PARKERSBURG, IA - This Memorial Day is bringing added meaning for those living in and around Parkersburg. Late Sunday afternoon, May 25, 2008, a tornado tore through Butler and Blackhawk counties. Nine people died from that storm. The EF-5 tornado hit homes and businesses in Parkersburg, New Hartford and Dunkerton.
Michelle Everts' home was one of the hundreds destroyed in Parkersburg.
"You still can't actually believe it happened. Especially when you see the video and pictures. It just doesn't seem true," said Michelle Everts.
She and her husband said it's something you never forget, yet never quite come to terms with.
Dean Everts explained, "I try not to think about that, but there's times where, I'll lie in bed and the sounds I'll hear yet is the glass."
Dean and his dog were the only ones home when the tornado hit. Minutes later, the town he and his wife grew up in was gone.
He remembers, "walking out of the basement after it was over, and looking around and seeing houses flattened as far as I could see east and west."
After a few moments of disbelief, Dean, Michelle, and their kids started right in on rebuilding. KIMT News 3 caught up with them in the fall. They'd spent five months living in a cramped camper. With the chill of winter in the air, the entire Everts family was determined to get inside... before the snow.
"Our goal is the second week of November to be in the house," Dean told us then.
Their sweat, and some very real tears, paid off. By the third week of November, they'd packed up the camper, and moved into their new home.
Dean said, "the home wasn't near complete, but it was good enough to get into."
Now, exactly one year after the tornado, the Everts are pleased at how the walls are taking shape and amazed by how quickly time flies.
"Everybody was so busy I guess, so maybe that's why the time did go by that fast," remarked Dean, "but no, it doesn't seem like it's been a year."
Walking the streets of the hardest hit area, you'll find many signs of how far Parkersburg has come. You can see house after house of new construction going up. But there are also signs of how far they have to go. Every few lots you'll find giant piles of dirt where a house is waiting to be built. But the Everts said the community is starting to feel like home again.
"At first it didn't, but we all said, we have got to make new memories here," said Michelle.
Many of the memories so far, are still difficult. They have yet to take a break, let alone a vacation, because there's always something that needs work. Like this week, they're finally replacing their dining room table.
But if this past year has taught the Everts anything, it's not to take the time they have with each other for granted.
"In a matter of minutes, a life can be taken, or everything you own can be blown away," said Dean.
The Everts are crediting the progress their town is making on the volunteers and donations. As for the camper - it's still sitting in their driveway. After living in it, they said it doesn't make for an appealing summer vacation. So if you're in the market, Dean's willing to sell the camper at a good price.
