Update 2: The Nation's Weather
Severe thunderstorms in the Southeast spawned tornadoes Monday, while snow, some of it heavy, fell in the mid-Atlantic, the Plains and the Rockies. Several tornadoes swept through parts of the Florida Panhandle and southern Georgia as showers and thunderstorms fired up along a cold front. Moderate to heavy snow fell over parts of the mid-Atlantic. Icy conditions were reported in eastern Virginia. Light to moderate snow fell over Minnesota and Wisconsin. A weak front produced light snow from the northern Rockies into the Plains. Skies were partly cloudy over the much of the Southwest and southern Plains. Temperatures in the Lower 48 states Monday ranged from a morning low of 22 below zero in Jordan, Mont., to a high of 82 degrees in Punta Gorda, Fla.
http://www.forbes.com/entrepreneurs/feeds/ap/2005/12/05/ap2370859.html
December 30, 2005 -- Posted at 5:31 p.m. CST
JONESBORO, AR -- Tornado season in Arkansas has remained very busy in 2005 with double the number of tornadoes this year than normal.
The National Weather Service's warning system gave Arkansans more time to respond to the increased number of tornadoes.
"I believe the last account so far this year is fifty two tornadoes to date in Arkansas in 2005 -- which is about double the average," said David Moore, with the Craighead County Office of Emergency Services.
http://www.kait8.com/Global/story.asp?S=4303284&nav=0jsh
Tornado time off cost 'snow days'
By MARK WILSON Courier & Press staff writer 464-7417 or mwilson@evansville.netDecember 30, 2005
Warrick County School Superintendent Brad Schneider is hoping for the rest of this winter stays warm - or at least not snowy.
Schools in Warrick County now have only two more days built into the 2005-2006 school schedule to make up snow days without extending the school year.
The Warrick County School Corp. received word Wednesday from the Indiana Department of Education that it would have to make up Nov. 7 and Nov. 8 after a tornado tore a path of damage all the way from Newburgh to Tennyson, Ind. The tornado ultimately killed 25 people in Warrick and Vanderburgh counties and destroyed or damaged hundreds of homes and businesses, disrupting services and everyday activities.
The school corporation had asked the state to waive those two missed days, in effect writing them off. That request was denied.
In addition, school was called off on Dec. 9 because of snow.
As a result, three make up days have been scheduled. Students will attend school on Jan. 16, Feb. 20 and April 21.
http://www.courierpress.com/ecp/news/article/0,1626,ECP_734_4351239,00.html
BOY UNDER TORNADO TRAILER - A NEIGHBOR
Friday, December 30, 2005 - FreeMarketNews.comMore than twelve hours passed before a search and rescue dog found eight year old Noah Donner after the Evansville tornado hit Eastbrook Mobile Home Park on November 6. But Noah was not alone as he lay going in and out of consciousness under the floor of a mobile home with a car on top of that floor. Dead nearby were Noah’s six year old sister and his father. Eighteen other residents of the mobile home park also died along with five Warrick County citizens. It was the worst tornado to hit Southwestern Indiana in more than thirty years. Although he did not know it a tiny peach faced lovebird huddled in Noah’s right armpit struggling to stay alive just as Noah was doing hidden from rescuers. Paula Tieken, volunteer foster parent for the Evansville Department of Animal Care and Control, who is a veterinary technician, cared for the bird along with other animals lost in the storm until the bird’s owner located the bird in her care. Joan Fultz, the bird’s owner, broke her hip in the tornado. She felt that she would not be able to care for the bird anymore and asked Tieken to give it to Noah. A smiling Noah received the bird Friday just before Christmas. He calls his new pet "Mr. Peepers". Noah and his mother live with a grandmother now. The front page picture of Noah and his grandmother with Mr. Peepers in The Evansville Courier will stay in many of our minds as one of the many reminders of how this tiny corner of the world came together in a time of crisis. First responders were on the scene within minutes searching for the injured and dead in the two am darkness along with neighbors from those trailers not hit by the tornado. A private company came with strong lights. Police and sheriff deputies from both counties, Vanderburgh and Warrick, set up roadblocks almost immediately when the wind passed. They manned these stations until the National Guard arrived in the afternoon. Then they assisted the Guard which did not know the area for several weeks. Governor Mich Daniels came in early afternoon from Indianapolis. Asked about help from Homeland Security Daniels said, "We will take care of our own" And we did! All manner of vehicles transported the injured to Evansville’s two hospitals. The hospitals and first responders are trained and drilled in what to do. We expect storms but not one this bad. The homeless were taken to designated shelters in both counties where volunteers flocked with all manner of food, clothing and assistance. Churches on the edge of the disaster opened kitchens and aid stations. The media got a telethon going which raised millions of dollars. Companies sent their employees into the storm damaged areas as soon as they could work there safely. We hear a lot about red and blue states these days. The only colors which concerned us here in the aftermath of the storm were red, white and blue. The wreckage of one hundred and fifty trailers is gone and standing alone visible from I-164 is an American flag. Those who lost their families and their homes will remember November 6th as tsunami, hurricane and earthquake. The rest of us hope that in time their wounds will heal as they get new homes and go on with their lives. We were glad to help our neighbors.-Nan Hardin is FMNN contributor living in Evansville. This is her second article on the tornado.
http://www.freemarketnews.com/WorldNews.asp?nid=4489
John Oncken: Tornado's fury made it year to remember
By John Oncken December 29, 2005
Another year has come and mostly gone. The past 52 weeks have brought both good and bad into our lives and in many cases the results were based on where we were at a given point in time.
A good example is Aug. 18, 2005. On that day people's lives were greatly impacted if they lived in the paths of tornadoes that hit the Stoughton area in Dane County or Viola in Richland County. Houses and farm buildings were destroyed or damaged while other buildings just a few feet away went unscathed.
Four months later, the effects of that Thursday are still very evident.
A quick trip through Dunn, Pleasant Springs and Christiana townships near Stoughton shows that much of the debris is gone. Owners and volunteers have picked, piled, hauled and burned immense amounts of lumber that once made up houses and barns. New construction is evident with houses springing up. Meanwhile, siders and roofers are busy repairing damaged homes.
But one can't miss the broken and bent trees standing naked in the winter air along the narrow path of the tornado. Farm buildings on Kaase Road, once a total mess, are now gone. There's a "For Sale" sign stuck into a driveway that leads to nothing, a stark reminder that life has indeed changed for some.
http://www.madison.com/tct/business/index.php?ntid=66852&ntpid=1
'Tornado-like' storms cut power to Inverell and district
By Matthew MulliganFriday, 30 December 2005
INVERELL and its wider district suffered from significant blackouts on Wednesday evening when powerlines were brought down by tornado like storms.
