BEARS FOR THE CHILDREN -- Stan Rygh, president of the Lower Corner Minnesota Chapter of ABATE (American Bikers for Awareness, Training and Education), standing fourth from right, presents a Buddy Bear to representatives of the Stewartville Fire Department on Sunday, Oct. 7. Firefighting officials who accepted the 24 Buddy Bears include Ike Duncan, assistant fire chief, third from right; Lisa Jelinek, first response director, and Steve Wolf, fire chief, far right. Stewartville firefighters will share the bears with children seeking comfort after a fire. Members of the Lower Corner Minnesota Chapter of ABATE include, kneeling from left, Bill Marx, Angie Jacobi and Becky Diderrich. Standing in back, from left, Gump, Steve Meyerhofer, Melissa Dudley and Jason Dudley. The Lower Corner Chapter of ABATE has been in existence since 1989. It has 220 members, including doctors and lawyers, Rygh said. ABATE has 2,700 members across the state of Minnesota, he said.
GOOD COOKS -- The Stewartville Fire Department hosted its annual fund-raising pancake breakfast at the Stewartville American Legion Post 164 on Sunday, Oct. 7. As firefighter Steve Lawson, left, flips the pancakes, firefighters Vance Swisher, center, and Mark Podein, right, mix the scrambled eggs. Steve Wolf, fire chief, said that almost 900 people attended the event.
FIRE SAFETY LESSON-- Becky Teal, a firefighter with the Stewartville Fire Department, shared fire safety lessons with the children of the Stewartville Child Care Center last week. Firefighters also bring their engine to preschools and Bonner Elementary School to discuss the importance of fire safety, Teal said.
FIRE SAFETY LESSON-- Becky Teal, a firefighter with the Stewartville Fire Department, shared fire safety lessons with the children of the Stewartville Child Care Center last week. Firefighters also bring their engine to preschools and Bonner Elementary School to discuss the importance of fire safety, Teal said.
Jon Algyer of Rochester smiles at his 19-month-old son Conner, who enjoyed the SFD open house.
EYES ON THE CAMERA -- Ike Duncan, assistant fire chief with the Stewartville Fire Department, displays a thermal imaging camera at the department's open house last week. Looking on at left are, from left, Marie Larson, 10, and Kevin Larson, who is holding Isaac, his 1-year-old son.
Braving temperatures in the 40s, hundreds of Stewartville and area residents attended the Stewartville Fire Department's annual open house on Wednesday, Oct. 10. In a popular annual event, firefighter Jim Elliott helps Jaidyn Brower, 5, operate the fire hose.
WALKING IN FIREFIGHTERS' SHOES -- Joel Packer, a member of the Stewartville City Council, left, and Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, appreciate the Stewartville Fire Department all the more after suiting up for a controlled burn of a house near Grand Meadow on Monday, Oct. 29. Packer called members of the Stewartville Fire Department "a fantastic group of dedicated professionals."
PITCHING IN -- Keeping in step with Stewartville's sesquicentennial, members of the Stewartville Fire Department gave the historic Sears House a new coat of paint on Saturday, May 5.
The Stewartville STAR's camera captured a number of highlights during 2007, including, Ike Duncan, assistant fire chief, displays a thermal imaging camera at the Stewartville Fire Department's annual open house.
CLIMBING FOR A CAUSE -- Stewartville firefighters and their family members will take part in the Firefighter Challenge at the American Lung Association's annual Fight for Air Stair Climb at the Accenture Tower in Minneapolis on Saturday, Feb. 23. Climbers will include, front row, from left, Jamie Jannsen, Lisa Jelinek, Josh Podein, Kris Huinker and Jamey Kime. Second row, from left, Carter Jannsen, Cole Jannsen, Drew Jelinek, Caleb Jannsen and Riley Schild. Top row, from left, Lisa Schild, Keith Engstrand and Linda Gisvold.
HELPING THE FIREFIGHTERS -- Jarrod Wellik, president of the Stewartville Firefighters Relief Association, right, presents a check for $34,000 in charitable gambling to Mayor Chuck Murphy, who accepted the check on behalf of the city of Stewartville. The check represents the amount the association made in charitable gambling in 2007. The Stewartville Fire Department will use the money to purchase new equipment and replace apparatus.
