LEWISTON — Many towns were decimated by the ice storm this week, but while larger cities are getting help, many smaller ones are still waiting.
The term DIY is applied to home renovations, but when it comes to cleaning up after a natural disaster, it shouldn’t be in the vocabulary.
However, many small towns like Lewiston are being left to fend for themselves as they wait for aid.
While there are no official warming shelters, Tally’s Bar has become the heart of the community.
Many locals are stepping up as leaders to help those in need remove trees from their homes as linemen and women make their way to the area.
“It’s hard to see people go without basic necessities,” Tally’s Bar owner Tyler Smith said. “Being able to bathe, being able to drink water, being able to cook or provide for themselves. People are getting cold. Luckily, the sun is shining today. And giving people a little inspiration to go out and take a break from how they’re suffering. But we just need more.”
Tyler tells us he knows the crews have a lot of ground to cover, but feels like small towns like his are being left behind.
And Alethea Mshar, a nurse at MyMichigan Health, said she is afraid that if help takes any longer, people could start to die.
Tyler asks people who can to reach out and donate what they can.