Nappanee Tries To Get Into Holiday Spirit Despite Tornado Damage

by Nora Gathings (hsgathings@wsbt.com)

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By Jim Pinkerton

(WSBT) Christmas can't come soon enough for a city devastated by a tornado. Nappanee held a Christmas parade Friday night called Miracle on Main and Market.

FEMA decided it wouldn't give the city aid last week, so Nappanee has to be looking for another miracle. The majority of people here have insurance that should cover most of the damage, and the mayor is confident the city will be able to get everyone else back on their feet.

Larry Thompson says Nappanee needs help, so he appealed FEMA's decision. The agency is coming back next week to have another look. He says the town may be rebuilding and may appear to be OK, but it isn't financially.

"We will probably be advised to move forward and ask for the SBCA loans to be extended to businesses to wrap around mortgages," said Mayor Thompson.

In a statement, Congressman Mark Souder, (R) Third District, said "It's laughable for FEMA to say that this area is not a disaster zone."

Regardless, people are moving on.

"Everyone in the community was affected one way or another," said resident Jason Nunemaker.

One way they did that Friday was by lighting candles and receiving angel ornaments to remind them of their blessing this Christmas season.

"It would be awesome to see those families and their houses start to get built and Nappanee actually coming back to Nappanee the way it used to be. That would be awesome. That would be God-sent," said resident Sarah Sheperd.

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