Community Shined In Aftermath Of Storm
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Chamber Report
By Jessie Gurner
When the sleet stopped and the freezing rain settled in over Water Valley, it didn’t take long for things to get dangerous. Roads slicked over, trees started bending, and just about everything stopped at the same time.
Power didn’t just go out. Limbs came down. Trees toppled. Power poles broke under the weight of the ice. It was real damage, the kind that takes time, equipment, knowledge and muscle to fix. And yet, when the sun finally came out, the whole town sparkled. Every branch caught the light. It was one of those moments that made you stop and look, even while knowing there was a lot of work ahead.
Power outages stretched across much of this part of the state, and most of Water Valley was without electricity. Our electric department crews, along with crews from other towns, worked long hours in cold, dangerous conditions. They dealt with downed trees, broken poles, icy roads, and long days that ran into longer nights. The work was slow at times, but it was steady, and it was done with care.
Behind the scenes, the street and water departments were just as busy, handling issues as they came up and keeping things running as smoothly as possible under tough conditions. At the same time, the Fire Department and Police Department were out responding to calls, checking on situations around town, and helping keep people safe while roads were slick and power was out. A lot of this work isn’t always visible, but it made a real difference.
Fountain Square was opened and staffed by volunteers as a place for out-of-town crews to get warm meals. Every bit of that food was donated by local businesses and individual citizens who wanted to help however they could. Cornerstone was also made available so crews could take hot showers, a small thing that meant a lot after long days working in the cold.
City crews, utility workers, emergency responders, and public works employees were out there when many of us were staying inside. Roads were cleared as quickly as possible, hazards were handled, and The Civic was opened as a warming center. It wasn’t dramatic work, but it was essential, and people noticed.
The churches of Water Valley also stepped up in big and small ways. Even congregations without power had members out checking on people, sharing food, offering rides, and lending a hand wherever it was needed. It wasn’t about buildings or schedules. It was about showing up for neighbors, and that made a real difference.
As soon as it was safe to do so, local businesses started opening their doors again. Coffee was poured. Hot meals were served. Shelves were restocked. A lot of doors were unlocked knowing it might not be a big sales day, but understanding that being open mattered.
That’s one of the things that makes a small town work.
Our businesses are more than places to shop or eat. They’re places where you catch up, share information, and feel a little more normal when things feel off. Seeing those lights come back on and those doors open helped everyone feel like Water Valley was getting back on its feet.
What stood out most during the ice storm was how people looked out for one another without much being said about it. Neighbors shared generators and updates. Business owners checked on employees. City departments kept information coming as conditions changed. There was patience and a lot of understanding that this wasn’t going to be fixed overnight.
Water Valley has been through hard moments before, and this was another one. The response was steady, practical, and full of quiet teamwork.
As things settle back into their usual rhythm, the Water Valley Area Chamber of Commerce wants to say thank you to each and every person who stepped up and helped keep things moving. It’s moments like this that remind us why hometown pride in Water Valley runs deep, and why this is a good place to call home.
