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04/28/2008

 The first quarter of the year has been quite busy around the Red Cross office.  There have been several house and apartment fires.  We have helped several families get through the first several days after a disaster.  Our Disaster Action Team has been meeting on a regular basis in order to be ready for whatever happens.  We have been teaching CPR and First Aid classes. The county pools are also getting up to speed for the summer. We have blended learning available for those who want to do classes on a computer at home or at work.  Our Blood Drive people have been doing a great job keeping blood supplies up.   We have helped several Armed Forces and their families when things have come up.  If you have any questions about what we do or you would like to volunteer your time, please call!  We will talk to you to see what we have that will fit into your schedule.

12/26/2007 

While the 2007 hurricane season proved to be less eventful than predicted, we handled more than 230 large-scale disaster responses in almost every part of the country, demonstrating the strength of our chapter network and the importance of getting every individual, family and business prepared.  Locally, we sent volunteers to work on the 35W bridge disaster.  We also helped extensively with the SE Minnesota Floods.  

 Biomedical Services increased collections over last year and had their best month in Red Cross history for distribution of platelets.  We updated health and safety courses with the latest science.  We received $20 million from Congress to reinvigorate our Service to the Armed Forces to meet the needs of today’s military families.

7/08/2002 / Red Wing Republican Eagle / Cause of latest fires likely arson / Jason Mohr

A string of what appears to be deliberately set fires destroyed a garage and damaged three other structures in a south Red Wing neighborhood early Saturday morning. Two family pets died and one family was left homeless, but no injuries were reported.

The fires had crews racing from house to house. The Bobby and Amy Rea residence at 327 Frenn Ave. bore the brunt of the destruction, but someone also apparently tried to damage other homes. 

"We're doing everything we can to find evidence," Public Safety Director Rick Rabenort said. Investigators also were searching the surrounding woods. A $2,500 reward for information leading to an arrest is being offered.

Rabenort said fire crews were called at 5:17 a.m. to a fire at the Pleasant Ridge Apartments, 2488 Malmquist Ave. Two detached garage units were set on fire.

At about the same time, residents just down the hill near the intersection of Frenn Avenue and Pheasant Run were scrambling out of their homes. Fire crews got a second emergency call and found two garages on fire at 5:31 a.m.

House on fire
"I woke up and said, 'The house is on fire,'" said Melissa Bishopp, who lives at 297 Frenn Ave. Her window fan was sucking in smoke; Bishopp and others quickly got out of the duplex. The flames were perilously close to a parked car with a full tank of gas, Bishopp said. But neighbors said it was soon apparent that a bigger blaze was raging at 327 Frenn Ave., which is only two doors away. The family was roused, including several children. Rabenort said fire crews might have rushed past the house unaware that the fire was going. By the time they returned to fight the flames, the garage was an inferno and the house was threatened. "They opened the garage door and nothing but a big, old plume of black smoke came out," William Cooper said. "There were flames everywhere." The blaze was quickly squelched and the flames were prevented from claiming the house. But it was hot enough to melt the siding off the next door duplex.

Red Cross assists
The Rea family won't be able to get in their house for a while, though. The garage is gone, two pets died and the house suffered smoke damage. Amy Rea said she was too upset to talk about their loss. The Red Cross was on hand and the family is apparently staying with family members. The state fire marshal was on the scene Saturday morning picking through each site as residents sat in small groups wondering when it was all right to return. Some would have to leave for work soon; others hoped to get inside before it got too hot.

Signs of arson
Police blocked entrances in and out of the neighborhood, which is home to many in a smattering of townhouses and duplexes. The fires are obviously arson, Rabenort said. The culprits tried to shove burning material under the vinyl siding at one home. Three other burns marks were visible.

Deputy Public Safety Deputy Tim Sletten said Monday that there was no information at this time linking the fires to a blaze that crippled Ripley's Rental on Tyler Road North, which also was ruled arson.

