[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 7]
[House]
[Pages 10337-10338]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       DESTRUCTION AND DEVASTATION IN THE FIFTH DISTRICT OF OHIO

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Latta) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to remember 
the five lives of five constituents from my district who were killed 
this past weekend as a severe thunderstorm which produced two tornados 
swept across my district, leaving a trail of absolute destruction and 
devastation.
  Mary Walters and her 4-year-old son, Hayden, in addition to Ted 
Kranz, Kathy Hammitt, and Bailey Bowman, all died during the storm.
  On Sunday I rode with the Fulton County sheriff, and on Monday I rode 
with the Lake Township, Wood County chief of police to get a firsthand 
view of the devastation left behind by these tornados. During these 
visits, I spoke with many residents who survived the storms and heard 
them relate their miracle tales of survival.
  I also want to recognize the 2010 graduating class of Lake High 
School in Wood County for their steadfast will and character in the 
wake of this deadly storm. One of the tornadoes hit Lake High School, 
completely destroying the school. This happened only hours before the 
senior class of 110 students were scheduled to hold their commencement 
ceremony Sunday afternoon. And, sadly, the class valedictorian, Katie 
Kranz, lost her father during that storm.
  The true character, compassion, and strength of the people of America 
come through in times like these, as the surrounding communities have 
stepped up to help in whatever way possible during the recovery effort. 
The local chapter of the Red Cross and other volunteer organizations 
were quickly on the ground to lend their support.
  The local elected officials and administrators of Wood and Fulton 
Counties should also be commended for their organization and leadership 
during these trying times. Their quick response to help those in need 
has held the community together during this time.
  I also want to commend other communities in the area, like the city 
of Northwood, who helped by letting the Lake Township Police use its 
communications headquarters after the Lake Township Police Department 
was destroyed, as well as the administration building.
  The city of Oregon has lent three police cruisers to the township, as 
well as the Wood County sheriff lending two. Why? Because the Lake 
Township lost six of their cars during the storm.
  Yesterday I sent a letter to President Obama requesting that Wood and 
Fulton Counties be declared Federal disaster areas as soon as possible. 
This will be important for the counties so that they may have access to 
as many resources as possible during the recovery efforts.
  This afternoon, Governor Strickland is also asking for a declaration 
for Federal assistance, and I thank him for it.

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