Scholarships available for Outdoors-Woman Workshop

Stevens Point–Scholarships will be offered through the Wisconsin Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point to attend BOW’s 20th annual summer workshop to be held August 27-29 at Treehaven, located between Rhinelander and Tomahawk.

Five $200 scholarships are available for participants with a financial need who enroll in the Hunter Education Track for this workshop. Scholarships will be awarded to qualified participants on a first-come, first-served basis. The registration fee for two-nights lodging, six meals, instruction, equipment use and entertainment is $289 per person.

This learn-by-doing outdoor skills program features more than 20 unique hands-on classes including fly fishing, canoeing, archery, sewing with fur, rifle and shotgun shooting, tree ID, birding, map reading, digital photography, boat and trailer basics and more. Evening programs include a hiking tour of Treehaven at sunset and an outdoor fair that will give participants a chance to learn a few more outdoor skills, crafts and fun activities in a relaxed environment.

Treehaven, UWSP’s education and conference facility located between Rhinelander and Tomahawk, rests on a glacial ridge overlooking 1,400 acres of forest and wetlands. Dormitory buildings were remodeled this spring. Participants will enjoy private, modern bathroom facilities in each of the newly furnished rooms.

Outdoor recreation is becoming more popular among women as they look for fun ways to get exercise and relieve stress. Many women today are unplugging from the wired world and heading outside to connect with nature. The Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program provides a welcoming path to that connection. No experience is necessary to participate.

“BOW provides a safe learning environment where participants can try new activities, build confidence and get outdoors more as a result,” explains BOW director Peggy Farrell.

BOW gives participants the opportunity to learn in the company of other women, providing an atmosphere of camaraderie rather than competition. Research shows adult women prefer this supportive approach that allows them to set personal goals and progress at their own pace.

“It’s very rewarding to see a group of 100 women from all walks of life, ages 18 to 80- something, cheer each other on and make new friends,” says Farrell. She adds that although some women sign up to attend the program with friends or family, many come on their own and feel immediately welcome.

For more information on the workshop and scholarships, contact Peggy Farrell, 715-346-4681 or peggy.farrell@uwsp.edu, or visit http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/bow/wihome.

Marty Loy named dean of UWSP’s College of Professional Studies

Stevens Point–A longtime faculty member, administrator and former coach at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point has been appointed dean of the university’s College of Professional Studies.

Marty Loy, who as associate dean has headed UWSP’s School of Health Promotion and Human Development since 2002, will succeed Joan North, who will retire in August after 25 years as dean of professional studies.

“My wife, Becky, and I have enjoyed being part of Central Wisconsin and UWSP, and we are excited to continue our work with the community and on campus,” Loy said.

“I am looking forward to working with the many outstanding departments and programs within the college to continue our history of excellence,” he added.

The College of Professional Studies includes eight academic units, 15 different undergraduate majors, 17 minors and six graduate programs, enrolling about 2,880 undergraduates and 1,200 graduate and continuing education students.

Interim Chancellor Mark Nook noted that Loy’s experience will be crucial at this time of growth in professional studies.

“Particularly in key program areas like our School of Business and Economics and in the delivery of health-professions education in which our region needs more of the expertise and experiences UWSP can provide, Marty’s understanding of Central Wisconsin and his strong relationships across the faculty will help keep us moving forward,” Nook said.

Loy began his service to UWSP as head wrestling coach and lecturer in 1987. He was named an assistant professor in 1998 and coordinated the Focus on Teaching Program. He is a recipient of the UWSP Excellence in Teaching Award and has written numerous articles and papers in the areas of faculty development and childhood and adolescent grief.  Marty and Becky Loy founded Camp HOPE, a program that assists grieving children and their families.

Loy, originally from Spring Green, earned his doctorate in education administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a master’s in education counseling from UW-Oshkosh, and a bachelor’s from UW-Madison.

Authorities seeking help on stolen boat motors case

Portage County–In March, two residences on Chippewa Trail in the Township of Dewey in northern Portage County were targeted by thieves. Officers were called to the 1200 and 1300 block of Chippewa Trail for reports of theft of outboard motors. Owners of the properties stated that they had nearly $6,000 worth of boat motors and two trolling motors taken off of their boats.

The motors taken are: a 25 horse power mercury outboard serial # OT838456, a 25 horsepower Yamaha electric start, model number F25ELHD with serial number 65WL1017622. There were also two Minn Kota trolling motors taken from each residence. Evidence from both scenes were gathered by detectives and showed the suspects parked on Chippewa Trail and walked in each residence and stole the motors off the boats and walked them to the road. The boats were both stored by the residences.