06/06/2002 / Red Wing Republican Eagle / Fire ruins Ripley's / Staff

Standing alone on the Cannon Valley Trail this morning, Jim and Mary Winch watched with certain disbelief as their business, Ripley's Rental on Tyler Road, still smoldered.

A fire reported shortly before midnight destroyed the rental business the Winches owned for eight years. Around 6:30 a.m. Red Wing firefighters were still on the scene extinguishing hots spots in the burned-out hulk that remained.

Also housed in the building at 312 Tyler Road N. was a warehouse for River City Flooring, owned by Jim Johnson and Jason Swanson of Red Wing.

"Almost all of the inventory is destroyed," said Swanson, in between calling customers to let them know the status of their orders. "We'll have a quick turnaround," he said. "We just need to replace the inventory." Jim Winch said he was called at home sometime after midnight about the fire and rushed to the scene. "There was nothing to do but watch at that point." He said it appeared that the fire started in the carpet business space that he rents to Johnson and Swanson, which is directly behind Ripley's. "When I got here, the back side was pretty much going," he said.

Swanson also was notified around midnight. He had no comment on the cause of the fire. "Nothing is confirmed at this time," he said. Firefighters, called to scene at 11:43 p.m., were greeted with smoke and flames. They immediately sounded a general alarm, summoning 25 firefighters with three engines, a ladder truck and a support vehicle.

As they battled the blaze, firefighters were concerned that the flames might reach several large LP gas tanks nearby. They were able to stop the fire before it reached the tanks, however. The fire was brought under control in about two hours, but the building sustained heavy damage. Some office space belonging to Ripley's was spared, however, according to fire officials.

No injuries were reported in the blaze. The Goodhue County Red Cross Chapter provided food and water to fire crews.

The Winches said the fire came at their busiest time of the year as people rent tables, chairs and other equipment for graduation parties and weddings.

"That is what makes this really tough," Mary Winch said. "We can bounce back. ... But there's nothing left, that's for sure. We have worked so hard on this, it really hurts."

River City Flooring, open in Red Wing since 1994, continues to do business out of the office location, 3016 N. Service Drive. "This will not slow down our business at all," Swanson said. "We just have to replace all the orders that already had been taken."

The state fire marshal and local officials are investigating the cause. No damage estimate was available this morning.

12/28/01 / Red Wing Republican Eagle / Lake City couple lend hand in New York / Bob Burroughs, Staff Writer

LAKE CITY - They worked 12-hour days on the perimeter of 16 acres of devastation. Each moment was spent trying to figure out a way to help victims survive and find solace amid so much disorder.

As Red Cross volunteers, Larry and Judy Solarz of Lake City have served at the sites of several disasters. The retirees have assisted flood victims in Grand Forks, N.D., and hurricane victims in North Carolina. But none of their experiences, the couple said, compares to the month spent helping victims of the terrorist attacks in New York City.

For most of November, they ministered to those who lost homes, jobs and loved ones at a Red Cross Service Center a half mile from Ground Zero. These people, Judy Solarz said, lost more than their jobs and homes.

"We have worked with people in shock, people who have suffered trauma," she said. "But never before have we seen such hopelessness. It was a different experience. Some people just didn't know where to go. Many of these people never thought they would need to ask for help."

The Red Cross regularly sets up operations at disaster sites, generally focusing on meeting immediate needs such as food, shelter and health and mental health services. The goal is to help people resume their normal activities as soon as possible.

That will not be easily done in New York, she said. Amid a slowing economy, many of those who lost jobs and the associated benefits have been unable to secure other employment. And those who have lost homes often have had difficulty finding housing in a tight market.

"You can help people who really need it," she said. "People would come in who could barely communicate coherently, and they would leave with a smile on their face and a sigh of relief. It's nice to know you are helping someone."

"It's really humbling," said Larry Solarz, a former bank executive. "You learn to be grateful for what you have."

Though Judy never visited Ground Zero, Larry did, and he was struck by the solemnity displayed by those left to clean up.

"It is very hallowed ground, almost like being in a funeral home or a cemetery," he said. "You want to be respectful. There was very little conversation. "And there is a smell in the air. It was still smoldering."

