Governor surveys “heartbreaking” devastation in Lake Village; 18 counties to receive immediate state aid
LAKE VILLAGE, Ind. — In a somber visit to northwest Indiana on Thursday, Governor Mike Braun walked through the debris-littered streets of Lake Village, witnessing firsthand the catastrophic aftermath of an EF-3 tornado that claimed two lives and left a trail of destruction.
Standing amidst the ruins of what were once family homes and local businesses, Gov. Braun formally announced a State of Disaster Emergency for 18 counties, unlocking critical funds to aid in the recovery. The declaration comes just days after a powerful supercell thunderstorm tore through the region on Tuesday night, packing winds of up to 150 mph and catching many residents off guard.
“A Heartbreaking Loss for All Hoosiers”
Governor Braun arrived in Newton County early Thursday morning, meeting privately with grieving families before touring the hardest-hit zones. His visit included a briefing at the Emergency Operations Center and an emotional stop at the site where Edward and Arlene Kozlowski, a beloved elderly couple, lost their lives.
“We mourn the lives lost in these severe storms, and our prayers are with the Hoosiers whose homes, businesses, and communities have been damaged,” Braun said, his voice heavy with emotion as he addressed reporters near a leveled gas station. “Today I thanked the first responders and emergency management teams who are working hard to keep Hoosiers safe and help them recover. We will not leave you behind.”
The Governor’s executive order is effective immediately and will remain in place for 30 days. It directs the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to mobilize all necessary resources and allows impacted residents to apply for financial assistance through the State Disaster Relief Fund.
A Community Shattered in Seconds
For the residents of Lake Village, a tight-knit community of fewer than 1,000 people, the storm’s fury was swift and merciless. The National Weather Service confirmed that the tornado touched down late Tuesday, carving a 45-mile path of destruction that originated in Illinois before crossing the state line.
Survivors described a chaotic scene where the roar of the wind drowned out warning sirens. Steven Travis, a resident whose home was destroyed, recounted his narrow escape.
“Roof’s gone all in 20 seconds. I walked in the bedroom, got knocked down, climbed in the closet, and it was over,” Travis said, standing near the pile of lumber that used to be his house. “Come back out, climbed out, and the roof’s gone, everything. Trees are down, windows blowed out. Lost everything.”
The scale of the damage is staggering. Initial assessments indicate that:
- 32 structures were completely destroyed.
- 106 buildings sustained significant damage.
- Over 70 utility poles were snapped, leaving thousands without power.
- 10 people were injured and treated at local hospitals.
Remembering Edward and Arlene
Amidst the wreckage, the community is mourning the loss of Edward L. Kozlowski, 89, and his wife Arlene, 84. The couple, who had been married for decades, were found in the debris of their home, victims of blunt force trauma.
Family members remembered them as the pillars of their family—a “tough old guy and sweet old lady” who were inseparable in life and death.
“They were wonderful, just really wonderful human beings,” said Steve Rehfeldt, their son-in-law, fighting back tears. “We were just planning Ed’s 90th birthday. Now, everything they built is gone in the blink of an eye. It’s hard to process.”
Their deaths have struck a chord across the state, serving as a tragic reminder of the vulnerability of rural communities during severe weather outbreaks.
Recovery Begins Amidst Uncertainty
As heavy machinery begins the slow process of clearing debris, the focus has shifted to long-term recovery. The Governor’s declaration covers a broad swath of the state, including Newton, Jasper, Starke, and Lake counties, acknowledging that the storm system’s impact was far-reaching.
Volunteer organizations, including the American Red Cross, have set up shelters at North Newton High School, providing food, water, and counseling to displaced families. However, officials warn that the road to normalcy will be long.
“This isn’t a one-week cleanup,” said a local fire chief. “This is going to take months. But we are Hoosiers. We help our neighbors, and we will rebuild.”
Residents are urged to document all damage for insurance purposes and to avoid entering unstable structures. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security has set up a dedicated hotline for those needing immediate housing assistance.
As the sun set on a battered Lake Village Thursday, the sound of chainsaws was replaced by a heavy silence, broken only by the community gathering to support one another. The Governor’s visit offered a glimmer of hope, but for many, the journey is just beginning.
We want to hear from you. If you were affected by the storms or want to share a message of support for the victims, please comment below. Let’s show the world the strength of our community. Join the conversation on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram using the trending hashtag #LakeVillageStrong and #HoosierResilience.
