The local area is attempting to thaw out this week in the wake of a winter storm that blew through the region this past weekend. The system brought with it snow, sleet and freezing rain, and resulted in widespread power outages in the tri-counties. “[It] has been a challenge for the electric companies and the residents,” said Whitley County Emergency Management Director Jerry Rains. “They are working just as hard as they can to get that restored.”Rains said that over 350 Whitley County residents were still without power on Monday. “We don’t want to see any injuries.”All school systems in the coverage area remain closed, as well as some businesses.