Dumpsters for Twin Lakes tornado cleanup provided by Cass County Commissioners

CASS COUNTY, Mich. - Funding has been allocated by the Cass County Commissioners for two dumpsters now available for tornado cleanup use by Twin Lakes residents.

The dumpsters are located at Voas Park at the corner of Twin Shores and Park Court in Dowagiac.

Cass County Commissioners voted during an emergency meeting on May 9, to approve the use of up to $25,000 in county funds to assist in disaster relief.

Officials say a portion of the funds were used to pay for the two 40-yard dumpsters and four portable toilets for residents without water and contractors working to clean up debris.

“As chair of the board, I wanted to represent the entire board and support those affected in the county,” said Jeremiah Jones, chair of the Board of Commissioners. “We are a tight-knit community and it’s what we do as neighbors.”

County officials encourage residents to dispose of household materials damaged in the storm, except for major appliances, tires, and vegetation.

Trees and branches may be taken to the Cass County Road Commission’s Twin Lakes pit, at the corner of Twin Lakes Road and Morton Court in Dowagiac.

Using the dumpster is free of charge and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Residents disposing of vegetation in the Road Commission pit are asked to place debris to leave room for others to access the area.

Commissioner Ryan Laylin, who represents the Twin Lakes area, has been in the area with Jones multiple times since the storm, collecting damage assessment reports and helping Emergency Management.

“Thanks to Emergency Management Coordinator Manny DeLaRosa, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, the Cass County Road Commission, and MEC for their hard work getting the Twin Lakes area cleaned up quickly,” Laylin said. “I am proud to represent a district that works together in difficult times and look forward to supporting front-line workers as they continue to clean up the area.”