One week ago, our region experienced what meteorologists classified as a derecho – a large-scale storm producing straight-line winds – which left thousands of area residents without power, many for multiple days.

First, we wish to take this opportunity to offer thanks to the employees of FirstEnergy/MonPower and AEP, as well as all of the outside crews brought into our area to assist in restoring electricity and other services for our residents and businesses.

The fact few areas were spared from damage, and it took several days to address every need, shows just how widespread the effects of this storm were.

Trees were broken in half or ripped up by the roots in several neighborhoods, taking down nearby utility lines with them. Some homes and businesses lost parts of their roofs.

The Beech Bottom and Bethany areas of Brooke County appear to have been hit especially hard, with some not regaining power until over the weekend. Beech Bottom officials advised residents to boil their water as the village was forced to draw water from the Hammond Public Service District after power outages affected its water treatment plant. Officials also arranged for bottled water to be distributed, and the fire department hosted a cookout at one point to provide village residents with food and an opportunity to charge some of their phones or other devices.

With most people now restored, it is time to focus on cleanup.

We made it through the storm as a community, and we will get through this as a community as well. In the coming weeks, as you survey any damage at your own homes or businesses, we encourage everyone to take time to check on your neighbors.

They may need help disposing of spoiled food, covering their roofs until finding someone to make needed repairs, cut up and haul away fallen trees, or address any other debris on their property.

The Ohio Valley comes together in times of need, and we know this will be no exception.