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Snow crews continue 24/7

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By DEENA WINTER / Lincoln Journal Star

Tuesday, Jan 02, 2007 - 06:47:47 pm CST

As night fell Tuesday, crews continued to work nonstop cleaning up Lincoln after a Sunday snowstorm dumped around 7 inches of snow on the city.

But when it comes to snow removal, the city can’t be fast enough. Or so said the 18 people who called the mayor’s office to complain Tuesday, according to the mayor’s chief of staff, Mark Bowen. Others complained to the public works department that the city’s snow removal effort was lackluster.

Public works director Karl Fredrickson said if the weather forecast had properly predicted the 7-inch wallop, the city would have been better prepared. But weather forecasts being what they are, city employees left work Friday expecting a trace of snow to hit Sunday. But by 5 a.m. Sunday, they could see that had changed and began making phone tree calls to mobilize as many workers as they could roust.

City employees who patch potholes in the summer and repair pavement in the fall make up the “snow team” when storms hit. Most reported for work, but some were sick or on vacation.

Snow crews were on the streets by about 7 a.m. Sunday, Fredrickson said, working as the snow hit hardest from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. About 23 sanders began spreading a mixture of salt and sand Sunday morning to the tune of 600 pounds per lane mile. They began plowing snow around 9 a.m., when the forecast changed.

Had they known the city was going to get dumped on, they would have dropped the plows earlier so the snow wouldn’t accumulate so much, Fredrickson said.

“A better forecast would’ve helped tremendously,” he said. “Hindsight’s always 20/20.”

The temperature, snow conditions and depth all factor into how difficult it is to clear streets, he said. It takes longer to clear a cul-de-sac — about 20 minutes versus five minutes for a city block.

The arterial streets and emergency snow routes are done first, and residential streets later. Although residential streets may not be plowed if they have less than four inches of snow and are passable.

Those who complained that they didn’t see any snowplows out need to remember the city has about 2,500 lane miles of streets to clear.

“We’ve got 2,500 lane miles of streets that they disappear into,” Fredrickson said. “They’re out there.”

As for those who wonder why the city didn’t apply an anti-icing treatment before the snow fell, Fredrickson said since it was raining Saturday night, it would have just washed away.

By Tuesday, all of the arterial streets had been plowed four times, he said. But they were planning to continue to work through the night to clean up the city. The city’s 54 snowplows and nine motor graders were supplemented by a handful of private truck-mounted plows, about 18 private motor graders.

“We’ll continue to try to peel that off throughout the night,” he promised.

Reach Deena Winter at 473-2642 or dwinter@journalstar.com.


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Mike wrote on January 2, 2007 7:01 pm:
" After winter storms, I always seem to hear things such as "all of the arterial streets had been plowed four times". However, the city seems to abandon Superior Street as it becomes NW 1st once it crosses I-80. The difference between the east and west sides of this road is consistently the same.. it just seems to get ignored as an arterial. I'm sure there are other locations around town like this as well. "

 whatever wrote on January 2, 2007 7:06 pm:
" How much better does a forecast need to be? The National Weather Service did a darn good job predicting this storm and the several scenarios that could have taken place. Normal Lincoln government finger pointing. "

 Cb wrote on January 2, 2007 7:31 pm:
" It is not worth grumbling. Live life and stay home if the streets a are so bad. If the emergency vehicles can get through - that's good enough. "

 ????? wrote on January 2, 2007 7:39 pm:
" I travled several main streets like 56th, 40th.Old cheney, and 84th they were awful why when it was nice today and some snow melt and loose why can't you go out and clean those streets off? "

 Becky wrote on January 2, 2007 7:51 pm:
" This isn't the first time the city has had this much snow. This isn't the first time we got more than the forecast said we would. I realize there is a lot of ground to cover. However, the city has several roads that are more traveled than others. Yet some of THOSE roads got little to no attention. Come on. Blame the forecast? You saw it happening, Mr. Fredrickson. We all did. You don't need to be psychic to notice the snow is coming down harder than a dusting. "

