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EARTHQUAKE NEWS & UPDATES
Editors Desk - WNOL
FINAL UPDATE:
This page is no longer being updated or maintained as of July 11. 2008. What you will find here has been posted previous to this date. If you have any questions regarding the information or any follow-ups on this page please direct them to the City of Wells contact information found on this page.
Thank you,
WNOL Editor
Many of the following articles have been extracted from news networks and various publications in an effort to give those who have been visiting this web site some point of referrence on what has happened in our little rural community...and is still happening.
We will be updating this page everyday or as needed.
Wells, Nevada
A news conference was held at 7th Street and Lake Avenue intersection. Governor of Nevada, Jim Gibbons is seen in the middle of the crowd.
Gibbons declares emergency
By SAM BROWN - Assistant Editor
Friday, February 22, 2008 12:47 PM PST
ELKO - Federal relief may soon be on the way for the residents of Elko County impacted by Thursday's magnitude-6.0 earthquake.
Gov. Jim Gibbons' disaster declaration, which came Thursday evening at a meeting at Wells Elementary, is the next step in securing federal assistance.
According to Elko County Undersheriff Rocky Gonzalez, the response effort in and around the city of Wells has changed to one of recovery, along with efforts to assess the damage to expedite the release of relief funds to the area as quickly as possible.
According to Kim Toulouse, public information officer with the state Department of Public Safety, two state crews on the ground making damage assessments will be joined this afternoon by two from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The goal is to have initial assessments to Carson City by this afternoon. Those calculations will be forwarded by Gibbons to Washington to allow President Bush to decide on a federal disaster declaration for the area.
The emergency response to this point has been nothing short of amazing, said Toulouse.
“To have damage assessment teams in the field within 24 hours of a disaster is unheard of,” he said, adding, “The cooperation between the state and FEMA has been outstanding.”
Gonzales said snowcats and other snow machines are being used today in an effort to reach isolated ranches and settlements that have not yet been contacted in the wake of the temblor.
“We're double checking to make sure everyone is taken care of,” he said.
There are constant reminders of Thursday's events - Gonzales said some 20 aftershocks have been felt since Thursday's quake - the latest coming at about 9:30 a.m.
Gonzales said he hasn't heard one negative comment in the hours since the disaster.
Both officials said their hearts and minds go out to the residents in the stricken area, who are picking up the pieces of their lives.
“This is absolutely catastrophic to anyone who has suffered damage,” Toulouse said. “Our reason for being here now is to do as much as we can, as fast as we can, for the people of Wells.”
Elko Daily Free Press
Wells school resumes today
Wednesday, February 27, 2008 8:11 AM PST
ELKO - Wells principal Leslie Lotspeich said school will resume this morning at Wells Elementary School, with students from the Junior/Senior High holding their classes at the elementary school as well due to earthquake damages at the upper school.
The tight accommodations are only a temporary plan until the junior/senior high is deemed safe for students to return. The ground has continued to shake in Wells from aftershocks.
Plans are still being determined for the spring sports season.
Lotspeich commended the schools' staff for their hard work.
FEMA and Nevada officials complete damage assessment
By JOHN SENTS - Staff Writer
Monday, February 25, 2008 8:20 AM PST
WELLS - Recovery from a 6.0 magnitude earthquake and its aftereffects continued Sunday, as state and federal agencies completed their damage assessments.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Nevada Division of Emergency Management preliminary damage assessment teams completed their assessments and returned to Carson City to continue the FEMA emergency declaration process. Damage estimates, however, will not be available until at least Monday afternoon, according to Kim Toulouse, the public information officer with Nevada's Emergency Management Division.
The governor issued a disaster declaration Thursday and the state is seeking a presidential disaster declaration, which would provide funding to the area.
Crews are working to ready the Wells Junior/Senior High School, which sustained heavy damages from the earthquake. The school's gymnasium and auditorium will be out of service until at least the end of the school year. If the school does not obtain a certificate of occupancy for its classrooms by Wednesday, a back up plan is to utilize space at the Wells Elementary School, increasing the number of students in classrooms there.
“I was told today that cats, leopards, land on their feet,” said Wells principal Leslie Lotspeich, referring to the school's leopard mascot. “I think we are going to prove that is exactly the case. You can shake us, but you can't go and change us. We are still leopards.”
Superintendent of Schools Antoinette Cavanaugh said damage to Jackpot Elementary School was minimal and students will continue classes there on Monday as normal.
Cavanaugh said a structural engineer will review the schools again to determine whether the aftershock activity has caused any additional damages. The district has earthquake coverage of up to $100 million with its insurance carrier.
University of Nevada, Reno seismologist Ken Smith told attendees at a Saturday community meeting that earthquake activity has continued since Thursday morning, but most of it has been small aftershocks. He said there will likely be small earthquakes for years, but the large activity is expected to tail off.
“There is a very low probability of more big earthquakes,” Smith said. “But you can't predict anything with these things.”
The large activity was not on a mapped fault, Smith said.
The Red Cross estimates roughly 200 people need its services due to the earthquake; and 45 to 50 homes have been affected.
Red Cross spokeswoman Jenny Carrick said there were only a couple residents that used the Red Cross shelter at Wells Elementary School Friday night. It provided shelter to eight people Thursday night and seven people Friday night. The Red Cross in cooperation with the Southern Baptist church has provided more than 500 meals.
The Red Cross shelter is officially closed now, and the organization is making other arrangements with families in need of shelter or accomodations. It relocated its operation to Wells propane, and will not be doing client intake there. For additional information call 888-778-9600.
Officials say residents can start cleaning their homes, but should be thoroughly documenting the damage they sustain and keeping receipts of purchases made to pay for earthquake damage.
The state has a disaster fund that may be available to earthquake victims. Nevada Department of Public Safety recovery and mitigation officer Ron Hood said his office will be interviewing residents impacted by the earthquake, to see if they are eligible for funds to help them repair their homes. The maximum grant amount is approximately $28,800. More information will be available in the next couple of weeks, Hood said.
The earthquake damage property claims procedures are listed on this Web page.
Plans have been developed to protect the areas of downtown Wells that were heavily damaged by the earthquake and work will begin the first of the week to secure those areas. Buildings are still being reviewed to determine whether they are safe to occupy.
The incident command post is moving from the elementary school to the fire station, and some emergency services will be demobilizing.
A small sinkhole was discovered on Metropolis Road in Wells, but it was undetermined Sunday whether that was caused by an earthquake.
Crews are still checking residences to provide information and find out where people stand.
A fund was set up with the Wells branch of Nevada State Bank, P.O. Box 308, Wells, NV., 89835, to make donations for earthquake assistance. The bank also has an earthquake fund at all its branches. For more information call 775-752-3342.
No help from feds:
State will offer up to $28,800 for those who qualify for aid
By ELAINE SWANSON - Correspondent
Tuesday, February 26, 2008 1:12 PM PST
WELLS - Disappointed city officials learned Monday no federal aid will be allocated to help the community recover from the 6.0 earthquake that struck Thursday morning.
“I'm very upset at the lack of respect at the federal level for the human factor,” Mayor Rusty Tybo said. “We have elderly people whose homes were severely damaged. These homes are all they have. We have families living in motel rooms.
“At the national level everything has boiled down to cold, hard cash ... and we don't qualify,” he said.
On Day 5 of the post-earthquake disaster, Tybo said his main concern for the city is getting past the analysis stage and moving on toward recovery.
“We've been shaken to our very foundations,” Tybo told townspeople at a recent public meeting. “We've taken a big hit.”
Tybo had nothing but gratitude for the Nevada Division of Forestry and the Wells Volunteer Fire Department. He also thanked the Elko County Sheriff's office, the city and county of Elko, and the city of Fernley, which is recovering from a flood, “for their tremendous support.”
City Manager Jolene Supp said the city's insurance provider would send a structural evaluation team into town today to evaluate all city buildings.
“Bell Four Construction specializes in disaster repair,” she said. “Their structural analysis will tell us what our next move will be.”
The city has earthquake insurance, Supp said.
After the initial 40-second, 6.0 quake Thursday morning, NDF personnel went house to house and made preliminary evaluations of structural damage in homes and public buildings. These were followed up by city-hired structural engineers.
“This is as it should be,” Supp said. “But the problem is that with each major aftershock, some ranging from 4.2 to 5.0 on the Richter scale, these evaluations have had to be repeated. The evaluation teams have been in some homes three and four times. Both the teams and the homeowners are exhausted.”
Inspectors have been marking structures with ribbons: Green means the home is fine; green with orange indicates some concerns; and striped red and white indicates the building is unsafe.
“It is not easy for an inspector to have to red-line a home or business and declare the building unfit for occupancy,” Supp said. “And it's not easy for a home or business owner to hear that news.”
Tybo added that with each major aftershock the damage increases.
The mayor expressed frustration at the news from FEMA.
“The feds are not responding to our needs here. However state programs are available. We've been given some guarantees of financial assistance (from the state),” Tybo said.
The mayor urged all residents whose homes have been red-lined to apply for homeowners' funding. The amount will depend on the applicant's income level and upon structural evaluation of the building.
Supp said the maximum grant will be $28,800. Some residents may qualify for low-interest loans.
“Financial help from the state will be predicated upon how much money the state can give us. The state is also assisting Fernley and that city's flood recovery,” Supp added.
The mayor described “heroic” efforts of city staff over the past five days.
“Staff has worked all weekend and late into the night to ensure city services to all residents. The backhoes start up at 6 a.m.
“The public works crew has worked until dark daily to repair leaks in the city's water system,” Tybo said. “With each major aftershock, a leak or a break appears somewhere. This staff is exhausted.”
Supp said she has been working to place city and school services in safer places within the city.
“The sheriff's department has been red-lined out of their second floor city office space,” she said. “We are sharing space with the sheriff's department on the main floor at city hall here today. They will be moving to the Frontier telephone building soon.”
