UPDATE: Stranded on I-90

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Report on February 2008 Storm Response

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UPDATED Saturday, November 15, 2008 --- 6:00 p.m.

State prepares new tools for snow storms

MADISON, Wis. (AP) _ State officials are preparing new tools to avoid a disaster like last February's snowstorm that stranded more than 2,000 vehicles overnight on Interstate 39-90.

Doug Dembowski, supervisor at the state traffic operations center, says retractable barriers have been installed at every interstate on ramp from the intersection of I-39-90 and I-94 in Madison to the Wisconsin-Illinois border.

Also, the state Department of Transportation plans to soon launch a 511 phone line for weather information as well as an improved Web site with information about road conditions, construction delays and incidents.

A half-dozen highway cameras for Interstate 39-90 in Rock County have been mounted and officials hope to hook them up before winter comes.

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CLICK HERE to Read Interstate Backup Report

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Updated Tuesday --- February 26, 2008 --- 12:15pm

As motorists were stranded, Wis. traffic cameras collected dust

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Traffic cameras that could have helped authorities detect a backup that stranded thousands of motorists in a snowstorm earlier this month have been in storage for years.

Authorities including Rock County Sheriff Robert Spoden say the cameras could have helped them understand earlier the severity of the traffic jam between Madison and Janesville.

Spoden says he's frustrated every time he drives past poles on Interstate 39-90 that were supposed to hold the cameras.

The state bought the cameras for $20,000 in 2004 with a federal grant.

But transportation officials say the money to run them would have to come out of the Department of Transportation's already tight budget.

DOT's highway operations director David Vieth says the cameras seem like a good idea in hindsight, but before the traffic jam, there were more pressing needs to spend money on.

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Updated Thursday --- February 21, 2008 -- 8:30pm

"I want to apologize to all the stranded motorists who were stranded on the interstate that day," says Wisconsin State Patrol superintendent, David Collins. "The interstate should have been closed on February 6th."

This apology comes more than 2 weeks after the interstate pileup that left almost 2 thousand motorists stranded on the highway for hours. Now the Wisconsin State Patrol is taking full responsibility for their slow response.

"The Wisconsin State Patrol did not recognize early enough the potential and the eventual severity of this backup and the need to deal with those vehicles trapped inside of it."

Brigadier General Don Dunbar, who prepared the interstate pileup report, pinpoints that "...this delay in recognition caused the loss of precious hours that could have allowed alternative courses of action to be considered which might have mitigated the depth and breadth of this emergency."

"I am not blasting the State Patrol, I'm being critical," says Dunbar. "I think we were all frustrated that night and yes I am disappointed. The people of Wisconsin deserve better."

But there was some good, the report brags. The Department of Natural Resources, the National Guard, Dane and Rock Counties are praised for assisting the State Patrol throughout the night. Food and other supplies were brought to stranded motorists while county crews worked to pull semis out of the mess. But the main problem was communication.

"It's clear that the State Patrol's leadership that afternoon was slow and ineffective that recognizing the situation had turned from a traffic problem out on the interstate to a public safety crisis," says Governor Jim Doyle. "The failure here was not understanding that a crisis was building and building and building."

The report outlines several issues and possible solutions.

Problem #1: Deciding on who has jurisdiction in the area.
Solution: The state needs to clarify who is responsible for what area of the highway.

Problem #2: Situational awareness.
Solution: The report suggests that radio traffic and e-mails in the State Patrol offices be monitored.

Problem #3: Relaying information to stranded motorists.
Solution: The report states emergency response teams need to purchase technology that would help them relay information to the public better.

But despite the criticism of their response, the Wisconsin State Patrol is looking towards the future.

"We embrace those criticisms and we look forward to making improvements to make sure again that this incident does not happen again," says Collins.

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Updated Thursday --- February 21, 2008 -- 5:30pm

Interstate Report Positives

The massive interstate back-up earlier this month was an event many would like to forget, but there were some bright spots.

"Some agencies performed very well," said Brigadier General Don Dunbar at a press conference Thursday morning.

And the first one the report mentions is Dane County.

Said Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, "I am grateful that the state report acknowledged the assistance of Dane County and we tried hard to be of assistance to them."

At 4:00 that day Dane County officials were alerted to the problem. Not only did they assist the State Patrol but they also looked after the general welfare of those stranded.

"We train we try to learn from every situation," added Falk. "We will learn from this one of course, but that is how you keep getting better."

The DNR was also recognized for its efforts. Wardens used their snowmobiles to deliver food, water, and blankets to the motorists.

"Being an administrator and not being in the field it was a proud moment for me to see our wardens lined up getting ready to go out on the interstate with the snow mobiles with their red and blue lights on," said Warden Karl Brooks.

And the effort of the community as a whole could not be left out. The day after the storm we introduced you to a man who spent hours that day walking up and down the interstate giving stranded motorists hot soup, coffee, water, bread, cookies, blankets and even gas.

"I just did it out of the spur of the moment," said John Kaczmerek. "I didn't want to see anyone get hurt or something to happen to them."

Stated Brigadier General Dunbar, "It would be a great injustice if I did not say emphatically and for the record that our front line responders, the state troopers, sheriff's deputies, police departments, fire departments, EMS crews, snow plow drivers, tow truck operators, sand and salt crews, DNR Wardens and national guard soldiers all performed magnificently."

Brooks also said that as far as he knows they has never deployed a team of snowmobiles on the interstate. And he said they really didn't have to choice. Given the conditions, they had no other way to get to the stranded motorists.

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Updated Thursday --- February 21, 2008 -- 4:20pm

Wisconsin governor apologizes to stranded motorists for poor response

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Gov. Jim Doyle has apologized for the state's poor response to an interstate traffic backup that left thousands of motorists stranded for hours.

Doyle says many of the people would not have been stranded if authorities had recognized the scope of the problem earlier on Feb. 6th.

He says there were significant failures and mistakes made at the highest levels of the State Patrol and other agencies.

The governor says Interstate 39-90 could have been closed, the state should have warned drivers about the backup earlier and a state of emergency should have been declared hours before it was.

Doyle spoke after the head of the Wisconsin National Guard released a report that documented the missteps.

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Updated Thursday --- February 21, 2008 --- 1:30pm

Governor Doyle asked officials to develop a report on the state and local emergency response to motorists stranded by the February 6th snowstorm on Interstate 39/90 between Madison and Janesville.

CLICK HERE to Read Interstate Backup Report

Report blasts State Patrol for slow response to Wisconsin traffic jam

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- A report released Thursday says the State Patrol's response to the traffic backup that left more than 2,000 motorists stranded on an interstate near Madison was slow and ineffective.

A report by National Guard Brigadier General Donald Dunbar says the State Patrol was slow to recognize an emergency existed February 6th, which meant it missed chances to keep the backup from growing.

Governor Doyle asked Dunbar to investigate the emergency response to the backup that left motorists stranded overnight on Interstate 39-90. The backup started when semitrailers were unable to get up a hill because of the storm that dumped more than a foot of snow on southern Wisconsin.

Dunbar's 170-page report catalogs missteps by numerous state agencies, but saves its harshest criticism for the patrol, which was the lead responder.

The report says the State Patrol did not view the backup as significant because there was no physical crash and its incident commander was slow to respond.

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A press conference is scheduled for TODAY at 11:00am to discuss the Interstate back-up and snowstorm on February 6th.

The report recounts the storm response in a detailed timeline, and also addresses three specific issues:

*** Coordination and communication among multiple agencies and
jurisdictions in responding to the situation

*** Accurate and timely assessment of the severity of the situation

*** Effective and timely communication of the situation to the public

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Listen to the 911 Tapes

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POSTED: Monday, February 11, 2008 -- 5:20pm

Both lanes of the Interstate near Stoughton prove dangerous, but what's to blame?

This isn't the first time there have been problems. That's according to the director of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's Bureau of Highway Operations. Dave Vieth wouldn't go on camera, Monday, but says I-39/90 near Stoughton is prone to poor road conditions.

The DOT is reviewing the terrain to see if physical changes are needed, or if additional preventive measures are necessary.

Semis, in particular, are having trouble making it up a gradual incline in snow and ice.

"I know we have 18 wheels versus four, but still our weight is so different on our tractors and that," says Gordon Schneider, a truck driver from Alabama.

Authorities say stalled semis led to last Wednesday's massive backup. It stretched nearly 20 mile, stranding people for several hours.

"Like anything there are some truck drivers that can't handle it and some that can," says Kenneth Truman, from Medford, Wisconsin.

Truman hasn't had any trouble this winter, but has before. He says communication can prevent a bad situation from turning worse.

"Best thing you can do is listen to the radio and find out what's going on, or when there's a backup like that, the cops should be back at an exit where you can get around it," he says.

But, communication, or lack thereof, is also part the review requested by the governor.

Over the weekend, both Saturday and Sunday, more traffic delays and backups occurred near the Stoughton exit.

Monday, Governor Doyle said it appears law enforcement learned a lesson and was quick to relay information.

As it relates to our upcoming snowstorm, Vieth says crews will work the stretch of Interstate the same as they always have, by plowing and spreading salt. However, he says drivers need to consider the weather conditions and avoid travel when it becomes dangerous.

The governor is calling for the review to be complete by the end of the week.

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Updated Friday --- February 8, 2008 --- 9:30pm

"If you analyze all of the excuses the State Patrol chairman made they're really far fetched. And for him to remain unaccountable is not acceptable," says driver, Rob Kovach.

Angry and frustrated motorists are dissatisfied with explanations as to why they were left stranded for hours on I-90 this past Wednesday. Now Governor Doyle has called for a review of the emergency response.

"It was clear to me that the gravity of the situation was not recognized for some period of time and one of my requests of General Dunbar is that we have a full report of how the information was coming in," says Governor Doyle.

Kelly Noel was stranded for 9 hours just near her exit. And after calling Wisconsin State Patrol several times she got no answers.

"I was thinking this is ridiculous that nobody knew anything. There was no information. Nobody came by to make sure people were okay. I mean I had food and water but not everybody did," says Noel.

Sharing the same frustrations was Robert Kovach. Although stopped for only 5 hours he planned his trip trying to avoid the blocked highway.

"I had my wife on the phone and I was having her check all the traffic reports and all the websites and listening to her say how badly this website was and this one wasn't updated. Just as she was getting frustrated with how little information she could find online about the problem I told her to nevermind I had found it."

The review of the emergency response will address communication between agencies, the timely assessment of the situation and the communication of it to the public in hopes that another situation like this could be prevented.

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Updated Friday --- February 8, 2008 --- 6:30pm

Wis. governor says he's concerned by response to traffic backup

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Gov. Jim Doyle says he's concerned by the state's response to an interstate traffic backup that left thousands of motorists stranded in a snowstorm.

Doyle says authorities initially failed to understand the severity of the backup.

He says he didn't learn about the situation on Interstate 39-90 until about 7 p.m. on Wednesday night. By then, many motorists said they had been stranded for several hours.

Doyle says he wants to know how 911 calls from motorists were handled and who was responsible for assessing the problem.

He also says he also wants to know whether authorities could have given greater warnings for people to avoid the stretch of highway between Madison and Janesville.

Doyle says he expects a full report on the emergency response by the end of next week.

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Updated Friday --- February 8, 2008 --- 12:15pm

Governor Doyle called for a review Thursday evening of the emergency response to Wednesday's backup on I-90.

More than 2,000 vehicles were stranded in snow drifts up to 4 feet high and many of them needed to be moved one by one.

Here is the Official Release from Governor Doyle's Office:

Governor Jim Doyle today called for a review of the emergency response to motorists stranded by a snowstorm Wednesday on Interstate 39-90 between Madison and Janesville.

“I am concerned about the motorists who were stranded by the storm and am directing Brigadier General Donald Dunbar to conduct a complete review of the emergency response,” Governor Doyle said today.

Some of the specific areas Governor Doyle would like this review to address are:

· Coordination and communication among multiple agencies and jurisdictions in responding to the situation

· Accurate and timely assessment of the severity of the situation

· Effective and timely communication of the situation to the public

Governor Doyle thanked and recognized the emergency personnel, the first responders, the State Patrol and members of the National Guard who worked very long and hard so that all the motorists stranded along almost 20 miles of Interstate emerged safely. But whenever there is situation of this magnitude, Governor Doyle said that a quick and thorough review of the response is in order.

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Updated Thursday --- February 7, 2008 --- 6:10pm

Madison: The State Patrol says the incident began when several semitrailer trucks lost traction and got stuck on a small hill. That back-up caused a close to 20 mile back-up and motorists were stuck for more than 10 hours.

More than 2,000 vehicles were stranded in snow drifts up to 4 feet high and many of them needed to be moved one by one.

"The conditions in that area were absolutely the most challenging I've ever seen in 28 years of law enforcement," says David Collins, Superintendent of the Wisconsin State Patrol.

The problem started early Wednesday afternoon at mile marker 157 near Stoughton. In the middle of one of the worst snow storms in decades, a few semis got stuck going up an incline in the westbound lanes of I-90.

Traffic came to a halt, but the State Patrol didn't realize it right away. "The reports didn't come in initially as any type of crashes," says Collins.

It took hours for snowplows and wreckers to reach the bottleneck, and they had to move each semi individually. "Wrecker operators needed to work not only in front of the vehicles but behind the vehicles, once we had plows in there to get the major snow pushed back, the roads were still slippery, to put down some time of a salt and sand mixture," says Collins.

By 8 pm the National Guard was mobilizing, and at 10:15 the Governor declared a State of Emergency.

Soldiers used snowmobiles and ATV's to deliver water, blankets and food to stranded motorists.

Collins says there were no medical emergencies, but it took hours to get traffic moving. "We had to knock on those doors of dozens if not hundreds of those trucks to tell them there's nobody in front of you it's time to move."

