Profiles for 2016 Winners
Duane R. Lund Award for Lifetime Achievement
Mike Matanich
Michael “Mike” Matanich was the man more that any one other person responsible for Staples being the site of a college campus. Matanich served as director of the Staples Area Vocational Technical Institute for 22 years, beginning in 1959. Prior to that, he had worked as a machine shop instructor at Staples High School, beginning in 1951.
In 1959, when the state AVTI program was getting started, state education officials asked him to become director of one of their new vocational schools. He accepted, but insisted that the school’s location be in Staples.
Mike was born in Virginia and grew up on the Iron Range. He served in World War II in the U.S. Army Air Force. He died on Jan. 23, 2002, at the age of 84.
Duane Lund, long time superintendent of schools in Staples, said that Mike had a tremendous gift for getting people to contribute to the school. Lund recalled while serving as a U.S. Senate staffer in Washington, D.C., getting a call from Mike. He had heard of the government “mothballing” or storing a huge number of surplus World War II era machine tools.
“They were being stored in warehouses, but some were stored even in caves and other underground installations,” Lund said. “Mike had a vision and we had legislation written making these machines available for education.”
A few years later, when Lund had returned to Staples as superintendent, he and Mike went back to Washington to acquire the first machines for the new AVTI.
The Staples AVTI started out with three programs: Machine Shop, Tool Design and Production Agriculture. In 1981, when Mike retired, there were two campuses and 21 courses. Since then, the AVTI’s have evolved, first into a state-owned technical college system and later into a community college system, eventually becoming Central Lakes College.
Mike hired many of the instructors for the AVTI and recruited many of the students who graduated from the programs. Many of those people later either started their own businesses or moved businesses to Staples - one reason why there are numerous machine shops and related businesses located in and around Staples.
“Mike definitely had a role in bringing new industry into the community.” Lund said when Mike retired. “The confidence they had in Mike I’m sure made the difference in their coming here or going somewhere else.”
After retiring, he stayed involved in vocational education by writing curriculum. He served as a construction supervisor and inspector for the school district when the AVTI North Campus was remodeled and expanded, and he provided similar services on several other building projects around the area.
Excerpted from the Staples World, Jan. 31, 2002.
Mike was nominated by Ken Klose.
Michael “Mike” Matanich was the man more that any one other person responsible for Staples being the site of a college campus. Matanich served as director of the Staples Area Vocational Technical Institute for 22 years, beginning in 1959. Prior to that, he had worked as a machine shop instructor at Staples High School, beginning in 1951.
In 1959, when the state AVTI program was getting started, state education officials asked him to become director of one of their new vocational schools. He accepted, but insisted that the school’s location be in Staples.
Mike was born in Virginia and grew up on the Iron Range. He served in World War II in the U.S. Army Air Force. He died on Jan. 23, 2002, at the age of 84.
Duane Lund, long time superintendent of schools in Staples, said that Mike had a tremendous gift for getting people to contribute to the school. Lund recalled while serving as a U.S. Senate staffer in Washington, D.C., getting a call from Mike. He had heard of the government “mothballing” or storing a huge number of surplus World War II era machine tools.
“They were being stored in warehouses, but some were stored even in caves and other underground installations,” Lund said. “Mike had a vision and we had legislation written making these machines available for education.”
A few years later, when Lund had returned to Staples as superintendent, he and Mike went back to Washington to acquire the first machines for the new AVTI.
The Staples AVTI started out with three programs: Machine Shop, Tool Design and Production Agriculture. In 1981, when Mike retired, there were two campuses and 21 courses. Since then, the AVTI’s have evolved, first into a state-owned technical college system and later into a community college system, eventually becoming Central Lakes College.
Mike hired many of the instructors for the AVTI and recruited many of the students who graduated from the programs. Many of those people later either started their own businesses or moved businesses to Staples - one reason why there are numerous machine shops and related businesses located in and around Staples.
“Mike definitely had a role in bringing new industry into the community.” Lund said when Mike retired. “The confidence they had in Mike I’m sure made the difference in their coming here or going somewhere else.”
After retiring, he stayed involved in vocational education by writing curriculum. He served as a construction supervisor and inspector for the school district when the AVTI North Campus was remodeled and expanded, and he provided similar services on several other building projects around the area.
