Author: Curry Construction Communication Team

  • 2025 July | Safety Corner

    SAFETY CORNER

    JULY 2025

    uv sAFETY aWARENESS mONTH

    UV rays can be sneaky, and it’s easy to forget they’re still out there even when it’s cloudy or cooler. That’s a great reminder about UV safety, especially during the summer months! It’s also good to hear that the CDC is raising awareness during July, which is typically the height of UV exposure in many parts of the world.

    There are some key things people can do to protect themselves from UV rays, like wearing sunscreen, seeking shade, and wearing protective clothing

    UV Index Forecasts

    The UV Index is a key tool for understanding how much ultraviolet (UV) radiation is expected to reach the Earth’s surface at a particular time and place. It helps you determine how intense the sun’s rays will be, so you can take precautions against overexposure.

    Here’s how the UV Index is generally broken down:

    Exposure Category Index Number Sun Protection Messages
    LOW <2 You can safely enjoy being outside. Wear sunglasses on bright days. If you burn easily, cover up and use sunscreen SPF 15+. In winter, reflection off snow can nearly double UV strength.
    MODERATE 3-5 Take precautions if you will be outside, such as wearing a hat and sunglasses and using sunscreen SPF 30+. Reduce your exposure to the sun’s most intense UV radiation by seeking shade during midday hours.
    HIGH 6-7 Protection against sun damage is needed. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, use sunscreen SPF 30+ and wear a long sleeved shirt and pants when practical. Reduce your exposure to the sun’s most intense UV radiation by seeking shade during midday hours.
    VERY HIGH 8-10 Protection against sun damage is needed. If you need to be outside during midday hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. take steps to reduce sun exposure. A shirt, hat and sunscreen are a must, and be sure you seek shade. Beachgoers should know that white sand and other bright surfaces reflect UV and can double UV exposure.
    EXTREME 11+ Protection against sun damage is needed. If you need to be outside during midday hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. take steps to reduce sun exposure. A shirt, hat and sunscreen are a must, and be sure you seek shade. Beachgoers should know that white sand and other bright surfaces reflect UV and can double UV exposure.

    Safety Tips

    The American Cancer Society’s guidelines are designed to help minimize the risk of skin damage and reduce the likelihood of developing skin cancer, which can result from excessive UV exposure over time. Here’s a breakdown of the key strategies they’ve highlighted:

    • Slip on a Shirt:
      • Long sleeves & pants: Fabrics that are tightly woven or have an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating are best, but even regular clothing offers some degree of protection. Darker-colored fabrics tend to provide better UV defense than lighter ones.
    • Slop on Sunscreen:
      • SPF 15 or higher: SPF 15 blocks around 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 blocks 97%. The higher the SPF, the more protection, but no sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays.
      • Reapply: Sunscreen wears off after a while, especially if you sweat or swim, so it’s essential to reapply at least every two hours.
    • Slap on a Hat:
      • Wide-brimmed hats: These will help shield your face, ears, and neck, areas that are particularly prone to sunburn and long-term skin damage.
      • Darker hats: As mentioned, darker colors absorb more UV radiation, so they can be more effective at providing shade.
    • Wear Sunglasses:
      • Wrap-around sunglasses: These protect not only the eyes but also the delicate skin around them, which can be just as vulnerable to sun damage. Look for sunglasses with UV400 protection to block 99–100% of UV rays.
    • Avoid Peak Sun Hours:
      • 10 AM to 4 PM: During these hours, the sun’s rays are most intense. If possible, schedule outdoor activities in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the strongest UV radiation.
    • Special Considerations for Children
      • Extra precautions: Children’s skin is more sensitive, so protecting them from sunburn is especially important. Hats, long sleeves, and sunscreen should become part of their routine.
      • Babies under 6 months: They should be kept out of direct sunlight, as their skin is particularly delicate. If sunscreen is necessary, apply it only to small areas like the face and hands if adequate shade or clothing isn’t available.
    • Extra Tips
      • Seek shade: If you’re in a sunny spot, find shade whenever possible, especially during peak hours.
      • Protective clothing: Some clothing now comes with built-in UV protection (UPF-rated fabrics), which can be an excellent choice for outdoor activities.
      • Stay hydrated: Sun exposure can lead to dehydration, so make sure to drink plenty of water, especially if you’re sweating.

