County fire impacts snow/ice removal

Becky Walz

Editor

A an early morning fire on Wednesday, Jan. 9, at the Clayton County Secondary Roads shop in Farmersburg impacted the ice and snow removal of secondary roads near Elgin last week and may if Mother Nature releases her fury on northeast Iowa again.

According to Clayton County Supervisor Chairman, Ron McCartney, a motor grader, two trucks, a tractor and a snow blower were all destroyed in the fire at the shop that services the Elgin area. The estimated cost of the loss is $750,000.

Noting that Clayton County has nearly 1100 miles of secondary roads, McCartney added that many of the roads surrounding the Elgin area are hilly and curvy and need the heavier equipment.

“Temporary equipment has been brought in to assist in clearing the roadways, but isn’t set up with the heavy equipment necessary for snow removal,” said McCartney.

He added, “The board of supervisors appreciates the residents’ patience as the county employees work tirelessly to get the roads clear for travel.”