Digging out. That’s been the task for residents of southeastern South Dakota following several rounds of heavy snows this winter.
A pre-Christmas blizzard brought six inches of snow. Additional rounds of wind and snow have followed, making snow removal efforts an ongoing task that’s surpassed the norm. Duane Walters, street superintendent for the City of Freeman notes that this has been an unusual winter, with more snow than city street crews have seen in decades.
Twenty-four miles of street are contained within Freeman’s city limits. With an accumulation of more than a foot-and-a-half of snow so far this season, growing piles of snow – like the one shown here in front of St. Paul Lutheran Church, just off of Wipf Street – are evident. To keep up with removal efforts, street crews have made multiple paths through the town, often utilizing middle-of-the-night hours to get the job done.
Freeman Police Chief Scott Brewer reminds motorists that the snowplow has the right of way. Allowing plenty of space is essential so workers can complete work efficiently, effectively and safely.
When the City of Freeman calls a snow emergency, all vehicles need to be removed from streets, curb to curb, until plowing is complete.
Snow emergencies are announced via Freeman’s citywide call and notification service, on the City of Freeman’s Facebook page and in the “Breaking News” section on the homepage at CityofFreeman.org. The same information is also provided to KELOland TV and Dakota News Now for posting on their websites and for scrolling during KELO, KDLT and KSFY broadcasts.