The Dirt - Spring

THEDIRT
Spring 2022

Feature Article

Manistee Bridge
Pg. 16

Employee
Spotlight:

Pg. 24

Building Better Communities

IN THIS
ISSUE

SPRING 2022

3 From the President 13 Crane & Rigging 22 Asphalt
4 Aggregates 14 Concrete 23 Excavation
5 Communications 16 Featured Story 24 Employee Spotlight
6 Pictures 18 Pickle Highlights 26 Trucking
8 Chaplain’s Corner 19 Mechanics 27 Safety
10 Anniversaries 20 Health & Wellness 28 Pictures
12 Hillman 21 Human Resources 31 Scholarships

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE • Thanksgiving: November 24, 2022 - Paid Day Off
• After Thanksgiving: November 25, 2022 - Unpaid Day Off
Emergency repair and snowplow crews will remain on-call • Christmas Day (observed): December 26, 2022 - Paid Day Off
• Good Friday: April 15, 2022 - Off At Noon • New Year’s Eve (observed): December 30, 2022 - Unpaid Day
• Memorial Day: May 30, 2022 - Paid Day Off
• Independence Day: July 4, 2022 - Paid Day Off Off
• Company Picnic: July 30, 2022 - Unpaid Day Off • New Year’s Day (observed): January 2, 2023 - Unpaid Day Off
• Labor Day: September 5, 2022 - Paid Day Off

2

FROM THE PRESIDENT

SPRING ACTIVITIES

HELLO, the year. We have some incredible kids have missed out on traditional
GANG! talent helping with all the annuals and graduations, prom, and sporting
prepping for the year. The mechanics, events. I seem to have lost an entire
I’m missing welders, and painters we have are year! I thought I was 52 until my wife
everyone very versatile in repairing everything reminded me I will be turning 54. That
and from cranes to mixers, re-building was brutal!! 
chomping trailers to crushers. We have help
at the bit to around the state making sure you With all going on in the world, I find
get going even though Mother Nature will be running the safest and nicest
might teach us a little about patience equipment around. comfort in “God has a plan
this season. Last winter we started knowing
projects right through it all and this We do need your help when you
year I hope we can start by April 18… return to make sure we didn’t miss that God for unity and
right, Nick?  A late Easter might anything. Inspections, license plate is still in holds what’s best
mean a late spring but we’ll take each tabs, everything tagged properly, and, control.
good day we get. OF COURSE, everything Safety is Whether in store for us
teaching you is for a purpose! This is we lean
the time to put it to use!!! Everyone’s
involvement when they return helps left or through
make the final inspection. You are our right,
last double check to ensure we are
We have more work than ever just prepared and ready for a safe year! God has His will”
a plan
within our first 3 months of this season Don’t assume it is ready to go… make
sure it is!!!
so be ready for a shotgun start. We will for unity
Snow Plow Thank Yous
most likely Sending a shout-out and big thank you and holds what’s best in store for us
to all the snow plow crews this winter.
“We have more be bringing THANK YOU for getting out of bed on through His will.
work than ever everyone snowy nights and weekends to get-r-
just within our back all at dun; appreciate your dedication a ton!! I continue to thank God for all He
once! gives me. I am still so blown away by
God Is In Control His love, especially during Easter. I’m
first 3 months of Please We have all collectively been through blown away by the fact that we beat
work with existential events over the last two Jesus, mocked him, nailed him to
years. We have all lost or sacrificed the cross and killed him, yet we call
the season” us also something over the pandemic, be it it GOOD Friday. I now understand
as we are freedoms, friends, or loved ones. Our why it is called that and will be forever
humbled and in awe of it. May your
trying to be Easter be blessed!

“creative” and come up with ways to

get everyone back right away and get

all the work done–great challenges to

have! Until next month, God bless, stay safe,
and make your day GREAT.
Shop Activity
It’s awesome to see all the activity Troy
going on in the shops to get ready for

3

AGGREGATES

Nickerson Pit

IT’S TIME TO CRUSH IT!

Here we go everyone! April is upon us, Getting Ready
and that means spring! Spring thaws,
spring frost laws, spring break, spring It’s looking to be a “full steam ahead” season. Please make sure
fever, spring cleaning.  Here in good
ole Michigan it’s the season where we all your equipment needs are met and we are ready to go. The
turn the heat on in the morning and the
AC on in the afternoon. guys and gals in the shops have been working hard all winter to

get things ready for this season, and we’ll be back at it before

you know it. We are hoping for a short frost law season, but with

Easter being late this year, odds are the spring start will be late,

It also means construction season! My favorite time of year. too. “Be safe, be alert,
and always be
Best Summer Ever VI Thank you to everyone who has
been negotiating the frost law

Six years ago, Nick called that summer the best summer ever. weight restrictions thus far. Mother mindful of your
Nature is always the boss on this
But then we had the sequel, and then version III, and just like

the Fast and the Furious, they keep on coming! There’s no one, so let’s just make sure we’re surroundings.”
prepared for whatever she has in
“Just like the Fast doubt about it, we will be busy
this summer. We’ll probably face store for us.

and the Furious, a few challenges along the way, Safety First
but we always work through the Remember to be safe, be alert, and always be mindful of your
surroundings. Safety is our top priority.
they keep on challenges together, as a team!

coming!” Remember, we get to work at a Thank Yous
great place–and I don’t just mean Thank you to every single one of you. You are all amazing at
what you do. Day in and day out you all get the jobs done. I can’t
here at Team Elmer’s (although I’m wait to see all your smiling faces.

pretty partial to it). Good Morning America called our stomping

grounds “the most beautiful place on Earth”.

How lucky are we to get to travel to other counties in beautiful Here’s to another great season!
northern Michigan? We get to get dirty, work hard every day, and
make someone’s day a little better. Sometimes we get to make Todd
the impossible possible (or at least it feels that way).

