After high‑wind event, Simpson County authorizes manned vegetative debris disposal site and reports damage

Simpson County leaders moved on March 7 to establish a manned vegetative debris disposal site to help residents recover from a severe wind event that struck the county March 3.

Judge/Executive Mason Bames told the Fiscal Court the Kummer Weather station reportedly recorded winds up to 80 mph during the event and that the county had significant damage, debris and electrical outages. The court authorized providing and managing a manned disposal site on Kenneth Utley Drive beginning Saturday, March 11, open 8 a.m.–4 p.m., staffed with up to two county employees for approximately six to eight weeks or longer if needed; the site will accept only vegetative material.

Sheriff Hopson and Franklin Simpson Fire Rescue received public thanks at the meeting. Fire Chief Leslie Goodrum described firefighters being stretched across multiple emergencies and acknowledged mutual‑aid assistance from neighboring departments and assistance from citizens when a house fire occurred during high winds. Facilities Maintenance Supervisor Bill Rohrs reported wind damage that included the Goodnight House roof and the Sanford Duncan Inn sign being blown across HWY‑31W.

The court recorded the authorization as unanimous and said county staff will manage the site and staffing; decisions about accepting non‑vegetative debris or extending hours beyond the announced schedule were not made at the meeting.