ITC transmission line proposal threatens localized energy system

By now you may have caught wind of a current proposal by ITC Holdings of Novi, Mich., to construct a 3,000 mile 765-kilovolt power line stretching from the Dakotas, through Minn. and Wisc. to Chicago. This power line, dubbed “The Green Power Express,” is a 10-12 billion dollar project heralded by advocates as necessary if wind development is to continue unimpeded on the upper Great Plains. A local spotlight is focused on the project because the power line is expected to cross the Mississippi between La Crescent and Winona.

The proposal suggests this power line will carry wind power generated in the Dakotas toward large population centers. It is reported the power line will be big enough energy carried by it will be strictly for export, leaving local populations unable to tap into its benefits as producers or users.

The ITC project has been met with mixed reactions. What may be surprising to the casual observer, however, is that many of the opponents are actually wind energy supporters. What could drive wind energy supporters to denounce the proposal for further transmission capacity that could enable growth in the industry? Here are a few of the answers.

Unlike coal and oil found in distinct locations, sources of renewable energies (wind, solar, biomass, geothermal) can by found in abundant quantities distributed across the country. The Institute for Local Self Reliance estimated that at least half of the 50 states could meet their own energy demands from resources within their borders. The notion that we need to move electricity from areas of high concentration to areas of high demand is becoming outdated, a habit developed over decades of distributing coal, natural gas and oil resources from power plants to cities. With renewables we have the ability to produce energy on a localized scale, in back yards essentially, which does not require large transmission lines.

Alternative energy supporters and President Obama have referred to the need for a “smart” energy grid. In fact, part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act recently passed allocates money toward this goal. A smart energy grid describes an upgrade of the existing network of transmission lines to make it more efficient. Ideally, a smart energy grid would also create an interactive network where households can easily be both consumers and producers of electricity, creating a two-way exchange and thereby promoting decentralized energy creation by individual households and communities.

If energy security is a concern, a decentralized energy system is certainly more safe and appealing than a centralized system characterized by a few power plants, or as related to this argument, a few big transmission lines that could easily be targeted.

Opponents also argue the added capacity and enormous expense of the project is not necessary given the unused transmission capacity in the current grid. A recent study on existing grid capacity in Minn. revealed the state is able to meet its renewable electricity mandate of 25% by 2025 without any added capacity. Many energy supporters and state officials agree that added transmission is necessary in some locations, but do not see the proposed mega transmission lines as the only option. Instead, they are increasingly interested in upgrades of the current system, or in other words, following the ideas proposed by the smart grid system.

Advocates of the transmission lines argue it is more efficient to gather wind energy in the locations where the wind blows the hardest, such as the Dakotas. Opponents counter that argument citing the cost of building transmission lines and line loss of 2-3% over the distance transported negate any benefit in production efficiency. That doesn’t even consider the cost and headache of acquiring right-of-way easements for the power lines. In other words, a wind turbine in the less windy state of Ohio is likely more economical than energy wired to Cleveland from blustery N.D.

Opponents argue we need a level playing field in the energy sector where the cost of transmission, which is likely to be huge for the ITC proposed project, is incorporated into the cost of the energy. This form of cost integration would level the playing field and allow the market a chance to develop localized energy production, as analysts predict would be cheaper under natural economic forces.

By allowing big transmission projects, such as the one proposed by ITC, we are sacrificing our chances to create a decentralized, localized energy system that could support local economies and create a safe and efficient energy supply. Construction of the ITC power line, and other large transmission projects, will give big utilities more control of our energy system.

A move to create a national network of large transmission lines is a move in the wrong direction. With Minnesota still only producing 7% of its energy from renewables, let’s use Midwestern wind energy for domestic purposes before exporting it to Chicago and other Eastern cities so they can continue to consume energy in a business-as-usual method while our landscape lay burdened with the modes of production, big turbines and giant power lines dividing our bluff land forests leaving us to buy and burn coal from Wyoming.

If the proposal were to install more line capacity regionally to wire wind energy from Mower and Freeborn Counties to less windy Houston and Winona Counties, the proposal would be worth consideration. Sending power across the Midwest is not.

We need to push this stimulus money toward a smart gird, not a national network of giant transmission lines. The landscape of our future is being decided now.

