OSKALOOSA — Snow is back. Just when we thought we could cruise along to spring with little snow left on the ground, Mother Nature threw us a curve ball, and a big one for that matter. I will say that I was stunned Tuesday when, as I was traveling to Des Moines, I hit completely snow-covered roads just past Monroe, as well as reduced visibilities. This time, rather than predicting the “snowpocalypse” and having us get puny amounts of snow, the meteorologists predict puny amounts of snow and we got the “snowpocalypse.” They just can’t catch a break! The rest of the week looks to be cool with highs in the upper 20s to lower 30s. There’s also rumors of another potential snow event next Monday. After the way this season has gone, I’ll believe it when I see it. This week, I had planned on answering questions I received regarding bottle redemption. I have decided to push that back one week, and this week, in light of recent and potential future snow, we will address snow removal reminders.

Question: What is the city’s policy on shoveling snow after a snowstorm?

The city of Oskaloosa has a very strict ordinance when it comes to snow shoveling. Right now, residents MUST have all snow shoveled within 24 hours of the snow stopping. The city ordinance states: “It shall be the duty of the owner to keep sidewalks abutting the property clear of the natural accumulations of snow or ice. If the owner fails to do so within twenty-four hours after the snow stops, the public works director or designee may have the natural accumulations of snow and ice removed without notice to the property owner.” If the Public Works Department does remove snow/ice from your sidewalk, you will be fined. All it takes is for one complaint from a neighbor for this to happen. Please, 20 minutes to take care of this so that your neighbors can be safe. Also, please remember that your vehicle must be removed from the street until the plows have made their rounds during a snow emergency. Residents in violation face potential ticket/towing fees.

Have a great rest of the week and drive safely!

If you have a question about anything that is occurring in the community, or about an upcoming event, please feel free to send them to me. I will do my best to find an answer for you. Please e-mail them to me at oskyquestions@gmail.com.