Cook Mayor Harold Johnston says cleanup is well underway following major flooding. The small St. Louis County town of a few hundred people sits on the Little Fork River.
On Tuesday, the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army joined several local groups to provide food and supplies. About 400 meals were provided each day to residents and cleanup volunteers.
RELATED: Town of Cook faces flooding concerns as St. Louis County declares state of local disaster
5 EYEWITNESS NEWS spoke with Megan Strong, who, after graduating from college, returned home to Cook and purchased Montana Café. Floodwaters damaged the floor and some equipment, but with the help of a nearby grocery store, we were able to salvage some of the frozen food inventory.
“I currently employ about seven people, they’re out of work right now, so I’m worried about them,” Strong said.
Her sister started a crowdfunding campaign after people asked how they could help. It is this spirit of mutual assistance that allows people to get through this difficult time.
RELATED: “I know we will recover, but it will take time. » Town of Cook begins cleanup after flood damage
“I am very grateful to be in this community where people are so helpful and looking out for their neighbors,” said Mayor Johnston.
Kitty corner of the café, the Comet Theater faces an uncertain future. It will likely be closed for the summer, which is bad news for Minnesota’s oldest operating movie theater.
Other groups, like the Cook Minnesota Lions, have raised funds and purchased supplies, providing this much-needed support.
“If people could donate to us, to the Comet, to the Cook Lion’s Club, whatever they could donate would help greatly,” Strong added.
Here are some of the ways you can support efforts in Cook:
Théâtre des Comètes GoFundMe
Montana Café GoFundMe
Lions Club of Minnesota Charity
