An update from Rep. Schwaderer

Boy, did my jumper cables get a workout this past week.

With temperatures around the country down into record lows and Montana in the epicenter, across the state we bundled up and dealt with the difficulties that the temperatures bring.

When I was a boy, I loved the winter weather! Bundled up, I would pray for deep snow and cold freezes. I always wanted the Clark Fork to freeze over enough so mom would let me run out on it. Never happened.

Remember when Superior and other areas lost power for roughly a week straight some 16 years ago? I cannot imagine the stress and hard work that caused for folks in the community now. Me? I was just a kid and thought it was an adventure! I led the charge to bring snow into the house and melt it on the wood stove to cook dinner. Funny how much perspectives change as one gains independence and responsibility.

Working at the pharmacy in the middle of Superior, my brother and I took turns a few times jumping cars for customers and folks around the area as temperatures dipped (each time hoping ourselves that our own cars would turn over!). We certainly were not alone, a lot of cars were struggling this week and pipes at plenty of places were compromised. Well, at least it was too cold for the roads to be really slick. Standing in the cold air I resolved that it’s finally time to get a new winter coat.

As the weather gets harsher and Christmas approaches, the tight-knit fabric of the communities in our part of the state really starts to show. From a car jump to a charitable snow shoveling, the good folks keeping roads clear and responding to accidents, the hours of work folks do to make sure that all families have a happy Christmas, we look out for each other.

I am truly blessed to be able to live and work in this community.