Supp said the city would be putting out fliers to inform the community.
The telephone numbers for the sheriff's office will remain the same, 752-3334 or 911.
Supp enumerated city problems.
“The city water tank moved several inches, stressing water lines. Bolts were blown in some of the hangars at the airport, and hangar doors are skewed and won't open. There is damage to the hangar aprons. The building at the trap range has issues. The swimming pool is trashed.”
Supp said the public works building has been red-lined.
“City Hall has damage. The sewer in City Hall isn't functioning, and there are frost issues.”
Supp said she arranged for mental health counselors to come to City Hall today.
“They will be here to teach us coping skills,” she said.
Tybo said the staff needs time to recover from the stress.
“Their elasticity is getting brittle,” Tybo said. “We can't keep expecting them to cope with this degree of stress.”
“These aftershocks have to stop,” Supp concluded.
Tuesday February 26, 2008
WNOL - Editor
The Wells City Council held it's first regularly scheduled meeting since the quake tonight at the Wells Volunteer Fire Department building. Once again, the room was packed to standing room only with residents, officials and representatives.
Most all of the agenda items were covered first and then the updates on what has happended and is going to happen from the results of the quake.
City Manager, Jolene Supp, stated that we are not going to be left out in the cold since the Fed announced today that it would not provide emergency funding for Wells. One of the reasons for their decision is because the City of Wells does have earthquake insurance but that doesn't help our citizens.
Gary Dirks, State of Nevada' Department of Emergency Management told the city that the state is behind us.
Mayor Rusty Tybo had been on the phone all day speaking with our congressmen and state representatives. Congressman Dean Hiller, along with Senator John Ensign, Senator Harry Reid and Governor Jim Gibbons are fighting in and with Washington over their decision while at the same time pursuing other options.
In addition, City Manager, Jolene Supp, stated that even though the earthquake was focused in Wells the damage was county wide. Elko County is the forth largest county in the United States.
"Wells does have earthquake insurance for public property', she said, "but unfortunately there is nothing for the private sector. City Hall is not square anymore. It needs some major repairs, but, it is open and operating. The Sheriff's Department, which was housed upstairs at City Hall, is now temporarily located at the Frontier Communications building. All the phone numbers are the same. Frontier Communications has been exceptional in making these things work in our communications. And", she went on, "I guess we're going to get a new swimming pool. We were wanting an inside pool well...our pool is gone. It's fragmented and pumped up and the outer walls are crumbled. We had one of our water tanks move about 1.5 inches and the one at the industrial park is tilted - depending on how you look at it. Both of these are being watched very closely.
"Elko Sanitation and Wendover Sanitation are responsible for donating the large dumpsters that you've seen around town. These are for anyones use and they're free. One is here at the Fire Hall, one at Wells Propane, one at Burger Bar and there is one on the corner of 9th and Lake.
"Most of all the building inspections are completed. If you haven't been inspected we need to know so we can get that done. I was informed that all losses are tax deductable with a Declaration of Disaster. There is a mountain of paperwork involved in all of this and if you or anyone you know needs help with getting through the paperwork ask for help. Call City Hall. SBA will be coming to Wells Wednesday and Thursday night the Nevada Rural Development will be here to assist in these and other processes".
Mayor Tybo stated, "There is help for everybody. Don't put yourselves at risk trying to fix something when there are those here who can do it for you. Some of us are not as young as we think we are, or once were. Let them help. Also, funding for projects is coming".
Debbie Jackson, Shoshone Wells Band Council Administrator, informed the City Council that she had obtained commitments for donations from Barrick Goldstrike Mining and from McLane.
The account has been set up for donations at the Nevada State Bank. The City Council will appoint a committee to oversee these funds and their distribution. They will report to the City Council. These funds are set up for private benefit, but, they will also be used for some commercial and business needs. They are, however, mostly for private benefit. This means residents.
The council was asked about making repairs and modifications to properties that would normally require building permits. The City Clerk responded that there will be an Earthquake form to fill out and there would be no fees.
Sheriff Dale Lotspeich informed everyone that the posts for the fencing were put in today. These fences will be about 6' (feet) high and go all the way around the historical section. Lake Street will be closed off between 6th and 7th Streets and patrols will continue. Also at the Wells High School will be another area that will be fenced off - inbetween the gym and the LDS church.
An audiance member asked about getting their things out of a building that was maked 'DO NOT ENTER'. Jim Hunt of the Nevada Division of Forestry NDF said that arrangements could be made to do that but they would have to see who they had available because they were spread out rather thin right now. "We use a two in and two out method, meaning that when two go in, the two who stay out are the back-up just in case something would happen while there are two in. You, or any citizen, cannot be those other two, in or out. Have a little patience with us and we'll help you get your things".
The owner of the laundry mat was wondering when she could open it back up. Nothing inside was damaged, just the outside facade", she said, "but my house, which is built onto it I can't return to even get my clothes". The council said they would look into that tomorrow and help get her going and to get her things.
Concluding this part of the meeting the City Manager announced that there is another telephone number available for people to call for property inspection at City Hall and that number is: 752-9968. She also made comment on the overwhelming amount of email and phone calls they are receiving from all over the world from people who want to help - in one way or another. "It's amazing", she said. She also added that everyone needed to be aware that during times like these, no matter where they happen. "There are always those who use these opportunities to run scams - so beware. Protect yourselves and call us if you suspect anything like that is going on. "I want to remind everbody that the Red Cross will be conducting a Volunteer Day this Saturday to go around and clean and fix things up". (This will also be the 'Wells Fix-up Day' sponsored by the local LDS church). "And it is scheduled for Saturday, March 8th, to hold a Wells Rally Day in an effort to raise funds to get Wells back to full operation. Opps, School starts tomorrow and the teachers have really come up with something creative".
WNOL -Ed
Historical - Wells, Nevada
Sunday February 24, 2008
The Fourth Day
WNOL - Editor
Minor tremors.
It was still dark out when I rose this morning and looked out my front window to see a blanket of fresh white snow covering the events of the past few days. There was a calm in the air that was not frightening, rather, it was welcomed.
I noticed a lone sentry of an Elko County Sheriff's Deputy standing guard across the street amidst the rubble of the old historical section of town. I wondered how long they'd been over there.
I pondered the quanity of early morning thoughts as to the new diminsions the shadows of our little town will carry into the future. What will they say to those who pass through them? And then I remembered the big white unmarked bus that rolled down the street yesterday looking for some place to park. What was it doing down here? Then I found out. You've got to be kidding...tourists. A bus full of tourists that came here just to see the damage from the earthquake. Don't these people have anything better to do with their lives? I guess not. Well, as long as their nice and don't get in the way - they're welcome to look around. It would be even better if such things didn't happen but there is always those that like to chase after fire-engines...as the saying goes.
Well I've got my coffee now and my work for today's page is still a scrambled mess. I'll plow my way through it and see what happens...
Saturday Night Community Information Meeting
February 23, 2008 5 p.m.
Wells Elementary School
WNOL- Editor
The auditorium of the Wells Elementary School filled to standing room only Saturday evening when residents of this earthquake riddled community filed in from every door. Area residents from Clover and Starr Valleys were also in the audiance along with a mulitude of representatives from any and every agency you could possibly think of.
Under-Sheriff Rocky Gonzales opened the gathering with a calm but well placed and heart-felt comment, "We're gonna' get through all this," which was immediately followed with applause from everyone there. He went on to introduce the various representatives that were here to explain their individual agency functions and the services they offered our community.
As I was sifting through my badly scribbled notes of lastnights meeting in an effort to present to our readers the details of what occured beyond what I just mentioned above, I found myself at a near loss with the mess I created in my notebook. Then I thought, I remember the local press was there...let me do a search on the internet...yep, there it is and below I present to you those details:
Wells schools to resume Wednesday:
More than 350 residents turn out for earthquake updates
Sunday Edition - Elko Daily Free Press
By JOHN SENTS - Staff Writer
Sunday, February 24, 2008 11:50 AM PST
WELLS - Mayor Rusty Tybo told a packed room at its elementary school the community is bent but not broken as it transitions into recovery mode following the 6.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Thursday morning.
More than 350 attended the Saturday meeting, which included speakers from the Nevada Emergency Management Division, Department of Public Safety, University of Nevada at Reno's Seismology Lab, Red Cross, the Elko County School District and others. Many attendees hoped to find out when school will resume.
Wells' schools have been closed since Thursday. The plan is for school to resume on Wednesday, and Wells parents will receive updates through a school district phone system that calls them. Updates will also be posted at elkodaily.com, the Elko Daily Free Press and the school's Web site, www.elko.k12.nv.us/wells/.
Wells Junior/Senior High School sustained heavy damages from the earthquake and its gymnasium and auditorium will not be open until at least the end of the school year, Principal Leslie Lotspeich said. Structural engineers have evaluated the building and the school is seeking a certificate of occupancy before it can continue classes there. If it is not ready by Wednesday, a backup plan is to utilize space at the Wells Elementary School, increasing the number of students in classrooms there.
Superintendent of Schools Antoinette Cavanaugh did not announce the status of Jackpot's schools*, which sustained some damage from the earthquake. Updates will be posted at elkodaily.com as soon as the information is available.
Ken Smith of the University of Nevada, Reno's Seismology Lab said aftershocks have continued to occur in the area, although most of the activity cannot be felt by most people in the town. According to the UNR Web site, the most recent large temblor marked 3.5 on the Richter scale when it hit at approximately 10:30 p.m. Friday night about 41.2 miles northeast of Wells.
Thursday there were four aftershocks that measured more than 4.6 on the Richter scale; and one Friday afternoon that measured 5.0.
The Red Cross is offering shelter and meals to residents displaced by the earthquake at Wells Elementary School, 115 Lake Ave. Red Cross director of communications for the Pacific Service Area Jenny Carrick said it provided shelter at the school to eight people Thursday night and seven people Friday night. For information call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
More information from the meeting will be posted tomorrow at ElkoDaily.com .
