MIDLAND (WJRT) -
(02/08/13) - The Midland area got several inches of snow.
There were a few accidents, including one involving a county sheriff's deputy,
but for the most part, residents were digging out, and kids were just having fun.
There have been some reports of up to a foot of snow in the Midland area.
As people were shoveling and snow blowing, Friday, car repair places were
getting busy.
One car that needed a new tire was a Midland County Sheriff's Department car,
which was sideswiped by a suspected drunken driver late Thursday night, in the
middle of the snowstorm. The driver of the pick-up that hit the deputy's car was
arrested.
Most neighborhoods had plenty of snow to remove from sidewalks and driveways.
"I couldn't get off my back deck," said Caroline May.
But May's neighbors came to the rescue.
"Neighbors helping neighbors and that's what its all about," May said.
Marlene Wainright was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 15 years ago. She got
some help with the heavy snow, but she still likes to get out and shovel
herself.
"When it's real heavy, my neighbor helps me," she said. "It's exercise, that's
what makes you feel good, keeps you healthy. Even though I'm limited, I still am
going to do stuff, I'm not going to stop."
Denise Kluka and her sons David and Christopher were doing some of that work in
the neighborhood, they were also helping several people along their street.
"Because these people need help, and that's what we do," Denise said.
At City Forest in Midland, there was plenty of sledding, which hasn't happened
much during the past two winters.
"No snow, and this is a great big fun day, because we got some snow," said Pam
Hagen, of Auburn.
Kids and kids at heart got an early start to the weekend, so the city park
opened up a little early.
City Forest has gone through a couple of tough winters, but this snow is just
what it needed.
Midland Recreation Manager Marcie Post says the past two years were "dismal at
best."
"Two weeks ago, we had a really great weekend out here, but when it's not
snowing, most people don't think to get their boots and come on down," she said.
At City Forest, there are 520 acres of winter fun, for everything from sledding
to cross country skiing.
"There wasn't enough snow to last year to come, so we came this year when we got
this big snow," said Jamie Janken, of Kawkawlin.
They can make snow here for the sledding hill, but Christi Rey of Midland says
its not the same.
"This is much better for sledding. It's not as icy, so it's nice to have the
snow," she said.
There is also cross country skiing at City Forest.
Anton and Olga Karnoup are Russian natives and love to cross country ski, but
haven't had the chance to get the skis out this season.
"This is what we were used to in Russia," Anton said. "This is my second time
this season."
There's also an ice skating rink and a toboggan run, everything a winter sports
enthusiast would want, and now they have snow.
"I anticipate an awesome weekend," Post said.
For more information about City Forest, click HERE.
