Fire destroys Bergland Food Store

BERGLAND — Bergland Foods Store, formerly known as Nordine’s, was destroyed in a fire Friday morning.

According to an official on the scene, a family living in the apartment behind the store/gas station heard three small explosions around 2 a.m. The family left the apartment safely and called 911 after seeing black smoke coming from the building.

The family is staying at a local motel after the loss of its apartment.

Officers responded from the Ontonagon County Sheriff’s Department and Michigan State Police Wakefield Post. Fire departments from Bergland, Lake Gogebic, Carp Lake and Marenisco also responded.

According to the official, a fire marshal from the Michigan State Police will investigate the cause.

By Friday afternoon, the store was destroyed and was being torn down.

“The township of Bergland would like to thank all the firemen who responded and assisted with this fire, as well as all of the community residents who have extended their help and support,” township supervisor Dale Kuivenen said.

Former owner Tom Nordine said the building was built in 1967 and was purchased by his family in 1981. After 32 years, it was sold to Ray Forester, of Wausau, Wis., in January 2012.

According to Nordine, the store was one of four stores his family owned, and now only one remains.

Stores in Bruce Crossing and Ewen no longer exist and the store in Watersmeet is still owned by the Nordines.

—Cortney Ofstad