Excerpted from the Staples World, Jan. 31, 2002.
Mike was nominated by Ken Klose.
Outstanding Citizen
Mary Sperley
“Wherever you go, you represent the school, your community, your family. Leave it a better place than when you came.”
Mary Sperley remembers those words from Dr. Duane Lund, superintendent of the Staples School District.
She still lives by those words, but it hasn’t been difficult. She’s lived them all her life. Her friends at Faith Lutheran Church, at the Staples Motley Area Arts Council, at REAM (Retired Educators Association of Minnesota) at Living Legacy Gardens, at the Motley Historical Society, her coworkers at the Staples Public Library and many others in the community can all attest that they are better because she has touched their lives.
Mary was born and raised in Staples. While attending Concordia College, Moorhead, she changed her major from math and science to elementary education because she didn’t want to be limited; she wanted to teach everything. She taught in St. Paul for 16 years, helping design the building and the curriculum for East Consolidated School.
When she moved back to Staples in 1987, she was done teaching, tired of the paperwork. Jack Nelson, then principal at Staples Elementary, lured her back and she taught until her retirement in 2000.
One of her favorite student stories is about Charlie Martin, now a successful artist and monument designer. He told her that he “became an artist because you let me do things in the classroom.” She enjoys connecting with students on Facebook, getting updates on their lives.
Working at the Staples Public Library for the past 16 years has been her “dream job” because of her co-workers and all the patrons who come in.
One of Mary’s most satisfying projects has been her work with Dr. David Freeman and others at Faith Lutheran Church preparing and serving the annual Thanksgiving Dinners.
“It’s the best group of volunteers,” she said and noted they come back year after year. The meal is served family style because “It’s important for people to know how it feels to sit at a table and visit with each other. This is time for family.”
She feels this so strongly that she’s been known to confiscate phones. She also involves her Amish friends in the pie making.
The church benefits from Mary’s volunteer time and resources, as does Living Legacy Gardens and the arts council, where she currently serves as president. Her nomination by her library co-workers noted many other instances where she continues to make the community “a better place.”
“Wherever you go, you represent the school, your community, your family. Leave it a better place than when you came.”
Mary Sperley remembers those words from Dr. Duane Lund, superintendent of the Staples School District.
She still lives by those words, but it hasn’t been difficult. She’s lived them all her life. Her friends at Faith Lutheran Church, at the Staples Motley Area Arts Council, at REAM (Retired Educators Association of Minnesota) at Living Legacy Gardens, at the Motley Historical Society, her coworkers at the Staples Public Library and many others in the community can all attest that they are better because she has touched their lives.
Mary was born and raised in Staples. While attending Concordia College, Moorhead, she changed her major from math and science to elementary education because she didn’t want to be limited; she wanted to teach everything. She taught in St. Paul for 16 years, helping design the building and the curriculum for East Consolidated School.
When she moved back to Staples in 1987, she was done teaching, tired of the paperwork. Jack Nelson, then principal at Staples Elementary, lured her back and she taught until her retirement in 2000.
One of her favorite student stories is about Charlie Martin, now a successful artist and monument designer. He told her that he “became an artist because you let me do things in the classroom.” She enjoys connecting with students on Facebook, getting updates on their lives.
Working at the Staples Public Library for the past 16 years has been her “dream job” because of her co-workers and all the patrons who come in.
One of Mary’s most satisfying projects has been her work with Dr. David Freeman and others at Faith Lutheran Church preparing and serving the annual Thanksgiving Dinners.
“It’s the best group of volunteers,” she said and noted they come back year after year. The meal is served family style because “It’s important for people to know how it feels to sit at a table and visit with each other. This is time for family.”
She feels this so strongly that she’s been known to confiscate phones. She also involves her Amish friends in the pie making.
The church benefits from Mary’s volunteer time and resources, as does Living Legacy Gardens and the arts council, where she currently serves as president. Her nomination by her library co-workers noted many other instances where she continues to make the community “a better place.”
Chairman's Award
Scott Braith
Growing up in Staples, Scott Braith spent many hours playing with neighborhood kids in Pine Grove Park. Much of this time was spent with the Lee family. Their father, Russ Lee, a fireman, was someone Scott admired.
It was time spent with Russ that sparked an interest in firefighting for Scott. This would set the stage for much of Scott’s future and lead him to one day become the Chief of the Staples Fire Department.