Country Energy Regional General manager for the Northern Region Paul Brial said the storm that caused the power interruption was one of many fierce storms that had hit the northern part of the state in past months.
"They've been particularly notable for their ferocity," Mr Brial said. He described the storms as being "tornado-like" in their intensity.
"The destructive power is quite high."
Mr Brial said that on Wednesday evening storms brought down a 22,000 volt powerline between Inverell and Warialda at about 6pm.
He said that because the powerline was a strategic feeder to the area a widespread part of the district experienced blackouts.
Mr Brial said the affected area included, among others, Inverell, Bingara, Warialda, Coolatai, Gravesend, North Star, Yallaroi and Yetman
He said restoration of the power supply began at about 8pm and power was mostly restored to all affected areas by 11.24pm.
Many Inverell businesses were interrupted by the blackout. Hong Yuen owner Harry Fay Jnr said the supermarket had had to close early.
"We were greatly inconvenienced," he said.
When power went out people had to be ushered from the dark building, leaving half full trolleys of groceries in the aisles. Mr Fay said shoplifting also became a huge problem at a time like this.
Inverell McDonalds franchisee Julianne Rodgers said the store had prepared to close down, but when the power returned customers had entered the restauraunt instantly.
Mrs Rodgers said another problem for many businesses in such a situation was that refrigerated and frozen food could spoil if the power was off for too long.
http://inverell.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?
class=news&subclass=local&story_id=448707&category=General%20News&m=12&y=2005
Tornado-Damaged Ellis Park to Race in 2006
by Tom LaMarraDate Posted: 12/29/2005 8:32:07 AMLast Updated: 12/30/2005 1:30:50 PM
Ellis Park sustained signficant damage from a tornado that hit Nov. 6.Photo: Associated Press
Though repairs to damage from a Nov. 6 tornado won't be completed by summer, Ellis Park in western Kentucky will conduct its 36-day meet in 2006, parent company Churchill Downs Inc. announced Dec. 28.
Plans for all repairs aren't official--CDI is still working out details with its insurance company--but the facility will be ready enough to race live from July 19-Sept. 4. The Kentucky Horse Racing Authority had approved the dates earlier this year.
"Everybody likes to start the New Year out with a little good news," Churchill Downs president Steve Sexton said.
Repairs are under way on the grandstand roof, racing office, and several barns damaged by high winds. Plans to fix the paddock, jockeys' quarters, and safety rail are in the development stages, officials said.
The tornado destroyed 11 barns as well as the grandstand "Turf Terrace," an older wooden grandstand that offered tiered seating adjacent the paddock. The status of those repairs is uncertain.
John Asher, vice president of communications for Churchill Downs, indicated Ellis Park would have enough stall space even if all the barns aren't rebuilt. Before the storm, the track had stalls for 1,100 horses; currently, there's room for about 800 horses, about the number that was on the grounds for the 2005 meet.
Sexton said there would be room for close to the same number because the receiving barn can hold about 50 horses. Horses regularly ship in from other facilities in Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois.
Sexton said it was important to make the announcement on 2006 racing so employees and horsemen could plan accordingly. When asked about long-term plans for Ellis Park, Sexton said CDI would "take it one year at a time."
"It is important for everyone concerned that we be thorough in both our assessment of storm damage at Ellis Park and our planning for its future," he said. "There are several key business factors that must be considered, including the continued maturity of casino and off-track betting competition in the local market, and prospects for legislation in the 2006 Kentucky General Assembly that could allow for additional gaming at racetracks."
A coalition of horse interests led by the Kentucky Equine Education Project plans to push for a constitutional amendment on racetrack gaming. It's expected the legislation will be made public early in the General Assembly session that begins Jan. 3.
No humans were seriously injured in the tornado, though three Thoroughbreds were killed. Simulcast operations at Ellis Park resumed Nov. 16 after damage to the clubhouse was repaired.
http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=31517
Tornado Cleanup Led to Dispute Among Officials
Evansville-area officials say they gambled that the federal government would help pay the clean-up bill from November's deadly tornado at the Eastbrook Mobile Home Park.
The gamble paid off last week when the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced it would reimburse the county over $178,000 for the work.
A tornado hit the mobile home park in the pre-dawn hours of November sixth, killing 18 people.
County commission president Cheryl Musgrave says officials debated whether to have county highway crews clean up the private site and seek federal reimbursement or let the property owner pay for the cleanup.
County officials weren't sure if the property owner or the county could afford to complete the cleanup without federal help.
http://www.wishtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=4290564&nav=0Ra7
Boy, bird survived tornado together
Story of a small miracle
By THOMAS B. LANGHORNE Courier & Press staff writer 464-7432 or langhornet@courierpress.comDecember 27, 2005
bove the ditch where a mangled Noah Donner lay buried in debris after last month's tornado at Eastbrook Mobile Home Park, life had stopped.
Eighteen people, including Noah's father and 6-year-old sister, were dead. Noah, 8, also lost his beloved dog.
http://www.courierpress.com/ecp/news/article/0,1626,ECP_734_4343890,00.html
Christmas night fire burns tornado-damaged house in Lulaby Fokes
LinkLULA - No one was injured in a fire Christmas evening in Lula that destroyed an house that was being renovated."This house was hit by the tornado that came through Hall County August 30th and was only valued at $10,000 at the time of the fire because of the prior destruction," said Hall County Fire Marshall Scott Cagle. "It is now a total loss."Cagle said the fire appears to be accidental, possibly caused by a kerosene heater while the owner, Chuck Mickam, was in Oakwood for dinner."It's still under investigation, officially, but definitely an accidental fire," he said.
http://www.accessnorthga.com/news/hall/newfullstory.asp?ID=99471
Best post-tornado gift? Home for the holidays
JUDY NEWMAN jdnewman@madison.com
TOWN OF DUNN - For Sam, Noah and Chloe Neumeyer, Christmas is all about the presents piled under the tree - Disney toys for Chloe, 3, and video games for Sam, 8, and Noah, 6.
But for their mom, Diane Neumeyer, the best Christmas present this year is: coming home.
After the Aug. 18 tornado devastated their house and dozens of others in the town of Dunn and in nearby Pleasant Springs, the Neumeyers finally returned to their nearly rebuilt home Dec. 3.