4

COMMUNICATIONS

PUTTING SAFE SERVICE AT THE FOREFRONT

Spring start up is a time of renewal. control how you react to things, to focus on treating others as
A time to recommit to a year of you want to be treated; and to leave it better than you found
safety. it (whatever “it” is).

Winters Ups and Downs I can also pause with my son “Thank you for
I don’t know about you, but this and just be wherever I am at. putting safe service
winter has been a couple of Don’t worry about tomorrow or at the forefront.”
months of ups and downs for the think about if I should have done
Wildfong household. From having a daughter turn 13 with something different in the past.
Middle School emotions ever present (wow, to quote Charles Just be here, now.
Dickens, it was the best of times, it was the worst of times!),
to a son that did his first baseball showcase to prepare for Our Safety Culture
highschool, we are all in growth mode. It reminded me of our safety culture (how our team is in the
moment–aware of their situation) and the crews coming
I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that the little back to work. Or those ramping up work that have been here
boy who liked reading books on my lap is going to high through the winter. I am humbled to see what they can do;
school…and is taller than me! the talent individually and the force when they join together.

“The more things Back To The Basics The determination you all have to do every job not just safe,
change, the more I Why do I lament? Because but OSHA compliant safe. It is truly inspiring to watch. Thank
realize it’s the basics the more things change, the you for putting service–safe service–at the forefront. Here’s
that get us through more I realize it’s the basics to a great (and SAFE) season. Focus on treating others
those times.” that get us through those as you want to be treated. Be present wherever you find
times. yourself. And leave it better than you found it.

I can’t solve the middle Until then, be the change you want to see in the world.
school angst–but I can
remind her that you can only Ton ya

Insta Noodles Pick Me Up 5

Need a pick me up? Just go pet your dog–in our case, Noodles. Dogs make things feel like they are going to be ok.

(Don’t have a dog? We’ll share Noodles with you on Instagram @ILoveNoodlesMcDoodles. )

12

SNAPSHOTS

AROUND THE STATE

3
6

4
5

7

89

1. Boardman Lake Loop Trail 7. Leon Carey - Alanson
2. Petoskey 8. Mark Vosters & Zane Philo - Boardman Lake
3. Doug Clough - Oak Leaf
4.Traverse City Lobby Loop Trail
5. Alanson 9. Alan Shankleton - Alanson
6. Lamar Digital Sign 10. Jason Schultz - Aloha State Park
11. Edna the Snowy Owl

10 11

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

A FRESH START

Greetings! Spring has finally arrived. How To Get a Fresh Start
This means much of nature will come One day Jesus was teaching and He said, “I have come that they
back to life after lying dormant for may have life and have it more abundantly.” On another occasion
several months. The flowers will pop He said he would give his followers peace. If you desire to see
out of the ground and blossom. The some changes in your life, He can help you. How about asking
mother bear who, after waking up from Jesus to give you a fresh start?
her winter nap, will make her annual
spring visits to our yard in search of Event Alert: The Promise at New Hope
sunflower seeds. Team Elmer’s also For those of you in the Traverse City area, I want to invite you
comes back to life as many of you return to work. It is an exciting to attend The Promise at New Hope Community Church in
time when work starts back up around northern Michigan. Williamsburg. It is a drama presentation about the last few days
of Christ’s life. The dates are April 13, 14, and 15. Please feel
The Greatest Event in Human History free to call me at (231) 218-1042 if you would like more details.
In a few short days we will be celebrating Easter, which is all
about celebrating new life. Easter tells the story of the greatest Free Resources at Team Elmer’s
event in human history. Many people witnessed Jesus dying on I want to remind you that we have a number of great resources
a cross. Then, a few days later, Jesus presented himself alive including books and videos available on various topics including
to some of His closest friends. Over the course of the next forty Bible studies, relationships, personal growth, and finances in our
days many other people witnessed that He was alive. Team Elmer’s library. Please contact me for more information or
stop by the Traverse City office to peruse and select an item to
Our Lives Can Change borrow.
The fact that He is alive means that by placing our faith in Him
we can be given a fresh start. The Bible says that if anyone is God bless,
in Christ, they are new creation–the old life is gone and the new
has come. That verse is saying that through Christ our lives Tom
can change. I was talking to someone the other day who knew
my family background. They wanted to know how I was able to
become a different person than the one they knew many years
ago. I told them that Jesus has made all the difference in my life.

8

SAFETY

Wear PPE when necessary Keep your work area clean Report injuries

Lift with your legs, not your Follow health & safety Use equipment,
back protocol tools, &
machinery
Clean up spills immediately Report unsafe conditions safely and
properly

9

ANNIVERSARIES

35 YEARS 30 YEARS

TERRY MASON KENT MEGILL DANIEL ROBBINS RANDALL BROWN CHRISTOPHER TOWN RICK KEVWITCH
Contracting Crane/Rigging Division Manager Foreman Crane/Rigging Contracting Foreman
Traverse City Traverse City Traverse City Traverse City Traverse City
Traverse City
15 YEARS

KARL DOMRES MARK POPP JOSEPH SCHLINK RODNEY BROAD JOHN JEFFREY JR. COREY BROAD
Production Manager Concrete Quality Control Manager Project Manager Asphalt Asphalt
Tri-Cities
Traverse City Traverse City Traverse City Traverse City Traverse City

RODNEY KEILLOR JEFFREY ELLIS ALLAN PAPCUN NICHOLAS BROAD “The strength of the team
Crane/Rigging Concrete Project Manager Project Manager is each individual member.
Traverse City Ludington
Traverse City Traverse City The strength of each
member is the team.”

