It’s been about six weeks since a massive storm felled millions of trees in Beltrami County and the surrounding area and caused widespread damage. Clearing of tree debris continues. Recently, continued cleanup and recovery efforts in the area were handed a major setback.

While damage assessment for the state came in around $10 million, that did not meet the $10.7 million threshold to receive relief funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Now city and county leaders are struggling with what to do next to cover costs. Beltrami County itself saw around $8 million in damages.

Justin Sherwood, the Bemidji fire chief and emergency manager, said even though the window to apply for federal relief is closed, he would like to explore more options.

"We have to talk about some appeals,

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