Memorial Day Tornadoes: How Celina continues rebuilding 4 years after tornado outbreak

·2 min read

Saturday will mark four years since the Memorial Day Tornado outbreak.

Among the areas hit that night was Celina.

>>PHOTOS: What Celina looks like 4 years after Memorial Day Tornadoes

News Center 7′s John Bedell was there Friday and spoke with people in part of Mercer County about their recovery.

It was in the Wheatland Acres neighborhood along Fairground Road there the tornado outbreak turned deadly in Celina.

>>Memorial Day Tornadoes: Remembering the destruction, devastation 4 years later

Four years later, Bedell says the neighborhood is just about rebuilt and there are new homes popping up.

Ray Kramer has been working on spreading out a final bag of mulch, touching up his garden. He and his wife Valerie are hoping for a quieter Memorial Day weekend than the one four years ago.

“We heard the noise, the windows breaking and very loud didn’t last very long,” she said. “And then an eerie quiet afterward.”

>>THE FIRST PHOTOS: Daylight revealed widespread damage from 2019 Memorial Day storms

Bedell was in the Kramer’s neighborhood in 2019, the day after the storms.

He said the backyards of those homes were littered with debris four years ago.

But the community came together to clean up the neighborhood, including someone with a tractor.

>>ORIGINAL STORY: Celina continues cleanup effort after Memorial Day tornadoes

“Small Town USA, it comes together,” said Ray.

“To watch people that maybe didn’t speak to each other normally or maybe they had a grudge against a neighbor, you didn’t see any of that,” said Jeff Hazel, Celina Mayor. “They were right there helping each other.”

>>RELATED: Celina working to recover one year after the Memorial Day Tornadoes

Four years later, it is completely different.

Images from Sky 7 show the neighborhood is completely rebuilt.

“2019 was the most devastating tornado because of it tugging at the heartstrings of people. We actually had a fatality,” Hazel told Bedell.

The storms turned deadly when Dale Hannah, 81, was killed in his sleep.

The tornado threw a car onto his house.

“He was a very fine gentleman,” said Tim Menchhofer.”

>>RELATED: Celina seeing progress as recovery continues after Memorial Day tornado

Menchhofer was sleeping when the storm hit. His wife was watching News Center 7 and woke him up.

“McCall. Yes. She came on and she started saying ‘people in Celina take cover because it’s coming right at you.,” he said. “And within like 30 seconds after we were in the basement, he hit it just like that. It was over.”

After all the destruction in their community and to have one death and only one serious injury in Celina, folks like the Kramers say they still feel fortunate four years later.

>>RELATED: How is Celina recovering from the Memorial Day tornadoes?

“Definitely feel God was watching over us,” said Ray.

Bedell says there is a two-part memorial people see every time they leave the Wheatland Acres neighborhood in Celina.

Photos from: John Bedell/Staff
Photos from: John Bedell/Staff
Photos from: John Bedell/Staff
Photos from: John Bedell/Staff
Photos from: John Bedell/Staff
Photos from: John Bedell/Staff
Photos from: John Bedell/Staff
Photos from: John Bedell/Staff
Photos from: John Bedell/Staff
Photos from: John Bedell/Staff
Photo from: A.J. Ewry/Staff
Photo from: A.J. Ewry/Staff
Photo from: A.J. Ewry/Staff
Photo from: A.J. Ewry/Staff
Photo from: A.J. Ewry/Staff
Photo from: A.J. Ewry/Staff
Photo from: A.J. Ewry/Staff
Photo from: A.J. Ewry/Staff
Photo from: A.J. Ewry/Staff
Photo from: A.J. Ewry/Staff
Photo from: A.J. Ewry/Staff
Photo from: A.J. Ewry/Staff
Photo from: A.J. Ewry/Staff
Photo from: A.J. Ewry/Staff
Damage between York Commons and Benchwood on N. Dixie
Damage between York Commons and Benchwood on N. Dixie
Old north Dayton Paw Paw St. and Valley.

It appears that many garages in the alley between paw paw Street and Valley Street were demolished in the storms. 

Staff photo by Ty Greenlees
Old north Dayton Paw Paw St. and Valley. It appears that many garages in the alley between paw paw Street and Valley Street were demolished in the storms. Staff photo by Ty Greenlees
Family Dollar in North Dixie Harrison Township
Family Dollar in North Dixie Harrison Township
Old north Dayton Paw Paw St. and Valley.

