Volume 22 September 2025 Happy 22nd Birthday
2515 Highway 70 SW Hickory, NC 28602 Mudslayer Systems UP-Z-DAZY by Funk Mfg. Rose-Wall Water Trucks and Grouters Pulstar Pump Hoists Check out our complete inventory! Drillingequip.com REICHdrill Contact Jeff for all your Equipment & Tooling Needs ~ 828-322-3056 des@drillingequip.com
Mills Casing Cut-off Tools: j Designed to Remove Casing from the Borehole During Well Abandonment, Providing an Efficient and Reliable Solution for the Decommissioning Process j 4” Option Can be Expanded for 5” Casing j Dual-purpose Design for 6” and Larger - Equipped with Both Roller Underreamer and Casing Cut-off Arms, Enabling Seamless Switching Between Functions j Casing Cutter Arms with Field-Replaceable, Heat-Treated Blades Ensuring Durability and Longevity j Activation Mechanism Uses Air or Fluid Pressure Within the Range of 100-150 psi, Compatible with Standard Pump Pressures Mills Knife Perforators: j Designed Specifically to Cut Slots through the Casing in the Zone that Needs Perforations or Inject Grout to Seal the Well for Abandonment Purposes j Available in Standard Sizes for Casing Ranging from 2”-24” j 2”, 4”, 6”, 8”, and 10” Mills Knife Perforators and Replacement Blades in Stock and Ready to Ship! Special Lower Pricing!
Are you Planning to go?.......................................................16 Breaking News......................................................................13 Classifieds: WorldWide Buyers’ Guide™..................51-64 Education Connection..........................................................33 Hot Off the Press.....................................................................9 Obituary: Akkerman, Maynard Carl.....................................27 Obituary: Dekoski, Robert “Bob”........................................40 Obituary: McGinn, Gerald Abbott........................................40 Photo Page............................................................................28 Product Spotlight.................................................................32 Who’s in the News................................................................13 WorldWide Association Memberships....................................36 WorldWide Farmers’ Corner...........................26 WorldWide .............6 Acker Drill Company.............................................................4 Allegheny Instruments........................................................46 Atlantic Screen & Manufacturing, Inc. (ASI)........................45 Baker Water Systems...........................................................9 Better Water Industries Inc..................................................42 Bit Brokers International (BBI)............................................50 Bitco, Inc.............................................................................38 Derex..................................................................................61 Drilling Equipment Sales, Inc. (DES)....................................2 Drilling Supply & Mfg (DSM)...............................................18 Eastern Driller Manufacturing Company Inc. (EDM)...........37 ESI Supply..........................................................................48 GeoPro, Inc.........................................................................21 Geoprobe Systems®..............................................................1 Geothermal Supply Company, Inc. (GSC)..........................32 Gol Pumps Technology, Inc.................................................62 Heron Instruments, Inc.......................................................43 Hole Products ....................................................................34 Infinity Tool Manufacturing..................................................33 Infinity Tool Manufacturing..................................................63 KS Bit, Inc...........................................................................47 Louisiana Ground Water Assn. (LGWA) Convention.............7 Merrill Manufacturing..........................................................25 Mills Machine Company, Inc.................................................3 Mountain States Ground Water Expo.................................24 N&N Drilling Supply.............................................................17 National Drilling Assn. (NDA) Drill Expo…....…...................33 National Ground Water Assn. (NGWA) Groundwater Week..13 Pacific Northwest Ground Water Exposition.......................44 Palmer Bit Company...........................................................23 Pulstar Manufacturing.........................................................29 SEMCO, Inc........................................................................64 Star Iron Works, Inc. - Construction....................................31 Star Iron Works, Inc. - Water Well.......................................30 Vanair Manufacturing, Inc...................................................39 Well-Vu, Inc.........................................................................40 Advertisers Featured Editorial CONST - Construction ENV - Environmental EXB - Exploration/Blasthole G&O - Shallow Gas and Oil GEOTECH - Geotechnical GEO - Geothermal HDD - Horizontal Directional Drilling MIN - Mining WTR - Water September 2025 - History Month / Geotechnical CONST ENV EXB G&O GEOTECH GEO HDD MIN WTR Aardvark Packers Acker Drill Company Atlantic Screen & Mfg.,Inc. Bit Brokers International Centerline Mfg. Co. ChemGrout® Drill King International Drill Pipe, Inc. Drilling Equip. Resources Eastern Driller Mfg. (EDM) Eijkelkamp North America Groundwater Week Heisey Machine Co. Hole Products Kovai Drilling Applications Louisiana Ground Water Assn. Merrill Manufacturing National Drilling Assn. Fun Facts about WORD Rock Drills..........................12 Over a Century of Progress and Industry Growth......20 From Small-Town Roots to Global Impact.................30 E-News Readers’ Choice - Oldest Rocks on the Planet...8 Supplying Specialized Products for Over 20 Years........34 Storkson, Britt: What a Computer Can or Cannot Do...46 Connor, Tim: Prospect Buying Habits......................23 Celebrating A Legacy of Innovation & Impact for Over...50 Battersby, Mark E.: Drilling Into Money Not Boring..16 Oilfields of Dreams....................................................22 Nearly 100 Years of Combined Experience...............39 Smith, Jim: Maintenance 101...................................11 Bringing