Ole Pappy
On Wednesday, July 3, it appeared to be a normal day for Minneota police and first responders.
But when Stephanie Schilling of Porter got the news from her baby that he was “on the way,” everything changed in Minneota.
Chief Billl Bolt, Officer Austin Thompson, Assistant Fire Chief Brad Minnehan and first responders Seth Myhre, Justin Pesch and David Moriarty got the 911 call and swung into action.
Together they delivered the baby and perhaps even saved the mother’s life. “I had the honor of handing the mother her new son,” said Chief Bolt.
On Monday, the chief announced to the Minneota City Council he’s started a, “Hope Award,” to recognize individuals who give hope to others when it seems that hope no longer exists.
The five individuals, “In a brief encounter, were able to provide HOPE to someone in need,” said the chief. “We were there when a new life came into this world.”
“The lady was in an incredible amount of pain,” said Chief Bolt. “These were guys who never thought they would have to do this — but they did,” he added. He made a special point of the way new Officer Austin Thompson commanded the scene and stayed focused on the situation.
He said even Lyon County Sheriff Eric Wallen expressed how well the new officer responded to his duties. “Everyone just went about doing what they were supposed to do,” said Chief Bolt.
“The strength of our community is not in our knowledge or skills, but rather in our hearts and love for others,” he said.
The chief explained the name of the HOPE AWARD by saying, “Hope gives people the strength to persevere, the courage to do what is right in the face of adversity.” So now, five community members are now, “Hope Givers,” and we’re all so lucky to have them.
LAUGH A LITTLE: Grandma’s Pills An elderly woman went to her local doctor’s office and asked to speak with her doctor. When the receptionist asked why she was there, she replied, “I’d like to have some birth control pills.”
Taken back, the doctor thought for a minute and then said, “Excuse me, Mrs. Glenwood, but you’re 80 years old. What would you possibly need birth control pills for?” The woman replied, “They help me sleep better.”
The doctor considered this for a second, and continued, “How in the world do birth control pills help you sleep?” The woman said, “I put them in my granddaughter’s orange juice, and I sleep better at night.”
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: As my Ole Pappy used to say, “You’ll never discover new oceans if you’re afraid to lose sight of the shore.” Ole Pappy made it clear to me at a young age that I must venture out, take a chance and explore new things in my life.
He called this, “discovering new oceans.”
Thanks Ole Pappy!