Winter Haven, FL- based Mighty Dog Roofing is a company that has worked hard to establish itself as one of the most respected exterior contractors in its area. Much of this is due to the skill of its experienced roofing crews but there are other contributing factors as well. This includes four pledges that Mighty Dog Makes to every customer that the company takes on projects for.

The company founder, Elliot Cohen, talked more about these four pledges that they make to everyone that trusts his company to do quality roofing and other exterior work for them. He proclaimed that it all starts with what he refers to as top dog communication. Something which has to do with them being constantly in touch with customers throughout the project. This is so they know what is going on every step of the way as the work commences. They even have a dedicated 24-hour customer service support team to help them fulfill this part of their pledge to their customers. Another important company pledge is for Mighty Dog Roofing of Central Florida to provide on-time service. The company founder stated, When we say we are going to be there, we will. We value you your time and resources and appreciate you choosing us to care for your home.

There is also the pledge to keep the work environment during any roofing or other exterior project as clan as possible. Something that is greatly aided by the state-of-the-art equipment that the company uses. They also go to great lengths to protect landscaping, air conditioning units, and other sensitive areas of a jobsite. No job the company does is also ever considered to be complete unless a thorough cleanup of the work area has taken place. Last and most importantly, Cohen stated they are a company that pledges to be honest and hold themselves to the highest for of integrity. This is evidenced by the fact that they not only do what they say they are going to do but also stand behind their work for years to come with their Mighty Warranty Plus Watchdog Maintenance Program.

This 5-star review from Harry Becker shows that people do recognize that this Central Florida roofing company strictly adheres to its four pledges. Becker stated, After inspection of my roof, I was informed by Mighty Dog Roofing that my asphalt shingles didnt need replacement at this time. This leads me to believe that this company is honest. I would definitely recommend this company for your roofing needs.

Cohen went on to say that roof repairs are the companys most requested exterior service. Mighty Dog Roofing offers a wide variety of both residential and commercial roof repair services. They are especially well-known for doing residential whole roof replacements. A process which their crews take much pride in from the initial inspection to the completion of the project. This company has also become very well-known when it comes to all types of window replacements and repairing and replacing a wide variety of gutters and downspouts. He says that they can even drastically improve the exterior looks of any home by installing new siding on it.

The company founder added that they also strive to be one of the most comprehensive roofers in the Lakeland, Winter Haven, and other Southwestern Orlando, Florida areas. Something that goes well beyond their excellent customers service and the companys commitment to its four pledges. He says they also have no problems doing roof and exterior inspections for their customers and then following up those inspections with detailed and accurate estimates. A process that may even include the use of advanced drone technology. Also mentioned was that their crews never cut corners on a job, and they only use the highest quality materials that are available in the marketplace.

Cohen says that those that would like more information on any of the roofing or other exterior services that Mighty Dog Offers can contact them by phone, email, or by filling out and sending in the form that pops up on their website pages.

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For more information about Mighty Dog Roofing of Central Florida, contact the company here:

Mighty Dog Roofing of Central FloridaElliot Cohen863-656-0494[emailprotected]200 Orange Co Circle, Winter Havev, FL, 33881

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Four Pledges are an Integral Part of the Success Story for a Central Florida Roofing Company - Digital Journal

BLYTHEWOOD The house now known as the Langford-Nord House was built around 1904 for Luther and Carrie Langford. Like other homes from the same era, the house was built in the classic Folk Victorian style.

Through the years it was loved and lived in, rearranged, oldwalls removed and new ones added. A hundred years later, it had almost lost itsplace in the towns history. And it would have, eventually, but for its newowners, the Blythewood Historical Society, and a previous owner and nowbenefactor, Cindy Nord, who began, two years ago, to return the house as nearas possible to its glory days.

Today, the exterior has been restored to be morehistorically correct. Inside, it houses the towns historical society andmuseum. The Langford-Nord House is one of the few surviving historic homes intown. Through its exterior restoration, the Society can now tell the houseshistory and show how historic preservation helps a community retain its uniquecharm through architecture.

The House

The original house faced east, toward Main Street (Hwy 21),featuring a front yard, porch, a central front door with sidelights and atransom. It probably consisted of just the front section and a rear ell, whichhad a secondary entrance and a porch along its south side, facing McNultyStreet.

By 1920, the original owners had four daughters and Carrieswidowed mother living with the family, and they likely expanded the building tothe west to make more bedrooms. This new section almost matched the frontportion on Main Street, but is two feet shorter. Originally, the house had awood shingle roof. The metal roof may have been added when the west additionwas built, perhaps in the late 1910s.

By the 1940s, the Langford family started using the southentrance facing McNulty Street as the main entrance and screened in the frontporch. They added a back porch around the 1950s.

Luther Langford died in 1950, and his wife Carrie passed in1957, leaving the house to the four daughters. Caroline gained full interest inthe house from her three sisters and married into the Dangler family. She livedhere until she sold the house in 1988 to the Nord family.

