Fundraiser Set For Injured Bridgewater Farmer Brad Wollman

Fundraiser Planned for Local Farmer Injured in Farming Accident

We got a message from Jill Weber over in the Emery area asking if we could help spread the word about a local farmer who could use a little extra support right now — and of course, we said yes.

On October 2nd, Brad Wollman of Emery, South Dakota, was seriously injured in a farming accident while cleaning out a grain bin on his farm near the Bridgewater area. What started as a routine job turned dangerous when the sweep auger unexpectedly kicked on while Brad was inside the bin. The auger caught his pant leg, resulting in severe injuries to his foot and Achilles tendon.

I talked to Brad on the phone Monday afternoon and he was in good spirits. I could tell by the tone of his voice he was hurting though as he told me the story.

Brad’s father was in the bin with him, and his brother was nearby and able to shut off the auger quickly — but not before the damage was done. Brad was rushed for medical care and faces a long recovery ahead. He’s now going through daily physical therapy and treatments, including sessions in a hyperbaric chamber, to help with healing. Much of his medical care is being handled through Avera in Mitchell, with some follow-up visits in Sioux Falls.

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Like many farmers, Brad is known for working hard and helping others whenever he can. Now it’s time for the community to rally around him.

Friends and neighbors are hosting a fundraiser for Brad on Saturday, November 15th, at the Old Gym in Emery. There will be raffles, a silent auction, and plenty of ways to show your support.

If you’d like to donate to the fundraiser or contribute an auction item, you can contact Jill Budahl at 605-770-8823.

Thanks to Jill for supplying the photos. When she sent them she added;

He told me you asked him if he is known for anything. He told me he should have said racing cars. He raced at many tracks across SD including Hartford, Huron, Brandon, Watertown, and Madison to name a few.

He said "people used to call me lead foot, now they can call me no foot."

It’s going to take time for Brad to heal, but with the strength of the Emery and Bridgewater communities — and all of us here in Kickin’ Country — he won’t be doing it alone. And judging from his quote on racing...he'll do it with a smile...as much as he can!

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