Gov. Tim Walz visited Benson last Wednesday to survey storm damage and meet with the local officials that have been managing the response, including business owners from across the region and Benson Mayor Terri Collins, Police Chief Ian Hodge and Fire Chief Jeff Reuss.

 “This afternoon we saw the Minnesota spirit in action. Amid physical destruction, the community has come together, thinking of their neighbors before themselves,” said Governor Walz. “I was grateful for the opportunity to spend the afternoon hearing from the folks on the ground, and the State of Minnesota stands ready to partner however possible to help these communities recover.”

 On Thursday evening, May 12, winds downed power lines and damaged buildings and farm equipment in a wide area from eastern South Dakota through western  Minnesota into Meeker County in central Minnesota.

 In the Benson area, the wind storm brought widespread damage, tearing shingles from roofs and toppling trees throughout the community. The Benson Fire Department contained a fire that erupted when a gas line apparently broke at the Case IH facility along U.S. Highway 12.

 On Saturday, May 14, Governor Walz visited farmers in northwest Minnesota to survey extensive flooding and storm damage, and on Monday, May 16, Governor Walz issued Executive Order 22-12, authorizing temporary regulatory relief for motor carriers and drivers supporting the transportation of livestock and livestock feed following widespread storm damage across the state.