Minnesota
Minnesotans band together to get through March blizzard
The word of the day Sunday in southern Minnesota was “challenging,” with snow conditions making roads difficult to navigate.
In the early morning hours, when the snow was falling the fastest, Minnesota Department of Transportation spokesperson Mike Dougherty said that up to four plows ended up in temporary trouble, requiring help from other trucks to get back on the road.
“There were times there with the snow rate and snow visibility that it was really challenging,” Dougherty said.
By about 3 p.m., MnDOT closed Interstate 35 south of Albert Lea in coordination with the State of Iowa, which shut down its portion of the interstate starting at the Minnesota border.
Beyond that closure, as of Sunday evening, other highways remained open. Dougherty said that this is subject to change based on variables related to strong winds, which could reduce visibility or otherwise complicate highway travel.
In Owatonna, the local roads weren’t much easier to navigate on Sunday after sunrise. WCCO was there to capture total strangers helping each other after a sedan got stuck on the I-35 off-ramp into town. Two truckers who said they were from Ukraine were the first to stop, shoveling snow in front of the car and giving a much-needed push.
When that wasn’t enough, Owatonna neighbor Michael Falvey had just the fix. He arrived with the know-how and equipment to tow the sedan clear of the heavy snow that had accumulated on the ramp.
“That took five minutes,” Falvey said. “I made their day, hopefully.”
It was clear he did, with the drivers telling him they had first gotten stuck at about 5 a.m. The rescuers didn’t arrive until about 9 a.m.
Steele County activated members of the Minnesota National Guard brought in to the Owatonna Armory at about that same time. Guard members hit the road in what’s known as a Small Unit Support Vehicle (SUSV), designed to easily navigate snow and ice. With about a foot on the ground in some spots, that kind of gear was a necessity, launching to at least one rescue mission Sunday morning.
By mid-day, Steele County had tracked at least 10 reports of stalled cars, according to Kristen Sailer, director of the Steele County Emergency Management. According to the county’s highway department, their crews were responsible for the mileage equivalent of a drive from Owatonna to Chicago and back.
“It’s a mess out there,” Sailer said.
In Allendale, about 25 people were already making use of the local shelter.
But on a day of extremes, others found a way to maintain their original plans. That includes bowlers in Owatonna Sunday for the state bowling tournament, which went on as planned.
The Minnesota National Guard is on standby in various spots in southern Minnesota, prepared for activation should rescue operations become necessary during this weekend’s storm.
Colonel John McCrae, director of operations for the Minnesota National Guard, said that members are in position at armory locations in Albert Lea, Fairmont, Owatonna and Redwood Falls.
Gov. Tim Walz has signed an executive order authorizing the Minnesota National Guard to support emergency operations for a winter storm expected late Saturday into Sunday.
“We have armories all around the state, and that allows us to be able to respond pretty quickly in times like this,” McCrae said.
According to McCrae, those four locations in the southern portion of the state are unique in that each is equipped with what’s called a Small Unit Support Vehicle. In person, there’s nothing small about them; two large cabs are positioned on tracked threads, allowing them to maneuver on snow and ice.
These vehicles are used to rescue people trapped in their cars or even homes that may have lost power.
Sgt. First Class Trevor Nelson is among the four people on standby at the armory in Owatonna. He said that they are essentially on call with the emergency administrative team of Steele County. Once they get the go ahead, they would venture out on rescue missions to bring people back to the warming center inside the armory.
“[We’ve] been kind of a go-to because they know we’re always ready, we’re involved in the community,” Nelson said. “It’s too easy to go out and do what could be very difficult for a plow truck or a fire department or ambulance.”
McCrae said that it’s possible that guard members will be activated closer to the metro depending on how the storm evolves.
For Nelson and his team, the armory in Owatonna is now home until around Monday morning. They are under orders to remain there at the ready 24/7 until the worst of the weather passes.
Minnesota
Hopkins vs. Rosemount: Live Score Updates of the Minnesota High School Girls Basketball Class 4A Championship
The No. 1 Hopkins Royals (27-2) play the No. 2 Rosemount Irish (28-3) in the MSHSL girls basketball state tournament Class 4A championships on Saturday at Williams Arena.
The game is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m., or 25 minutes after the Class 2A championship.
Hopkins is in its 15th state championship game in program history, and the Royals are hoping for their 10th win.
