Slip Slidin’

Emergency workers kept hopping

    Local emergency officials were trying to catch their breath Monday night in the wake of an extremely busy few days.
    Fire Chief Doug Meyers was hard at work at the station sorting through reports and paper work associated with the 45 calls his department had responded to during the past eight days.
    Ten of those calls occurred Monday before 7 p.m.
    “It’s been pretty busy.  Those numbers are way above our average,” said Meyers.
    While most of the emergencies were medical in nature, the department also responded to a kitchen fire, as well as a problem with an aircraft at the Mason City Municipal Airport.
    “We’re seeing a lot of injuries associated with falling on the ice, but there’s also been some people experiencing chest pain,” said Meyers.
    Police Chief Greg Peterson said he was among those drivers who found themselves stuck among the ice and snow cover.
    “I got stuck in the middle of the road Saturday, but thanks to Zach Monson and friends I got out,” Peterson told the City Council Monday.  No vehicular accidents were reported Saturday, but travel by foot was more hazardous, he acknowledged.  “Driving is certainly better than walking.  I hit the ground a couple of times.”