This letter was written by Mayor Staci Albritton Mitchell and published by The Ouachita Citizen.

As I sit here today on day nine of the winter storm answering calls, directing people to resources and talking with Entergy trying to help get electricity restored to city residents and businesses, my thoughts and prayers are with those injured in the storm and all of you as we continue to navigate the challenges brought on by this unprecedented event. I pray that by the time you read this article our entire community has electricity restored. Winter Storm Fern has been devastating to our community, impacting not only Ouachita Parish, West Monroe and most of northeast Louisiana.

Many residents—some of whom have lived here for decades—have never seen an ice storm of this magnitude.

The city has been happy to host Entergy at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center establishing large-scale operations at the Ike to restore power. Workers from outside our state have come together alongside Entergy, dedicated to getting our electricity back up and running.

Our city began preparing days before the storm hit, heeding early weather reports and working proactively. It has been all hands-on deck from every department. I want to commend every department and all city employees for their dedication to the citizens of West Monroe.

Public Works has worked long hours and is doing an outstanding job keeping both the water and sewer systems fully operational under extreme conditions. Their teams have been clearing debris from public rights-of-way and streets as quickly and safely as possible. When downed power lines are present, our crews make safety the top priority and wait for clearance from Entergy before proceeding. Waste Connections started garbage service and Public Works started residential roadside trash and debris pick-up on Thursday, Jan. 29.

Both WMPD and WMFD have responded to seven times the normal calls while operating the shelters, doing welfare checks, providing security at shelters and distributions, and providing traffic control.

West Monroe opened warming stations/shelters Friday, Jan. 23 at 5 p.m. First West showed up with food and supplies. Since then, many organizations, local restaurants and individuals have provided hot food and aid.

Community Services opened up times at the Senior Center for people to get hot showers. They worked on the food distribution generously donated by Walmart. They are answering calls, giving assistance and connecting people with resources.

All the department directors, supervisors and their teams have worked tirelessly (most without power themselves) whenever needed for the residents of West Monroe. Logistics, communication to the public, legal work, equipment needs, financial needs, etc. are just some of things going on behind the scenes that no one really sees but it must happen for smooth, efficient relief and recovery.

The spirit of cooperation and resilience among our residents, local organizations and city employees has been remarkable demonstrating what it means to be a community—supporting each other and working tirelessly to recover from this historic storm.

Neighbors are helping neighbors, churches are providing shelter and hot meals, nonprofits are helping and the city gave out almost 400 jackets and supplies from the United Cajun Navy.

I realize everyone is tired, frustrated and ready for the lights to come back on. Though the road to recovery may be long, I am confident that with continued teamwork and compassion, we will emerge from this stronger and more united than ever.

I want to reiterate how proud I am of the city of West Monroe, its employees and its residents.

With heartfelt appreciation, I thank everyone who has contributed their time, effort and kindness during this difficult time. Let us continue to look out for one another and stay safe as we move forward.

Staci Albritton Mitchell
Mayor of West Monroe

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