City Personals
Thankfully, this round with ice was not nearly as catastrophic damage wise as the one most of us lived through in 1994. However, the damage to our already debilitated power grid is of the utmost concern.
I feel a big thank you need to be shouted from the rooftops and through the valleys to all of the different power companies who came to our quiet little town to help, once again, restore electricity for all of the HSUD customers. I know there are a lot of “regular” people (not city government affiliated) who have gathered resources to feed the crews who have been working tirelessly for all of us. I do not know them individually, but I do know that Lisa and Tim Liddy opened the Apothecary on the Square to feed those who were close to or in town. Supervisor George Zinn helped with case after case of supplies to be used. There were lots of “runners” involved, as well, delivering hot food plates to the crews in the field in both Benton and Marshall counties. Volunteers. Caring citizens. People who realized there was a need, stepped up and got busy helping. Heroes in my book.
Senator Neil Whaley has been in close contact with constituents daily, checking in on them making sure they have power and if not, advocating for them or along side them. He has been a tremendous help through all of this, as he is always when the chips are falling. He is the first to roll up his sleeves, dig in and get dirty right alongside everyone else. For that, I am beyond grateful. It is not often you come across Senators who are willing to walk the walk and talk the talk. We are all very fortunate to have one of those in our midst!
A newcomer to Holly Springs, Mark Bullock, took the bull by the horns, mapping out who has power and who does not, people who lost weather heads, live lines down, you name it, he has been on top of it. His knowledge has been completely invaluable. Grace Bonds has worked tirelessly with him, as she knows all the roads and neighborhoods that HSUD covers. The duo has posted updates on social media, given out cell numbers for people to text information or call them, everything above and beyond what normal citizens do. The command center for this operation was mind blowing - a plotter large enough to print grids and computer screens galore with varying information on them all regarding the power here. Truly if not for these two, I am not sure any information would have been given to the public otherwise.
Once again, I am here confirming that we, as a united people, have come together to try and do better for our community, not just Holly Springs. Anyone who has HSUD as a power company have offered help, places to go take hot showers, have hot meals, etcetera. My heart overflows knowing there are so many caring individuals here - I always knew it, I am just glad they popped out of the woodwork to make themselves known.
The one positive that has come out of this was me spending the weekend with my children in Olive Branch - they never lost power. I always enjoy the opportunity to love on my grandgirl, Delilah. Seeing your adult children thriving is the best gift anyone could ever have in this lifetime.