Community members gather in Indian Lake to discuss ongoing tornado relief

INDIAN LAKE, Ohio ( WDTN ) — It’s been seven weeks since an EF-3 tornado hit the Indian Lake area and the community is still recovering from the aftermath.

The March 14 tornado killed three people, destroyed 300 homes, and damaged more than 1,000 properties and businesses.

Logan County EMA officials held a community recovery planning open house Thursday evening to check in with residents on where they need the most assistance.

2 NEWS at the open house to learn about what’s being done and what’s next.

Logan County officials allowed residents to talk with different sub-committees such as housing, communications, business, and economic recovery on their concerns.

“We just can’t move forward without their input. And so would it would be a little bit dumb to write a plan without hearing from the public what they need and what they want and what do they want to see after we’re recovered,” said Helen Norris, Logan County EMA director.

Residents say they came to the open house because they’re hitting a wall when it comes to rebuilding and trying to get back on their feet.

“I’m struggling because the park has decided to no longer have us as a park. They’ve given us a 30-day notice to leave. We are now on day 28,” said Jo Johnson, Lakeview resident. “I need a new roof. I need new windows. I need new siding. I did find a towing company that will tow me for $3,000, and I’m only going to half a mile.”

A month after the tornado, the residents still feel the effects but remain hopeful change is around the corner.

“We’re suffering and we need assistance. We need hands-on,” said Johnson. “I don’t need a contractor. I don’t need a licensed contractor. A church could come in and help me put on the siding. A church could come in and help me put in windows.”

Logan County will host a meeting on May 21 so the subcommittee can share their draft plans for each area.

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