “I lost count of the number of trees we’ve helped to remove. But it’s all about coming together to help. We’re just one big community.”

Heaton continues sharpening his chainsaw and nods.

“Yeah, we heard that out near Piedmont, some places were completely destroyed,” Yeley said. “It’s sad.”