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MONDAY February 23, 2004 - Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card Valley&State Backpage O&E Sports Archives Classifieds Faith&Beliefs Obituaries Revels December 30, 2003 The real spirit of the town is evident in storm It often takes the worst of times to bring out the best in people. This end of the year snowstorm wasn't tragic for most people - with one terrible exception of a 57-year-old man who suffered a fatal heart attack while aiding other motorists - it has created many hardships for many people. More than 300 people sought shelter in the Southern Oregon University gymnasium. Many more remained stuck for hours along the side of Interstate 5, trapped in the worst snowstorm to hit the pass in 25 years. But, over the past 36 hours, Ashland has been the epicenter for an incredible wave of humanitarianism. Everyone who has spent a minute out in the cold, not to mention the many, many people spending countless hours in miserable conditions, deserve our praise. The list of those helping is lengthy, in fact so lengthy, we will surely not name everyone. But many people of good will have worked tirelessly to help those trapped along Interstate 5, and try to clear a significant transportation artery as fast as is humanly possible. Oregon Department of Transportation and California Transportation workers worked in difficult conditions, many for double-shifts. Other public safety personnel, like firefighters and police lent much needed support. SOU opened its doors, and Red Cross came in to provide food and shelter. Ashlander Marty Bryant rounded up hundreds of cups of coffee donated by local businesses throughout the day. A local snowmobile club volunteered to help transport supplies like gas, food and water to those stranded. Tow truck drivers worked overtime to help clear the cars, while snowplows worked to clear the roads. Callahan's provided hospitality to many who were stuck in their parking lot. Hotels filled up with wayward people, all wanting to be somewhere else during this holiday week. But it appears most of those stranded were greeted with kindness, compassion and cheer. The list of altruism surely goes on. And as we finish the arduous task of digging out from the snow, we will likely hear of more hardship and suffering as a result. We are sure that we will also hear much more of the goodness and genuine spirit of the community that was here long before the winter snows arrived. DailyTidings.com Home Page Valley&State | Backpage | O&E | Sports | Archives | Weather | Classifieds Columnists | Faith&Beliefs | Obituaries | Revels | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2004 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Site Search: A new improved archive search is coming! Look for it in mid-February! .:Advertisements:. RESOURCES - ODOT Road Cams