Articles on the Wells earthquake, including the one above, that are published in the Elko Daily Free Press can be found
HERE - Breaking News.
*Jackpot, Nevada is approximately 63 miles north of Wells.
WNOL Additions:
In addition to the above, unscrambled from my notes, lunches for students will be served as usual. Students and parents are being asked to provide Student Emergency Information on the first day school resumes, e.g., identification, phone numbers, cell phone numbers, people to contact. Also, students who drive themselves to school are being asked to take the buses instead for the time being.
Wells Junior/Senior High School Principal, Leslie Lotspeich, asked the community for volunteers to be Crossing Guards for before and after school hours because several lines of travel have been disturbed and students will have to walk to school by different routes.
Tonights meeting was posted around town by student/youth volunteers.
Ken Talouse (sp?) from the Nevada Department of Public Safety in concert with FEMA stated that 'Prelimary Assessments' needed to be created for Federal assistance. He also stated that we need to begin the recovery process ourselves in the sense that we can start to tear down what must be and rebuild what we can. In doing so, 'keep copies of everything we do', recipes, documents, etc.
Displaced individuals must contact the Red Cross.
Ron Hood, Nevada Division of Emergency Management, stated that there are grants available through their Disaster Assistance Program to repair homes. These funds are resource based and that there is about $28, 800.00 total available.
Under-Sheriff Rocky Gonzales also announced that for those who have animals and may need kennels - there are 5 for dogs and 11 for cats available.
Terry Jiles (sp?), Red Cross Representative, stated that it was the Elko Nv, Reno Nv, and Salt Lake City, Utah chapters who responded to our needs immediately and have been on the scene from day one. They are here to assist in many different ways. She stated, "We are now moving from response to recovery. We have identified that there are at least 200 individuals in need of assistance at this time".
Sheriff Dale Lotspeich informed the audiance that the emergency response to Wells was activated and rolling within 15 to 20 minutes, the Incident Command Post - ICP was established and within 2 hours Wells was covered to and area of 20 miles outward. In addition he stated that heavier than usual Law Enforcement personnel would be on hand to maintain a secure environment and that fences are on their way to quarden off the most dangerous areas throughout the community.
Rich Harvey, Nevada Division of Forestry - NDF, who was instrumental in establishing and operating the ICP, along with Sherrif Lotspeich,
said, in a highly complementary way, "I've worked with a lot of different crews in a lot of places and I have to tell ya' that the Wells Volunteer Fire Department was one of the best I've ever worked with and that the support system was awesome.
Mayor Rusty Tybo, looking very tired and holding on to his posture, told the crowd, "This has been a long and overwhelming last few days and I thank everybody for their patience and strength. I would like everyone to thank all those who have volunteered and came here to help". (There was a standing ovation). "Now," he continued, "we may be bent but we're not broken, let's turn the negative into the positive".
City Manager, Jolene Supp, also looking very tired, but, with a smile - stated, "This is not in our job discription". (The crowd laughed). "I have been to a lot of houses and businesses - I've talked to a lot of people - I would like at least 10 minutes of sleep. Everybody has been great and very patient with all of this. Our cities infrastructure has had some damage. One water-main that busted has been repaired and now those people have water again.
Damage discovered down the road will have to be approached with an application of discovery.
During times like these people wonder where are the city limits? There are no city limits - you are not out of the loop. Our so called over the line people can be helped too...call City Hall".
Earthquake Technical Data Presented by Ken Smith
University of Nevada, Reno's Seismology Lab:
(He offered a lot of information and there were a lot of questions. The following is only a brief of his information).
This quake is classified as a 'normal faulting event'. It was 5 miles by 5 miles (5x5 miles) in radius, striking in the upper 10 km of crust, or 10 km deep and ruptured upwards traveling towards Wells.
There was about a meter and a half of displacement.
This was not on a mapped fault.
The Ruby fault is the big one running in this area. It is just southwest of Wells and runs to the west side of the Rubies.
This occured northeast of town and not southeast as earlier reported.
The blast that was heard, and felt, prior to the quake is known as either a P-wave (Primary) or an S-wave (Shear). Right now we don't know which one occured here.
Why it felt like it was coming from one way and then another is called a 'negative pulse'.
The reason why this particular earthquake was so violent at 6.3 - (6.0) compared to a 7. like in California depends on where it occurs. There are rolling, sharp, side-to-side, up and down - all depending on hardrock to loose ground locations.
There was a Felt Report filed in 2007 and this quake may have started last year.
No ground scarring has been discovered.
(Wells is known for its Wells. It was asked about the water tuning muddy in the wells. Also about the tempurature levels rising in several areas such as the 12 Mile Hot Springs).
This is often a common occurance throughout the ground water systems.
Under-Sheriff Rocky Gonzales closed the meeting reminding everyone that, "We may have got knocked around and a few things busted, but, we're all alive! (Crowd applause) Goodnight, thanks for coming and be careful".
Everyone is very tired and the stress shows in their faces and can be heard in their voices.
Another thing I noticed about everyone there is that they never lost their grace, their dignity, their humbleness or their humanity. They were all polite and genuinely concerned for eachothers families, their friends and their neighbors.
In a nut shell, "Welcome to Wells, Nevada!"
WNOL -Ed
COMMUNITY MEETING TONIGHT
Saturday Feb. 23, 2008 - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Wells Elementary School
This meeting will be to discuss what will be done about students returning to school and provide other earthquake related information.
Dinner will be provided.
INFORMATION
Today, firefighters and law enforcement personnel are continuing to visit neighborhoods and residences providing information and assisting citizens with any concerns.
Technical experts, including stuctural engineers, public works staff and others are currently inspecting public, commercial and residential structures to determine whether they are safe to be occupied and document damage.
Initially a ribbon system was used to identify life safety issues. The experts will replace the ribbons with either a red, yellow or green sign that shows they've been there and what they found. Do not remove the signs at this time.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Nevada Division of Emergency Management (NDEM) preliminary damage assessment teams are conducting surveys of the damaged areas to assist in the FEMA emergency declaration process. There is no charge to residents for these assessments.
You may be visited several times by these various teams, this can be confusing, however, each team has a very important role in the overall process for assisting this community to recover and rebuild. The teams will have official identification.
The Red Cross is set up at the Elementary School on the corner of 4th and Lake. The shelter will remain open as long as there is a need. They are providing the following services:
1. Immediate food and shelter for those citizens displaced.
2. Mobile Feeding - distributing food, supplies and first aid to residents who are unable to come to the school.
Several Red Cross volunteers traveled throughout Wells yesterday to assess damage in preparation for the next phase of emergency assistance. Once their assessment is complete, Red Cross case workers will work with individuals affected by this disaster to assess their ongoing needs. The Red Cross will work to help meet those needs and direct victims to appropriate agencies for help.
Today, volunteers will begin delivering clean-up supplies such as gloves, tarps, garbage bags and bleach.
For additional information you may call:
1-800-Red-Cross (1-800-733-2767) or go to: www.redcross.org
EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE
PROPERTY CLAIMS PROCEDURES
The following process is required for homeowners and/or tenants with residential structural damage.
1. Call the City of Wells at: 752-3355 and request your property address be put on a residential inspection list.
2. Following the property inspection, file an application with the Red Cross. You may confirm the application process start time and place at:
1-866-GET-INFO - (1-866-438-4636).
3. Federal, State and Local personnel are now working to assess the impact of the disaster on the community and its residents.
4. Based on information provided through this assessment process and a recommendation from the assessment teams, a Major Disaster Declaration must be made by President Bush before individuals can register for help with FEMA.
5. If this occurs, FEMA Community Relation Teams will canvas the community and provide information on how to register for assistance.
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN EXPEDITED LIST.
The above process must be followed.
Everyones cooperation will be highly appreciated during these trying times.
Thank you.
Time to go to the 5:00 meeting.
See you all later...
Editor WNOL
DONATIONS
Donations can be made at nevada.redcross.org .
Also, an account has been established at Nevada State Bank by the city of Wells to accept donations. You can make a contribution to the “Wells, Nevada Earthquake Fund” account at any of the 71 Nevada State Bank branch locations.
Wells Branch: 775-752-3342
Thank You
WNOL - Saturday February 23, 2008 - 11:50 a.m. PST
There have been several reports that temperatures have risen 120º in some of our geothermal ponds around town. At this point these reports have not been officially confirmed. We are checking into it.
As you've noticed above, there are now postings around town to inform all residents to attend a Community Information Meeting at 5:00 p.m. at the Wells Elementary School.
Our skies are that good ol' Nevada blue with scattered cotton-ball clouds, a bit chilly but comfortable. Weather reports from various networks have indicated that we should be receiving two pretty good winter storms starting tonight - with the second one being the worse.
Until next time...
Thank you,
Editor WNOL
WNOL - Saturday February 23, 2008 - 9:30 a.m. PST
"WE ARE STILL HERE!"
Goodmorning Everyone,
Well, we are still here and things seem to have calmed down since lastnight.
The News crews appear to be gone now and the process of tallying the damage and figuring out where we go from here is underway.
I have felt a few very minor tremors, about 30 minutes ago, but, at least it's my early morning jitters that's shaking my coffee cup and not the earth.
There have been many responses from around the world offering their concerns and assistance to which we can only say - Thank you very much.
If you would like to make contact or offer any assistance please call our City Manager, Jolene Supp, at: 775-752-3355
At this point in time you may be greated with an automated answering service, which is not very long, that will guide you through a menu in order to direct your call to the appropriate individual or department. Your patience will be highly appreciated.
Currently there is nothing new to add, aside from the above, so I will leave you to your day - and by all means, have a great day and enjoy every breath.
Please, do us all a favor - put a smile on someones face today.
