Old updates about the Chi-Hi Marching Band bus crash

(Last modified: $Date: 2009-10-16 14:26:09-05 $ GMT)

(See also the Latest Updates) Old Updates: Sun, 10/16/05, 12:15pm -- CFMA president Teresa McDowell is currently evaluating what steps CFMA can take to help out. If you have ideas, email her at "up_north@iglide.net". Sun, 10/16/05, 12:45pm -- Chi-Hi is open today from 1-5pm for grief counseling. ANYONE is welcome to come to the school to talk about this. Sun, 10/16/05, 1:00pm -- There is a prayer service scheduled for 7:00 p.m. tonight at Chi-Hi. Sun, 10/16/05, 2:50pm -- There is one young person in critical condition at Gillette Children's Hospital in St. Paul, and another person at the adjacent Regions Hospital. (I got this news from a lifelong friend of mine who's in charge of PR at Gillette; he can't release names yet.) Sun, 10/16/05, 4:00pm -- According to news reports: the bus driver, Paul Rasmus (78) of Chippewa Falls, died in the crash. Other fatalities include two men (24 and 48), a woman (51), and a girl (11). Sun, 10/16/05, 7:45pm -- Superintendent Mike Schoch confirmed after the prayer meeting that those killed included student teacher Brandon Atherton, and beloved director Doug Greenhalgh ("G"), along with his wife and granddaughter. Schoch also said there are still six people in the hospital with serious injuries. Sun, 10/16/05, 8:00pm -- Kim LeDuc says that all band parents are invited to attend first-hour band tomorrow morning with their kids. Sun, 10/16/05, 9:25pm -- Jessi McIlquham is in stable but critical condition in Marshfield. Her uncle Steve reports that she broke her leg, has a hip injury, and sustained facial injuries. Scans are okay so far; surgery this afternoon went well. She'll need more surgery once the swelling goes down. Steve is asking for your fervent prayers for Jessi. Sun, 10/16/05, 11:05pm -- WCCO-TV (Minneapolis) reports that there are still seven people in critical condition, including four students. Mon, 10/17/05, 6:15am -- At a press conference, Schoch said that six people remain in the hospital in critical but stable condition. They have all had surgery and are all improving. They include one 6th-grade girl from Chippewa Falls, one high school student, three chaperones, and one teacher, Brian Collicott. Brian is the band director for grades 9-10. He had surgery on his ankle, and suffers a broken arm, broken leg, spinal injuries, and multiple fractures. More surgery is scheduled; he'll be in the hospital for "quite some time." Mon, 10/17/05, 9:15am -- Chi-Hi Principal Jim Sauter updated the band students and parents during first-hour band with the condition of several people still in the hospital. However, I don't want to put that information on this website until I get approval from the parents. Mr. Collicott is at the Mayo Clinic, but is heavily sedated and can't take visitors for at least a few days. Mon, 10/17/05, 9:20am -- Dr. Sauter said that the visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, 5:00-8:00pm in the school gym. At 7:40 there will be a special musical tribute to G. Funeral is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Trinity United Methodist. Mon, 10/17/05, 10:38am -- Amy Bowen's dad reports that "Amy is in intensive care following surgery to repair a broken right femur and ankle. She may also have knee damage; too soon to tell. She had a severe head laceration. She came out of surgery pretty well, she's tired and in pain but she doesn't seem to have any lasting effects from the head injury. She's going to be okay but she's going to be laid up for a while, something difficult for a college senior. Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers." -- Steve Bowen (sbowen@sgi.com) Mon, 10/17/05, 3:30pm -- Cassie Gast is the 6th-grade girl who is in Gillette Children's Hospital. She will probably be there for 3-4 weeks because her pelvis is broken in two places. She might be able to have visitors in a week. In the meantime, check out her journal and guestbook. Mon, 10/17/05, 4:26pm -- Good news -- Jessi McIlquham is able to respond by writing notes -- and the notes had some humor in them! I just created a guestbook for Jessi -- feel free to view and sign. Mon, 10/17/05, 5:45pm -- (From John Tulman, tulmanje@charter.net) -- "The visitation for Paul Rasmus will be tomorrow from 4:00 - 8:00 at Horan's; the funeral is Wednesday at 12:30 at Notre Dame. Paul was tremendously good for our kids over so many years and I hope that in our grief for Doug and his family and Brandon, we don't lose sight of Paul." "Paul