Monroe county hosts adopt-a-highway open house

A small but enthusiastic crowd gathered at the Highway Department’s Sparta Corporation Yard on Saturday morning, April 25^th to celebrate the reintroduction of the county’s Adopt-A-Highway Program.  The county’s Land Conservation and Highway departments hosted the event.

Monroe County Board of Supervisors Chairman Cedric Schnitzler welcomed the two-dozen current and prospective volunteers and Land Conservation Director Bob Micheel and Highway Commissioner David Ohnstad discussed the history and benefits of the program.

Todd Sparks, County Board Supervisor and member of the Monroe County Trash Force Team, provided instruction on safety and awareness for the volunteers, Mic Armstrong of the Monroe County Invasive Species Working Group followed with a presentation on invasive, and potentially harmful, vegetation that may be encountered along the roadside, and  Sergeant Rylan Corcoran of the Sheriff’s Office discussed right-of-way hazards and what to do if encountered.

Highway Operations Coordinator Spencer Cleary then led a discussion on the equipment and supplies that are provided to volunteers, the roadside signs with the name of the adopting group that are installed at each end of the adopted highway segment and how to complete an application to participate in the program.  Longtime volunteer Dave Geier, also a Town of Angelo Supervisor, finished the presentations by describing his family’s experiences in their two decades as Adopt-A-Highway participants and the many satisfactions they find in the program.

After a morning of conversation, education, tasty treats and camaraderie the current and future volunteers headed out to prepare for this year’s efforts.  The Trash Force thanks the volunteers for their attendance and for their continued stewardship of Monroe County’s roadsides.

To learn more about the Adopt-A-Highway program or to complete an application, please visit the Highway Department’s web-page at https://www.co.monroe.wi.us or by contacting the department by e-mail at highways@co.monroe.wi.us, or by telephone at (608) 269 - 8740.