Suicide Prevention Out of the Shadows......19 Four Decades of Breaking New Ground....................41 Geotechnical Surveys for Offshore Wind Projects.....44 Pioneering An Industry Since 1995...........................21 The History of Gus Pech Manufacturing....................32 Smith, Billy Bob: The “Idiots” Corner.......................35 Wilson, Jr., Robert Evans: The Un-Comfort Zone II...7 Providing Perfect Bits for Over 50 Years....................27 Rock Drilling Tools Deliver Results............................24 High-Quality Tools Since 1948..................................48 Congratulations to Berg Well Drilling~Celebrating 125...14-15 Celebrating 58 Years of Innovation............................17 Innovation, Growth, and Global Impact.....................29 Get a Handle on History...............................................31 Rasmussen, Tim: Water for Life International..........38 O-K Bit Service, Inc. PennDrill Mfg. Star Iron Works, Inc. T&T Carbide, Inc. The Utility Expo Utah Ground Water Assn. 5 SEPTEMBER 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource®
READING ~ Every Line ~ Every Time It’s not often we hear from someone who actually reads the ENTIRE MAGAZINE. But today, Michele brought this letter to me from Doyle Berg in Traverse City, Michigan. (The letter and a very Special Document appear on pages 14 and 15 of this issue.) Taking the time to sit down and handwrite the letter to us recognizing the importance of this magazine to the drilling industry ~ brought back many fond memories of Michigan events we attended. But most of all, shows how much this magazine means to our Professional Drilling Contractors. I am asked from time to time, “So, how much is WorldWide worth?” Can’t put a value on friendship like this. Thank you, Doyle. Proudly Made in the United States of America - delivered WorldWide! WorldWide Drilling Resource® The complete magazine for the drilling industry worldwide, owned by drilling industry associates dedicated to bringing the most up-to-date technology and information to subscribers. Covering construction, geotechnical, directional, environmental, exploration-blasthole, shallow gas & oil, geothermal, mining, water well, irrigation, wastewater; from bits, to pumps, to rigs, to tanks, through wire, and now includes farmers / ranchers. Whatever it takes to get the drilling job done! Managing Publisher/CEO/President: Veronica I. Jones Vice President: Troy Cunningham Office Administrator: Michele Stevens Editor: Bonnie Love Editorial Assistant: Sophia Henline Public Relations Professional/Classified: Linda Peterson Representative / Special Assignments: Marie Cunningham Editorial Contributors for this month: Mark Battersby Tim Connor Tim Rasmussen “Billy Bob Smith” Jim Smith Britt Storkson Robert Evans Wilson,Jr. Hyd/Eng Consultant: Thomas Kwader, Ph.D.,P.G. Consultant: Mary Ann Pelletier Editorial contributions & advertisements include statements of fact and opinions that are the sole responsibility of the author and/or companies and do not necessarily imply any opinion of the owners, management, or staff of WorldWide Drilling Resource® . Images may have been altered for clarity. Complete advertising information may be found at: www.worldwidedrillingresource.com or by calling 850-547-0102. WorldWide Drilling Resource® makes every effort not to place advertisements for “like” products on the same page in our publication; this may occur however, due to size and space within the publication. We regret any incovenience this may cause our advertisers. WorldWide Drilling Resource® is published monthly by: WorldWide Drilling Resource, Inc., a Florida Corporation, independently owned and operated. PO Box 660 (3089 Northride Lane) Bonifay FL 32425-0660. Telephone: 850-547-0102 Fax: 850-547-0329 E-mail: wwdr@worldwidedrillingresource.com Website: www.worldwidedrillingresource.com Copyright 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource, Inc. Seen by countless WorldWide. Publication Agreement No. 40892520. Back issues may be requested. Cost per issue $10.00 USD. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without the strict written consent of the publishers. Advertising rates furnished upon request. Editorial contributions are welcome subject to editorial review.* WorldWide Drilling Resource® reserves the right to refuse any advertisement. We Recycle 6 SEPTEMBER 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® With Pen - Computer in hand . . . Veronica I. “Ronnie” Jones, 850-547-0102 ronnie@worldwidedrillingresource.com We’ll see you On the Trail . . . Next up - NDA, Cleveland, Ohio! Featured Articles for September A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Co......31 Berg Well Drilling...........14-15 Buckeye Drill Company.......39 Center Rock, Inc.................24 CONEXPO-CON/AGG.......20 Dyno Nobel.........................50 ESI Supply..........................34 GeoPro, Inc.........................21 Gus Pech Mfg. Co., Inc.......32 N&N Drilling Supply Mfr......17 O-K Bit................................27 Robit, Inc.............................41 Rockmore International......48 SJE, Inc...............................29 Stellar Industries.................30 WORD Rock Drills..............12 More History for You: Oilfields of Dreams...........22 Thousands of Years Using Wind....................................25 A Gusher on Spindletop Hill..42 The Search for Gold with Hillman Drill Rigs...............45
7 SEPTEMBER 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® The Un-Comfort Zone II by Robert Evans Wilson, Jr. Was this Incident Synchronicity, Situational Awareness, or Something Else? Continuing my stories of weird things that have happened to me, I’d like to share an uncanny coincidence I endured the summer I was 18 years old. Carl Jung called coincidences synchronicity if they had some meaningful significance to the people who experienced them. Jung also claimed synchronicity may validate the existence of the paranormal, but he never did any scientific studies to prove this. According to Wikipedia: Synchronicity supposes events may be causally unrelated yet have unknown noncausal connection. And, that is what makes them so interesting and eerie. I don’t know what meaning the following event had for me, but it was definitely not normal. And, it’s something that's stayed in my memory ever since. Right after I graduated high school, with my eyes on beginning a Pre-Med college major in the fall, I went to work in a hospital emergency