Enormous cleanup effort intensifies

Workers are busy removing the debris. Meanwhile, Blaine's mayor praised his citizens' cooperation.

By KEVIN GILES, Star Tribune

Last update: May 28, 2008 - 10:35 PM

A massive cleanup of Hugo's tornado-stricken neighborhoods intensified Wednesday as demolition companies began hauling away tons of debris, much of which will head to a recycling center in Blaine.

Jason Moran, emergency response specialist with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, said the agency hired two demolition companies to fill 50 rollout Dumpsters that hold 40 cubic yards each.

At least 20 people were doing large-scale removal, and most of the debris will be sorted and recycled in Blaine. Shingles, for example, will be used in road surfacing, Moran said.

Recovered personal possessions are being taken to City Hall so people can reclaim them.

"We've seen some wedding pictures," Moran said.

Prindle family requests that their privacy be respected

Hugo Mayor Fran Miron, meanwhile, visited the family of the 2-year-old boy, Nathaniel Prindle, who died in the tornado. Nathaniel's sister, 4-year-old Annika, remains in critical condition at Gillette Children's Hospital in St. Paul.

Miron described their mother, Kristy, as "very bruised and injured and very emotional over the loss of their son." Her husband, Gerard, had surgery Tuesday on his hip, Miron said.

Miron said the Prindle family has requested that no volunteers be allowed onto the property as they sort through belongings.

Funeral plans for Nathaniel have yet to be determined, said his uncle, Todd Hanson. Annika is showing signs of improvement and, "We're maintaining hope," he said.

Assessing the damage for property tax relief

At the tornado scene Wednesday, property assessors from Hugo and Washington County were trying to determine the extent of losses and whether homeowners would qualify for property tax relief. Most damaged houses appeared to be valued from $200,000 to $315,000, and most seem to be insured, said Kevin Corbid, the county assessor.

Miron said the Red Cross has found 194 houses on the east side of Highway 61 that have storm damage. That's in addition to 311 damaged on the west side of the highway where the tornado destroyed 27 houses.

Blaine and Coon Rapids continue cleanup

In Blaine, Mayor Tom Ryan said trucks were hauling away tree and brush debris from storm-affected neighborhoods near Hwy. 65. Volunteers have helped clear up debris, and curbside collections continue through June 13.

"I've never seen so much cooperation by citizens," Ryan said. "It was tremendous."

In Coon Rapids, Sand Creek Trail will be closed periodically as crews remove fallen trees and other debris. The city will continue to pick up tree debris through June 16. Homeowners should contact private companies for non-tree debris.

Ryan said Sunday's F1 tornado was the second to strike Blaine during the past two years. There were no deaths there during either storm. "We were really lucky," he said. "Everyone feels bad for the folks in Hugo."

Staff writer Patrice Relerford contributed to this report. Kevin Giles • 651-298-1554

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