Governor Walz travels to Beltrami County to tour storm damage

BELTRAMI COUNTY, Minn. (KVRR) — Gov. Tim Walz travels to Beltrami County to see the recent storm damage.

Along with emergency managers, he got a tour of the strongest hit areas to see the damage up close.

The Bemidji area was carved through with a 10-mile path caused by straight-line winds.

Bemidji State University and North Technical College were both in the storm’s direct line.

The governor says he’s there to make sure impacted communities have every resource they need to recover and rebuild.

Walz said, “I think it’s important for me to be up here to be able to see it, to be able to advocate, hear from the local leaders and just more importantly, be able to answer questions like this gentleman like, What the heck are you doing on my property? What are you guys doing here?”

BSU will remain closed through the week. NTC will remain closed through Wednesday.

John Hoffman, the schools’ president,  says he is hopeful people will be able to work remotely.

Beltrami County Emergency Management is reminding people that the county is not offering curbside pickup during the cleanup.

Solid Waste has extended demolition landfill hours and expanded to a second location. You can find more details on their Facebook page.

The county’s emergency management center says there’s also been an increase of people driving around just to view the damage.

They ask you stay away from heavy machinery and allow them to safely work as they clear debris and restore utilities.