Many motorists asked why the interstate wasn't closed. Collins says for one, you can't just close an interstate with 100's of ramps, and the side roads were in worse condition than the interstate. "There was not a safe route where I felt we could bring any of this traffic off to, to get them onto their destinations without creating more problems and potential serious problems."

The State Patrol, National Guard and Emergency Management will conduct what's called an after-action report to see what they would do differently. The one thing Collins says they will look at is getting more accurate information to the media and the public earlier in the day.

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Updated Thursday --- February 7, 2008 -- 3:15pm

The State Patrol released figures on the number of motorists stranded in the I-90 backup.

State Patrol Numbers from the National Guard Helicopter Counts:

Stranded westbound from milemarker 60 to milemarker 77:
--- 663 CARS
--- 689 SEMIS
Westbound Total: 1,352

Stranded Eastbound from milemarker 140 to milemarker 160:
--- 134 CARS
--- 566 SEMIS
Eastbound Total: 701

Grand TOTAL of Motorists Stranded: 2,053

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Updated Thursday --- February 7, 2008 -- 12:25pm

State Patrol responds to criticism from stranded motorists

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The head of the Wisconsin State Patrol says he sees room for improvement in the agency's response to a traffic backup that left more than 2,000 motorists stranded overnight.

Many motorists complained they did not receive offers of help from authorities for hours after they became stuck in snowy conditions on Interstate 39-90 in Dane and Rock counties.

Motorists also complained they received little official information about what was going on.

State Patrol Supt. David Collins says he will look for ways to improve how authorities communicated the situation to the public. He also says the State Patrol did not learn about the backup until about 4 p.m. Wednesday. Some motorists have said they were stuck as long as three hours earlier.

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Updated Thursday --- February 7, 2008 -- 11:20am

Traffic is finally moving again on the Interstate in both Dane and Rock counties.

More than 900 drivers were stranded on 1-90. Some driver were stranded for more than 10 hours during Wednesday's powerful winter storm.

Governor Doyle, around 10:30 Wednesday night, declared a state of emergency which mobilized national guard troops to get out and help .

A press conference was held Wednesday morning at the State Emergency Operations Center.

Authorities revealed that up to 2,000 motorists were stranded on Wednesday.

Stay tuned for further details.

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Posted Thursday --- February 7, 2008 --- 9:55am

Stranded motorists spend the night on the interstate

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Hundreds of stranded motorists spent the night on the interstate in Rock and Dane counties sleeping or trying to keep warm.

NBC-15 Reporter Evrod Cassimy was on his way to work from Rockford, Illinois and was among at least 800 vehicles that got stuck on I-90 Wednesday afternoon. For Cassimy, frustration gave way to panic when he began to wonder if anyone was coming to help. Cassimy says he called 911 three times and started his car in intervals to conserve gas and keep warm. He had his lunch in the back seat, but it was a frozen dinner.

Finally, about 11 hours later, Cassimy was able to inch along on the interstate and made it to work about midnight.

And Peter Freeman left his business in Janesville early Wednesday afternoon, headed for home in Stoughton, about 25 miles away. Freeman says traffic ground to a halt on the interstate. He sat in his minivan for hours, listening to the radio and watching a movie on his DVD player.

People in the car in front of him gave him a sandwich and soda.

As hours passed, Freeman says he started to grow frustrated at the lack of official information and help. He says responders on snowmobiles came by asking whether he was okay but said they didn't know what was going on or offer him food or blankets.

Finally traffic started moving about 11 p.m. And, to add to the misery, Freeman's minivan got stuck on a exit ramp near his home. He finally got home about 1:00 Thursday morning.

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Update Posted Thursday, February 7, 2008 at 7:20 am:

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- As many as 800 vehicles remain stranded on the interstate in Dane and Rock County because of the powerful winter storm that dumped more than a foot of snow in the area.

National Guard troops on snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles are checking on the stranded motorists this morning.

Lieutenant Colonel Tim Donovan said today only minor medical conditions were reported.

Donovan went up in a National Guard helicopter this morning to get an aerial view of the situation.

He says there are hundreds of other vehicles that are slowly moving out of the backup on eastbound Interstate 90 south of Madison and westbound south of Janesville.

Donovan says troops are trying to wake up the stranded motorists to get them moving this morning.

The backup started when some semitrailer trucks lost traction and got stuck on a small hill. That caused a backup that stretched 19 miles.

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Update Posted Thursday, 5:45am

***URGENT: Highway Patrol says ALL LANES OF THE INTERSTATE SHOULD BE AVOIDED BETWEEN MADISON AND THE ILLINOIS BORDER.

Official Announcement from Emergency Operations Center:

(MADISON) The Wisconsin Emergency Operations Center is recommending motorists avoid the use of Interstate Highways 39 and 90 south of Madison until traffic stoppages have been cleared and snow can be cleared.

The severe winter storm that dropped more than 12 inches of snow in southern Wisconsin caused significant delays in both directions of the two interstate highways in Rock and Dane counties.

A 4:00 a.m. helicopter flight over Dane and Rock counties found more than 800 vehicles—mostly tractors and semi trailers—were not moving along portions of the highways in Southern Dane County south of Madison and Northern Rock County from Janesville to the Dane County line. Where traffic was moving, it was moving very slowly on slippery, snow-covered driving lanes.

The Wisconsin Emergency Operations Center is working with the Wisconsin State Patrol, Department of Transportation, Department of Natural Resources and county officials to get traffic moving and restore the highways to good winter driving condition, but these efforts are expected to take several hours and will likely not be completed before this morning’s commute.

Emergency officials recommend motorists use alternate routes this morning to avoid the affected interstate highways while crews work to remove stuck and disabled vehicles and remove snow drifts.

Motorists should also allow plenty of time to reach their destinations

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Update Posted Thursday, 4:45am

Wisconsin State Patrol Southwest Region-Deforest Post:

"WE ARE EXPERIENCING SIGNIFICANT PROBLEMS ON THE INTERSTATE SYSTEM FROM THE IL STATE LINE TO THE BADGER INTERCHANGE IN BOTH DIRECTIONS. TRAVEL ON THE INTERSTATE SHOULD BE AVOIDED IF AT ALL POSSIBLE. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL AN ALTERNATE ROUTE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED ALTHOUGH NO ALTERNATE ROUTES ARE BEING RECOMMENDED AT THIS TIME."

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Updated Wednesday --- February 6, 2008 -- 10:15pm

Wisconsin governor calls out Guard to help stranded motorists

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Semitrailer trucks stuck on a Wisconsin freeway during a massive snowstorm left hundreds of motorists stranded in a traffic backup, and Governor Jim Doyle called a state of emergency to have National Guard troops help them.

State emergency management personnel said there were about 500 vehicles in the backup as of Wednesday night, hours after the problem developed on Interstate 90 south of Madison.

In a conference call, officials said snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles were used to check on the welfare of people in the stranded vehicles and also to bring them food or fuel as needed.

Lt. Col. Tim Donovan, spokesman for the Wisconsin National Guard, said 15 Humvees and two 5-ton trucks were being used to assist motorists with water and fuel, and two helicopters were being readied in case they would be needed for aerial searches or surveillance.

He said about 40 Guard soldiers were called in.

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Updated Wednesday --- February 6, 2008 -- 9:30pm

About 1,000 motorists are stuck on the I-90 interstate between Madison and Janesville.

Our own Evrod Cassimy has been stranded on the Interstate since 11:30 Wednesday morning.

Evrod says traffic has started to move at around 9:30pm Wednesday night. He does stress the traffic is moving slowly.

Many of the motorists were stranded for almost 10 hours.

The Dane County Sheriff's Office says the Wisconsin National Guard has been activated to assist stranded motorists.

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Posted Wednesday --- February 6, 2008 -- 7:30pm

The westbound lane of the interstate remains closed at this hour.

It's been at a standstill since 11:30 Wednesday morning.

The Dane County sheriff's department says the National Guard has been called in.

According to a 911 dispatcher, more than 1.000 vehicles are stranded -- stretching from Madison all the way to Dane county - Rock County border.

Lori Getter with Wisconsin Emergency Management is advising people to stay in their cars.

According to Emergency Management, 10 Fire Departments from Dane County are going car to car to find out who needs food and gas.

Lori Getter with Wisconsin Emergency Management is advising people to stay in their cars.

Authorities will be delivering blankets.

Several jack-knifed semis appear to be the cause of the back-up on Wednesday morning.

The back-up appears to be along Interstate 39 between the County Highway N Stoughton exit and Highway 51 North to Stoughton.

Our reporter on scene Evrod Cassimy has been stranded on the Interstate since 11:30am Wednesday morning. Cassimy called the 911 Center Wednesday night to get an update on when help would be arriving. The 911 dispatch center says up to 1,000 cars are stranded on the Interstate. The back-up stretches from Madison to the Rock County line.

Traffic in at least one direction finally began to move early Wednesday evening.

The State Patrol says they do not want to speculate on the number of motorists stranded at this time.

We have word from the county that crews have arrived at the incident. Reports from area scanners are indicating that authorities are using ATV's and snowmobiles to rescue the stranded motorists.

Click Pictures to Enlarge

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: D Location: Madison on Nov 16, 2008 at 09:20 AM
All this amounts to is the State Agencies got caught with their pants down and screwed up and the are trying to shift the blame on the motoring public. Our taxes pay for those guys to get out there and do their jobs with Plowing and Deicing major roadways(ie: Interstate System) they need to get out there when the snow starts in before it gets out of hand like it did because they were sitting on their thumbs

Posted by: D Location: Madison on Nov 16, 2008 at 09:18 AM
All this amounts to is the State agencies screwed up and are trying to shift the blame to the motoring public. Once that first snow hits they should be getting their butts out there plowing and deicing the roadways, after all thats what our taxes pay for

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 16, 2008 at 01:56 AM
In the event that should happen this year, we will not hear "stay the course" such fine words of wisdom.

Posted by: TIM Location: green bay on Feb 26, 2008 at 02:29 PM
How come every time something happens and it falls on the state , i always hear how understaffed these people are, how overworked they are, how underbudgeted they are. since 9/11 the amount of security and safety has skyrocketed. It should be embarrasing to the State Patrol this was the result of a couple of semis that lost traction on a slight incline. I think the people of wisconsin should be prepared to help the Wisconsin State Patrol next time.

Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 23, 2008 at 05:10 PM
Yes, many should be fired, DOYLE should be one of the first, in addition to Collins and the other geniuses at the EOC and in the State Patrol Communications Bureau. But leave the rest of troopers out of it; the vast majority of them were doing their jobs/what they were instructed to do.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Madison on Feb 23, 2008 at 05:43 AM
I'm going to have to agree with Green Bay on this. Why would the WSP apologize and embrace the statements people have been making if they didn't screw up? I have to say I'm quite surprised I haven't heard the best of all... Well, we're human too!

Posted by: TIM Location: green bay on Feb 22, 2008 at 08:29 PM
Thank you for bringing that to my attention Anonymous, however if I'm not mistaken i think the communications and commanding officers are still part of the wisconsin state patrol.

Posted by: Beth Location: Madison on Feb 22, 2008 at 06:14 PM
If Collins wasn't Doyle's friend and former employee he would of been fired. If this was a private business alot of people would of been fired. Did they think 100's of people were calling 911 for the fun of it. Doyle needs to fire alot of people! 1000's of cars stranded on the interstate for hours and no State Patrol officers noticed. If they didn't notice it they should be fired. They were not doing their jobs.

Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 22, 2008 at 06:02 PM
Tim: Try reading the report...troopers out in the mess were radioing it in...it was the communications and commanding officers in their cozy offices that decided not to act sooner.

Posted by: TIM Location: green bay on Feb 22, 2008 at 02:00 PM
the state patrol is as useless as one can get.They have weigh stations not far from where this happened, one might think that after not seeing trafffic for a period of time they would get out of the scale where they are doing nothing and check on traffic and people to see why no vehicles are moving in 1 direction.

Posted by: Perspective Location: Madison on Feb 22, 2008 at 12:28 PM
The State Patrol has been underbudgeted for years. Doyle should be apologizing to THEM. I agree that spending up to 11 hours on the interstate was awful and thankfully no one was seriously injured or died...That's one day out of our lives. What about our Troops in Afghanistan or Iraq? Be thankful you had only ONE awful day and at the end of it you were able to tell your story. The report is out, Doyle spoke, Now get over it.

Posted by: Tony Location: Mazo on Feb 22, 2008 at 12:08 PM
How about if people start to listen to local radio! They were telling people all day to stay OFF the roads. Why is it the governments problem that people are ignorant? People would have been better off staying where they were and leaving in the morning. If you are to stupid to heed the warnings, you deserve what you get!

Posted by: Kristin Location: Madison on Feb 22, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Ann from madison and Jon from marshall; maybe you should be FIRED from your job. You are the worst of the worst complainers. SNOW HAPPENS. DEAL WITH IT. The State Patrol can use this as a learning tool for the next time this happens! They were doing the best job they could do! Next time they will do an even better job!

Posted by: Laurie Location: Oregon on Feb 22, 2008 at 10:26 AM
My biggest question is what were all these idiots doing out traveling on said day? Every news channel said officials say STAY OFF THE ROADS!!! I didn't feel one bit sorry for the dumb boxes that were stuck in this. Had they stayed home it wouldn't have been an issue.

Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 22, 2008 at 09:16 AM
Its really to bad people have to blame others for the situations they put them selves in. MAN UP!

