Approximately 20,000 Mingo County residents were left without power Dec. 18, 2009, after what is being referred to as, the snow storm of the century.

According to Jarred Fletcher, the director of Mingo County’s Office of Emergency Services, power was restored to all Mingo County residents around Dec 28, and all out-of-state crews have returned home. The county is still working to remove fallen trees, and damaged radio equipment, including radio and 911 towers.

“If the cold weather continues it will take longer to complete repairs,” explained Fletcher. “If the snow continues it could take us up to ten days longer.”

Approximately 60 line crews were brought into the area to replace damaged lines. American Electric Power spent a total of $7 million statewide in manpower and overtime, around $400,000 was spent in Mingo County alone.

The National Guard also had various posts throughout the county, playing a support role to assist County Officials with anything needed.

Shelters were established at Matewan City Hall, Delbarton Opry House, Williamson Volunteer Fire Department, Kermit Community Center and Gilbert Elementary School.

The Mingo County Commission distributed 4,000 gallons of Kerosene throughout the county, distributed free of charge, to assist residents in heating their homes.

Fletcher explained that the county does have a disaster plan in place for emergencies, such as floods and snow storms.

“We have relied on our disaster plan,” said Fletcher. “We treated this the same as the flood, the snow storm was just more wide-spread.”

“Mingo County is resilient,” said Fletcher. “We bounced back from the flood and we will bounce back from this.”

Fletcher gave special thanks to Judge Michael Thornsbury, County Commissioners John Mark Hubbard, Gregory K. “Hootie” Smith, and David L. Baisden, and all five Mingo County Mayors for their cooperations, support and assistance during this natural disaster. Fletcher also commended all of the county fire department, who worked to deliver Kerosene, Oxygen, and other supplies to those left without power.

“All of these people were also without power,” said Fletcher. “They assisted by contributing time and support, and I appreciate all of them for helping me to keep Mingo County as efficient and safe as possible.”