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McConnelsville Dam Set to Wrap Ahead of Schedule By Cindy Riley
Demolition of the old McConnelsville Dam in Morgan County, Ohio, is nearing completion. The overall project will wrap up almost a year ahead of schedule, with final landscaping for the new dam set for spring 2026. “The existing dam is being removed to reduce navigational hazards and no longer impede flows along the river,” said James Hilovsky, team lead of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) division of engineering. “The dam would still be considered a regulated dam structure under Ohio laws and rules if left in place; however, portions of the cellular sheet pile and abutments will remain, with the cells adjacent to the canal converted to a fishing platform. Most of the sand and gravel with the sheet pile cells will be left on the riverbed. The project’s $26 million price tag covers construction of the replacement dam, removal of the existing structure and site restoration. Hilovsky considers the ongoing work an investment in the future. “The Muskingum River System is steeped in history, and there’s a strong connection between the communities and each of the locks and dams along the river. This project provides a modern approach to preserving this historic system and maintaining this connection from Zanesville to Marietta and beyond.”
CEG CORRESPONDENT
A large crowd filled the service shop at Murphy Tractor as attendees toured equipment, visited with staff and networked during Customer Appreciation Day.
Murphy Tractor Celebrates Customer Appreciation Day in Brunswick, Ohio
M (L-R) are Eric Pawlak, president of operations of Morton’s Landscaping; Barry Morton, owner/operator of Morton’s Landscaping; Matt Drda, vice president of operations of Morton’s Landscaping; Stephen Schmidt of Murphy Tractor; and Ken Skala of Murphy Tractor. Mike Tube (L) and Lonnie Montgomery, branch manager of Murphy Tractor’s Brunswick, Ohio, location, greeted customers during the company’s Customer Appreciation Day.
urphy Tractor & Equipment Co. welcomed customers and guests to its Brunswick, Ohio, location for a Customer Appreciation Day on Dec. 12, 2025. The event brought together contractors, equipment operators and local industry partners for a day focused on appreciation, networking and customer engagement. Held at Murphy Tractor’s Brunswick facility on Industrial Parkway South, the event provided attendees with an opportunity to connect with local representatives, learn more about John Deere construction equipment offerings and enjoy lunch served on site. Throughout the day, guests were encouraged to visit with the Murphy Tractor team, ask questions and participate in prize drawings. Customer Appreciation Day serves as a way for Murphy Tractor to thank customers for their continued business and support while strengthening relationships within the regional construction and equipment community. Company representatives were available to discuss equipment solutions, service support and product availability, helping customers explore options to meet their job site needs. see MURPHY page 3
see DAM page 2
ODNR photo
Demolition began in summer 2025, after the new dam construction was completed.
Page 2 • January 3, 2026 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Ohio State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
Final Sitework On Dam Project Commences in Spring DAM from page 1
Hilovsky explained the new dam’s function will be similar to the existing one, in terms of water level and flow rates, with several major improvements. “The new structure is a concrete stair stepped structure designed to reduce downstream scour and erosion. This design is also intended to eliminate hydraulic rollers at the toe of the dam, which provides a significant public safety improvement in the event that a boat or person were to travel over the dam. “We’re also very excited to complete this project ahead of schedule,” said Hilovsky. “We appreciate the efforts from The Ruhlin Company and Michael Baker to successfully navigate through such a complex and challenging project.” The Ruhlin Company serves as construction manager at risk and is self-performing the demolition scope of work. “The Ruhlin Company has been a great partner, offering their experience and insight throughout the design process and leadership throughout construction,” said Hilovsky. “They were able to navigate a challenging worksite, along with multiple bid packages and specialty subcontractors, completing the project ahead of schedule.” Michael Baker International is the engineer of record. “Michael Baker managed a challenging design process and ensured that the project was constructed in compliance with the contract documents,” said Hilovsky. “We also appreciate the partnership with the regulatory agencies, including U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Ohio EPA, State Historic Preservation Office and the local communities that have been involved throughout this project.” Demolition began in summer 2025, after the new dam construction was completed.
ODNR photo
The project’s $26 million price tag covers construction of the replacement dam, removal of the existing structure and site restoration.
