From Nebraska Department of Education
The idea came from a family member halfway across the country, but its impact, and those who are helping create it, will be felt in Columbus.
Just days ago, Behlen Custom Fabrication’s general manager Heather Macholan had been discussing with her family how her cousin, engineer John Eberly of Seattle, WA and other engineers were working with emergency room doctors to design masks that provided the necessary protection for healthcare workers. Macholan was given designs and instructions on Sunday and immediately reached out for help.
And she received plenty from Columbus.
“Everyone always seems to come through. It was just last year with the floods, and ‘Nebraska Strong,’” Macholan said. “It’s in our nature to help, to ask ‘how can I help,’ and ‘what do I have?’”
Macholan was quick to acknowledge the response from schools, the East Central Health District (ECHD), and Columbus Community Hospital.
“We reached out earlier this week and the response has been awesome,” she said. “Work started with the community. On Tuesday, we reached out to the local high schools and colleges and put a plan in place.”
At Columbus Public Schools (CPS), middle school assistant principal Jordon Anderson, high school science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) teachers Adam Whitmore and Joe Krysal, and superintendent Dr. Troy Loeffelholz made the arrangements for printers to be used.
“This is why we start our STEM program, to offer students and staff real-life experiences,” Dr. Loeffelhoz said. “In this case, we’re helping those in need by making these masks.”
Macholan also acknowledged the support of Betsie Rall from Scotus Central Catholic, Ben Wilshusen from Central Community College, and the team at Behlen: Jacob Forbes, Dan Broekemeier, and Juli Thelen.
CPS is operating its printers at both the high school and middle school with each location estimating upwards of 20 masks a day. Scotus Central Catholic and Central Community College, as well as Behlen themselves, are helping with production.
“Joe Krysl and I are running the 3D printer lab at the high school to produce part of PPE being worn by medical professionals,” Whitmore said. “This project is definitely unique. Most of the time I am dealing with mechanical and electrical situations and solutions not necessarily medical. Hopefully, this can make an impact for someone.”
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