Cedar Rapids Weather
Parkersburg Celebrates ProgressBy: Claire Kellett, Anchor/Reporter
PARKERSBURG - The rebuilding process in the tornado-stricken town of Parkersburg came to a screeching halt Thursday night. Builders there decided it was time to take a night off work in recognition of the Butler County town's progress since May's massive tornado.
At first glance, the town of Parkersburg appears to be a brand new housing development, but listen closely to the stories behind the construction, and it's evident the future homeowners are familiar with the area. Follow the summer smell of barbecue to a red tent in town and meet the people of Parkersburg anxious to move back home. "I've been there every day to keep an eye on it," says Darlene Dreesman. Dreesman and her soon-to-be-neighbors enjoyed burgers and beans compliments of local builders. "We just hope we can give back to the community as much as they have given to us," says Dick Corwin of Corn Belt Builders. A handful of local building companies, loosely called the Parkersburg Building Group, fired up the grill to get everyone's minds off all of the work. The celebration went beyond food and friendly conversation. It was complete with a special gift from Washington D.C. "The city lost its flag in the tornado, and we wanted to get the flag from Washington to fly over the city," says Corwin. The stars and stripes was a special delivery from Senator Chuck Grassley, who lives in the neighboring town of New Hartford, also a victim of May's twister. "A lot of times we give flags ,but I don't get a chance to present them," says Grassley. People in Parkersburg appreciated the personal touch, and everyone's efforts to bring homeowners back as soon as fall. "We're supposed to have a Thanksgiving party I have every year, so it has to be ready to go," says Dreesman. Grassley also emphasized both his and Senator Tom Harkin's dedication to get Iowa flood victims more federal financial help when Congress reconvenes next month. More Good Stuff |
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