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The Harris-Rush City-Cambridge region of East Central Electric Power Cooperative was hit pretty hard in last week's storms, right before the July 4 holiday. Cindy Rolain, speaking for ECE, said if you consider the whole service territory, an estimated 30 percent of ECE customers were without power. She added, initially 16,000 customers were identified as not having service late Friday, the result of very strong wind activity through east central Minnesota.

ECE response teams were dispatched immediately and by Tuesday, this week, crews were still working on restoring 1,700 members' service.

Rolain said the main issue was how widespread the wind damage was, and many area roads first had to be cleared of fallen trees and debris just to get to the lines.

ECE appreciates the aid from nine cooperatives, who Rolain said sent skilled laborers and equipment to assist. Three construction contractors and six tree companies have also been helping restore service. Property loss included 100 poles that snapped or were seriously damaged, Rolain added.

ECE celebrates its 75th year this year. Its service area is throughout east central Minnesota to northwest Wisconsin. The co-op has 57,000 homes farms and businesses as members. All powerlines should be assumed to be carrying power, ECE advises. Stay away from downed lines or sagging lines and anything that may be in contact with the service.

Chisago County Sheriff Rick Duncan said Tuesday there were no serious injuries or major incidents related to the weather over the holiday weekend. Some signs blew over, several structures were damaged and even destroyed, but the emergency responders reported no major concerns.

There was a house fire July 5. The 9-1-1 center alerted firefighters of smoke inside a home on 258th in Chisago Lake Township South, just after midnight. The family was out of the dwelling as firefighters with Lindstrom, Center City, and Chisago City arrived. (Also see law enforcement page.)

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