A Dress Shop

The new owners turned the house into a dress shop with a morecommercial look. Some of the interior walls were removed and others added.

From the 1970s through the 1990s, major exterior changes tothe outside of the building included the removal of the front porch on MainStreet, the enclosure of the porch on McNulty Street and the installation ofdoubled doors with sidelights. The north side porch was enclosed, metal sidingwas added to the exterior and a large window on Main Street replaced a door andsidelights. The original windows were replaced with vinyl windows.

All of these changes made the building look much differentthan its 1904 appearance.

The Langford-Nord house was always well taken care of, butthe changes to the building and site left it looking more like a modernbuilding rather than a historic one.

Nord Donates House to BHS&M

In 2010, Cindy Nord donated the house to the newly-formedBlythewood Historical Society and Museum. Nine years later, the BHS&M boardcreated a plan to return the exterior to some of its original appearance,without losing any of the floor space created by the enclosure of the south andnorth porches. To achieve this goal, they would have to use restoration andreconstruction techniques as part of a two-year historic preservation project.

In 2020-2021, the BHS&M won a grant from the RichlandCounty Conservation Commission (RCCC) to remove the c.1970s blue metal siding.Community volunteers provided much of the labor to remove the siding. Thisrevealed the original German styled wood siding.

The German siding has a curved groove cut along the top edgeand was popular in Blythewood in the early 1900s. The original color appears tohave been white. Painters cleaned and scraped the old siding before adding newwhite paint.

In the spring of 2022, another RCCC grant helped the BHS&Mbuild a shallow front porch and add historic sidelights and a historic door tothe Main Street side of the building.

The grant also helped with the installation of screen and ascreen door on the McNulty Street side, to mimic the c.1940s era screen porch,and to apply new siding and panels on the north (back) porch, which gives theappearance of a screen porch with siding along the bottom.

Return to Historic Appearance

Combined, these changes helped return this historic buildingback to a residential appearance and as much as possible, to the way it was in1904.

Although the enclosed porches on the south (McNulty Street)side and north side are still enclosed, the exterior treatments of screen andpaint reference their historic appearances.

The restoration of the exterior of the Langford-Nord houseis an example of the Blythewood Historical Society and Museums goal ofeducating the community about its local history.

This project was funded in large part by the Richland County Conservation Commission, with a generous donation from Cindy Nord.

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Nord House renovated - The Independent Voice of Blythewood & Fairfield County

He thanked East Bay Municipal Utility District rangers, the Amador County Sheriffs Office marine safety unit, and the Calaveras County Sheriffs Office dive team for their efforts in the search.

Dickinson emphasized the importance of financial support for these rescue teams, stating Whatever the dive team needs, I think theyre planning on buying another boat, whatever technology you can give them. I know me as a father of two and watching that all day having never leftI just want to say to the sheriff yesterday, thank you for bringing closure. Because without them we probably would have found the body maybe a week or two weeks down the road. I know the family is very grateful, and I just wanted to say thank you, and please support them in their dive efforts.

Bringing that closure home to the family is true bravery, and I just want to thank everyone involved in that situation, said District 5 supervisor Benjamin Stopper.

Amended Groundwater Sustainability Act

The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) was previously passed in 2014 by then Gov. Jerry Brown in order to combat the severe droughts that the state was and is currently facing. Its intent is to provide a plan to improve groundwater management among different agencies across the state.

The SGMA has two parts that were addressed at the meeting, the Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) and the Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA). The board was presented with amendments to the GSP for approval.

According to deputy CAO Marcos Munoz, The amendments to the GSP were required to be completed after a review of the original GSP submitted to the Department of Water Resources (DWR) were deemed incomplete in January 2022. The amendments to the GSP included a series of Technical Memoranda addressing the deficiencies and corrective actions.

The four technical memoranda that Munoz referred to are groundwater levels, drinking water and shallow wells, water quality, and land subsidence.

Resolution - Elections (ID # 6798) Adopt a Resolution ordering a Special Election, allowing Mark Twain Union Elementary School District to submit a bond measure for voter approval and consolidation with the November 8, 2022, General Election.

Agreement - Health and Human Services Agency (ID # 6795) Authorize the Board Chair to execute an Agreement with California Psychiatric Transitions for the provision of residential inpatient mental health services in an amount not to exceed $650,000 for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023.

Agreement - Health and Human Services Agency (ID # 6796) 1. Authorize the Director of Health and Human Services to sign Amendment 01 to the Intra-Agency Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Health and Human Services Mental Health Program and First 5 to administer the Strengthening Families Program for the period of July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2024 for the not-to-exceed value of $627,644; and 2. Authorize the Director of the Health and Human Services Agency to sign amendments to the MOU, so long as the not-to-exceed value does not change.

Agreement - Public Health Services (ID # 6790) Authorize the Board Chair to sign the Memorandum of Understanding between Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) - Public Health Division (PHD) & the City of Angels for storage of Public Health emergency supply trailers for the period January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2031.

