News: Colby (Funnel cloud damage 1983)

Contact: Kathleen E. Englebretson

Email: kathy@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Cleparski, Geiger, Shorer, Coates, Brehm, Brey, Fechhelm

---Source: Marshfield News-Herald (06 July 1983)

COLBY-- An apparent funnel cloud spotted Sunday evening caused damage at several farms in the Colby area, according to reports today.

Most of the damage occurred between 6:15 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday,, according to owners of the farms. Sheds located at the Nick Cleparski farm, located just east of Colby, were damaged, with one shed moved from its foundation. High winds also tipped over a truck and camper top parked at the farm, and threw another truck topper into a neighbor's barn.

Winds also tipped over chopper boxes on the Robert Geiger farm, and blew the windows in the Geiger house out. A farm elevator was also blown over. A worker at the farm, Denny Shorer, said he saw a funnel-like cloud come from the southeast about 6:15 p.m.

Trees were downed on the John Coated, the Raymond Brehm and Dan Brey farms, all located east of Colby.

Winds also damaged the chimney of the Robert Fechhelm farm and blew shingles off the barn roof.