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Williamsville starts to rebuild after tornado
By Byron Painter
Editor
Last Wednesday, roughly 25 structures were destroyed by a tornado on Williamsville’s northwest side.
The Williamsville Christian Church, which was later demolished, the Antique Mall and Casey’s were hit
hard, as were numerous houses around the church. Damages are expected to run in the millions of
dollars, with Mayor Tom Yokley saying that costs could easily eclipse $10 million.
Cleanup costs will run in the $30,000-$40,000 range.
The church, which plans to rebuild, had its Sunday services at the Community Center, and plans are
underway with the school district to work something out for the church to have its services, according to
Superintendent Dave Root.
Other churches have also offered space for worship services.
Antique Mall, which opened Nov. 1, 2000, had some of its materials found miles away, blown away by
the storm.
One person had checks flying at her car as she was driving on the interstate.
A final decision to rebuild the mall has not been determined, according to Yokley, though the consensus
is to do something.
The owners first must meet with the insurance company.
Power was restored to the entire village within 24 hours.
Thursday, volunteers from around the area came to help in the cleanup efforts, and numerous
Williamsville sports teams helped as well. Volunteers continue to contribute to the cleanup effort.
Donations can be sent to a Disaster Relief Fund, which was set up by the village, at Williamsville State
Bank.
There will be no organized cleanup this weekend, noted Yokley, because the village is rebounding
quickly. In fact, Yokley encouraged volunteers to go help in Loami instead.
“We cannot believe” how much assistance was provided to Williamsville, Yokley acknowledged.
Two Lincoln residents were arrested for looting Saturday, at the house of Police Chief Richard Edwards,
interestingly enough.
According to Casey’s General Stores Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Bill Walljasper,
the company plans to rebuild at the same location.
“We will try to save as much (of the framework) as we can,” he said Tuesday afternoon. “We want to get
back up and running as soon as we can.”
The directive to rebuild as soon as possible came “from the top” of the company, noted Walljasper, who
reports directly to the CEO.
“Rebuilding that store is a top priority for us,” he continued, admitting that a timetable has not been
finalized yet.
By Byron Painter
Editor
Last Wednesday, roughly 25 structures were destroyed by a tornado on Williamsville’s northwest side.
The Williamsville Christian Church, which was later demolished, the Antique Mall and Casey’s were hit
hard, as were numerous houses around the church. Damages are expected to run in the millions of
dollars, with Mayor Tom Yokley saying that costs could easily eclipse $10 million.
Cleanup costs will run in the $30,000-$40,000 range.
The church, which plans to rebuild, had its Sunday services at the Community Center, and plans are
underway with the school district to work something out for the church to have its services, according to
Superintendent Dave Root.
Other churches have also offered space for worship services.
Antique Mall, which opened Nov. 1, 2000, had some of its materials found miles away, blown away by
the storm.
One person had checks flying at her car as she was driving on the interstate.
A final decision to rebuild the mall has not been determined, according to Yokley, though the consensus
is to do something.
The owners first must meet with the insurance company.
Power was restored to the entire village within 24 hours.
Thursday, volunteers from around the area came to help in the cleanup efforts, and numerous
Williamsville sports teams helped as well. Volunteers continue to contribute to the cleanup effort.
Donations can be sent to a Disaster Relief Fund, which was set up by the village, at Williamsville State
Bank.
There will be no organized cleanup this weekend, noted Yokley, because the village is rebounding
quickly. In fact, Yokley encouraged volunteers to go help in Loami instead.
“We cannot believe” how much assistance was provided to Williamsville, Yokley acknowledged.
Two Lincoln residents were arrested for looting Saturday, at the house of Police Chief Richard Edwards,
interestingly enough.
According to Casey’s General Stores Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Bill Walljasper,
the company plans to rebuild at the same location.
“We will try to save as much (of the framework) as we can,” he said Tuesday afternoon. “We want to get
back up and running as soon as we can.”
The directive to rebuild as soon as possible came “from the top” of the company, noted Walljasper, who
reports directly to the CEO.
“Rebuilding that store is a top priority for us,” he continued, admitting that a timetable has not been
finalized yet.
Issue Date: Aug. 27, 2009