R.I.P.

Too soon... too soon...

RICE LAKE, Wis. — A piece of metal shot from a brush cutter killed the Rice Lake parks superintendent, who was overseeing the clearing of lots where the city plans a lumbering hall of fame.

Dale Hanson, 44, died Wednesday night at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire. He had been superintendent of parks, recreation and cemeteries for about six years.

"He was one of the nicest individuals you could ever meet,'' Fire Chief Jim Resac said. "Just a super nice guy. We enjoyed working with him down here. It's a quiet day in the city.''

A statement from the city said a metal object thrown from a brush cutter struck Hanson in the head the morning of Sept. 12. He was flown to the hospital, where he spent the past week.

Resac's department responded to the accident. He said Hanson was a "good distance away'' from the brush cutter when a piece of metal from a chain link fence struck him.