Resolution - Planning (ID # 6784) Approve a resolution in support of the California Rangeland Trust placing 3,003.86 acres owned by Alger Family Investments in the western portion of Calaveras County into an agricultural conservation easement.

Over on the GSA side, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order on March 28 that requires, Well permit applications for wells that are within a GSA's jurisdiction to be reviewed by the GSA to ensure that granting a permit will not interfere with the GSA's Groundwater Sustainability Plan or with its goals under SGMA. The current GSA MOU does not provide a mechanism by which the GSA can provide such review. This amendment to the MOU would allow the Technical Advisory Committee, under the GSA, to provide well permit reviews as required by the Executive Order, according to the item handout.

District 1 Supervisor and Vice Chair Gary Tofanelli has been handling matters related to the SGMA. He expressed his support with a sense of urgency for the board to approve the amendments which they did unanimously.

Fiscal Year 2022-23 capital improvement projects

Capital improvement projects (CIPs) are repairs or construction of county buildings and facilities such as community centers, technology infrastructure, and integrated waste management facilities. These projects do not include county roads or bridges as those fall under public works.

Marcos Munoz updated the board on several CIP projects that were approved for the fiscal year 2022-23. Munoz stated that some of the current projects were rolled over from the previous fiscal year.

Munoz stated in his presentation that there are a total of 16 projects, all of which fall under five categories. Equipment replacement and upgrades, which includes a main data center, network equipment refresh, archives network connectivity, jail cameras and detention controls, as well as jail/SO building HVAC mechanical system upgrades.

Under the remodels and cabling category, the projects are remodeling of the assessor, auditor, and public health offices, as well as networking associated with the remodels. There are also plans to remodel Railroad Flat School/Community Center.

A landfill CIP at the Rock Creek Landfill involves siding repair of one of the buildings. Large construction projects include a government center electrical upgrade, a new district attorney building, and a new animal services building.

The county is exploring opportunities to secure a grant for future planned projects, including a behavioral health building.

Munoz stated that they plan to finish most of the projects this year with the exception of some of the larger projects. All the projects are at various stages, with the county awaiting for approval on some and looking to consolidate others.

The next Calaveras County Board of Supervisors meeting will be held at 8 a.m. on July 26 with limited seating at 891 Mountain Ranch Road, San Andreas, or online viewing via the county website.

Link:
Calaveras County BOS: CalCo Chief Dickinson thanks those involved in Lake Camanche search effort; board hears presentation on capital improvement...

KC Quality Exteriors is a family-owned and operated business located in Kansas City, Missouri. The company offers a complete range of roofing services, from minor repairs to complete roof replacements. The company also offers complete siding, guttering, storm damage repairs, and replacement work. Theyre committed to excellence, valuing customer care and quality of work.

KC Quality Exteriors provides exterior construction services emphasizing on roofing and siding. The company also repairs gutters and windows. They do 80% residential and 20% commercial.

KC Quality Exteriors KC provides residential and commercial exterior maintenance services in Kansas City. Professional services include reliable roofing, siding, guttering, storm damage repairs, and window replacement for the Kansas City, Kansas, and Missouri Areas.

Restore and upgrade your home or business with a new roof to protect and shelter what matters. Customer care is important, so KC Quality Exteriors provides the best products for your property. They make sure your property is in top shape.

Siding and gutter services is another service from KC Quality Exteriors. Siding and gutters protect your home from rain or snow and can increase the value of your home. This helps you avoid potential structural damage, damp walls, and mold that may develop from moisture damage. Siding can also reduce your utility bills.

Understanding the needs of the home or business owner is essential to KC Quality Exteriors. The company provides personalized and efficient service. The variety of products, such as vinyl siding in a broad choice of styles, colors, and textures, allows you to choose a solution that best suits your needs.

Storm damages can also be a problem in the area. The company offers an emergency storm damage repair in Kansas City. They replace broken tiles and damaged parts of your roof. Understanding the clients needs is of the utmost importance. Taking care of your loved ones is a high priority.

Sometimes what you may need is replacement or repair work for your windows. KC Quality Exteriors provides quality service to fit your needs, Thats why theyre the top window service company in Kansas City, MO. Windows have to be in excellent condition to prevent water damage. It can also save you from storms, flying birds, and theft.

Contact KC Quality Exteriors in the Kansas City area if you are interested in learning more about residential and commercial exterior maintenance, including window repair in Kansas City! Visit their website at https://www.kcqualityexteriors.com/.

About KC Quality Exteriors

We provide exterior construction services with an emphasis on roofing and siding. We also do gutters and windows. We do 80% residential and 20% commercial.

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Shelter That Matters. KC Quality Exteriors is Upgrading Homes and Businesses in the Community. - Digital Journal

A roof is a significant part of your home. It protects you and your family from the weather outside, and it can even help with heating and cooling inside. A leaking roof can cause several problems, from water damage to mold growth on ceilings and walls. This article will discuss some warning signs that you have a leaky roof that needs replacing before doing any more damage.

