WEST LIBERTY, Ky. — The rare winter tornadoes of two weeks ago left a trail of death and destruction throughout many areas in the state, including small towns and many rural areas.

At last count, 23 deaths were reported in Kentucky, with hundreds injured. It could take months if not years for some areas to return to any semblance of normal life, but citizens and organizations are pitching in to help those in need, in big ways. Gov. Steve Beshear acknowledged those efforts after visiting storm-damaged areas around the state.

“After a disaster like the one we have just experienced, I have learned that Kentuckians don’t just offer to help, they offer to help in abundance,” he said. “Thanks to the generous and tireless spirit of Kentuckians, our families who have been turned out of their homes, have warm meals, a place to sleep and the assurance that more help is on the way.

“I thank each of those volunteers, emergency responders and local officials who are helping to begin the rebuilding of our communities.”

In one day, the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation raised more than $12,000 from agricultural companies and individual farmers, according to information from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.

“I’m so proud of the agriculture community for immediately stepping up to help our farm families in need,” Agriculture Commissioner James Comer said.

Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) Executive Vice President David Beck said it has been working 24/7 to help, through its many offices as well as working with the American Red Cross (ARC).

“Our organization is encouraging members and employees and others to make contributions to (ARC). In response to that, KFB Insurance has chosen to match those dollars and double the amount of money that can be raised during the month of March,” he said.

In addition to the damage incurred by property owners and businesses, Beck mentioned the problems farmers are facing in the wake of the tornadoes; things like dead stock, damaged silos and downed fences.

“There are some initiatives going forward that will help those rural people get back on their feet and try to provide support, to that end. What we’ve tried to do is not duplicate someone else’s efforts but (thought) how we can join in and be supportive of those efforts,” Beck said.

One of those groups he emphasized is county agricultural agents, through local extension offices. “They are on the ground in the county. They understand what the needs are and several of the agents in counties that have been affected are making arrangements to receive supplies,” Beck said.

“They are identifying what the needs might be, such as fence posts, wire, feed, hay and those types of things. What KFB is doing, we’re asking them what their needs are.”

One of those needs has been electrical boxes for electric fences. KFB immediately began searching for those boxes to purchase, to be delivered to those areas of the state in need. The agency was hoping to get at least 20 to start with and deliver them to county agents.

Adding insult to injury, many farmers are getting ready for the growing season, a task large enough without having to repair or rebuild farming facilities or replace equipment. John Whitt, a businessman in Morgan County – one of the hardest-hit areas – said the need is great there because most of the businesses that sold goods such as food have been destroyed.

“There is nothing left of the town. It took out the hospital, the post office, funeral homes, banks, the community center and courthouse; no gas stations, no fast foods, no grocery stores,” he explained.

Whitt has started a fund to help people in his community. The Morgan County Relief Fund 711 has been established at the Bank of the Mountains in West Liberty. The local FFA chapter is also accepting donations to help with farm supplies for local farmers.

Donations can be sent to the Morgan County Relief Fund 711, in care of: Bank of the Mountains, P.O. Box 309, West Liberty, KY 41472. The bank’s phone number is 606-743-3141.

For those wishing to donate through the FFA, they can contact the Morgan County High School in West Liberty; the number is 606-743-8052.

In addition, Whitt said he has room at his farm supply business to store any donated farm goods, which will be distributed by FFA members. He emphasized any and all donations will go directly to those in need.

To see photos of the devastation in Morgan County, go to www.jsw farm.com

According to KFB, members who have property damage and wish to file a claim should contact their local agent or call the state office claims hotline at 866-KFB-CLAIM (532-2524).