DETROIT LAKES — Cleanup efforts continue across the tornado-affected areas of Becker County.
The county assessor announced the county is offering storm-impacted residents an abatement on their property taxes. Qualifying homeowners can submit a local option disaster relief application for a reduction in their owed taxes.
Affected residents are also being offered financial assistance through the Becker County Disaster Fund. Donations to assist tornado recovery efforts can be made at Bell Bank, 920 Lake Ave., Detroit Lakes.
Team Rubicon, a veteran-led volunteer organization, also helped residents with chain saw work and tree removal at no cost.
Lt. Luke Speere with the Becker County Sheriff's Office reported Team Rubicon left Friday, July 17. In a Wednesday news release, the outfit reported it completed two work orders and assessed 13 sites.
“The significant progress made so far has been possible through the dedication and collaboration of community partners, residents and volunteers,” stated a Becker County release. “While much has been accomplished, cleanup efforts are expected to continue in the weeks ahead.”
The EF-2 tornado, packing winds of 115 mph, carved a 7-mile path on July 6 around Floyd Lake, a few miles north of Detroit Lakes. The twister tore the roofs off homes, uprooted and snapped trees, and even lifted a horse trailer, leaving it a couple hundred yards away from its stable. Three people were treated for non-life-threatening injuries at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s hospital in Detroit Lakes, with one injury confirmed to be directly related to the tornado.
“A homeowner was injured in their home when their roof was removed by the tornado,” reads the National Weather Service’s preliminary survey.
Power was restored to all impacted residents by July 7, according to Detroit Lakes Public Utilities.
-
Plus: Minnesota faces storage drought; Forest tent caterpillars cause tree damage -
Stella Mayerhoff/KAXE / Report for AmericaThe meeting was an early step in the environmental review process required by state law for any proposed mines in Minnesota. -
Contributed/Trina Swanson / Luke GulbransonTrina Swanson has raised the most of the two candidates vying to challenge Rep. Pete Stauber, though the Republican has raised significantly more than Swanson and Luke Gulbranson. -
Emma Krab/KAXEMesaba State Rooms lodging project did not align with city plans, Nashwauk City Council decided. -
Plus: MN DNR took comments on Tamarack Mining Project; and proposed lodging denied by Nashwauk City Council
-
Contributed/Pixabay via PexelsThe company cited "unforeseen business circumstances" as the reason for reducing its operation and laying off employees in a notice to the state. -
Plus: Leech lake fisheries seeks public input, youths tackle aquatic invasive species issue
-
Lorie Shaull/KAXEDrew Brockett of Piragis Northwoods Co. in Ely said it was a huge relief to have Fernberg corridor entry points open. But outfitters are still feeling the impact of continued closures. -
Contributed/White Oak Casino / Ryan WhiteBryan v. Itasca County paved the way for the modern tribal gaming industry. The monument recognizes Leech Lake Band member Helen Bryan and her husband, Russell Bryan. -
Contributed/Three Rivers Park DistrictFor Minnesota youths, leaders in charge of combating invasive species in lakes said the work can be a career training game changer.