"I feel like I got my life back," Diane Neumeyer said. "It was comforting to be back to my own walls, my own things. The kids have their own toys back. It feels normal; it feels good."
In the two small communities in southeast Dane County, near Stoughton, scars of the tornado - blamed for $33.6 million in damage - are not yet healed.
http://www.madison.com/wsj/mad/top/index.php?ntid=66420&ntpid=1
Tornado misses Greymouth
26/12/2005 10:25:25
Greymouth residents have had a lucky escape from a tornado this morning.
A twister was spotted out at sea, but it died down before reaching land.
One resident says he feared it would be a repeat of the tornado in March this year, which caused widespread damage and cost the town thousands.
Russ Down, from The Jade radio station, says he could see the twister become quite big from the station's studios. He says it then just vanished.
He admits his fingers were crossed as this was similar to the way the big tornado had appeared.
http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=86906
Tornado's path of sadness Somber residents returning to Indiana mobile home park
By Alex Davisalexdavis@courier-journal.comThe Courier-Journal
EVANSVILLE, Ind. -- Sitting on a swing set outside her family's mobile home, Emily Flahardy runs down her Christmas wish list.
She's hoping for a DVD player and maybe some music by her favorite band.
But most of all, the 9-year-old wishes for something she knows she can't have: to travel back in time before Nov. 6, the day a tornado roared through the Eastbrook Mobile Home Park, where she lives.
"To have a miracle," she said last week, "like it never happened."
Emily's family -- her parents and an older brother -- survived the storm with only minor damage to their home.
But 20 residents were killed and about a third of the park's 270 occupied homes were destroyed as Eastbrook bore the brunt of the storm, the worst to hit Indiana in three decades.
A month and a half later -- after a temporary evacuation of the entire park -- families are returning and starting to rebuild.
As of Dec. 16, residents were back in about 140 homes, according to Evansville attorney David Hatfield, a spokesman for the park's owner, the Westbrook Corp.
Among them were Marcella and Clifford Rawlings, both 84, who have lived at Eastbrook in their single-wide mobile home for eight years.
They moved back as soon as they could after the storm, despite an estimated $14,000 in damage to their home.
So far it hasn't been easy -- in part, Marcella Rawlings said, because she is haunted by memories from the storm. One of her close friends, a widow who was 78, broke her neck and died as a result of the tornado's winds, which topped 160 mph.
"It was really pitiful, hearing all the people hollering 'Help me!' " Marcella Rawlings said of the morning after the storm. "It was just a sad time."
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?
AID=/20051224/NEWS02/512240385/1008/NEWS01
Volunteer firefighter reflects on tornado's emotional aftermath
By GARRET MATHEWS Courier & Press staff writer 464-7527 or mathewsg@courierpress.comDecember 25, 2005
Dale Naylor, volunteer firefighter, was one of the first responders to the Eastbrook Mobile Home Park after the Nov. 6 tornado.
He saw several mangled bodies, some without clothes. Even in the black night, he knew they were dead.
Naylor, eighth-grade basketball coach at Plaza Park Middle School, had a game two days later.
"I told my boys that winning is important, but I just witnessed 19 people who lost their lives. " I told them to have a good time playing ball and then go home and tell Mom and Dad how much you love them. I had a focus problem after the tornado. I'm conducting drills on the basketball floor and seeing dead bodies in my mind."
Naylor has coached at Plaza Park for 20 years. He also teaches physical education.
"I never got a chance to debrief after the disaster. I felt myself getting horribly depressed. I would get a knot in my throat and my eyes would moisten.
"I couldn't get it out of my mind. Here were kids I was coaching who were about the same age as some who died. It was probably two weeks before I could run a practice and not think about it."
Naylor, 46, is currently third in command at the Knight Township Fire Department. He's been on the crew for 15 years.
"I live about two miles from the trailer park. Driving to the scene, I knew it was gonna be bad. Stuff was still dropping out of the sky.
"So many people needed treatment. They were bleeding and separated from their families. People were shouting and tugging on our coats to help find their children.
"It was an eerie calm that's hard to explain. There was no sound except for the screams. No wind. No noise from the trucks.
"The only light was our flashlights. We were reaching in piles of debris desperately looking for victims. There were gas leaks and exposed power lines. We were in spaces that weren't secured. Beams and partially standing dwellings could have fallen on us. It's amazing that not a single rescuer was hurt."
Naylor came home that Sunday night just long enough to shower and change clothes.
"Three years ago, my wife Laura and I adopted a little girl from China. When I came in the doorway, I had hit the wall. I had dealt with a lot of death before, but nothing like this.
"Ellie threw her arms around my legs and told me everything was going to be all right. That child did an awful lot for my morale."
The Knight Township fire hall (that was severely damaged in the tornado) is strictly volunteer. Naylor didn't make a dime for the untold hours he spent at the trailer park.
"I wouldn't do it if I got paid."
He grins.
"Then it would be like a job. I've always wanted to be a firefighter. Some of the guys on the department are former students. This is the perfect place for me."
His Plaza Park basketball team finished the season with a 7-7 record.
"They were a good bunch of boys. Hard workers.
"Were they aware of the scope of everything that was going on outside the school? Probably not. They'd come up and say they saw me on TV. I told them that wasn't how I wanted to be on television."
http://www.courierpress.com/ecp/news/article/0,1626,ECP_734_4341063,00.html
Tornado Recovery Committee Office Open
The Long Term Recovery Committee of Southwest Indiana has opened its disaster office for tornado victims.
The office is located at Epworth United Methodist Church which is at the corner of Outer Lincoln and Epworth Road.
The goal of the Recovery Committee is to make sure none of the tornado victims slip through the cracks.
Victims needing long term assistance are invited to contact the office by calling (812) 490-6806. The FEMA deadline to apply for assistance is January 7th.
http://www.14wfie.com/Global/story.asp?S=4281509&nav=3w6o
Tornado cleanup led to dispute among officials
By THOMAS B. LANGHORNE Courier & Press staff writer 464-7432 or langhornet@courierpress.comDecember 23, 2005
Vanderburgh County officials presented a united front in the days after a deadly F3 tornado killed 18 people at Eastbrook Mobile Home Park on Nov. 6.
