Bonanza Valley Voice -

Another round of snow and wind will move across the Bonanza Valley area on Thursday, February 7. Winds are predicted to climb past 20 mph on Thursday afternoon. At least four inches of soft snow fell over the previous night and into Thursday morning. The combination of those factors will create hazardous driving conditions.

As a result, Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa schools are closed for February 7. All evening activities have been postponed or cancelled.

*Update at 11:20 a.m.:

The Minnesota Department of Transportation has enacted a no travel advisory on state and federal highways in portions of west central Minnesota due to dangerous driving conditions. The no travel advisory applies to the following counties: Big Stone, Clay, Pope, Stevens, Traverse and Wilkin. Blowing snow is causing whiteout conditions. Snowplows will continue to operate, but motorists are advised not to travel until conditions improve. For tips on safe winter driving, go to http://www.mndot.gov/workzone/winter.html.

For real-time traffic and travel information in Minnesota, visit http://www.511mn.org.

*Update: Bonanza Valley State Bank is closing today at noon. (February 7)

*Update at 15:00: Kandiohi County officials report that they will pull all snow plows at 5 p.m. today. Also, in Pope County, snow plows were pulled at noon.

TREAD LIGHTLY out there and BE AWARE of what's going on! Plan ahead! Be smart! Be considerate! And stay alive!

On Friday, February 8, B-B-E school officials called off school for the day due to drifted and blown-in rural roads. As a result of the back-to-back snow days, B-B-E will hold regular school days on Monday, February 11 and Monday, February 25.