Governor of Wisconsin declares state of emergency after deadly flooding

SAXON HARBOR, Wis., July 13 (UPI) -- Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker declared a state of emergency following devastating storms that claimed the life of a county commissioner in the far northern part of the state.

Iron County Commissioner Mitchell Koski, 56, was near Saxon Harbor, on Lake Superior, on Monday night when heavy rains caused flash flooding. Koski's death was under investigation.

According to Wisconsin Emergency Management, at least 85 boats in the harbor were either damaged or destroyed because of the torrential rains and flooding.

Thirty-three people were stranded on Michigan Island in Lake Superior, and were rescued by authorities.

Governor Scott Walker declared a state of emergency in eight counties, all in the northern and northwestern parts of the state.

The rain caused rivers to rise to record-breaking levels, the National Weather Service reported.

More rain is expected in northern Wisconsin through the rest of the week.