But behind the scenes, an argument was ensuing about whether to have county Highway Department crews clean up the privately owned property and whether to seek federal aid as reimbursement for expenses.
http://www.courierpress.com/ecp/news/article/0,1626,ECP_734_4336926,00.html
Saved Through Organ Donations
Reporter: Shannon Samson
New Media Producer: Rachel Chambliss
Brandy Morefield was only 28 when her life was cut short on November 6th by an F-3 tornado.
Photo shows Brandy smiling, next to her mobile home last summer, unaware that in the fall a tornado would cut a path through that field behind her, and carry her and her sister Candy away.
Candy Newton, Brandy's sister, says, "It took a trailer about four lots down and threw that trailer on top of me. So, I was pinned. I was yelling for her. I could hear her screaming, 'It hurts.'"
The hurt was caused by head trauma. Although it was very serious, Brandy was able to hang on for four more days at St. Mary's where at times, she was lucid.
Those days were a precious gift, just like the years that were added to Brandy's life when she needed ten units of blood after delivering a stillborn child. It would have been her third little girl. Karen Morefield, Brandy's mom, "If it wasn't for the people donating the blood, I wouldn't have had her five years ago. I had her five more years."
So when Brandy could hold on no more, they didn't hesitate to donate her organs.
Her heart went to a man in Virginia, her kidneys helped two fellow Hoosiers, and up to 75 people will benefit from the donation of other tissue.
Karen says, "She's going to be greatly missed. But giving life back to others, she's going to live on, and she's going to live on through these two little girls."
There is a college fund set up for Brandy's daughters, 9-year-old Leah and 6-year-old Autumn at Old National Bank. Their first $100 deposit came from a fundraiser held by a group of art students at USI.
http://www.14wfie.com/Global/story.asp?S=4280207&nav=3w6o
Family Remembers Latest Tornado Victim
Forty five-year-old Laura Rose Furgerson never fully recovered from her injuries from the November 6 tornado. She was taken back to the hospital where she died Saturday.
Laura and Cliff Furgerson lived in the Eastbrook Mobile Home Park. They awoke in the early morning on November sixth under debris. Cliff suffered broken ribs and a collapsed lung. Laura had broken bones and when she was discharged from the hospital, Cliff hoped and prayed his wife would make a full recovery.. But it wasn't to be.
http://www.14wfie.com/Global/story.asp?S=4264517&nav=3w6o
12/20: Feds to Wisconsin on request for tornado money: No soup for you
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Federal emergency officials have denied the governor's appeal for disaster aid for three Wisconsin counties ravaged by tornadoes in August, state emergency management officials said Tuesday.Gov. Jim Doyle requested federal disaster aid on Aug. 25, seven days after the tornadoes struck. But the Federal Emergency Management Agency denied it in September, saying the damage wasn't so severe the state and local governments couldn't handle it. The decision came down just weeks after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the Gulf Coast.Doyle appealed on Oct. 18, but the agency again said no."We're just very disappointed. We felt we presented a strong case," said Lori Getter, a spokeswoman for Wisconsin Emergency Management. "We really believe there are a lot of unmet needs."Twenty-seven tornadoes, a new-single day state record, tore across southwestern Wisconsin on Aug. 18. One person was killed and 20 others were hurt.More than 400 homes were damaged and 67 destroyed. In all, the tornadoes caused more than $43 million in damage, according to Wisconsin Emergency Management.
http://www.journaltimes.com/nucleus/index.php?itemid=3247
Feds Deny Tornado Aid To Wisconsin
Officials: Tornado Damages Total $43M
UPDATED: 2:28 pm CST December 21, 2005
MADISON, Wis. -- Federal officials have denied Gov. Jim Doyle's appeal for disaster aid following the August tornadoes that ravaged three Wisconsin counties.
Doyle requested federal disaster aid a week after tornadoes struck southwestern Wisconsin.
But the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials denied the request in September, saying that the damage in Dane, Richland and Vernon counties wasn't too severe for state and local governments to handle. Doyle appealed, but FEMA again said no.
The news is especially disappointing for not only individuals but the cities and towns that bore the costs of cleaning up.
In Pleasant Springs progress is evident, as new homes, once leveled, have begun to rise again.
The town government of Pleasant Springs spent hundreds of thousands of dollars cleaning up after the Aug. 18 tornadoes.
"We did have some road projects we didn't do this year as a matter of reckoning our budget with our needs," said town chairman Ken Schuck.
Fortunately the municipalities are working with each other so bills will be paid off over many years, which lessens the impact somewhat.
"Right now we're not anticipating we'll postpone anything, but we'll be watching it closely," said Schuck.
But for tornado victims like Gary Nelson, FEMA's denial is just one more disappointment to add to the list.
"It's just the stress of going through this," said Nelson. "I want it to be over with."
Doyle has a different opinion than FEMA officials as to why Wisconsin was denied, WISC-TV reported.
He said that too many homeowners were insured, and Wisconsin residents are being penalized for taking care of themselves.
Nelson said despite having insurance, there are still many out-of-pocket expenses.
"Your landscaping and trees," said Nelson. "I lost a lot of trees. Our whole neighborhood, all the trees are gone. It would be nice if they stepped in and just planted trees."
Despite FEMA's denial, there is hope for some assistance in Stoughton.
Donations from the community have gone to a long-term tornado recovery fund and will be dispersed to those with unmet needs.
WISC-TV has learned that Dane County will likely announce that it will offer aid to the municipalities on Wednesday.
The county executive's office said the aid isn't likely to be a huge amount, but will offset some of those unexpected costs.
Twenty-seven tornadoes -- a new single-day state record -- tore across southwestern Wisconsin on Aug. 18. One person was killed and 20 others hurt.
More than 400 homes were damaged and 67 destroyed. According to Wisconsin
Emergency Management, the tornadoes caused more than $43 million in damage.
http://www.channel3000.com/news/5590202/detail.html
Dinner to Honor Tornado First Responders
This Wednesday, Newswatch and a coalition of media partners will honor first responders who worked the disaster scene in Vanderburgh and Warrick counties on November 6th.
The event will be held from 5:30-7:30pm CST at the National Guard armory in Evansville. All police, fire, EMS and other emergency workers who were at the scene of the tornado damage on November 6th are welcome to attend. Invitations have gone out to the agencies being honored.
Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel, Warrick County Sheriff Marvin Heilman and others are scheduled to speak at the buffet style meal.
All facilities, supplies and food are being donated for the event. None of the money given for tornado relief is being used for the dinner. Sponsors include the National Guard, Black Buggy, Sam's Club, Coca-Cola and T.R.U. Event Rentals.