did what he had to in order to try and save the bus. His actions probably saved many lives and most assuredly made his own death a certainty. For those who questioned his abilities because of his age, he did exactly what he is supposed to in an emergency - he locked the gears instead of slamming the brakes (according to the National Safety Transportation Board on going review). That is why the bus 2 driver didn't see any brake lights from Paul's bus." Mon, 10/17/05, 5:50pm -- Richard Estrem Fuller (nrfuller2005@sbcglobal.net) wants people to know that they are most welcome at the funeral service for Greenhalghs (10:30 a.m. Thursday). They will have large screen projectors in the new dining hall, and a large screen projector in the old basement dining room. They will have loudspeaker on the back green grass area, and if it rains they will have a live feed to the First Prebyterian church across the street. Richard estimates that they could handle 400-500 people or more...plus with the feed up to the high school. Mon, 10/17/05, 6:27pm -- Does anyone have photos from the state competition? People would like to give photos for the bus driver's family and for the funerals and vigil services. If you have any, please contact Esther Pedigo (ped@charter.net). (I could also put some on the CFMA web page.) Mon, 10/17/05, 9:50pm -- Dawn Mansur talked to Molly Nordin, who visted Brian C. today. Molly reports that C saw a spine specialist and they took off the collar (neck brace). She sounded optimistic that he may be home in couple of weeks and back in school in a month. Sounded like spinal injury is less than we feared. Tues, 10/18/05, 7:52am -- A former Chippewa Falls family now living in Rochester is willing to host families visiting Mayo Clinic if needed. They have extra bedrooms and bathrooms. Contact Ken Wilcox (WilcoxK@hearthnhome.com). Tues, 10/18/05, 8:34am -- Orchestra director Molly Nordin brings GREAT NEWS about "C": "Tom, Just to let you know that Brian does NOT have spinal injuries. He has 3 broken vertebrae in his back, but they are hoping they will heal on their own. He is finally able to sit up a little." Tues, 10/18/05, 12:30pm -- There's a great article in the Leader-Telegram with injury updates. Highlights include Jessi McIlquham -- she's drawing funny cartoons despite her eyes still being swollen shut. Her left leg was smashed, but "she's got her whole personality." Her mom has to tell her today about G dying in the crash. Jessie will have more surgery today, but there doesn't appear to be any internal injuries or brain damage. Cassie Gast should have her ventilator tube removed today. She has broken leg bones, cracked ribs, and her pelvic bones is broken in three spots. Also lacerations on her liver, kidney and spleen, but doctors said those should heal. Brian Collicott has been upgraded to fair condition at Rochester Mayo. Jessica Rozga is still in serious condition at St. Joseph's in Marshfield. No details were avialable about Ruth Weiland's condition. Tues, 10/18/05, 12:40pm -- Jessica Rozga's father reports in: "Jessica is currently in surgery to repair a broken right hand and a fractured pelvis. She also has a fracture of the shoulder blade, broken ribs, a collasped lung, fractured vertibra, a cut on her liver, some facial custs and a broken nose. She has a tube down her throat because of the lung, so she is unable to talk. She has been communication with us using her hands and eyes. She has no other facial injuries other than the nose. She did receive the balloons from the group...thank you very much." -- Tom & Bunny Rozga (dad & mom). (Rozga.Thomas@basco.com) Tues, 10/18/05, 2:39pm -- Andrew Sazama's mom wrote in: "Andrew was also riding on the first bus in the 3rd row behind the driver. Andrew was air-lifted to Gundersen Lutheran in LaCrosse. Miraculously, he only has a broken fibula in his right leg and broken bones in his left hand. No surgery was needed for any of his injuries. We were able to bring him home Sunday night. He is recuperating at our home. We are most grateful for the prayers and support of everyone and for the fact that he is in such a stable condition." -- Mary Sazama (SazamaMM@chipfalls.k12.wi.us) Tues, 10/18/05, 3:34pm -- People are asking for a snail-mail address for the hospital where C is staying. I got a tip and just called to verify: Brian Collicott c/o St. Mary's Hospital 1216 2nd Street SW Rochester, MN 55902 (507)255-5123 (He also has on online guestbook.) Tues, 10/18/05, 3:46pm -- I have gotten inquiries from both the Chippewa Herald and