    By following these guidelines, you can greatly reduce your risk of skin damage while still enjoying outdoor activities.

    Sun Exposure and Vitamin D

    While sun exposure is a natural way for our bodies to produce vitamin D, it’s also linked to skin damage and an increased risk of skin cancer. Obtaining vitamin D through diet or supplements is a much safer alternative because it doesn’t come with the risks associated with UV exposure.

    Here’s a quick breakdown:

    Vitamin D from Sunlight

    • When the skin is exposed to UVB rays, it produces vitamin D. However, excessive exposure increases the risk of sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.
    • Even though getting sun exposure in moderation can boost your vitamin D levels, it’s hard to know exactly how much sun is enough without crossing into overexposure.

    Vitamin D from Diet

    • Certain foods are rich in vitamin D and can help you maintain healthy levels:
      • Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines
      • Egg yolks
      • Fortified foods, such as fortified milk, orange juice, and cereals
      • Mushrooms (some varieties, like shiitake, contain vitamin D when exposed to sunlight)

    Vitamin D from Supplements

    • Supplements are often the safest and most reliable way to ensure you’re getting enough vitamin D, especially if you live in areas with limited sunlight or during the winter months.
    • The recommended daily amount of vitamin D varies based on age and other factors, but most people can benefit from taking around 600–800 IU (international units) per day. Higher doses may be recommended for people with certain conditions or deficiencies, but it’s always good to check with a healthcare provider before taking large doses.

    Why Supplementing is Safer

    • Unlike sun exposure, which increases your risk of skin cancer with excessive UV exposure, supplements provide a controlled amount of vitamin D without any UV-related risks.
    • If you’re unsure whether you’re getting enough vitamin D, a simple blood test can determine if you have a deficiency.

    So, while it’s important to enjoy the outdoors, it’s best to do so safely—and if you’re concerned about vitamin D levels, consider getting it from your diet or supplements instead of prolonged sun exposure.

    Do you get your vitamin D mainly from food or do you take supplements? Or maybe a mix of both?

    Avoid Tanning Beds/Sun Lamps

    Key Facts About Tanning Beds and UVA Rays
    • Tanning beds emit mostly UVA rays, which penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB rays. While UVA rays are less likely to cause sunburn, they damage the deeper layers of skin, leading to:
      • Premature aging (wrinkles, leathery skin)
      • DNA damage to skin cells
      • Suppressed immune responses
      • Increased risk of melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma
    • Melanoma risk increases significantly with tanning bed use, especially if it begins before age 30. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), people who use tanning beds before age 30 increase their risk of melanoma by 75%.
    • No tan is a safe tan—a tan is a sign that your skin has been damaged by UV radiation. Whether it comes from the sun or a tanning bed, it’s still damaging.
    Other Health Risks of Tanning Beds
    • Eye damage, including cataracts and photokeratitis (“sunburn of the eye”), if protective goggles aren’t used
    • Immune suppression, which may make your body less able to fight off certain diseases
    • Accelerated skin aging and pigmentation disorders
    Safer Alternatives

    If someone wants a tanned look without the risk:

    • Self-tanning lotions or sprays are a much safer cosmetic option. These products stain the outer layer of skin without involving UV radiation.
    • Bronzers and tinted moisturizers can also provide a temporary glow without skin damage.

    Bottom Line

    Using a tanning bed is not safe—it’s a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning it’s known to cause cancer in humans, just like tobacco or asbestos. Health professionals strongly advise against their use.

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    • 2025 July | Tech Toolbelt

      tech toolbelt

      TECH TOOLBELT

      JULY 2025

      June 2025 Massive Data Breach

      In the wake of the recently discovered leak of approximately 16 billion login credentials—including emails and passwords linked to services such as Apple, Google, Facebook, GitHub, Telegram, and even government portals—cybersecurity experts are urging everyone to take immediate action to protect your personal information.

      Hackers often exploit stolen credentials to access everything from email accounts to popular social media websites. Many times you do not know you have been directly affected, for months or even years by a compromised password reused across multiple sites.

      What is the scope of the breach?

      Holiday decorations create cheer—but unsafe practices can lead to fires or injuries.

      • 30 separate datasets containing anywhere from tens of millions up to 3.5 billion entries each have been exposed.
      • These credentials involve a mix of infostealer malware and older breaches, meaning they’re a combination of fresh and recycle data—both highly dangerous.
      • The data includes login URLs, usernames, and plain-text passwords, offering cybercriminals a roadmap for targeted account takeover.

