Knowing a major storm was coming didn’t make getting to work any more fun. We’re still trying to stay warm and safe as we deal with the first wintery weather of 2025. But once again, the events of recent days remind us of what is good about our lives.
It started with volunteers preparing a warming shelter for anyone who found themselves without heat or perhaps even a home as temperatures dipped dangerously low. The Central Kansas Dream Center opened a room and Live Like Jesus Today Ministries sent out a call for hot casseroles, spaghetti and crockpot meals.
With so much ice and wind, it wasn’t surprising that the power went off in a few places. Finney County seemed to fare worse than Barton, but Wheatland Electric did report a power outage affecting members in Great Bend at 6:21 a.m. Monday. By 7:45 a.m. there was an update that the power had been restored to the majority of members. (Anyone without power is asked to call 1-800-ON-AGAIN (1-800-662-4246).
The announcement on social media prompted one comment: “My power went off about 6:15 a.m. today. I called Wheatland and reported it. Went back to bed, snuggled under the covers, and prayed for all involved including the brave people going out to make repairs and those without power in this frigid weather. Power was back on at 7:30 a.m. Thank you again for the fast work. God bless all of you.”
Then there were the roads. In Great Bend, Public Works Director Jason Cauley reported Monday that his crew worked for 13 hours on Sunday and 11 hours on Monday. “Now that the roads have been cleared we will start the pickup to haul snow to the compost site,” he said, asking the public to be attentive and patient.
“Our crews did a stellar job; I’m really proud of them,” Cauley said.
We also are thankful, knowing people throughout our communities, counties and state did their best to clear the way. And while many businesses shut down for a day or two, our first responders and others with essential jobs continued to work.
There were also people who checked on their neighbors and helped them as needed. Rides were given, snow was shoveled, hearts were warmed.
Our first glimpse of 2025 was sad, as celebrations turned to tragedy. A few days of awful weather seems mild in comparison but at least they served as a reminder that the world is full of people who are decent and able to think of others. Whether they are “just” doing their jobs or going above and beyond, we thank them one and all.
