On June 29th, a derecho ripped through Hancock County, IL and surrounding areas. A derecho is a line of intense, widespread, and fast-moving winds and thunderstorms that moves across a great distance and is characterized by damaging winds. Specifically, a derecho must extend greater than 240 miles and have wind gusts of at least 58 miles per hour. With winds clocked at over 110mph the damage that this storm left behind was intense. Many in our community lost grain bins, roofs, barns, homes, etc. Our beautiful little school was not left unscathed, we suffered roof damage and had over twenty trees down.
Looking at the damage, Mr. Knipe and Mrs. Cuthbert didn't know how they would clean this up. Tree removal costs would be in the thousands and that is certainly not in the budget. They decided to put an ask out on Facebook, seeing if the community could help us clean up our beloved school. They set a time and date and anxiously awaited as the time came to see who would show up.
Over SIXTY volunteers showed up to help Sts. Peter and Paul School in Nauvoo! People of all ages came to help chainsaw, haul, rake, sweep, and tidy. We had eighteen chainsaws running and cutting up debris! Joe Wilkens came with a straight truck; Nolan Wilkens donated his trailer and a tractor to help move material and debris. Pete Wilson brought a mini excavator and Roger Hogan brought a tractor equipped with a grapple bucket. Paul McKoon showed up with a tractor and a trailer. Alan and Craig Metternich manned a lift and got to work trimming the tall pine trees. Mike Payne worked extensively on the damaged roof. Many more volunteers came to dedicate their entire afternoon to help SPPS in Nauvoo. The SPPN Women's Club provided cold drinks and snacks. Barry Cuthbert grilled up some hot dogs and hamburgers and Casey's in Nauvoo donated Pizzas.
With so many people, the insurmountable task was completed within six hours. We are so incredibly thankful for all of the donated time, labor, equipment and machinery from the community! God’s community is apparent here in Hancock County and many hands DO in fact make light work.