Columbus Grove, Ohio -
Some of the most devastating damage in West Central Ohio centered on downtown Columbus Grove. Winds in the village tore off the entire front of some businesses. Engineers and inspectors are now in town evaluating the structures and sharing some positive information.
The engineer came and said we will be able to save the building, and we will be able to open Christie's on the Square," said Christie Tabler, whose chocolate shop was severely damaged.
Quite a few repairs will still need to be made.
In other parts of town, crews are tackling downed lines and fallen trees.
"We've brought in a lot of contractors and our own people and just all kinds of help things are coming along very well," said Mayor Ken Wright.
The cleanup is progressing much more quickly than expected thanks to a massive grinder brought in from Indianapolis.
"The count of the trees is in the hundreds or thousands. Some are 150 to 190 year old trees laying on the ground," said Eric Kuhlman, Tawa Mulch and Landscape Supply, the company which brought in the grinder.
Mayor Wright says some village officials, including the police chief were on vacation during the storm, but returned early to help get the town back to normal.
"You know you're thinking this is going to be two to three weeks," said Police Chief Nick Gilgenbach of his initial reaction to the cleanup.
However, Gilgenbach says because of quick action a majority of the debris will be removed by Monday evening.
