Obviously, many folks in Todd County who are older will reflect upon the horrible snowstorms of 1977 and 1978 that eventually led to schools being closed for the month of January during one of those memorable years.
Thankfully, warmer temperatures are now on the horizon in Todd County; however, we are still faced with the dilemma of the hefty layers of snow and ice that surround us. An unknown writer penned at some point in his or her life a quote that resonates beautifully with our current situation. That person’s 10 words are ones we can easily incorporate into our lives, not just during snow and winter storms but also on a daily basis. Those words – “In a world where you can be anything, be kind” – are ones that have been demonstrated quite frequently in recent days. One of my prayer list items includes these folks – essential workers, caregivers, military, volunteers, educators, and leaders. Those individuals, ones we so sadly take for granted, serve our needs on a daily basis and deserve our utmost appreciation.
Many folks who still have the ordeal of traveling to and from work will be the first to state the Todd County Road Department and its crew members are unparalleled in their devotion to making the main roads of Todd County safe for those needing to travel. Those who travel either to Christian or Logan County continually express their delight in the fact that Todd County’s roads are much more drivable than those of neighboring counties. For that, we express our thanks to those individuals who ‘weather the storm’ to provide for our safety. A first cousin who makes his home in Trigg County shared on Facebook recently that we need not only to thank the workers themselves but also their families who do not have the luxury of having loved ones at home to enjoy the days many experience with businesses and schools closed.
Mom, who was a nurse’s aide at Western State for several years before her retirement, worked from 3:00 PM until 11:00 PM at night, and thankfully she had other Todd Countians who worked there as well who provided a ride for her. I still recall her returning home on the snow-covered roads from her night shift, and I also recall her devotion to her job, never wanting to miss work for any reason. Like Mom, many other essential workers and caregivers are devoted to their jobs, also never wanting to miss their work as they place themselves in harm’s way to carry out their jobs. Again, we need to thank the myriad folks – grocery store workers, plumbers, electricians, business owners, gas station attendants, small business employees, mail carriers, and the many other essential workers – who put on their working clothes and head out to supply the services we need in all types of weather.
Those who experienced power outages in recent days will also be the first to echo the thanks to the workers of Pennyrile Electric who devote hour upon hour restoring service to those affected by the wintry blanket of snow and ice that has disrupted the cozy lifestyle we embrace daily. We are reminded as well of the leaders, volunteers, and educators who are also at their jobs carrying out the roles they have etched into their lives. A Facebook post earlier today expressed thanks to the Todd County Ambulance Service for their arrival to resolve a medical issue with a loved one. Having that ability to call upon 9-1-1 at any hour of the day or night is another amenity we need to express our thanks for daily. I have also noted posts on Facebook where those involved in education have expressed their willingness to be of assistance as students complete at-home assignments.
Let me add a special thanks to the many folks – current and former neighbors, friends both current and former, and students of years past – who have checked in on me to make sure I have all that I need to endure the 2026 Snowpocalypse. I mentioned to a friend the other day the youth of our nation need to embrace the theme of “kindness” more. Even though they are young and have limited abilities, they can still offer kindnesses to those around them. That same statement applies to all of us – “Kindness starts with one.”
~ Article by Carolyn L. Wells
January 29, 2026
