By Jolene Farley
Steen resident and H-BC School Board member Dave Roozenboom is hospitalized in the Avera McKennan Burn Unit following a gas grill accident Friday night.
Roozenboom has first- and second-degree and a few third-degree burns to his face and arms and will remain hospitalized for at least another week or two, according to Roozenboom's wife, Eunice.
"We are going to find out on Thursday, as far as skin grafting," said Eunice.
Roozenboom was preparing a gas grill for the homecoming tailgate party scheduled by the Hills-Beaver Creek Junior class when the flame went out.
Without realizing how long gas had been building up inside the grill, Roozenboom tried to light the grill, and flames shot out like a torch, Eunice said.
Junior parents and teachers administered first aid until the Hills Rescue Squad arrived on the scene.
Eunice said the Roozenbooms appreciate all the care and concern shown by the community.
She commends the Hills Rescue Squad for all that they did. "He couldn't have asked for better care than he got," said Eunice.
No visitors are permitted in the burn unit, but cards can be sent to Dave Roozenboom, c/o Avera McKennan Burn Unit, PO Box 5045, Sioux Falls, SD, 57117-5045.