Gogebic County Declares City Under County Emergency

IRONWOOD, MI - Friday, January 09, 2009 - 1:41 PM - Because of the ongoing water main break and the water advisory, the City of Ironwood has asked Gogebic County to declare a County Emergency. Gogebic County has granted the request.

The County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be located at the Ironwood Public Safety Department. All future press releases will be done jointly between the Gogebic County Emergency Manager and the City of Ironwood.

Members of the Ironwood Volunteer Fire Department (IVFD) and the Ironwood Township Volunteer Fire Department (ITVFD) as well as members of other groups will be donating their time at the Ironwood EOC from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, as needed, to deliver water to those unable to get it themselves.

Area fire departments were put on alert if needed for water supplies for fire fighting.

The leak has not yet found, but pressure to some households is increasing after closing some valves. Ontonagon and Michigan's Iron counties have water available for Ironwood if needed. Gogebic Emergency Management has obtained potable water to be located at public safety building. Wal-Mart has a semi-trailer with water en route and the local store has donated their bottled water.

According to recently received reports, Ramme's Collision Center's Shop floor is covered with over a foot of mud. A rushing stream of diverted water damaged the back of the building as well. Area schools were closed, and many area restaurants were also forced to close due to possible water contamination. The City pumps are going steady, and the majority of the City's water reserves have been used up. NAPA Auto Parts parking lot was under a foot and a half of water. The house near the Depot Antiques Shop had to have the electric service disconnected. Several streets and homes throughout the City are flooded.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The Chronicle has received several telephone calls from people trying to confirm a rumor that a young girl was brought to the Grand View Hospital in very ill health due to drinking City water. The Chronicle contacted the Hospital and was informed that the rumors were false. City officials recommend boiling to water as a precautionary measure only. City water levels are severely depleted due to the massive leak on Lake Street. As new information becomes available, we will keep you updated.