CLEVELAND – It's been just over a month since the devastating EF-3 tornado ripped through Logan County, specifically Indian Lake, home to the third largest lake in Ohio.
It forced many people from their homes and even killed three people who were stranded in a trailer park when the tornado struck.
Now, businesses are recovering and the community continues to support one another.
“This is my heart and soul. That’s what we do,” said Brenda Moots, owner of Indian Lake Outfitters.
With 76 state parks in Ohio, Indian Lake generates the third-largest revenue in the nation, just behind Hocking Hills and Mohican.
And the community, which has around 2,500 inhabitants, is dependent on tourism.
“This is our family’s livelihood and my husband and I were both unemployed for 21 days. The positive thing was that it made us available to our community,” Moots said.
But after the damage caused by the tornado, people took action.
A large “Take What You Need” donation has been set up at Indian Lake High School.
Emergency shelters opened for storm victims.
Everyone stepped up to help the displaced.
“To see a community come together in such a chaotic situation was amazing to see and that was a blessing,” Moots said.
Moots said it was difficult.
Some are still without power and others are still without a home.
As far as cleanup goes, Moots says there is still a lot to do.
“It's been smooth sailing for us, but I know there are a lot of challenges for people and it's going to be an ongoing process, it's going to be a lot of work and a long time before things look normal again,” Moots said.
About a mile down the road from Moots' store is Froggy's on the Lake.
Owner Ross Jenkins grew up on the lake, so this community is close to his heart.
He said they were lucky not to be hit by the tornado.
“We did what we could. We closed for a day and then limped along for a few days just to give people some hot meals,” Jenkins said.
Jenkins said it was incredible that the community came together to help each other after the devastation.
“Indian Lake is strong. I feel blessed to be a part of this community and even fortunate to help this community grow again and see what comes out of it in the end,” Jenkins said.
And for those who want to help in any way.
“You can clean up if you are physically able. If you can't do that because of the time you can shop at the restaurants, you can show up at the stores and we can all come together and help each other,” Moots said.
