Tragedy in Utica, IL (Spring Valley)

[hgmeyer]

My wife is traveling back to our home this evening. She just passsed through the Utica, IL area. Apparently a tornado has caused extensive damage and numerous injuries. It may be premature but it sounds very bad... I will post a followup as I get info...
We (walleye fishermen) have lots of friends from Utica. Your thoughts and prayers for them will be appreciated

[hgmeyer]

My wife is traveling back to our home this evening. She just passsed through the Utica, IL area. Apparently a tornado has caused extensive damage and numerous injuries. It may be premature but it sounds very bad... I will post a followup as I get info...
We (walleye fishermen) have lots of friends from Utica. Your thoughts and prayers for them will be appreciated

[Winnebago willie]

Very Tragic, Also National News. Keep them in your prayers.

[Winnebago willie]

Very Tragic, Also National News. Keep them in your prayers.

[bob kidd]

It appears the Tornado went right up the river and then up the Il/Mi canel and hit Utica. The whole downtown is in bad shape. Jim Collins (Starved Rock Bait and Tackle) the store is gone. They had already closed for the day and Jim and his employees were safe. Busters never got hit since the storm went more east northeast and passed him. For all of you who have been to the Spring Valley Boat Club in the past i'm sure you have seen Wayne Bahl (fish on) He was one of the 8 who was lost in the basement. Sad Lost for all the people.
Bob

[local]

Wayne was a fixture of the Spring Valley Boat Club, and will be missed greatly. Wayne, his daughter Carol and his girlfriend Bev were among the 8 fatalities in Utica. What a tragedy.

Fish on Wayne Ball, Fish on.........