Winter Weather Halts Everything in Jasper

Pretty much everything in Monticello and Jasper County, as well as much of the state came to a screeching halt Monday after snow, freezing rain and sleet covered the ground Sunday night and Monday. As of Wednesday, schools were still closed, as were many businesses.

Newscasts warned of the coming storm well in advance, and grocery stores were swamped all weekend with people stocking up in preparation of being stuck at home. People were advised to stay off the roads, and most people heeded the warning, making for safe roads in Monticello and Jasper County. The few people who got out drove carefully, as there were few if any reports of accidents.

A car slid off the road in south Jasper Tuesday, but no one was hurt.

As of Wednesday, government offices had opened and roads were starting to clear. Temperatures were not expected to rise much above freezing, but sunshine and wind were working to clear some of the mess.