FREDERIC – While there are more than 1,000 people who live in the village of Frederic, it comes down to just three who are responsible for keeping our roads clear of snow. That has been quite the feat this winter especially for the trio, considering we will likely end up in the top-10 snowiest years on record when all is said and done. Behind those plows are Bill Struck, director of public works, and his two employees, Nick Skow and Tyler Phillips.
There is always a lot to know about plowing, salting and sanding the roads for a village the size of Frederic. The minimum practical application range for salt is a pavement temperature of 15-20 degrees Fahrenheit and above. While salt will melt snow and ice down to a pavement temperature of minus 6, it can melt over five times more ice at 30 than at 20. Thus, the effectiveness of salt is sensitive to small differences in pavement temperature. According to Struck, villages like Frederic will attempt to apply only the amount required for temperature, time and use. Too little and the roadway will refreeze, too much is a waste of money and resources.
The Inter-County Leader would like to recognize Struck, Skow and Phillips for their round-the-clock efforts to combat the snowy roads this winter.
