In light of the July storm that hit the Brainerd lakes area, local businesses seem to be operating at their normal speed.Although most of the physical damage isn’t as present, there is still some damage that remains.

Remnants of fallen trees and stumps may remain on the ground, but the Brained lakes area doesn’t look quite like it did back in July.

70 mile an hour winds blew trees into homes and about 8,000 properties were without power.

And at the heart of tourism season, the threat of local businesses going under was a huge worry.

But due to the quick emergency response plan in Crow Wing County the physical damage has only been a bump in the road.

Regarding the rebuilding of the resort, the staff at Madden’s is excited about the new possibilities. They were more concerned with keeping their 500 guests and employees safe.

Gould from Northern Tree Specialists said that he is still receiving calls for clean up from the storm and doesn’t expect all of the removal to be completed for about the next two years.

By — Chelsie Brown

News/Sports Reporter in Brainerd