Posted by: Resident Location: Wisconsin on Feb 22, 2008 at 06:54 AM
First, the critism of some drivers having used this road this day is partially unfounded. If someone driving up from IL would have been unaware of what they were driving into, how could they have avoided it? (Especially if they would have been driving from far distances through IL & not have had access to news/weather reports.] Keep in mind that in heading north/west on I-94/39 at the point of the accident, most of the people hung up in this debacle would not have had access to information about a storm that was not in IL at the time. They drove into hell here. Second, the report yet leaves room for further exploration. Clearly someone in District 1 State Patrol Headquarters messed up unbelievably badly, & for the Governor to suggest that no head(s) will roll is premature. That office--down where the incident was unfolding--needs to be put under an unyielding microscope to find out what the hell they were thinking that day? And the State EOC maybe shutting down that day-common?

Posted by: C Location: Madison on Feb 22, 2008 at 03:26 AM
This thread is getting out of control. Give the poor troopers a break already :) They work out of a car all day or night, and have to sit alongside the highway assisting anything that occurs. They are from what I know more courteous and helpful than any small town you'll ever find. So what if they had a communications problem, they are overloaded with communications equipment already. You don't just pass blame like that, I'm sorry but it's not going to fly with us. If they are disorganized then it's not the fault of overworked employees with poor leadership. They don't even have decent vehicles, or backup, or anything for that kind of weather. The road closed itself, they had no time to react. Lots of snow plow timing would have been key, or maybe helped. No one got hurt, just delayed a bit, and that means the state patrol still did everything right. If they didnt have the manpower it's a leadership problem, to much leadership.

Posted by: Not a Trooper Location: Sun Prairie on Feb 22, 2008 at 12:58 AM
Madison Resident: Do you even know all of what the State Patrol even does? Sheriff's departments want nothing to do with commercial, emergency vehicle, or bus inspections, nor are any of them equipped to handle such duties. Milwaukee is the only county in WI that tries to handle their highways without the State Patrol, but even they were about to cry uncle last year, so the Mil. Co. Sheriff's Dept. could focus more on crime rather than traffic duty. Mike in Sun Prairie is correct, the State Patrol is badly undermanned. It is the 3rd smallest in the US (only Alaska & South Dakota are smaller police forces). But change needs to happen at the top (referring to Collins) esp. since it is now obvious he was lying to our faces by originally claiming they knew nothing until 4pm. He still needs to wipe that silly smirk off his face.

Posted by: mike Location: Sun Prairie on Feb 21, 2008 at 04:56 PM
The State Patrol is badly undermanned and has been for a long time (by the way, I don't even know any troopers) The Interstate from Beloit to north of Madison needs more intense patrolling..rarely see a Trooper or a Deputy and no one knows what Madison PD is doing. Add essentially horrible driving "skills"..including truck drivers..10 over the limit at the least and a little snow and viola'...emergency services that are already dealing with wrecks throughout the area are overwhelmed. With a 660 million dollar state budget shortfall (at least) I don't see anything changing. Maybe a sacrificial lamb or two...but if I was Gen. Dunbar I would really watch the speed....By the way, in the snowy areas of California trucks carry chains just for these snow storms or they are ordered off the highway....

Posted by: Jon Location: Marshall on Feb 21, 2008 at 04:16 PM
We pay a lot of tax dollars for people who are suppose to be able to handle crisis such as this. A State Patrol OIC doesn't understand the serverity of the situation? No Captain or higher working the Command Center, a DOT employee who leaves the Command Post at 5:15pm, State Patrol Inspectors at training at Ho-Chuck, Supt. Collins at who knows where. "WE don't shut the Interstae down" ? They should all be fired including those at the State's EOC Center and DOT Center. A total Disgrace!!!!!

Posted by: Madison Location: Resident on Feb 21, 2008 at 03:33 PM
The Wisconsin State Patrol is a joke, perhaps it should be abolished and the county sheriff's should take over their duties. The State Patrol is incompetent

Posted by: Marshall Location: Madison on Feb 21, 2008 at 03:10 PM
Everyone needs to gte over it! It is over and done and this is noth the first time that this has happened and will not be the last. This is a chance that anyone takes when getting on the interstate. As far as people complaining about WARNINGS**all I have to say is did you not turn on a tv or radio up to 3 days prior to this storm coming through. Buisnesses were closed and they were saying this on radios and tvs all over. I think that if you were stupid enough to get out on the road you deserved to sit there and maybe now you will think again next time there is a snow storm out there and they say STAY HOME!!!!!!!

Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 21, 2008 at 01:35 PM
I believe that anyone who had pick up their vehicle at an impound yard because for the problems should be refunded by the state.

Posted by: David on Feb 13, 2008 at 02:39 PM
This in response to the stories arising from the 1000 cars stuck on Hwy 39 and 90. I'm glad everyone made it out OK, but the 'response time' issue is ridiculous, unless it is a medical emergency. Stop focusing on the Black cloud, stuck in a storm, and see the Silver lining. Namely, it was a storm, nobody thought the situation was going to take long to clear up on the Highway, and when our State leadership realized it was getting to be of concern they called up the services necessary to have everyone moving again. In my eyes it was timely and effective. I wouldn't want to spend a single second feeling stranded, this incident just demonstrated that Wisconsin does take care of it's own. If you think you were alone, think again. You also had all of the television audience glued to the News. Yeah News, that is where we find out updates on the current storm conditions and also "storms approaching' so we don't get stranded in them. After 24 years in the Army I'm proud but we need to congratulate ourselves at times for the things we get right, clearing that stretch of highway in a storm was planned and resourced for success.

Posted by: Christine Location: Madison on Feb 13, 2008 at 08:59 AM
There is no excuse for the SP and DOT not to know whats going on at any given time. That's why the communication is severely lacking. It seems to me that most of the accidents happen inbetween the state line and Madison. Even on beautiful sunny days the traffic backs up in that stretch. To at least have one board near Madison heading south and one board at the stateline heading north couldn't be a bad idea. That stretch seems to be filled with accidents and backups, even non weather related.

Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 13, 2008 at 12:28 AM
The over-the-road-boards are useless when the DOT doesn't know what's going on. Since the SP "didn't know" about anything 'til 4pm, very little traffic would have been diverted away. Plus, you never know where a good place is to locate those expensive signs, since weather issues can pop up anywhere and in multiple locations.

Posted by: Ann Location: Madison on Feb 12, 2008 at 11:31 PM
The State Patrol did NOT do everything that they could of to help everybody. Why did they wait 18 hours to call a towing company to get the 2 stuck semi's out that were blocking the road. Had they called a towing company right away this never would of happened. The State Patrol failed everybody stranded on I90. As for the idiot that said he left everyone out their on purpose because that was the best thing to do. He's got to be mentally ill to make a statement like that, of course from the way he smiled on tv about this whole situation he must been high on something. He needs to be fired!

Posted by: Marilyn Location: Madison on Feb 12, 2008 at 03:53 PM
Joe I actually agree with the rest of Mike's posting. It's very intelligent and well thought out. I never stated I wanted to move, or room with a stranger, just that I agreed with her. I agree with Mike that we had ample warning here and most of us stayed home. But traveling from outside of WI people may not have known the severity of the situation. We need boards over the road like other states telling of backups or severe weather. I also agree with Mike that our plow drivers have done a fantastic job with this record breaking snow. What got me was the first line in his comment. Do we have to judge everyone on their license plate? It is everybody! WI and IL people drive fast. WI and IL people complain. I doubt it's even confined to just these two states, I bet it's in every state. If this happened to you in IL, would it be fair for you not to comment on the situation just because you were from WI? I don't think so. This is America and people can travel wherever they want!

Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 12, 2008 at 01:45 PM
Wow, what a surprise: one state's drivers complaining about the other state's drivers...haven't heard that before. Can we just lock this comment thread down since there seems to be a growing trend away from any meaningful insight to the original topic? Lately, most of these comments seem to repeat (more/less) what was said the day of and after this event took place. I'm starting to think I am reading something off of Craigslist Rants & Raves section.

Posted by: Joe Location: Richwood on Feb 12, 2008 at 01:31 PM
Hey Marilyn, maybe you and Kayla can move to Illinois and room together. You both think the same!!!!!!

Posted by: Marilyn Location: Madison on Feb 12, 2008 at 01:00 PM
This is to Mike and all the other Wisconsin people that blame the world's problems on the people of Illinois. Mike- there are over 140 comments and maybe 5-6 from Illinois people. The rest are from Wisconsin and complaining alot worse than the few IL comments I read. I drive I-90 everyday, and let me tell you WI people don't drive any better. You must not get around Madison Mike. 75 mph in a 55 on the beltline is a common occurance, but of course they have the almighty Wisconsin tag on their car so its magically all right for them to go 20 over. I guarantee all 2,000 cars were not from IL that were stuck. I cruise at 70 mph on I-90 and get blown off the road by fellow WI drivers that feel the need to drive 85 mph in their cars, trucks, and yes even a Cadillac Escalade. But of course, this is all fine since they are Wisconsin plated. There are bad drivers from every state, yet WI people like Mike think they are better than everyone else. I couldn't agree more with Kayla from WI postings.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Madison on Feb 12, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Do NOT blame law enforcement. Put the blame where it belongs, the City and County Officials that think they are doing such a great job spending OUR Money, for our own good as they put it, without asking us for our input. Put them through Budget Counseling a few times per year. Teach them what we NEED and what is really important. When something goes wrong they are so quick to point the finger. Let's all work together to get a hold of this Problem, and find a solution NOW.

Posted by: Mike Location: Madison on Feb 11, 2008 at 10:15 PM
This is to the Illinois folk complaining that the roads weren't in perfect shape so they can drive their Cadillac Escalades 100mph in dangerous conditions. C'mon folks! It snows up here, it gets cold, and you need to take care! Further, this was well forecasted here, they did a fine job, so no excuses that you "just had no idea there was going to be a snowstorm". I think Americans have become a little to coddled and pampered, expecting the government or whomever to help them out of their messes. Take a look at the catastrophe in China to get a clue of how difficult it could be - 150,000 people stranded -for weeks! Finally, as far as plowing the roads, consider that this has been a record breaking winter, with very cold temps (like today), and the snow plow folks have been doing a SPECTACULAR job clearing the streets, while working almost non-stop with no breaks since December.

Posted by: George M Location: Cottage Grove on Feb 11, 2008 at 09:56 PM
Where's the communications connection from emergency management to broadcasters, especially public radio? Couldn't officials have been communicating updates on the status of the situation via public radio? Or to 911 call operators? Seems to me a massive disconnect here.

Posted by: WESLEY Location: IL on Feb 11, 2008 at 08:22 PM
I WAS STOPPED ON I-90 FOR A TOTAL OF 13 1/2 HOURS. WHEN I CALLED WISCONSIN STATE PATROL AFTER BEING STOPPED FOR MANY HOURS I GOT NOTHING BUT SMART MOUTHED COMMENTS FROM THE MAN ON THE OTHER END. NOT VERY PROFESSIONAL! THOUGH I SHOULD NOT HAV BEEN THERE , NO THANKX TO LACK OF INFO EARLIER IN THE DAY WEDNESDAY THE SITUATION WAS NOT HANDLED WELL. I EVEN SUGGESTED PLOWING OUT THE U TURN ABOUTS TO GET TRAFFIC MOVING BACK THE OTHER WAY(SOUTH) BUT THAT FELL ON DEF EARS TOO. I HEARD A AM RADIO STATION TALKING ABOUT HOW WE DONT KNOW HOW TO PLOW ROADS IN ILLINOIS WELL... WISCONSINS CREWS AND THIER LEADERSHIP SHOULD REALLY LOOK AT HOW THEY CALL THE SHOTS BECAUSE SOMEONE(S) REALLY DROPPED THE BALL ON THIS ONE!

Posted by: Joe Location: Richwood on Feb 11, 2008 at 03:04 PM
Kayla, Sara, Jim, and Rosa have some good suggetions for you.... Please read them below...

Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 11, 2008 at 02:36 PM
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO DRIVER STUPIDITY....END OF STORY. IF SOMEONE TELLS YOU THERE IS GOING TO BE A FOOT OF SNOW...PERHAPS NEXT TIME YOU WILL LISTEN. NO ONE HAS ANY SYMPATHY FOR YOU AT ALL.

Posted by: Rosa Location: Madison on Feb 11, 2008 at 01:21 PM
The Police and ALL of Law Enforcement did everything they could to help everybody. Let's stop criticising here. If we did not have them things would be a lot worse. Didn't anyone ever hear of Team work. Didn't anyone ever think fo saying "Thanks" for helping us and for being there for us. Let's stop the blame Game, and be greatful for all the help we did get.

Posted by: sara Location: lake milss on Feb 11, 2008 at 11:46 AM
YOU PEOPLE NEED TO GROW UP....

Posted by: JIM Location: MADISON on Feb 11, 2008 at 04:19 AM
I'M A DISPATCHER FOR A LOCAL COMPANY THAT HAD 6 DRIVERS STUCK ON THE HIGHWAY ALL NIGHT I AGREE THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN PULLED OFF THE ROAD BUT I GUARANTEE THAT THESE DRIVERS DID NOT COMPLAIN HAVE AS BAD OF SOME OF THE COMMENTS BEING MADE BY PEOPLE THAT WERE NOT AFFECTED

Posted by: Rhonda Location: Edgerton on Feb 10, 2008 at 11:27 PM
Move on! This discussion is as constructive as the incident itself. The situation is over, you can't change the outcome, so if you know the solutions to these kinds of problems then get involved in your community and make a difference. Use your knowledge to help instead of fueling the "blame" fire. Attend government meetings and offer suggestions for problems, contact government officials and share your concerns, vote for people who are right for the issues that concern you. Everyday we all play a part of what happens in this world, sometimes we're part of the problem and sometimes we're part of the solution. As unfortunate events unfold, we all need to look at ourselves and evaluate how we contributed to the problem, but more importantly how are we going to contribute to the solution?

