The Starke County Highway Department is preparing for the upcoming winter seasons, with efforts being made to secure road salt as well as prepare equipment for snow and ice removal.
During the Starke County Commissioners meeting Monday, October 19, Highway Superintendent Rachel Kinney reported that the county may be able to participate in the state’s salt bidding process after initially purchasing salt at a higher price. Kinney previously reported in September that the county had been left out of the state’s salt bidding process when a different state department took over the process.
Kinney said the department has already purchased 200 tons of salt to ensure supplies are available before November. She explained that the purchase was necessary because the department had no salt remaining and wanted to be prepared for the possibility of early winter weather.
The county is now working to secure an additional 800 tons through the state bidding process, which could save approximately $60 per ton compared to the higher-priced salt. Suppliers still need to confirm whether they can accommodate the county’s requested quantity.
Commissioners also discussed equipment preparations, including concerns with the augers used to distribute salt and sand from highway trucks.
Kinney explained that two newer trucks have been equipped with larger nine-inch augers, which have worked better than the original six-inch augers. The department may need at least two additional augers for other trucks, although officials plan to check with drivers before determining whether they are necessary.
The department also purchased new solutions to spray on the auger systems and underneath trucks to help prevent ice buildup. Kinney said ice accumulation has caused problems with wiring on the trucks in the past.
Kinney reported that crews plan to begin preparing their trucks for winter next week, following the completion of remaining paving work.
The department plans to finish paving a section of County Road 600 North between Range Road and a bridge before transitioning to winter preparations.
