Joplin Mo. Tornado 2011

History Buff · May 28, 2011, 11:51:00 PM

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."

KBCraig · May 31, 2011, 10:32:45 PM

An elephant in the Ozarks:

http://www.540wfla.com/pages/news-videos.html?feed=425022&article=8641600

Ozark Outlaw · May 31, 2011, 11:29:43 PM

Talk about bringing all hands, or um, trunks on deck!

That's actually really neat, and it is a great way to help the citizens.

KBCraig · June 18, 2011, 02:56:30 AM

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.

sanddunerider · June 18, 2011, 09:07:22 AM

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!

Ozark Outlaw · June 18, 2011, 05:21:46 PM

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.

sanddunerider · June 18, 2011, 06:14:54 PM

on a different note: check this out!!

http://joplinbenefit.com/

this will be a great show, and for a great cause!!

biscuitcreek · June 18, 2011, 07:55:08 PM

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.

Colby Cox · June 18, 2011, 10:17:16 PM

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.

KBCraig · June 19, 2011, 02:25:10 AM

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.

sanddunerider · June 19, 2011, 07:52:19 AM

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

Junior · June 21, 2011, 08:47:06 AM

Anyone been through the Joplin area in the last few days? How is the recovery effort going?

bobber620 · June 21, 2011, 11:14:27 AM

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!!!

Duelist · June 21, 2011, 05:21:40 PM

An interesting offer for Joplin residents from SDC: http://www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com/offers-packages/default.aspx?id=384

Coaster · June 21, 2011, 06:41:21 PM

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.