Ashland County highway staff told the Highway Committee on Wednesday that long-time employees are retiring, internal promotions have filled supervisory roles, the department is preparing for winter operations and large projects are underway.

The committee recognized Bruce Kleinstiber for more than 35 years of service and heard that Kim Bridal was selected to step up into the patrol superintendent position after interviews; Paul Grayhack was named foreman. Josh Popman’s recent resignation leaves two operator positions open; the department reported three applicants and planned interviews. The committee also said a new mechanic has started work and is preparing winter truck mountings.

On operations, the highway commissioner reported the crew spent much of the summer on crack seal and patching, will mix salt‑sand for winter next week, and is preparing plows. The county’s resurfacing work on a county project from County Road 13 down toward Quarry Road is complete; the next year’s schedule includes approximately 6 to 6.5 miles on the south end between Mellon and Clam Lake. Committee members discussed safety and durability concerns on a state overlay south of the Woodyard and urged the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to improve short-term patching.

The Highway H (Madeline Island) shoreline project has a signed contract for $11,538,425.94 and work is underway; the committee said the contractor is making progress and expressed hope the project would be finished this fall. The committee also discussed Highway 13 resurfacing scheduled in 2027 near Morris Corner to the Price County line and broader coordination with village water and sewer work that may change the resurface limits in Butternut.

No policy decisions were made; routine minutes were approved and the committee set its next meeting for Nov. 10.