The Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District has closed all areas of Skare Park until further notice due to damage done by the tornado Thursday evening. This includes all trails, picnic areas, driving range, museum and disc golf course.
There has been extensive damages to trees in the park and work needs to be completed to make all areas safe. Please refrain from using the park until the Park District issues another press release to re-open certain areas or all areas of the park. Closure signs will be posted at major entrances to the park.
Governor Bruce Rauner has declared DeKalb and Ogle counties state disaster areas after severe storms and tornadoes ripped across Illinois Thursday evening. At least two people in Fairdale are reported dead and roughly a dozen more injured. Dozens of homes and businesses have been damaged or destroyed.
“Our hearts and thoughts go out to those impacted by yesterday’s storms,” said Gov. Rauner. “The State will do everything it can to help these families and communities recover and heal, while providing response resources.”
The state disaster declaration makes available a wide variety of state resources that can help affected communities respond and recover from the storms. The state of Illinois has mobilized personnel and assets to help local government officials with disaster recovery, including conservation police officers, communication equipment and light towers.
