A snowplow clears the drifts from the shoulder of 12th
Street near the Hastings Municipal Airport Feb. 11, 2011.
The Hastings City Council and Mayor Vern Powers are urging citizens to take on an attitude of appreciation in 2013 in response to negative discussion from the public about snow removal in the city.
Several council members spoke up at their meeting Monday to commend the city's snow removal efforts following the Dec. 19, 2012, storm and urged others to do the same.
"I know sometimes it's a thankless job," Councilman Michael Krings said of street department workers. "But with the conditions this winter and the amount of snow we got, it amazes me that in less than 24 hours, every street in our town was cleared. I'd like to express my gratitude to our street department for all the work they've done."
Several companies that were contracted to help with snow removal have withdrawn their services in the last few years due to cost and liability issues, Powers said. After the loss of dozens of employees and pieces of equipment from those contractors, city employees have had to work harder to ensure the streets are cleared and safe after snowstorms.
To read more, see Tuesday's Hastings Tribune or the Tribune e-edition.>>>
