This August marks the three year anniversary of when a tornado struck Viola, causing more than $2 million in damage. Since then, citizens and volunteers have been slowly rebuilding the village.
One person involved in the cleanup activities is Harley McMillen. McMillen is being given the Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council's Distinguished Service Award for his dedication and commitment to his community.
McMillen was an important part of the Viola cleanup. When he learned the village would not receive financial assistance from FEMA, he and other community volunteers came together to begin cleanup activities in Viola.
McMillen also helped organize Trees for Viola, a nonprofit group dedicated to replanting trees destroyed by the tornado. As part of Trees for Viola, McMillan applied for and received a grant for $15,202. The organization also raised additional money that was used to buy trees and fund other community projects.
To prove how successful Trees for Viola is, they will be meeting their goal of planting the one-thousandth tree in the village this month. Also, thanks to McMillen's dedication, Viola has become a Tree City USA community.