Nine Stewartville firefighters responded to a fire at the parking lot west of Sammy's Family Restaurant on Wednesday, April 3 at about 1:50 p.m. A 1984 Honda motorcycle caught fire, tipped over and fell toward a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe, which was soon swallowed up in flames.
Deana Dontje's special education students at Central Intermediate School earned bears for their good behavior at school this year. Last week, the students donated the bears to the Stewartville Fire Department, which will give them to children who have endured emergency situations. Students include, front row, from left, Tristan Sieler, Christian Knipe, Emma Thomason, Emma Dolton and Joshua Conn. Second row, from left, Gideon Russel, Burkely Ravenhorst, David Black, Isaac Price, Michael Westfall and Dale Hulbert. Back row, from left, Jenny McHenry, special education paraprofessional, Mark Podein and Mike Podein of the Stewartville Fire Department, and Deana Dontje, special education teacher.
Local and area officials broke ground for the Stewartville Fire Department's new $1.8 million Fire Hall on Monday night, June 3. Those who took part in the ceremony included, from left, Tammy Nordine and Gary Nordine of Reliable Contractors, construction manager for the Fire Hall job; Councilperson Wendy Timm, Mayor Jimmie-John King, State Sen. Carla Nelson, and councilpersons Gary Stensrud and Roger Hanson.
Workers from Bob Braaten Construction of Byron demolished the old Stewartville Fire Hall beginning on Monday afternoon, June 10. The building, which was the Stewartville Fire Department's home since 1972, was torn down to make room for a new Fire Station, which is expected to be completed at the same Main Street location in December. Stewartville residents gave a decisive thumbs-up to the construction of the new Fire Hall on Tuesday, March 5. In all, 557 residents voted yes and 120 said no to the city of Stewartville's request for $1.8 million in general obligation bonds to demolish the old Fire Station and build a new structure at the same location.
Reliable Contractors, Inc. of Rochester is overseeing the work to build a new Fire Hall along Stewartville's Main Street. Officials have said that they hope the new $1.8 million facility will be completed by this December.
Reliable Contractors Inc. of Rochester is overseeing the construction of Stewartville's new Fire Hall along Main Street. Officials have said that they hope the new $1.8 million facility will be completed by this December.
The work on Stewartville's new Fire Hall is proceeding just about right on schedule. Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, told the City Council at a recent meeting that the building is going up pretty much as planned. Officials have said that if all goes according to plan, the Fire Hall will be finished by December.
City officials say that work on Stewartville's new $1.8 million Fire Hall is almost finished. Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, has indicated that an event to celebrate the completion of the facility is scheduled for some time in early December. Reliable Contractors is the construction manager for the project.
Steve Wolf, Stewartville fire chief, left, accepts the Mayor's Award for Community Service from Mayor Jimmie-John King at the city's awards and recognition event last week.
Vance Swisher, in the foreground at right, takes the oath of office to become Stewartville's new fire chief for 2014. Larry Mueller, in the background at right, was sworn in as assistant fire chief. Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator, administered the oath of office at last week's City Council meeting. Lisa Jelinek, director of Stewartville First Responders, did not attend last week's meeting. She will be sworn in at a later date.
Rebecca Gisel, key accounts manager for Alliant Energy, presents a rebate check for $3,477.41 to Mayor Jimmie-John King at last week's City Council meeting. Alliant presented the check to recognize the city for emphasizing energy efficiency for the new Stewartville Fire Hall. Features at the new facility include energy-efficient lighting, fan controls for exhaust fans and energy-saving insulation. "Alliant Energy wants to commend the city for its continued focus on energy efficiency," Gisel said.
The Stewartville Fire Department hosted an open house to welcome the public to its brand new Fire Station this past Saturday, April 26. In lieu the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, Vance Swisher, fire chief, in white shirt at left, and Larry Mueller, assistant fire chief, third from right in the front row, disconnected a fire hose coupling to celebrate the official opening of the $1.8 million Fire Hall. "This building is a blessing," Swisher said.
