Crawford County rural roads placed under Level 3 snow emergency

BUCYRUS — Crawford County’s rural roads were placed under a Level 3 Snow Emergency on Saturday at 9 p.m., according to a press release issued by Sheriff Scott Kent’s office.

All rural roadways are closed to non-essential personnel, Kent’s press release states.

“No one should be out during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel,” the release states. “All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work.

“Those traveling on rural roadways without just cause may subject themselves to arrest. (This excludes employees reporting to and from work or for emergency situations.)

A Level 3 Snow Emergency is declared when ice, blowing and drifting snow have created extremely hazardous road conditions. Conditions have caused the closing of all or certain roadways to all but emergency and essential persons. No one should be on the roadway unless absolutely necessary.

All non-emergency and non-essential personnel traveling may be charged with misconduct at an emergency, according to the Ohio Revised Cod 2917.13.

Keeping non-essential traffic off the roadways allows snow removal crews to be more effective.

The County Sheriff’s office is without authority to arbitrarily determine what occupations, job descriptions, or duties constitute essential or nonessential employees. Please do not call the dispatch center or ask law enforcement if you are to report to work.

Most if not all sporting events in north central Ohio are postponed for Saturday.

In addition, Richland Source has received these notices:

— All locations of the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library closed at 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 19. The status for Sunday will be updated later today or early Sunday morning.

— St. Mary’s Sunday Parish Religious Education class is also canceled.

— Live theater performances tonight at the Renaissance Theatre and the Mansfield Playhouse have been cancelled.

— Shelby Sacred Heart of Jesus and St. Joe’s, of Crestline will not have any Masses on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019.