Published: June 20, 2008 02:17 pm      

Lighting the way — 06/22/08

Don Elswick played key role in bringing Ky. 244 out of dark

There was one person noticeably missing from Wednesday’s brief ceremony marking the completion of lighting along Ky. 244 in Russell: The man most responsible for lighting the way in Russell and Worthington. Because of health problems, Worthington resident Don Elswick was unable to attend the event.

But make no mistake about it: Without the efforts of Elswick over the last decade, the road that parallels the Ohio River in Russell and Worthington still would not have street lights.

Soon after an extensive state project that rebuilt Ky. 244 on higher ground and made other improvements to that stretch of highway, Elswick recognized the need for street lights along the way. But Elswick didn’t just complain about the lack of lighting. That’s not his style. Instead, he decided to do something about. He began lobbying the cities of Worthington and Russell for lighting — and he didn’t give up or let up until he got what he wanted.

Worthington installed lights along Ky. 244 a few years ago, but because the city of Russell did not receive the coal severance tax money it anticipated to pay for the lights, the project was delayed in that city. However, American Electric Power decided to relocate a power line along the highway’s right-of-way, which enabled Russell to attach street lights to the new AEP poles.

“The difference is unbelievable,” said Russell Mayor William Hopkins of the new lights, adding that the lights have made the road much safer for both motorists and pedestrians.

Indeed, it has, and for that people who regularly travel the road can thank Don Elswick. To be sure, he did not personally pay for the lights or help install them, but without him being the “squeaky wheel that gets the grease,” it still would be dark along the busy stretch of highway.

The lights are just the latest in a number of good things that have happened in eastern Greenup County because of Elswick’s tenacious efforts.