ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Snow removal efforts in Escanaba continued on Wednesday, two days after the winter storm subsided.
Public Works crews made their way down Ludington Street, clearing the roadway for motorists. Many shops and restaurants remained closed as business owners shoveled their entrances and sidewalks.
Around 10:30 a.m., the Delta County Road Commission reported that it had not yet been able to reopen every county road. Many roads currently have one lane cleared for traffic to pass through. The commission says crews will return to widen those passages as they are able.
On Tuesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Delta County, along with six other Northern Michigan counties, allowing local entities to access state resources. With county and city resources being stretched so thin, Delta County Central Dispatch took to Facebook to ask the public for assistance.
“We are looking for people to plow driveways,” the agency wrote. “Dialysis patients must get to their appointments so we’re trying to help.”
Officials are asking residents to be patient as crews work to restore full roadway access.
“We want the public to know that we have not forgot about you and we are still working hard to get into everything as fast as we can,” the County Road Commission posted on Facebook. “… We understand the anxiety, stress and frustration the public is feeling right now, but we ask that you please try to remain patient and try to be kind to the people answering the phone calls that do not stop. We will do our best to try and help in any way we can.”
On Thursday, WZMQ 19 will speak with Delta County Emergency Management about the status of response efforts, as well as what motorists should expect in the coming days.
