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Home Rebuilt, Ranger Returns To Little Sioux Camp Save Email Print
Exactly four months after tornado struck
Posted: 2:00 PM Oct 11, 2008
Last Updated: 6:41 PM Oct 11, 2008
Reporter: Bryan Latham
Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com

A | A | A

Exactly four months to the day after a tornado struck the Little Sioux Boy Scout Camp in southwest Iowa killing four scouts and destroying the ranger's house, the home has been rebuilt and Saturday the family returned.

"It's pretty hard for us,” said Tammy Dean, the ranger’s wife. “We've been displaced, you know. We just can't wait to get in and start our lives again."

The Deans weren't the only ones returning to the scout ranch. “Ben loved it here so we do too,” said Arnell Patrzilka. She and husband Bryan lost their son Ben on the night of June 11th.

"Being at the camp feels good," said Arnell. "It's nice to see new starts here because it's about healing and it's time to start healing."

The ranger’s home includes a reinforced storm shelter. The new digs have the scouts from Troop 558 out of Missouri Valley singing high praises. "I'm amazed that it was done in 27 days," said one scout.

"I've never seen a house done quicker," said another.

The house was built to withstand wind speeds up to 250 mph. The new construction doesn't end with the home. There will also be a new welcome center that will house the medical and ranger office. It will be one of six new, major projects to be built at the camp, set to reopen May 2, 2009.

The camp remains closed to weekend camping until further notice.

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Posted by: Joe on Oct 12, 2008 at 07:22 PM
Nice job, Hearthstone Homes and all who volunteered their time!

Posted by: Thankful on Oct 12, 2008 at 12:09 PM
Good thing FEMA wasn't involved, you would sitll be waiting......Good Job

Posted by: Ginny on Oct 12, 2008 at 09:28 AM
Have to agree with other comments! It's so nice to see people and the community pull together to make this happen. And, it's so true that midwest spirit just keeps on moving on. No whining, no delays, just get it done. That's why I CHOOSE to live in NE! Great job!

Posted by: Frank on Oct 11, 2008 at 08:37 PM
People of New Orleans could learn a lesson here. Work together to make positive changes after a terrible event. I haven't heard one word from the terrible floods in Cedar Rapids and down river from there. I guess people from the midwest just suck it up and get it done. Proud to live here!!

Posted by: Matt on Oct 11, 2008 at 07:48 PM
It's nice to read a positive story from the Omaha area! Great job to all of you for pulling together and getting this done so quickly! God Bless!

Posted by: Bellevue Aunt on Oct 11, 2008 at 07:03 PM
It's so nice to see communities, states and businesses pull together to rebuild this camp. Outstanding Job to all of you!!

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