Just as it took cooperation from many people to build Stewartville's new $1.8 million Fire Hall, city and area officials worked together to disconnect a fire hose coupling to celebrate the official opening of the Fire Station this past Saturday, April 26. Mayor Jimmie-John King, second from right, and Councilperson Wendy Timm, second from left, team up to complete the job as Olmsted County Commissioner Matt Flynn, left, and State Sen. Carla Nelson, right, lend a hand.
Mike Roe of Dekalb/Asgrow, center, presents Vance Swisher, Stewartville fire chief, with a $2,000 donation to the Stewartville Fire Department during the open house for Stewartville's new Fire Station on Saturday, April 26. Others standing in front, from left, include County Commissioner Matt Flynn, Stewartville Mayor Jimmie-John King and Steve Wolf of the Stewartville Fire Department. Firefighters plan to apply the $2,000 toward the purchase of a new $5,700 aluminum trailer.
SFD Fire Chief Vance Swisher directs the nozzle for a girls team at the Firemen's Water Fights.
Stewartville firefighter Nathan Ramaker, above left, showed the tools of the firefighting trade to scores of children at the Stewartville Fire Department's annual open house last Wednesday, Oct. 8.
Treydon Logan, 2 1/2, of Stewartville, guided by firefighter Aaron Jones, uses a fire hose at the Stewartville Fire Department's annual open house last Wednesday, Oct. 8. Hundreds of children and their parents saw the SFD's new Fire Hall.
Ryan Davis of Stewartville and his daughter Emily, 1 1/2, very much enjoyed the event. Davis said that the open house is valuable because it teaches children how to prevent and respond to fire emergencies.
Vance Swisher, Stewartville fire chief, left, talks with kindergartners, from left, in front, Gavin Minor, Claire Bunne, Morgyn Manion and Peyton English. Lucas Peter, another kindergartner, can be seen in the background.
All American Co-op of Stewartville and CoBank, an industry partner, have donated $5,400 to the Stewartville Fire Department, which used the funds to buy two Rae Systems QRAE gas monitors and one yet-to-be purchased Eclipse thermal imaging camera. Kathleen Roberts of CoBank, fourth from right, shares the check with Glenn Lutteke of All American Co-op, fifth from right, during a recent presentation at the Stewartville Fire Department. Others who attended the ceremony included, from left, firefighters Aaron Jones, Nate Petrich, Jamey Kime, Brandon Dohlman, and Josh Podein, Mayor Jimmie-John King, Fire Chief Vance Swisher, Beth Pagel of All American Co-op, and firefighters Mike Podein and Dale Olson.
The new firefighters for the Stewartville Fire Department include, front row, from left, Dan Swanson, Brandon Berg and Nate Petrich. Back row, from left, Tom Soland, Mike Brown and Sean Cloutier. Brandon Dohlman, another new firefighter, is not pictured.
The Stewartville Fire Department has awarded $1,000 college scholarships to each of 10 members of the Stewartville High School class of 2015. Jeff Olson of the Stewartville Fire Department, kneeling at far left in front, announced the names of the scholarship recipients at the SHS Academic Awards Assembly on Friday, May 1. Students who earned the scholarships include, front row, starting from second from left, Conner Hanf, Collin Fanton and Tom Lewis. Back row, from left, Katie Paschal, Ashley Black, Amanda Jaeger, Jordenne Huinker, Lauren Mikel and Madisen Hart. Also, Brady Keefe, another scholarship recipient, is not pictured.
From left, Adrianna Franke, Mya Mead and Destiny Mead assist "Rescue Randy," a training mannequin at the SFD Open House.
Bryson Link, 4, of Stewartville, operates a fire hose with assistance from firefighter Brandon Berg at the Stewartville Fire Department's annual open house last Wednesday, Oct. 7.
Ethan Engen, 2 1/2, of Stewartville poses with Sparky the Fire Dog as Jason Engen, Ethan's dad, takes a photo.
Josie Bunne, 5, of Stewartville, sits in the front seat of a fire truck at last week's open house.
Nate Reid, financial services officer for AgStar Financial Services, left, presents a $3,000 check to Vance Swisher, Stewartville fire chief, center, and Bill Schimmel Jr., city administrator.
