FRANK DENZLER

Republican Staff Writer

As the damage assessment and clean up effort entered its second day following a tornado touching down in and around the rural community of Moscow, Indiana Lt. Governor Becky Skillman, Indiana National Guard Adjutant General of Indiana R. Martin Umbarger and Indiana Director of Homeland Security Joe Wainscott visited the ravaged area.

Arriving by helicopter the trio, along with Rush County commissioner Tom Barnes, took an aerial tour of Moscow and the surrounding area. The group then boarded a bus and took a ground tour of damage and leveled homes on Skating Rink Road and CR 500W.

The group then held a brief press conference with local and state news agencies in close proximity to where the Moscow Covered Bridge formerly stood.

When asked about her impression of the damage she witnessed from the sky and then on the ground, Skillman indicated that she was surprised at the amount of devastation and amazed that there were no fatalities and so few injuries.

“Hearing of the devastation, reading the reports, and seeing the clips on the news can’t compare with the up close and personal — comforting the families and hearing the personal stories of the children who have been well trained and they know what to do in case of an emergency. Children who have taught their parents in cases like this,” Skillman said.

She went on to say that if there was a silver lining in what was happening on the ground it would be with the community pulling together and helping one another.

“The silver lining to such situations are what you see on the ground and the aftermath. Friends that are helping friends, neighbors helping neighbors, all helping to get their lives back in order,” Skillman said.

She went on to say that the state wants to provide as much comfort and aid as possible and cited the numerous response crews. One aspect that the Lt. Governor seemed surprised by was that nearly everyone she spoke with inquired about replacing their beloved covered bridge.

Although not outright saying that the bridge could or would be rebuilt, she mentioned that there are issues the state could look at and initiatives that could be pursued. She said that those she had spoken with were confident that insurance would help replace their homes, but concerns remained with their community bridge.

Gen. Umbarger was also amazed at the amount of decimation after seeing the damage first hand and the lack of