One of the most obvious signs that your roof needs to be replaced is large sections of shingles missing. If you can see the roof decking or insulation, its time for a new roof. Curling shingles may also be an indication that your roof is in bad shape, and if more than half of your shingles are curled, its likely time for a new roof.

Another common sign that your roof might be leaking is fungi or mold growing on it. You may see this in several places or just a single area where water seems to pool up and not drain away from the house. If you can see an accumulation of organic material such as moss, fungus, algae, lichen, etc., theres likely a leak somewhere around your home. This means replacing your roof before wet rot sets in and causes even more damage than you started with.

Another clear sign that your roof needs to be replaced is if you notice water leaking into your house, especially during rainstorms. It means that your roof is not waterproof anymore, which is one of the most important aspects of a roof. The water may be coming from a hole in the ceiling, an area around pipes, or even through walls where there are gaps between shingles and siding. This usually happens because water has worked its way behind the sheetrock to find any opening it can squeeze through. If you notice water leaks, contact professionals so that you can have your roof repaired or replaced depending on the extent of the damage.

If you see water pooled on the ground near your home, likely, there is also water seeping into your foundation. This can cause all sorts of expensive repairs down the road if not taken care of right away. A new roof might be just what you need to keep your home in good condition and avoid any costly repairs down the line.

If you walk on your roof and it feels spongy or bouncy, this is a sign that the decking underneath the shingles is rotting. This can also be caused by water damage, as mentioned previously. Another sign that you need to call roofers is if you see large roof areas where there are missing tiles or broken slates. If there are holes in the roof, rain and snow will get into the attic and cause extensive damage over time.

Cracks between exterior walls can also indicate that your roof should be replaced immediately because its causing some structural damage to the rest of your house. It could cause weak spots where doors and windows wont close properly or gaps underneath siding where rodents can get in.

Roofs usually last between 15 and 20 years, depending on the climate and how well it was installed. If your roof is older than that, it may be time to call roofers and look into getting a new roof because roof repairs are not worth what you will spend on them. Many homeowners find just enough damage to justify spending thousands of dollars every few years repairing their existing roofs instead of making small fixes each year until they need replacing completely at some point down the road. Its easier to go ahead with an entire replacement while everything still looks nice rather than wait until theres more extensive damage before starting all over again.

Another sign that you might need a new roof is if your attic is excessively hot and sweaty. This usually happens when theres a lot of heat escaping through the roof, which means youre losing money on heating and cooling bills. You may also notice moisture or condensation on the inside of your attic windows.

If you notice bald spots on your roof, it means that the shingles are either old and brittle or have been damaged by weather. In either case, these areas are susceptible to water damage and should be fixed right away before the problem gets worse.

If you happen to notice dark streaks on your roof, there is likely an accumulation of algae or fungus growing there. This can be a sign of water damage and should be addressed as soon as possible. The streaks will only worsen over time and may lead to even more expensive repairs down the road.

One of the most obvious signs that you need a roof replacement is if an inspection by a professional shows theres extensive water and heat damage. The roofing contractor may also see other problems that you cant see from the ground, such as decaying wood or a faulty flashing installation. If there is extensive damage and your roof is more than 15 years old, its likely time for a new one.

If youre seeing any warning signs of a damaged roof, its time to call a roofing company and get an estimate for a new roof or roof repair. It may seem like a lot of money upfront, but it will save you in the long run by preventing further damage to your home. A new roof will also increase your property value and make your home much more energy-efficient.

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Warning Signs That Your Roof Needs Replacing - MarylandReporter.com - MarylandReporter.com

Colorado Window Source is a leading window installation company in Colorado. In the latest update, Colorado Window Source outlined the qualities of a professional window installation company.

Denver, CO In a website post, Colorado Window Source shared the qualities that define Denvers excellentwindow and door company.

If a client wants the bestwindow and door replacement Denverhas, a client must be willing to invest in professional services. Selecting the best can be quite challenging with so many windows and door installation companies. A clients essential factor is if the company is insured and licensed. This is to ensure that the company will be liable for anything during working hours. Also, it gives the client confidence in trusting the company with their homes.

Experience is a vital factor when searching for the bestwindow replacement company Denverhas. It means that the company has been in the industry for a long and has handled projects like those before. Therefore the installers have gained the expertise and will deliver excellent results on the clients project. Clients should consider hiring a company with more than six years of experience.

Reliability is one of the significant factors to look for when a client wants to have the most successfulwindow and door replacement Denverhas. Clients should hire professionals from a reputable remodeling company they can trust with their homes. Also, they will need professionals who wont leave their homes exposed to dangerous elements.

