Winter’s bite remains a staple of High Plains life
When storms hit our radar screen, the importance of other news of the day wanes.
This was never as true as this past weekend—beginning Jan. 3— with Winter Storm Blair making a grand entrance that crisscrossed our country with a weekend mission to derail family travel plans, high school activities and shoppers out to find post-holiday bargains.
It had a two-fold reprieve: 1, national news coverage will focus on the happenings of the High Plains; and 2, it will provide a break from the drumbeat of tiresome political news.
As a lifelong Kansan, winter storms fascinate me. As a kid, they were an opportunity to get out of school an extra day or two, and my parents encouraged me to get outside and play. I am sure, in their eyes, it got me out of their hair so they could focus on more important matters.
Over the years, as I got more indoctrinated into my own work life, I am sure my parents would smile when they heard about the tales of trying to get to work, not knowing if my vehicle would restart in the cold.
Dad would remind me that jumper cables, a small Army shovel and a coffee can filled with sand were needed. A few snacks were included in a bread sack. Added weight in the back of the vehicle was a must to keep from losing control on the ice.
Today’s modern vehicles have helped us to feel more comfortable about getting out in poor winter weather.
Farmers and ranchers have tractors and loaders that in the modern era include cabs to provide a comfortable setting to clean out drives and make it easier to feed livestock.
Weather extremes also remind me that, even with amenities, a prolonged power outage quickly adds to the misery index. Livestock need water in the winter, as Extension specialists note, and, when the weather is bad, a stockman must go out with an ax and be willing to break ice even if conditions are not fit for man or beast.
When families and friends reminisce about major winter storms, there is always a pause, because they all know of people who succumbed to conditions or promising calves who perished in a blizzard.
This winter is merely three weeks old, and I know that Mother Nature is a fickle beast. She may make winters very cold and nearly unbearable, or she might take a respite and provide a gentle snow blanket that makes wheat growers optimistic and brings smiles to the faces of ranchers who know ponds will be full of water for spring and summer.
The key to handling the haymakers Mother Nature throws at us is to be prepared and have a plan to ensure the safety of family, friends and employees. Winter Storm Blair provided a reminder of why that remains important.
Dave Bergmeier can be reached at 620-227-1822 or [email protected].
