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Displaced residents still evacuated

Posted at 11:16 PM, Oct 19, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-20 02:04:46-04

Disappointment for the dozens of evacuated Tekamah residents hoping to hear they would be able to return home Wednesday.

Earlier in the day pipeline leaders told the evacuated that the air is still too toxic to return home.

But as time passes, many are worried about the effect the ammonia leak will have on their livelihoods.

Over 40-displaced residents gathered in the Decatur city hall to learn what's next.

The news many were hoping for didn't come, they all will have to spend the night away from home again.

"I'm wearing the same clothes for 3 days. I'd like to get home," said Steve Chace.

"Impression that we would be able to go home today but that isn't going to happen," said Bill Method.

"I'm disappointed, but I appreciate the airing on the side of caution," said Sandra Kahlendt.

KMTV spoke with Kahlendt Tuesday night staying at a motel taking care of her dog Sadie, she'll do the same thing Wednesday night.

Sadie isn't the only animal Sandra and her husband have to take care of, they own many different farm animals stuck in the evacuation zone, including a pot-belly pig.

"I'm a little bit concerned with him because I wasn't there to feed him last night and he wasn't there to answer the call to be fed this morning," said George Kahlendt.

While some are concerned, others are grateful. Many here are thanking Steve Chace who called 911 and Magllen about the leak.

"Called neighbors I didn't want anybody coming up," said Chace.

He witnessed 59-Phil Hennig drive into the plume of ammonia.

"He drove up the road hit the vapor plume immediately went into the ditch," said Chace.

That awareness was a life saver.

"He saved my parents life, if it weren't for him they wouldn't be here today," said Melissa Simmons.

But now these people wait, until they get the all-clear to go back to the place they feel at home.

"It would be nice to just get back to your daily routine that you are used to and not be displaced, we are hoping tomorrow," Laurel Method.

Magellan said they will reimburse these residents and the county for their distress during this time.