Scott's Home Repair

09/14/2023

Miss you uncle Scott, me and Landon

07/05/2023

April 1, 1963: Ontonagon's Worst Flood
By Karl Bohnak

A combination of unseasonably warm weather and thick, solid ice left from one of the coldest winters of the 20th century resulted in record flooding of the Ontonagon River in early April 1963. On March 31, the temperature rose to 72 degrees, a welcome change after the area endured severe, consistent cold from early January into the first half of March. Trouble began quickly that day as heavy runoff from rapidly melting snow met with a solid ice pack on Lake Superior. In addition, river ice began to break apart. The first heavy ice flow came down the Ontonagon April 1 and jammed up against the railroad bridge. Heavy flooding swept over the entire island between the river and slough and then spread throughout the center of the village, spreading icy water from two to three feet deep.

Damage to property and businesses was extensive. Boat houses were demolished along with the watercraft in them. The boats were then swept into Lake Superior or wrecked by the ice, piled high on adjoining land. In area businesses, the water rose so fast there was no time to move or shift stock. Buildings on the south side of River Street were soaked with up to four feet of water. As the water receded, a thick coat of red silt mixed in places with oily substances was deposited over everything the flood touched. Truckloads of flooded food and other merchandise ended up in the village dump—a precaution taken to prevent the possible spread of waterborne disease.

The village slowly got back to normal as the water receded and found its way into Lake Superior; this despite a two-mile ice jam which still held on the lake. Conservative estimates of damage was placed at over a half million dollars.

The last big widespread U.P. flood occurred 18 years ago. Heavy rain fell on a thick snow pack in mid-April 2002 and was quickly followed by record warmth. This particular combination of weather elements is the worst for U.P. snowmelt floods.

This year there should be little in the way of problems from spring run-off. Over southern portions, the snow pack is thin and melting steadily. However, the nights have been cold enough to slow the meltdown. Northern portions still have a thick snow pack, so a quick melt would cause problems. Again, warm days and chilly nights should keep the thaw in check. There are also indications that a colder than average weather pattern will set up in about a week. So it does not appear that Upper Michigan will endure the heavy rain and early summer heat that occurred in mid-April 2002.

Below: River Street in Ontonagon was aptly named in early April 1963.

11/11/2022

For the good times...miss you so much ❤

Taking my nephew Ben to his first pro football game for his 13th birthday...GO LIONS

11/11/2021

Scott's nephew

06/09/2020

Me and the Smellberdeen say Hey❤️

06/09/2020

Missing you Scott if you were here it’s ur turn to feed the chickens 🐓 ducks 🦆 and rabbits 🐇

06/08/2020

This home is up for sale in August call 9063650099 for details

02/25/2020

Wish you were here to see this little angel. Miss you Scott, until we meet again. 😢❤️❤️

09/10/2019

I would like to thank all the folks who came out to the funeral and luncheon today. So many beautiful memories shared some tears but much more laughter god bless all of you and again thank you

09/08/2019

Scott’s funeral is tomorrow at Koskey Funeral Home in Negaunee from 11-1pm with a luncheon to follow at the Palmer Fire Hall.

09/06/2019

If you are needing a handyman to fix things up, maybe hang a door or window, fences, decks give us a call at 9063650099 I’ve got just the guy for you.

08/27/2019

Update: Scott’s funeral time has changed it will be 11-1 with the luncheon afterwards at the Palmer fire hall. September 9. Thank you