Illinois marks anniversary of deadly tornadoes
WASHINGTON, Ill. (WLS) -- One year ago, a rare outbreak of tornadoes ripped through Illinois, killing several people, injuring hundreds and flattening homes across the southern and central parts of the state.
About two dozen tornadoes hit Illinois on Nov. 17 of last year. Seven people died in the aftermath and injuries played a role in the January death of an eighth person.
Services were held Monday in Washington, Ill. One of the hardest hit, the central Illinois community is rebuilding and the mayor said the deadly storm made the community "even closer."
Three people were killed in the tornado that hit Washington. A moment of silence was held at LaHood Park at the time that tornado touched down during the memorial, which was attended by Gov. Pat Quinn, who declared seven counties disasters after the storms hit.
"Tragedy struck Illinois last November, but we refused to give up on these towns no matter how long it took for them to get back on their feet," Quinn said in a statement.
About 75 percent of the nearly 1,100 buildings damaged in Washington will be rebuilt by the end of 2014, officials said. Millions of state aid dollars have been used to help in the rebuilding. Washington officials said they've exceeded projected progress.
ACTS OF KINDNESS
As residents mark the anniversary of the tornado, they are also taking time to remember the acts of kindness. Tom and Susanne Myers are among those who lost their home. A stranger helped them move forward.
"Some friends found our name on Facebook," Tom Myers said. "They had found my insurance policy that had landed up in Crestwood."
Tom's car insurance policy had been carried more than 130 miles. Steve Garcia found it in his backyard, returned the paper and held a fundraiser for the couple he had never met.
"To have people who didn't know us, to care about us, it just felt wonderful," Myers said.
The Myers hope to be in their new home sometime early next summer. Next week, they hope to meet Garcia for the first time.
"I can't wait to meet him," Myers said. "He's just a wonderful man."
WASHINGTON STRONG
Students at Washington High School were encouraged to wear orange and black Monday to show school and the "Washington Strong" spirit. Class was not in session on the Sunday the tornadoes hit, but on the one-year anniversary, students shared stories about what they saw.
"My whole neighborhood where I grew up in was gone," said student Maddie Hibbard.
VIDEO: Aerial views show tornado destruction, community rebuilding
"A lot of my friends lost their house and they live just a 100 feet away from me," student Ganan Hahn said. "In a way, I feel a little guilty. Why do I deserve to have my house and they don't."
Several students say they still have nightmares or suffer post-traumatic stress from the tornado.
At Washington Middle School, youngsters who barely scrambled to safety now have more empathy for people in need, even as storm clouds cause them to shudder.
"It was definitely terrifying because you don't know what's happening above," said 13-year-old Mallory Hibbard. "All you hear is just the walls are shaking and we thought our house was going to be gone for sure."
"When I hear that there's going to be a storm, the first thing that I think of is, 'Is there going to be a tornado,'" said 10-year-oldJacob Minasian.
So many saying despite the horribleness of losing everything that they are better people for the experience.
DIAMOND COMMUNITY REBUILDING
VIDEO: Life in Diamond back to normal amid rebuilding construction
In Diamond Estates, the neighborhood in Diamond hardest hit by the EF-2 tornado, there is still construction going on and families who have not yet been able to come home.
"It's been a long year, it's been a difficult year, but you can see everything is coming together," said Diamond Mayor Teresa Kernc.
A year ago, Laurel and Ed Bischoff opened their home to volunteers, making pot after pot of coffee, distributing hot drinks and donated food to all those involved in the relief effort.
"It's a really funny feeling. You never felt like a victim, you felt like a volunteer," Laurel Bischoff said. "I had to help my neighbor. I gotta go over there, I got to do this."
"We used to see each other, say hello, small talk, but we never really hung out. Now after the tornado, everybody is forming relationships," said Ed Bischoff.
Barb Hammit is still finding debris in the backyard of her home, which took seven months to rebuild.
"We were probably some of the first people back in our homes in early June and it was a deafening silence.
All the while she was planning her daughter's wedding.
"Three days before the ceremony, I was calling up the landscapers because the whole yard had to be re-sodded and I'm like, 'Get this yard in because we have a wedding coming the end of the week, and we'd like pictures here.'" she said.
