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Rogers' Western Kentucky SBU, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky broke all records when they were presented with the opportunity to build the Hopkinsville by-pass. The weather was bad and their self-imposed winter '98 deadline was approaching. Given all of this and such a large project, they managed to surpass the 500,000 ton mark for asphalt produced and laid. Well done!

When WKY Construction Manager Gary Johnson was asked how it was possible to almost double production from an average year, he smiled proudly and stated that there was very little overtime (around 60 hours per man), no new hires and no new equipment. The average Rogers Group asphalt production is 225-250,000 tons, and that's on the high side. "We join him in his pride in his people." Gary explained that "It was two part project. The first part started September 19, 1998. It wasn't set to be finished until later this year, but we wanted to finish it before the cold weather set in. We'll start the second part in April or May, when it warms up." The total contract amounts to around $8.1 Million.

Rip Woodard, Superintendent of the Western Kentucky SBU, nominated and presented George Cavanah, plant operator and Tony McGowan, loader operator at the Hopkinsville Asphalt Plant with the Extra Mile Award. All three are seen here at the awards presentation. "Today is a milestone for the Hopkinsville Asphalt Plant," Rip said. "We surpassed the 500,000 ton mark for asphalt produced in fiscal year '99. This feat has been accomplished primarily by these two men. George and Tony exemplify team work, quality of work and results. They've accomplished these extrodinary results with no accidents or incidents."

Chris Foster, Superintendent, nominated and presented his Hopkinsville Laydown Paving Crew with the Extra Mile Award as seen here. "My crew demonstrates the concept of team work on a daily basis," Chris said. "It is structured in a way that requires each member to be there ready to perform. High production and quality are standards we meet each day. With the increased volume this production season, team work is essential. Our SBU has experienced an approximate 45% increase in asphalt laid this fiscal year for a total of approximately 508,000 tons. My crew has laid 325,000 plus of the total tonnage."

Chris and his crew are pictured here with their awards: Bobby E. Thomas, Barry Bertanzetti, Kerry W. Dame, James E. Durham, Donna L. Riley, Lee Roy Dillard, Robbin R. P'Pool, Vickie E. Fairman, Dudley Higgs, Harris E. Boyd and Chris Foster. Hey Gary, are we working Saturday?