Greensburg's Rebirth

Locals, Volunteers Working Tirelessly To Put Tiny, Twister-Torn Kansas Town Back On Map

(CBS)  Nearly a year ago, Greensburg, Kan. took a direct hit from a powerful F-5 tornado, the worst kind there is. It packed 200 mile per hour winds, and virtually flattened the little town.

But residents never lost hope and decided to rebuild.

All this week, The Early Show, in partnership with Discovery Communications' Planet Green (launching June 4), is in Greensburg, pitching in, and chronicling the comeback.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Twister Left "Opportunity" In Its Wake

Early Show weatherman and features reporter Dave Price, who's already in Greensburg, will be joined by Maggie Rodriguez Tuesday.

On Monday, Smith looked back on the devastating night the funnel set down, and spoke about the decision to rebuild with Greensburg mayor Jon Janssen and Tom and Dea Corns, who run the local state bank. To see that segment, simply click on the arrow in the image below:



Dave addressed Greensburg's refusal to give up in the wake of the tornado, and the large role FEMA trailers played and are playing in keeping the dream of a comeback alive:



And Greensburg is determined to go green and stay that way in its reincarnation. Dave looked at that:

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We're working alongside a team from Planet Green, which launches on June 4, and with Pilgrim Television and Films. The 13-part Planet Green series "Greensburg" premieres Sunday, June 15. The series is co-produced by Planet Green, Pilgrim, and Leonardo DiCaprio’s production company, Appian Way. Planet Green is Discovery Communications’ global, cross-company initiative with a commitment to document, preserve and celebrate the planet, including the 24-hour television network in more than 50 million homes.

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[ks_mom04]

I am so happy to see the National Media getting involoved in helping te town get back to where it was, however, you guys have a very important fact wrong. There were only 10 people killed IN Greensburg that horrific night. There were 2 others killed in adjoining counties. One a police officer and the other a farmer. I just wanted to let you know. Also, do you guys plan on doing a story on the Victim''s Memorial that will be unveiled and dedicated on Sunday? I know it was donated and is a wonderful piece to add to the city''s rebuilding.

[grannymary69]

I was raised in Pratt, KS (about 30 miles east of Greensburg) and had family who lived there. The town has always been special to my family. Please don''t forget to mention the BIG WELL and the meteorite, and how they are going to be brought back. I am SO PROUD to say I am a Kansan when I see what they have done there without waiting to be done for. My brother was involved in the emergency utilities repairs and I know he was pleased to be able to help our neighbors. I have approx. 425 pictures he took there the first day or two and then a month later. One other thing I would like for the world to notice is - there is NO trash just sitting around - the people have cleaned up the debris as best they could and are getting on with their lives. Give Greensburg FOUR years and see where they are!!!!!!!!! Our pioneer spirit as Pres. Bush mentioned is alive and well and gleaming in Greensburg. You should also mention that the farmers of the area were the first in to Greensburg to start moving debris to allow rescue work and repairs. Ask someone who cleaned the streets off so emergency personnel could get in!!!!!!!!!!!! God Blessed and is Blessing Greensburg and they know who is watching over them.

[grannymary69]

I was raised in Pratt, KS (about 30 miles east of Greensburg) and had family who lived there. The town has always been special to my family. Please don''t forget to mention the BIG WELL and the meteorite, and how they are going to be brought back. I am SO PROUD to say I am a Kansan when I see what they have done there without waiting to be done for. My brother was involved in the emergency utilities repairs and I know he was pleased to be able to help our neighbors. I have approx. 425 pictures he took there the first day or two and then a month later. One other thing I would like for the world to notice is - there is NO trash just sitting around - the people have cleaned up the debris as best they could and are getting on with their lives. Give Greensburg FOUR years and see where they are!!!!!!!!! Our pioneer spirit as Pres. Bush mentioned is alive and well and gleaming in Greensburg. You should also mention that the farmers of the area were the first in to Greensburg to start moving debris to allow rescue work and repairs. Ask someone who cleaned the streets off so emergency personnel could get in!!!!!!!!!!!! God Blessed and is Blessing Greensburg and they know who is watching over them.

[grannymary69]

I was raised in Pratt, KS (about 30 miles east of Greensburg) and had family who lived there. The town has always been special to my family. Please don''t forget to mention the BIG WELL and the meteorite, and how they are going to be brought back. I am SO PROUD to say I am a Kansan when I see what they have done there without waiting to be done for. My brother was involved in the emergency utilities repairs and I know he was pleased to be able to help our neighbors. I have approx. 425 pictures he took there the first day or two and then a month later. One other thing I would like for the world to notice is - there is NO trash just sitting around - the people have cleaned up the debris as best they could and are getting on with their lives. Give Greensburg FOUR years and see where they are!!!!!!!!! Our pioneer spirit as Pres. Bush mentioned is alive and well and gleaming in Greensburg. You should also mention that the farmers of the area were the first in to Greensburg to start moving debris to allow rescue work and repairs. Ask someone who cleaned the streets off so emergency personnel could get in!!!!!!!!!!!! God Blessed and is Blessing Greensburg and they know who is watching over them.

