I was not going to start this thread, But this will be a major topic for several days, and we will be talking about it probably for months.
Our hearts and prayers go out to evryone affected by this terrible storm.
Here is a video of people in a kwik shop as tornadoe hit.. adults listen to this before your kids do,, very graphic and explicit.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQnvxJZucds
I don't even know what to say here. I live in Carthage, 10 miles away from St. John's hospital that was destroyed in the tornado. The pictures make me physically sick. I'm sitting here crying while watching this on the national news. We had hoped to wake up this morning finding it was a bad dream. It's not.
25 to 30% of the town has at least moderate damage. There are very few medical offices left. The saving grace is that those business were NOT open since it was Sunday. It destroyed a Walmart, Academy Sports, 2 Walgreens, a Pizza Hut, and many, many, many more businesses aren't even there anymore. The Rescue workers can only identify where they are buy GPS because there are no street signs left. They are asking people to mark their houses someway so that they can identify where they are.
We are fine. We have many friends and family that no longer have homes left. We are scared because they say this could happen the next 3 days. A severe storm is headed this way...again and it is only 7:05 am. As soon as it moves through, I am on my way to the volunteer command center to volunteer any way I can. As soon as we can get there, we will be helping our family sort through their debris.
Please be praying for these people. If I'm scared, I can't imagine what they are feeling right now. As I get more official news, I will try to update you all.
I have many friends in Joplin, have only heard from one, "...it's bad, really bad..." is all he could say. Another posted pics via phone, however, there are many that live in the devastated area I've not heard from. 2 employees of a close friend were killed at the Pizza Hut...sadness...my heart goes out to the 1000's of lives that have been affected...
My wife and I visit Joplin a few times a year for shopping and restaurants and visits to flea markets. What we saw was terrible. God be with all who suffered there.
I am so sad and taken by what I saw. I dont know if any of you saw the footage of the man pulling the little dog out of some rubble and the dog kinda took a second and then shook the wet and dirt off of him....it was so sad. He looked to be ok though, but he had his tail between his legs. I had intense moments yesterday aas I watched the Joplin coverage on the Weather Channel. I was watching those intense storms head for you, Junior there in Benton County. I called my mother and g'ma in Siloam Springs and they were headed for the doublewide bedroom closet. Luckily, nothing happened at Siloam, but mother later tolod me that a tornado had touched down west of them.
AND....earlier in the day...my father in law was fishing in Higginsville, MO (about 45 miles east of Kansas City) and he had to leave and find shelter as tornadic activity swept through where he was!
By the way...I have a cousin who lives fives miles from the hospital in Joplin. She was here in KC yesterday and her apartment complex is still standing firm.
I do believe I have had enough of this crap!
My heart goes out to Joplin and I pray their healing is swift.
Thanks, Andy! :)
I have family in Jasper county. Most of y'all know that most of my family is from Piitsburg, KS. I wish there was something we could do to help. I am researching that as we speak
the best coverage on this terrible situation seems to be on the weather channel.
I have just posted several ways to help with the relief efforts in Joplin on the Quantrill project's site, "Josephine." Please go to:
http://josieqscr.blogspot.com
You'll see help links and numbers on the newest post.
Thanks!
Andy
We are OK.
We were a few blocks away when the tornado carved through. I have never been close enough to hear the roar, but it was clearly grinding everything in its path. Then, last night, we couldn't make it across the trail to get home. We stopped at the church building on the way (badly damaged and unusable), and I directed traffic as much as I could until dark. People were walking down the street after getting out of their apartments and houses, with dogs on leashes, luggage, and blankets. Trucks rushed through the area with blanket-wrapped people in the backs. One hospital is seriously out of commission. Schools are destroyed (The one where at which I teach was damaged.).
We are currently trying to contact all of our church members. One family is still missing, and several have lost their houses. Many are displaced. Most have no electricity. The water department suffered damage and the city is under a boil alert, but with no electricity, that is difficult.
School is out, I assume, for the year. There were a number of fatalities, and no way of knowing if I lost students or their family members.
So glad to hear you all are okay HB! I can't imagine the feelings going through you, as well as everyone else in Joplin.
I'm praying for you, as well as everyone else in Joplin.
Thank you, Coaster.
When we approached the church building, last night, we thought we had only lost the signs. It turned out to be much worse that we thought.
I was able to find two letters from the sign - the letters U and S. We may have lost a building, but we still have US!
It saddens my heart to report that we have lost members of our church family, but we can rejoice that these were good, hard-working Christians. Indeed, we anticipate seeing them in Paradise.
