Tornadic tragedy struck Delmont, South Dakota on May 10, 2015. One year later, a full slate of activities is planned to hearken back to that day.

In a press release through the South Dakota Department of Safety, the Delmont community extends the invitation to friends, relatives, loved ones and those who helped support the residents who lived through the carnage.

An EF-2 tornado struck the city during the morning of May 10, 2015. The tornado damaged or destroyed many buildings including a church and fire hall. There were nine injuries but no deaths.

"It has been a long year of rebuilding," says Mayor Mae Gunnare. "The 2015 tornado is now part of our history. It changed our community; but it did not destroy our community.

The May 10 observance will start with a moment of silence at 10:45 AM, which was when the tornado struck the town. There will be a ringing of bells at Hope Lutheran Church and the Twins River Old Iron Farm, located near the town.
Other events are:

  • 1:00 PM -3:00 PM: Open House at Delmont Community Center and Delmont Fire Hall. Slides and videos will be shown.
  • 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM: There will be events at the Twin Rivers Old Iron Farm, located one-quarter mile west of Delmont.
  • 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Children activities at the Twin Rivers Old Iron Farm.
  • 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Tornado walk tours in Delmont, starting at the baseball field.
  • 5:00 PM: A dinner will be held at the Twin Rivers Old Iron Farm with a program at 7. A prayer service will follow, to be held at the site of the Delmont Zion Lutheran Church which was destroyed by the tornado.

The town was bowed by destructive weather, however its resiliency will be on display this coming Tuesday.


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