Libby city officials recently took

possession of the Asphalt Zipper they approved for purchase in

September.

The device fits on the bucket of a

front-end loader and has teeth on a rotating drum that are capable

of mulching roadway so it may be resurfaced.

The device is an economical way of

repaving the streets and will enable the Street Department to do 10

times the amount of roadway if it contracted the work out.

Depicted in the photo are, from front

left, Councilwoman Robin Benson, Street Department worker Jodie

Lev, City Clerk Glena Hook, Councilwoman Peggy Williams, Council

President Bill Bischoff, City Administrator Jim Hammons and Street

Department worker Lee Van Alstine. In the back row, from left, are

Street Department worker Steve Hogan, Councilwoman Barb Desch and

Mayor Doug Roll. Desch, Councilwoman Vicky Lawrence, Councilman DC

Orr (both not pictured) sit on the Street Department Board. The

city is assessing streets and in June is expected to begin using

the Asphalt Zipper.