County officials report on recovery from June storm affecting Enderlin and North County

The Cass County Commission convened on July 7, 2025, to discuss ongoing recovery efforts following the severe weather event that impacted the region on June 20. The meeting began with an update from the sheriff's office regarding the status of recovery operations in the affected areas, particularly in Enderlin, Hunter, and Paige.

Sheriff John reported that emergency response efforts had concluded, and while local officials continued cleanup operations, they were not currently seeking additional volunteer assistance. Power has been restored in the affected towns, although the landscape remains altered due to the storm's damage. The sheriff's office has maintained communication with local mayors to assist with the necessary documentation for emergency declarations.

Kyle, a representative from the highway department, provided further details on the recovery process. Initial cleanup efforts were supported by a significant number of volunteers, which allowed for a swift reopening of roads. However, the focus has now shifted to compiling paperwork for damage assessments and invoices, which have been submitted to the Department of Emergency Services (DES) for review.

Financially, the sheriff's office incurred approximately $18,000 in overtime costs due to extended shifts during the emergency response. Additionally, damage to communication towers resulted in an estimated $60,000 in repair costs. Ongoing communication issues have been noted, with some deputies relying on phone communication due to radio malfunctions. The highway department reported around $10,000 in labor and machinery costs related to the storm response.

The total estimated damage for the state has been projected at around $10 million, although the final figures are pending approval. The commission expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts among various departments and local officials, highlighting the effective coordination during the crisis.

In closing, the commission discussed the importance of compiling a summary report on lessons learned from the event, which will be presented in future meetings. The sheriff emphasized the value of the new command van utilized during the response, noting its significant impact on operational efficiency.

The meeting concluded with the approval of vouchers related to the storm response, ensuring that all financial aspects of the recovery efforts are accounted for as the county continues to navigate the aftermath of the severe weather event.