One Year Later: Reflections on the Wynne tornado devastation

Governor Sanders declares Wynne ‘Capital of Arkansas’

By DON WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

It has been a year since an EF-3 tornado ripped through Wynne, Arkansas, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming four lives. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders made a visit to the city on Thursday to honor the community’s efforts to rebuild after the tragedy struck on March 31, 2023.

Governor Sanders declared Wynne the capital of Arkansas for the day and presented the Wynne School District with a $111,000 grant. The city

See WYNNE, page A3

The path of destruction of last year’s deadly tornado left uprooted trees and damaged homes.

File photos

Wynne High School sustained heavy damage.

From page A1

has made progress in rebuilding, but many homes and businesses still lay in ruins, serving as somber reminders of the devastation.

Mayor Jennifer Hobbs expressed optimism for the city’s future but acknowledged that there is still much work to be done. Many residents were underinsured or renting their homes, creating challenges in the rebuilding process. Mayor Hobbs emphasized the importance of supporting these families and ensuring that every effort is made to bring Wynne back better than before.

In an awards ceremony a few months after the tornado, West Memphis Fire Department Division Chief Robert Mabe recounted the events of that fateful day, describing how firefighters immediately sprang into action, dedicating city resources, to assist Wynne in its time of need. Despite facing challenges and uncertainties, the firefighters displayed unwavering dedication to their duty, with many volunteering to rush to Wynne’s aid as soon as news of the twister spread.

“I’m here, I’m ready, where do I need to go?” was the question most often asked to Mabe by firefighters both on and off duty. After corralling his people to make sure West Memphis was still covered, Mabe sent the first wave of volunteers to Wynne less than an hour after the twister struck.

Among those recognized at the ceremony were Captain James Allensworth, Captain Zachary Bailey, Firefighter Stoney Burns, Firefighter Adam Fields, Firefighter Harvey Flowers, Lieutenant Drake Holt, Lieutenant Mark Johnson, Firefighter Earnest Seard, Lieutenant Garrett Taylor, Firefighter Robert Thornton, FireFighter Tyler Walls, and Battalion Chief Kevin Catt, all of whom exemplified the spirit of camaraderie and service that defines the firefighting profession. The firefighters worked tirelessly to aid in search and rescue operations, providing much-needed relief to the exhausted members of the Wynne Fire Department.

“The fire department is a brotherhood and we will always send as many as we can. We hope it never happens to us but we know if it does, they will be on the way.” said Battalion Chief Kevin Catt at the time.

Firefighters Nicholas Cupples and Noah Holt were singled out for their heroic efforts in rescuing a man trapped under debris for hours. Despite the challenging circumstances, Cupples and Holt remained steadfast in their mission, ultimately freeing the trapped individual and saving his life.

Governor Sanders’ visit, along with FEMA’s support, has provided a glimmer of hope for the community. The city has received nearly $4 million in disaster relief, but the total damage is estimated to exceed $160 million.