We live in the Zink Ranch area, day 11 without power. However, we are grateful for the ol' fireplace and also for our neighbor who was out in the sleet cutting some wood for us.

We have also heard it would possibly be after Christmas before power is restored. I know all are working hard to get everyone back to normal. I also know my husband and I have compiled a list for an emergency kit for next time!

Us country folk will survive!!!

I live in Prue. GRDA has nearly completed restoration of power to the substation that KAMO owns who in turn resells the power to Verdigris Valley Electric Cooperative. GRDA and KAMO have been working diligently, even hiring a construction crew to assist in replacing a major power line that was down for over six miles, while we have yet to see a soul from Verdigris Valley. 100% of the power poles and lines are still laying on the ground with wires still on the roadway, wrapped in trees and fences for over one mile in both directions from the substation. The only evidence that Verdigris Valley has even assessed the damage is orange spray paint on the shattered poles lying in the ditches. I personally have not been able to reach anyone at Verdigris Valley as I get a perpetual busy signal but some of my neighbors have been able to speak with a person who've been given several different answers to when the power would be restored ranging from 12/21/08 to 1/8/08. It is very frustrating to drive home from work day after day for nine days now seeing zero progress from Verdigris Valley especially when I saw Georgia Power & Electric single handedly restore power to the residents along 15 miles of the Prue Road (209th West Avenue) who are PSO customers within 4 days with much more damage.

Thank God some of the rural residents are making an uproar and I am sure this article is in response to them. I pray all works out. The residents in the rural counties will definetly be community advocates and ensure they speak up in political forums from now on to protect themselves in the future. They need to have the appropriate representation. Get a farm boy in the office seat. But lastly take any state assistance and repair damage and stock up for the rest of a long winter.God Bless you all