Baxter Springs Tornado - Remembered One Year Later

Baxter Springs Tornado - Rembered One Year Later

It has been one year since an EF-2 tornado ripped through the heart of Baxter Springs, leaving behind a path of destroyed homes and businesses while handing a devastating blow to many of our friends and neighbors.

As I think back to that evening, I am reminded of the fear and panic on family’s faces as they scrambled to find out that their loved ones were safe.  What I remember more than that though, is the incredible teamwork, support and response by emergency personnel, residents and citizen volunteers who flocked to Baxter Springs from all across the country with supplies and an eagerness to help.

It took no time for people to begin helping each other secure property, find shelter and assist one another in a multitude of other ways, despite in many circumstances, having sustained property damage of their own. 

The incident that occurred in Baxter Springs on April 27th, 2014, was certainly incredible, not so much because of the damage caused, but because of the amazing spirit of community and generosity that emerged.  It’s that spirit that demonstrated the resilience of Cherokee County and one of the many things that makes this a great place to live and raise a family!

God Bless,

David M. Groves

Sheriff, Cherokee County