The event is being coordinated by the media coalition that raised over $1.2 million for tornado relief. Media partners include WFIE, WTVW and the South Central Communications Group of TV and radio stations.
http://www.14wfie.com/Global/story.asp?S=4263521&nav=3w6o
Sens. Jauch, Miller: Blast FEMA Decision to Deny Aid for Stoughton Area Tornados
12/20/2005 For more information, contact:Sen. Bob Jauch: 608.266.3510Sen. Mark Miller: 608.266.9170Senators Jauch and Miller criticize determination that assistance "is not necessary or appropriate"Madison-- Two state lawmakers, State Senator Bob Jauch (D-Poplar) and State Senator Mark Miller (D-Monona), have angrily denounced FEMA’s decision to refuse disaster assistance for the August tornadoes that ravaged southern Wisconsin, killing one and injuring 20. "I am disappointed and dismayed at FEMA's denial of assistance to Wisconsin residents," stated Senator Miller. "FEMA's response that assistance is ‘not necessary’ is a slap in the face of tornado victims still trying to put their lives back together." In a letter sent to Governor Doyle (attached), acting FEMA chief R. David Paulison wrote that in the case of the Stoughton area tornados, federal assistance was "not necessary or appropriate."
http://www.wispolitics.com/index.iml?Article=51303
Woman's death ups tornado toll to 24
Items compiled from Tribune news servicesPublished December 19, 2005
EVANSVILLE, INDIANA -- A woman who was injured last month when a tornado swept through her trailer park has died, bringing the death toll to 24.Laura Furgerson, 45, was hospitalized for two weeks after the Nov. 6 tornado ripped the roof off her home and threw her more than 100 feet.She was recovering at home Nov. 30 when was readmitted to the hospital complaining of stomach pains.Rev. Ken Raymes, a minister at Metro Christian Center, said Furgerson's death on Saturday was unexpected.The tornado had winds up to 206 m.p.h. and destroyed at least 500 homes as it cut a 20-mile path through the area.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0512190119dec19,1,1134741.story?coll=chi-newsnationworld-hed&ctrack=1&cset=true
Webster City raises funds to help in tornado recovery
by Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster CityA weekend fundraiser in Webster City brought in several thousand dollars to help residents in the nearby community of Stratford, which was hit by a tornado last month. Jane Curtis helped organize the Saturday night fundraiser which included an auction of all sorts of donated items and services. The event was called "Blue Christmas" and besides the auction featured bluegrass music and an Elvis impersonator. Curtis says more than seven-thousand dollars was raised to help the families in Stratford. Curtis says "It's beyond the money, it's amazing the people who come forward, come together and make this happen. It is astonishing." While 14 central Iowa counties saw significant damage from the November 12th storm's high winds, tornadoes and hail, Stratford and Woodward were the hardest hit, with dozens of homes damaged or destroyed.
http://www.radioiowa.com/gestalt/go.cfm?objectid=015ACB63-1564-4198-93E6AF0FAA4A262A
24th Victim Of Indiana Tornado Dies
Reported by: A.P.Web produced by: Neil RelyeaPhotographed by: 9NewsFirst Posted: 12/18/2005 1:39:59 PM
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) -- A woman who was injured last month when a tornado swept through her mobile home park died Saturday, bringing the storm's death toll to 24.
Laura Furgerson, 45, suffered broken bones throughout her body and was hospitalized for two weeks after the November 6 tornado swept through the Eastbrook Mobile Home Park, ripping the roof off her house and throwing her more than 100 feet.
http://www.wcpo.com/news/2005/local/12/18/indy_tornado.html
First a tornado, then a hurricane
RANKIN COUNTY — Donna Luchi couldn't wait to pull out the Christmas decorations she had bought on sale last January, the stash of holiday trinkets her children had made at school over the years, the yard ornaments the family always displayed in front of their manufactured home.Then she remembered the tornado last April."Gone," she says, in a voice layered in disbelief. "All of the Christmas stuff is gone. Scattered to who knows where. And it's been like that ever since the storm. You start looking for things — paperwork or pictures — and you remember you don't own it anymore."
Luchi, a single mother of six children who works at a convenience store in Mendenhall, lost almost every material thing she owned when an F3 tornado tore through the Monterey community, in rural Rankin County, shortly after 7 a.m. on April 9.
http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?
AID=/20051218/FEAT05/512180314/1020
Woman dies nearly a month after being hurt in tornado
EVANSVILLE, Ind. An Evansville, Indiana, woman injured last month when a tornado swept through her mobile-home park is dead, raising the toll from the November Sixth storm to 24..
Laura Furgerson suffered broken bones throughout her body. The twister ripped the roof off her house and threw her more than 100 feet.
The 45-year-old woman was released from the hospital two weeks later but returned at the end of the month complaining of stomach pains. The Evansville Courier-and-Press reports she died Saturday from a blood clot. Her husband says there was just nothing doctors could do.
http://www.wkyt.com/Global/story.asp?S=4259070&nav=4CAL
Boy hurt in tornado making progress
By MARK WILSON Courier & Press staff writer 464-7417 or mwilson@evansville.netDecember 18, 2005
William Pfingston's goal is to walk again someday. "He still says he is going to," said his mother, Melinda Pfingston.
She has spent the last two weeks with her son at St. Vincent Pediatric Rehabilitation Center in Indianapolis. He is receiving therapy for injuries he suffered during the Nov. 6 tornado that struck the Eastbrook Mobile Home Park, killing 20 people and injuring dozens more.
http://www.courierpress.com/ecp/news/article/0,1626,ECP_734_4324000,00.html
'Micro-burst' ruins crops and trees
16.12.05
A tornado-like "micro-burst" ripped trees out of the ground, flooded houses and destroyed a $20,000 crop in just minutes in the central Southland area of Heddon Bush, near Winton, yesterday afternoon. 45South Weather Services forecaster Andy Fraser said was probably a micro-burst of wind and hail during a very active thunder storm. "It could have been a tornado but I like to see a funnel before I call it that," he said. The storms were often localised to a few square kilometres and could whip up 160 km/h winds. Heddon Bush farmer Peter Dykes said he was driving back to his house when the sky closed in and blackened. "I was thinking, 'I hope the windows in the tractor are pretty strong' otherwise I'd be open to the elements. It was just an intense hailstorm, windy and very noisy." He thought about jumping out and heading for a stand of poplars, but moments later they were "knocked over like match- sticks". "It was just so black and dark you couldn't see a thing." Several 100-year-old macrocarpa trees were uprooted, sheds were flung around and one lost its roof. Vehicles received hail-stone damage and the inside of the family house was flooded. Crop farmer Robert Saunders returned to his Heddon Bush farm to find a 9ha crop of beans, worth about $20,000, destroyed by the storm.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10360241
New Store Hosts Tornado Fundraiser
It's fashion - for a cause. A new women's clothing store is helping with tornado relief.
