By Conrad Dudderar
Senior Staff Writer
City council members thanked City of Yukon personnel and citizens alike for their response to the Oct. 26th ice storm, which resulted in widespread power outages along with mammoth piles of tree limbs.
“All of us have been affected in one way or another by the ice storm,” said Ward 3 Council Member Donna Yanda, who lost electricity both at her home and business. “I have seen many acts of kindness, and hope those continue.
“I want to thank all the city staff, workers and citizens who have shown a lot of courage and determination to move our city forward.”
Vice Mayor Jeff Wootton offered special kudos to Yukon Parks Maintenance Supervisor Jason Worden and employees of several city departments for efforts to clean up Chisholm Trail Park.
Wootton, describing Boot Hill as a “disaster” immediately after the Oct. 26 storm, noticed a great improvement by the weekend.
“It was impressive how much they cleared out to bring our park back to where it was before,” he said. “A ‘shout-out’ to that group. Amazing work.”
‘CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK’
Chisholm Trail Park, along with the adjacent Yukon City Park and Freedom Trail Park, hosts Yukon’s annual six-week “Christmas In the Park” lights extravaganza.
Despite some minor storm damage to the park venue, this year’s holiday display is expected to open as planned Saturday, Nov. 21, featuring an estimated 4.5 million lights and hundreds of displays.
City crews under Worden’s direction start preparing for Christmas in the Park months in advance.
Meanwhile, Ward 1 Council Member Rick Cacini wants everyone to be safe in the storm aftermath.
“Watch out for those chainsaws and generators – they’re pretty dangerous,” he said, noting that he suffered a minor injury. “Be careful out there.”
Ward 4 Council Member Aric Gilliland commended city administrators “from every department” for their preparedness during an unprecedented situation in Yukon.
“I appreciate our management team and their people,” he said. “Thank you very much for the way you’ve taken care of our residents in the city.”
Mayor Shelli Selby said the way City of Yukon personnel handled this weather emergency was “amazing.”
