Returning to normal
Mayor, county judge commend employees
Following winter storms last week, county and city employees worked countless hours to help residents return to normal life.
Mayor Brenda Weldon said that Street Department employees worked constantly salting and sanding bridges and overpasses, as well as, clearing roads.
Unfortunately, because Malvern does not receive this type of weather often, the city only has one snow plow.
Weldon commended the employees saying they did a good job and did what they could.
Weldon also commended Waterworks employees and city police officers and firefighters for their work during the past week.
At this time, city officials are asking residents to conserve water. Weldon said that the city is almost at its max capacity. She believe this is due to residents letting water drip at their homes and water leaks across the city.
Weldon said employees are still working to locate leaks. Anyone who had a water leak is encouraged to contact the city, so the water can be turned off.
After the first winter weather storm early last week, Hot Spring County Judge Dennis Thornton said road crews began working 12- hour shifts.
They worked from daylight to dark including working on Saturday. They returned to work Monday to continue clearing roads.
Thornton said crews started with main roads and have been working to clear as much as they could.
He commended crew leaders for their hard work and dedication during this time.
Both Weldon and Thornton said that with this type of weather there will be damage to streets. Crews are prepared to make repairs, but officials advise drivers to be cautious.
Thornton also commended deputies and 911 employees for continuing to serve the community during this time.
The Hot Spring County Courthouse was closed last week because of weather, but Monday county employees returned ready to work, Thornton said.
Thornton added that the Director of the Hot Spring County Department of Emergency Management Terry Eubanks was also on the job last week.
Thornton noted that he and Eubanks have declared a state of emergency for the county. He mentioned that there was a water line break outside of the Hot Spring County Courthouse and leaks inside the annex building. Since county officials do not know what else may have been damaged during the storm, Thornton said it was important to declare an emergency.
As of this time, Thornton has not been made aware of any injuries as a result of the storm, he noted.