-Phil Jackson

10 YEARS OF SERVICE
Timothy Leek - Production Manager, Alpena Matthew Krueger - Trucking, Hillman Paul Wilcoxen - Controller, TC
Brian Smith - Shop Supervisor, Hillman Matthew Pearson - Contracting, Hillman David Bates - Trucking, Tri-Cities
Clinton Howard - Trucking, Hillman Michael Rouleau, Jr. - Foreman, Hillman Thomas Sampier - Mobile Mechanic, White Cloud
Daniel Lafleche - Project Manager, Hillman Randy Dziuba - Mobile Mechanic, Hillman Daniel Lueck - Contracting, TC
David Smith - Trucking, Hillman Randy Schultz - Contracting,Hillman Cathy Schaub - Cook, TC
David Talbot - Trucking, Hillman Shawn Barrie - Contracting, Hillman Michelle Fredette - Dispatch, TC
Gerald Gonyea - Trucking, Hillman Sheila McLaren - Office Administration, Hillman Bryan Domke - Shop Mechanic, Hillman
James Shepherd, Jr. - Trucking, Hillman Todd Lamp - Trucking,Hillman Tom Fields - Electrician, TC
Jared Bahrke - Foreman, Hillman Yvonne Niedzwiecki - Dispatch, Alpena Jason Schultz - Foreman, Hillman
Jason Cook - Trucking, Hillman Curtis Gibson - Trucking, TC Trisha Morse - Accounting, TC
Jeffrey Allen - Project Manager, Hillman Jeffrey Belanger - Cook, TC Brandon Hatch - Plant Manager, TC
Jeremy Burr - Foreman, Hillman Christian Fitzsimons - IT, TC Craig Thompson - Asphalt, TC
John Male, Jr. - Trucking, Hillman William Ames, II - Concrete, Mount Pleasant

10

ANNIVERSARIES

25 YEARS

TADD ELLIOTT DANIEL LAUTNER DEAN EDGECOMB II RICK BROAD BRANDON NICKERSON SCOTT GROESSER
Foreman Foreman Foreman Trucking Contracting Plant Manager
Maple City Maple City Traverse City Traverse City
Traverse City Traverse City

20 YEARS

KENT NEUMAN BRIAN PEACE BARTON RICHMOND JEFFREY PUTNEY JEFFREY MARCEAU KEVIN SPIERLING
Plant Manager Asphalt Division Manager Foreman Foreman Concrete Sales Manager Carpenter
White Cloud Traverse City Traverse City Traverse City
Traverse City Manistee

MARYNELL RIPMASTER JEFFREY NEWMAN Thank you for being a part of the team here at
Contract Administrator Trucking Elmer’s. We appreciate your dedication and hard
work. Congratulations on your anniversary!
Traverse City Traverse City
Troy, Todd, & Tonya

5 YEARS OF SERVICE

Scott Schoech - GPS Technician, TC Jeremiah Symons - Paint Technician, TC Mitchell Matzenbach - Trailer Shop, TC
Francis Hinks, II - Concrete, White Cloud Tony McEachern - Aggregate, Alpena Brian Kelsey - Crane/Rigging, TC
Howard Schaub - Trucking, TC Brittany Watson - Project Manager, TC David Lewis - Concrete, Ludington
Ryan Howard - Aggregate, Alpena Tracy Flaugher - Office Administration, Hillman Thomas Wolf - Safety, TC
Kenneth Cline - Trucking, TC Dylan Ranes - Service Technician, TC Austin Paczkowski - Contracting, Hillman
Mark Frazier - Trucking, TC Jason Bush - Asphalt, TC Irvin Meachum - Concrete, TC
Lee Toppel - Concrete, Ludington Dennis Moore - Foreman, TC Denise Gonzalez - Traffic Regulator, TC
Mark Blauwkamp - Trucking, TC Kevin Pease - Trailer Shop, TC Thomas Foster, Jr. - Concrete, Manistee
Mark Dewitt - Shop Mechanic, TC Donald Wilson - Trucking, Hillman William Lauzon - Shop Mechanic, Hillman
Michael York - Trucking, White Cloud Dustin Jaynes - Contracting, TC Martin Lonn - Asphalt, TC
Alan Anderson - Concrete, Ludington James Lacross - Foreman, TC Dalton Fitzsimons - Trucking, TC

11

HILLMAN

WELCOME! WELCOME! WELCOME!

Welcome back, Brock Schnebelen and Theron Tracey as to pause and think about how important a
everyone! operator/laborers. true team really is. I look back at Matthew
Hopefully Stafford’s accomplishment in his previous
everybody got Stay tuned for the opportunity to welcome 12 years with the Lions and compare that
rested up and more talent as we build out this amazing with his 2021/2022 season with the Rams.
you are all ready team. What was the difference? He certainly
for another was a great player while with the Lions.
great season. A New Foreman in Petoskey He certainly had some great teammates
Welcome, new teammates! We have Please join me in welcoming Cody Morris throughout the years like Calvin Johnson,
several new faces to greet every morning as Petoskey’s latest and greatest foreman. Golden Tate, and so forth. Yet, in his 12
and I’d like to take this opportunity to Cody (aka Leon’s right arm) has decided to years with the Lions he went to three
introduce them and welcome them each by take it to the next level and lead a crew for playoff games and lost all three. So what
name. the Petoskey office. Somehow I convinced was the difference?
him that more work, more stress, and more
New Faces in Petoskey and Hillman responsibility for very little more money was The team is the difference.
Richard Dobbins is our new yard guy in a good idea. You’re going to do great,
Petoskey. Tony Mankin will be joining him Cody! You can be the best quarterback in the
in Petoskey as an operator/laborer, as will world, but without a true tUeaSm-2y3o|uHhaarrviesville
Paul Robiadek. We are thrilled to have you Training nothing. We call ourselves Team Elmer’s,
three on the team! Thank you for attending our virtual and but let’s make sure it’s not just a phrase or
in-person training this year. Hopefully a name. Make sure you are doing what you
Scott Eggeman is our new GPS guru. He everyone grasped the information and can to build yourself and others up. Support
will be building our tins and doing machine you are ready for a SAFE, successful, and and teach your teammates, encourage
and site set-ups for both Hillman and compliant season. It’s going to be a busy them to become better, because the better
Petoskey while residing at the Petoskey one for sure! they are, the better you are, and the better
office. Team Elmer’s remains.
The Importance of Teamwork
In Hillman we are excited to welcome As we prepare for a busy season, I’d like Stay safe and have fun!

