Major snowstorm batters Southern Illinois region

Marion resident Mike Atkinson said he was given this electric snow blower some time ago, and after this past weekend's heavy snowfall, he decided that it was finally time to try it out for the first time. His verdict? "Well it works alright, but that's a whole lot of snow!" Ceasar Maragni photo

While this past weekend's snow and ices was at times dangerous, inconvenient and bone-chilling, there was beauty to behold if you looked for it. Even something as simple as a backlit view of gutter-bound icicles can be inspiring to those who happen to see it. Ceasar Maragni photo

While most Southern Illinoisans will have survived this past weekend's snowstorm without serious damage to themselves and their property, there was the occasional casualty as a result of the snow event. The mixture of heavy, wet snow and some ice was just too much for this backyard gazebo's top structure to handle. The Marion homeowner said, "In past snowstorms, I've always managed to get outside and knock the bulk of the snow off the canvas top, but this year I wasn't able to and as a result, it looks like I'll be buying a new gazebo this spring." Ceasar Maragni photo

This past weekend's snow storm kept most Marion residents indoors, but when they did decide to venture out they were able to do so on mostly snow cleared main roads and streets thanks to long hours put in by city employees. Marion Mayor Anthony Rinella said of their hard work, "I have such appreciation for the efforts of our public work employees (street, sewer, water and cemetery) in the clearing of our streets and city parking lots. Main streets and intersections were given first priority for access to hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living, as well as to our fire and police departments." Ceasar Maragni photo