Thank you,
Editor WNOL
WNOL - Friday February 22, 2008 - 1:30 p.m. PST
Since the initial quake struck our area early Thursday morning there have been numerous after-shockes, tremors and more quakes. I believe we have had at least 21 more quakes and a few of those ranging from 4.0 and up.
Bullshead Saloon - Wells, Nevada
Being that I am a resident of this community and live about 200 yards from what has become one of the more popular images of this event, the Bullshead Saloon, as shown above, it has not been an easy task for me to be everywhere I would have like to be in order to obtain news, reports and updates with what is going on.
The area of Wells I live in is the oldest part of town and for the most part those of us who live on this side of the railroad tracks seem to have faired pretty good, considering.
There has been some structural damage to all of our homes and properties along with many of our personal items being rearranged from one side of the house to the other, some broken beyond repair and others that will take some patience and super-glue.
Yep, most things didn't fall on the floor - they flew through the air. On that note I just remembered I owe my dogs an apology. When this thing hit I was checking my email and there was a rumble that I thought was the dogs getting a bit to roudy in the house - I yelled at them to knock it off and they headed for the door. Of course, I just stood there like an idiot when the 160 year old house we live in shook like hell and then I noticed that it kind of swayed - like a wet noodle in water. Anyway, I owe them dogs an apology and a biscuit or two. They're all okay.
Getting back to what I was talking about, there is very good coverage from many of the local and national news networks who are doing their very best to bring everybody the latest happenings. Please read the "About this page" at the very bottom.
One of the things I've noticed that no one has mentioned yet, and I kinda' wonder why, is the fact that this old section of Wells, on both sides of the tracks, stands on top of the old Chinese underground which is full of tunnels that run in several different directions.
The Chinese were just one of the groups that helped immensely to build many of our nations railroads and many of the communities that they lived in sheltered these types of underground dwellings.
This is just another area of concern for those who are aware of this and live above these areas. We're watching the ground to see if it has sunk or fallen anywhere.
We have a lot of snow on the ground right now and it's melting off during the day and freezing back up at night. With the additional water soakage there is always that possibility that things could just fall into a big hole.
The news reporters were woke up this morning to another quake at about 2:30 a.m. and decided to just get dressed and stay awake until they went on the air.
Not to lessen the effects as to what has happened to us here, but, there have been other quakes that have occured during this same time period. In the area of Somalia there was a 7.1 quake that hit the day before and in Norway a 6.0 that struck the same time ours did.
I have found postings throughout the internet that were not too pleasent in regards to our situation (and I will not quote them - or say what I would really like to about those who posted them) none-the-less, what I will say is that we are dealing with it because that's just the way it is.
Organizations like the American Red Cross are here to assist those who need it and FEMA is also on the scene. Currently there are about 50 families who are homeless and if these quakes continue there could be more. That may not seem to be a lot to those who live in larger communities, but, in Wells it is.
Within the township proper there lives about 800 people and about 500 to 700 homes have been damaged. If you would like to put that into some sort of perspective in relation to where you live, if it's a larger community than ours - look out your front window and imagine your neighborhood gone. In this area there has never been a need for anyone to take out any flood or earthquake insurance so there will be a lot of people hurt financially and that also means emotionally. I am sure there are many in our country right now who can relate to these things.
Quake hits Nevada town hard, shakes buildings in distant Salt Lake City
By Nate Carlisle and Erin Alberty
The Salt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated: 02/21/2008 02:46:30 PM MST
An earthquake of 6.0 magnitude shook down the walls in one northeastern Nevada town and had buildings some 152 miles away in downtown Salt Lake City swaying.
Wells, Nev., appeared to be the hardest hit. Two historical buildings there suffered major structural damage, the roof of a 24-hour casino collapsed and several small fires erupted throughout the city, said Elko County Commissioner Charlie Myers. Throughout Wells, residents reported cracked sidewalks cracked and burst windows after the 7:16 a.m. quake, he said.
"We're just all very blessed that there was nobody hurt," Myers said.
The county commission met this morning and declared a state of emergency, according to Commissioner Mike Nannini.
Sheriff's deputies are going door-to-door checking on the city's roughly 1,500 residents and asking anyone needing help to put a white cloth on their car's dashboard or antenna, said Elko County sheriff's Sgt. Kevin McKinney. Sheriff's deputies, firefighters, ambulances and road crews from throughout the county, along with Red Cross workers in Nevada and Utah, are heading to Wells to help.
Tom Turk, northern region forester for the Nevada Division of Forestry, was acting as the joint public service agency command's spokesman. He said there had been some minor injuries, but none were life-threatening.
"Most of the businesses have closed due to gas leaks or damage to building infrastructure or stock," Turk said, noting damage to homes mostly ranged from crumbled brick chimneys and cracked sheetrock.
The Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter of the Red Cross sent an emergency response vehicle with snacks and drinks. The chapter will also send a disaster services trailer with cots and blankets, according to the chapter.
city's fire department and LDS Church, where they can get water and heat, McKinney said. Temperatures in the city were in the 20s this morning.
As many as 20 aftershocks reported to be as high as magnitude 4 have occurred in the Wells, Nev., area since the earthquake.
Most were in the 3 to 4 magnitude range, but at least two were over 4, said Relu Burlacu of the University of Utah Seismograph stations.
"I don't think we have any damage at all to report," said West Wendover Mayor Josephine Thaut, who felt the shake at her house 60 miles away from Wells. "I think [damage] was pretty concentrated in Wells."
The initial quake caused the roof of the Fourway Bar Cafe and Casino in Wells to collapse soon after people inside evacuated, Myers said. The Flying J gas station was evacuated after windows burst, he said.
Two historic buildings in Wells suffered some of the biggest damage: El Rancho, a former restaurant and nightclub that is now used to host weddings; and the Bull's Head, an old hardware store that was undergoing renovation.
Myers lives 54 miles west of Wells in the town of Elko and said he felt the shock in his house.
"It seemed like we had a train coming through the center of our house," Myers said. "It was a great shock."
Wells Mayor Rusty Tybo confirmed that "We lost some of the older historic buildings that weren't structurally sound. We've had a water main break. Nearly every resident in town has experienced some kind of property damage - things off the walls, everything tipped over."
Tybo said that the quake "felt like somebody grabbed one end of my house, picked it up and just started shaking it. It was pretty intense for 35 or 40 seconds." The force completely overturned a TV so large that two people could not lift it. "It just picked it up and tipped it upside down," he said.
Nannini, the Elko County commissioner, also is the owner of the Fourway Bar Cafe and Casino.
He was sitting at a black jack table in his casino when the quake struck. He said he told the few customers to get under the tables.
"We heard a big explosion and the lights went out and the whole building started shaking," Nannini said.
After a few moments under the tables, he said, "To hell with this. Let's get out of here."
At 11 a.m. local time, Nannini gave a tour of this still-evacuated casino. In the kitchen, stoves and tables were out of place in the center of the room. Plates were broken and food supplies were on the floor below shelves.
On the casino floor, some slot machines were overturned, but other gaming machines were still flashing and filling the casino with music.
Gene and Peg Kaplan own several buildings in Wells - including the El Rancho hotel and the town's first bar, the Bullshead - that were damaged in the quake.
"I think several of them are beyond repair," Peg Kaplan said.
The front of the Bullshead collapsed, the brick facade tumbling to sidewalk.
Still, Gene Kaplan said he would try to save it.
"It's a building with tremendous history, but also with tremendous damage," he said.
Detective Sgt. Donald Burnum of the West Wendover, Nev., Police Department said there had been numerous calls from concerned area residents. No damage had immediately been reported in his city, but heavily damaged buildings, fires and propane leaks were being reported in nearby Wells, Nev.
The seismic event, reportedly with an epicenter 42 miles west of Wendover and 11 miles east-southeast of Wells, had buildings in Salt Lake City swaying for several minutes. The Salt Lake Tribune's seven-story building in the Gateway Mall shook in an east-to-west fashion; light fixtures swayed about six inches to a foot.
The quake was felt as far away at Twin Falls, Idaho and in 225 different zip codes, Burlacu said. Other reports of the quake being felt extended as far south through the Salt Lake Valley into Utah County.
In Salt Lake City, Deanna Taylor was at her desk at City Academy, 555 E. 200 South, when the quake rolled through the area.
"I was sitting at my desk . . . and all of a sudden the floor under me started shaking and things on my desk started rattling and all the hanging plants in my office - and throughout the building, were swaying," Taylor said.
Taylor says she first learned it had actually been an earthquake when she quickly accessed The Salt Lake Tribune's Web site, "after I calmed myself, and saw your post."
Spencer Johnson of Preston in southeastern Idaho told the Tribune that he "distinctly felt the earthquake this morning at my home. The cords on my blinds were swaying lazily about an inch to either side.
"It was gentle enough that I wasn't sure whether I was feeling an earthquake or whether I was just going dizzy for some reason. But my suspicions were confirmed when I checked your Web site 15 minutes later," he added.
Don Nash of Wendover, Utah, said the quake "Wigged out our dog. We received rattling and some shaking but, mostly minor stuff. "
The seismically retrofitted Utah capitol emerged from the quake unscathed. And unmoved, apparently.
Allyson Gamble, spokeswoman for the Capitol Preservation Board said the new seismic base isolators that underpin the Capitol - allowing the building to move in an earthquake - didn't move.
"They didn't feel a thing. They didn't register anything. Those in the sub-basement didn't know it had happened," Gamble said.
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UPDATES
WNOL Wells, Nevada
Friday - March 7, 2008 9:30 a.m. PST
A recent article printed in the Elko Daily Free Press on line edition has cause quite a bit of stir amongst Wells residents, business people and city officials.
As the story unfolded and was investigated, comments that were made in an apparent conferrence call, involving several individuals with one of Nevada's Congressmen, scrambled to resolve what eventually turned out to be a drastic misquotation...or so it seems. I have found that calls of this nature, as well as newsworthy stories, such as city council and commissioners meetings, are usually recorded in an effort to avoid misquotations. Are there any recordings of this conferrence call? If so, where are they? If not, why not?
