FRANK DENZLER
Republican Staff Writer
As the damage assessment and clean up effort entered its second day following a tornado touching down in and around the rural community of Moscow, Indiana Lt. Governor Becky Skillman, Indiana National Guard Adjutant General of Indiana R. Martin Umbarger and Indiana Director of Homeland Security Joe Wainscott visited the ravaged area.
Arriving by helicopter the trio, along with Rush County commissioner Tom Barnes, took an aerial tour of Moscow and the surrounding area. The group then boarded a bus and took a ground tour of damage and leveled homes on Skating Rink Road and CR 500W.
The group then held a brief press conference with local and state news agencies in close proximity to where the Moscow Covered Bridge formerly stood.
When asked about her impression of the damage she witnessed from the sky and then on the ground, Skillman indicated that she was surprised at the amount of devastation and amazed that there were no fatalities and so few injuries.
“Hearing of the devastation, reading the reports, and seeing the clips on the news can’t compare with the up close and personal — comforting the families and hearing the personal stories of the children who have been well trained and they know what to do in case of an emergency. Children who have taught their parents in cases like this,” Skillman said.
She went on to say that if there was a silver lining in what was happening on the ground it would be with the community pulling together and helping one another.
“The silver lining to such situations are what you see on the ground and the aftermath. Friends that are helping friends, neighbors helping neighbors, all helping to get their lives back in order,” Skillman said.
She went on to say that the state wants to provide as much comfort and aid as possible and cited the numerous response crews. One aspect that the Lt. Governor seemed surprised by was that nearly everyone she spoke with inquired about replacing their beloved covered bridge.
Although not outright saying that the bridge could or would be rebuilt, she mentioned that there are issues the state could look at and initiatives that could be pursued. She said that those she had spoken with were confident that insurance would help replace their homes, but concerns remained with their community bridge.
Gen. Umbarger was also amazed at the amount of decimation after seeing the damage first hand and the lack of
News
Lt. Governor tours tornado damaged area
- News
-
-
Air Evac leaving Rushville base
Nearly four years to the day that Air Evac Lifeteam began operation from a Rushville base, the medical air transport operation will leave our community.
-
Teams sought for 2012 Relay for Life
Nearly a month after the annual kick off and three weeks before the first scheduled team captain meeting (March 1), local organizers are still hoping to expand the number of participants in this year's local Relay for Life.
-
Boys and girls basketball sign-ups underway
Sign-ups for the Boys & Girls Club of Rush County boys and girls ages five through second grade basketball will run through Feb. 29. These leagues will run the five Saturdays in March.
-
Youth in Philanthropy fund grant application deadline
Garry Cooley, executive eirector of the Rush County Community Foundation, has announced that the grant application deadline for the Youth in Philanthropy Fund is 4 p.m. March 1.
-
Lady Lions eliminate Lady Knights
The goal in the tournament is to advance and that is what the Lady Lions did Tuesday at Batesville with a 53-50 victory over South Dearborn.
-
The wonders of wood
Outside the wood shop door on Wednesday afternoons, kids at the Boys & Girls Club of Rush County line up for their turn inside the room where planks of wood become boxes, benches and shelves between 4 and 6 p.m.
-
Statehouse action resumes after Super Bowl break
After a time-out to accommodate out-of-town Super Bowl visitors, the Indiana General Assembly is back in session to tackle legislation that had been bottlenecked by a contentious labor bill.
-
Rice is Herman Freed Award recipient
Rush County Sheriff's Department deputy Alan Rice recently graduated from the Indiana law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in Plainfield.
-
Waggener pool accepting applications
Waggener Community Pool is accepting applications at this time for summer employment.
-
SLIDESHOW: Giants beat Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI
The New York Giants won their fourth NFL championship Sunday in Indianapolis, scoring in the final minute to defeat New England 21-17.
- More News Headlines
-
Air Evac leaving Rushville base
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
