By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Months after a December EF-1 tornado swept through downtown Athens, a local nonprofit has launched two relief funds to support recovery efforts for small businesses and restore the historic courthouse lawn.
The storm, which caused significant damage—including tearing the roof off the Limestone County Courthouse—prompted Athens Main Street to create the Business Storm Relief Fund and the Courthouse Grounds Restoration Fund.
“We started working on the relief fund the very next day after the tornadoes,” said Tere Richardson, the nonprofit’s executive director. “Our community wanted to help.”
Through the Business Storm Relief Fund, $21,250 is being awarded to four businesses impacted by closures and damages:
- CEI Bookstore – $10,000
- Bennett’s Clothing – $10,000
- Southern Throne Boutique – $1,000
- Broken Brush Art Studio – $250
“We wanted to fill the gap caused by business interruption,” Richardson said. CEI Bookstore, for example, was closed for 140 days.
Donations came from businesses like Pepper Johnstone & Company, Valentina’s Pizzeria, and Mauldin & Jenkins CPAs, among others.
Meanwhile, Athens Main Street is developing a plan to restore the courthouse lawn. A public update on the Courthouse Grounds Restoration Fund is expected in June.
“We’re being very thoughtful about this project,” Richardson said. “The courthouse is such an important part of our downtown identity.”