Inaccurate reports
On July 10, a tragic accident occurred on a farm in Grant County Wisconsin east of Lancaster. A nine-year-old boy lost his life when he unexpectedly entered a corn grain bin and was engulfed.
A second tragedy then occurred. After multiple local rescue agency volunteers poured their energy into the recovery of the boy, the story published in print and on the air was inaccurate. It stated that the auger system was broken and that the family was repairing it when the accident occurred. This may make a reasonable person think that it was faulty equipment or that the owner was negligent in keeping it in good working order. Neither is true.
The equipment was in good working order. The farmer/father was not repairing equipment nor had he sent anyone into the bin to work on anything. He alone was operating the unload system outside the bin in a safe manner. When he noted that his son was not close by he shut down the system, called and looked for the boy; just as we all would; then called for emergency assistance.
Although the father had instructed his children that they were NOT allowed in a bin, this 9 year old maybe forgot or chose to ignore the rule. Children sometimes do that. He had to climb all the way to the top and then down the inside.
Unfortunately the heartache and grief that the family and community endure is compounded by the inaccuracy of the story. Those outside our area, assuming the story is accurate, will continue to believe that rural farm children are mistreated and put into high risk work situations. This is simply not true in this case! It is unfortunate that no one reporting the story asked anyone from the family nor anyone there when the accident occurred what actually happened.
Harold Reddy
Reddy Ag Service, Stitzer
Editor’s note: See the story on page 3A. Last week’s story was based on information from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
The Bible and marriage
Recently, same-sex marriage has been a topic in the news. I feel I must give the Bible’s perspective on what marriage is. I see many articles are being printed that present a support for it, so I feel bound to give another perspective.
I support the 2006 State of Wisconsin Marriage Law, and totally am in agreement with it. We as a state should not tamper with it.
Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen said June 13 after U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb stayed her ruling that “The state and all of its agencies and subdivisions must follow and enforce Wisconsin’s marriage law. County clerks do not have authority under Wisconsin law to issue same-sex marriage licenses. Judge Crabb’s stay makes this abundantly clear.”
I am in total support of Van Hollen’s leadership in support of our current Marriage Law, and it is my hope that it will always remain in effect. In fact, our marriage law is in agreement with what Jesus, the Christ taught on the matter in Matthew 19:4–6: ‘Haven’t you read the Scriptures?’ Jesus replied. ‘They record that from the beginning “God made them male and female.”’ And he said, ‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.”
I felt the need to share with the public what I am sure many others in Wisconsin believe and support, that marriage is and will only be between one man and one women, just like God Himself taught.
Rev. Brian E. Chapman
Platteville
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