 I think the city... wrote on January 2, 2007 8:23 pm:
" ...missed a perfect opportunity to scare the public again. They should have had Karl Fredrickson say "because of budget cuts we had to eliminate some plowing." At least there would have been a logical explanation. (Old Cheney finally got plowed at 1:00 today, and it certainly wasn't the "4th time." Maybe the "northerners" got the special treatment!) "

 DBR wrote on January 2, 2007 8:34 pm:
" I have lived in a lot of other cities in the snow belt and none have had this poor of a response to snow fall, and yes even during a holiday. Very disapointed, I figured with the higher taxes I'm paying here they would have the funds to get it right, guess I was mistaken. "

 J. Jones wrote on January 2, 2007 8:46 pm:
" If I want to leave my house and go somewhere, I should not have to drive over pure ice and feel like my vehicle is going to fall apart by the incredibly bumpy snow covered roads. How can Omaha, which is twice as big, get the streets cleaned and Lincoln which is half the size, looks like it snowed on Monday night. This is Nebraska people, city employees should be prepared all the time when snow is expected. Who solely depends on HUMANS to predict "Mother Nature?" "

 Thanks wrote on January 2, 2007 8:49 pm:
" Ya the roads pretty much suck but THANK YOU for the guys who have been hard at it clearing the streets. Its not there fault. "

 AS wrote on January 2, 2007 8:57 pm:
" I'd be interested to see what the priorities are for Lincoln snow removal. My bet - get downtown passable because local gov't can't risk upsetting the DLA or the Updowntowners. Then they head out to the 'important' areas - where the Sengs, Weseleys & all the city council members live. Both 27th & Superior were still in awful condition mid-Sunday afternoon. It's a matter of what's (read who) important. "

 Jason wrote on January 2, 2007 9:35 pm:
" The forecast? Maybe they should watch more than just waiting before the Husker report on the sportscast. When I read the forecast at 10PM Saturday it called for freezing rain after 3AM and snow after 9AM, so they were off by two hours, too bad. There was only ONE snow storm last year and we had the latest snowfall on record? Didn't he think that maybe, maybe they may have to do some work? He wouldn't be so defensive if he didn't think something was wrong. Plowed four times? I live on 48th and have seen evidence of the plow ONLY ONCE, about 3PM on Sunday - I know this because the snow on the curb hadn't grown. "

 Bad job wrote on January 2, 2007 9:50 pm:
" I have never been impressed with the way Lincoln does snow removal. They need to clear the intersections better, the snow/ice piles up so high that a person can't even get through them. Then when they do come through the street they push the snow into the driveway that was cleared, they don't want me to throw snow in the street but they will push it back into my driveway. "

 Us Northerns wrote on January 2, 2007 10:02 pm:
" Did not get special treatment I can tell you that. We had just as awful mess on the roads up here. I suggest to Mr. Fredrickson, that in the future he have a "Emergency Crew" standing by "Just in case" His whining about the weather forecast makes me wonder how this man keeps his job. Don't whine.. just DO! "

 O Street was Horrible this morning wrote on January 2, 2007 11:04 pm:
" and Vine Street this afternoon was like road tripping in the sandhills canyons. absolutely pathetic job by the street crews. "

 Tracy wrote on January 2, 2007 11:10 pm:
" For all you people who are griping. I would love to see you pull the hours my dad pulls when a water main breaks or there is snow to plow. I highly doubt any of you could work the hours he does. "

 Mark wrote on January 3, 2007 12:00 am:
" I Have watched snow plow after snow plow go down the road, and do you think any of them had the plow on the road? Nope. Not one. While they may have been driving to a certain area to plow, seems to me if your driving, get the plow on the road!!! The city official's on tv tonite trying to explain why the street's are not finished yet and why they are so bad just makes them look like the idiot's they are. "

