Advertisement Kohl receives Friend of Farm award
Wisconsin Sen. Herb Kohl has been recognized by the American Farm Bureau Federation as a “Friend of Farm Bureau” for his support of Farm Bureau priorities during the 110th Congress.
To earn the distinction, he scored an 80-percent voting record on issues important to Farm Bureau.
“We want to congratulate and thank Sen. Kohl for his support of Farm Bureau policies,” said Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation president Bill Bruins. “Since Farm Bureau policy is developed by our members, it is gratifying that he recognized what is important to production agriculture.”
Kohl was one of three members of Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation to receive the award. Congressmen Dave Obey of Wausau and Steve Kagen of Appleton also scored 80 percent voting records.
AFBF scored members of Congress based on their voting records on the following pieces of legislation: the 2008 Farm Bill, immigration reform, renewable energy, the Peru and Columbian trade agreements and the Water Resources Development Act, which authorized the expansion of the locks and dams on the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers.
In addition to his voting record, Bruins added, “Sen. Kohl, as chair of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations subcommittee, has been extremely effective in securing funding for many initiatives in the state including cranberry research, grazing, wolf depredation, Discovery Farms and the Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium.”
AFBF’s congressional award program is known as the Friend of Farm Bureau. This award is given to those individuals who have supported Farm Bureau issues, as shown by their voting records, and who were nominated by their respective state Farm Bureau and approved by the Board of Directors of the American Farm Bureau Federation. The voting records were based on priority issues selected by the American Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors.
Ron Kind endorses Mark Radcliffe for Assembly
Mark Radcliffe, Democratic candidate for the 92nd Assembly District, continued to build momentum toward the general election with an endorsement from U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, D- La Crosse.
“I’m proud to support Mark Radcliffe for the state Assembly,” said Kind in a Sept. 22 press release. “As the owner of a small business, Mark has demonstrated the leadership and commitment to community that can bring about positive change in Madison. I’m confident that when elected, Mark will be a leader in the Legislature and a strong advocate for the people of the 92nd Assembly District.”
Radcliffe added, “It is an honor to have the support of Congressman Kind and so many people across the 92nd Assembly District. Congressman Kind is the type of legislator who always puts people before partisanship and political games. In the state Assembly, I will do the same. I look forward to working with Congressman Kind to best serve all the citizens of Western Wisconsin.”
Radcliffe also was seen at the Boys & Girls Club on Sept. 30. While at the club, he helped serve the after-school snack by pouring milk. Then he took time to sit down with the members to learn a little more about their favorite programs at the club and how they were doing in school.
He left a donation that was used to purchase educational materials for the children.
Realtors back Dan Hellman in 92nd Assembly District
The La Crosse Area Realtors Association, along with the Realtors Political Action Committee Trustees, have decided to support Republican Dan Hellman in the race for the 92nd Assembly District.
Hellman was endorsed over his opponent, Mark Radcliffe, who has been a Realtor.
“Dan Hellman’s prior experience in local government and his current business background make him highly qualified to represent the people of the 92nd Assembly District. Dan Hellman understands the needs and concerns of Western Wisconsin and he will make an outstanding representative in Madison,” said Roger Rushman, chairman of the Realtors Political Action Committee.
Hellman was formally the Monroe County District Attorney. He was first elected in 1998 and was re-elected to a second term in 2000. He now works with the family business, Hellman Distributors, in Sparta.
Hellman is committed to helping keep more money in the pocketbooks of working Wisconsin families. He wants to change “business as usual” in Madison and help stop the growth of government so that we can keep taxes down.
“Having the Realtors’ support means that they trust in me to help turn around Wisconsin’s economy and help the housing industry. Their support also means a lot to me knowing that my opponent was a realtor,” Hellman stated.
Krohn Clinic welcomes new doctor
Krohn Clinic recently welcomed Dr. Sarah Wolpe to its team of family medicine providers.
Wolpe received her medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Wolpe also was a biochemistry supplemental instructor for the Medical University of South Carolina Center for Academic Excellence. She enjoys educating patients about their health issues and will address any concerns that may arise during their appointment.
She completed her family medicine residency through AnMed Health Family Medicine Residency Program in Anderson, S.C., and was a part of the OB Fellow/Junior Faculty at Spartanburg Family Medicine.
Prior to joining Krohn Clinic, Wolpe was a physician volunteer at St. Luke’s Free Medical Clinic in Spartanburg, S.C. There she cared for residents of the Spartanburg community that lacked access to medical care.
