Published on June 18, 2026 11:43 am
Last Updated on June 18, 2026 11:43 am
This weekend’s Mid America Funfest for Volkswagen has been canceled after Wednesday night’s tornado did major damage to the corporate headquarters along North US 45.
The storm totaled the MY Garage and Museum and also did significant damage to the adjacent building. No one was injured, and work is underway to salvage the memorabilia that had been stored.
Long-time Mid America photographer Ed Baumgarten said the buildings have been in place since the mid-1990s.
Corporate officials say no orders can currently be taken.
As is the case throughout the area, trees on the Mid America property were heavily damaged, and the stoplights south of Mid America at Rickelman and North US 45 were not working as of mid-morning.
Mid America is one of many businesses damaged by the storm. Effingham County Sheriff Paul Kuhns released a summary of the damage. Kuhns said, “Our hopes and prayers will continue as we double-check and make sure everyone is safe and accounted for. Thankfully, we have not received any reports of fatalities or missing persons.”
During the storm and its immediate aftermath, the Effingham County 911 Center dispatched the following calls for service to law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical personnel:
–17 calls involving utility-related problems
–14 calls involving homes, farms or businesses that sustained heavy damage or structural collapse
–two storm-related vehicle accidents
–two business alarm calls attributed to weather conditions
–three calls involving reports of smoke, gas, or fire odors
–one storm-related emergency medical assistance call
–eight weather-related calls, including reports of downed trees, funnel clouds, and tornado touchdowns
The sheriff stated:
“Several agencies are still working to check for injured, clear the roads and power lines and assess the damage. Please do not venture into the heavily damaged areas just to look. There are still power lines down and roadways filled with hazards. Please let the emergency crews work. I know the community will come together to clean up and salvage property like they always do. That is how our community works, but please be careful, there are still hazards to contend with. Times like these are when we all demonstrate that Effingham County is a great place to live and work.”