"It is really awesome," Judy said. "Awesome in a very sad way."

12/15/01 / Red Wing Republican Eagle / State Red Cross names Pearson top volunteer / Bob Burroughs, Staff Writer

The Red Cross Bloodmobile stopped at United Lutheran Church Friday, and a Red Wing woman who has given so much to the organization over a half century received some well-deserved recognition.

After 56 years of volunteer service, Jeanne Pearson was named the Minnesota Red Cross Blood Services Volunteer of the Year.

"I'm sure there are others who deserve it more than I do," a tearful and slightly embarrassed Pearson told the assembled group, which included members of both her immediate and Red Cross families.

Despite having won the award at the county level previously, the announcement came as a complete surprise to Pearson.

"I didn't know," Pearson said, although she did admit that she thought it a bit unusual that her son, daughter-in-law and a granddaughter showed up at the blood drive.

Much has changed since Pearson first volunteered with the Red Cross in 1945. And that's a good thing. Pearson remembers in her early days as a volunteer, she and others solicited Friday-night shoppers in a bustling Red Wing to donate blood at the corner of the Goodhue County National Bank, where an outhouse - yes an outhouse- served as a makeshift donation site.

Since that time, Pearson has been a fixture at Red Cross blood drives, son Rick said, when she wasn't volunteering at church or with the historical society, that is. Though she has performed a variety of jobs in her 56 years of service to the Red Cross, Pearson now spends much of her time providing refreshments to donors. And don't expect her to quit anytime soon. Her work is not done. And she still doesn't think she is worthy of the award.

"It's a wonderful award," Pearson said. "But so many gals deserve it more than me."

2/8/01 / Kenyon Leader / Fire damages Wanamingo trailer home / by Doug Noah Leader Editor

A third major fire in as many months hit the Wanamingo area early Monday morning.

According to Wanamingo Fire Chief Brian Gutknecht, a mobile home located within the city limits was heavily damaged by fire at about 1:30 a.m. Monday morning. The mobile home, located in the city’s trailer park, was owned by Allen Mugan, his wife and their two children.

“The mobile home was sealed up tight so there was just a lot of smoke when we arrived,” Chief Gutknecht said. “After we set up, the fire reignited as we introduced air into the building. We were able to contain the fire to the back one-third of the building, but there was a lot of smoke and water damage in the rest of the building.”

The fire department was on the scene until about 3:30 a.m., Gutknecht added, and the homeowners were assisted by the Goodhue County American Red Cross.

“I was alerted of the fire and responded at about 2 a.m.,” said John Cole, local volunteer with the Red Cross. “We have paid for a room at the Super 8 in Zumbrota, and will make arrangements for food and clothing.”

Cole added that the family will be meeting with Red Cross Chair Sarah Schuck to see what other needs the family has which could be assisted by the Red Cross.

Monday’s fire was the third major fire in the Wanamingo community. On Christmas morning, fire destroyed city hall and two other businesses, and on January 17 fire destroyed a storage shed and workshop just outside the city limits.

12/29/00 / Kenyon Leader / Fire destroys two downtown Wanamingo buildings / by Doug Noah Leader Editor

An early morning fire on Christmas Monday destroyed two buildings in downtown Wanamingo, and left another with extensive water damage.

A building housing the Wanamingo City Hall and Baker and Axelson Accounting Service was destroyed, as was an adjoining building that used to be the town’s grocery store but was now being used as a warehouse. A third building, which houses the Olmsted Medical Clinic, suffered extensive water damage from the blaze.

The Wanamingo Fire Department was called to the fire at 3:22 a.m. after a Goodhue County Sheriff’s Deputy noticed smoke billowing from the City Hall building, Fire Chief Brian Gutknecht explained. Temperatures Christmas morning dipped to 30 degrees below zero.

“When we first arrived on scene we only saw smoke coming from City Hall so we had three fire fighters enter the building to see if we could contain the fire,” Gutknecht said. “After entering, we saw that the building was engulfed and we retreated.”

