The Pickens County Airport was struck by lightning Wednesday night, making a gouge in the runway. Announcing the news this morning at a called commissioners’ meeting, Commission Chair Robert Jones said the county is taking steps to get the gouge repaired. Jones added that the cost for the repairs will be addressed in the budget in the near future. However, he did not indicate the estimated repair cost or when the repairs would be complete.Lightning struck the runaway close to seven pm on Wednesday, July 17th. A plane, seeking shelter from the storm, landed shortly afterward. There were no injuries; however, debris from the lightning strike flew an estimated 100 plus feet.