Washington Marks One Year Since Tornadoes, Makes Strides In Construction

Residents of central and southern Illinois and elected officials are marking the one-year anniversary of deadly tornadoes that left more than a half a dozen people dead and destroyed numerous buildings.

Among the hardest hit in the November 2013 tornadoes was the central Illinois community of Washington.

Mayor Gary Manier tells Chicago's WLS-TV that the community has become closer during the recovery with neighbors helping and supporting one another.
 
Gov. Pat Quinn stopped in Washington Monday for a memorial service. In a statement, he says it's time to reflect on the healing process.
 
Communities in the region have received millions in state aid to help make repairs. Some are making progress rebuilding.
 
Meanwhile, Officials say most of the buildings that were damaged or destroyed one year ago in Washington will be rebuilt by the end of 2014.
 
The Peoria Journal Star reports that not only do officials estimate that 75 percent of the 1,108 buildings will be rebuilt by the end of the year -  but that the number might climb as high as 90 percent by the end of 2015.
 
City Administrator Tim Gleason says the numbers are "amazing'' because officials expected only about half the buildings would be rebuilt by the end of this year.
 
More than a half dozen people died as a result of the tornadoes that stuck Washington and other area communities in November 2013.