Mike

12

CRANE AND RIGGING

Lamar Digital Sign

2022 SAFETY REVISITED

Our 2022 season is about to begin! properly. Any rigging such as wire ropes, nylon slings, clevis
While there are always new and hooks, etc., need to be checked for defects and/or excessively
updated safety rules we need to be worn parts before each use.
aware of, spring is our time to go
through the rules, ask questions, and Keep any and all non-Elmer’s personnel out of potential hazardous
make sure we are following ALL safety areas (such as under a suspended crane load or within a turn
procedures. In essence, now is the radius of a 30,000 pound forklift). All Team Elmer’s employees
time to make sure we are firing on all need to be constantly aware of the parameters of their safety work
cylinders when it comes to maintaining zones.
our daily safety procedures.
Situational Awareness
Morning Crane and Rigging Safety Situational safety awareness must also be observed every day we
So, what does safety look like on a crane and rigging project? are on the job. Overheard obstacles like power or communication
It starts just like the rest of Team Elmer’s. Every morning when you lines, trees, or even tall buildings are some of the obstacles that
arrive at work you should be equipped with a safety vest, hard hat, must be acknowledged and dealt with by crane operators. Floor
protective eye wear, and steel toed boots. These are a minimum drains, underground tunnels, and close proximity of materials and
for PPE. finished product are some of the safety hazards in forklift/rigging
situations that our crews encounter.
Before heading out of the barn, do an equipment pre-check/walk
around. Make sure your equipment for that day is road ready and Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility
legal to hit the road. From a 190-ton crane to a tractor trailer and These are not all of the safety practices that are on our radar
everything in between, all equipment needs to be “gone over” every day, but they are some of the most frequent and common.
every day prior to leaving. Everyone, no matter what the job is at Team Elmer’s, has a
responsibility to be the best they can be when it comes to
Crane and Rigging Safety On Location workplace safety. Let’s all have a safe, productive 2022.
Once you are on location, there is another sequence of safety
procedures that need to be addressed. First, conduct and/ Conduct is the best proof of character.
or participate in a short pre-list/move meeting. This meeting is
designed to ensure everyone is involved and on the same page. KentBoyne Highlands
Next, make sure equipment-specific safety devices such as block
alarms, LMIs, backup alarms, etc., are in place and are working 1133

CONCRETE

Harrison Concrete Plant

SOLID FOUNDATIONS

One thing at a time! That is the name and down, and only doing that. When we run our chutes, we need
of the game this year. We are often in to be doing only that. We need focused operation based on the
a busy state of mind in this world. Cell task at hand.
phones, politics, what’s for lunch, I need
to pick up my kids, I have the sniffles…it The reality is that defensive driving and defensive operation
is hard to stay focused at times. reduces accidents. Please consider this the next time you jump
in your truck and please make it a priority for the year. Just think
Focused Operation about ONE THING AT A TIME.
I have to remind myself to stay focused when driving a car–which
is much easier than the tanks you folks run every day! Hitting the Ground Running
Most of our contractors have work into August, which bodes well
Remember to pay attention while backing up. For me, it’s listening for us to have a productive year. The commercial and state bidding
to back up sensors yelling at me, using the camera, not looking also continues to be healthy, with state and federal budgets
at that text, looking to see if the kids left a toy in the driveway, continuing to support construction. We will hit the ground running.
and being careful not to hit the snowman. Then I get to throw it in
D and head down the hill, which requires just as much attention. Spring Equipment Check
Again I’m thinking don’t hit the plow stake, watch the mailbox, It’s April, so any drum chipping or any other work that is needed on
anyone on the road, there’s that dog, don’t look at that text, or that equipment, please report to your manager immediately. If we aren’t
text, or that text, on and on and on until I hit my parking spot safely. getting you fixed up to run, give me a call at (231) 218-1445 and
we will get it figured out together.
Defensive Operation Reduces Accidents
So, what is your point, Jason? When we add outside disruptions, I am looking forward to another safe, challenging, and prosperous
we are doing too many things at once. year.

When we back up, we should only be doing that–backing up. Jason
When we pull forward toward a building, we should be looking up

14

SAFETY

15

FEATURED ARTICLE

BUILDING BRIDGES TO T

In 1931 the Great Plains suffered a devastating drought, the deterioration of the substructure units in the water.
Star Spangled Banner became the official U.S. National Anthem,
Nevada legalized gambling, the Empire State Building opened, “When alkali in the cement reacts with silica in the aggregate, it
Bela Lugosi terrified audiences as Dracula, and the George creates expansive pressure on the concrete. It’s almost cancer
Washington Bridge opened to transport vehicles across the of the concrete,” Boatman said. “Once the water gets in, that
Hudson River. starts to accelerate the deterioration, so ultimately we needed to
replace the piers in the water. The only way to do that is with a
In Michigan, another important bridge opened to traffic in 1931– full bridge replacement.”
the M-55 Bridge in Manistee.
Ninety (90) Years of Innovation
Today, the bridge is a thoroughfare for 6,500 vehicles per day. The original structure was built as a six-span bridge with five
So when MDOT rated the bridge with a score of four out of a piers in the waterway. The new bridge was upgraded to a three
possible 9 (otherwise known as “poor”) after an inspection in span concrete beam bridge with four tube steel railing.
2014, it was clear that something must be done.
“90 years ago we couldn’t span that length, and now the center
Cancer Of the Concrete span is almost 160 feet,” Brandon said.
According to Brandon Boatman, a bridge engineer for MDOT
North and Superior Regions, the project originally started as a This reduction will help with maintenance–ultimately requiring
potential preventative maintenance project. less maintenance and less inconvenience to the motoring public.

