Minn., Wis. schoolchildren get unusual May snow day

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS

Schoolchildren in Minnesota and Wisconsin got a rare May snow day Thursday as a storm dropped up to 16 inches of sticky snow across a beleaguered region that was just starting to enjoy spring.

Bobbi Howe’s daughters, 10-year-old Emma and 7-year-old Averie, stayed home in the southeastern Minnesota city of Owatonna, where 15.5 inches of snow made it hard for the family to open their front door. Owatonna was one of dozens of Minnesota and Wisconsin school districts that canceled classes for the day.

“I’m hoping they stay outside for most of the day and I’ll just provide hot chocolate when they come in,” Bobbi Howe said.

For Emma, the promise of a late spring snow day felt a little less like paradise.

“It’s not cool,” Emma said, adding that she was tired of winter and would rather be at school. “I don’t like the snow right now.”

Nancy Keller of Owatonna said her three kids were getting fed up with the endless winter, too. She said several of their tennis, soccer matches and field trips already have been postponed.

“They’re getting tired of having things canceled,” Keller said.