Greensburg couple hatch new business

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:11:26 CDT

After losing their home and two businesses in the Greensburg tornado, Scott and Susan Reinecke have a new business called Studio 54 located in the Business Incubator building.

Les Anderson - Blog

Thu, 28 May 2009 23:46:51 CDT

The last Greensburg tour

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:25:54 CDT

Matt Deighton, Director of Volunteers in the tornado recovery effort, gives one last tour through Greensburg Kansas.

GreenTown inspires Greensburg

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:11:08 CDT

Taylor Schmidt, Student Intern at GreenTown in Greensburg, Kan., talks about how the organization came to town after the 2007 tornado.

Boys share their story

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:09:12 CDT

Harrison Fleener, Erik Torres and Joe Tyler spend a lot of the free time these days at the world's largest hand-dug well. That may seem unusual for three middle school boys, but when 95 percent of Greensburg was destroyed by an EF5 tornado in 2007, Tyler said there's not much more to do.

Newspaper editor does it all

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:23:25 CDT

Running a one-man circus, or a publication in this case, isn't all that easy. Mark Anderson, editor of the Kiowa County Signal, edits, writes, photographs and all, in his town's weekly newspaper. His job began in the summer of 2004.

Pastor serves his church with compassion

Mon, 8 Jun 2009 20:54:04 CDT

Willard Olinger was chosen as the temporary pastor at Faith Tabernacle Church. That was more than 50 years ago.

Doing the neighborly thing

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:10:02 CDT

A few days before Christmas in 2008, Christy Pyatt, Michele Mayes and Wayne Burnham were among the group handed keys to new eco-friendly homes in Greensburg. The homes were built by Mennonite Housing Rehabilitation Services, a company that provides affordable housing options to low-income people in the Wichita area. When the Greensburg tornado struck, Mennonite Housing wanted to help.

Friday morning coffee at Haviland Hardware

Tue, 2 Jun 2009 21:07:56 CDT

Some Greensburg residents still have difficulties rebuilding

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 16:01:19 CDT

John Clark and other Greensburg residents don't want their town to rebuild "green." They just want their homes back.

Media 2009

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 11:38:27 CDT

Pastors: Greensburg's faith never died

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 10:22:17 CDT

Don't ask Greensburg pastor Marvin George what it's been like for members of his community to rebuild their faith after a tornado flattened their town in May 2007.

Greensburg goes green with GreenTown

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 00:47:55 CDT

Greensburg is taking the green movement to a new level at a pace that environmentalists can only dream of.

Mennonite Housing leaves Wichita roots to help in Greensburg

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 08:12:55 CDT

Mennonite Housing is helping more than two dozen families with the rebuilding process in Greensburg.

Surprise gift in tornado's wake

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:24:38 CDT

The Greensburg tornado took away homes, family treasures and lives. However, it delivered something, too. It brought friendship to an 87-year-old widow and a college student from George Washington University.

Volunteer director focusing on his recovery now

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:25:27 CDT

After serving in the exhaustive position of volunteer coordinator of the South Central Kansas Tornado Recovery Association for nearly two years, Matt Deighton is uniquely qualified to examine what the town has experienced, and how it is recovering.

New hospital to be first of its kind

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 08:15:47 CDT

Right on Highway 54, construction is fully under way for the new, and nearly $25 million LEED Platinum certified Kiowa County Memorial Hospital, the only one of its kind in the United States. Set to open in May 2010, the hospital also will include a specialty clinic, daycare, pharmacy, ambulance building and other features.

Campbell family stays rooted in Greensburg

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:09:30 CDT

Amber Campbell was two months pregnant when the May 4, 2007, tornado destroyed her family's home. She and her husband Loren say they never seriously questioned whether to raise their children, ages 18 months and 4, in a new Greensburg.

Kiowa County Landfill staff still trying to catch up

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 10:08:50 CDT

More than 85,000 truckloads of debris were hauled to land near Kiowa County's old landfill north of Greensburg after a May 4, 2007, tornado destroyed 97 percent of the town's infrastructure. Another 40,000 truckloads were taken south of Greensburg's newer landfill, which opened in 2000. Landfill staff are still trying to catch up.

Phoenix man doesn't regret commitment to Greensburg

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:23:53 CDT

In December 2008, Mike McBeath arrived in Greensburg from Phoenix to volunteer with Mennonite Housing. The amount of time a volunteer dedicates to the town can range from a day to a week to a month. That wasn't enough for McBeath. He signed up for a year.

Retired teacher reflects on Greensburg loyalty

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 08:21:24 CDT

Retired teacher Elizabeth Pew embodies the optimism, determination and loyalty that is almost tangible in Greensburg.

