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2017-2018 Focus on Oak Grove City Guide Page 10
Tornado
An EF3 tornado touched down in Oak Grove a little after 8 p.m.
Monday, March 6, 2017. The tornado was approximately 400 yards
wide and damaged or destroyed about 483 homes and 10-12 com-
mercial structures. Residents in Oak Grove, Grain Valley, Odessa,
Bates City and unincorporated areas of Jackson and Lafayette
counties where damage was reported, were thankful there was no
loss of life.
In response to the disaster, a Long-term Recovery Committee
was formed to assist in coordination of information and resourc-
es. Its mission statement, “The Long-term Recovery Committee
(LTR), in an effort to best serve those affected by the March 6,
2017, tornado will, in terms of recovery activities, function as the
communication and information board. The LTR Committee vows
to assist all those affected to rebound from their losses and sustain
their physical, social, economic and spiritual ‘well-being.’”
In conjunction with the Oak Grove Chamber of Commerce, the
committee hosted an information gathering event May 6 and 7
to visit with victims about immediate needs. The intake surveys
collected that day are being used to determine how to distribute
funds and better serve the community.
Committees which specialize in areas victims may need assis-
tance with were formed within the LTR.
Donations Committee oversees opportunities for raising
funds and accepting donations to do the work of the committee.
The Community Services League collected nonperishable food
items, hygiene items, household cleaning supplies and gift cards
for those affected. Tornado victims may go to CSL for any of these
items. CSL continues to accept gift cards and monetary donations
for relief efforts.
Those affected by the tornado may contact Gina Parr, CSL site
manager at 1408 SE Austin St., 690-8213 or
Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m. – noon and 1 - 4 p.m. for assis-
tance.
A Tornado Recovery Center was opened at 709 S. Broadway,
Suite D, to distribute new clothing items as well as replacement
furniture to disaster victims. Center hours are 9 a.m. - noon and
1-4 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays. Recovery Center will remain in
operation until October 2017. Volunteers are needed at the recov-
ery center. Donations of gently used furniture are being accepted.
Unmet Needs Committee oversees all funds received and dis-
bursed. Shareholders within the committee have established cri-
teria for disbursement of funds, and case managers contact the
committee to present requests for funds. Pete Winstead is the
chair of this committee. He may be reached at 690-6719.
Spiritual/Emotional Committee provides support to those
who are expressing anxiety and loss after the disaster through
individual and group meetings. For further information Teresa
Stewart may be called at 690-4147.
Volunteer Committee worked throughout the first two months
after the disaster to coordinate the many volunteers with residents
needing assistance. Volunteers worked in conjunction with Mi-
chael C. Curry, director of the office of emergency preparedness,
and Jackson County Public Works to clear housing structures of
debris and remove it to a central location on Pink Hill Road. To
volunteer or request help, call Teresa Stewart at 695-4048,
Public Information Committee releases information regard-
ing the work of the LTR committee and publicizes events spon-
sored by the organization. For more information contact Ruth
Ann Hafner, chair of the committee, at 690-7218, Focus on Oak
Grove.
Long-term Recovery Committee