CRISFIELD — Crisfield Academy and High School has dismissed early today because of a power outage. The electric power was not able to be consistently restored and dismissal began at 10 a.m.  Delmarva Power is continuing to work on the problem.

It was earlier in the morning, just after 7 a.m. when residents heard what sounded like an explosion that was explained by Crisfield Fire Chief Frankie Pruitt and police Cpl. Christopher Hill as the light breaking on a pole on Mercury Drive, across from the band room. Principal James Conrow later indicated the problem may be with a utility pole being hit.

The Supervisor of Facilities and Capital Planning responded to the scene, as did Delmarva Power. While school officials were optimistic that the power would be restored in a timely fashion, bus contractors were summoned in case they were needed to take students back home.

"No staff member or student is injured. There is a generator at the school which is operational. Delmarva Power officials are estimating the power will be restored in  less than an hour or within two to three hours. Decisions involving the students and staff are forthcoming," said school system spokesperson Leo Lawson during the early hours of the school day.

Superintendent Dr. John Gaddis was also optimistic, stating that DP&L said service should be on in an hour. "We continue to monitor the temperature and the situation and everyone is fine in the building," he stated.

There is no indication that this problem will force a school cancellation on Thursday.