December 27, 1973 - I’ve kind of lost track of all time,” was Ray Ledford’s comment when the Plaindealer wanted specifics on the State Highway Department’s activities during these last heavy snowstorms. It was enough to disorient anyone. While Christmas came and went, so did the State Highway crews. Slides and slips on the Million Dollar Highway (U.S. 550) south of town kept the crews busy almost around the clock. “We got by until Sunday,” Ledford said, “but had to send an extra truck out that night.” High winds blew the snow, making it even more difficult to work. “Everything was running,” Ledford said, with reference to the slides. “They began Sunday night and ran all night long.” Highway 550 was closed on Sunday night, due to the many slips, and opened again Monday morning by about 9 a.m.