Fairdale Marks One-Year Anniversary Of Deadly Tornado
(CBS) -- Ceremonies are taking place today to mark the one-year anniversary of the tornado that hit Fairdale, taking two lives, injuring many others and forever changing the small town about 60 miles west of Chicago.
WBBM's Mike Krauser reports.
On April 9 2015, an EF-4 tornado swept through Fairdale, flattening several homes and businesses in the small DeKalb County community.
Radio traffic reporter Kris Habermehl, a volunteer firefighter in the region, was among the first responders at the scene. He remembers one big pile of debris and cries for help.
"While we're doing search and rescue, another line of severe thunderstorms came through. Lightning (was) so close, you felt like the side of your head was getting hot. Your hair is standing on end."
Fairdale: One Year Later
"And these folks are terrified. They've lost everything. They don't have anything. It's dark. Now it's raining. It's a monsoon-like rain, hail coming down."
CBS 2's Sandra Torres was in Fairdale as they held events to remember the victims and embrace a new beginning.
Clem Schultz remembers the moment the tornado struck.
"When I was going down, I didn't feel any fear," he said. "I felt a sense of survival."
The twister destroyed his town and took the life of his wife Geraldine Schultz
"Today in particular has been one of those bittersweet things," Schultz said. "A lot of hugs, a lot of kisses, a lot of tears."
The tears mostly came when a memory plaque and bench were unveiled during a ceremony Saturday afternoon. Both were dedicated to the victims, Geraldine Schultz and Jacklyn Klosa.
The Dekalb County Long Term Recovery Corporation raised $1.6 million for Fairdale.
"Some was used for the renters, some was used for short-term assistance, but most of it has been used for infrastructure," said Donna Turner, the organization's president.
Out of 22 homes destroyed, 15 have been rebuilt.
Mr. Schultz doesn't know what he will do with his empty land yet but until then, he's trying to move forward- and enjoy a new chapter of his life with his dog Missy.
A lot of progress has been made, but there is still a lot of work to do. The Dekalb County Long Term Recovery Corporation hopes that as donations continue to pour in, they'll be able to rebuild in some of the lots that remain empty.
