With 80 live cows inside, this must’ve been quite a recovery! Here’s the story from CTV Toronto:

Traffic along the westbound lanes of Highway 401 was flowing against after an overturned transport truck carrying live cattle slowed it to a crawl throughout the day.

OPP Const. Graham Williamson said a transport truck was going westbound on the highway when it rolled over near Keele Street at about 9:15 a.m.

About 80 cows were trapped inside the overturned container through the afternoon as road crews used heavy tow trucks in their attempt to right the vehicle.

Williamson said 47 healthy cows had been removed through a hole in the container and transported to their destination.

They will be inspected when they arrive, he said.

Some of the cows injured in the rollover were euthanized.

The 30-year-old driver was not injured and faces charges stemming from careless driving. Williamson said speed was a factor.

He said the vehicle may have been driving too fast as it merged from collector lanes onto the expressway.

Earlier this month, a tractor-trailer containing about 250 pigs overturned on Hwy. 427. About 80 of the pigs were killed in the accident.

The driver in that case was charged with careless driving.

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Our condolences to the family and acquaintances of 52-year-old Todd Bowers, owner of Bowers Towing of Godfrey, IL. He died unexpectedly on Oct. 21. Here’s the story from The Telegraph:

GODFREY – Todd Bowers went to his final resting place with dozens of his friends in tow.

Tow truck drivers from across the region rallied Tuesday for the final farewell to one of their own.

Bowers, the longtime operator of Bowers Towing, was remembered as a “family man” and “successful businessman” by those who knew him. The 52-year-old Godfrey man died Thursday of an apparent heart attack.

Starting about 10 a.m., the first tow truck, a heavy-duty boom truck, pulled into the yard of Bowers Towing, 6204 Godfrey Road. A few minutes later, another truck, a “roll-back,” pulled in.

A few minutes later came another and then another. Within 30 minutes, the yard was full of tow trucks from across the region.

The drivers got out of their rigs and gathered in clusters, waiting for the funeral procession of one of their own.

Family and friends filed into the sanctuary of St. Ambrose Church to pay their final respects. The pews were filled with those saying goodbye.

“Todd was an outstanding person,” the Rev. Steve Pohlman said. “As good as you get.”

Pohlman, who officiated at the service, said everyone had to trust that God took Bowers into safekeeping.

“We’ll see him again one day,” he said. “Our separation is not a permanent one, but a temporary one.”

He said even though Bowers was taken too early in life, it was part of God’s plan.

“There is no detour in dying and the expiration date only God can see,” Pohlman said.

Ruth Guntren, Todd’s mother, said her son both arrived and left this world early. She said her son was born two months premature and died too young.

Bowers took over the towing business in 1985 after his father, Nelson Bowers, died, also at a young age, 49. The Bowers Towing operation has offices in Godfrey and Wood River and operates around the clock.

Todd Bowers was a dedicated son, husband, father and grandfather. He earned his wings as an Eagle Scout, enjoyed cooking for others and had an affinity for BMX racing.

Bowers believed in giving back to his community. He served as a volunteer firefighter for more than 15 years with the Godfrey Fire Protection District and served as president of its board.

While hymns were sung and scriptures were read inside the church, diesel engines hummed as the drivers waited for the procession to pass by the towing company. Nearly three dozen tow trucks created an “honor guard” as the drivers headed south on Godfrey Road to St. Patrick’s Cemetery, where Bowers was laid to rest.

“It’s a sad day for the towing world,” said Steve Kainz, owner of Trickey’s Service Inc. in Wood River.

Kainz was asked to put together the tribute honoring a man “way too young to die.”

“Todd and I had known each other for a long time, and we kind of had this love/hate relationship,” he said. “I was floored and honored when I was asked to put together the procession.”

Kainz contacted towing companies within a 100-mile radius in both Illinois and Missouri to take part in the event.

“It was really impressive,” Kainz said. “So many people gave up their time. They really went above and beyond.”

cellis@thetelegraph.com

From Footnotes TowBlog: Towing News Around The Web
(www.thetowblog.com)
Posted by Cyndi Kight, Associate Editor of Towing and Recovery Footnotes

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Here’s the story from the Janesville Gazette:

JANESVILLE — Thirty tow trucks paraded through Janesville on Saturday to spread holiday cheer.

