Farmer help clear roads in Crockett County
CROCKETT COUNTY, Tenn. — Many West Tennessee communities have been struggling to travel with icy road conditions, but over in Crockett County, one group of farmers found a solution.
Many West Tennessee communities were hit hard by the recent winter storm, leaving icy conditions in its wake. This has hindered traveled across West Tennessee.
“The roads were in very bad condition, deteriorating very rapidly because the sleet on top of the snow had it just been snow, we could have managed it, but as like most counties, we weren’t prepared for it,” said Crockett County Mayor Gary Reasons.
Most small counties are not equipped with the proper equipment to clear ice from the roads, but one group of farmers stepped up to meet the need.
“We had a lot of the famers in the community and not just two or three,” said Mayor Reasons. “They gave of their time and their machinery to help clear the roads.”
We spoke with one of the farmers who shares more on what inspired their efforts.
“Us farmers are not out in the field ding work right now, so we are available to help out, you know. And if our neighbors need help, that’s what we want to do first,” said Stoney Hargett, farmer.
Hargett says this was not a coordinated effort.
They focused their attention on those in need, clearing driveways and routes for emergency services.
Many farmers began plowing the roads the following Sunday and continued throughout the week.
“We are a small rural farming community. They are the backbone of our community” said Mayor Reasons. “They were doing it for their neighbors, their friends, the people down the road that might be in need of something, so they can get out and get groceries.”
Hargett says it was a struggle to clear thick inches of ice from the roads, but they were dedicated.
In the future, Hargett suggests city and county officials compile a list of community members willing to lend a helping hand and organize the snow and ice removal process.
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