Gov. Dayton, Rep. Nolan Tour Brainerd Storm Damage
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A chorus of chainsaws and generator moans define Jack Smith's Brainerd backyard.
"I know the first place you go is to Fleet Farm, get a generator and try to get back in business," Smith said.
He is at ground zero of the aftermath of a vicious storm that ripped at the heart and soul of this rich resort country.
To see the true scope of devastation, Gov. Mark Dayton and Rep. Rick Nolan met with those hardest hit.
"The folks here are ready for all the tourists, so just keep it coming," Nolan said.
John Kavanaugh of Kavanaugh Resort Properties says the storm changed the topography of the area, but not the area's beauty.
It could be another week before Madden's and Cragun's reopen, but only days before full power is restored.
"When the power is out, security, comfort and quality of life is disrupted," Minnesota Power's Al Hodrick said. "We're on it."
Dayton and Nolan saw the storm's wide swath during a helicopter ride. Century-old trees were felled like twigs.
For Smith, the heat is coming – and he only hopes the power will not be far behind.
"We're Minnesotans here, and you kind of have to take this stuff in stride," Smith said.
Crews can only rebuild the lines once trees are removed from right of ways.
They hope to have 95 percent of customers back in business Sunday and expect the most remote customers restored by Monday.