Greensburg...

[LA_MERC_Wetzny]

Most of us here live or have lived in parts of our country where tornado's are a part of spring and fall. The near total destruction of Greensburg Kansas is just another example of the awesome and deadly power of nature.

I've been through Greensberg many times, it sits on highway 54 about one hundred miles west of Wichita and is the best path to many of the outstanding upland bird areas of our state. It's home to the worlds largest hand dug well. It's a sleepy little town consisting mainly of families who make their living in the resurgent oil fields of Kansas and in agriculture. It's people are just common hard working people who enjoy living and working in the heartland of our nation. I've eaten many meals in it's cafe and had a few cold one's in it's only little bar, usually after many cold winter days chasing pheasants in the crop lands surrounding it. The town is basically gone now. Destroyed by a tornado some say was nearly a mile wide. But I'll tell you the tornado didn't destroy it's spirit, and just like after the horrific tornado that hit Andover Kansas in 1991, the people of Greensburg will find the strength and courage to overcome this tragedy and rebuild their homes, lives and town.

My thoughts and prayers are with them.

[LA_MERC_LaTech]

I saw this on Yahoo just a bit ago. Amazing...95% of the city is gone. Wow...reminds me of the tornado that was sighted when my family moved out of Kansas in '89. Amazing...there's nothing else to call it. All the best to those effected.

[LA_MERC_Wetzny]

Looks like a Bomb went off in Greensburg.....

http://apnews.myway.com/image/20070505/APTOPIX_Severe_Weather_Tornado.sff_KSOW110_2007050 5234241.html?date=20070506&docid=D8OUUHC81

[LA_MERC_YellowDog]

GEeezzz, Storms like that just don't seem real... when I see destruction like that It makes me thankful all we have to worry about around here is the hurricanes, at lest we can see them coming. I mean, if you get killed in one of those things its your own damm fault.

Its hard to imagine anyone surviving in the direct path of something like that.

[Chi_Townz]

damn...a little speechless.

thoughts and prayers..

[LA_MERC_th33_r00k]

I grew up in a little town called Schleswig, IA. I had the pleasure of seeing many tornadoes while growing up, and my father used to be a chaser / spotter that gets called out when one hits the ground. They are very destructive, and there is no way to battle it, except get into cover, stay put, and pray to God that everyone else you know was smart enough to get into a safe spot. 95% of the town was damaged with only 9 deaths. That is amazing, and stands witness to how hard storm centers work to warn the public. I like this pic the best: http://apnews.myway.com/image/20070505/Severe_Weather_Tornado.sff_KSCL103_20070505231534. html?date=20070506&docid=D8OUUHC81

I agree with this statement; "There's a certain spirit in the Midwest of our country, a pioneer spirit that still exists, and I'm confident this community will be rebuilt," Bush said.

It also took less then 24hrs to declare Disaster state, and get the funds rolling. That will help a lot.

http://www.bigwell.org/bigwell.html
http://www.bigwell.org/meteor.html

[LA_MERC_YellowDog]

Well... im not trying to start a soap box here.. but, the people of the 9th district in New Orleans, and also Ray Nagan, need to take a good look at how these people handle a disaster... they might learn a thing or 2 about how a community is suppose to work.

[LA_MERC_LaTech]

Right you are, Dog.

Wetz, is this the place with the hand-dug well and the meteorite? If so, I've actually been there once

[LA_MERC_th33_r00k]

Right you are, Dog.

Wetz, is this the place with the hand-dug well and the meteorite? If so, I've actually been there once

See links in post #8...lol.
http://www.bigwell.org/bigwell.html
http://www.bigwell.org/meteor.html

[LA_MERC_YellowDog]

WOW... now thats a big Hole.. :)

[LA_MERC_LaTech]

Doh! Sorry, Rook. Ok, I HAVE been there then

[LA_MERC_Wetzny]

Well... im not trying to start a soap box here.. but, the people of the 9th district in New Orleans, and also Ray Nagan, need to take a good look at how these people handle a disaster... they might learn a thing or 2 about how a community is suppose to work.

It started that night Parker, you're right ol' buddy. The times the worst situations brings out the best in people, when you're not too busy thinking like a victim...

http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=MzQ5MTEzMzI4NTY0NThmYTdiMjZmOTMyYWZmYjZkZTE=

[Big_ch33se]

Yeah, sorry for those peeps. Wish them better rebuilding success then us down here.

[LA_MERC_Diesel]

yeah we have found out that those Kansas people are pretty nice fellers :P
may God bless the families of those who did not make it, for they have been dealt a helluva blow.

[waltersw15]

When I left for our trip to Mexico on May 2nd, we ran into a very bad storm just outside of San Antonio. It was about 11pm, and I couldn't see anything. The rain was coming down so hard and blowing in all directions, and lightning was flashing about every 3 seconds. On our way back yesterday, I heard that storm we got caught in spawned some tornadoes throughout Texas. I'm just glad I didn't see one. But I'll tell you, I was pretty damned scared especially with having my wife and 2 1/2 year old daughter with me, and you can't see anything because it is dark.

I definitely feel bad for those people in Kansas who have to deal with that all of the time.