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• Packers make big donation to Somerset Middle School
• Hammond sidewalk plan put on hold
• Pet pit bull drags woman to safety
• Colfax's Jason Eckert to become New Richmond football coach

The athletic equipment room at the Somerset Middle School will be receiving a makeover this spring, directly from the Green Bay Packers.

On Feb. 16 the Packers offered a program for middle school health care providers from around the state through the National Football League's "What Moves U" promotion.

Dawn Spafford, the Somerset School District healthcare provider, attended the event, along with teacher Jen Nickowski.

The Packers held a drawing to do makeovers of four equipment rooms for schools around the state. Spafford was fortunate enough to have the Somerset School District's name called.

Tim Schroeder, the Community Outreach coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, said the makeover will start with supplying the Middle School with a number of balls. Included in the gift will be 18 of each of the following balls: leather footballs, rubber footballs, leather basketballs, rubber basketballs, volleyballs, soccer balls and kickballs. The Packers will also provide motivational signs to be placed around the school.

Schroeder is planning a visit to Somerset some time in May to assess what other needs the Packers can supply to update the school's athletic equipment.

The conference was sponsored by the NFL and the American Heart Association. The "What Moves U" program is designed for increased fitness and activity among middle school students.

Through the program, the NFL has offered curriculum that can be used in each classroom to help students be more active. WHATMOVESU.com is the Web site where more information on the program can be found.

By Shay Tilander, RiverTown Staff

The sidewalk plan that has been the subject of much debate among residents of Hammond for the past month went to the Hammond Board Monday night for approval. But that didn't happen.

After receiving a colored map of the proposed sidewalk route from the Planning Commission, some Board members expressed concern over the amount of public input that had been allowed in the process.

"The public should see the plans before we accept them," said Trustee Mike Artiaga.

Other Board members were concerned that they had not had enough time to review the proposed plans before voting on them.

"I'm just worried about the process," said Trustee Chris Buckel. "This is the first time I've seen this (proposed sidewalk plan)."

Most Board members agreed that input by the public was an important aspect in approving the plan.

"I want to err on the side of too much public input, rather than not enough," said Buckel. "We promised the public they would have input."

It was then decided that there should be more meetings where Village residents have a chance to voice their concerns.

"I have no problem with another meeting, as long as it's productive," said Trustee Steve Peterson.

One issue that remained constant during the sidewalk discussion was that safety was a primary concern of the public.

"With all of the public input we've had, it can be said that safety is priority," said Rod Turk, director of public works.

The issue was sent back to the Public Works Committee for further discussion.

By Jeff Holmquist, RiverTown Staff

Pit bull dogs don't have a great reputation these days.

But a rural Star Prairie dog's heroic efforts may just give the breed a much needed public relations boost.

Cisco, a 102-pound, 4-year-old pit bull, was taken outside to relieve himself at about 11 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, by his owner's girlfriend.

Martha Sorrells was home alone at the time and knew the dog needed to do his duty.

But when Sorrells stepped on an icy patch in the back yard, she slipped and broke her right foot.

"I just had on some thin sleep pants and a T-shirt," Sorrells said. "Even if I yelled, nobody would be able to hear me from the back yard."

As she began to cry from the pain, Cisco began to comfort Sorrells. She told the dog to help her get home and the pit bull sprung into action.

"He knows quite a few words," said proud owner Fred Rawson.

"He knew I was getting cold and he knew I needed to get back in the house," Sorrells said.

The dog began pulling Sorrells by the leash toward the home.

"He just kept pulling hard," she said. "It was really a heroic effort on his part."

Once Cisco pulled the woman to the steps of the front door, Sorrells was able to use her hands to climb the three steps and get into the home.

"If it wouldn't have been for him, I would have really been in trouble," she said, adding that her boyfriend was at a friend's house playing cards that night and she didn't know when he would return.

She was very worried about frostbite and hypothermia setting in.

Once inside, Sorrells scooted to a chair and gathered herself. She was then able to call 911 for help.

She was taken to Westfields Hospital where she spent the night. She now wears a cast on her foot, and doctors expect the recovery time to last from four to six weeks.

"Pit bulls get a bad rap sometimes," Sorrells said. "But it's all in how you train them and raise them. He's a very loving dog."

Rawson said he's owned three pit bulls over the years. While the breed can cause problems in some cases, he said Cisco is very playful and loving.

Cisco was rewarded with extra treats and chew toys following his heroic effort.

Colfax High School football coach Jason Eckert has been tendered a contract to become the varsity football coach in New Richmond.

Eckert has verbally agreed to the contract offer. The hiring will need final approval from the Board of Education at its March 24 meeting. Eckert was selected from among more than 30 candidates who applied for the coaching position.

Eckert has been the head coach at Colfax for the past six seasons, compiling a 26-29 record. Last year Colfax finished 4-5 overall, with a 3-3 record in the Dunn-St. Croix Conference. Eckert grew up in Menomonie, playing four years of high school ball under Menomonie coach Joe LaBuda.