HEAVY STORM DAMAGE HERE; two fatalities reported; shelter open; schools closed

Al Moltrum (left) of the BPD helps Paul, Patricia and Stephanie Buice from their destroyed home at the base of Dozier Hill off Atlanta Street in Barnesville. (Photo: Walter Geiger)

HEAVY STORM DAMAGE HERE; two fatalities reported; shelter open; schools closed

Posted by

Walter Geiger

in News

Thursday, April 28. 2011

Comments (76)

A tornado and heavy thunderstorm devastated Lamar County early Thursday morning leaving widespread damage and at least two dead.

Due to so many road closures across the county, Lamar County schools are closed Thursday.

The Grove Street area appears to be among the hardest hit where there are two reported fatalities at a mobile home, multiple injuries, homes destroyed, downed power lines and trees across the road.

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#1 Anonymous on 04/28/11 at 01:31 AM

reports of severe home damage- roof damage, deck torn off- on Hwy 36 E at end of Mill St.

#2 Anonymous on 04/28/11 at 01:33 AM

It's gonna be a long night. I'm hearing of devastation in Cannafax/Old Milner Rd area. Also moderate damages 36 east area.

#3 Anonymous on 04/28/11 at 01:37 AM

houses on Grove St demolished

#4 Anonymous on 04/28/11 at 01:42 AM

any word on any injuries? road closings? business/school closings?

#5 Warcop on 04/28/11 at 01:54 AM

I watched it pretty closely as it moved towards town. The green wall clouds and wind direction shift on Greenwood street and I moved everyone to safety. I could hear the rumble to my WNW and heard/watched as it moved to my NNW. Lots of road closings right now out on 18/Cannafax/Grove st/Howard Road and out to Van Buren through that area.

#6 Anonymous on 04/28/11 at 01:54 AM

Do you have any idea "who's" home's were destroyed? My Uncle and Aunt lives on that street! Thank you for any help!
With Love in Christ!

#7 Anonymous on 04/28/11 at 01:56 AM

lots of house damage on 18W, some houses destroyed

#8 Concerned on 04/28/11 at 01:56 AM

Barnesville is a trending topic on Twitter. Hope you all are safe!!!

#9 Anonymous on 04/28/11 at 02:03 AM

Which end of grove?? Near Red Apple on Atl street? People I know live there!

#10 Anonymous on 04/28/11 at 02:06 AM

Does anyone know if Main st area was hit around American Pie

#11 Anonymous on 04/28/11 at 02:16 AM

Any word on the employees of Hot Spot? I hope they made it out safely.

#12 Rob on 04/28/11 at 02:21 AM

Anyone have any further reports about Grove St? Did any houses get demolished near King's Drive or Route 41? I've got family in that area and just the mention of Grove St has me concerned.

#13 Anonymous on 04/28/11 at 02:30 AM

I'm hearing the county fire cheif's house, a teacher at the middle school's house and a school board member's house were destroyed.

#14 rebecca on 04/28/11 at 02:31 AM

Devon Goddard's facebook post says that his mom's house is gone. They live on grove street. Cheri and Truby Colbert. They lost everything. Please remember them in your prayers.

#15 Anonymous on 04/28/11 at 02:31 AM

Crawford Rd Hog Mtn side got hit hard too!

#16 Ken Page on 04/28/11 at 02:40 AM

if anyone needs anything from Impact, our outreach kitchen is open this morning at 7:00am to help the community during thihs time. Also if anyone needs clothes go to #9 Market Street this morning..

#17 Anonymous on 04/28/11 at 02:50 AM

Does anyone know if the Cheri and Truby Colbert are ok?

#18 Rob on 04/28/11 at 02:56 AM

I don't know them personally (I live in Colorado trying to track down the status of loved ones on Kings Drive), but I can tell you that Cheri posted this on Facebook: "to all our family and friends we lost our home but walked away will post pic. of what left after day light\nCheri"

Not trying to be nosy...just trying figure out where in the area got hit, etc. Hope that info helped a little bit in at least knowing that they are okay (all things considered)

#19 Thomas Anderson on 04/28/11 at 02:59 AM

Does anyone know if the schools will be open today?

#20 Ken Page on 04/28/11 at 03:06 AM

Sorry, I forgot to put the address to our outreach kitchen at Impact Christian Ministries. it is 116 zebulon street. across from Brinkley's day care. phone # 678-603-0831

#21 Undecided on 04/28/11 at 03:14 AM

Does anyone know if there was any home damage on Piedmont Road?

#22 Edie on 04/28/11 at 03:33 AM

Friends home on Jackson Street took a direct hit.

#23 Anonymous on 04/28/11 at 03:36 AM

Josh and Amanda Horne's house is not destroyed. It has some damage, but is not destroyed as reported in the article.

#24 Anonymous on 04/28/11 at 03:52 AM

Cheri posted on Facebook that they are fine physically. Home destroyed though.

