CHECKING IT OUT - Ellendale fire fighters Jack Skalicky and Frank Altrichter show one of their rigs to local kids Brayton Krueger, Isaac Calcamiggo, and Eliyah Calcamoggio. Star Eagle photo by Kathy Paulsen
By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
The first National Night Out was organized in 1984 as a day to encourage residents to get out in the community and hold “block parties.” It has since become a great way for people to get to know and thank the community fire departments, ambulance crews, and Skywarn and law enforcement officers. Residents of Geneva and Ellendale gathered to enjoy a summer night out.
The ice cream social, held in the Geneva City Park from 5-7 p.m. on August 7, was sponsored by Team Geneva and the Geneva Business Club. Flyers inviting the public to enjoy hot dogs and ice cream were posted and delivered around town.
Kids enjoyed the playground equipment at the park, as well as meeting the fire fighters and seeing the inside of the fire trucks and ambulance. Team Geneva and various local businesses were on hand to help serve roughly 120 guests in attendance.
The Geneva Fire Department includes: Samantha Anderson Cech, Kelly Arndt, Steve Bailey, Greg Bartsch, Lonny Bartsch, Dale Boverhuis, Jim Beenken, Craig Christensen, Jeff Cornelius, Chris George, Garry Gordinier, Daryl Paulsen, Rick Seath, Chris Stangel, Justin Stieglbauer, David Thompson, Adam Warnke, Jon Warnke, Taff Worrell and Shannon Wobschall.
Jon Bartsch, Curt Boswell and Garry Gordinier also serve as EMTs. Samantha Anderson, Greg Bartsch, Lonny Bartsch, Alex Beenken, Cody Boverhuis, Travis Broskoff, Justin Hoeve, Jon Warnke, Chris George and Justin Stieglbauer serve as First Responders along with Adam Warnke, who recently completed his training.
The Geneva Fire Department which is one of 15 fire departments in Freeborn County, is pleased to have a pumper, tanker, grass rig, utility pickup and ambulance in their fire hall, ready to be used when called.
The Ellendale Night Out got underway at 5:30 p.m., and the Ellendale Lions Club served free root beer floats and hot dogs and chips were available for a free will donation. Matt Arthur was on hand to provide music, and an estimated 80 people turned out.
The Ellendale Lions Club currently has 18 members, including their newest member, Randy Cirksenna from Geneva. The Lions, which formed in the early 1970s, have done a great number of things for the Ellendale area.
Fire trucks and the ambulance were on display outside the fire hall for the public to view. The firemen gave red plastic fire helmets to the children.
Two of the Steele County Sheriffs, Smith and Thiele, as well as Jerry Ibberson, the local Skywarn officer, were also in attendance.
The Ellendale Fire Department includes: Logan Busho, Ellendale’s newest Fire Chief; Hayden Feist, assistant; Nolan McGowan, training officer; and Tyler McGowan, secretary/treasurer. Pat Krueger, Shawn Larson and Bud Olson serve on the department’s Executive Board and Rick Johnson serves as president of the Relief Association.
The remaining members of the Ellendale Fire Department include: Frank Altrichter, Dustin Burshem, Roger Larson, Steve Louks, Joel Meyer, Josh Moen, Rich Mueller, Josh Otto, Dan Rhoades and Jack Skalicky.
The City of Ellendale is pleased to have Steve Louks, Jan Louks, Jess Krueger, Bethany Boswell, Curt Boswell, Garry Gordinier, Jon Bartsch, Trudy Nelson and Mike Herman serve on the Ambulance Crew, as well as seven First Responders: Logan Busho, Hayden Fiest, Nolan McGowan, Tyler McGowan, Dustin Burshem, Rich Mueller and Shawn Larson.
A big thank you is extended to Team Geneva, the Geneva Business Club, and the Ellendale Lions for sponsoring the National Night Out. Another thank you is extended to the Geneva and Ellendale Fire Departments and First Responders, the Ambulance crew, the local Sheriff’s department and Skywarn officers for the many things they do for the residents of Geneva, Ellendale and the surrounding area.