About Colorado Window Source

Colorado Window Source is a leading locally owned remodeling company serving the Denver residents licensed, insured, and certified. They offer siding, window and door replacement, repairs, and new installation services. With their unmatched remodeling services and extensive experience in the industry, they believe they are the best bet for all remodeling needs.

Media ContactCompany Name: Colorado Window SourceContact Person: Leo DurocherEmail: Send EmailPhone: (720) 727-6031Address:1390 W Evans Ave Unit DCity: DenverState: COCountry: United StatesWebsite: https://www.coloradowindowsource.com/

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Colorado Window Source Highlights The Qualities Of A Good Window And Door Installation Company. - Digital Journal

There are many aspects of your homes exterior that you can improve to make a good impression on potential buyers. You dont need a huge budget or lots of time; just a bit of creativity and effort will go a long way. Here are some tips to get started:

This includes keeping the lawn mowed, the bushes trimmed, and the paint or siding in good condition. A well-maintained home looks cared for and is more likely to sell for a higher price. Inspect your home regularly and take care of any repairs that need to be made. For example, if your roof is leaking, fix it right away. A leaking roof can cause extensive damage, depending on where it is located, and the repair costs can be extremely high.

A new coat will make your home look fresh and clean. It also improves insulation and energy efficiency, which can save you money in heating and air conditioning costs. Youll need to do some research to find out if painting is cost-effective for your area. You mightdiscover that a fresh paint job is not worthwhile since paint now lasts so long, especially with low or zero VOC paint. Newer homes often have a much longer life span than older homes, meaning they dont need as many repairs as often as older homes do. Some newer homes might not even require any major exterior repairs for the first 10 to 20 years.

Plant some flowers, lay down some new sod, or add a few decorative stones to make your home look inviting from the street. Your landscaping doesnt have to be elaborate, but it should look tidy. If you need help making over your landscaping, some professionals can help you with planting designs or new materials.

Newer windows are better insulated and energy-efficient than older ones. A few replacement windows can increase the overall value of your home significantly. Installing new windows may cost a significant amount of money upfront, especially if you need more than just a few replacements. Youll want to determine how much your utility bills would go down due to the improved insulation to decide whether its worth it for you financially. Some homeowners have even found that their utility bills went down so drastically after a window replacement that they ended up making a profit on their investment.

This includes washing away any dirt, mildew, or algae from your siding or deck and power-washing wood to restore its natural color and shine. Your home will look much better with a clean exterior, but make sure you keep this work up if its not too high of an ongoing maintenance cost for you.

A new front door can help increase the overall value of your home because it increases curb appeal. Because many homeowners tend to neglect their exteriors, a beautiful front door can be an easy way to stand out from the rest. There is a wide range of materials and designs you can choose from for a new front door.

You can even repaint your existing one in a color that suits your tastes better. If youre unsure what kind of door would look best on your house, some professionals can help you with the design process. And dont forget to add outdoor doormats to help keep dirt out of your house.

This can be done to match or improve upon your homes existing exterior. You might also want to check the condition of your current siding. You might discover that it needs replacing due to wear and tear, weather damage, rot, or other factors. New siding could increase the value of your property because it improves insulation and energy efficiency, making your home easier to heat and cool. Its also often better at keeping out water than older types of exterior materials. However, if the cost is too great for you, some alternatives accomplish similar results.

If there are spots near or around your home that arent accessible by potential buyers, spruce them up! For example, if theres a patch of grass between two driveways that seem out of reach, add some plants and shrubs to create a more inviting path for owners. It doesnt take much work to make a good impression on people who are thinking about buying your home. Just by making a few small changes, you can make a significant impact on the overall appearance of your exterior.

A new coat of paint or shingle can go a long way in improving the look of your homes roof. If you have any broken or missing tiles, now is the time to replace them. Be sure to take care of any other roof repairs that may be necessary so that your home doesnt start to leak during bad weather. Neglecting your roof can lead to much more expensive repairs down the line.

In conclusion, there are many ways to improve the exterior of your home without spending a fortune. By taking some time and effort, you can make your home look more inviting and increase its value in the eyes of potential buyers.

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How to Improve the Exterior of Your Home - Fife Free Press

1. Important safety messages

This accident demonstrates the importance of train drivers that are undertakingpermissive moves into sections occupied by another train doing so at speeds that:

allow them to stop in the distance that they can see to be clear ahead

take account of any limitations of visibility from the active driving position due tothe type of rolling stock and the layout of the location.

At 10:32 hrs, a class 20 diesel-electric locomotive entering platform two atGrosmont station, on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR), collided with therear of a stationary passenger train. The locomotive had just uncoupled from a trainin platform three that had arrived from Whitby and was undertaking a movement towait behind the train in platform two that was due to depart later to Whitby.

The locomotive entered platform two at about 10 mph (16 km/h) and was intendedto stop in the section of unoccupied track behind the Whitby service. However, thelocomotive collided with the rear of this train at about 5 mph (8 km/h).

