News Releases for August 2007
August 27, 2007
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Hoeven Issues Emergency Declaration For Northwood
Governor To Visit Scene, Mobilizes Additional State Resources
BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. John Hoeven today issued an emergency declaration in the wake of a tornado that touched down about 30 miles southwest of Grand Forks in Northwood last night, resulting in one known fatality and 17 injuries. The tornado damaged homes, businesses, the local hospital, and fire hall. It downed trees and took out power lines.
The Governor and state officials flew to Northwood this morning to meet with local officials to coordinate the response and to carry doses of tetanus vaccine requested by local health officials. They will take an aerial tour of the scene to help assess damages.
Joining Hoeven are Emergency Services Director Greg Wilz; National Guard Col. Dave Anderson; Insurance Commissioner Jim Poolman; State Electrical Board Executive Director Don Offerdahl. Meeting the Group in Grand Forks are Northeast Human Services Center officials Kate Kenna and Carol Brakel; Department of Transportation Engineer Les Noehre; and federal FEMA officials.
State Highway Patrol officers and Department of Transportation officials and equipment have been on the scene since last night, providing traffic control and recovery assistance. Hoeven mobilized the National Guard’s debris removal team this morning to help with recovery efforts.
The Red Cross and Salvation Army are also on scene and have established a shelter for displaced residents at Turtle River State Park.
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