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PEOPLE
Schaefer Selected as 75th Alice in Dairyland
Her primary duty is to educate the public about the importance of agriculture
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has selected Taylor Schaefer of Franksville as Wisconsin’s 75th Alice in Dairyland. In this position, Schaefer will work during the contract year as a full-time communications professional for DATCP, educating the public about the importance of agriculture in Wisconsin. Schaefer’s fondest memories stem from her family’s beef and crop farm, where raising livestock and serving as a youth leader in the Racine County 4-H program ignited her passion for agriculture. Schaefer went on to study at the University of Wisconsin (UW)Madison, where she was involved in the Association of Women in Agriculture, Badger Dairy Club, and the UW marching band. In 2021, she interned with Mayer Beef and Folk Song Farm, where she broadened her knowledge of the Something Special from Wisconsin™ program and connected with consumers.
A WORKING ALICE
She has since joined the UWMadison Animal and Dairy Sciences Department as a digital media intern and the Mid-West Farm Report as a farm assistant. She graduated in May with bachelor’s degrees in animal sciences and life sciences communication and a certificate in digital studies, after which she accepted a position with the Mid-West Farm Report, in Madison. “As a young exhibitor, I looked up to Alice for her contributions towards reconnecting consumers to producers and ability to foster positive relationships between urban and rural community members,” Schaefer says. “As Alice, I will explore Wisconsin’s diverse agriculture industry and share my knowledge with audiences of all demographics across the state,” she adds. Schaefer was selected during the 75th Alice in Dairyland Finals hosted by Dane County. She began her term as the 75th Alice in Dairyland on July 5. She succeeds 74th Alice in Dairyland Julia Nunes of Chippewa Falls.
About Alice in Dairyland
Alice in Dairyland is a full-time communications professional for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).
As Alice in Dairyland, Taylor Schaefer says she will explore Wisconsin’s diverse agriculture industry and share her knowledge with audiences of all demographics across the state.
The Alice program is supported by several partner organizations including Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, Kettle Moraine Mink Breeders Association, Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board, Midwest Jewelers Association, Ginseng Board of Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Beef Council. For more information about the Alice in Dairyland program, visit https:// www.aliceindairyland.com/ and follow Alice on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Gary Hansen, 56, passed away unexpectedly on June 7, 2022, at his home. Born September 3, 1965, to Harland and Judy Hansen Denn, Gary grew up in Madelia, Minnesota. He graduated from Madelia High School, in 1983, and received his Bachelor’s in Agriculture and Business from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. He enjoyed a long and successful career in agriculture and produce brokerage, working at RPE, Inc., in Bancroft, Wisconsin, for many years. Gary’s pride and joy was his family. He was happiest spending time at the cabin in Minocqua, watching his children enjoy their passion of water skiing, and taking many, many family vacations. He moved with his family from Minnesota to Stevens Point for career opportunities, in 1998, and again to Plover, in 2016, to live permanently on the river. After a surgery in 2014 left him paralyzed, his life became more complicated. He had recently obtained his pilot’s license and flying his plane was his greatest thrill.
DETERMINED TO FLY
He was determined to fly again, and after much research, had a light sport aircraft built with hand controls. With the help of his many pilot friends, he was able to enjoy his new plane, although only briefly. Gary was kind, loving, told terrible dad jokes, and had too many friends to count. He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Karyn; his daughter, Ashley, and son, David; sister-in-law, Jodi Westgard, and niece, Zoey Hansen; and sister-in-law, Cheryl Starr, and nephew, Adam (Stephanie) Starr, niece, Cat Starr, and great-nephew, Christopher. Gary is further survived by his fatherin-law and mother-in-law, Ronald and JoAnn Tucker; and stepsisters, Cinda (Brian) Wallace, and Dee (Doug) Thomas. He will be missed by many uncles, aunts, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his father, Harland Hansen, and mother, Judy Hansen Denn; stepfather, Robert Denn; brother, Bruce Hansen; and nephew, Jeffrey Starr.
A celebration of Gary’s life took place on June 13 at Shuda Plover Funeral Home. Visitation was followed by a service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your favorite charity in Gary’s name. Online condolences can be sent by visiting https://www. stevenspointjournal.com/obituaries/ wis362041.
Gary A. Hansen September 3, 1965 – June 7, 2022
Dan Kakes Honored at Baseball Game
His son, Aaron, threw out the first pitch of the memorial game in Antigo
The Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) sponsored the Dan Kakes memorial baseball game on July 13, 2022, in Antigo, Wisconsin. Aaron Kakes threw out the first pitch before Antigo took to the field in a matchup against a favored Plover American Legion team. It seems only fitting that, in the memorial game honoring Dan, Antigo upset Plover by a score of 3-1. Aaron is the son of Dan, who passed away tragically in February of 2022. Aaron, a fourth-generation certified seed potato grower, continues to operate Kakes Farms Ltd. Dan’s dedication to farming led him to serve as president of the Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association Board of Directors as well as on the WPVGA Board. Dan enjoyed a long and successful career in agriculture and produce brokerage, working at RPE, Inc., in Bancroft, for many years, as well as growing certified seed potatoes, oats and hay on Kakes Farms in Antigo.
