Town studies equipment after incident

By DAVID HULSE

ELDRED — Following an incident where an employee was overcome by carbon monoxide fumes leaking through a rusted cab floor, the Highland Town Board agreed on February 13 to form a task force to study the status and replacement of highway department equipment.

An unusually large audience turned out to question the town board about Highland’s equipment planning, after employee Tom Stewart was overcome by fumes and hospitalized while plowing snow in a 23-year-old truck on January 21. Stewart has recovered and attended the meeting.

Supervisor Allan Schadt said the board has supported Highway Superintendent Jim McKean’s equipment requests within reason and the town is currently paying for two bond-purchased trucks.

McKean said he understood budget concerns, but “when we run [trucks] until they become dangerous we’ve gone too far,” he said.

The task force, including McKean, Schadt and Councilman Joe McDonald is to report back in March.