DHS employees receive commendations

Two Clay County Department of Human Services employees received commendations for their service in the wake of the Jan. 27 ice storm that left most of the county without power.

Along with the absence of utility services, many found themselves without means of transportation due to downed trees and power lines, which meant the danger of doing without necessities.

Social Service Aides Mitzi Baker of Pollard and Janet Dennis of Piggott were conducting duties to check on DHS families when they observed a family who was missed during door-to-door checks. The family had been without drinking water for two days.

"The two ladies provided emergency water to the family and immediately notified the National Guard for greater assistance," said Donna Gurley, county supervisor for DHS.

The ladies were carrying containers of water in their vehicle.

Additionally both women spent countless hours providing service at local emergency shelters.

"This is of the highest dedication of service," Gurley said. "Both women received letters of accommodation. They are great employees who go above and beyond the call of duty in whatever they're doing."

The family was not a DHS family. They were located in a remote area of the county.

Gurley said neither of the women had electricity at their own houses during their service.