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 →
Berne, Ind.: Swiss Homeland U.S.A.
“It has been a conscious effort from day one.” Mark Settlemyre, president of the Berne, Ind., Chamber of Commerce, spoke of the Swiss spark mobilizing his fair community since 1852. That’s when a small troupe of 70 devout and rigorously … Continue reading →
Spreading goodwill and season’s tidings
Year-round, first responders make an impact in their communities — both on and off the clock. The majority of those in the field want to make lasting, positive contributions to the community they’ve signed up to serve and protect. While … Continue reading →
Cities with the most high-tech jobs
The U.S. economy lags behind developed nations that are investing more heavily in education, technology, innovation and other industries that invigorate their national economies. The percentage of U.S. workers employed in what the Brookings Institution calls “advanced industries” has fallen … Continue reading →
Regional information technology networking groups
DARREN DAVEY | Guest columnist Information Technology Manager, Vandalia, Ohio The idea of developing a collaborative, professional networking group for information technology managers and directors seems like a pretty straightforward concept, considering that such individuals work day after day to … Continue reading →
Finding a social media balance among municipalities and workers
Social media is a widely used platform among residents all over the country. Increasingly, businesses and nonprofits are adding to the list of big names who have a social media presence, and municipalities are no exception. Fire departments and police … Continue reading →
Wilkesboro, North Carolina
Founded in 1800 Pop: 3,413 (2010) Government type: Council-manager www.wilkesboronorthcarolina.com The county seat of Wilkes County, the town of Wilkesboro sits atop a low, broad ridge, which runs for over a mile along the south bank of the Yadkin River. … Continue reading →
Fire service mobile data solution breaks from tradition to improve features, reduce cost
Amid increasing dissatisfaction with mobile data solutions for firefighters, fire departments across the country are turning to the cloud for a new alternative. Mobile workstations are widely used by fire and police responders. The software behind these computers has traditionally … Continue reading →
News & Notes
Aero Industries donates to Folds Of Honor Indianapolis, Ind. — Aero Industries Inc., a global leader in the manufacturing of tarp systems and trailer accessories, is committed to supporting the men and women who have served in U.S. military forces. … Continue reading →
‘Sharing Great Ideas’ in Vegas
A celebration worthy of a 50-year anniversary took place in Las Vegas, Nev., Sept. 15–17. National Parks and Recreation Association professionals converged on the Entertainment Capital of the World to take their skills up a notch and explore new ideas … Continue reading →
Benefit from an auction partner Sell your vehicles, save your resources
In the best-run municipal departments across the country, every minute and dollar go where they can make the biggest impact. Achieving that efficiency can be difficult in the face of challenging tasks, including the disposal of vehicles that have outlived … Continue reading →
A ‘Dickens of a Christmas’
During the second weekend of December every year — this year Dec. 12–13 — 50,000 holiday revelers descend on Franklin, Tenn., to have themselves, quite literally, one “Dickens of a Christmas.” For 31 years, the city of nearly 69,000 residents … Continue reading →
Rapid intervention for the understaffed company – Because failure is not an option
By DAVE TOPCZYNSKI | Firefighter, Newport News, Va. Part 3 of 3 Making the rescue Every situation is going to be different. There is no set answer ahead of time for every situation a rapid intervention team may encounter. There … Continue reading →
Veterans welcome in fire equipment ‘family’
Not every veteran who fills out an application is hired to work on the team of Finley Fire Equipment Co. Inc. But owner John W. Finley has learned over the years that more often then not, military service, fire service … Continue reading →
When the fish — er, new year — drops
Visit the small Lake Erie town of Port Clinton, Ohio, on New Year’s Eve and the last thing you’re likely to see for the year is the steady plummet of a walleye from the sky. Not just any walleye: It’s … Continue reading →
What the manager expects of the snow crew
It’s always easier to make the boss happy if you have a clear understanding of what it is he or she wants. If you’re a snowplow driver, the road to meeting expectations starts with first knowing why you’re doing what … Continue reading →
Buy education and goodwill with a public works/public safety open house
The time involved in putting together an open house for public works or public safety departments can be daunting, not to mention that there are costs associated with such acts of public awareness and goodwill. Is the effort worth it? … Continue reading →
This is where we need to be
By REBA HULL CAMPBELL The reasons entrepreneurs choose to locate their businesses in a particular place are as diverse as the businesses themselves. Human capital, access to transportation, quality of life or just the human touch from local officials could … Continue reading →
Encouraging success: The village of Vernon Hills, Ill.
Vernon Hills Public Works Department Open House took place this year from 4–7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept.15. Vernon Hills has a population near 26,000 residents. Holding the public works open house on a weekday evening worked well for the city, and … Continue reading →