Construction
Construction Update on the New Fort Myers Police Station's Progress
2024-12-09
In Fort Myers, Florida, the long-awaited new police station planned for the south of MLK in midtown has been a topic of discussion for quite some time. On Monday, we were fortunate to receive an exciting update. Miyoshi Price, our Fort Myers Community Correspondent, brought us this report from the workshop.

Key Updates on the New Fort Myers Police Station

Space Requirements and Land Clearing

The engineers of the City of Fort Myers have now determined the exact amount of space needed for the new police station. This crucial step has been completed, and the land clearing process is also behind us. With these initial tasks accomplished, the team is ready to move forward into the design phase and select a construction manager. This careful planning and execution will lay the foundation for a successful construction project.

Knowing the precise space requirements ensures that the new police station will be designed to meet the needs of the community effectively. The land clearing, on the other hand, has cleared the way for the construction to begin smoothly. It's a significant milestone in the development of this important facility.

Construction Timeline

Early construction is set to commence in February 2026. This early start gives the project a head start and allows for more time to complete the various stages of construction. The engineers are hopeful that by July 2027, the construction will be finished, and people will be able to move into the new building by September 2027.

This timeline is a testament to the dedication and efficiency of the construction team. Meeting these deadlines will not only provide the community with a much-needed police station but also enhance the safety and security of the area. It's an exciting time as we look forward to the completion of this project.

Benefits of the New Police Station

The new police station will bring numerous benefits to the community. It will provide a modern and well-equipped facility for the police officers to serve and protect. With improved facilities, the police will be able to respond more quickly to emergencies and provide better services to the residents.

The new station will also serve as a symbol of the city's commitment to public safety. It will instill confidence in the community and act as a deterrent to crime. The enhanced facilities will also allow for better training and professional development of the police officers, ensuring that they are equipped with the latest tools and techniques.

A Nebraska Construction Company: 100 Years of Building Lincoln
2024-12-10
Lincoln, Nebraska has witnessed remarkable transformations over the past century. Among the constants is the Kingery Construction Company, which has played a pivotal role in shaping the capital city. Founded in 1924 by the Kingery family during the Great Depression, this construction firm has left an indelible mark on Lincoln's skyline.

The Impact on the Community

"Kingery Construction takes pride in its deep connection to the community. As Rick Wintermute, the current vice president, emphasizes, they strive to undertake projects that have a profound impact on the lives of Lincoln residents. Whether it's the Lied Center for Performing Arts or the university dorms, their work is visible everywhere. Taking kids down the streets and pointing out these structures gives a sense of pride and accomplishment. It's not just about building buildings; it's about adding value to the community."

Projects Throughout Lincoln and Beyond

Currently, Kingery is actively involved in multiple projects within Lincoln and Nebraska. They are expanding their reach by venturing out of the state for the first time to build an elementary school in Denison, Iowa. This shows their commitment to growth and innovation. Their diverse portfolio includes a wide range of structures, each with its own unique story and significance.

Bringing Awe to Every Project

"When people step into a building for the first time, there's an undeniable sense of awe. As Wintermute mentioned, while construction workers may not experience that initial rush personally during the two-year construction process, they know that others do. That sense of wonder is what makes their work truly rewarding. It's about creating spaces that inspire and leave a lasting impression."Kingery Construction continues to be a driving force in Lincoln, building not just structures but also memories and a sense of community. Their century-long journey is a testament to their dedication and expertise.
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9 Essential Steps to Keep Your Planter in Top Condition
2024-12-10
Planter maintenance is crucial for setting your crops up for success. Variations in spacing and depth can lead to significant corn yield losses. By following these nine essential steps during the winter, you can ensure your planter is in top condition when it's time to head to the field.

