Fire destroys island home
19.05.12
Augusta Fire Battalion Chief Dave Groder said firefighters extinguished the fire using pocket-sized pumps that they ferried to the island, which is known as Coon Island. The fire was reported about 5 p.m.
Firefighters were still there at about 7 p.m., as was an investigator with the Help of the State Fire Marshal. There was no information immediately available as to how the fire might have started. Battalion Chief Steve Leach was still at the section at press time Friday.
Groder said there was power to the island, but he did not skilled in if the building was occupied. No injuries were reported.
The fire department's boat was launched from Tasker Means. Betty Stover, whose farm is on Tasker Road, said she could see flames reaching into the trees about 5 p.m.
Tom Renckens, who lives on within easy reach Young Road, said he saw the smoke rising as he was coming home and jumped in his kayak and paddled out to get a closer look.
"The whole council was just starting to get engulfed," Renckens said. "I got to within perchance 30 feet or so (of the burning house). It was clear by the time I got there that the house was effective to be gone. The trees nearby and a shed were starting to smoke."
Source: Kennebec Journal
Pond dredging at DeLand's Earl Brown Park 1st of changes
19.05.12
DELAND -- The close's drought may be tough on homeowners' lawns, but it's helping city crews dredge a pond in one of DeLand's most fashionable parks.
Work started two weeks ago to dredge silt from the bottom of the 4-acre retention pond at Earl Brown Garden, known for the Muscovy ducks that live there.
"It is a lot cheaper and more efficient (to dredge) when the pond is dry," said Burgh Manager Michael Pleus.
The work at the pond is just the beginning of changes that residents will see in the coming year at the store. Others include a new activity center, new restroom and concession facilities, a dog park, an amphitheater, and upgrades to around Spec Martin Stadium.
Plans call for about $6 million in improvements. Most of this funds will come from city coffers, but the county in March approved a $1.4 million distribute.
The dredging project is slated to last 30 days and cost between $20,000 and $30,000, said Keith Riger, municipality engineer and public service director.
Source: Daytona Beach News-Journal