446 without power for two hours

Power to 446 Marion County residences and businesses failed for two hours Friday because of equipment failure on one of several transmission lines serving the area, a Westar Energy spokesman said.

Power failed around 9:45 a.m. Friday in portions of Marion, Florence, and the area around Marion Reservoir. It was restored around 11:45 a.m. Westar originally estimated that 1,308 homes and businesses — nearly half the total served in that area — were without power but lowered the estimate after repairs were made.

Power remained on at some homes and businesses within the blackout area because they are served by different transmission lines, Westar said.

Marion County Courthouse and Jail and the Marion waterworks were affected by the blackout but continued operations using emergency backup generators.