County honors linemen during National Lineman Appreciation Day

Carroll County commissioners recognized the work of utility linemen during their April 16 meeting by proclaiming April 18 as National Lineman Appreciation Day.

Commissioner Chris Modranski read the proclamation, which highlights the role linemen play in maintaining electrical infrastructure and responding to emergencies, often under dangerous conditions.

“Linemen are often first responders during storms and other catastrophic events,” the proclamation states.

Officials said linemen work long hours in hazardous environments to restore power and keep communities safe, frequently traveling out of state to assist in disaster response efforts.

“A lot of our linemen actually go out of state to help other states in need,” Commissioner Donald Leggett II said. “Sometimes when they are gone, they work around the clock.”

Commissioners noted the recent stretch of severe weather has underscored the importance of their work.

“We’ve seen some linemen out with some pretty nasty weather conditions that I wouldn’t want any part of, for sure,” Commissioner Robert Wirkner said.

Modranski said crews often endure long hours and difficult conditions while restoring service.

“Working all hours of the day and night to get electric back on,” Modranski said. “The least we could do is recognize them.”

The board unanimously approved the proclamation.

In other business, commissioners:

—PAID bills totaling $122,170.94.

—APPROVED a $359,112 agreement with Motorola Solutions Inc. for equipment and services related to the county’s public safety answering point.

—APPROVED a 60-day contract extension for the water pollution control open fund project 2024-03 due to weather-related delays, moving the completion date to June 18, 2026.

—HEARD Clerk Eva Johnson announce a Carroll County Caring Hands quarter auction scheduled for Aug. 15 at Carrollton Middle School and reminded residents that late orders for an upcoming event would not be accepted after April 17.

—HEARD Commissioner Robert Wirkner report the county Emergency Management Agency is expected to receive a $45,452 Emergency Management Performance Grant.

—HEARD an update that current agricultural use value cases have been completed, with additional property-related cases ongoing.