the Leader-Telegram asking for names of students they can interview. There's no way I will give out any names of kids I know. But if a student (with parental permission) wants to be interviewed, let me know and I'll pass on contact info for the reporters. - Tom A. (tom@arneberg.com) Tues, 10/18/05, 4:58pm -- According to Molly Nordin, Brian C. thanks everyone for the cards/ balloons and other gifts. He is going in for surgery on his leg first thing tomorrow Tues, 10/18/05, 7:07pm -- Michelle Stephenson reports that they were able to see Brian Collicott today. "It was a wonderful blessing to be able to see him. His room has notes from the students all over the walls. We brought him the poster signed by the orchestra students. I would not say he was chipper, but a little sad. He was holding up well--I would say he is very strong. He is still in pain from the injuries and he said he was undergoing another operation tomorrow to help repair his broken femur. He says he has broken bones and fractures all over. He seemed concerned for everyone else though. Worried about Molly and asked about how she was doing. He is concerned for the students and how they are coping. He is trying to focus on getting better as quickly as possible. Wanted us to make sure everyone knows he is thinking of them and that he says "Hi". Tues, 10/18/05, 9:52pm -- Her dad reports that Amy Bowen is out of intensive care and is making steady progress. She is in good spirits but she tires quickly whenever she has to get up and move about. She may be released from the hospital in the next day or so, depending upon her mobility and strength. Tues, 10/18/05, 10:12pm -- Maureen Steltz is wondering if there are plans to have pictures at the visitation. Does anyone know? She has a lot to offer, as do I. If nobody else is doing anything, we could burn a few hundred marching band photos onto a couple CDs and project them somewhere. (I've heard that there are plenty of digital projectors at Chi-Hi that could be used.) Tues, 10/18/05, 10:56pm -- Adam Jeffers replied regarding streaming video to the Internet for the funeral. He's taking care of the audio/visual arrangements for the funeral Thursday. The District will be streaming the video to Chi-Hi and other areas of the church, but they do not want to make it public. It's possible that the family will give permission to the district to videotape it...if they do so, then we'll see if they'll give permission to make copies or put it on the web. Wed, 10/19/05, 8:19am -- I just got this from Paul Gilbertson, choir director at North High School in Eau Claire: "Six NHS band students and Mrs. Quandt will join with band students and directors from all over the state of Wisconsin to stand outside the funeral site Thursday morning beginning at 10 a.m. in support of the people who were affected by this tragedy. Band members will be in full uniform with instruments and will stand in respect and support both before and after the service." Wed, 10/19/05, 9:07am -- Pleasant View Bed & Breakfast on Lake Wissota saw the generous offer from Ken Wilcox in Rochester, and would like to offer free rooms for family or friends of Greenhalghs coming to Chippewa Falls for the funeral. Contact innkeeper@pleasantviewbb.com or 715-382-4401. Wed, 10/19/05, 10:14am -- Jessi McIlquham is in for surgery today 9-11 am. She asked about Brady. The director of the Marshfield band has been in the hospital every day to lend support. Wed, 10/19/05, 10:38am -- Update on Jessica Rozga -- "Yesterday she had 7 hours of surgery to repair a broken right hand and a fractured pelvis. She is still in critical condition and a breathing tube remains in her mouth. Hopefully, the tube can be removed today or tomorrow and then she can speak. Now she just needs time to heal. - Tom Rozga (Dad) (Note: I just created an online guestbook for her. - Tom A.) Wed, 10/19/05, 11:04am -- Tom Hubbard's daughter talked to Ruth's mom, and reports that Ruth Weiland came home from the hospital at 9am this morning! She has a concussion, but will be at the wake tonight for about 15 minutes or so. Wed, 10/19/05, 11:21am -- All classes are cancelled at Chi-Hi tomorrow for the Thursday 10:30am funeral. The main site, Trinity United Methodist, is not large...it may get filled just with family members. However, Pastor Rich has designated the narthex of their church for band students. Overflow sites with a video feed include First Presbyterian Church ("Church of Gordy's") across the street, and the Chi-Hi gymnasium. Wed, 10/19/05, 11:25am -- Does anyone have