Mentone Elementary School first graders haul limbs in Mentzer Park. Photo provided by Tim Croy.

Photo provided by David Smith.

MENTONE — Officials in Mentone are applauding the efforts of citizens of all ages who recently came to the rescue to help clean up the town after the recent thunderstorms that devastated northern Indiana.

“After the strong storms that hit Mentone on Thursday morning, we had several trees down,” said Town Board Member Tim Croy. “Cars and homes were damaged as well. On the last day of school, the Mentone (Elementary School) first graders headed to the Mentzer Park in Mentone.”

Croy said the school children were given a fun lesson on community service.

“This trip was different than most,” Croy said. “Instead of going there (Mentzer Park) to play, they instead decided to help with the cleanup by hauling downed limbs to a pile for the town utilities employees to pick up. I’m was so proud of their hard work and commitment to help in the cleanup process. This was a big help and I’m truly grateful for their help in making Mentone a great place to live. I would also like to thank everyone who came out to help in the cleanup.”

Croy said the community reaction gave him validation on his already strong sense of pride in the town.

“This is why I love to call Mentone home, because whenever there’s a need, the community always rises to the occasion,” Croy said.

Town resident David Smith saw the devastation and grabbed his chain saw to help out where he could. “It was pretty bad,” Smith said. “Cars were smashed and trees were down. I spent most of the day cutting up trees, along with tons of other people. I should have filmed the cemetery. What a combined effort to clean it up for Memorial Day.”