Lewis County Coroner Warren McLeod announced last week that his office has received a new handheld X-ray system as a result of yet another successful grant application.
Since McLeod took office in 2011, the coroner’s office has received more than $125,000 in grants to fund training, equipment and staffing.
He says the system will save the coroner’s office money and time as it carries out the important work of determining causes and manners of death.
It’s just one example of the coroner’s successful management since he was elected during the 2010 election.
Meanwhile, McLeod continues his efforts to see to it that a terrible wrong be corrected.
The body of young Jasper Henderling-Warner — who prosecutors say was killed as a result of abuse from a Vader couple in charge of caring for him — remains at the coroner’s office as his biological parents bicker about cremation and memorial plans.
McLeod has taken the matter to court, filing a lawsuit in hopes of putting an end to the matter.
“We want to get this poor little guy released so he can be laid to rest,” McLeod said. “… He’s a little 3-year-old guy, he deserves to be put to rest. He deserved to be put to rest several months ago.”
We remain appreciative of McLeod’s approach to his position as coroner.
He’s proven himself professional and compassionate in a job that demands both qualities at all times.
Veteran Gets Free House
Corporate charity is often seen with a fair amount of cynicism.
Chase Bank’s donation of a home to a U.S. Army veteran in Onalaska, though, is inspiring and appreciated. It’s an example of the acts of kindness and gratitude we should all offer to those who have fought our battles abroad in a decade defined by war.
Mike McCallum lost both of his legs below the knee while fighting in Afghanistan in 2011.
He said he never expected recognition, especially not in the form of a mortgage-free home through Chase Bank in partnership with the Military Warriors Support Foundation.
McCallum is deserving of the home, and so much more. He, and others who have worn a uniform in war zones, deserves our unending thanks and support as he continues to adjust to a life-altering injury.
Amazingly, McCallum has recently started a beloved hobby again — skateboarding.
Once a warrior, always a warrior.