an electronic copy of the official Chi-Hi logo? There's a guy in Arizona who grew up in this area who is going to print some stuff for his school band there and would like a computer file (jpg, eps, bmp). (I would also like one for the CFMA web page -- the cardinal there now is from a baseball team!) For more details, see his email. Wed, 10/19/05, 11:46am -- Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle's office had recommended Chi-Hi's marching band represent Wisconsin at the 2007 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington D.C. Here's an email from the events coordinator who talked to Greenhalgh just last Friday. Wed, 10/19/05, 12:20pm -- Her parents report that Jessi McIlquham is in surgery today but they don't know how long it will last. Despite initial reports, she had no hip injury, and is in good spirits. She got "Regina" her stuffed dog back, thanks to Jim Barnier, Sharon McIlquham, and a great thanks to Novelty Cleaners and their staff! She thanks you all for your prayers and support. Wed, 10/19/05, 12:52pm -- official photos of Chi Hi band at Whitewater competition can now be purchased at Jolesch Photography Wed, 10/19/05, 1:10pm -- There's a band parents meeting at 9:00 pm tonight to discuss the possibility of students attending the funeral of Branden Atherton in Waukesha. Wed, 10/19/05, 1:21pm -- Jessi McIlquham's surgery is done and it went very well! PTL! Wed, 10/19/05, 1:42pm -- Listen to some fitting songs that people have sent in. Wed, 10/19/05, 2:20pm -- They're going to mention this web page on WQOW TV-18 tonight at 5pm. I'm sure there are many concerned people who don't know about the updates on the web page, so it will be good to spread the word. Wed, 10/19/05, 3:36pm -- I finally got the time to go through all my band photos from the past 14 months, and pull out every photo that contains Doug Greenhalgh. Click here to see them all. Wed, 10/19/05, 4:50pm -- According to her mom, Jessi McIlquham is in great spirits after her surgery today! "She has asked many times for different people. She remembers everything except the surgeries. Jessi can open one eye and has seen, many times, everything that was sent to her and wants to thank everyone." The McIlquhams thank everyone for the prayers and support. Wed, 10/19/05, 4:55pm -- There's a memorial service for Branden Atherton at UW-Eau Claire Wednesday, Oct. 26, at 5 p.m. in Gantner Concert Hall in the Haas Fine Arts Center. Community members are welcome to attend. (More details here.) Wed, 10/19/05, 6:00pm -- Adam Jeffers says that for G's funeral there will only be audio streamed, not video. However, the family granted permission to broadcast the funeral to Community Access Channel 11 in Chippewa Falls. Wed, 10/19/05, 7:00pm -- Amy Bowen is home!! Her days says: "I'm pleased to report that Amy was released from the hospital late this afternoon. She is sporting a designer cast on her foot and is collecting signatures. She was able to attend the service this evening for a short time. She is tired and sore but happy to be home." Wed, 10/19/05, 11:55am -- The visitation for Doug & Therese Greenhalgh and their granddaughter Morgan was held tonight at Chi-Hi. It was an absolutely overwhelming experience. Read more about it and see a few photos. Thurs, 10/20/05, 5:45am -- Three marching band alumni -- Megan MacLaughlin-Barck (88), Eric Olsen (88), and Joe Coughlin (90) -- are coordinating alumni efforts to start an endowment fund called "The Greenhalgh Family Endowment Fund," or, informally, "The G Fund." There's an alumni meeting at 8pm tonight to discuss. Thurs, 10/20/05, 9:00am -- Mary Dachel in the Chi-Hi office says that they will have both the audio and video at the school for the funeral service. Thurs, 10/20/05, 2:55pm -- Jessi McIlquham is still writing and holding onto Regina. She is able to read and see in the one eye and she does NOT need glasses. She wants to thank everyone for the wonderful gifts and all of the cards and notes -- she loves them! They so "colorful and pretty"! she can finally read the cards herself, so she's happy about that. Thank you all for the prayers, support, gifts, cards, and notes, Thurs, 10/20/05, 4:15pm -- Parents who were on the buses last weekend are being encouraged to attend a stress debriefing next Monday, Oct. 24 at 5:30pm in the high school library. Other caregivers at the scene are also invited to attend. The district recognizes that other band parents have also been through an emotionally draining experience -- if parents wish to meet as a group and go