It appears that many garages in the alley between paw paw Street and Valley Street were demolished in the storms. 

Staff photo by Ty Greenlees
Old north Dayton Paw Paw St. and Valley. It appears that many garages in the alley between paw paw Street and Valley Street were demolished in the storms. Staff photo by Ty Greenlees
Old north Dayton Paw Paw St. and Valley.

It appears that many garages in the alley between paw paw Street and Valley Street were demolished in the storms. 

Staff photo by Ty Greenlees
Old north Dayton Paw Paw St. and Valley. It appears that many garages in the alley between paw paw Street and Valley Street were demolished in the storms. Staff photo by Ty Greenlees
Old north Dayton Paw Paw St. and Valley.

It appears that many garages in the alley between paw paw Street and Valley Street were demolished in the storms. 

Staff photo by Ty Greenlees
Old north Dayton Paw Paw St. and Valley. It appears that many garages in the alley between paw paw Street and Valley Street were demolished in the storms. Staff photo by Ty Greenlees
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
The Living Room strip club, Rite Aid and Family Dollar were among the North Dixie  Drive business damaged during a suspected tornado in Harrison Twp.
The Living Room strip club, Rite Aid and Family Dollar were among the North Dixie Drive business damaged during a suspected tornado in Harrison Twp.
Damage in Northridge area
Damage in Northridge area
Rivers Edge Apartments on Riverside Drive
Rivers Edge Apartments on Riverside Drive
Rivers Edge Apartments on Riverside Drive
Rivers Edge Apartments on Riverside Drive
Damage along North Fairfield Road
Damage along North Fairfield Road
Damage in Troy
Damage in Troy
The Living Room strip club, Rite Aid and Family Dollar were among the North Dixie  Drive business damaged during a suspected tornado in Harrison Twp.
The Living Room strip club, Rite Aid and Family Dollar were among the North Dixie Drive business damaged during a suspected tornado in Harrison Twp.
Damage in Troy
Damage in Troy
Damage in Butler Twp.
Damage in Butler Twp.
Damage in Butler Twp.
Damage in Butler Twp.
Damage in Butler Twp.
Damage in Butler Twp.
Damage in Butler Twp.
Damage in Butler Twp.
84 Lumber on Poe Avenue
84 Lumber on Poe Avenue
84 Lumber on Poe Avenue
84 Lumber on Poe Avenue
Damage in Butler Twp.
Damage in Butler Twp.
Rivers Edge Apartments on Riverside Drive
Rivers Edge Apartments on Riverside Drive
Leoan Falls Court near Ludlow falls
Leoan Falls Court near Ludlow falls
Leoan Falls Court near Ludlow falls
Leoan Falls Court near Ludlow falls
Damage in Beavercreek
Damage in Beavercreek
Damage in Beavercreek
Damage in Beavercreek
Damage in Beavercreek
Damage in Beavercreek
Damage in Beavercreek
Damage in Beavercreek
Damage in Beavercreek
Damage in Beavercreek
Damage in Beavercreek
Damage in Beavercreek
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Northridge area
Damage in Northridge area
Damage in Northridge area
Damage in Northridge area
Clayton area
Clayton area
Clayton area
Clayton area
DCIM\100MEDIA\DJI_0044.JPG
DCIM\100MEDIA\DJI_0044.JPG
DCIM\100MEDIA\DJI_0023.JPG
DCIM\100MEDIA\DJI_0023.JPG
Damage in Laura
Damage in Laura
The Living Room strip club, Rite Aid and Family Dollar were among the North Dixie  Drive business damaged during a suspected tornado in Harrison Twp.
The Living Room strip club, Rite Aid and Family Dollar were among the North Dixie Drive business damaged during a suspected tornado in Harrison Twp.
The Living Room strip club, Rite Aid and Family Dollar were among the North Dixie  Drive business damaged during a suspected tornado in Harrison Twp.
The Living Room strip club, Rite Aid and Family Dollar were among the North Dixie Drive business damaged during a suspected tornado in Harrison Twp.
The Living Room strip club, Rite Aid and Family Dollar were among the North Dixie  Drive business damaged during a suspected tornado in Harrison Twp.
The Living Room strip club, Rite Aid and Family Dollar were among the North Dixie Drive business damaged during a suspected tornado in Harrison Twp.
Neighbors in Dayton's Deweese Ridgecrest  neighborhood worked Tuesday to remove debris and repair damage caused by Monday's devastating storms.
Neighbors in Dayton's Deweese Ridgecrest neighborhood worked Tuesday to remove debris and repair damage caused by Monday's devastating storms.
