The Rose Creek Fire Department received a $2,500 grant to purchase a GSI Grain Bin Res-Q Tube and a Stihl cutting saw from Ulven Hardware. Scott Shorter with CHS Grand Meadow presented the check to Karsen Ulwelling of the Rose Creek Fire Department. Pictured, from left to right, are Mike Munson (CHS Grand Meadow), Jon Klejeski (CHS Claremont), Scott Shorter (CHS Grand Meadow), Karsen Ulwelling, Jim Hanegraaf and Al Mullenbach (R.C.F.D.). Photo provided

The department received a $2,500 grant, which it used to purchase a GSI Grain Bin Res-Q Tube and a Stihl cutting saw from Ulven Hardware. The grant covered the GSI Grain Bin Res-Q Tube, and the Stihl cutting saw was another $1,000, which was paid for with the help of fundraisers.

Department volunteer Karsen Ulwelling was excited to get the grant.

“It felt really good,” he said. “We don’t get much help being a small town and all, so being able to get that grant helps us serve the community better.”

He was grateful to CHS Inc. for giving back to the community.

Ulwelling explained the fire department responded to a report of a farmer trapped in a grain bin in 2014, which inspired the volunteer firefighters to get equipment should another such incident occur.

“It was a rare incident, but we’re a huge agriculture community so it’s bound to happen, and when it does happen we just want to be ready for it,” he said.

The farmer was fortunate and landed on the auger in the grain bin, and the fire department along with officers assisted to help him out.

The Rose Creek Fire Department also hosted fundraisers such as steak fries, a bean bag tournament, and a windsor chop supper to raise funds for the equipment. Ulwelling said the fundraisers were successful.

“The community was great in partnering in all the events we had going on,” he said. “They were a huge backer in everything we had going on so we really appreciate that.”

They submitted for the CHS grant this summer and were awarded the $2,500 check on Nov. 18. The fire department has done numerous training sessions involving grain bin rescue, so if there is an incident firefighters would be prepared.

Ulwelling said the grant was a big help, as smaller fire departments can have a difficult time getting state funding.

“Receiving this grant was a big deal for us, we’ll take every penny we can get,” he said.

“Thank you to our supporters and the community,” he added.

The Rose Creek Fire Department isn’t done fundraising, though. They plan to start raising money for new gear and equipment. Ulwelling said the department needs about 20 sets of gear, which cost anywhere from $2,000 to $2,500 per set.

The department hosts Fire Department Bingo every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Creek Bar and Grill in Rose Creek. Games cost $1 per game and there’s a guaranteed winner every game, with 10 to 11 games per night. Ulwelling said there has been good turnout so far, with people calling ahead to reserve spaces, and the bingo nights will continue through the summer if not longer.