Helium balloon leads to power outage at Jackson businesses, homes

About 30 customers in Jackson were without power for a short time Wednesday morning thanks to a helium-filled balloon leftover from a birthday party.

At 9:22 a.m., the balloon crossed a transformer, knocking out power to nearby businesses and residential areas.

Businesses affected were Innovative Idea Integration at 810 E. Jackson Blvd., Just Kids at 608 Rosamund St. and Brennecke Chevrolet at 700 E. Jackson Blvd. Jackson electric crews restored power 17 minutes later.

"Situations like this make you appreciate generators," said Charlie Herbst, vice president of sales at Innovative Idea Integration. "During the ice storms this year, our generator kept us going during the two to three days we didn't have power."