Couple keeps plugging along

Couple keeps plugging along

By TIM YOVICH

Vindicator Trumbull staff

LEAVITTSBURG — Frank Lutz says he’s found a way to deal with the lack of heat because of a power outage: an occasional sip from the bottle.

In addition to losing electricity, Layer Road in front of his Warren Township home has been barricaded to through traffic by the township because Duck Creek overflowed its banks.

Standing in his garage with his hands in his pockets, the 75-year-old Lutz said that a vehicle can get through the standing water — if the driver is careful.

The creek flows to the Mahoning River, which often overflows here during heavy rains.

Lutz and his wife, Phyllis, also 75, lost power about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The ice storm that bent tree branches and bushes caused two large branches in their front yard to crack under the weight. One of the branches struck a front yard pole, cutting off power to the home.

Asked what to do when electrical service is lost, Lutz responded in an easy voice: “Nothing. Get cold.”

“You can’t use anything. Nothing works without electricity,” he commented.

Fortunately for the couple, their basement didn’t flood, although there’s a lot of water around it. A gasoline-powered generator keeps their sump pump running.

“I can’t watch TV. I’ve just got a battery radio. That’s all,” Lutz said.

While Lutz talked about his power outage, his wife was staying warm at a neighbor’s home.

“Cold doesn’t bother me. I take a little nip of brandy now and then,” Lutz, a retired feed store owner, said with a sheepish grin.

The Lutzes can still cook on a gas stove in the basement, so there are no plans on going out for dinner.

An Ohio Edison Co. crew arrived at the their home to inspect the damage Wednesday but left. There is no word on when they’ll be back.

“That’s probably why they didn’t want to catch me. I’m the only one” in the neighborhood without electricity, he surmised.

Lutz figured his wife would make her way back from the neighbors sooner or later.

As for the cold night approaching, Lutz said, “I’ll keep her warm some way.”

yovich@vindy.com