Valley Electric linemen were out clearing trees from lines as late as 2 a.m. Tuesday morning in the Simpson area, despite hurricane force winds that battered the village, leaving downed trees and many occupants without power.
By 5 a.m., Tuesday morning, linemen were at it again.
"You grit your teeth and roll," said Gary Green, a Valley Electric employee among those who battled Gustav early Tuesday morning to restore power to area residents.
"You hold your hardhat with one hand and work with the other," said Larry Pridgen, another lineman with Valley.
The work paid off as lights began to flicker on early Tuesday afternoon for most reisdences in the village. Most, that is, except Green's house, which was still without power, the lineman said.
Green, along along with other linemen, took a much-needed break to bolt down bowls of rice and gumbo, courtesy of the First Assembly of God in Simpson, before heading back out.
"They're our heroes today," said Lorraine Smith, pastor of First Assembly of God in Simpson where as many as 70 locals took refuge from Gustav Monday night and Tuesday morning.
The church lost power right after darkness fell Monday night, said one member.
"There is little damage to homes," said Joan Smith, city clerk for Simpson. "Most of the trees fell in the streets and roads."
Despite the power outage, the village did have water, Smith added. thanks to the generator village officials purchased after Hurricane Rita.
"We're just thankful we have that generator and people don't have to wrory about not having water," Smith said.
The generator also kept power supplied to the fire department and city hall.
Simpson, La. —
