CAVE CITY, Ark. — As Cave City digs out from the wreckage of a devastating EF-3 tornado, city officials are streamlining recovery efforts and calling for community support. Mayor Jonas Anderson has rolled out updated plans to manage volunteers, distribute aid, and tackle the mounting challenges, including a fresh water boil order that’s added a twist to the town’s rebound.
The latest hub for recovery information is the city’s tornado recovery website, now live at cavecity.us/tornadorecovery. Media inquiries are being funneled through City Hall at (870) 283-5455 or cityhall@cavecity.us. Starting today, the volunteer and relief operations command center has shifted from a mobile trailer at the Middle School parking lot to City Hall at 201 S. Main St., with a dedicated line at (870) 457-5576 that’ll stay active until further notice.
For those eager to pitch in, Anderson pointed volunteers to Eight Days of Hope, based at Cave City First Assembly of God (437 N. Main St.), where they’re coordinating hands-on help. Details are available at https://eightdaysofhope.com/rapid-response-volunteer…/
Meanwhile, emergency operations—linking local, county, and state resources—remain headquartered at Cave City Fire Rescue HQ (208 North St.), though routine policing has shifted back to the Police Department at 103 Union St., reachable at (870) 283-5011.
Relief supplies are still flowing out, not in. The Cave City Middle School gym at 711 N. Main St. remains the go-to spot for residents—or even those beyond city limits—needing essentials, though donations of goods are on hold for now. Cash, however, is critical. Anderson urged contributions to the official relief fund, which will soon channel aid to the hardest-hit. Drop off donations at the Bank of Cave City (137 S. Main) or send them online via paypal.com/donate.
Debris cleanup tops the priority list, with residents asked to keep piling vegetation and construction waste separately near roadsides for pickup. But a new hurdle emerged overnight: a failed water valve has slapped a precautionary boil order on all Cave City Water customers. Bottled water is stacked high at the middle school gym, and Anderson encouraged folks to grab what they need while the city tackles this latest snag.
Calling for grit and unity under the banner #cavecitystrong, Anderson promised more updates soon. With patience and teamwork, he’s confident the town will claw its way back from the storm’s fury.
