Science!

AREA HIGH SCHOOLS REALLY GOOD AT THE SCIENCE STUFF

The 27th annual Wisconsin Science Olympiad state tournament for high school students was held at UW-Stout recently, and one of Menomonie’s teams took top honors. Menomonie Team A beat out 40 other teams from around the state. Each team consisted of 15 members and participated in 28 events. A portion of each event is rotated each year to reflect the changing nature of genetics, earth science, chemistry, anatomy, physics, geology, mechanical engineering, and technology. Menomonie’s Team B placed fourth after Madison West and Boyceville high schools. The Science Olympiads are an effort to introduce and sustain interest in all aspects of science in students grades K-12. They also hope to educate and prepare students for a highly technological workforce.

AWARENESS EVENT TARGETS SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Last year President Obama declared April to be Sexual Awareness Assault Month, and at 6pm on April 19, Owen Park will play host to Take Back the Night, a tradition going back to 1975 to raise awareness about sexual violence. Chippewa Falls Family Support Center is teaming with Center for Awareness of Sexual Assault and UWEC’s Women and Gender Equality Center to carry out the event. The evening is a way for victims and their supporters to tell their stories, offer encouragement, and mostly to put a stop to sexual violence. The event is free to the public and will feature live music, open mic, food, and several guest speakers. To lend your support for the cause, visit a local business and pick up a teal ribbon to represent the message.

NEW FORUMS FOCUS ON ISSUES IN SPECIFIC CITY DISTRICTS

The city will host a community forum and neighborhood update for residents and businesses in each Council District throughout April and May, each at 6:30pm. The forums are planned over the next several weeks as part of a City Council Fiscal Policy Advisory Committee focus on expanding civic engagement opportunities regarding city projects and fiscal issues. The forum presentations will include an update on events and projects anticipated in each district for 2011, along with an overview of the 2011 budget. An opportunity for small group discussion will be provided. The schedule is as follows: District 5 – April 14 at the Community Table, District 1 – April 28 at Hope Lutheran Church, District 2 – May 5 at Gateway Church, District 3 – May 12 at the Library, and District 4 – May 26 at First Congregational Church. Call the City Manager’s Office with any questions related to the forums at 839-4902.

LOCAL T-SHIRT DESIGNER WINS GRAPHIC DESIGN CONTEST

UWEC student Pung Her was recognized for her graphic design skills with two first-place awards in the 2011 graphics competition of the National Association for Campus Activities. Her has been an employee for the Activities and Programs office on campus since last spring, and received awards for her t-shirt designs for the University Activities Commission. Part of the UW-Eau Claire Student Senate, the UAC holds events throughout the year including, Winter Carnival, which Her won first place in the one-color clothing item category. Her’s 24-Day Video Project t-shirt helped her win the title in the multicolor clothing category.