HB, you have my sincerest and deepest condolances. I am so sorry to hear of your news and you have my prayers as well. Good job helping with the traffic! May your friends and community bond for fast healing! ;) :'(
HB< didnt realize you were from joplin, sorry for you and your family losses, the loss of friends is always hard to accept and justify.
You have my deepest condolences.
I guess you could call this breaking news for myself... I just found out that a distant relative (who has been tireless in her efforts to help with my project in Arkansas) actually had an uncle in the St. John's Hospital in Joplin. Her aunt was staying with him. He is in the hospital for a severely broken leg and is 86 years old.
She has heard nothing from nobody.
Andy
One of our former elders was also in St. John's and has been accounted for. They transferred him to Tulsa. I know some patients were sent to Springfield and Miami and other local smaller facilities.
HB, my best to you and your family, school folk, and church folk. I know it will take months to recover, I pray no one was lost in the storm.
It's nice that we can all come together as an online family, and provide support for one another, and especially for those whose lives have been impacted by these storms. Like most of us, I have been dealing with tornados for all of my life, and the damage they can do has certainly demanded my respect.
I know the broken pieces have yet to be sorted through, and the road to recovery seems so far away, but hopefully there will be many bright spots that shine through this terrible storm.
Communities and people have risen from worse. I know this place will look quite different in a year. Some will rebuild; others will not. Insurance helps. We will bury our loved ones and keep their memories. We must make it through.
HB, glad to hear you're ok. We will be keeping everyone in the area in our prayers.
Yesterday's sermon title was "Be Ready!" We do well to keep this in mind.
HB,
I was watching, mostly on the Weather channel, horrified, as all of that took place yesterday evening. Glad that you and your family are safe. I have other friends in Joplin who suffered damage to their homes but are safe physically, thank God. At SDC, we had started the Echo show at 6pm but called a halt to it about 40 minutes into it because of the approaching severe weather. We had heard of the tornado in Joplin, but had no idea of it's severity. The weather hit us about 30 minutes later, a small tornado reported about 8 miles north of Branson, but no damage.
Praying that everyone in Joplin gets back on their feet as soon as possible, better than ever.
Thank you to all who are think of us.
We have two sister properties in Joplin, got information finally this afternoon. They have some damage. We have not heard from or able to contact at this point 5 employees...we are worried. Some of the employee family members have been killed or lost their homes, just tragic. I pray for all of you and my fellow corporate family.
in the midst of the damage, I had a positive thought as i looked at pictures of al the damaged buildings:
I think that maybe "thank god" it was a sunday... pepsi plant probably was empty, no kids in school, I would imagine walmart would have been busier about any other time. early enough in the day not everybody was out eating...home depot was close to closing time. I think maybe it could have been way worse.
Again HB! I'm sorry this is so close to you. be strong.
Many people are saying that sanddunerider. I have thought that many times. It destroyed at least 10 dentist offices that would have been full on weekdays. That's not to mention the dialysis buildings, plastic surgeons, pediatricians, OBGYN, and Cancer center offices. All would have been full on weekdays. There were actually quite a few people out eating (not normally like that on a Sunday at 5:30 pm) since Joplin had their graduation that day. Thank goodness that was held at the university.
oh my! being unfamilar with the joplin area, I did not realize all the professional offices that had been lost too..
So yes, Diana. Thank God, it happened on sunday,,
terrible thing, just terrible. :(
My prayers are with all of you that have lost friends or loved ones in this disaster. I actually live in Cherokee County Kansas , just to the west of the Joplin area about 20 to 30 min away in Columbus. As some of you know I am an EMT for the ambulance service there. We, upon hearing of the damage quickly mobilized our resources and dispatched two of our ambulances and a diaster trailer to the Joplin Area. I ,being on the primary ambulance ,was kept in our response area to cover our routine calls, so I cannot speak first hand of the destruction, but my wife who is an LPN at our city hospital along with several off duty staff were able to assist at a field hospital that was set up at the Memorial Hall, a building usually reserved for concerts seminars ect.. She told me that words could not discribe what she saw while there, in the way of injuries and destruction. A sentiment that was also relayed by my co-workers that returned this morning after being released to get some rest after transporting patients out of Joplin to hospitals as far away as Wichita and Kansas City. The storm also took a personal toll today as my wife found out that one of those killed in the Pizza Hut was her cousin. She is taking the news ok but some of the other family is not, as is to be expected. She was 16 years old. I cannot express enough the pride that I have in my fellow man as they have banded together and are doing what they can to help out. Special thanks to all of the Emergency agencies that have responded, some from as far away as Branson, Springfield, Wichita, Kansas City and all areas in between. Please continue to send your prayers and thoughts this way as the road to recovery is going to be long and hard and is just begining. Thank you ,Robert
Bobber, we are all sorry for your and your families loss.. hopefully no more bad news for your family.
