A rainstorm and high wind
s early Thursday morning knocked out power lines in the Wayland area and left many residents without power for about 14 hours.
The Leighton Township Fire Department was summoned to handle a wire down across two roads, one of them a major road.
“None of us knew when the tones went off at two minutes after midnight that we would be there till 1 p.m.,” said Leighton Fire Chief Tony Banas. “I would personally like to thank every person who came out and asked us if we needed anything… Deputy Don Roberts who helped me get a prescription that my daughter needed. My mom, who we had to wake up to take my daughter to the doctor. The lady who bought us breakfast at McDonald’s and then had to drive a good distance just to bring it to us. And every other person who stopped to ask if we needed anything or just a quick talk just to help pass the time.
“The Christmas spirit was definitely in the citizens of Leighton Township and the City of Wayland… It was greatly appreciated.”
Power was restored to most Wayland area homes by about 4 p.m. Thursday. Other areas in Grand Rapids weren’t so fortunate, still lacking power until Saturday morning.
(Photo courtesy of Janet Gort-Bowers)