Nappanee to receive first-ever Indiana Disaster Relief funds

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Nappanee tornado

The tornado that struck Nappanee in October resulted in millions of dollars of damage to homes and businesses. Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels was in Nappanee Friday, Jan. 25, 2008 to offer state disaster assistance. (Photo Courtesy: Chad Headley, Aerial Photojournalist, WGN in Chicago)

By Beth Boehne

NAPPANEE — The federal government turned down Nappanee's request for aid after October’s tornado. Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels was in Nappanee Friday to make an announcement about state disaster assistance.

The tornado in October resulted in millions of dollars of damage to homes and businesses. FEMA turned down Nappanee’s request for federal disaster assistance. The city appealed and was turned down again.

Gov. Daniels toured some of the hardest hit areas of Nappanee on Friday. He then announced he would be presenting a check to the city for nearly $200,000 in state disaster assistance.

It is the first ever use of the Indiana Disaster Relief Fund. It was created in 2006 using public safety fees on businesses that sell legal fireworks.

It is also the full amount authorized by law, and specifically designed to help victims of natural disasters who don’t otherwise qualify for help.

“The people of Nappanee, all the angels who have worked here, certainly earned the support and the love of their fellow citizens,” Gov. Daniels said. “The use of this fund will represent just one more manifestation of the way Hoosiers look out for each other.”

The city of Nappanee has already raised close to $600,000 on its own for disaster assistance for Nappanee residents.

A committee is accepting applications for aid at the United Methodist Church in Nappanee.

For residents frustrated with the denial of federal government assistance, Friday’s announcement was welcome news.

Friday, Jan 25 at 5:44 PM c wrote ...

Charlie my ins doesnt cover my carpettrima doors or stuff like that it also didnt cover all my contents. I am not wanting sympathy for my loss. I will just get better ins.. Also NO I didnt need a hand out except I did get water and a clean up kit from red cross. By the way Thank you to both of you who didnt jump all over me for being too ignorant in my last comment. I am still without water, Heat and half my house so I was takeing my anger out on the inocent

Friday, Jan 25 at 5:39 PM c wrote ...

you R absolutly right and I apologize for doing it. I realized what I did wrong as soon as I clicked submit. Sorry to all the nice people of Napp. I am truly glad you R receiving some help. Please over look my anger in my comment

Friday, Jan 25 at 5:16 PM charlie wrote ...

thats what insurance is for,most of the people i know who got damage didnt need a hand out.

Friday, Jan 25 at 3:41 PM d wrote ...

It is not fair to lump all citizens of Nappanee in that statement. I think everyone that survives a disaster and needs help should get it and I'm from Nappanee and had damage to my home

Friday, Jan 25 at 3:23 PM c wrote ...

This is funny that he said we all look out for one another. I spent 400.00 in donations and devoted 3 days of cleanup help to napp. and Now that I am flooded and lost every thing the good people of napp. says in some comments on here that i dont deserve help. I did not see anyone from napp. come to help us. When they got hit we had to take busses down becuase so many wanted to help. they are selfish in saying we dont deserve help too

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