Beltrami County declares emergency following severe thunderstorms on June 21

The Beltrami County Board of Commissioners convened a special meeting on June 23, 2025, to address the aftermath of severe thunderstorms that struck the area on June 21. The primary agenda item was the declaration of a state of emergency in response to the extensive damage caused by the storms.

During the meeting, the board reviewed a resolution declaring Beltrami County in a state of emergency. The resolution highlighted that the thunderstorms, which featured winds reaching up to 120 miles per hour, resulted in significant destruction, including the downing of approximately 100,000 trees and damage to numerous public and private facilities. The storm's impact overwhelmed local resources, necessitating mutual aid from neighboring agencies and volunteer organizations.

Emergency Management Director Christopher Muller was authorized to lead recovery efforts in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The resolution also noted that preliminary estimates indicated the county had met the eligibility threshold for disaster assistance from both state and federal programs.

Commissioner Carlson expressed gratitude for the hard work of Muller and the county employees, acknowledging the personal impact of the storm on many staff members. Commissioner Gould also thanked the health and human services team for their efforts in providing support at the Sanford Center, which remains open for displaced residents needing shelter and supplies.

The board unanimously voted to declare the state of emergency, effective for 30 days or until conditions improve. The meeting underscored the community's resilience and the ongoing efforts to restore normalcy in the wake of the disaster.