Plow drivers endure irate residents, long shift
JANESVILLE — The angry resident picked up his broken mailbox Wednesday morning as the snowplow approached his East Milwaukee Street home. The man shook the mailbox in the air as Tracy Engstrom slowed her plow to pass him at the end of his driveway.
"What am I supposed to do about it?" Engstrom asked, noting that a different driver knocked over the mailbox Tuesday night.
Broken mailboxes happen during snowplowing, said Engstrom, 36, perched high atop the street in her snowplow, "Ugly Betty." She only breaks about 20 in a winter, while some drivers take out that many in a night, she joked. Tuesday night, she clipped a mailbox as her truck slid backward down a hill.
But most residents don't realize that it's usually not the plow drivers who hit the mailboxes with their blades, she said. The weight of the flying snow topples them.
"The snow took out your mailbox. It was just the plow that was helping it," she said.
Engstrom was one plower on two shifts of city crews that attempted to keep streets clean during one of the biggest snowstorms in Janesville's history.
Two trucks typically are used for each of the city's 14 snowplowing routes, along with graders downtown and a pickup truck for hills.
City plowers anticipated finishing early this afternoon after being on the streets continuously since 4 p.m. Tuesday, said Mandy Bonneville, assistant operations director.
Sanitation and landfill employees were brought in for two shifts to relieve the regular plow drivers, who had worked about 27 of the last 41 hours by late morning.
After getting stuck in the city services parking lot on her way into work Wednesday morning, Engstrom discussed the game plan with her partner, Dave Schuler, before climbing in her snowplow.
The cab comes complete with heat, a radio and two cup holders—a special feature that not all trucks have.
The 13-foot blade on the front isn't visible from inside the truck. Instead, Engstrom guides her truck by the two bright red "whips" sticking up from the ends of the blade.
With all the drifting and swirling of snow, it's impossible to see the curb. So the whole truck rumbles—Engstrom takes aspirin before her shift to deal with the accompanying aches—as she finds the curb on her own.
"Every now and then, I tap it to make sure it's still there," she said.
Engstrom sets off to clear an eastbound lane—driving just over the centerline—on East Milwaukee Street while Schuler follows in a plow truck with a wing blade. His truck clears the other eastbound lane and pushes the snow that Engstrom has shoved into his lane, then spreads a salt-sand mixture.
Together, the trucks clear the street to the city limits, requiring three passes each way between the two of them. The process takes about an hour. Then it's on to clear the Milwaukee Street and Wright Road intersection.
"Some people will wait for you," Engstrom said as she made several loops around the intersection, paying attention to the traffic lights. "Others will honk at me."
Drivers want everything clear, but most don't have any patience to wait for a snowplow, she said.
Next, it's on to Wright Road from Highway 11 to the dead end just past Rotamer Road. The pair of plows repeat the process, but this time it takes four passes each way because of turn lanes.
"Gotta love these idiots racing up the hill," another plow driver jokes over the department's radio frequency.
"Don't be surprised if I go through a red light," Engstrom said, approaching an intersection.
Snowplows can do that if it's safe, she said.
Completing a "curb pass"—the final run to clear snow under mailboxes and up onto a curb—creates a wall of snow that often splashes up against the truck's window and hood.
It's the dreaded pass for every shoveler.
The force behind the wave of snow sends bags of trash flying a few feet and knocks over garbage cans.
Another angry East Milwaukee Street resident stood with his shovel—refusing to move—at the end of his driveway as the snowplow approached.
Apparently, he thought his presence would prevent Engstrom from doing her job.
"I have to make a curb pass by your house," she said under her breath.
While the man's neighbors, who also were shoveling, stood back from the road, Engstrom slowed down so she didn't pelt the guy from head to toe.
"I didn't bury him 'cause I could have," she said.
Schuler later tells her that the man became even bolder and moved out into the street when Schuler came through.
That happens all the time, Engstrom said.
When she first started plowing snow last winter, she couldn't make eye contact with people on the street. Now, she gives them a blank stare. If they start yelling and swearing, she cranks the radio.
One resident on the route purposely parks on the street to create a headache for them, she said. Snow and ice that build up around parked cars are difficult to clear once the vehicles are moved and can damage the plow.
She understands how frustrating it can be to have the end of your clean driveway filled by a snowplow, but she wonders what people expect her to do with the snow. She's just doing her job, she said.
Snowplow drivers could write a great book of tales from the street, she said.
It makes life easier to just accept that people will be angry with her for clearing their street.
