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Frustrated parents called the Tribune Chronicle newsroom last week questioning why some local schools didn't implement rehearsed tornado protocol when a twister touched down in Bazetta and Cortland on Tuesday.
Others told my news reporters they saw the tornado barreling through parts of Bazetta minutes before the tornado warning sirens began to blare.
I also knew something was wrong in the warning system based on the bewilderment heard in 911 dispatchers' voices about 10:25 a.m. Tuesday.
I sat in my office with my police scanner emitting its usual drone. It caught my attention when I heard a dispatcher report they received reports of a tornado or funnel cloud in the area of Everett Hull Road, Bazetta. Minutes later dispatchers reported that sirens were being set off.
But, I thought, aren't warning sirens supposed to be just that -- warnings BEFORE storms approach?
Within hours it was confirmed the funnel cloud, indeed, was categorized as an EF-1 tornado.
For 24 hours, Tribune Chronicle reporters followed the story, seeking answers to the siren delay, but were unable to connect with the National Weather Service for details. Finally, Friday, our suspicions were confirmed that the government shutdown, indeed, may have played a part in the delayed warning.
Trumbull County 911 Director Ernie Cook told our reporters this was the first time the National Weather Service didn't issue a tornado warning to the 911 Center. Cook said even after dispatchers contacted the weather service, no warning or text alerts were provided according to usual protocol.
Thankfully, other than property damage, downed trees and power lines, there were no injuries or lost lives. It could have been so much worse.
We've been hearing for weeks about the financial struggles being felt by federal government workers going without their paychecks due to the Washington impasse, but only last week did it hit home about the dangers that can come from this ridiculous political stunt.
Here are some other effects.
Nearby, federal prison employees are working as usual, but aren't being paid. Federal nutrition programs that help low-income residents, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also are being affected by the government shutdown. In December, the USDA's funding expired and because of the lapse in federal appropriations it reviewed different options to fund the SNAP in February, according to a press release on the agency's website.
Frankly, no one in private industry ever would operate this way. How is it possible that childish political disagreements -- some describe them as tantrums -- can trigger such discord for the Americans who elected these leaders? The Associated Press reported last week that elected officials are scrambling to find a way out of this mess.
Here's a suggestion -- compromise.
Undoubtedly, improved border security is a must. But short of militarizing the area (and no one wants to do that), nothing will be foolproof. The Democrats need to acknowledge the problem and be willing to budget the necessary funds to do this one way or another.
On the other hand, building a wall may sound like a simple answer, but according to Homeland Security, the $5 billion being sought by President Trump will build only about 215 miles of wall. That leaves a lot of mileage along the border where illegals could cross.
So, what happens if we move forward with the plan? Does that mean we are going to see a shutdown every time the budget comes up for approval?
The fact is, both sides must agree that border security is a problem that needs to be fixed. They need to come to the table with open minds to explore and discuss the facts -- like actual grownups. The goal for both parties must focus solely on the best course of action for security and the American people -- not on what is the best way to save face.