room (ER). The layout of the ER floor plan was a large rectangle with the nurse's station in the middle of two hallways and all the treatment rooms along the opposite sides of the hallways. Prominently placed in the nurse's station was the Urgency Map. It was a large, dry erase whiteboard with the floor plan printed on it. Into each of the squares representing treatment rooms, the triage nurse would write the patient's last name and condition, for example: Smith - Chest Pain; Miller - Laceration, and so forth. The purpose was so the doctor on duty could step into the nurse's station and see at a glance where the next priority was. One Saturday morning the ER became very busy; all the rooms filled up and there were patients still in the waiting room. The doctor rushed from room to room all day, then finally in the afternoon he got stuck with a complicated case for about an hour. During that time the entire ER cleared out. One of the nurses pointed to the blank Urgency Map and said, “Dr. Kennerly is going to like the sight of that when he comes out of treatment room six.” Maryann, the charge nurse, was a prankster and said, “Let's have some fun with him when he gets out.” She then went to the whiteboard and filled in all the squares by writing ER employee's last name’s and an ailment for each. By my name she wrote “Bee Sting.” A few minutes later, Dr. Kennerly walked into the nurses' station, looked at the full whiteboard, and cried out, “Oh no!” He then rushed over to get a closer look to see where he needed to go next; within a few seconds he recognized all the staff’s names and laughed out loud in relief. The whole nurse's station joined in the laughter. My shift ended about an hour later and I went home. When I got there, my mother asked me to mow the lawn, actually just a section of it that was very shaded where grass wouldn't grow - only weeds. That section of the lawn only needed mowing once or twice a year. I changed into a t-shirt, running shorts - you know how short those are - and a pair of sneakers, and started mowing the weeds. A few minutes later, I felt a burning sensation on my rear end. I turned around to see a swarm of yellow jacket wasps flying up out of the ground where I had just mowed. I ran as fast as I could, but not before I got four bee stings on my left cheek and couldn't sit down for three days after. When I went into work the next day, I told Maryann what happened, and added, “I'm just so grateful that you didn't put me down for getting hit by a bus!” What lesson did I learn from that? I wondered, was this some sort of Law of Attraction thing? Did I somehow attract those bee stings because Maryann wrote it on the whiteboard? I did learn that Situational Awareness is important regardless of where you are. If I had been paying attention, I might’ve noticed the yellow jackets flying toward and away from a single spot on the ground in front of me as I mowed. Was there anything otherworldly or paranormal about this experience? I don’t know, but because it was so weird and it happened so quickly after Maryann seemingly predicted it, I have never been able to forget it. What do you think? Robert Robert is an innovation/change speaker, author, and consultant. He works with companies that want to be more competitive through innovation and with people who want to think more creatively. Contact him via e-mail to michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com Rob started Jumpstart Your Meeting in 1997. Louisiana Ground Water Association (LGWA) Make plans to attend the 2026 LGWA Convention & Trade Show January 6-7, 2026 Paragon Casino Resort Marksville, Louisiana Registration Form Online https://LGWA.org Discount Code GRJ06GR
Oldest Rocks on the Planet Discovered in Canada Adapted from Information by the University of Ottawa and OpenGeology Scientists have been debating the age of volcanic rocks from northern Québec, Canada, for years. It all began with a Ph.D. student, Christian Sole who was working on his master’s thesis under the leadership of Jonathan O’Neil, Associate Professor at the University of Ottawa (uOttawa). Christian studied core samples collected in 2017, near the municipality of Inukjuak, Nunavik, in the Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt, located along the eastern shoreline of the Hudson Bay in northern Québec. According to his research, the rocks sampled showed signs of being some of the oldest preserved rocks on the planet from the Hadean Eon 4568 to 4000 million years ago. Named for the Greek God of the Underworld - Hades, the Hadean Eon is often described as hell on earth. Which is appropriate since the planet was covered with magma oceans boiling on the surface along with noxious gases and steam at the time. Discovering how and when the planet’s crust formed during the first billion years of its existence has been complicated since there are few geological remnants. Our planet recreates its crust through melting and resolidifying, erasing much of its early history. There are mineral fragments from the Hadean Eon, but there is little consensus on whether any intact, primordial crust still exists. In fact, preserved physical rocks of the Hadean Eon were thought to be nonexistent - until now. O’Neil, who supervised the original study, explained, “The results obtained during Christian Sole’s master’s were very promising. We continued the research after he completed his master’s to confirm the exceptional age of these rocks.” This major discovery is the fruit of a collaboration involving Christian Sole, who completed a master’s at uOttawa in 2021; Hanika Rizo, a Professor at Carleton University; Jean-Louis Paquette, a researcher at France’s Centre national de la recherche scientifique in the Université Clermont-Auvergne’s Laboratoire Magmas et Volcans; David Benn, a former student at uOttawa; and Joeli Plakholm, a former student at Carleton University. The current study shows intrusive rocks crossing the volcanic formations are 4.16 billion years old, confirming the volcanic rocks are older and that this region is indeed home to the oldest known rocks on earth. “This confirmation positions the Nuvvuagittuq Belt as the only place on earth where we find rocks formed during the Hadean Eon, that is, the first 500 million years of our planet’s history,” said O’Neil. To establish the age of these rocks, researchers combined petrology and geochemistry and applied two radiometric dating methods using different isotopes of the elements samarium and neodymium as two