Batavia family rebuilds after storms destroy one of Chicago areas oldest farms [Video]

BATAVIA, Ill. — Severe weather is striking Illinois harder so far this year than it has in the past.

February’s tornado outbreak was no exception, with 11 tornadoes touching down in the Chicago area.

Their impact was indiscriminate, leaving some buildings untouched while others just yards away were demolished.

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One of Chicagoland’s oldest farms was among the hardest hit.

Reckinger Farm is a little slice of americana about 40 miles from the city off Interstate 88.

The tornado passed right through the farm, taking with it more than just their livelihood.

More than 150 years of history and hard work were gone in an instant when storms swept through Batavia on February 27, 2024.

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WGN’s Patrick Elwood has the story of the farm and family’s history and how they …