Tingley dedicates new Community Building
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By Priscilla Alvik
TINGLEY, Iowa — Only 28 days shy of the second anniversary of the devastating EF2 tornado that brought winds of more than 135 mph through Tingley, the town today is thriving. Over 200 people gathered Sunday, March 29 for the ribbon cutting ceremony of the new Tingley Community Building.
Longtime resident Nancy Jarred had the honor of cutting the ribbon and officially welcoming all to the new community building along with her son, Mayor Larry Jarred.
Tingley is a small rural town in rural Ringgold County with an estimated population of 135 people. The energy these folks generated to help one another, along with volunteers from all over the area in the aftermath of the tornado was by human standards more than astonishing.
The Mayor Jarred along with Lywanda Case, Donetta Phelps and Bob Johnson became the heart-beat of the process to rebuild the Tingley Community Building. They recruited volunteers, formed committees, hired an architect and contractor. Phelps was instrumental in attaining the “501(c)(3) organization status” of the town, and the newly formed “Betterment Foundation Board.” The board members filled out grant applications, held numerous fundraisers and had an open dialogue with the residents once their feet hit the ground running. The core group continued to stay humble through the process and grateful for all help received from many, many different entities. Whether the committee received a pie for the auction fundraiser or a $5,000 check to use towards the new playground equipment everyone was thankful, feeling the town was blessed.
The Tingley Community Building was and now once again stands as the blood line of the town’s residents’ lives that keeps them all connected. The building will house new memories as time progresses forward, of milestone celebrations that will include birthdays, graduations, baby/bridal showers, funeral luncheons, bingo nights and even weddings.
“Let this be a place where everyone feels welcome, valued and inspired,” Case said as tears flowed. “Let this building serve as a reminder that no storm can break the foundation of a united community.”
Mayor Jarred expressed his gratitude to everyone involved.
“Bob Johnson’s involvement stepping up to oversee the day-to-day progress of the building, and dealing with all the different contractors, and problems as they arose,” the mayor said. “Macy Jarred for her role in the newly built playground that is part of the Tingley Community Building property.”
Johnson who spoke last offered up the gift of the afternoon.
“I can’t believe it’s done, and it is all paid for,” he said.
Recognition also goes to the following individuals: Tingley City Council Members: Mayor Larry Jarred, Bob Johnson, Jeremy Weeda, James Sterling, Dale Derscheid, and Schianniah Briner. Building Committee: Jerry Clark, John Overholtzer, Bob Johnson, Larry Jarred, and Donetta Phelps. Tingley Betterment Board: Lywanda Case, Barb Weeda, Tracey Barnes, Macy Jarred, Mike Sobotka, Sue Derscheid, Julie Alckley, and Donetta Phelps. Architect: Todd Garners, and General Contractor: Braby Construction.
Priscilla Alvik as a resident of Tingley offers, “Thank you to all for a job well done!”
