A squirrel got across wires at a transformer Thursday last week, taking out wires to about six utility poles and also shutting down some telephones and internet service in downtown Holly Springs.

The incident took place on East College Avenue on a utility pole beside the First Baptist Church that was equipped with three large transformers.

The short affected businesses and burned down lines causing some areas to be out of electricity from 8:02 a.m. until about noon.

A MaxxSouth cable attached to a utility pole at East College Avenue and Springs Street was also burned out, according to Michael Howell with the Holly Springs Utility Department. Internet was down in most county offices on the downtown square as well as phone service for MaxxSouth customers.

Businesses, like Hutchens Realty, had telephone and internet service because they were served by AT&T.

The South Reporter had no internet connectivity or phone service until noon. Lights came back on fairly soon following the incident.

Howell said about six utility poles had to be reworked in the East College Avenue area and as many businesses were out of electricity as well.

Employees at the chancery clerk’s office said they heard a loud crack just before power failed at the courthouse.

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P.O. Box 278 Holly Springs, MS 38635 PH: (662) 252-4261 FAX: (662) 252-3388 www.southreporter.com