Trucks were decorated with tinsel and stockings. One truck had Santa’s sleigh and reindeer on its flatbed. Others carried large boxes designed like Christmas presents.

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When the tow truck drivers arrived at Traxler Park, they delivered more than 1,000 toys to the Salvation Army and ECHO. The toys will be donated to local families.

The parade was part of the Tow Trucks for Tots program, which collects toys for children and promotes the towing industry. Worldwide Equipment Sales of Rockdale, Ill., and the Wisconsin Towing Association organized the event.

Pat Winer of Worldwide Equipment started Tow Trucks for Tots a few years ago.

He said tow trucks often would form a parade as part of a funeral procession when a tow truck driver died.

“We wanted a tow truck parade when everyone would laugh and have a good time,” Winer said. “We thought, ‘What would be better than collecting toys for children?’ ”

Worldwide Equipment does a tow truck parade every year in Illinois, he said. The company also organizes a parade and toy giveaway in other cities that might need help.

Janesville was chosen because the General Motors plant and other businesses have closed, creating a hardship on families, Winer said. GM makes many tow trucks.

“The people who built those helped the towing industry,” he said. “We wanted to help them.”

Tow trucks from Wisconsin and Illinois were in the parade. They had their lights flashing when they drove. Police cars, ambulances and fire trucks also participated in the parade.

When the trucks arrived at Traxler, about 75 people helped unload presents. They formed assembly lines to pass the presents from the trucks to other vehicles that will take gifts to the Salvation Army and ECHO.

“Look at these people. They’re all smiling and happy to be helping out,” Winer said.

Steve Davis of Davis Citgo in Janesville and the Wisconsin Towing Association said fundraisers were done to buy toys. He said the towing association asked its members to donate and help.

“This time of year it’s a good thing,” Davis said. “It’s a good day for Janesville.”

From Footnotes TowBlog: Towing News Around The Web
(www.thetowblog.com)
Posted by Cyndi Kight, Associate Editor of Towing and Recovery Footnotes

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We’re happy to have featured Andy Tessmann’s truck on our December cover, too! Here’s the story from Watertown Daily Times Online:

LOCAL BUSINESS FEATURED

Andy Tessmann of Emergency Starting and Towing stopped by our office the other day with a copy of the December 2010 issue of Towing & Recovery Footnotes, a monthly publication for the towing industry.

The cover story was about a new charity the towing industry in the Midwest is embracing. Tow truck owners from all over the Midwest drove to the Chicago area back in early December and held a parade with tow trucks as far as you could see. Over 190 companies were represented with many of them bringing more than one tow truck. They were all decorated in the Christmas spirit and they were collecting Toys for Tots in the Chicago area. They brought thousands of toys. There’s lots of needy children in that metropolitan area, making this a wonderful holiday charity.

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Well, to illustrate the parade and the charity work this industry is doing, the editors of Towing & Recovery selected one tow truck to be on the front page.

Sure enough, it was Emergency Starting and Towing’s unit all decorated. It probably helped that the tow truck is painted a bright red. Tessmann told us he didn’t even know they took his rig’s picture let alone have it selected to be on the front page. The first he knew about it was when an industry friend sent him an early copy he had received.

It was a pretty impressive photo. And, Tessmann tells us he’s already planning to be there for next year’s parade.

From Footnotes TowBlog: Towing News Around The Web
(www.thetowblog.com)
Posted by Cyndi Kight, Associate Editor of Towing and Recovery Footnotes

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March 28, 2011/CHATTANOOGA, TN – Five outstanding industry leaders have been selected for induction into the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame as the Class of 2011.

Heather A. Llewellyn (Nova Scotia, Canada), John D. “Doug” McLendon (Sanford, FL), Donald J. Mesaros (Loveland, OH), Eilís M. Murray (Wicklow, Ireland), and Timothy J. Vibert (Unionville, CT) were nominated by members of the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum for their many contributions to the towing and recovery industry, their families and their communities.
“Each year, the inductees share common strengths which have led to their nomination into this prestigious group,” says Rolfe Johnson, President of the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum.
“This year’s inductees share a dedication to their state and local towing organizations as well as the national towing and recovery community.”
Hall of Fame members will be recognized at an induction ceremony to be held at 6 p.m. on September 17th, 2011 at the DoubleTree Hotel of Chattanooga. A full weekend of activities will be held to celebrate this year’s inductees. For more information on the induction ceremony, or to order tickets, call Cheryl Mish at 423-267-3132.
The International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame & Museum is the only one in the world for the Towing Industry.  It was opened September 22, 1995.  There are 18 antique tow trucks on display along with memorabilia from the industry.  Chattanooga, Tennessee was the chosen site for the museum as Ernest Holmes, Co. built the first wreckers there in the early 1900’s.  The museum is currently located at 3315 Broad St., Chattanooga, TN.  37408.