Contact our representatives if you are interesting in making your voice heard. Sen. Amy Klobachar reported to the Associated Press she hasn’t completely made up her mind yet on the project. Her website is http://klobuchar.senate.gov/. Representative Tim Waltz can be reached from his site http://walz.house.gov/.

Bison herd along Highway 44 draws lots of attention

Winter brings a series of changes to the Houston County landscape each year; wind blown snowdrifts, busy snowmobile trails, and the sudden appearance of a herd of bison along Highway 44 west of Caledonia. The shaggy beasts that stoically make their winter residence near the junction of Highway 44 and Gap drive belong to Steve and Linda Fruechte of Buffalo Hills Bison, local bison ranchers since 1993.

“In the fall before we’ve got the corn harvested people are asking, ‘when you going to put the buffalo out,”’ chuckled Steve. “I still see people stop and pull in the driveway and take pictures.”

Despite the increasing number of bison raised in North America, for many travelers they are still a unique find, a reminder of their once crippled status only a century ago when overall population numbers bottomed out at nearly 600 animals.

“Ever since I was a little kid, there was always something about the buffalo that intrigued me,” said Fruechte.

Steve and Linda purchased their first 12 bison in 1993 to capture the plentiful resources on their unused pasture land. Since then their herd has grown to over 200 animals gathered from several producers in Iowa, Minn. and Wisc. and as far away as Custer State Park in S.D. and Theodore Roosevelt National Park in N.D.

A growing movement
On a sunny afternoon last week I tagged along as Steve pulled six round bales out to the pasture, enough forage to keep this herd satisfied for three days. Like hungry cattle, many followed the tractor in anticipation.

The increasing popularity of bison meat the past two decades has paralleled the local and natural food movements. “There’s a lot of people looking for alternative healthier and locally grown food, so it’s getting to be more accepted,” commented Fruechte. “It’s gone from people who would just try it for something different to customers who for different reasons bison is the only red meat they eat now.”

Steve cited their experiences at the state fair over the years as one indicator of bison meat’s growing popularity. “The first few years we worked at the booth at the state fair and there would maybe be a few people that had tried a buffalo burger in the Black Hills. A few years later there were more. Then people were asking where to buy the meat. Now people are asking what stores have it. People know it’s available.”

“Meat sales have been growing industry wide,” Fruechte said. Statistics verify that statement. Consumer demand for bison meat grew 17% in 2007, the fourth straight year of double digit growth.

Previously, the industry was in a slump from 1999-2003 when the market was overstocked and live animals too expensive for producers to purchase new stock. Added to that were complications with shipping after 9/11 and the opening of US markets to Canadian producers.
“The last few years we lost some producers, especially in the west with the big droughts,” Fruechte explained. Producer cutbacks combined with increasing demand has turned the market around. “Quite often we’re out of different items until the next time we butcher,” Fruechte noted.

Despite the troubled economy sales remain good and even a little better than average. “People always have to eat and they are wanting to get the most out of their food dollar,” Fruechte said. “It’s more nutrient dense meat. You fry up a burger and when you’re done, the burger is almost the same size as you start out. People like that about it.”

“Bison price doesn’t fluctuate like the beef price,” Fruechte continued. “When beef goes up and down, bison goes with the supply and demand.” It used to be bison meat cost double the price of beef. Fruechte explained that now as beef prices have increased, the gap has narrowed. Ground bison typically costs about $5/lb. while beef ranges from $3-4/lb. Bison steaks usually start at $7/lb.

About one third of Fruechte’s sales come from their website. Weekly they find themselves shipping products as far away as Texas, Florida, and Washington D.C. They also rely on direct marketing to local retail outlets, restaurants, and consumers themselves. During warmer months Fruechte regularly sells at the Cameron Park and Festival Foods farmer’s markets in La Crosse and the La Crescent farmer’s market. He says it’s difficult to stereotype customers since people have different reasons for choosing bison meat.

Besides meat, Fruechte will occasionally sell a hide or skull. “In the winter time when we get some nice hides we’ll get them tanned,” Fruechte said. “I’ve had a few Native Americans that wanted to make drums so we use the summer hides for that. I’ve had people want skulls for wall hangings.” Additionally, the winter coats bison shed can be used to make cashmere.

