Midwest Optical Practices and Associations Attempt to Regroup in Tornado Aftermath

CHICAGO—After more than 80 reported tornadoes tore through the Midwest on Nov. 17, killing six and leaving hundreds of homes destroyed, optical businesses and their communities are beginning to regroup and attempt to assist those affected by the storms in their areas.   Bard Optical, whose 20 office locations throughout Central and Southern Illinois include three areas affected by the storms, has closed its Washington location.   "We have offices all over central Illinois including in Washington, East Peoria and Pekin, which are the communities that have been hit in a major way," said Bard Optical owner, Diana Hall. "The state police are not letting anyone in Washington right now." According to the Chicago Tribune, Washington, a town of 15,000 people east of Peoria, was the hardest hit town throughout the storms.    See more