Rosemount was in the title game in 1993, but the Irish have not returned since. A win would give them their first in program history.
Hopkins vs. Rosemount: Live Score Updates of the Minnesota High School Girls Basketball Class 4A Championship
Updates of the game will be here when it begins. Refresh for the latest update.
More from High School On SI
The Sibleys’ oldest son plays basketball in Minnesota with a bleeding condition. As Mike Max explains, it’s just a small piece of life for the family that is making a difference beyond what most feel is possible.
Video Transcript
BASKETBALL PROVIDES A A STORY THAT EXTENDS WELL BEYOND THE GAME.
BASKETBALL PROVIDES A A STORY THAT EXTENDS WELL BEYOND THE GAME.
THE SIBLEY FAMILY HAS AN OLDEST SON WHO PLAYS BASKETBALL WITH A CONDITION THAT MAKES IT COMMENDABLE THAT HE PLAYS IT ALL, BUT THAT’S JUST A SMALL PIECE OF LIFE FOR THE FAMILY BEYOND WHAT MOST FEEL IS POSSIBLE.
THE SIBLEY FAMILY HAS AN OLDEST SON WHO PLAYS BASKETBALL WITH A CONDITION THAT MAKES IT COMMENDABLE THAT HE PLAYS IT ALL, BUT THAT’S JUST A SMALL PIECE OF LIFE FOR THE FAMILY BEYOND WHAT MOST FEEL IS POSSIBLE.
THE STORY STARTS 17.
THE STORY STARTS 17.
YEARS AGO, WHEN A YOUNG COUPLE WENT TO COLUMBIA TO MEET THEIR NEW ADOPTED SON.
YEARS AGO, WHEN A YOUNG COUPLE WENT TO COLUMBIA TO MEET THEIR NEW ADOPTED SON.
AT THE ORPHANAGE I WAS THERE, YOU ACTUALLY, YOU YOU WAIT IN A GREEN ROOM FOR, YOU KNOW IT COULD BE A 30 MINUTES TO AN HOUR.
AT THE ORPHANAGE I WAS THERE, YOU ACTUALLY, YOU YOU WAIT IN A GREEN ROOM FOR, YOU KNOW IT COULD BE A 30 MINUTES TO AN HOUR.
IT’S UNCLEAR.
IT’S UNCLEAR.
AND THEN THEY BRING YOU YOUR CHILD.
AND THEN THEY BRING YOU YOUR CHILD.
AND SO THEY BROUGHT LUCAS INTO US, PLACED HIM IN OUR ARMS.
AND SO THEY BROUGHT LUCAS INTO US, PLACED HIM IN OUR ARMS.
AND THAT WAS OUR FIRST EXPERIENCE WITH LUCAS.
AND THAT WAS OUR FIRST EXPERIENCE WITH LUCAS.
AND LUCAS WOULD GROW INTO A TYPICAL TEENAGER FALLING IN LOVE WITH THE GAME OF BASKETBALL.
AND LUCAS WOULD GROW INTO A TYPICAL TEENAGER FALLING IN LOVE WITH THE GAME OF BASKETBALL.
THAT’S HOW I FOUND MOST OF MY FRIENDSHIPS IS WITH BASKETBALL.
THAT’S HOW I FOUND MOST OF MY FRIENDSHIPS IS WITH BASKETBALL.
AND SO LIKE, THAT’S BEEN FUN.
AND SO LIKE, THAT’S BEEN FUN.
HIS PARENTS, HIS MOTHER, A BEHAVIORAL THERAPIST, AND HIS FATHER, AN EMERGENCY ROOM DOCTOR, THEY NOTICED SOMETHING ABOUT THEIR SON WHEN HE HAD WISDOM TEETH PULLED LAST YEAR.
HIS PARENTS, HIS MOTHER, A BEHAVIORAL THERAPIST, AND HIS FATHER, AN EMERGENCY ROOM DOCTOR, THEY NOTICED SOMETHING ABOUT THEIR SON WHEN HE HAD WISDOM TEETH PULLED LAST YEAR.
THIS LAST FALL, HE HAD SOME WISDOM TEETH THAT WERE EXTRACTED AND HE KEPT BLEEDING.
THIS LAST FALL, HE HAD SOME WISDOM TEETH THAT WERE EXTRACTED AND HE KEPT BLEEDING.
