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Parke County plans multi-month training, posts highway office job after secretary announces retirement; crews report heavy winter response
Summary
Commissioners reviewed the highway office manager’s planned retirement, approved a posting and timeline for hiring and training a deputy-level replacement, and heard staff report on storm response work including hauling roughly 1,200 tons of sand and four tanker loads of calcium chloride.
Parke County commissioners discussed an upcoming staffing transition in the highway office and heard a detailed operational update on storm response materials and equipment.
Chair told the board the highway office manager plans to retire at the end of July. Commissioners agreed on a multi-step hiring and training plan intended to ensure continuity: internal posting on Feb. 9, external posting on Feb. 16, applications due by end of day on March 13, candidate selection and interviews in late March and a projected hire or appointment near April 1 so the new hire can complete shadowing and on‑the‑job training before the July retirement.
The chair emphasized the job’s complexity and said the county expects to recruit and train at least one deputy-level employee to shadow the incumbent. The board discussed timing and agreed to involve relevant highway staff in interviews.
Highway staff reported crews worked extended hours during recent storms and provided operational details: “we’ve hauled roughly about 1,200 tons of sand and 4 tanker loads of calcium chloride” to respond to icy conditions, and crews ran multiple long shifts to clear roads. Staff also reviewed the county’s use of alternative de-icing materials and their costs and performance: beet-juice product and calcium chloride were compared; staff quoted approximate per-gallon costs and melting-point differences when describing situational effectiveness.
Commissioners and staff discussed equipment leases, the recent arrival of a grader, leased-truck deliveries expected later in February and plans to repair and secure gravel-pit operations (including a new locked gate and additional lighting).
Next steps: the county will post the highway office vacancy as agreed, accept applications through March 13, and schedule interviews in late March. Staff will provide updates on equipment deliveries and any federal or state funding opportunities related to storm response.