If you have any information about this theft or have seen the stolen property, call Portage County Crime Stoppers at 1-888-346-6600. You can remain anonymous and still be eligible for a cash reward.

DNR “Water Guards” will be out in force this weekend

Madison– State conservation wardens and specialized deputy wardens known as “Water Guards” will be out in full force over the Fourth of July holiday to educate boaters and anglers about a new invasive species law that makes it illegal to leave a boat launch and drive on public roads with aquatic plants and animals attached to boats, trailers, or equipment.

“We know that Wisconsinites care deeply about protecting lakes and rivers, and that once they know the right thing to do, they’ll do it,” says Randy Stark, Chief Warden for the state Department of Natural Resources. “So we’ll be out at boat landings across Wisconsin to help educate people about this new law and contacting people we see hitting the highway with plants still attached.”

Stark says that recent surveys of boaters show that 90 percent say they are taking some steps to prevent spreading zebra mussels, Eurasian water milfoil and other aquatic invasive species. “Most people are doing a great job and the vast majority of lakes and rivers don’t have invasive species,” Starks says. “We all want to keep it that way, so we need everyone to take all of the prevention steps. That includes all boaters and all anglers, and those who fish from shore.”

Bob Wakeman, DNR aquatic invasive species coordinator, says the new law will make it easier for people to understand what they need to do and when, and for wardens to enforce. For more than a decade, boaters and anglers have been asked to inspect their boats and remove any aquatic plants attached to them, and since 2001, a law has required that boats be clean of aquatic plants and animals before they are launched, he says.

But some boaters are still inadvertently moving equipment around the state with invasive species attached: of the 52,777 boats inspected by volunteers and paid inspectors in 2009, 16 percent had plants attached. Local lakes groups and lawmakers in northern Wisconsin pushed hard for many years to get this new law, known as the “transport law,” on the books.

“With this new law, boaters will know that not only must their boat be clean when they launch, but they can’t leave the landing and hit the highway with aquatic plants or animals attached.” Wakeman says. A first citation of the transport law carries a penalty ranging from $232 to $767.50 and a second offense within three years carries a penalty that ranges up to $2,657.

Conservation wardens have been working with statewide and local law enforcement organizations to inform them about the new transport law so they can help enforce it. Over the long holiday weekend, conservation wardens and water guards will focus their efforts on waters that already have multiple aquatic invasive species to keep those invaders from being taken to new lakes. They’ll talk to boaters who are launching their boats and explain the new law, and will be stopping cars and boat trailers found to be leaving landings with aquatic plants or animals contrary to state law.

Volunteer boat inspectors and paid county and state boat inspectors will be working at boating landings as well, helping educate people about the new law, inspecting boats, and demonstrating the required prevention steps. Those steps are:

Before launching and before leaving a launch:

* INSPECT boats, trailers and equipment.
* REMOVE all attached aquatic plants and animals.
* DRAIN all water from boats, vehicles and equipment.
* NEVER MOVE live fish away from a water body. That means, if you want to take your catch home, drain water from it before leaving the landing. However, you can put the fish on ice.
* BUY YOUR BAIT only at Wisconsin bait dealers. You may take leftover minnows home in up to 2 gallons of water and use it again on the same water, or use it elsewhere if you have not added lake or river water to the bait container.

More information on these rules and related exceptions for minnow use, is available on the invasive species pages of the DNR website.

State ignores UWSP student’s complaint

Contributed by Brian D. Kalish

Stevens Point–It appears as though Jeffrey Decker, son of state Senator Russ Decker (D-Wausau), will not get any satisfaction from the Department of Justice concerning fees the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point charged him.  William Cosh, spokesman for the Department of Justice in Madison told GoWisconsin Media Monday that the DOJ is waiting to see if Decker is going to sue the state before they take any action.

According to the Notice of Injury and Claim, Decker was charged $80.35 “in excess of tuition and additional fees which were authorized by law.”  The fees included $42.05 for “University Centers” and a $26.95 charge for “Health Services” among others.

Decker says the University Centers Advisory Policy Board and the Dining Advisory Board failed to submit their business proposals to the SGA for amendments of approval as required.  Additionally, he says that the Health Enhancement Fee has paid for its building and cannot continue beyond that original expense.

Stevens Point Area School District performance report

School District Performance Report

The School District Performance Report compares performance data of the Stevens Point Area Public School District with the other districts in the Wisconsin Valley Conference.  Please click here to view the report.