Posted by: Joe Location: Richwood on Feb 10, 2008 at 04:19 PM
Kayla, forgot to mention I was not personally attacking Sherry. She was just trying to imply that there roads are maintained better than WI roads are. I strongly disagree with that. Don't come up here in WI and tell us how great your tollway is. Don't have an ear for it. And FYI I know there is roads in WI with pothles in them. When I ride in a car I can only feel them as I drive over them, I cannot visually see them because I am a midget and cannot see over the door rail. Therefore I do not have a valid drivers license and do not care how big the potholes are!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Joe Location: Richwood on Feb 10, 2008 at 04:04 PM
Kayla, If you can come up with a better way to handle a 15" plus snowstorm and the possibility of the emergencies that go along with the storm, send your recommendation to Gov. Doyle and I bet he will implement the action for the next storm. And if IDOT can keep up with a snowstorm like this one then maybe in your plan of action recommend what WI can do better. Bet there will be limited options... Or better yet maybe Mr. Doyle will let you be the incident commander when the next storm hits!!! I know I wouldn't want to be no where near Dane County if that was going to happen!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: steve on Feb 10, 2008 at 02:14 PM
Why in all the offical reports are there no information about the response of fire and ems, they were there? And were there no cars patroling that area?

Posted by: Kayla Location: Wisconsin on Feb 10, 2008 at 01:21 PM
Joe, I could not agree with you more that people need to stay off the roads when it was warned hazerdous. I, by the way, did stay home both of those days becasue of the weather. There was obviously a breakdown in communication. I realize the emergency workers did the best they could do under the circumstances. I applaud their efforts. However, there was quite a big delay in getting help to people. Your right, there were people with all different needs and not all 2,000 cars could receive individual attention. I did not like your personal attack on Sherry, just because she was from IL. All she said was she was stuck on I-90 for 10 hours and bless the tollway. A 10 line comment. She mentioned nothing regarding lack of help or any of that, just that she was stuck. I am smart enough to stay off the roads when it's bad, Joe. The thing I couldn't figure out if why you singled out Sherry for a 10 line comment, when many WI residents are ripping into the handling of the situation far worse.

Posted by: Dane Location: County on Feb 10, 2008 at 11:13 AM
To Joe in Richmond, their were not 800 stranded cars, their were 1000's. The back up started at 11am but the State Patrol said that they didn't know about it until 4pm. The State Patrol was not doing its job if it didn't know about it until 4pm. They they all sitting in coffee shops eating donuts? They sure weren't out on the roads. Hundreds of people called 911 for help, what happened to all those calls? Govenor Doyle knew this storm was coming but made he plans for it! Governor Doyle the buck stops with YOU! You failed all these people! Your people weren't doing their jobs! God help us all if you are in charge if their is ever a terrorist attack, we would all die waiting for you to do something! Get Doyle out of office, he can't even manage a snowstorm.

Posted by: Joe Location: Richwood on Feb 10, 2008 at 09:20 AM
Kayla,What does Iowa And Missouri have to do with a snowstorm in Wisconsin? This is not about a detour or being stranded on the I-system. The fact of the matter is people like you and Sherry must not own a television or radio at home. People were warned to stay off the roads due to the possibility of hazardous conditions. I understand that there are people who have obligations they are committed to and have no choice but to drive. In the event they do get caught in a situation like this they need to remember emergency personel are doing the best they can with the conditions they have to work with.Do the math... 800 motorists stranded/approx. 25-40 emergency workers on duty= That means each emergency worker is resonsible for 20 stranded motorists. Can you effectively manage 20 people that all have different and possibly special needs? Probably not because you are not even smart enought to stay off the roads when bad weather strikes! Illinois has plenty of room for people like you!

Posted by: Kayla Location: Wisconsin on Feb 9, 2008 at 07:21 PM
This message is for Joe. Joe is the prime example of a typial arrogant Wisconsinite. At least IDOT is constantly working to keep the tollway clear. POTHOLES?? Have you taken a drive, Joe? The potholes DO NOT stop at the Illinois line. Potholes line every street in the midwest this time of year. It sounds like Joe is the one complaining and might need to get a clue. If all the Illinois people stayed "south of the border", our states tourism would go under. So please Joe, quit your whining and be happy that everyone can enjoy this "fantastic and high taxed" state of Wisconsin that we all enjoy. If you hate the tollway so much, then STAY OFF IT and quit your complaining like you told Sherry to do on WI roads. Take a 10 hour detour through Iowa and Missouri if you so choose. But please, leave your biases for another time. There were plenty of other commments written by Wisconsin people that echoed the same sentiment, but of course, Wisconsin people are better than everyone else, right Joe?

Posted by: Joe Location: Richwood on Feb 9, 2008 at 06:18 PM
This message is for Sherry from West Dundee. You can bless your toll system and praise it all you want. At least our roadways don't have potholes the size of a quarry. If you don't like traveling up in our neck of the woods here is a suggestion for you........ Stay south of the border so we don't have to listen to all you whiners from Illinois complaining about our roads and how bad they are. Oh and by the wayjust in case you didn't look out your window while you were stranded on I-90....That was snow that was falling not rain!!!!!!!!!!! Vehicles do tend to have less traction when that whits stuff falls. Get a clue!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Joe Location: Dells on Feb 9, 2008 at 03:29 PM
These are the same people who didn,t slow down traffic last fall in a major fog causing death and a huge pile up in Madison.Why would you expect anything else.If they couldn,t figure they had a full scale blizzard the people at the top should get replaced.Nothing will happen thou it,s a poorly run bunch of overpaid people in new cars sitting along the roadside.I,ve suggested before to have them communicate with radio stations but the only updates I ever hear are accidents on the beltway.Since the Interstate is so busy why don,t radio stations give updates? Joe jbas04@juno.com

Posted by: Sandy Location: Madison on Feb 9, 2008 at 12:56 PM
DO WE HAVE TO KEEP TALKING ABOUT THIS??? IT WAS 3 DAYS AGO. GET OVER IT! Just remember this next year when the weather forecasters and police say STAY OFF THE ROADS!!

Posted by: Betty Location: Rock Co on Feb 9, 2008 at 12:14 PM
You know people very seldom use common sense and stay home. Jobs force people to get out in the weather to not get written up or fired. Medical fields usually never close and someone has to be there to work. As for the truckers, did you think to dispatch in that you were stuck and advice dispatcher to notify media so other travelers could be advised. If that would have been done and travelers told NOT to go on Interstate then none of this would have happened. I feel bad for everyone that had to be stuck out there. Watching in disbelief that help wasnt sent out sooner. As for clearing the roads, Rock County never clears the roads as good as other counties. It doesnt matter if a main road or a city street. Take a drive thru Evansville sometime or travel Hwy 14 to Madison. You can tell exactly where the county line starts for Dane and ends for Rock.

Posted by: rob Location: jefferson on Feb 9, 2008 at 11:05 AM
First and formost people were told not to travel unless absolutely neccessary. people need to be prepared for this sort of thing especially when they knew for a couple of days that it was coming. If you cant make it thru on the roads how are the police going to. The plows were also doing their best to keep roads open but they were blowing shut faster than they could plow them and there are only so many police and plows out there. They cannot just multiply at an instant. I believe all agencies did their best sometimes the weather is just bad enough to overwhelm everybody and that is when it is up to the motorist to not travel unless it is an emergency.

Posted by: Kathy Location: Madison, WI on Feb 9, 2008 at 07:32 AM
I was not stranded, and I realize it must have been awful.Did anyone survey all the stranded motorist to find out why it was ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY for them to be on the roads. At 6:45 AM, NBC15 was telling people to stay off the roads that is why I did not go to work, yet your newscaster was on the road. I believe he drove to Janesville and back to let us know it was snowing in Janesville.Perhaps employers need to start closing businesses, so employees do not feel they have to go to work in those conditions.Those that were stranded should be grateful that they were only in their car for hours, and not in tornado's as the people in the south were. People need to quit being "Martyrs", and pay attention to the same officials that they are now blaming.

Posted by: Chris Location: WI Driver on Feb 9, 2008 at 12:29 AM
Why cann't Rock and Dane counties start ice and snow removal before accidents or problems like this? They seem to never start work till at least several accidents happen. Maybe these counties are useing the FEDERALLY issued money on county roads and not on the State roads like they are suppose to!!!!!!!

Posted by: Tammy Location: Brooklyn on Feb 8, 2008 at 11:38 PM
This makes me IRRATE, instead of being so ungrateful and blaming others for your carelessness, Why don't you try saying thank-you to everyone who went out of their way to help you. You should have listened to the weather and stayed off the road, so you were a little uncomfortable for a while, at least you had a "roof" over your head unlike our many homeless people that had to be out in the storm. If people keep B****n all the time when other people do try to help, then maybe the next disaster that comes along no one will want to help. when you have 2000 vehicles and a handful of Law officers how are you suppose to handle this situation in a timely manner. They also have other jobs within the city to do. We are adults,take responsibility for your actions and quit playing the blame game. When they say they are shutting down government jobs and the numerous schools that were closed I would think that should be enough warning. Take this as a lesson learned and quit complaining.

Posted by: anoyed with the whinners Location: wisconsin on Feb 8, 2008 at 10:40 PM
People should consider listening to those people who know about this stuff. When they tell you that travel should be avoided AVOID it. Do you think they canncel school for there health!!!!!! There were over 2000 motorists stranded does every body think that there were over 2000 people comming to help them at once? I am a truck driver and was stranded in a massive snow storm in Chicago 2 yrs ago. It took over 12 hours to get from Whitting Indiana(Gary area) to my terminal north of Madison. All I can say to these whinny people is stuff like this happens it is a fact of life, deal with it. Rescue people can only do so much with what they have. It was just as bad for them as it was for you. You say I was stuck in my car for 12 hours, they say I had to trapse around in 18 inches of for 12 hours outside in the cold and bring supplies to people who can't take some responsibleities and GROW UP!! It is very frustrating to see people who just blame others for there bad judgement.

Posted by: Vicki on Feb 8, 2008 at 08:12 PM
I believe it was handled wrong. Those people should never have been stranded that long. Someone could have placed warnings on the radio or tv stations,had police turn people away, get your county and local law enforcement working together- plows sent to free roadways. Someone making decisions to stop this many motorist from getting stranded. Just because the schools close, and some businesses close, the world just doesn't stop. There are some us that have to go work. I for one am glad that Gov. Doyle is looking into this. It should have never reached the extent that it did.

Posted by: Sherry Location: West Dundee IL on Feb 8, 2008 at 08:10 PM
We were stuck on 90 for 10 hours Wednesday. I just say BLESS THE ILLINOIS TOLLWAY SYSTEM.

Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 8, 2008 at 06:54 PM
Casey, you of all people should know that the state patrol was tied up with accidents and run offs. Not to mention the fact that many emergency vehicles and patrol cars couldn't get through the snow either. They didn't drop the ball if anyone dropped any balls it was our state government by not having the resources in place to support them. I am surprised at your post knowing what you do for a living. Are you saying that the men and women at state patrol weren't trying to help? They did everything they could do with what they had and it sucks that this happened but I don't think any one entity is to blame. It was more of a "perfect storm" situation.

Posted by: Anne Location: Madison on Feb 8, 2008 at 06:31 PM
The blame game is very annoying. There should be more focus and consideration for all of those law enforcement officers who spent so much time and effort getting it untangled. It was a unique situation. Monday quarterbacking is easy. In the heat of the moment, especially with all of the others demands that was being made as a result of weather related accidents, it may have been the best decision, based on the information available. With all of the accidents occurring, there would have been few if any law enforcement officers available to monitor a situation where no accident had occurred. Obviously, many of the motorists ignored the warnings. Must we always focus on laying blame when something goes wrong? Decisions were made that probably made the best sense at the time. It didn't work out and should provide lessons for future use. As to shutting down I90, if someone had been killed as a result of detours, there would be an uproar. Sometimes there aren't good choices.

Posted by: Casey Location: Edgerton on Feb 8, 2008 at 05:08 PM
I was stuck from Edgerton for 13.5 hours. I left home at 1220 go go to work at the Dane County 911 Center. By 3pm, I had seen 3 Troopers drive by in the East bound lanes, as I was West bound...so they knew before 4pm there was a back up. NO relief came to help at all. I had 2 firefighters from Deerfield Fire check on me, by request of my co-workers. Otherwise, the entire time I was up there no one on snowmobiles stopped to ask any one for help, offer food or water. They were supposed to, but all it was was a joyride. As for the 911 center, they get all the credit, they are the true hard workers of the deal. They must have fielded hundreds of calls from angry drivers and all they could tell them was....sorry, we dont know. Wisc. State Patrol handles all incidents and has jusidiction. They dropped the ball twice in 1 month, the foggy crash and this. They are very disapointing. There was no reason it took so long!!!! 13.5 hours on the i, and never father tahn 7 miles from home.

Posted by: Sara Location: Madison on Feb 8, 2008 at 05:08 PM
It's surprising to me that so many people are failing to take responsibility for their own bad judgment. Instead it's everyone else's fault that they were stuck on the road for 10 hours with no gas, no food, no water... Has no one heard of having a winter survival kit in the car for situations like this or, at the VERY least, making sure you have a FULL tank of gas if you absolutely MUST go out in questionable weather? And then to have this sense of entitlement and expect to be rescued when you got yourself in the situation by going out in the first place? I'm sorry- it's not the system that failed, it was the lack of common sense that is to blame for this mess.