By the numbers
The North American bison herd numbers at approximately 450,000 animals, 198,234 of which comprise the US population according to The National Bison Association. 20,000 of these animals reside on public lands while the rest are raised on 4,499 farms and ranches found in every state of the union. While still a far cry from the estimated 30 million or more that once roamed the continent, these numbers represent an astonishing comeback over the past century.

According to The National Bison Association, in 2007, nearly 50,000 bison were processed under USDA inspection, a number nearly double the processed total in 2002. By comparison, an average of 125,000 beef cattle are processed daily in the U.S. Despite the growing popularity of bison, it still comprises only a fraction of the meat consumed in the U.S.

Five years ago Fruechte sold some animals to Cuba on two separate occasions, making local headlines after the US lifted some trade embargo regulations. Since then he hasn’t heard much either way on how the bison are doing but added the small country has been rocked by successive hurricanes the past few years, diverting attention elsewhere.

Promising future
“I don’t really think it will get like the beef industry, especially where they have packer ownership,” speculated Fruechte. “We (the bison industry) are too small for that. It takes a certain kind of person to want to work with buffalo. Everything is on their terms. Everything has to be done at a slower pace.” This prompted him to pull out the old adage among bison ranchers; “you can herd a buffalo anywhere it wants to go.”

While rotational grazing for beef herds is becoming an increasingly popular practice, bison naturally graze in a rotational cycle without any prodding from the farmer. Fruechte explained, “in the morning they’ll be in one pasture and in the afternoon another. A beef cow will tend to stand in one place and eat everything that’s there and then move a little bit. Buffalo, given the room, will take a few bites and then step, another bite and then a step.”

During the tractor ride through the pasture, I learned bison prefer grass to alfalfa. Fruechte offers corn and oats for animals approaching a visit to the butcher’s shop. “The main reason we give some grain is people were more accustomed to the taste of a grain finished animal,” Fruechte explained. “Now its kind of going opposite. We’ve had people requesting strictly grass fed.”

Nearby a bison wallowed in the dirt. Fruechte pointed out that bison cannot roll over like a dog because of the hump on their back. Instead, they have to dust off one side, get up, and lay back down to scratch the other side. The hump is muscle mass that gives the bison strength in its neck, allowing for it to burrow under deep snows for food. Today, however, those muscles proved unnecessary as the herd casually munched away on the freshly strewn hay in the pasture along Highway 44.

With an increased focus on healthy food choices, more consumer awareness about the benefits of bison meat and a desire for locally and sustainably produced foods, it seems the future of the bison market looks promising, if not for the animals themselves, at least for the bison rancher.

Area Citizens React to Northern Engraving-Spring Grove Closure

While the effects of a slow economy echo through the halls of congress and still factories across the nation, last week it hit a little closer to home. In less than eight weeks Northern Engraving will close its Spring Grove plant after over three decades of operation. Layoffs of the approximately 250 employees will begin mid February and occur over a two or three week period as production is shifted to Sparta or West Salem. It is estimated that approximately 50 employees reside in the Caledonia area.

Northern Engraving, celebrating its centennial year, is a leading supplier of nameplates and decorative trim for brands such as Whirlpool, Electrolux, Honeywell, and corporations like General Electric and General Motors. Sparta, WI is home to their corporate headquarters, but they also host manufacturing plants in Holmen, West Salam, and Great Britain.

Vice President, Ed Johnson, indicated the decision to close the plant is attributed to declining sales as a result of a weakened economy.

In an interview he further explained, “Northern Engraving finds itself with significant overcapacity with relation to the North American auto market and the slow down in the economy. Bottom line costs is what caused the decision.” Johnson also states, “the decision is not an easy one, but it is the kind of consolidation that all responsible businesses are going through in this economic downturn.”

Aware that Northern Engraving manufactured emblems for Dell computers, I asked Johnson if it was likely the logo on my computer was manufactured in Spring Grove. He explained that at one time they were, but Dell no longer orders parts from Northern Engraving. Instead, Dell purchases from low-cost manufacturing. Low-cost manufacturing is a more formal descriptor for overseas manufacturing where products are produced cheaper. While the slow economy is to blame for much of the slowdown, companies importing products from overseas can also influence Northern Engraving’s business.

