Stronger than the Storm: Supporting Our Local Churches & Community
On Tuesday, April 14, 2026 the City of Westby and Village of Chaseburg were in a hail-storm with 3 inch hail. In Westby, every structure from Vang Road to Old Town Road received West and North hail damage primarily roof, siding and windows. Any vehicle parked outside was impacted. There were a number of injuries from those in cars when the hail happened to those unfortunate to be outside. Chaseburg had smaller hail, but received roof damage throughout the community. Insurance is covering a portion of the damages.
However, 2 mobile home parks were destroyed. Churches including Our Saviors and Westby Coon Prairie Church sustained substantial damage. Community partners, Couleecap and Bethel Butikk also have damage.
The Long Term Recovery Group, “ Rivers to Ridge Disaster Recovery” and the Synod has already had conversation with Lutheran Disaster Relief. We anticipate receiving some funding through your generous donations to this ministry. However, the need between insurance and the actual cost to repair is great!
The La Crosse Area Synod is accepting donations for Disaster Relief for the communities of Westby and Chaseburg.
We will work through Rivers to Ridges Disaster Recovery for case management and funding.
If you have a Thrivent account, you now have Thrivent Choice dollars that you can allocate for assistance. NEW— Every Thrivent account has at least $25 that can be used for the charity of their choice. You can allocate your dollars to the Synod who will then send a check to Rivers to Ridges Disaster Recovery. $25 adds up quickly. This is a change Thrivent will be communicating soon but is available.
Thank you for your ministry helping neighbors heal.
