In case you're wondering, Kenergy, KU and all of their contracting crews and extra help are on the job this morning. Lisa Owen, spokesperson for Kenergy, said early Saturday that the number of powerless customers in Crittenden County is down to 340. Remember that Tuesday, the figure was 2,400 or more. We have no official, current KU information, but know of a few of their customers still without power.
We are a gracious community, knowing that the utility companies have worked virtually round the clock to get us back on. Unfortunately, parts of the Mexico and Frances communities remain in the dark. Got up this morning, took a cold spit bath and made it quickly to town where at least there is hot coffee and a warm office.
The good thing is that I don't have livestock to worry about. The dog is well fed and has hardly realized we're without lights. In fact, there's no indication that the English setter has a clue that something is awry. Kind of ticks me off the way he wakes up wagging that long white tail. A few farmers have told me they lost cattle due to the storm. Mostly the sick, frail and newborn were at high risk. Since we're in the middle of calving season, it's certain that area ranchers lost baby cows if they weren't able to get them under shelter.
Many other folks are worried about their damaged trees. The Bradford Pears have suffered tremendously. So have pines and junipers. It's clear why those species are not native to this part of the country -- they can't handle the periodic harsh winter weather.
Corey Payne, the local UK Extension agent, is going to be gathering up some information about what can be done to save landscape trees and shrubs damaged by the storm. Pruning them should be done in an appropriate method. We've talked to Corey and are trying to reach a UK arboriculture specialist to find out more details. Stay tuned to The Press printed edition for some helpful information on that front.