Vance Swisher, Stewartville fire chief, displays the Stewartville Fire Department's new "vitals" machine, purchased courtesy of a $3,000 grant from AgStar Financial Services.
Cole Adkins, a kindergartner, rode to school in a Stewartville Fire Department fire truck on Monday morning, April 4. Cole's name was selected in a drawing open to all Bonner students who raised $20 or more for the school's recent Jump Rope for Heart activity. Nicole Fay, Cole's mom, is at right.
The Stewartville Fire Department has awarded $1,200 college scholarships to each of 10 members of the Stewartville High School class of 2016. Jeff Olson of the Stewartville Fire Department, standing at far right, announced the names of the scholarship recipients at the SHS Academic Awards Assembly on Friday, April 29. Students who earned the scholarships include, from left, Taylor Howard, Karissa Kime, Tara Rogers, Chrissy Lofgren, Rachel Jones, Brandon Hoth, Mikya Amos, Megan Amos and Alexis Williams. Also, Justin Kime, another scholarship recipient, is not pictured.
Vance Swisher, an EMT and the chief of the Stewartville Fire Department, right, displays the proper way to apply a tourniquet to a group of Stewartville School District paraprofessionals on Wednesday, Sept. 28
Kelly Albrecht of rural Stewartville holds her son Carson, 2 at the Stewartville Fire Department's annual open house on Wednesday, Oct. 12. The event is held each year to celebrate Fire Prevention Week.
Jace Nagel, 3, of Stewartville, wearing the blue coat and firefighter hat, is one of hundreds of Stewartville and area children who practiced operating a fire hose with assistance from firefighter Nathan Ramaker at the Stewartville Fire Department's annual open house on Wednesday, Oct. 12. The event is held each year to celebrate Fire Prevention Week.
An early-morning fire destroyed a truck service center in Racine on Friday, May 26. More than a day later, the remains from the fire continued to smolder. As of last week, authorities weren't sure what caused the blaze.
Graysen Schneider, a fourth grader at Bear Cave Intermediate School, rode to school in a Stewartville Fire Department truck on Monday morning, June 5. Graysen earned the ride by raising $435, the most of any student at Bear Cave School, for the school's Jump Rope for Heart event. Proceeds from Jump Rope for Heart go to the American Heart Association.
Ryan Davis of Davis WoodScapes, Stewartville, works on landscaping at the firefighters monument near the Stewartville Fire Station last week. Davis said he expects to complete the landscaping portion of the work by Tuesday, July 18 or Wednesday, July 19. "I think it's great," he said of the monument. "I'm honored (the Fire Department) trusted me with a project that is going to be around for decades."
Josh Podein, a firefighter for the Stewartville Fire Department, tends to three students with simulated injuries at the site of a mock bus crash near the Stewartville Fire Station on Monday evening, July 31. The students include, from top to bottom, Gavin Clark, who will be a third grader at Bear Cave Intermediate School; Katy Struhar, who will be a fifth grader at Bear Cave School; and Alyssa Jones, who will be a freshman at Stewartville High School.
Aaron Jones, a firefighter for the Stewartville Fire Department, carries Patrick Olson to safety at the site of a mock bus crash near the Stewartville Fire Station on Monday evening, July 31. Patrick, "bleeding" ketchup from his ankles, will be a fourth grader at Bear Cave Intermediate School. For more details, see the story at right.
Jack Hagen, 9, a third grader at Bear Cave Intermediate School, operates a fire hose with assistance from Josh Murphy, a Stewartville firefighter, at the Stewartville Fire Department's annual open house on Wednesday, Oct. 11. The event is held in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week.
Members of the Stewartville Fire Department celebrated Fire Prevention Week with a visit to Bonner Elementary School last week. Students stood in lines to await their chance to get a close-up look at the inside of a fire truck. Firefighters also visited the preschoolers at the Central Education Center.
Black smoke rises from a flaming 2017 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck attached to a motor home near the north Kwik Trip in Stewartville on Wednesday, Oct. 25.