The original article was not available on any of the EDFP on line pages after concerns and complaints were voiced immediately upon its release. None-the-less, several other on line publications carried the same article and we managed to recover it from the Associated Press in order to bring to our readers who have been following the Earthquake news in Wells this story.
Here is what occurred:
Quake Forces Razing Of Historic District
Damaged Buildings Left Standing After Earthquake
Cannot Be Restored
Doug McMurdo - Elko Daily Free Press
POSTED: 3:34 pm PST March 4, 2008
ELKO, Nev. -- The damaged buildings that were left standing after a major earthquake rocked Wells' historical Front Street District last month will have to be razed.
Nevada Congressman Dean Heller told reporters Tuesday it is unfortunate, but plans to restore the already dilapidated district will have to be scrapped in the aftermath of the 6.0 temblor that struck on Feb. 21.
The earthquake damaged hundreds of homes and dozens of businesses, but no one was killed, and no serious injuries were reported.
Overall damage was estimated at $700,000, well short of the $2 million required to trigger relief from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Heller said the city and the school district were "well insured" against earthquake damage.
Response:
Yesterday, (March 3, 2008) Congressman Dean Heller hosted a conference call that covered a wide range of topics, including some discussion of the post-earthquake situation in Wells. During this call, he apparently said that it was unfortunate that the front street buildings would have to be destroyed.
Today, (March 4, 2008) the online edition of the Elko Free Press published a brief article by Doug McMurdo. Headline: "Heller: Front Street to be Razed"
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I called Heller's Washington office, which had to be persuaded to take call back information. I then called Heller's Elko office. The person I spoke with also claimed that Mayor Tybo had made this statement. When pressed, she admitted that Mayor Tybo had, on the day of the earthquake, said that it was possible that the only option would be to demolish the buildings on Front Street. I also explained to her that this was very different than stating that they *will* be demolished.
I followed up with other calls, including the City of Wells, the Governor's office and two (2) of the owner's of the buildings on Front Street.
Heller's office called back to claim that he was misquoted.
The City of Wells called to let me know that Heller was backing down.
Heller's Press Secretary called to say that Heller was misquoted. While I had him, I explained that FEMA's inspections were cursory, at best. With one property owner facing $600,000 of damage, at the least, by himself. It is hard to believe that the other damage throughout our community was assessed at only $100,000. One of our city councilmen suffered the total loss of his home at a loss of at least $100,000 - at least. Where does that put everyone else?
I spoke with Doug McMurdo, who indicated that he believed that Heller had misspoken and that he meant to say that it was unfortunate that some buildings in Wells would have to be demolished.
There is now a revised article on the Elko Free Press' website.
Headline:
"Heller: No decision on Wells buildings; Kaplan says demolition never considered>
"Breakin News" (The EDFP archives only some of their articles and for a limited time).
Bob Laurent
Wells, Nevada
Talk of leveling Wells buildings is damaging
Wednesday, March 5, 2008 11:35 AM PST
Editor:
I read in Tuesday's online edition that Dean Heller has declared that Front Street here in Wells will be razed.
This is completely unacceptable coming out of Washington without going through the local processes and building owners. By what right does he think he can declare this?
Making statements like this is damaging to Wells in that it reduces our ability to restore the damage if people simply think that we will be tearing it down; as such, I believe that statements like this would be considered to be slanderous.
I look forward to reading a letter of apology from Mr. Heller in the near future, displayed with equal prominence on your Web page.
Bob Laurent
Wells
Featured Story
Elko Daily Free Press
By DOUG McMURDO and MARIANNE KOBAK - Staff Writers
Wednesday, March 5, 2008 1:09 PM PST
Furor over Front Street:
Rep. Heller clarifies comments;
resident says demolition never considered
ELKO - Rep. Dean Heller, R-Nev., angered residents in Wells when a story in Tuesday's Free Press reported the District 2 representative said the earthquake-damaged city's historic Front Street District would have to be razed.
According to Heller spokesman Stewart Bybee, Heller was speaking in general terms and not specifically of the historic district when he said it was unfortunate some buildings would have to be torn down.
“I understand the frustration of the residents of Wells and will continue to support the local government and residents in their efforts to restore their community,” said Heller in an e-mail. “I toured Wells shortly after the earthquake and was able to witness firsthand the destruction to the historic district. Any decision to raze local buildings should be made by local authorities.”
Bybee said Heller toured the downtown district following the Feb. 21 earthquake and appreciates the importance it has for the residents of Wells. Any decision to condemn and raze buildings would be made by health and safety officials.
Gene Kaplan of the Wells Chamber of Commerce and Wells Historical Society said there is no appetite to raze the historic district. In fact, he told the Free Press in a voicemail both the city and property owners adamantly oppose destruction of the district.
“We're pulling for a heritage area,” Kaplan said, meaning the facades of the downtown buildings would be stored elsewhere while the ground on which they stand would be compacted and put to “a better purpose.”
The property would then come under public ownership, said Kaplan, adding he has offered to donate five of the downtown buildings to help the project along. Kaplan said some people did mention demolition of the site, but the recommendation was “vigorously opposed.”
Kaplan said the chamber and the historical society want to host public meetings to discuss the future of Front Street and possibly a new civic center. A time for the meetings has not been set yet.
“I can tell you the majority of the people in the community want to see Front Street saved,” said Kaplan. “But I can also tell you no one in the community wants to pay for it.”
He said there is a program available through the National Park Service that could be used to establish a heritage area and help obtain financial support from the city.
Kaplan said he may have one building that needs to be torn down, but it has value in brick salvage.
He said some of the buildings need to have a “seismic refit” before people are “going to get back into them.”
“The Chapman buildings I think are commercially viable,” he said. “I don't think any of them had structural damage.”
The first building is located at the corner of Front Street and Clover Avenue and the other two buildings are next to it.
“I don't think they will be condemned,” Kaplan said.
Surveying the damage to the back of one of the historic buildings in Wells in the aftermath of the Feb. 21 earthquake. (Ross Andreson / Elko Daily Free Press)
Wells historic building owner Gene Kaplan talks about the Wells earthquake. The El Rancho building, in the background, is one of several Mr. Kaplan owns.
(Ross Andreson / Elko Daily Free Press)
WNOL Wells, Nevada
Monday - March 3, 2008 4:38 p.m. PST
On Saturday, March 1st, Wells held its first Fix-Up Day. There were lots of local residents and those from surrounding areas that met at the LDS Church at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time to show up.
Wells Fix-up Day was sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Group Leaders were established and groups were formed and deployed to many different areas around the community to remove debris, board up broken windows, take down the remaining damaged chimneys, move personal and business belongings to other locations, fix or replace broken water heaters, fix cracks in walls, small foundation problems, painting and so on.
At one end of the church parking lot there were endless supplies of 4x8 sheets of particle board, plywood, 2x4's, shovels, wheel barrels, gloves, trash bags, etc. At this time, I have no clue where all that stuff came from but I do intend on finding out - I'll let you know.
The day started off fairly well until we got hit with a snow storm that was accompanied with a chilling wind. Everything went horizontal. Needless to say, but, these conditions made it nearly impossible to continue any of the many outside repair jobs that were underway or were scheduled to be done. If you didn't have gloves on your fingers and hands froze up pretty quick.
Even though this storm put a bit of a hamper on things - things still got done anyway.
People were in good spirits and took on anything thrown their way. Many of them admitted that they didn't know what they were doing or exactly what to do and that made for some interesting situations. Stuff that should have been thrown away was getting packed to be moved to another location instead of the dumpsters...and things that should have been saved were getting tossed out. Everything got straightened out along the way.
Another interesting thing to observe, and be a part of, was watching how everybody got along and communicated so well including all the youth. Just so you know, they didn't have to be asked. The interaction was great. The local youth, and I think some from out of town too - a bunch of 'em - were all over the place helping with anything they could. It didn't matter who you were or what position you held in the community - everybody was just a human-being and a friend trying to help out their neighbors. We all got dirty and tired just the same. That's Wells at its best.
The bag lunches were like the finest meal served from the most elegant restaurant in the world - right there in your lap.
Everything began to wind down earlier than planned due to the weather. The next day for fixing things up is scheduled for Saturday, March 8th - same time, same location.
There is a 'Wells Day Rally' being planned for about Saturday, March 15. We'll keep you posted on the details right here and on the Community Bulletin Board.
Old downtown Wells is beginning to see a little activity with cleaning that area up - but that's gonna' be a real slow go. They did get the big blue Bulls Head sign down today. The one shown in the photographs leaning away from the building. The only thing that was holding it up was the light pole on the corner...and just barely.
There were a few more good shakes today - felt like 4's...we'll see after checking out the charts.
Thanks everybody for all the great help, new friends and we look forward to seeing you next weekend. After that, maybe we can all relax a bit at the Rally.
C'ya later,
Editor
As it was posted at the top of this page - 1st Day onward:
Residents whose homes were damaged are asked to put a white cloth on the antenna or dashboard of their car.
WNOL - Editorial
Thursday February 21, 2008 Time: I forgot to look.
As I sit here tyring to get this out to you there have been at least 4 more tremors, two of which shook pretty good. Once in awhile, when some of these tremors go through, I get bumped off-line, loose what I've written and have to get back in the saddle and start all over again. That's probably why some of my time entries are a little off...but not too far.
If you find irregularities herein, please understand, I put this page together in about 30 minutes. I will come back and forth to straighten things up as I get the time - or when I notice they need to be.
As a footnote - not all of the information coming to you from the various news networks is entirely accurate, most of the time in such matters it rarily is - it takes time to sort though everything that's happened to get to the real truths and facts. Don't blame the reporters, it's not their fault.
If you would like to know more about Wells, Nevada go to the top of this page and click on Wells, History. Ah heck, just click HERE.
