Local News

The final bills aren’t tallied, but it’s looking like the snow and ice storm of 2009 is going to be costly.

Harrison County Judge-Executive Alex Barnett estimated totals as of Friday were nearing $25,000.

Salt alone is costing about $8,775 for 150 tons. Another 200 tons were ordered Friday at $58.50 per ton.

The county used 300 tons of rock at a cost of $3,535. Add to that another $550 for equipment costs, such as chainsaws used in tree and debris removal.

A trip to the mailbox for an Oddville man became a life-threatening endeavor last Wednesday afternoon.

Operating a tractor, Robert Delano was traveling on Apple Lane toward his mailbox, when swift creek currents swept his tractor off the low-lying bridge and into Beaver Creek.

With increased cell phone usage due to the snow/ice storm, Delano’s attempts to use his cell phone to call 911 failed. Delano dialed a friend in Mt. Olivet who was able to reach 911.

Harrison County firefighter Doug Brooks responded.

During a special meeting Thursday evening, commissioners voted to declare a state of emergency for the city of Cynthiana after the snow storm that hit the area Jan. 26-28.

In the legal declaration, City Attorney John Lair read that downed trees and power lines had created a “hardship for citizens of Cynthiana and Harrison County.”

The emergency shelter at Cynthiana Christian Church  is empty and on stand by after 44 Harrison County residents came to the church for a warm meal and a warm night’s stay this past week.

Shelter coordinator Gayle Velat said almost all of the individuals at the shelter returned home when their electricity was restored over the weekend.

Velat said cots and other materials would remain set up in the church throughout the week, in case of additional power outages.