Montage Enterprises: Surpassing the expectation in mower parts
If there is a constant during the spring and summer, it’s the wave of never-ending mowing. Highways, ditches, right-of-ways, parks and other municipal and DOT properties all require routine trimming to improve motorists’ visibility and the quality of public property. … More from our cover sponsor →
Award-winning streetscape project brings people downtown
After years of decaying streetscapes, unsafe parking options and failed small-scale rehabilitation attempts, the city of Fenton, Mich., decided to fully invest in their downtown area. “The sidewalks downtown were many years old,” Daniel Czarnecki, public works director of Fenton, … Continue reading →
Knoxville seeks to provide citizens with guidance on short-term rentals
We’ve all done it, or known someone who’s done it: used Airbnb to book a convenient and cheap place to stay for a weekend trip. The concept of the “sharing economy,” which includes services like Airbnb, Uber and Lyft is … Continue reading →
Chief Clark passes knowledge on to his hometown
On May 15, Blaine D. Clark, 54, became the active police chief of DuBois, Pa. This position allows him to continue the legacy of his father, Darrell E. Clark, who was the police chief of DuBois for 36 years. “Public … Continue reading →
Water, water everywhere: Missouri communities continue cleanup after May flooding
When the rains began to pummel much of the Central U.S. in late April and early May, community leaders in Missouri knew it was no ordinary spring shower. Within days, over 12 inches of precipitation fell and tornadoes twisted across … Continue reading →
Illinois public work agencies pull together
When a disaster strikes in your area — either manmade or natural — it can be a godsend to have the speedy assistance of other cities or counties in your state, thanks to a mutual aid network that specializes in … Continue reading →
Spreading awareness of mental health in first responders and implementing wellness strategies to help them
First responders experience trauma everyday in their line of duty — it’s just another Tuesday for them. Because they’re constantly exposed to traumatic situations everyday, the job is an occupational hazard. That means it’s time for municipalities to provide their … Continue reading →
Women bring different perspective to law enforcement
Women in law enforcement bring a different set of experiences and perspective to the job that can prove to be a boon to their departments and communities. Chief Tracy Hahn of the city of Upper Arlington, Ohio, and Lt. Lara … Continue reading →
Have a plan before the worst happens
Preparedness both within the fleet shop and workers’ homes comes a long way when disasters — natural or manmade — occur, throwing all into disorder. During his presentation at the NAFA Expo and Institute in Tampa, Fla., in April, James … Continue reading →
To gear or not to gear? How best to handle protests
As the country seems to have become more polarized and protests increase, police departments across the country are tasked with how best to handle the situation when a protest takes place — one that will enable American citizens to exercise … Continue reading →
DeLand, Fla.
When DeLand, Fla., founders Henry DeLand and John Stetson crafted the city’s seal in 1882, little could they have imagined the ruckus they would cause more than a century later. The two devout Baptist men included a cross, anchor and … Continue reading →
Nuclear Trail Weldon Spring, Mo.
One could understandably assert it is not an everyday occurrence to climb over a pile of radioactive waste and live to tell about it, none the worse for wear. One would be wrong. The Weldon Spring, Mo., Nuclear Waste Adventure … Continue reading →
North Olmsted finds versatile staffing solution
Scheduling can be a challenge, especially when it comes to meeting safe staffing levels for fire, EMS and police. North Olmsted, Ohio, Fire Department knew those struggles firsthand as it searched for a scheduling soft ware. Fire Chief Edward Schepp … Continue reading →
MGM leads the pack in commercial vehicle actuator technology
By LEN GONZALEZ, JACKIE EDWARDS AND KIM JONES | MGM Brakes For 60 years, MGM Brakes has been a leader in commercial vehicle actuator technology, providing service chambers and spring parking brakes engineered to operate in the harshest environments. In … Continue reading →
News & Notes
Monroe Truck Equipment acquires Towmaster MONROE, WIS. — Monroe Truck Equipment Inc. recently announced it has acquired Towmaster Inc., based in Litchfi eld, Minn., a leading manufacturer of high-quality tag and large fifth-wheel trailers for the construction and rental markets. … Continue reading →
Maintaining good driving habits, even as technology makes things ‘easier’
Autonomous vehicles are leading headlines, with expectations that by 2020 there will be nearly 10 million cars with defined self-driving car features, according to a report from BI Intelligence. Motley Fool noted in August 2016 driverless cars could save about … Continue reading →
The move back to gravel
Budget crises have forced many rural governments around the country to revert back to gravel roads. Montpelier, Vt., and Franklin County, Ala., are among them. In order to understand the decision, it’s important to put the moves in context. It’s … Continue reading →
Abandoned malls call for creativity
Malls bring a vibrant center to many towns — new restaurants, specialty shops and something for people to do on weekends or to swing by for convenience. But when a mall goes south and becomes abandoned, it’s not only an … Continue reading →
Pools show value, albeit costly
Pools are a sparkling part of summertime, especially for children. And while many cities operate pools, they can be difficult to maintain; however, most cities see value in them when it comes to the entertainment and recreational exercise opportunities they … Continue reading →