By Echo Menges
The City of Edina has contracted the WL Miller Company from Illinois to redo three blocks on the north, east and west sides of the Knox County Courthouse on the Edina Town Square.
According to newly hired street crew worker and consultant Roger Parton, this is the first time hot mix will be laid at the Edina Town Square.
“Hot mix is the good stuff that goes on the main highways that are State roads. It’s lifetime is a lot more than cold mix,” said Parton.
Work began on Thursday, June 24, 2021, to mill down areas of the streets, which uncovered large sections of Edina’s historic brick roads originally covered with asphalt in 1915.
Due to a breakdown at the Central Stone hot mix plant, hot mix will not be available until sometime later this week.
Parton began part time employment with the City earlier this month on June 7. He was hired for his knowledge in street maintenance after working for MoDOT for 30 years before being a Knox County Western District Commissioner for eight years.
Parton is taking the lead with the street department training the crew on how to repair and maintain Edina’s streets.
Parton has agreed to work with the city for only $15 an hour.
“It’s not about the money,” said Parton. “I’ve been looking at these streets for years. Now I can help do something about them.”
