Working in the Weather
Even with the snow, the mail had to be delivered. (Image by CRI/Jason Madison)
Slow and steady is the pace many Oskaloosans have taken to the streets today after last night’s snowfall. However for U.S. Postal Worker, Lisa Keeton, that’s not her kind of tempo.
Since becoming a letter carrier seven years ago, Ketton knows there no stops in her line of work.
“Long day today. Lots of work.”, Keeton added.
As Keeton walks her morning rout downtown the Iowa State Patrol and the Iowa Department of Transportation say travel is hazardous in much of the state. The heaviest snowfall totals are between four and five inches.
Keeton”I like my job but I would like to stay in bed on days like this. I’m not going to lie. Maybe not in bed but in the house where there is a nice heater.”
The biggest concern for Keeton and other commuters this afternoon will be blowing snow, which will reduce visibilities. Driving conditions will remain poor through much of the day. Come this evening dangerous wind chills will drop temperatures below freezing and last into Thursday.
As Keeton wraps up her rounds she quick to move her mail truck since a Snow Emergency has been declared for the City of Oskaloosa. Meaning all vehicles must be removed from city streets to allow crews to remove snow during and after it accumulates. Oskaloosa Police are out enforcing the Snow Emergency by ticketing or towing any vehicles at the owner’s expense.
As a reminder, all downtown property owners are responsible for clearing their sidewalks for residents and workers like Keeton within twenty-four hours after the snow stops. Business owners can be ticketed or charged a fee by the city for failing to do so.
