The one person killed in Thursday night’s tornado that flattened Fairdale has been identified. DeKalb County Coroner Dennis Miller says Geraldine Schultz was found at her residence, which was destroyed by the tornado, and was removed by family members and brought to the front yard.
Miller was one of four DeKalb County officials who spoke at a news conference this morning amid the rubble. There is no official number of missing people, but Miller says surrounding area departments are still looking.
Sycamore Fire Chief Pete Polarek says searching for missing people in the debris is still a safety issue, and propane tanks that heat the area are leaking.
Kirkland Fire Chief Chad Connell says seventy-one buildings were damaged by the tornado, and seventeen houses were ripped from their foundations. He says all utilities have been shut off; there’s no indication of when they’ll be turned back on.
It is uncertain when residents will be able to return to their homes. American Red Cross has set up a shelter at Rochelle High School, providing disaster relief. However, most residents are staying with family and friends outside of the affected areas.