ST. PAUL — Gov. Tim Walz issued an executive order on Tuesday, July 8, authorizing financial assistance for veterans and their families to recover from the recent severe storm in Beltrami County.
The order amends a previous one issued by the governor to declare a peacetime emergency as a result of the storm, which was extended on June 30. It comes just over two weeks after the derecho brought hurricane-strength winds and caused widespread damage in Bemidji and surrounding areas.
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs may now activate the State Soldiers Assistance Program's Disaster Relief Program.
“Beltrami County has faced incredible hardship in the wake of these storms, and we continue to stand alongside Minnesotans impacted — including our veterans and their families,” Walz stated in a news release. “This order ensures veterans have access to the support they’ve earned as recovery continues across the region.”
The state veterans department can provide direct financial relief to veterans and their families facing unexpected hardships due to natural disasters. Assistance may include help with housing, utilities, and other essential needs, as determined by the department.
Damage assessments in the region are ongoing, and more counties and types of assistance may be added as needed.
-
Contributed/Screenshot of St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay Facebook pageSt. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay said the fire was one of at least a half-dozen blazes in the county as high winds, low humidity and drought conditions persisted. -
Contributed/MnDOTAll of Northern Minnesota is under a red flag warning Thursday and Friday, May 14-15, 2026, due to low humidity and dry, windy conditions. -
Andrew Dziengel/KAXEThe College of St. Scholastica, Bemidji State University and the Bemidji Long-Term Storm Recovery Group are launching a community-based research study to learn about how the 2025 derecho affected people. -
Contributed/Minnesota DNRA red flag warning means fires can spread quickly and grow out of control under the predicted weather conditions, including strong winds and low relative humidity.
