Rutland Village Officials Preparing for Weekend Winter Storm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 21, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT

Delaynie Potts

Village Clerk-Fiscal Officer and Assistant to the Executive

Telephone: (740) 742-2121, Ext. 1000

delaynie.potts@villageofrutland.org

RUTLAND, Ohio — The Village of Rutland Public Service Department is preparing for winter weather conditions forecasted to impact Village streets, and Village officials are asking for the public's cooperation.

The Public Service Department is the Village department charged with maintaining the Village's 21 public roadways. Mayor Eblin says Department personnel will be deployed to work around the clock, as necessary, to provide snow removal services in an effort to keep streets as clear as possible for motorists.

"During a winter storm, the primary goal is to keep streets passable," comments Mayor Eblin. "To meet this goal, our Public Service Department personnel will provide continuous snow removal services throughout the storm as much as possible."

Mayor Eblin explains continuous snow removal helps to prevent a deep accumulation of snow on the roadway, which can become compacted and even more difficult to remove, such as in the case of waiting until the conclusion of the storm.

According to Mayor Eblin, the Public Service Department does have salt on hand, but will have to be disbursed by hand, at least until the Village acquires salt spreading equipment. To ensure salt supply is adequate for the season, the Public Service Department will only disburse at the conclusion of the storm at intersections and on hills.

Mayor Eblin is asking Village residents to avoid parking vehicles on public streets Saturday and Sunday, if possible, and notes the Rutland Civic Center may face closures.

"If you have an event scheduled at the Rutland Civic Center for Saturday or Sunday, an order may be issued by my office implementing a closure of the Center due to adverse weather conditions," comments Mayor Eblin. "Should this occur, parties will be notified, and will be provided the opportunity to reschdule, or receive a refund."

As Village officials prepare for the upcoming winter storm, Mayor Eblin shares safety tips highlighted by the American Red Cross with Village residents:

• Stay indoors as much as possible to prevent frostbite and hypothermia. If your home gets dangerously cold making frostbile or hyothermia possible, contact Central Dispatch by calling (740) 992-6617, option 2, or dial 911.

• Use care with space heaters and fireplaces to prevent fires. Keep anything that could catch fire at least 3 feet from the heat source. Additionally, prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and home fires, never heat your home with a cooking oven or stove.

• Avoid using candles because of the risk of fire. Use battery-powered lights and flashlights instead.

• Monitor snow emergency levels issued by the Sheriff and only travel if absolutely necessary.

More winter storm safety tips can be found at https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm.html.

According to the National Weather Service, a winter storm watch is in effect for the Village of Rutland, and surrounding areas, from Saturday morning through Monday morning with heavy snow possible, with exact snowfall amounts to be determined.

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