All hands, and extra hands, have been called in by the Bear Lake Township Fire Department, as it deals with a second day of high winds.
About a half-mile of US-31 has been closed for over five hours, due to a snapped power pole. At 4pm today, the department was still waiting for Consumers Energy to arrive. The pole is located on the southbound side of US-31, near the Bear Lake welcome sign and bear statue. The pole could be seen hanging from its power lines and swaying in the wind. Emergency vehicles are stationed at both ends of US-31 and side streets to prevent anyone from entering the area.
"It's a high voltage line," said Vern "Corky" Best, Bear Lake Township Supervisor, who was helping to direct traffic around the hazard. "I heard the [fire] trucks go out at about 11am, but I could hear that they didn't go very far. They're on a long list." Best expected an even longer wait for Consumers Energy crews, due to widespread wind damage throughout the region. Earlier in the day, Best said that local crews responded to downed power lines at Chief & Marilla Roads, Glovers Lake & Keillor Roads, and within Maple Grove Township. Best said the last time he'd seen similar winds was a two-day stretch in November, about ten years ago.
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