Posted by: M on Feb 8, 2008 at 04:54 PM
(continued) We were under your same "warnings" for our county...we had less than 4 inches of snow. School was called off, businesses closed, for what?? Not all employees have the option of a "snow day" or emergency day. Vacation? Not everyone gets that either! As was stated before: 1) the DMV website did not mention that the road was closed/impassable. 2) roads leading up to this point were fine! 3) Why were the plows not out trying to keep up?? What the problem is here...is that people are judging other peoples lives by saying they were idiots for traveling. Personally...I hope you people never need food, water, gas, clothing, or need anything that you can't grow, build, or create for yourselves. You are shooting yourselves in the foot by complaining about the "complaining" by people who supply you with all you have...the trucking industry. I am happy that so many of you have great paying jobs with benefits, read a newspaper. Not many people do.

Posted by: M on Feb 8, 2008 at 04:47 PM
Wow! There are alot of HATERS on this message board! Not to mention some whose elevators must not go to the top floor. What most of the people who were stuck are saying is simple: Where were the "powers that be" that could have resolved this issue? Why were plows pulled of a FEDERAL interstate?? An interstate that gets FEDERAL money to maintain???? Fine. There were two semi's that got stuck on a FEDERAL road (meaning it is to be taken care of with number one priority). Get a wrecker, move the trucks.... not too difficult. When we say "close the road" we don't mean redirect traffic! Other states have closed interstates and you sit in a "rest area". Or an area with lodging/food/toliets. As for complaining about not getting food. Who cares?? Most people DID NOT get food! Or water, or gas! We aren't beating up the rescue workers, just the rescue plan/response. (continued)

Posted by: Curt Location: South Beloit on Feb 8, 2008 at 04:15 PM
WI has been going downhill with the snowplowing on the interstates over the past 2 years. I did not go out on Wednesday and have vacation days just for this purpose. The problem that I have with the state response to this, was it took them way to long to clear the road. I did not go to work Thursday because the backup was still there. It was 24 hours from the time that it started to the time that they finally cleared the road. Shutting down the highway was not the answer, clearing the trucks that started the backup, and then clearing the people out after them should have been done a lot sooner than it was. I do know that traffic has increased over 100% in the seven short years I have traveled this road back and forth to work. They redid all the bridges for 3 lanes, but when will they put in 3 lanes from Madison south to the stateline? Who knows. It should be a priority at this point. We get backups on I90/I39 just from the police pulling someone over. Something to think about Mr Doyle.

Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 8, 2008 at 03:50 PM
"All to often "John Q Public" blames the system for problems they encounter instead of accepting some responsibility for what happens tothem. It's a sad characteristic of our society today." EXACTLY! You put it well, Christine! This sense of entitlement and not taking ownership is amazing! I do not have a family membe at state patrol but I did in the past and you would all be surprised at how few people there are to deal with these huge emergencies. They did the best they could and many of them were working double shifts. There has been recent national news coverage about how we do not have enough emergency worker or national guard available for a major disaster in this country. Our state workers did the best they could with what they had. Alerts telling people not to drive AT ALL unless they ABSOLUTELY had to were being given on the web, T.V., radio, and word of mouth the day before the storm so how can people claim to have not known?

Posted by: Angel Location: Madison on Feb 8, 2008 at 03:42 PM
O.K. We get it, 2000 drivers had to be out on the roads all going to work. All of those people had to get to thier life or death saving, ending world hunger, solving the pollution issues, protecting our youth from falling through the cracks of a broken system, counseling the mentally ill, taking care of the elderly, and of course all that were out on the roads were ending the war and brining home our troops jobs. Well lets examine that. YOUR employer says "get here, no matter what" DID YOU GET THERE? No? Oh wow. So you were out there on the roads, sitting for hours and hours, not working. HMMMMM.... It all does not seem worth it to those of us who planned ahead. Here is a news flash for you, NO JOB is worth your life or the life of others. Not just during the EXPECTED 20 inches of snow the entire Southern WI area was told ahead of time, but ever. People are always driving unnecessarily, speeding to get to a job. Putting the lives of adults and children at risk so they can go to work. GL

Posted by: Christine (continued) on Feb 8, 2008 at 03:36 PM
(continued) 4. Since travelers cannot watch TV while they are driving - public service messages should have been aired on all radio stations every 10 minutes (maybe then travelers would have reconsidered their travel plans) I personally feel the basic responsibility has to be with the traveler; we have had such a record breaking winter that you would think by now people would be listening to weather reports. All to often "John Q Public" blames the system for problems they encounter instead of accepting some responsibility for what happens tothem. It's a sad characteristic of our society today. My husband and I really enjoy watching your 6 & 10pm news program; your team presents the news in a concise, accurate manner. Regards, Christine

Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 8, 2008 at 03:33 PM
To 'Anonymous' complaining about the SP squads idling at the weigh station: If you were stuck and couldn't move anywhere, how do you expect the troopers to get anywhere? Except for a little more hp and beefier suspension, their cars ain't much different than what you or I drive and will get stuck just as easily as you would. This is why the SP needs to ditch the Cessna airplanes and get a couple helicopters that could have been useful in a situation like this and get manpower to where it's needed in remote areas, quickly.

Posted by: Christine on Feb 8, 2008 at 03:32 PM
I think David George did a great job on Monday night advising your viewers that the upcoming snow storm on Wednesday would be the biggest storm we had seen yet. Unfortunately, a lot of area residents do not watch the news - sad, but true - and so they were out driving and should not have been. I think there definitely was a breakdown of communication: 1. Residents of the Madison area and travelers from adjoining states do not check the weather forecasts before they travel--they need to take responsibility! 2.The law enforcement community had to know about the impending storm and should have had signs up at appropriate points to advise travelers 3. The communities affected should have had outside contractors on call to help with the main roads and ramps off of the interstate highway system and other main arteries (continued)

Posted by: cj Location: finally back in Naperville, IL on Feb 8, 2008 at 03:30 PM
My company had 2 vehicles with a total of 9 people stranded from 3pm until midnight when we finally started moving. We were appalled at the lack of attention this disaster received. No announcements from press about the severity of the backup! Just "there seems to be some backup on 90! In the statements made by the authorities after the nightmare, only WI residents were mentioned! What about all of us non Wisconsin people stranded with no regards for our lives, our schedules, etc. It was a friggin NIGHTMARE! We have all decided never to make that drive again thru WI, we were headed to MN. Next time we will fly and avoid the "CHEESEHEAD" state altogether, it must be swiss cheese, that would explain the GAPING HOLES in WI "response" or major lack there of to a predicted storm that they did nothing to prepare their highways for! What a joke! Thank God we didn't have small children with us or anyone who needed medical care. Just an atrocity, never again WISCONSIN!

Posted by: mom on Feb 8, 2008 at 03:27 PM
There are so many snowmobile clubs in the area that are willing to help-why not have them meet at their local fire dept, be given reflective vests for safety, food and supplies, and allow them to assist? Many of us have 2-up sleds that we could assist in transporting people, plus many clubs even have special sleds for transporting injured folks if need be. We need to stop throwing blame and start looking at pro active things to do if (heaven forbid) this happens again. There is no substitute for being prepared, and no excuse not to be.

Posted by: I_C_Y Location: Rock Co on Feb 8, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Apparently Mike and Cindy from Madison weren’t paying attention in Civics class. Yes, one of the PRIMARY functions of Government is to keep the infrastructure functioning properly. That is what your TAX dollars pay for. And considering this is one of the HIGHEST TAXED states, they should be doing a BETTER job than other states. Since this is a Federal Interstate, and is directly maintained through Federal transportation funds, perhaps the good people of Illinois, Minnesota and other states that were stranded, should DEMAND a federal investigation of why the Governor of Wisconsin and the persons responsible for plowing in Dane county and Rock county couldn’t keep 40 miles of Federal Interstate open? And just a note, this was NOT the snow storm of the century.

Posted by: Margaret Location: Madison on Feb 8, 2008 at 02:20 PM
um, the cars at the weigh stations are owned by the inspectors and they try to leave them running in case they need to get out to an emergency fast. You need to do some research.....

Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 8, 2008 at 01:51 PM
when i got by the weigh scale just south of 12/18 there were 4 state patrol cars sitting there running, i never moved for nearly 2 hrs, they never left there nice warm office, why did they have to leave the cars running and waste fuel, they should of been out helping people, THAT IS THEIR JOB!

Posted by: Margaret Location: Madison on Feb 8, 2008 at 01:48 PM
What a bunch of cry babies! How many people do you think work at State Patrol?? How are they expected to deal with tons of accidents and run offs AND be stationed at ramps to block the highway?? You do understand that there aren't gates that come down and close the highway.....right? I would guess that there would be more outrage than there is now if the authorities decided to close the highways! If you want more public services you have to pay for them and I think we are lucky to have gotten any help from the national guard considering how many of them are fighting in the wars. As far as doctors and nurses who have written here about having to go to work, you did have a right to try to go and you would have probably made it if all of these other people would have paid attention to the warnings.....

Posted by: anonymous Location: madison on Feb 8, 2008 at 01:23 PM
I agree with the previous posting. Very simple solution keep the truckers restricted to the right lanes, leave the left lane open for the cars to get through YEAR ROUND! not just winter. If that were the case then any trucker in the left lane that was stuck could be held accountable. I foolishly drove through this storm despite the warnings and saw Troopers and Deputies working their a--es off to respond to crashes that actually had injuries and there are only so many of them. I was prepared, I had a full tank, a gallon of water, blankets, a shovel, a candle for heat and extra food in my car in case i got stranded. All it takes is a little bit of a brain to figure this out. This storm was forcasted for 2 days. If you weren't prepared you are an idiot. I dont care who you are or what your situation is for being on the Interstate. This is Wisconsin and it is winter. If you would have gotten off the interstate tell me what road you would have used as they were in worse shape

Posted by: Jim Location: Madison on Feb 8, 2008 at 12:28 PM
I would suggest a state-wide interstate restriction of the right two lanes only for all trucks or motorhomes over 10,000 lbs and any vehicles pulling a trailer. I see no reason to allow them in what is now known as "the fast lane".

Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 8, 2008 at 12:16 PM
I just wanted to comment on all the people saying that we should have just called in and had no business on the road. I am a nurse in the ER. Should I have just called in and allowed people with injuries to suffer or be turned away because the roads were bad and my coworkers and I diecided to stay home? NO help for the injured today sorry!

Posted by: Dave Location: Beloit on Feb 8, 2008 at 12:09 PM
My friend in Madison called and said that the I90 was closed. I then used your WI Road Conditions link and at 2:30 pm is showed I90 to Beloit as Snow covered and Hazardous. No indication of a traffic backup going south. This reporting system needs major upgrading!

Posted by: D Location: Madison on Feb 8, 2008 at 11:42 AM
I really think some people are missing the entire point here, I am one of them i have no choice i have to be on the roads its my job and others, we arent out there we get FIRED and apparently some people dont realize how hard jobs are to find now days. If alot of us werent on the roads to make some of your lives easier you would be screaming, I have a better idea why dont the people who complain about us bein on the road for our livelihood why dont you switch with us on days like this and see what happens then? I guarantee alot would stop, Gas,Food, right down to your newspaper

Posted by: Steve Location: Friesland WI on Feb 8, 2008 at 11:41 AM
My Wife and I were returning home from taking our son to Chicago around the 26th of January 08. The weather conditions were going down hill in a hurry. Some snow and plenty of freezing roadways. When we were on I90 In Ill. I was complaining to my wife about all of the salt trucks I had to go around. From the time we entered WI until about the south side of Madison we did not see one, not one snow plow or salt truck on I90 north or southbound lanes. In that stretch I would have to guess that there were about 20 -25 or more vehicles in the ditch or in accidents. It was very, very slippery and you had to be very careful. My wife was so upset that she wanted to call 911 to find out where the salt trucks were or were not. Needless to say we were both very upset with the situation. We did make it home that night but were very frazzeled by the time we did. Who ever is in charge of that area of interstate should not be. Someone has to be held accountable. Thank you. Steve

Posted by: Tom Location: Madison on Feb 8, 2008 at 11:28 AM
I think it's disgusting that the "authorities" of the state police and highway maintenance departments branded themselves as heroes of the storm when they actually just sat on their thumbs waiting for the issue to resolve itself and doing everything to avoid the difficult task. They were derelict in their performance and deserve punishment as stiff as possible. Heroes? Ha! --Cowards seem to fit better as the hundreds and perhaps thousands suffered needlessly.

Posted by: Brett Steinke Location: Janesville on Feb 8, 2008 at 11:20 AM
I was in that I-90 messfor 3hrs, I was not going to sit there any longer, I barreled through the median to the other side. It is sad to have to do that since there was an exit less than a mile up the road, near the 171 exits. Law enforcement schould have been making people get off reguardless if the other roads were worse. There were plenty of lots to park in there, there was no reason for keeping all those people on that road. The performance by law enforcement was very poor, they even could have had plows open spots accross the median, they could have dumped gravel so people could have got out also.

Posted by: No Name Location: Columbus on Feb 8, 2008 at 10:37 AM
I think there is enough blame to go around. Highway departments were slow to respond, but what were all those people doing out on the road in those condidtions? People with cell phones were calling radio and TV stations reporting their situation, did authorities think they were joking? There were ample warnings about the storm coming, perhaps some of the blame lies with the forecasting. Many times we are given excessive warnings of storms coming and they turn out to be nothing.

Posted by: Sandy Location: Madison on Feb 8, 2008 at 10:25 AM
People.... seriously. If your boss tells you in the midst of a 13" snowstorm "too bad, get to work" tell your boss to **** off. No job is worth your life, or sitting on the interstate for 12 hours!