Gutknecht and his crew then made the decision to call the Zumbrota and Kenyon Fire Departments for help battling the blaze. The Kasson Fire Department was also called to send over a ladder truck in order to mount an attack from above.

“We had about 50 fire fighters battling the blaze and we appreciate the help of our neighboring fire departments because without them, we could have lost the whole block,” Gutknecht added.

The Kenyon Fire Department received the mutual aid call at 3:50 a.m., and 20 men responded to help fight the blaze.

“We set up on the north part of the block and our pumper truck fed water to Kasson’s ladder truck,” explained Kenyon Fire Department’s Training Officer David Mund. “We also had men on top of an adjoining building along with fire fighters from Zumbrota, Kasson and Wanamingo.

“The cold temperatures hindered our attack at first as we had some problems with hoses freezing, but once we got connected to the Kasson truck, everything worked great,” Mund added.

The fire forced Excel Energy to cut electricity service to about 145 customers in the northern part of Wanamingo, an Excel spokesperson said. Power was off from about 5 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

“A church in the part of town that still had power was used as a shelter for those residents who had lost power because of the fire,” Chief Gutknecht explained. “John Cole of the American Red Cross helped set up the shelter and from what I understand, several people took advantage of it.”

The state Fire Marshal responded to the scene at about 11 a.m. Christmas morning, and will continue to evaluate the buildings for the cause of the blaze. Chief Gutknecht said the Fire Marshal will not give a possible cause until the ruins are studied.

“We think the fire started in the back of the City Hall portion of the building. The buildings furnace is located in that area and at this point that is what I would guess caused the fire,” the Chief said. “But until the Fire Marshal comes back with his report, that is only speculation.”

Wanamingo City Council member Gary Bakko told the Associated Press that the Council will “have to meet and evaluate” the municipal government’s immediate situation.

The Kenyon and Zumbrota fire departments were sent home from the fire at about 9 a.m., while crews from Wanamingo stayed on the scene until about 1 p.m.

“We had a lot of frozen hoses that we have thawing out in the fire hall,” Kenyon’s David Mund added. “We rearranged the fire hall after returning so that our one pumper truck that wasn’t in Wanamingo will be ready to go if we have another call. We will put the hoses back on our newest truck when they thaw and our service to this community will not be interrupted.”

No injuries were reported at Monday’s blaze.

11/21/00 / Red Wing Republican Eagle / Electrical cord sparks fire in Red Wing home / Staff

A short in an electrical cord is being blamed for a fire which damaged a Red Wing home over the weekend.

The fire was reported at 1:40 p.m. Saturday at a residence owned by Nilan and Shirley Brunner, 614 Maple St. Three people were in the residence when they heard a noise in the basement and went to investigate. After spotting smoke, a call was made to 911.

The fire spread quickly and caused extensive damage to the basement. Smoke and heat caused damage on the first floor of the home. The original fire call listed the incident as caused by a furnace.

However the fire was caused by an electrical cord connected to a space heater. The Red Cross is assisting the residents, who can no longer live in the home. The Red Wing Police Department also responded.

8/4/00 / Red Wing Republican Eagle / Red Cross prepares for permanent office / Michael Fielding, Staff Writer

Seventy-seven years went by before the Goodhue County chapter of American Red Cross officially occupied an office - and even then it wasn't permanent.

Since 1994, the humanitarian organization has moved several times within Red Wing, calling the former Central High School, Anderson Center and a building on Main Street home. Now, though, it will reopen in a 4,600-square-foot building at 460 Guernsey Lane, finally marking a permanent presence for its 324 volunteers and the thousands of Goodhue County residents who use its services.

"We have not been able to do any strategic planning," said Sarah Schuck, chapter manager. "How do you plan for the future if you have nowhere to house that growth?"

Until now, for instance, the chapter relied on chapters in Rochester and St. Paul for disaster-relief supplies such as cots and blankets. With the new building, supplies can be stored in Red Wing.