Wolpe’s special interests are family medicine, women’s health, obstetrics and c-sections. Specializing in women’s health, she is happy to address all questions and concerns that women may have from infant age on up through the adult years.
She looks forward to working in the community and meeting the many residents in the area. Appointments can be scheduled with Wolpe by calling Krohn Clinic at (715) 284-1900.
Taking care of you: Powerful tool for caregivers
Are you a spouse caring for a husband or wife, an adult child caring for a parent, a friend who helps care for a neighbor, a parent caring for a disabled child?
The workshop, Powerful Tools for Caregivers, is an educational program designed to provide you with the tools you need to take care of yourself. You will learn to: reduce stress, improve self-confidence, better communicate your feelings, balance the responsibilities in your life, increase your ability to make tough decisions and identify local resources to help you through the challenges of being a caregiver.
The six-week program will be held at the Black River Falls United Methodist Church, 100 N. 4th St., on Thursdays from Oct.16 to Nov. 20. The time is 9:30 a.m. to noon.
The series is offered at a reduced cost due to support of Jackson and Trempealeau counties Senior Services and Aging offices.
To register by Oct. 9 and for more information on the cost of the series, contact the Jackson County Extension Office at (715) 284-4257 or Trempealeau County Extension Office at (715) 538-2311, ext. 209, or call toll-free at (800) 538-2311, ext. 209.
Former local minister to serve church in Eau Claire
The Rev. Lynn Scott has been appointed interim minister for the first Baptist Church in Eau Claire. Scott is a former pastor of the Merrillan, Alma Center, Hixton United Methodist churches. The past three years Scott has been organizing her own ministry, Sabboth Way LLC, a retreat ministry for clergy, laity and congregations.
Jackson County food pantry to open on Oct. 30
The Jackson County Food Pantry, located at 420 2nd St., the former elementary school in Taylor, will be open from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30.
The Jackson County Food Pantry is working with the Western Dairyland Community Action Agency to help individuals, families and seniors in Jackson County meet their food needs through the assistance of The Emergency Food Assistance Program. One member per household may apply and will be asked to declare income for all household members.
Identification showing your current address that includes the street or fire number is required. Homebound individuals and others who cannot come to the food pantry because of illness, work, etc., may arrange for someone else to pick up food for them by sending along a signed note giving permission to pick up the food. The note must include first and last name, number of household members, income for all household members and a form of identification with a current address that includes the street or fire number. This could be a current utility bill, driver's license, MA card, rent receipt, credit card, etc.
Anyone needing food in Jackson County should come to the food pantry when it is open or call (715) 662-2591 if food is needed when the pantry is not open.
Community/business forum on ‘Finding Quality Healthcare’
Knowing how to take charge and feel confident about healthcare decisions involving quality, cost and available services can be challenging.
In an effort to help business leaders, human resources professionals and the public gain insight into these challenges, Black River Memorial Hospital is sponsoring a community/business forum on "Finding Quality Healthcare." The forum will be held Thursday, Oct. 23 from 5-6:15 p.m. in the first floor Dorothy Halvorson Conference Room at the hospital. There is no cost to attend and a light meal and child care will be provided.
Information will be presented on how to find appropriate healthcare services; how to compare and evaluate hospitals and their services on quality, cost and patient satisfaction; how to make decisions on the how, when and where to get care; what services and care are available locally; and how BRMH compares with other hospitals.
The guest speaker will be Judith Warmuth, RN, Ph.D., from the Wisconsin Hospital Association in Madison. She will be discussing what kind of healthcare information is available to the public and how that information can be accessed. In addition to Warmuth, Mary Beth White-Jacobs, RN, BSN, MHA, director of patient care services at BRMH, will present an overview of the hospital's services. Open discussion will follow the presentations and hospital tours will be available to anyone interested.
At 4:30 p.m. a light meal will be provided and child care with fun activities and food will also be offered, both at no cost. In addition, names of all attendees will be entered into a drawing for door prizes.
Registration is required by Monday, Oct. 20 by calling Liz Lund at (715) 284-1386 or lundl@brmh.net. Please provide the number of people attending and ages of children requiring child care.
Do you have parenting questions?
You have the opportunity to join in discussions with other parents to talk about parenting strategies that can strengthen the skills you have and use in helping your child grow through the ages and stages of childhood.
The following workshops are scheduled with activities, discussions and sharing to address the changes your child is going through from infancy into early school age years.
