National Guard assisting Perry County with winter storm clean-up efforts

PERRY COUNTY, (KBSI) – The National Guard is assisting Perry County with winter storm clean-up efforts.

Perry County Emergency Management Director Tom Grayson said National Guardsmen are able to go to the areas that would otherwise be unreachable due to the fallen debris.

“They’re working their tails off right now, helping us to clear roads and things like that,” he said. “We’re also using them to do welfare checks.”

Grayson said many of the county roads are impassable due to fallen trees and powerlines in addition to the ice and weather conditions.

Perryville City Administrator Brent Buerck said it’s a tough situation.

“There’s no doubt it’s tough,” he said. “It’s cold outside. It’s too cold to be without power.”

Buerck said Citizens Electric is working hard to get the power back on for those without it.

“They called in all the resources they could,” he said. “Unfortunately, it’s a matter of patience.”

A temporary warming center was set up at the Perry Park Center from noon until 8 P.M. The Perryville Senior Center is open from 8 P.M. to 8 A.M. The two locations are switching off as temporary warming centers, and the information on that is coming out on a day-by-day basis.

Local Roy Jennings said he is grateful for the help he’s received.

“If it wasn’t for this warming shelter, we wouldn’t have a place to go and stay warm,” he said.

Perry County Sheriff’s Office is working with the National Guard to provide rides to the warming centers and conduct welfare checks. To request transportation or to have someone check on the wellbeing of your family members, contact Perry County Sheriff’s Office at 573-547-4576.