Our Viewpoint

Last week in Sanders County, we saw a devastating winter windstorm that knocked out power to much of the county for days. Trees were uprooted, some falling on houses, businesses and other buildings.

Before the storm was over, we saw neighbors and strangers helping residents clear trees and roadways. Crews from NorthWestern Energy and Northern Lights worked days on end restoring power to residents. It was amazing to see all the trucks of trees and debris as they paraded to the Sanders County Transfer Site outside Thompson Falls. The pile of wood and other debris that had amassed by Sunday evening was incredible.

The windstorm caught some of us off-guard. Local hardware stores are sure to see a spike in sales of flashlights, lanterns and generators. Those of us who have grown up here had a hard time remembering a time when we were without power so long due to a devastating storm.

We, like all Sanders County residents, are so very thankful to all of the linemen, crews, contractors and neighbors who reached out to help those who needed it this past week. We could hear chainsaws and linemen working through the night in Thompson Falls, as they were throughout Sanders County. Their efforts to restore power are appreciated.

It's amazing the productivity that can occur when we reach out and help each other. We hope that the spirit of kindness and being there for each other continues as our country moves forward.