In a recent government meeting, officials addressed the significant impact of recent hurricanes on local communities, emphasizing the need for ongoing support and collaboration among neighboring counties. The discussion highlighted a poignant story from Old Fort, where three school buses were swept away by floodwaters, only to be recovered damaged. Remarkably, one of the buses, number 176, was replaced by a bus from Caldwell County, illustrating the spirit of cooperation in the face of adversity.
Chairman BJ Ford acknowledged the challenges faced by residents, including power outages and disrupted access to neighborhoods, while praising the community's resilience and willingness to help one another. He urged everyone to maintain this spirit of giving as recovery efforts continue, stressing that the need for assistance will persist long after the immediate crisis has passed.
Superintendent Dr. Don Phipps reported on the school district's response, noting that staff members worked tirelessly to provide meals during school closures, distributing over 6,000 lunches and 11,000 breakfasts in just a few days. He also announced that October 15, originally planned as a parent-teacher conference day, would now be a student day to make up for lost instructional time.
The meeting also recognized Libby Brown, a retired public relations officer for the Caldwell County School System, for her 32 years of dedicated service. Representative Destin Hall presented her with an award, celebrating her contributions to the school community and her commitment to public education.
Looking ahead, the board outlined upcoming events, including a public agriculture expo scheduled for November 1 and 2, and school visits planned for October 28. The meeting concluded with a call for continued community engagement and support as the region navigates the aftermath of the storms.