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TechnographFloods ruin things, not people
By The Daily Illini Editorial Board
Posted: 6/16/08 Section: Editorials
As bad as we may think the weather has been around here lately, we have little to complain about compared to many areas of Illinois and Iowa this weekend.
Heavy rains have brought historic flooding to Lawrenceville and Quincy, Ill., and Iowa City. Hundreds of residents and volunteer workers have been trying desperately to protect what they can with sandbags. Unfortunately, many have resigned themselves to taking what they can from their homes and businesses before they are washed away.
Even though there are many photos, it's impossible to fully comprehend the impact on people, institutions and inevitably, this years crops.
Our counterpart at the University of Iowa, The Daily Iowan, is produced at the Adler Journalism Building. Built in 2005, the $19 million facility houses not only the campus newspaper, but also the school of mass communication and journalism. It is currently flooded, forcing not only classes to be cancelled but also offices and the newsroom of the Daily Iowan to be relocated. But admirably, the staff continues to publish amidst the disaster. And even though they may not be able to use their building again until later this summer when campus is expected to return to normal, they'll still strive to tell the stories of people coming together and coping with the flood.
From what's been seen so far, those stories have been typically Midwestern: volunteering, generosity and hard work. Neighbors helping neighbors or, even complete strangers.
With harsh weather impacting Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Nebraska, Missouri, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Minnesota, Midwesterners have found themselves in the same boat, one that's unfortunately taking on water.
With a tough economy, people need help now more than ever. Those who wish to contribute to the relief effort can contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-REDCROSS or by visiting redcross.org.
Heavy rains have brought historic flooding to Lawrenceville and Quincy, Ill., and Iowa City. Hundreds of residents and volunteer workers have been trying desperately to protect what they can with sandbags. Unfortunately, many have resigned themselves to taking what they can from their homes and businesses before they are washed away.
Even though there are many photos, it's impossible to fully comprehend the impact on people, institutions and inevitably, this years crops.
Our counterpart at the University of Iowa, The Daily Iowan, is produced at the Adler Journalism Building. Built in 2005, the $19 million facility houses not only the campus newspaper, but also the school of mass communication and journalism. It is currently flooded, forcing not only classes to be cancelled but also offices and the newsroom of the Daily Iowan to be relocated. But admirably, the staff continues to publish amidst the disaster. And even though they may not be able to use their building again until later this summer when campus is expected to return to normal, they'll still strive to tell the stories of people coming together and coping with the flood.
From what's been seen so far, those stories have been typically Midwestern: volunteering, generosity and hard work. Neighbors helping neighbors or, even complete strangers.
With harsh weather impacting Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Nebraska, Missouri, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Minnesota, Midwesterners have found themselves in the same boat, one that's unfortunately taking on water.
With a tough economy, people need help now more than ever. Those who wish to contribute to the relief effort can contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-REDCROSS or by visiting redcross.org.
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