Raccoon Rescued Uptown - Council's Retreat - Overhead Ice Dangers
A raccoon with its head stuck inside a plastic jar was rescued Friday after Westerville firefighters spotted the animal wandering through traffic in Uptown.
The raccoon was seen zigzagging across West Main Street, narrowly avoiding cars. A pedestrian had already called police to report the animal, but the animal control officer was not on duty at the time.
Firefighters stopped and stepped in, wearing standard duty gloves to safely handle the animal. They cornered the raccoon against a snowbank, where one firefighter held it steady while the other pulled the jar free.
Once released, the raccoon quickly ran off down Main Street, apparently unharmed.
City Council’s Retreat Begins
Westerville City Council’s biennial retreat began Friday evening, led by Raftelis management consultant Catherine Tuck Parrish. Participants included City Manager Monica Dupee, Law Director Andrew Winkel, and City Clerk Sara Yinger.
The retreat began with introspective exercises to help council members identify strengths and weaknesses in their relationships with city staff, fellow council members, and residents.
The retreat continues Saturday with one-on-one sessions between council members and city department heads.
Heavy snowfall of about 15 inches caused traffic disruptions citywide, while fluctuating temperatures kept snow piled along curbs and street corners.
Daytime temperatures near freezing have caused rooftop snow to melt and refreeze. On some older Uptown buildings, this has resulted in ice and long icicles along rooflines, posing a hazard to pedestrians below.
Warning signs have been placed along sidewalks to alert pedestrians to falling ice. Residents are urged to use caution near buildings as crews continue to monitor conditions.
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