Here is a selection of brief news items from this week's paper edition.

Candidate forum on Monday

The Jackson County Chronicle will hold a candidate forum for the 92nd Assembly District race on Monday, Oct. 20 featuring Republican Dan Hellman of Sparta and Democrat Mark Radcliffe of Black River Falls.

The forum is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Black River Falls Middle School, located at 1202 Pierce St.

The 92nd Assembly District encompasses nearly all of Jackson County as well as parts of Eau Claire, Clark and Monroe counties.

Jackson County Chronicle publisher Chris Hardie will serve as moderator of the forum, and the debate is scheduled to be broadcast live on WWIS-FM 99.7.

The debate will follow a moderated format, with each candidate allowed opening and closing statements. Questions from the audience are encouraged but must be submitted in writing.

Hellman is the former Monroe County district attorney and former 3rd Congressional District GOP chairman. He is currently the human resources director for Hellman Distributors in Sparta.

Radcliffe is an attorney in Black River Falls.

Local resident celebrates the outdoors at NWTF National Women’s Event

Jean Sylla of Black River Falls attended the National Wild Turkey Federation’s three-day event celebrating the NWTF’s 10-year anniversary of its Women in the Outdoors outreach program, which proved to be full of surprises for more than 300 women in attendance.

Sylla recently joined women from across the country as well as Canada at the Wild Turkey Center in Edgefield, S.C., to “Learn, Laugh and Lighten Up” — the theme of this year’s national event.

All participants had the opportunity to enjoy more than 30 hands-on classes including fly fishing, kayaking, camping, Dutch oven cooking, outdoor photography, archery, shotgunning, ATV safety, turkey calling and much more in a beginner-friendly, stress-free environment.

Unexpectedly, participants received a special message from Alaskan Gov. Sarah Palin during the event’s opening festivities. NWTF CEO George Thornton read a letter from Palin, an avid hunter, angler and outdoorswoman, addressing the women who attended the event.

The women in attendance also enjoyed a surprise appearance and speech by Brenda Valentine, the NWTF’s new spokeswoman. Valentine, the first female inducted into the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame, makes regular appearances on the new “Bass Pro Shops’ King of Bucks” program on Outdoor Channel and is also a host of the “Bass Pro Shops’ Real Hunting” on the Versus Network.

“I am honored and excited to have been invited to serve as the first official spokeswoman for the NWTF,” said Valentine. “I have been a friend and supporter of the NWTF for many years and am now looking forward to a more active role in helping all staff and members to further enhance the future of the wild turkey and our hunting heritage.”

Since 1998, the NWTF’s Women in the Outdoors program has worked to share the outdoor tradition by providing expert instruction and hands-on education through events designed for women. During its inaugural year, Women in the Outdoors hosted 18 events and today the program organizes more than 400 events across the nation.

For more information about the NWTF, visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF.

More pool hours to be added at Lunda Center

Beginning Oct. 13, the Lunda Center will be opening the pool every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. for the public. If anyone is interested in participating in a water aerobics class during this time, please call Amanda at (715) 284-7606

The center would like the community to be aware that beginning in February, the center will be offering an indoor soccer league for all ages, including adults. This information will be distributed to the community when February nears.

In addition, the center will be hosting a laser shoot one week before deer hunting weekend in November. This is a time to bring kids to the center and experience the deer hunt simulation. More details on a specific date and time will be coming.

Tomah VA to host second-annual ‘Get Fit for Life’

On Thursday, Oct. 16, the Tomah VA will host the second-annual “Get Fit for Life Night.” The fun and educational event will start at 6 p.m. in the VA Chapel and is open to the public.

The first of two speakers is Deena Olson, physical therapist at the Tomah VA. Her presentation will be “Ready, Set, Relax — Discover the Negative Effects of Muscle Tension and Learn How You Can Restore Your Inner Peace.”

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse’s physical therapy school in 1994, Olson has concentrated her professional attention on pelvic floor dysfunction for the last three years. In doing so, she has attended advanced-level seminars, spoke at national-level conferences, and conducted national programs on the subject. Pelvic floor dysfunction can be represented by pelvic pain, urinary/fecal incontinence and/or sexual dysfunction. Learning certain exercises can improve this condition for both men and women.

At 7 p.m., Kathie Bauer, RN, certified hypnotherapist and certified healing touch practitioner, will discuss ways audience members can take control of their lives by using self-hypnosis to eat better, reduce stress and feel better.

