Minneapolis Licensing Gestapo Fines a Local Tree Trimmer $275 for Volunteering After a Tornado

A tornado with 100 mile winds tore through one of the poorest neighborhoods in Minneapolis on May 22, and many large trees were down on houses, cars, streets and yards (see photo above from this video).  The damage was so serious that Sen. Al Franken toured the devastated area with Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak. 

A licensed tree trimmer about 20 miles away in Hastings, MN saw the devastation on the news, had a day off, and so he headed to the affected area in North Minneapolis with his chain saws, wood chipper and bucket truck to help out.  With some other volunteers, The Good Samaritan went to work removing trees without pay for poor residents of North Minneapolis who didn't have insurance.  

So far, so good.  Seems like the kind of "feel good" story that would have a very happy ending and make the local news.  Well that's unless Gestapo-like city inspectors and Minneapolis police officers get involved, and it becomes a nightmare with a very unpleasant ending.  The story did make the news, but it was because the Good Samaritan was not only shut down and prevented from helping out, but he (and at least 17 others) got a $275 fine from the city for cutting down trees without a Minneapolis license, read about it here and here.

HT: Coyote Blog