Residents praise DeSoto County storm response
Photo: DeSoto County road crews were served lunch Tuesday as thanks for their work during the recent winter storm that struck the county. (Courtesy photo)
As DeSoto County continues recovering from last week’s winter storm, residents and business owners are publicly thanking the county employees and first responders who worked long hours in dangerous conditions to keep roads open and residents safe.
On Tuesday, restaurateur James Lapasio provided lunch for Road Department, Emergency Management Agency and Environmental Services crews to recognize their storm response. Lapasio, who owns Dale’s, Lucky Dog Tavern and Junior’s, said he immediately noticed how effectively the county handled the weather.
“The minute I got on the road that weekend, I realized the county had the snowstorm under control,” Lasapio said. “The roads were cleared and easy to drive on.”
He said the county’s work allowed him to keep his restaurants operating and support essential workers across the region. “Because of what the road crews did, my employees were able to work,” he said. “I have many single moms who live paycheck to paycheck, and they were able to pay rent and buy food.”
Residents also praised the county’s efforts. Robert Schueller, who lives in Board President Jessie Medlin’s district, said he was impressed by the speed and consistency of the response.
“I’ve lived in a lot of northern states, and I’ve never seen a response to a winter storm like what DeSoto County did,” Schueller said. “People don’t realize how lucky they have it.”
County leaders said the work performed by road crews, deputies, EMS and EMA teams went far beyond clearing roads. Crews responded to a 22‑truck pileup on Interstate 22, assisted stranded motorists and helped emergency responders reach patients trapped by ice. Teams also ensured doctors, nurses and dialysis patients could reach critical medical care.
Supervisor Mark Gardner said the county’s response stood out across the region. Supervisor Lee Caldwell praised the coordination between departments, noting that crews worked around the clock in sub‑zero temperatures. Supervisors Ray Denison and Robert Foster emphasized the importance of preparedness and continued investment in winter‑weather equipment.
Supervisor Jessie Medlin, now in his 30th year on the Board, called the storm one of the most challenging the county has faced, citing the prolonged ice and snow.
County leaders said they plan to conduct a post‑storm review with MDOT and local cities to evaluate what worked well and what can be improved for future winter weather events.