Five minor injuries were reported amongst the 175 passengers on the Whitbyservice, and all were treated by first aiders at the scene. There was some damageto the passenger train coaches, which were removed from service for severalweeks to allow inspection and repair. There was no damage to the locomotive, norto the track or other infrastructure

The locomotive entering platform two, just before the collision (courtesy of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway)

The accident occurred because the locomotive was travelling too fast to be able to stop in the distance available when the stationary coaches ahead first came into the drivers view.

The class 20 locomotive, designed in the 1950s, is only fitted with a cab at one end. This means that a drivers visibility of the line ahead is much more restricted when the nose end is leading, with the driver having to look through a narrow window past the side of the locomotive, in a similar manner to a driver of a steam locomotive.

The class 20 locomotive involved in the accident was privately owned and was made available for use by the NYMR while some of its own locomotives were undergoing maintenance. It was not scheduled to be used on that day but was required at short notice after the Automatic Warning System (AWS) equipment on the scheduled steam locomotive failed an operational test. AWS equipment is required for NYMR trains operating on Network Rails Esk Valley line between Grosmont and Whitby, and the class 20 locomotive had operational AWS equipment to allow it to operate on this section.

Driver view of the line ahead from cab-leading and cab-trailing driving positions

The driver held the competencies required to drive the steam locomotive intended to be used for the first Whitby service that day. Although he had held the relevant competencies to drive diesel-electric locomotives, such as the class 25 and class 37, for about five years, and had driven them on many occasions, he did not hold the specific competency to drive the class 20 being used as a replacement. As a result, he sought the assistance of a traction inspector to accompany him. The traction inspectors role was not to teach the driver how to drive the locomotive but to assist him in gaining familiarity with the locomotive and its operation and to assess his competence. North Yorkshire Moors Railway explained that it considered that the traction inspector held the overall responsibility for operation of the locomotive by the driver.

Details of the move resulting in the collision at Grosmont station

The driver and traction inspector operated the class 20 on the first train on the Network Rail route to Whitby, along with a fireman and a cleaner. At Whitby, the locomotive ran round the train so that the cab was leading for the journey back to platform three at Grosmont.

Once at Grosmont, the class 20 was intended to be replaced on that train by the originally scheduled steam locomotive, which would take the train forwards to Pickering and back, over the NYMR lines not fitted with AWS. As the class 20 would be required to operate a later journey from Grosmont to Whitby, the signaller and the train crew communicated by radio and agreed that the locomotive would be stabled in siding two at Grosmont, from where it could easily be coupled to the later service.

To carry out this move, the class 20 locomotive had to move forward over the crossover, behind signal 11, and then back through platform two. However, the move to siding two was blocked by the presence of the train waiting in platform two for departure to Whitby. The signaller and crew intended that the class 20 locomotive move from behind signal 11 into the free space in platform two, behind the Whitby-bound service. The locomotive would then wait there until the Whitby train departed, before moving to siding two.

This move from signal 11 was a permissive move, where a train is authorised to enter a signalling section occupied by another train on the basis that the driver must stop before reaching the occupying train. The NYMR rule book and the signalling system allow for this move, and it is usually used when coupling a locomotive to a train that is already in the platform. The rule book requires a locomotive undertaking the move to stop a minimum of six feet from the stationary train. To avoid a collision during the move, the locomotive should be driven so that the driver can stop it within the distance ahead that they can see to be clear of obstructions.

The driver undertook the move from platform three to a position behind signal 11 with the locomotives cab leading. He then changed driving desks and started the move back towards platform two, with the cab end trailing, once signal 11 had cleared. He accelerated the locomotive to around the 10mph (16 km/h) speed limit for the line. The initial part of this move was on straight track, with the drivers view of the line ahead limited by the body of the locomotive ahead of him. On approach to the platform, the line starts to curve to the right and the body of the locomotive further obscures the drivers view ahead. A reconstruction by RAIB of the approach and entry to the platform showed that the driver would only have been able to see the rear of the last coach of the train ahead when the front of the class 20 was approximately 16 metres from it.

The traction inspector stated that he recognised the locomotive was travelling a little too fast for the visibility as it entered the platform. However, before the traction inspector was able to suggest the driver slow down, the fireman told the driver that he thought he should slow down. The driver applied a very gentle locomotive brake as the front of the locomotive entered the platform, 27 metres from the rear of the train ahead of it. The locomotive only started to slow down about 20 metres later, after the driver significantly increased the brake application, probably in response to the firemans request. By this time, the coaches ahead had come into the drivers view, and he moved the train brake into the emergency position. However, although braking slowed the locomotive to around 5 mph (8 km/h), it collided with the rear of the stationary train.

Following the accident, the driver of the train stated that, although he was aware of the train standing in platform two, he thought that it was further along the platform and that there was more space in which to bring his locomotive to a stop. It is also possible that the limited forward visibility compared to that from the class 25 and class 37 diesel locomotives, and the drivers unfamiliarity with driving this locomotive, affected his perception of the locomotives speed and his decision making.

