Marina
As of May 29, 2025, residents of St. Clair, Henry, and Benton counties in southwestern Missouri are facing a harsh reality: no state aid will be provided following the devastating tornadoes of May 19.
Communities already struggling to recover from severe storm damage must now rely solely on volunteer efforts and local resources to clean up and rebuild.
Tornado Destruction and State Denial
The Missouri Office of Emergency Management announced that these counties would not qualify for state disaster funding. The reason? Many of the affected properties were considered “second homes,” which disqualifies them from state damage assessments. This has created a frustrating barrier for local residents in desperate need of assistance.
“FEMA has denied us. No state funding, so we are doing the best we can with what we’ve got,” shared Fire Chief David Price of Iconium Fire Protection District.
What’s the Current Situation on the Ground?
Hundreds of homes and properties suffered structural damage, downed trees, and other destruction. Among the hardest hit are rural homeowners like Harry Latier, whose 60-acre property is now overwhelmed with broken trees and storm debris.
Without government funding, efforts are being led by local fire departments and volunteers.
Community Organizes Relief Without State Help
Iconium Fire Protection District Steps In
The Iconium Fire Protection District is actively seeking volunteers to assist with storm cleanup efforts in Fox Run and Richochet Ridge subdivisions near Highway ZZ. They need:
- Dump trucks and trailers
- Wood chipper operators
- Laborers to feed tree branches into chippers
- Transporters to haul debris
Despite limited resources, the department has pledged to pay for equipment rentals like a wood chipper and estimates $2,000 in costs.
Volunteer Needs and Cleanup Info
| Task | Details |
|---|---|
| Volunteer Days | Friday and Saturday (May 30–31) |
| Equipment Needed | Dump trucks, trailers, wood chippers |
| Location | Hwy ZZ (Fox Run & Richochet Ridge) |
| Contact | Fire Chief David Price – 417-309-0078 |
| Incentives | Free firewood for volunteers |
Emotional Toll and Urgency
Residents, some elderly and in poor health, are leaning on neighbors for help. Harry Latier, unable to clean his property due to health concerns, praised the generosity of locals:
“Thank God for neighbors.”
While the emotional and physical burden is heavy, the spirit of community resilience remains strong.
The denial of state and federal disaster aid has dealt a significant blow to tornado-stricken communities in southwestern Missouri.
Yet in the absence of formal assistance, local heroes — from fire departments to neighbors — are stepping up to fill the gap. With more hands and support, these communities can still recover, one branch and one load at a time.