As video documentation surveyed tornado damage in the state’s southwestern portion, it revealed shredded trees, downed signage, twisted fencing and more evidence of nature’s power following a series of tornadoes tearing through Jackson County recently.
Footage revealed possessions strewn in front yards of damaged houses as cranes scooped up debris to deposit into dumpsters and local residents gathered to witness recovery efforts and regroup.
Gov. Bruce Rauner met many residents on site as he toured an area in Elkville to inspect damage. State Rep. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) introduced him to Carla Bigham, who indicated that the damaged building before them fell under her jurisdiction as supervisor of Elk Township as backhoes and tractors worked the land.
According to Benton Evening News in southern Illinois, the governor expressed amazement that there were no fatalities in Elkville and conveyed gratitude to local first responders, adding that the state would be sure to assist residents in need of shelter, the publication stated.
When one constituent greeted Rauner and they viewed the remains of her home, white-gloved workers sifted through nearby debris, salvaging what they could.
“We were going to tear it down anyhow, but Mother Nature helped,” the woman told the governor as hugs and handshakes followed. Rauner listened as locals described how they and their parents had lived on the land for years. When one homeowner mentioned that her neighbor had to be dug out of debris — alive and reasonably well — Rauner made a point of asking for an introduction.
Another told the governor that his grandmother-in-law escaped with mere scratches, which Rauner deemed a blessing. The governor repeatedly reminded constituents to reach out for help with any insurance needs.
State Rep. Paul Schimpf (R-Waterloo) spoke to media representatives at the scene, stating that he was in awe of both the power of nature and of the caliber of response from local first responders.
“We are going to do what’s necessary to make sure these people get the support they need to rebuild,” Schimpf stated.
State Rep. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) first emphasized the extent of geographical devastation “all the way to the Mississippi River” and then cited the outpouring of help from locals — who offered everything from chain saws to trash and scrap metal pickup from one yard to the next.
“I think they’re going to actually cash in the scrap metal and donate it back to the folks here to help them defray some of their costs,” Bryant stated, adding that many were uninsured and assuring locals that as elected officials, both she and Schimpf would do everything in their power at both the state and local levels to make sure resources would be available.
“Obviously a very scary series of storms … came through here,” Rauner stated to the media and local constituents. First and foremost, he said, southern Illinois residents owe a debt of gratitude to first responders — police, fire personnel and emergency teams — for their handling of the crisis. He also lauded the Red Cross and Salvation Army for their coordination of food, shelter, clothing and other relief services.
Sixteen tornadoes made their way across the state in one night. Three area lives were lost, the governor said; one, in Crossville, White County, was a veteran and police officer. Rauner reported that no one was seriously hurt in Jackson County, adding that “we’re very fortunate” compared to Naplate, where 64 out of 200 homes were lost in the disaster. (Rauner toured Naplate and Ottawa as well.) Additionally, Rauner reminded residents that IEMA coordinates financial recovery as well as physical.
Elkville Police Chief Kenton Shafer thanked the Jackson County sheriff's office and the local force for their efforts. He reminded residents to keep personal information handy for documentation as much as possible to safeguard against any loss of important papers, adding that staff was available nearby.
As Rauner concluded that “we’re here to provide whatever support we can,” a spectator asked, “Does it still impact you every time you walk down the neighborhood?”
“It’s really hard,” the governor replied, acknowledging personal grief at witnessing the destruction. “It’s very emotional. Frankly, in the two years I’ve been governor … between floods and tornadoes, we’ve had a lot of devastation in communities all over the state. It’s been very hard. I’ve tried to be … at every community that’s been impacted and just want the people to know that we’re with them … and that our hearts are going out to them. We’ll do everything we can to help them.”
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