Sterling Township Highway Department Newsletter Article for spring, 2016 Even though we had very little snow this past winter our roads still took a toll. We will be doing a lot of crack sealing on our streets this year. Please be aware of the workers and flaggers and help keep everyone safe. Yard waste schedule has been changed. We will be picking up yard waste only one (1) day each week and that day is Monday. You must have your yard waste out by 6:00 a.m. for pick up. Small sticks, branches and leaves must be put in yard waste bags or in containers marked with an “X”. Containers heavier than 40 pounds will not be picked up. If a homeowner decides to trim a few branches from their trees, they must be cut up into 4’ to 5’ lengths. We will only pick up larger piles of branches due to storm damage. Example, if the home owner decides to take down a tree by themselves or hire it done, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to dispose of the debris. There will be no burning allowed on the township right of way including the ditches. We ask for your cooperation in not blowing grass clippings onto our roads and highways. Wet grass becomes very slippery and also a safety hazard for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists. Right now we are assessing our roads to see where the major problems are so that these can be repaired. Other work along our highways will include blacktop patching, curb replacement, shoulder widening, guard rail replacement, mowing and weed spraying. This is just a reminder to please pay attention to all signs pertaining to construction work along our roads. Also, slow down in work zone areas and please stay off your cell phone. Our summer hours will be from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday thru Thursday. If you have any questions or concerns please call our office during those hours at (815) 625-2785. If we don’t answer we are working on the roads so please leave a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. Thank you. Sterling Township Highway Department Highway Commissioner, Dana Stutzke