Road crew plows through equipment failure, long days

Following intense winter weather which barged through Union County during Thanksgiving weekend, the county’s board of supervisors reviewed how the county took care of rural roads after snowfall with Roads Supervisor Al Hysell.

For days where the county needs to clear snow from roads in mostly rural areas, a winter storm can mean working from sun up to sun down. Hysell said he and his crew in the roads department worked multiple 16-hour days assisting Union County residents.

All the while, the roads department still deals with regular delays. One plow fell into a ditch during snow removal, and other vehicles had mechanical difficulties. Two trucks and a motor grader are in need of repair.

“Perfect timing,” Hysell joked.

While discussing snow removal near Kent, Hysell gave a reminder that if a resident, of Kent or greater Union County, is stuck in their home, giving a call to the county roads department is the fastest way to get the roads cleared.

“I’ll run down there with a pickup blade,” Hysell said.

Hysell also lamented how some roads can’t be plowed if the ditches are not maintained, citing two roads in Kent and Arispe. The same applies to cars and other vehicles left on the road. If snow is expected, the best way to assist the snow removal process is to clear the road before a snowflake falls.

With winter now settling in Union County, the roads department is still looking for help. The department is looking for applicants with a Class A Commercial Drivers License for two equipment operator positions.

Hysell had prepared to present equipment quotes for the meeting but delayed the presentation to this Wednesday to give more time for quotes to arrive.

In other Union County news...

A letter of support for Crossroads Behavioral Health Services, an agenda line tabled from the previous meeting, was left indefinitely tabled while the board of supervisors review the special investigation report on the clinic from the Iowa Auditor’s Office.