Thank you for the update, Bobber. We feel terrible about the loss.
Just thought I'd pop in to say that my family is safe. Our house is a total loss, but we were in Freeman Hospital's basement when it hit. My husband works there, and we just followed him in for the night shift. I almost didn't go with him. Thank God I did.
We live on the east side of Joplin behind the Wal-Mart and Home Depot you've probably seen pictures of. I was unable to get back to my house until about 11:00 p.m. last night.
My prayers go out to those who have lost family members. God be with you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Stacey, Bobber, and HB and anyone else affected. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help.
I have just read the entries since I was last on and I extend my heartfelt and deepest sympathies as well. Good Lord, it's like the world is caving in. Now, here the weather people are saying today and tomorrow are primed for more storms and tornados!
I have heard from my distant relative and her uncle, who was on the 7th floor of St. John's Hospital is alive and well at a hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas. She also told me that her aunt had went to the cafeteria to get a bite and the tornado hit right when she come out of the cafeteria doors. The force knocked her down and she survived by having a deathgrip on the DOORKNOBS! It sucked out her purse and took her glasses off of her face, but she held on for dear life and rode it out hanging on to the doorknobs. She didnt tell me yet how the uncle survived the 7th floor. But they are both well.
Absolutly amazing to hear the above story.
My deepest deepest sympathy goes out to everyone effected by this terrible storm.
Saying many prayers. My heart is heavy as I read this thread, and others like it on the internet & TV.
I got back to my house an hour ago after spending the morning cleaning up for family members. Here is an update on what I did and saw:
I started my morning at the Bridge, a local youth center. If anyone is looking for somewhere to volunteer, this is where they should go. They have so much work to be done as they are a major hub for donations that are coming in. The Bridge unloaded 2 semis last night and there were many more scheduled to come in today and tomorrow. My friend Kimber and I took a van load of baby goods to LifeChoices, a wonderful organization that helps pregnant women. When we were done there, we went to help my cousins go through their belongings. They were very lucky. Their house is still standing, but will be a total loss due to the house shifting on the foundation. Their are many things that are stuck in their walls and ceilings that came from other homes, such as crown molding and 2x4s.
At one point we took a break and walked to 26th street. The closer we go to 26th street, the worse it got. One of his neighbors' pickup trucks was thrown into a field. The houses on 26th street used to block your view of 32nd street. Today I could see all the way to 32nd street. It is literally flat. You can see St. John's hospital well enough to see that the windows are broken out. Sunday you couldn't even see St. Johns from 26th street. You could hear people calling for friends and family and trying to locate their pets. It is a horrendous scene that I hope none of you ever have to witness. All we could was stand together, hug, and cry because it is just devastating.
Please be praying for the families that lost everything. There are at least 1500 missing. This number does include many that just have not been able to contact family yet. If you know someone that is holding a collection drive and need to know what is needed, here is what I noticed was needed. If you people running collection drives need someplace to take things, please have them call The Bridge in Joplin, MO. Officials are worried about sickness as many don't know about the boil order due to lack of communication.
Needed:
PREMIXED formula. While any formula is needed, premixed is best. There is a boil order in place. Most people don't have homes, water, and if they do have water, they cannot boil it because they don't have electricity.
Diapers-everything size 4 and under.
Clothes-2T and under are the most needed a t this point in time.
Car seats-must be less than 5 years old (check the sticker on the bottom) and never in an accident.
Medication-Tylenol (especially infant and children), cough syrup, any pain reliever, aspirin
First Aid-Gauze, Bandaids, Neosporin, Rubbing Alcohol, coach tape, anything that can help take care of workers.
Equipment-Many doctors offices lost everything. Stethoscopes and Orthoscopes are sorely needed.
If anyone needs information on where donations should be sent, feel free to contact me and I can get you in touch with someone ASAP.
**Note: I am not soliciting donations. I have had many questions from all over the US about these items, so I am just putting it out there as an FYI.
Diana, very nice update, thanks for the needed info!
