ESCANABA – The area saw several wintry storms in the last couple weeks, but still, the season as a whole is still below its annual snowfall levels. Since local governments were prepared to handle a more severe winter than the one that came, the Escanaba Department of Public Works – which is responsible for, among other things, plowing and salting the roads – was able to tackle some additional tasks.

In Escanaba, Public Works is an essential department responsible for maintaining 82 miles of city streets in the areas of sweeping, leaf collection, storm sewer care, sign installation and replacement, road painting, grading, sidewalk maintenance, road construction, tree service, snow plowing and ice control, in addition to upkeep of city parks, alleys, buildings and vehicles.

In the 2024 to ’25 season, “winter started slow and gave Public Works the opportunity to finish a bathroom remodel project… while also giving employees an opportunity to train on pieces of equipment,” said Escanaba Public Works Director Kent Dubord. 

The training was primarily on garbage trucks, he said. With eight backup garbage truck drivers now trained in on the vehicles, the department has flexibility in its workforce and shouldn’t have any lack of service if a primary driver is out.

The remodeling project brought an additional restroom to the Public Works building.

The mild start to the winter meant the department had not only extra time but also funds and supplies. For example, only 50% of the city’s salt inventory has been utilized this winter, Dubord said.

“The snow removal budget has been utilized around 45%. The snow plowing budget is over 50%,” Dubord reported. “The winter has really picked up the past several weeks, with one member of the crew going a stretch of 22 consecutive shifts at one point. The crews have been busy keeping roads clear and hauling snow in the days to follow each storm.”

The department is looking ahead to the spring and summer with a full to-do list. 

One item on the docket is the removal of the wading pool near Webster School so that the long-awaited splash pad may be installed. Next, concrete is to be poured for a new basketball court at Stephenson Park. Another concrete job is for a project that had been discussed previously – the employee and public entrance at city hall is being redone.

Ludington Park is to get a new basketball court poured as well. New playground equipment should be installed at five city parks – Rose, Royce, Stephenson, Sylvan Point and Veterans – in July, Dubord said.

Public Works will also provide road work for the Water and Wastewater Departments’ continuing efforts to replace water mains and lead service lines throughout the city.