January 10, 2008
by Melissa Ramirez Cooper

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."

ELCA News Service