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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.