UP: To the utility company employees, many from out of state, who have been working long days in the extreme heat restoring power to area residents. While we know everyone wants their power restored as soon as possible, it has been a tremendously difficult situation for everyone. Many of the workers haven't seen their families for several days while working 12-15-hour days. Even the utility workers from this area haven't seen their own families much this week, including the July 4 holiday. They have all done a great job, and we want them all to know their hard work has been greatly appreciated.
UP: To all of the people who have spent much of the past week visiting residents without power, taking them water, ice and just a friendly smile to let them know they are not alone.
UP: To the annual Mountain State Art and Craft Festival, which concludes today at Ripley's Cedar Lakes center. The annual festival brings the best artisans and old-time musicians for three days of fun. While the weather was extremely hot and undoubtedly cut into attendance, the event is still one of the highlights of the year.
UP: To members of the Lubeck Volunteer Fire Department for opening the station's doors for about 16 hospice patients who needed a place to stay after the June 29 storm knocked power out of the area. The station had a generator running until its power came back on Saturday. While giving the patients, many needing oxygen, and their families a place to stay out of the heat, the VFD also answered fire calls and helped out with the storm cleanup.
UP: To the area's mayors - Bob Newell of Parkersburg, David Nohe of Vienna, Jean Ford of Williamstown, Mike Lorentz of Belpre and Joe Matthews of Marietta - for their leadership in the days following the massive storm. In our opinion, the mayors all did a good job of leading their cities through the uncertainty that prevailed in those early hours. City services and clean-up efforts began almost immediately to aid residents. While it certainly can't be called just another week, the mayors seemed to have things running as smoothly as possibly given the circumstances.
