Hard hit Letcher County communities continue to bounce back

WHITESBURG, Ky. (WYMT) - Letcher County was one of the hardest hit communities in our region during the July 2022 floods.

Many communities felt the impact of that flood, and for one particular community, that was no different.

The Neon Days Committee hosted a community gathering at Tim Hall Memorial Park to remember those we lost, celebrate those who survived, and to bring people back together for a much needed night out.

Alberta Slone, who heads the committee, says that at one point after the flood, she wasn’t sure any of this would be possible.

“Days after the flood,” Slone said. “I walked back street and I had no hope. I had no hope. If you can honestly say that an individual has lost hope, I lost hope.”

Additionally, things continue to bounce back in Whitesburg, where Mayor Tiffany Craft extolled the virtues of those in her community and believes that brighter days are ahead.

Governor Andy Beshear also made a stop in Whitesburg Friday to recognize those who made a difference.

It was standing room only at Cane Kitchen. The Letcher County Community Foundation took submissions online for organizations who helped and are still helping their neighbors with funding.

Former State Representative Angie Hatton, who now serves as a member of the foundation, said they wanted to do this to make sure those who stepped up were not forgotten.

“We’ll have some people recognized today for their role as rescuers or feeding people afterward,” Hatton said. “It was the worst thing to happen to our town, but it bought out the best in our people.”

Somewhere near $25,000 was handed out at the event between 12 different organizations.

You can watch the full interviews with both Alberta Slone, Mayor Craft, and Chris Caudill below.

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