Expect delays in snow removal

RITZVILLE – State Department of Transportation officials are advising rural residents to prepare for delayed snow and ice removal this winter.

In an announcement last week, state Eastern Region Administrator Michael R. Gribner said a lack of employees will make it difficult to keep up with winter road conditions this year.

“Due to staff shortages, you should expect impacts to winter snow and ice service that you have become accustomed to,” he said.

Gribner said the staff shortages are due to a hiring freeze, furloughs and employees quitting their jobs over Gov. Jay Inslee’s order requiring all...