Walked into work at the hospital in Springdale, AR last night, discovered our computer system was down. Seems part of our computer services were housed in Joplin. It may take two more days to get our computers back. Found out one of our employees had a seriously sick child and was treated at our hospital, then the child had to be sent to another hospital for additional treatment. They sent the family to Joplin! They apparently were in the hospital there about the time the storm hit. That goodness all are OK. The family was xferred to another hospital somewhere in Missouri, but we don't know where! Did see a handful of tornado survivors at our hospital units in Bentonville and Springdale, and the Rogers hospital saw a few, too. The scope of this thing is wide! It will take a long time for recovery. :P
Junior-check these hospitals: McCune Brooks (Carthage, MO), Barton County (Lamar, MO), Children's Mercy (KCMO) and both large hospitals in Springfield. Those are the three they sent people to for sure in MO.
Also go to ozarksfirst.com, they have sites to help find people & get status of people found. Our sister hotels (Baymont & BestWestern were not hit up there & all employees as of today have been located, unfortunately some of their family/friends did not survive). It is my understanding if they have rooms they are helping out including our other sister Springfield hotels; all listed under www.elliottlodging.com if anyone is needing a room. Not sure yet of pricing, just know they are willing to assist. Our prayers are with all of you and anything we can do, let us know.
I cannot imagine how they feel but my heart breaks everytime I see news reports and photographs. We have only had to deal with the floods but that is just property loss - you can't get your family and friends back. I will continue to lift them up in prayers and I am truly sorry for the SDC fans affected personally.
We confirmed the loss of two other church members today: husband and son to the good lady I already reported. Boy was a junior and was a student in my class when he was in fourth grade. Now the daughter, who was also in my class, has suddenly been thrust into adult life on her own (She attends a local college.). I could say more about this fine, fine family.
I am heartbroken.
I am so sorry HB.
I keep hearing more, and more stories about so many young, and old alike being affected by these storms. It really is just absolutely devastating. I can only hope that this travesty will bring the community together as a large family, and with a common bond, everyone will have the ability to muscle through these difficult times.
Despite these dark storm clouds, the sun will shine again, eventually.
HB, that is just sad.
I am sure through friends, family and mentors such as yourself she will grow and meet her new challenges. And prevail.
Storm sirens sounded in Joplin, last night, even after the rotating storm was past. The concern was with the high winds blowing debris from the previous storm.
It is reassuring that the sirens were in fact sounding.
Wow, HB....I dont think I can extend my sympathies far enough for how I feel. I am heartbroken for you and every story I hear coming from Joplin just strengthens my sadness.
Same for you, Diana.... my deepest and sincerest condolances and prayers to you as well.
Sometimes....words are just not enough.....
I am headed into the zone again now. We now have to have a pass to bring vehicles into the area, so please do not come to Joplin unless you are going to stay outside the area or if you are going to work! The less traffic the better.
We are keeping the church homepage updated as we know information: http://www.joplinchurchofchrist.com/default.html
There is an address there if you wish to donate, and your donation will go directly to the needs in our area. Put a note in there that you are an SDCFan, and write that you are a friend of the web site secretary (my wife).
Again, thank you.
HB: Best to you all...keep us posted...checked out the church Website, God Bless! Like it says on the Website, "trust and obey."
My heart goes out to all those affected by these storms. I don't have any direct connection to Joplin, but I've always felt an emotional tie there. My father and grandfather were both KCS Railroad operators, and both worked in Joplin long ago. My late ex-wife went to OCC, and worked as an LPN in Webb City.
Here (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=joplin%2C%20mo%20tornado&rls=com.microsoft:*&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl) is an excellent map of the storm damage area.
We have confirmed that the young man IS ALIVE. The reports from yesterday were based on a false assumption by authorities. This fine, young man has painful injuries, but is currently in a Springfield hospital. His sister is with him, and I am SHOUTING it from the mountaintops!
thats great! hb! some good news amidst the tragedy!
Happy for you and the boy and his sister.!
I tried posting this twice last night and it wouldn't work, so maybe the third time is the charm. I just wanted to let everybody know that have been affected by the storms that you are in our thoughts and prayers here in Colorado. Through experience I know that these types of disasters have a unifying effect. The community of Joplin will be stronger because of this. Romans 8:28 says that all things work to the good of those who love Him. Stay strong in your faith and know that there are many that are praying for you.
Well, It's 3:30 am. I can't get my mind to stay asleep. We met with our insurance agent, and it hit me today what kind of journey we are in for. I am so grateful that my family is safe. My house could have been worse. We were able to retrieve some items today. But I am starting to get emotional.
So many kind strangers have helped us. Here's to the group who came yesterday and began sawing trees in our yard. Here's to the workers today who pulled parts of a huge oak tree off of our roof. Here's to the nice people at Duquense police department who give us water and food every time we stroll to the end of our street. Here's to KZRG who has provided continous information since just before the storm came. Here's to friends and family who have offered their homes to us so we could have shelter. Here's to my great coworkers who have helped my classes go smoothly while I have been away.
