Ashland’s Ambulance Service has rolled out a new 2025 ambulance, according to WAGM. The new vehicle replaces a 22-year-old 2003 model and brings a number of modern features aimed at improving safety, comfort and efficiency.

The $431,000 ambulance was fully funded through a Congressional Directed Spending grant so it will not cost taxpayers in the ambulance’s 2500-square-mile service area any additional money.

Director Tara Peterson told WWAGM the the new ambulance includes a touchscreen control system, liquid suspension for smoother rides on rough North Maine Woods terrain, and four-wheel drive for better access in remote or winter conditions. It’s also equipped with a power-load stretcher system to reduce strain and the risk of back injuries among EMS personnel.

Visit WAGM for more.

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The Toney (AL) Volunteer Fire & Rescue announced the purchase of 3.52 acres of land from Logan Farms, located on the north side of Toney Road, west of Old Railroad Bed Road, according to a press release. The department plans to build a new Station 1 on the property, with long-term goals of also incorporating a community storm shelter to enhance public safety.

This land acquisition marks a major step forward for the department as it continues to meet the growing demands of the Toney community and surrounding areas. Madison County is one of the fastest growing counties in Alabama, and this growth directly impacts the demand on facilities and equipment. Like many volunteer fire departments across North Alabama, TVFR is navigating significant growth, and the addition of a new station will greatly improve the department’s ability to respond more effectively to emergencies.

“On behalf of the men and women of the Toney Volunteer Fire & Rescue, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to the Logan family for their unwavering support for our vision for the future,” said Chief Heath Jones. “Their generosity and commitment to our community is deeply appreciated.”

TVFR leadership is committed to moving forward diligently and responsibly with the design and construction of the new firehouse. More information about the project timeline and community engagement opportunities will be shared as plans progress.

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Voters in Derby (CT) are being asked to approve $5 million in borrowing for capital improvement projects to replace fire service apparatus, a report by valley.newhavenindependent.org said. 

Here are the fire service items scheduled to go to voters on Election Day (Nov. 4, 2025).

• $3 million for two Derby Fire Department pumpers
• $1.5 million for a rescue truck for the Storm Engine Co.
• $550,000 to replace the public safety radio system

“The Derby Fire Department and the Storm Ambulance Corp can really use the voters’ support come Election Day to get this referendum passed,” the Derby Fire Department said in a Facebook post. “We are in dire need of new apparatus and to replace our outdated radio system.

“If you watch the first episode from the Valley Indy the finance director said this will not raise taxes.”

The Valley Indy conducted a livestream interview (video above) Sept. 15 with Derby Fire Commissioner Gary Parker, Derby Fire Chief Thomas Biggs, and Storm Ambulance & Rescue Chief Thomas Lenart Sr. to talk about the purchases connected to Derby emergency services.

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Rick Moriarty
syracuse.com
(TNS)

Scriba, N.Y. – More than 1,000 workers are back on the job at the massive Novelis aluminum plant in Oswego County two weeks after a fire forced its shutdown.

Novelis spokesperson Lauren Thompson said Tuesday that all 1,150 employees have returned to work while the facility resumes operations.

She said the plant’s cold mill and finishing areas are “back online and operational.” And power is being restored to the facility’s remelt/recycle area, which is expected to restart soon, she said.

She said the fire was contained to the hot mill but that other production areas were impacted, mainly by water poured onto the plant by firefighters.

“According to Thompson, structural damage from the fire is limiting the company’s ability to fully assess the hot mill’s equipment. However, work to stabilize the structure is nearly complete, she said.

Based on information the company has at this time, restoration of the hot mill is expected in the first three months of 2026, she said.

In the meantime, the company is coordinating with Novelis plants worldwide to source material and minimize customer interruptions, she said.

Thompson said the cause of the fire is still being investigated.

“We are thankful no one was injured and appreciate the support we have received from local first responders and the larger community,” she said.

The fire broke out about 10 p.m. Sept. 16, drawing firefighters from more than 20 departments to the plant on Route 1A in Scriba. It took four hours to extinguish.

Employees safely evacuated the plant. But the fire forced the plant to temporarily close operations and idle its 1,150 workers.

Novelis, one of Oswego County’s largest employers, has said all the plant’s workers would be paid during the temporary closure. The company has said it is insured for property damage and business interruption losses related to such events, subject to deductibles and policy limits.

Novelis makes rolled aluminum for the automotive and other industries at the plant and also melts and recycles aluminum scrap at the facility.

©2025 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit syracuse.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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