Have a bowl of chili and see completed helipad

By Ginna Young

In just a few months time, community support funded the construction of an emergency helicopter landing pad, located at the Chippewa and Rusk county line, on land donated by the owners of Rocque Ridge.

With a 99-year lease, emergency medical services (EMS) can utilize the zone solely to transport wounded or severely ill patients, who need immediate hospital care, or to train for such emergencies.

A committee was formed to raise money for the construction of the landing zone, overseen by the Lake Holcombe Resort & Business Association. In a short time, the project was fully funded and the pad was built.

By having a helipad at that end of the county, EMS have a safe and reliable spot to bring in a medical helicopter. In order to demonstrate the work that has been completed (only the painting of lines around the pad remains in the spring), a chili feed is planned for Sunday, Nov. 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the site.

Proceeds from the chili feed will go to the Holcombe Area Veterans Memorial. “We welcome you to come brave the cold and enjoy a warm bowl of chili with us, as we celebrate a significant step in improving the health and safety of our local communities,” said fundraising chair Kody Morfoot.

Events begin at 11 a.m., when the LifeLink helicopter is expected to arrive, followed by a 12:30 p.m. ribbon cutting. The helicopter crew will be on-hand to answer any questions about what they do, and members of the Cornell Area Fire Department and Sheldon Fire Protection District will be there, as well as members of the Cornell Area Ambulance Service and Rusk County Ambulance.

“We are looking forward to an event that not only gives our local and surrounding communities, a chance to meet and thank our regional first responders, but also provides the opportunity to celebrate a joint accomplishment between two counties,” said Morfoot.

Chili will be served until 2 p.m., or until gone, with togo containers available.

“The citizens and citizen-organizations surrounding this area, came out and supported us in a way we could have never imagined,” said Morfoot, “and we are proud to be able to give back, by supporting another worthy cause, in the Holcombe Area Veterans Memorial.”