separate chronometers indicating the same age, 4.16 million years. This discovery opens a unique window on early earth development. “Understanding these rocks is going back to the very origins of our planet. This allows us to better understand how the first continents were formed and to reconstruct the environment from which life could have emerged,” stated O’Neil. Editor’s Note: In between our print issues, the WWDR Team prepares an electronic newsletter called E-News Flash by WorldWide by WorldWide Drilling Resource®. This newsletter is filled with articles not included in our print issue. Based on readership, this was the most popular article of the month. Get in on the action and subscribe today at: worldwidedrillingresource.com “For over 15 years, the scientific community has debated the age of volcanic rocks from northern Québec. Our previous research suggested that they could date back 4.3 billion years, but this wasn’t the consensus,” O’Neil recalled. ENV Time for a Little Fun! August Puzzle Solution: kingfisher bison parakeet locust newt hyena warbler Win a prize! Send completed puzzle to: WWDR PO Box 660 Bonifay, FL 32425 fax: 850-547-0329 or e-mail: michele@ worldwidedrillingresource.com Match the three-letter words on the right to complete the seven-letter words on the left. DORM_ _ _ ATE EXPL_ _ _ OWN HIGH_ _ _ ANT UNKN_ _ _ ORE VIBR_ _ _ WAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource®
PosiPro® for Dry Bulk Material Handling Hapman, a global leader in custom bulk material handling equipment, is offering the PosiPro® dosing feeder, designed to tackle the challenges of handling difficult dry bulk materials with precision and consistency. With advanced features and a durable design, it will enhance operations. The PosiPro’s heavy-duty design ensures reliable operation in harsh conditions, consistently delivering materials. The screw and nozzle are customizable, allowing the PosiPro to adapt to unique material handling requirements. With three standard frame sizes to choose from, there is a solution to fit into many diverse operational environments. The optional internal agitation system is structured to maximize performance by adapting to different material handling needs. Additionally, it includes independent motor controls and agitation systems, which work together to ensure consistent material flow and adaptability across a wide range of applications. These features enable the PosiPro to handle challenging materials with ease to maintain dependable performance. The conical shape of the hopper ensures unrestricted flow of material into the feeder, eliminating areas where material might gather. This enhancement increases storage capacity and streamlines material handling processes. With the Posi-Pro, operators can improve production, reduce downtime, and ensure long-term operational success. For a link, click on this box in our online issue. No online issue? Register at worldwidedrillingresource.com 9 SEPTEMBER 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource®
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11 SEPTEMBER 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Maintenance 101 by Jim Smith, National Exploration Manager at Terracon I am emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to project management and operations, especially in the drilling industry. While new machines and technologies can enhance production, it's crucial to ensure all other aspects, such as maintenance, training, and support systems, are also in place to achieve overall success. Daily maintenance is indeed vital to keep these advanced machines running efficiently and to prevent unexpected downtimes. It's a reminder that while innovation is important, the fundamentals of good management and consistent upkeep shouldn't be overlooked. Implementing effective maintenance practices is critical for ensuring the longevity and efficiency of your equipment. Here are some best practices to consider: Planning and Scheduling: Develop a detailed maintenance plan that includes regular inspections and servicing schedules. This helps in preventing unexpected breakdowns. Preventive Maintenance: Focus on preventive maintenance to address potential issues before they become major problems. This includes routine checks and timely replacements of worn-out parts. Maintenance History Tracking: Keep detailed records of all maintenance activities. This helps with identifying recurring issues and planning future maintenance more effectively. Standardized Checklists: Use standardized checklists to ensure consistency in maintenance tasks. This helps in making sure no critical steps are missed . Training and Hiring: Ensure your maintenance team is well-trained and knowledgeable about the equipment they are working with. Hiring skilled technicians is also crucial. Use of Technology: Implement maintenance management software to streamline processes, track performance metrics, and manage work orders efficiently. Monitoring KPIs: Regularly monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as equipment uptime, maintenance costs, and response times to measure the effectiveness of your maintenance program. Culture of Maintenance: Foster a culture that values maintenance and encourages proactive identification and reporting of issues. By following these best practices, you can enhance the reliability and performance of your equipment, ultimately leading to more efficient operations. Jim Jim Smith may be contacted via e-mail to michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com GEOTECH
