By By Sheila Blackmon/The Meridian Star
Feb. 27, 2001
DEKALB Road and bridge employees here are helping their neighbors in Lowndes County recover from recent severe weather.
The damaging straight-line winds in what is called a derechoe by weather service officials hit earlier this month.
Kemper County Road and Bridge Manager Glenn Williams said he and his employees were in Columbus all last week and will be back there several days this week.
Williams said he was astounded at the amount of damage and has asked his supervisors to urge supervisors in other nearby counties to assist Lowndes County residents.
He said Leake County officials sent 11 trucks one day but had to recall their trucks. He said he has 10 Kemper County employees in five trucks and a front-end loader assigned to the clean-up.
Lowndes County Road Manager Hal Baggett said he has seen considerable progress made and planned to reassess needs Monday afternoon after a ride through the county.
He said Kemper County employees were "most helpful," staying to help all last week and even leaving their equipment over the weekend for Lowndes County employees to use.
Anyone interested in offering further assistance can call Baggett at 662-329-5840.
Lowndes County Emergency Management Agency Director Larry Miller said power has been restored in many homes but help is still needed clearing trees and debris. He can be reached at 662-329-5110.
Sheila Blackmon is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail her at sblackmon@themeridianstar.com.