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Governor and Lt. Governor Survey Weather Damage

Chad Anderson
/
South Dakota Public Broadcasting

It’s been just over a week since Wessington Springs was hit by a tornado that damaged or destroyed dozens of homes and businesses. South Dakota National Guard soldiers left Wessington Springs earlier this week after spending several days helping clean up the tornado-ravaged town. Governor Dennis Daugaard visited Wessington Springs on Thursday to check out the recovery process.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Matt Michaels toured flooded areas of Canton. Residents are still suffering from last week's excessive rain and flooding with several homes still with standing water. State officials continue to assess damage to homes, roads and railroads in Canton, Wessington Springs and other areas hit by storms in eastern South Dakota.

Governor Daugaard encourages people who want to help Wessington Springs residents hit by the tornado to donate to the town's relief fund. Any business, organization or individual interested in donating can contact the Red Cross and designate a donation for Wessington Springs. Cash donations to the Wessington Springs Relief Fund can be dropped off at American Bank & Trustlocations in Wessington Springs, Alpena, Huron, Wolsey, Miller, Mellette and De Smet.

Emergency management officials have opened a command center for volunteers wanting to assist those suffering from floods in Lincoln and Union Counties. People with flood damage to their homes are encouraged to call 211.

SDPB's Kealey Bultena joined Dakota Midday from Wessington Springs and Cara Hetland from Canton.

Karl was born to northeastern South Dakota crouton farmers, but was orphaned as a toddler during the Great Salad War (1966-67). Rescued by a flock of chickadees, he grew up in the woodlands of Sica Hollow. Legends of a bird boy living in the trees attracted the interest of renowned ornithologist and amateur bandoneon repairman Dr. Vogel Gehrke. With a handful of suet, Dr. Gehrke coaxed the timid boy down from the trees. He adopted him, named him Karl and taught him not to molt on the carpet. Dr. Gehrke’s book, The Bird Boy of Sica Hollow, was a best seller and Karl became a minor celebrity and teen idol. He appeared as a guest star on numerous television programs, most notably an awkward role on The Love Boat as the boyfriend of Captain Stubing’s daughter, Vicki. After critics panned his 1980 album, Bird Boy Does Disco, Karl retreated from public life and returned to Sica Hollow. Living in an isolated tree house, Karl achieved a reputation as a mystic. Pilgrims and seekers from around the world came to ask him about the meaning of life and for vinaigrette recipes. Growing tired of answering questions, he climbed down from his tree, shaved his massive white beard and took a job as the host of SDPB Radio’s Dakota Midday where he could ask the questions instead. After three years in that position, he ran out of questions and became host of Jazz Nightly instead. Karl makes his home in Vermillion with his charming wife Kari and three delightful children, Kodey, Kasey and Spatula. His hobbies include reciting the alphabet, combing his hair and doing volunteer work with delinquent songbirds.