34 Mine Rescue teams faced off July 15-17 in Reno, NV in the MSHA-sponsored 2008 Metal/Nonmetal National Mine Rescue contest . Seven salt companies participated: Morton Salt teams from Grand Saline , TX; Fairport, OH; and Weeks Island , LA; and Cargill Deicing Technology teams from Avery Island , LA; Cayuga mine in Lansing, NY ; and two teams from Cargill's Cleveland, OH mine (Whiskey Island and Cuyahoga River ). Still awaiting final results, but local coverage featured Cargill's Avery Island team showcasing their lifesaving skills. I'll re-post when the final results are in.

In related news, MSHA announced seven inductees into the Mine Rescue All of Fame including three from salt companies, Rod Etie and Rayward Segura of Cargill's Avery Island, LA mine, and Lee Graham who retired from then-SI member Carey Salt in 1988. Segura was a participant in the inaugural competition in 1971 when the contest was conducted in Lafayette, LA. Congratulations.