Self Confidence Camp for Girls Begins June 30th

Self Confidence Camp for Girls Begins June 30th
Jen Oswald, Wellness Coach & Program Coordinator
Adventure 212

What is your favorite girl doing this summer? She is invited to spend Wednesday afternoons at Adventure 212 all summer long!

Did you know that 85% of third grade girls report wanting to lose weight? Also, 40% of girls between the ages of 11 and 13 report having been on a diet.  The images young girls see in the media portray an unrealistic idea of what is beautiful. The average model used in advertising has a physique that occurs naturally in less than 4% of the general population. Our girls and women learn at an early age to think they must change themselves physically to matter in the world. This leads to low self-esteem, body image distortions and in some cases, eating disorders.

Be Yourself University is a program dedicated to girls and the healthy development of their self esteem and self image. An exciting and innovative curriculum is infused with teaching and experiences created to enhance leadership skills as well as self confidence.

Each weekly session is a class all its own, focusing on subject matter girls will find relevant and interesting. To successfully complete B.Y.U. Summer 2010, girls must complete at least 5 of the 7 offered classes. Once they do so, they are eligible for “graduation” and a celebration in their honor on August 18.

All classes are held on Wednesdays, from 1:00-4:00pm. Registration for each session is $25/member and $30/non-member. Class sizes are limited to 12. Register now by calling 715-343-0212!

Class dates and descriptions:
June 30 – Artistic Expression: Everyone has different ways of being creative. Maybe you’re an artist. Maybe you are great with words. Maybe you like to sew your own clothes or design your own outfits. Whatever it may be, finding an outlet for creative expression is an important area of self-development. Come spend some time with us trying out different ways to be creative! Find the artist in you!

July 7 – Move It!: Physical fitness is a vital piece of overall wellness. Whether you like to walk or run, dance or swim, there is a physical activity out there to suit you. Spend the afternoon with us trying out different ways of being physically active. You might just find something you love! Emphasis will be placed on physical activity you can do anywhere!

July 14 – Finding your Strengths/Career Exploration: We all have strengths and talents that make us who we are. Find out what your unique strengths are and how you can use them now in school and later in the professional world. Guest speakers will highlight different career options and girls will have the opportunity to have all their questions answered!

July 21 – Marketing and Media Awareness: Have you ever stopped to think about the images that are put out there in the media? Why is everyone skinny and unrealistically beautiful? What is beautiful? The media and marketing companies use lots of different tricks and messages to get us to buy certain things and look a certain way. Come learn about those secret tricks and how to see those messages for what they are…total lies! Girls will even have the chance to create their own ad campaign!

July 28 – Stress Less: Stress management is so important for today’s busy girl. Feeling run down or stressed out? Come find out why that is and what you can do about it! Girls will leave with tools and skills they can use to combat stress and be free from the pressures and anxiety life can throw at us.

August 4 – Cooking for Health: Join our Bistro staff in learning how to cook and prepare healthy snacks and meals. The trend is toward prepackaged, high carb, low nutrition meals and snacks. Learn how to combat that trend and prepare foods that bring health and vitality while still being super yummy!

August 11 – Girls Rock!: This session is all about girls and what makes them tick. Find out why it’s awesome to be a girl! The session will include team building games, leadership activities and self-exploration that is fun and at times, hilarious!

August 18, 2010: Graduation and Celebration! From 1-3, graduates will have their own catered party in the Adventure Zone with games, snacks, prizes and tons of fun. At 3:00, parents are asked to join us for the graduation ceremony in which girls receive their diplomas and present some of the material learned throughout B.Y.U. Summer 2010!

Music lessons offered at UWSP

Stevens Point–One-on-one music lessons, taught by professionals, are available at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point for learners of all ages and abilities.

With instruction in most instruments and musical styles, the individual music lessons are taught by highly qualified and experienced instructors through the UWSP Continuing Education Arts & Culture Outreach program. Lessons are held in the Noel Fine Arts Center.

Joining the program’s faculty is vocal instructor Michelle Peterson, who earned a master’s degree in music performance and composition after studying classical voice at New York University. Peterson offers voice lessons in a variety of genres, including opera, musical theater, classical and jazz.

Other faculty instructors include Kayla Berndt (percussion), Meagan Cihlar (trumpet, flute), Ashley Erickson (saxophone, beginning clarinet), John Hettler (piano), Angela Koenigs (voice, piano), Andrea Laverenz (trumpet), Tom McComb (guitar, banjo, mandolin, harmonica), Heather McGriff (clarinet), Heidi Oberstadt (percussion, beginning flute), John Strassburg (piano) and Sarah Weyker (brass).

