State highway crews ready for blanket of snow

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 18, 2009) — The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet today is prepared for the winter storm forecast to lay a blanket of snow across much of the commonwealth this weekend.

“We’ve been watching this developing storm for several days, and we’re prepared,” Acting Transportation Secretary Mike Hancock said. “Our crews are ready to work around the clock to keep the roadways in the best possible condition.”

Many crews began pre-treating roads Thursday, applying salt brine, which helps prevent snow and ice from bonding to the pavement. Pre-treating continued in several counties today and many crews will remain at maintenance facilities tonight in order to get snow removal equipment rolling as soon as possible.

The National Weather Service forecast Friday morning indicated that the heaviest snow accumulations were likely in eastern Kentucky.

Motorists should always use extra caution when driving in winter weather and remember that bridges and overpasses typically freeze before surface-level roadways.

Road conditions are described as follows:

• Wet pavement – Ice could form as temperatures drop.
• Partly covered – Markings may be obscured by snow, slush or ice.
• Mostly covered by snow, slush or ice.
• Completely covered by snow, slush or ice.
• Impassable – Conditions unsuitable for all but emergency travel.

Kentucky road condition information is available by dialing 511 or visiting online at www.511.ky.gov. 

During wintry weather, staffing in the Traffic Operations Center (TOC) is increased to aid in coordination and distribution of information throughout the state.  The TOC, which operates around the clock, keeps highway districts informed of weather and roadway conditions and of actions such as pre-treating, treating or removing snow.

The Kentucky SAFE Patrol – Safety Assistance for Freeway Emergencies – operates seven days a week on Kentucky interstates and parkways. SAFE Patrol drivers are equipped with blankets, shovels, reflective cones, auto fluids and other equipment to get motorists back on the road safely. Motorists can request SAFE Patrol by calling 1-877-FOR-KYTC (1-877-367-5982).

Mrs. Estvander

Lutie Faris Dudley Estvander, 95, passed away Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home on Homestead Rd., Fort Wayne, Ind.  Born in Goddard, Lutie graduated from Flemingsburg High School and Morehead Teachers College in Ky. 

Lutie worked as a unit stock control supervisor and in bookkeeping with Montgomery Ward in Lexington, Ky. before transferring to Fort Wayne in 1959 to assist the opening of the Northcrest Wards store.  She retired from Wards in 1980 with 32 years of service. 

Lutie was a member of Forest Park United Methodist and the Deborah Club.  Lutie is survived by her daughter Emma (Joe) Ulle and granddaughter Liz (Todd) Austin of Fort Wayne, step children, step grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

She is preceded in death by husbands, Sam Dudley and Steven Estvander, 11 brothers and sisters, and grandson Stephen Lowery.

Funeral service 2 pm Monday at D.O. McComb and Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave. with calling one hour prior to service, Pastor Brenda Ginder officiating.  Calling also 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm at the funeral home.  Burial in Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne, Ind.  Memorials may be made to Hospice Home, Homestead Road.   To sign the online guest book, go to www.mccombandsons.com

Mrs. Fox

Edna Earl Mason Fox, 80, of Tollesboro died Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009, at her home.
She was born May 23, 1928, in Mason County, the daughter of the late Andrew and Joan Henderson Mason. She was the widow of Eugene Fox.
Mrs. Fox was a librarian and teacher for the Lewis County Board of Education for 30 years. She and her husband, Gene fought hard to keep the Tollesboro School open. She attended Morehead State University and was active in her community where she was a member of the Tollesboro United Methodist Church where she and Gene were married in 1949.
She loved flowers and in her later years she started oil painting. She was a member of the Eastern Star for many years, worked with the Tollesboro Lions Club and helped many of her friends and neighbors in Tollesboro. She and Gene built the Tollesboro Kentucky Food Store which was hit by a tornado, but still stands now as the Citizens Deposit Bank.

Survivors include a daughter, Sandy Skipper Trumbo of Austin, Texas; grandchildren, Krist Kennedy, Sabrina Fulmer and Michelle Adams; and great-grandchildren, Kriten Kennedy, Michael Kennedy, Allison Skaggs and Jaylen Skaggs.
She was preceded in death by a son, John Richard Fox; and a brother, Elmo "Buster" Mason.
Services are 1 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009, at the Barbour and Son Funeral Home.
Burial will follow in the Ebenezer Cemetery on Big Cabin Creek.
Visitation is 6-9 p.m., Saturday at the funeral home.
Mrs. Fox loved God and people and always wished she could do more. She will be missed by her community, her friends, her past students and her family.