Baseball Bash Feb. 11 at Kilkarney

The inaugural River Falls Baseball Bash, a celebration of two state champion baseball teams and the kickoff to the Community Ballpark Project, is all set for Saturday night, Feb. 11, beginning at 6 p.m. at Kilkarney Hills Golf Club. The event, hosted by the River Falls Baseball Council, will be a night of games, raffles, silent auctions, food and a brief program.

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RFHS alumni brings on the laughs

Passersby may hear a lot of laughter coming out of the high school the night of Feb. 12.

• Tom Steffen
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Gymnastics Club extends its reach

The River Falls Gymnastics Club began leasing space at 151 Hwy. 35, near the Jackelen Auto Body business in March 2011. The club celebrates its one-year anniversary with an expansion.

• Gymnastics Club expands
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Fire Department pays tribute to long-serving member

Gene McKahan, a 38-year veteran of the River Falls Fire Department, gives a typical answer when asked if he was surprised to be honored by his peers at a Jan. 21 banquet with the 2011 Firefighter of the Year Award: Yes.

• Gene McKahan and Bobby Moody
• Gene McKahan earns Firefighter of the Year award
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Woman remains critical after her vehicle collides with squad car

A woman from the town of Clifton, Lidia Pavitova, 28, W 12286 820th Ave., was driving in St. Paul Monday, Jan. 30, about 4:40 p.m. when her car collided with a police squad car at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Ayd Mill Road.

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New dairy plant manager has fresh ideas for curds, cream

Michelle Farner, a seasoned cheesemaker with eight years experience at various facilities in the greater Eau Claire area, has joined UW-RF as manager of the on-campus dairy plant. Her goal is "to build on the success of the past 30 years while bringing some new excitement."

• Michelle Farner

UPDATE: Reported abduction attempt now called a 'misunderstanding'

According to Hudson Police Chief Marty Jensen, three teenagers were in a car that was turning into a driveway and stopped quickly when the driver noticed the girl on a sidewalk, about to cross the driveway.

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School to hold annual carnival

Greenwood Elementary School, 418 N. 8th St., will host its annual carnival on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Adults and children of all ages are invited to join in the fun.

• Greenwood Carnival
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On the Job: Beth Ray at Earth Angels Feb. 4

Local singer/songwriter Beth Ray is releasing a new CD, “Kinni River Calling.” It features Ray on vocals, guitar, keyboards, dulcimer and percussion. She is accompanied by local musicians Chris Silver on mandolin and fiddle, Maureen Skelly on fife and Native American flute, Clint Hoover on harmonicas, Clark Thaldorf on bass guitar, and Rachel Knipfer on cello.

• Beth Ray
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Sears store named premier dealer

Sears Hometown Store of River Falls, 1660 Commerce Court, was named a 2012 Sears Hometown Store Premier Dealer. The award recognizes local Sears stores that the company says offer the best customer service, perform to the highest standards and show robust community involvement. The River Falls Sears was one of 190 stores nationwide to earn the recognition.

• Adam Wamboldt
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Somerset sisters accused of torturing man with pliers

Two Somerset sisters face up to 40 years in jail for allegedly sexually torturing a teenage male with a pair of pliers and forcing him to drink urine.

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• PHOTO: Valerie Bartkey
• PHOTO: Amanda Johnson

Firefighters douse weekend blazes

Call for service kept the River Falls Fire Department on the move Sunday, Jan. 29.

• Pole shed fire
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Road rage combatants rumble in Woodbury

Two men allegedly wielded weapons last week in separate Woodbury road rage incidents.

Drunk drivers often can’t help calling attention to themselves

One went into a snowy ditch in the 1800 block of South Main Street while trying to turn around. Another swerved at a squad car, honked and then sped off in the area of Johnson Street and Bartosh Lane. Both incidents occurred after midnight, and River Falls police report that both drivers were cited for drunk driving.

• Police Beat
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No business like show business at Westside

This year marks the 21st annual Westside Elementary School musical. Students, staff and parents will be presenting Pete’s Dragon and The Aristocats.

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• Westside students