While the municipal services were doing their job on the main thoroughfares, an individual appeared in the city who did not wait for summons or instructions, but simply rolled up his sleeves.
Miha Pipenbaher (also known as Mike Von Hart) volunteered to plough the city on Tuesday alone and on Wednesday with a friend on a quad bike and a plough. This was not an organised action, but a spontaneous decision taken out of a sense of responsibility towards the community. Miha wanted to help the town's residents and passers-by to walk more safely and not have to walk on snow-covered pavements.
»The intention was to go and help; no hidden agenda and no agenda,« Pipenbaher explained. He stressed that his gesture was in no way a criticism of the work of the municipality, but the opposite. He is aware that in a situation of heavy snowfall, there is no system in the world that can clear all surfaces in a matter of hours. »The municipality has to take care of the main thoroughfares first, but the peripheral areas are often left uncleared - and that's where each of us can make a difference,« he added.
His work has not gone unnoticed. After the first day of this kind of help, he was called by the Public Institute for Sport Slovenska Bistrica and asked to help ploughing the stadium. As it is a large area, he organised the operation in a short time and provided additional equipment to get the job done efficiently.
But this is not the only example of how Miha Pipenbaher has helped the community. He says he enjoys doing this and plans to do similar initiatives in the future. In the spring, he wants to organise a clean-up in the countryside with his friends and children, using quad bikes to pick up litter. He is also thinking of organising a day with friends to cut grass for free on the land of the elderly and those who cannot do it themselves.
Underlying his actions is a clear philosophy of life - the belief that small gestures of kindness that build a better world: »People all over the world have become very frustrated and dissatisfied, and goodness is being lost. I believe that if you give something, you get something back - and that improves the environment you live in."
In his view quality of life does not depend on material goods, but on a sense of security, acceptance and mutual respect. He believes that living in the city should not be an excuse for alienation. »It's stupid to live in an environment full of tension and anxiety when you could walk down the street with joy, say hello to your neighbour and be happy where you live.«
Miha does not want personal exposure, but to spread this kind of mentality. He believes that if he could encourage at least a few people to do something good for others by his example, his goal would be achieved. »If one person's kindness inspires two others and spreads, we are all better off.,« concludes Miha.
The story of Miha Pipenbaher is thus not just a tale of snow ploughing, but a reminder that community does not form on its own. It is created when individuals do what they can without expectations or excuses. And it is from this perspective that actions like his are a precious light in the everyday life of the city.
Amadeja Mlakar, 12. 1. 2026
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