5-23-07 - The massive clean-up job in Greensburg is making progress, but three years ago another midwest town went through a similar experience. Hallam, Nebraska was leveled by a tornado in 2004.

The F4 tornado killed one and injured 37 in Hallam. The small town with a population of about 300 lost nearly every building.

But their spirit to rebuild has survived. As you drive through Hallam, the village's story is spelled out in front of you.

"I thought we would be actually further along it takes a lot of time -- we have improved quite a bit, have almost 80 percent homes back and doing a lot of rebuilding, working on the auditorium and getting ready to start the fire station," said Vicky Polak, Hallam village clerk.

The community has bounced back and remains united even though almost a third of the population left. Every business has reopened, two churches have rebuilt and there are some new neighbors.

"A lot of new people moved here. We were sad to see residents go, but we're moving forward, looking toward the future,"she said.

The future is the focus for everyone now.

For some, the third anniversary is just another day, for others, it's a somber reminder of how life was and how far they still have to go to reach the end.

"We want to put the past behind us. It's still always going to be there and it's a difficult time for a lot of people when you realize where we were and how long it takes to get where we are today. It's a long process to rebuild a town," Polak said.

But it's worthwhile and everyone has faith Hallam will be beautiful again.

"The town will look beautiful when it's done. Just takes time to get there," she said.

Hallam didn't plan anything to commemorate the third anniversary of the tornado, partially because they are waiting for their new auditorium to be finished, but also because much of the town does not want to relive that horrible experience again.

They said they will have a community gathering when the new auditorium is done, but it will be to celebrate a new beginning not to remember May 22, 2004.