 Ron wrote on January 3, 2007 12:40 am:
" There is absolutely no way they have plowed all arterials 4 times. Outrageous. It's 12:37am on Wednesday, and I just got off of 27th between Old Cheney and Pine Lake - that area has not been plowed four times. It's still unsafe! Quit the liar/finger pointing thing. They blew it, and everyone knows it. "

 Angela wrote on January 3, 2007 6:01 am:
" I must agree that the streets in Lincoln are absolutely horrible. Even this morning when I was on my way to work on WEDNESDAY, the streets are still in extremely bad shape. I know that it can't possibly take this long to get the city of Lincoln cleared up. We've had much more snow then this in the past and we've mananged to get things cleaned up in a much more timely fashion. "

 Matt wrote on January 3, 2007 6:11 am:
" I don't believe it at all. Me and my family were out from about 1:00 - 5:00 then from 6:00 - 7:00, then again after a New Years party at around 1 am, and we both commented on how we did not see one single snowplow. We went from our neighborhood at 27th and Yankee Hill, to North 27th Street, to the South Walmart, back to our house, then to 56th and Old Cheney, then to 50th and O Street, then back to the South Wal-Mart then finally to home. So I think we pretty much covered the city, and in a 12 hour span we did not see one single plow? Also as of this morning at 5:30 then only person who has ran a blade down my street is a local homebuilder who at least made our street passable, most likely so he could get to his jobsite this morning, nice work guys I sure am glad I just paid my property tax bill for the second half of the year. "

 Sean wrote on January 3, 2007 6:58 am:
" What a joke! Are you kidding me! I pay all my high taxes for this! Good thing I have a SUV or there would be no traveling in this city. Ya some roads are fine but there are so many that are not. For a city this size, you need to figure it out. Don't blame the forecasters, you should be ready for anything. It's really a matter of life or death, sure the city can make excuses but can you live with yourself when a fatality occours because of your unprepared and lazy approach at snow removal? The citizens of this city deserve better service for the crap we put up with and the taxes we pay. "

 Just Wondering wrote on January 3, 2007 8:07 am:
" I am certainly not complaining about the road conditions because I learned to drive in a rear-wheel drive car - so I can pretty much drive in any conditions and feel confident doing it. And it's probably a nightmare trying to coordinate a snow removal effort. However, I don't understand why a snow plow went by my house SIX times in Northwest Lincoln in less than 24 hours, and the residential roads in Southwest Lincoln where I work look like they haven't been touched. Whatever the case, let's try to give them a break. It could be worse...we could be out of power with no relief for weeks like many of our Nebraska neighbors. "

 frustrated wrote on January 3, 2007 8:19 am:
" Why is is that every time I saw a snow plow the last two days, they were NOT dropping anything and the plow was up? I too have lived in several other cities that get much more snow than Lincoln, yet they manage to plow arteries AND residential roads. I know people are working hard, but it is so frustrating trying to get anywhere. "

 JM wrote on January 3, 2007 8:22 am:
" As I remember it the forecast since the middle of last week was for a MAJOR winter storm to hit Nebraska. Preparations could have and should have been made to be ready for what we received. Had it not snowed then great! Everyone who was expecting to work could have enjoyed the day. I understand that side streets are going to be a mess when you get up to 10 inches of snow, however, some of the main streets (56th!)are the worst I have ever seen them 2 days after a storm and I have lived in Lincoln for 17 years. "

 Concerned for Safety wrote on January 3, 2007 8:32 am:
" Sounds pretty bad to me that the city was not prepared for this storm. WOW! How many times have we had this much snow fall. Sounds to me like Mr. Fredrickson needs to be watching the weather more often. WE were given plenty of notice to get the plows ready. Another thing, why can't the sand trucks have snow blades on the front and as they were clearing the streets, they could be sanding right away???? I saw several sand trucks out and about, but none of the streets were cleared...What good does that do?? Pretty sad to me. "

