Ike Evacuees Set To Return Home

By Chris Wright, News On 6

TULSA, OK -- After riding out the storm in Tulsa, Hurricane Ike evacuees are getting ready to head back to Texas. The evacuees are excited to get back to their normal lives, but say they will always remember their time in Tulsa.

Renie Francis and Kathie Schatte said their goodbyes Sunday morning before boarding a plane back to Houston.

"I don't think we've ever been treated better in any place I've ever been.  I'd move here tomorrow if I could," said Francis.

The two teachers have weathered Ike here in Tulsa. Both are breast cancer survivors, and they had already planned a trip here for Komen's Race for the Cure. So unlike other evacuees, they were prepared with plane tickets to get out of town.

"Everybody was wonderful; I have never been to a friendlier place in my life.  Can't wait to come back," said Schatte.

Software engineer Scott Monk has spent more than a week living in an apartment normally reserved for visiting businessmen. He, along with a few family members, fled Beaumont, Texas right before Ike hit.

Scott has lived in Tulsa. So despite the drive, he headed right for Green Country.

"So I said to heck with it. We're all going to Tulsa.  I know the place. We'll find rooms, but it's a little bit of a jaunt," said Monk.           

Scott has been using the internet to find out what's going on back in Beaumont. He says with all the problems Texas is enduring right now, he will stick around for at least a few more days.

"I want to wait.  Let them get the infrastructure back up, let them get power back up, and then we'll go back," said Monk.

Scott says his home has some minor damage, but should be alright. He moved back to Texas only four months ago, and has already evacuated for both Hurricanes Ike and Gustav.

Monk says he is tempted to move back to Tulsa simply to avoid that hassle.