Neighbors in Dayton's Deweese Ridgecrest  neighborhood worked Tuesday to remove debris and repair damage caused by Monday's devastating storms.
Neighbors in Dayton's Deweese Ridgecrest neighborhood worked Tuesday to remove debris and repair damage caused by Monday's devastating storms.
The Living Room strip club, Rite Aid and Family Dollar were among the North Dixie  Drive business damaged during a suspected tornado in Harrison Twp.
The Living Room strip club, Rite Aid and Family Dollar were among the North Dixie Drive business damaged during a suspected tornado in Harrison Twp.
The Living Room strip club, Rite Aid and Family Dollar were among the North Dixie  Drive business damaged during a suspected tornado in Harrison Twp.
The Living Room strip club, Rite Aid and Family Dollar were among the North Dixie Drive business damaged during a suspected tornado in Harrison Twp.
Brookville area
Brookville area
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
Damage in Brookville
84 Lumber on Poe Avenue in Vandalia
84 Lumber on Poe Avenue in Vandalia
84 Lumber on Poe Avenue in Vandalia
84 Lumber on Poe Avenue in Vandalia
84 Lumber on Poe Avenue in Vandalia
84 Lumber on Poe Avenue in Vandalia
84 Lumber on Poe Avenue in Vandalia
84 Lumber on Poe Avenue in Vandalia
84 Lumber on Poe Avenue in Vandalia
84 Lumber on Poe Avenue in Vandalia
84 Lumber on Poe Avenue in Vandalia
84 Lumber on Poe Avenue in Vandalia
84 Lumber on Poe Avenue in Vandalia
84 Lumber on Poe Avenue in Vandalia
84 Lumber on Poe Avenue in Vandalia
84 Lumber on Poe Avenue in Vandalia
Action Sports Center in Dayton
Action Sports Center in Dayton
Action Sports Center in Dayton
Action Sports Center in Dayton
Action Sports Center in Dayton
Action Sports Center in Dayton
Damage in Riverside
Damage in Riverside
Damage in Riverside
Damage in Riverside
Damage in Riverside
Damage in Riverside
Damage in Riverside
Damage in Riverside
Damage in Riverside
Damage in Riverside
Damage in Riverside
Damage in Riverside
Damage in Riverside
Damage in Riverside
Damage in Riverside
Damage in Riverside
Damage in Riverside
Damage in Riverside
Damage in Riverside
Damage in Riverside
Clean up crews in Beavercreek Aldis
Clean up crews in Beavercreek Aldis
Damages at Beavercreek Former Abuelo's
Damages at Beavercreek Former Abuelo's
Damages at Beavercreek Former Abuelo's
Damages at Beavercreek Former Abuelo's
Damages at Beavercreek Former Abuelo's
Damages at Beavercreek Former Abuelo's
Damages at Beavercreek Former Abuelo's
Damages at Beavercreek Former Abuelo's
Clean up at Beavercreek Mike's Carwash
Clean up at Beavercreek Mike's Carwash
Overturned box truck in Beavercreek parking lot.
Overturned box truck in Beavercreek parking lot.
Damage in Beavercreek
Damage in Beavercreek
Action Sports Center on Gateway Drive is closed indefinitely after substantial storm damage.
Action Sports Center on Gateway Drive is closed indefinitely after substantial storm damage.
The yard of a house on Wolf Road in Trotwood was covered in tree branches and debris following severe storms and tornado damage.
The yard of a house on Wolf Road in Trotwood was covered in tree branches and debris following severe storms and tornado damage.
Damage at BP station on Main Street
Damage at BP station on Main Street
Jeremy Davis' truck remained buried in tree branches following storm damage near his home near the intersection of Wolf Road and Goldenrod Court in Trotwood
Jeremy Davis' truck remained buried in tree branches following storm damage near his home near the intersection of Wolf Road and Goldenrod Court in Trotwood
Damage off of Lakeview Dr.  in Beavercreek
Damage off of Lakeview Dr. in Beavercreek
Roofs are gone on many of these houses including a small apartment complex off of McCrady where it looks like a lot of people trying to move their stuff out
Roofs are gone on many of these houses including a small apartment complex off of McCrady where it looks like a lot of people trying to move their stuff out
Roofs are gone on many of these houses including a small apartment complex off of McCrady where it looks like a lot of people trying to move their stuff out
Roofs are gone on many of these houses including a small apartment complex off of McCrady where it looks like a lot of people trying to move their stuff out