 weather geek wrote on January 3, 2007 9:21 am:
" I must admit that I watch the weather a little too closely, especially when there's the possibility of a winter storm. Thus the name weather geek that my wife calls me. When I hear Mr. Fredrickson say that it wasn't forecast correctly, he is mistaken. I had other family members on the road on Saturday heading west and I told them I would watch the radar during the day and let them know what was going on. At about 3pm on Saturday the forecast for Lincoln changed and that is when I first saw the forecast for 3-6 inches of snow starting Sunday morning. Maybe Mr. Fredrickson needs somebody like me to keep him up to date on the forecasts, but I guess all the money is spent on our snow removal teams. (here's where I roll my eyes) "

 Jason wrote on January 3, 2007 9:45 am:
" Tracy, that's what your dad gets PAID to do. If it doesn't pay him what those hours are worth then he needs to find another job. There's a lot of people out there that often have to put the extra effort forward in a variety of work. "

 Kate wrote on January 3, 2007 9:50 am:
" Snow removal and many other services should be run by private organizations. Its obvious the local government can't handle it. And if one more offical blames the problem on lack of monetary resources I will scream. Throwing money at a problem never solves it. "

 Lincolnite wrote on January 3, 2007 9:53 am:
" Where are all the plows? Sand/salt trucks? I drive from South Lincoln to Omaha every day to work ... and the streets this morning at 7am were a JOKE. These are main streets - Old Cheney & 84th street - not some random neighborhood complaint. I live in a cul-de-sac, that as of the same time this morning had not been cleared. THREE DAYS AFTER THE STORM STARTED?!?!?! Had it not been for our four-wheel drive vehicle clearing a lane for myself and my neighbors on New Year's Eve Day ... we'd have been stuck in our homes. Where are our tax dollars going? Where is the city leadership? Don't blame the weatherman, kids. Even I knew there was a good chance of a snow/ice storm on its way (something about power lines going down out west and thousands without power ring a bell?). I guess we just have to wait for it to melt and run off - or freeze again to leave another mess. Clean up our streets!!!!! "

 corrine wrote on January 3, 2007 9:59 am:
" Why is it always someone else'e fault? Instead of admitting they wanted the time off just say so. As a manager it was fredricksons job to watch the weather closely. I saw on noaa that the forcast was for 4-7 inches way before it happened. "

 jean wrote on January 3, 2007 10:21 am:
" My family and I were in south lincoln last night and there was so much snow on 27th and on Pinelake that cars were struggling to get around. And to our surprise the road trucks were coming out of a newer residential area. Needless to say the main roads were still in bad shape days after the snow came. "

 Kay wrote on January 3, 2007 10:47 am:
" We all know that the weather in Nebraska can change in a blink. We also know we cannot count on the weather forecasts. We should know by now to prepare for the worst. I have never been so terrified to drive on Lincoln streets as I have been the last few days. I think employee vacations/time off for the holiday took priority above the safety of Lincoln residents. I'm very disappointed in the condition of our streets and the people in charge of clearing them. Public works director Karl Fredrickson, please just admit you made a mistake (we all do) and do a better job next time. "

 Yucky Roads wrote on January 3, 2007 11:08 am:
" I was in Omaha until late Tuesday morning when my sister and I and her three kids returned me home to Lincoln. She commented how awful the roads looked and how bad Lincoln is at cleaning them up. They weren't plowed at all or at most very poorly at around 48th and Randolph, near Tabitha Nursing Home. "

 Pregnant driver wrote on January 3, 2007 11:08 am:
" WOW! The roads just truly are very horrible this morning. 56th street was just a nightmare and such a scary adventure this morning. And then venturing on to O Street, that was just a skating rink. I think the city has done a terrible job making sure our roads are safe. And for those people that have 4 wheel drive, you need to have a little more patience, you don't know who is behind a wheel of car. "