      Why This Matters to You

      • Even if major services like Apple, Google, and Facebook themselves were not hacked directly, these leaked credentials—especially when reused—can still breach your accounts
      • Experts warn that this breach provides “weaponizable intelligence at scale” for identity theft, fraud, phishing, and blackmail

      What Should You Do?

      1. Change Your Passwords
        • If you use the same password across multiple sites, update them now—especially for email, banking, and any platform where sensitive information is stored.
      2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
        • Create passwords that are at least 10-12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using personal details like birthdays or pet names.
      3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
        • MFA adds a second layer of security by requiring a code from your phone or email to log in—even if your password is stolen.
      4. Use a Password Manager
        • Password managers help you create and store secure, complex passwords for every account, without needing to remember them all.
      5. Avoid clicking suspicious links, especially in unsolicited SMS or emails
        • The FBI has highlighted this behavior as a key tactic used in follow‑up attacks.
      6. Monitor your accounts closely for unusual activity. If something seems off, report it immediately to IT.

      ⚠️ Why It Matters

      Cybercriminals often sit on stolen data and use it months or even years later. A proactive approach now can prevent future problems for you. These credentials represent fresh, exploitable data—not just old breaches resurfaced. Criminals can use them soon to launch large-scale credential-stuffing attacks. According to experts, this leak serves as a “blueprint for mass exploitation,” making proactive hygiene a must.

      📢 Quick Tips:

      • Don’t click suspicious links or open unknown attachments.
      • Never share passwords—even with coworkers.
      • Familiarize yourself with services like Have I Been Pwned to check if your email has appeared in a breach
      • Report suspicious activity.

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      • CURRY TO ADD CHLORINE & AMMONIA SYSTEM ADDITION TO MATTOON WATER PUMP STATION

        CURRY TO ADD CHLORINE & AMMONIA SYSTEM ADDITION TO MATTOON WATER PUMP STATION

        The Mattoon City Council approved the hiring of Curry Construction to add all-new chlorine and ammonia feed systems to the city’s potable water pump station and ground storage tank located at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon. The project was bid for $328,643. Work is expected to start in (month) of 2020 and should be completed by (month, year)

      • CITY PREPARING FOR SEWER SYSTEM PROJECT

        CITY PREPARING FOR SEWER SYSTEM PROJECT

        The city is preparing to take the first step toward funding the construction of sewer lines that will connect to the new satellite facility on the north side of town.

        The City Council is set tonight to vote on a preliminary bond ordinance as part of the city’s application for an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency loan for this construction project. The new piping will serve the combined sewer overflow treatment facility on North Sixth Street.

        Public Works Director Dean Barber reported in a memo to the council that the final bond ordinance and loan agreement will be presented later this year at the same council meeting as the contractor’s bid for the construction work.

        “No debt will be approved until we know the bid price. No bids will be accepted until we approve the financing,” Barber said.

        According to the proposed ordinance, the piping construction will cost up to $12.5 million. The ordinance authorizes the city to issue sewer system revenue bonds for this project. The IEPA is expected to purchase the bonds to fund the construction. The city will pay back the IEPA over time with sewer system revenue.

        Barber said the $12.5 million figure is the engineer’s cost estimate for the piping construction. He said the original estimate for the entire satellite facility project was $20 million — $10 million for the facility and $10 million for the piping. He said the final cost for the facility was $6 million.

        “I still anticipate that the bids will be closer to $10 million than $12.5 million,” Barber said of the piping construction. “However, I need to authorize the higher amount. We can borrow less than the amount on this ordinance. We cannot borrow more than is authorized in this ordinance.”

        The satellite facility is designed to prevent untreated sanitary sewer water from overflowing into Riley Creek during rainfalls. IEPA mandated a few years ago that Mattoon take steps to control sewer system overflows. The city also funded the construction of the satellite facility by issuing sewer revenue bonds as part of an IEPA loan agreement.

        In other matters tonight, the council will consider rejecting the low bid for upgrading the water treatment plant’s supervisory controls and data acquisition system. The project would be awarded to the next lowest bidder, Durkin Equipment for $224,000. R.E. Pedrotti had the low bid of $206,261, but Barber said in a memo that this contractor was disqualified for not completing two previous Mattoon projects on time.

