Post-blizzard conversations held with county board

​YORK – Following the March 19 blizzard which hit York County and a lot of Nebraska with a punch, there have been conversations held with the county board regarding emergency declarations and more.

​Gary Petersen, the county’s emergency manager, told the board, “Well, the weather service was right on that one. There is an emergency declaration from the governor’s office and that will mostly help get funds for the power companies which have had to fix and replace a lot of infrastructure. The county exceeded the threshold for qualifying as an emergency area and we are working toward reimbursements.”
Petersen said these reimbursements will not be seen by individuals who had losses during the blizzard, as the power companies and other entities would be the first recipients.
He also noted how right after the blizzard, his department had 130 weather radios available, for free, thanks to a grant. “We ran out right away and I could have used another 50.”
“It was a long 24 hours during the blizzard,” said York County Commissioner Randy Obermier who noted he and Petersen were on the phone in the middle of the night as the blizzard began, discussing plans.
“It also showed how preparedness is key when it comes to being in an emergency situation,” Petersen said. “Fortunately, we didn’t have a severe cold spell along with the blizzard and the power outages. Also, the city auditorium in York was opened as an emergency shelter, as were several fire stations in the county.”
The commissioners also ratified Obermier’s earlier signature on emergency declaration paperwork which Petersen has already sent off.
“We had a lot of people out working on that day and they were able to get to people in need,” Obermier said. “We also had people out there who helped our road crews because it was the right thing to do. I’m really proud of what everyone accomplished. Everyone stepped up and I’m proud of this county.”
York County Commissioner Andy Bowman added, “I think our farmers are our greatest assets and I think we do need to pay them for the services they provided when they helped the roads department with their time, fuel and tractors.”