Gasconade County Republican

The truck was stuck in a drainage ditch last Tuesday after two drivers took turns driving around park grounds. Due to the distance from a road, a towing company was unable to retrieve the vehicle. The following day city workers used a skid-steer to pull the truck out of the mud. Gerald Police impounded the vehicle and charges are pending against the owner.Gerald Police Chief Tommie Lowe reported a 1994 Ford pickup owned by a 21-year-old male of Gerald became stuck in the mud in the southeast side of the City Park Tuesday evening, Feb. 14.

Around four-inches of snow fell on the area from Monday morning through early Tuesday morning.

At least two area drivers used the snow as an excuse for some vandalism.

At the park, the drivers made many ruts and “do-nut” tracks in the scenic hillside over looking the lake. The truck was mired approximately 150 yards from the road, coming to rest near the walking trail.

Earlier in the day, that hill had been utilized for sledding by a group of children.

A tow company from Union was unable to retrieve the truck due the distance from the roadway.  Workers from the City’s street department used a skid-steer to pull the truck out Wednesday morning. The vehicle was then impounded.

The owner and a 19-year-old male were taking turns driving the truck per reports given to the Gerald Police Department.

The owner has been issued a summons for damage to the City Park while charges on the second driver are pending. Lowe’s second-in-command, Lt. T. J. Heidbreder says such damages may be punishable by a fine up to $500 and up to one year in jail.

Lowe says separate damage was reported to a gravel parking lot in the Industrial Park. There, a different driver also left deep ruts while doing “donuts” on the snow covered lot.