Local shelter closes

The local shelter at the Piggott Community Center was closed over the past weekend as the area continues to return to normalcy following the recent ice storm. As of Monday the facility was back in the hands of the city, although the center was closed for the Presidents Day holiday.

Immediately following the ice storm a shelter was set up at Piggott High School, but when power failed at that location, the evacuees were moved to the local courthouse. After several days, generator power was established at the community center and the displaced residents were able to move. The center also fed between 150 to 200 people twice a day, offering a hot meal to those who needed one.

"We wrapped up the meals and showers on Saturday," said shelter coordinator Jamie Cluck. "We had some cleaning to do on Sunday, but basically turned the center back over to the city Monday morning. She added there are still some meals on hand at the community center and that some rural residents still without power may seek to use the shower facilities in the coming days.

Cluck offered her thanks to the many volunteers, to those who donated items for the displaced residents and to the evacuees themselves for helping out as much as they did. "We really had a spirit of cooperation. Things went smoothly for us," she added.

The Piggott Community Center was expected to re-open with its regular schedule Tuesday morning.