According to Ruhlin project executive Mike Garver, overseeing demo efforts has required a great deal of planning and coordination. “Working in and around water always presents unique challenges, specifically ensuring crew safety, managing flow and protecting the environment. The structure itself was robust, so careful sequencing and specialized heavy equipment were key. “We’ve completed the majority of work associated with the structure planned for removal. It’s been a methodical process of concrete cap removal, followed by extraction of the existing steel sheet piling. Right now, we’re focused on removing the final sheeting cells and prepping the site for final restoration.” Garver explained the task at hand involves more than demolition. “It’s about ensuring crew safety, managing water flow and efficiently executing the work. We also have to carefully dismantle structural components and restore the river channel.” “We’re using heavy equipment that includes long-reach excavators, hydraulic breakers and material handlers. Materials include riprap and recycled concrete materials for causeway access and final stabiliza-
tion.” Fortunately, the elements have not been a major issue for crews. “Ohio weather always keeps us on our toes. The dry conditions experienced in the past two summers have been beneficial to the project schedule.” Garver stressed that when working near water, safety and environmental aspects are top priorities. “It’s non-negotiable. Every phase of demo work is planned to ensure crew safety, from equipment selection and operation to crew positioning and emergency protocols. We monitor the river conditions and closely track weather and river forecasts to ensure work can proceed as planned.” The project includes putting the causeway back in place. “The causeway is essential for access to the portion of the dam being removed,” said Garver. “It allows us to move equipment efficiently and effectively remove the concrete caps and existing steel sheet piling. “Properly planned access is always an essential activity in construction. Without it, you lose efficiency and increase safety risks. We’ve engineered temporary access causeways to support heavy equipment and main-
tain safe operations.” Garver said removing the temporary bridge and the abutments involves dismantling structural components, hauling materials off-site and restoring the original riverbanks. Final sitework includes grading and erosion controls to ensure long-term stability on both sides of the river. Regarding additional drainage features and roadway restoration, “New drainage features have been installed as part of the Malta road improvements,” said Garver. “These have been included to manage runoff and prevent erosion. Restoring the roadway ensures safe access and ties the site back into the community’s infrastructure.” The team also has worked diligently to minimize disruptions for nearby motorists. “We’ve implemented a temporary signal and signage to keep traffic flowing safely on the Malta side of the river. Feedback has been positive, especially as people see the progress being made. “The demolition, similar to all phases of the project, has drawn a lot of attention. People are fascinated by the scale of the work and the equipment involved. We’ve had folks stopping by just to watch through the entire project.” Garver pointed out that being so far ahead of schedule is a great accomplishment. “It’s a testament to the teamwork, coordination and dedication of everyone involved, from our crews on the ground to our partnering with ODNR, Michael Baker and the local community stakeholders. “It’s an honor to be part of a project that supports the greater Muskingum Parkway and will hopefully benefit the community for generations. This isn’t just construction — it’s preservation of Ohio Canal history and the legacy it’s had on the surrounding communities.” CEG
Southeastern Equipment Partners With Bova Racing Southeastern Equipment Company announced it will continue its partnership with Bova Racing, a family-run sprint car team based in Struthers, Ohio. The collaboration highlights Southeastern’s commitment to supporting local, family-owned businesses that embody the same values the company was built on — hard work, loyalty and community pride. For the Bova family, racing isn’t just a pastime — it’s a family tradition. Cody Bova, a seasoned 410 sprint car racer, competes under the banner of Bova Racing, a team owned by his parents, Joe and Sherri Bova, with his father-inlaw Scott Priester serving as crew chief
and engine builder. Cody’s wife, Kirstie, manages the team’s social media presence, keeping fans connected both on and off the track. Beyond the racetrack, Southeastern has supported the Bova family through their business, J.S. Bova Excavating, an Ohio-based excavation company built on generations of experience. Through this partnership, Southeastern provides reliable KOBELCO construction equipment to keep J.S. Bova Excavating’s operations running smoothly and efficiently. “Working with J.S. Bova Excavating and supporting Bova Racing represents exactly what Southeastern stands for —
building lasting relationships and standing behind the families who help build our communities,” said Chris Kurz, regional sales manager of Southeastern Equipment Company. “The Bova family brings the same drive, passion and teamwork to both their business and their racing program that we strive to deliver every day.” Southeastern Equipment Company is proud to stand behind Bova Racing and the entire Bova family — celebrating not only their accomplishments on the track, but their dedication to excellence in the field and in their community. For more information, visit southeasternequip.com.
Ohio Motorsport Photography photo
Southeastern Equipment Company announced it will continue its partnership with Bova Racing.
Construction Equipment Guide • Ohio State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • January 3, 2026 • Page 3
Murphy Shows Appreciation, Committment to Customers
Customers gathered inside Murphy Tractor’s Brunswick, Ohio, facility to enjoy lunch and visit during the Customer Appreciation Day event.
(L-R): David Nicholson of the city of Cleveland; Chris Salerno, director of sales of NPK; and Ken Skala of NPK visited during Murphy Tractor’s Customer Appreciation Day.
Lisa Carlo (L) and Amy Magy helped serve food to attendees during Murphy Tractor’s Customer Appreciation Day.