[grannymary69]

I was raised in Pratt, KS (about 30 miles east of Greensburg) and had family who lived there. The town has always been special to my family. Please don''t forget to mention the BIG WELL and the meteorite, and how they are going to be brought back. I am SO PROUD to say I am a Kansan when I see what they have done there without waiting to be done for. My brother was involved in the emergency utilities repairs and I know he was pleased to be able to help our neighbors. I have approx. 425 pictures he took there the first day or two and then a month later. One other thing I would like for the world to notice is - there is NO trash just sitting around - the people have cleaned up the debris as best they could and are getting on with their lives. Give Greensburg FOUR years and see where they are!!!!!!!!! Our pioneer spirit as Pres. Bush mentioned is alive and well and gleaming in Greensburg. You should also mention that the farmers of the area were the first in to Greensburg to start moving debris to allow rescue work and repairs. Ask someone who cleaned the streets off so emergency personnel could get in!!!!!!!!!!!! God Blessed and is Blessing Greensburg and they know who is watching over them.

[grannymary69]

I was raised in Pratt, KS (about 30 miles east of Greensburg) and had family who lived there. The town has always been special to my family. Please don''t forget to mention the BIG WELL and the meteorite, and how they are going to be brought back. I am SO PROUD to say I am a Kansan when I see what they have done there without waiting to be done for. My brother was involved in the emergency utilities repairs and I know he was pleased to be able to help our neighbors. I have approx. 425 pictures he took there the first day or two and then a month later. One other thing I would like for the world to notice is - there is NO trash just sitting around - the people have cleaned up the debris as best they could and are getting on with their lives. Give Greensburg FOUR years and see where they are!!!!!!!!! Our pioneer spirit as Pres. Bush mentioned is alive and well and gleaming in Greensburg. You should also mention that the farmers of the area were the first in to Greensburg to start moving debris to allow rescue work and repairs. Ask someone who cleaned the streets off so emergency personnel could get in!!!!!!!!!!!! God Blessed and is Blessing Greensburg and they know who is watching over them.

[grannymary69]

I was raised in Pratt, KS (about 30 miles east of Greensburg) and had family who lived there. The town has always been special to my family. Please don''t forget to mention the BIG WELL and the meteorite, and how they are going to be brought back. I am SO PROUD to say I am a Kansan when I see what they have done there without waiting to be done for. My brother was involved in the emergency utilities repairs and I know he was pleased to be able to help our neighbors. I have approx. 425 pictures he took there the first day or two and then a month later. One other thing I would like for the world to notice is - there is NO trash just sitting around - the people have cleaned up the debris as best they could and are getting on with their lives. Give Greensburg FOUR years and see where they are!!!!!!!!! Our pioneer spirit as Pres. Bush mentioned is alive and well and gleaming in Greensburg. You should also mention that the farmers of the area were the first in to Greensburg to start moving debris to allow rescue work and repairs. Ask someone who cleaned the streets off so emergency personnel could get in!!!!!!!!!!!! God Blessed and is Blessing Greensburg and they know who is watching over them.

[grannymary69]

I was raised in Pratt, KS (about 30 miles east of Greensburg) and had family who lived there. The town has always been special to my family. Please don''t forget to mention the BIG WELL and the meteorite, and how they are going to be brought back. I am SO PROUD to say I am a Kansan when I see what they have done there without waiting to be done for. My brother was involved in the emergency utilities repairs and I know he was pleased to be able to help our neighbors. I have approx. 425 pictures he took there the first day or two and then a month later. One other thing I would like for the world to notice is - there is NO trash just sitting around - the people have cleaned up the debris as best they could and are getting on with their lives. Give Greensburg FOUR years and see where they are!!!!!!!!! Our pioneer spirit as Pres. Bush mentioned is alive and well and gleaming in Greensburg. You should also mention that the farmers of the area were the first in to Greensburg to start moving debris to allow rescue work and repairs. Ask someone who cleaned the streets off so emergency personnel could get in!!!!!!!!!!!! God Blessed and is Blessing Greensburg and they know who is watching over them.