District, located on Lincoln Avenue, will be having a runway fashion show Saturday to raise money for the American Red Cross's local tornado victims.
Katie Blair of District says, "I just thought it was a worthy cause, being because it hurt so many people so close to home, being that there is a lot of people that need our help right now."
http://www.14wfie.com/Global/story.asp?S=4238697&nav=3w6o
Tornado victims' fund tops $400,000
GILLETTE (AP) -- A fund for victims of last summer's tornado in Wright has grown to more than $400,000, and about a quarter of the money has been distributed, according to town officials.Donations poured into town coffers following the Aug. 12 disaster that damaged about a third of the town's homes and killed two residents. The donations came on top of governmental money and relief efforts by nonprofits like the American Red Cross.Town officials formed the Wright Community Disaster Relief committee to disburse the donated money. Those affected by the disaster then completed a needs assessment to determine how much they would get, according to Vicky Schlidt, committee member and director of Wright Community Assistance.Committee Vice Chairman Tim Boyd said the committee already has given away about $125,000, plus another $125,000 designated but not yet distributed. In all, 80 people have been helped, with 30 more applications partially processed, Boyd said.
Wright Mayor Ralph Kingan said eligible individuals received between $2,000 and $3,000 each from the fund in the form of things such as insurance deductible payments or repairs. Cash will not be handed out, he said.Among the donations are 50 sheds already given to people who lost theirs during the storm, Schlidt said.The money also has been used to buy appliances and to offer utility credits, Schlidt said.Because there is no deadline on applying for a share of the money, officials don't yet have a final count on how much they'll disburse and to how many people."I don't believe we've got all the applications yet, and I believe we're still getting donations, so it's still variable," Boyd said.
http://www.jacksonholestartrib.com/articles/2005/12/13/news/wyoming/5a0db1ecee7db412872570d50083617a.txt
Crawfordville church hit hard by tornado
The tornado that sliced through northern Wakulla County Monday afternoon left plenty of fallen trees and debris, but the worst damage was to homes that weren't occupied, said emergency management director Joe Blanchard.
Only two homes were severely damaged, a mobile home was tipped on its side and a tree buckled a house. Trees fell on about 10 houses. Only three families did not have electricity. The Capital Area Red Cross reported that there were 33 affected homes as of Monday night, 22 were mobile homes. Only one family- Bryan Maness, his wife and two kids-needed a place to stay, said Chris Floyd, administrator of the Red Cross.
Maness stood in front of Ivan Assembly of God in Crawfordville with his back to the flapping tarp now covering the parsonage. There was no roof on much of it. The corners of the building looked chipped away. Parts of the sanctuary's roof were missing and covered by tarp to protect the inside from rain. Three sheds and a 750-foot office was demolished. Pink insulation stuck to the pine trees like it was bearing cotton candy. There wasn't much of the yard that wasn't covered with sections of the roof, broken glass or fallen limbs.
"There are a couple of trees here that we don't know where they came from," Maness said. "We have stuff that's gone, that we don't know where it is."
http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051206/NEWS01/512060372
Tornado roars through Sylvester
Sylvester - Windows were blown out, cars damaged and utility poles toppled by a tornado that ripped through downtown Sylvester.
The damage covered more than three blocks of the downtown area when the twister hit at 12:05 Monday afternoon.
There've been no reports of major injuries.
A radio transmission tower at the Sheriff's office collapsed onto the roof of the Worth County jail. About 35 inmates were transferred to the Tift County jail.
There was some damage reported at First Baptist Church. Cars in some downtown area neighborhoods were crushed by trees.
John Baldwin, who was inside a house on West Street, says he heard a loud noise, walked outside and saw the twister. Baldwin says he took cover in his pickup truck.
http://www.walb.com/Global/story.asp?S=4203560&nav=5kZQ
Swift, fierce thunderstorms descend on Oahu
Officials investigate reports of a funnel cloud in Aiea
By Rosemarie Bernardorbernardo@starbulletin.com
Oahu residents might have been expecting rain yesterday, but no one seemed ready for the thunder, lightning and the deluge that drenched most of Oahu.
The thunderstorms wreaked havoc throughout the island, causing power failures, flooding homes and city streets -- and making it a tough go for Christmas shoppers on this first December weekend.
Lightning struck the roof of one person's house in Waialae Nui twice, forcing firefighters to rush to the scene to put out some flames.
In Kaneohe, one man's house was knee-deep in water after an overwhelmed storm drain at his intersection sent water pouring into his yard and kitchen.
More than 3,000 people lost power on Oahu -- 2,000 temporarily had to go without electricity in Waikiki, along with about 1,000 in Kaimuki and another 500 in Aina Haina.
And the National Weather Service was investigating whether a funnel cloud descended upon Aiea, downing several trees and blocking traffic.
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning minutes before 2:30 p.m., lasting until 5:30 p.m. Rain was persistent from Kaneohe to Hawaii Kai, said meteorologist Bob Burke. And a cold front was approaching the islands last night, with predictions that it would bring scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms to Oahu today.
The weather is still expected to be unsettled until tomorrow night, with some chance of showers, said forecaster Peter Donaldson. "The rainfall looks probably widespread and is going to be concentrated on the Windward side," Donaldson said. Thunder and rainy weather are expected to clear by Wednesday morning, he said.
At 3:30 p.m. yesterday, police reported four down trees, possibly caused by the thunderstorm, at the intersection of Kaonohi Street and Iho Place in Aiea. The fallen trees blocked part of the roadway, prompting police to temporarily shut down one lane until the trees were removed. There were no injuries, police said.
Weather officials also received reports of flooding, including Hobron Lane in Waikiki. A power line also went down in a resident's yard on Sierra Drive, said Capt. Kenison Tejada, spokesman with Honolulu Fire Department.
Tejada said firefighters responded to a roof fire at a home on Ahaana Way in Waialae Nui. There were no flames when firefighters arrived, but Tejada said a small area near the roof was blackened, shingles were damaged and some four-by-six rafters at the home were split.
