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HOMEWORTH- Winter is drawing ever closer and area road departments are studying to be ready.

Knox Township hosted at the Homeworth Fire Station Monday a Snow and Ice Control Training Class, conducted by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) under its Local Technical Assistant Programs (LTAP).

The class, taught by certified ODOT instructors, provided advice and instruction on topics such as snow and ice removal methods, materials, equipment and safety. Additionally, it emphasized preparedness, explaining what to do before and after hitting the road.

"It's good to be proactive and make sure everyone is on the same page," said instructor Brenda Mayes. "It's nice to be ahead of the ballgame."

Mayes also noted that by training together, the townships can learn more.

"You get different groups in here and they share what they do with each other," she said.

Road departments from neighboring townships that attended the class included Perry, Salem, Goshen, Butler, Smith, Hanover, Center, West and Washington, as well as employees at the North Georgetown Outpost of the Columbiana County Engineer's Office.

As an ODOT employee in Columbiana County, Knox Township Trustee Gregg Carver said the program really makes a difference, particularly for the younger workers.

"These guys see what should be done to be ready for a snow storm, what to do during and how to clean up and prepare for the next time," he said. "They also get to benchmark with other people doing the same thing as them."

With funding made available for the training through its insurance, the township was in the unique position to help out the other departments, as well, Carver noted.

"There's more bang for the buck," he said. "If they can pick up one little thing that can help out there, its well worth it."

"It's a very good program," said West Township Trustee Herb Eglie "Our fellows are experienced, but there's always something you can learn. And they get to talk to fellow road workers and get their perspective."

According to Mayes, LTAP helps departments in small rural municipalities stay up-to-date with state regulations and offers insight into what funding or programs will eventually become available. ODOT conducts about eight weeks of LTAP training each year, she added.

Kevin Howell can be reached at khowell@salemnews.net