Debbie Reagor, of Metropolis, screams in delight all the way down one of the many hills at Fort Massac State Park. She was among the many who enjoyed Friday’s snow day.
METROPOLIS, Ill. — While the City of Metropolis Sreet Department and the Massac County Highway Department kept main roads as clear as possible during Friday’s snowstorm, kids of all ages enjoyed the white fluff.
Debbie Reagor of Metropolis hadn’t been sledding in years, but when her husband and her grandkids challenged her, she went screaming in delight all the way down one of the many hills at Fort Massac State Park.
“It’s been a long time since I tried that!” she said shortly after returning up the hill. “It was a blast. I may have to do it again.” And she promptly did.
Adrian Fox watches as his wife Clarissa (left) and son Micah sled race down Central Hill in Metropolis on Friday. For years, the hill has been used by Metropolis residents to enjoy snowy days.
The Fox family of Metropolis practiced at Central Hill before heading to Fort Massac. They’ll return to the park on Saturday to continue their tradition of sledding with Adrian Fox’s brother’s family.
Clarissa Fox said the tradition began in 2021 when their son Micah had just turned 6.
“We usually go to Fort Massac and here; this was our first stop,” she said as Micah, 10, began sledding down Central Hill in various ways.
She said the traditional family sledding plans were made Thursday night.
“We just decided to practice a little bit to get the advantage for the races coming tomorrow (Saturday),” she said.
Large snowflakes fall on Superman Square in Metropolis on Friday, covering not only the street but the Superman statue.
Due to Friday’s weather, many Massac County businesses, including government offices, either closed for the day or shut down early.
Massac County Highway Department began spraying salt brine on roads Thursday. Highway engineer Brad Watson said the department worked its way from higher or lower volume roads, meaning less used roads will have a good coating of snow.
Watson noted that “roads that have been plowed and treated are wet. Travelers should slow down and take their time, definitely on roads we haven’t been able to treat.”
The City of Metropolis began pre-treating streets on Thursday ahead of the storm. Crews came in at 5 a.m. Friday “to try and get ahead of the heavy snowfall,” said Metropolis public works director Natalie Harris. “The main roads and emergency routes are in pretty good shape. The side roads are being worked on, but there are some we haven’t gotten to yet.”
By early afternoon, the Massac County Sheriff’s Office had responded to two minor accidents. The Metropolis Police Department had not received any calls when asked.
“Remember to follow winter safety guidelines,” advised Massac County EMA director Brian Horn. “Most importantly, avoid all unnecessary travel. If you have to travel, give yourself extra travel time and be safe.”
Metropolis Police Chief Harry Masse echoed the statement. “Stay off the roads unless you absolutely need to be going somewhere,” he said.
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