Artis Acres- Evansville Tornado Relief

On the evening of Thursday, February 8, 2024, Wisconsin experienced its first ever February tornado (currently classified as an EF2 with wind speeds up to 135mph). It took roughly two minutes to destroy the family farm, Artis Acres. Thankfully, Matt, his mother Deb, and the family dog Dixie all survived unharmed. Matt, Deb, and Dixie safely made it to the bathroom just as the windows exploded in Deb’s bedroom and the roof was torn off the house.

Matt and his family have experienced more than their fair share of devastation in life, beginning with Deb’s stroke just over a decade ago that left her permanently disabled. Pat, Deb’s husband, and Matt’s father, took on the role of primary caregiver for Deb. On October 7, 2023, Pat unexpectedly passed away due to a sudden health event. https://www.wardhurtley.com/obituaries/Patrick-A-Artis?obId=29465610 Without hesitation, Matt returned home and stepped into his father’s role to take care of his mother.

Matt’s passion for farming started at a young age, and he has been a farmer his entire life, raising cattle, planting crops, and immersing himself in the farming community. It came as no surprise that Matt immediately began planning to purchase the family farm from his mother after the loss of his father. Matt became the official owner of Artis Acres on January 18, 2024, unaware that exactly three weeks later, tragedy would strike the family once again.

The tornado took historic, 100-year-old, well- maintained buildings and wiped them off the landscape, scattering their contents and materials into nearby fields. The family residence sustained significant damage and is uninhabitable at this time. Numerous vehicles and farm equipment were badly damaged. The main vehicle used to transport Deb to her numerous medical appointments is severely damaged. All five of the farm out-buildings, including the shop, and cattle barns were completely decimated- leaving nothing but a concrete or gravel slab. Four cattle lost their lives, one in the initial barn collapse and three due to the severity of their injuries. Peanut, the well fed and well-loved goat survived! Other farmers in the area immediately arrived with cattle trailers to transport the surviving livestock to their farms for shelter and care.

The Artis Family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to all of those who have helped clean up the destruction, including family, friends, farmers, teachers, neighbors, volunteers, and even complete strangers. The donations of food and beverages dropped off while clean-up was underway are appreciated. The small-town community support received after this disaster is simply second to none. Matt, along with his farmer instincts and kindness towards others, has turned his energy and efforts to helping other impacted neighbors clean up their properties.

Any generous donations received from this fundraiser will immediately be used to assist in the care of Matt’s mother, Deb, who is currently residing with family. Adaptations need to be made to their residence to make it handicap accessible for her. Deb’s personal effects, such as her accessible lift bed and electric lift chair need replacing due to damage from the tornado. Additional funds will be used to assist in the replacement of Matt’s destroyed personal effects, farm equipment not covered by insurance, and the rebuilding of Artis Acres.

“The farmer has to be an optimist or he wouldn’t still be a farmer.”

– Will Rogers

Artis Acres Before

Artis Acres After

Matt Artis overseeing clean up efforts

The original owner- year the main barn was built

Moving Forward

**Cover Photo courtesy of: "Chicago & Midwest Storm Chasers"