News Summary

In the aftermath of a severe ice storm that hit Petoskey, Michigan, residents and local organizations are coming together to support each other. Efforts include conducting a business impact survey to assess damages and gather data for relief funding. With thousands still experiencing power outages, community support shines as local businesses provide essential assistance. As cleanup efforts proceed, the sense of unity remains strong among the residents as they strive to rebuild their town.

Residents of Northern Michigan Come Together After Ice Storm Devastation

The charming town of Petoskey, nestled in beautiful Northern Michigan, has found itself in a challenging situation after a fierce ice storm rolled through on March 29-30. The storm brought not only significant damage but also left many local businesses and residents with power outages that are still being felt as of mid-April.

Assessing the Damage

In response to this natural disaster, the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce, alongside the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, is launching a business impact survey. This survey is designed to assess how local businesses have been affected by the storm. Questions will cover a variety of topics, including whether businesses had to close their doors, the extent of damages, any necessary equipment purchases, and losses incurred due to the storm.

This survey is also open to local residents, giving them a platform to report their personal property losses. The goal is simple: to gather data that may help in securing relief funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as the community continues to recover from this heavy blow.

Power Outages and Community Support

As of April 10, thousands of customers in the area remain without power. Reports show that 9,591 customers are affected by Great Lakes Energy, while 9,878 customers are experiencing outages with Presque Isle Electric & Gas. With such significant numbers still struggling, the need for state and federal support remains a top priority for those leading recovery efforts.

Even amid the chaos, the spirit of the community shines brightly as local businesses step up to support those in need. Many have been providing food and assistance to shelters and first responders, ensuring that everyone has access to the help they require during this tough time.

Supporting Local Businesses

Residents are encouraged to support their local businesses during this recovery period. Options include shopping small, ordering takeout from restaurants that are open, and visiting local establishments to help keep the economy afloat. Business owners can also access the impact survey at form.jotform.com/250966121961055, while residents can participate through survey123.arcgis.com/share/6e1d8996f0704b9fab5395eecd63a65e or by calling 211 for assistance.

Cleanup and Restoration Efforts

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is actively working to clear away tree debris and restore access to essential communication sites that the storm impacted. Their top priority is ensuring that emergency services can access roadways, and they have already cleared nearly 500 miles of road since the disaster struck.

As part of these efforts, a total of 33 system towers and all 13 cellular towers assigned to the DNR have been cleared. Despite their hard work, many state parks, trails, and facilities remain closed indefinitely as cleanup continues.

Government Action and Future Outlook

With the severity of the situation in mind, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared a disaster area across twelve counties, resulting in various temporary closures of outdoor recreation areas. Cleanup is expected to take weeks, if not months, with some campgrounds expected to open as scheduled in April and May 2025.

Residents are reminded not to dispose of debris on state land, as authorities have set up 17 public debris disposal sites in the affected areas. Power restoration is still underway amidst harsh winter conditions, with more than 100,000 homes initially affected.

The restoration process includes the replacement of numerous utility poles—over 750 poles have been replaced in just ten days. Crews from across the country have mobilized to expedite restoration efforts, with over 1,000 workers currently on-site, demonstrating a strong commitment to safely restore power to Northern Michigan.

While recovery takes time and effort, the sense of community support remains high as everyone comes together during this challenging period. Whether you’re a local business owner or a resident, every small gesture counts toward rebuilding and restoring the heart of Petoskey and surrounding areas.

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Petoskey Residents Unite After Ice Storm Devastation