For the Gazette

PORTAGE COUNTY — Public Information Officer David Ray has released information on storm damage and power outages throughout the rest of Portage County.

In addition, there is an updated list of cooling centers after the release.

Full Release:

Portage County was heavily impacted by several storm systems this weekend.  The Portage County Communications Center has been extremely busy fielding hundreds of storm related calls.  Emergency crews are busy assisting where needed. The storms affected multiple areas county-wide. Thousands of residents remain without power.

Utility providers have summoned additional resources from throughout the region and continue working to restore power to affected areas in Portage County.  Power has been restored to some residents. See the attached list of cooling center locations and hours of operations for municipalities throughout the county.  Residents are also encouraged to check with their local municipal officials for information and procedures about removal of storm-related debris.

Many trees and utility lines remain down throughout Portage County, and many roadways are still blocked as a result.  County Highway Department crews are working together with utility crews in some areas. Motorists should use extreme caution.  Stay away from any downed utility lines because those lines may be energized. Please avoid roads with low-hanging and downed utility lines, do not drive around barricades, and avoid unnecessary travel.

If residents have suffered moderate property damage, they should directly contact their insurance companies.  Residents with severe damage (damage exceeding 40% of the assessed property value or structural damage) should report it by calling their insurance companies and by calling 211 where the damage will be logged for tracking purposes.

It is unknown whether Portage County will meet the minimum threshold necessary to receive state or federal funding for this disaster.  At this time, there are no known funds available to assist individual residents.  

The Portage County Emergency Operations Center is open, and Team Members continue working with municipalities to assist in responding to this storm damage and coordinating resources.  The Center has sent information to municipalities regarding the process for logging and reporting loss damages in order to apply to the state for potential disaster relief.   

Remember that damage may have occurred to gas lines in Portage County.  If you smell the odor of natural gas, leave the area, and call Wisconsin Public Service.

Information received from utility companies indicates power may be out in some areas of Portage County for days.  Please check the well-being of your friends, family, neighbors, the elderly and call 911 for any medical emergencies.   Information and tips on how to stay safe during power outages can be found at: https://www.ready.gov/power-outages

Cooling Centers

2019 Portage County Cooling Centers Hours and Locations: Updated 7/22/2019 @13:20

Almond (Have power)

•  Village of Almond Municipal Center at 122 Main Street, Almond 

Hours: 8:00 AM -9:00 PM Monday – Friday (extended hours)

(Phone) 715-366-8171, call to arrange for extended hours

Ability to charge devices.

Amherst (Have power).

• Lettie Jensen Community Center at 487 North Main Street, Amherst 

Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Mondays through Thursdays)

(Phone) 715-824-5202

Ability to charge devices.

Plover (No power – on backup power only)

• Town of Plover Town Hall at 5081 Hoover Avenue, Plover 

Call first to have town hall opened.

Phone: 715-630-5493

Can charge devices – (call to arrange with Town Chair)

• Village of Plover Municipal Center (Have power) (Left message with Dan Mahoney RE: Charging devices.

2400 Post Road, Plover 

Hours: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Mondays through Fridays)

Phone: 715-345-5250

Rosholt (not known)

• Rosholt Branch – Portage County Public Library at 137 North Main Street, Rosholt 

Hours: 2:00 PM-6:00 PM (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays), and 

             10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Wednesdays)

Phone: 715-677-4512

Stevens Point (All sites have power)

• Portage County Aging and Disability Resource Center – Lincoln Center 

at 1519 Water Street, Stevens Point

Hours: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Mondays through Fridays)

Phone: 715-346-1401  

Ability to charge devices.

• Portage County Health and Human Services at 817 Whiting Avenue, Stevens Point 

Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Mondays & Thursdays), 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Tuesdays),  

             8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Wednesdays) and 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Fridays) 

Phone: 715-345-5350

Ability to charge devices.

• Portage County Public Library at 1001 Main Street, Stevens Point 

Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays)

             9:00 AM-8:00 PM (Mondays &Thursdays)

             9:30 AM – 1:00 pm Saturday

Phone: 715-346-1544

Ability to charge devices.

• Salvation Army at 1600 Briggs Street, Stevens Point [note: no cell phones allowed]

Hours: 24 hours Sundays through Saturdays

Phone: 715-341-2437