The mayor of Valley Grove believes the flash flooding disaster may actually save his town, and he has the folks who poured support into his community since Sunday to thank for the resurrection.
Valley Grove Mayor Chad Kleeh has been navigating a huge response from local and state first responder agencies and governments, non-profits, and from the private sector after Mother Nature dumped 4.5 inches of rain in a half hour Saturday evening on the eastern side of Ohio County. The flash flooding claimed seven lives, devastated Valley Grove, and destroyed the village of Triadelphia.
Mayor Kleeh was out of town Saturday evening when Little Wheeling Creek flowed over, but he quickly returned Sunday to address the destruction and confront critical issues. All utilities were disconnected, houses, garages, businesses and churches were flooded, automobiles, lawn furniture, mailboxes, and telephone poles were swept away, and U.S. 40 was blocked by all of it.
“I didn’t know where to begin,” he admitted. “So, I just started with what I saw first, and that’s when help arrived.”
And lots of it, too, Kleeh reported.
“It was an overwhelming amount of support from people in Ohio County and from throughout the region, and I just want to thank everybody. It’s been so unbelievable,” Kleeh said. “I don’t know if I can put it into words. It’s just unbelievable the way so many people have stepped up, and not just people in our community, but so many others in other communities. Everyone has helped us, and it’s been incredible to experience.
“I thought about trying to write things down so I could thank everyone, but I couldn’t keep track of everyone,” he gushed. “It’s been the (Ohio County) commissioners and everyone from Wheeling and with the EMA; it’s been all the restaurants around here, around The Highlands, from Pennsylvania, from Washington to Saint Clairsville. It’s been amazing, you know, and I just want to make sure the word gets out about how thankful I am, and how thankful the people are here in Valley Grove.”
‘A Tighter Community’
One week ago, Kleeh was re-elected to Valley Grove’s council after a total of 30 residents cast their ballots to elect the seven council members. Those elected to Valley Grove’s Council included Darlene Philabaum with 26 votes; Sheila Everhart, 24; Kleeh, 22; DeNean Miller, 21; Tim Miller, 21; Gerry Trager Sr., 21; and Wendy Pearson, 16.
His colleagues then appointed him mayor for a fifth four-year term.
“I was 29 years old when I was first appointed mayor because the mayor at the time moved away,” Kleeh explained. “That was 19 years ago, and I was appointed to complete his term and I’ve been the mayor ever since. I’m proud of that.
“We’ve had floods out here before, but we’ve never had tragedies like this. We’ve never had it this bad,” he said. “I wasn’t mayor when the 2004 flood took place, but I know it wasn’t like this. This time the folks in Triadelphia got it way worse than we did, but we have a lot of work to do here in Valley Grove and we’re thankful for all the help we’re receiving.”
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Valley Grove is a village of 275 residents, down from 378 in 2010 (27.2 percent), and from about half of the population (548) from the 1960s.
Kleeh, now 48 years old, was worried about the sharp decline, but what he’s seen the past few days has been both eye-opening and heartwarming.
“I remember growing up here and it was a really a tight community. Everyone knew everyone,” Kleeh said. “Since then, we’ve lost a lot of residents and it takes an effort to sell a house out here. Our village picnic wasn’t what it once was so we quit having it. We only had the council members and their families, and some of the people from the fire department.
“But this tragedy has brought us together. I’ve seen people working with people, and it’s made me smile. I didn’t like where Valley Grove was headed as a community, and I didn’t know how to fix it either,” the mayor said. “But what I’ve seen the last few days has been great. I don’t know how long it’s going to come back after this, but I now believe we can. I think we’re going to be a tighter community now.”
Roadhogs to the Rescue
The J&B Bar was flooded several years ago, but the owners rebuilt the tavern and this Saturday evening a special show will be on stage.
The “Roadhog Band,” a group of six strummers – including Mayor Kleeh – from the area, posted this message on their Facebook profile two days ago.
“Our thoughts are with the flood victims of the Valley Grove and Triadelphia areas. We are saddened to hear of the loss so many have experienced.
“As many of you know, most members of our band have grown up in Valley Grove, still have family there, and even reside in the area. We have become great friends with the communities through years of gigging at the local pubs on rt. 40 and our own Thursday night practices in Valley Grove.
“With that said, we have decided the show will go on this Saturday at J&B Bar, and we are going to change things up just a bit in honor of the flood victims. We never play behind a tip jar as money is not the reason we play music. However, we will be doing just that this Saturday, and all money collected will be donated to be used for supplies to help the communities begin to rebuild. We realize that some of us may want to help but are unable or unsure of how to do so without getting in the way. This could be a good way to show your support and do some good for the flood victims of rt. 40.
“We will be playing inside rather than the outdoor stage, and we begin at 8 pm.
“Help us to send some good vibes and support to our friends in Valley Grove and Triadelphia.”
“We’re going to play beginning at 8 p.m.,” Kleeh confirmed. “And we’re going to put a Tip Jar out front for donations for the flood victims in Valley Grove and Triadelphia. I’m hearing there might be a crowd, and I think that will be great. People are going to need help for a long time.
“I don’t know if anyone knows what to expect from here, but I do know the generosity of people has been absolutely amazing,” he added. “I really can’t put it into words, but it’s been heartwarming to say the least, and all I can say over and over again is ‘Thank you so very much.’”
