POSSIBLY THE WORST STORM IN ISLAND HISTORY

March ended with an astounding event as Beaver Island faced a storm like never before. From the end of March into early April, Islanders battled an intense ice storm, which many are calling the worst to date. Numerous residents were left without power for days in cold, hazardous conditions.

Between Sunday, March 30th, and the early days of April, trees accumulated so much ice that they could no longer bear the weight, breaking apart and falling onto homes and roads. These fallen trees made travel difficult, leading to the closure of schools and local businesses due to safety concerns.

Low temperatures and ice accumulation created dangerous conditions, forcing most people to stay indoors and off the roads. As the storm moved across northern Michigan, Beaver Island endured days of ice accumulation and power outages. Much of northern Michigan also experienced severe storm impacts. Emergency support and DNR units from across Michigan were deployed to help towns recover. DNR fire officer and island vacationer Braden Berridge shared, “Several troops from the National Guard have come from all over Michigan to help. I think we have 800 in our location alone, but we cover 12 counties. It’s a shame more people couldn’t be sent to Beaver Island to help, but it’s good they have such a strong community.” Berridge is working on storm cleanup based in Camp Grayling.

Beaver Island resident and local police officer Neal Green expressed his gratitude for the community, stating, “We have held up well considering the disaster on the mainland.” He explained that, because other parts of Michigan were hit by the storm, it was easier for the state to direct aid to towns on the mainland. He emphasized that, without the support units from the mainland, it was fortunate that the community had such a strong network of communication. Green also mentioned that this storm was the worst he had ever experienced, with the most downed power lines from a single storm. According to Officer Green, things have slowed down now, allowing for a bit more relaxation. All roads are open, and homes are accessible. Materials are expected to arrive on Monday for linemen to continue repairing the downed lines. Amid his prideful remarks about the community, Green’s takeaway from the storm was how proud he is to be a part of the Beaver Island community.

In the midst of this challenging situation, the community also took steps to stay safe. One local resident took to social media to encourage others to learn about generator safety. With much of the island without power for days, many residents turned to generators. While these are an excellent backup option, it’s essential to set them up correctly. Improper connections can cause electricity to be rerouted back into power lines, putting linemen at risk. The speed with which this message was shared within the online Beaver Island community was remarkable and potentially life-saving.

As the storm's impact became more prevalent, restoring power and clearing roads was a top priority. Great Lakes Energy Lineman Mike McDonough and Groundman Charlie Hahn have worked tirelessly to restore power, with support from fellow workers Jimmy Wojan, David Schwartzfisher, and assisted by island local Trace Butler. They were joined in their efforts to repair various damages by Peaine Township Foreman Steve Crandall, Ron Marsh, and Brian Kubish, all of whom have contributed greatly to the restoration efforts. Deputy Sheriffs Neal Green and Levi Connor have provided valuable assistance on the ground, ensuring safety and coordination, while Emergency Services Authority Chair John Works, Vice Chair Bobbi Welke, and Rick B (the TDS Guy) have been instrumental in guiding and supporting the community through the crisis. A heartfelt thanks also goes to the Elks Lodge for offering free lunches to the workers, helping to keep them fueled and motivated throughout the storm. With each passing day, more progress is made, allowing more residents to enjoy the comfort of warmth and electricity in their homes.

Despite the storm’s intensity, Beaver Island’s residents have handled it with incredible resilience. Community members came together, using Facebook to keep each other informed with safety updates. Many offered their homes and businesses as safe spaces for warmth and shelter. The storm has truly brought out the best in the community, with locals clearing roads and offering support in any way they could. 

This ice storm will undoubtedly go down in the history books, but what will also be remembered is the remarkable strength and resilience of Beaver Island’s community during this challenging time.