More than 700 days since the Triad s last big snow, families and cities prepare
Some parents said remote learning isn t necessary on a snow day, while transportation officials hope for a quieter day on the roads due to the pandemic. Author: Grace Holland Updated: 6:35 AM EST January 8, 2021
GREENSBORO, N.C. It s been a while since serious snow fell in the Triad.
Plows and salt trucks won t have to worry about school buses out and about as many Triad districts moved to remote learning or canceled classes ahead of Friday s snow.
Greensboro street crews start their day at midnight Friday, ready to work as soon as flakes start to stick.
The Union R-XI School District is purchasing new buses and outfitting them with cameras paid for with federal coronavirus money.
The district is buying a total of six large buses and leasing three smaller buses. The agreements, which were approved by the board of education at its Dec. 16 meeting, are being made with two different companies.
âWeâre just trying to make sure that weâre making the best purchases, setting the district up with the biggest bang for our buck,â Assistant Superintendent Dr. Mike Mabe said at the meeting.
The purchase includes four 2018 International buses costing a total of $263,900. The buses, which are being purchased from Midwest Transit Equipment, of Swansea, Ill., have between 11,000 and 17,000 miles on them.
JENNY DRABBLE
Special to the Journal
While the pandemic has everyone covering their mouths and noses, one well-wisher has masked her identity as well.
Winston-Salem s Lou Ann Pacula discusses sewing and giving away over 500 masks during the pandemic.
Known as the âMask Fairy Friend,â the local Good Samaritan has distributed more than 500 handmade masks.
âIt was a glimmer of hope that we all need right now under the stress and tension,â said Mike Mabe, who received a military-themed mask from the Mask Fairy Friend. âThat someone did this out of the goodness of their heart is uplifting and heartwarming to me as a veteran.â