News : Winds destroy family heirloom tree; cause other minor damage in Vinton

This weeping willow tree was blown over during a wind event overnight on 4th Street in Vinton.

Birds continue using the birdhouses in the fallen tree in the back yard of the Timmerman residence.

Vinton residents were roused from sleep at around 2:30 to 2:45 this morning when they heard heavy winds tossing garbage cans, athletic equipment and other items.

While most of the city escaped serious damage, one beloved tree was destroyed, and in falling caused significant damage to a garage.

One of the wedding presents Kevin and Jamie Timmerman received 18 years ago was a weeping willow seedling. Now a fully-grown tree, the willow was blown over, broken just above the ground. Its falling caused damage to both the roof and rafters of the garage to the north of the family's residence on East 4th Street.

"We loved that tree," said Jamie. "It was a wedding gift from Grandpa and Grandpa Geiger."

The wind said Jamie, was "brutal."

Other trees throughout Vinton sustained minor damage, and a couple of local residents reported trampolines being tossed around in their yards.

Benton County Emergency Management Director Scott Hansen, out of town for meetings, said there were no storm warnings. The winds and rain, he said, were part of a low pressure system covering Iowa and other states.

Vinton Parks and Recreation Department leaders said there was little damage to city parks; staff members reported only a few broken branches.