MAYFIELD, KY (WSIL) - It's been two years since that deadly tornado hit Mayfield, KY where buildings were destroyed-including the old Graves County courthouse.
Monday, they broke ground on a new courthouse.
“I cannot wait to see everybody's reaction when they start seeing the dirt moving and the building going up,� said retired school teacher Susan Higdon.
The next step in the healing process took place Monday in Mayfield as officials gathered near the spot where the old Graves County courthouse stood to break ground on a new Graves County Administration building.
"It's a very exciting day for us here in Graves County,� said Graves County Judge Executive Jesse Perry.
The former building was destroyed two years ago when an EF-4 tornado entered western Kentucky. One of the hardest-hit towns was in Mayfield.
Monday's event was also a chance for people to get a first glimpse of what the new courthouse will look like when it's finished.
"It's going to be a fantastic facility,� said Graves County Sheriff Jon Hayden.
A large gathering made its way to the site for the groundbreaking. Higdon also served as the emcee of the event, and she says breaking ground so close to the anniversary of the tornado is a way to help continue the healing process.
"I think this is a joyful spot,� said Higdon. “I see it more as an open area than we had before. It was just all cut-off, like in small groups. Everyone will be happy when they see it.�
And like so many others, Graves County Sheriff Jon Hayden was there on the ground from day one, and as two years have passed, he encourages everyone to not just rebuild but to make it a better place to live.
"What I see is a renewed hope to build back better," said Perry, saying healing takes time, but the people of Graves County have found a way over the past two years to come together for each other.
"Mayfield wasn't built overnight and it won't be put back together overnight,� Perry said. “This is a slow process but a community that has come together and we are operating as one."
As Perry tells it, although many never thought this day would come, the future of Graves County continues to prosper.
"This day here is something for all of us to be proud of,� said Perry.