“We were going to try and do some patching to extend the life as Challenges
much as possible,” Brandon said. While the future looks bright for the motoring public, the bridge
construction did require a detour around Manistee Lake. The
The last major rehabilitation of the bridge had occurred in 1985. detour itself required $2 million in road improvements to make it
More recently, temporary support structures were installed to possible.
keep the bridge in service. But as Brandon further explained,
there was an alkali silica reaction (ASR) that accelerated the Another challenge, and an almost immediate delay came in

16

THE NEXT GENERATION

identifying and then relocating third party utility. them all together, it’s about 15,000 lineal feet, which is almost 3
miles that’s all buried underground,” Brandon said.
“Unfortunately that pushed everything back right from the get
go,” Brandon said. In total, Team Elmer’s provided almost 7,400 cubic yards of
concrete for the bridge.
Weather was also a challenge.
(Almost) Complete
EPS Blocks The total cost of the project, including detour improvements
A significant design need that didn’t cause delays came in the and all bridge work, was more than $14 million. Paid for with
form of poor soils. In 2019, MDOT had conducted a series of state and federal funding, the project is almost complete. The
exploratory soil borings to help ensure the new bridge had a bridge is now reopened to traffic, although some final touches
stable foundation. may result in lane closures this spring.

“We used expanded polystyrene (EPS) blocks. Basically, these “My favorite part of the project is actually seeing it come to
big foam blocks went in under the roadway on the East end of fruition and giving back to the city of Manistee. I know they
the bridge to help distribute the loading,” Brandon explained. were inconvenienced greatly by the detour, and being able to
“Then we put a concrete cap on top of that, and asphalt on top provide them with a structure that will last another 100 years
of that.” just makes the difference,” said Brandon.

Calling In Team Elmer’s We wonder what will be built 100 years from now.
When it came time to pour concrete, Team Elmer’s was
brought in.

“They poured a little over 3,000 cubic yards of concrete for the
deck, barrier, and substructure components, exluding the piles.
Then, the bridge sits on cast-in-place concrete piles. If you add

17

PICKLE HIGHLIGHTS

GIVE ‘EM THE PICKLE

1 SERVICE Jim Flory Tom Kler

Make serving others John Liljeroos Joe Clark
your #1 priority.

You’re in a noble profession.
Be proud of what you do and

where you work.

2 ATTITUDE

Choose your attitude.
How you think about customers

is how you will treat them.
Remember your mental
“I Like Yous!”

3 CONSISTENCY

Customers return because they
like what happened last time.

Stick to your high
service standards.

4 TEAMWORK

Go out of your way
to make each other look good.

Everything you do ends up
in front of the customer.

18

MECHANICS

CARING FOR YOUR EQUIPMENT

Spring is here Loader Transmission Fluid Draining Air Tanks
and that means Please check loader transmission fluids Please be sure to drain air tanks on
it’s time to gear during your morning walk around. At tractor trucks and tandems daily! We
up! first glance, when the machine is off, the have had SEVERAL trucks and trailers
transmission will appear to be overfilled. freeze up this winter as a result of not
Here are four In order to get an accurate reading, the draining air tanks.
things to watch loader MUST be running. You will notice
and partner with if your transmission fluid is low as soon This is not just important in the winter. Air
us on when it comes to your equipment. as the machine is running; the fluid levels tanks must be drained in the summer as
will go down dramatically. well. The tanks build moisture, which can
Radiator Leaks cause them to fill with water, which then
Volvo Loader Emission Codes causes air governor issues in the long
We have been seeing a trend of Western Emissions Systems Failure. SCR run.
Systems Failure. If your loader throws
Star radiator leaks leading to costly these emissions related codes, please If you notice your truck is building too
shut down the machine and kill the much air pressure, draining the air tanks
replacements. The leaks typically start master switch for 3-5 minutes. After is the first step you should take. If you
allowing the machine to sit for a few need air tank lanyards installed on your
“We’re glad on the upper left minutes, turn the master back on and tanks, please come to the shop.
to have a look hand side of the start. Rebooting the system seems to
radiator. clear these codes, which means you can
go about your day.
and help!” If you have been
adding coolant, If the codes persist even after rebooting
the system, please call the shop.
please be sure

to check for Eric

loose hoses/lines and take a look at the

radiator or swing by the shop. We’re glad

to have a look and help! 1199

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

STRESS & ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH

Stress is your body’s natural response to any type of demand. Alcohol Awareness
Common stressors include heavy workload, intense pressure Some individuals may turn to alcohol to cope with their stress.
for high performance, job insecurity, long hours, excessive Alcohol misuse can affect both your personal and professional
travel, office politics, and conflicts with co-workers. life.

Dealing With Stress Prolonged drinking puts you at risk for developing serious
Left unaddressed, stress can lead to serious health concerns health complications such as high blood pressure, heart
and even burnout. disease, liver disease, and impaired thought processing.

