A friendly reminder on snow removal

Local News

Everyone should know when digging out following a winter storm, you can’t just toss or push the white stuff anywhere.


Apparently, there are some Winnebago residents who have forgotten and they recently had to be reminded.

Last Friday, City Hall mailed out some 22 letters to property owners who have been identified as violators.

“It was just a courtesy letter. It wasn’t threatening or that they were going to be fined,” says Judi Hynes, deputy city clerk.

Workers at City Hall have had to field phone calls and questions from those who have received a letter.

“They were told they cannot plow snow onto a city street or city-owned property,” she says. “Some people have blocked road rights-of-way and even put the snow on people’s property.”

While there is no city ordinance making it illegal to shovel snow into the street, there is a state law that does.

Pushing snow out of your driveway across a state, county or city road is considered to be a misdemeanor and carries a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Winnebago does have an ordinance pertaining to when sidewalks need to be shoveled after a storm.

Property owners adjacent to a public sidewalk are required to remove snow or ice no longer than 24 hours after a snowfall. Homeowners could be charged if city workers have to clear the walk.

Anyone having questions or wanting more information is asked to call City Hall at (507)-893-3217.

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