Six months after devastating storm, Stockton marks rebirth

STOCKTON, Mo. (AP) -- Six months to the day after a devastating tornado ripped into Stockton, residents of the southwest Missouri community gathered Tuesday to celebrate all the good things that have happened since then.

And they got more good news, word from Gov. Bob Holden that their community of about 2,000 would be getting an additional $2 million in grants from the Department of Economic Development.

"You have learned the biggest community development lesson of them all," said Holden. "Stockton is truly larger than the sum of its parts."

"It's a great anniversary gift," said Mayor Ralph Steele. "It couldn't have come at a better time."

Much has been done, with a lot more still to come as the town continues efforts to rebuild itself. The May 4 tornado killed three people in Stockton, among 18 Missouri victims, while destroying 40 of its 120 businesses and more than 200 homes.

Gathering in the rain on Tuesday in a vacant lot on the corner of the reconstructed town square, residents posed for pictures, exchanged handshakes and hugs and traded tales of success and hardship.

"You really see what kind of folks are here -- this town is full of some wonderful people," said restaurant owner Ken Noblett. "They rose to the occasion."

"These people are incredible," he said. "Not only do you see the strength of the people here, but you see the strength of their faith."

Noblett was carrying architect's plans for rebuilding his restaurant, The Squeeze Inn.

Pharmacist Ray Zumwalt, who's been operating from a mobile home trailer since the storm, expects to be in his new building by Monday.

"Just listening to people talk, it's really gratifying to see a community come together and realize with hope and some foresight what they can get done," said Jerry Uhlmann, director of the State Emergency Management Agency.

As far as Stockton has come in recovering from the May storms, several noted that Stockton will be forever changed by the event.

Eldy and Pat Richardson's home was hard hit by the storm, with trees blown into the living room.

"It's been hell," Eldy Richardson said of the past six months. "It's good to see the town rebuilding, but it will never be the same."