Flood book raises thousands for future response

A group of local citizens came together after the devastating floods of 2015 to try and document the stories of Wimberley residents who had just been through the disaster. Now, more than three years later, the fruits of their efforts are being donated back to help the cause should another disaster strike.

It started on May 23, 2015 when a massive storm system dumped as much as 13 inches of rain on the watershed feeding the Blanco River southwest of Austin. As the rain accumulated, the river began rising and collecting debris, moving quickly toward Wimberley. Overnight, the river rose to an unprecedented and catastrophic level as it moved through Wimberley and to the east. Raging waters destroyed 300 homes. Eleven people died in what’s been described as a flood of biblical proportions.

Soon after, as recovery and rebuilding began, conversation stirred about gathering stories from people about the impact of that storm on their lives, their homes, and the community. In the spring of 2016, Wimberley: Epic Flood Tests a Small Town’s Strength was released. In the book, nearly 100 survivors and responders tell their stories about the first 48 hours of shock and dismay and the countless individuals and organizations that immediately came to Wimberley to help. Included in the book are details of what happened along with photos that help tell the stories as well.

This project was a volunteer effort lead by the collaborative team of Stephen Klepfer, Nancy Williams and Carroll Wilson, with donations and in-kind services from Wimberley Village Library, the City of Wimberley and Wimberley Institute of Cultures to cover initial costs. Carolyn Manning, Director of the Library commented, “The library was pleased to help with the production process, to sell books at the circulation desk, and to record expenses and proceeds.”

“It has been a great tool to share with Wimberley visitors who come into The Old Mill Store and see the book for sale, asking about our history, in particular, with how we dealt with such a monumental crisis and proved we are indeed, ‘Wimberley Strong,’ Stephen Klepfer shared.

Carroll Wilson reported, “The book was entered into statewide competition as a superior example of a local oral history project. The book won the major award given by that organization in 2017. The Texas Oral History Association named the book for the Mary Faye Barnes Award for Excellence for Community History Projects.”

Nancy Williams announced, “A commitment was made that after completion of production and sales, any proceeds from the book would be donated to community assistance programs. We are now pleased to honor that commitment and award a total of $17,000 to the Wimberley EMS, the Wimberley Fire Department and to Barnabas Connection, all of whom played vital roles in rescue, recovery and support. These funds will be used toward equipment, training and preparation to respond to any future disaster recovery needs.”

Accepting the donations in a presentation on air at KWVH Wimberley Valley Radio are Ken Strange, EMS Director, Fire Chief Carroll Czichos, and Tracy Sommers, Executive Director of Barnabas Connection.

There are a few books still available for sale at The Old Mill Store and at Wimberley Village Library. Any future proceeds will be donated to the three recipient programs.