Scott graduated from Staples High School in 1988. He has been a lifelong resident of Staples, aside from a few years working in the Metro area as a field service technician for a robotics company. Once he and wife Cindy settled back into Staples, he wasted no time and joined the Staples Fire Department in 1998.
Since that time, he has been an active member, working his way up through different positions until being named Chief in 2005.
Scott made it his goal to raise the ISO rating the department held. He recognized that this rating affects the insurance rates for everyone in the area. He succeeded in his goal and the rating has improved.
He also set out to improve and incorporate more organized training for the firefighters. Scott said that “when the pager goes off, my job gets easy” in that everyone knows their job and where they need to be. Scott always makes sure that his firefighters have needed equipment and he prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of his community.
Scott owned the Staples NAPA store from 1997-2008. He then managed the store until January 2015, when he took over the position of Ambulance Supervisor at Lakewood Health System, Staples. Scott now oversees the operations of both the firefighters and EMT’s in Staples.
His excellence in training and management can be seen by looking to the superior services these two groups provide to the Staples community. Scott is known as a calm, kind and compassionate leader, who is not afraid to step in and get his hands dirty when a job needs to be done. He leads by example and is proudly followed by his employees.
When not responding to fires and emergency calls for service, Scott enjoys spending time with his wife Cindy, son Mitchell, 16, and daughter Topanga,11. They enjoy boating, hunting, going to races, motorcycling and taking a cruise in his convertible.
Scott was nominated by Scott, Joleen and Cole Yungbauer.
Growing up in Staples, Scott Braith spent many hours playing with neighborhood kids in Pine Grove Park. Much of this time was spent with the Lee family. Their father, Russ Lee, a fireman, was someone Scott admired.
It was time spent with Russ that sparked an interest in firefighting for Scott. This would set the stage for much of Scott’s future and lead him to one day become the Chief of the Staples Fire Department.
Scott graduated from Staples High School in 1988. He has been a lifelong resident of Staples, aside from a few years working in the Metro area as a field service technician for a robotics company. Once he and wife Cindy settled back into Staples, he wasted no time and joined the Staples Fire Department in 1998.
Since that time, he has been an active member, working his way up through different positions until being named Chief in 2005.
Scott made it his goal to raise the ISO rating the department held. He recognized that this rating affects the insurance rates for everyone in the area. He succeeded in his goal and the rating has improved.
He also set out to improve and incorporate more organized training for the firefighters. Scott said that “when the pager goes off, my job gets easy” in that everyone knows their job and where they need to be. Scott always makes sure that his firefighters have needed equipment and he prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of his community.
Scott owned the Staples NAPA store from 1997-2008. He then managed the store until January 2015, when he took over the position of Ambulance Supervisor at Lakewood Health System, Staples. Scott now oversees the operations of both the firefighters and EMT’s in Staples.
His excellence in training and management can be seen by looking to the superior services these two groups provide to the Staples community. Scott is known as a calm, kind and compassionate leader, who is not afraid to step in and get his hands dirty when a job needs to be done. He leads by example and is proudly followed by his employees.
When not responding to fires and emergency calls for service, Scott enjoys spending time with his wife Cindy, son Mitchell, 16, and daughter Topanga,11. They enjoy boating, hunting, going to races, motorcycling and taking a cruise in his convertible.
Scott was nominated by Scott, Joleen and Cole Yungbauer.
Outstanding Youth
Jordan Haglin
After numerous nominations over several years, it has been apparent that it was only WHEN, not IF Jordan Haglin would be recognized as our community’s Outstanding Youth.
Jordan is the son of Lisa and Paul Wick and Greg and Roseanne Haglin. His siblings include Alyssa, Brandon and Karlee and stepbrothers Ryan, Jordan and Adam.
His activities included choir, band, jazz band, fall play, church youth group (chairperson), audio/video technician, student council (treasurer), golf, yearbook staff, boys’ choir, men’s choir, football manager, speech, Madrigal dinners, Dollars for Scholars youth representative, honor society, and Lamplighter Community Theatre.
Jordan’s mere participation in these activities would be impressive enough, but mere participation is not his style. As those who nominated him have attested, Jordan has a drive to succeed, has great integrity and enthusiasm for whatever he is doing, and is kindhearted and loyal.