Winners of the recent fire safety poster coloring contest at Bonner Elementary School include second graders, front row, from left, Ari Higgins, Payton Roh, Nick Dewhirst and Josiah Scruggs. Back row, from left, Hannah Loftus, Emmit King, Brooklyn Peterson and Mackenzie Iverson. Joe Manning, training officer for the Stewartville Fire Department, stands at far right. The students won medals and fire truck Legos for their efforts.
Aaron Jones, a firefighter for the Stewartville Fire Department, carries Patrick Olson to safety at the site of a mock bus crash near the Stewartville Fire Station on Monday evening, July 31. Patrick, "bleeding" ketchup from his ankles, is a fourth grader at Bear Cave Intermediate School.
Jack Hagen, 9, a third grader at Bear Cave Intermediate School, operates a fire hose with assistance from Josh Murphy, a Stewartville firefighter, at the Stewartville Fire Department's annual open house on Wednesday, Oct. 11. The event is held in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week.
Four Stewartville firefighters took part in the annual Fight for Air Climb at the U.S. Bank Plaza in Minneapolis on Saturday, Feb. 24. The firefighters include, from left, Jeff Olson, Nate Petrich, Lisa Jelinek and Dan Swanson.
Stewartville firefighters used a ladder truck to shoot water down at a fire at the city of Stewartville's brush dump on Sunday afternoon, April 29. Below, firefighters, who were at the scene for more than four hours, work to knock down the fire.
Micah Roeder, 3, sprints past his dad, Jon, as he crosses the finish line of the free half-mile Kids Fun Run.
Steve Wolf, assistant fire chief, standing at the podium, was the opening speaker as the Stewartville Fire Department dedicated its new memorial near the Stewartville Fire Hall on a sunny and mild Patriot Day, Tuesday evening, Sept. 11. Wolf, one of four committee members who planned the memorial.
Emi Parlin, 5, of Stewartville, assisted by Stewartville firefighter Josh Murphy, uses a fire hose at the Stewartville Fire Department's annual open house at the local Fire Station on a cold and windy Wednesday evening, Oct. 10. Hundreds of children and their parents visited the Fire Station during the event, held to celebrate Fire Prevention Week. Firefighters also helped kids explore fire trucks, led tours of the Fire Station and answered visitors' questions.
Brecken Senjem, 5, of Stewartville, enjoyed sitting atop the Stewartville Fire Department's 6X6 Polaris Ranger at the Stewartville Fire Department's annual open house on Wednesday evening, Oct. 10.
Emi Parlin, 5, of Stewartville, assisted by firefighter Josh Murphy, used a fire hose at the Stewartville Fire Department's annual open house on Wednesday, Oct. 10.
Steve Wolf, assistant fire chief, standing at the podium, was the opening speaker as the Stewartville Fire Department dedicated its new memorial near the Stewartville Fire Hall on Patriot Day, Tuesday, Sept. 11.
From left, Jared Johnson, John Wade and Joseph Callan all say they're proud to be the newest members of the Stewartville Fire Department. "I joined the department knowing that I would be doing a great public service," Johnson said. "I was surprised to find such a good sense of camaraderie among the current firefighters. They truly work as a team when needed and are able to enjoy each other's company as time allows."
Emerson Porter, 4, of Stewartville, assisted by Stewartville firefighter Jake Petrich, uses a hose at the Stewartville Fire Department's annual open house at the local Fire Station on a mild and breezy Wednesday evening, Oct. 9. Hundreds of children and their parents visited the Fire Station for the event, held to celebrate Fire Prevention Week. Firefighters also helped kids explore fire trucks, offered a Jaws of Life demonstration and answered visitors' questions.
Stewartville's firefighters enter the Stewartville Care Center to ventilate the building after smoke filled its west wing on Wednesday morning, Nov. 13. No firefighters or Care Center residents or staff were injured.
Stewartville firefighters put out a dumpster fire at the 400 block of Second Street Northwest last week. Recognizing that the dumpster was near a house, 14 firefighters responded in two fire engines, a ladder truck and a rescue truck on Tuesday, March 17 at 7:59 a.m.
As of last week, the state fire marshal and Olmsted County officials were investigating the cause of a fire that badly damaged a Stewartville home at 400 Second Street Northwest. "The garage was totaled, and there was significant damage inside the home," said Capt. Steve Denny of the Stewartville Fire Department.