through a similar process, the guidance staff is willing to help. See Kathey Mehls's email for more info. Thurs, 10/20/05, 4:26pm -- Brian Collicott was experiencing a lot of pain today. Test results concluded that he has a broken femur as well and will need surgery in the early am. Spinal tests still have not resulted. (Note: Brian's wife Jennifer created another guestbook for him.) Thurs, 10/20/05, 4:52pm -- I just created online guestbooks for Therese Greenhalgh and Morgan Greenhalgh. Sorry I didn't do this sooner -- just somethng that I slipped up on with all that's going on. Thurs, 10/20/05, 5:00pm -- For those students attending Branden's funeral in Waukesha Friday, band uniforms will be worn. Students interested in riding a bus must fill out a permission form. FYI -- there is a also a memorial service for Branden closer to home, at UWEC next Wednesday, Oct. 26, at 5 p.m. (See more details about both). Thurs, 10/20/05, 5:25pm -- Wow...25 different schools sent contingents from their marching bands to G's funeral today: Altoona, Antigo, Augusta, Barron, Cadott, Colby, Colfax, Cumberland, DC Everest, Durand, Elk Mound, Fall Creek, Greendale, Hudson, Irondale, McDonnell, Memorial, Menomonie, North, Northstar Middle, Osseo Fairchild, Rice Lake, River Falls, Spring Valley, and Thorp. They were all in uniform and stood at attention outside the church from before it started until the hearses drove off. Very classy. I hope to get pictures uploaded tonight. Thurs, 10/20/05, 7:01pm -- Jessi McIlquham "is doing great. She drank water out of a tube/ straw thing, and she is still high in spirits. We -- including Uncle Steve -- painted her toenails tonight. I (Britt) took a picture of them with my phone and she wanted to know if you could put that picture on her site somehow. P.S. -- I wanted to let you in on a little humor of Jessi's. We were reading cards to her and she took the pen and wrote 'With all these cards you'd think I'd have gotten have some money!'" Thurs, 10/20/05, 11:19pm -- I just put up some photos from the Greenhalghs' funeral today. Fri, 10/21/05, 8:40pm -- There's a funeral home guestbook for Branden Atherton that you can sign, in addition to the other guestbook. Fri, 10/21/05, 10:11pm -- A Chi-Hi alumni would like to spearhead a "Memorial Garden" for Greenhalghs on the Chi-Hi campus somewhere. He is a project manager for a landscaping firm, and could get donated landscape architecture designs and maybe even free plants. Read his email for more info. Fri, 10/21/05, 10:21pm -- Wow, are you ready for this? Remember that "Amazing Grace" song (new melody) that was played on a CD at the funeral? The soloist (and guitar player) in that was none other than Jessi McIlquham , the band student who is in critical condition in Marshfield. I had no idea! Jessi is in a teen band from their church called "Blind Faith." You can buy their CD at Central Lutheran Church. Fri, 10/21/05, 1:45pm -- CFMA Vice President Jayne Baugher called from the bus en route to Branden's funeral. She said CFMA is setting up a fund to help "C" on his long road to recovery. See this page for more info. Fri, 10/21/05, 11:00pm -- The football playoff pairings have been announced. Chi-Hi is Division 2 and will host Lakeland on Tuesday, Oct. 25. I think it's a home game...I hope the marching band plays!! If we win, we play the winner of Baraboo vs. La Cross Logan. (Here are the full brackets.) Sat, 10/22/05, 2:00am -- According to Becky Soules (UWEC student with Branden who used to march with Collicott in Capital Sound), Branden Atherton's funeral in Waukesha "was absolutely beautiful. I couldn't have asked for a better ceremony to say Goodbye to Branden. It was very moving and nice to see so many people." Sat, 10/22/05, 8:00am -- There will be a special show 5-6pm Tuesday, October 25 on Wisconsin Public Radio (88.3FM). Mary Jo Wagner's "Westwside" regional call-in show describes it: "Residents of Chippewa Falls talk about how a community recovers from a bus tragedy that killed 5 of their own. We'll talk about the community cohesion a school band program provides." The show will have a brief opening segment recapping the events from an eyewitness perspective, but the main focus of the show is intended to celebrate the music program, the instructors, and the kids. This should be a great opportunity for folks to call in (800-228-5615) with remembrances, and an opportunity to talk about how the program will move on in the future (hence the administrative perspective). Sat, 10/22/05, 11:00am -- Jennifer report that Brian