EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the eighth installment of a daily log looking back one year ago when a storm called Katrina changed the lives of millions of people in Louisiana and Mississippi.
The first day after Hurricane Katrina could only be described as one filled with shock and awe.
Residents, along with county government and city leaders, were struck with the total devastation Katrina left behind. The best laid plans lay in shambles along with homes, trees and lives. The catastrophic loss of virtually all communication capability further hindered the recovery effort. Yet despite all that faced the people of Jones County, they began to work toward solving every problem. The day after Katrina, Jones County became united in a singular mission to turn a negative situation into a positive.
Jones County officials, along with city leaders from Laurel, Ellisville, Sandersville and Soso, mobilized resources to address the most pressing issues of food, water and gas. In addition, they had to devise a plan to first remove storm debris and then restore power, water and natural gas services along with telephone communications.
It was clear that the majority of the residents of Jones County hadn’t properly prepared for Katrina and thus became an undo burden on the very system that was trying to get the county back on its feet as soon as humanly possible.
County and city police forces mobilize every available officer and deputy to provide security. Looting and crime didn’t have a chance to take hold and send fear through the people. In the following days, national guard and reserve units, along with other law enforcement agencies from outside the area, would bolster the number of officers on the streets effectively nullifying any attempt by criminals to take advantage of a terrible situation.
Long lines formed at the few gas stations where generators were providing enough power to pump gas. Lines also formed at grocery markets who were desperate to sell food destined to spoil without power to the coolers and freezers. Ice was as valuable as gold and water and ice distribution points were set up at the city and county schools for those in outlying areas.
The excessive heat and humidity, along with an outbreak of love bugs, only added to frayed nerves and uncertainty. But organizations such as the Salvation Army and the Pine Belt Chapter of the American Red Cross were already reaching hundreds of people. Churches were reaching many more as they mobilized their kitchens and food to feed the hungry. Soon, it was apparent the plight of Jones County residents was being heard by others from outside Mississippi as aid began flowing into the area.
Utility companies and manpower began flooding the county. Mississippi Power and Dixie Electric personnel, along with Entex gas and other utility entities, began the job of restoring the infrastructure of the area. City employees worked alongside many of those companies to ensure areas were brought back to life in terms of amenities.
Out in the county, and in close alliance with the churches, volunteer firefighters, who had been working to clear roads and rescue residents, transported food and water to people in outlying areas.
But the loss of communications, radio, TV, telephone service and emergency radio capability slowed many of the processes and attempts to rectify problems. In the end it was the persistence and patience of the people that eventually helped Jones Countians recover.
Local News
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Pine Belt desperate for help
After Katrina, Jones Co. begins to cut its way out of storm debris
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Arrest made in bomb threat
A 19-year-old Jones County Junior College student was arrested Tuesday in connection with a bomb threat to a building on the school’s campus earlier in the day.
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City council votes 5-1 to restrict transient vendors
With little discussion, the Laurel City Council voted to put restrictions on transient vendors operating in the city and to change the grade level of the city’s building inspector.
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Aspiring to greatness
The Rev. Leander Bridges was the keynote speaker at Jones County Junior College’s Black History Program Tuesday.
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JCJC’s student health fair focusing on prevention
Jones County Junior College students recently had the opportunity to discover the true meaning of Benjamin Franklin’s motto, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” at the college’s Student Health Fair. Hundreds of students took advantage of the opportunity to learn about a wide range of topics including behavioral problems, nutrition, fitness, and foot care.
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Arbor Day set for Feb. 10
The City of Laurel is recognizing Arbor Day and Laurel Mayor Melvin Mack has proclaimed Friday, Feb. 10th, as Arbor Day in the City of Laurel.
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Zoo owners ask judge to return animals
The owners of the Collins Zoo have asked a judge to return 11 animals seized by state wildlife officers in January.
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Several injured in separate 84 East wrecks
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Animal cruelty case under investigation
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Piazza becomes city’s Public Defender
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Jasper County officials work to make upgrades at fire station, voting precinct
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