POINT PLEASANT —Point Pleasant was slowly emerging from the darkness, literally, by Tuesday afternoon as power was restored to several sections of the city, though not all.

While things weren’t completely back to normal in the county seat, Mayor Brian Billings said the atmosphere seemed to be settling down a bit with the return of electricity to a huge chunk of the city. Many businesses (though not all) were beginning to reopen, providing food and gasoline, and several residents were able to turn on their air conditioning once more.

Billings said as of Tuesday afternoon, the city building’s phone system was still down and officials were attempting to get that problem solved. Billings also added workers with the street department were out doing their best to clear branches and leaves from city streets and property such as at Krodel Park, the boat dock and other places. The mayor said he was aware there were trees laying on power lines on Camden Ave. and the city was awaiting the go ahead (confirmation the line is dead) from Appalachian Electric Power to remove them.

Billings also said the police department had no major issues related to the power outage and traffic lights throughout town were now operating.

Much of the power to downtown Point Pleasant started to come on late Monday night and early Tuesday morning, including at one of the busiest places in town - the Mason County Courthouse. Mason County Commission President Rick Handley said the courthouse will reopen for the first time since the storm on Thursday, July 5. The courthouse, as well as the City of Point Pleasant Municipal Building and Water Office, will be closed Wednesday, July 4 for Independence Day.

Trash pickup was not interrupted during the power outage in Point Pleasant though trash which is normally picked up on Wednesday will be picked up on Thursday due to the July 4 holiday. Water service was also uninterrupted in the city after the storm hit on Friday.

One week after the storm, the Point Pleasant Riverfront will once again play host to Mayor’s Night Out, a free concert series that runs throughout the summer. The rock and blues band Bunk Hammer will take the stage from 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. on Friday, July 6.