Heavy storm damage reported on northern Whitley County farm
(Talk of the Town photo by Kelley Sheiss) Above, the roof on a hog barn in northern Whitley County was peeled back and torn off, with remnants flung more that 100 yards away. Below, a look at more of the damage on a farm in northwestern Whitley County.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
Last night's storm rushed through Whitley County, pulling up trees by the root, tearing down power lines and damaging several buildings in the process. 
Some of the worst damage seems to have occurred in the northern part of Whitley County.
Etna-Troy Township resident Kelley Sheiss awoke this morning to assess the damage that occurred on their family farm near CR 800 North. A hog barn suffered considerable damage as the roof was torn off and blown away.
"The tin was pulled back and tossed about 100 yards, along with 2x4s off the roof," Sheiss said. "We did have breeding stock and showpigs at this location. Luckily, they were all safe thanks to them being housed in an enclosed facility."
Sheiss said that had the animals been outside, they would have likely been killed.
The extent of the damage didn't end there.
"Trees were broken off like toothpicks and the bark sheared from them," she said. "Two hay wagons were tossed over and another tree was uprooted on a hay rake."
Another tree landed on a power line, but professionals from Rider Electric were on hand early this morning to repair it.
While it looked like a giant disaster to Shiess this morning, she remained positive.
"It could have been much worse."
In Columbia City and near Tri Lakes, there were reports of fallen trees, some falling on or near houses. Cleanup from the latest storm is ongoing around the community.