From October to December of 2003 our topic is the rebuilding process in Stockton, Missouri. We will look in depth at the people and events that have a played a role in the process and who have helped to make it a success. In addition to Stockton we will see how other communities have coped with the disaster and how they too, have begun the long and difficult task of rebuilding.
Stockton, along with several other communities in Southwest Missouri, was devastated by tornadoes on May 4th of this year. Three members of the community were killed when the storms cut through the town leaving the majority of the buildings downtown either damaged or completely leveled. The city's park, a source of great pride in the community, was stripped bare of the trees that once shaded the numerous festivals and events held there and in only a few minutes people's lives were turned upside down. Facing challenges like this would be tough for any community, but Stockton, with a mayor who had barely been on the job for a month and no real plan for a disaster of this scale seemed to be facing an insurmountable task. Through the efforts of volunteers, FEMA and organizations like, the red cross, the salvation army, and the community foundation of the Ozarks, Stockton has taken on the challenge of rebuilding and in the six months since the disaster has begun to turn this tragedy into an opportunity, an opportunity to not only rebuild the town but to renew the community.