Fire destroys bowling alley that was ‘vital’ to small town

HOUGHTON LAKE, Mich. (AP) — Fire destroyed a bowling alley in a small town in Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula, a longtime community hub for people who enjoy the sport.

“It’s something that was vital to our community and we are going to miss it, you know, until it’s back,” said Jay Jacobs, director of the Houghton Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Fire struck Dart Lanes early Wednesday in Houghton Lake in Roscommon County. TV stations posted video and pictures of melted balls and blackened pins. The cause was under investigation.

“It was sad, very sad to see a place like this go in flames. … It’s just a landmark,” manager Carlos Jean-Francois told WWTV/WWUP-TV.

He said the bowling alley will be rebuilt.

Many bowlers visited the scene after hearing the news. Rebecca Storm said she was practicing at Dart Lanes a day before the fire.

“This is where we have friendships and fun and enjoying a sport that we love. This is a personal loss as much as a community loss,” she said.