SPARTA, MO— An estimated 1,500 area residents were out of power following a high winds thunderstorm that struck Sparta and the surrounding area overnight Sunday and early Monday. Mayor Misty Holt said she and her husband, Jeff, lost power around 11:30 p.m. By 3:30 a.m., the couple was awake and driving around town to inspect storm damage.
“By the time it got light out, and we were trying to decide where to start with storm damage clean up, we heard chain saws, and were thrilled to see neighbors helping neighbors all over town,” Holt told the CCT.
The city has a tree limb disposal station near the industrial park. Trailers full of debris were brought to the site. Sparta Police Officer Weston O’Malley worked well past his shift during the storm Sunday night and early Monday morning. “He went above and beyond, dragging limbs out of the way to clear roadways,” Holt said.
Cleanup continued throughout the day Monday to prepare for National NIght Out, a nationwide event to introduce citizens with emergency and law enforcement workers.
Sparta Police, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Christian County Sheriff’s department, Christian County ambulance, and Sparta fire department were all represented at a National Night Out Tuesday evening at Roller City Park in Sparta.