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Pole Barn goes pitch dark, but how did it happen?

Screen Shot 2016-03-13 at 1.26.08 PMNORA SPRINGS, IOWA – Some say a dirty trick was pulled on the Pole Barn Theater juice bar this past weekend, which potentially put people in danger.

NIT has confirmed with a number of persons that at 2 AM Sunday morning, March 13, the lights went out at the Pole Barn Theatre in downtown Nora Springs.

The establishment was pitch back inside when the lights suddenly stopped functioning – with numerous patrons and “entertainers” inside.  Confusion and near-chaos ensued, NIT is told.

According to bouncer Aron Bierl and another bouncer, Joel, the darkness was an intentional act – and a dangerous one.

Speaking with NIT by phone from Minneapolis, Joel tells NIT that he was outside the Pole Barn Theater at 2 AM when a man who was protesting said “watch this” and disappeared around the corner at the north side of the building. Immediately, he reappeared, Joel describes, “whistling, with a big smile on his face. He was wearing a green sweater.”

The electric meter and breaker box behind the Pole Barn Theatre
The electric meter and breaker box behind the Pole Barn Theatre

At this moment, the lights inside the Pole Barn Theater went out, bouncer Aron Bierl says, sending patrons and dancers into “chaos”.

“No one knew what happened, it was frightening,” Bierl tells NIT. “Everyone was confused.  It was a very dangerous situation. There were entertainers, people drinking. No one could see anything. Someone could have fallen and injured themselves. People were at risk.”

Mr. Bierl says he got his phone out and used what light it had to see. Soon, the other bouncer Joel came inside. He and Bierl said “people started to leave, the place was emptying out.”

The breaker box is not locked at this time
The breaker box is not locked at this time, nor was it Sunday morning

The lights remained out for about 10 minutes. This is when Joel went outside to the rear, west side of the building. In the alley there, he found the breaker box and flipped open the lid. He then saw the breaker was “off”. He put the breaker to the “on” position, which turned the power and the lights back on inside the juice bar.

By then, most people had left, both bouncers say. A few remained, however, and the establishment remained open until 3 AM closing time.

NIT spoke to an Alliant Energy spokesman, Justin Foss. He confirmed Alliant Energy provides the power to 14 North Hawkeye Avenue, home of the Pole Barn Theater.    Mr. Foss explained that power would go to the meter, and then from there Alliant cannot track what happens.  He says there was no loss of power delivery from Alliant to the meter at this address Sunday morning, or anytime recently.

Dale Peterson with his bouncer, Joel
Dale Peterson with his bouncer, Joel

Owner Dale Peterson also confirmed to NIT that the power was out and his patrons and employees were put at risk.  Speaking to NIT via phone, Mr. Peterson said he spoke to Nora Springs police about the incident.

“The police were respectful, and they told me they would try to find out who pulled the breaker on us,” Mr. Peterson said.  He expects a busy night Thursday evening, with up to 7 “entertainers” work

A message left with Nora Springs police was returned by Chief of Police Jesse Dugan.  He confirmed that he spoke to Mr. Peterson Monday about the incident.

“I spoke to Dale, he told me what happened.  I’m investigating, taking statements.  It could be a criminal mischief thing, or something else.  I’m not sure yet what happened.”

NIT will follow up with Chief Duggan for more developments in this on-going situation.

Alley behind Pole Barn Theater
Alley behind Pole Barn Theater
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