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.
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