      • FLEX-N-GATE EXPANDING DANVILLE PLANT

        FLEX-N-GATE EXPANDING DANVILLE PLANT

        Flex-N-Gate is doubling the size of its plastics plant in Danville and adding at least 100 new workers.

        The News Gazette reports the auto parts maker, which has 118 employees at its plant on Lynch Rd., will add 60,000 square feet.

        The company owned by billionaire University of Illinois graduate Shahid Khan will get $1.2 million in state tax incentives to keep the $20 million project in Illinois.

        Mattoon-based Curry Construction has been hired as the general contractor for the Danville project. Construction should start within the next month to two months.

        New injection molding machines should be installed by next September.

        Jobs available will be for plastics operators and assembly operators.

        The News Gazette reports Flex-N-Gate parts are in two-thirds of all cars and trucks sold in the United States.

      • JX BOUND FOR NEW HOME AT OLD HOTEL SITE

        JX BOUND FOR NEW HOME AT OLD HOTEL SITE

        URBANA — The long-vacant site of a former hotel is finally being put to use.

        After the former Hanford Inn was torn down in 2015, truck service center JX Enterprises bought the lot and is expanding from its current location north of Urbana on U.S. 45.

        The new site at 2408 N. Cunningham Ave, U., will be four times bigger than the existing one, assistant service manager Chris Wargolet said, and will be more visible near the intersection of Interstate 74.

        “It’s long overdue,” he said. “We have two shifts here, and it’s tough. (It’ll be) a nice new facility. Everything’s going to be new.”

        A building permit was issued in May for the $3 million project, and the company plans to invest more than $4.35 million in the new location, Marketing Manager Lisa VerHalen said.

        The new location is expected to open in October, Wargolet said.

        Right now, about 21 people work there, Wargolet said, and “that’s expected to double.”

        JX mostly sells and fixes Peterbilt trucks at its Urbana location.

        Based in Wisconsin, JX has 23 locations in the Midwest.

        JX will own its new location rather than lease, Wargolet said, and is moving because “the industry itself is growing.”

        Since 2015, the tonnage hauled by American truckers has increased more than 15 percent, according to the American Trucking Associations’ Truck Tonnage Index.

        “This facility will be four times larger, include extended hours and, as the demand increases, possibly add a third shift,” VerHalen said. “JX will be adding 20-30 vital jobs to the surrounding area.”

        Urbana Mayor Diane Marlin praised the project.

        “We’re very pleased that JX has chosen to locate in Urbana,” she said. “This location on Route 45 and I-74 is well-suited to businesses serving the automotive and trucking industry.”

        It’s been a long road for the city to get to this point.

        The hotel closed in 2010 after the city condemned it for fire code violations.

        At one point, the hotel was evacuated after the Urbana Fire Department found that multiple rooms didn’t have smoke detectors, and that the existing smoke detectors didn’t work.

        Two years later, the city received a court-ordered demolition order, and in 2014, sold the property to Kelly Dillard of Dig It to demolish the building.

        Before it was a Hanford Inn, the hotel was a Travelodge, Regency Inn, Thrift-O-Tel and a Park Inn International.

        It opened in the 1970s, and for a while, the University of Illinois football team used to stay there before home games.

        “It used to be a nice place,” said Brandon Boys, Urbana’s economic development manager.

        But he said it fell into disrepair.

        “There had been so much water infiltration, the suspended ceiling was coming down,” he said, and looked like stalactites hanging down.

        “The property had really degraded,” Boys said, so he was glad to see the construction on the new project.

        “It’s a happy ending for the parcel to go back to productive use,” he said.

      • NO BOTTLENECKS HERE

        NO BOTTLENECKS HERE

        We captured a bird’s-eye view of improvements to the city of Monticello Wastewater Treatment Plant. (Drones are awesome, don’t you agree?)

        The plant pumps and system were causing several bottlenecks in the facility, keeping it from performing to its full potential.

        Parts of the facility, built in 1926, were original. Due to the aging infrastructure and more stringent Illinois Environmental Protection Agency regulations for nutrient removal, it could not be reused for biological treatment.

        The team at Fehr Graham has designed a new treatment system to alleviate the bottleneck and process enhancements that will ensure the facility will be able to treat wastewater with ease.

        Monticello Wastewater Treatment Plant