WURTSBORO  — Highway Superintendent of Mamakating, Thomas Morrow, urged caution this holiday season when traversing roads around town.

Morrow acknowledged recent “winter events” that have been occuring in Mamakating, and Sullivan County as a whole, the past few weeks.

“During the winter months, we strive to provide prompt and efficient snow and ice control to the community,” said Morrow. He reminded of the fact that weather conditions can, do, and will change very quickly, and to drive the roads with due regard.

In cautioning, he recounted of his experiences driving the roads during the large storms blizzards and smaller squalls.

He reported that in his observations, motorists continue to drive like “it’s still 70 [degrees] and sunny”.

“It’s scary. So the word of caution is just drive like you’ve got a carton of eggs on top of your car that you forgot about and that you’ve gotta get home to Thanksgiving dinner,” stated Morrow. “let’s try to make it safe out there like that.”

On a different note, Morrow also reported that the Highway Department is continuing to work with tree innovations.

He also affirmed that when the Town of Mamakating Highway Department is not working with them, the Highway Department is continuing to adhere to taking care of trees and ditches around the Town.

Councilman Peter Goodman recounted one of the previous snowstorms near Yankee Lake that saw the falling of “an awful lot of debris” on the roads.

“By the time everything got cleared out, the Highway Department was out there picking up all the twigs and branches and it really made a difference so thank you,” stated Goodman.

Morrow stated that the Highway Department and himself were grateful for the positive thanks.

“It’s the name of the game,” Morrow remarked.

Advising caution on burning, updates on STR situation

Town of Mamakating Supervisor Michael Robbins acknowledged the lifting of the burn ban that was effective up until November 30th, however he still urges residents to “not go crazy” despite conditions being a “little bit better” given the recent snow.

“Not everybody in the town has snow - I don’t at my house - still be careful. Things are still very dry,” reminded Robbins.

He also stated that the Board hasn’t set any dates yet but are still working on Short-Term Rental (STR) matters. The Town encourages sending of letters via email with public comments.

“We got a couple more this past week, and I got two more before the meeting,” recounted Robbins. “So keep sending in [the letters], we’re sending [those letters] out to the whole Town Council and the Building Department.”