"I know now people are just naturally mean, and it's my fault. I made it snow today. Did you know that? I picked 20 inches," she joked.
Does she get any sympathy being the only female city snowplow driver?
In some cases, "but I think they attack me more," said the blonde-haired, blue-eyed driver.
"It's open season" on any snowplow driver, she said, but her coworkers are a great group of guys.
"I don't take a lot of crap (from them)," she said, laughing. "I'm probably worse than they are."
But Engstrom's always worked in service jobs and enjoys the satisfaction of helping people.
"I love (snowplowing)," she said. "It's my favorite thing (to do). Everybody thinks I'm nuts."
Damaged mailbox?
The city of Janesville has reports of 165 damaged mailboxes this winter through the end of January, said Mandy Bonneville, assistant operations director.
The city will replace your mailbox if a snowplow damaged it. Call the city services department at (608) 755-3110.
The city will try to make repairs if possible or provide a temporary box and post until the snow melts, Bonneville said. In spring, a crew will more permanently install it.
For those who don’t want the mailbox the city provides, a one-time reimbursement up to $50 is available, she said.
Feb 8, 2008 at 8:34 p.m.
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But Craig's comments taken out of context, especially when they completely ignore the facts? Brilliant!
Feb 8, 2008 at 8:14 p.m.
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Sometimes all you have to do is read a persons previous posts to understand their frame of mind. Cool feature.
Feb 8, 2008 at 7:57 p.m.
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The next time I go into work I'm going to run a few red lights, damage people's personal property along the way, and do such sloppy work that I put other people's lives in danger, if I don't just skip parts of my job all together. Then someone else will get to go into work just to clean up after me at taxpayers' expense. Will I get to keep my job? Apparently so if I'm a snow plower in Janesville, Wisconsin. I might even get praised for it.
Feb 8, 2008 at 7:55 p.m.
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Lets not complain about the complainers...there are to few to matter.
Feb 8, 2008 at 2:42 p.m.
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To everyone complaining about the streets not being plowed.I know this will make people mad. If you want a better job done then you better be willing to pay higher taxes. Our tax money pays for the salt they spread. The amount of time workers spend in these plow trucks and the maintance on the trucks. I would rather they wait until after the snow to do the plowing. Think of how much money everyone would save.
Think about what they did before the plow was invented? We should be thanking the inventor of the plow and not blaming the plow driver of today for the "bad streets".
IF YOU DON"T LIKE SNOW move to a warmer state otherwise SHUT UP!!!!!!!!
Feb 8, 2008 at 1:44 p.m.
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let's all play nice people. no fighting and calling names. sounds like i am babysitting my 2 year old grand children
Feb 8, 2008 at 1:19 p.m.
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This artical confuses me, because it almost sounds like they are talking about plowing Janesville Wisconsin, and from what I can tell every street in janesville wisconsin a day or two after it snows is only barley passable from tire pathes from previous cars. I myself have graciously called the city before and told them which streets need to be plowed but my kind efforts seem to be in vain.
I understand that they are just doing their job, and it is true most everyone who lives in this town is an annoying blow hard, but I think much revision is needed in how the city goes about plowing. With changes to routes, procedures ect. So I guess untill that point people will just continue to yap.
By the way this is not tom nimmo, thank god. Secondly I will not check back to this so if you have a snippy response to my comment email me instead of posting it with your comment, cuz I'm sure that people who value their time don't want to spend it reading your rebuttles to my opinions.
Feb 7, 2008 at 11:24 p.m.
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I think these plow drivers are starting to lose it, to the point of becoming homicidal. I was driving west on 14 and a plow driver was coming east (broad daylight, no snow) when he decided that he wanted to plow the middle of the road (which was already clear) and did so without warning. Try reacting to that kind of manuver. I had to immediately swerve my car from an area of cleared lane over to the far right side of the lane which was coated in ice, while try to slow my car at the same to avoid spinning out. I say, get a grip. By all means, take out as many damn mailboxes as you please to vent your frustration... not innocent motorists.
Feb 7, 2008 at 10:35 p.m.
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Blue63: Thanks for your posting ... I am still laughing here! And, thanks to the Gazette for giving me a new perspective on winter storms. Now, I am wondering what the postal people do with the mail when the mailbox has become a casualty. Anybody know?
Feb 7, 2008 at 9:18 p.m.
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Kudos to the snow plow drivers! They did an awesome job and I wish she would have plowed snow all over the guy who wouldn't move out of the end of his driveway and even better somebody would have took a picture and it ended up on the cover of the gazette.
