Agriprocessors May Reopen This Week

By Mark Geary, Reporter

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By Mark Geary

Story Created: Dec 2, 2008 at 9:14 PM CST

Story Updated: Dec 2, 2008 at 9:14 PM CST

POSTVILLE – The Postville Agriprocessors meat-packing plant could reopen this week.

A court-appointed trustee has given the company permission to use up to 2.5 million dollars to get the plant back online and continue feeding and processing animals.

Several Agriprocessors workers showed up at the plant Tuesday hoping to get their jobs back. Even though officials turned them away, some employees say they're willing to wait.

"I liked the job. You can stay busy and the people I worked with were pleasant,” employee William Smith said.

Postville's population has dropped quite a bit over the past few months. The city recently declared the town as a disaster area and appointed a coordinator to help with the crisis.

"A lot of what happens when people get in a disaster or a crisis situation, they freeze and say, 'Oh my gosh. There are so many things to do. I'm overwhelmed,” disaster response coordinator Maryn Olson said.

City leaders have also opened a recovery center in Turner Hall. It's a place where people can go to get information, help and advice.

"What we are trying to do is have a holistic response. We're trying to take care of all the different needs people have because it's not just rent, it's not just medical bills. There's a lot of pieces,” Olson said.

It's those community connections that could keep Postville alive while its largest employer sits on life support.

"The people in this town are fantastic. Everybody goes out of their way to help you out and do whatever it takes. Whatever you need, they're there for you,” Smith said.

For now, the meat-packing plant sits empty. No one's really sure when it will reopen. Wednesday evening, the court appointed trustee will meet with workers to talk about the future of the plant and when they may potentially be able to go back to work.

Community leaders say even if the plant reopens soon, there will still be a large need for financial donations to help people living Postville.

Citizens Bank in Postville has set up a fund to accept donations.

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