MAYVILLE, Wis. — People in Mayville and Juneau are still cleaning up after five tornadoes tore through Dodge County last week, but residents said the community effort has put recovery ahead of schedule.
Four days after the storm blew through Mayville, Glen Helmbrecht said it's easier to walk his golden retrievers around town.
"The dogs didn't care if there was a tornado," he said. "They've got to get out and do their duty, and it's my job to take care of the dogs."
WATCH: Mayville community finds hope amid cleanup efforts after 5 tornadoes hit Dodge County
An 80-year-old maple tree fell on his house, smashed his roof and knocked down his light, but he said other parts of town were hit worse.
Graceland Cemetery behind Helmbrecht's house is still dealing with major cleanup, but conditions are improving.
"It's a lot better today than it was on Friday," Helmbrecht said. "Because there was stuff all over the sidewalks. You couldn't get through," Helmbrecht said.
Kelly Schmid lives down the street and is dealing with minor damage after a tree branch punctured her pool.
"We will have to find a new place to hang out this summer, but we'll get a new one," she said. "It'll be fine!"
She and others ask onlookers to try and avoid Mayville if possible.
"Everybody wants to see the carnage afterwards. But it doesn't look that bad anymore," she said. "We've got to let the city crews do what they want, avoid the area, and come visit later."
In the meantime, both residents said the community will continue to care for one another.
"People help each other," Helmbrecht said.
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