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SMITHVILLE – Ten years after the April 27, 2011 EF-5 tornado claimed 16 lives, caused mass destruction and reshaped the town, people still ponder, ‘Why?’ Ten years later and that horrific day is still brining out the locals’ spirits.
“The spirit of Smithville is a feeling that I can’t describe. It’s family,” said Smithville Attendance Center Principal Chad O’Brian during April 25’s Spirit of Smithville remembrance service at the school’s dome. “It’s one thing they had before the tornado, and especially the last 10 years, is being able to stay together. I’ve seen tragedy come but I’ve seen this community stick together like family. The spirit of Smithville is also a fight. There’s a lot of fight in the people of Smithville. ....

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