Residents of Lake Village, Indiana, faced a challenging morning on Thursday as they continued to deal with the aftermath of this week’s devastating tornado outbreak.
The violent storms claimed the lives of two individuals, Edward and Arlene Kozlowski, a married couple in their 80s, who were discovered in their long-time home. Several other residents sustained injuries during the severe weather.
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On Thursday afternoon, Indiana Governor Mike Braun visited Lake Village to assess the storm damage. Witnessing the destruction up close provided him with a sobering perspective on the situation.
In the wake of the disaster, residents were seen burning debris scattered across their properties by the tornado’s force.
“We’ll do everything we can to make the recovery process as seamless as possible for you,” Governor Braun reassured the community.
The most severe damage was concentrated on the town’s south side, particularly near US 41, where the scene seemed frozen in time on Thursday.
Businesses like a Family Dollar store were decimated, so was the gas station directly across from it.
A gas pump could be seen, still inserted into a vehicle where the tornado ripped right through. It is just one of many places now set for a long rebuilding in Lake Village.
On Thursday morning, crews were hard at work removing debris from the roof of a nearby bank, while utility crews were out trying to restore power to the more than 800 customers who were still in the dark.
And now, Newton County and other parts of the Chicago area will be under a High Wind Warning from 1 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.
As homeowners grapple with the reality that lies ahead for them, Braun says he will look into all state and federal resources that may be helpful for this rebuild.
The governor is not sure if Federal Emergency Management Agency help will be necessary.
“I’ll have to find out because we’d have to declare an emergency here. We’ll compare it to what has happened in recent times, especially since I’ve been governor, and we’ll make that decision here shortly quickly,” Braun said.
Meanwhile, the community has continued to rally together, coming up with all sorts of donations to help those impacted.
“I have a lot of friends who live in Lake Village, so just trying to do whatever we can,” said John Sorensen, who is donating items for relief efforts.
Donations poured into Lake Village’s Community Center on Thursday morning. A small army of volunteers sorted through items, determining what is still needed.
“What we’re looking for, baby wipes, bath towels, wash cloths,” said Abbey Rossittir, president of the Newton County Board of Commissioners.
The governor visited with many volunteers, who were taking in hundreds of donations at the community center, while thanking first responders for their efforts in what he says has become an unfortunate occurrence with natural disasters across the state.
“It seems like our state, in the last few years, we’ve been getting hit from the south to the north a little harder than what it used to be, but every time that occurs, it amazes me how the communities step up,” Braun said.
Anything that can be used for cleanup efforts is helpful, organizers said.
“Any items that you have that are new, in packages that you’re willing to donate. Laundry, soaps, bleaches, household cleaners, brooms, mops, shovels, rakes, contractor bags, garbage bags,” Morocco Fire Chief Jeremy Vanderwall said.
Volunteers also gathered on the north side of town, ready and willing to help.
“We’re waiting on getting a few destinations that we will be sent out to, sites where we’ll be picking up debris, separating the debris into piles so they can pick it up,” volunteer Brittany Shedrow said.
Homeowners are slowly coming to terms with their losses and beginning their clean up process as well.
And while the extent of the damage, and therefore the need, is still being assessed, it is clear that it will be significant.
It is unclear how many people have been displaced. North Newton High School served as a shelter overnight, and it is also where the Red Cross is basing its operations.
The center is also offering free Starlink service to people who may be without the ability to get online to communicate with loved ones.
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