Tragedy in Story City, Iowa
On December 9, 1968, a mysterious explosion at a family farm near Story City, Iowa takes everything from the Tjernagel family, and rallies a small town to pressure the US government to make things right.
Prologue
Episode One
The Explosion
The Tjernagel family prepares for dinner on a cold, quiet Monday evening in early December, totally unaware of what is coming. Their lives are completely changed in an instant by a violent explosion.
Episode Two
The Aftermath
The cause of the explosion becomes apparent as injured members of the Tjernagel family are treated at the local town hospital.
Episode Three
The Loss - Part One
More details about the accident emerge as we learn about the two men that tragically lost their lives.
Episode Four
The Response
The people of Story City immediately come to the aid of the family.
Episode Five
The Loss - Part Two
After losing everything in the fire, the Tjernagel family suffers their greatest loss yet.
Episode Six
The Farm
The family remembers what it was like to live and work on Follinglo farm.
Episode Seven
The Fight - Part One
Marie begins her battle with the government over compensation for all that was lost, and Mike leaves for war.
PBS Iowa Life Feature
On April 2, 2024, Iowa PBS television series Iowa Life season 1 episode 112 includes the story of the Tjernagel tragedy at Follinglo farm.