“Our decision in Spring Grove has nothing to do with the quality or capability of the workforce,” Johnson reaffirms area residents. “The Spring Grove community and the larger area of Minnesota has been a wonderful place to have done business.”

While Johnson stated that approximately 50% of Northern Engraving’s output is for clients in the auto industry, Marylin Thomford, a 19 year employee, explained that the past three or four years a majority of the work in the Spring Grove facility focused on appliances.

Thomford was surprised by the decision to close the plant, stating, “it surprised everybody. Even the superintendent didn’t seem to know.”

Eyebrows were first raised when the second shift supervisors reported to work earlier than usual to attend a meeting Thursday afternoon, Dec. 11, with company officials. After the meeting, word of the decision quickly spread to the workforce and throughout surrounding communities.

The reactions she’s witnessed from coworkers tell a story of bewilderment.

“People have no idea what they are going to do. There are no jobs out there.”

Thomford is going to retire a few years earlier than originally planned and believes there are quite a few people of retirement age who will likely do the same.

Karen Folstad, Spring Grove mayor, was also surprised at the news.

“We thought things were picking up,” said Folstad. “Talking with the workers, they indicated they were looking at contracts for appliances and other work to fill the gap.”

Folstad and other city officials are exploring how this will affect the community. In addition to less patronage at local businesses, she fears the loss of a major employer like Northern Engraving could also affect school enrollment if people move away to find other jobs. She hopes to discuss with Northern Engraving officials the prospects of keeping the factory open or potentially selling the property to another business that would bring jobs to the city.

All of this comes only days after good news swept the city. Two weeks ago it was announced by US News and World Report that Spring Grove Secondary received a bronze rating in their Best High Schools analysis. A bronze rating indicates overall student performance was above the state average and the performance of the least advantaged students, (i.e. racial minority, low income) also ranked above state average, indicating the school serves all students well. 1,321 high schools in 48 states received this rating.

Northern Engraving closed its plant in Waukon only a few months ago. Waukon mayor, Keith Schroeder, indicated the transition hasn’t been easy. While many former employees found work in Decorah, or even at the Spring Grove Northern Engraving plant, others used the opportunity to go back to school.

Despite their efforts, Schroeder said, “Nothing has moved in to fill that gap. We had a couple nibbles here and there but it’s awful hard to get them to come. It’s going to take time. Its not an overnight thing.”

Sharon Corcoran will mark her 30th anniversary of employment for Northern Engraving January 8th. While Corcoran was surprised the decision to close the plant was announced now, she assumed it was only a matter of time.

“They closed Galesville, Lansing, Waukon, but they’ve been doing it in two year intervals, so I thought maybe we’d have another two years. You know its going to happen. I just thought we had a little longer.”

Fortunately, Corcoran currently works part time for ABLE in Caledonia. With her pending unemployment from Northern Engraving, she hopes to eventually go full time. She is particularly grateful for ABLE’s willingness to work with her and give her more hours when her work at Northern Engraving occasionally got cut back.

In explaining the mood of coworkers she said, “I think everybody is sad, not just for losing the job but losing friendships. I think they’re scared. In rural communities there aren’t very many jobs and with the economy the way it is, it’s scary.”

Despite the disappointment in the announced factory closing, Corcoran remains thankful for the job it has given her the past 30 years, always providing her family with shelter, clothing, and food.

Johnson indicated they plan to hold on to the property for awhile although no immediate plans for the property exist. It is not expected they will reopen the plant although some remain hopeful they will. In 2002 Northern Engraving announced they would close their Galesville plant only to reverse that decision a few months later due to “changes in business circumstances.” The Galesville plant did eventually close in 2006.

“We expect to be able to rebound as the economy rebounds,” Johnson said while explaining what the future holds for the company. “We are opportunistic that the US economy is strong and vibrant and we will rebound. We are in tough times right now, it will eventually turn and when it does we will go with it.”

Whether or not a rebounding economy could bring Northern Engraving back to Spring Grove is a question that only time will answer. For now, work continues as employees work through their final weeks of employment and prepare plant operations for the transition to Wisconsin.

