Assessing the storm damage in Western Wisconsin
WESTERN WISCONSIN (WLAX/WEUX) – The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado near the village of Cochrane in Buffalo County last night (5/21/24). The tornado began near the Mississippi River where it caused minor tree damage. It then intensified once it crossed Highway 35 where it destroyed a barn and caused tree damage at a golf course. The weather service says the tornado continued northeast, crossing some ridgetops and destroying another barn before dissipating.
Last night (5/21/24), The Veterans Memorial Flag in Altoona was destroyed. John Arnette with the Chippewa Valley Veterans Tribute Foundation says he received a call from Altoona Police, who found the shredded flag. The flag was 40 feet by 70 feet. This morning members of the foundation along with the Altoona Fire Department. Replaced it with a new, smaller flag. These flags can cost over $5 thousand. The foundation is asking for the public’s help to replace those lost funds.
A memorial dedicated to all Augusta service men and women who have served in peacetime and in war was also damaged during last night’s storms. Augusta residents Carol Peuse and Renee Anderson stopped by Augusta’s Veterans Memorial Park this morning to see the damage. The center stone honoring those who served in World War I and II toppled over and was broken into several pieces because of the powerful winds.
The three main stones honor all service men and women who have served at home or abroad. The memorial also holds a special place in their hearts as both of their fathers served in World War II and they hope the community is able to replace the memorial. Peuse says, “It’s just devastating. This is hallowed ground here. We’re just so proud of this park and we’re just so thankful for all the service of all our veterans and I know we’ll be able to somehow replace this.”
Anderson adds, “It’s a very sad day for us. For us on the committee that works very hard for this park. As well as our local Auxiliaries and Legion, the VFW and all the work that was put in to create this. We are going to fix this. We’ll get this fixed and I know that our community will rally around us to help.”
Augusta’s Veterans Memorial Park was first dedicated on November 11th, 2005.
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