First Tornado in Over a Century
Monday, April 27, 2009
Camelot experienced it's first tornado in over 150 years last night. Citizens of Camelot should be thankful, the F-4 cyclone could have caused intense damage but instead touched down only once in our city before moving east to Ackerley.
There were no injuries attributed to the tornado and very little property damage. Most citizens took shelter in Camelot High School's gymnasium.
The only casualty in what could have been a devastating outcome was the First Presbyterian Church located in Pioneer Park. Built in 1843 the church was certainly a treasure in our town, the site of more weddings and graduation parties than can ever be counted. Unfortunately it was flattened last evening in the storm.
The beautiful brick building recently became the center of controversy in Camelot when a developer offered to buy Pioneer Park to put up a 10+ story hotel. Citizens of Camelot were split on the decision.
Perhaps mother nature just made the choice a little easier.
7 comments:
I believe Mother Nature is telling us something. It is time to rebuild and clean up the downtown area. We need a fresh new look to rejuvenate our city. We need to excite people and businesses to come to our city. This will ultimately help our city's economy.
Nate Felver, President, Police Benevolent Association
I think that this is a definite sign. We need to rejuvenate our downtown area and encourage more tourists. With graduation fast approaching, we will again face the problems of where to house all of the coming families. This new hotel will not only help with this annual problem, but also be beneficial when other events come to town, like sporting events and visiting teams. The building of this new hotel will boost our community and help to restore it to its old and vibrant self.
Maria Neff
Student Body President
Camelot State University
This incident, though sad, should make less of an issue of the hotel project. I think that the city should allow this project to continue and help us rebuild our downtown area.
Eddie Shei
Business owner
It is very sad what happend with this precious church, but I agree with the rest of the community maybe the mother earth is telling us something. We need more jobs for our community with this construccion we will reduce the umeploymeny issue that we facing righ now
After the destruction of the church, the commission did not adequately address the issue of the cemetery, which survived the tornado. I think the planning commission has taken the power of eminent domain too far. Removing the graves without the consent of all of the families who have family members buried there is disconcerting. The commission should have tried to convince the family members to move their relative’s graves, instead of forcefully removing them without consent. I believe this sets a dangerous precedent.
Bryan Pehlke
Executive Director, Camelot Chamber of Commerce
I find it very ironic that the tornado happened to occur just when the plans to develop a hotel were being debated. I'm curious to know what did mother nature have against the church.
-William
Attorney
Although it saddens me to see such a historical landmark destroyed, I am glad to have the issue resolved. The Lord works in mysterious ways.
Jimmy Wentzel
Minister, First Presbyterian Church
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