 Amanda wrote on January 3, 2007 11:43 am:
" Having driven now on mostly main routes - they aren't clean yet. 48th and 0 was still muck on Monday late afternoon - that's a MAJOR intersection, why wasn't it clean? Why am I seeing city snow plows driving around with their blades up? And for the next person who says they are doing the best job they can - or how hard they are working - if I did this quality of work at MY job - I'd not be having a job or a good recommendation. "

 RL wrote on January 3, 2007 12:03 pm:
" Weather predictions aren't to be blamed. When you see it raining and it getting colder and the radar even showed snow coming, after the rain & the first flake salt/sand/mix should have been spread at least on main routes. Lincoln and Nebraska are very short sighted on that aspect. The city and state I came from, an inkling & forcast and they were spreading a mixture of sand/molassas/melting solution and after the snow plowing the slush left the roads clear. "

 Sports Car Driver wrote on January 3, 2007 12:17 pm:
" I swear, Lincoln complains if a single snowflake hits a street. I drive a low-to-the-ground RWD sports car and I had no trouble getting around Lincoln Monday afternoon, Tuesday, or Wednesday morning. 84th, 70th, 56th, 48th, Van Dorn, O St, Cornhusker, and my neighborhood streets were easily passable. But remember, your big trucks and SUVs will not stop any faster than the rest of our cars if snow melts during the day and refreezes on the streets overnight. "

 okok wrote on January 3, 2007 12:44 pm:
" Now that we have all complained.... by word. I know it is terrible out there but they are trying to do there job even if it isn't as fast as you would like it. And yes I think they could have done better but whom am I telling them how they should work! On the note that the north part was treated better...nope... we just had less ice and snow than you... so that would make a difference. And like many have already said... just take it slow it isn't like this is the first snow we have ever had. And other thing about they putting in back in your drive way- how else are they going to do it. It is all part of living somewhere that gets snow!!!!! Lastly- thanks to the employees that have been up all hours of the night to plow!!!! So stop complaining!!! And get back to work! "

 History repeat? wrote on January 3, 2007 12:56 pm:
" Remember the year good mayor Helen Boosalis did not plow the streets after an early freezing rain and heavy snow fall because the city couldn't afford it, and we had to drive in snow ruts and ice the rest of the winter? Remember the following election? Mayoral candidates and Karl Fredrickson take notice! "

 Tammy wrote on January 3, 2007 1:08 pm:
" I have to say, I've lived in Lincoln my entire life, and anyone whose lived here for any time at all knows that Lincoln just isn't that swift at clearing roads after a storm. But this was even worse then usual. Some roads are still impassable, and coming to work this morning was a slippery adventure (I also drive a low to the ground RWD vehicle, and haven't had the same easy time of it as "Sports Car Driver"). This is by far the worst job I've seen in Lincoln for a long time. "

 Gene wrote on January 3, 2007 1:23 pm:
" I think the fact that 48th St was completely iced over 3 days after a snowstorm is cause for complaint. Even at slow speeds those conditions are dangerous. I drove down 48th from Randolph to Holdredge this morning. Not one stretch was easily passable at 7am as it was almost completely covered in ice. "

 TJ wrote on January 3, 2007 1:39 pm:
" The exact same thing happened in Chicago in '79. They didn't get to the snowfall quick enough, and we had to negotiate the ruts for months. The result was that Mayor Bilandic was voted out of office specifically due to mis-handled snowstorm. "

 Quit whining wrote on January 3, 2007 1:51 pm:
" If this is the worst thing that happens to all of you (Unplowed streets) you are very lucky, compared to Katrina victims where people were laying with the dead waiting for help, that kind of puts things back in perspective for me.PS you are right, very few people would want to work your Dad's hours, God Bless him. "

 John Z wrote on January 3, 2007 2:21 pm:
" I don't think the City wanted to pay the extra dollars for overtime especially on a holiday (Jan 1).I would agree with those who say to stay home if it's too bad to drive, but can I remind them that we folks in Lincoln that own homes pay a high price in taxes for the life we enjoy here. If there isn't enough $ for additional equipment, then someone is mis-managing our funds. A street and 70th is still a mess, and the so called "arterial streets" south were only plowed once. I know this as I only had to remove the additioanl ice that is puched onto our driveway one time. "

