Portland neighbors rally together after ice jam, flood

PORTLAND, Mich. (WOOD) — Nearly a week after monstrous ice jams caused destructive flooding, damage remains an ongoing issue for residents and businesses in Portland.City officials requested that the governor declare a state of emergency, but for now everyone is working with what resources they have.Great Lakes Publishing on Kent Street suffered lots of flood damage in the basement after the river poured in last week."All the drywall needs to be replaced. Our phones are fried," co-owner Kim Kramer told 24 Hour News 8.Kramer, her employees and family members joined cleanup crews Tuesday, trying to salvage what they can.After the flooding,Hometown Sports on Bridge Street quickly cranked out a new design for Ice Jam 2019 T-shirts and hooded sweatshirts."Proceeds from these shirts are going directly to the community fund to help," said employee Amanda May.The Portland Community Fund Association helps residents and organizations during hard times. The ice jam flooding definitely qualifies. The association is offering checks up to $500 to ease the recovery process for flood victims. Anyone affected can get the one-page application on the foundation's website or at Portland City Hall. The checks are given shortly after applying and attaching receipts and any photos of damage.More at WOODTV.com