Fun Facts about WORD Rock Drills Adapted from Information by WORD Rock Drills WORD Rock Drills is celebrating 19 years of innovation, growth, and drilling excellence in Elon, North Carolina. What started in a garage back in 2006, has transformed into a thriving, woman-owned rock drill manufacturing company with a dedicated team, an exciting future, and a lot of personality. To mark this milestone, here are 19 fun and interesting facts about WORD Rock Drills which showcase who they are, what they do, and where they’re headed. 1. Humble Beginnings with Big Dreams - In 2006, like a lot of companies, John and wife Lisa started WORD Rock Drills in a garage. Their first hydraulic drill attachment was built in 2009 - and innovations have continued ever since. 2. Woman-Owned and Growing Strong - Proud to be a woman-owned rock drill manufacturer with daughter Paige taking over in 2019, the WORD Team has grown to 23 rock star members who keep drilling attachments moving and customers satisfied. 3. Assembled in America, Built for the World - All hydraulic drilling attachments are assembled in the USA, using high-quality parts sourced from around the world to ensure top performance and durability. 4. Customization is Key - With over 40 different configurations available, WORD rock drills are designed to meet a variety of customer needs. 5. From North Carolina to Japan - WORD Rock Drills are making an impact worldwide; the farthest drill traveled to Japan to serve within the solar industry. 6. Growing Facility - By the end of the year, they’ll be moving into a new 10,000-square-foot space. 7. Smarter Storage for Faster Service - The majority of parts inventory is housed in a vertical space, allowing for efficient retrieval of components for building drills or fulfilling orders. 8. Fast Shipping, Every Time - All in-stock parts are guaranteed to ship within 24 hours. 9. Trade Show Shenanigans - Did you know WORD Rock Drills brought a mechanical bull to a trade show and handed out custom western belt buckles to everyone who dared to ride? 10. The Ultimate Trade Show Display - The company custom-built a 20-foot shipping container to use as a trade show display, complete with a bar and a second-story observation deck to keep things exciting! 11. Unstoppable Production Team - In 2024, the seven-person operations team built an impressive 164 rock drills. 12. Making a Difference in Disaster Relief - Nine drilling attachments from WORD are being used by various companies to assist with Hurricane Helene relief efforts in Asheville, North Carolina. 13. Durability that Stands the Test of Time - The very first WORD drilling attachment, built in 2009, is still going strong, drilling holes across Texas after 15 years of hard work! 14. Giving Back Globally - Making a worldwide impact in 2024, WORD sponsored the distribution of Bibles through missions and ministries, reaching over nine countries. 15. Operation Christmas Child Mission - Each year, the team packs 250 shoeboxes for the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child mission. Then in December, they volunteer at the shoebox distribution center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 16. Work Schedule that Works for Life - The company believes in work-life balance, so they operate on a four-day workweek. The on-call team is available on Fridays. 17. Innovation and Adaptability - WORD’s hydraulic rock drills have been used in diverse industries from retaining walls below sea level, to slope stabilization at the top of mountains. Products are adapted to meet customers’ unique needs. 18. Built for Tough Conditions - WORD Rock Drills are engineered to withstand the harshest jobsites, from rocky terrains to extreme weather conditions, even drilling within the Arctic Circle. 19. Looking Ahead to the Future - With a new facility on the horizon, a dedicated team, and continuous innovation, the future of WORD Rock Drills looks brighter than ever! WWDR photo of John showing it wasn’t his first rodeo at the 2021 International Foundations Congress & Equipment Expo. CONST November Issue Deadlines Space Reservation: September 15th Horizontal Directional Drilling ~ All the tools necessary to get the job done. 12 SEPTEMBER 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource®
UK-Based MGS Expands Product Range MGS, a specialist supplier of geotechnical solutions, has expanded its product range to include water level and monitoring equipment from Canadian manufacturer, Heron Instruments Inc. Under the new agreement, MGS will provide Heron Instruments’ dipper-See borehole inspection camera and ATEX-certified level meters, including products such as the T2 Dipmeter and H.Oil Water Interface Meter, to customers in the UK. “Heron Instruments offers high-quality products that align closely with the needs of our customer base - from groundwater infrastructure to landfill gas extractions. We’re excited to be introducing these solutions to the UK market and we look forward to exploring further opportunities together,” stated Anthony Stupak, Managing Director at MGS. For a link, click on this box in our online issue. No online issue? Register at worldwidedrillingresource.com WHO’S IN THE NEWS Additional announcements from Franklin Electric, the Society for Mining Metallurgy & Exploration (SME), the Deep Foundations Institute, and Rio Tinto, can be found in our online issue at worldwidedrillingresource.com Florida Ground Water Association The Florida Ground Water Association (FGWA) awarded Samuel Hammett and Lennox Ullrich the 2025 John Kriska Memorial Scholarships. FGWA Director Bob Lilland was on hand to present the awards during the Annual Convention and Trade Show. 13 SEPTEMBER 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource®
14 SEPTEMBER 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® cELEBRA Congr ATING 125 Years of ratulations to Be f Well Drilling Se erg Well Drilling ervice g ~
15 SEPTEMBER 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource®
Drilling Into Money Not Boring by Mark E. Battersby The One Big Beautiful Bill Act The new Budget Reconciliation law, the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA), prevents an over $4 trillion tax hike from occurring at the end of this year by extending and making many of the temporary tax cuts of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) permanent. Under the OBBBA, the favorable 20% deduction from the income of pass-through businesses, such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, and S corporations is now permanent. The partnership tax rules have long insisted that services and property transfers (or disguised sales) be at arm’s length. Now, thanks to the OBBBA, there is a “technical clarification” that expands the guidance and makes them applicable unless there is an exception. One of the key elements of the 2017 TCJA was a 100% bonus depreciation write-off which allowed a drilling operation or business to immediately deduct the full cost of equipment and other assets. Today, the full 100% bonus depreciation is back. What’s more, the deduction will apply through 2029 for property acquired after January 19, 2025. In addition to bonus depreciation, the OBBBA doubles the current amount allowed as a Section 179 first year expensing deduction from $1,250,000 to $2,500,000 and increases the asset acquisition limit from the current $3,130,0000 to $4,000,000. And then, there is the new tax deduction for