Many give thanks to snow clearing crews

WASHINGTON — A week of too-low temperatures and too much snow left many people thanking the maintenance crews and volunteers who stepped up to clear off roads and sidewalks around Washington County.

Below is a collection of quotes from government officials and community members across the community, who publicly expressed their gratitude for the hours of work spent making travel possible in the face of winter weather.

“I’d like to thank the police department and maintenance for all the extra long hours, all the extra work that they’ve been doing for the last week. Ever since that first snowfall, with everything that we’ve had, they’ve been doing a great job.” — Washington City Administrator Deanna McCusker.

“The plow crews have been working tirelessly to clear streets and now they're on to the daunting task of removing (at least some) of the gigantic piles of snow. Thank you for all of your time and work, fellas!” — Main Street Washington, via Facebook.

“For this whole thing, I’ve only gotten phone calls (from) two people, and they were just inquiring, ‘Is there any guess as to when they might have a road plowed through?’ And in both cases, they were not in a hurry, they were very appreciative, they understood the situation … everybody I talked to was very complimentary of the work you guys are doing.” — Washington County Supervisor Jack Seward Jr.

"Kudos to P.D. and the maintenance department for speedy work. I know they went down my alley … so I feel very blessed about that.“ — Washington City Council Member Fran Stigers.

“Thank you Scott Hughes, Dan Bird and Andy Boone for helping with snow removal, VERY much appreciated!” — one user of the “Buzz of Brighton Iowa” Facebook group.

“Tim and Aaron, our building and grounds guys, they did a fantastic job and put in a lot of long, extra hours in extreme cold temperatures, to keep sidewalks and driveways or parking lots clear. I wanted to acknowledge them as well, thank you.” — Washington County Auditor Dan Widmer.

“Thank you Iowa Department of Transportation City Public Works, and County Secondary Roads Departments for working tirelessly to get Iowans back on the roads!” — statement from the office of Gov. Kim Reynolds.

“A kind person named Andrew Brock will be plowing our sidewalk passages tomorrow … He’s not with a removal company. He just likes to help people who need it. All of us are struggling to meet our needs and those of everyone around us so it means the world to come across this type of kindness!” — PAWS & More Animal Shelter.

“Thank you to the road crews for their hard work on clearing everything during the last week and into the future,” Hard surface only notice from Washington Superintendent Willie Stone.

“Snow plows, blowers and graders have been overtaxed this past week … Our County Roads guys (and all City Public Works!) are working their butts off. Say thanks next time you see one!” — Washington County Emergency Management.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com