Topics include the developmental changes in the young child, parenting strategies to use, keeping your child in the safe zone and important strategies for taking care of yourself. Dates: Mondays, Nov. 3 and 10; 6-7:30 p.m. Register by Thursday, Oct. 30.
If your child is between 2-5 years, you may be interested in finding out more about different parenting styles, parenting tools for the preschooler, discipline methods and how and why parents and caregivers should take care of themselves. Dates: Thursdays, Oct. 23, 30 and Nov. 6 and13; 6-7:30 p.m. Register by Monday, Oct. 20.
Workshop will look at the changes your child goes through between 5-8 years and talking about topics such as limits, consequences, listening and challenging behaviors. Dates: Mondays, Nov. 17 and 24; 7-8:30 p.m. Register by Thursday, Nov. 13.
All workshops are scheduled for the Jackson County Extension Office, 227 S. 11th St, Black River Falls.
For more information, call (715) 284-4257.
Jackson County Inventors & Entrepreneurs Club to meet
Henry Greengrass, small business loan manager for the Ho-Chunk Nation, will be the guest speaker at the Oct. 9 meeting of the Jackson County Inventors & Entrepreneurs Club. The club meets on the second Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at Jackson Electric, N6868 Highway F, Black River Falls.
Greengrass will present information on the small business loan programs currently offered by the Ho-Chunk Nation. Loans are available to any individual with a start-up or existing business in Jackson, Juneau, Monroe, Sauk, Shawano and Wood counties. Also included will be information on a new small business development training curriculum that will be offered by the Ho-Chunk Nation Small Business Program in the Black River Falls area to any individual interested in starting their own business.
The Jackson County Inventors & Entrepreneurs Club is open to anyone in Western Wisconsin who would like to learn from experienced professionals and discuss their ideas with other local inventors and entrepreneurs. Each meeting will feature a guest speaker and plenty of time for networking. At last month's meeting, Bud Gayhart, Director of the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater Small Business Development Center provided an overview of the Wisconsin Innovation Service Center, which specializes in new product and invention assessments and market expansion opportunities for innovative manufacturers, technology businesses and independent inventors.
The Jackson County Inventors & Entrepreneurs Club is a project of the Western Dairyland Community Action Agency. The goal of the club is to create a positive learning environment that will enable participants to successfully move their products to market or to receive assistance in the development of a business plan. No registration is required to attend the monthly meetings and there are no fees to join. For more information call Karman Briggs at (800) 782-106, ext. 211, or e-mail IandE@WesternDairyland.org.
Western Dairyland Community Action Agency is an equal opportunity provider, non-profit human services organization serving Buffalo, Eau Claire, Jackson and Trempealeau counties. The agency was established in 1966 to alleviate poverty related conditions and provide opportunities that enable people to advance economically and socially
Mandigo participates in Rotation Program
Sarah Mandigo has been a familiar face at the Krohn Clinic and Black River Memorial Hospital the past five months. As a fourth-year medical student at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison, Mandigo has been participating in the medical school's "Wisconsin Longitudinal Rural Rotation Program."
Her program began April 30 and concluded Sept. 23. It fulfills her third-year primary care rotation, fourth-year preceptorship and fourth-year surgery requirement.
The Krohn Clinic is one of only three clinics in partnership with the UWSMPH's Department of Family Medicine offering this program. The two others are clinics in Mauston and Rice Lake. The goal of the program is to improve access to health care for underserved rural areas. The DFM provided a grant that assisted with some of the room and board expenses associated with Mandigo's rotation here.
Mandigo worked the first two weeks with Jeff Polzin, M.D. at the Krohn Clinic and during her time here has worked with almost all of the other Krohn Clinic physicians. She has also worked at Black River Memorial Hospital's emergency department two weekday evenings every week and every third weekend. In addition, she took extra call duty in the hospital's OB department for vaginal and c-section deliveries. A busy schedule, but she says she has learned so much and has found the experience "very rewarding."
Mandigo's family moved to Alma Center when she was in eighth grade and she graduated from Lincoln High School in 2001. Her parents, Greg and Mary Mandigo, live in Alma Center. From high school, she attended the University of Wisconsin Madison graduating in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Spanish and then to medical school at the UWSMPH.
For the remainder of her senior year, she will continue further rotations, including six weeks at a mission hospital in Bangladesh, two weeks at Gundersen Lutheran in La Crosse and the remainder at Madison hospitals. She will graduate from the UWSMPH in May and will begin a family medicine residency in June. She says she's not certain where that will be as that won't be announced until March, but she hopes it will be down south or out west.