There are just so many people to be thankful for. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.
If this works, I have included a picture of our house. We live on the east side of Joplin a few blocks behind Walmart on Rangeline.
(http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm232/philesha28/May2011Tornado.jpg)
glad you are ok StaceySue.. i can only imagine....
we are all thinking of you and everybody else affected by the storm..
Glad you were able to salvage some items, Most of the people lost everything,except memories.
Prayers to all.
GULP! My heart goes out to you all. God Bless!
Hoping for the best for you and your family StaceySue.
God bless and my heart goes out to you, Stacey. I know that that is a cliche' statement, but I mean it from the deepest part of my heart. We're all with ya'!
Any of you that are affected. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help you out. We are praying for you.
Went to granny today nothin left she is fine I am good very blessed to have home
granny has no home but is living with her son.
no doubt, terrible situation,,
check this link for before and after pictures....makes you wonder why there werent more deaths.?
http://www.kansascity.com/2011/05/26/2906108/before-and-after-a-birds-eye-view.html
^ That is absolutly terrible! That was so hard to see as you click and drag it accross the screen. :'(
Tornado Work-May 27th
I reported to the Bridge this morning to do whatever they needed me to do. The first thing we did was stack water 6 cases high on pallets, shrink wrapped them, and moved them to a staging area. There had to have been 20 pallets of water, with approximately 36 cases of water on each. Unbelievable amounts of water. We then put together boxes so that families could easily transport the goods that they came for. When we finished, there were about 75 volunteers with nothing to do. Many of them left, frustrated because they were begging for help, but had nothing to do after we finished the first task. I understand they are reorganizing efforts, but I am afraid volunteers will stop coming if something isn't done quickly. They will go find work on their own. After logging on to facebook, we found that one of our scrapbooking friends needed boxes, tape, work gloves, and water. We packed up a friends truck and headed out.
This was my first time in the "disaster zone" for anything but a quick look. It is unbelievable. If someone will reply back with how to do it, I will put a few pictures at the bottom so you have an idea of what I saw today. When we got to Melissa's house, she was so great-full for what we had she didn't even know how to respond. We had planned on helping her for about 2 hours, but she just needed to be with her family. So I took my nephew Shea (13), the extra work gloves, and a case of water and started walking. We saw many people that just needed support. Our work gloves were gone in no time, because they are out at every store in Joplin. Many people are working in the debris with bare hands. Many medical personnel are focused on just taking care of infected cuts at this point in time. We were going to get tetanus shots today, but they have run out. We are hoping that there will be some tomorrow so that we can get ours.
Once we were out of water and gloves, we drove around, looking for people that were in need of help. The streets were pretty sparse of people, so we just kept driving. At 20th and Rangeline, a major intersection, we saw a group of rescuers standing on top of what we believe to be the building where The Big Nickel, a classifieds paper, was housed. We aren't completely sure that's what it was though. They had a dog with them. An ambulance and firetruck was also there. They were digging. We assume that the got a hit from the cadaver dog that was with them. They did not appear to be in a big hurry, but you could tell they were focusing on clearing a certain area. We never did see them find anything, but they were still digging when we left. I pray that they don't find anything, but I'm almost positive they did.
As for what is needed, just go back to the post I made before. You can add work gloves, boxes, and plastic totes to that list. It is hard to narrow in on one need at this point. There are dozens of semis coming in this weekend that will be full of stuff.
I have been in Joplin everyday this week and all i can say is none of the pictures do it justice. When u are standing there and all you can see is destruction it really makes you stop and realize how lucky we are to be alive.
Hey, anyone working in Joplin is welcome to come by the church building at 26th and Connecticut (church of Christ) and meet me. I think it's important to stick your head above the waterline every once in a while and take a breath. Why not shake each other's hand. I will be unloading a truck tonight before curfew, and I should be there all day tomorrow, coordinating work teams from various points in the good old USA.
Great story about a young man at Wal-Mart who helped shelter customers.
http://blogs.wsj.com/dispatch/2011/05/25/at-joplin-walmart-tale-of-death-survival-and-the-best-soda-i-ever-had/
Thanks for your hard work, DianaGail. It's been great to have people helping others in Joplin. We have been moved to see complete stangers come to our house and saw on our trees or drag debris from our house. Our neighbors across the street had a church group come yesterday and remove what was left of a large storage building from the property. They just strolled up and offerred to help, according to our neighbors. It took them nearly all day, but they got it done. It's amazing to hear such great stories like these!