Bauer is a member of the American Holistic Nurses Association, Healing Touch International and the National Guild of Hypnotists. She has been teaching wellness using integrated medicine methods since 1994. In her hypnosis work, Bauer provides wellness classes for smoking cessation, stress control, weight management, pain management and maximizes a person’s potential for healing. She is also trained to work with cancer patients to alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy and help the patient to use the power of their own minds to aid in their own healing.

For more information about this program, call the public affairs office at the Tomah VA at (608) 372-1727.

Former Alma Center couple killed in crash

A husband and wife who previously lived in Alma Center died last week when the semitrailer they were in went through a guardrail and rolled in a ditch on Interstate 90.

According to police, Norman J. Millard, 53, and his wife, Anna M. Millard, 32, of Neillsville, Wis., died Oct. 8 at about 7:30 a.m. According to the police report, Norman was driving a 2007 Freightliner eastbound on I-90 near Nodine, Minn., when he ran off the road through a guardrail. The truck slid down an embankment and rolled at the bottom, the state patrol said.

Neither of the Millards was taken to a hospital. According to the state patrol, Norman was wearing a seat belt but Anna was not.

The crash is under investigation.

For complete obituaries, see page A5 in this week’s Chronicle.

Donated art to be auctioned at Boys & Girls Club dinner

The Black River Arts Alliance recently selected the winning artists for the live auction that will take place during the Boys & Girls Club of Jackson County’s anniversary dinner Nov. 1.

Club members create original drawings, digital art and digital photography during the year, and members donate their winning art to help support their club. Members are presented with a trophy to recognize their accomplishment at the dinner.

The 2008 winning artists are Mary Onstad, Amy Lawrence, Jade Potter, Rebecca Ross, Rochelle Heller, Naomi Lloyd, Luz Carriaga, Tori Benz, Hattie Bucek, Kaili Berg, Shayla Sisk and Brittany McKeown.

The dinner is open to the public and will be held at Castle Hill Supper Club in Merrillan. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased by calling (715) 284-4005 or e-mailing patrickg@bgcbrf.org. Included in the price is a buffet by Castle Hill, an appearance by former Green Bay Packer Gilbert Brown, entertainment by Emily and Sean Jordan and Miss Jackson County and her court.

The Boys & Girls Club is a non-profit organization offering guidance-based programs.

Lights on After School! rally is Thursday

Jackson County 4-H will join with after-school programs in the Black River Falls area to rally support for after-school programs.

The Lights on After School! rally held in Black River Falls will be one of more than 7,500 community rallies throughout the country. In all, 1 million Americans are expected to gather at events across the country to draw attention to the need for more after-school programs.

Jackson County 4-H will be hosting Lights on After School! at the Field of Honor Memorial Park in Black River Falls at 6 p.m. on Oct. 16. The event will include a kickoff in the park’s shelter and will be followed by a lighted walk in downtown Black River Falls. Jackson County 4-H will be joined by the Boys & Girls Club of Jackson County, the BLAST program and other after-school centers in the community to promote the mission of after-school programs.

After-school programs serve hundreds of students in the Black River Falls area on a daily basis and throughout the school year. These programs provide a safe, fun, educational and active environment for youth.

All community members are invited to attend. For more information on Lights on After School! or any other information, contact Brittany Johnson at (715) 284-4257 or Jackson.outreach@ces.uwex.edu.

Musser recognized with Outstanding Legislator Award

The Wisconsin Counties Association recently recognized legislators for their work on behalf of county government during the 2007-08 legislative session with the WCA Outstanding Legislator Award. Among recipients was Rep. Terry Musser, R-Black River Falls.

“This group of legislators has proven they are committed to the vast and complex issues facing Wisconsin’s counties. With considerable fiscal challenges facing the state, as well as an ongoing demand for services, we recognize this was not an easy task,” said WCA executive director Mark D. O’Connell. “These lawmakers have rallied for county interests, and this award represents to our organization those individuals who fought hard for counties and, ultimately, the taxpayers.”

In addition, WCA also recognized the important role legislative staff played in the day-to-day activities of not only Capitol offices but also the entire Legislature with the WCA Outstanding Legislative Staff Awards.

Kathie Colbert, who works in the office for Musser, was among those who received the award.

“Capitol staff is an integral part of the process, and we are proud to recognize this group for their dedication to county issues,” said O’Connell. “It would be very difficult to accomplish our legislative goals without the hard work and support of these key players in the process and we commend them for their work on behalf of Wisconsin’s counties.”

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 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.

