By most accounts, the severe winter weather that hit the Emporia area earlier this week was the perfect storm — if there ever was one.
Given the heavy snow, high winds and severely cold temperatures that were forecast for the area, Emporia fared well this time around. Six to six and a half inches of snow later — to say nothing of the high drifting — this case of severe weather was handled like we always hope it will be.
It took the cooperation of everyone to make that happen:
• The City of Emporia did an excellent job pre-planning and mobilizing all resources to stay ahead of the severe weather. From dedicated snow plow crews at each of the fire stations, to mandated emergency response employees working 12 hour shifts, there was ‘round the clock readiness as the storm blew through. By 6 a.m. Wednesday morning all the major thoroughfares in town were cleared for driving. That’s impressive.
• Emporia residents heeded the warnings. Of course, the declaration of a city-wide emergency certainly helped, but with only three non-injury accidents reported around town, folks seemed to exercise their wisdom in calling it a “snow day” and just staying home. Way to go.
• Mother Nature did her part as well. Absolutely, the storm was a doozey, but the dry snow made removal much easier on city crews and the winds helped keep it off the streets. We appreciate your mercy.
Severe weather in Kansas doesn’t always work out like this.
In the meantime, the cold temperatures are here to stay for a while. So, over a piping cup of hot chocolate, we say, “Cheers!”
TexasGirl (anonymous) says...
I agree completely, Ashley. The city crews did the best job I have ever seen clearing the main streets and even some side ones. They deserve a huge pat on the back.
February 3, 2011 at 11:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Total agreement here! Good job, City of Emporia workers!
Now city commission, how about a one-time well-deserved bonus for those who had to put in some long hours clearing snow. They did a great job, and this is a good way to recognize them for it. Sweeten their paychecks!
February 3, 2011 at 12:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
I noticed that they are still out there picking up piles and building a great mountain of snow over by the skateboard park on South Street. Awesome!!! That mountain will be there well after all the other snow has melted giving kids a wonderful place to play with their sleds. Great Job!!!
February 3, 2011 at 1:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
Oh man, That snow mountain is getting really big! We might become the first ski resort in Kansas! Keep it up!!!
February 3, 2011 at 4:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
castaway (anonymous) says...
I believe Mt. Blue is the first ski resort in Kansas. I went skiing there as a kid. Can anyone else remember this? I tried to google it but came up with nothing.
February 3, 2011 at 10:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
A perfect storm?
It hasn't hit yet.
http://www.emporiagazette.com/news/20...
Now I have nothing but praise for those city and county crews out there this past week, they did a great job. So did the people planning the snow removal.
I just hope that we don't now hear that we are not going to qualify for state or federal disaster "AID" and sorry folks but your taxes will have to go up to pay for this.
February 4, 2011 at 5:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
I was wondering about that, Steve. Of course they used the word "likely" so maybe we can still get the aid.
Nonetheless, now we know the city and their crews are indeed capable of snow removal, and they do have equipment.
I'm curious if it's just inches of snow that is the criteria for fed and state disaster aid. We had ice too.
Just an aside, I received a picture of my daughter's place in Chicago where the snow was feet deep. They had opened the garage door and an imprint of the garage door remained on the wall of snow that was out there. Their snow blower was dwarfed by the depth. I e-mailed back that famous line from "Jaws," -- "I think we're gonna need a bigger boat."
February 4, 2011 at 6:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
create,
I was just thinking about it because during the removal here in town there were Shears Construction trucks being used and I am sure that will cost a pretty penny. But I am still impressed and thankful that the crews worked so hard to clear the snow.
February 4, 2011 at 7:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yev_kassem (anonymous) says...
You know....I think we might have an extra 100k lying around!
February 4, 2011 at 7:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
If we have to pay for the removal, then we have to pay. It's like my paying the tree trimmer guy to shovel my snow because I cannot do it myself anymore. The job had to be done, and it was worth paying for it. What was my other choice? Oh yeah, leave it alone and get stuck in the driveway.
On the other hand, those rocks are not a necessity like snow removal is. A rock pillar on the highway is not going to contribute to a complete slowdown of commerce and government services like a snowstorm does. I consider snow removal to be part of infrastructure.
February 4, 2011 at 8:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
APAC Shears is always used by the city for snow removal. It may cost us some, but at the same time, it gives some of our townsfolk who work there a bit of income that they have to go months without when there is no construction and no snow. I don't begrudge them that and like create said, snow removal is part of the infrastructure. It should be in the budget already.
I am impressed by all the clearing that has taken place but I know we can't expect the same for lots of ice. Snow is just easier than ice. I will have to take my kids to check out the mountain REWBA talked about.
Ashley, I know this is my problem because it's my pet peeve, but please don't follow "a.m." with "in the morning." It's redundant. Also, I know the plans for a city-wide emergency were published in case one was called, but was the emergency ever actually called? I missed it if it was.
February 4, 2011 at 8:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
An effective manager will manage emergency costs effectively. Not all extra work has to be paid with overtime. There is always compensatory time that can be used during slow days. Of course the subordinates must have respect for the leader in order to manage these things. After all, leadership is the process of influencing others in such a manner to accomplish the mission.
The city crew is to be commended for the outstanding job of snow removal and all Emporian's owe a debt of gratitude to the workers family members for their sacrifice during the winter storm.
February 4, 2011 at 10:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
inaweoftheblindness (anonymous) says...
I have to agree. They did a wonderful job this time with the snow removal...I was out and about Wednesday morning round 5:30 a.m.(had to put that in there for you, oh4theluvof, hehe) and the streets were plowed and ready for the traffic heading to work. Great Job Guys!! Headin' over to see the great sleddin' mountain :) bet the kids will have a blast with that :)
February 4, 2011 at 10:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )