The floodwaters from record-breaking rainfall in eastern Kentucky last July reached the doors of Thacker-Grigsby Communications (Hindman, Ky.) in the early morning, knocking out power and causing damage to many buildings and equipment, including 30 service vehicles. The company’s permanent generators were under water, and all methods of communication were out.
Around 7 a.m. ET, Thacker-Grigsby’s Assistant Manager Freddie Williams and his son Cole walked about 1.5 miles to the central office, wading through flood water up to their waists. As waters receded, both were able to enter the building and worked relentlessly to restore what they could. They were two of only a handful of employees who were able to reach the office that day, as most had lost vehicles and even their homes.
Within hours, Monica Miller, the company’s marketing director, said Mountain Telephone (West Liberty, Ky.) was on site and ready to help. They sent crews, trucks, and equipment to help get Thacker-Grigsby back online, she said, and even helped file reports with the FCC on behalf of Thacker-Grigsby.
In the days that followed, Foothills Telephone (Staffordsville, Ky.) sent line crews and vehicles. The team also retrieved poles and other supplies that had floated away, some over a mile from Thacker-Grigsby’s main office.
“I cannot tell you how much these companies are appreciated,” Miller said. “Eastern Kentuckians are proud people. We often do not like to ask for help, but in this situation, we didn’t even have to ask. Mountain Telephone and Foothills Telephone came straight to us, rolled up their sleeves, and helped in so many ways.”
More calls offering assistance came in the days that followed, and many more individuals and organizations (including more NTCA members) contributed to an employee relief fund established assist Thacker-Grigsby employees who lost their homes. Though things are still not quite back to normal, Miller said they’re very close, with more rewirings scheduled as community members continue to move back into their homes and businesses.
“I cannot tell you what this meant to our company,” Miller said.