The Mayor’s Corner 02/15/2017

Enough! Is spring around the corner.  Someone needs to get hold of the groundhog quickly.  The snow was a trial and the slush was discouraging but the water was frightening last week.
Beginning on Monday of last week, we began planning to again approach the County to get help to clear the streets of the huge layer of slush which came with the warming weather and ice.  By Tuesday, the request was made and approved and the additional equipment began arriving.  Braun Construction and McDaniel Construction along with Washington County had graders here by Wednesday and by Thursday, there were seven graders and crews clearing streets.  Thankfully, by late Thursday almost all streets were completely cleared.  The remaining berms were to be cleared Friday but then the water came.  City crews were pulled off of snow removal to help ITD with traffic control and to assist with flooding victims.  Pat Malay was on hand early Friday morning to use the front-end loader to help in the rescue of a family and their animals on Cove Road.  Thanks Pat for being available and not hesitating to help when needed.
The City Police Department worked with Hometown Motors to find a location to move their vehicles before the water took over.  Thanks to the LDS Church for allowing them to use their parking lot along with space provided in closing off Court Street and spaces around City Park.  Just another example of our community working together in a time of need.
Our hearts go out to those displaced by the flood waters.  The rapidity with which the water rose didn’t allow much time to save personal items.  Thanks to those who stepped up to house, feed, and provide needed items to these victims. Thanks to all the emergency responders for their work.
Remember:  if you have had damage due to this winter’s storms, contact the Washington County Assessor’s office.  They are keeping needed records and will also send an appraiser out to assess your damaged property.  Information regarding resources for replacement and repair are available through the Washington County Emergency Services Department.
The airport has been closed due to the amount of snow but has been reopened on a limited basis.  There was a lot of activity there on Friday with the rescue and over the weekend as pilots looked over the flood area.
Congratulations to the WHS Wolverines basketball teams and wrestling team for their outstanding seasons so far.  With the many interruptions and the difficulty practicing, they have rallied, The Lady Wolverines will be playing in the State Tournament this week and the Boys’ team will be taking their winning ways into the District Tournament as the top seed.  The wrestling team will begin their District tourney this weekend too.  Wolverines persevere. Go Wolverines.
The Recycling Center is open again.  Please remember this is not a dump.  Animal carcasses are not to be disposed of in the trash cans or recycling containers.  Someone stole the pallets that are left to pick up the boxes of recycled materials.  If you know who might have taken them or if you see someone misusing the center, please call Crime Stoppers or the Police Department.
A great cabin fever buster is happening at the Weiser Little Theater the next two weeks.  A fun musical, “The Spitfire Grill” is being performed for the next two weekends.  Great talent and a welcome pause in our winter trials.  Don’t miss out, tickets are still available.
Pray for slow melting, warm sunny days and colder nights.