Yang Zhang (Qui) of Pandemic Responders, third from left, donated surgical masks to help Stewartville Area First Response get back in service. State Sen. Carla Nelson (R-Rochester), third from right, Mayor Jimmie-John King, second from right, and City Administrator Bill Schimmel Jr., far right, helped Zhang (Qui) coordinate the donation. At far left, from left, are Vance Swisher, fire chief, and Lisa Jelinek, EMS director.
Firefighter and first responder Mark Podein, left, and Lt. Lisa Jelinek, EMS director for the Stewartville Fire Department, are among the Stewartville first responders who have adjusted to the changes in service brought on by the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Captain Steve Denny, at right above, stands near the Stewartville Fire Department's 2004 Seagrave model ladder truck, which is 43 feet, two inches long and weighs 76,000 pounds loaded.
Stewartville firefighters used the department's new ladder truck to attack a fire at All American Co-op on Thursday morning, Sept. 17. A soybean roaster at the Co-op caught fire, sending a column of smoke into the air.
Stewartville firefighters used the department's newly purchased aerial truck to knock down a fire at Jon Nelson's property in High Forest on Oct. 9 and 10.
Chris Remling, a senior at Stewartville High School, left, is taking the firefighting I and II classes during the 2020-21 school year. Hunter Olson, also a senior, completed the course in 2019-20.
SANTA'S MAILBOX -- Local and area children are welcome to deposit their letters to Santa Claus into Santa's Mailbox at the entryway to the Stewartville Fire Hall. Jill Guy, a Stewartville mail carrier, is ready to pick up the letters and forward them on to the North Pole for Santa's viewing. This Saturday, Dec. 19, firefighters will drive Santa through town on a decorated ladder truck, said Lisa Jelinek, EMS director for the Stewartville Fire Department. The parade is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. that day.
With its longtime firefighters nearing retirement age, it may not be long before the Stewartville Fire Department doesn't have enough volunteers to cover daytime fires. The five veteran firefighters who have provided a total of 184 years of service while covering many daytime fires, and the number of years each has served on the Department, include, from left, Steve Denny, 41 years; Mike Podein, 30 years; Greg House, 43 years; Bob Robertson, 35 years; and Mark Podein, 35 years.
Logan Olson poses with his Beads of Courage.
Beginning fourth from left in the front row, Erin and Darwin (DJ) Olson, with their son, Logan, along with members of a committee that organized a community appreciation event this past May (wearing the orange shirts), presented a Lucas device, used for mechanical chest compression, to the Stewartville Fire Department last week. Front row, from left, are Karisa Stevens, Kayla Stevens, Kendra Stevens, Erin Olson, Logan Olson, Darwin Olson and Liam O'Neill. Second row, from left, Cole Hintz, Jim Elliott, Mike Hintz, Molly Hintz, Sharon Bernard, Gene Bernard, Lacie Tingesdal and Gwen Stevens. In back, from left, Greg House, Steve Wolf, Lisa Jelinek, Dan Swanson, Aaron Jones, Benjamin Wolf and Chris Tingesdal.
Kevin Torgerson, Olmsted County Sheriff, center, presented a life-saving award to the Stewartville Fire Department last week, thanking the firefighters for helping save the life of Logan Olson of Stewartville, who was 18 months old when he fell into a retention pond near the 700 block of Willow Green Court Northeast in Stewartville on Wednesday, April 7. Logan was rescued by his dad, Darwin (DJ), his babysitter, and several passersby who helped administer CPR. Shortly thereafter, Stewartville's first responders arrived, taking over the rescue efforts. Logan, taken to St. Marys Hospital in critical condition, remained hospitalized nearly two weeks before returning home on April 19. DJ Olson, third from right, holds Logan as he is joined by his wife, Erin Olson,fourth from right. First responders who helped save Logan include, from left, Aaron Jones, Steve Wolf, Greg House, Jim Elliott, Steve Denny, Lisa Jelinek, (Sheriff Torgerson), Justin Lonien, Dan Swanson and Ben Wolf. Sgt. Nick Jacobson of the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office, standing at far right, in charge of patrol staff on April 7, nominated Stewartville's first responders for the award.
