Sheriff commends Public Works departments amid winter storm

Local officials said Wednesday that the effects of a winter storm in Cole County were more manageable than originally expected.

Cole County Sheriff's deputies responded to a small number of minor crashes through Wednesday afternoon, according to Sheriff John Wheeler. He said the preparation of the city and county public works departments paid off.

"Public Works really stepped up," Wheeler told ABC 17 News in a phone call. "They just do an awesome job."

Larry Benz, the director of Cole County Public Works, said less snow fell on their roadways than expected by Wednesday afternoon.

"If you can have a good snowstorm, this one’s been relatively easy for us," Benz said.

The department's main crew was dismissed around 8 p.m. Wednesday and is scheduled to return at 4 a.m. Thursday.

With snowfall expected to continue overnight, Benz and Wheeler urged drivers to remain cautious on the roads through Thursday.

"You need to drive responsibly," Wheeler said.

Watch ABC 17 News at 10 on KMIZ for the latest information on road conditions.