Roofs are gone on many of these houses including a small apartment complex off of McCrady where it looks like a lot of people trying to move their stuff out
Roofs are gone on many of these houses including a small apartment complex off of McCrady where it looks like a lot of people trying to move their stuff out
Roofs are gone on many of these houses including a small apartment complex off of McCrady where it looks like a lot of people trying to move their stuff out
Roofs are gone on many of these houses including a small apartment complex off of McCrady where it looks like a lot of people trying to move their stuff out
Roofs are gone on many of these houses including a small apartment complex off of McCrady where it looks like a lot of people trying to move their stuff out
Roofs are gone on many of these houses including a small apartment complex off of McCrady where it looks like a lot of people trying to move their stuff out
Family Dollar in North Dixie Harrison Township
Family Dollar in North Dixie Harrison Township
Family Dollar in North Dixie Harrison Township
Family Dollar in North Dixie Harrison Township
Family Dollar in North Dixie Harrison Township
Family Dollar in North Dixie Harrison Township
Living Room destroyed - Harrison township, North Dixie
Living Room destroyed - Harrison township, North Dixie
Living Room destroyed - Harrison township, North Dixie
Living Room destroyed - Harrison township, North Dixie
Living Room destroyed - Harrison township, North Dixie
Living Room destroyed - Harrison township, North Dixie
Living Room destroyed - Harrison township, North Dixie
Living Room destroyed - Harrison township, North Dixie
Damage between York Commons and Benchwood on N. Dixie
Damage between York Commons and Benchwood on N. Dixie
Damage between York Commons and Benchwood on N. Dixie
Damage between York Commons and Benchwood on N. Dixie
Damage between York Commons and Benchwood on N. Dixie
Damage between York Commons and Benchwood on N. Dixie
Damage between York Commons and Benchwood on N. Dixie
Damage between York Commons and Benchwood on N. Dixie
Damage between York Commons and Benchwood on N. Dixie
Damage between York Commons and Benchwood on N. Dixie
Damage between York Commons and Benchwood on N. Dixie
Damage between York Commons and Benchwood on N. Dixie
Damage off of Kessler Road
Damage off of Kessler Road
Kessler street damage in Miami County
Kessler street damage in Miami County
Kessler street damage in Miami County
Kessler street damage in Miami County
Kessler street damage in Miami County
Kessler street damage in Miami County
Kessler street damage in Miami County
Kessler street damage in Miami County
Kessler street damage in Miami County
Kessler street damage in Miami County
Damage at North Fairfield Road
Damage at North Fairfield Road
Damage at Beavercreek Aldi
Damage at Beavercreek Aldi
Road near River Edge Apartments
Road near River Edge Apartments
Damage at Rivers Edge Apartments
Damage at Rivers Edge Apartments
Down power lines near Rivers Edge Apartments
Down power lines near Rivers Edge Apartments
Damage at Rivers Edge Apartments
Damage at Rivers Edge Apartments
Damage at Rivers Edge Apartments
Damage at Rivers Edge Apartments
Damage at Rivers Edge Apartments
Damage at Rivers Edge Apartments
Damage in Beavercreek
Damage in Beavercreek
Danger near Troy Street, Dayton
Danger near Troy Street, Dayton
Roof torn off of Frito-Lay's distribution center in Dayton
Roof torn off of Frito-Lay's distribution center in Dayton
Damage on Troy Street in Dayton
Damage on Troy Street in Dayton
Damage on Troy Street, Dayton
Damage on Troy Street, Dayton
Damage in Beavercreek
Damage in Beavercreek
Damage in Beavercreek
Damage in Beavercreek
Damage at Frito-Lay's distribution center
Damage at Frito-Lay's distribution center
Debris in a tree off of Troy Street
Debris in a tree off of Troy Street
Damage at Primanti Bros in Beavercreek
Damage at Primanti Bros in Beavercreek
Police keep watch on Troy Street at Kelly Ave, Dayton
Police keep watch on Troy Street at Kelly Ave, Dayton
People on Troy Street salvaging what they can from their house
People on Troy Street salvaging what they can from their house
Damage in Beavercreek
Damage in Beavercreek
Team clean-up
Team clean-up
Hara Arena after the recent tornado damage.
Hara Arena after the recent tornado damage.