Tornado Survivor’s Lost Photo Travels Over 70 Miles

Issue #086

13 May

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🌨 Columbia Weather - Light rain showers with a high of 70

😳 Tornado Survivor’s Lost Photo Travels Over 70 Miles

☎️ Tennessee Tornadoes & Flooding Home Cleanup Hotline

🎨 Maury County Courthouse at 120 Art Reception

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

📌 Columbia’s Best Kept Secret: Is Your Business One of Them?

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details! 

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Monday, May 13th

Tuesday, May 14th

Wednesday, May 15th

Thursday, May 16th

Friday, May 17th

Saturday, May 18th

Sunday, May 19th

Monday, May 20th

Tuesday, May 21st

  • May Meeting of Marine Corps League LCPL Andrew P. Carpenter Detachment 1286 - All Marine, Navy veterans & spouses welcome. (Memorial Bldg, 308 West 7th) Email w/ any questions. - 6:00 PM

Thursday, May 23rd

Saturday, May 25th

Tornado Survivor’s Lost Photo Travels Over 70 Miles

The search concludes for the woman whose photograph traveled over 70 miles from her Maury County residence. Valerie Bernhart's home on Blackburn Lane in Spring Hill was demolished during the severe weather that struck Middle Tennessee on Wednesday, May 8.

She and her husband, John Bernhart, feel fortunate to have survived the storm. Taking shelter in their laundry room, Valerie and John endured the brunt of the storm's force. "We huddled in a corner, I put that blanket over me, John shielded me, we felt the debris pelting us in the back. He’s got a big bruise on his back where he was pelted. And I was just huddled there, praying constantly, ‘Lord, please help us," Valerie recounted.

The destruction left behind by the storm reduced their home to rubble, with only their laundry room standing. Meanwhile, a photograph of Valerie surfaced in a Putnam County field, discovered by Terrie Van Curen on her farm along Little Indian Creek in Buffalo Valley. Van Curen reached out to News 2 in hopes of identifying the woman in the picture. 

Before its journey of 71 miles, the photograph resided in the room adjacent to Valerie’s laundry room. She considers it one of the few remaining mementos from her home following the storm. "I was shocked! Somebody emailed us or called us, and I said, ‘What?!’ And then my next thought was, ‘Okay what picture? Was it a good picture,'" Valerie said laughing. "But it was a family portrait. I could tell that my family was standing around me. You can’t see the rest of them, but that’s just incredible…It’s torn and everything, but yeah, let’s get it back, just as a souvenir! I’ll frame it and say ‘the tornado picture!'" News 2 is coordinating with Valerie to return her photograph next week.

Tennessee Tornadoes & Flooding Home Cleanup Hotline

If you need assistance with damage from the tornadoes and flooding in Maury County, call 615-488-1875. This hotline will connect you with volunteers from local relief organizations, community groups and faith communities who may be able to assist with:

Cut fallen trees
Drywall, flooring & appliance removal
Tarping roofs
Mold mitigation
Tornado and flood damage

All services are free, but service is not guaranteed due to the overwhelming need. This hotline will remain open through Friday, May 24, 2024.

Maury County Courthouse at 120 Art Reception

Come meet the winners of the Maury County Courthouse at 120 Art Competition! County Archivist, Tom Price, will talk about the history of the Courthouse and J.E.R. Carpenter, the local architect who went on to NYC to build the first high-rise apartment buildings.

4PM
May 13th (Today)
Columbia State Community College Pryor Art Gallery
1665 Hampshire Pike

🎵 This Week’s Live Music 🎵

Columbia’s Best Kept Secret: Is Your Business One of Them? 

We ❤️ love local businesses!

We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! "What’s Up Columbia!" is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Let's collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. Send us a message, and let's celebrate the spirit of Columbia together!

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