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A carriage sits in the half-flattened riding arena at 2 Jo’s Farm in Van Horne on Thursday, July 22, 2021. Jodi and John Philipp have played the roles of Santa and Mrs. Claus for decades, and sleighs and carriages were among the items stored in the arena. No repairs have been made as the Philipps continue to fight for their insurance payout while also facing health crises. (Liz Martin/The Gazette)
A year since powerful winds blew through the state and caused historic devastation in Eastern Iowa, many people who were in the path remain struggling with trauma the Aug, 10, 2020, derecho caused.
The emotional and psychological toll that natural disasters inflict on a community can linger for years. Still, according to experts, recovery can begin once impacted individuals start to rebuild and feel a shift to the “new normal.”
But what happens if you’re unable to rebuild? That has been the challenge for many, including the Philipp family of Benton County, whose surroundings remain bleak from the damage despite months of struggles with insurance — in addition to coping with life’s more routine challenges.
John and Jodi Philipp still are waiting to begin rebuilding their Van Horne farm. They are seeking additional payout on their claims with their insurance provider, and until that matter is settled, the Philipps haven’t begun the process of cleaning up the damage to 2-Jo’s Farm.
John and Jodi Philipp stand in front of a badly-damaged corn crib at 2 Jo’s Farm in Van Horne on Thursday, July 22, 2021. No repairs have been made as the Philipps continue to fight for their insurance payout while also facing health crises. (Liz Martin/The Gazette)
As a result, the destruction remains unchanged a year later.
Buildings on the property, including an indoor riding arena, are still mostly flattened from 100-plus mph winds. Undeterred by human intervention, tall weeds grow and birds have made their way into the rubble of the “western town” and into Santa’s House, where the Philipps would host holiday events for their charity called Dear Santa.