South Beaver Creek Church bake sale and raffle

South Beaver Creek Lutheran Church Fall Dinner, Bake Sale and Raffle will be on Sunday, Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Family style menu: meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy, lefsa, corn, cranberries, coleslaw, dinner roll, coffee, milk and pie slices. Adults $8, kids 6-12 $4. Carryouts are available. South Beaver Creek Lutheran Church is located at W16679 Highway D between Melrose and Ettrick.

Stan Gaynor, CEO of BRMH, presented the 2008 Best of the Best Award

More than 360 partners, auxilians and volunteers from medical centers across Wisconsin attended the annual Partners of Wisconsin Hospital Association State Convention Oct. 7-9 at the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells. The theme for the day was, "It's a Jungle Out There, Making Your Way Through this Maze We Call Healthcare."

Attending the full conference from Partners of Black River Memorial Hospital were Barb Brower, Georgia Button, Barb Hanson, Carolyne Hensel, Jill Kaphengst, Mary O'Brien, Ann Pederson and Clarice Salsbery.

The convention keynote presentation topics included "Meeting Your Neighbors One Siren at a Time" presented by Michael Perry, best selling author and humorist, and "Seven Nutrition Habits of Highly Healthy People" presented by Donna Weihofen, Senior Nutritionist, UW Hospitals & Clinics. Workshops included sessions on housing options for the aging, medication reconciliation, safety in the home, pet therapy, scams and frauds, estate planning, simple exercises, the power of storytelling, grassroots advocacy, gift shop panel and handicrafts.

"Honor Point Awards" were presented to partners/auxiliaries that met certain criteria for outstanding services this past year as determined by the Partners of WHA board of directors. Partners of BRMH was one of the recipients of this award, which was presented to Barb Hanson, president at the Oct. 8 luncheon.

One special highlight during that luncheon was the presentation of the 2008 Best of the Best Award to Stan Gaynor, CEO of BRMH. This award recognizes a hospital administrator who demonstrates a cooperative, supportive, enthusiastic and well-defined relationship with his Partners organization. To show support for Gaynor, an additional 13 members of Partners of BRMH attended the luncheon for this award presentation.

In nominating Gaynor for this award, the Partners of BRMH completed an extensive nomination form, responding to many specific questions and not revealing the name or any other identifiers of the nominee. A selection committee reviewed all nominations submitted and that committee consisted of one in-state retired hospital administrator or prior honoree of this award, the Best of the Best Committee chairman and three members-at-large.

In the nomination, Partners of BRMH stated, "Our CEO is very visible and involved with our volunteers." It also stated the Partners organization is included in the hospital's Organizational Chart as a viable part of the hospital; they have a report in the hospital's printed Annual Report; and the Partners' president gives a verbal report at the hospital's Annual Meeting. Gaynor also encourages the hospital's public relations manager to continually promote Partners events through media releases, advertising and posters and also edit and publish the Partners quarterly newsletter.

Since his arrival at BRMH, Gaynor and his wife have been dues-paying members of Partners of BRMH. He regularly participates in Partners activities, from cleaning up following fundraisers, to speaking and presenting awards at the annual Volunteer Recognition event, to reporting at many Partners Executive Board and General Membership Meetings, to encouraging members to attend the Wisconsin Hospital Association's Advocacy Day in Madison.

The nomination also stated that Gaynor consistently ensures they have financial support needed, from a budget line item in the volunteer services manager's annual budget, to sending members to the Partners of WHA annual convention each fall. The Partners of BRMH concluded the nomination by stating, "To us, our CEO has been one of our best cheerleaders."

Safe Trick or Treat

Residents of Pine Vew Care Center and Terrace tenants, will welcome area youngsters to their Safe Trick or Treat. The annual event, sponsored by Pine View's Auxiliary, will be on Friday, Oct. 31, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Ghosts and goblins should enter both facilities by the front doors. An adult must accompany all children. Due to the increasing popularity of the event, the community may contribute unopened bags of wrapped candy that the residents and tenants will hand out. Candy may be dropped off at Pine View's main office, 400 Cty Rd R, Black River Falls, during regular business hours. For more information, contact Activity Director Judy Olson at (715) 284-5396.

Norsemen top Tigers in JV football battle

The Black River Falls JV football team hosted the Westby Norsemen on Oct. 5 and lost 26-38.

Westby started out on offense and drove the length of the field to score first and go up 6-0.

It was four and out for the Tigers and Westby was back on offense. After a couple running plays, the Norsemen tried a deep pass over the middle and Robert Gerzsik stepped in front of the tight end and intercepted the ball.

The Tigers started their drive from the 50-yard line. Alex Johnson, Iggy Bird and Robert Gerzsik took turns carrying the ball, and Johnson finally scored at the end of the first quarter on a 1-yard run to tie the game at 6 all.

