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May 22, 2009 6:06 pm US/Central
1 Year Later, Hugo Stops To Remember Tornado
HUGO, Minn. (WCCO) ―
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Gerry and Christina Prindle lost more than a home. The couple's 2-year-old son, Nathan, was killed. Their 5-year-old daughter, Annika, was seriously injured and spent months in the hospital.
Gerard & Christina Prindle/CBS
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Annika Prindle was revived by emergency workers after the devastating Hugo tornado. She can no longer walk or speak and has difficulty seeing.
Gerard and Christina Prindle
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Nathaniel Prindle died following the tornado that ripped through Hugo on May 25, 2008.
Gerard and Christina Prindle
With every roll of freshly cut sod, each scoop of rich black dirt, Hugo's rebirth becomes a step closer to complete. Monday will mark the one year anniversary of a devastating F-3 tornado that ripped through the north end of town.
"It was amazing how quickly a lot of those homes were rebuilt," said resident Ken Jensen.
"Amazing" considering how an F-3 tornado decimated the neighborhood a year ago. Jensen's was among the dozens of homes damaged by strong winds and heavy hail.
However, he's among the more fortunate. His house suffered roof, garage and siding damage. Twenty-eight families had their houses destroyed; the structures ripped entirely off their foundations. The tornado caused more than $24 million in property damage.
"We can't prevent natural disasters, all we can do is be prepared for them. Quite frankly, having gone through this I think has better prepared us," said Mayor Fran Miron.
Friday the city gathered to celebrate its recovery and to honor the family that lost so much. Gerry and Christina Prindle lost more than a home. The couple's 2-year-old son, Nathan, was killed. Their 5-year-old daughter, Annika, was seriously injured and spent months in the hospital. She's now back with her parents but suffers from disabling injuries. She can't walk or speak and has difficulty seeing.
"Driving through the neighborhood, it's just -- seeing all of the changes, all of the different siding, on all the homes, driving by our lot is really overwhelming," said Christina Prindle.
On Monday, the 1-year anniversary of the tornado that devastated the young family, the Prindle's will have a private memorial service and picnic with family and close friends. Gerry said it's especially hard explaining their situation to their friend's young children.
"In our circle of friends and family there are small children who are really trying to deal with 'why isn't he (Nate) here? Why can't Ani play?'" said Gerry.
But for so many other Hugo families, the recovery is seen in so many ways, in their home's new siding, shingles and freshly planted front lawns.
But not the Fullers. Cal and Krista Fuller are still looking at holes in their siding, a caved in garage door, bad shingles and windows. The couple is frustrated with Allstate Insurance. The couple claims that the company's adjustor is fighting the necessary repairs to return the home back to its original condition. What began with an initial offer of $6,000 has gradually risen to over $20,000.
"My outlook on it is they (insurers) come in and they lowball you. How many people are going to say, 'Okay, gimme my check, I'll get my work done,'" Cal said.
The Fullers vow to get their repairs covered in full.
Yet for most there, the rubble and damage has given way to a sense of newness, washing away all but the memories of that Sunday evening one year ago.
"I think after a while it will start to fade, but it's still pretty fresh. It's only been a year," said Jensen.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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