Cemetery Sexton Creates Green Headstones to Remember the Forgotten

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 15:25:03 CDT

Ed Schoenberger remembers the forgotten by making headstones for unmarked graves out of recycled materials.

Small town shopping

Tue, 2 Jun 2009 20:12:47 CDT

Shopping online or in town. Although Greensburg residents are ordering more online, the theme seems to be keep the money as close to home when possible.

Wetmore sees a future in sustainable business

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 10:16:32 CDT

Dodge City resident Bob Wetmore is one month into his new role as executive director of Kiowa County Chamber of Commerce and Kiowa County Economic Development Corporation. He sees particular potential in creating a model for sustainable business.

Road repairs and construction to begin

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 10:12:25 CDT

Many Greensburg residents can relate to Jackie Scharman."I don't think I'll ever learn to drive straight again," Scharman said with a laugh, "we have to dodge every pothole." These residents will be happy to know road repairs are on the way.

Greensburg's United Methodist Church has an open-door policy

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:11:45 CDT

The United Methodist Church in Greensburg has four showers, four ovens, two industrial-size refrigerators, a commercial dishwasher and dozens of people sleeping on its floors at night. Volunteers from all over the United States take up temporary residence at the UMC when they are in town to work. The church being a volunteer destination spot was exactly what the building committee and trustees had in mind.

Oldest Fuller Brush salesman aims to please

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 08:34:39 CDT

W.E. Stewart, 84, started selling Fuller Brush products shortly before he was 25. He has received a commendation from the company for his 55 years of service and is now approaching his 60th year.

Tornado spins off businesses

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 08:35:54 CDT

While no one can deny the disastrous effects an EF5 tornado can have on a Kansas town like Greensburg, once the dust settles and the shock eases, some people see the silver lining on that wall cloud.

Buffalograss takes hold in Greensburg

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:09:23 CDT

Who knows better about what grows well in southwest Kansas than Mother Nature? Buffalograss, a native prairie plant, has adapted to conditions in this area over thousands of years. More and more Greensburg residents are planting buffalograss lawns.

Help rides a golf cart

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 11:37:38 CDT

Greensburgian, Julie Harshey, rides in her golf cart offering help to her neighbors. The 2007 tornado took the roof off her apartment.

Hospital changes over the years

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:12:01 CDT

Changes seen over the last two years at the Kiowa County Memorial Hospital.

Volz Oil Co. comes through for Greensburg following tornado

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 15:53:49 CDT

Norman Volz rebuilds his business after the tornado, but he has not forgotten what the storm took from him.

Greensburg might not be the home of the Rangers much longer

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 10:40:16 CDT

With a new $50-million school in the works and a possible consolidation, Greensburg is looking to change its school mascot and colors.

Landfill still overwhelmed

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 15:19:36 CDT

Eric Peters talks about the 40,000 loads of debris that came to the Kiowa County South Landfill under his supervision.

Nichols Starts Own Mineral Makeup Business

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 16:51:10 CDT

It's Man vs. Nature in Greensburg

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 19:08:20 CDT

Two years after the calamitous tornado vacuumed up most of the manmade structures in this town on the prairie, nature is making an attempt to restake its claim on Greensburg.

$2 Million needed for Twilight Theatre

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 09:08:27 CDT

When Farrell Allison was approached about becoming president of the Twilight Theatre, Greensburg's previous entertainment hotspot, he hesitated. Nineteen years and an EF-5 tornado later, Allison says his whole thinking process has changed.

Aromatherapy and Mineral Makeup Come to Greensburg

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 19:05:56 CDT

Walking down a hall in the newly constructed incubator, turn left and anyone with a sense of smell will get a whiff of soothing scents emerging from La Terra Natural.

Home entertainment making a comeback

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 19:48:13 CDT

Now that conditions in Greensburg are a little more stable and life is returning to near normal, residents are starting to replace items that are less essential, but still important.

Justice Has A New Face

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 20:26:09 CDT

The legal world in Kowia County has a new face and a new home.

Green initiative draws young people

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:10:57 CDT

Before Greensburg was hit by an EF5 tornado two years ago, the population was 1,383. City treasurer Pam Reeves now estimates the population to be approximately 800, a 42 percent decrease. Now it will be up to younger members of the community to rebuild the eco-friendly town.

Some of Greensburg's green is missing

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 08:59:30 CDT

When the May 2007 tornado scoured away most of the manmade structures of Greensburg, it added insult to injury when people realized so many of their huge trees that had stood fast against generations of storms would have to be removed.