Statistically, there are about 1360 people in our area which includes Clover Valley (the epicenter) to the south and Starr Valley to the west.
Oooppppps! There goes another one....
I will be back here from time to time to keep you updated with what's going on as it happens, or there-abouts. This too depends on how long I am able to stay connected to the internet. So far, so good.
Once in awhile I can't get here to do any updates because visitors/readers are on this page, then again, you can't get here either when I'm here updating. That's technology for you...no matter how good it gets you still gotta' wait.
Thanks for your concerns, understanding and prayers while we go through this because it ain't over yet darlin'.
- Editor / Webmaster: WNOL Wells, Nevada On Line!
Nevada Division of Forestry
First responders personally impacted by Wells earthquake
Agency plays key role in response and recovery
Published on Feb 23, 2008 - 8:45:15 AM
By: Nevada Division of Forestry
WELLS, Nev. Feb. 22, 2008 - Since early yesterday, Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF) employees were at the epicenter of the Wells earthquake - as both responders and victims.
Al Case is the division's fire captain in Wells. His house suffered heavy damage but he quickly secured his home by patching the worst leaks, shutting off the propane and he was one of the first on scene in downtown Wells. Case responded with the Elko County Sheriff's Department.
Crew Supervisor Jim Hunt's home suffered a one-inch crack down the middle, panels had fallen off the walls and one of the end walls had shifted a couple of inches. Hunt was also a first responder with the Wells Volunteer Fire Department. Other NDF employees in the area suffered cracks in their walls, broken dishes and other damage.
The area is still experiencing significant aftershocks. Earlier today, Governor Jim Gibbons declared a state of emergency in Wells and Elko County.
"The earthquake caused considerable damage in the city of Wells and surrounding areas. Therefore, I have taken appropriate steps to officially declare a State of Emergency for the affected areas and am finalizing details to request a Presidential disaster declaration," Gibbons said.
Pete Anderson, Nevada's state forester, complimented NDF's response and efforts.
"Division of Forestry employees are to be commended for their quick response during this disaster," he said. "Using the leadership skills, equipment and crews that they normally employ on wildland fires, we will continue to assist with the disaster response and recover efforts."
During the winter, when NDF crews from the Wells Conservation Camp are snowed out of their regularly scheduled projects, they provide snow removal and wood cutting services to the senior citizens in Wells. After the earthquake, the crew supervisors used their snow removal and wood cutting list to check on the senior citizen's safety, welfare and related needs.
The Wells Conservation Camp kitchen crew, who cook at fire camps during the summer, served hot meals to emergency responders and displaced residents by 4 p.m. the day of the earthquake.
From NDF's northern regional office, Region Forester Tom Turk responded as a public information officer, while Fire Management Officer Sam Hicks responded as the operations section chief.
The northern region command staff activated Elko Interagency Dispatch Center's expanded dispatch. NDF crews in Clover Valley, Montello-Tecoma, Ruby Valley, Deeth and Rynden staffed engines and performed assessments in their communities before responding to Wells. From Elko, the Lee Engine Company Volunteer Fire Department and Elko Fire Department also responded.
Rich Harvey from the division's state office was in Elko when the earthquake hit. He responded to Wells and assumed command of the earthquake response as a Type II incident commander. Kelli Baratti, also from the state office, responded as a public information officer and team liaison. NDF Fire Captains Joe Fording and Bill Moline responded from the western region as operations staff. Fording relieved Al Case as the safety officer, and Bill Moline is a division supervisor.
The Nevada Division of Forestry is a division within the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The Division coordinates and manages all forestry, nursery, endangered plant species and watershed resource activities on certain public and private lands. The Division provides protection of life, property and natural resources through fire suppression, prevention programs and provides other emergency services as required.
Article from: YubaNet.com
WNOL - Saturday February 23, 2008 - 4:05 p.m. PST
Historical - Wells, Nevada
Ag News
Earthquake rocks Wells
By DOUG McMURDO , Elko Daily Free Press
WELLS, Nev. 2/21/08 - Virtually every home and business in Wells sustained damage shortly after 6 this morning when a 6.0 magnitude earthquake occurred roughly 11 miles southeast of this city 50 miles east of Elko.
View video from Elko at: EDFP Multimedia
Despite widespread damage, particularly to the city's historic Front Street downtown district, only three injuries were reported and nobody has been reported missing.
Tom Turk, a regional forester with the Nevada Division of Forestry and the public information officer at the incident, said the city of approximately 1,600 residents is virtually shut down.
“Schools are closed, schools were damaged,” said Turk as teams of firefighters branched out to assess damage.
Interstate 80 and Highway 93 remain open, but off-ramps into the city are closed to non-residents. Identifications will be checked by law enforcement positioned at every off-ramp.
“We're asking residents to put signs in windows telling us they're OK,” said Turk. “There are 700 residential structures and every one of them, and every business structure has sustained damage.”
That was certainly the case at Stuart's Foodtown - the only grocery store in the city - where owners Yvonne and LaMont Stuart and their employees confronted quite a mess.
Commodities that fell off the shelves littered every aisle, and the faint scent of alcohol permeated the building as bottles of liquor shattered.
Tiles from the suspended ceiling fell and cracks in the store's foundation were evident. Power to the building was cut off - as it was elsewhere in the city - as Yvonne Stuart walked through her store with a flashlight to light her path.
Stuart said Associated Foods was sending a disaster team to Wells, along with trucks loaded with emergency supplies, food and water for residents.
Two employees were on duty when the quake hit.
Shonna Jarman, a life-long Wells resident, was cooking biscuits and gravy in the store's deli when she felt the shock.
“At first I thought a truck hit the building, but then I thought ‘this is lasting too long. This is an earthquake and where should I stand.'”
Jarman said she turned off the propane burners in the deli and then called home to check on her family. “It was scary. I didn't panic … well, I panicked a little at first, but then I thought of my family and calmed down.”
Yvonne Stuart said she hoped power would be restored as the store's freezer compartments could not remain cold for more than 12 hours.
Next door at Wells Auto and Hardware store, owner Mitch Smith and his crew cleaned up spilled paint and other debris.
In typical rural Nevada fashion, Smith and the Stuarts, along with their respective employees, are stoic. “It's mother nature,” said Smith. “What good would it do to be upset? We've already decided to have a half-off sale on dented cans of paint.”
While Turk said virtually every structure in the city sustained damage, some seen and some unseen, the already crumbling historic downtown district was destroyed. Facades were toppled and brick and mortar piled up and down the street.
A support beam crushed an unoccupied car and windows were shattered throughout the area.
One person reportedly broke an arm and another had to be treated for stress-related breathing problems. That stress could continue throughout the day. Roughly 30 aftershocks, including six that were significant, could be felt.
Wells Mayor Rusty Tybo told Turk he was pleased with the level of response.
“We had a lot of support,” said Turk.
Those on scene include the Nevada Division of Forestry, the cities of Carlin, Elko, West Wendover and the communities of Deeth and Jackpot, the State Division of Environmental Management, Nevada Highway Patrol, Nevada Department of Transportation and the law enforcement wing of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Gov. Jim Gibbons landed at Elko Regional Airport at 12:30 p.m. and toured the damage in Wells this afternoon.
Nevada and volunteers offer help to quake victims
Published: Friday, Feb. 29, 2008 3:14 p.m. MST
Deseret Morning News
Earthquake victims in Wells, Nev. can look forward to financial help from the state, but the destruction left behind by the 6.0 magnitude earthquake that struck the city of 1,800 residents Feb. 21 wasn't enough to qualify for federal aid.
Wells City Manager Jolene Supp said homeowners and businesses may be able to qualify for up to $28,800 for state assistance by filling out an application and then meeting with state officials around March 12 to see if they qualify.
"It's disappointing," Supp said about the federal side.
But the plus is that the city, county and school district had enough earthquake insurance in the first place that at least those three entities will be getting some help to rebuild.
More help is on the way Saturday with about 500 volunteers, all converging on Wells to begin rebuilding. "These people are coming from just literally all over the country," Supp said. "It's going to be a drywaller's paradise here in the next few months."
One group headed to Wells will be members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is expected to send about 300 volunteers from stakes in Elko, West Wendover and outlying areas, including cities in Utah.
Earthquake in Wells: Progress in a shaken city
By MARIANNE KOBAK and SAM BROWN - Staff Writers
Saturday, March 1, 2008 12:06 AM PST
ELKO - The City of Wells continues to pick up the pieces after the Feb. 21 earthquake and may have an estimate on the damages to public property next week.
Wells City Manager Jolene Supp said the city's insurance provider, Bell Four Construction, is still evaluating city properties.
“We set buildings at high, medium and low priority and I don't think they have gotten to any of the low priority yet,” Supp said Friday afternoon.
Supp said she hopes to have an estimate on the damages by Monday or Tuesday.
Progress has been made on Wells City Hall, she said.
“I was able to flush a toilet today,” she said with a chuckle. The building has been without working plumbing since the earthquake.
Repairs also have begun on the second floor of the building. The stairs have been fixed, but the Elko County Sheriff's Office is waiting until all the repairs are finished before moving back into the substation, Supp said.
“I think they just want to move the furniture once,” she said.
Supp said she is looking forward to not feeling any more aftershocks.
“The last one was 1 this morning,” she said. “It was a 3.3.”
Significant aftershocks continue to rattle the recovering town on an almost-daily basis. In addition to the shaking Supp felt, the U.S. Geological Survey's Web site reported two aftershocks Friday morning - a 2.9 temblor at 7:20 and 3.3 shaker at 8:50. Both were centered less than 15 miles southeast of Wells.
In all, the U.S.G.S Web site lists five aftershocks of magnitude-3.0 or greater in the Wells area since Sunday, including one measuring 3.8 Thursday afternoon and another Wednesday measuring 4.2 centered 15 miles east of Wells.
