New planning manager helping Iowa town rebuild after devastating tornado

MINDEN, Iowa (WOWT) - The community of Minden, Iowa is slowly getting back on its feet.

It’s been four long months of clean-up after April’s tornadoes devastated the small town.

“There’s still people deciding on their lot if they’re going to rebuild or not,” Minden Mayor Kevin Zimmerman said. “Then, the ones that are rebuilding are talking to contractors.”

Zimmerman said they have a plan to bring Minden back stronger and better. They’ve hired a planning manager who’s guiding them on what to rebuild and developing strategies to keep the community going for years to come.

“They do city planning, engineering, to splashpads, housing, to all different things,” Zimmerman said.

So far, the manager is helping them build about five business buildings that Zimmerman expects to be up in the next few months.

“They’re helping us muddle through all that stuff and make sure the right dollars are going to the right places,” Zimmerman said.

The city has also fixed its temporary water plant and they’re hoping to build a new one in the next two years.

“Everyday it seems like we’re getting a little bit closer,” Zimmerman said. “It’s a marathon not a race anymore.”

Those like Peter Phillips agrees. He owns Minden Mini Storage. He remembers what the town looked like when the storms first hit.

“It was just terrible,” Phillips said. “Roofs were taken off, buildings were flattened, rubbled piles, and there was nothing left.”

Now, the city is making progress.

“We’re still plugging away moving ahead,” Zimmerman said.

Zimmerman also told 6 News the planning manager has been working with the town for a month and a half. The person behind the job has a 15-year-background in community development.

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