Volunteers and Locals Tackle Cleanup After Devastating Floods in New Richmond

BY Javari Burnett Cincinnati

PUBLISHED 5:30 AM ET Apr. 14, 2025

The Aftermath of the Flood

NEW RICHMOND, Ohio — After days of heavy rain and severe storms, communities across the Tri-State are facing significant challenges. The Ohio River has receded, but recovery efforts are just beginning in places like New Richmond, located just east of Cincinnati.

On Front Street, floodwaters were knee-deep only a week ago. Now, business owners and volunteers are focused on the cleanup. They are removing mud, debris, and assessing the water damage left behind.

Local Business Impact

“It was already a rough calendar year,” said Becca Light, owner of the Green Kayak Grille & Pub. This local restaurant sits at the corner of Front Street. “Being shut down for five days, plus the mess of the flood — the challenge is to get your business back up.”

Despite the flooding, Light managed to avoid major losses. “We lost no product. It’s just the mud damage and the water damage,” she stated. The Green Kayak has since reopened. It is now serving more than just customers; it’s also feeding first responders and volunteers who are working tirelessly throughout the village.

Supporting First Responders

“The first night that it was really bad, we knew there were a whole slew of people at the high school and the command center,” Light recalled. “All the first responders had been working around the clock, and we knew they had to be hungry.”

Her restaurant became a vital resource during this dire time, highlighting the importance of local establishments in emergency situations.

Community Involvement in Cleanup Efforts

Among the organizations assisting in cleanup is American Regulators USA, a nonprofit that responds to natural disasters. Their crews are helping to remove debris, drywall, and insulation from nearly 100 affected homes and businesses in the area.

“There’s a lot of debris that needs to come out of these structures, and it needs to be set at the curb,” said Mark Fouts, board president of American Regulators. “When we do a muck out, we remove that drywall and insulation to help slow and stop the growth of mold.”

This proactive approach is crucial in mitigating further damage and ensuring that homes can be rebuilt and occupied safely.

Village Administrators' Response

Village Administrator Kathryn Bailey spoke during a Friday press conference. She stated that officials had reached out to about 95% of those impacted by the flooding. They will continue assessing the community’s needs in the coming days. This outreach is vital for understanding the breadth of damages and the resources required for recovery.

Encouraging Local Support

Light encouraged residents to come together and support local businesses as they recover. “These aren’t chains. These aren’t big corporations,” she said. “Shop local, eat local.” Her call to action reinforces the sense of community resilience. By supporting local businesses, community members not only help economic recovery but also strengthen social ties.

Strengthening Community Bonds

In times of crisis, communities often come together in extraordinary ways. The flooding in New Richmond has exemplified this spirit. Neighbors help neighbors, and local businesses step up for those in need. The cleanup efforts are a reminder of the strength found in community bonds.

Efforts like those by American Regulators USA demonstrate how organized assistance can amplify individual efforts. Volunteers are the backbone of recovery processes. They bring hope and a sense of normalcy back to those affected.

Conclusion

The path to recovery may be long, but New Richmond is not alone. With the spirit of volunteerism and the support of businesses like the Green Kayak, the community is on its way to healing. Together, they will rebuild and emerge stronger.

For more information on how to help, click here.