Weekends In Minot | Video

Jenny Castro | 7/6/2012

A Montana couple knows exactly what it`s like to rebuild a flood home. They bought one and they drive to Minot every weekend to work on it, but it`s not for them.

Pam Martens and her husband live in Billings, Montana, but on most weekends they live in their trailer next to this house in Minot.

"Come up Fridays, when he gets off work, because I don`t work Fridays, and then we`re usually out of here around noon on Sundays, headed back,” said Pam.

The Martens bought the house for their daughter who moved to Minot several years ago and works two jobs, trying to keep up with the rising rent. Working on the house has been a new adventure and they`ve been enjoying their time here.

"It`s actually been a lot of fun. It`s a lot of work, a lot more than I think we expected because we`ve done little remodel jobs and stuff but not a house from the studs on up,” said Pam.

This weekend they`ve got a little extra company with another Montana couple who came along over the Fourth of July.

"They live in western Montana, and they came here this weekend to help us work on our house so that`s fun too. They`re here to help us and we get to spend time together."

Pam says that she usually takes walks around the neighborhood and she`s been impressed by how much work is being done. They know first hand what families in Minot are going through.

"It does feel like we`re helping build the community back too."

On Sunday, the Martens will make the seven hour drive back to Billings, but it`s been a fairly productive trip this time with twice the help and the extra time over the holiday.

The house should be ready to move in by the end of the month and the Martens hope to have it completely finished by Christmas.

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