Residents Still in the Dark After Last Month's Winter Storm

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

MANGUM, Oklahoma -- For most people, last month's ice storm is a thing of the past, but for more than 900 others in Oklahoma, it could be another month before their power is restored.

At least 150,000 homes and businesses lost power during the winter storm back on Jan. 28. Most residents had power restored in a few days.

As the sun sets on a town of nearly 3,000, the lights in Mangum come on, but for residents like Terry Warren, lights are a still a luxury.

Warren's home has been without power since last month's ice storm, even though he's a stone's throw away from neighborhoods with electricity.

"It is ironic. I'm so close to that power, yet I can't have any," Warren said.

Even more ironic, he is the utility supervisor for the city of Mangum, but Warren lives on the outskirts of town where electricity comes from a different source, Harmon Electric Association. That is why he and his neighbors are still using generators, candles and gas stoves.

"All of us people out in the country understand. It is going to happen to us," Warren said.

Warren said it happens because power companies normally put rural neighborhoods like his on the bottom of their priority list. To top it off, he said manpower and resources are low.

Warren has been told it could be a few more weeks before power is restored to his neighborhood. So for now, Warren and his wife are staying at a friend's home while he keeps an eye on his own backyard.

"Yes, that is the light I'm watching. If I see it come on I'm heading home. I guarantee," Warren said.

Crime has been another issue in Mangum. City officials said thieves have been coming in from out of town and are taking full advantage of the dark.