Starke County Highway Superintendent Dan Dipert had some good news for the commissioners Tuesday morning.
“Since the last meeting, we have hired two full-time drivers,” stated Dipert. “One started three days before the big storm and the other driver started today (Tuesday, February 22). We do have two part-time CDL drivers. We do have one part-time employee that we hired. This employee is currently working on getting a CDL.”
Despite the progress made, the department remains a few drivers short.
There are three positions open at the Highway Department including more CDL truck drivers, mechanic and construction inspector.
He mentioned snow removal and have addressed several complaints called in by residents.
Dipert continued, “Basically, not enough salt/sand put down, mailbox damage, missed subdivisions or roads, people shoveled out their driveways and we’ve plowed them back in. We’re dealing with these issues the best we can. We’re still four drivers short.”
He noted that there have been a few cases where the plows have actually hit the mailboxes and Dipert said they are working with the residents to get issues resolved.