Chiglo Rebuilds Bridge, Rebuilds Confidence

August 1st, 2007, the Interstate 35W Saint Anthony Falls bridge spanning the Mississippi tumbled in its entirety into the waters below. Disbelief was the immediate reaction of most citizens throughout the state, and across the nation, as images of broken concrete, bent iron, and crushed cars filled our TV screens for weeks to follow.

For Jon Chiglo, Caledonia native and Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) engineer, disbelief is only the beginning of the story. Twenty-four hours later he would be called upon by Khani Sahebjam, MnDOT’s deputy commissioner and chief engineer to be the project manager for the $235 million reconstruction of a bridge that would likely receive more public attention and scrutiny than any project in the history of the department. It was to this project he would devote his life over the next year and few months, often times working around the clock.


Chiglo first learned of the bridge collapse while on his way to a bar to meet some friends. His wife, Sherri, a photographer for the St Paul Pioneer Press, called and told him the news after she was called back to work to photograph the catastrophe.

“I told her it couldn’t have been a bridge, must have been a piece of a bridge. I walked into the bar and asked the bartender to turn the channel to a local news station. The whole restaurant went quiet. Disbelief. Engineers are supposed to instill confidence in what they build. We lost a lot of trust and confidence in our industry and department,” explained Chiglo.

The loss of the 35W bridge was calculated to cost $400,000 per day in lost revenue. While rebuilding the bridge became MnDOT’s number one goal, of equal importance was rebuilding public confidence. Suddenly the infrastructure carrying Minnesotans to and from work was no longer taken for granted by people like you and I.

In commenting on the department’s desire to restore public trust, Chiglo pointed out they never turned down an interview. “Communication was the biggest challenge. We didn’t have opportunities to make mistakes. We focused on being accessible, communicating clearly, and in a timely matter. As a result the public and press have been very appreciative of the amount of effort.” Appreciative press includes myself who stole half an hour of his precious time for one more interview.

While Chiglo realizes that rebuilding confidence and trust will not result from this project alone, he views the transparency and attention to public concern as an important first step forward.


On any given day Chiglo could be found making sure any project issues were resolved in a timely manner, responding to contractor’s questions, working with other departments to make informed decisions, managing design and construction, meeting with the public, answering questions for the press, talking with legislators, or on some days, all of the above. Even now, 3 months after the bridge has reopened, he continues to work on the project tying up loose ends.

When asked how he handled the stress, Chiglo is quick to point toward his family.
“Sisters, brothers, parents, and especially Sherri were all very supportive of what I was doing. When you have that support it helps get your mind off of things.”

For Chiglo, the most rewarding aspect was accomplishing the main project goals of building it safely, at high quality, and on schedule. In fact, not a single lost time incident was reported during the construction project, a feat in itself. He credits much of the success to the crew working with him.

“There existed an enormous amount of doubt that we could accomplish what we were saying we were trying to accomplish. About 75% of the public doubted we could build it by the end of December.”

When the bridge opened September 18th, over 3 months before the December 24th deadline, news stories turned from doubt to astonishment. Despite the quick construction, MnDOT officials assured the public every step of the way quality was not sacrificed for speed.

The new bridge features a 100-year lifespan, 10 lanes of traffic plus wide shoulders, room to accommodate future light rail expansion, energy efficient LED lighting, 48,700 cubic yards of highly durable concrete, 17 million pounds of rebar, redundancy measures, and an assortment of sensors to continually monitor temperature and stress changes. The bridge’s automated anti-icing system is activated when temperature, humidity, and wind speed reach specified levels as monitored by these sensors.


Chiglo graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1997 with a bachelors of science degree in civil engineering. He began his career working in Rochester doing surveying and bridge maintenance and later oversaw construction and design projects in Owatonna. When funding opened up for the Highway 52 project in Rochester, he was instated as the project manager for development. Next he moved on to manage the Highway 212 project in the southwest metro area before being called upon to manage the 35W Bridge reconstruction.

Much of his inspiration for becoming an engineer came from his father, Nester. Nester spent 34 years working for the soil conservation service on erosion control by building dams and laying out contour strips for area farmers. While it was his dad’s influence that interested him in engineering, his mother, Phyllis, was a driving force as well. When not busy with sports, Phyllis encouraged her children to work, work hard, and do the job right or not do it at all. For Jon, that started as mowing neighborhood lawns.

