Les Anderson is a professor in the Elliott School of Communication at Wichita State University. This is his second year of bringing journalism students to Greensburg to tell the story of its rebirth.You could call Chuck Toner a cynic.
The Greensburg oilfield consultant lived in Haviland after he lost his home in the May 4, 2007, tornado. He has rebuilt in Greensburg. His new home on East Grant is 800 square feet, smaller than the house he lost in the monster storm.
Chuck says he’s disgusted with the attitude of some people who lost their homes and possessions. He knows what they went through was traumatic, but he believes some of those affected are taking advantage of the situation. Suddenly, he adds, some people can’t seem to make it without a handout or volunteers.
He says he could be thrown into the middle of a strange place or situation, stripped naked and left on his own. He could survive, he says, but apparently, some people from Greensburg can’t do it on their own.
Chuck’s not the only one from the Kiowa County area with those feelings that we’ve met this week. He’s just one of the few who seems willing to speak up publicly.
Chuck Toner on the porch of his new home in Greensburg.
3 responses so far ↓
1 Ben // May 29, 2008 at 11:17 pm
This story reminds me of a song that Mr. Edwards on Little House on the Prairie used to sing. I’ve substituted Chuck’s name for Old Dan Tucker.
Old Chuck Toner was a fine old man
Washed his face in a frying pan
Combed his hair with a wagon wheel
Died with a toothache in his heel
Get out the way for Old Chuck Toner
He’s too late to get his supper
Supper’s over and breakfast’s cookin’
Old Chuck Toner just stands there lookin’
2 George // May 31, 2008 at 1:21 am
Ben, you are an idiot of the highest degree. Not because fo the cute little jabs at Chuck. But for you attempt at humor at the expense of another person. Do you even know Chuck? Maybe you have been the recipient of some of Chuck’s views on life in general. One thing about Chuck is you never have to wonder where you stand with him. Are you aware of any of the many things that Chuck has done for folks since the big wind? Or do you just hideout at Femaville and wait for the next round of goodies??? And for the record, we lived in G’burg for over 16 years and were there that night, so don’t give me any of that crap about “you don’t know what it’s like”. Sorry, been there, done that, and MOVED on with my life.
3 Matt from VC // May 31, 2008 at 9:33 am
George, I don’t think Ben was making fun of anyone who was involved with the Greensburg tornado. I think you are an idiot of the highest degree because you missed the point.
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