3 Years Later, Greensburg Rebuilding Continues Amid Conflict

Associated Press

Greensburg’s efforts to rebuild from a tornado that wiped it out three years ago has drawn international praise, but has also caused tension and disputes.

The tornado on May 4, 2007, killed 13 people and destroyed nearly the entire town. The town dedicated itself to rebuilding in an environmentally friendly way, attracting attention across the world.

Mayor Bob Dixson says the community is still hurting. He says the first three years were so focused on rebuilding that many people are just now recovering emotionally.

While the town boasts a new hospital, new school and many new homes, it is still lacking Main Street business. And The World’s Largest Hand-Dug Well, which drew thousands of people to the Kiowa County town, is still not close to opening.