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Janesville farmer recently elected as WSA president
Rebout’s WSA presidency will be his second stint leading a state commodity board: Rebout previously served three years as president of the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association. “The issues are usually similar; I’m still saying the same things,” Rebout said. “I’m glad to be able to continue advocating for our industry.” Rebout will be supported on the officer team by Vice President Matt Rehberg, Treasurer Dave Coggins and Secretary Daniel Linse. “I’m excited for the opportunity because we’re still sort of ‘rebranding’ as an organization,” said Rehberg, who farms near Clinton and has served six years on WSA. “It seemed like a natural flow for me to try a new challenge, and I’m happy an experienced financial proPHOTO SUBMITTED Rock Valley Publishing fessional like Dave is coming The Wisconsin Soybean Association Board of Directors gather following their annual meeting on Feb. 6 during onboard as treasurer.” Corn-Soy Expo. Doug Rebout (front row, second to left) was voted president, replacing Sara Stelter (front row, With Wisconsin’s 2025 legsecond to right). islative session entering its secreally stepped up,” Stelter said. Rebout grows soybeans and ers Daniel and David and his culture, Trade and Consumer ond month, WSA approved its “They’ll have new ideas, which corn and raises custom heifers nephews. He’s also chair of Protection. With deep ties to the See FARMER, Page 4 is what we need.” near Janesville with his broth- the Wisconsin Board of Agri- state’s agriculture community,
BTC launches a new TechForward initiative Blackhawk Technical College is launching a new initiative designed to close the skills gap and redefine workforce training by integrating handson, work-based learning into Blackhawk’s Mechatronics
programs. Called the TechForward Initiative and funded by the National Science Foundation, this initiative offers students in Blackhawk’s Mechatronics programs the opportunity
Eleven communities receive grants to plant trees Alliant Energy named 11 Wisconsin communities including Bristol, Milton and Windsor to receive grants totaling over $50,000 through the company’s Community Tree Planting program, part of its One Million Trees initiative. “Our commitment to supporting the communities we serve is unwavering,” said David de Leon, president of Alliant Energy’s Wisconsin energy company and senior vice president of operations. “The Community Tree Planting program grants advance our commitment to environmental stewardship and, more importantly, help these Wisconsin communities achieve tree restoration goals, improve energy efficiency and provide environmental benefits for generations to come.” Alliant Energy partners with Trees Forever to help commu-
nities develop, select and plant a diverse mix of trees. A tree expert works with the communities to select the best species for their areas and create care and maintenance plans to ensure the new trees have long, healthy lives. “Our partnership with Alliant Energy has helped to create healthier and more vibrant communities across the state,” said Michelle Beisker, CEO of Trees Forever. “Trees provide so many benefits to individuals and neighborhoods, and the volunteers that show up every year to plant with us and Alliant Energy knows this and experience the results directly.” Since 1990, Trees Forever and Alliant Energy have awarded over $8 million in grants and planted more than 1.1 million trees through their partnership and programs in Iowa and Wisconsin.
Across Wisconsin, communities are eligible to apply for grants up to $5,000 to fund new trees. Below is a list of the communities awarded grants this year and their project plans. Some communities will begin to plant trees this spring; others will wait until fall. • Baraboo, $5,000, 42 trees • Belleville, $5,000, 28 trees • Town of Beloit, $5,000, 15 trees • Blue River, $4,900, 19 trees • Bristol, $1,950, 26 trees • Fitchburg, $5,000, 43 trees • Milton, $5,000, 43 trees • Oregon, $5,000, 20 trees • Sheboygan, $5,000, 75 trees • Vesper, $5,000, 37 trees • Windsor, $4,300, 30 trees To learn more about Alliant Energy’s Community Tree Planting program, visit alliantenergy.com/onemilliontrees.
Brodhead Parks & Recreation Department
INDOOR YOUTH SOCCER The Brodhead Parks & Recreation Department will be sponsoring a four-week youth indoor soccer program for boys and girls in kindergarten through first grade. The program will meet after school in the elementary school gym on Mondays for kindergarteners and Thursdays after school for first graders. The program begins on March 17 and ends on April 17. This program is for children at all skill levels and it will teach basic skills and fundamentals. Forms are available at the elementary school, the Brodhead Parks & Rec Dept., or on the City of Brodhead website at www.cityofbrodheadwi.us. The cost is $20. Forms need to be completed and turned in with the fee by Friday, March 14 to the school office or Parks & Rec Dept. Children are encouraged to wear tennis shoes and shin guards. Make checks payable to the City of Brodhead. If there are any questions, contact Tom at Parks & Rec at 608-897-2159.
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to take four new work-based learning courses utilizing an automated manufacturing cell at the college’s new Innovative Manufacturing Education Center. By closely tracking student performance and gathering feedback from industry partners, faculty will assess how work-based learning impacts career readiness. “The TechForward Initiative represents a major step in redefining technical education. By integrating real-world, hands-on learning into our
Mechatronics program, we are ensuring that students graduate with the skills and experience employers need today,” said Bryan Coddington, Engineering Technology Instructor and Manufacturing, Apprenticeship, Technology, and Transportation (MATT) Division Chair. Mechatronics is the combination of mechanical, electrical and computer technologies and is used in the design of products and automation processes. Mechatronics technicians install, maintain and repair auto-
mated machinery and mechanical systems that are controlled by computers. At Blackhawk, Mechatronics-related programs include Electro-Mechanical Technology and Automation Systems Technology. Mechatronics careers are classified as high wage, high skill and high demand occupations. Many regional businesses are hiring graduates starting at $27 to $35 an hour, and most Mechatronics students start their career as Controls
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Countryside Bent & dent • March 7 and 8 •
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W363 Atkinson Rd. Albany, WI 608-897-2867 Open: Tues.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. • CLOSED Sun. & Mon.
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The Wisconsin Soybean Association (WSA) continues moving in a forward direction, as the organization elected Doug Rebout to serve as president. The election took place during WSA’s annual meeting Thursday, Feb. 6 during the Wisconsin Corn-Soy Expo at the Kalahari Conference Center. “I’m proud to be elected because as an organization, there are so many positive things we can do in today’s political climate,” said Rebout, WSA’s District 3 director. “Both at the state and federal levels, we can continue to be a good voice.” Rebout replaces Sara Stelter, who stepped down after two successful years guiding WSA’s policy efforts in Madison. “Sara did a fantastic job as president. She has brought our organization to new places,” Rebout said. “I’m humbled to step into her role.” Stelter, who will remain WSA’s District 2 director, said she was proud of the strides WSA made during her tenure, including strengthening ties with state and national legislators, and WSA and the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board’s joint efforts in promoting SoyFoam. “WSA is in great hands with a strong advocate like Doug. We have an awesome board and some leaders who have