The City of Middleton has been one of the hardest hit areas in Hardeman County since the winter snowstorm came through this past weekend. Residents in the area are dependent on power services from both Bolivar Electric Authority and Tippah Electric Power Association. While electric crews worked diligently to restore lost power, the City of Middleton opened a warming center providing shelter and warm meals to people affected by the storm.
“Mayor Evan Mott realized how many of our residents were cold, and we opened the warming center to help. Then local people started saying ‘hey I’ll cook breakfast’ . . . ‘I’ll provide lunch’,” said Ann Baxter, who is the Middleton Vice-Mayor and a City Alderwoman. “Other people have brought water and the Hardeman County Emergency Agency with Don Taylor also stepped up and helped us a lot.”
Ever since it opened, the warming center in Middleton has been a place of refuge providing warm meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and 24 hour access to a warm place to stay as well as get a good night’s sleep.
“We have cots for more than 20 people. Only a small number have used the cots, but at least they are getting used,” said Ms. Baxter. “We’ve got cots for them to sleep on, a warm building, we provide three meals a day, and snacks if they want them. There is water for everybody and other drinks, like cola. Even every plug has a place for charging.”
Ms. Baxter shared many Middleton residents as well as some from other areas in the county have stopped by to volunteer. People have continuously shown up throughout the past few days to help.
“The Sheriff’s Department, Greg Bennett, Todd Pulse, and Brandon Johnson (Middleton Alderman) provided assistance. Blane Cossar and Brandon Tigner cooked last night and took 25 meals to Rogers Springs. Brad Grantham and Elizabeth Stephens came from Bolivar,” said Ms. Baxter. “This morning, the helicopter pilot, Gary Parsons and his wife, Michelle, made biscuits, gravy, and eggs. Someone brought sausage. It was a great breakfast. Nick Vandeven with Ghost River Electric, LLC gave us 20 pizzas for lunch. Linda Earnest did most of the cooking and Jo Doss did come help.”
Other good food, which was served were homemade chicken and dumplings, corn on the cobb, and turnip greens. Faye Thomason prepared cornbread fritters and Ms. Baxter and Middleton Police Chief Arness Bowden cooked them up. Carmeliea White and Tarra Micheal also helped with cooking. Dawkin’s Hometown Pizza – Pop’s Place provided pizza, chicken strips, and potatoes.
“We are eating here,” said Ms. Baxter.
“I can’t tell you how many people have come to help us and they’re right there with us,” said Ms. Baxter. “Our community is just helping. That is all I can say. I can’t brag on them enough!”
Although many of the people who have come by to use the warming center do not know each other, all have been encouraging and uplifting to each other. Under circumstances, which are not ideal, the warming center has been a blessing to those who need it.
“The warming center is not just for Middleton. It is for anybody that can get there. It is important to have it open for everybody,” said Ms. Baxter.
The plan is for the warming center to remain open 24 hours a day until power is completely restored to all Middleton residents. If you need somewhere to stay or a meal to eat, you may just show up. Call (731) 609-4725 for more information.
Warming centers have also been opened in other areas across Hardeman County.
The Magnolia Post