ERIN FIRST ASSEMBLY MOURNS LOSS, OPENS DOORS TO AREA FLOOD VICTIMS

By TERESA SETTLE NORRIS
Tennessee Express News Writer
- If you got out and about yesterday, Thursday, May 6, in Erin, Tennessee, you couldn't help but notice the signs of a town recovering from “The Big Flood of 2010.”
- At Erin First Assembly of God, located safely on a hillside, services took place at 11 A.M. to lay to rest one of its members, Linda Ritenour, who drowned last weekend during the flooding, as she and her husband attempted to cross a low-lying bridge in the Tennessee Ridge area. While a somber occasion, the funeral turned out to be a true celebration of her life.
- Meanwhile, downstairs at the same church, American Red Cross volunteers and flood victims alike respected the funeral with subdued activities. Area flood victims can find hope, water, food, a shoulder to cry on, and other help in the basement of the church, where the Houston County chapter of Red Cross has set up a temporary base.
- On the other side of town, teachers and Houston County school personnel were busy salvaging anything they could from Erin Elementary School, which got hit hard, along with many businesses along Hwy. 13 and near the crossroads at Hwy. 49.
- Up the road toward Dickson, Erin Campground Church salvaged their piano, even though water got up to the keyboard, and members vowed to hold services there this Sunday.
- Otherwise, around town, residents were concerned about not being able to get gas in their vehicles. West End Kwik Stop had a constant line, while in neighboring Stewart County, Rye's N Shine on Hwy. 149 put a $30 limit on gas purchases.
- School is closed tomorrow, Friday, May 7, but no decision has been made about next week as yet.
In the meantime, for area homes, businesses, schools, and churches, the clean-up continues.