The Town of Pelzer is in good shape following cleanup and power restoration from the effects of Hurricane Helene.
Mayor Will Ragland said Pelzer was in good shape and “better than others”.
According to Ragland, power was restored fairly quickly to most of Pelzer and lineworkers were in the area daily since the storm, working to get power to those who were still without.
A crew has been staging at the Historic Pelzer Auditorium/Pelzer United Methodist Church parking lot.
When the storm came through, several large trees came down on Lebby St. and Highway 20. Other trees fell and blocked roadways in Pelzer.
Mayor Ragland said he was in communication with the County soon after the storm and the Town received help in clearing downed trees from streets in Pelzer. “We appreciate everything they have done and the support we have received,” he said. “We are thankful for the outside help we received.”
Ragland said, “We are very thankful that dead trees were removed from the Monkey Park several years ago. We did not have a single tree fall in the park.”
Ragland said Town officials were vigilant in having the trees removed and that preparation paid off. “I have several ideas to be better prepared in the future,” he said.
“We are also thankful that we had water.”
Ragland said the Town is focused on getting “back to normal” with the fall festival planned for October 26 and shows returning to the Pelzer Auditorium this week.
Mayor Ragland said the response from the community to the storm was great. “It is wonderful to see people say “How can I help” and “what do you need”. It should always be like this. It brought us all together. People helped each other.”
