The season has drawn to a close and we are given the opportunity to reflect on its highs and lows. What began as a slow season with a dismal forecast, quickly turned into months of very early mornings, late nights, and some non-existent weekends. 

Larry Sammon and the crackfill crew began the latter portion of the season on a multi-county job with most of the work in Webster County.  They spent three weeks on Highway 20 just South of Fort Dodge and in Story County on Highway 30.  We would like to thank Tom Manatt and the entire Ames division for providing us with a staging and storage area. 

From Webster County, the crew moved to the airport in Storm Lake.  Their two-week stint in Storm Lake was made more pleasant thanks to Curt Manatt and the Metro Division.  Curt provided the crew his vacuum truck to pick up loose material that would normally be collected by hand.  His generosity is greatly appreciated.

The final major project of the year for Larry Sammon’s crew was in Tama County on Highway 63.  This project was completed in late November for Cedar Falls Construction.

Larry Senger and the sealcoat crew finished up the season on two large projects; Bandag in Muscatine and the Elks Club of Davenport.  Larry’s crew, led by Travis Porter, has two new members, Jason Daly and Josh Bennett. 

To say the least, the asphalt crew has experienced some major changes this year.  Shortly after completing our State job on Park Avenue in Muscatine, the superintendent of the asphalt crew jumped ship.

Thankfully, things quickly turned in our favor.  An up-and-comer from Manatts, Brian Armstrong, was given the opportunity to guide our young, inexperienced crew.  Brian brings with him several years of experience working for the reputable Newton Division under the tutelage of General Manager, Donn Eide, Superintendent and Brother, Steve Armstrong, and Paving Foreman, Denny Pfantz.  Brian’s leadership, positive attitude, and willingness to learn will provide a strong foundation upon which our asphalt crew will grow.

Because of the personnel changes made this year on the asphalt crew, many have been asked to assume new responsibilities.  Mike Haudenshield, T.J. Voss, and Jeff Herington have taken over the paver.  Mike Gravert, formerly of Larry Sammon’s crackfill crew, is our new roller operator.  Marc Calloway, Steven “Daddy” Gauna, and Donnie Matthews head up the ground crew.  All are successfully contributing to the development of a safe and productive team.

A special thanks to Donn Eide for allowing Steve and Denny to provide assistance to our crew at the end of the season.  Their input gave our guys the guidance they needed to feel more confident in their abilities. 

Terry Travis’ laborious task of coordinating the progress of the City of Durant’s Street Improvement Project is drawing to a close.  Phase two of that project will be let next year.  Special thanks to Dave Schinckel and the reclaiming crew, the two Bobs and their mills, and Ron Price for their contributions to this project. 

Spring of 2004 already looks bright.  Randy Soedt and Larry Senger successfully bid on a D.O.T maintenance project close to home in Dubuque, Johnson, and Cedar Counties.  The asphalt crew will begin the year with carry-over work from the City of Muscatine Street Program.  With the additional support of our new personnel and the continued contributions of our experienced employees, the 2004 season can be nothing less than a success.  Good luck and have a SAFE winter!