Sheriff?s department stepping up enforcement of snow issue
by Angie Asam- Staff Writer
Snow and ice not only makes a mess out of the roads, causes accidents and makes everyone tediously try to keep driveways clean but it can cause a slowdown in the delivery of mail and residents need to take responsibility not to plow their snow into a roadway or highway.
It is a state law that you cannot deposit the snow from your property onto a roadway and if you are caught it is a misdemeanor violation punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a $100 fine.
This includes plowing snow across a road from your driveway to the opposite bank because it leaves ridges if it isn?t cleaned up very well. According to Sgt. John Kasuba of the Presque Isle County Sheriff?s Department the department will be giving one warning and if the offense is repeated a ticket will be issued.
The department is stepping up their enforcement of the law as it is a hazard when extra snow is plowed into the roadway. ?We haven?t had this much snow in a long time and most of the time a warning takes care of the issue. We did issue one ticket last year. We have received a couple phone calls from the road commission on complaints and officers have gone out. If we get complaints we are going to act on them,? said Kasuba.
The Presque Isle County Road Commission is aware of the problem as well because it causes more problems for them as they are already working to keep the county roads clear and safe for the citizens to get where they need to go.
A SEPARATE snow removal issue is a request from the United States Postal Service asking residents to keep the path to their mailbox clear for the letter carriers to be able to access the mailbox safely and efficiently.
It is a simple request that everyone keep their mailbox and the path to it clear as well as collection boxes that may be located near your business or residence so that customers can use them.
?Mountains of snow and rivers of ice in front of mailboxes play havoc wit
Customers receiving door delivery should make sure sidewalks, steps and porches are clear and those receiving curbside delivery should remove the snow piles left by snow plows to keep the access to their mailbox clear for the letter carriers.
?We appreciate the efforts of our customers as they work to provide their mail carrier with a safe approach to the mailbox,? said Downie.
As the snow continues to fall in Presque Isle County, it is important to remember that keeping not only our driveways clean it is important to help the Road Commission keep the roads clear by not depositing snow onto the roads and to keep our mailboxes clear so that the letter carriers can safely and effectively deliver mail.