SANDPOINT — An array of brightly colored shirts could be seen in attendance during Tuesday's county business meeting as members from the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council congratulated nine men on their receipt of Road Scholar and Road Master awards.   

Local Highway Technical Assistance Council T2 Director Chainey Rhodes shared the Road Scholar and Road Master presentation, honoring Bonner County Road and Bridge employees for completing the LHTAC Road Scholar program. 

Individuals who were celebrated for completing the programs were Spot McClain, Tom Klopman, Bryan Brockus, Jeremy Keilman, Mark Chaney, Tony Dunnington, Larry Ally, Travis Hurst and Josh Smith.  

“I just want to say thanks to these guys from Road and Bridge, the employees. These guys have put in countless hours, months, and years to accomplish their road masters and road scholars. This will tremendously help the county out with all the training that they have received,” Tom Klopman said. “I do want to say thanks for your guys' dedication; wintertime, summer, we're constantly non-stop working.” 

All participants were honored for completing 80 hours of instruction across the LHTAC program, covering topics of safety, professional development, maintenance techniques and more.  

Scholars were awarded a jacket, with Smith receiving a jacket, a certificate, a hat, and an engraved letterman tool for accomplishing the Road Scholar program. Other participants were acknowledged under the Road Master program.  

LHTAC’s mission is to provide advocacy, support and training for all local highway jurisdictions. As part of a national program, LHTAC provides training and technical assistance to meet the needs of each jurisdiction.