Lutherans survey tornado-affected areas in Wisconsin

by Melissa Ramirez Cooper, ELCA News Service

The Rev. Paul Stumme-Diers, bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America (ELCA) Greater Milwaukee Synod, and the Rev. Gary A.
Grindeland, state coordinator, Lutheran Disaster Response, and
vice president of church and community relations, Lutheran Social
Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, Milwaukee, toured
tornado-affected areas in Wisconsin's Kenosha County,
particularly the town of Wheatland. Tornadoes and high winds
swept through the Midwest on Jan. 7.

"The situation on the ground is just as the commercial media is
reporting," stated Daniel Ross-Jones, director of communication,
ELCA Greater Milwaukee Synod. Ross-Jones surveyed tornado damage
on the north side of the City of Kenosha. "Debris is strewn
along highway medians and in farm fields, roadways and yards.
FEMA is reporting 26 homes destroyed with 75 sustaining damage.
Fifteen storm-related injuries were reported, but we give thanks
that no one died," he said.

ELCA congregations did not report damage to their buildings
although Lutherans are affected at their personal residences and
businesses, said Ross-Jones. "It is important to note that
everyone is being cared for (and) no one is using any of the
established shelter facilities. Donations of materials, such as
clothing, are not needed at this time," he said, adding that
Lutheran Disaster Response is in partnership with the Wisconsin
Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster "on the ground
coordinating relief efforts."