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CASS COUNTY — Two dumpsters have been made available for use by Twin Lakes residents as cleanup continues following the tornado that hit the area May 7.

During an emergency meeting held May 9, Cass County Commissioners voted to approve the use of up to $25,000 in county funds assist in disaster relief. A portion of these funds was used to pay for two 40-yard dumpsters, as well as 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.”

The dumpsters are located at Voas Park, at the corner of Twin Shores and Park Court in Dowagiac. Residents are encouraged to dispose of any household materials damaged in the storm, except for major appliances, tires, and vegetation. Trees and branches may be discarded at the Cass County Road Commission’s Twin Lakes pit, at the corner of Twin Lakes Road and Morton Court in Dowagiac.

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

There is no cost to use the dumpster, and it is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those disposing of vegetation in the Road Commission pit are asked to be mindful of where they place debris to leave room for others to access the area.