CHEBOYGAN — Early Sunday morning, Carol Neumann noticed her power go out.
Living in a rural part of Cheboygan, Neumann was concerned for everyone in Cheboygan and Northern Michigan who were impacted by a devastating ice storm that started last weekend.
Neumann, a clerk at Benton Township Hall, immediately wanted to help anybody in need.
Earlier this week, Neumann, along with others willing to help, opened Benton Township Hall and used it as a warming station for residents who saw their lives affected in a big way following one of the worst storms the area has ever seen. Not too long after they opened, the Red Cross arrived to provide as many as 100 cots for residents who needed somewhere to sleep, while food and water were also available.
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“It was amazing how quick they (Red Cross) were,” said Neumann. “I think when the state of emergency happened, the Red Cross was right there, and then Walmart came and got food, the Red Cross did, the restaurants here gave us food. They all worked together. We don’t do just Benton Township, we do all of Cheboygan County, anybody around.”
While city residents saw their power return as early as Wednesday, many in rural Cheboygan haven’t been as fortunate. Thankfully for those who needed a place to stay, Benton Township Hall, as well as Alverno Fire Department, right across the street, have been options for residents.
Spending much of their time at Alverno Fire Department was Cheboygan’s Ashley Steiner, whose husband, Gil, is a member of the department. Losing power at about 11:30 p.m. last Saturday, Ashley and her daughter Makaela have been more than thankful for the opportunity to stay warm.
“I would say a lot of (the effects of the storm) on my end of things has been emotionally exhausting,” said Steiner. “Being up at the fire department with this warming station has been a great source of comfort. I think the community has all come together. We’re obviously like a family up here, especially now, but I think it’s generally everybody goes and does what they can to help anybody at this point. It’s obviously a lot more destruction than a lot more people realize out there, but we’re getting through it.”
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For those without power in town, the Cheboygan Fire Department opened up a warming station for residents as early as Tuesday, from 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
Cheboygan resident Wes Lemarble, whose son is a member of the fire department, has spent much of his time at the station while he waits for his power to return.
“For me, it’s been fantastic,” Lemarble said. “I hope other people will use it because we’ve got snacks and water. I go home, feed the cats and come back.”
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If anything has been shown by the Cheboygan community in recent days, it’s been the ability to come together and support one another in a time of difficulty — and it’ll continue that way.
For Neumann, she’s spent much of her time at the hall before heading home at nighttime. She doesn’t know when things will return to normal, but she’ll be there for others in need until that time comes.
“Every person that’s come in has been so nice, willing to help and do things,” Neumann said. “Even though they’re stressed, they’re willing to help each other. We’re open 24/7 until everybody has a place to go.”
This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Cheboygan residents bonding together in aftermath of devastating ice storm
Reporting by Jared Greenleaf, Cheboygan Daily Tribune / Cheboygan Daily Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
