By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
I “rolled” in per normal on a day that was anything but. The “Christmas Twister” that struck late Saturday night on December 28 had “dun its bad bidness” in the downtown core of Athens, and to anyone’s knowledge at the moment, it was the first time that a tornado had hit in the historic area. Phones were ringing, and the fact that we were able to do an interview at all, however brief it might be, was an unexpected blessing.
Mayor Ronnie had fielded EF-rated storms of varying intensities in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and just last spring, and there have been some straight-line wind storms that had caused some damage on or near the Square, but nothing like this.
Lots of mayors from all over the Southeast had called to check on Mayor Ronnie as well as us, and he wanted to start off our time together with a shout out; a celebration of “Athens-under-fire” along with the remarkable response. “Our utilities crews worked around the clock. The police, first responders, private citizens, everyone has been amazing.” I then said my usual statement that I make whenever we have one: “I hate storms, and I love them. I don’t want anyone or anything hurt, and I love how we come together.” He smiled and said, “We are Athens. We are together.” “Amen to that,” I replied.
The rest of our time together was a crazy quilt of concern and celebration. With regard to the trees that fell from the southeast corner of the courthouse across Marion, the mayor said, “The trees got towed away starting Sunday morning, and not by a tree service, but a wrecker.” The Athens First Methodist nativity scene had the wise men tip over, but Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus were unscathed. One of the monuments on the courthouse lawn had gotten nearly buried, and has now been retrieved. On Thursday, there was a meeting scheduled with several state legislators and officials, including AL State Rep. Danny Crawford, Mayor Ronnie, Chairman Collin Daly, Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter, and Senate President ProTem Garlan Gudger. EMA Director Eddie Gilbert was planning to show aerial footage of the tornado path. Some of the planned focus was going to be what can be done to repair damage to the Veterans Museum and Veterans Park. The day after the storm, Rep. Dale Strong came to Athens, and Senator Katy Britt reached out as well.
Mayor Ronnie expressed deep thanks that no one had been hurt, and deep hurt for those who have spent decades building their businesses and may have lost them to the storm. He told me stories of people showing up to pick up debris. Mind you, the heavy equipment and street sweepers did the lion’s share of the actual work, but it was people who knew that they could not face themselves in the mirror if they didn’t haul mess by the armload, or rake debris that had nails in it.
Mayor Ronnie mentioned that Slim Chickens called and said they were bringing food, and bring it they did. So did Pepsi, church organizations, on and on it goes. Concern, prayers, provisions, and celebrations. All of it made up what makes God so good, and Athens so amazing.
So, there was only one thing left to do, and that was pray, give thanks, ask for wisdom, and then it was time for Ronnie to roll.
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
January 3, 2025
