Disasters test our community, thank you to those who prove its strength

The true strength of a community can be measured in the moments after disaster or tragedy.

This is the time that tests our bonds, and our preparation for the unexpected.

Stoddard County has shown itself strong in both over the past days.

An EF2 tornado took down trees and power lines across the county on the Sunday of a holiday weekend, but people immediately began to rally.

Whether it was neighbors reaching out to each other to check in, or city and county crews gathering to clear streets, people showed up to do what needed to be done.

We want to thank everyone who has been involved in this process, and who continues the work that needs to be done.

Volunteers were out again over the weekend as crews continued to deal with trees taken down by winds that topped 120 mph.

The city of Dexter immediately organized both its crews and contracted workers to help with projects like the reopening of East Park and the city’s water park.

Mobile food pantries and a community dinner were also organized to help residents, some of whom lost much of their perishable food with power outages lasting days.

Officials have said they hope to be able to provide more assistance to county residents as they work toward an official disaster declaration and help from federal and state resources.

In a time of uncertainty, knowing you can rely on those close to home is invaluable.

Thank you again to all of those who make this possible, and continue to work toward these goals.

— Dexter Statesman