ATHENS-A six-man crew from Athens Utilities is headed to Oxford, Miss., where thousands are without power because of
ice from Winter Storm Fern.
Electric Department Manager Hunter Allen said the crew packed Sunday afternoon (Jan. 25) and left early
Sunday evening. The crew will work on power restoration. Crew members are Dustin Jackson, Will Thomas, Jeff
Hines, Chayse Carter, Eli Gilbert and Brandon Pepper.
Mayor Ronnie Marks thanked the crew members for being ready to help another community.
“There have been times utility crews from other areas traveled here to help our community after tornadoes and
ice storms, and it’s our turn to help,” Marks said.
Athens Utilities, Public Works and Athens Police will continue monitoring conditions in Athens as temperatures
are expected to plummet Sunday evening, causing wet areas to freeze.
City of Athens offices will be on a two-hour delay Monday, Jan. 26, and will be closed until 10 a.m.
Marks said at this time, the Athens City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, Jan. 26, at 4 p.m. has not been
cancelled.
Terence Brown, Sanitation Director, said he is monitoring the weather and street conditions and will make a
decision later tonight about Monday’s sanitation routes.
Athens Police Chief Anthony Pressnell report at 4 p.m. that U.S. 72 and I-65 are becoming icy with spots of
black ice.
“We expect icy conditions to develop in other areas as temperatures drop,” Pressnell said.
To stay updated about office closures, sanitation routes and street conditions, follow the City of Athens on
Facebook and sign up for CivicReady alerts through the City’s website at www.athensal.us.
