More than 900 area residents turned out yesterday to help clean up the debris from the tornado that hit rural Rochelle last Thursday evening.
"Operation Blessing", which is based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is in Rochelle this weekend putting together work groups for the subdivisions damaged last week. Winds reached as high as 200 miles per hour when the tornado traveled through the area.
"Operation Blessing" Director Dan Moore talked about their plans for this weekend in the area....
(Time: (:25), out: up).
Volunteers need to be 18 years of age or older and wearing closed toed shoes and long pants. Volunteers can starting signing up today at 9 for work shifts. "Operation Blessing" is located at the Helms Athletic Complex at 9th Street and Jones Road.
Residents will be able to drive to the subdivision and help their neighbors in their time of need. They can also stop by the Flagg-Center Fire Station for food if they are hungry. Lost items that are found can also be dropped off at the fire station.
Lutheran Church Charities is also involved with the clean-up work this weekend. They are based at St. Paul Lutheran Church here in Rochelle
At this time, 79 homes and structures in Ogle County were damaged from the storm. Between 20 to 30 houses were destroyed.
One home that was destroyed was owned by Ogle County Sheriff Brian Van Vickle. He talked about the process he is going through right now...(Time: (:34), out: structures).
Skare and Fowler Roads opened for traffic yesterday for area residents. Residents must show a photo ID with their home address for access to the Hickory Ridge and Cherry Hill subdivisions.
VanVickle said that countywide debris removal will be this Monday.
Donations for food, water, and new clothing and linens are being accepted at the Rochelle Fire Department and the Hillcrest Fire Department from 9am until 6pm.
Monetary donations can go through the Rochelle Area Community Foundation. They are located at
www.rochellefoundation.org.
The American Red Cross also remains at RTHS to help area families. They have all types of cleaning supplies and household items along with food.
Gift cards can be delivered to the Rochelle Fire Department.
Ogle County Emergency Management Coordinator Tom Richter said that the tactical team from the storm will remain intact for at least a month in helping area residents get their lives back together.
Residents in Fairdale in DeKalb County were also able to get back on their property for the 1st time on Saturday since the tornado hit their community last week. There was major damage done to the small town and 2 women suffered fatal injuries.
Bus loads of volunteers assisted the residents in their clean up process yesterday.
Update Information: No parking at South Skate Court today for Volunteers due to debris removal
Skare Road will be closed starting at 7:30 Monday morning for debris removal. The
work should be completed by noon.