The house also had damage to its electrical system. A resident who lives at the home told firefighters that he believed the house was struck twice by lightning.
http://starbulletin.com/2005/12/05/news/story02.html
Tornado damages 50 homes south of Tallahassee
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A tornado damaged about 50 homes in rural Wakulla County on Monday, but no deaths or injuries were immediately reported, state officials said.
The extent of the damage, in an area south of Tallahassee and northeast of Crawfordville, was not immediately known, said Mike Stone, spokesman for the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
The tornado was initially spotted at 12:34 p.m. in Liberty County and moved northeast into Wakulla, southern Leon County and then Jefferson County, where it dissipated about 2 p.m., said National Weather Service forecaster Jennifer McNatt.
That path kept in almost entirely within the Apalachicola National Forest, reducing the chances for property damage.
The tornado preceded a front that then brought a line of showers and thunderstorms into the eastern Florida Panhandle, McNatt said.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-12-05-florida-tornado_x.htm
Damage from tornado worse than expected
Published December 5, 2005
INDIANA -- About 200 homes in Warrick County will have to be razed because of irreparable structural damage from the Nov. 6 tornado, officials said after only recently discovering the full extent of damage from the storm.An additional 400 homes will need extensive rebuilding and repair, Warrick County building inspector Mike Winge told the Evansville Courier and Press last week.The tornado, which cut a 20-mile path from the Evansville area to the northeastern Warrick County community of Degonia Springs, was categorized as an F3 tornado, with wind speeds of up to 206 m.p.h. Four people died in Warrick County and 19 died in Evansville.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0512050020dec05,1,1728921.story?coll=chi-news-hed
No Injuries in S. Ga. Tornadoes
Provided by: The Associated Press
Last Modified: 12/5/2005 5:17:47 PM
SYLVESTER, Ga. (AP) -- Work crews are busy cleaning up downtown Sylvester after a tornado touched down in the southwest Georgia city.The twister struck as severe thunderstorms tracked across south Georgia, leading the National Weather service to warn of tornadoes in several locations.WALB-TV in Albany reported that power lines were downed in Sylvester, and homes and vehicles were damages, although there are NO reports of serious injury. Witnesses heard a loud noise and then saw a funnel cloud move across the ground. A building at the First Baptist Church was damaged and a few windows were broken at the Worth County Courthouse.The downtown area was littered with debris, and Main Street was closed off as crews cleaned up the litter. A local bank building's roof had given way in the storm, and workers were pumping water from the carpet.The Weather Service posted a tornado warning for northeastern Clinch county after a trained spotter reported a twister crossing into the county about ten miles southeast of Lakeland.And the weather service said Doppler radar indicated a developing tornado near Valdosta, moving northeast at 30 miles per hour. Forecasters also said radar indicated another tornado near Waycross, moving east across northeern Ware County at about 40 miles per hour.In Sylvester, witnesses heard a loud noise and then saw a funnel cloud move across the ground. A building at the First Baptist Church was damaged and a few windows were broken at the Worth County Courthouse.
http://www.11alive.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=72835
Stockbridge Storm Was Tornado
Officials with the National Weather Service confirmed Monday afternoon that the damage in a Stockbridge subdivision was caused by a tornado."I looked out the back door, and visibility was down to zero, and I saw my trees and they started to bend over," said Stockbridge resident John Deleon.After seeing the damage to their homes from Sunday’s storms, people living in the Willow Springs subdivision in Henry County suspected a tornado touched down in their neighborhood."Sleet was coming down, terribly," said Deleon. "And you couldn’t even see. I got a little scared, I have to say. Because I’ve been through hurricanes in Puerto Rico and everywhere else, but this is one that actually touched me a little bit."The National Weather Service confirmed their suspicions. "At best, an F-0 tornado," said Barry Gooden of the National Weather Service. "Much of the damage suggested straight-line winds, but in the end, looking at some of the shingles and things that were lifted off suggest that it might have been at least an F-0 tornado."The home with the most damage had a tree that came crashing down through the back part of the house. Crews spent much of the morning cleaning up and removing the tree. Fortunately, no one inside was injured.In many of the residents' backyards, trees were snapped and tossed about, and there was significant roof damage."Trees down in the back yard, some snapped in half, some uprooted, and some knocked into the lake. It was quite a sight to come home to," said resident Lewis Edwards.Despite all of the damage, no one was reported injured in the subdivision.
http://www.11alive.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=72845
Tornado hits Rotorua suburb
6/12/2005 16:20:03
A freak tornado has ripped through a suburb in Rotorua. It happened just after 2pm.
Residents in the Fordlands area say they saw sheets of iron fly through the air. They say the tornado came and went very quickly.
Cuddles Childcare on Sunset Road had its roof blown off. Manager Sarah Rowe says it had started to rain so they brought the children inside and then the tornado hit soon after, making doors fly open and windows shake.
She says the children are all safe.
Ms Rowe says a house next to the daycare centre had a tree fall on it.
http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=85642
Thunderstorms bring hail, possible tornado
Associated Press
COLUMBIA, S.C. - Several severe thunderstorms moved across western South Carolina Sunday evening brining hail and at least one report of a possible tornado.
The heaviest storm appeared to reach its peak in southern Greenwood County, dropping enough hail to cover the ground about seven miles southwest of Greenwood, the National Weather Service reported.
A trained storm spotter saw a tornado touch the ground from the same storm about five miles west of Greenwood around 5:50 p.m. No damage was reported, forecasters said.
At least three separate storms brought hail ranging from penny to quarter-sized to Abbeville, Lexington, Newberry and Saluda counties, the weather service said.