He was entrusted with access to the school facilities, auditorium, sound systems and variety of technologies. Younger students were put under his tutelage, as school staff weren’t sure “what we’d do when he graduates.” He was the type of student to inspire educators and administrators alike – inspiring them to be their best.
Belmont University in Nashville became Jordan’s home in August after a busy summer working three jobs, in addition to running his own business creating and managing websites. While Jordan’s Plan A had been to be an architect, after traveling to Disney World on a band and choir trip he realized that his local work as an audio and video technician could actually bloom into a full-time career. While watching the light show projected against a water fountain at Disney’s Fantasmic he realized that this was a place where they daily raise the creative bar and that this was the type of work he wanted to do full-time.
Jordan had some great mentors and credits people like Kevin and Matt Olsen and Chris Etzler who taught him the ropes about audio and video. Others such as Lorna Klefsaas and Jake Denning inspired him with their giving nature and genuine care for others as well as their overall positive nature.
If he were to give anyone advice, he’d tell them to go for what you’re passionate about and say “yes” often even if you have to sacrifice a little, because you’ll always learn something and that feeling you get when you’re using the talents you were given is nothing short of “fantasmic”!
Jordan was nominated this year by Dawn Timbs, Mike Schmidt and Ken Klose.
After numerous nominations over several years, it has been apparent that it was only WHEN, not IF Jordan Haglin would be recognized as our community’s Outstanding Youth.
Jordan is the son of Lisa and Paul Wick and Greg and Roseanne Haglin. His siblings include Alyssa, Brandon and Karlee and stepbrothers Ryan, Jordan and Adam.
His activities included choir, band, jazz band, fall play, church youth group (chairperson), audio/video technician, student council (treasurer), golf, yearbook staff, boys’ choir, men’s choir, football manager, speech, Madrigal dinners, Dollars for Scholars youth representative, honor society, and Lamplighter Community Theatre.
Jordan’s mere participation in these activities would be impressive enough, but mere participation is not his style. As those who nominated him have attested, Jordan has a drive to succeed, has great integrity and enthusiasm for whatever he is doing, and is kindhearted and loyal.
He was entrusted with access to the school facilities, auditorium, sound systems and variety of technologies. Younger students were put under his tutelage, as school staff weren’t sure “what we’d do when he graduates.” He was the type of student to inspire educators and administrators alike – inspiring them to be their best.
Belmont University in Nashville became Jordan’s home in August after a busy summer working three jobs, in addition to running his own business creating and managing websites. While Jordan’s Plan A had been to be an architect, after traveling to Disney World on a band and choir trip he realized that his local work as an audio and video technician could actually bloom into a full-time career. While watching the light show projected against a water fountain at Disney’s Fantasmic he realized that this was a place where they daily raise the creative bar and that this was the type of work he wanted to do full-time.
Jordan had some great mentors and credits people like Kevin and Matt Olsen and Chris Etzler who taught him the ropes about audio and video. Others such as Lorna Klefsaas and Jake Denning inspired him with their giving nature and genuine care for others as well as their overall positive nature.
If he were to give anyone advice, he’d tell them to go for what you’re passionate about and say “yes” often even if you have to sacrifice a little, because you’ll always learn something and that feeling you get when you’re using the talents you were given is nothing short of “fantasmic”!
Jordan was nominated this year by Dawn Timbs, Mike Schmidt and Ken Klose.
Outstanding Organization
Lakewood Health System Physicians
Representing Lakewood Health System medical providers are, front row, from left, Michael Hudalla, MD; David Freeman, MD; Julie Mayers Benson, MD; Chad Norris, MD; Craig Henson, MD; Jonathan Claussen, MD; Jay Lenz, MD; Arden Beachy, MD; and Erik Dovre, MD. In the back row, from left, are Jordan Moe, MD; Jessie Wilmes, CNM, APRN; Katie Norris, MD; Christine Albrecht, MD; Carol Uhlman, MD; Kelly Thompson, NP-C; Dave Schleichert, DPM; and John Halfen, MD
Lakewood Health System (LHS) physicians should be commended for their long-standing tradition of involvement and mentorship with University of Minnesota-Duluth Medical School students. Their efforts on both professional and personal levels have resulted in successful recruitment of future physicians for LHS, therefore contributing to positive economic development and reputation of the Staples Motley area.