Posted by: Joe Location: Oregon, Wi on Feb 8, 2008 at 10:15 AM
I heard that people are not happy with the response they received from being stuck in the snow on I-90/39. Hello, you live in Wisconsin, Mother Nature makes the rules, she doesn't follow them. People should be prepared and be proactive for this type of situation and "BE PREPARED!!!". A little bit of thought before traveling will go a long way. Accidents happen. Weather happens. I'm sure some of those folks were helping each other. I know I would of. Looks like a lot (or someone) wants another hand out. Be prepared.

Posted by: Sue Location: Sun Prairie on Feb 8, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Wake up PEOPLE! Pay attention to the FORECAST.It's going to be a BIG ONE! We are all at our own risk when we decide to travel in bad weather. Would you rather be Dead!? PG and kids, what are you thinking!? They should of closed the Interstate and made SURE that it was ALL OVER THE MEDIA! Truckers,there are Truck Stops, Especially in that AREA. If they are full,pull over and wait it out! Alot of the accidents were Semi related! Who could keep up with Weather like that! Whiteout conditions,etc! The Poor Plow People have been out for days! They need to Sleep and Eat and are doing the best they can! If you are going to travel in this kind of weather BE PREPARED AND STOCK YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF EMERGENCY ** There was plenty of Water(SNOW). As far as the Sarcastic State Patrol guy** Get off your High horse, you are in that business to help People not be a jerk to them! Bottom line * Everyone needs to use COMMON SENSE * PERIOD! Thanks to the kind people that helped!

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Madison on Feb 8, 2008 at 08:47 AM
1) I think the media should quit pointing a finger at the Emergency Response teams that were doing their best with the limited resources that tax payers are willing to pay for. 2) Dane Cty, State Patrol, media etc. all told everyone to stay off the roads. Why now is the Emergency Response peoples' fault they were stuck. 3) Side roads were worse than the interstate. Are you doing a story on any of the people that were stuck on the side roads with NO help? 4) Channel 15 knew there was a problem before others, why didn't they send help? 5) We only get a storm like this every 9-10 years, why would we want the Emergency Response agencies to spend tax payers’ dollars to be prepared for this type of incident. 6) It is easy to play Monday morning quarterback when you don't have all the facts. But by all means keep harping on this story and I'm sure the Gov. will quit cutting State Patrol positions. They have been at 400 personnel for over 25 years when the population and traffic has gone up dramatically.

Posted by: Bryan Location: DeForest on Feb 8, 2008 at 08:44 AM
Everybody thinks that the government has to take care of everybody at everytime, but just remember, everyone is not just waiting around for a crisis like this. There were no roads to get emergency personal though on, so what do you expect. Longer term, the state needs to re-evaluate it's road system--since a lot of people that commute to madison, a lot of people rely on a small amount of roads to get to work. This is the real problem--the traffic jam was the result. And Eric, you're a big boy, find a tree. I don't think anyone would have minded.

Posted by: Jan Location: Madison on Feb 8, 2008 at 08:36 AM
ok, we're all adults. We should know by now to watch the weather forecast, prep our cars with water and blankets. This is Wisconsin! Why blame others for lack of preparation. I'll give you that it took a long time to free people up, and I wouldn't have liked it either, but people, be prepared! I lived 4 years in Colorado and had an hour interstate commute to Denver every day. Only idiots ventured out during storms without 4WD and we actually listened to the forecasts. More than once we were stuck on the interstate, not moving and not knowing why. (duh) But no one prevented us from trying...

Posted by: Carly Location: Wisconsin on Feb 8, 2008 at 08:35 AM
What is the State Patrol thinking in letting this interstate open in those conditions? Have we not learned a thing after the fog incident. Communication is lacking in Wisconsin. There has to be a way to let the public know whats going on. There are tons of radio stations and eveyone is sitting in their cars. There is no reason not to use the air waves to keep everyone up to date on the situation. I was stuck in back of the fog incident and I too was flipping through stations and nothing was mentioned. For Doyle to call a state of emergency 10 hours after the fact is absolutely unacceptable. And to those few who are blaming Rock Co roads, this incident happened in Dane Co. I drive from the stateline to Madison everyday, and magically at that Dane Co line, the road will switch from bare pavement and good driving to snow and many times glare ice. I stayed home the last 2 days, however I realize that many people were stuck in the middle trying to get home or people out of state as well.

Posted by: GENE Location: JANESVILLE on Feb 8, 2008 at 08:23 AM
You mean there was not one state trooper on or near the interstate from 11AM until 4PM when they relaized there was a problem Also, thye have CB's in the car and never heartd anything--it is a joke. The head of the state patrol should be fired for being on TV in his starched shirts and smiling about the problem on the interstate

Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 8, 2008 at 08:23 AM
the area of the crash is always in the news for pile ups, Rock Co. doesn't keep up with the weather very good at all, this has been going on for years in this same area?

Posted by: Pam Location: Mad on Feb 8, 2008 at 08:14 AM
why isn't some of the credit given to the people who used their snomobiles and ATV's -Private People_ it all says the Guard did this and that and the local fire depts were the pnes also. Give credit where its due.

Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 8, 2008 at 07:58 AM
why didn,t they send people down hwy N to 51, they could of had plows clearing that route?

Posted by: Dave Location: Platteville on Feb 8, 2008 at 07:57 AM
Why is everyone blaming the state patrol? The county guys with the plow trucks! Those are the guys who know that road, Where were they? waiting? far as I'm concerned they knew it was coming too! and should have been out lacing the salt down! and doing their job!

Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 8, 2008 at 07:54 AM
i got stuck in that, had the radio said it was not moving i could of git off at 12/18 and went east and gotten home, but instead had to sit in it fir 8 hrs, need better communication in times like these.

Posted by: M. J. Location: Waterloo, WI on Feb 8, 2008 at 07:46 AM
Stranded folks were calling the radio stations and 911. Why did it take the State Patrol 4 hours to figure out that there was a serious situation on the Interstate? Everyone else in the Madison area new about the pileup. The Interstate should have been closed rather than letting more and more unsuspecting cars get caught up in the nightmare!

Posted by: Tom Location: Stoughton on Feb 8, 2008 at 07:29 AM
The State Patrol and the highway departments were 100% correct in how they handled the situation. It's todays culture of not taking personal responsibility and blaming everyone else for their problems. It's a foot and a half of snow people; and you knew it was coming two days ago.

Posted by: Cindy Location: Dane Co on Feb 8, 2008 at 06:59 AM
I think that in the beginning, when they knew the storm was to be bad, they should have closed the interstate. They should install gates on the roads like they do out west and close the roads since people don't have the sense to STAY HOME!

Posted by: Jeff Location: Middleton on Feb 8, 2008 at 06:38 AM
Maybe all of your complainers should take time and look at yourself and ask "Why in the hell am I out in this?" True some people had to be out there to get to work at hospitals, truckers, etc. But the people going on trips had no reason to be out there. David George and all the media outlets in Souther Wisconsin and Northern Illinois called this storm at least 2 day's in advance which should have been enough time to change your plans. To those that thought closing the interstate would have been better are just foolish. You same complainers would be the ones calling for help because the alternate roads were so bad and you drove in to the ditch and needed to be rescued. Maybe the next time the media says this is a severe storm and be prepared for bad travel you will listen. Instead of complaing about the governor and the National Guard's length of time to get help to you.You should think about thanking them and sending them e-mail thanking them for coming in your time of need.

Posted by: Rich Location: Marshall on Feb 8, 2008 at 06:32 AM
Trucks are all hooked up to dispatchers who can monitor the weather. They should have been off the road and in truck stops prior to getting to the area where the storm was. Delivery deadlines cause trucks to drive when they should not. Get the trucks off the road when conditions are this bad!

Posted by: Jan Location: Cottage Grove on Feb 8, 2008 at 06:23 AM
I think that when weather conditions are that bad, drivers should not be on the roads. There were many announcements and pleas from state patrol, for people not to drive because of the conditions, yet all the semis and cars were still out there. Then they complain because they got stranded. People need to use more common sense and realize their lives are more important than getting somewhere.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: deerfield on Feb 8, 2008 at 05:43 AM
almost all delays from winter road conditions are due to drivers driving to fast for conditions. this is not the fault of the police department. it is the fault of the drivers refusing to leave extra time and to drive slower.if the city wasnt attending so many other accidents they would have had more assistance with this incident. slow down please!!!!

Posted by: touettes guy Location: steuben on Feb 8, 2008 at 05:10 AM
This snow storm was not a sudden event. We knew about it ahead of time. If you got stuck while you were driving, too bad. Maybe if you would plan ahead you wouldn't have gotten stuck because you wouldn't have been out there. I guess it is just easier to blame someone else than to admit your an idiot. DUH!!!

Posted by: Jill Location: Madison on Feb 7, 2008 at 11:22 PM
I think if there was a service announcement on all the local radio stations to inform motorists. They could tell them what is going on and also to alarm others to avoid that stretch of road. It would probably reach the majority of vehicles as a communication device.

Posted by: karen Location: brooklyn on Feb 7, 2008 at 11:15 PM
I miss common sense. Let's take some responsibility for our actions. We knew a storm was coming & it was going to be bad. It's not like the snow fairy suddenly dropped 15" of snow without warning. But ok, you get in your car & decide to drive. You get stuck & now it's law enforcements (LE) problem. 2000 cars and what...how many LE officers (state patrol, local, county) are sceduled during a shift? It's not 2000. And remember, they're driving the same vehicles you got stuck in. They're not all given SUV's, ATV's, and snowmobiles. That costs money. So the public wants the interstate closed. Where exactly are 2000 cars going to go? There's 4-5 exits between Janesville and Madison. Assuming 4 exits you now have 500 cars on each county road. Is it easier to plow Interstate/county road? 3 lanes or 1? Is it easier for law enforcement to handle 2000 cars in one location or on 4 hwys? Tell a driver I-90 is closed...you'll get profanity. HOW ABOUT THE SEMI'S GET OFF THE ROAD. THEY STARTED IT ALL!

Posted by: Bob Location: Stoughton on Feb 7, 2008 at 11:11 PM
Why didn't the authorities begin rescue even after 4 hours. Between State & County Officers on duty and even Evrod making phone calls, 911 should have lit up like a xmas tree. News media sensationalize the situation and should have been asking where was rescue. Being an ex-tow truck driver and having dealt with simular situations the solution should have had the authorities in conjuction with County snow plows and 2 tow trucks, plow backwards toward the bottleneck from the closest off/on ramp. All it would have taken was some good old fashion thought (common sense) and organization. If the authorities would have asked for help, they would have received more than enough. There are always people ready to help others in need. I realize weather was a factor. There should have been some notification via the radio stations to bring some comfort to those stranded in this interstate backup.

Posted by: Dane Location: County on Feb 7, 2008 at 11:06 PM
Not everyone can call their boss and say they are not coming in because of bad weather. Alot of them would say that they don't care just get into work. The State Patrol & Governor Doyle have a responsibility to inform the public about Interstate Highways Problems. No warnings were issued about the backup! Why didn't you issue a warning Govenor Doyle? When the State Patrol was called by stranded motorists they said that they didn't know anything about a backup, and this was hours into the backup! They said they had no explainations for them, they even denied that their was a problem on the Interstate. The State Patrol & Doyle should of shut down the Interstate! The State Patrol & Doyle could of stopped this dangerous situation from getting worse but they didn't! David Collin should be fired! Where was the State Patrol for hours while this was going on? Doyle knew this storm was coming for days but didn't implement a plan. If this was a terrorist attack we'd all be dead! Don't elect Doyle

Posted by: Paul Location: mineral point on Feb 7, 2008 at 10:57 PM
They predicted 10 to 14 inches of snow , where were the plow trucks??? This is uncalled for, waiting for the snow to slow is not an option in this kind of snow storm!! You have to plow with the storm and put down a lot of salt, this would not have happened if they were plowing constantly, I feel sorry for all stranded people, The DOT is clearly at falt. Hey if they were plowing they would have known about the semi`s having problems with that hill, why do you think the responce time was so slow? Because no one was out plowing to report it!! There is nothing for the county or state workers to do this time of year but plow snow, that`s why they`er not layed off for the winter, Someone should take a close look at the management because they were not on the ball in the wurst snow storm of the year, Please no excuses I`ve heared them all. Like I said those people did not diserve any of it, I`m just happy no one died....

Posted by: Leeann Location: WI on Feb 7, 2008 at 10:13 PM
1. Motorists should not have been on the road in the first place unless it was an emergency. 2. There should have been a better job of keeping the road clear 3. The State Patrol needs to implement an emergency communication tool: either a radio station for motorists to tune in to, or a phone # to call 4. Why weren't the two semis that caused the backup hauled away ASAP to allow traffic to flow again?

Posted by: Shannon Location: Madison on Feb 7, 2008 at 10:06 PM
They took way too long to get to the people stuck. The NBC reporter reported trouble around 11:30am. They should have shut down the highway immediately and sent in the national guards much sooner. This situation could have been worse than it was. This never should have happened like this.

Posted by: Sherry Location: Sun Prairie on Feb 7, 2008 at 10:06 PM
People sound shocked at what happened. The news was out that a storm was coming, the storm was predicted DAYS before it hit. If a snow storm is coming--stay home till it passes! It really isn't 'rocket science'. And to blame the emergency services for how they responded is ridiculous. They did all that they could consdering the situation. It's easier to blame another when it is your own mistake that puts you in jeopardy.

Posted by: Gary Location: rural wis on Feb 7, 2008 at 10:03 PM
I would hope that an independent review of the performance of the State Patrol, Dane & Rock County law enforcement & highway departments will be conducted. Credibility dictates that they not evaluate their own performance. How about it lawmakers - time to let the sunshine in and chips fall where they may. We taxpayers deserve a complete report on this - fair to the agencies involved, but fully truthful and credible.

