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Highway group honors ITD employees
for safety, maintenance activities

Citing outstanding contributions to Idaho’s transportation system, the Idaho Highway Users Inc. honored ITD employees George Shutes and Tony Warth with Motorvator Awards this week.

The awards were presented during the organization’s annual luncheon for state legislators Wednesday in Boise.

Shutes, Bonners Ferry maintenance foreman, was named Safety Person of the Year; Warth, District 5 shop superintendent, was awarded Maintenance Person of the Year honor.

A 17-year veteran of the department, Shutes began his career at ITD in Bonners Ferry as a transportation technician in 1993. He was later promoted to leadworker and then foreman in 2008.

Shutes received the award because he is a strong advocate for safety and for his willingness to go to extra lengths to improve safety for ITD personnel and the traveling public.

He has lived in Bonners Ferry since 1981.

Warth has worked for ITD since 1982. He started as a mechanic, working both in the shop and as a traveling mechanic.

“During the years that Tony held the position of mechanic, he repeatedly received excellent comments and ratings,” his nomination stated. “Still today, his performance plans reflect comments and ratings that are indicative of the respect and unparalleled appreciation for the manner in which Tony executes the duties of a shop superintendent.

As further evidence, “. . . when the mechanics who work in the shop with Tony heard that he had received this award they collected money to purchase a gift to recognize the achievement and to express their appreciation for all that Tony does for them,” said Pam Landon, District 5 business operations manager.

ITD Chief Engineer Tom Cole presented the Motorvator Awards.

The Idaho Highway Users Inc. is an organization created nearly 60 years ago to “proactively advocate for the continuous improvement and safety of the Idaho Highway system,” said Scott Ellsworth, the group’s chairman.

Photo: Tony Warth, left; George Shutes, right