Northeast News
April 29, 2011

Jared Poston was at home watching television when he thought an earthquake was rattling his house in the 100 block of S. White Avenue.

The tree, a 70-plus-year-old Elm tree in the city easement, fell on the residence Friday afternoon, destroying the second floor and collapsing parts of the first floor ceiling in the house, erupting three or four sidewalk panels along the street in the process. Houses on either side of the heavily damaged home were unscathed in the accident.

“It was like an airplane hit the house” said Poston.

Deb Loomis, Poston’s mother, was not in the house at the time but expressed thankfulness that there were no injuries.

“Had this been a Saturday or Sunday, or had it been any of the other larger trees on the block, this would have been a tragedy,” said Loomis.

“We’ve called the city numerous times about the need for these trees to be trimmed,” added Loomis. “They never respond to our requests and now I’m essentially homeless.”

The city’s Dangerous Buildings Department secured the house and the Red Cross will be assisting the family until repairs are finalized.