People helping people. That's the ongoing story as Minot begins the long, slow process of recovering from the devastating Souris River flood of 2011.
In that spirit, Ogden Newspapers Inc., owners of The Minot Daily News and the Pierce County Tribune in Rugby, has established a fund to benefit Minot area flood victims.
As many as 4,000 homes were damaged by the historic flooding, which caused some 11,000 people to be evacuated. Some residents have been allowed back into their homes, but most are still waiting for the river to recede before they will have access to their flooded neighborhoods.
"It's a great feeling to know that so many people are willing to step up and help others inside Minot as well as from around the country," said Steve Herron, publisher of The Minot Daily News. "We are truly blessed to have so many helping hands coming our way."
Donations can be made to the fund on The Minot Daily News website. When visitors to the site, (www.minotdailynews.com), click on the "donate" button under the Minot Area Flood Relief headline, they are directed to the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley Inc., which was established by Ogden. Ogden Newspapers Inc. has its headquarters in Wheeling, W.Va. The fund is also available on the websites of all Ogden newspapers in Minnesota and Iowa.
All donations to the fund established by Ogden Newspapers Inc., will go directly to Minot area victims of flooding.
"I have been very impressed with the people of Minot since I moved here a little over a year ago," Herron said. "Minot is one of the busiest towns I have lived in and I am proud to call Minot my home. There has always been something going on around here all the time. And now that the town has gone through a major flood it's amazing to see how everyone is pulling together to make positive things happen for the community."
The damage from the flood of 2011 dwarfs the devastation from the 1969 flood. But resilient Minot residents recovered from the 1969 flood and from later floods. With help from each other, North Dakotans and others around the country, Minot residents will recover from this catastrophe, too.
"Even though we were told in advance a major flood was coming our way, I don't think anyone saw how much devastation was coming to Minot," Herron said. "There are so many unbelievable stories to tell. A huge number of people have lost so much, yet their spirits are strong and I have no doubt that the people of Minot will bounce back and be stronger because of it."