While dealing with stress is a normal part of life, symptoms that Common physical and behavioral signs and symptoms of
indicate your stress may be out of control are: alcohol misuse include the following:

• Anxiety or depression • Feeling irritable or experiencing mood swings
• Low morale or motivation • Having poor coordination
• Short temper or mood swings • Showing signs of slurred speech
• Headache • Experiencing blackouts or short-term memory loss
• Stomach or back problems • Isolating from friends and family
• Change in bowel habits • Failing to complete responsibilities and obligations at

Here are six methods to help manage stress at work: home or work
• Plan and prioritize tasks • Drinking alone or in secrecy
• Focus on what you can control • Making excuses for drinking, such as to relax or deal with
• Slow down
• Limit interruptions stress
• Take a break or go for a walk • Engaging in risky behavior, such as drunk driving
• Deep breathing exercises
New Directions
CRWW Can Help If you are struggling with alcohol abuse and are ready for
If you need help dealing with stress, please feel free to reach treatment, call BCBSM’s New Directions at 1-(877)-627-1041.
out to CRWW at 231-943-5690, or Abby at 231-463-9534.

ABBY SUDNEY
[email protected]
231-463-9534

ANDI DREFFS
[email protected]
231-943-5690

MEGHAN SARNA
[email protected]
231-943-5690

20

HUMAN RWESEOLULNRCESES

STAY UP-TO-DATE

401k Updates OrangeHRM Benefits Updates: FSA
The maximum contribution for Thank you for your patience and If you participate in the Flex Spending
employees under the age of 50 is now understanding as we continue to Account (medical or dependent
$20,500. Catch-up for those ages 50 improve your access to information care) for 2022 you have until July
and older is an additional $6,500. through our Team Elmer’s Orange 15, 2022, to turn in receipts for any
portal. If you need help accessing reimbursable medical/dependent care
If you haven’t already, please your account or searching for expenses. Please contact Abby at the
complete your beneficiary information documents or information, please Copper Ridge Clinic at 231-463-9534
with our 401k provider, One America. contact Nicole at (231) 943-5610 or if you have any questions.
Directions are on Orange HRM in the [email protected].
Documents List under 401K – Online
Beneficiary Designation.

RETURN TO WORK REMINDERS

• Safety Vests • Work Attire
If yours is torn, too big, too small, or is in need of any type of Please remember that you represent Team Elmer’s on the
repair, please stop by Dispatch and pick up a new one. jobsite. Present a clean, neat, and tasteful appearance that
maintains our image throughout the communities we serve.
• Expired Driver’s License and DOT Medical Certificate ***All shirts must have a 4” sleeve & shorts are not allowed****
When your driver’s license or DOT medical certificate is
renewed, a copy of the new document(s) must be turned in to • Team Elmer’s is Tobacco Free (including chewing
Kris Harrington in HR. tobacco)
Team Elmer’s is a tobacco free work place. This means not
• Daily Schedules only in our buildings, but our vehicles and equipment, too.
Schedules for the next workday are posted online in the Thank you for your efforts to keep Team Elmer’s tobacco free.
afternoon for the Traverse City Divisions of Trucking, Dirt,
Asphalt, and Crane at www.teamelmers.com/schedule.php.

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY

Marigold Jean, born February 19 to Jordon & Jenna Nevarez - Assistant Controller

BENEFITS OPEN ENROLLMENT HR CONTACTS

Benefits open enrollment will end April 15, 2022. Open enrollment is your opportunity to CINDY KARKER
review your group health benefit options and make choices for the upcoming plan year. It [email protected]
is an active process and requires all employees to submit a selection even if you elect to 231-943-5544
waive Team Elmer’s group health benefits.
KELSEY BAKER
You can sign up for your group health benefits from the comfort of your home using the [email protected]
guidance that has been made available through Orange or at the kiosk outside of the 231-943-5577
Human Resources office.
NICOLE LESPERANCE
Any employee that does not complete an online enrollment by April 15, 2022, will [email protected]
automatically be removed from Elmer’s group health benefits coverage effective May 1, 231-943-5610
2022. Your next eligible date to enroll will be May, 2023.
KRIS HARRINGTON

[email protected]

231-943-5610 21

ASPHALT

PAVING THE WAY TO A BUSY SEASON

Happy spring, Team! him well. It’s my particular hope that he continues to stop in
and bring his energy our way for many years to come.

I am so over winter, cold, and Thanks, Dave, for all you have done. You are truly
snow. I am looking forward to the irreplaceable.
spring promise of green grass and
warmth in my life, and I’m excited Spring Start-Up Target Dates
for what the season holds for all of
us at Team Elmer’s. We are thinking grade guys will start the week of April 18,

with paving operations commencing the week of April 25, as

Reviews and Suggestions long as frost laws don’t delay us “Be ready for
and the weather continues to your phone to
It was wonderful to see you all for your annual reviews. improve.

“I ejoyed speaking Most especially, I enjoyed ring soon!”
speaking with each of

with each of you you about your ideas I will stay in touch with everyone
for a smooth, yet busy, to give you a better idea of

about your ideas for construction season. Thank dates once we know what our
a smooth, yet busy, you all for your insights and
helpful suggestions. lovely northern Michigan weather will bring us. Be ready for

your phone to ring soon!

construction season.” I hope everyone had a Annual Maintenance Thank Yous
chance to rest up and Huge shout out to Al, Dean, Don, Bob, Scott, and John for
prepare for the season–it’s tackling the annual maintenance of the plant and paving
going to be a busy one that now includes a crush and shape equipment. Thanks for taking care of the equipment that
in both Antrim and Kalkaska counties! takes care of us!

