Reported by: Eddie Rybarski
Mary Cross' husband Bill served on the Win-Bur-Sew Fire Protection District's Board of Trustees for more than 27 years. So when she found out she had been chosen the winner of a $2,500 prize to be donated to her favorite local non-profit, her decision was a no-brainer.
"The fire department is one of the most vital things we can belong to," said Cross. "They're kind of like a family to us, so I'm just grateful that I won."
The prize was part of the America's Farmers Grow Communities program, offered through the Monsanto Fund. The program covers 1,205 counties across 38 states. Cross, who has been farming in Winnebago for about 50 years, became involved in the program after Monsanto called her suggesting she sign up.
"I don't usually participate in anything over the phone but I knew Monsanto and I thought they'd be fine to do it," said Cross. "So I went ahead and I happened to be chosen. I was very elated."
Win-Bur-Sew Fire Protection District Fire Chief Robert Martin says the donation will help secure the safety of area farmers.
"Since it came from the ag field, we're going to put it right back into ag-related rescue equipment and training," said Martin.
Some examples Martin cited include a farm medic program dealing with treatment of patients injured in farm-related accidents and specialized extrication equipment for rollovers.
"Extrication equipment on farm vehicles is completely different than automobiles. Steel is a lot thicker, more difficult to do," said Martin. "We're really excited this money will go a long way to get us trained and buy some new equipment to help with extrications if we need to."
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Originally posted on MyStateline.com
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