Storm-downed lines still a problem on CR 620

Since the storms more than a month ago, we have seen local and county workers go the extra mile to help residents. Ozark County Road and Bridge Department workers cleared county roads as quickly as they possibly could. And we can't say enough about White River Valley Electric Co-op and the endless hours the linemen/women worked to get electricity restored to residents during some of the hottest days of the year.

In addition to these service workers, neighbors helped neighbors. It was so encouraging to experience that cooperation.   

Then there is the other side. Where are internet provider Brightspeed and the MoDOT maintenance people? We live on County Road 620 and although the road has been cleared of debris, we have been driving over downed lines on that road since Aug. 9.  Countless calls go unactioned, yet they still send their bills on time. 

We are some of the lucky ones. We still have internet service but at a reduced speed – and we expect it will last only until the lines become more frayed from the cars driving on them and our connectivity is lost. Highway HH itself is clear, but there has been no effort to remove the trees from the ditches and roadsides, causing blind spots when driving.

Brightspeed and the state need to look at our city, county and linemen/women as examples of providing good service to their clients.

Jay and Pamela Mann, Isabella

Editor's note: Western District Commissioner Layne Nance told the Times he had visited the storm-damaged areas several times but was unaware of downed lines on any county roads. He planned to visit the area soon and said he would do what he could to get those responsible to respond to the problems.