MOUNT VERNON – Fire Department crews successfully completed multiple water training techniques on Aug. 15 at Ariel-Foundation Park as well as the Kenyon Athletic Center.
Kenyon College Campus Security crews also took part in the training, Mayor Matt Starr told the Mount Vernon News.
The firefighters and campus security members used flat-bottom and inflatable-boat operations and pool rescues.
“This also gave us an opportunity to become familiar with our new ice rescue suits to familiarize themselves with those,” he said. “Once we get into the winter, we'll continue the ice training.”
The fire department presented umpire Glen Clark with a Community Service Award for his many contributions to the community.
“He's volunteered countless hours to umpire many Knox County youth events and has contributed to several local fundraisers, and so the fire department presented him with a plaque at last night's police versus fire softball game,” Starr said.
The fire department was awarded $187,847.27 in federal funding through a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant.
The grant will be used to purchase new hose nozzles and install a vehicle exhaust removal system.
Firefighters win game against police officers
The Mount Vernon Fire Department beat its counterparts in the city’s police department 11-9 after seven innings in a softball game held as part of the Police and Kids (PAK) United program on Aug. 18.
“The police were coming back but unfortunately, they had runners in scoring position but weren't able to bring them in at the bottom of the seventh,” Starr said.
The softball game was part of the PAK program held at the Mount Vernon Nazarene University softball field. Many spectators came to watch and sat in the bleachers or brought their lawn chairs, he said.
Police Department
Police Chief Robert Morgan asked that with school back in session, motorists allow extra time to reach their destinations in the morning and afternoon.
“Students are out walking, and they're on bikes and school buses on the road. So, please, slow down,” Starr said.
Engineering Department
Only two paving projects remained this week of those planned for this year, Starr said. The parking lot for the Station Break, which houses the senior center, was to be completed early this week. Some utility trenches on Marion, Madison and Lewis streets remained, with only a top coat needed.
The contractor for the Clintonville sewer and stormwater lines project was doing cleanup work, putting in seed and straw and replacing the fences, he said.
The installation of the steel shoring on the bottom two floors of the Municipal Parking Garage was about 80% complete, he said. The work is slowing down because the city is waiting for more steel to be galvanized for installation. Once all of the shoring is installed, a pre-inspection will be made before the shoring is grouted in place. The bottom floors will be finished before starting on the top floor to give the Police Department more parking
Traffic signals at Columbus Road and South Main Street intersection are fully operational, the mayor said.
“It's really improved traffic flow through the intersection substantially in all directions, literally,” Starr said.
Before the improvements, motorists at NAPA Auto Parts or the Frozen Custard building faced extreme difficulty when trying to pull out in the intersection to exit those stores, the mayor said.
An activated light signal gives motorists leaving those businesses a green light.
Manholes will be raised in all of the areas that have been paved to create a smoother ride. It also will provide easier access to reach water valves or other parts of the water system.
