Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith Enter the Hall of Fame

Two guys who defined a generation of NFL football. 

“We are blessed to achieve this level of greatness together,” Smith said, referring to Rice.

They will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 7.

Rice and Smith each won three Super Bowls and was the MVP in one of those victories. Smith was the 1993 league MVP, as well.

Rice, the NFL’s career receiving and touchdowns leader, and Smith, the top rusher, were joined in the Hall by John Randle, Russ Grimm, Rickey Jackson, Floyd Little and Dick LeBeau. Little and LeBeau were elected as senior committee nominees.

Rice, the perfect receiver for the West Coast offense, played 20 seasons for San Francisco, Oakland and Seattle. He made 1,549 catches for 22,895 yards, had 14 1,000-yard seasons and scored 208 touchdowns.

Smith, among the most durable running backs, rushed for 18,355 yards and 164 touchdowns for Dallas and Arizona.

Soaking Up Saturday

Yet another busy, but fun day.  Attended a basketball game for Kid #3 this morning.  Then after lunch, Wendy decided to make it a girls’ day at the mall with Kid #2 and Kid #3 (Kid #1 had a dance thing to attend).  So Kid #1, The Boy, and I spent some time Wiiing all over the living room.  The Boy and I dropped Kid #1 off at the dance thing and headed for the rifle range.  We spent some time with the .22 and 30-06.  Picked up Kid #1 and finished off the evening stuffing ourselves at Qdoba’s. 

Oh, happy day

West Bend Teachers’ Contract Negotiations Continue

Yeah, just remember this when we’re being asked to tax to the max (again) because of overcrowding and poor facilities.

Bracken said the West Bend district is asking its teachers for a reprieve to get through tough times. The district’s offer would raise pay for teachers about 2% in 2009-‘10 and 3.7% in the second year, he said. The district also is proposing that teachers pick up more of their health insurance costs starting in 2011.

The teachers, meanwhile, are seeking what amounts to a 13% increase in pay over the next three years, he said. The only change to health benefits proposed by the union is for the district to pay $100 to employees’ flexible spending accounts if their spouses complete wellness surveys and screenings.

Challenge Day Returns

Reported by Judy Steffes.

A Challenge Day program cancelled late last month in the West Bend School District is now back on, but will not involve students.

   “I’m still working with the people from Challenge Day to determine what services they’re going to provide us because we are obligated for some contractual pieces with them,” said Assistant Superintendent Ted Neitzke.

[...]

Despite that decision, the West Bend School District had already signed a contract with Challenge Day. According to the contract, there are no refunds. A state Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse grant for $12,800 will pay for the program.

   “In the contract, if you cancelled within 30 days of the event you had to pay the contract,” said Neitzke. “So we’ve been working with them on what other services they can provide for staff development with guidance counselors, school psychologists, social workers, teachers or something else with non-student contact.

   “Our stance was ‘if we’re going to pay you, we’re going to ask you to provide a product, we’re not just going to lose money,’” he said.