Author: Joanna Coles
Planning Unit: Warren County CES
Major Program: Tornado Response and Recovery
Plan of Work: Unrelated to a specified County Plan of Work
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
On December 11, 2021, a cluster of 3 tornados tore through Warren County impacting approximately 1000 homes and taking 17 lives. Roughly 14,000 people were without power in the city of Bowling Greens for weeks. The devastation to farms in the Rockfield and Oakland areas were extensive. Our extension office didn’t have phone or internet service for the first week following the tornado, so we joined the community to be boots on the ground at donation centers and shelters. We helped organize donations, helped intake clients with donation needs at the shelters and donation centers, and even took donation overflow at our office. The Cooperative Extension Service was the lead agency for farm disaster relief in Warren County, 21 farm entities were affected, and we kept a list of these farms and what their needs were and coordinated efforts with the disaster relief groups to fill needs as they arose. Two semi loads of feed valued at $50,000 were donated and with the help of the Warren County Cattlemen’s Association, we were able to distribute the feed to affected farms in Warren County. The extension service also coordinated the distribution of 80 rolls of hay and a load of square bales hay to farmers in need valued at $4800. We were also able to assist the KY Cattlemen’s Association Foundation, who donated $15,000 to Warren County Cattlemen, distribute funds to farms in need. Tractor Supply Company also asked for assistance to distribute their donation of $6000 to affected farmers in Warren County. The community pulled together during this devasting event and the extension service was grateful to be able to serve the community in a meaningful way.
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