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NIC gets snowed in

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NIC gets snowed in

Spaces on campus that were originally intended for two or three parking spaces, have served as the foundation for snow drifts taller than the average person. Campus announcements have been sent out encouraging students and staff to err on the side of caution when driving on roads surrounding campus. And on what was supposed to be the first day of spring semester, Jan. 9, school was cancelled due to inclement weather.

The following day when school resumed, students drove onto campus and struggled to find parking spots among massive snow piles and unmarked spots.

The NIC Facilities Department is responsible for plowing both the parking lots on campus and the roads surrounding the campus. Compared to the relatively mild winter that the North Idaho region had last winter, this quick accumulation of snow has proven to be a hurdle that they have quickly tried to remedy.

Their main goal this winter is to maintain safety on campus for both student and staff alike by clearing as much snow as they can around campus and by utilizing deicers on slick streets and sidewalks.

“Not only is it hard to find a good parking spot, but it’s very slick and it feels almost dangerous to park,” said Rachel Matlock, English major. “The size of the lots feel like they have been drastically reduced, especially out by the library. There’s a good third of the parking lot missing.”

According to NIC Parking Services, students should take care to arrive at campus early in order to give themselves enough time to look for a spot.

“Timing is everything when searching for available parking, for those who arrive on campus at 9:00 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, this is no secret. Everyone would love to park in the lot adjacent to where they have their first class, but much like a lottery ticket, not everyone wins,”Patrick Murray from NIC Security said.

Students and staff are advised to be cautious when they are driving around campus. Carpooling and providing ample time before class is encouraged.

This is Mackenzie's first term at NIC and on The Sentinel. Prior to writing for The Sentinel, Mackenzie was an editor for The Skier Scribbler, her high school's news publication for three years. She is originally from Aspen, CO, but has been a resident of Idaho since the beginning of 2016.

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