Local snowmobilers to the rescue

By Maddie Smith

After closing the chapter on the snowiest February in southeastern Minnesota, it would be understandable to see plenty of activity among local snowmobiling clubs. Throughout the county, snowmobilers leave their mark along the highways and other trail routes. However, they have done more than that. They have brought others to safety.

While snowmobiling may seem like another fun, winter pastime, it has been especially practical this season – particularly during the recent blizzard on the last weekend of February.

As numerous motorists unsuccessfully traveled through the harsh winter conditions, local dispatch were relieved with the help of local community members.

The phones were ringing off the hook at the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office throughout the last weekend of February, during the recent blizzard. There were 38 documented calls, and, surely, many more stalled vehicles which didn’t report to the sheriff’s office.

This is where Fillmore County’s small town community values potentially saved lives.

Members from around the county, including members from the Tri-County Trailblazers, Mabel Canton Trailbusters, Spring Valley Fire Department, and Norway Township Maintenance, as well as many individuals, assisted local emergency crews by rescuing victims of the harsh winter conditions. With the use of groomers and snowmobiles, a few individuals, in particular, volunteered their time to make a difference.

Troy Lange operated a tracked groomer from the Tri-County Trailblazers club of the Spring Valley area to clear paths; south of Spring Valley, along Highway 63, Mike Zimmerman, from the Spring Valley Fire Department, rescued roughly 25 people who were stranded; from the Mabel Canton Trailbusters, Chad Loppnow reportedly spent five hours in the groomer, rescuing three people off of Highway 43 north of Mabel; and Kyle Chiglo from Norway Township Maintenance assisted a family and their children on County Road 10 west of Bratsberg, according to Sheriff John DeGeorge. These rescuers either cleared paths, pulled vehicles from the ditches, or gave people rides from vehicles to safe spots.

There were certainly many more members who spent their own time and used their own equipment to help keep fellow community members safe. Numerous farmers and residents with equipment helped to clear gravel roads while plows were unavailable. By aiding local maintenance and emergency rescue respondents, Fillmore County citizens helped keep fellow community members safe and access snow-covered roads. On behalf of everyone affected by the blizzard, thank you to all organizations and individuals who aided their community.

As we reflect on the recent blizzard, be sure to stay safe in any upcoming winter weather events. Sheriff DeGeorge adds that safety warnings are to be taken seriously. Many roads were closed because of slick conditions, excessive snow, and blowing winds. If no travel is advised, heed this warning. Officials seek out safety for not only traveling community members, but also for emergency responders. When large volumes of people are stuck, respondents put their own lives at risk to help. The best thing to do is stay where you are, in a warm area.

If you absolutely need to travel, be sure your vehicle has a full tank of fuel and is stocked with a winter emergency kit, including warm clothing, a flashlight, spare food, water, and a first aid kit – in case of an event where you are stranded for a long period of time.

If you do happen to find yourself stuck in a blizzard, first and foremost, make sure your exhaust pipe is cleared of snow. Stay in your vehicle, and keep warm with blankets and extra clothing. Traveling on foot is just as dangerous as driving because of impaired sight. Keep the heat in your vehicle on low and only keep your vehicle running as needed to conserve energy, and contact authorities or anyone you know nearby who may have the resources to help.

Winter in Minnesota may have yet to meet its end. Be sure to stay safe in all of the winter conditions our climate decides to throw at us. However, the cold and snow are nothing we should fear, as long as they keep attracting our local snowmobilers. When you look out your car windows and see tracks left from snowmobilers, just remember… not all heroes wear capes.