overtime pay. Workers making less than $150,000 can deduct as much as $12,500 for single filers and $25,000 for those filing jointly. For the drilling operation, the employer, overtime is still considered as wages for FICA tax purposes, meaning the wages are subject to Social Security and Medicare tax. However, since workers can only deduct overtime that is reported on information returns, such as Form W-2, this year the employing drilling operation or business can approximate overtime pay using a “reasonable method.” Those drilling professionals concerned about the OBBBA’s addition to the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) can relax. The OBBBA has added another category for expenses related to developing gas and oil wells. Although the corporate AMT routinely imposes a 15% minimum tax on the adjusted financial statement income, not its taxable income, fortunately it only applies to large corporations - with income in excess of $1 billion. These and many other changes will obviously require all drilling professionals to adjust their tax strategies. In addition to monitoring further developments, seeking professional assistance can help both with planning and reaping the potential tax savings. Mark Mark E. Battersby may be contacted via e-mail to michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com G&O 16 SEPTEMBER 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® October 1-2, 2025 ~ Get ready to attend the National Drilling Association’s DRILLEXPO, the premier event for geotechnical and environmental drilling professionals. Competitors will become colleagues at the Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Enjoy 18 holes at the Stonewater Golf Club or take the Rock and Rock Hall of Fame Tour before the trade show opens at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, which is followed by a rooftop social. Along with expert industry presentations on Thursday, get inspired by Keynote Speaker Ross Bernstein’s “The Champion’s Code: Building Relationships Through Life Lessons of Integrity and Accountability from the Sports World to the Business World” during the Presidents Dinner. Register now at https://cvent.me/R7AnQE October 7-9, 2025 ~ Where the utility industry goes to grow, The Utility Expo is held every other year at the Kentucky Exhibition Center in Louisville, Kentucky. With over 1.5 million square feet of equipment, products, and services on display, there is surely something for everyone. Visitors are encouraged to climb in and demo the machines, ask questions, and compare brands. Plus, there are over 30 education sessions to bring you up to speed with the latest ideas and techniques, along with practical training you can use right away. More details at www.theutilityexpo.com See more events at www.worldwidedrillingresource.com online issue. Are you planning to go? WorldWide will be looking for you! Join WWDR
Celebrating 58 Years of Innovation Adapted from Information by N&N Drilling Supply Mfr. Founded in 1967, N&N Drilling Supply Mfr. has grown from a humble garage-run business to a successful international corporation with distributors across the globe. Under the leadership of current President and CEO Gregg Nieto, with more than 40 years of experience, N&N Drilling Supply continues to uphold the vision and values set by its founder, Angelo Nieto. The company’s state-of-the-art facility includes specialized machinery, including CNC lathes and CNC mills to manufacture a wide range of drilling equipment. N&N Supply’s drill rods, casing pipe, roller bits, and auger equipment are trusted around the world across several industries including water well, geotechnical, environmental, mineral exploration, geothermal, and grout drilling. Beyond manufacturing, the company is also a major distributor of well products, casing shoes, diamond core bits, reaming shells, and stainless-steel materials for water well applications. N&N Drilling is a partner with Premier Mining Products, a Canada-based company, specializing in the manufacturing of the nation’s finest wireline products for mineral exploration drilling. With a strong focus on accessibility and efficiency, N&N Drilling’s expansive network of locations around the world ensures swift and reliable support wherever a project takes you. The company’s highly skilled teams bring extensive knowledge of the local drilling landscape, providing tailored solutions and prompt assistance for a wide range of applications. Backed by industry expertise and a fully stocked warehouse, the company guarantees fast shipping along with superior customer support for all your drilling needs. With over 50 years of expertise, N&N Drilling Supply stands as a leading provider of drilling supplies, tools, and accessories, delivering quality, reliability, and innovation to every project, worldwide. Angelo Nieto WTR EXB ENV GEO GEOTECH 17 SEPTEMBER 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource®
18 SEPTEMBER 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Does your rig need help? We can take care of your new or not so new rig. Remounts • Rebuilds • Overhauls Our distributors are: Drilling Supply & Mfg. 7301 Hwy 183 South Austin TX 78744 Tel: (512) 243-1986 Fax: (512) 243-1091 Check out our website for a list of units for sale. www.dsm-mayhew.com
19 SEPTEMBER 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Bringing Suicide Prevention Out of the Shadows Adapted from Information by Acker Drill Co. and Terra Testing, Inc. September is National Suicide Prevention Month - a time to raise awareness of a crisis which can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, background, or profession. Acker Drill Co. and Terra Testing, Inc. teamed up to design an Acker Rebel XL to promote suicide awareness. When Eric Hajek, President of Terra Testing informed Joseph “JJ” Mehalick II, Director of Drilling Operations with Terra Testing he would be responsible for designing the new Acker Rebel XL rig, he was excited about the task. Here is his story: After I was told about the rig and responsibilities, I contacted the driller who would be operating the rig to see if he wanted anything particular on the rig and what color he would like. We discussed how he would like the rig set up and then requested that the rig colors would be purple and teal. I laughed and asked again, “What color would you like?” He responded, “Purple and teal. They are the colors for suicide awareness.” At that moment, I was speechless. I completely understood why he