[grannymary69]

I was raised in Pratt, KS (about 30 miles east of Greensburg) and had family who lived there. The town has always been special to my family. Please don''t forget to mention the BIG WELL and the meteorite, and how they are going to be brought back. I am SO PROUD to say I am a Kansan when I see what they have done there without waiting to be done for. My brother was involved in the emergency utilities repairs and I know he was pleased to be able to help our neighbors. I have approx. 425 pictures he took there the first day or two and then a month later. One other thing I would like for the world to notice is - there is NO trash just sitting around - the people have cleaned up the debris as best they could and are getting on with their lives. Give Greensburg FOUR years and see where they are!!!!!!!!! Our pioneer spirit as Pres. Bush mentioned is alive and well and gleaming in Greensburg. You should also mention that the farmers of the area were the first in to Greensburg to start moving debris to allow rescue work and repairs. Ask someone who cleaned the streets off so emergency personnel could get in!!!!!!!!!!!! God Blessed and is Blessing Greensburg and they know who is watching over them.

[sunbug3]

there were 9 churches destroyed in Greensburg, not 2. Thanks CBS for the continued coverage on such a great town. So great to see how the people are pulling together to rebuild their town. Blessings to them, from a former resident....

[lucindawrite]

n your greenhouse... why did the owner comments get cut out. it is what makes the fantasy of owning the green type of home better, thus better watching. get some balls for your caster, she should have said a hello.

[rwm2_2000]

If going Green is so good then why was the owner of the house cut off before he could speak and HOW WAS THE CHOICE TO GO GREEN DECIDED? Knowing how the news media slants things makes me VERY suspecious of going green!

[mom2bears]

I was most interested in Greensburg this week. However, I think it was incredibly rude of you to ignore the homeowner in the segment with Steve Thomas. To be honest, I think this deserved much more time than you devoted to it. Grand Theft Auto should have been canned. Sustainable green building is probably one of the most important issues we can address today. I think your focus should be on the building rather than the devastation. We have all seen it time and time again. What we want to know is how these people have achieved so much in so little time. We also need to know more about the products they are using and how they affect our world, not about the color of the water tower!

[mainahcats]

My mom was born in Greensburg, Kansas on December 9th, 1951. If anyone knows her and think they know her, could you please let me know. Her parents names were Alice and Woodrow Harmon. They didn''t stay there that long. Her name was Glenetta Lee Harmon. She was born in a house that was torn down. She wants to know if anyone knows a doctor by the name of J.W. Morrow. My mom saw a tshirt on news 13, she wants to know if you have any tshirts that say i was born in Greensburg, Kansas. I''m her daughter, Sherry. My mom has postcards of the well. She also has a pamplet with the meteorite on it. She also has a picture of the old house she was born in with my grandparents holding her. She can''t remember the name of the street the house was on but it was torn down.

[montgmat]

Well i live in Wichita, Ks. I remember the night of May 3rd. 1999 when a huge F5 tornado almost wiped the town of Haysville, ks off the map. Are house was destroyd and now this. I love Kansas and no tornado big enough will make me leave. Good job greensburg residents for rebuilding!!!

[sdrbass]

I was born and raised in Greensburg and was sickened as I stood in the middle of town four days after the tornado. Though I have not lived there for 30 years it was always home-unchanging, people who never forgot you-a comforting constant in my sometimes harried life. Now this was gone and will never be the same-except for the people. Green is not a bad thing, but until the govenor gets out of the way or makes a decison on where US Highway 54 will go thru town one important thing will stymie the whole process-lack of jobs-and no business is willing to rebuild unless they can benefit from the highway traffic. The city fathers need to step up and get this decision asap. Without jobs to sustain the population there is no reason for anyone to stay there. Seems as though your reporters need to ask some questions that really matter now............................

[mainahcats]

My mom was born in Greensburg, Kansas. She was born in a house there. She can''t remember the name of the street. It was torn down anyway. Her name was Glenetta Lee Harmon. Her parents names were Alice and Woodrow Harmon. They didn''t live there that long. I''m her daughter. She was also wondering if you had any tshirts that said i was born in greensburg, kansas. She knows about the other tshirt. She had a doctor there name JD Morrow and was wondering if he was still there. She also has a post card with the well on it and a pamphlet with the meteor. Could you please write back to us. Thankyou

[sandicp]

My husband and I (and our church) have watched with interest your Greensburg shows. 16 of us from our church were there for Spring Break and built a home for a family. However, we were all upset by the treatment given to the owner of the home on April 29th when Maggie Rodriguez rushed through the segment on the new ''green'' home. The segment was so rushed it was hardly worth the effort, especially in comparison to the segment on the playground that followed, not to mention a video game of violence.

[shard88]

sdrbass, KDOT knows where US 54 will go through town and are, in fact, currently obtaining those properties that are concerned. There has been quite the discussion on what type, where, and how many exits there will be into town. They have released their modified MODIFIED CONCEPT A plans which outline where the exits may be located. I stress the word "may" because there are always complications when undertaking a large project like this one and they may have to change the plans to accommodate those complications. I am a strong believer that the road will not bring business into town, the people will bring the businesses into down. When that happens KDOT will make the changes necessary to make it work.