There is Hope in Olney with Lonny Hope Plowing Through Snow

On Feb. 16, much of North Texas was hit with an arctic front, including Olney. The front dumped above average snowfall for the region, burying much of Olney under more than a foot of snowfall.

Many of the residents were unable to leave their homes due to snow blocking the driveways, roads and highways. While the community was just trying to stay warm due to rolling blackouts for the region, one longtime Olney resident decided to do something about the problematic snowfall that had most of the community trapped in their homes.

Lonny Hope - who has been a part of this community for 54 years - decided he wanted to help where he could. He borrowed a tractor and began plowing the snow surrounding local businesses, some of the side roads and parking lots.

“Before my mother died in November, she fell and broke bones. I didn’t want the elderly to fall and hurt themselves because they don’t recover easily,” stated Hope when he explained what drove him to offer his help.

Some of the local residents voiced concerns as to why the City of Olney was not clearing the roads. City Administrator Neal Welch explained, “We don’t have the labor, or the equipment, required to plow the snow. That equipment is very expensive and the city spent the money elsewhere - like the water and sewer system - instead of on equipment that might be used once or twice a year.” Welch continued stating that he was grateful for everything that TX Dot does on the roads around town, and that they have done a fabulous job clearing the roads around Olney.

“I was glad to do it, we needed gas and food, I was born and raised in Olney and lived here all my life.” Hope is very passionate about the community of Olney and is always willing to help where he can.