Winter weather blankets area with snow

by Matt Wilson

Hannah Waldrep, 6, of Russellville enjoys playing in the snow Feb. 25

For the past couple of weeks winter weather has threatened and teased the Franklin County area. But last Wednesday the threats turned to action as anywhere from three to eight inches of snow fell across the county.

Both county and city schools have experienced delays and closings over the past two weeks due to winter weather possibilities.

During the evening of Feb. 16 the area was hit with some ice that forced schools and businesses to close early and open late on Feb. 17. Ice threatened again on Feb. 23, but it wasn’t until the afternoon of Feb. 25 that the white stuff showed up.

Local residents enjoyed the recent snow that blanketed Franklin County.

Most of Franklin County reported at least six inches of snowfall during the Feb. 25-26 stretch, and some of the southern parts of the county received up to a foot.

Roadways were dangerous throughout the afternoon and evening of Feb. 25, but with collaborations between county and city officials injuries and accidents were minimized.

Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett was able to put a new piece of equipment to use as well.  After closing the roads within the city by 7 p.m. on Feb. 25 due to their treacherous nature, Hargett was seen plowing the streets with the city’s new tractor equipped with a snowplow blade underneath. During the city council meeting on March 2, Fire Chief Joe Mansell commended city council members and various city and county officials for their hard work and cooperation during the past few weeks of winter weather.

With daylight savings weekend coming up and spring weather not far away, Franklin County residents were able to enjoy at least a few days of snow.