Jack County weathers ‘epic’ storm

Teamwork makes the dreamwork.

The almost cliched catchphrase did have its place this past week, as city, county, and state workers teamed up to help residents get through an epic storm that crippled the area for the better part of last week.

Things cranked up Sunday night into Monday as the county received anywhere from 4-6 inches of snow and wintry precipitation. The precipitation was reportedly heavier to the north and west of Jacksboro.

TXDOT crews were on the prowl early laying down brine to keep the roads in as good as shape as possible.

Law enforcement crews told residents nearly a week in advance of what was expected and if they didn’t need to be out to simply stay home. Jacksboro police and city officials said there were no major problems in the city as residents opted to heed advice and simply stay home.

The area went through rolling blackouts as ERCOT didn’t know or wasn’t prepared for the amount of electricity needed with the storm, which had record cold throughout the area. Only one accident was reported in the county, Emergency Management Coordinator Frank Hefner said, at State Highway 59 and FM 1810 but there were no injuries. Hefner said there were a few cars in a ditch but nothing

Jack County Emergency Management Coordinator Frank Hefner said Thursday that even with all the negatives including the rolling blackouts and water issues, the county as a whole got through its tough times.

“Perrin was without power for 40 hours but we banded together behind our commissioner and had water brought in,” Hefner said.

Precinct 2 Commissioner James Brock was commended for delivering water to his constituents in Wizard Wells.. Loads of discussions of neighbors helping neighbors were found all over social media.

The Emergency Operations Center began their work Sunday and were expected to be open through the end of the week.

“Countywide, things went about as good as they could go,” Hefner said. “Obviously, it was a big team effort from everybody.”

Some of that team work came in areas you wouldn’t expect. Umphress was seen shoveling snow around the courthouse so voters wishing to early vote for the Runoff for the District 68 State Rep. seat could do so.

“I saw all these people coming in through the south doors which I was shoveling and we were trying to get folks to come in through the east doors,” Umphress said. “I told them if you folks give me a minute, I’ll have the east doors shoveled and ready.”

He admitted shoveling the area “did tire (him) out” when he was finished.

Members of the Jacksboro Police Department were out at Lowe’s doing their part in keeping people safe in another way. Chief Scott Haynes, along with Officers Clayton Morris and James Henry went above and beyond by clearing entrances around the store so people could move easier.