BEND AREA — Following the aftermath of the heavy winds and rain on Friday evening, several in the Bend Area are still without power and Fourth of July plans for Mason and New Haven have been canceled.
Though several individuals had stated when they heard electricity may return, according to Appalachian Power’s website, electricity for Mason County is expected to return by Thursday evening, July 5.
Out of the three towns in the Bend Area, the Town of New Haven seems to be the least affected. New Haven Recorder Roberta Hysell stated electricity has returned to portions of New Haven, and those in the the New Haven Heights area are still without it. Hysell continued, saying the town was still able to provide water for the residents.
“New Haven was pretty fortunate we didn’t have any problems with the water system,” Hysell said.
Concerning garbage pick-up and other city services for New Haven, Hysell stated town workers are busy trying to clear fallen trees and debris and plan to return to normal as soon as possible.
“It’s amazing around these small towns how everyone pitches in,” Hysell said.
While there are several trees down, Hysell said there was not any particular part of town that was hit more than the other; the damages were fairly spread throughout the town. While most damages may not have been extensive, Hysell stated the Fourth of July parade had been canceled. However, the New Haven pool will still be offering free swimming on July 4.
Concerning the Town of Hartford, Mayor Sam Anderson stated the city building is still without power, in addition to their phones, and while power has returned to some in the town, several are still feeling the aftermath of the storm. Anderson stated the places in Hartford that were affected the most by the storm were around the post office and around Front Street, as well as the Memorial Park.
“We’re just fortunate that no one got hurt,” Hartford Recorder Cheryl Oldaker said.
Although some in Hartford did have power, a major concern for residents was the water pump house was without power. Oldaker said she had contacted New Haven officials, including Mayor George Gibbs, and those in New Haven allowed Hartford to borrow a generator so Hartford citizens would still have water.
As far as garbage pick-up and other city services, Anderson stated everything should be operating normally; operating as best as they can at the moment until the power comes back on.
An attempt to contact officials for the Town of Mason was made, which was unsuccessful. Many businesses appeared to still be closed and without power. It was reported however that the Fourth of July celebration events for Mason were canceled.
Also a concern for Bend Area residents, as well as many residents in Ohio, is when Walmart will re-open. An attempt to contact Walmart’s Corporate offices, as well as Mason Walmart itself, was made to address this issue, which was also unsuccessful.













