OSMOND — Kelly and Luella Hodson of West-Hodson Lumber & Concrete have issued a challenge to other Osmond businesses: “Donate $100 for every year you’ve been in business to the OsmondAmbulance Fund. Let’s get this thing done!”
The lumber yard has been in business since May 3, 1930 — a total of 94 years, and the Hodsons recently presented a check to the ambulance fund for $9,400.
They did it in honor of the company’s anniversary, which gave them the idea to challenge other businesses to do the same.
Kelly commented, “We have been in business for 94 years due to the generous patronage of our customers, and we hope to be around to provide for the next ambulance this community needs.”
The Osmond Emergency Medical Technicians announced plans to purchase a new ambulance in May of 2023. At that time, they received a $75,000 grant to help with the purchase.
The new unit was priced at $325,000 and, as of last week, approximately $231,000 has been raised through grants, donations and fund-raising.
According to EMT Captain Missy Hoppe, the Osmond Rural Fire Board currently owns two ambulances: a 1999 unit and a 2012 unit. The new ambulance will replace the older unit, with the 2012 ambulance becoming the backup unit.
The new unit has been ordered from Firefeld, and will arrive in the spring of 2025.
Businesses wishing to make their donation are asked to contact Missy Hoppe or any of the other Osmond EMTs: Mark Krienert, Doug Schmit, James Bessmer, Garret Kuhl, Tiffany Friedrich, Melissa Lind, Jared Bessmer or Liz Gubbels. Donations may also be taken to Security Bank.
