Articles

Doing the right thing: Widower sells precious cars to feed starving children

Harvey Hielkema’s decision to sell his collection of vintage cars and tractors was made for a simple reason: God told him to.

• Harvey with car

Site work begins for Eco Village

St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity’s Eco Village project in River Falls moved from the planning to the implementation stage this first week of May as the excavation contractor began site preparation work.

• Gary Zappa & Jim Farr

artOPENer Studio Tour is May 5-6

The 10th annual artOPENer Studio Tour, set for the first weekend in May, will include ten studios from Stillwater, Minn., to Hudson and River Falls. Visitors are invited to meet and chat with artists working in a variety of mediums including glass, jewelry, painting, pottery and sculpture.

• artOPENer Studio Tour

Walker supports taking DNA at arrest

Gov. Scott Walker hopes to revive a plan introduced twice by Sen. Sheila Hardorf, R-River Falls, to require police to collect DNA samples from suspects when they are arrested in some felony and serious sex cases.

Executive says: Defining, realizing success is up to you

Recalling his grandfather whose “values did not include prohibition,” a prison inmate, and a boss who took credit for his subordinates’ work, S. Mark Tyler advised students to set their own standards for success.

• Mark Tyler

Nearly 750 RF students qualify for meal discounts

With an increase of 1.3% in a year, the number of River Falls students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals rose at a rate slightly higher than the state average.

Hughes gets trial on pending drug charges

ELLSWORTH -- A River Falls city council member accused of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia will take his case to a jury.

Second Thoughts: A chance to get away

“You need camera,” said the dark-skinned man striding along the Mazatlan beach, swinging a beer bottle by its long neck.

• Judy Wiff, Regional Editor

New fields: Former farmer, prof claims she’d bring fresh governing approach

Saying she has the right mix of life experience and experience in state government, Sen. Kathleen Vinehout, D-Alma, has announced she’ll run for governor in the anticipated recall election.

Locals help deliver Walker recall petitions to Madison

Town of Troy resident Nan Lambert and Barb Greub of River Falls were chosen to represent St. Croix and Pierce counties, respectively, when the call went out for a person from every Wisconsin county to help hand-deliver 3,000 pounds of petitions seeking the recall of Gov. Scott Walker and other state-level officials.

• Barb Greub, Pierce County, totes a box of petitions
• Nan Lambert, St. Croix County, wears warm winter clothing and a big smile

Columns

Second thoughts: You did it! Holiday program succeeds

The Sharing Families Program works year after year because of generosity. While that includes giving money, it is mostly generosity of time, concern and spirit.