On January 26, 1978, Logan County was hit with one of the biggest recorded blizzards. Governor James Rhodes declared a state of emergency for Ohio. For those of us who lived through the blizzard of 1978 each time we have a forecast for heavy snow we think back to that time. In 1978, we did not have the internet, cell phones, doppler radar or The Weather Channel.
January 25, 1978, started out as a fairly warm rainy day, but the rain changed to snow, and the temperature dropped. The snow became heavier, and the wind began to blow causing drifting that made roadways impassable. The barometer reached a record low of 28.66, winds were recorded at 69 mph, the temperature was 3 degrees with a wind chill factor of -65 degrees. Twelve inches of snow fell in 24 hours with a record 25.5 inches on the ground.
Many lost power and a majority of roads and businesses were closed. Numerous abandoned cars and trucks that had become stuck in the snow were everywhere. First responders, the National Guard from the Bellefontaine Armory, persons with four-wheel drive vehicles and snowmobiles quickly jumped into action to start helping in any way they could. Neighbors helped neighbors and the county started digging out. Travel was limited for essential things only, such as groceries, drug store items or gasoline.
Indian Lake REACT (Radio Emergency Associated Citizens Team) along with the Indian Lake Snowmobile Association and private snowmobile owners set up a command post where they manned CB radios, took calls for assistance and dispatched snowmobiles. They reported drifts averaging 14 feet high. Restaurants and stores provided free food and supplies for volunteers and those in need.
Rescuers from all over the county aided in delivering groceries, baby formula, fuel, and various supplies. There were at least three area babies born during the blizzard, including one “snow baby” born at home. Expectant mothers and those needing medical assistance were transported to the hospital by snow mobiles and four-wheel drive vehicles. Many first responders and volunteers worked countless hours with little sleep helping others.
Individuals with excavating equipment helped clear roads. Abandoned vehicles along US Highway 68 were towed to the Quality Farm & Fleet parking lot. The Ohio Highway Patrol advised residents to call the Bellefontaine post to inquire where their vehicle was towed.
Farmers were hit hard by the storm and power outages. There were reports of livestock being lost and thousands of gallons of milk had to be dumped because milk delivery tankers could not travel across the drifted roads. However, some farmers were able to donate their milk. Indian Lake REACT, VANGUARD and the National Guard picked up their milk and delivered it to residents in need.
On January 30, 1978, Sgt. Paul Krouse of the National Guard stated “I couldn’t be more proud of the cooperation and spirit of Logan County people. They stayed on and on, braving incredibly fierce conditions, to donate their time, energy, and equipment.” The Sergeant estimated at least 1,000 emergency calls were responded to by some 30 VANGUARD personnel, 26 Ohio National Guard members, 20 persons with snowmobiles, and countless volunteers who helped prepare food for the people working or stranded at the Armory. Boxes of food were also prepared for families snowbound in their homes throughout the area. The Armory housed 60 people who were forced to flee their homes.
Sheriff DeWeese Skidmore stated on January 30th that a majority of the roads were passable, but still considered treacherous and icy. The Sheriff also commended his deputies and dispatchers for their dedication to duty and said many worked around the clock assisting in the transportation of medical personnel to Mary Rutan Hospital, providing food and supplies to community residents and aiding countless stranded motorists.
Bellefontaine City Police Chief John Harvey also praised the dedication of his officers and dispatchers. The Bellefontaine police department dispatchers averaged a phone call every five seconds from 6:00 am to midnight from January 25 – January 27th.
Everyone working together enabled Logan County to survive one of the worst winter storms. It took days to clear the snow and start getting back to normal. Countless acts of bravery and compassion have been recorded as dedicated individuals cleared snow and braved the elements to help those in need.
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