HE WAS BLED AND BLED.
HE WAS BLED AND BLED.
HE WAS DIAGNOSED A HEMOPHILIAC, A BLEEDING DISORDER.
HE WAS DIAGNOSED A HEMOPHILIAC, A BLEEDING DISORDER.
SO A ROUTINE INJURY LIKE THIS TO HIS LEG TURNED INTO FIVE WEEKS ON THE SHELF HE’S BACK AND HE’S PLAYING.
SO A ROUTINE INJURY LIKE THIS TO HIS LEG TURNED INTO FIVE WEEKS ON THE SHELF HE’S BACK AND HE’S PLAYING.
DESPITE THE CONDITION, THE BEHAVIORAL THERAPIST THAT IS HIS MOTHER SHE UNDERSTANDS THE VALUE OF SPORTS.
DESPITE THE CONDITION, THE BEHAVIORAL THERAPIST THAT IS HIS MOTHER SHE UNDERSTANDS THE VALUE OF SPORTS.
TO ME IT’S ABOUT BEING ON THE TEAM.
TO ME IT’S ABOUT BEING ON THE TEAM.
IT’S ABOUT STRIVING FOR SOMETHING.
IT’S ABOUT STRIVING FOR SOMETHING.
IT’S ABOUT WORKING HARD.
IT’S ABOUT WORKING HARD.
IT’S ABOUT IT’S ABOUT ALL OF THE ENERGY THAT YOUR BODY NEEDS TO DO, THAT THE CHARACTER NEEDED AROUND THAT IT’S ALL IT’S THE LEARNING OF THE DOING OF THE THING AND THAT’S WHERE THIS STORY GETS FASCINATING.
IT’S ABOUT IT’S ABOUT ALL OF THE ENERGY THAT YOUR BODY NEEDS TO DO, THAT THE CHARACTER NEEDED AROUND THAT IT’S ALL IT’S THE LEARNING OF THE DOING OF THE THING AND THAT’S WHERE THIS STORY GETS FASCINATING.
LIKE, YOU KNOW, YOU JUST MET SEE, WHEN TED BECAME A DOCTOR AND ERIN FIRST WORKED AS A TEACHER, THEY GOT A CALLING BEYOND LUCAS THEY NOW HAVE LIFELONG SPECIAL NEEDS, AND THEY HAVE NOW SERVED AS A FOSTER HOME FOR 52 CHILDREN.
LIKE, YOU KNOW, YOU JUST MET SEE, WHEN TED BECAME A DOCTOR AND ERIN FIRST WORKED AS A TEACHER, THEY GOT A CALLING BEYOND LUCAS THEY NOW HAVE LIFELONG SPECIAL NEEDS, AND THEY HAVE NOW SERVED AS A FOSTER HOME FOR 52 CHILDREN.
OVER THE YEARS.
OVER THE YEARS.
THE SIBLEY BOAT IS REALLY BIG WITH A LOT OF CREW.
THE SIBLEY BOAT IS REALLY BIG WITH A LOT OF CREW.
IT’S ON FIRE SOMETIMES, BUT IT’S GOT A LOT OF CREW AND IT HAS A LOT OF RESOURCES.
IT’S ON FIRE SOMETIMES, BUT IT’S GOT A LOT OF CREW AND IT HAS A LOT OF RESOURCES.
THIS JOURNEY HAS BECOME ABOUT ONE COUPLE BUCKING THE LIFE THEY THOUGHT WOULD BE WHEN THEY MET IN COLLEGE.
THIS JOURNEY HAS BECOME ABOUT ONE COUPLE BUCKING THE LIFE THEY THOUGHT WOULD BE WHEN THEY MET IN COLLEGE.
AND THEN I WAS GOING TO HAVE TWO HEALTHY BABIES THAT LOOKED LIKE ME, AND I WAS GOING TO.
AND THEN I WAS GOING TO HAVE TWO HEALTHY BABIES THAT LOOKED LIKE ME, AND I WAS GOING TO.
YEAH.
YEAH.
AND I WAS GOING TO LIVE IN THE BURBS.
AND I WAS GOING TO LIVE IN THE BURBS.
THEY’VE ACCEPTED THE CHAOS THEIR SON PLAY BASKETBALL WITH HIS CONDITION THAT’S JUST A BUMP THAT IS BRIDGED BY A COUPLE THAT HAS A ONE DAY AT A TIME FAITH.
