Goodman Recovering From Tornado

NEIGHBORS HELP NEIGHBORS PICK UP AFTER TWISTER STRIKES

One week after an EF-2 tornado hit Goodman, power has been restored and about 60 percent of the debris has been cleaned up.

More importantly, however, the will of the people is strong, with neighbor helping neighbor in a tragic situation. Goodman Mayor Greg Richmond said he certainly wouldn’t want to repeat the event, but teamwork on the behalf of a number of people made all the difference.

That first night, Richmond witnessed the Stella Fire Department finding a tree blocking a road. They got out, brought out a chainsaw and just started clearing the road, he said.

Emergency management teams, city staff, police, fire and neighbors — working together — resulted in a huge clean-up effort.

The tornado, which struck April 4, destroyed the elementary school and fire station, and damaged dozens of building.

“I couldn’t ask for it to go any better, under the circumstances,” Richmond said. “It is amazing how people come together.”

Folks from surrounding areas have scurried to pitch in. A Community Emergency Response Team from Oklahoma came over on Saturday to assist with clean-up efforts. They helped clean up several big downed trees in Richmond’s yard that he hadn’t gotten to yet.

Cleanup efforts have taken place every day, Richmond said. Saturday, volunteers and neighbors worked together to clean up the debris and make repairs. Volunteers took on a major project by working at the

ball park. Richmond said Parks and Recreation Director Heath Lewis had to attend a meeting, making the call about the upcoming ball season.

Thanks to all the repair work and ongoing efforts, Richmond said the kids will be able to play ball this season. Games will start in about three or four weeks.

Other progress includes power restoration to the city. The storm took out power and Richmond said Empire Electric was hit hardest. By Friday, power was restored across the city, with the exception of a few homes, he said.

For planning purposes, the Goodman Fire Protection District Board of Directors is meeting at City Hall. In the meantime, Choice Puppies has offered the fire department space near the back of that building for storing fire trucks.

Richmond said anyone who has any questions regarding services or contacting various agencies may call City Hall at 417-364-7316.