More than 18 months after an EF-4 tornado wrought destruction, five Dawson Springs families got to embrace four walls and a new roof Monday afternoon — when Governor Andy Beshear, leaders from Habitat for Humanity and a host of others swarmed 506 East Keigan Street to celebrate the construction and partnership necessary to make the day so.
Among those families: Sallie Carlton, a life-long resident of Dawson Springs and Hopkins County.
It’s on that terrible night she and her son were in the Clarkdale Court housing authority apartments. Hearing the storm, they moved to an inside hallway, and 20 minutes later it was the only thing standing around them.
A year later in December 2022, she was confirmed for a home through Habitat’s Pennyrile Region — three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a white exterior, a wind-resistant fortified roof, and a new start.
Beshear noted that more than $440,000 from the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund helped rebuild these five homes — three of which sit on Keigan Street, and two others a block away.
What was once a blistered hill suddenly teems with life.
Beshear also noted that relief efforts have now contributed to between 200 and 300 homes either in construction or released to families, and that the ultimate plan is to continue here — and in east Kentucky, where floods struck not long after — until the work is done.
Heath Duncan, executive director for Habitat’s Pennyrile Region and co-chair of the Hopkins County Long-term Recovery Group, noted the collaboration of numerous charities — along with Team Kentucky — continues to make rebuilding a reality.
This includes Pennsylvania’s Praying Pelicans Missions — many of its members in attendance Monday, dressed in brightly-colored T-shirts.
Duncan further confirmed that 11 houses have now been completed and made move-in ready since December 2021. Another 12 families have partnered with Pennyrile’s Habitat, too, and Duncan added they are still processing applications with belief they will be there “for awhile.”
Like many first responders, Hopkins County Sheriff Matt Sanderson was there the night of the tornado. He called it a “difficult” evening, but said hope continues to brim — especially after Monday.
Catholic Charities, Kentucky Sports Radio and the Kentucky Chamber Foundation also provided funds to support these new homes.
Melisa Voges, director for Pennyrile Forest State Park, was named Kentucky Colonel — bequeathed the honor by the Governor’s office, and given the certificate by young Dawson Springs native Kara McKnight.
Among those in attendance: legislators Walker Thomas, Wade Williams and Robby Mills, who helped deliver $120 million for rebuilding through the Team Western Kentucky Safe Fund, as well as Planters Bank President Elizabeth McCoy.