The Greensburg Way: Looking Forward

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:29:34 CDT

Erica Goodman's life in Greensburg might be described by some as kismet.

The Greensburg way: Looking ahead

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 09:02:50 CDT

The Goodmans lost three buildings in the tornado, but they are still looking ahead.

Librarian reminisces on Greensburg library

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 08:43:10 CDT

After losing everything but her husband and cat Brownie, it's not material things Debby Allison misses most. Instead, it's books--more specifically, the Kiowa County Library in Greensburg.

A new home, with a little help

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 08:43:52 CDT

As Greensburg continues its revival, so are the families that live there. Case manager Linda Broce, who works for the Recovery Center of the United Methodist Church, helps locate funds for people to rebuild their lives. Jodi Tedder and family are thankful for all she has contributed.

Giving back to the outback

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 09:12:35 CDT

After the tornado, Greensburg graduate Tim Hacker made it possible for six varsity golfers to participate in the regional tournament, one of them, Alex Reinecke, is giving back to the community of Greensburg and also paying a visit to another natural disaster site in June.

Tornado destroyed a town, but not a dream

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 09:15:27 CDT

After 30 years of dreaming and 20 years of cooking experience, David Yohn will finally see his hard work pay off in the community his family has called home for many generations.

Kinlsey pastor helped and listened to many

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:19:46 CDT

The day after the May 4th tornado, Kelly Gindlesburger, pastor of First Christian Church in nearby Kinsley, got a call to help. During his more than two years as chair of the South Central Kansas Tornado Recovery Organization, he has helped and listened to many Greensburg residents.

Twilight Theatre President Recalls Memories

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 14:31:30 CDT

Farrell Allison thought the hassle of the Twilight Theatre was over after the tornado. He soon realized he was wrong. Plans for the theater are complete, and now all that stands in his way is lack of money.

Residents Share Hopes at Auction

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 13:36:01 CDT

Brown's Auctioning held a furniture sale on May 28. Residents from Greensburg share their reasonings for attending the auction.

A new home, with a little help

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 09:09:07 CDT

As Greensburg continues its revival, so are the families who live there. Case manager Linda Broce, who works for the Recovery Center of the United Methodist Church, helps locate funds for people to rebuild their lives. Jodi Tedder and family are thankful for all she has contributed.

Giving back to the outback

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 13:41:56 CDT

Surviving the Storm Again

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:25:03 CDT

Frances Nolan thought she had made it through the storm after surviving the tornado. Now she may loose her house all over again.

Kiowa County United gives businesses hope

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 13:53:46 CDT

Kiowa County United has provided businesses in Greensburg a unique chance to rebuild. They plan to build a business district on Main Street that will be completely paid for by donations from the community.

Bar owners rebuild with casino windfall

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 23:27:00 CDT

Darwin and Debbie Haskell own the Bar H Tavern in Greensburg. They rebuilt their bar, which was used as a temporary morgue, with money Darwin won at an Oklahoma casino.

Learning from each other

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 15:35:47 CDT

When Greensburg residents emerged from their basements after the tornado, there was no plan in place for what to do next. Many communities have plans for minor incidents such as fires or small storms, but few have plans if the entire town is blown away. Greensburg City Council member Matt Christenson said having that kind of plan would have been helpful and sped up the recovery process.

Greensburg may get new pool

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 19:07:45 CDT

Greensburg will be building a new city pool, but when the city plans to start the project is still undetermined.

A picture of recovery

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 16:46:10 CDT

Winnie Fankhouser, resident at the Carriage House, describes her experience with the EF5 tornado that came through her town in May of 2007.

Dennis McKinney rebuilds home

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 09:24:54 CDT

Dennis McKinney rode out the storm in his basement and emerged to find the town in shambles. As a state representative, his job was about to get busier but he was more concerned about making sure neighbors were safe and rebuilding.

Recycled aluminum roof just right for Mabel Schmidt

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 08:54:21 CDT

Mabel Schmidt was known for carrying bags with her as she walked around Greensburg so she could pick up things that could be recycled, especially aluminum cans. It was only natural that part of her new house would be made of recycled materials.

For Julie, regaining her independence was vital

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:10:22 CDT

Julie Harshey, who suffers from a multitude of physical and mental problems, had lived independently in Greensburg for nearly five years after a lifelong struggle to establish her life. The tornado two years ago, however, forced her to spend more time readjusting before living on her own again.

Commentary: A symbol of what used to be

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 15:32:48 CDT

Former Greensburg soda jerk Dick Huckriede has left town and left kids with nothing but KwikShop machines to produce their afternoon sodas and milkshakes.

