City releases update on storm event, power outages
For the City Times
STEVENS POINT — Mayor Mike Wiza has sent out a press release containing information regarding the most recent updates to power outages that have affected the area.
This update outlines the activities of Fire and EMS, reported injuries, cleared roads, power outages, and much more.
The release is in full below:
Stevens Point was impacted by a severe storm that moved through Portage County on July 20th. City crews, WPS personnel and Emergency Service staff have been out all weekend and continue to address issues within the city and beyond.
There were no reports of serious injuries, which is the most important news. The city Fire and EMS staff had 62 runs in a 48 hour period, so it’s been busy.
Most roads have been cleared, but there may still be hazards. As always, use caution. The Church Street underpass is still flooded and closed off. Do not attempt to drive through it, take an alternate route.
WPS has called in about 75 more personnel from out of state to assist with power restoration in our area. As of this morning there are still about 4200 households in the city without power. With all of the locations without power and all of the crews working, it is difficult to predict when, specifically, your power might be restored. Be patient, please.
WPS has an outage map available at:
https://accel.wisconsinpublicservice.com/outagesummary/view/outagegrid.aspx
Many businesses and residents have stepped up to help with whatever resources they have. Social Media has been a pretty good source of those offers. Things that we’ve been made aware of are: Lineage Logistics is offering cold food storage, if needed. Shower facilities are available at Adventure 212 and the YMCA, Ice from The Bottle Stop and people helping cut and remove trees. More information can be found at the United Way of Portage County’s Facebook page.
The city’s brush drop off will have extended hours all week. We will be open from 7am until 7pm each week with the hopes of returning to regular hours on Saturday.
We will be having a limited brush pickup scheduled for next week. Because this will pull staff from road repairs and other projects, we ask that this be limited to people who have no other alternative. If you are able to drop the brush off, you should. For those who are unable to take their brush in, have your branches at the curb with the larger ends facing the street. We can take branches up to about 6” in diameter and no more than 4’ in length.
Temperatures shouldn’t get too bad over the next few days, but cooling centers are available throughout the county allowing people to charge needed medical equipment and mobile devices including Ascension St. Michael’s and the Salvation Army.
Finally, if you have significant damage to your home (damage at 40% of their assessed value or structural damage) please contact 211 to have the damage logged.
Please help each other. Check on friends, family and neighbors. We’re working as best we can to address needs based on priority.