Recently, Westby Times reporter Dorothy Jasperson and DNR Warden Shawna Stringham were honored for contributions they have made in their communities during awards ceremonies in Madison.

On May 22, the Westby Times received an award from the Wisconsin Developmental Disabilities Board for the best weekly feature story in print media. Reporter Dorothy Jasperson’s story, “Sam Malin is a Real Trooper,” followed the Malin family’s experiences with caring for their child with Down’s Syndrome.

Representative Lee Nerison, R-Westby, who presented the award to Dorothy said, “Dorothy is the last person who would brag about herself. But, her article helped people understand the day-to-day challenges with caring for a child who has a life-changing condition. Her story showed a lot of love and determination that gets Sam and his family through it all.”

The Wisconsin Developmental Disabilities Board works to improve the independence, productivity, and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities.

On May 21, DNR Conservation Warden Shawna Stringham from Viroqua received the 2008 Virginia Hart Special Recognition Award at a ceremony in the State Capitol. Shawna was nominated for the many things she has done to help her community, such as taking the initiative to develop trapper education programs and working with local law enforcement to give wildlife presentations to terminally ill kids.

Shawna was also nominated for helping with emergency rescues during the August 2007 floods that hit western Wisconsin. “When Shawna rescued people from their cars and homes, they probably didn’t realize that she was using her personal boat because her DNR-owned boat was inaccessible at the time. Her efforts are a great example of how neighbors helped each other out during the flood, often without concern for their personal safety,” Nerison said.

The Virginia Hart Award was established in memory of Virginia Hart, Wisconsin’s first female cabinet member. The award is given annually to a woman working in state government who has been selected based on nominations from her peers for her exemplary contributions to the citizens of Wisconsin.