Feb 7, 2008 at 8:37 p.m.
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In a weird way, I wish my mailbox gotten knocked over because that would of meant they cleaned the road all the way to the curb and not just a few feet from it. Spending 2 hours digging out in front of the mailboxes so the postman can actually deliver mail was kind of sucky. Although, I think the roads are in better shape after this huge snowfall than they have been in the past with much less snow.
Feb 7, 2008 at 7:57 p.m.
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Well said, gmamabear77!!
For the record, my mailbox got hit last night. The plow never touched it, but the ton of snow travelling at 20 mph sure did. I blame nobody. I was also on duty last pm. I can't say I'd like to experience a storm like that again. The plow drivers I encountered were on the ball and working very hard and I appreciated being able to pull into my own driveway in town after my shift. Thank You.
Feb 7, 2008 at 7:13 p.m.
Feb 7, 2008 at 4:02 p.m.
Feb 7, 2008 at 3:59 p.m.
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Mailboxes are cheap! Ever see a snow plower in the city of Chicago?
I saw one rip the side of a car open like a can opener. Did he stop? NO!
So be thankful its only a mailbox.
Feb 7, 2008 at 3:57 p.m.
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CalcDude..."the people who drive around my neighborhood with plows on their trucks and offer to plow out your driveway after the the plow makes its pass."
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Send those guys over to my neighborhood. I could have used them today. LOL
Feb 7, 2008 at 3:20 p.m.
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just the facts- ever just seed it yourself. it isnt that hard. just water well till it sprouts. my thought is just be glad we live in a place where they do plow!!! unlike back country roads where even if they did plow it would just drift
Feb 7, 2008 at 3:18 p.m.
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keep up the good work when it does all get done! hopefully theyll let you sleep for a couple days-dought it though
Feb 7, 2008 at 2:45 p.m.
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Thank you and God Bless all who have to work out in this weather. I had a 4ft plowed in driveway and at the entrance of my driveway even bigger mess.. but my boy and his fried helped me clear the way. and Thanks to a Guy in a truck last night who we flagged down he helped us clear my entrance. I live on Center Ave and on the hill.. I watched many cars and trucks have a hard time make it up the hill..but they made it. Once again God Bless ALL City crews who take there lives in there own hands to deal with all this snow. God watches over you and takes care of ya..
Thanks...
Feb 7, 2008 at 2:28 p.m.
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gmamabear: :o) Mine have been out several times. They couldn't believe how fast it piled up after each time. I told them thanks for helping cause usually mom and dad have to do it before and after work and now they see what they have to look forward to years from now when they move out and have to do it all by themselves. LOL But really I try to shovel for my neighbor as he is elderly and it is hard for him. He runs his snow blower but can't always keep up especially after the end of his driveway gets plowed in. That snow is heavier and harder to get through. There are a few neighbors that help him out with this as much as we can. We have an alley by our house that we try to keep clear on our end. Wish a few more of the neighbors on the other side of it would help us out with it. I guess they know we will do it because it makes it easier for us to get in and out to get to our garage but they reap the benefits also. They just don't put in the work like we do. They do their sidewalks and that is it. Meanwhile we have had other neighbors who live down and across from us come over and help us clear out the end of it when it has been plowed under. Thanks to all those who help out each other. Besides that shoveling helps me burn calories. Ha Ha...
Feb 7, 2008 at 2:10 p.m.
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Professor...WHAT? Expect people to do ten minnutes more of physical work? How dare you! It's much more American to dig out encrusted ice and complain about it that to do something logical so it doesn't happen in the first place!!!
(PS.... We have done the same tactic as long as I can remember...)
Feb 7, 2008 at 2:02 p.m.
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My mailbox was damaged last winter and the city fixed it in the spring as promised. Along with the plow drivers, I want to thank the people who drive around my neighborhood with plows on their trucks and offer to plow out your driveway after the the plow makes its pass. These guys never ask for money; they just do it to help others. Days like this show that there are a lot of good neighbors in Janesville.
Feb 7, 2008 at 1:18 p.m.
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this is my first write in.but i am getting tired of people complaining about all the snowplow drivers.i have a much better idea.its a snowday.send all your kids out with a shovel,and get to it.i know senior citizens and handicapped folks would appriciate the help.besides all these kids complain about beeing bored? teach them to seek out their neighbors,and if any of them pay these kids it will be a bonus.what they learn,is,how to be a good neighbor,good citizen,and that working makes you sleep good at night.and maybe the schools these kids attend should give them a few extra credits for that,too?isnt that much better than attacking people working very hard for endless hours?cause that only teaches our kids to become complainers too.all you parents think about this,please.a parent of many children,who have done this for a long time.