MURPHY from page 1
The event also allows Murphy Tractor to showcase its commitment to customer service and long-term partnerships. By creating a relaxed, welcoming environment at the Brunswick location, the company reinforced its focus on supporting customers beyond the sale through parts, service and ongoing support. Murphy Tractor & Equipment Co. is an authorized John Deere construction equipment dealer with locations throughout Ohio and the Midwest. Events such as Customer Appreciation Day provide valuable opportunities to engage directly with customers and reinforce the company’s dedication to serving the construction industry. For more information, visit murphytractor.com. CEG (All photographs in this article are Copyright 2026 Construction Equipment Guide. All Rights Reserved.)
Liam Stoller, a future operator, checks out a John Deere machine during Murphy Tractor’s Customer Appreciation Day.
Page 4 • January 3, 2026 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Ohio State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
ALL Crane Rental Specifies Liebherr LTM for Unique Lift Everyone knows mirrors are fragile; it’s why ALL Crane photo “The surrounding trees were a big factor in the there’s that old superstition about seven years of crane’s ability to swing,” said Caden McCarty, bad luck if you break one. sales representative of ALL Crane Rental Corp. Now imagine the pressure that comes with sus“Our operator had to pick the cabin and maneuver pending two full cabins made of mirrors from a it between the trees to set it on the foundation.” He nine-story crane boom. So, you could say there notes that a specially made rectangular spreader was added incentive for ALL Crane Rental Corp. bar helped steady the cabin below the hook as it of Columbus, a member of the ALL Family of was picked. Companies, to bring their usual care and precision The cabins were delivered to the roadway nearto two unique lifts in scenic Hocking Hills, Ohio. est the site, which is where the AT first offloaded “These prefab cabins have full-glass mirrored each onto the wheeled chassis. The chassis was surfaces on three sides, which created the need for pulled by a skid-steer to the cabin foundations as extra care,” said project owner Dan Judge. “This the crane traveled approximately 200 yds. to the job involved having the cabins picked up off the foundation sites. There, the crane completed each truck that delivered them, placing them on a chaslift to place a cabin onto its foundation. sis that was then driven to their foundations and As if the degree of difficulty wasn’t high then having them craned off the chassis onto their enough just in lifting mostly glass structures amid block foundations.” tall trees, ground conditions were muddy on lift General contractor Magdich Construction recday. “Recent rains and the overall small footprint ommended ALL for the job, knowing it had the increased the challenge,” said Judge. According to necessary equipment, experience and personnel to McCarty, “We put the Liebherr in maneuvering effectively manage the job. ALL specified a Liebherr LTM 1060-3.1 all-terrain crane with a 50-ton mode, which allows the operator to achieve very Hocking Hills is known for its rolling grounds, capacity. The AT was configured with 92 ft. of main boom and 28,200 lbs. low speeds for precise positioning. We also lined dense woodlands, numerous hiking and climbing of counterweight. the path with gravel for additional traction.” opportunities and unspoiled views of nature. It is a In the end, the operation was … smooth as popular destination for all types of outdoor activities, includ- in the midst of high trees and other natural surroundings. glass. “Despite the challenging conditions, ALL’s equipment Each cabin weighed 9 tons. ALL specified a Liebherr and operator were essential in moving the cabins,” said ing the high-end version of camping known as glamping (“glamorous camping”). Serving the glamping market is the LTM 1060-3.1 all-terrain crane with a 50-ton capacity. The Judge. “It would have been impossible to complete the projpurpose of the two mirrored cabins, sleek structures that pro- AT was configured with 92 ft. of main boom and 28,200 lbs. ect without them.” vide an immersive experience for overnight guests, nestled of counterweight. For more information, visit allcrane.com.