Its great hearing these positive stories~! USA!! United we will overcome!
HB~ I will try to stop in Saturday and meet you. If not Saturday, definitley next week.
That's great. Our church auditorium, which had to be gutted from water damage, has now been tarped by a kind group from Kentucky, and has been filled with a truckload of supplies from another group in Tennessee. We have around 50 volunteers (that we know of) coming in tomorrow to scatter through the neighborhood doing exactly the kind of work StacySue described or just letting folks shop from the back of a pickup for supplies we can deliver randomly at the curb. I'm also going to the KZRG to get the word out in the morning, so listen for me there. It's a busy time, but I'd love to meet, even if it's just for a short visit.
Thanks for the continued updates History Buff!
It is so wonderful to hear all of these stories about so many folks from across the country who have departed from their own daily routines, and have traveled to the area to assist in any way they possible can.
It is comforting to know that even in today's age, that there are still people out there who will help you up, and dust you off (even literally) in such a devastating time.
some more of those comparison photos.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/pictureshow/2011/05/26/136683899/before-and-after-street-views-in-joplin
at History Buff: My uncle in Kentucky called me to let me know his group was in Joplin helping another church out :) I spent the entire day delivering food into the heart of the disaster zone for Scottish Right. After the first trip in, I literally curled up in a ball & cried. Very emotional first hand. I'm exhausted...not sure if I'll be back down Sunday, but plan on helping out on my free weekends through the summer.
You know where I'll be. We became a full-blown disaster relief station today. It seems each day brings changes as we enter new fazes of the effort. The needs change every day.
I told people: "You haven't lost everything; you have everything! It's just all ahead of you now."
An elephant in the Ozarks:
http://www.540wfla.com/pages/news-videos.html?feed=425022&article=8641600
Talk about bringing all hands, or um, trunks on deck! :D
That's actually really neat, and it is a great way to help the citizens.
This news, if true, would be a real kick in the junk:
http://www.fox14tv.com/story/14929489/3-baxter-springs-firefighters-fired-for-looting
Three firefighters are fired and the Baxter Springs fire chief is placed on administrative leave while an investigation is underway into the looting of Joplin businesses on the night of the May 22nd tornado.
that would be terrible! If true!.. unbelievable..!!!
I know I read the other day that laptops missing/stolen from the joplin schools showed up in KC. One man was selling them, claimed he bought them at a local swap and shop...
I am not suggesting the firefighter story and puters are related........ just another news story Thaty I read locally.
A real shame!
I read about this story on a Public Safety internet forum I am a member of.
It is absolutely unbelievable! I mean a firefighter is expected to be an honor citizen, and someone people can trust, and look up to for help. It's a shame how a few firefighters can spoil the public's perception of the entire industry.
I could understand if it was a life, or death situation and they stole items needed for survival. However, I do not believe this was the case at all.
The city of Joplin just can't seem to catch a break.
on a different note: check this out!!
http://joplinbenefit.com/
this will be a great show, and for a great cause!!
On Sunday, June 26 there will be a benefit show and telethon for Joplin at the Mansion Theater; over 40 Branson acts will participate. Minimum ticket price is $50. It will also be broadcast on RFD-TV that night from 7 - 10 pm as well as some Ozark area TV stations.
I was in Joplin on Thursday.
It's all really, really bad still. And they have probably fixed it up so much, too. It's really hard to see that stuff when I am used to seeing everything there. But it's good to know that they are fixing it up. I can't imagine being one of those people...my heart goes out to them.
The Cardinals have been using the "I-70 Series" as a fundraiser for Joplin. They auctioned off a lot of goodies in Friday's game. Saturday, they wore red caps with a big "J" logo, instead of their usual caps.
thats a great idea! just think. IF every sporting event would do that nationwide, during every game............ Couuld add up to be a lot of help, for the people here in the area that could use the assistance
Anyone been through the Joplin area in the last few days? How is the recovery effort going?
I was through on Sunday. On Rangeline, The following stores were damaged but still standing after the storm ,but after the 3 or so weeks since the storm the following has occured. The Walmart is torn down. The Chick-fil-a is torn down. Jim Bobs Steak House is torn down. The Home Depot is working out of a very large tent in the parking lot. Alot of other buildings are just gone from the distructive winds, such as the Aldi store, the Pizza Hut, Long John Silvers ,Payless Shoes, Sonic, a Lube and Go, Burger King is destroyed except for the children play area which stands amidst the debris seemingly untouched, a place called Mac-a-Doodles , which was a liquor store/ gas station is gone a semi truck dealership near Walmart is gone and several others that I'm sure I am missing are gone although I cannot seem to remember what all used to be there even after having been in the area since I was born. The landscape has just changed that much.