Posted by: Angel Location: Madison on Feb 7, 2008 at 08:57 PM
This was not a Flash WInter Storm. Everyone knew this was coming, why everyone was out in it is pure stupidity. when the meteorologists tell you there is a blizzard-a-comin, here's an idea, plan to stay home or get home long before it arrives. The blame should not rest solely on the State Patrol, everyone out driving in it is to blame. If there was not 500, 700, or 2000 people out driving around in it, it would not have been so severe. People need to think and use thier heads when it comes to any driving experience. Everyone knows that in WI it can be 50degrees in the morning and snowing in the afternoon. Use the internet for more than funniest home videos and celeb rehab stories. Educate yourself with knowing the news and weather that is going on around you. Take responsibility for your own actions, and quit blamming others for your own bad choices. Pull over, Be safe, Don't add to the statistics that come with being on the roads during any kind of storm.

Posted by: Anon on Feb 7, 2008 at 08:19 PM
Stay off the roads. We had plenty of warnings. For those who complain---it is your own darn fault!!!That is the bottom line!!

Posted by: Eric Location: Chicago on Feb 7, 2008 at 07:49 PM
I became stuck in this nightmare. I couldn't believe how long we were stuck on that road. I was in bad shape with an extremely full bladder about an hour after being stopped. I eventually wet my pants after three hours. This traffic jam was terrible! I hate driving on these interstates in the winter!

Posted by: D Location: Madison on Feb 7, 2008 at 07:40 PM
Hey Mike from Evansville do you actually think that would have helped? Alot of these people were probably stuck and couldnt turn around, it was just poor emegency management period

Posted by: Elvis on Feb 7, 2008 at 07:24 PM
Well Duh......Stay off the roads when someone says it's bad out.

Posted by: Rob Location: Brooklyn,Wi on Feb 7, 2008 at 07:14 PM
The situation wasn't severe until we came up to the unexpected stopped traffic. There was no information given to indicate a problem was ahead. Unless the roads are closed, people will drive on them. Illinois had the same conditions and I made it from Chicago to the Janesville blockage with no problem-all so I could GET HOME for the storm to be over. People can't stay home unless they are home, and the State Patrol has a responsibiliy to inform the public about State/Interstate Highway problems. That's why we are all so angry. Don't excuse the State Patrol's poor performance and weak explainations! Doing so would condone their actions and prevent much needed accountability. Failing to demand improvement may lead to poor State Patrol performance that might effect YOU next time! I would like to reiterate that I was able to continue home on an alternate route without much difficulty after I found my own way off the interstate without State Patrol help.

Posted by: Mike Location: Evansville on Feb 7, 2008 at 06:46 PM
To all that feel traveling in severe weather is necessary. Honestly, does it take a state trooper telling you to turn around for you to understand the severity of a situation. Common sense dictates that people use extreme caution during these types of situations. The part that cracks me up is that they predicted the storm would drop 14-20inches well before these travel problems happen. There are times when you have to be smarter than the weather and stay home until it blows over. Hopefully this will serve as a lesson, after having 2 major backups in the last month on the interstate alone.

Posted by: Bonnie Location: Madison on Feb 7, 2008 at 06:12 PM
Why would the state patrol not stop motorists northbound on the interstate at Janesville withoption of staying in a warm safe hotel, shelter, truck stop, etc. until the situation was taken care of or maybe even turn around and return to where they were coming from? They could at least have called their families/friends and let them know they were safe instead of people watching the news stories and unable to help them. Someone made the decision for them that they would be better off going unsuspectingly into hours of danger with babies, children, elderly instead of stopping them and giving them a safe option. The excuse that this was safer is ridiculous...the motorists didn't have to use county roads...they could stay in a safe place while the situation was remedied and not ignored and sent into such a dangerous situation blindly. This all began early afternoon in the daylight with a small number of vehicles...look what happened well into the darkness....you call that safer?

Posted by: Lynn Location: Monona on Feb 7, 2008 at 05:09 PM
The weather service predicted this doosey of a storm two days in advance. Who were these idiots out on the road? Why don't people take warnings seriously? Unless you were in labor or there was a life threatening situation, people had no business on the roads yesterday. And if they got stuck, it's no one's fault but their own -- -it's certainly not the State Patrol's fault.

Posted by: natalie Location: wisconsin on Feb 7, 2008 at 05:08 PM
It was so kind of that man to make sure that everyone was okay in that big mess people like that care about other people and are not selfesh

Posted by: dave Location: st paul on Feb 7, 2008 at 04:46 PM
maybe the trucks and cars should not have been out there but we were. i have driven truck for 30 years plus and driven thru alot worse storms then this one in states that put an effort into taking care of the roads. wisconsin does not do a very good job doing this! every winter i here the same story about winter driving conditions on the roads in wisconsin and it seems rock co. has the worst reputation. the bottom line is a little salt on the hills that the trucks spun out on would have made a big difference last night. wisconsin start taking care of your responsibilites other states do a great job and there is NO REASON OR EXCUSE for you not doing this! you can not wait til it is over to solve the problem. THANK YOU to all those that helped out god bless

Posted by: Rob Location: Brooklyn,WI on Feb 7, 2008 at 04:42 PM
A place to go? Anywhere is better than stuck in your car. Even a corner gas station has food, water, and BATHROOMS and a heater that wont overheat, breakdown or kill you with CO2! After I got off I drove from Beloit to Brooklyn with little problem. I called the Highway patrol to tell them the route I took but the trooper laughed and said that getting people off that way was impossible and too snowy! I was driving a rear wheel drive car! I gave the State Patrol good information of the way to get some of the cars out, and all I got was a sarcastic comment. Even if getting the motorists off didn't help them get to their destination, it would have helped the crews to open the road again. But the State Patrol was too busy calling the Red Cross and the National Guard for help, when they could have just used my information to get those cars out. For the State Patrol to claim NO REPORT of the backup from 11:30a (Everod reported) until 4:00p must be cover for poor performance on this.

Posted by: Tiffany Location: Poynette on Feb 7, 2008 at 04:32 PM
If the state patrol was urging people to stay off the roads and the snow plows couldn't keep up why didn't they just shut down the interstate before all of this happened? They have done this in the past why not when they knew this was a major storm?

Posted by: Rob Location: Brooklyn,WI on Feb 7, 2008 at 04:23 PM
My biggest complaint was that when there were only a few stranded motorists at 12:30am, nothing was done to close the interstate to stop others from winding up stranded behind them. I had my wife check for traffic/highway closed reports while I was still traveling HOME from Chicago (a jab at the people who think no one should leave home when it snows)and there was no report that mentioned the problem. The radio traffic reports mentioned a problem at DeJope-I was stuck in it South of Janesville!! The inaction of the State Patrol permitted all those people to enter that blocked highway then failed to act again to get them off. 1. If you are short on troopers use signs and flares to close the road 2. Use the troopers to lead the mobile vehicles off the highway at the crossovers 3. Use the Emergency Broadcast system to inform 900 vehicles on what your plan is. We don't need State Patrol Superintendant David Collins' empathy or sympathy-we need his resignation.

Posted by: Slater Location: Madison on Feb 7, 2008 at 04:19 PM
Anyone who has survived any winter in the midwest, Neb; Ia; Mi; Mn; WI; IL- should know to carry dry food stuffs, water, or means to create some from the snow, blankets, hot pack hand warmers, flashlights, jumper cables... and never, ever, let your car get below a half tank! There was no "crash" folks... according to the State Patrol, semis got stuck trying to climb an incline in the highway road, and once they stopped, and people stopped behind them, nobody moved, even if they had clear road in front of them. I know I had heard the prediction for snow on Tuesday morning... how many of these people just said "oh, it isn't going to snow" and are now complaining? Probably a lot! you were all warned, almost 24 hours in advance, so don't cry now! It's your responsibility as a veh. operator to make sure your veh is equipped for any emergency situation you may encounter, and deciding to drive or not is called common sense, which sadly is lacking from any number of drivers on the roads today!

Posted by: Phil Location: Madison on Feb 7, 2008 at 04:11 PM
Where was the State Patrol prior to 4 pm when they say they first got a problem call ? ... obviously NOT patrolling their territories on the I90-39, since Noon. They usually hang in droves around the weigh stations between MM145 and 150, so they should have seen the back-ups ... or summoned for back-up support between 4 pm and 8 pm. It was not "news" to anyone that a severe storm was near; does a letdown in communications mean the Patrol couldn't call in officers as the storm progressed in the afternoon ? Recall, we just went through a fog disaster and back-up ! An overkill of the Patrol are at all Saturday Badger games, so Eric-Madison shouldn't lament too loudly about government cutbacks, if there are any ! Can anyone "upstairs" spell 'planning' ? Thank the Lord for NO injuries or fatalities in this one.

Posted by: kyle Location: watertown on Feb 7, 2008 at 04:06 PM
I am a truck driver I've been threw many snow storms worse than Wednesdays. The fact is the highway department Rock & Dane county were at fault. Rock co. has been one of the worst as far a snow removal all year. Jefferson co. & the ILL tollway didnt have large backups even with the accidents thay have had. I went through the area Wednesday and Thursday it was the lack of snow equitment & removal that was the cause of the problem!

Posted by: Michele Location: Berlin on Feb 7, 2008 at 03:47 PM
I find it to be funny that people are saying that people who were out in the storm are to blame. I can understand your thoughts to an extent, but at the same time, where do you think you got your food? Water? Clothing? Anything you use?? The truckers. Someone said the truckers should have shut down for the night. Um, hello?? What happens to you when you are late for work?? What do you think happens when truckers are late for a delivery?? Even in BAD weather, they are fined, written up, possibly FIRED. I seriously believe that the interstate should have been SHUT down as soon as a back up happened. There are other exits to send people up! Other states have barriers that are put up in bad weather blocking the highway/interstates at a major exit w/hotels and shelters, why doesn't Wisconsin? In no way do I blame the people trying to help/rescue, this comes down to the government and their failure to help/forsee and implement planning.

Posted by: Cindy Location: Madison on Feb 7, 2008 at 03:36 PM
Maybe we should start holding employers responsible if someone is injured or dies on their way to work because they are "required" to be there or loose their job or pay for a day or even part of a day. I would think employers would want their employees to be safe and be willing to work with people when the weather is bad.

Posted by: Cindy Location: Madison on Feb 7, 2008 at 03:30 PM
I agree with the many people commenting on whose fault this is. It's not the government. They warned people to stay off the roads. It's time for people to take responsibility for their own actions. You say many people don't have a choice that they have to be on the road-your wrong. Everyone has a choice. It's up to them with the choice that they make. Think of all the other people that had to go out onto the roads and put their lives in danger just to try to help these people. The world will go on if we're not a work for a day. The world still goes on when you choose to drive in dangerous weather and die. Is you life really worth the risk. Instead of putting pressure on the government we should be putting more pressure on businesses to allow people to stay home when the weather is bad. If they cared at all about their employees they would want them to be safe. I feel for the people stranded but?? and why would you have kids out on the road - schools were closed for a reasn

Posted by: Eric Location: Madison on Feb 7, 2008 at 03:27 PM
Rosemarie: Where were they supposed to redirect them too?!?? All the alternate routes were in the same horrible shape the interstate was, or worse.

Posted by: Eric Location: Madison on Feb 7, 2008 at 03:25 PM
I'm not surprised that it took so long for the State Patrol to finally know about the situation. With how small of an organization they are, they simply don't have the resources necessary to be able to cover all the area highways, let alone the whole State of Wisconsin. By far, Wisconsin has the lowest ratio of state police officers per capita in the US. Most of this is thanks to Doyle and his "cost cutting" measures of eliminating "excess" state employees---granted a few other governors before him aren't totally blameless either. REMEMBER THIS AND ALL THE OTHER DOYLE BLUNDERS WHEN THE NEXT GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION COMES 'ROUND. At the very least this gave me a renewed hope for society; that when it really counts, we can pull together to help one another. Thank you to all of those that helped out yesterday and today.

Posted by: Rosemarie Location: Madison on Feb 7, 2008 at 02:58 PM
The minute the accident happened on the highway, a plan should have been in motion to redirect the cars behind. Very poor management. Thank God no one died!

Posted by: Mike Location: Janesville on Feb 7, 2008 at 02:43 PM
Motorist should complain a little less. Anyone with a brain wouldn't have driven anywhere during the storm. Work or not I would have called in if I had to go. Clear example of people should be paying attension to their local news channels and take the advice of stay off the roads they are dangerous. Makes me thankful I couldn't even get out of my driveway due to amount of snow. All I can say to the stranded motorist is DUH!

Posted by: Michelle Location: Illinois on Feb 7, 2008 at 02:29 PM
My husband and his friends were stuck in that mess yesterday! He called me after sitting for over 2 hours. There was nothing on the radio or on the internet about what was happening. I called the TV stations and they had no idea what was happening either. It's amazing to me that we can know within seconds what Britney Spears is doing but don't have the ability to know what's happening on the roads! My husband walked around passing out the food from his cooler to all of the people with medical needs and to the children. He and 7 of his friends left Chicago at 9:00 am yesterday morning for a 5 day snowmobile trip. Luckily they brought lots of food with them! He finally arrived in Mercer at 6:00 am this morning! We're not quite sure why it took so many hours for help to arrive??! He sat for 11 hours without moving. This isn't the first snow storm we've ever seen - you'd think they'd have a better plan!

Posted by: B.R on Feb 7, 2008 at 02:02 PM
Where was our govenor Doyle Hidding that he did not get something done in day light, The sate patrol did not know of the road block till 4 pm. He must have been in a bad box of dounuts with our emergency management director This whole thing stinks of bad goverment

Posted by: Concerned Location: Madison on Feb 7, 2008 at 01:48 PM
What took the State so long to respond too a very serious situation??? I understand that maybe people shouldn't have been driving yesterday but it did happen. I was surprised at 6pm when I heard it on the news and I was really shocked and concearned at 10pm for the people who were stucked. I hope the State learns how to deal with these really serious situations.

