City Christmas Tree Destroyed in December Storm as Nearly $100,000 in Main Street Damages Took Place
By Jeff Toquinto on January 13, 2026
A storm that swept through Bridgeport’s last month downtown did roughly six-figures worth of damage to streetlights, as well as the city’s official Christmas tree, Interim City Manager Joe Shuttleworth said at last night’s City Council meeting.
It was part of a quick meeting lasting approximately 30 minutes./Council%202026/Council%201-12-26%20Street%20Lights.jpg)
“We filed a $92,000 insurance claim for wind damage sustained from the December 19 windstorms. The 70-plus mile per hour winds broke over 30 light poles, toppled and damaged the Christmas Tree and other holiday decorations,” Shuttleworth said.
The damage to the tree was significant. In fact, Shuttleworth said it was damaged beyond repair. He also noted after the meeting that insurance may not cover the replacement.
The good news?
“If it’s not covered, a replacement will be in the budget for next year,” said Shuttleworth.
Bridgeport Public Works Director Tiny Grimes had his staff on Main Street recently repairing the lights. Grimes said many of the glass globes were destroyed, while others were damaged in different areas. Although he said they did not have 30-plus globes in reserve, he said they were able to use parts from those not completely damaged to make repairs to all of them.
The storm in the early morning hours blasted large parts of Harrison County but did considerable damage to the city’s downtown. Shuttleworth said everyone can anticipate the standard holiday appearance this coming holiday season.
As far as financial items that involved spending, there was only one on the agenda. Council renewed a three year contract with Rave Mobile Safety in the amount of $19,044.48 annually.]
While many utilize the service provided by Rave Mobile Safety, they may not know who is providing it. And the city is hoping even more people will utilize the free service.
Residents who sign up for Rave receive text messages regarding emergencies and other situations in the city. The bulk of the messages received are for water breaks or maintenance that let individuals know areas that will see service interruptions. Traffic information is also released as are numerous other items such as the recent the closing of Main Street when a train struck a vehicle that had wandered accidentally onto the tracks near the Civic Center.
Residents can text “BRIDGEPORT” to 67283 for the free service. After that, those who register become enrolled in the Rave program and will receive alerts.
In other business this evening, Council approved on the second and final reading the adoption of the 2026 Comprehensive Plan for the City of Bridgeport. The city updates the plan, which a blueprint for development of the city, about every five years.
A second ordinance was also approved, and it involved amending the city’s codified ordinances. It changes the term “assistant fire chief” to “deputy fire chief.” Chief Greg Pigg said at the last meeting the item is housecleaning with no real changes other than the wording of the position.
Council also approved several city board reappointments. Among them were the reappointments of Jason Snider, Ron Cutlip, LJ Maxey, Amy Romano, Richard Forren, Zach Byers, and Dr. Christopher Goode to the Emergency Services Council for three-year terms to expire
on December 31, 2028.
on December 31, 2028.
Council also unanimously okayed the appointment of Jeanie McNabb to the Bridgeport Building Commission for an unexpired term to expire on July 31, 2026, but it experienced a hiccup. Council members Don Burton and Clayton Rice asked about other potential candidates being considered, while emphasizing that they had no issue with McNabb.
Matheny was dismayed and expressed as much. Eventually, after discussion on the matter it was unanimously given a thumbs up. Matheny said he would like to have discussions regarding how to address future appointments to city board.
A financial matter was also approved. Council agreed to a general budget fund revision from when the Bridgeport Police Department sold obsolete radios that are not compatible with radios that are currently utilized by Bridgeport to the city of Anmoore. The $15,000 from that sale will now be put in the police department budget for equipment purchases.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows city workers repairing a globe on a street light along Main Street, while the second photos from Dec. 19 shows the city's tree laying on the Benedum Civic Center lawn. Interim City Manager Joe Shuttleworth is shown in the bottom photo.
