Towns hope to get back to business

Dumas recovery a sign all is not lost in state's tornado-hit districts

By Bill W. Hornaday

For towns like Atkins, Ash Flat, Clinton, Gassville, Highland and Mountain View - where many businesses continue to reel after a pair of Feb. 5 tornadoes - hope abounds for an eventual return to normalcy.

Just ask Dumas Mayor Marion Gill.

Almost a year ago, an EF-3 twister leveled about 80 percent of his city's "highway business district." It gutted a Fred's Discount Store and caused $19 million in damage at feed maker Arkat Nutrition Inc. A Mad Butcher supermarket, Butch's Steak & Seafood and a Days Inn were among 34 other businesses damaged or destroyed - putting up to 800 people out of work.

Most are back on the job now. With the Feb. 24 anniversary of the tornado less than a week away, Dumas is approaching full recovery - or as close as the city of 5,000 can get.

For more information see today's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

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