“We wanted to keep them busy so they would stay out of trouble,” explained Phyllis. “They always told me I made them work too hard,” she stated with a grin. “Kids learn a lot if they have to work and earn their own money.” Anyone who ever rode Phyllis’ bus route can testify firsthand to her don’t-mess-around attitude.

Speaking of his own upbringing, Jon explained, “both my parents raised me to do things right. They instilled a very sound work ethic in me and all my brothers and sisters. We were taught to be honest and straightforward.”

Throughout the project Chiglo was heralded by the media and his superiors for his matter of fact attitude, the direct, honest way he answered questions, and the sincere look in the eye that accompanies everything he says. “It comes from where I grew up,” explained Chiglo. These qualities made Chiglo the perfect choice for a position where restoring public trust was a high priority.

When asked of any other influences, Harold Olson and Ken Van Den Boom were mentioned. Both served as teachers and coaches to Chiglo in high school. Teacher and neighbor, Terry Mulins, also provided Chiglo with inspiration. Chiglo stated, “He is someone I have a great deal of respect and admiration from his experience with cancer.”


Throughout the project, Nester collected related news articles from the Star Tribune, Pioneer Press, and other local papers and now has enough content to nearly fill two scrapbooks. His growing collection of memorabilia also includes magazine articles from Popular Mechanics, Roads & Bridges, and Minnesota, a University of Minnesota Alumni publication. That’s not to mention the hours of video tape from television interviews featuring Jon. On one occasion, Nester got an up close view of the work. “We were up there a couple of times and Jon gave me a hard hat, vest, and glasses and I was watching how they were doing stuff.”

Even in spending only a short amount of time with Nester and Phyllis, one can quickly see the pride they have in their son.

“Jon has a lot of determination. He likes challenge. He’s not afraid to take on something,” said Phyliss about why Jon was a good choice for the position.

Now that the 35W project is nearing completion, Chiglo foresees opportunities working in a statewide role. The state legislature provided money to replace bridges throughout the state. His new job will be managing the proposed statewide bridge replacement projects. Further stimulus packages are being heavily discussed by President Elect Obama and could potentially free up more funds for infrastructure improvements in which Chiglo could play a role.

While for many the horror and disbelief of the 35W bridge collapse will not soon be forgotten, the thorough and timely response that ensued has given Minnesotans hope for a safer future thanks to the dedication and leadership of Jon Chiglo and his crew. Mix two parts determination, one party honesty, a supportive family, and top it off with a Caledonia upbringing and you’ve created a recipe for success.

Buege suffers heart attack, thanks those who helped save his life

Thank you; a simple phrase we learn early in life to be used to show appreciation and gratitude ranging from the simplest things to some of the most important. If someone holds open a door for you, tell them thank you. If you are given a gift, write a thank you note. If a friend wishes you well, say thank you and return the greeting. If someone saves your life, tell them thank you over and over again, because where other words fail to express the debt of gratitude owed, thank you says it all.

For Wayne Buege, who suffered a heart attack and cardiac arrest November 26th, thank yous abounded as he met the rescuers from the Caledonia Ambulance crew who assisted in saving his life. As he entered the ambulance station to applause, thank you was repeated at least a dozen times before he took a seat to tell his story to an attentive and curious audience.

Buege, a 75 years old retired mail carrier, suffered a heart attack and cardiac arrest, or a stopping of the heart, the day before Thanksgiving while at the weekly SEMCAC senior dining hosted at the Methodist Church.

In recounting the events, he stated, “the last thing I remember is cleaning the tables. The next thing I knew it was Friday morning.”

Previously Buege had no history of heart trouble. Looking back, he recalls a pain in his arm the day before, which he noticed while putting Christmas decorations on the outside of their house.

“I thought it was from lifting the darn thing,” he explained. “I thought maybe I pulled a muscle. I felt like I strained myself a little bit.”

The slight arm pain, considered by doctors a common heart attack warning sign, stayed with Buege through the night but with no previous heart problems, he never imagined it could be heart related. While cleaning up the church hall after dinner on Wednesday, he began to feel dizzy. Before he could sit down, however, he fell to the floor. Immediately someone called 911. Buege’s wife, Gretchen, was in the bathroom when she heard her name being called.

“Wayne just collapsed!” yelled Joyce Bolduan.

