County Officials Say Barren Is Ready as Snow Threat Looms

By Allyson Dix, Managing Editor/Barren County Progress

Barren County officials say they are ready for the incoming wintry weather expected at the end of the week.

The National Weather Service of Louisville has issued chances of snow that will move into the area on Friday. Area meteorologists are comparing different models that they say may produce a large amount of snow over the weekend.

Jamie DeGroft, county road supervisor, said in this morning’s fiscal court meeting that the road department will start pre-treating the roads when the rain moves out Wednesday afternoon or Thursday morning.

Magistrate Tim Coomer, who also chairs the county’s transportation committee, said the county’s salt supply is fully stocked in preparation for the weekend weather.

“We are completely full of salt,” Coomer said. “One of the improvements we’ve made in transportation is to add more storage, so if we do have this (winter weather), then we have plenty of salt. As soon as it’s used out, it will be replenished and filled back up.”

Coomer cautions citizens not to panic.

“Don’t panic,” Coomer said. “We have 614 miles of road to cover. If your road doesn’t get plowed the first day, we will get to it.”

Snow plowing and road maintenance during winter weather is prioritized for emergency management first, and then for the dairy and poultry farmers to keep their operations running. Additionally, state-connected roadways are also a priority.

“We are prepared as well as we can be prepared,” he added.

Judge/Executive Jamie Byrd said all the trucks are ready and operational.