The Rural Physician Associate Program (RPAP) is for third-year medical students who live and train in rural communities. Dr. Julie Benson was the first RPAP in the early 1990s. She started practicing at LHS in 1997 and since then, Dr. Benson and her colleagues have been leaders, connectors and advocates for the program. Dr. David Freeman and Dr. Christine Albrecht are current RPAP preceptors and both have received statewide recognition for mentoring students.
However, their colleagues also play a large role assisting with education, job shadowing and mentoring. It is truly a team effort and LHS physicians are not compensated for this work. They are “paying it forward.”
In addition to RPAP, other medical and pharmacy students do clinical rotations, and the physicians provide leadership often investing personal time and money to make them comfortable at LHS and in the community. Lakewood physicians have been known to host students in their homes, feed them, incorporate them into their family life, take them to local events, highlight our vibrant community’s culture and show them first-hand the benefits of living in the Staples Motley area. When the students’ time is up here, they have a true snapshot of the life of a rural medical provider and community member.
In fact, in our history, Lakewood has had approximately eight students (RPAP and others) choose to practice at LHS as a result of their experiences with our physicians. And the exciting news is that we have an additional three students (soon-to-be physicians) joining LHS in the fall of 2017.
What is the financial impact of these efforts on the community? It’s not an exact science, but a 2012 study conducted by the National Center for Rural Health Works claims that a rural primary care physician practicing in a community like Staples or Motley can contribute to more than 20 local jobs and upwards of $1 million in economic benefits to the community.
Therefore, they say, the rural physician’s economic contributions are vital to our communities in order to continue to help them grow, thrive and meet the needs of our citizens.
Our community and LHS both benefit from the tireless efforts of the Lakewood Health System physicians in working with medical students.
The physicians were nominated by Tim Rice, Lakewood Health System.
Representing Lakewood Health System medical providers are, front row, from left, Michael Hudalla, MD; David Freeman, MD; Julie Mayers Benson, MD; Chad Norris, MD; Craig Henson, MD; Jonathan Claussen, MD; Jay Lenz, MD; Arden Beachy, MD; and Erik Dovre, MD. In the back row, from left, are Jordan Moe, MD; Jessie Wilmes, CNM, APRN; Katie Norris, MD; Christine Albrecht, MD; Carol Uhlman, MD; Kelly Thompson, NP-C; Dave Schleichert, DPM; and John Halfen, MD
Lakewood Health System (LHS) physicians should be commended for their long-standing tradition of involvement and mentorship with University of Minnesota-Duluth Medical School students. Their efforts on both professional and personal levels have resulted in successful recruitment of future physicians for LHS, therefore contributing to positive economic development and reputation of the Staples Motley area.
The Rural Physician Associate Program (RPAP) is for third-year medical students who live and train in rural communities. Dr. Julie Benson was the first RPAP in the early 1990s. She started practicing at LHS in 1997 and since then, Dr. Benson and her colleagues have been leaders, connectors and advocates for the program. Dr. David Freeman and Dr. Christine Albrecht are current RPAP preceptors and both have received statewide recognition for mentoring students.
However, their colleagues also play a large role assisting with education, job shadowing and mentoring. It is truly a team effort and LHS physicians are not compensated for this work. They are “paying it forward.”
In addition to RPAP, other medical and pharmacy students do clinical rotations, and the physicians provide leadership often investing personal time and money to make them comfortable at LHS and in the community. Lakewood physicians have been known to host students in their homes, feed them, incorporate them into their family life, take them to local events, highlight our vibrant community’s culture and show them first-hand the benefits of living in the Staples Motley area. When the students’ time is up here, they have a true snapshot of the life of a rural medical provider and community member.
In fact, in our history, Lakewood has had approximately eight students (RPAP and others) choose to practice at LHS as a result of their experiences with our physicians. And the exciting news is that we have an additional three students (soon-to-be physicians) joining LHS in the fall of 2017.
What is the financial impact of these efforts on the community? It’s not an exact science, but a 2012 study conducted by the National Center for Rural Health Works claims that a rural primary care physician practicing in a community like Staples or Motley can contribute to more than 20 local jobs and upwards of $1 million in economic benefits to the community.
