Reopening counts told only part of Lewis County's business-recovery story in mid-August.
Commission President Agnes Queen said many mom-and-pop businesses still needed cleanup help, but most volunteer relief teams were rightly focused on private homes. A few groups had assisted commercial sites, yet the available help did not match the need.
Queen said the Small Business Administration offered low-interest disaster loans, not cash benefits. Owners therefore faced a combination of physical cleanup, lost operating time and new debt decisions. Businesses needing help were encouraged to contact local officials so they could be connected with any available crews or programs.