City of Smithville
107 West Main Street, Smithville, MO 64089
Phone: (816) 532-3897 • Fax: (816) 532-3990
May 5, 2011
Dear Citizens of Smithville,
Last week, a large violent storm system spawned several tornados that ripped through
the South, leaving many communities in shambles. One such community was Smithville,
Mississippi, a town of just under 1,000 people. It was reported that two-thirds of the
city was utterly destroyed by the tornado, which registered as an EF-5. This tornado was
a half-mile wide and packed winds of 205 miles per hour. It was on the ground for
almost three miles, killing 14 and injuring 40. The local school, the City Hall, and 14 of
the city’s 16 businesses are now piles of rubble.
I have been in contact with the Mayor of Smithville, Texas, to see what our
communities might do together to help the people of Smithville, Mississippi to recover
from this catastrophic event.
Mayor Gregg Kennedy, my Mississippi counterpart, told us that they have enough help
during this stage of the disaster. He expressed that his city will still need help long after
this initial stage is through. Mayor Kennedy has asked if we could help with the recovery
and rebuilding aspect of this disaster.
The City of Smithville has established an account at Platte Valley Bank to collect funds
that will go directly to the recovery needs in Mississippi. Contributions to the fund can
be made at Platte Valley Bank at 302 W Main St in downtown Smithville or at Smithville
City Hall, 107 W. Main Street.
I know the residents of our Smithville to be compassionate and caring, ready to help
neighbors, support worthy causes, and assist those in need. I am confident that our
community will rise to the challenge of helping the people of Smithville, Mississippi in
this difficult time. I would invite each of you to consider donating whatever you can,
either through cash donations or contributing to and supporting fundraising events, to
help them in rebuilding their town and their lives.
Sincerely,
Brian Fullmer
Mayor
City of Smithville, Missouri
Smithville, Missouri
“OPPORTUNITIES UNLIMITED”
www.smithvillemo.org