CALUMET, MI-- The Village of Calumet is trying to find a way forward after a fire destroyed three buildings in the downtown area over the weekend.
Village Manager Caleb Katz says he’s looking into getting financial assistance to rebuild.
“Our state representatives, local representatives and even federal representatives have been very responsive, very helpful and kind of listening to what our needs are, and I know that they’re going to be doing the best that they can to try to find us some sort of funding or money.”
Local hotels are assisting the 37 people who were displaced by the fire. Businesses and residents have been donating food, clothing, money and furniture to those affected. Katz says the incident has shown him how strong residents’ bonds really are.
“Everyone’s on the same team up here and that’s something great about the western UP and the Keweenaw area, that everyone cares about each other and they all want to help out.”
Calumet officials eventually want to redevelop the burned site. Katz has been talking to local business owners and economic development groups. He says any new building constructed will keep the area’s historical character.
The cause of the fire still isn’t known. The site is being treated as a crime scene.
