Explosions Rock Columbus

Again - more news then the internet can handle.

STEVE APPS - State Journal

Five explosions rocked Columbus as Columbus Chemical Industries went up in flames Monday night forcing evacuations. If the wind was from the north the entire city would have had to be evacuated.

Below is a map of where the two most important things in this story are.

About 8:00 David Gerber from the Columbus Countryside Veterinary Clinic (the one that rescued the pets in last years flood) noticed smoke coming from Columbus Chemical Industries and call the owner of the plant and said something like "Hey, did you know there is smoke coming from your plant" and the owner probably said something like "no".

So a few minutes later when the smoke is getting darker and darker he decides that action MIGHT have to be taken soon. The call goes out and volunteers come to the rescue of the dogs and cats from this fine clinic and all are now safe.

Meanwhile the plant is on fire and and as firefighters that come to the scene are witnessing explosions with drums flying through the air. The plant manufactures petroleum-based chemicals including hydrochloric and sulfuric acid and other high-purity chemicals and mineral acids. Not the most wonderful stuff.

It was decided that the best way to contain the fire was NOT to use water as this would only spread the flames. Thus - it continues to burn.

150 emergency personal including the National Guard who the Wisconsin State Journ says were used to determine wind direction (yea - seems odd to me also) were on hand at the high point but most were told they were no longer needed (once they figured out the wind which I knew was from the south). 144 people were evacuated and with winds from the south at 5mph (www.ColunmbusWIweather dot com)Columbus was lucky. If winds were from the north the entire town would have been evacuated.

I have heard of no news on where the Fireworks for the 4th of July Celebration are stored. I believe the owner of the company is the guy that travels the world looking for new and exciting fireworks that rival Rhythm and Booms Fireworks in Madison (but without the crowd).

If any displaced residence (who don't have computer access I guess) or anybody has stories send them in Grinder12000@yahoo.com. Photos also.

Anybody hearing the news conference (we're blocked from work) let me know of any developments.

On a personal note - I like the way former Mayor Nancy Osterhaus brought attention to Columbus (Public Enemies Movie) better then present Mayor Bob Link (big fire).

Different styles I guess :-)

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Secrets of the Columbus 4th of July Parade - BRILLIANT!!!

This last weekend I had a number of worried phone calls about the big Parade. As we all know the 4th of July Parade is not a small event. I have not heard any official estimates but I would not doubt that more then 10,000 people attend the event, twice the entire size of Columbus.

And as we all know it can be long. But here is something you didn't know I bet.

During the parade there is an average of three trains that block the route. So instead of having a big gap in the parade, the powers that run the parade have a brilliant solution which might help Picture Car Drivers.

When a train blocks the path, antique cars on the OTHER side of the track are let go to fill the gaps. I have talked to Roger Venden (the contact person) and he is aware of Picture Car concerns (clutching for 2 hours and over heating). If you want to talk to him let me know and I can give out his number.

And speaking of Picture Cars - I have not heard from many of the drivers but some have told me there will be a BIG turnout for the July 25th Celebration.
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NOT TROOPER ZANG AGAIN!!

YUP - the State Trooper that I believe has taken up residence in Columbus by hiding inside mailboxes has been at it again. Not only did he pull ME over AGAIN but I saw him pulling others in Columbus, all not having front license plates.

Now - don't you think that a State Trooper could be better utilized by being on a REAL highway rather then in Columbus who I believe have their own police department. Come on dude - pulling over obvious criminals who have no front license is what you are trained for? Seriously - is he being lazy? Is he trying to give Columbus a bad reputation? Should he not be helping REAL problems on the highways that are NOT guarded by a municipal police department? He is embarrassing the other State Troopers who actually HELP people.

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Monday May 25 Noon to 6:00 come join Cassie Pratt celebrate her wedding. Yea - that's right John - SURPRISE!!!!

OH - was it suppose to be kept quiet?? Sorry - NEVER MIND - YEA - it's really (tee hee) a "High School Graduation Party" and YOU ARE ALL INVITED!! Even my friends in Purth Australia are welcome to fly up and have some cake! (oops).

So put it on your calender - Cassies "Graduation" Party! High Noon to 6:00! I won't put the address on the front page as I can see Pic-N-Save getting a run on eggs and toilet paper and John needing to buy more house paint.

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OK - check out this guy if you want a surprise



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Rod