Action to Honor Deputy Kaitie Leising -- Immediately after Deputy Kaitie Leising was shot and killed in the line of duty on May 6, 2023, Cathy Borgschatz and Karen Humphrey joined forces to approach the sheriff about ways to honor Kaitie, including a fundraiser.  At that time, they did not have a clear vision of what would be involved or where the money would go; but after a meeting with Sheriff Scott Knudson, 'Take Action. Honor Kaitie.' (TAHK) was born, and the group's three initiatives were set.  Click Read More to read the details of the three initiatives.

What’s New at UWRF – Chancellor Dr. Maria Gallo
 

Chancellor Gallo first described the university’s response to the tragic deaths by suicide of three students within one month this semester. The county and the Emergency Operations Committee have been working with the students on campus. There has also been assistance and resources from other UW campuses. To allow students additional time for recovery and healing, the Thanksgiving break was extended. Most students go home for Thanksgiving, but 150 students stayed on campus. The University is looking into establishing local homes for students to stay during longer breaks.

Our newest club member, St Croix Valley United Way Executive Director Steve McCarthy, gave his introductory talk. Steve joined Rotary because he believes in the power of people to come together and make a difference to improve the world. He graduated from Harvard, Illinois high school and then backpacked across Europe.

 

Steve has two daughters. Rachel who works in graduate admissions and also works as a server while she is in an MBA program. The second daughter, Allison, is at UW-La Crosse. Steve and his partner Lori have been together since 2007. They have 2 dogs and a cat. Lori is a counselor and works with a therapy dog.  Steve camps with friends for three nights in February near Two Harbors, Minnesota. The temperature can get down to minus 20 degrees.  Steve told us that he has many “siblings” because his parents fostered 40 kids.