Chris Hardie: Invasion of the wild cucumber
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There are plenty of invasive species in Wisconsin — and I’m not talking about those who live in the cheesehead state and have the audacity to root for those Nordic invaders from Minnesota or the Ursidae sloth from the flatland.
These are botanical invaders who take over gardens, ditches, yards and if left unchecked would no doubt someday show up even on the frozen tundra in Green Bay’s Lambeau Field.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources calls them terrestrial invasives that “affect the health of our forests, prairies, parks, urban landscapes and more.” The DNR maintains a website that lists a plethora of plants that are regulated — 64 of them with glorious living color photos.
Some of those plants are prohibited anywhere in Wisconsin — like kudzu or giant hogweed. Others like Canada thistle — which is allegedly the next tariff target — purple loosestrife or wild parsnip are restricted because they are already established in the state and have the potential to cause significant environmental harm.
Pfaff, band receive Rotary awards
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- Written by Jackson County Chronicle
Barb Pfaff received the Service Above Self Award from the Rotary Club of Black River Falls Aug. 13 for her work at the Jackson County Animal Shelter.
Her passion for animals is evident in the dedication shown in helping the hundreds of pets she cares for every year.
In addition, Barb has worked tirelessly to raise funds for a new shelter that will replace the existing outdated facility.
The Black River Area Community Band received the Service Above Self Award for its 20 years of performing for the Jackson County area.
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* I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Sign up!The commitment to music has benefitted many through performances at area festivals, parades and other area celebrations.
Dollar General opens in Merrillan
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Dollar General’s newest store at 504 S. Hammond St. in Merrillan is now open.
Dollar General will celebrate the store’s official grand opening at 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, with free prizes and special deals.
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* I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Sign up!Additionally, the first 50 adult shoppers at the store will receive a $10 Dollar General gift card and the first 200 shoppers will receive a Dollar General tote bag with complimentary product samples, among other giveaways.
The company states that traditional Dollar General stores employ six to 10 people, depending on the need.
Black River Falls firefighter killed in motorcycle crash at South Dakota race track
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A flat track motorcycle racer died Thursday after sustaining injuries during a race earlier this month at Black Hills Speedway.
Rapid City Journal file photoRAPID CITY, S.D. — A flat-track motorcycle racer from Black River Falls died last week from injuries he sustained during a crash Aug. 7 at Black Hills Speedway in Rapid City, according to a release from the American Motorcyclist Association American Flat Track series.
Alec Muth, 22, "succumbed to his injuries" on Thursday despite "the immediate action of first responders and the best efforts of the very experienced staff at Rapid City Regional Hospital," according to the release.
Muth was a member of the Black River Falls Fire Department. The department wrote a tribute to Muth on its Facebook page, saying he loved motorcycle racing "just about more than firefighting."
The Harley-Davidson Black Hills Half-Mile was held the night of Muth's accident at the Black Hills Speedway in conjunction with the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Hospital receives workplace award
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Black River Memorial Hospital has been recognized as a gold recipient of the 2018 Workplace Health Achievement through the American Heart Association.
The Heart Association has defined best practices for employers to use to build a healthy workplace for employees.
Companies are measured on how well they have implemented these practices. The hospital is being recognized at the gold level for achieving a score of 186 out of a possible 217 points.
Rob Stapel, the hospital’s human resources director and wellness team chairman, said, “We’re very proud to receive this recognition. Our goal as a wellness team is to continue to improve the health of BRMH’s workforce from one year to the next.”
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