Our prayers and sympathies go out to the family and friends of the people who perished in the horrific Friday night storms. 

Our Valley City Public Works Departments were out Friday night and over the weekend keeping streets open and restoring electrical power.   Blessings and thank you folks who donated food for the workers.

Cutup trees and branches (about 8 feet long max.) may be stacked parallel with the street on the boulevard for pick up as time allows.  Our City Employees are working diligently to bring normalcy back to you.  Thank you everyone.

* Valley City residents are eligible to dispose of tree limbs and sticks at the 24 hour access collection site west of the Transfer Station.

From VCPS Superintendent Josh Johnson on Sunday: “We are reaching out to make sure that our parents and community members who may be in need of clean up assistance are being helped and supported by friends, family, neighbors, and our school district.  If you have trees or debris in your yards and could use some help tomorrow or early this upcoming week, please reach out to us.  We will be ready to help our parents and community members clean up from Friday night’s storm. You can send me an email today or call our district offices tomorrow.”  josh.Johnson@K12.ND.US  or 845-0483 Thank you Josh.

The storms included tornados and straight-line winds near the 100 MPH range in the area so there are homes, businesses, vehicles and many trees damaged or ruined.  The number of large uprooted trees was amazing and created huge clean-up and repair projects.

Governor Armstrong declared a statewide emergency activating the State Emergency Operations Plan.  Barnes County and the City of Valley City have declared emergencies as well.

The City of Valley City will hold a press conference at 12pm in the City Hall Commission Chambers on Monday, June 23. Information regarding the ongoing cleanup, status of electricity restoration and information for residents will be presented.  See the City’s Facebook page for current reports including * food spoilage relating to power outage.

Thank you to all who provide and proof material for this column.

“The future depends on what you do today.”  ~ Mahatma Gandi

Blessings, Pray, be Respectful and Grateful,

Dave

Dave Carlsrud