Still a lot of damaged buildings that haven't been touched on Rangeline including the Academy sporting goods store and several of the strip malls along Rangeline road.
As some of you know from previous posts I live only about 28 to 30 miles to the west of Joplin and that I also work for an ambulance service that transports to Joplin frequently, I have had only recently been to the M*A*S*H*style new hospital that St. Johns is currently using as most of our pts have either been going to other community ER's or to Joplins only other Hospital, Freeman. Believe me after going to an actual building to deliver pts for so long, to bringing them to what is basically and air conditioned/ heated tent, is truly an experience But the main thing is that they are up and running and treating pts.The areas down in that area are still pretty much a scene out of a war movie with the exception of some work being done on the grounds of the old hospital as it pertains to getting the M*A*S*H* set up. Some residence are being cleaned up and the destroyed fire station a block away has been torn down and removed.The city park directly across the street tho the north of St Johns is pretty much cleaned up, barren, as all the trees are gone but cleaned up of debris. As far as the rest of town i really couldn't say as I have only been to these two locations, but I am sure that more is being accomplished than what it appears as the destruction was so massive. I would just say, it is going to be a long road for Joplin to come back from this so please keep Joplin in your prayers!!!
An interesting offer for Joplin residents from SDC: http://www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com/offers-packages/default.aspx?id=384
That's a nice gesture by SDC, I think. It'd be nice if they left it open for the rest of the operating season as I'm sure most Joplin resident's summers will be spent cleaning up. However, SDC didn't have to do this, so it is a very nice and good thing for them to do.
thats is a nice thought.. I agree they should run it through the end of the season so the joplin people can take advantage of it when ever they want..That would be a nice break for them.
RFD TV is gonna have a benefit for Joplin with some Branson entertainers http://www.joplinbenefit.com/ (http://www.joplinbenefit.com/)
yes there getting a great response on this. last i heard they had over 30 groups going to help/entertain.
BUT the event is only scheduled for 3 hours??
I think the response is more than they expected.. sounds like they should have scheduled an ALL day "concert", If every group entertained for a full 30 minutes, that would have been 15 hours!!!!
I was just in branson last weekend, wish i could be there!
I just wanted to agree with Bobber's report. I'll add that Walgreens on Rangeline is coming right along. The walls are mostly up. A lot of debris has been picked up, but there is still a long way to go.
On a personal note, we've hired a contractor for our house. Can't report much progress beyond that. We still have demolition to do yet. We have been living in Neosho, MO in a duplex for the past month. Who knows how long we'll be here, but we are starting to find our way around better! We are within walking distance to the fish hatchery here, so we've spent a few evenings walking around there.
Thanks for keeping Joplin in your thoughts and prayers!
Hey I live within walking distance of the hatchery also!!!!! The old side not the new side. How small is our world?
I thought they did a good job and I agree I would loved to see more songs performed by each performer. I so glad we were able to watch it in Southern Illinois. We loved the jacket changes from Shoji.
the show was great! my only real complaint was...... AND I DONT MEAN to offend anybody........
BUT I would have thought they could have found somebody beside Shoji to help MC the show. His english is not so good..Had a lot of trouble understanding him.
with the dozens of performers helping out, couldn't somebody else had done what he did?
SORRY ALL! just my thought.
If only he could talk through his violin/fiddle.
I will say it was a terrific cause, and I hope the support continues for as long as needed, and then some. :)
Hey Trams, it is a small world!
No progress on our house, but Chick-Fil-A on Rangeline has walls up. Walgreens has made more progress, and they seem to have the outside brick finished. The Fastrip that some of you may have seen on the You Tube video has its walls half up. These developments are somehow reassuring to me.
Now I'm trying to decide if I want to see Rush Limbaugh tonight at Landreth Park in Joplin. He's bringing Joplin a truckload of his tea, you know. I'm trying to decide if its worth fighting the crowds. My husband works tonight, so it would be just the kids and me. I have a few hours to decide, I guess.
Depends on how big of a Rush Limbaugh fan that you are. If nothing else it would be something to do, and a way to get out of the house for a bit this evening. :)
I passed on the L-bomb. I just didnt care that much. too hot and crowded and I am a big party pooper so yuck-o to rush-o!!
I also passed. I just didn't want to drag the kids by myself in the heat. We had been to Seneca's display on Saturday. I just took the kids for Chinese food on the 4th. I wouldn't have minded seeing him, and I watched the You Tube video of his speech. I thought what he said about Joplin was nice.