#25 Anonymous on 04/28/11 at 03:53 AM

Does anyone know if there was any damage in milliner ga

#26 Shawn on 04/28/11 at 04:15 AM

Downtown seems fine

#27 Tracy Langford on 04/28/11 at 04:17 AM

All the employees of Hot Spot are safe and nobody was injured!! Nikki was working but she is ok other than being shook up but that is very understandable!! Thanks for everyone being concerned!

#28 Anonymous on 04/28/11 at 04:24 AM

I have family on Ennis rd, do you know if their was much damage in that area?

#29 Ann on 04/28/11 at 05:11 AM

Has anyone heard if homes were hit on piedmont. I have friends out there.

#30 Anonymous on 04/28/11 at 05:43 AM

We took a direct hit here and are blocked in the property completely. Impossible to go to the outreach but greatful you are there for others who can.

#31 Timothy B. Dix on 04/28/11 at 05:51 AM

confirmed by Dr. Truby, schools closed.

#32 Beth Garrett on 04/28/11 at 05:58 AM

Will there be volunteer work crews? I would like to help since we are out of school today.

#33 Anonymous on 04/28/11 at 06:00 AM

if you need anything call me and maybe I can bring something..678-603-0831..Ken

#34 Marilyn Piper on 04/28/11 at 07:04 AM

Does anyone know where volunteers are needed?

#35 Mitchell G. on 04/28/11 at 07:09 AM

I with Beth! if u need any volunteers email me on facebook Mitchell Gunter or jetdriverforyou@yahoo.com

#36 Cristina on 04/28/11 at 07:32 AM

Does anyone know about damage around Van Buren rd area?

#37 Anonymous on 04/28/11 at 07:40 AM

My Mother just spoke with my Uncle on Grove Street and the two people who were killed, their "little girl" DID survive! PTL! I pray that she will be ok. I know it must be very hard on her and for her to understand. I do know that my cousin who works at the College has been called to help Volunteer to HELP! So, I am sure there is lots that all of us can do!

#38 sue evans on 04/28/11 at 07:45 AM

My daughter lives on Hwy 18 east near the high school. Please let me know if she and my grandsons are ok. Nikki, Derek, Zane, Awstin. Also my friend Kerrin, Chad, and Kayden. Love to all and God Bless to everyone that survived this terrible storm.

#39 Aaron Renfroe on 04/28/11 at 07:57 AM

I'm off work tomorrow if I'm needed I have chain and
Four wheel drive text me 706741 5915 and I
Can run a broad range of equipment

#40 MB on 04/28/11 at 08:22 AM

Does anyone know if there was anyone hurt or any damage on Steeplechase off of Community House Rd?

#41 Anonymous on 04/28/11 at 08:32 AM

Community House Rd area was untouched.

#42 Barnesville on 04/28/11 at 08:36 AM

I live on Cannafax Rd. It is closed toward Hwy 18. I don't know how much damage is done on that side of the road. Other side of Burnette Rd. is fine. My prayers go out to everyone effected here and in Al.

#43 an on 04/28/11 at 08:42 AM

was the lovejoys house ok

#44 Larry Spruill on 04/28/11 at 08:43 AM

HOw are things near highway 36 and McCollum Road toward Thomaston?

#45 Larry Spruill on 04/28/11 at 08:57 AM

Does anyone know if there is damage or injury on McCollum Road near the intersection of Highway 36 toward Thomaston?

#46 Anonymous on 04/28/11 at 09:08 AM

Yes damage on pIedemont, there is part of a structure in The road.

#47 Meredith on 04/28/11 at 09:14 AM

Ashley Oaks Drive by the high school is okay, just without power.

#48 Shaun on 04/28/11 at 09:15 AM

Also interested in Hwy 36. Was it hit?

#49 bobo on 04/28/11 at 09:27 AM

I live out past McCollum Road; I saw no damage on my way into town this morning

#50 matt wright on 04/28/11 at 09:29 AM

My in laws didn't get hit .... they live on that road ... on 36 side ....

#51 JL on 04/28/11 at 09:30 AM

Thanks, Meredith! My brother, his wife, and three children live over there and I have been calling like crazy all morning...no answer. Thank you so much for letting me know that the area where they live is untouched. I pray that power is restored soon!

#52 Tabatha on 04/28/11 at 09:37 AM

So sad, I just moved from there in December and my heart and prayers are with you all. You are such a wonderful and beautiful community and it is so sad to see something so horrific happen there.

#53 Beth on 04/28/11 at 09:43 AM

My family lives on Piedmont rd/Hwy 18 and their farm is pretty much gone. Thankfully they are safe

#54 Chris Childress on 04/28/11 at 09:54 AM

As a member of the SGA at Gordon College, I am speaking on behalf of the entire student body. Though Gordon appears to be physically unaffected, we can feel the emotional impact that this storm has left on our community. Our deepest sympathies go out to all who were involved in this disaster. This community is embedded in our prayers. If there is anything that we can do, you may contact me at 4782838428. May God Bless everyone involved.