Dave’s Retirement I look forward to another safe and busy construction season.
I’d like to send a warm farewell to Dave Viswat, who recently Please enjoy your time now, and we will see you all very
retired after 28 years at Team Elmer’s. Dave is well-known,
well-liked, and was a true asset to the team. There’s no soon. Brian
doubt about it; he will be missed. The entire team wishes

22 Kids Creek

EXCAVATION

Aloha State Park

TRAVERSE CITY DIRT DIVISION: 2022

This winter was odd. Mother Township and a road project for Kalkaska County on CR 571
Nature couldn’t make up her mind for fall.
whether she wanted it to be zero
or 40. Reviews
Thanks for your patience with annual reviews this year. We
We were kept on the edge of our had some technical issues with the digital reviews and also
seats waiting to see if we would with understanding the process.
have frost laws or more winter.
I want you to know that anytime you want to talk, during
Probably a good thing the Winter Olympics weren’t here, as review season or otherwise, I will listen. In fact, I would love
we definitely did not have enough snow! to sit down with anyone who wants to talk or who may not
have had the chance during the reviews.
We did, however, have a few smaller jobs and did our best to
keep 40-some plow guys busy with little snow to plow. Thank Give me a call and I will put you on the schedule.
you, everyone, for your patience with reduced hours at times.
New Project Manager
I hope you made the best of it–our busy season will be here To keep things interesting and prepare for more growth, we
before we know it! have shuffled some people around. Justin Kelenske has
agreed to move into the office and take a position as Project
Work Update Manager. He brings a wealth of field experience with him and
The bidding calendar got pretty busy with the start of the I have no doubt he will excel.
new year! We continue to add projects to our already large
workload. Until next time, keep calm, and dig on.

We picked up three school projects with an addition to Elk Max
Rapids High School, a new elementary school for Benzie
Central Schools, and a new track and soccer field for Mesick 23
Schools.

We also picked up another Tart Trail project in Acme

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

MAKING HEALTH &
WELLNESS A PRIORITY

The Copper Ridge “I’ve always had control of my blood sugars, but Meghan
Workplace Wellness (Sarna) at Copper Ridge Workplace Wellness helped me get a
Center opened last spring new insulin pump with a continuous glucose monitor, and Abby
as a resource dedicated (Sudney) is working closely with me on diet changes,” Don
solely to the health and wellbeing of Team Elmer’s employees explained.
and their families. The clinic provides services free of charge to
those enrolled in the Team Elmer’s health plan. Those two things have spelled success for Don. He is now able
to see his blood sugar levels in real-time, closely monitoring the
“The ability to provide our employees wonderful benefits at no affects different types of food have on his body.
cost to everyone is something Todd, Tonya, and I have believed
in for so long,” Troy Broad explained in a The Dirt article last As Don points out, his dietary needs are pretty common sense.
spring. Stay away from starchy foods, eat more leafy greens and foods
high in fiber, etc. He also points out that for many of us that
They wanted to find a way for Team Elmer’s to help remove common sense can take a back seat to cravings, and sometimes
barriers to health access. The dream was that better access to we eat what we want.
health resources would help employees on their personal health
and wellness journeys. “If I eat a bowl of pasta, with my continuous glucose monitor I
can watch my sugars climb way up, and stay elevated. I’ve been
A year later, and the dream has become a reality. diabetic a long time, my sugar has been doing this my whole
life, but I’ve never been able to see it in real-time. It’s just been a
Lifelong Benefits huge help for me,” he said.
Don Brand has been with Team Elmer’s for 13 seasons. He’s
been managing Type 1 Diabetes for even longer than that. But Luckily, he and his wife are open to trying new things, and Abby
in just four months, with the help of the staff at Copper Ridge has been able to recommend some great replacement foods.
Workplace Wellness, he reached an amazing feat. Instead of that bowl of pasta, he uses quinoa. He has also been
enjoying many of the Mediterranean Diet recipes Abby sends his
He dropped a full point on the A1C, a blood test that is used to way.
predict and/or monitor diabetes.
A gift from his grandma has also made a difference.
24

With the continuous glucose monitor, he can watch his sugars Thanksgiving, and that came and went. Then Christmas, then
rise with dinner. So he jumps on an exercise bike he inherited New Year’s. I got to February 1 and I just said ‘I’m done with
from his grandma, riding for a half hour to 45 minutes every night. this’.”
This helps him feel better throughout the day, getting less winded,
losing a bit of weight, and he can watch how his blood sugar And he was.
levels stabilize as a result of the exercise.
“My breathing is a little freer, I’m not quite as winded as I used to
“I get to thank my grandma when I ride,” he said. “She lived to 87, be, and food tastes and smells better!” he said.
so if I can mimic what she did I’ll be doing real good!”
He points out that Abby also calls him every two weeks to check
According to Abby and Meghan, he is well on his way. up on him and talk about how things are going. That support has
been key in his smoking cessation journey. But Meghan and Abby
“Don is a self-advocating patient who is inquisitive about his give all the credit to Doug.
health and determined to achieve optimal wellness,” Meghan
said. “Great work Don. We are proud of you!” “He was able to make all of his appointments and reach his goals
because he was determined to make a change to better his
Trying New Things health. We were honored to support him along the way,” Meghan
Doug Jarman has decades of trucking experience, but this past said.
year he made the decision to try something new. He became a
member of the Team Elmer’s family in June. About Copper Ridge Workplace Wellness
CRWW provides general family care for Team Elmer’s family
“Everything about Team Elmer’s has been better. Everybody you members–adults & children above age two. Located at 4020
encounter treats you like a part of the family. I’m happy (with the Copper View, Building A, Suite 122, Traverse City, Michigan,
move) and my wife’s ecstatic,” Doug said. 49684. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
To schedule an appointment call 231-943-5690.
In February, Doug decided to try something else new. After 38
years, he embraced his “won’t power” and made a commitment
to quit smoking.

“I’ve had the will (to quit) forever, but now I have the won’t power,”
he explained. “You can have all the will power in the world, but
if you don’t tell yourself you won’t then the will power does no
good.”

