The Hound is in a quandary as winter approaches and the snow and ice begins to fly: How will we salt the kibble with all the warnings about salt shortages? What should The Hound put on the popcorn while watching Animal Planet? More pepper?
While The Hound worries about food seasonings, Lake County motorists should worry about the condition of their roads this winter as community upon community says they're paying more for salt and will have less to spare. Lindenhurst this week adopted a new policy to conserve salt, which the village bought for $138 a ton, compared to $40 a ton last year. Libertyville is the latest to issue a de-icing warning.
Essentially, Libertyville will probably be doing what other towns will do when the snow falls. Arterial, collector and business park roads will be fully salted during an initial callout, according to the village's public works department. Low-volume residential streets will be salted at curves, hills and intersections during initial callouts. After snow events have ended, most streets will be salted again to combat ice buildup.
If you live on a cul-de-sac in Libertyville, they won't be salted during the initial callout unless on a sharp curve or hill. And, the village says they may be forced to use a sand/salt mixture if snow events pile up. That mixture's a throwback to the days of yore! Might as well put chains on the snow tires.
The Hound suggests drivers just trade in their Camrys on four-by-fours or AWDs, especially since gasoline prices have dropped. Dealers are willing to trade and deal. What's that, there's an economic meltdown? Well, hope for a meltdown come snow season, because the salt shortage may not clear the roads, Bunky.
Hey hound,do you think maybe enough people have heard and read about the salt shortages and change in how municipalities will handle the season that they won't be back to moan and groan about how the streets aren't plowed? IMO, they'll still be screaming loud especially about the streets in Gurnee.
THE HOUND SAYS: Of course they'll be moaning and whining. Isn't that the American way these days? Here's what they'll say: "I pay enough taxes to have my roads cleared! I'm outraged at the condition of our roads. This is the change I voted for in November?" Get the snow tires out or buy an SUV (The Hound here's auto dealers are dealing on those models --- if you're credit-worthy.)