ELDRED - They had no intention of coming here, but they're definitely making a return trip.

Dave and Doreen Wilcox were stranded on Interstate 84 during the recent blizzard that dumped more than a foot of snow and prompted the response of the National Guard, Army Corps of Engineers and the Red Cross.

What could have been a nightmare experience for the couple from Maine turned into something they would like to revisit - minus the disagreeable weather conditions.

The Wilcoxs' were among about 10 people from out of the area who made their way to the warming center at the Highland Town Hall, where they were treated with hot meals, warm blankets and caring hands during the storm that brought travel to a halt.

“We just wanted to make the best out of a bad situation... We were never short on support or supplies,” said Councilmen Kaitlin Haas, who was a mainstay at the shelter for the several days it was open.

The Wilcoxs' were so touched by the experience they sent the town council a thank-you note, which was read aloud at the monthly meeting Tuesday night.

“Thanks for everything,” the card reads. “We cannot express how thankful we are for your extreme generosity and hospitality! We will never forget you! Some day we will come back to Eldred in better weather.”

Kaitlin Haas, noting how travelers from Maine, Ohio and elsewhere found their way to the warming center, said, “It was definitely an experience.”

The out-of-town Wilcoxs' sentiments were expressed by locals during the meeting, as residents commended town leaders on the efficient way they dealt with the storm conditions.

“Without your leadership we wouldn't have done as well. You really stepped up to the plate,” resident Peter Carmeci told Supervisor Jeff Haas and council members Fred Bosch, James Hanson, Kaitlin Haas and James Gutekunst.

Jeff Haas credited the local, state and federal authorities for their swift response, as well as the numerous volunteers and businesses that contributed to the operations at the warming center.

“It was quite a cadre of people,” the supervisor said. “I am just so proud of this community and I just want to thank everyone who was involved.”

Kaitlin Haas echoed the sentiment, saying, “This town was incredible in its response. We have a great team here. This could have been a terrible disaster.”

Meanwhile, the town will be dealing with the expenses incurred due to the storm, but it expects to receive financial assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

While it is too soon to know exact costs, Supervisor Haas said, “It's going to run into the tens of thousands.”

Fuel costs alone will be ‘quite large,' he said.

Disaster relief funds, however, should take most of the burden off taxpayers.

In other business, the town will be credited $2,850 due to overcharging from Penflex Inc., which provides pension-like services to volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers. The discrepancy was discovered by Supervisor Haas.