Barnsdall still rebuilding after deadly tornado, 1 year later: 'Not quite back to normal'

Tuesday, May 6th, marked the first anniversary of the deadly tornado that hit the town of Barnsdall. Some people are still rebuilding, and others have left the town.

One Year Later

One year later, the weather brings a peaceful rain to Barnsdall.

"It's been a long year. It's -- you don't understand. I mean, you don't realize ‘til you go through it. You just don't ever expect anything like that,” Alfred Swanson said.

Alfred, his wife Sandra, and their grandson now have a new roof over their heads.

"Oh, it's nice. We've never had anything new. I've never even had a new car,” Alfred said.

The Swansons just moved into their new home in January and are still getting settled.

"I try not to think a whole lot about it, just take it day by day. There's been a lot of people that have been very good to us,” Alfred said.

Construction Still Going On

Down the street, the rain isn't stopping work at the First Free Will Baptist Church.

Pastor Rick Loggins said on the phone that the congregation met inside the church for Easter Sunday, a group of about 100 sitting in lawn chairs.

Other than that, the congregation has been meeting at a nearby church while construction continues. On Tuesday, the church's food bank had its power permanently restored.

Joe Taggart, who owns Taggart Electric in Dewey, said the church had temporary power set up for the last year, so it could keep providing food to the community.

“Not Quite Back to Normal”

Across town, Osage SkyNews 6 shows debris and empty lots, one year later.

"And still things in this area's not quite back to normal, by no means,” Taggart said.

And while it may be gloomy outside on this day, there is still light to be found.

“Finally getting things done that's gonna be here permanently,” Taggart said.

The pastor at First Free Will Baptist Church hopes services can be inside by the end of June.

He said the church is looking for a new piano and would accept a donation if it works properly.