Iowa governor visits storm-damaged Muscatine

MUSCATINE, Iowa - Muscatine businessman Doug Krieger walked through the debris-littered parking lot of his auto dealership and body shop Tuesday morning, reflecting on the destructive wind storm that had swept through there Monday afternoon.

But to Krieger the bent metal light poles, shattered glass, shards of metal and scraps of wood were more than just debris, they were reminders of a much greater tragedy.

"We can replace cars and buildings," said Krieger. "But we can't replace the employee we lost yesterday."

Krieger was referring to Wayne Haury, who died after the roof of the Krieger Collision Center, where he was working, collapsed and fell on him during the storm.

Haury was also foremost in the thoughts and words of Gov. Terry Branstad when he visited with Krieger around 8:30 Tuesday morning as he surveyed the storm damage in Muscatine.

As he spoke with the press in the parking lot of the Krieger Auto Group at 501 W. Douglas King Memorial Expressway, Branstad offered his condolences to Haury's family and friends.

"The tragedy is there was a loss of life," said Branstad. "That's the biggest concern we have. It brings home how terrible things are."

Branstad was accompanied by Mark Schouten, Iowa's Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division administrator, who, Branstad pointed out, had visited the Krieger lot three weeks ago for a very different reason.

Schouten, of Des Moines, said he came to Muscatine and purchased a car from Krieger after reading about the vehicle online.

Krieger told Branstad and Schouten the auto business has been in his family for three generations, beginning with his grandfather, and continuing with his father, Marvin Krieger.

On Tuesday, the dealership was sharing some of its parking lot with another business, thanks to Mother Nature.

"[Part of] the roof of the AmericInn (at 3115 U.S. Highway 61) is sitting in our other parking lot (at 3205 U.S. Highway 61)," Krieger told Branstad.

"Do you have insurance?" Branstad asked.

"Yes we do," said Krieger. "Thank goodness."

Branstad also visited Muscatine's Calvary Church, which has a parking lot adjacent to Krieger Auto Group, and said he was impressed with the number of volunteers who were already working there to clean up the damage done by the storm.

"The pastor told us many people have come in to help and there are a lot of good things being done there," said Branstad. "But we want to be sure we're providing assistance too."

Branstad said Muscatine has been declared a disaster area and will be eligible for state aid as well as being under federal designation that can allow state officials to expand on the assistance already being provided.

Branstad and Schouten said they were also traveling Monday to Allamakee County to assess flood damage there.

Branstad said Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds received texts from Allamakee treasurer Lori Hess who said that Hess' property in Waukon was severely damaged in the flooding.

Muscatine Mayor DeWayne Hopkins said Branstad's visit could have been under better circumstances, but he was pleased to see the governor's concern.

Krieger said he was touched by the personal care Branstad directed toward Muscatine.

"I think it's unbelievable," said Krieger. "It shows what a tremendous governor Iowa has and his commitment to this state and the people of this state."