As spring progresses and the weather warms, several groups will be out picking up their sections of Adopt-a-Highway in Pierce and other counties around the region.

The Pierce County Highway Department has all of the supplies and safety equipment that you will need, including safety vests, signs and bags. Hours for picking up supplies are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the upper office at the highway shop in Ellsworth. Items are available for both county and state highway sections. It is helpful to notify the department at 715-273-5096 after you have picked your section so the bags and objects can be promptly picked up.

Pierce County Highway Commissioner Chad Johnson reminds drivers to slow down when seeing signs and crews.

“The presence of orange signs and orange or yellow vests, no matter how far from the edge of the road, is an immediate reason to slow down,” Johnson said. “Also, be aware that cleanup crews can be spread out across multiple miles of highway.”

The department is updating records to determine if there are open segments for interested groups or individuals. Several outreach letters were returned undeliverable to the original contact person. If you are a member of any of the following groups and know the status of your segment (keep or relinquish), please contact Pauline at the highway department: Unitarian Universalist Society (CTH F) Tom and Bev Radkey Family (CTH J) Leroy F. Johnson Family (CTH K) Riviera Airpark (CTH M) Lone Balsam School (CTH N) For those who continue to pick up their segments, thank you on behalf of the Pierce County Highway Department and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for doing your part to keep the roadsides safe and clean!

Submitted by Pierce County Highway Commissioner Chad Johnson