Prisoners eager to help fight the flood

On a day where the sun finally showed its face and warmed up weary flood fighters, inmates from around rural Minnesota could be found shoveling sand and throwing bags along side other volunteers who showed up to help save homes.

Landon Stein is serving time in the Otter Tail County jail. With just days left on his sentence, he agreed to join other inmates in this war on the red.

“I did it last year and I wasn't even in jail. Just to get out and help everyone out I would expect the same if it happened in my city.”

And some of these sandbaggers are just out of state prison, part of a county program to transition back into society, today doing a little community service.

“The spirit of the red river valley and the kindness of anonymous people they don't need a pat on the back but they deserve it.”

Those living in rural Moorhead's Crestwood development just off the convent road took it hard last spring. Taking on water and losing power. Delores Palowski thanked her sandbaggers today by making sandwiches and hot chocolate.

“I am all alone, me and my dog is all that we have to protect our property if it wasn't for them.”

Some of the inmates will credit or even pay for helping in the flood fight. They were happy to leave the walls of a cell for a little fresh air and a pat on the back for joining in the fight.

Tags: kevin wallevand, flood, moorhead, minnesota, news, inmates