Utility worker dies from injuries
By NIKKI YOUNK, Staff WriterFLORENCE, Wis. - An MJ Electric worker who was badly burned Saturday while working on a power line has died, Florence County Sheriff Jeff Rickaby has confirmed this morning.
Michael Rhode, 28, of Coleman, Wis., died this morning at 4:45 a.m. at St. Mary's Burn Center in Milwaukee, said Rickaby.
Rhode was working on an American Transmission Company (ATC) power line construction project along an all-terrain vehicle trail on the south side of Fisher Lake when the accident occurred.
Anne Spaltholz, media relations representative for ATC, said that Rhode came into contact with the line, causing his injuries and a power outage throughout the town of Florence.
Rickaby said that a neighbor found Rhode approximately 15 minutes later. Rhode was conscious and dangling by his safety harness about 40 feet in the air, Rickaby added.
Both ATC and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will be conducting investigations into the incident, said Rickaby.
Nikki Younk's e-mail address is nyounk@ironmountaindailynews.com.
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seeingthetruth
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09-23-09 11:34 PM
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If it isnt Dean writing that garbage then I suggest he find out who did. The comment that was left was awful, and it was left by the screen name he uses on all the other posts. I dont call that a coincidence. Regardless, we shouldnt be fighting over this crap. I do feel for the family, and I am sorry if my comments hurt anyone related to this situation. I was offended for all of you when the mystery poster left his ignorance behind. GOD BLESS you all!! Good point GhostOfYou!!!
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GhostOfYou
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09-23-09 6:13 PM
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Yet you follow suit with your post.
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warden41
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09-23-09 5:42 PM
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my thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. for all of you bashing Dean, what the*****is the matter with you?? someone died, its not about dean. If you have issues with other people, do it on your own time. this man's family doesnt need any more to deal with. And i know for a fact, Dean did not write that. He would never, ever say anything so hateful, especially in this type of situation. so, whoever is writing all this crap about Dean, GET A LIFE!!
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ElmerA
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09-23-09 5:35 PM
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Don't worry Dean, your secret is safe with me, I won't tell anyone...
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vardatime
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09-23-09 4:15 PM
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seeingthetruth are you serious?
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vardatime
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09-23-09 4:09 PM
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UpsetToo....Why are you starting*****that I'm doing coke? I've never been into coke & never will be. How would you like it if I start spreading nasty rumors about you???? I have NO idea who posted that comment but it was NOT me. Who ever you are I hope you pay dearly for your ignorance. How could you be so disrespectful?
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vardatime
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09-23-09 3:55 PM
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This is Dean Varda, I don't know who varda 1 is. All I know is that It's NOT me. I feel very bad for the family & friends that lost there loved one. Who ever posted that & used my identity should be punished.I called the Daily news & they're looking into who this horrible person is that posted that. WHO EVER YOU ARE, WHY ARE YOU USING MY NAME?
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culvers1
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09-23-09 2:38 PM
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Linemanwife...god bless your husband for finding my friend that day. He was so in love with his wife and his kids. He will be greatly missed by all. Varda you are an idiot...so many people lost a great friend on Monday morning. All he was doing was his job. For all that are interesting in helping out this family...the Culver's in the Green Bay area are setting up donation boxes in honor of this brave young man. All proceeds are going to his wife and kids and will be used however they find fit. RIP Mike Rhode...you are already missed greatly.
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ElmerA
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09-23-09 12:23 PM
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Our thoughts and prayers go out to this family during this horrible time. I couldn't imagine anyone going through what this man did. It is crazy to think what he may have been thinking when this happened, I hope he went peacefully to the other side. Big THANK YOU to the men and women who give us the power to live day by day...
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whateveryourwrong
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09-23-09 10:44 AM
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Why let what someone said bother you...Prays for his family...let it be at that.
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linemanwife
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09-23-09 10:28 AM
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I have no idea who you are Varda, but I think you are one sick individual who needs help!!! My husband was the one who helped Mike down off of the pole, and you have NO IDEA what these men are going through! How could you be so rude and disrespectful??? I can't even begin to imagine the pain his wife, children, family, and co-workers are experiencing. If it weren't for these men~you would be living in the dark! They are hard working men who risk their lives everyday, so that we can have power!!! You are one thoughtless A**HOLE!!!
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GhostOfYou
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09-22-09 9:00 PM
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R.I.P. Mike My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. What a sad day for them all.
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DickinsonCountyCitizen
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09-22-09 5:58 PM
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Our heartfelt prayers go out to this young mans family & friends. RIP Mike
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colorado
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09-22-09 5:42 PM
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My heart goes out to this family. My brother was burned in this same way many years ago in Kingsford and lived. I will never forget it
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4BEARANCE
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09-22-09 3:24 PM
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As tragic as this was, he was probably in horrible pain and now he is at peace. My thoughts and prayers are also with his friends, family and co-workers
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whateveryourwrong
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09-22-09 2:52 PM
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28..thats way too young. Hope the best for his family. Hope MJ stands up for them.
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JustSoYaKnow
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09-22-09 2:34 PM
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You know what the Mother does....She gathers strength from her family and friends and holds it together for those two young boys! My prayers go out to the family.
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kimmys27
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09-22-09 2:11 PM
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My thoughts and prayers are out to his family. I could amagine something like this happening to anyone and what is the mother of his small children going to do?
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sparky3396
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09-22-09 1:20 PM
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From my I.B.E.W. family to yours, our sincere condolences and may he rest in peace.
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alifeoflovetaken
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09-22-09 11:28 AM
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Our hearts go out to his family ..
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seeingthetruth
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09-22-09 10:19 AM
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GOD BLESS this family. What a terrible tragedy. Lord, please keep this family close to you in their time of need. Please watch over them, and guide them through this tramatic time. Amen
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Slivvering
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09-22-09 8:48 AM
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Thanks for the update connor2578. Very sad. Prayers go out to his family.
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connor2578
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09-22-09 8:15 AM
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The worker has pasted away thru the Night. R.I.P Mke Rhode
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amazedagain
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09-22-09 1:11 AM
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slivvering, agree completely. Connor2578, this young man is in many prayers this evening and will continue until he recovers and his family is also in many prayers as this has to be very hard on them as well.
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connor2578
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09-21-09 10:30 PM
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Prayers go out to a fellow classmate and co worker. Before people make judgements of what they preciveved happened they should know the duties of a lineman and how they have strict SOP's to follow. As for the victim he is in critical condition at milwaukee burn center.
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