The Superior Express -

The federal government’s occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) has proposed assessing a $531,268 fine following the death of Travis Thelander, a 34-year-old man with ties to Superior.

He died Sept. 12, at the CHS Agri-Service Center elevator, after corn enveloped and suffocated him as he tried to empty a grain bin in preparation for the fall harvest.

OSHA investigators found Thelander’s employer, CHS Inc., disregarded federal regulations designed to prevent such tragedies and found his protective equipment did not adequately protect him.

Inspectors also determined CHS...