HR0313 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0313 LRB103 32350 LAW 61718 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to acknowledge the devastation that took place in the Village of Sherman when a category 2 tornado touched down on March 31, 2023; and

WHEREAS, At 5:54 pm, the National Weather Service in Lincoln reported that a tornado was spotted 20 miles west-southwest of Sherman, moving eastward from Morgan County, where tornadoes had been reported 30 minutes prior; and

WHEREAS, The tornado traveled through Sherman, causing damage to structures and a subdivision along the Interstate 55 Business Loop, over the course of approximately 5.5 miles; and

WHEREAS, The tornado damaged 30 to 40 homes, destroyed numerous trees and power lines, and produced a gas leak, but thankfully, no one was injured or killed; and

WHEREAS, The tornado continued its course and struck the Walker Standardbreds horse stable, severely damaging several barns on the property and scattering horses; while it was initially reported that 32 horses were missing, all horses were eventually located thanks to the efforts of community members joining staff in finding and recovering the animals; and

WHEREAS, The tornado was the result of a strong, low-pressure system that moved through the Midwest for much of the day on Friday, leading to several lines of storms with winds topping at 130 mph; and

WHEREAS, While the tornado was devastating to parts of Sherman, residents have remained strong and resilient, helping one another to restore order and rebuild; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we acknowledge the destruction to the Village of Sherman due to a category 2 tornado that struck on March 31, 2023; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we recognize the efforts and hard work of first responders, including members of the Sherman Police Department and the Sherman Area Fire District, and community members, in helping those affected by the storm; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we wish those affected by the storm the best in their efforts to rebuild; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Trevor J. Clatfelter, the Mayor of the Village of Sherman, as a sign of our esteem and respect.