The scene a year ago in Holton
Saturday will mark the one year date from the tornado that struck Holton.
A service will be held Saturday at 3 p.m. to respect, reflect and remember those who lost their lives in the tragic tornado that tore though Holton one year ago on that day.
Pastor Bob McCreary of the Holton Christian Church said it will be a day to remember the lives that have been taken from the community: Ronnie Pickett, Armando Hernandez, and Ted Tolbert. Tolbert died 11 months after the tornado from injuries sustained in the twister.
Pastor McCreary said, “We will have a special service to remember the loss that so many of our neighbors experienced, but also celebrate the path to recovery,”
He said the service will feature special music by the Keith Swinney Band, of which Pickett was a member. Also, Jack Bustle, who’s house and barn were severely damaged in the tornado, will be playing with Ronnie Deaton. Both are members of the Common Ground Band. Jack and his wife, Gay, live on Versailles Street on the south side across from the homes where lives were lost.
The service will also include various speakers giving short talks and at 3:58 the church bells will toll after a moment of silence to show respect to the memory of the lives lost.
When the service concludes, the group is welcome and encouraged to walk up the street and place wreaths to honor the victims.
Versailles Street will be shut down in that area and the people will be escorted by police, fire and emergency personnel, who are and were such a vital part of the community.-Wanda Burnett, Ripley County Correspondent
See more in this week’s Osgood Journal and Versailles Republican newspapers.