A severe thunderstorm watch was issued for much of the Midlands and western Pee Dee until 1 a.m. Monday.
http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/mld/myrtlebeachonline/news/local/13328059.htm
Disaster Aid Sent to Tornado Ravaged Counties
Conway County - Financial assistance is on its way to tornado ravaged areas of the state. The governor has declared seven counties disaster areas. They include Cleburne, Conway, Fulton, Garland, Perry, Pike and Van Buren. Huckabee authorized $200,000 from the governor's disaster fund. That money has been given to the Department of Emergency Management. Rather than decorating for Christmas, residents in Cherry Hill are picking up the pieces and trying to put their lives back together. The area was hit hard Sunday night when tornadoes ripped through Perry County. County Judge True Robinson says his county is a poor county and he hopes the money will come soon. (Robinson) "As of right now, we don't know what we're going to get as of yet, but I'm sure we'll hear something shortly." Judge Robinson says everyone in the small community is pitching in to help clean up, even begin to rebuild. With Christmas a few weeks away, Robinson says these people won't go without. (Robinson) "All of these people have pitched in to clean up and they're not going to go hungry and they're going to have a warm place to sleep at night. We’re going to assure them of that." The National Weather Service (website/news) now says 14 tornadoes touched down Sunday night.
http://www.katv.com/news/stories/1205/282634.html
Three die as mini-tornado wreaks havocSelina Mitchell and Annabelle McDonaldDecember 03, 2005
A MAN was killed when a mini-tornado hit Canberra, and two people including cattle baron Peter Menegazzo died when their plane was brought down by a suspected lightning strike, as storms lashed the eastern states yesterday.The middle-aged man died in the Canberra suburb of Curtin when a tree fell on him about 5pm. Dozens of trees and power lines were felled by 100km/h winds.
The city's airport was closed and roofs were torn off several houses and buildings, including The Canberra Times's press hall.
Both of the city's public hospitals, Calvary and Canberra, were damaged, with ACT Emergency Services commissioner Peter Dunne calling on people to stay away unless they were in urgent need of medical attention. One hospital lost power and was running on generators and the other received "superficial" damage, with doors and windows blown in.
Mr Dunne said the light industrial suburb of Fyshwick appeared the worst hit. "Roofs are off, there is a lot of water damage and structural damage. We have 330 people on the ground."
The ACT Emergency Services received about 200 calls for help. The NSW SES received more than 500.
There were reports of damage in Albury on the NSW-Victorian border, but NSW's central tablelands and northwest slopes bore the brunt of the storms. Further north, the roofs of about 40 homes were damaged within minutes when a storm hit the small central western Queensland town of Aramac. A spokeswoman for the Counter Disaster and Rescue Services said the storm lasted only about 10 minutes but caused widespread damage. The local hospital suffered damage and patients were evacuated.
The storms came as Queensland's southeast corner was recovering from heavy rainfall on Thursday. Noosa on the Sunshine Coast was flooded when 260mm of rain fell in six hours and two people were taken to hospital after being hit by lightning.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,17443539%255E2702,00.html
Tornado picture touches many
By ELLA JOHNSON Courier & Press staff writer 464-7420 or ejohnson@evansville.netDecember 1, 2005
Robin Smedley was walking his dogs recently in Salem, Ind., when he saw what he thought was a piece of trash.
He turned the scrap of paper over to see a photograph of a man wearing a party hat, holding a toddler wearing a cowboy hat.
http://www.courierpress.com/ecp/news/article/0,1626,ECP_734_4282865,00.html
Marshall County gains tornado warning sirens
Thursday, December 01, 2005
From staff reportsHuntsville Times
GUNTERSVILLE - Tornado warning sirens will soon be placed throughout Marshall County and paid for with more than $80,000 in federal and local money.
At its meeting Monday, the County Commission said the sirens will be placed on Blount Avenue in Guntersville, Simpson Point Road in Grant, Beulah Road and McVille Road near Boaz, Nixon Chapel Road near Guntersville and Matt Morrow Road and Ruth Road in Arab. A Federal Emergency Management Agency grant of $63,878 and $17,610 in matching money from the county is paying for the sirens.
Another FEMA grant of $44,250 and $14,750 in matching county in-kind services will pay for the construction of a storm shelter in Grant.
In other business, the commission announced it will close County Park No. 1 in Guntersville because the lake level is too low but will reopen it in February or March.
http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/1133432364291420.xml&coll=1
Fort Riley hit by tornado
FORT RILEY, Kan. (Army News Service, Nov. 30, 2005) -- Although no injuries were reported, the tornado that struck Fort Riley Nov. 27 displaced 17 military families and damaged nearly 33 sets of quarters to the point they were uninhabitable, post officials said.Garrison emergency crews and recovery teams responded to the tornado within minutes of touch down, establishing a command post in the Ellis Heights housing area, which bore the brunt of the tornado's wrath.Many of the displaced families were relocated to local hotels at no charge to the individuals, while several families elected to stay with friends or family in local homes. Other families are currently away from post, either on vacation or staying with relatives while the Soldier is deployed or on temporary duty elsewhere. All family pets are accounted for, officials reported.Repair of the damaged quarters has already begun, and could take up to several weeks, depending on the severity of the damage. The majority of damage includes broken windows and torn siding.The tornado also broke trees and damaged numerous headstones at the post cemetery. Garrison officials have begun contacting affected families to address headstone replacement.Fort Riley Public Works officials initially estimated the cost to repair the damage to the post and remove the debris to be more than $1 million. A more detailed assessment is ongoing, officials said.
http://www4.army.mil/ocpa/read.php?story_id_key=8277
No federal aid for tornado victims
ALICE - FEMA said it will not provide any aid for the victims of the severe weather over in Jim Wells County on October 27th. Several homes in Premont and San Jose were damaged by those storms.
FEMA officials said there was not enough damage to warrant federal aid. Jim Wells County officials are now putting together a list of people who need assistance. That list will be sent to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, along with a request for help.
http://www.kristv.com/Global/story.asp?S=4185392
Happenings in Hanson: Tornado continues to have effects on community
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Greetings to all of you from the north end of the county. Dang, it has gotten cold. Folks are working to get their lives back to what can be as close to normal as possible. For some it will be easier than others. Whatever your situation: If I may speak for all the folks here in Hanson, we wish the best for you.
Although the tornado did not touch down in Hanson, we had family and friends involved. Mandy Fields, a teacher at Hanson had just gotten home with her husband, Chris, right behind her. He kept watching and when he saw it headed toward them, they took cover.
Mandy says it is all you see on television times 10. She says it will surely put things in perspective. It's not all the stuff, it is your family and friends. Margaret Vaughn feels extremely blessed to have her mother, Mary Shelton, safe and recovering at her home. Mary's home was completely destroyed.
We welcome Mary to Hanson but we wish the situation was different. Christopher Parker, a preschool student said, "That tornado just blew my grandma's house down." The children also talked about their lights being off, seeing the trees blown down, and hearing the sirens going off. It is good for children to talk about what happened and we try to answer any questions they may have. Now when we practice a tornado drill, they will still be a little scared but they will know how important it is to get to safety.
http://www.the-messenger.com/articles/stories/public/200511/30/hansonstory_penny_plus.html
