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Washington Evening Journal
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Southeast Iowa comes together following tornado
Not only is government assistance now available to those affected by the tornado last week, but neighbors from within and surrounding effect communities offer assistance
NEW LONDON — An EF2 tornado wreaked havoc near Hillsboro, Salem, and New London last week, but with a proclamation from the Governor and the fast-acting communities throughout Henry County, those affected can see light at the end of the tunnel.
According to the National Weather Service, widespread severe weather including hail, winds, and two tornadoes occurred across Eastern Iowa, northeast Missouri, and far Western Illinois between 1-10 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16.
NWS Storm Damage Survey teams confirmed at least two tornadoes throughout the weather event. The longest-lasting and strongest of the two, rated as an EF2, ran through Southeast Iowa including Henry County on its 42-mile long path with a maximum width of 600 yards.
“The tornado developed just southwest of Houghton, Iowa in Lee County,” a Public Information Statement from the NWS stated. “Significant damage to homes, trees, and outbuildings was observed. The worst damage occurred at a farmstead north of New London in Henry County, where the roof was removed from a brick house, one of the exterior walls collapsed, and the garage was destroyed. Numerous out buildings were also destroyed at nearby farmsteads. Maximum winds were estimated around 130 mph. The tornado continued into northwest Des Moines County and caused additional damage at several farmsteads southeast of Yarmouth.”
Once the all-clear ran throughout the affected areas, the communities jumped in to help one another with cleanup and provisions of shelter, food, and water. Help came immediately within the New London community as the junior/senior high school offered the opportunity for students to come together and help their neighbors throughout the following day with parent permission. Additionally, neighbors took to social media to make lists of people needing help and connecting them with others that could help.
In light of the devastation, the New London Lions Club changed their fundraiser for the Saturday following the tornado from per plate pricing to freewill donation as they invited those participating in cleanup efforts to take a “well-deserved break” to enjoy a warm meal.
The community even worked together to reunite an intricate quilt with its owner after it was found in a ditch by New London students helping with cleanup following the storm.
The outpouring of support and labor did not stop within the New London community, though. Winfield-Mt. Union High School Principal Gaige Gill also asked his students if they would help the neighboring community with cleanup later in the week. Loading up in a bus, a group of helpful individuals answered Gill’s call and lent a hand under the supervision of Industrial Technology Instructor Trevor Kongable and Athletic Director and At-Risk Coordinator Jill Blake. Danville Community School District students joined WMU students as well.
President for the Burge Cemetery Jesse Howard, which suffered significant damage, thanked the students from all three school districts for their assistance cleaning up the cemetery.
“On behalf of the Burge Cemetery board of directors, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your invaluable assistance in the cleanup of our cemetery,” Howard said in a letter addressed to the volunteers. “Your dedication and hard work have made a significant difference, and we are truly grateful. … Your involvement has played a vital role in bringing back the beauty and serenity of our beloved cemetery.”
The work throughout the affected area, however, is far from complete, and much of that work will take financial means not everyone will find themselves capable of meeting. Howard says much of the continued work and financial burden to restore the cemetery will be made possible through donations.
Many individuals also will rely on the kindness of the community and virtual strangers as they look toward putting their lives back together following the storm.
Many GoFundMe Campaigns have already popped up from people in need of financial assistance.
Elvina Hill organized one such GoFundMe on behalf of New London residents Dan and Julie Hill who will need to repair their home and property of 30 years following the storm. Meachelle Kirchner put together a campaign for her father, and Hailey Peterson started one for her grandmother Denyah Barry.
Additionally, the New London Community is in the beginning stages of organizing a Community Appreciation and Relief event, and are accepting donations via a GoFundMe organized by Katie Powers.
“Find us on Facebook and keep an eye out for the event in June that will be happening in New London to give back to all who were impacted by the storm, and say THANK YOU to everyone who has volunteered helping Clean up,” the GoFundMe page states.
According to the fundraising page, the idea for the thank you event was initiated by Cliff Dawley, a local community leader.
“This charity will give the money to others in the area who did not have insurance or did not have adequate insurance,” Powers states. “Cliff and his family are tornado survivors and know the struggles their fellow community members are suffering from.”
In addition to the efforts of individuals and community groups, Henry County Emergency Management Coordinator Walt Jackson put out information for those effected by the storm of official avenues for potential relief thanks to the Governor’s disaster proclamation which included Henry County.
According to a news release from Gov. Kim Reynold’s Office, her disaster proclamation which included Henry County, activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program and the Disaster Case Advocacy Program to those meeting certain guidelines.
“The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program provides grants of up to $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level,” the release states. “Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and temporary housing expenses. Original receipts are required for those seeking reimbursement for actual expenses related to storm recovery.”
For reference, Community Action of Southeast Iowa provided the following information for annual household incomes of 200% or less of the federal poverty level based on household size:
One- $30,120
Two- $40,880
Three- $51,640
Four- $62,400
Five- $73,160
Seven- $93,680
Eight- $105,440
According to information provided by Community Action of Southeast Iowa, those wanting to use the IIAGP will need to file a claim with their insurance company, apply for the IIAGP, collect documentation required for filing, and stay on top of communications requesting documentation.
Find the grant application and instructions on the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management website at homelandsecurity.iowa.gov/assistance. Those wishing to apply for the Individual Assistance Grant Program must do so within 45 days of the proclamation which she made Wednesday, April 17.
“The Disaster Case Advocacy Program addresses serious needs related to disaster-related hardship, injury, or adverse conditions,” the release states. “Disaster case advocates work with clients to create a disaster recovery plan and provide guidance, advice, and referrals to obtain a service or resource. There are no income eligibility requirements for this program; it closes 180 days from the date of the governor's proclamation.”
Information for the Disaster Case Advocacy Program is available through Henry County Community Action at (319) 385-2310 Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com
