Todd Flyte was raised in Moore Township and attended Moore Township Elementary School. As a youth, he was active in Little League Baseball and, at age 13, started to work on the Schlegel farm until he graduated from Northampton High School in 1985.

After high school, he received an apprenticeship with Iron Workers Local #36.

He recalled, “We worked at all the Lehigh Valley cement plants, and I gained valuable on the job training. The apprenticeship lasted for three years. I was paid $17.50 an hour.”

Mr. Flyte gained valuable knowledge from his father, Robert. His father was a fine student and friend of this writer at the high school.

Todd said, “I have great respect for my father, who shared his working experiences and work ethic with me.”

His father, an excellent welder, worked on many large projects, including the Three Mile Island nuclear plant.

Both of Todd’s grandparents worked at the former Penn Dixie Cement plants.

Todd was employed several years by Lehigh Valley Erector and Tri-City Erectors. He especially remembers helping to erect the Steel Force ride at Dorney Park.

Todd said, “When completed, we were given the first rides in the super coaster.”

In 2010, the construction industry declined, and Mr. Flyte and a number of ironworkers were unemployed. Todd’s neighbor, Mr. Schlegel, a Buzzi employee, said Buzzi Unicem (Hercules) was hiring. Todd was hired as a millwright; his previous cement experience qualified him for the position. The starting rate was $24 an hour.

Today, there are 15 millwrights at the plant. Todd is a plant inspector, working to maintain the operations of the plant. He works closely with Tommy Yost under the supervision of Mr. Bill Street.

With a smile, Todd said, “I enjoy my job. We check all the equipment in the plant.”

In his spare time, he plays golf at Whitetail Golf Club and played at the former Willow Brook course. He also hunts at the family cabin in Potter County.

Todd is married for 34 years to the former Stacy Brandl of Whitehall. They are extremely proud of daughters Brittany and Alyssa and three grandchildren. The friendly couple resides in Moore Township.

We wish Mr. Flyte and his coworkers safe and successful careers at the century-old Stockertown plant.