Posted by: Opinionated Location: Madison on Feb 7, 2008 at 01:10 PM
Why is it that people who can't use their brains expect other people to fix everything for them? If its been snowing for more than 6 hours straight, YOU MAY WANT TO THINK ABOUT STAYING HOME!!! Democrats!!

Posted by: Fred Location: Wisconsin on Feb 7, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Sad that so many people were stuck in this mess. I would like to know how many that were out there had properly prepared for their trip. There were many storm warnings out. If you needed to be on the road you should have taken some water and possibly a snack or two, just in case. How many have a blanket or sleeping bag in the trunk? I agree, the response from emergency services should have been quicker but we also need to be somewhat accountable for our own well being.

Posted by: Tabatha Location: Portage on Feb 7, 2008 at 12:18 PM
i was in class in madison yesturday when i found out that madison was pulling the plows off the road. i had to leave for my 30 min. drive home that took me 1.5 hours.there were semi's and cars in the ditchs all over the place. i think that there was no reason to pull the plows off the road. if the roads are bad, don't drive like an idiot just because you have a truck or suv. they go in the ditch just the same as a car. drive slow out of respect and safety for other drivers.

Posted by: Sandy Location: Madison on Feb 7, 2008 at 12:00 PM
To LOGAN, thank you for saying that... I could not agree more. I planned on Tuesday to take the day off work on Wednesday and everyone thought I was being ridiculous! Hmmm, it looks like I was one of the smart ones yesterday.

Posted by: Lori Location: jvl on Feb 7, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Is it safe to drive I-90 to madison, yet?

Posted by: JLR Location: Madison on Feb 7, 2008 at 11:36 AM
I agree completely with this statement. If you pour gasoline on yourself and light a match do you expect the government to come put out the fire? Grow up and take responsibility for your own actions and stop trying to blame others for your own foolishness. Posted by: Logan Location: Madison Anyone stuck in this mess only needs to look in the mirror for the blame. They have been predicting this since Tuesday. Don't blame the government for an "emergency" created by your stupidity.

Posted by: Alyssa Location: Janesville on Feb 7, 2008 at 11:30 AM
I live right behind the interstate, and saw that for hours, nobody moved at all. I felt horrible for the people out there, wishing I could do something to help out. So Sarah from Edgerton, good job helping people! No matter what the reporters say, people needed support and it was a wonderful thing you did for them.

Posted by: D Location: Madison on Feb 7, 2008 at 11:27 AM
I agree all the way with Mary here, there was NO EXCUSE for this sloppy planning, the plows should have been on the interstate by 5 am working on keeping it clear, Wisconsin has gotten extremely poor at spending taxpayers dollars wisely and cutting services

Posted by: Melissa on Feb 7, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Sorry I just sent a comment but forgot to put my name...Please add it to last long comment. :o)

Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 7, 2008 at 10:58 AM
I really don't think it is fair to call people stupid for driving in this weather. You must remember that some people have no choice. I know you say stay home and be safe and they will understand and if this was a perfect world that would be true. It is not a perfect world and there are businesses that do not close and expect their employees to be there and if not they get in trouble. There are also people out there who have to get to work to make money to pay the bills and support their families (especially single parents)and while it is easy for you to fault them you need to remember that alot of people live paycheck to paycheck and the bill collectors don't care if you missed work due to bad weather, they want their money. The landlord says pay or get evicted, etc... so these people do what they have to do to survive. You cannot fault them for that or insult them. I realize there were probably people who did not have to venture out but I also realize alot of them had no choice.

Posted by: James Location: Madison on Feb 7, 2008 at 10:54 AM
In the post 911 and Katrina world, we have learned that when faced with its own crisis, Wisconsin is equally unprepared. It took the Governor 10 hours to react. Yes, the weather was a unique and difficult challenge, beyond proportion. But that is what emergency management is about. We should have learned things from Louisiana about response and reaction times. It appears that the Doyle administration failed to do so.

Posted by: Harriet Location: Milton on Feb 7, 2008 at 10:31 AM
This is the kind of story you need to cover. Why wasn't the highway closed down much earlier? Was it? What happened to those cars that came upon this site? Did they put a roadblock? We get millions of dollars for plans for terrorism and pandemics and yet we don't seem to have a plan or an ability to coordinate this kind of disaster? Why aren't you doing any reporting on this issue? If natural disasters just happen and there is nothing to be done, then why do we allocate literally millions of dollars for prevention plans? Relatedly, doesn't the governor bear responsibility for not doing anything sooner? In everything I read, nothing was done -- no coordination was done -- until the "evening". That would make Everod right. This is a story -- indeed, it is multiple stories. Cover it.

Posted by: sarah Location: Edgerton on Feb 7, 2008 at 10:27 AM
I walked the interstate last night from 630-1100 handing out food and drinks to stranded motorists. A sheriff told me to go ahead since it was like "a parking lot" out there. I gave the motorists what little information I knew about the assistance from officials. I walked up to a State Trooper stranded in his patrol vehicle, and he didn't have any significant information! My neighbor had been out on this snowmobile since 4:00PM helping people. I gave food and juice to a diabetic woman who was feeling shaky from low blood sugar! I gave food to a family with three hungry kids in the back. Channel 3 reported that us "volunteers were getting in the way!" More volunteer snowmobiles came out around 10:00PM to reach more than I could on foot, delivering more water and food and checking on people. We were there way before the government officials. Why is that? And why is our help being broadcast as a problem, when clearly the National Guard didn't fly overhead until 11:30PM?

Posted by: Andy Location: Oshkosh on Feb 7, 2008 at 09:02 AM
We must remember in times such as these where their is an emergency where the weather plays a big part that for the same reasons that their are these accidents or people becoming stranded, the emergency personal has to fight through the same conditions to get to these people. Its not that easy to just get a whole bunch of snow mobiles to rescue over 800 people in blizzard like conditions. That would cost a lot of money and take a lot of time and resources. Plus you have to figure that with a storm like this, this isnt the only accident or situation that the surrounding emergency personal has to respond to. If you were in an accident in the area but not on the I90 and you couldnt get help cause everyone is responding to the I90 crisis, would that be right? We do have brave men and women out there trying everything they can to help and resolve this quickly and efficiently and we just have to remember this and give them some credit. My heart does go out to all those stranded and responding

Posted by: Sandy Location: Madison on Feb 7, 2008 at 07:58 AM
I have to agree with Mike.... nothing is THAT important that you have to drive in that kind of weather. If you're a trucker, pull off and get a hotel, or sleep in your cab. I'm sure the people expecting deliveries from you will understand your wanting to stay SAFE rather than try to drive thru a snowstorm!

Posted by: Unbelievable Location: Monroe on Feb 7, 2008 at 06:54 AM
So the State activated its emergency operations center the day before this storm, and it took until late last night for a formal disaster to be declared by the Governor to start getting people help last night, after having been stranded for more then ten hours. What in the hell is going on with that? After this hellacious event is over, I think our State's leaders better look at what went wrong here and why... this is an embarassment to Wisconsin. (I imagining last night being stuck in a car with a baby for this long last night--or a disabled person--or anyone with special needs.... it would be living hell).

Posted by: Mary Location: Madison on Feb 7, 2008 at 01:30 AM
Mr. Doyle and Ms. Falk - you will, and should, pay dearly for this. There is NO excuse for this much incompetence on the part of the County & State in dealing with this. I'm sure the stories will come out in a few days - and surely some vast incompetence and indecision and failure to act by numerous parties that could have, will be exposed. I notice that when people started to experience medical emergencies, and the news started to really publicize this with "breaking news alerts" they figured it out in a hurry. We have the resources to handle something like this - they just weren't deployed soon enough. After the fog debacle and now this - heads should roll in emergency management. If no one died as a result of this its a miracle.

Posted by: Deanna Location: Illinois on Feb 7, 2008 at 12:56 AM
WHY was the highway not closed down? My family & 2 year old daughter waited for the snow to end to head out...they didn't try to enter the highway until several hours later...at 9pm...they had no idea of this situation. If this has been a problem since 11:30 am, WHY WAS IT NOT SHUT DOWN? Now they sit stranded...

Posted by: Logan Location: Madison on Feb 7, 2008 at 12:20 AM
Anyone stuck in this mess only needs to look in the mirror for the blame. They have been predicting this since Tuesday. Don't blame the government for an "emergency" created by your stupidity.

Posted by: Mom Location: Indiana on Feb 7, 2008 at 12:18 AM
After 11 1/2 hours of sitting on the highway, my family member is now in a hotel room thanks to some nice guy on a snowmobile who made tracks for my family member to go through so she could get turned around and headed to safety. It amazes me that a state that gets so much snow was so ill-prepared to handle this kind of situation. She was trying to get to a funeral in MN but will probably miss it now. But, I thank God that she is safe and will pray for the remaining stranded and their families.

Posted by: Michele Location: Berlin on Feb 6, 2008 at 11:51 PM
As the wife of a trucker who is stuck in this mess....he had NO choice but to be in it. Question: Why was the interstate not shut down further down when the mess started??? Didn't this area go through something like this with fog a few months ago??? The state waited too long to help. I know truckers have been giving people food, water, and cell phone usage.. This isn't too secure of a feeling...being from Wisconsin and knowing how well this county, the county that houses our state capitol, takes action in an emergency.... what will happen if there is a terrorist attack????? I would have thought SOME kind of plan would have been drawn up after the problem with people being stranded in FOG.

Posted by: Joanne Location: Wisconsin on Feb 6, 2008 at 11:43 PM
To Mike...and if those semis didn't travel in weather like this who do you think would supply the water that is getting to them now? Some people have no choice to go out in weather like this. Some people aren't fortunate enough to be able to call in and say you know I can't make it into work tonight. This is why we have troopers and deputies. This is what they get paid to do. If they don't want to do it then I suggest they find a different job. They sit in their cars because they also have a job to do and if they don't they lose their job. Look at the bigger picture.

Posted by: jaimie Location: grand marsh on Feb 6, 2008 at 11:42 PM
My husband has been stranded for 9 hours and not moved an inch. He knows that if he can get to Edgerton then he can get assistance, he can see the exit but noones getting off on it. He has not moved an inch. He had to go out due to his job but he also says with all these people out suppose to be helping he has seen noone in 9 hours.

Posted by: Nicole Location: Milwaukee on Feb 6, 2008 at 11:30 PM
It would be a wonderful world if we were all able to stay at home during horrible storms. But, that is not the case when the majority of businesses do not close and other working operations that require travel do not cease due to weather. The fact remains that my friend has been stranded on the freeway for over 11 hours, and until an hour ago had not seen any emergency vehicles or other sources of help.

Posted by: Concerned on Feb 6, 2008 at 11:18 PM
Some people didn't have a choice of driving in this weather due to family emergencies. Plus, who would have thought that it would take over 11 hours before an evacuation plan would be put into place.

Posted by: Deb Location: Michigan on Feb 6, 2008 at 11:11 PM
Someone I know had to make the trek to fulfill a work commitment; he checked the weather and traffic before going, but-surprise!- the forecast was wrong for that area. Add to it the fact that the local stations said absolutely NOTHING about the accident/closure. He would not have travelled had that information been available and accurate.

Posted by: Lauren Location: Hometown, IL. on Feb 6, 2008 at 10:36 PM
my son and a friend have been stranded since this afternoon. What kind of a system does Wisconsin have that it takes almost ten hours to try to rescue these people. Why can't these cars be diverted to the other direction by way of emergency access. Is there no way to get these poor motorists moving. My son said the only help he received is a bottle of water. What if someone has a medical emergency?

Posted by: Mom of Child with Autism Location: Jefferson County on Feb 6, 2008 at 10:35 PM
I just can't imgaine if I were stranded with my little boy who has autism (severely) in the car for that long. I would hope that authorities would be able to get any families with special needs people out of that situation ASAP. If it were only my daughter and I, we could handle it, but.... I guess I would like to know if the patrol people helped those with special needs-- just for my own piece of mind.

Posted by: Mike Location: Madison on Feb 6, 2008 at 10:20 PM
Its too bad people are stuck but maybe people should learn to stay in during these storms. Troopers and Deputies are not super human, they are doing their best to help. PLEASE LEARN A LESSON FROM THIS, IF IT SNOWS STAY OFF THE ROAD OR BE READY TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR DECISION AND SIT IN YOUR COLD CAR.

Posted by: Reba Location: Watertown on Feb 6, 2008 at 10:07 PM
For an 11 hour episode why is there no cause given for the backup? Is it just the weather or was there another reason for the highway shutting down?

Posted by: Jodi Location: Rosendale on Feb 6, 2008 at 09:56 PM
This is getting ridiculous! My sister and her husband have been stranded for 9.5 hours and there has been no help..no food..no water..no medical assistance. This action plan has failed. What do we pay taxes for if the powers at be cannot deploy help sooner than this?

Posted by: Dan Location: Milton on Feb 6, 2008 at 09:33 PM
Evrod is your main man today! Go Evrod!

Posted by: Mom Location: Indiana on Feb 6, 2008 at 09:30 PM
Please help! My daughter has been sitting in this mess for over 8 hours with no help. I've called sheriff dept and they tell me they just started deploying rescue crews (more than 6 hours after the fact!)what took so long? The road is open on the other lane. Can they not evaculate to buses across the median via snowmobiles, etc???

Posted by: Tonya Location: Oregon on Feb 6, 2008 at 09:12 PM
What can we do to help?