NORTHERN MICHIGAN – Amid the long days of cutting through fallen trees and clearing debris from roads near Lewiston, Michigan, Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) forester Jason Mittlestat found a quiet moment to pause. He set down his chainsaw and joined others for a welcome surprise: a warm, community-provided lunch.
That meal, offered by St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, was just one of many acts of kindness that brought comfort to those working in the aftermath of the devastating March 30–31 ice storm that swept through 12 northern Michigan counties. The church also opened its doors for hot showers and beds to those without power or shelter.
“It was donated food and all volunteers running it,” said Teresa Collins, the church secretary. “One day we served 600 meals.”
For Mittlestat, what stood out wasn’t just the physical work being done — it was the spirit behind it.
“Neighbors helping neighbors. People helping out,” he said. “That’s how people are getting out of this.”
That sentiment echoed around the dinner table later that evening, as we asked our team not about the roads cleared or the miles driven, but what would truly stay with them long after this mission ended.
Todd Markham, another DNR forester from Baraga, reflected: “The human spirit is to be kind. I don’t want people to think we’re bragging about the stuff we cut. So many people were out there doing all of this. Neighbor to neighbor. All over. And we got to see that.”
Around the room, age and experience gave way to heartfelt stories. What we all shared was gratitude — for the warm welcomes, the homemade meals, and the unity we witnessed.
Rae Weiland, a firefighter from Plainwell, shared her perspective as someone new in the field: “I’m sort of early in my career. Everyone being able to come together and work towards a common goal, that’s what I’ve really appreciated.”
One road-clearing crew was handed a stack of thank-you cards from local children. Each one was filled with bright colors and encouraging words like “We’re cheering for you” and “You can do it.”
As empty plates were pushed aside and the scent of sawdust lingered in the air, more stories poured out — small moments of kindness that meant everything.
Yes, our mission was to clear nearly 750 miles of road and restore access to almost 50 communication towers. But what we’re leaving with is something even more powerful: a deeper understanding of resilience — not only in the forests, but in the hearts of the communities we served.
Jen Hansen, a DNR fire supervisor based in Atlanta, captured that beautifully.
“One day I saw a grove of aspens, bent but not broken by the ice. They’d arched into a tunnel,” she said. “It was beautiful. But the most impressive thing was the community support — not just towards us, but towards each other.”
