Story Published:
Jan 28, 2009 at 1:00 PM CST
Story Updated:
Jan 28, 2009 at 1:36 PM CST
RIDGEDALE, Mo. -- To an outsider it looks like a winter wonderland, but just ask Gerald Skivers of Ridgedale, just north of Arkansas, and you'll see how all the ice paralyzed much of the community.
"It's pretty but it's a big hassle to deal with," said Skivers.
Every 12 hours, Skivers has to gas up his rented generator, costing him $70 a day.
"Yesterday morning at 10 o'clock we lost power. Tree limbs knocked some power lines down up the road and we haven't had power ever since," said Skivers.
Skivers' whole neighborhood is abuzz with generators.
There are downed trees and limbs throughout Ridgedale, just six miles south of Branson, where the ice is much thicker.
"I've tried to call the electric company and no one knows how long it's going to be. They say they're working as fast as they can to get power restored," said Skivers.
In the meantime, "we stay pretty warm in there. We turn the burners on the stove if we get a little bit cold, I run the heater off this generator too," said Skivers.
Skivers and his family are staying in, waiting for this deep freeze to thaw, hoping electricity is restored soon.
"Just got to sit tight and wait," Skivers said.
