Natural gas service to 10 homes and businesses near the Lemotte and Reagon streets intersection in St. Ignace were temporarily shut off Tuesday, October 13, owing to a main severed by contracted SEMCO Energy workers. Natural Gas service was shut off for about three hours beginning at 9:20 a.m. while workers repaired the leak.

Tim Lubbers, director of marketing and external affairs for the energy provider, said repairing a gas leak takes time because each customers' gas meter needs to be stopped and started to ensure safety.

"Not only do we shut off the service in the street, we go to each home," he said, "it takes a little bit longer than just flipping a switch."