When asked why she chose to go into medicine, Mandigo says that she spent three summers as a volunteen at Black River Memorial Hospital and the "shadowing" component of the program was instrumental in her decision to choose a medical career.
"Family medicine is a field I like because these physicians care for a person over time, from cradle to grave," she said. "They care for families and there can be long-term relationships with patients. There is also the challenge and diversity in becoming and staying knowledgeable about so many areas of medicine, and family medicine is so versatile in where you can go with it."
She says she was 99 percent sure she had selected the right specialty, "but after completing this rotation, I am now 100 percent sure."
She expressed her gratitude to the physicians and staff at the Krohn Clinic and Black River Memorial Hospital.
"I had some wonderful teachers here and I was welcomed by all the staff," she said. "I also want to express my thanks to the patients, too, who let me meet with them. This has been such a terrific experience and I leave with memories of some great physician role models."
Outside of medicine, Mandigo enjoys the outdoors, especially hiking and canoeing, spending time with her family, reading and watching movies.
Pennekamp and Duffy place in statewide youth short story contest
The co-chairmen of Tuesday Club's Eighth-Grade Creative Writing Contest, Lori Kitowski and Lois Corey, have announced that Leah Pennekamp and Danielle Duffy placed first and second, respectively, in the General Federation of Women's Club Statewide Youth Short Story Contest.
Pennekamp of Black River Falls received a certificate of achievement for first place in category 3 and Danielle Duffy of Black River Falls received a certificate of achievement for second place in category 3. They also received a monetary award from Tuesday Club. The awards were announced at the organization's state convention this summer and were presented to them by Kitowski on Oct. 2 at the Black River Falls High School, where they are now freshmen.
Both Pennekamp and Duffy were the top winners last March in the local Creative Writing Contest sponsored by Tuesday Club and then they placed first and second, respectively, last April in the GFWC's district competition.
Pennekamp's essay was titled "Hands on History" and Duffy's essay was titled "Because Winning Isn't Everything." Their parents, Larry and Karen Pennekamp and Terry and Juanita Duffy, are from Black River Falls and their teacher was Kaye Henrickson from the Black River Falls Middle School.
Kitowski extended Tuesday Club's congratulations to Pennekamp and Duffy on their writing achievements this year.
"We are proud of our area schools' writing program and its importance in the overall educational development of our young people," she said. "We are also very proud of Leah and Danielle on their achievements this year with the creative writing contest."
Locals helped with new book
"The Winnebago Tribe," is a book which was on a display table in the city library and it caught my eye. On the cover is a colored picture of some Winnebago women. The author, Paul Redin, did this classic work on the Winnebago Tribe during his field work on the Winnebagos in 1908-1913. The book was originally published as an annual report of the Bureau of American Ethnology in 1923.
The very interesting volume with its 511 pages and many pictures contains Radin's discussion of Winnebago history, archaeology, material culture, social customs, education, funeral and burial rights, warfare and covers medical practices with Winnebago tales and legends and it is said to be the first complete account of the peyote religion, now know as the Native American Church.
The author gave special thanks to Jasper Blowsnake and Sam Carley who he said were from Black River Falls. The detailed index includes mention of arrowheads, the bear clan, the origin of the Dakota family, La Crosse, Green Bay, the game lacrosse, coverage of burial and funeral customs and a map showing where "Silver Mound" near Alma Center in Jackson County was located.
Co-op Credit Union plans two events for Money Smart Week in Wisconsin
Co-op Credit Union has two events planned for Money Smart Week in Wisconsin, Oct.12-18.
Community Shred Day will be held on Saturday, Oct. 11, 9 a.m. to noon. People can bring their personal outdated but sensitive documents for safe disposal free of charge, shredded on the spot at Black River Falls Main Office and securely collected for shredding at Melrose and Galesville Branches.
Free Credit Report and Score will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 5-7 p.m. Stop in at one of CCU's three lobby locations to obtain a free credit report upon request. Learn your score and check for accuracy. CCU Loan Officers and Account Representatives will be available to answer questions.