RAIB considers it is likely that these factors combined to cause the driver to enter the platform at a speed from which he was unable to stop in time to avoid a collision. Although there were four people in the cab of the locomotive when the accident occurred, RAIB has found no evidence to suggest that this caused a distraction to the driver.

During its preliminary examination, RAIB found that NYMR was unable to provide documentary evidence that the traction inspector involved in the accident held the relevant driving competency for the class 20 locomotive. This is of concern as it means that the class 20 was operated on Network Rails infrastructure with neither the driver nor the traction inspector being able to demonstrate the relevant competence for that class of locomotive. The traction inspector had worked on NYMR since 1997 and had been a volunteer for 23 years prior to that. He had maintained and driven all the diesel locomotives that NYMR operated. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) issued an improvement notice on 7 October 2021 requiring the railway to be able to demonstrate the competence of its drivers for operation on both its own infrastructure and on Network Rails Esk Valley line.

RAIB report 35/2007 (Collision at Swanage station) describes the collision between a diesel locomotive and a set of coaches that were stabled in a platform on a heritage railway. The locomotive was being driven from its rear cab, and the resulting lack of visibility contributed to the collision. The recommendations made included avoiding driving locomotives from the rear cab, where there is a choice, and planning moves to avoid the risk of collision.

RAIB report 02/2017 (Collision at Plymouth station) describes a collision between two passenger trains in the course of a permissive move into an occupied platform. A recommendation was made to the train operating company relating to driver training on permissive moves, and to Network Rail on the management of operational risk during authorised permissive moves. It also highlighted a learning point for drivers about undertaking permissive moves at a speed at which they can stop short of any obstructions, taking account of any sighting limitations.

RAIB report 08/2019 (Collision between road-rail vehicles at Cholmondeston) describes a collision that resulted from a vehicle with poor visibility of the line ahead being driven at a speed inconsistent with that visibility. The learning points from this investigation flagged the importance of drivers recognising any visibility limitations when driving such vehicles

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Collision between a locomotive and a passenger train at Grosmont, 21 September 2021 - GOV.UK

Earle Kimel|Sarasota Herald-Tribune

VENICE Workers from Ball Construction recently started work on the exterior of the Lord-Higel House, the second-oldest home in Sarasota County.

Restoration efforts on the house built in 1896 and moved from the south shore of Roberts Bay to its current location at 409 Granada Ave.in 2005 have been ongoing for several years.

Although the city owns the house, Venice Heritage Inc. has been raising money for and managing the restoration effort.

Ronnie Fernandez, chairman of Venice Heritage Inc., told the Venice City Council in January2020 that it had all the funding in hand to restore the historic structure.

But a combination of the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown and the unforeseen need to restore the second floors exterior in part to remedy a water intrusion problem means that the nonprofit will have to resume fundraising to finish the job.

The work that Ball Construction started the week of Feb. 8 involved replacing the siding on the second floor, to stop leaks.

That had to take priority over the original project, noted Venice Historical Resources manager Harry Klinkhamer.

It was quite damaged because of the way it was installed, Venice Heritage treasurer Dorothy Korweksaid of the work. All the nails had rusted;when metal rusts, it expands and cracks all the lumber.

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That siding, Korwek said, is believed to be part of the original structure.

Since then, construction techniques have changed to better shield the nails.

It worked for 90 years;it doesnt work that way anymore, she added.

Also, as part of the process, the workers will install plywood and some weather sealing.

Because of COVID-19-prompted delays, however, the material needed for the new siding has not arrived at the vendor for milling, Korwek said.

One would have never thought wed have trouble getting wood for the siding milled to the appropriate profile, she added.

The siding on the first floor already has been replaced.

When renovation costs originally were pegged at roughly $400,000, most of the work was going to go into the first floor.

But aswork progressed, it became clear that water intrusion would plague the interior of the houseunless the second floor siding was replaced, too.

While Venice Heritage has all the architectural diagrams ready for the work to be done, thepandemic also has resulted in a costincrease both for labor and materials, so the nonprofit is still waiting for exact figures to determine how much more money must be raised, though theyre anticipating it may be as much as another $250,000.

Materials have tripled in cost.

More: Venice hearing on Murphy Oaks continued to Wednesday

Due to COVID, its hard to get any fundraising events going on around Venice, Fernandez said. We do talk about it and try to figure out when the time comes what we can do to raise a little bit more money.

Until then, donations can be made online at veniceheritage.org and proceeds from the sale of some items at the online gift shop, such as the Lost Buildings of Venice tropical shirt, go to the Lord-Higel House.

Once the exterior is finished, workers will begin in earnest on restoring the inside.

Because of ADA accessibility requirements, the second floor will be used for storage, while the first floor will be transformed into a museum area with the exhibits designed by Venice Historical Resources to reflect how the areas original pioneers lived.

The hope is to have the house renovated by the end of the year.

