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Milwaukee DPW worker shortage persists
The Milwaukee DPW was short dozens of workers as winter weather began impacting roads Tuesday. Other city employees are picking up the slack.
MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee Department of Public Works had salt and brine trucks out for hours Tuesday, Dec. 28 – treating the roads for snow and the potential for freezing rain.
The DPW is currently dealing with a shortage of roughly 57 workers, which meant other city employees – like sanitation or forestry workers – are picking up the slack.
"There are times they incur overtime. These operations are outside the realm of their typical duties," said Danielle Rodriguez, DPW director of operations. "Those team members have a day job to do, and if we have snow and ice during the day they have to pivot over to snow and ice."
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The city said the DPW lost five or six employees because of its COVID-19 vaccination mandate.
Milwaukee man accused of arson, concerned about 'demonic presence'
A 19-year-old Milwaukee man is charged with arson related to a fire set at an apartment building near 31st and Wisconsin Avenue on Sunday, Dec. 26.
Winter weather impacts Milwaukee area roads, officials urge caution
The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office urges drivers to take caution during the winter weather advisory. The Milwaukee DPW is tracking conditions, too.