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The City of LaGrange utility and electric crews spent more than a week assisting Bowling Green, Kentucky in its storm recovery efforts following a series of tornadoes that hit the Midwest earlier this month. 

LaGrange got involved in the efforts after the American Public Power Association, which LaGrange’s utility department is a member of, reached out to gain assistance with the storm recovery, explained LaGrange Utilities Director Patrick Bowie. Crews left last Sunday for Bowling Green which is one of the many Kentucky communities that experienced devastating damage following the tornadoes.  This effort did not require city council approval, said Mayor Jim Thornton, but was handled on a staff level through the city manager’s office.

LaGrange’s utility and electric crews worked on the ground to restore power and help repair infrastructure. Crews returned from Kentucky on Monday for the Christmas holiday and will return if they are requested to do so, Bowie said.

“We will continue to support our neighbors who need our assistance in restoring service during this major story,” Bowie said. “Our electric and utility employees are a great representation of our community, and we appreciate their willingness to help those in need of our service.”

The City of LaGrange sent two crews made up of four city utility employees to assist in power restoration and tree removal and storm cleanup in Bowling Green. 

Per a press release from the city, four city employees made up the line crew. Those employees were Linwood Mitchell, Josh Bryant, Kyle Hyatt and Alan Potter.

The three city employees that make up the right-of way-crew included Tommy Powell, Mike Dudley and Ricky Bowen.

LaGrange’s efforts mirror that of Hogansville, who last week, responded to the storm recovery and sent supplies to Mayfield, Kentucky.