Kats’ Korner: Snowstorm for the Books!

It was a snowstorm for the books!

People have been comparing it to the storm of 1975. Some say this one was worse, others say differently.

I was only 12. All I remember is piles of snow and endless fun! I lived in Tekamah then. There were over 30 kids in about a five-block radius. Each and every one of us had our sleds out! We went to the top of the hill and sled down the alley. If we were lucky, we could jump the street and go down the next alley. If not, the sled ended up in the street or ditch. We didn’t care. We were having fun.

Those were the days!

I am not twelve anymore. This storm caused me to worry.

My husband works at Craig Cattle and cattle have to be fed, so he has to get to work.

He rode with a couple other guys. They met up with another employee driving a pay loader. He cleared the road so they could get to work.

I was so happy when he got home each day!

I prayed so much during the storm, not just for his safety, but for everyone to be safe and warm at home.

I had other worries as well.

I am on the city council and in charge of the street department.

I knew this was going to be a challenging storm for the city crew.

We initiated a snow emergency Monday in anticipation of the storm. We wanted people to be aware of the impending storm and to keep vehicles off the snow emergency routes. This is so important! Access to the hospital, nursing home, etc. is essential.

The wind was such a problem on Tuesday. No matter how much they tried, the snow kept blowing the roads shut again.

They worked very hard Wednesday, with more than just the snow being a challenge. Trucks were having problems as well. The snow was very heavy and wet, causing trucks to have minor breakdowns. Fortunately, they could be fixed, but it took time, which kept them off the roads while being repaired. The blower also threw a bearing, taking over half of a day to be repaired.

It was a very stressful several days for them.

It was hard on the community as well. We don’t see weather like that everyday.

I hope everyone realizes how hard the city crew worked to clean the streets and make travel safe for all. Until I was on the council, I didn’t realize how difficult this can be, and how hard they work. They are a dedicated group and we are lucky to have them.

I commend all of the city crew and the police department for their efforts in keeping the people of Oakland safe.

If you see any of them around, let them know they are appreciated.

The Groundhog Day Blizzard of 2016 will be one not soon forgotten.

Thought for the Day: Be thankful for each day, a roof over your head, a warm house and food on the table. And a caring community to call home.

Have a great week! Happy Valentine’s Day to all!