chose those colors. The young driller that I was talking with had tragically lost his father to suicide a few years ago when he was only 18 years old. From this moment forward, the drill rig became a personal project for me. There is a stigma around the topic of suicide. It is a very difficult topic to discuss. We must work through the difficulty to talk about why people feel they have no other option. Most people have been affected by suicide in some way or another. Whether a friend, a coworker, or family member that has attempted suicide or succeeded in their suicide attempt. Most people think that suicide is a mental illness. Suicide is not the illness. It is a means to another mental health struggle. It is a tragedy resulting from intense pain. Suicide can be prevented. Education is the key. We need to talk to young and old people about mental health. We need to recognize the warning signs, the cries for help whether they be silent or loud, the coping mechanisms, and the root causes. The root causes are often the result of untreated mental health illnesses, trauma, social isolation, or systemic issues like poverty, discrimination, or addiction. Access to mental health care needs to be a priority. We need to create spaces where people feel safe talking about their struggles and their thoughts. Suicide prevention needs to be brought out of the shadows. It is the responsibility of all of us. Don’t be afraid to ask a friend, a loved one, or even a stranger if everything is OK when it appears that something is wrong. Changing how we talk about mental illness and the social stigma of it, we can create a culture where people feel supported in finding help before they reach the “end,” so that nobody feels alone and helpless - that suicide seems like the only option. Our words, our actions, our willingness to listen and support, all matter. Together, we can change the conversation around suicide and in doing so, we can save lives. If you or somebody you know are considering suicide, please call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) Joseph Accardi, Joseph Rochinski, Robert Lepre, and Wayne Wise took a moment at the 2025 South Atlantic JUBILEE Event to pose with the Acker Rebel XL designed by Terra Testing. WWDR photos.
20 SEPTEMBER 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Over a Century of Progress and Industry Growth Adapted from Information by CONEXPO-CON/AGG As CONEXPO‑CON/AGG 2026 quickly approaches, we thought it would be nice to take a closer look at the construction industry’s premier event as it celebrates 117 years as North America’s unmatched platform for construction innovation. From humble beginnings in 1909, when the original Road Show in Columbus, Ohio, hosted 40 equipment manufacturers in a 40,000‑square‑foot space, to today’s 2.9 million‑square‑foot, 2000 exhibitor event, CONEXPO‑CON/AGG’s evolution embodies the exponential growth of the construction industry. MILESTONES IN A STORIED PAST: • 1909 - The inaugural Road Show, Columbus, Ohio, spotlighted machinery soon dubbed “hazardous equipment” over 40,000 square feet. • 1928 - Detroit hosted the Combined Biennial Show, later known as the Concrete & Aggregates Show. • 1963 - The Columbus Road Show rebranded to the Construction Equipment Exposition & Road Show. • 1969 - “ConExpo” emerges as the new moniker for the event. • 1996 - ConExpo and Con/Agg formally unite under the CONEXPO‑CON/AGG banner in Las Vegas, transitioning to a triennial frequency. • 2005 - AEM (Association of Equipment Manufacturers) assumes sole responsibility for managing the show; in 2018, it secures operation rights through 2040. RECORD-BREAKING SCALE & REACH When you compare the 1996 event to the 2023 event, the impressive progress is unmistakable. • Exhibitors rose from 800 to 2056. • Exhibit space ballooned from 1 million square feet to over 2.8 million square feet. • Attendance jumped from 84,000 to 139,110. Of the more than 139,000 visitors to the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG event, 24,000 were international attendees from 133 countries, with exhibitors representing 36 nations. FORGING THE FUTURE - CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 The upcoming event is set for March 3-7, 2026, at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Las Vegas Festival Grounds, with this edition continuing the tradition of excellence featuring: • 2000 exhibitor brands. • 2.9 million square feet of indoor and outdoor displays. • 150 educational sessions spanning technology, sustainability, and industry best practices. • New Ground Breakers Stage. • New Workshops: Small Business, EmpowerHER, Shop Talks and Walks. “A century of progress is reflected in CONEXPO‑CON/AGG’s scale, scope, and spirit,” said Dana Wuesthoff, CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show Director. “This event continues to elevate the equipment manufacturing industry - amplifying innovation, insight, and influence.” For more information on the 2026 CONEXPO-CON/AGG event, please visit www.conexpoconagg.com CONST
21 SEPTEMBER 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Pioneering an Industry Since 1995 Adapted from Information by GeoPro, Inc. Founded in 1995, GeoPro, Inc. has developed and maintained a reputation as a leader in the ground source heat pump industry. The company firmly believes it is not enough to simply succeed, but to do so with integrity. GeoPro strives to fulfill the promise of three interrelated missions: Product Mission - To develop, distribute, and sell quality bentonite-based thermal grouts exceeding industry standards for quality, consistency, and pumpability. Research Mission - To increase the understanding of thermodynamic and physical characteristics of thermal grouts leading to improved products for the geothermal heating and cooling industry. Social Mission - To educate and provide quality services to help guide practitioners and policymakers, ensuring the continued success of the industry and the subsequent environmental benefits inherent to the wide-scale adoption of this geothermal technology. GeoPro has quickly become a leading expert in the geothermal heating and cooling industry, performing the original research to develop thermally-enhanced grouts, not only paving the way for the grouting industry, but improving ground heat exchanger performance in general. The GeoPro Team took the knowledge gained from its research and built the thermal grout market from the ground up. In addition to pioneering the