Feb 7, 2008 at 1:11 p.m.
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I just recently moved to Centerway Street and I think the plow drivers for that route did a great job! I saw the plows running all night keeping the street clear.
I know Dave Schuler and he's been plowing his tail off for the city. For those of you bitching because you lost a mailbox... get over it. You can replace a stinkin mailbox. If you don't think the plow drivers are doing enough, You just try being on call at all hours to come plow the streets even after you've just finished a plow run. So. Dave Schuler and all the other plow drivers, you done good. Maybe you all can get a full nights rest now. Street sweeper season isn't far away!
Feb 7, 2008 at 12:56 p.m.
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I also want to thank the snow plow drivers for the good job they do and the long hours they worked in this last storm. WTG!
Feb 7, 2008 at 12:49 p.m.
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Thanks to the snowplowers. To those complaining, get a life, I am still waiting to have my road plowed. I literally cannot leave my house right now.
They are doing the best they can and I respect them for the job they do.
Feb 7, 2008 at 12:32 p.m.
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I too lost my mailbox yesterday. It happens, the only one you can really blame is mother nature. I think the city plowers do a great job. My husband plows commercial lots and I know it is not as easy of a job as everyone thinks. The hours stink, and no matter what you do, someone is gonna complain.
Feb 7, 2008 at 12:31 p.m.
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I think all of the people who whine should spend a shift riding in a cab of one of the plows..I'm sure their attitudes would change. Stay back, give them room and let them do their jobs. They are out there helping us.
Feb 7, 2008 at 12:17 p.m.
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Good job to the plowers. I'm so tired of hearing everyone complain about the job that does or does not get done!! If you don't like snow...move!
Feb 7, 2008 at 12:11 p.m.
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Yea, my mailbox was one of the casualties this morning, but I found it intact and was able to re-mount it on the post. Just one of those things. I gave the plow driver a smile and wave as he passed while I was mounting the box. They have it hard enough without people blaming them for a little accident like that. Maybe next time you can park your vehicle in front of the mailbox! It could have been ALOT worse. I could have been stuck on I-90, or been without power. I'm just thankful that we didn't have the tornadoes! La Prairie Township resident
Feb 7, 2008 at 11:47 a.m.
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Here's a tip: If you clear about a 15-20 foot long swath of snow at the end of your driveway--in the direction/on the side that the snow plow comes from, it will fill THAT area in with snow, and leave your driveway entrance clear. My Dad and I have done that for years--works EVERY time. Just clear that area when you are plowing the driveway. Good luck!
Feb 7, 2008 at 11:16 a.m.
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Hey look at it this way. If your mailbox got wiped out it is one less bill you will get today. What does a mailbox cost $7 or $10 for a cheap one? You probaly will spend more on 2 Latte's at Starbucks RELAX.....
Feb 7, 2008 at 11:08 a.m.
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Plows ripped grass from about five yards in our immediate neighborhood and the city promised to fix them. Spring past, summer past and they never dropped off seed or soil. Many other service providers like electric and water always follow up quickly and complete promises. Good luck with your mail boxes.
Feb 7, 2008 at 10:59 a.m.
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we love you Tracy!!!! from your old hyatt neihbor. i wish theyld all be patient!!! it will get cleared soon enough. and soory if they plow and it ends up in the drive-where do you think it will go DUH life stinks sometimes. i am sure there are some cities that dont plow at alll so be happy and be quiet and give them a friendy thanks and a wave instead!!!
Feb 7, 2008 at 10:50 a.m.
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These people had to clear snow for you,I know its there job but after they were done taking care of this city they had to go home and clear theres.Lets be nice people.
Feb 7, 2008 at 10:44 a.m.
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Wow, the city actually pays for those damaged mailboxes? I didn't know that. Yes, there are a lot of angry people in this world.
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I saw one get wiped out on Pontiac, just from the snow mass, not the blade. It was pretty funny. It was the cheap kind, with the wimpy box on top of a wood post. If everyone had those Rubbermade type, there would probably be less damage.
Feb 7, 2008 at 10:41 a.m.
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THANKS to all of you - I hope you're all at home taking a much needed nap by now !
Feb 7, 2008 at 10:33 a.m.
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Deal with it!
Feb 7, 2008 at 10:30 a.m.
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Thank you so much plow drivers of Janesville and Rock county! I wouldn't want your job.
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