Winter weather is easily the main topic of discussion these days not only in Rolla, but all across the Midwest and Northeast where record snowfall and low temperature readings are reported day after day in the news.
In Rolla these conditions have resulted in what may seem to some as endless snow storms, cold winter nights, back-breaking snow shoveling, and lots of icing on porches and sidewalks; and yet to others it has meant striking sunsets, endless sledding opportunities at Ber Juan Park and the Rolla Jr. High hillside, building snowmen, snow angels, quiet walks in the woods, and in the City’s case, snow plowing and salting. Some folks love it, and some folks can’t wait until spring and warmer weather arrives. No matter how you stack it or measure it, Rolla has had more than its normal share of severe winter weather, icing and snowfall – and it’s not even March yet!
Some say this winter is one of the worst winters in 40 years to hit the Meramec Valley Region, and considering that we still have another good six weeks of winter ahead of us, that statement may turn out to be true. Either way, the snow we have been receiving has meant challenging driving (and walking) conditions around town, countless days of school closings at Rolla Public Schools, a two-day closure at Missouri S&T, and countless closings for area colleges, businesses and community organizations. Let’s hope the warmer weather forecasted for this weekend and the upcoming week will thaw some of the large ice and snow piles that have accumulated along the street curbs and at various entrances to parking areas and businesses. While the City’s snow plowing operations have been in full force throughout the past six weeks or so, it is extremely difficult to plow every inch of snow on the City’s 110 miles of streets, especially in the downtown area where so many cars park and become trapped by snowfall. The clearer a street is of parked vehicles, the easier it is for the City’s snow plows and salt trucks to maneuver and eliminate snow and ice build-up.
The winter weather is particularly hard on many City employees whose duties and responsibilities require them to work outdoors, such as the Sanitation Department, Rolla Police Department, Rolla Fire and Rescue, and of course the Street Department that has spent much of their time outdoors clearing the City’s streets and municipal parking lots. While these employees are well accustomed to working outdoors, the severe weather conditions have made their jobs all the more challenging over the past six weeks. We certainly appreciate the efforts of all our employees, and especially when asked to work in snow storms, frigid temperatures and unpleasant weather conditions.
While it may be a bit soon to be talking about March and warmer weather, I would like to remind everyone that the 103rd Annual St. Pat’s Parade is getting closer by the week, and will be held on Saturday, March 12 at 11 a.m. on Pine Street in downtown Rolla. I’ll be mentioning more about this festive event in the weeks to come, but it never hurts to have something like the St. Pat’s Parade to be looking forward to over the horizon.
In closing I’d like to mention that the Rolla Sesquicentennial Planning Committee continues to meet regularly to plan and coordinate festivities for the City’s Sesquicentennial Celebration on Saturday, June 4 in downtown Rolla. And in an effort to make as much information as possible about the Sesquicentennial festivities, including the Sesquicentennial Parade, a special link has been added to the City’s Website homepage (see the ‘Rolla’s 150th’ tab button) that includes several articles, and updates regarding the City’s rich history and the many festivities planned for the Sesquicentennial Celebration. I encourage you to help spread the word about this important milestone in the City’s history, and pencil in the weekend of June 4, 2011 on your calendars while you contemplate the arrival of summer weather.
Have a safe week!
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