Columbus State Community College Celebrates Construction Joined by OhioHealth and other community leaders, Columbus State Community College kicked off construction of OhioHealth Hall, the new academic building that will enable the college to double the number of graduates in high-demand healthcare fields. Central Ohio is experiencing intense demand for skilled professionals across nursing, respiratory care and surgical technology — all fields that will train in OhioHealth Hall. When completed in 2027, OhioHealth Hall will feature hands-on labs, simulation spaces, classrooms and other amenities that foster student success. “OhioHealth Hall will have a huge impact on our community by preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals that will care for local residents for generations to come,” said David Harrison, president of Columbus State Community College. “Our healthcare programs lead to well-paying, meaningful jobs that also address key community needs.” While Columbus State partners with all the region’s healthcare providers, the college’s healthcare strategy is fueled by a public-private partnership with OhioHealth. The college is funding the $66.5 million
academic building using bond proceeds approved by Franklin County residents. OhioHealth provided a $25 million philanthropic endowment to the college to support instruction and other operating costs of Columbus State’s expanded healthcare education programs. OhioHealth’s contribution is one of the largest-ever donations to an American community college. The Columbus State Foundation is working to raise an additional $10 million to support the procurement of equipment for the new space. The 80,000-sq.-ft., three-story OhioHealth Hall is Columbus State’s first new building since the 2019 completion of the Mitchell Hall, which houses the School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts. OhioHealth Hall will be built adjacent to Mitchell Hall, at the southwest corner of Cleveland Avenue and East Spring Street. The college continues to experience strong growth in healthcare fields, including the addition of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that began enrolling students in Autumn 2024. In all, the college enrolls about 1,700 students in nursing, surgical technology, medical imaging, respiratory therapy and sterile processing, the five programs at the heart of the healthcare
growth strategy. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services estimates that Ohio will experience a 14.5 percent increase in healthcare support jobs from 2020 through 2030 in its Ohio Job Outlook Employment Projections report, far outpacing employment growth in any other sector. Vital healthcare roles in central Ohio are already underfilled, and the volume of industry-ready graduates from all areas of higher education institutions combined can’t make up the deficit. In central Ohio alone, the Aspen Institute predicts the need for 9,000 additional health care workers by 2028 to serve a growing and aging population. Columbus State is using the proceeds of the $300 million Franklin County bond issue, as well as state capital funding and public-private partnerships, to invest in academic programs throughout the college. In addition to work on OhioHealth Hall, Columbus State in August started construction on Franklin Hall, which is being transformed into a modern classroom building. Franklin Hall, which previously had a blend of administrative, student service and instructional functions, is scheduled for completion at the end of 2026. Other bond-funded projects include
upgrades to classrooms, specialized labs in high-growth industries and deferred maintenance projects. Through public-private partnerships, Columbus State also is working to address the non-academic needs of students. For example, Woda Cooper Companies is developing 186 units of affordable workforce housing complex, with 20 units dedicated for the exclusive use of Columbus State students, adjacent to campus. The privately funded Opportunity Pointe development was facilitated by the college’s real estate affiliate, Columbus State Community Partners. Opportunity Pointe will begin construction in the second quarter of 2026. In addition, Columbus State and the YMCA of Central Ohio have announced plans to partner on a new Columbus State YMCA, if funding for the project is supported by a student vote taking place this month. The proposed $38 million facility, to be located at Cleveland Avenue and East Long Street, would be funded by a student fee assessed each semester. Pending the student vote and approval by the Board of Trustees and Ohio Department of Higher Education, the building is expected to open by Autumn 2028.
Construction Equipment Guide • Ohio State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • January 3, 2026 • Page 5
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Page 6 • January 3, 2026 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Ohio State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
Ohio Forestry Association Looks Ahead to Strong 2026 The Ohio Forestry Association (OFA) is entering 2026 with strong momentum after a productive and successful 2025. As Ohio’s forestry, logging and wood-products industries continue to grow — with more demand for land-clearing services, new equipment technology and increased workforce needs — OFA remains focused on supporting its members through training, education, advocacy and industry promotion. Highlights of 2025 OFA saw steady growth across its programs in 2025. Workshops, chainsaw safety training and woodland stewardship courses all experienced higher attendance as contractors and landowners worked to stay current with best practices. The Paul Bunyan Show once again stood out as a major highlight. The event drew thousands of visitors and featured a wide range of exhibitors from across the forestry and equipment industries. Dealers showcased new chippers, grinders, mulching heads, sawmills, log loaders and compact land-clearing machines — reflecting strong interest from contractors preparing for 2026 projects in timber harvesting, utility line maintenance, storm cleanup and land development.
OFA photo
L EEB O Y 8 5 2 0 A S PH A LT PA V E R
“OFA is grateful to all of our members and to our local partners who help us disseminate the messaging that bolsters the forest products industry in Ohio.” Kalah Forbus Ohio Forestry Association
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Focus Areas for 2026 OFA has identified several key priorities for the year ahead: • Workforce development: Expanding hands-on training, logger certification and outreach to help address labor shortages. • Safety and education: Updating safety classes and technical training to match changing equipment and jobsite requirements. • Member engagement: Enhancing year-round communication through networking opportunities and OFA’s biweekly Timber Talks. Public updates will encourage readers to join OFA for more in-depth, members-only information. • Paul Bunyan Show growth: Building on strong exhibitor demand, live demonstrations and youth education to continue growing the event. • Supporting the OFA Foundation: Assisting with fundraising, grants and scholarships while exploring new ways to strengthen the future workforce of Ohio’s forest products industry. “OFA is grateful to all of our members and to our local partners who help us disseminate the messaging that bolsters the forest products industry in Ohio,” said Kalah Forbus, director of communications and member engagement. “We look forward to a great year in 2026.” For more information, visit ohioforest.org. CEG
Construction Equipment Guide • Ohio State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • January 3, 2026 • Page 7
Page 8 • January 3, 2026 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Ohio State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide
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