READING — The federal government has declared reading eligible for Small Business Administration disaster loans. The SBA will provide low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofit organizations to repair or replace real estate, personal property, machinery and equipment, inventory and business assets that were damaged or destroyed in last weekend’s tornado.
Residents and business owners can apply for the loans beginning on Wednesday through June 16 at the Reading Elementary School. In addition, Gov. Sam Brownback has granted Tightwad Bank a temporary exemption from state banking codes for reopening or relocating its main office in Reading. The bank was also damaged and Brownback said the order allows the bank’s customers to have immediate access to their accounts and tend to other financial business. Monetary donations can be made to the United Way of Kansas tornado relief fund, 245 N. Water, Wichita, Kan. 67201. Please write “reading ks” in the memo line. Material items are also needed including construction items, cleaners and personal hygiene items. Donations may be taken directly to the south side of the school in Reading. Clean-up is ongoing in Reading and volunteers may help with those efforts. Volunteers should check in with the school or with the fire department to let them know you are in town and available. Beginning Tuesday, anyone wanting to volunteer or donate items for reading tornado victims should call the Reading Elementary School at (620) 699-3827 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday, May 30, 2 p.m.