The house was built by prominent Sarasota landowner and real estate promoter J.H. Lord in 1896 and was once surrounded by acres of orange groves.

Work on key external facilities, including a utility building and external restroom, ADA access ramp for the houseand a drainage retention pond, are on hold until after the city finishes the expansion of Venice City Hall, which includes construction of a new Fire Station 51 on the city hall campus.

Until that is finished, the city needs to make use of the parking space on the Lord-Higel property.

Korwek noted that there will be no indoor plumbing at Lord-Higel House, which is period accurate.

In 1896, she said, you had an outhouse and you had a pump well outside.

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Renovation work resumes on Lord-Higel House in Venice - Sarasota Herald-Tribune

After Iowa City homeowners Adam and Gosia Clore were denied the decision of replacing the original wood siding on their 97-year-old home, the city council has decided to assign city staff members to review the historic preservation guidelines to potentially prevent further disputes.

Iowa City city staff will review city historic preservation guidelines to potentially prevent disputes between homeowners and the Historic Preservation Commission.

On Tuesday, the Iowa City City Council in a unanimous vote affirmed the decision of the Historic Preservation Commission to deny a certificate of appropriateness to replace the original siding at 1133 E. Court Street, located in the Longfellow Historic District, but they noted the historic preservations guidelines may need revisiting.

Iowa City residents Adam and Gosia Clore, owners of the property, appealed this decision of the commission, and shared a short presentation with the city council at the Tuesday meeting, where the homeowners disclosed findings they had regarding the condition of the siding on their house.

The homeowners said the wood siding decorating their house is only partially present, and is lacking a moisture barrier, which provides an explanation for the water damage they currently have evidence of.

The homeowners added that there are holes in the wood siding from insulation and nails, and there is also a lack of traditional trim details on several windows and doors on their property.

The citys Historic Preservation Commission visited the property, conducted a test to measure the amount of moisture contained in the wood siding, and found only 6 percent moisture. Because of this, the commission labeled the siding in very good condition and easily retainable.

Both planning staff and our housing rehab staff assessed the condition of the original wood siding and we all agreed that it was in very good condition, City of Iowa City Senior Planner Anne Russett said during the city council meeting. Signs of moisture damage were not present and the paint was peeling, but it was not peeling due to moisture issues. Based on the condition of the siding, staff would recommend that the original wood siding be retained as was outlined in the certificate of appropriateness which was approved by the Historic Preservation Commission.

Adam Clore said during the meeting that he thought the finding made by city staff was incorrect.

The response from staff is that the siding is in very good condition and could reasonably be retained, Adam Clore said. With the moisture content as low as 6 to 7 percent, the wood siding can be scraped and sanded and repainted, and then retaining the materials consistent with the previous decisions that have been made. We believe all four of these points are false.

Adam Clore said the appeal filed by him and Gosia Clore aims to find a reasonable solution to repair the siding and historically preserve the home in a way that ensures both longevity and safety.

One option presented to the homeowners by the commission was to remove the lead paint and sand down the wood siding, which Clore said violates rules set by the EPA. He said it can now result in a $25,000 fine if not done properly, due to lead being especially toxic.

He added that not completely replacing the siding would be far from technically and economically feasible, as maintaining the current condition of the siding is not reasonable, and material costs have risen 100 percent since this time last year.

Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission Chair Kevin Boyd said the commission prioritizes abiding by the set guidelines they have established, which can sometimes lead to homeowners not receiving their preferred results.

The commissioners I work with are prepared, thoughtful and very balanced, Boyd said. We really try very hard to find solutions for property owners and most are satisfied with the results, but sometimes the wishes of homeowners are in conflict with the guidelines, when things arent clear or uncertain and we have to weigh in, we have to fall back to the principles of the guidelines.

Mayor Pro Tem Mazahir Salih said city staff should review the guideline not allowing homeowners to remove original siding unless approved by the commission, to discuss whether it should be adjusted.

This is really a difficult situation, Salih said. I understand that the commission follows the guideline, but I have to be honest with you, my problem is the guideline itself. I think this guideline needs to be changed.

Mayor Bruce Teague and several council members said they supported the perspective raised by Salih. Teague said due to his belief in historic preservation, he thinks it is important to review these guidelines and receive community input on the matter.

City council members expressed their apologies to the homeowners for their appeal being denied, with the agenda item ending on the council unanimously voting to affirm the commissions decision. The city council also assigned city staff to review these guidelines and present recommendations for change where necessary as part of this vote.

City council members said they didnt have the legal authority to overturn the commissions decision, as the decision was in line with the guidelines.

We have to do all this change, Salih said. We might need to look at it, so I really encourage you to support these ideas to let the commission look again at the guidelines with the staff, and try to make a change accordingly. And maybe by the spring, if they made a change, these homeowners can come and apply again.

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Iowa City to revisit historic preservation guidelines following dispute - UI The Daily Iowan