Power lines on the mend, shelter still open for those in need

While the number continues to fall with each passing day, over 1,000 Spencer Countians remained without electricity Saturday.

Crews from Salt River Electric and Kentucky Utilities worked in Friday's frigid temperatures making repairs to areas of the county that would affect the greatest number of residents.

"Hospitals and areas with the highest impact are first," said Randy Burba, spokesman for Salt River Electric, "then the more rural areas that are harder to get to."

Burba said that at the height of the outage 32,000 Salt River Electric customers across four counties – Spencer, Washington, Bullitt and Nelson – were without power. The electric distribution cooperative has a total of 46,000 customers.

By Friday, Salt River Electric had repaired all three phases and restored power to 250 customers in Spencer County.

In the process of restoring electric service to downtown Taylorsville, Kentucky Utilities crews briefly cut off service to areas of Elk Creek Friday afternoon by shutting down the substation on Elk Creek Road near Mike Brown Lane. Crews working in Taylorsville said that the city was sparred by some of the more sever damage seen in neighboring counties. By Friday, KU had restored electric service for about 70 customers within Taylorsville's floodwall.

Spencer County Judge Executive David Jenkins said that Kentucky Utilities will be working in nearby Bloomfield Saturday and are expected to return to Spencer County Sunday.

"They are in the area and they are working, it's just a matter of getting it done," said Jenkins, who cautioned that it may be some time before power is restored to more rural areas.

Tree timers from Bluegrass Energy are expected to begin clearing the way for utility company lineman to make necessary repairs.

Water and sewer service

City residents in Early Wyne are not only suffering from the lack of electric service plaguing much of the county, the power outages are also affecting their water and sewer service.

Citizens in Little Mount, Southville and Mt. Eden remain under a boil advisory after power failure to a pump station compromised the integrity of a water tower that services the area. According to Taylorsville City Manager Steve Biven, it will be up to the Division of Water to lift the ban. Residents in these areas are recommended to boil water intended for consumption for one minute – including water used in to brush teeth.

Mayor Don Pay said that the boil advisory will remain until further notice.

Seeking shelter

Spencer County residents in need of a warm place to go are encouraged to take advantage of the emergency shelter at the high school. Local officials said Saturday morning that the shelter will remain open as long as there is a need.

At the emergency shelter, residents suffering from the recent power outages will find hot meals, shower facilities and plenty of extra-large cots with clean sheets and blankets. There are also recreational opportunities in the form of movies, games and the open gymnasium.

Thursday saw the highest attendance when 50 residents spent the night at the shelter. Most returned to their homes Friday morning – many after taking a hot shower and filling their stomachs with breakfast. Eight people remained at the emergency shelter Saturday and were expected to stay through the weekend.

Local authorities are looking at possible alternative sites in the event that schools open Monday.