A year after twisters, residents rebuild

ROLLA, N.D. (AP) — A year after tornadoes ripped through the communities of Belcourt and Rolla, residents have rebuilt.

Sheri Leas and her family were watching from a highway south of town as the tornado struck on July 7, 2008. Their home was reduced to rubble.

Leas says the number of volunteers helping with cleanup was unbelievable.

Jill Waldera says her family's home also was a total loss. She says there are no words to express how the community helped.

Officials estimated nearly 20 homes were destroyed in Rolla and Belcourt, and more than 50 others damaged, but they're thankful no lives were lost.

The Leas and Waldera families now are in rebuilt homes. Leas says it's "kind of like a rebirth of the neighborhood."

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