THEY’VE ACCEPTED THE CHAOS THEIR SON PLAY BASKETBALL WITH HIS CONDITION THAT’S JUST A BUMP THAT IS BRIDGED BY A COUPLE THAT HAS A ONE DAY AT A TIME FAITH.
JUST LIKE HIM.
JUST LIKE HIM.
YOU KNOW, ENJOY HIGH SCHOOL PLAY SPORTS, AND LIVE HIS LIFE.
YOU KNOW, ENJOY HIGH SCHOOL PLAY SPORTS, AND LIVE HIS LIFE.
IT’S REALLY WHAT WE WANTED TO DO.
IT’S REALLY WHAT WE WANTED TO DO.
WHEN WE AND THE BOY THEY TOOK HOME FROM AN ADOPTION AGENCY CAN FEEL THAT LOVE.
WHEN WE AND THE BOY THEY TOOK HOME FROM AN ADOPTION AGENCY CAN FEEL THAT LOVE.
SUPPORTED.
SUPPORTED.
I’D SAY THAT’S THE WORD SUPPORTED BY THEM.
I’D SAY THAT’S THE WORD SUPPORTED BY THEM.
LIKE, I MEAN, MY MOM AND DAD LOVE TO SEE ME PLAY, OBVIOUSLY, LIKE IT UPSETS ME WHEN AN INJURY HAPPENS.
LIKE, I MEAN, MY MOM AND DAD LOVE TO SEE ME PLAY, OBVIOUSLY, LIKE IT UPSETS ME WHEN AN INJURY HAPPENS.
LUCAS HAS LEARNED MUCH IN HIS WELL.
LUCAS HAS LEARNED MUCH IN HIS WELL.
GROWING UP IN WAYS MANY WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND OR EXPERIENCE.
GROWING UP IN WAYS MANY WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND OR EXPERIENCE.
THERE ARE A LOT OF DIFFICULT AND SOMETIMES MESSY THINGS THAT COME WITH CARING FOR A SEVERELY AUTISTIC TEENAGE BOY.
THERE ARE A LOT OF DIFFICULT AND SOMETIMES MESSY THINGS THAT COME WITH CARING FOR A SEVERELY AUTISTIC TEENAGE BOY.
AND AND LUCAS JUST MANAGES IT WHEN HE GETS HURT.
AND AND LUCAS JUST MANAGES IT WHEN HE GETS HURT.
YES, THERE IS THAT THIS GOING TO BE A BAD ONE?
YES, THERE IS THAT THIS GOING TO BE A BAD ONE?
BUT IT’S MORE OF A, OH MY GOSH HOW LONG IS IT GOING TO TAKE HIM OUT?
BUT IT’S MORE OF A, OH MY GOSH HOW LONG IS IT GOING TO TAKE HIM OUT?
AND THEY HAVE ALL LEARNED THAT LIFE IS NOT ALWAYS WHAT YOU THINK IT IS GOING TO BE.
AND THEY HAVE ALL LEARNED THAT LIFE IS NOT ALWAYS WHAT YOU THINK IT IS GOING TO BE.
THEY HAVE A REMINDER THAT HANGS IN THEIR KITCHEN.
THEY HAVE A REMINDER THAT HANGS IN THEIR KITCHEN.
COURTESY JOHN WESLEY TO REMIND THEM OF JUST THAT ALL THE GOOD THAT WE CAN, BY ALL THE MEANS THAT WE CAN, AND ALL THE WAYS THAT WE CAN IN ALL THE PLACES THAT WE CAN AND TIME THAT WE CAN, PEOPLE WE CAN, AS LONG AS WE CAN.
COURTESY JOHN WESLEY TO REMIND THEM OF JUST THAT ALL THE GOOD THAT WE CAN, BY ALL THE MEANS THAT WE CAN, AND ALL THE WAYS THAT WE CAN IN ALL THE PLACES THAT WE CAN AND TIME THAT WE CAN, PEOPLE WE CAN, AS LONG AS WE CAN.
WE CAN ALL LEARN SOMETHING FROM THAT BOY.
WE CAN ALL LEARN SOMETHING FROM THAT BOY.
GOOD JOB THEY HAVE PAUSED THEIR FOSTER
GOOD JOB THEY HAVE PAUSED THEIR FOSTER
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