By Marianne Kobak
SBA offers assistance to victims
By MARIANNE KOBAK - Business Editor
Friday, February 29, 2008 12:31 PM PST
ELKO - FEMA may not be helping out in Wells, but that doesn't mean no one from the federal government will render aid to those affected by the Feb. 21 earthquake.
After a call from Gov. Jim Gibbons, the U.S. Small Business Administration declared a disaster area for those affected by the earthquake. The area covers Elko, Eureka, Humboldt, Lander and White Pine counties in Nevada; Cassia, Owyhee and Twin Falls counties in Idaho; and Box Elder and Tooele counties in Utah.
The administration will make low-interest disaster loans available to home owners, renters and business owners.
“When we get involved, with FEMA or not, we do the same thing,” said William Koontz, communication specialist for the Small Business Administration.
“We help individuals, renters or businesses if they have physical damage,” he said.
People can apply for loans to cover lost or damaged contents from their homes, and businesses can attain loans for economic injury.
Businesses that lost customers because of the earthquake can obtain loans to keep the cash flowing and to help pay off debts, Koontz said.
“It helps to keep them afloat,” he said.
“We would like them to come in and talk to our customer service people at Wells Propane (SBA's command center),” Koontz said. “You don't know what help you might be eligible for unless you come in.”
Koontz said the difference between the business administration and FEMA is FEMA gives away money and the administration gives loans, which are paid back.
“We're the long-term solution,” he said. Interest rates can be as low as 2.75 percent.
Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace residences and homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property.
Businesses are eligible for up to $1.5 million to repair or replace real estate, machinery, equipment, inventory and other business assets.
Koontz said people must qualify to receive a loan, but the qualifications are less than a regular loan from a bank.
He also said there is no cost to apply, but people should sign up before April 28 for property damage loans and Nov. 28 is the deadline for economic injury applications.
“We do a lot of little disasters,” Koontz said of why his office could help when FEMA could not. “Although, if it's your house that fell off it's foundation, that's the biggest disaster there is.”
The office will open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday in the Wells Propane office at 338 Easy St.
SBA officials will be in the area Monday through March 20 and April 15 through April 28.
Comments on FEMA's comments:
posted on 22-2-2008 @ 05:33 PM
On local (Northern Nevada) news at noon today, they said that FEMA was in Wells, Nevada due to the earthquake. But the strange thing is, they said that FEMA said to expect a magnitude 7.0 or higher "aftershock" (in Wells area) and prepare for it. I thought I heard it incorrectly, but they repeated it.
Since when is FEMA in the business of predicting earthquakes?
I just phoned KRNV-news in Reno and verified the story. FEMA's statement was also on their website, which is down now, since the noon news, she said.
[edit on 2/22/08 by kattraxx]
posted on 22-2-2008 @ 07:08 PM
I know-- it's bizarre: FEMA told channel 4 news, KRNV Reno, to expect a magnitude 7.0 or greater earthquake, presumably around the Wells area, since that is where FEMA made the statement. They said the people should "be prepared".
KRNV said when I spoke to them that they've had calls from people worried about that FEMA statement but they're telling people not to worry, that FEMA is "not USGS".
I still think it's odd as hell and wanted to post the FEMA statement, but KRNV's website has been down since the noon news.
Benefit organ concert for earthquake victims
Wednesday, March 5, 2008 1:09 PM PST
ELKO - The range of an organ is well beyond the scope of what is normally played at church, which will be demonstrated at a concert at the First Presbyterian Church to benefit earthquake victims in Wells.
The church's substitute organist, Marilyn Tenney, said she will play a variety of music not normally heard from the church organ as part of a community concert at 7 p.m. March 16 at the church, 1559 Sewell Drive.
“We want people to come and make a donation and have a good time at the concert,” Tenney said.
She said the show is open to anybody who wants to come and enjoy a good evening of music.
For more information, call Tenney at 777-3232.
Wells panel meets to discuss fundraising
Tuesday, March 4, 2008 11:49 AM PST
ELKO - Members of the Wells fund committee met Monday to discuss ways to raise money to help recover from last month's earthquake.
During the meeting, they brainstormed ways to raise funds to help clean up the town, county commissioner and Wells resident Mike Nannini said.
Those who attended include City Manager Jolene Supp, Mayor Rusty Tybo, Scott Eggbert, Assemblyman John Carpenter and Hank James of Wells Rural Electric. Grant Gerber also is a committee member.
Ideas include asking the regional business community and local governments throughout the state for help, Nannini said. Also planned is a rally and auction in April to thank volunteers and to raise money.
They plan to continue their work with contractors who donate their time and equipment, and volunteer groups such as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have provided help.
We're “basically trying to help ourselves,” Nannini said.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency last week determined the dollar amount of damage to uninsured property did not qualify for federal aid.
The group plans to meet again next week to finalize plans, Nannini said. Those who would like to help can contact James at Wells Rural Electric.
By Ali Helgoth
Elko Daily Free Press
Idaho News
Aftershocks continue to rattle Wells, NV residents
01:08 PM MST on Friday, February 22, 2008
By Ysabel Bilbao/KTVB
WELLS, Nev. -- More than 30 aftershocks have hit the town of Wells since a 6.0 earthquake first rattled the small northern Nevada community Thursday morning.
Federal and state disaster crews are accessing the damage, which caused collapse to around two dozens buildings.
Residents are still a bit jittery as aftershocks continued through the night. Seismic experts predict the ground will continue to shake with more aftershocks over the next couple of weeks.
About 50 families were displaced by yesterday’s earthquake. Many of those stayed with friends and family in other towns, but eight people stayed at a shelter set up at the local elementary school.
June O’Neal is one of those residents who lost her home in the quake.
“They wanted to give us all our own privacy, so they put us in our own classroom, again I can't say enough how grateful I am to have a warm place to be," said O’Neal.
O’Neal and her family live at the El Rancho in downtown Wells. Today, they are wearing the same clothes they escaped the earthquake in yesterday morning, and now they are trying to figure out what to do next.
Their home has been condemned and the city block they live on is cordoned off with caution tape.
Police are continuing to go from home to home checking in on people after the more than 30 aftershocks have hit in the past day.
"Is it going to be a bad one again? You don't know so you are wide awake and kind of a little concerned. You look out the window and don't know if you are going to have to escape out of that, it just runs through your mind," said O’Neal.
There are a lot of officials in town to assess the damage. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has brought in a team to look at the situation and provide residents and businesses with funding to get back on their feet.
Wells is surrounded by mountains and geologists are surveying the local snowpack to determine if there is an increased danger of avalanches.
The undersheriff says there is also a slim possibility of another earthquake striking again.
Powerful quake strikes Nevada
WELLS, Nev. (AP) - Windows shattered and building facades and signs fell, but no one was seriously injured when a powerful earthquake shook this rural northeastern town on Thursday.
The quake, which had an estimated magnitude of 6.0, according to the U.S. Geological Survey's National Earthquake Information Center in Golden, Colo., struck at 6:16 a.m., and was centered in a sparsely populated area 11 miles southeast of Wells near the Nevada-Utah line.
Donna Anderson of Wells said she was surprised by how abruptly the quake hit.
"It just immediately jumped into rattling the walls," she told The Associated Press from the Wagon Wheel residential motel where she lives with her dog, Sis. She said it seemed like the shaking went on for "five or six hours" but probably lasted only a few minutes.
"I wasn't terribly scared but it felt like everything was just going to crumble down around us," she said.
The temblor was felt across much of the West, from northern Idaho and Utah to Southern California, and more than a dozen aftershocks were reported, officials said.
"Definitely a lot of people felt this, and if they were sleeping, they were awoken," said USGS geophysicist Carrieann Bedwell.
In Wendover, Utah, on the Nevada-Utah line, Tammy Wadsworth was ironing clothes when the quake hit.
"I kept thinking, 'When is it going to quit?' A couple pictures fell off the walls," she said. "One of my grandkids ran outside. They didn't know what else to do. It scared them."
The most serious damage was reported in Wells' largely unoccupied historic district, where an estimated 20 to 25 buildings in the old historical district have been "heavily damaged," Elko County Sheriff's Sgt. Kevin McKinney said.
Brick facades tumbled off several buildings, signs fell and windows broke, and some vehicles parked on the street were damaged by falling debris, KELK Radio in Elko reported.
The town of about 1,300 was closed to all but residents, the Nevada Highway Patrol said. Officials posted signs along nearby highways telling motorists to fill up on gasoline elsewhere.
Three injuries were reported, but they were "not very serious - a broken arm, some head lacerations, some difficulty breathing," McKinney said.
State officials said crews were inspecting roads, bridges and dams in the area for structural damage. They also said that two main water lines in the historic area had ruptured.
Newmont Mining Chief Executive Officer Richard O'Brien said an inspection of the underground gold mines in the area "found no deficiencies."
Located in the high desert along the California Trail traveled by Western pioneers, Wells was founded by the Central Pacific Railroad in the 1860s.
Thursday's quake temporarily disrupted the railroad now owned by Union Pacific.
Tony Lowry, an assistant professor of geophysics at Utah State University, said the size of the quake and its location was unusual.
"In that part of Nevada, I don't think we've seen any like that in the last 150 years or so," Lowry said. "It's not one of the places we would've looked or expected."
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
(Oh well).
Lots of Damage, No Deaths in Nev. Quake
3 hours ago
WELLS, Nev. (AP) - A powerful earthquake damaged hundreds of homes, toppled chimneys and reduced part of a historical district to rubble, but residents of this rural northeastern Nevada town are grateful it wasn't worse.
No one was killed and no serious injuries were reported after the magnitude-6.0 quake jolted the high desert town at 6:16 a.m. Thursday and rumbled across much of the West.
About 20 to 25 buildings suffered heavy damage in the largely vacant historical district of Wells, where brick facades tumbled off several buildings, signs fell and windows broke. A support beam crushed one unoccupied car.