'Long time, no see, everybody.
70% of the debris is cleaned up and hauled away (in just two months)
Around 1.5 million cubic yards of debris so far
159 casualties
Most of my time has been spent working at the church building. We have put the auditorium back together after getting new carpet. Our new focus is following up with the people we have assisted and seeing if they need anything else. We have full and twin beds with rails if anyone needs them. If you know anyone who needs them, please let me know. It looks like all of that work is slowing down just in time for me to go back to school.
All of the contents of our school were emptied into storage containers on the playground. Some of the brick facade had to be removed due to structural damage (We had thought it was only roof damage.). All the ceilings and flooring has been removed and is being replaced (It should smell nice at least.). I don't know what will survive in the storage after hearing the nightmares of mold and water damage. The district is determined to begin all schools on time regardless of the destruction. They are concerned that our population will be down, though, but I don't think it will be drastically different. All new teachers have been told they have a job for this year, but that next year is up in the air. All new openings are reevaluated and are, for the most part, remaining unfilled until the need is apparent.
I really don't want to begin school. I have enjoyed my summer of service. I know teaching is a service, too, but it's just not the same.
Had a couple of fellows at our church say last Sunday that some buddies they know took a pick up truck and trailer to Joplin, and any scrap iron or tin or other metal within ten feet of the curb was free for the taking. They loaded the truck and trailer up, then took it to a metal salvage yard not too far away, making $750 bucks, legally, just by picking up junk by the roadside. Also helped to clean up Joplin just a little bit!
that is a great deal for them..
Too bad the PTB could not work out a deal like that for anybody-
you haul away and 50% goes to you the hauler, the other 50% is put back into the community somehow.
Our thoughts and prayers are still with you all HB. I know we are quite fortunate with our school, it seems we have not enough, I cannot even imagine attempting to start school in this kind of situation when you all truly are not equipped. It hopefully will be somewhat f a return to normalcy for the kids, a time to once again be kids.
Quote from: History Buff on July 25, 2011, 11:13:31 AMI really don't want to begin school. I have enjoyed my summer of service. I know teaching is a service, too, but it's just not the same.
Don't get down on your experiences. Teaching is one of the most important services of all. As a teacher, you will be able to instruct, and train young minds on how to become excellent community servants themselves. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsTLKObkJtY&sns=fb
This is a video tour of what is going on at the mall for those in 11th and 12th grade. It's about 5 minutes in length. Each student will have their own laptop, apparently MACbooks. They have found that it is cheaper to do laptops and e-textbooks when you have to replace an entire school than to order each book individually hoping they will be here in time for school. The technology they are going to be using is amazing! There will be a weightlifting room and coffee bar.
Wow. I tell you what if I was still in school I think I would enjoy going to that school. I heard the guy on the video say that the students thought that it would just be some quickly thrown together plywood walls and I can honestly agree that, that is what I had imagined too, but wow after seeing those concepts I am amazed. I like the whole laptop for each kid and E textbooks. I was talking to a friend and she was complaining about book rental fees in our school district and how the kids rented a book but due to the lack of enough books none of the students actually got to have a book of there own and were not even allowed to remove the books from the school even if they needed it to take it home for homework. Other districs in the area are already doing the laptop thing and all the learning materials are preloaded onto the computer before they get it . Wish they did that when I was growing up. Very nice Video and Joplin and all there are still in my prayers.
thats great! i hope the kids use all the goodies correctly!
Couple of recent news articles about the Joplin aftermath. First, the sad one:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/30/us-tornado-deaths-idUSTRE76T1DT20110730
(Reuters) - Injuries sustained from wood splinters or other materials triggered a rare fungal infection that may have contributed to the deaths of five people in the May 22 tornado in Joplin, Mo., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has determined.
In all, 13 people contracted the mucormycetes-born illness, the CDC said in a report released Friday. The CDC said it has seen multiple fungal infections of that type after other natural disasters such as hurricanes but never after a tornado.
And now, a more upbeat story about a SoMo gal you might have heard of, helping out:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/26/us-sherylcrow-idUSTRE76P6DV20110726
(Reuters) - Singer and Missouri native Sheryl Crow is auctioning her vintage Mercedes convertible to help rebuild ten schools destroyed or damaged by a deadly May tornado in the town of Joplin.
Crow will have the 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster put on the auction block in Pebble Beach, California, on August 22. She has owned the car since 2005.
The auction house, Gooding & Company, estimates the car's value at $50,000 to $80,000 but said it could go for much more, given the Crow connection and the good cause.