Small ND Town Sees Silver Lining From Flood

"Not much good comes from a flood, but one bright spot has been the revitalization of downtown," Jangula said.

Burke, of the chamber of commerce, said the town has about 60 businesses, about half of which are on downtown's main drag, including a hardware store, a grain elevator, four bars and three churches.

Burke said spring flooding that brought destruction to town also recharged an area lake, which will have its boat launch open for the first time in several years. She said businesses are expecting an increase in boaters and campers stocking up on supplies.

"That's a silver lining," she said.

Duane and Mary Tschosik, who own a bakery downtown, have noticed an uptick in sales with the relocated call centers.

"It's good to see these buildings being filled up, especially in today's economy," Duane Tschosik said.

Mary Tschosik said she comes from four generations of Main Street business owners. She said her great-grandfather operated a livery stable, her grandfather owned a creamery and her father ran a bar.