This year has started out on the slow side but with the Speedway we know that things will get crazy.  I always say Speedway, but there is a lot more to it then just the track itself.  With the price of oil and Maytag going down, I think the commercial market will go into limbo for a while.  In fact it already has.  We have picked up a Mahaska Co. job, (11,000 Ton).  Hopefully the Poweshiek Co. job will be awarded which is 16,000 Ton.  The downfall of the Jasper County Engineer will affect our workload considerably.  That man produced a lot of work in Jasper County and not just on the asphalt side.

The county is going to let a mile section West of Newton and that is all I am aware of.  With the penny tax being approved, the City of Newton is suppose to do a $200,000.00 project but once again with Maytag’s downfall, I will not hold my breath.  We have moved the new, used plant into Malcom.  Dale, Lee and Mike have been busy getting it set and working out a few more bugs.  On a positive note they finally passed their stack test.  I know that has caused them some sleepless nights.

Dale has also been working with Randy to get the Newton plant up to shape.  That plant has got a new paint job.

Steve, Manuel, Kevin, Trace, Walter and Matt have been out knocking off little projects all over the place.  I have had to pull up the reigns a little bit on these guys till the Speedway gets started.

All of these people above work everyday with safety, quality and production in mind.  It is a privilege to be able to work around people such as these.

Brad was gracious enough to allow me to take the crew on a little ice-fishing trip last winter.  We all went up to Lake Millies, about an hour and a half North of Minneapolis.  We spent 3 days in 3, 10X20 shacks, 2 miles from shore.  I know that most people would not consider this as much fun but we all had a blast.  We ate well, drank well and caught a few fish.  I just wish that I had taken a movie camera.