3/21/00 / Red Wing Republican Eagle / Spirit of volunteerism evident at fire scene / George Kraft Red Wing

The Fleischmann Malting Co. was the victim of an unbelievable holocaust last week.

To The Editor:

The Fleischmann Malting Co. was the victim of an unbelievable holocaust last week. Career and volunteer firefighters from Red Wing, Ellsworth, Goodhue and Lake City met the challenge and did a remarkable job. Other volunteers provided what assistance they could.

According to responses to the R-E, it was obvious the community was proud of their efforts. So it comes as a surprise that one volunteer organization felt it didn't get the recognition it deserved, having worked longer and did much more than others.

Looking at the situation from another point of view, I believe the Red Cross volunteers should feel a great deal of pride in their ability to do what they were able to do that others couldn't do. After all, that is the spirit of volunteerism.

Despite the devastating nature of the blaze, Fire Captain Jerry Diercks was satisfied with the way the events unfolded. Firefighters put in long hours battling the fire, an effort which was made possible by the help of several volunteer organizations that provided food and beverages.

Goodhue County Red Cross volunteers served the crews meals Monday night and returned to bring them breakfast the following morning.

1/26/00 / Red Wing Republican Eagle / Cole - a first class 'citizen' / Anne Jacobson, Staff Writer

Area newspapers name Kenyon man top citizen of 1999

A self-described "donator," John Cole makes it clear he sees nothing extraordinary about his contributions: Chalk them up to citizenship.

The Goodhue County Editorial Association has recognized his efforts, naming him citizen of the year for 1999. He is the 40th recipient of the honor.

"You must be running out of people," the Kenyon man joked at the award luncheon Friday at the St. James Hotel.

Quickly becoming serious, he graciously accepted. "I don't think what I've done is really that great. But I'm appreciative," he said.

Countywide contributor
The award came later than usual this year because the day before the originally scheduled luncheon Cole suffered a heart attack. He is well on the road to recovery.

Bob Noah, association secretary and publisher of The Kenyon Leader, explained that each year the members honor someone who has had an impact on the entire county. Cole's longtime involvement with the Goodhue County Chapter of the American Red Cross, his years on the region's Housing and Redevelopment Authority, as well as his position on the Goodhue County Historical Society Board certainly qualify him, Noah said.

Then there's the list of his activities closer to home: commander and district officer for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, chairman of the Kenyon all-school reunion, City Council member and three-time mayor of a town of about 1,600.

"It's not a good job. In a small town, you don't make a lot of friends being mayor," he said. People don't always appreciate the tough decisions - including tax increases to maintain a community's infrastructure - that have to be made.

Longtime leader
Serving for 16 years in Kenyon city government, Cole said one of the finest moments was the downtown renovation. "We still have a pretty good business climate - only two empty storefronts," he said.

Noah and Cole's wife, Lila, laughed and pointed out, "He blew up all his money." Each year, they explained, he spent his mayoral salary to pay for the fireworks at the finale of Rose Fest.

He never considered seeking countywide office. His brother, Jeff, is auditor/treasurer.

"My mother thought anyone who ran for public office should have his head examined. She didn't come to a council meeting the entire time I was in office," Cole recalled. "She said, 'I thought I raised smarter kids than I did.' She didn't like my job and she didn't like my brother's."

He remains committed to helping preserve Kenyon's historical Gunderson House. Since retiring in 1993 from installing traffic signals, the former electrician has expanded his interest in history. He recently published "Greetings from Kenyon, Minn. - A Postcard History of Kenyon." Through his work with the county Historical Museum, he encourages community historical societies to expand.

"I think every city should have a building they can call their own historical society," Cole said.

Red Cross also remains high on his list. Having served the maximum number of consecutive terms on the Red Cross Board of Directors, he is spending this hiatus providing disaster relief. He was on the disaster crew for the Kenyon area's Y2K shelter, and responds to house fires and other emergencies.

"I like doing things for people. I like being involved in something where I can make a contribution," Cole said.