Current Issue
Firefighters take on propane blazes
GETTING CLOSE IS REQUIRED—Firefighters were advised not to put out a burning propane fire unless they can turn off the source of the fuel. Here they prepare to hand close the valve on a home unit.
The public is safer from the threat of a propane disaster, thanks to training offered by the Michigan Propane Gas Association (MPGA).
Cannon, Courtland and Oakfield Township firefighters practiced defeating propane fires on Monday, June 15.
“This may be the only propane training any of them ever receive,” said Derek Dalling, spokesperson for the MPGA.
Firefighters followed classroom-style training with hands-on practice turning off the fuel source of burning propane tanks. They used a hose technique that allows a firefighter to get close to the huge blaze and reach through the wall of protective water.
“No other fire burns like propane,” said Dalling. Michigan uses more propane than any other state in the country. Grill fires are the most common type of propane emergency to which firefighters respond. Tanks should only be filled to 85 percent because propane expands in heat. Fires can also be caused by homemade fixes of damaged hoses.
WALL OF WATER—Firefighters practiced this formation, which allows the center person to reach through a protective wall of water into the flames. If this technique is not done correctly, propane and flame escape under the water and burns around rescue workers’ legs and lower bodies. Firefighters practiced putting out home propane units, meter fires and grill propane fires.
Although firefighters have to literally reach into the fire to stop the flow of fuel, they also face frostbite due to the temperature of the escaping fuel.
The fire practice was interrupted when a call came in about a fire with flames showing. The first responders quickly realized someone had called in their practice as an out-of-control fire.
Print This Story
Sports complex proposed for former landfill property
by Dan Harland
from our news partners at www.wzzm13.com
Even with first class sporting venues like Van Andel Arena and Fifth Third Ballpark, the West Michigan Sports Commission (WMSC) thinks there is something missing on the area’s sports scene.
The WMSC hired an independent party that found West Michigan is the only community of its size without a tournament ready complex for baseball, softball, soccer or lacrosse.
Last week the WMSC presented the Kent County Commission a plan to build a 12-field baseball and softball complex on a 90-acre piece of land on Ten Mile Road in Algoma Township, adjacent to the North Kent Transfer Recycling Center.
“We believe that very conservatively over a ten year period, we could generate around $49 million worth of hotel revenue only,” said WMSC board member David Hoogendorn.
Hoogendorn says the project would cost an estimated $5.6 million with the hopes of financing much of the complex privately.
WMSC member Peter Secchia told our partners at the Grand Rapids Business Journal that he had a private donor willing to donate half of the $5.6 million needed, but that individual withdrew the offer due to economic circumstances.
Hoogendorn hopes the complex will draw tournaments featuring between 60 and 72 teams during baseball and softball seasons.
Print This Story
Casnovia woman dies in weekend crash
Jane Carlson, 63, of Casnovia, died at this crash at M-37 and Sparta Avenue after her vehicle rolled several times. Pictured are rescue workers on the scene and Aeromed approaching.
Alpine Avenue was closed Saturday, June 13, while rescue workers responded to a fatal accident at M-37 and Sparta Avenue.
Jane Carlson, 63, Carl Carson, 64, and a 12-year-old child, all of Casnovia, were passengers in a 2006 Ford van.The van was driven by Todd Carlson, 40, and was traveling southbound on M-37.
A 2004 Ford Explorer driving by Linda Liscombe, 66, of Sparta, entered M-37 southbound off Sparta Avenue. The Explorer struck the Carlson vehicle, which ran off the roadway into the median before rolling several times.
Jane Carlson, who was in a rear seat of the van, was ejected and was pronounced dead at the scene. The other occupants of the vehicle were treated for injuries and were transported to Spectrum Hospital Downtown.
Print This Story
Highest praise for longest-serving City Manager
Michael Young
This year marks 14 years that Michael F. Young has presided as City Manager for the City of Rockford. He is officially the longest serving City Manager of our City.
The Rockford City Council recently evaluated Young on ten (10) criteria based on a five (5) point scale. The combined average ranking as determined by the evaluation instrument was a 4.45. This equates to a 94 percent overall performance rating.
Young received particularly high marks in the area of presentation and preparation of oral and written reports and the overall fiscal health of the City including the tax rate and fund equity.
Other areas receiving high marks include budget development, grant writing and initiative to provide new and approved methods of service to the residents of Rockford. As a result of the excellent evaluation, Young was granted a contract extension through the 2012-13 fiscal year.
Mayor Janiece Rogers stated, “Council is very pleased with Michael’s performance and his evaluation reflects this.” Rogers further stated that, “Council relies on Michael to guide the City in the right direction and with this tough economy, he has done just that.”
Print This Story
Start of Summer – the magic continues!
The RCC would like to sincerely thank the Start of Summer Celebration committee for all their hard work and their continuing commitment to this event: Polly VonEschen – SOS Chair; Gay McDonald – Entertainment Chair; Rene Bravata – Parade Chair; Linda Southwick – Craft Chair, Ruth – Clean Up Chair, Candy Lancioni – Children’s Tent Chair, Trisha Schmidt, Dr. Mike Shibler, John & Mike Scheidel, Michael Young, Chief Dave Jones, Chief Mike Reus, Jody Greco, JD Decker, Jeannie Gregory, and Dianna VanAntwerp.
A special thank you to City of Rockford, Rockford DPW, Rockford Police Department, Rockford Fire Department, Rockford Ambulance, Rockford Education Foundation, Scheidel Electric, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Aunt Candy’s Toy Company, ASP team from RUMC, Bob Wells, and the Kent County Sheriff Department! Once again their contribution of time and talents was a major factor in creating a safe and very successful SOS celebration.
Thank you to Byrne Electrical Specialists Inc, Meijer Inc, Independent Bank Rockford, Wynalda Litho Inc, D & W Fresh Market, and Best Buy on Alpine for sponsoring the fantastic fireworks display!
As always our hometown newspapers, the Rockford Independent and the Rockford Squire always provide excellent coverage of the events and we are very thankful for their support!
THANKS ROCKFORD!
Print This Story
Visitors
-
Marketplace
