06/14/2026
Clean up from the Jordan tornado started immediately after it passed through. Unfortunately, looting also started immediately after the tornado. Families reported having to stay their land to prevent looters. As quickly as possible, routes into the area were blocked by police to prevent looting.
But you know who showed up-- helpers. Everyone we talked to made sure to let us know that we had to talk about the helpers. We made sure to include the helpers in our exhibit.
People who were able, walked the fields, sorted through homes for anything to salvage. Many others brought food including Hardees & Arctic Circle in Boone and McDonalds in Ames. Church groups provided food and workers. The Red Cross, The Salvation Army, the National Guard - they all showed up.
Farmers had a very small window in which replant a crop. Many reported that due to the helpers walking the fields, people bringing tractors and hay racks the fields were able to be replanted. Here's the shocking part -- they replanted within 7 to 10 DAYS. That is an amazing community of helpers.
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
― Fred Rogers