 Carrie wrote on January 3, 2007 2:31 pm:
" I don't think the lack of response would have bothered me so much if it hadn't been NEW YEAR'S EVE, when you know hundreds or thousands of intoxicated people will be hitting the road all at the same time. A dangerous situation to begin with, compounded by a lack of preparedness on the city's part to get the roads cleaned up. Come on folks, this is Nebraska. It's not like we don't have big snow storms here, and it's not like we're not used to the weather forecasters messing up. After all, the October '97 storm was supposed to be "a few flurries." I agree- anyone with access to a radar could have told city "planners" they would need to get plows moving. A city of a quarter-million people shouldn't have to be put to shame by a town not 10 miles away (Waverly) with far less resources and much less dangerous streets. "

 Sam wrote on January 3, 2007 2:32 pm:
" Privatize snow removal. Get a better job done and slash the city payroll. "

 Part of why I moved wrote on January 3, 2007 2:52 pm:
" Nope, not the streets after a snow fall (plowed or not) but the incredible amount of complaining that the city will not cater to every single person's own individual needs. What a bunch of whiners!!! You live in a small mid-western city - it snows, learn to drive in it or stay home!!! Whish I had a penny for every "MY street isn't plowed", "they pushed snow on MY driveway", "The rich neighborhoods are plowed but MY neighborhood isn't" complaint I heard in 30 years there. I shared your whining with a co-worker as the reason I left. "

 Bunch of babies wrote on January 3, 2007 3:22 pm:
" I was out driving on both days. The roads are fine and have been fine since Sunday night. I drive a tiny sports car and I don't have a problem with the ruts. They have 23 sanders and 2,500 miles of road. That means that there is less than one sander for every 1,000 miles of road. Maybe some you who complain should move to Florida where it doesn't snow. "

 Wisconsinite wrote on January 3, 2007 6:11 pm:
" We arrived on the lst from Wisconsin......the kids told us how bad the roads were here. On the interstate, it was fine and looked as though there wasn't that much snow. In reality, there isn't. It is clear, Lincoln does not do a good job of cleaning their streets. Why is it that where there is more snow, they know how to clean better. Personally, I believe b/c it was Sun AND a holiday, they held back. I don't care how many miles of streets there are, there are not that many main roads. Yes indeed a city with small town mentality that prevails. To those who get out there to put down the sand and plow though.......Thank You. "

 Roxanne wrote on January 3, 2007 7:46 pm:
" the crews are doing there job. When you go to work, do people complain about your work?? if you are not content with the job the city is doing in removing snow, get a job with the city and do it your self. your attitude might change then. good job with what the city has to work with. "

 Justin wrote on January 3, 2007 8:29 pm:
" Roxanne - If someone continually complains about my work (with good reason), I'll get fired. And I basically did do it myself since the city took three days to get around to my neighborhood! "

 Derek wrote on January 3, 2007 9:12 pm:
" Smith Street from 33rd to 40th hasn't seen a plow yet. The forecasts were not accurate on Saturday, Channel 8 predicted 2 to 4 inches, 10/11 said there would be little if any accumulation. "

 al wrote on January 3, 2007 11:41 pm:
" Is there anyone besides me who is thankful for the people who put in long hours, holidays, and sacrifice time away from family activities to drive the plows, fix the water mains, or respond to your emergencies?? Come on people get over it. And, just in case someone else pops up and wishes to comment about being paid for working these jobs and holdiays, think again. Do you really think any amount of compensation is good enough for missing your kids open their Christmas presents? I am here to tell you that it is not. Think of your response if a police officer wouldn't come when you needed him or her. Be thankful for what you have, it could be a lot worse. "

