Afternoon news update: April 10, 2015

The body of a second victim of Thursday night’s tornadoes was found this morning after a second sweep of the devastated town of Fairdale. She’s been identified as 69-year old Jacklyn Klosa. The first victim, 67-year old Geraldine Schultz also of Fairdale, was discovered last night. That community was the hardest hit, with nearly all of its buildings either damaged or destroyed. 11 people in that community were hurt seriously enough to have to be hospitalized.
Governor Bruce Rauner’s office has declared DeKalb and Ogle counties disaster areas. That makes available state resources that can help affected communities respond to storm damage. Rauner is in the area surveying the damage today. A damage assessment has also begun to determine how many tornadoes there were. Nearly all of Fairdale’s buildings were either damaged or destroyed. More crews are using heavy equipment to search the ruble for more victims of the storm. Many other structures in Ogle County were destroyed, including long time landmark Grubsteaker’s Restaurant near Rochelle. Other area homes and farm buildings were damaged as well.
A GoFundme campaign has begun for the stricken Summerfield Zoo near Belvidere. More than 46-thousand dollars has been raised of the $200-thousand goal. If you would like to contribute, just go to http://www.gofundme.com/rj3k9xc
Townsquare Media is holding a relief drive for the victims of Thursday's storms. Collection trucks will be stationed at all local Schnuck Supermarkets on Saturday, April 11th, between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. Items to be donated include bottled water, non-perishable food items, tarps, blankets and bedding items, and monetary contributions. Here are other organizations organizing relief efforts for storm victims:
Kirkland Fire Department - 3891 State Rt. 72, Kirkland
Hillcrest Fire Department - 223 Powers Road, Hillcrest
Harris Silver & Sons - 1192 HWY E 64, Oregon - Friday until 4pm, then next week M-F 8am-4pm
Stephenson County Health Department - 10 West Linden, Freeport - M-F 8:30am-4:30pm
Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary - 111 N. First Street, Rockford - Asking for cat/dog food, animal feed, collars, leashes, etc.
The Salvation Army (monetary donations only) - www.salarmychicago.or/donate, 1-800-SAL-ARMY, or text SACHICAGO to 80888 to make an automatic $10 donation
Rochelle Fire Department - 401 5th Avenue, Rochelle

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