Gretchen, alongside Mary Ellen Lapham, approached Wayne and tried to wake him.

“Come on Wayne, come on, wake up!” Gretchen prodded while remaining calm.

Together they began to push on his chest to provide blood circulation. Lapham remembered CPR basics from training years ago when she was a teacher.

“I was on one side and she on the other and I would push on his chest and we were so happy when he would give a big sigh,” Lapham explained. “I knew we had to get some air in his lungs.”

Within minutes Mike Tornstrom, Caledonia Ambulance Director and EMT, arrived on the scene and took over CPR. Immediately after, the ambulance arrived with Karen Goetzinger, Traci Heaney, and Mary Betz who brought in the defibrilator and helped with the CPR. The defibrilator, brand new to the department, quickly analyzed Wayne’s heart and provided one shock. Less than four minutes later Wayne had a pulse and a couple minutes after that began to breath again by himself. In the meantime, he was loaded in the ambulance and driven toward LaCrosse. Caledonia Amublance met Tri-State Amublance at the junction of highways 44 and 20 where he was transferred into their care and was administered stabilizing medications.

Tornstrom explained, “It was the best response we had so quickly. The whole thing was absolutely text book. Everything went just like clockwork which we train for and when it goes well it’s a good thing.”

According to the American Heart Association, only 6.4 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims survive. The odds were certainly against Buege in that respect. However, the proximity to the ambulance station and quick arrival of help worked in his favor. Tornstrom explained that most important to his survival was the CPR given beforehand by Gretchen and Mary Ellen, a point he expressed repeatedly. To that end, Gretchen was presented with a certificate stating “The Caledonia Ambulance Service honors Mrs Wayne Buege for her heroic efforts for performing CPR to a cardiac arrest victim. Because of your efforts, the beat goes on.” Mary Ellen Lapham will receive a similar certificate for her efforts as well.

Buege remained in the hospital for a week before being released. Gretchen recalled the first words Wayne spoke after waking up being, “Did I fall down? Am I in the hospital?”

When someone asked Buege if he felt any pain in his chest afterwards from the CPR, he responded that he did not, only to be quickly corrected by Gretchen.

“Now you just don’t remember. When you were in the hospital you were coughing and doing an awful lot and complaining about the pain.”

Doctors gave Buege a pace maker and internal defibrilator. He says he feels good now, and aside from a few extra medications, life for Buege continues on like before. When asked if anything has changed since the incident, he said he cut back on the amount of salt he puts on his food.

He continued, stating, “You don’t take it for granted like you used to.” Whether or not that was in reference to salted food, or life in general, one can clearly see the joy of life in Wayne’s smile these days.

Tornstrom described the evening and the opportunity to meet Mr. and Mrs. Buege as inspiring.

“So many times we run amublance calls and wonder how things turn out,” Tornstrom said. “Many times we run calls and are the ones who care for people at the most unfortunate time in their life and you never know what happens after that. It is an honor for us. Inspiring, very inspiring.”

The approximately 20 Caledonia Ambulance EMTs and First Responders present used the opportunity to ask Buege questions and learn more about his symptoms and experiences afterwards.

Citing Buege’s full recovery as an indicator of Caledonia Ambulance’s effectiveness coupled with a record 341 ambulance runs in 2008, Tornstrom sees the Caledonia Ambulance service as a must have for the community. Right now the city has a contract with Tri-State ambulance to provide advanced medical attention such as Buege received in route to the hospital.

“We are the people from the community serving the people from our community, explained Tornstrom. “The way the system works now is designed perfectly.”

Now that Wayne is no longer in the hospital, Gretchen has breathed a sigh of relief. She mentioned the seriousness of the matter never really hit her until they were home again and things calmed down. Throughout the hospital stay, she maintained an optimistic and strong willed attitude present from the moment Wayne collapsed and she demanded he wake up.

Commenting on her involvement, Lapham stated, “I think Wayne has given me a lot of credit but I don’t know if I deserve it. He even brought me over some Christmas cookies.”

While to most people, a life seems worth much more than a simple thank you and plate of Christmas cookies, to Caledonia Ambulance personnel, Lapham, and Gretchen, seeing Wayne smiling and back on his feet is all the thank you they need.