"There are a number of buildings that look completely destroyed," Gov. Jim Gibbons said late Thursday after surveying the damage. "Bricks and mortar and foundations are just about all that is left of them right now."
Gibbons said most everyone was safe, citing just three minor injuries.
"I think we were just blessed that Mother Nature struck when it did ... rather than some time later on when the people would be out and about and the sidewalks might have had more people on them when these structures came down," he said.
County commissioners declared a state of emergency in Wells and the town of about 1,600 was closed to all but residents, according to the Nevada Highway Patrol.
Elko County Commissioner Mike Nannini was standing in the middle of the 4-way Cafe & Casino in Wells when the quake began.
"The walls and ceilings started coming down. Almost all of the businesses are shut down. We have no services and no fuel," he said at an emergency meeting of the county commissioners.
Almost all the 700 residential structures in town had some damage, said Tom Turk, a state spokesman at the scene.
"It just immediately jumped into rattling the walls," said Donna Anderson, who was at the Wagon Wheel residential motel when the quake hit. She said it seemed like the shaking went on for "five or six hours."
"I wasn't terribly scared but it felt like everything was just going to crumble down around us," Anderson said.
The temblor, centered in a sparsely populated area 6 to 12 miles east of Wells, was felt from northern Idaho and Utah to Southern California, officials said. As many as 30 aftershocks were reported.
"It was scary, the scariest thing ever," said Karen Swabb, who lives southeast of Wells in Clover Valley.
"I never imagined it could be like that," she said, adding that friends in Wells told her "one of their fish flew out of the bowl."
By nightfall, about 40 families had registered at a temporary shelter the American Red Cross helped set up at an elementary school.
Wells High School suffered damage and was to remain closed Friday.
Dan Burns, a spokesman for the Nevada Division of Emergency Management, said crews were inspecting roads, bridges and dams for structural damage.
Newmont Mining Corp. Chief Executive Officer Richard O'Brien said an inspection of the underground gold mines in the area "found no deficiencies."
Located along the California Trail traveled by Western pioneers, Wells was founded by Central Pacific Railroad in the 1860s. Thursday's quake temporarily disrupted the railroad now owned by Union Pacific.
Tony Lowry, an assistant professor of geophysics at Utah State University, said the size of the quake and its location was unusual.
"In that part of Nevada, I don't think we've seen any like that in the last 150 years or so," Lowry said. "It's not one of the places we would've looked or expected."
By Thursday afternoon, store owners were taking the cleanup effort in stride.
"It's Mother Nature," said Mitch Smith, owner of the Wells Auto and Hardware store, who was cleaning up spilled paint and other debris. "What good would it do to be upset? We've already decided to have a half-off sale on dented cans of paint."
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Rural Nevadans begin cleanup after rare quake
Story Highlights
No serious injuries in 6.0-magnitude quake Thursday
Wells, town of 1,600, closed to all but residents
Expert: No quake of this size seen in area in 150 years
WELLS, Nevada (AP) -- A powerful earthquake damaged hundreds of homes, toppled chimneys and reduced part of a historical district to rubble, but residents of rural Wells, Nevada, town are grateful it wasn't worse.
No one was killed and no serious injuries were reported after the magnitude-6.0 quake jolted the high desert town at 6:16 a.m. Thursday and rumbled across much of the West.
About 20 to 25 buildings suffered heavy damage in the largely vacant historical district of Wells, where brick facades tumbled off several buildings, signs fell and windows broke. A support beam crushed one unoccupied car.
"There are a number of buildings that look completely destroyed," Gov. Jim Gibbons said late Thursday after surveying the damage. "Bricks and mortar and foundations are just about all that is left of them right now."
Gibbons said most everyone was safe, citing just three minor injuries.
"I think we were just blessed that Mother Nature struck when it did ... rather than some time later on when the people would be out and about and the sidewalks might have had more people on them when these structures came down," he said.
County commissioners declared a state of emergency in Wells and the town of about 1,600 was closed to all but residents, according to the Nevada Highway Patrol.
Elko County Commissioner Mike Nannini was standing in the middle of the 4-way Cafe & Casino in Wells when the quake began.
"The walls and ceilings started coming down. Almost all of the businesses are shut down. We have no services and no fuel," he said at an emergency meeting of the county commissioners.
Almost all the 700 residential structures in town had some damage, said Tom Turk, a state spokesman.
"It just immediately jumped into rattling the walls," said Donna Anderson, who was at the Wagon Wheel residential motel when the quake hit. She said it seemed like the shaking went on for "five or six hours."
"I wasn't terribly scared but it felt like everything was just going to crumble down around us," Anderson said.
The temblor, centered in a sparsely populated area 6 to 12 miles east of Wells, was felt from northern Idaho and Utah to Southern California, officials said. As many as 30 aftershocks were reported.
"It was scary, the scariest thing ever," said Karen Swabb, who lives southeast of Wells in Clover Valley.
"I never imagined it could be like that," she said, adding that friends in Wells told her "one of their fish flew out of the bowl."
By nightfall, about 40 families had registered at a temporary shelter the American Red Cross helped set up at an elementary school.
Wells High School suffered damage and was to remain closed Friday.
Dan Burns, a spokesman for the Nevada Division of Emergency Management, said crews were inspecting roads, bridges and dams for structural damage.
Newmont Mining Corp. Chief Executive Officer Richard O'Brien said an inspection of the underground gold mines in the area "found no deficiencies."
Located along the California Trail traveled by Western pioneers, Wells was founded by Central Pacific Railroad in the 1860s. Thursday's quake temporarily disrupted the railroad now owned by Union Pacific.
Tony Lowry, an assistant professor of geophysics at Utah State University, said the size of the quake and its location was unusual.
"In that part of Nevada, I don't think we've seen any like that in the last 150 years or so," Lowry said. "It's not one of the places we would've looked or expected."
By Thursday afternoon, store owners were taking the cleanup effort in stride.
"It's Mother Nature," said Mitch Smith, owner of the Wells Auto and Hardware store, who was cleaning up spilled paint and other debris. "What good would it do to be upset? We've already decided to have a half-off sale on dented cans of paint."
Strong quake strikes Nevada's gold country
REUTERS
By Doug McMurdo Thu Feb 21, 6:55 PM ET
WELLS, Nevada (Reuters) - A strong earthquake in northeastern Nevada badly damaged the historic center of a remote town and injured several people at dawn on Thursday, but nearby mining operations were only briefly disrupted.
The 6.0 magnitude quake near the town of Wells damaged an estimated 400-700 homes, the high school and some churches, said Gary Derks, operations officer for the Nevada Division of Emergency Management.
The main street dating from the late 1800s suffered the most as ceilings collapsed, windows broke and bricks fell. Although many of its saloons, markets and banks are no longer used, officials had talked about reviving the area.
"The historic district is pretty much done for," said City Manager Jolene Supp.
About 380 miles north of the gambling center of Las Vegas, Wells came to life in the late 19th century as deep, clear springs attracted travelers going west to California.
The Chamber of Commerce touts the town of around 1,600 people as a "perfect setting" for western and road movies.
Sparsely populated northwest Nevada is home to the most prolific gold mining region in the Western hemisphere. Mines quickly resumed their round-the-clock operations even as dozens of aftershocks hit throughout the day.
About 50 miners were underground some 100 miles from the epicenter when the quake hit but they evacuated without incident, said Mary Korpi, a spokeswoman for Newmont Mining Corp.
In Wells, one man broke an arm, another had cuts to the head and a third person had trouble breathing, said Kevin McKinney in the Elko County Sheriff's Department.
All commercial establishments in Wells were closed. The ceiling fell in the only grocery store, leaving a smell of alcohol from broken bottles. Paint spilled across the floor in the hardware store next door.
WHY BE UPSET?
Many residents viewed the damage as just part of life on a rugged frontier of the American West.
"It's Mother Nature, what good would it do to be upset?" said Mitch Smith, owner of the hardware store. "We've already decided to have a 'half off' sale on dented cans of paint."
The quake struck at 6:16 a.m. PST (1416 GMT), with a shallow epicenter 6.2 miles (10km) deep.
The area includes Goldstrike, the largest-producing mine of Barrick Gold Corp. Company spokesman Louis Schack said he had not heard of any effect on operations centered 90-100 miles west of the epicenter.
A Chevron Corp spokesman said there was no effect on its 45,000 barrel per day Salt Lake City refinery, about 180 miles east of Wells.
Randy Bowers said he was working the overnight bartending shift at Donna's Ranch, Wells' 140-year-old brothel, when he felt two powerful jolts and a lighter one. Nevada is the only U.S. state with legal prostitution.
"The building is here but everything else is demolished, everything inside is trashed," Bowers said.
"Stuff didn't fall off, it flew off," he added, noting there were no customers in the brothel at the time and that the "working girls were in their rooms."
(Writing by Adam Tanner; Additional reporting by James Nelson in Salt Lake City, Erwin Seba in Houston and Mary Milliken in Los Angeles; Editing by John O'Callaghan)
............
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WNOL Editor -
There goes another one...and there goes our cats.
(Time: 3:27 p.m. PST)
OKAY!!! No sooner wrote that and BAM!
(3:31 p.m. PST)
I gotta' go pick up some stuff and check things out, animals too....be right back. Here's post.
Boy oh boy, one after the other. That one was about a 4.2
(Thought I'd post it for you before I take a good break and feed my animals and me too). I'll be back later. -Ed
Last Post of the evening / 2-22-08 10:55 p.m. PST
Looking across the street and around town it appears that most, if not all the news crews have pulled out. From this point forward our readers will have to rely on the Elko Daily Free Press or other Nevada news sources for continuing updates - other than what I post. We'll see how things go from here.
There haven't been any more quakes or tremors for several hours now - maybe things have finally calmed down and we can all get a good nights sleep.
Our thanks to everybody for their support and concerns and goodnight.
WNOL Editor
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