Generally, plowing operations begin on primary roads when slippery conditions exist or the snow begins to accumulate. The road crews respond accordingly and have designated routes and priorities. We pay special attention to intersections, hills and curves on the first plowing and keep extending the sand/salt as we continue. Local and secondary roads are treated in the same manner. Many of the subdivision and lake roads are plowed with farm type tractors fitted with front and rear plows. We discovered, many years ago, that farm tractors can be much faster and more maneuverable than trucks in these areas.

The Cass County Road Commission is equipped with a Data Transmission Network radar system. This equipment aids in predicting approaching weather along with other sources of information such as; internet weather and the media. When threatening weather is in the forecast, the duty foreman is out at 3 a.m. to evaluate, and call personnel to work if the situation calls for it. The Sheriff's department also calls the duty foreman if unexpected weather is in the area. The Sheriff 's department also handles after hour emergency calls and directs them to the duty foreman.

To avoid excessive use of salt, the Road Commission mixes sand with the salt. This mixture gives both melting qualities and abrasion when used at intersections, hills and curves. We decrease the ratio of sand if the temperature falls and increase the ratio if the temperature gets warmer. The graders and tractors are not equipped with salters. Generally, areas that are plowed with the graders and tractors are not sanded on the first day unless there is an emergency.

The Cass County Road Commission does not have a bare road policy because over 1,000 miles of county roads are maintained. Our policy is designed to provide the best service possible for all users. Unpredictable weather, conditions and limited financial resources make it impossible to ensure absolutely safe roads. We encourage you to drive defensively and at a safe speed according to the conditions. Even with the best service, driving conditions may still be hazardous in the winter months.

The Cass County Road Commission will respond to emergency situations verified by the Sheriff's department if roads are impassable anytime of the day or night. We will cooperate with police, fire departments, doctors, and hospitals to the best of our ability to provide access during emergency situations.

By state law, residents are prohibited from plowing snow, ice or slush onto or across roadways or highways. In addition, snow must not be piled in such a way as to obstruct motorists' vision.

It is advisable for residents to pile the snow on the right side of their driveway, as you face the road. This would minimize the snow being thrown back into the driveway by our plows.

A mailbox post in good condition can generally stand the force of snow plowed against it. In most cases, damage occurs during the plowing process because the posts are aged and unable to withstand the force of wet, heavy snow. The Road Commission will replace mailboxes and/or posts with standard boxes and posts. However, property owners must show that the box and/or post was damaged by contact with the Road Commission equipment and not by snow being thrown against it.

Posts made from masonry installations, large receptacles filled with sand or concrete, metal post larger than two [2] inches in diameter, and wood post larger than four [4] inches square or four and on-half [4-1/2] inches in diameter shall not be permitted.

Cars abandoned in the travel portion of the road are subject to be removed if they interfere with the snow plowing operations or the traveling public. This will be done through the Sheriff's department at the owner's expense.

Road Commission vehicles and personnel are not authorize to pull cars from snow drifts or ditches. All Road Commission vehicles are equipped with 2-way radios and will give assistance via radio if requested.