The weeks just fly by this time of year.   Can’t wait to get crushing!  Our repairs are close to being on schedule and, to my understanding, they will soon be ahead of schedule.  This is good considering we have a lot to do this year. I want to thank all those who have been helping out in the shops this winter.  I have heard comments that this is the best group of helpers we have ever had.  I’m glad to hear it and am proud to be a part of this great group of people.    

The DOT work has been scarce in our area.  By the time this is printed, the DOT will have announced they are pulling many of the asphalt jobs (50 million).  This will mean that a couple of jobs we were really looking forward to won’t happen.  I remain optimistic about our season and know we have a good crushing season ahead.  We might have to make our own opportunities!!

 On a sad note, I just want to mention a good guy who passed away recently.  Ron Brandenburg passed away doing what he loved doing.  His family was tops and a slug of grand kids was his priority, but he also loved his job.  He had a heart attack running a loader for us.  I had the privilege to get to know Ron when we bought out Aggracon. He was a shot rock loader operator for Oats’ crushing crew at the time.  Ron was the senior of the group at the time but always tried to keep up with the fast pace.  As Ron wanted to slow down in later years, he became the resident loader operator at the famous Preston quarry.  He helped batch ready mix trucks and handled many functions for our customers and us.  I want to thank his family for letting Ron come to a place he loved to come to for many years.  Also, I want them to know the Wendling family is thinking of you and your family.           

I went up to visit some of the folks from Allied and Green limestone the other day.  Great people.  They will be joining our family of companies and will be a very good fit.  Our partnering ideas are going to help both companies be better and stronger.

Here at Wendling Quarries, all of our divisions are going to be busy this year. I see good things on our horizons.  Thanks again to all who contribute to making this group be the best it can be.  As we start this season let’s keep in mind SAFE practices and help each other come home every night.