Register now for summer and fall music lessons and classes. For more information, call 715-346-3838, e-mail Heather.A.McGriff@uwsp.edu or go to http://www.uwsp.edu/conted/aco/lessons.aspx.

UWSP Continuing Education promotes lifelong learning by providing a variety of innovative and educational programs and activities that focus on professional development and personal enrichment for learners of all ages. Offerings include credit classes, certificate programs, degree completion programs, summer camps, noncredit workshops and seminars, technical training, conference planning services, contract training, business consulting, customized training and an array of learning options for youth, working adults and special audiences.

Stevens Point Police: counterfeit suspect likely to face additional charges

Contributed by Brian D. Kalish

Stevens Point–The Stevens Point Police Department arrested 23-year-old Gregory J. Jung of Wausau on suspicion that Jung had been creating and circulating counterfeit money at several area businesses.  According to Lieutenant Jim Dowling, both the Wausau and Grand Chute Police Departments, respectively, have an interest in questioning Jung.

“We’re not sure exactly what Wausau is going to do at this time, but they’re probably working on separate charges,” Dowling said.  “And we just received word from the suspect’s mother that the Grand Chute Police are looking for him as well.”

Jung was charged by the Stevens Point Police with forgery and theft and was scheduled to have a preliminary court hearing Friday.

Dowling said that counterfeit bills starting showing up on June 19.  Jung allegedly passed phony $10 bills at The Store Gas Station, 5601 Carrie Frost Drive in Stevens Point.  The clerk noticed the suspect acting suspiciously and, after examining the money, knew the bills were fake.

“It was pretty perceptive of the clerk to notice that and give us a call,” Dowling said.

Later, fake bills were passed to Lucky’s Pub and The Brickhouse.  Those two establishments, after consulting with each other, realized they had been given counterfeit money.  Police were able to catch the suspect’s license plate using surveillance video from Lucky’s Pub.

Dowling says they obtained a search warrant and found printed money in Jung’s house in Wausau.

Mielke: McChrystal’s resignation puts troops in jeopardy, Obama an incompetent leader

Rudolph farmer running for Obey’s seat says former General McChrystal ‘fell on his sword’ for troops, acted honorably

Contributed by Brian D. Kalish

Wisconsin Rapids–The firestorm caused by General Stanley McChrystal’s criticism of President Obama’s handling of the war in Afghanistan to a Rolling Stone reporter, which subsequently led to McChrystal’s resignation, has reverberated all the way back to Central Wisconsin.  The soon-to-be retired chairman of the House Appropriations Committee Dave Obey made headlines last week when he publicly excoriated McChrystal, calling the general dangerous, a damn fool and contemptuous.

Republican Dan Mielke of Rudolph, who is making his second run at Obey’s seat, says that Obey’s comments were out of line and that the entire McChristal debacle puts our troops in Afghanistan in an untenable position.

“First off,” Mielke says, “Dave Obey’s reaction to this is worse than what McChrystal said in the first place.  Calling out a general like that is what I’d call damn fool.”

While Mielke feels that McChrystal was only trying to look out for his troops and bring attention to the situation in Afghanistan, he stopped short of exonerating the embattled McChrystal.

“What McChrystal said was wrong.  He should not have publicly criticized the President of the United States like that,” Mielke says,  “What it looks like to me is that McChrystal fell on his sword and sacrificed himself for his men.  In standing up against Obama, he was acting in the best interest of the soldiers, and that, I think, was honorable.  The President is not looking out for our troops in Afghanistan.

“However, this whole scenario shows incompetence on the part of President Obama and a lack of cohesion in the whole military system.  In the military, you’ve got to have a clear mission and a sense that everyone is working together and looking out for each other.  Obviously we don’t have that now, and I think that weakens our mission and puts our soldiers in jeopardy.”

Mielke says that General Patraeus, McChrystal’s replacement, might not be the best person to handle the job in Afghanistan because of Patraeus’ health problems.  He also criticized Michael Hastings, the Rolling Stone reporter who broke the McChrystal story.

“The whole article shows a lack of common sense on the part of the reporter,” Mielke says.  “All reporters who deal with the military are trained and know there are some things you just don’t write.  He should have shown more wisdom in reporting what is going on over there.”

Hastings has since told the Huffington Post that the troops in Afghanistan were “happy that (McChrystal) got fired.”

Finally, Mielke feels that the American people are partly to blame for the scandal that resulted in McChrystal’s resignation.

“We’re the ones who put Obama there in the first place,” Mielke says.  “So I guess the American people share in the blame for this as well.”