After posting this appeal, word quickly spread. “We started receiving dona- tions from a variety of businesses and individuals, including producers,” said Osborne. “It was a great response from a diverse group of people wanting to help. And it’s a true testament to people in the Heartland of America who have big hearts, hardworking hands and the desire to help others get back on their feet.”
Several local businesses also contrib- uted to the effort. For example, man- ufacturer Dutton-Lainson Company donated new fencing structures, Big G Ace Hardware secured additional new products, fencing supplies, posts, tools gloves, and Thiel Family Moving helped transport a tremendous amount of do- nations (feed, hay and personal items) to those in need.
Osborne’s company, Industrial-Irriga- tion Services, an OEM/distributor of
customized engines from John Deere, General Motors, Origin and Siemens Gas Engines based in Hastings, Ne- braska, served as the collection point. “Our employees have been great,” said Osborne proudly. “They’re really proud of what we’re trying to do here.”
The first load of fencing supplies went out April 5 to the Spencer/Lynch area. “Our plan is to continue accepting and delivering donations as long as there is a need, which could truly be months from now,” said Osborne.
Want to help? Osborne encourages dealers to set up a fencing supply drive at their dealerships. “Collect donations, load the items onto pallets and deliver them to Hastings, Nebraska. We’ll get them into the hands of farmers and ranchers in need.” Call 402.463.1377 for additional details or to schedule a donation drop-off.
‘Some Heroes Wear Blue Jeans and Work Boots’
A 50-year-old Platte County farmer is being heralded as a hero and remem- bered as a loving family member and friend by many in the community of Columbus, Nebraska.
When James Wilke was summoned to help rescue a motorist stranded in the floodwaters of Knox Creek on March 14, he didn’t hesitate. Wilke drove his John Deere 8100 tractor south on 145th Street, west on 280th Street, and north on Monastery Road, a route he had taken thousands of times be- fore. This time, however, raging water gushed over an overflow bridge south of the creek, compromising the structure’s integrity. Emergency responders there helped guide Wilke and the tractor through the rushing water.
Unfortunately, the bridge collapsed and the tractor, with James inside, plum- meted into the fast-moving water. Wilke – a lifelong farmer, husband, father,
with the Omaha World Herald. “That was the kind of person James was – if he got the call from someone needing help, he was going to help somebody.”
Wilke was an excellent farmer, growing corn, soybeans and hay. Active in the Nebraska Cattlemen, the Platte County Cattlemen and the Pla-Co Pork Pro- ducers, he was named the Outstand- ing Area Farmer in 2001. Wilke and his wife, Rachel, were married for 27 years and had three children together; daughters Julianne and Addie, and son Colton.
grandfather and community leader – perished in the accident. His body was recovered on a creek bed downstream.
“He has always been one who gets involved and gets things done,” said his cousin, Paul Wilke, in an interview
“Not all HEROES wear capes or uni- forms,” Jodi Hefti, a friend and rela- tive, wrote in a Facebook tribute. “I know a TRUE HERO who wore a T-shirt, blue jeans, work boots and drove a John Deere tractor.”
Sources: Columbus Telegram, Successful Farming, Omaha World Herald
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