West Bend employees step up after multiple DPW retirements
WEST BEND (WITI) -- The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for all of southeast Wisconsin for most of Thursday, February 7th. The warning kicked in for all counties beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Early Thursday morning, the West Bend area saw a mix of light snow, freezing rain and sleet. Heavy snow picked back up by lunchtime. By mid-afternoon, the city's 25 salt and plow trucks were out in full force helping to clear streets.
The Department of Public Works is in charge, but it's only working with half the staff. Out of seven employees who worked full-time in that department, four of them retired at the end of the year, including the DPW Director.
"Fortunately, we have other departments stepping it up to get the job done throughout the day for anything we need," Interim Streets Coordinator Adam Schmitt said.
Workers from the Sewer and Water utilities, and the Parks and Forestry Departments have volunteered to drive the city's 25 trucks. They're helping to clear main thoroughfares first, then the side streets, without disrupting other services.
"I'm really thankful that they all are really motivated to help. It really shows that we can work together really well," Schmitt said.
Schmitt says all 25 trucks will be out throughout the night to get all the streets cleared for drivers Friday morning.
Be ready for the storm. Here are a few simple things you can do: