Cheboygan Area Schools

Consumers Energy Update – Cheboygan County

Cheboygan Area Schools has received the following update from Consumers Energy regarding ongoing operations at the hydro facility: Consumers Energy anticipates attempting to power the turbines at the Cheboygan hydro facility sometime today to assess whether they are operational. This process has been evolving, and the exact timing is not yet confirmed.

If the facility is powered, it will require a temporary shutdown of the substation, which could result in a power outage affecting approximately 5,000 residents in the Cheboygan area. It is also possible that multiple shutdowns may be necessary if additional attempts are required. Consumers Energy will continue to communicate with the County Emergency Manager and will provide more specific timing information as it becomes available.

Additionally, Consumers Energy is coordinating with the American Red Cross to support emergency shelter efforts if needed. We appreciate everyone’s continued patience and cooperation as we navigate the ongoing flooding situation in our community.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cheboygan Area Schools
School Closure Due to Flooding and Ongoing Emergency Conditions

Cheboygan, MI — Cheboygan Area Schools will be closed tomorrow and Friday due to ongoing flooding and unsafe travel conditions across the district.

District leadership has been in close communication with local emergency management officials throughout the morning. At this time, conditions are not improving significantly and, in some areas, continue to worsen. Many families remain displaced due to the evacuation notice, and in particular, the areas near Black Lake and the Black River, where flooding has intensified.

Transportation safety remains a primary concern. Bus drivers have been directed not to travel through standing water, and with shifting floodplain conditions, several routes are currently unsafe or inaccessible. As a result, the district cannot ensure safe and reliable transportation for students at this time.

The district will continue to monitor conditions closely in coordination with the Sheriff’s Office and local emergency management. While school is canceled for tomorrow and Friday, we expect to have a better understanding of the situation over the weekend and determine next steps moving forward.

“These are difficult decisions, but the safety of our students, staff, and families must come first,” said Ben Wilson, High School Assistant Principal. “We appreciate the patience and flexibility of our community as we navigate these challenging circumstances.”

All athletic events, are also canceled to maintain consistency and prioritize safety. However, for all AWAY games only for tomorrow, Friday, and Saturday, the coach and AD will make the determination on whether it is safe to travel without any compromises. Each away game will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The current State of Emergency remains in effect through Sunday. District officials are hopeful that, if conditions improve, school will resume on Monday.

Further updates will be shared through official district communication channels as they become available.

Spencer S. Byrd
Superintendent
Cheboygan Area Schools

Cheboygan Area Schools are canceled for tomorrow, Wednesday, April 15th.

This afternoon, the County issued an evacuation order for low-lying areas due to a levee breach in the Little Black River Watershed (not related to the Cheboygan Dam). Residents in the affected area should evacuate immediately and travel south of Cheboygan. Please leave a visible cloth on your door to indicate that you have evacuated, or call 911 if you require assistance. First responders are actively assisting with evacuations this evening and will continue into tomorrow.

FYI - All afterschool activities, clubs, and/or games and events are cancelled for today, April 14th, after school.

As you know, we are currently holding at Level 1 (“Ready”). If conditions escalate to Level 2 (“Set”), CAS will consult with the EOC to seek guidance on whether school should be held tomorrow. The next level beyond “Set” is Level 3 (“Evacuate”), so any movement to Level 2 will require careful consideration and likely a discussion regarding school for tomorrow. We will continue to keep you and others updated as more information becomes available.

In addition, please visit our website for the most recent information regarding the dam and/or the Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page for the most up-to-date information:

https://www.chebschools.org/news
https://www.facebook.com/p/Cheboygan-County-Sheriffs-Office-100081259028439/

CAS has been in constant communication with the County Emergency Response Team today. Currently, there is no concern regarding dismissal, and the school day will continue as normal today. After school today, and into the early evening, we will continue to monitor the situation. The areas of concern are pictured, and we plan to follow the leadership and guidance of the EOC throughout this entire process.

For the most recent information, please refer to the Cheboygan County page: https://www.facebook.com/p/Cheboygan-County-100064894741671/

A big thank you to all of our “Safety PD Afternoon” presenters! We had a busy and productive afternoon, learned a great deal, and covered a wide range of important topics. Additionally, thank you to our faculty and staff for your attentiveness and engagement—both are greatly appreciated. Go Chiefs!