City of Adrian Public Works crew steps up to help the community

By MICHELE BURRIS

After last week’s blizzard, the streets of Adrian were filled with snow, and lots of it. No one was too sure about getting out for fear that the amount of snow would make travel next to impossible. As a few cars ventured out early last Wednesday, many roads in town had been plowed and Main Street was relatively clear. It was evident that the City of Adrian had been awake most of the night clearing the snow. Adrian Mayor Larry Ritter said, “The snow removal crew stayed up until about 2:00 a.m and returned to work about 4:00 a.m. Mark Griffith, Roger Lewis, Matthew Newkirk and Brian McFarlane did a very good job.” Adrian resident Lisa Schlotman added, “I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly they cleared our roads, they were out there early and often.”

Clearing snow, hauling snow piles away from Main Street to accommodate business and assure safety were a priority for the Public Works/Streets Department. But amidst their cleanup, they had to repair water main breaks at the same time. In a span of 1 1/2 weeks, the department repaired 11 leaks in the frigid, blustery conditions. City Alderman Danny Ferguson said, “The street crews did an excellent job. We’ve also had them putting in long hours fixing water main leaks during this bad weather. I’m proud of our whole crew. They’re doing excellent and essential work.”

Adrian citizens recognize their efforts. Jennifer Schaller said, “I was not only impressed by the Adrian City workers but by the workers in the entire county. I am thankful for the long hours they put in to make the streets safe for all of us. They don’t get enough credit for a job well done!!”

Fire Chief Gary Dizney met with the Emergency Management team, Mayor Ritter, City Administrator Lori Williams, and Adrian Manor representatives to layout plans in the event of power outages, stranded motorists, etc. Fortunately those plans were not needed, but they were in place. “I give a pat on the back to Gary Dizney for organizing an Emergency Management meeting. As a team we laid the groundwork in case we had a severe situation so we could work together to help the community,” Mark Griffith said.

Right: City crews worked diligently to remove snow from the streets in Adrian.

Middle: Mayor Larry Ritter asked the snow removal crew to move the big mounds of snow from Main Street.

Far right: Behind the Adrian Journal, the mounds of snow from Main Street are creating a “snow mountain.”