Winter's trials take toll on the region

The calendar says there's something like 38 days until spring and for all of us, it can't come soon enough. Old-timers - I have to be careful with that term - always speak of past winters that were much more severe than what we experience.

But I strongly suspect that some day far into the future, old-timers will point to this winter as a benchmark for cold and ice and snow.

This miserable weather brings out the best and worst in people. We received a wonderful Speakout call from a New Orleans family traveling through here when they slid on the ice and ended up in a ditch. They wrote to thank "Steve," a passing motorist in a pick-up truck who helped them from the ditch, changed their tire and sent them safely on their way.

There is no better way to "sell" a community than what "Steve" did to these unlucky travelers.

Thanks "Steve."

Our sincere thoughts go out to the families - primarily Moms - who have had to juggle work and kids home from school for snow days. These unsung heroes hope for better weather as much as anyone.

And let's all take time to show our appreciation for the utility workers, the street workers, the Public Safety officers and MoDot employees who brave this terrible weather to make it safer for the rest of us.

The weather forecast is for a slight improvement in the coming week or so and hopefully we will soon see signs that the winter is behind us and spring is on the horizon.

But until then, check on the well-being of your neighbors and especially the elderly. Give thanks if you have a warm house and a warm meal because the truth is that there are many among us who lack these basic essentials during these tough times.

And as we all know, come this summer we'll universally complain about the heat.

Don't you just love Southeast Missouri!