The Seaford Star, a Delaware newspaper, posted a story about the farmers in Delaware who took it upon themselves to plow the roads after the snowstorms last week. Many of the farmers of the state began plowing state roads after the snowstorms before being asked.
According to the article:
"Among those Sussex farmers who took to the roads were brothers R.C. and J.C. Willin from near Seaford. Their farm has had a contract with the state to clear snow-covered roads since 1979. The Willins were called out by the state at 9 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 7, and ended their work a week later, at 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14. They used two John Deere tractors, one 300 horsepower fitted with a 16-foot blade and the other 250 horsepower with a 14-foot blade. "Our tractors perform a service that trucks can't do," J.C. said. He and his brother not only cleared roads from the state line to U.S. 113, Greenwood to the Nanticoke River, they also pulled out vehicles, including state road trucks and in one instance a National Guard truck, that were stuck in the snow."
Why am I posting this story about Delaware farmers? The thing that has always made America a great country was the private sector. People who saw a need and filled it, helping their neighbors and earning a profit in the process. This story is an example of that quality.
The article further relates:
"Baxter also had equipment at the Georgetown Fire Hall to help clear its driveway. In Sussex County, 16 farmers responded to a call from the Emergency Operations Center to help clear roads ahead of fire engines and ambulances. "Emergency planners are in critical need of heavy-duty machinery, such as large tractors, that would lead the way for fire trucks, ambulances and EMS trying to respond to emergencies down snowdrift-covered roadways," center director Joseph Thomas said in a statement released at 9 p.m. Wednesday. DelDOT spokesman Westhoff said that in Kent County, a group of teen farmers responded to his call for help getting access to a radio station between Harrington and Milford."
Delaware is not used to dealing with the amount of snow they have recently seen. They are not equipped to handle it, nor would it be productive for the state to be prepared for major snowstorms when they are not a common occurrence. Thank you, Delaware farmers, for your initiative and willingness to help your fellow citizens.
Leave a comment