Published: February 08, 2008 05:22 pm            

In Your View — 02/10/08

Local AEP crews played a vital role

Oklahomans will long remember 2007 as the year in which our state faced the worst natural disaster in its history. On Dec. 9 and 10, a devastating ice storm hit Oklahoma, downing power lines, severely damaging countless trees and presenting enormous challenges for our company's electric customers and dozens of the communities we serve.

At the storm's peak, Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) had more than 250,000 customers without power in northeastern Oklahoma — over half of all our customers. Almost 80 percent of the Tulsa metro area was without power in the aftermath of the storm.

Fortunately, help was soon on the way. More than 5,000 utility workers from across the country — including the fine workers from AEP Kentucky — traveled to Oklahoma and worked side-by-side with our crews to get the lights back on. Also, Davis H Elliot crews from the area came to Oklahoma to help with the restoration effort.

The Ashland-area employees worked long, hard hours for several days, helping us to restore electric service to virtually everyone by Christmas. Every Ashland-area employee has our profound gratitude for their assistance during this crisis. We simply couldn't have restored service without their help and the help of so many other dedicated, committed utility professionals.

The fact that they spent so many days away from home, just before the holidays, makes us appreciate their assistance even more. All of us at PSO thank the workers from the Ashland-area for coming to our aid during this difficult time. Each of you has our heartfelt thanks and very best wishes for a safe and happy 2008.

Stuart Solomon, Public Service Company of Oklahoma



Raceland High plans 80-year celebration

There will be at meeting at 6 p.m. on Friday, February 18, to discuss plans for an 80-year celebration of Raceland High School. The meeting will be at the Raceland Community Center behind Super Quik.

Anyone who has ever graduated, attended, taught or worked in the school system is invited to attend.

We plan on having games, bands, a D.J., and fun with friends we may not have seen for decades.

Help us with the planning. Every past class can have a hand in making the class something to remember for the next 80 years. Classes may want to use the celebration as part of their reunions.

Please, find time to help us. The celebration will be on Saturday, July 12.

Terry Stevens, Raceland

        

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