In the second quarter, Devin Casper intercepted a pass deflected by Zak Raifsnider to stop the Westby drive. The Tigers took over on their own 12-yard line, but Casper’s pass to Corey Roseth was later picked off by a Westby linebacker. It took Westby just six plays to score another touchdown, and they ran in the two-point conversion to go up 14-6.

The Tigers’ next possession was a 60-yard march down field with Johnson scoring a touchdown on a 5-yard run. At the half Westby still led 14-12.

The JV Tigers were ready to start the second half by receiving the kickoff. On the kickoff, Iggy Bird was injured on a Westby hit and coughed up the ball at the Tiger 30-yard line. Two plays later, Westby scored and also scored the two-point conversion to lead 22-12.

After an exchange of punts, the Tigers started their next drive from their own 40-yard line. A couple good runs by Johnson gave the Tigers a first down at the Westby 31-yard line. Gerzsik broke outside and rambled the 31 yards for the touchdown, but Black River Falls still trailed 22-18 at the end of the third quarter.

The Tigers started the fourth quarter by kicking the ball to Westby. The Westby receiver ran the ball back to the 40 yard line. On the next play, the fullback ran right up the middle on a trap play and scored on a 60-yard run. The two-point conversion was good and Westby led 30-18.

Westby kicked off and Houston Mahan ran the ball to the Tiger 35-yard line. On the next play, Gerzsik broke off-tackle and ran for a 65-yard touchdown. Casper threw a 3-yard pass to Johnson for the two-point conversion and it was Black River Falls 26, Westby 30.

Two plays after the kickoff, Westby again ran an outside trap and the running back rambled for a 63-yard touchdown. The two-point conversion was good and Westby was up 38-26.

The JV Tigers marched the ball down the field and had a first-and-goal to go on the 4-yard line with a little over two minutes to go in the game, but a fumbled snap ended the chances for a Tiger score and Westby held onto the 38-26 win.

Flu shots offered

Jackson County Public Health will hold two flu shot clinics In October. This will be an opportunity for the pubic to receive low cost immunizations to protect against respiratory influenza.

These clinics will be Oct, 16 from 2-5 p.m. and Oct. 29 from 9 a.m. to noon.

The immunizations will be given at the Jackson County Health and Human Services building at 420 Highway 54 West in Black River Falls. The cost for the vaccine will be $20 for adults and free for children.

For more information, call Jackson County Public Health at (715) 284-4301, ext. 375.

Finding Quality Healthcare program scheduled for Oct. 23

Black River Memorial Hospital invites the public to a program on "Finding Quality Healthcare" on Thursday, Oct. 23, from 5-6:15 p.m. in the Dorothy Halvorson Conference Room at the hospital. There is no cost to attend and a light meal will be provided at 4:30 p.m. Free child care with activities and food will also be provided.

Presented will be information 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. Warmuth is the vice president of Workforce Development for WHA and is responsible for policy development, advocacy and education. Before joining the WHA staff, she held leadership positions in acute and ambulatory care, worked as a staff nurse in emergency care and taught in academic and practice environments.

Warmuth said she is on the leading edge of the baby boomer generation. "I have a long-range view of healthcare," she said. "In my lifetime, we have made great strides in what we know and how we use technology. Now, there is a new opportunity for healthcare consumers to take responsibility for their own care and have access to information on healthcare costs and quality."

In addition to Warmuth, BRMH's Director of Patient Care Services Mary Beth White-Jacobs, RN, BSN, MHA will present an overview of the hospital's services and will focus on resources involving quality of care. White-Jacobs has been at BRMH the past 26 years and has been involved with measuring, reporting and working in the area of patient care quality.

The program will conclude with a question and answer session, door prize drawings and hospital tours to anyone interested.

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.

Hellman Endorsed by NRA, NFIB

Ninety-second Assembly District candidate Dan Hellman was recently endorsed by the National Rifle Association and the National Federation of Small Business of Wisconsin.

“As a sportsman, it is an honor to be endorsed by the NRA. Through the NRA’ s members, sportsmen contribute upwards of $300 million each year to the conservation of wildlife,” Hellman said.

“I am (also) delighted to have the endorsement of NFIB and small business owners. I fully understand their concerns and I will fight to protect them, and all the people in the 92nd District from big government.”

Bill G. Smith stated that “the NFIB has carefully evaluated the candidates in this race and it is clear Dan Hellman understands that small business drives our state’s economy.

“That’s why the NFIB’s political action committee, Save America’s Free Enterprise fund has endorsed Dan Hellman’s campaign.”