Help Co-op Credit Union celebrate International Credit Union Day on Thursday, Oct. 16. Bake sale begins at 9 a.m. Proceeds to benefit Friends Sharing Food in BRF and Melrose and the G-E-T Community Food Pantry in Galesville. Brats and Kraut Cookout will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Proceeds to benefit Jackson County Interfaith Caregivers in BRF and Melrose and the G-E-T Community Food Pantry in Galesville. Check out the vehicle and recreational vehicle display at the Black River Falls main office.
Fall harvest weight limits in effect
The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is reminding farmers that fall harvest weight limits began on Sept. 1 and runs through Nov. 30.
That means an overweight truck permit is not required for the transportation of corn, soybeans, potatoes, vegetables or cranberries from the field to initial storage, or from the field to the initial processing point. This applies if the vehicle or combination of vehicles has a gross weight of 50,000 pounds or more and if the vehicles do not exceed weight limits by more than 15 percent.
“This is especially important this harvest season given the high energy prices that farmers are paying,” said Paul Zimmerman, executive director of public affairs for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation. “More weight on each load means fewer trips from the fields and greater efficiency.”
This exception does not apply on class “B” highways or on highways designated as part of the national system of interstate and defense highways.
Falls Players conducting actor's workshop
The Falls Players of Black River Falls will be conducting an introductory actor's workshop on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Presenters will include directors and board members from the Falls Players Community Theater and will be held at the Lunda Theater located at 1202 Pierce St., in the Black River Falls Middle School.
There will be lectures on acting, stage movement, voice, dance movement, make-up, lights and sound and a mock audition.
Confirmed presenters at this time include longtime Falls Player's member and omnibusman Larry P. Hansen, choreographer and make-up chairman Eugene Hertzfeldt, sound master, Jerry O'Brien and Laura M. Phillips, director the The Secret Garden.
The workshop is open to anyone over the age of 12. There is a small fee for this workshop that will include lunch.
Please call Falls Players at (715) 896-4123 or (715) 896-9091 for more information and to make a reservation to attend.
Flu clinics in November
Krohn Clinic’s flu vaccine clinics will begin on Wednesday, Nov. 5 and will be held every Monday and Wednesday afternoon thereafter from 1-4 p.m.
Preregister by calling (715) 284-1900. For additional information, visit www.krohnclinic.com.
Blood drive at the armory
The Jackson County Blood Drive held on Sept. 24 received good support from the community. A total of 110 pints of blood were collected. These pints of blood can actually help up to 339 lives.
The following people donated blood and reached new gallon levels: Arvid Walton, 20 gallons; James Bible, 5 gallons; Debbie Nichols, 8 gallons; Jason Walters, 4 gallons; and Barbara Stenberg, 1 gallon.
First time donors were Leann Theisen, Anna Lyn Aish, Marco Pierson, Brian Aish and Gilbert Knudsen.
More than 38,000 blood donations are needed for patients throughout the United States on any given day. Although many people think blood is needed only in emergency situations, blood transfusions, are a way of life for thousands of Americans.
The next opportunity to help save a life is at the upcoming Black River Falls community blood drive on Wednesday, Nov. 26 from noon to 5:30 p.m. For this drive there will be a location change to the Holiday Inn.
For an appointment, please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE! Walk-ins are welcome.
A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of ID are required at check-in. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. Donors must be at least 16 years old, with a parent consent form, and weigh 110 pounds or more. It isn't necessary for donors to know their blood type to donate.
The Red Cross staff recommends that potential donors drink plenty of fluids and eat iron rich foods (fruits, esp. raisins and red meats, esp. liver) beginning the day before the blood drive. This will help the body meet the requirements for giving blood.
Junior varsity Tigers tie Eau Claire in 14-14 game
The Black River Falls football team traveled to Eau Claire Memorial on Sept. 29 and came home with a 14-14 tie.
The Tigers started out on offense. The running game was good right from the get-go. Joel Millis had running yardage of 30, 15, 10 and 4 yards before rushing the final 5 yards for a touchdown.
Greg Von Ruden passed the ball three yards to Shea Torkelson for the two-point conversion and the Tigers led 8-0 in the first quarter.
Eau Claire started out on offense after the kickoff on their own 45 yard line. On the first running play, Jordan Schnur and Corey Roseth stripped the ball from the runner and Von Ruden recovered the fumble, putting the Tigers right back in action.
The Tigers were able to muster a couple first downs on runs by Torkelson, Tom Murphy and Justin Barton. A couple short passes to Millis and Mason Wall were also in the mix.
The Eau Claire defense stiffened and the Tigers turned the ball over on downs to end the first quarter.
