A most unwelcome thaw in the nation's northern snow belt has put the world's largest weenie roast on ice.
Snowmobiles are silent.
Ski trails are slush and mud. The region, normally in a deep freeze during this time of year, has been downright balmy in recent days. A landscape white with snow two weeks ago is now barren, brown ground after days of temperatures in the 40s and 50s. There is concern that alfalfa crops and spring flowers could bloom early and then die if severe cold returns.