Farmer rescued from grain bin near Lonsdale

Published 7:54 am Friday, August 27, 2010

Associated Press

LONSDALE — A Rice County farmer walked away safely after he was rescued from a grain bin near Lonsdale.

Rice County Sheriff Richard Cook says 54-year-old John Kalina had gone into the top of the 22-foot bin Thursday morning to loosen up the corn. Kalina’s brother was down below when he heard a sound and went to the top to check.

Cook says Kalina buried up to his arm pits. His brother threw Kalina a rope, then called for help shortly before 9:30 a.m.

Faribault rescue workers brought equipment to help stabilize the grain. A neighboring farmer brought in additional equipment to vacuum out the grain from under Kalina.

Just after 11 a.m., Kalina appeared outside the bottom of the bin and walked to a waiting ambulance to get checked over.