Brief Editorial Comment: Thanks to all

<p class="p1">Last week's bitter winter weather, and continued cold, has a "silver lining" for which we all should be proud.</p><p class="p1">City, county and state highway crews have worked tirelessly to keep the roadways in the best condition possible.  Not an easy task in frigid weather with long hours.</p><p class="p1">Most schools in the area were closed for the safety of students and those responsible for them. These decisions were not made from the living room couch but from hours of monitoring the situation.</p><p class="p1">Few power outages were reported, but, I assure you linemen and others involved did not rest well knowing that they might be pressed into service at any time.</p><p class="p1">Hospitals, assisted care facilities and nursing homes are 24//365. Many employees worked double and triple shifts.</p><p class="p1">Ambulance drivers and police continued to provide needed service.</p><p class="p1">Farmers with livestock had to make sure there was  adequate feed available.</p><p class="p1">Retail business owners faced a decision of opening their shops, knowing less revenue, or allowing employees to stay safely at home.</p><p class="p1">Total strangers helped stranded motorists who were stuck in the snow.</p><p class="p1">Neighbors helped neighbors with shoveling snow and getting needed groceries.</p><p class="p1">The list goes on and on.</p><p class="p1">Bottom line: Southern Illinois is a great and beautiful place to live, work and raise a family. This winter's blast will pass. We should all bid a sincere thank you to those who kept us safe and comfortable. </p>