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Kentucky Utilities Lineman: Downed Trees And Poles The Rule In Southern Louisiana Town

Kentucky Utilities

Kentucky Utilities Foreman Tim Duvall says fallen trees and broken electrical poles were the rule when he and his team arrived in Slidell, Louisiana in the wake of Hurricane Ida. They were there for almost two weeks to help with power restoration. Duvall said his team of three from Winchester were joined by a large contingent of utility workers. “I wouldn’t know the numbers but there was an extreme amount of line utility workers down there. I mean, every time you drive down the road you would see bucket trucks and digger trucks. Like I said, I don’t know the numbers on how many was there and anything like that. But I do know there was a lot around. A lot of work trying to get the lights back on,” said Duvall.

Duvall said he and his crew rolled into Slidell following the storm and found the entire town without electricity. The KU lineman noted affected homeowners were glad to see the utility workers. “They were very excited to see us. I mean they were very excited and very pleasant to be around. You know, we’re working in their backyard and it was kind of if you need anything, just let us know. We’re very grateful you’ve come down to see us, to help us,” said Duvall.

Duvall said Slidell is situated about 30 miles from the Mississippi border. He noted his crew found broken electrical poles, downed lines, damaged equipment and fallen trees all over Slidell. He added the dawn-to-dusk work was similar to what he found in assisting in 2017 after Hurricane Irma. A call to the mayor’s office in Slidell found an official there saying the entire town saw full power restored about a week ago.

Stu has been reporting for WEKU for more than 35 years. His primary beat is Lexington/Fayette government.
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