Kinsley pastor looks back at recovery process

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:19:57 CDT

The day after the May 4 tornado, Kelly Gindlesburger, pastor of First Christian Church in nearby Kinsley, got a call to help. During his more than two years as chair of the South Central Kansas Tornado Recovery Organization, he worked to get Greensburg residents the help they needed. Now, as the duties of the organization wind down, Gindlesburger can reflect on what he's learned and what he's going to do next.

Family reduces carbon footprint with dome home

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:50:45 CDT

The Ellers go green in Greensburg and build an energy-efficient, sustainable home to reduce their carbon footprint on earth.

Kent Zook

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:19:24 CDT

Local musician Kent Zook has played the guitar for years. Now, he plays for the community when he can.

Sno Shack Summer

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 16:56:54 CDT

Travis Powell has set up the Sno Shack in Greensburg and is bringing 32 flavors of fun to the community.

Small Town Entertainment

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 10:54:34 CDT

Entertainment in a small town is all about enhancing community relationships.

The last holdout

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 11:25:53 CDT

Harry Noland and his mother are the last holdouts in Greensburg where the new highway is planned to be located.

Dollars Land In Greensburg

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:10:11 CDT

Most people never see where their dollars end up when they put money in the Salvation Army kettle or donate to a disaster relief drive. These are the faces of some people who were rescued by donations.

GreenTown intern loves vision of Greensburg

Mon, 8 Jun 2009 20:55:48 CDT

The summer internship at GreenTown is Georgia Abrams' third stint as a volunteer in Greensburg. The internship isn't a paying position, but she is trying to find a way to get paid through Kansas Works so she can afford to live in Greensburg.

Commentary: A symbol of what used to be

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 15:42:21 CDT

Former Greensburg soda jerk Dick Huckriede has left town and left kids with nothing but KwikShop machines to produce their afternoon sodas and milkshakes.

Greensburg by Larry Hatteberg

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:43:51 CDT

Larry Hatteberg, of KAKE Channel 10 in Wichita, covered the May 4, 2007, E-F5 tornado that nearly wiped Greensburg off the map. This is the piece he produced and shared with Greensburg Rebirth project members.

Methodist pastor agreed to move night of tornado

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:23:14 CDT

Terry and Mary Mayhew agreed to move to Greensburg to pastor the United Methodist Church the evening of May 4, 2007. Later that night, a tornado destroyed the church, parsonage and 95 percent of the community.

Lost are found in Greensburg cemetery

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:22:29 CDT

When he began building gravestones out of recycled material in 1972, Ed Schoenberger didn't consider it "environmentally friendly." He simply looked for unwanted items and forgotten people.

93-year-old never adjusted to life after tornado

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:28:55 CDT

As she got older, my Aunt Alice would sit some of the storms out. She figured she'd sit this one out, too. She didn't go into the storm cellar because she was afraid she wouldn't be able to pull the door open.

Links

Thu, 28 May 2009 07:40:53 CDT

About Us

Wed, 27 May 2009 08:04:04 CDT

Going back in history

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:10:50 CDT

Greensburg has become defined by the tornado that devastated it two years ago, but there are several lesser-known facts and stories about the small town in southwestern Kansas.

Sunshine and Rainbows Daycare: A Ray of Sunshine

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 16:52:33 CDT

Sunshine and Rainbows day care is the only day care that is open to the public in Greensburg. The day care has been part of the community for over thirty years.

Cort Anderson - Blog

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 08:24:27 CDT

Jennifer Brault - Blog

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 08:25:00 CDT

Courtney Crain - Blog

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 08:24:36 CDT

Scott Elpers - Blog

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 08:26:10 CDT

Jamie Faust - Blog

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 08:24:50 CDT

Sarah Garcia - Blog

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 08:26:00 CDT

Angela Hampton - Blog

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 08:23:30 CDT

Patrice Hein - Blog

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 08:25:43 CDT

Chris Kaufman - Blog

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 08:26:30 CDT

Kollen Long - Blog

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 08:25:08 CDT

Courtney Looney - Blog

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 08:24:43 CDT

Marathana Prothro - Blog

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 08:25:20 CDT

Chandra Stauffer - Blog

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 08:23:41 CDT

Ozi Utah - Blog

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 08:25:35 CDT

Todd Vogts - Blog

Fri, 29 May 2009 06:47:55 CDT

Molly Walsh - Blog

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 08:25:27 CDT

Shae West - Blog

Fri, 29 May 2009 00:19:23 CDT

Rebecca Zepick - Blog

Mon, 1 Jun 2009 08:25:51 CDT