High school swimming instructor Cheryl Mann, center, taught a water-safety class at the high school last December. Phil Pfuehler photo.

Teachers and other staff members of the River Falls School District have come together to support a cherished colleague.

Overall crime dropped 8.4% last year in River Falls. The year before it jumped 17.4%. Before that it dropped 8.8%, then jumped back 18.2%, then plunged 24.4%. You get the idea.

Tuesday's carnage at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo., gave River Falls High School Principal Sharon Kabes much to contemplate.

Queenly court

Aaron Fischer and Emily Rothberger, center, were crowned king and queen of the high school prom Saturday night at UW-River Falls. Other prom court members, from left, Josh MacKinnon with Katie Rohl, Sam G. Johnson with Becky Magee, Conor Malaney with Anne Cooper, and Shawn Campbell with Elizabeth Summer. Bottom, following the coronation, students moved on for a dance at Brandy's.

A local man who tumbled off the Hwy. 35-65 bypass bridge a week and a half ago died Sunday evening from injuries suffered in the fall.

TAI PUNCHES

A local 7-year-old who was critically ill with a rare bacterial disease is scheduled to be released from Regions Hospital in St. Paul this week.

After two wins by a combined score of 14-0, Wildcat girls soccer coach Hanz Lehrke doesn't want his team to get too excited.