MENA (KFSM) — A tree that remained standing after an EF3 tornado hit Mena in April 2009 will remain standing after SWEPCO declared the tree isn't a hazard to a nearby power line.
Susan Busch said she was worried that the tree, which became a symbol of life for the community, would be cut down after she said she heard workers at the end of her street wanting to cut down the "Mena Tornado Tree."
Busch called the mayor earlier and tweeted "I am so upset that workers are at the end of my street wanting to cut down the Mena Tornado Tree! I begged them not to, but they don't understand the importance and symbol of life that tree has for us! I am so sad!"
@5NEWSJoe @KATVToddYak @NWSLittleRock @SusieMosley1 I am so upset that workers are at the end of my street wanting to cut Down the Mena Tornado Tree! I begged them not to, but they don’t understand the importance and symbol of life that tree has for us! I am so sad! pic.twitter.com/5ea6qs5DWd
— Susan Busch (@susyb29) February 21, 2019
SWEPCO replied to the tweet saying "Hello Ms. Busch. Our tree crews were checking the tree for possible structural defects that could make it a hazard to power lines serving the area. We will continue our evaluation and our discussion of options with the landowner."
Hello Ms. Busch. Our tree crews were checking the tree for possible structural defects that could make it a hazard to power lines serving the area. We will continue our evaluation and our discussion of options with the landowner. ^PM
— SWEPCO News (@SWEPCoNews) February 21, 2019