Governor Visits Tornado Stricken Perry County

Governor Matt Blunt visits the region of Perry County that was devastated by a weekend tornado. After getting an aerial view the damage from a helicopter, the Governor met with residents and rescue workers in Crosstown, which was particularly hard hit. Among those aiding in the recovery effort is Cheryl Klueppel, Executive Director of the Southeast Missouri Chapter of the American Red Cross. She told Blunt the Red Cross is housing 25 families in hotels and is ready to reassess housing requirements. Tom Sutterer, the Presiding Commissioner of Perry County, says he’s pleased with how rescue efforts have been coming together with the various government agencies cooperating. Jackson Bostic, Ombudsman with the State Department of Natural Resources, describes the coming together that he’s seen in Perry County as “the epitome of America … everybody’s come together, neighbor helping neighbor.” The Governor then met with 79-year-old Wanda Lee Noe, whose home was destroyed, but who was able to find the only thing that really mattered to her – a small diamond her late husband was going to give to her for their fortieth wedding anniversary. The diamond was found by a 15-year-old boy who looked through the wreckage. In all, 62 Perry County homes were hit by the tornado. 27 of those homes were either destroyed or suffered major damage.