#55 D Bailey on 04/28/11 at 10:14 AM

Does anyone know if Buggytown Auction was damaged?

#56 Matt Wright on 04/28/11 at 10:14 AM

My in-laws... terri and ronnie lowe have said everything is fine out on McCullom rd....so i am assuming hwy36 is fine....everything seems to be on hwy18 and north from there...also downlaoded scanner app for android and lamar county is on there....spalding isnt...

#57 Anonymous on 04/28/11 at 10:35 AM

What about the 200 block of Atlanta Street. I have relatives who live there? Any info will help, Thanks

#58 Kate Evans on 04/28/11 at 12:05 PM

Although we don't live there anymore we still own a home in Ashley Oaks. I am praying for everyone down there.

#59 Ann on 04/28/11 at 12:15 PM

This is a time we all need to pull together as a community and as a family. I thank god there was a tornado siren for Barnesville that save alot of people. I'm just ashame that I live in Griffin and we don't have one.

#60 Anonymous on 04/28/11 at 12:34 PM

Spivey home on Crawford looks destroyed. Mrs. Spann's home also on Crawford took a hard hit along with a few mobile homes that I know of in the area. Trees down everywhere.

#61 Scarlett on 04/28/11 at 12:59 PM

Hwy 36 West toward Thomaston is OK. There were houses with roofs torn off and lots of trees down on Willis Rd. between Hwy 36 and Hwy 19 this morning though. God be with all the families affected by this terrible storm!

#62 Christine on 04/28/11 at 02:05 PM

It was Piedmont Road we were on.

#63 Ann on 04/28/11 at 03:09 PM

Does the child have family? What does she need?

#64 Dustin Rhodes & Danny Goddard on 04/28/11 at 04:20 PM

Yes they are ok. This they are my in laws and my partners mother and stepfather. There house is gone but every one is ok.

#65 joe doe on 04/28/11 at 06:52 PM

Excellent coverage, Walter and Laura. Thanks for your dedication to our community.

#66 Ted VanVoorhis on 04/28/11 at 08:34 PM

Buggy Town auction was not touched!22bhqv

#67 Thank You! on 04/28/11 at 08:55 PM

My family lost everything in this horrible event. I would like to thank Sheriff Waller, Chief White and the Lamar Co. Sheriff's office and the volunteer's for everything they have done in this terrible event. May God bless all who helped. I am proud to be a citizen of Lamar Co. Keep up the good work!

#68 Anonymous on 04/28/11 at 10:01 PM

Has anyone thought of a fund to help people who really need help? It's important to help fast, and to have it controlled. I'd happily contribute if Walter or someone with a good community reputation set up and controlled a fund.

#69 Ken Page on 04/28/11 at 10:53 PM

Impact Christian Ministries will be out again in the morning. We will be taking bottled water and sandwiches to as many people as we can get to. Just to remind everyone about the outreach kitchen at 116 Zebulon Street will be open by 7:00am to about 11:00am and the clothes store should be open by mid morning at #9 Market Street. We are running at little low on help since some of the workers house got damaged. Our prayers are with all the families that suffered loss during this time. 678-603-0831

#70 Justin on 04/28/11 at 11:26 PM

talked to my tenants on Ashley oaks. no damage. Thank God.

#71 Candace Liebig on 04/29/11 at 02:52 AM

My mom n step dad Mike live on Piedmont Road-- Shawana and Mike Whatley are okay and home is okay. They are really shaken up and wondering if friends near by are okay. Does anyone know if Wanda Glover and family off Piedmont are okay? Does anyone know who was killed? GOD BLESS.......you all will get thru this.....be there for eachother, I'll be praying.

#72 Anonymous on 04/29/11 at 08:06 AM

I pray for all those who have suffered through this terrible tragedy.

#73 Anonymous on 04/29/11 at 08:50 AM

i live at the end of Kings dr. off of grove st. i heard everything but didn't realize at the time what it was.
the Kings house is fine. i have not talked to anyone but i am sure they are shook up!!!
i know i am!!!!!!
my prayers are with everyone in town!!!!!!!
all of my friends that got hit.
i consider my family to be extremely blessed by God that we have only 1 tree down with mininal damage

#74 Dr Fumbles on 04/29/11 at 09:06 AM

Everyone has been affected by this tragic event. Some directly,others by their affinity to the town or relatives affected. We can take solace in knowing that we, as the town, can join together to make it all new again. As humans, we can prevail against the forces of Nature, that deceptive mistress.

#75 marjie on 04/29/11 at 11:32 AM

I live at 210 Atlanta street and don't see any problems nearby.

#76 April Williams on 05/02/11 at 11:33 AM

I would like to know this too. Truby was my step-father for over half my life. I am currently living in Germany, as my husband is US Army, and have been trying to find out any information about him. If anyone sees him tell him April sends her love and I am praying for him.. Thanks

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