09 April 2015

"bin" doing some work.

It's no secret my posts have become few and far between, but I assure you, Finding Windom hasn't stopped working to improve our community with our ideas and most importantly our hands.  I can't tell you enough how good it feels to be a part of something so amazing.  I have to say there are many minds and hands at work here, and they should be recognized for being such positive, active members of our community.  Finding Windom is currently working on a number of projects right now (stayed tuned), but here is an update of the latest project Finding Windom has completed written by a Finding Windom member (THANK YOU TO EVERYONE INVOLVED!!!):
 
"Finding Windom and the new Riverfest Fireworks aluminum can bin

Sometime during the Summer of 2014 at a Finding Windom meeting, the group was working on a list of projects to make Windom a cleaner and more attractive place to live and work.  Along with the Adopt-A-Highway and a variety of other projects, someone suggested the aluminum can collection bin that is used to generate  funds for Fireworks for RiverFest was not in the best of shape and should be replaced.

Dave Vaupel and Howie Davis offered to head up that project.  With input and information from Buckwheat Johnson, the first step was to locate a replacement corn crib that some farmer would donate.  The request went out on Swap Line KDOM and within a day or two we had offers of 4 or 5 bins that were ours for the taking.  After taking a look at all the choices we decided to accept a bin,  located near String Lakes and owned by Jerry Haberman.

 The choice was made on the basis of several factors:  How sturdy it appeared; How far from Windom it was; How accessible was the bin to being loaded on a trailer; How tall the bin was (because of low hanging wires over roads that would have to be traveled).

The bin from Mr. Haberman fit our needs best in every major area.  It was in good shape, the bottom ring of 3 could be removed and have a 12 foot high bin with a sound roof.  We could get to the bin with a trailer so it was fairly easy to load, and very, very important there was only one wire across the path that might give a 15 foot bin (including roof) on a 22 inch high trailer trouble.  The only problem at the time was that we started the project too late in the season and had to delay the move until spring of 2015.

We had wonderful cooperation from a number of people and agencies as well as information and input that was invaluable.

Miller-Sellner Equipment in Bingham Lake donated the use of a trailer, which we absolutely had to have to move the bin.

The Windom Street Department agreed to have one of their staff lift a wire over 16th Street or disconnect that wire located across the path of the bin if the bin did not fit underneath (it did fit underneath).

Others that helped on the day of the move (Wednesday, April 8) were Tom Meyeraan and Jerome Robillard (each of whom ran their own skid steer),  Buckwheat Johnson, Per Nielsen, Dave Vaupel, and Howie Davis.  Giving much need assistance were Sheriff Jason Purrington and Windom Chief of Police Scott Peterson, as well as members of their staffs.

Bob Lindaman, owner of Windom Pallets (and the land on which the bin has been located for several years), gave us a great deal of help and is willing to take possession of the old bin."
 
Finding Windom together,