UPDATED: Commerce schools closed Wednesday

The long-awaited first day in the new Commerce High School will have to wait at least a day, maybe longer, thanks to Mother Nature.

All classes for the Commerce School System — not to mention those throughout the Jackson County School System — are cancelled for Tuesday as icy road conditions are expected to remain.
Superintendent of schools James E. "Mac" McCoy, said a decision will be made Tuesday on whether school can resume on Wednesday. As of 3:00, McCoy said the forecast calls for continued sub-freezing temperatures and the possibility of more snow on Friday.

"Looking at it now, I'm not sure it's going to be any better than it is now," he said.

Likewise, the weather caused local governments to postpone meetings. The Commerce Board of Education and Commerce City Council, both scheduled for Monday night, have been postponed.

The city council will convene on Monday, Jan. 17, at 6:30 p.m. at the Commerce Civic Center. McCoy said the BOE meeting is tentatively set for Thursday night at 7 p.m. in the CHS media center.

Roads remain treacherous Monday afternoon. Steve Nichols, director of emergency management for Jackson County, estimated that there had be about 40 auto accidents thus far.

Interstate 85 remains open, but traffic is slow. Likewise, U.S. 441 is passable, but motorists should use extreme caution and stay home if at all possible.