Schools close, roads

vary

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Blowing and drifting snow and extremely cold temperatures played a major role in the closure of many schools in The Journal area Friday.

The Windom office of the Minnesota Department of Transportation said winter driving conditions were fair to good late Friday afternoon.

The Mankato Mn/DOT office reported good winter driving conditions with some slippery spots, drifting Friday. Motorists were urged to drive with caution and anticipate changing conditions.

Motorists were reminded to be aware of snow clouds created by snowplow operators and urged to never drive into snow clouds.

The State Dept. of Transportation also reminded the public that it is against the law to deposit snow, in any fashion, on or next to a public highway or street. Depositing snow on public roadways can create hazardous areas, according to MN/DOT.

Today will be cold again with highs in the single digits above zero. Lows will be in the single digits below zero.

Sunday will be warmer with highs in the twenties and a low in the single digits above zero.

Sunday area events include a fishing contest on Sleepy Eye Lake from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sponsored by New Ulm Area Sport Fishermen, the contest will feature many door prizes including a depth finder made for ice fishing, a fish house, gun, prints and other items.

More than 1,100 tickets were sold for the contest last year that included about 700 contestants on the lake.

Fishing enthusiasts can register as early as 10 a.m. Sunday.

After several years of light snowfall the hill climb snowmobile drags will have plenty of white stuff this year at The Golden Gate To Fun just south of the Minnesota River, northeast of Sleepy Eye.

The River Valley Dutchmen Snowmobile Club of New Ulm will sponsor the drag races that begin at 11 a.m. and continue until about 4:30 or 5 p.m.

Little or no snowfall is expected for the next few days. Highs Monday are expected to be in the thirties.

Recorded statewide road information is available 24 hours at 1-800-542-0220.