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Presque Isle County Faces Utility Worker Threats Amid Ongoing Power Restoration

Utility workers repairing power lines in Presque Isle County after an ice storm

News Summary

Presque Isle County is recovering from a devastating ice storm that left over 63,000 residents without power. While restoration efforts are underway, utility workers face serious threats from the public. Sheriff Brewbaker urges community support for these essential workers, highlighting the importance of patience during these challenging times. Governor declares a state of emergency, deploying the National Guard for assistance, as extensive damage is reported across state parks.

Presque Isle County Faces Utility Worker Threats Amid Ongoing Power Restoration Efforts

The city of Presque Isle County is currently grappling with the aftermath of a devastating ice storm that struck at the end of March, leaving behind a trail of destruction reminiscent of a category five hurricane. Thousands of trees have been stripped bare or toppled, leading to extensive damage to power lines. At the peak of the outages, over 63,000 residents across 15 counties found themselves without power.

Power Restoration Progressing, But Challenges Remain

As of April 10, most citizens in the affected areas have seen their power restored, thanks to ongoing repair efforts. Utility companies have been working around the clock, with Great Lakes Energy successfully bringing power back to 93% of its customers and Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-Op restoring power to 72% of its clients. Nevertheless, there are still 19,489 outages pending repair as teams strive to ensure every home can return to normal.

The Central Michigan area currently boasts 360 restoration crews and over 1,200 workers in the field, all dedicated to tackling the power restoration challenges. However, these efforts are not without obstacles. Utility companies are experiencing difficulties in acquiring essential parts and supplies necessary for conducting repairs.

Threats to Utility Workers Raise Concern

criminal charges.

A State of Emergency Declared

In response to the ice storm and its extensive aftermath, a state of emergency was declared by the governor. To further assist in cleanup efforts, the Michigan National Guard has been deployed with over 800 personnel working diligently to provide essential services in northern Michigan.

Damage to State Parks and Community Resources

It’s not just power lines that have suffered from the storm; the Department of Natural Resources reported significant damage to several state parks. This has necessitated the indefinite closure of multiple facilities and trails as cleanup and assessments are conducted.

For residents seeking assistance during this challenging time, they are encouraged to reach out to Michigan 211. This platform serves as a resource for those needing help and support, whether it be for food, shelter, or connection to other community services.

Call for Community Patience and Support

As restoration efforts continue, Sheriff Brewbaker emphasized the importance of community patience and cooperation. It can be tough to endure power outages and the chaos that follows a storm of this magnitude, but working together can expedite recovery efforts. Every bit of understanding and support can make a significant difference in how quickly normalcy is restored.

So, dear residents of Presque Isle County, as you navigate through this challenging time, remember the resilience of your community! Support your local utility workers and encourage each other to stay strong through the final stages of this extensive power restoration effort!