By APRIL MIDDLETON

Salina Journal

Norma Windholz and her daughter made it to the storm shelter about five minutes before the destructive tornado that damaged 38 homes in Ottawa County passed over them.

Within a few hours, a rescuer came for them. That rescuer didn't hesitate to help not only the humans but also Windholz's two dogs get to safety.

"He carried that one dog from the storm shelter, a good half-mile in the pouring down rain, so I could take my dogs with me," Windholz said. "I don't know who that was, but I'd sure like to thank him."

Windholz fought back tears as she told the story Saturday evening during a memorial celebration to mark the anniversary of the tornado and to thank everyone involved in the rescue, recovery, cleanup and rebuilding.

"I hope maybe that person was here today and knows how much I appreciated what they did," Windholz said after the service, which was at the lake shelter house at Ottawa County State Lake.

An area known as Cabin Row was the hardest hit by the May 5, 2007, tornado. Officials estimate the funnel was on the ground for 11 miles and did more than $2 million in damage to homes. The storm was responsible for one death. Kitty Greenwood, 54, died on the way to Salina Regional Health Center after the camping trailer her family was living in at the time was sent barrel-rolling six to eight times.

The service was led by pastors Warren Cico of United Church of Bennington and John Taylor of New Beginnings Christian Fellowship in Minneapolis. The pastors led attendees in an opening litany and moments of silence to remember the loss of life, property, dreams and neighbors. The pastors then thanked all the first responders, businesses and organizations that assisted.

Cico closed the service by reminding everyone that rebuilding takes courage, strength, hard work, prayers and donations.

"Even though it's been a year, there're still times when you want to break down and just cry, and that's OK to do that," Cico said. "It's going to take a lot of strength for us to continue this rebuilding effort."

Mort Plunkett, Hill City, said it was important for him to attend the service to thank everyone who took care of his elderly mother in the hours after the storm.

His mom, Esther Clark, was in bed when the storm came through.

"I remember hearing it coming. It was loud, and since I grew up here, I knew what was coming, so I got down in between by bed and my dresser until it was over with," Clark said.

She was confused after the storm, but a neighbor came for her. Another kind stranger pulled her from the rain and cold and let her sit in his truck.

Shortly after, she was among those who went to a church in Bennington for warm clothes and food.

It's been a year, but Plunkett still is emotional when he recalls how thankful he was to find his mom safe.

"I would like to thank the rescue people," Plunkett said during the memorial celebration. "I heard about the storm at 12:15 and I got here at about 3:30 and the people in Bennington heading the church had mom taken care of, and I'm sure glad. I appreciate that."

While several homes have been rebuilt or are in various stages of being rebuilt, others are still in ruins. Several have been demolished. Some homeowners, like Windholz, have decided to move rather than rebuild.

"It's not the same around here," Windholz said. "It will never be the same."

Even so, most people agree that the sense of community has stayed intact.

Hours after the storm, neighbors with less damage came with chain saws in hand to help clear debris. Area churches and relief agencies brought food and supplies.

"Having this happen in our jurisdiction, it was really awesome to see the other departments and agencies come in and help us take care of our problem," said Mark Whitesell, fire chief of Ottawa County Rural Fire District No. 4. "It really makes you proud to be part of fire services and this community."

That doesn't happen in other communities, said Ken Stout, whose home was badly damaged in the storm.

"This is really unusual and really special," he said. "I think everyone having the opportunity to talk about this and say thanks and say 'Thank God, you are still alive,' is pretty important for everyone around here."

Windholz agreed. She said she, like many others in the area, were grateful to be part of the memorial celebration.

"I think it brought some closure," she said. "That's what we all needed.R

n Reporter April Middleton can be reached at 822-1498 or by e-mail at amiddleton@salina.com.