From Footnotes TowBlog: Towing News Around The Web
(www.thetowblog.com)
Posted by Cyndi Kight, Associate Editor of Towing and Recovery Footnotes

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From Footnotes TowBlog: Towing News Around The Web
(www.thetowblog.com)
Posted by Cyndi Kight, Associate Editor of Towing and Recovery Footnotes

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Here’s some info sent in by TruTV:
TOP 20 MOST SHOCKING PRODUCES TOW TRUCK MADNESS FOR SEASON 5!

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Viewing times may vary according to the level of participation and the museum is not able to guarantee days that features will play. However, the ITRHFM will provide at least 30 days of exposure throughout the year. The fee is $150.

This new program has a dual benefit: participating organizations are featured to museum visitors and the support allows the museum to continue to grow and expand. With 2011 being the “kick-off’ year, the ITRHFM is also offering a limited viewing time during the 2011 Induction weekend at no additional cost. This is only a one time offer and will not be repeated in 2012. The set “annual” calendar for these DVDs will be from September to September every year hereafter.

If organizations are not able to produce their own DVD, the museum will be happy to help. Pictures can be emailed to the museum and the staff will create the DVD. The fee is based on the number of pictures submitted and all submissions will be reviewed and edited by the museum for inclusion on the DVD. The cost is $50 for up to 50 images; $75 for 51 to 75 images; $100 for 79 to 100 images.

The cost includes at least two advertising slides, as long as complete company information is provided along with a company logo. All pictures should be submitted via e-mail. If the organization is not able to provide scanned photos, the museum is able to help at no charge.

Though participation is not limited to just museum members, purchasing a membership is requested. For inclusion on the DVD, the cost for non-museum members is $10 per photo; the cost for museum members is $5 per photo.

All submissions must be made no later than Aug. 15, 2011. All photos that are submitted will be reviewed and accepted by ITRHFM before being published.

All submissions must be made directly via e-mail to internationaltowingmuseum@comcast.net and accompanied by a signed release form by the organization submitting the picture authorizing ITRHFM to use the picture at their discretion.

For more information on either the Collector’s Edition DVD or the “Spotlight” program, contact the Intemational Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame & Museum by phone 423-267-3132, fax 423-267-0867, email to internationaltowingmuseum@comcast.net or by mail to 3315 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37408. The website is http://www.internationaltowingmuseum.org.

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• A Life On The Road. Chuck Murphy sent us a story about his life as a towman. He covers many issues of interest to others who have shared a similar life, unsung and often unappreciated, but always out there in bad weather and good, working hard to help motorists and clear the highways for police and other responders. Page 1

• Go Getters. Stuck with unclaimed cars on your lot? Debtors not paying you? Here’s how to help yourself get what you are due, and failing that, how to work with collection agencies who will chase the money down for you. Page 10

• Arrow Hits The Mark. Diane Richardson’s husband tragically developed an illness that took him away from his beloved towing business. But this didn’t stop Diane from taking over Arrow Wrecker Service to not only keep the doors open but put the company on the road to even higher success. Page 17

• Bad Guys At Work. Tow trucks are being used to steal cars outright in some communities, further damaging the reputations of reputable towers. This article highlights the issue and serves as an industry alert to help stop these disreputable rogues.Page 22

• The Advisor. The towPartners Advisor appears monthly in Footnotes. Advisor features advice in all areas of towing, from technical details to business operations. towPartners also offers towers the opportunity for great discounts from many equipment and service vendors. Page 13

From Footnotes TowBlog: Towing News Around The Web (www.thetowblog.com)
Posted by Cyndi Kight, Associate Editor of Towing and Recovery Footnotes

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