White Christmas Was Bad News for Pedestrians

Pedestrians throughout midtown Kansas found the going tough in the aftermath of the winter storm that swept across the Plains States December 24-25.

While city crews began plowing major thoroughfares as the storm subsided, the heavy, drifting snow was compounded by additional curbside accumulations thrown up by plows, making walking dicey.   As the accumulated “wintry mix” was packed down and turned to ice by traffic, conditions became especially hazardous. Volkerites venturing out to destinations in Westport floundered in knee-deep drifts along uncleared sidewalks.

In past years, we could count on a relatively quick warm-up to melt some obstacles.  Not this year, as temperatures remain in the teens and single digits.

The  city’s  311 hotline reported being overwhelmed by calls.  Fourth District Councilwoman Jan Marcason also received calls and e-mails.  She said she would relay concerns to the Public Works Department January 4^th. She also encouraged contacts to her office about specific blockages, writing “Often we can get someone out to remedy the situation.”

-Rick Leidig