MACEE SWAFFORD Staff Writer

With 19 years of experience guiding county government, Judge Executive Pat White Jr. says Whitley County has learned how to navigate both progress and pressure. As the county looks ahead to the year’ s major projects and community improvements, recent events have highlighted just how critical long-term planning has become.

White said the start of this

year brought one of the most demanding winter seasons the county has faced in nearly a decade. Prolonged snow and ice led to extended school closures, hazardous road conditions, and widespread waterline breaks across multiple districts.

“ The start to 2026 has been very rough, as many of you all know,” White said.“ The county school system was out for two weeks from probably the worst winter storm weather that we’ ve had in the last several years— maybe in the last 10

years.” During that period, White said county crews worked long hours to keep roads passable and essential services operating. Approximately 300 tons of salt were used as crews coordinated with school transportation departments, bus garages and water districts throughout the county.

Despite the difficulties, White said the county’ s ability to respond was strengthened by investments made over time. Whitley

County now has six trucks ready for winter response, along with improved equipment that allows road crews to work more efficiently and safely. Additional upgrades are planned in the coming year, including heavier trucks and advanced de-icing systems designed to be effective in extreme cold.

“ Our equipment has really helped us. Over the last several years, we’ ve been able to upgrade equipment, and we can just do things now that we didn’ t used to