Excessive rain causes power loss, parks maintenance in Lake Mills

Nearly 2000 residents were without power in Lake Mills Sunday morning. Straight-line winds recorded at 92 miles per hour knocked down trees which led to electrical pole damage.

City Director of Public Works Randy Myrum said the crews have been working all week on all of the trees that were downed by the storm. Fortunately, he said there is no damage to infrastructure, just the electrical system.

Eric Schreiner, Facility and Grounds Director, said the city is dealing not just with the impact of the storm, but also the large amount of rain that the area has seen in the past several days.

Schreiner said the volleyball courts have been flooded, and the rain is causing the grass to grow pretty quickly. The city crews have been out mowing lawns more frequently than usual.

“It’s just a very high amount of work,” Schreiner said. “As soon as we’re done mowing, we go back and do it again.”

The rain has also caused an increase in park occupancy, according to Schreiner. When it’s not raining, it’s been very sunny and warm, so there is incentive for residents to get out and use the parks when they can. Nevertheless, Schreiner said this is the point of the parks, which is why they have not closed down despite the increase in park maintenance due to weather conditions.