Unlock the Secrets to Optimal Planter Performance

Start With a Holistic Approach

Brad Niensteadt, lead product specialist at Kinze, advises operators to start at the hitch pin and work backwards. Examine all hydraulic lines for abrasion and kinks. Worn hoses can collapse during planting, reducing flow to blowers or vacuum motors. Look for abrasion and cracking on hoses, which can indicate heat buildup due to hose restrictions. Finish the hydraulic inspection by examining all cylinders for leaks.

Check tires for proper inflation. Kevin Kimberley, Successful Farming's Planter Doctor, emphasizes the importance of proper tire inflation. Write inflation pressures on rims to avoid confusion during the season. Check inflation daily as it affects down pressure.

Mind the Seed Meter

Regardless of meter type, completely disassemble each meter and clean all parts. Use a spray surface solvent like a mixture of 80-20 talc-graphite additive to minimize buildup. Examine all working parts of the meter for wear and tear using the owner's manual as a guide.

For finger pickup-style meters, Kimberley automatically replaces certain parts each year. During examination, look for warped baffles or elevator housing wear. Buff away rust and spray with slip plate or graphite. Pay particular attention to the meter's faceplate and replace it when the wear is into the second layer of metal to prevent overplanting.

Check the Disk Openers

Sharp disk opener blades provide better depth control and emergence. Change blades when they wear down to 14.5 inches in diameter. Niensteadt recommends replacing disk opener blades and the inner scraper as a set. When removing shims, replace them on the outside of the shaft for easy retrieval.

Check the owner's manual for the proper distance between disk openers. Measure the length where double disks touch at their leading edges. Use a small sheet of paper or a business card to mark spacing and check for wear. Keep in mind that disks on planters with hydraulic downforce wear out faster.

Inspect Depth Gauge Wheels

In transport position, grab depth gauge wheels and turn them to check for "operating slop" indicating worn eccentric bearings. More than a quarter inch of free play means it's time to replace the arm. Gauge wheel arms with bearings provide more even down pressure per row.

Loose gauge wheels won't press against disk openers, which is crucial for forming a true V-furrow. If bearings are sound but the wheel is loose, adjust the eccentric bearing. Finally, check for sharp lips on the wheels where they contact the disk opener and replace worn wheels.

Look at Seed Tubes

Seed tubes are often overlooked but need to be examined annually. Worn tubes have a small flap of plastic at the bottom. Any significant wear requires new seed tubes. While the tubes are out, check their straightness. Even brand-new tubes can be curved, causing seed ricochet and spacing problems.

Clean the eye of the monitor sensor in the tube and inspect cast guards for wear. Replace the seed tube protector. In high-speed planters, check the brushes for straightness and clear them of dirt or debris.

Examine the Drive System

Every component in the drive system, including the transmission, should be examined. Replace overly rusty, stiff, or kinked chains. A faulty chain can cause vibration affecting meter accuracy, especially for hard-to-plant seed sizes.

For cable drives, remove the unit and turn the cable to check for smooth rotation. Inspect connections in electric meters. After inspection and parts replacement, operate the drive in the shop to ensure smooth operation.

Inspect the Parallel Linkage

Although parallel linkage arms may seem reliable, their bushings wear and their arms can bend or twist, especially on sidehills or in wet conditions. Evaluate linkage by moving the row unit and looking for sloppy motion at the mounting points and twisted linkage.

Worn bushings increase chatter and affect depth placement. Check down pressure springs for tension and air bag fittings for leaks. Use a spray bottle of soapy water to detect air leaks.

Check the Closing Wheels

Closing wheels are often overlooked but have a significant impact on seed-to-soil contact. Examine the closing wheel assembly for looseness at the arm connections. Spin closing disks and press wheels to check for noise indicating worn bearings.

Inspect the press wheel assembly for bends or cracks. Planting on curves or hillsides can cause undue wear. Adjust the distance between closing wheels to get the correct gap. You can check and center closing wheels in the shop with a straightedge.

Calibrate Your Monitor

Run a seed tube sensor test to ensure all rows are counting. Double-check the selected seed plate in the system. Clean up old data from the display, including hybrids and fields.

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