'Everything is on its head': Rogers homeowners talk tornado aftermath, road to recovery

For some homeowners, they're just now starting to get back on their feet after what happened nearly a year ago.

The roof of Landon Walker's home was upside down in the backyard of his property when we met him and his wife, Toni, on May 26, 2024. The family's home on Sycamore Street in Rogers has since been completely rebuilt and they've only been living in it since Mother's Day.

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"We stayed in three different hotels and then an apartment complex here in Rogers," Walker said. "And so, that was a transition for us. Adjusting my two sons into a new environment. Everything is on its head."

Across the street, Joseph Wilson and his family also had to move out for several months. Their home didn't have to be completely torn down, but the repairs were still significant after an oak tree fell across part of the home. They move back in in January.

"Physical things can be rebuilt, but life can't be rebuilt," Wilson said. "So, we're just thankful we're all here. Our house has been rebuilt."

Wilson says there are still visible reminders of the tornado though, including a massive root ball that he's still trying to get hauled away.

"We're still working on our yard, which is where we like to spend most of our time," Wilson said. "My wife gardens. I built a fire pit."

Landon Walker says faith and family are two things that kept him going the past few months. But, he says there are still tough moments.

"Myself, currently, dealing with PTSD from it," Walker said. "And, felt a lot of guilt and shame over that. But, was helped to realize that counseling was the solution. Doing intense counseling has helped me a great deal."

The tornado brought people living along Sycamore Street closer together. Residents are also sympathetic toward those who are not as far along in the recovery process.

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