Rice County Sheriff Troy Dunn says roads are open including CR 15 from Morristown but Co. Rd 11 is still single lane with debris removal. Crews remain at Roberds Lake Blvd, north of 180th Street West. He said right now they’re trying to get the word out to everyone within Rice County to assess your needs and damages. Call the non-emergency storm hotline at 1-833-643-7423. He warns those helping to use caution. fortunately there’s only been one incident with a chainsaw. Dunn said that’s his biggest fear as so many people not
accustomed to using them, now have to. It’s a very dangerous tool if not used properly. The County has volunteer organizations that specialize in that kind of help. What they can’t do is get your trees hauled away, at least not now. As for damage to buildings, so far they have 221 homes, farms and businesses that have suffered some kind of damage. Just in Morristown alone, there are 12 homes that are uninhabitable. Northfield Chief Nelson told the City Council yesterday afternoon that his office is putting together the process for their home assessment damage in town, that’s NOT assessing the dollar amount of damages, it’s just figuring out the actual number of homes damaged and to what extent, such as light to catastrophic (which Northfield doesn’t have). Morristown took the brunt with an EF2 with winds from 113 to 135 mph. Dunn added that it’s a miracle no one was hurt. He was coming in on the backside of the storm from Owatonna when he had to pull over because he couldn’t see. The storm clipped him, about 90 seconds later he was able to see and started to drive on. Thirty yards ahead were downed trees and powerlines across the road. The devastation is something to look at but he warns those wanting to see it to use caution. They already had a couple of crashes due to those gawking and not paying attention. Dunn was on the Wayne Eddy Affair this morning.
Nfld Shares sets up form for Tornado Relief efforts
Northfield Shares has set up a form for Tornado Relief Efforts to help connect volunteers with people offering to help. We have a link on kymn.net and on our Facebook page. This is for the whole area, Bridgewater Township, Dundas, Northfield.
Nfld Council approves funds for cleanup
The Northfield City Council, yesterday afternoon, authorized using Garbage Fund reserves to pay for storm cleanup. Public Works Director Dave Bennett said there is $1 million available. They also extended the emergency proclamation, taking the step to possibly be awarded FEMA dollars, although they have tight parameters regarding what they’ll cover.
Compost site at Babcock Rodeo site
The new compost drop-off is at Babcock rodeo site. They’ll be open extended hours from 8am to 7pm seven days a week. The compost site on Armstrong Rd. is closed, however, the City has a contract with a company that will grind the logs with the hope to open up that site again as space is made. The site is open for Dundas residents too.
Cannon Falls to set up Volunteer Day
The City of Cannon Falls has lifted their State of Emergency as they have been able to get power restored and they’ll be holding a coordinated volunteer day this Saturday. Further details will come out tomorrow. All City parks and trails remain closed for cleanup in the next couple of days. This is the number to call for volunteering: 507-263-9305 (the numbers were transposed in the press release)
The show must go on: Cemetery Stories on Bridge Square
On Saturday night, the Northfield Historical Society was to present Cemetery Stories at the Northfield Cemetery on Division St. across from the Northfield High School. The storms hit the cemetery making it impossible. Not to be deterred, Plan B took the show to Bridge Square. Board members and volunteers lit the tiki torches, KYMN provided our sound system, chairs were brought out and battery operated lights lit the six actors who came to tell the stories of Legends and Heroes. Executive Director, Cathy Osterman, asked the crowd for donations to help in the restoration of the Cemetery and raised $240. Pictures of the cemetery are on kymn.net. Photo credit to Ryan Dulin. [envira-gallery id=”71804″]