Even with the “won’t power”, Doug admits it still wasn’t easy.
“Abby and Meghan had been writing me since October
about doing smoking cessation,” he laughed. “I set a date for

25

TRUCKING

AIR TANKS SPRING DEF LEVEL
EQUIPMENT
Drain air tanks on If the DEF level is
tractor trucks and CHECKS 3 bars or lower,
tandems daily.
RADIATOR fill it up.
Check for loose
hoses/lines and
watch for leaks.

SHORT DRIVE UNTIL BUSY SEASON

I hope everyone had a chance to need to get way ahead on concrete materials and yards. As it
complete their winter list of things looks now, we may not have time during the year to get back
to do. We will be back to work very ahead.
soon.
We have put the aggregate division behind the eight ball to
With a little luck from Mother make 6A and 17A at M-72 and 6AA limestone at the quarry.
Nature, I want to start calling As soon as they can start producing, we will be hauling it out!
drivers back in early April.
Make sure you have all your medical and dental
Winter Recap appointments taken care of before we return to work. We will
The long, cold winter resulted in a late start to our coal need to count on everyone each and every day. Get your
haul from Kalamazoo to Alpena and then we had a two- personal and honey-do lists done because it is going to be a
month delay while we waited on permits at the source site. busy year as always!
I originally anticipated having the project complete by the
beginning of April. Now it may have to wait until November We’re Hiring
before we can finish due to construction season starting There is a lot of work out there. Trying to figure out how much
before the 15,000-tons are hauled. the trucking division can take on has been my second biggest
problem this past winter. Like every other trucking company
The 25,000 tons of 89-R to come from M-72 to the Traverse right now, the first challenge is finding qualified drivers. If you
City yard is frozen. We also can’t mix it with snow or have know of a qualified candidate who would be a good fit for a
any snow under it, as that would cause problems for asphalt Team Elmer’s truck driver position, please get them to fill out
when they need it. an application. We are absolutely still looking for some good
individuals and/or good drivers. They have to have a clean
Needless to say, the dirt division and asphalt division record, safety conscience and courteous attitude, and be
workloads for trucking are building fast. ready to go.

Healthy Workload for 2022 We look forward to welcoming new members to the team and
Trucking has a lot of material to haul to the yards in order to making them feel part of something special.
get a head start on the 2022 construction season! We will
Jim
26

SAFETY

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS

I hope you were able to take advantage Eliminate Distractions
of the winter to focus on yourself and There are many factors that affect your ability to establish or
your family and are feeling recharged maintain SA. Think about it: Do you spend the same amount
for the 2022 season. By now you’ve of time assessing or scanning a site for hazards when you’re
probably completed your annual OSHA in a hurry or under pressure? Fatigue or certain medications
training and may have heard me mention may also inhibit your ability to focus, and conflicting guidance or
Situational Awareness (SA). So, what direction may cause confusion.
exactly is SA? Let’s dive in!
Can you eliminate all or some of your distractions?
How To Build Your Situational Awareness
Situational Awareness (SA) is knowing what’s going on around Have You Lost Your SA?
you and being able to predict what may happen based on your It’s easy to identify if you or someone you’re working with has
observations. lost their SA. You may recognize it by observing confusion,
by someone being overly quiet, or by noting that someone is
Building your SA is a three-step process that will help you extremely focused on a single task with no awareness of what’s
identify hazards and keep you and your team safe: happening around them.
• Assess your worksite.
Keep Your Team Safe
Is there soft or steeply sloped ground nearby? Where are If you recognize that you or a crewmember has lost SA, stop and
the power lines? Are there crews moving around you? How reassess what’s going on. Getting everyone back on the same
close are you to other vehicles, equipment, or objects? page may prevent an injury or accident. A higher degree of SA
Have you checked your blind spots? will contribute to better judgement and decision making, and will
• Create a mental model. help to keep you and your team safe.
Visualize your surroundings as you focus on a task, but
reassess your worksite as it is constantly changing. Here’s to a safe and successful 2022 construction season.
• Anticipate what will happen.
Do this based on what you see AND your experience. Rob

Sixth Street, Traverse City 27

1

2

SNAPSHOTS

AROUND THE STATE

34 6

5

9

78 10
12
1. Boardman Lake Loop Trail 7. Mike Rouleau - Aloha State Park
2. Chris Herman - Boardman Lake Loop Trail 8. Kevin Parker - Weld Shop
3. Oakleaf Village Development 9. Oakleaf Village Development
4. Dave Viswat Retirement Party 10. Leon Carey - Alanson
5. Boardman Lake Loop Trail 11. Lamar Digital Sign
6. Darrick Wagner - Boardman Lake Loop Trail 12. Boardman Lake Loop Trail

11

30

SAFETY

THE DIRT EDITORIAL FREQUENCY OF PRINT CONTACT US
PUBLICATION CONTRIBUTORS 2022 Quarterly publications 3600 Rennie School Road
January, April, July, October
Tonya Wildfong, EDITOR Traverse City, MI 49685
Toni Hendrix, EDITOR PRINT 231-943-3443
Village Press
Maureen Oleson, WRITER www.teamelmers.com
Alex Twigg & Hayden Thomas,
31
PHOTOGRAPHERS

AN EOE/AA EMPLOYER PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
3600 Rennie School Road
Traverse City, MI 49685 PAID
TRAVERSE CITY, MI

PERMIT #29

Spoil Piles - 2 ft. TRENCH SAFETY Employee occupied
or more from trench - 4 ft. deep
trench edge. 56 or more - requires
50
ladder or ramp.

Ladders shall extend 3 ft.
above trench and be within

25 ft. of employee.

46

Proper shoring, sloping
or benching for trenches

more than 5 ft. deep.

Less than 5 ft deep? Know your soil type.
Shoring or sloping may be required.
Confirm MIOSHA requirements.