All of the experts said “it’s going to be slow”, “rebuilding may take years”, we did not want to believe them but sadly, in some instances they were correct.
Within 1 ½ years post tornado, most businesses had been rebuilt or repaired and are open for business. A great many new homes grace our city and have happy owners but no municipal buildings have been rebuilt and in the case of the library which seemed like a relatively easy fix, it is not repaired yet. So yes, it is going slow. However, we are so very grateful for the bright spots we do see in our community.
Rolling Fork Rising has completed 4 homes for former renters and are in the process of building 10 more homes. Delta Force under the umbrella of the Community Foundation of Washington County reported in January that 160 individuals have been brought to full recovery through unmet needs. 21 cases have been completed with many having a new home, thanks to the many donors and volunteers that have supported this effort. The Chapel of the Cross Episcopal Church which stood as a sad symbol of the devastation is being rebuilt and is coming along nicely.
One municipal project is moving along and that is the new water tower that has been built on the site where the one that was destroyed by the tornado lay for months. It is being painted now and will be a proud statement in Rolling Fork.
The hospital in still located in the old Armory, and they have improved the patient quarters. Patients may now have a private room with bathroom. The hospital provides ER, lab and x-ray facilities, transfers, and in patient rooms for short stays, and the staff is providing quality care in Rolling Fork for which we are grateful. Hospital administration is working with insurance and FEMA as to whether a new facility will be constructed. The Sharkey Issaquena Nursing Home reopened in late 2024 and is a beautiful like new facility.
Our historic courthouse has had the environmental abatement completed, and been at a standstill since. The supervisors cannot reach a consensus on whether or not the sheriff’s office will be put back in the courthouse (in which case plans must be revised) or if the sheriff’s office will go elsewhere.
We’ve come so far, but there is still so much that needs to be done. We are rebuilding and recovering 26 months later; we still need volunteers and help, but Rolling Fork is moving forward and staying strong.
This Instagram link shows some of the progress made: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHlGMcctTt2/?igsh=MTY4OXBxczZ4eGZoaA==
A new Animal Shelter has been completed, and a citizen of RF has a new home thanks to the Mennonite Disaster Recovery Operation. These are just a couple of the new homes and businesses in Rolling Fork.