 T wrote on January 4, 2007 1:50 am:
" Here's the deal. There is no way the city or anyone should be responsible for cleaning streets for the multitude of drunks on the road on New Year's Eve. Perhaps the drunks should stay off the road and be responsible for their actions. Sure, the streets are still crappy and why? Not enough staff to clear them and probably a late start due to some confusion if weather reports. Chill out everyone and drive safely. "

 br wrote on January 4, 2007 8:32 am:
" Everytime it snows in this city the people responsible for clearing the streets find some excuse why they can't do the job they are getting paid to do. Maybe its time to contract out this function and fire the people responsible for getting it done. the fact that it snowed on Sunday and Monday was a Holiday gave the city 2 days to get the main streets cleared before people returned to work on Tuesday and they couldn't even get this done. "

 Kathy wrote on January 4, 2007 9:00 am:
" I'd like to thank the city employees for their many hours of work. Lets start by saying your anger should be directed at city managers, not the Public Works Department. These employees work 12-18 hour shifts with little time off to rest in between. It was a long holiday weekend and maybe you need to realize that these employees do have a lives that don't revolve around the weather channel. Did it ever cross your minds that these employees had to give up their New Year's Eve? For what? So the roads would be safer for drunks? As for your streets not being plowed? Excuse me, but do you realize that Lincoln is a bit larger than Waverly? For those who don't understand how this works, let me explain. They have a system in place. There are routes that they follow and it doesn't have anything to do with how much money you have. Sometimes they need to get to their destination without a blade down. Have you ever noticed that when they plow arterial streets that there are at least two plow trucks working together? Any idea what happens when one plow drives alone with it's blade down? If not, then I'm wasting my time because you'll never have a clue! "

 WTF wrote on January 4, 2007 12:13 pm:
" The posts containing "Why clean the streets for drunks on New Years Eve" are some of the most ignorant responses I have seen. Do any of you think that there might be sober people on the road on New Years. Can you grasp the fact that if there isn't any warm weather to melt off the rest of the ice/snow the roads are going to be terrible for "drunks and sober people" alike. What happens when the warm weather goes away and a cold spell sets in freezing up the roads. And don't give me that crap about giving up their holiday time. That is their job, they arn't the only ones who have to make sacrifices. You don't see farmers complaining when they are out 15 hours a day seven days a week trying to get crops in before it rains. They know it is their job. Plenty of people in other jobs do the same. Point in case, quit making excuses and do your job. "

 Justin wrote on January 4, 2007 12:20 pm:
" Thankful? For what? A lot of people work long hours on the holidays (doctors, nurses, firefighters). If they did as pathetic job as the city does cleaning the streets we would be in bad shape. "

 Steve wrote on January 4, 2007 12:21 pm:
" To those complaining that their street wasn't cleared or never had a plow come through - get over it. However, to not have the main roads cleared (i.e. 27th, 56th, 70th, "O", Cornhusker, Hiway 2, etc.) is just ridiculous. I intentionally stayed on emergency snow routes between home and work on Tuesday and Wednesday and nearly slid off the road multiple times. Despite everyone's comments to stay home if the weather is bad - I'd love to stay home between December and February any time there was bad weather, but something tells me I wouldn't have my job long. "

 GMP wrote on January 4, 2007 12:39 pm:
" I've worked for the street dept. and know how hard those guys work to clean the streets. And I drive a Ford Contour, and have had no trouble at all driving, even Sunday night on the highways (including one that was closed right after I went down it). It just takes a positive attitude and being careful. Be grateful we have power and homes and everything else people who have been hit by hurricanes and ice storms don't have. Then a little snow on the street looks great by comparession. "

 driver wrote on January 4, 2007 4:50 pm:
" Drove across town on at least 2 inch thick ice on Hwy 2 (Van Dorn out to 95th) on MONDAY afternoon. Storm ended Sunday morning. Had to drive on the shoulder since the snow wasnt packed down there. Give me a truck next time and i'll clear it myself in an hour and a half. Saw my first plow around 12pm Thursday on west o. 24/7 my foot.. "

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