Winter storm closes Montcalm County, Belding schools
City trucks went through Greenville this morning to collect snow that had been plowed and piled throughout the night. — Daily News/Kelli Ameling
Winter has finally arrived in mid-January.
Montcalm County and surrounding areas were hit with several inches of the white stuff Thursday afternoon through this morning.
Road Commission for Montcalm County Managing Director Randy Stearns said at least 4 inches of snow was sighted north of Stanton Road.
“I think every truck we’ve got is on the road so far,” Stearns said. “The wind’s supposed to blow today, but we didn’t have any snow on the ground prior to this so we don’t have to worry about any huge snow drifts.”
Montcalm County Sheriff’s Lt. Steve Russell said receiving a large amount of snow in a short time likely prevented road accidents that occur when a smaller amount falls.
“This was a substantial enough snow that it slowed people down,” he said. “We’ve only received reports of a few minor accidents. The Road Commission’s got the main roads looking pretty good.”
However, Russell cautioned drivers to take their time on the roads.
“They’re crummy,” he said of driving conditions.
All area school districts are closed for the day, including Belding, Carson City-Crystal, Central Montcalm, Greenville, Lakeview, Montabella, Tri County and Vestaburg.
Greenville Public Schools Superintendent Pete Haines said secondary roads still weren’t clear for buses at 8 a.m. this morning. Underneath the snow, the roads was heavy slush.
“It was clear roads weren’t going to be clear this morning,” Haines said. “We got a lot of snow. It’s been a pretty light winter, but I think we made up for it.”
WZZM 13 is forecasting a 90 percent chance of snow today with breezy weather and a high of 27. Saturday calls for a high of 24 with a 40 percent chance of snow. Sunday calls for sun and a high of 29
“We’ve got a lot of winter left to go,” reminded Stearns. “We got spoiled with all this nice weather we had.”
There is no reason for schools to be closed. At the worst schools could have had a two hour delay. Closing for 4 inches of school seriously. China is ahead of us in education and jobs no wonder.