The Eau Claire offense got down to business and started pounding the ball down the field on off tackle runs. A few short flat passes also kept drives going for the JV Old Abes. With four minutes remaining in the second quarter, Torkelson intercepted a pass and stopped the Eau Claire drive. The Tigers drove the ball 35 yards down to the Eau Claire 5 yard. A fumbled snap turned the ball back over to the Old Abes. The Old Abes marched down the field on a passing attack that had the Tiger defense reeling.
Von Ruden intercepted a pass in the end zone to stop the Eau Claire drive on the last play of the second quarter. At halftime, the score was 8-0 Tigers.
Eau Claire started out the third quarter with the ball and used up seven minutes of time to eventually score a touchdown and get the tying two point conversion. The Tigers started a drive of their own to answer the Eau Claire score. However, on a third down and 6 yards to go, Von Ruden’s flat pass hung up in the air and the Old Abes intercepted it. This play ended the third quarter with an 8-8 score.
The fourth quarter saw the Eau Claire JV team again march down the field with a short passing attack and a solid running game up the middle. They marched all of the way to the goal line only to fumble the ball into the end zone where the ball was given back to the Tigers on their own 20-yard line. There was just over five minutes left in the game. Millis broke off an 80-yard run at this point to give the Tigers a 14-8 lead with about five minutes remaining in the game. Eau Claire again marched down field to try and get the winning score. With under two minutes left in the game the BRF defense had three penalties called on them in four different plays. All of the penalties called were for defensive encroachment and allowed Eau Claire to continue drives. With seconds to go, Eau Claire scored the tying TD. The Tiger defense blocked the extra point attempt and the game was tied at 14-14.
Eau Claire tried on onside kick. The ball bounced to Josh Beam and he ran it to the Eau Claire 45-yard line. With one second left on the clock, the Tigers ran a reverse with Millis. With fakes and blocking by the offensive line, Millis broke free and was headed for the end zone.
Great pursuit angles by the defense of Eau Claire pinned Millis near the 15 yard line. He dodged three different would-be tacklers and it looked like he might get into the end zone, but, a last-chance effort by an Eau Claire tackler caught Millis’ heels and he fell on the 2-foot line.
Because of darkness and no lights at the field, overtime was not an option.
Local EMT receives safety award
Michelle Suchanek, an emergency medical technician with Black River Falls EMS and a first responder with Taylor Fire & Rescue, received Community Safety Net’s Salute To Safety award at the Black River Falls Emergency Medical Service September meeting.
Suchanek was nominated for her continued dedication to child safety as a safe bicycling instructor and a child safety seat technician trained to conduct child car seat clinics.
Community Safety Net believes that exceptional dedication to helping children stay safe deserves to be recognized. That’s why they created their own unique commendation, called Salute To Safety. Community Safety Net presents Salute To Safety awards to individuals, organizations and business partners in safety who have gone “above and beyond” to help protect children through education and to those who have advanced the cause of children’s safety.
For more information on bicycle safety, or if you are interested in scheduling an appointment to have your child safety seat inspected, contact Black River Falls EMS at (715) 284-2656, ext. 23.
Black River Falls resident benefits from summer research experience
Jill Haom, a Ho-Chunk from Black River Falls, was one of 20 students who recently completed the 16th annual University of Minnesota Ronald E. McNair Scholars Summer Research Program.
This summer, 20 students from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities and three other universities conducted research under the direction of distinguished faculty research mentors at the University of Minnesota. The McNair Scholars displayed their research posters and explained their research at a recent research poster presentation.
Haom, the daughter of Joyce Greendeer of Black River Falls, is a senior majoring in kinesiology at the U of M. She conducted a research that examines the causes for lack of physical activities among East African girls and ways to curtail that problem.
“I really enjoyed my McNair experience this summer,” Haom said. “If not for the TRIO Program, Upward Bound and the McNair program, I don’t think I will be considering going to graduate school. It gave me an extra boost and confidence that I can go on to seek higher education.”
Haom plans to seek master and doctorate degrees in the area of sports and exercise psychology.
The McNair Program is named after Ronald McNair, the African American astronaut who died in the 1986 Challenger space shuttle explosion. It is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and operated by the Department of Postsecondary Teaching and Learning in the College of Education and Human Development. It aims to encourage and assist minority, disabled or low-income undergraduates to enroll in graduate programs or professional schools. Along with conducting hands-on research, participants have been attending motivational workshops, graduate record exam prep classes and research writing workshops.
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