thermally-enhanced grout industry over the past 30 years, the company is also involved in educational outreach activities, as well as the development of training materials and industry standards. When it comes to the thermally-enhanced grout market, GeoPro was the first to: \ Develop a saleable product for the ground source heat pump industry. \ Obtain NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) certification to NSF/ANSI Standard 60 to guarantee purity and suitability for contact with drinking water. \ Educate mechanical engineers about the cost advantages of thermal grout in commercial projects. \ Assist industry software developers with algorithms to properly model the effect of thermal grout on ground heat exchanger performance. \ Develop a “selectable” product, where a targeted thermal conductivity value can easily and repeatably exceed minimum project requirements (set forth by the Engineer of Record). \ Implement a field quality control program, where field-collected samples are sent directly from the project (on a blind sample basis) and then tested for actual thermal performance to verify compliance with project specifications. \ Offer “guaranteed” loopfield design assistance to engineers with little to no ground loop heat exchanger design experience. \ Offer a graphite-based thermal enhancement alternative to silica sand. No other grouting products in the market have been independently tested or put to use as extensively as GeoPro’s Thermal Grout Lite or Thermal Grout Select. When it comes to thermally-enhanced grouts, GeoPro continues to set the standard by which all others measure their success. GEO Happy Birthday WorldWide Drilling Resource® Celebrating 22 years of Solid Gold Service ~ with a smile!™
22 SEPTEMBER 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Oilfields of Dreams Adapted from Information by the American Oil and Gas Historical Society As baseball emerged as the beloved pastime of America in the early 1900s, flourishing oil towns showcased their community spirit through local teams, often named to reflect their ties to the local booming oil industry. In Texas, the vibrant petroleum hub of Corsicana introduced the Oil Citys, making headlines in 1902 with an astonishing victory against the Texarkana Casketmakers, winning 51 to three. Notably, Oil Citys catcher Jay Justin Clarke achieved an unforgettable feat by hitting eight home runs in just eight at-bats during that game, a record that remains unbroken. The first official night game in baseball history took place on April 28, 1930, featuring the company town team, the Producers from Independence, Kansas, who faced off against the Muskogee Chiefs and lost. The Producers were part of the 96 teams that made up the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, which would later be known as Minor League Baseball. The discovery of natural gas and oil in the mid-continent led to rapid growth in Iola, Kansas, transforming it from a modest town of 1567 in 1895, to a bustling city of over 11,000 in just nine years. While the local team, the Iola Gasbags, took their name from their reputation for boasting in the Missouri State League, they briefly changed their name to the Iola Gaslighters in 1903, only to revert back the following season. In Beaumont, Texas, the site of the famous Spindletop oil discovery in 1901, minor league baseball thrived for many years under various names. The Beaumont Oil Gushers, established in 1903, transformed into the Millionaires in 1904, then became the Oilers, and finally the Beaumont Exporters in 1920. Despite suggestions to rename the team the Refiners to better represent the industry, they briefly adopted the name Roughnecks for the 1950 season, a nod to a popular former company town team. One of the remarkable figures to emerge from the oil fields was Walter Johnson, who grew up in the small town of Olinda, California. In 1894, the Union Oil Company of Santa Paula acquired land in Orange County for oil production, leading to the establishment of Olinda as a booming oil town. Johnson moved there with his family at the age of 14 and played baseball while working in local oil fields. By 17, Johnson was the star pitcher for the Olinda Oil Wells. He would go on to become one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, renowned for his legendary fastball. Johnson’s Major League career kicked off in 1907 with the Washington Senators, where he would spend his entire 21year tenure, setting records for shutouts, wins, and complete games. In 1936, “The Big Train” Johnson was honored with induction into the newly established Baseball Hall of Fame, alongside legends like Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth. In 1924, he returned to his California roots for an exhibition game against Babe Ruth’s team in Brea, where he once played. On May 28, 1923, the Santa Rita No.1 well gushed to life in West Texas, drawing crowds from as far away as Fort Worth. Discovered by Texon Oil and Land Company on land leased from the University of Texas, this well marked the beginning of a major oil boom in the region, particularly in the Permian Basin, which continues to be a significant oil-producing area. By 1924, independent oilman Michael L. Benedum and other wildcatters established the Big Lake Oil Company, creating Texon, the first oil company town in the Permian Basin, where residents fielded their own baseball team. Once a thriving community with schools, churches, and recreational facilities, Texon now stands as a ghost town, having lost its population and baseball team, the Texon Oilers, by the mid-1950s. In 1889, the Standard Oil Company began construction on a vast refinery in Whiting, Indiana, which today is BP’s largest refinery in the U.S. The Northwest Indiana Oilmen, established in 2012, represents the region’s baseball heritage. On June 3, 2012, they celebrated their inaugural victory, defeating the Southland Vikings at Oil City Stadium, marking a new chapter in the area’s baseball history as part of the Midwest Collegiate League, a precursor to Minor League Baseball. The Texon Oilers won Permian Basin League championships in 1933, 1934, 1935, and 1939. The Iola Gasbags, pictured here in 1904. Photo courtesy of the National Baseball Hall of Fame Library. A 1961 baseball card notes headline of the former California oilfield roustabout’s amazing 1913 pitching record. G&O Like what you see? Drop a line to sophia@worldwidedrillingresource.com
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