Therefore, they say, the rural physician’s economic contributions are vital to our communities in order to continue to help them grow, thrive and meet the needs of our citizens.
Our community and LHS both benefit from the tireless efforts of the Lakewood Health System physicians in working with medical students.
The physicians were nominated by Tim Rice, Lakewood Health System.
Outstanding Business
Staples Curves
The staff at Staples Curves include, from left, Mary Osborn-Whitney, Rebecca Soukup, Jeanette Evans and owner Autumn Pecan.
Prior to beginning work at Curves in 2001, then purchasing Staples Curves in 2004, Curves owner Autumn Pechan never thought she would work in a “gym.” She thought of them as places where already fit people who already knew everything about exercise went to work out. Instead, after graduating from UMD in 1999 with a degree in Exercise Science she planned to help people recover in Cardiac Rehab at a medical facility.
After moving to Central Minnesota in 2001, she registered for a free week at a new gym that was coming to the area and ended up being offered the job of coach.
This relatively new gym had been created in memory of franchisor Gary Heavin’s mother who died an untimely death due to diseases that may have been prevented through diet and exercise.
Circuit Training combines strength and cardio training in a program friendly for busy women, women who now were attending regularly and seeing changes in their health, strength and weight. This increased their chances of preventing the same diseases Autumn had originally wanted to help them recover from.
Because of dedicated staff and supportive members of the Staples, Motley and surrounding areas, Staples Curves has not only been able to survive in a rural area but also add many new innovations of Curves International giving members even more opportunities to reach goals.
In addition to a serious workout, a great meal plan, monthly personal coaching and a staff on premises at all times, one of the biggest things that keeps the members coming back is the sense of community. The support they get to meet their goals from the other members and Curves members worldwide makes a huge difference when it comes to getting results and sometimes to just getting through the day.
This sense of community at Curves overflows into the Staples community itself. As staff and members learn from each other what is important to the other, they have become involved in activities projects and organizations that are important to the whole area specifically: Relay for Life and Breast Cancer Awareness, Railroad Days Dash for Kinship, Chili Cook-off, Food Shelf Collections and Chamber of Commerce.
This sense of community has also allowed partnerships with many of the local businesses and organizations to increase the awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Curves was nominated by Gina Schafer, Shirley Wegscheid, Judith Halverson, Connie Rothstein and 23 more signers.
The staff at Staples Curves include, from left, Mary Osborn-Whitney, Rebecca Soukup, Jeanette Evans and owner Autumn Pecan.
Prior to beginning work at Curves in 2001, then purchasing Staples Curves in 2004, Curves owner Autumn Pechan never thought she would work in a “gym.” She thought of them as places where already fit people who already knew everything about exercise went to work out. Instead, after graduating from UMD in 1999 with a degree in Exercise Science she planned to help people recover in Cardiac Rehab at a medical facility.
After moving to Central Minnesota in 2001, she registered for a free week at a new gym that was coming to the area and ended up being offered the job of coach.
This relatively new gym had been created in memory of franchisor Gary Heavin’s mother who died an untimely death due to diseases that may have been prevented through diet and exercise.
Circuit Training combines strength and cardio training in a program friendly for busy women, women who now were attending regularly and seeing changes in their health, strength and weight. This increased their chances of preventing the same diseases Autumn had originally wanted to help them recover from.
Because of dedicated staff and supportive members of the Staples, Motley and surrounding areas, Staples Curves has not only been able to survive in a rural area but also add many new innovations of Curves International giving members even more opportunities to reach goals.
In addition to a serious workout, a great meal plan, monthly personal coaching and a staff on premises at all times, one of the biggest things that keeps the members coming back is the sense of community. The support they get to meet their goals from the other members and Curves members worldwide makes a huge difference when it comes to getting results and sometimes to just getting through the day.
This sense of community at Curves overflows into the Staples community itself. As staff and members learn from each other what is important to the other, they have become involved in activities projects and organizations that are important to the whole area specifically: Relay for Life and Breast Cancer Awareness, Railroad Days Dash for Kinship, Chili Cook-off, Food Shelf Collections and Chamber of Commerce.
This sense of community has also allowed partnerships with many of the local businesses and organizations to increase the awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Curves was nominated by Gina Schafer, Shirley Wegscheid, Judith Halverson, Connie Rothstein and 23 more signers.