GRIFFITH | Those who lost property not covered by insurance during the recent storms can apply for low-interest loans, town councilmen said Tuesday.

The Small Business Association has set up an office in the basement of Town Hall, 111 N. Broad St.

The office is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, said George Jerome, R-2nd. The office will be open through next week.

Public Works Director Rick Konopasek said most of the downed trees have been removed.

"All streets are passable," he said.

Konopasek thanked other communities that helped Griffith recover quickly from the tornado.

"(It) allowed us to clean up the debris in a very quick and efficient manner," he said.

Among those bringing in heavy equipment and manpower were Winfield, Hammond, Highland, Schererville, Dyer and St. John.

The Indiana Department of Transportation also sent in heavy equipment. The Lake County surveyor's office sent chain saws, and a small Hammond contractor, Albert Lindley & Sons, was on the scene to help.

"We'll be there to help those towns" if they ever need assistance, Konopasek said.

Also pitching in were the Boy Scouts, who did wellness checks at various homes, Konopasek said. Local churches sent volunteers to help with the cleanup. Griffith businesses and restaurants donated food, water and clothing to the victims and those trying to help them.

Konopasek praised Public Works employees.

"Our guys are still working" to finish the cleanup, he said.

Police Chief Ronald Kottka said his officers worked many hours to keep criminal activity to a minimum during the disaster.

"My hat is off to everybody," including all the town's departments, he said.

Konopasek said about two-thirds of the town lost power during the storm and that as many as 25 houses may have been lost to the disaster.