Collicott "was able to sit up in a caddy chair for a few minutes and actually be wheeled out into the hallway. Brian had spoken to students and faculty early Friday morning. His spirits were lifted by not only the phone call, but all of the cards, posters, and videos the students, parents, and faculty have sent him. I can not say it enough: THANK YOU!" Check Jennifer's journal for Brian for more details. She mentioned Friday that Brian will need to wear a brace for several months. He'll be in Rochester for possibly a few more weeks. Sat, 10/22/05, 11:50am -- Dave Randall writes a great report of Branden Atherton's funeral in Waukesha yesterday. Chi-Hi band members proceeded in full uniform to pay respects to the Atherton family. Branden's parents came into the locker room as Chi-Hi was preparing to depart, and had a touching exchange. Read Dave's email for more details. Sat, 10/22/05, 2:53pm -- Things have finally slowed down today. I'm going to La Crosse for a quartet contest a day late... I won't be able to read email or update this web page until Sunday night or Monday morning. - Tom@Arneberg.com Sat, 10/22/05, 7:01pm -- The Greenhalgh family gave permission for Trinity United Methodist to make copies of the funeral DVD. You can buy copies for $10 each; proceeds after expenses will be given to the family's memorial fund. You can get a flyer at the church Monday, and I'll get one up on this web site as soon as I get one. If you have questions contact Richard Estrem-Fuller (the pastor who officiated at the funeral) at nrfuller2005@sbcglobal.net. Sun, 10/23/05, 12:39pm -- update on Jessica Rozga from her dad -- "They plan to move her out of ICU if a room becomes available. She is doing much better, but is still in a lot of pain. She also needs to eat, but can't get anything down. We were told we can bring anything in for her, so today we brought in McDonald's. She ate most of it...we just need to keep forcing her to eat. She will be here for another week or two, than transfer to Milwaukee. She will have to stay off her feet for about 3 months (hard to do for a dancer), but she knows that what it takes and she will do it. Her spirits are high thanks to all your cards, letters and prayers. The hospital and staff have been great...we could not have asked for a better place for Jessie to be in." Sun, 10/23/05, 3:20pm -- Jessi McIlquham "is still in PICU; she has been sleeping and trying to stay comfortable until her next surgery which is next Wednesday. In the meantime she enjoys the cards she is receiving. If and when sending cards, please keep them humorous! She enjoys a GOOD joke! We will try to update you more after the next surgery. KEEP ON PRAYING! P.S. -- Regarding the recorded song Amazing Grace that was played at G's funeral -- Jessi was also playing the guitar! Mon, 10/24/05, 9:20am -- If you want to buy a DVD of the Greenhalghs' funeral ($10; proceeds go to family), here is an order form. (BTW, does anyone have a video recording of the visitation Wednesday night?) Mon, 10/24/05, 11:48am -- In addition to the meeting tonight for parents who were on the bus, there's another meeting Thursday night (cafeteria, 7pm) for ALL band parents: (1) to process any concerns, problems etc. that parents are having regarding their child, themselves, etc. in terms of the bus accident; (2) to share resources that are available for families should they require them; and (3) to have administration answer any "nuts and bolts" questions they may have regarding insurance, the process for selecting a band director, etc. This meeting would be open to band parents only -- please, no students at this gathering. --- Kathy Mehls (mehlskm@chipfalls.k12.wi.us) Mon, 10/24/05, 1:29pm -- "The Chi Hi band was honored at our championships this past weekend at the HHH Metrodome during our Youth In Music's prelims and finals competition. Menomonie band honored the band by playing Hymnsong No. 2 from Philip Bliss before a moment of silence. It was quite touching. We took donations and had a large card signed by participants." -- Brent Turner (mbidirector@hotmail.com), Mon, 10/24/05, 3:00pm -- Jeff Steltz gave me a link to a good article from Spooner about a passerby who helped our kids. Mon, 10/24/05, 5:06pm -- I just heard on the radio that the marching band WILL PLAY at the Chi-Hi home playoff football game tomorrow night! YEA!! Mon, 10/24/05, 7:52pm -- Tom Hotle says that the athletic boosters of Chi-Hi will donate a portion of the proceeds from the concessions at tomorrow night's playoff football game to the fund for Brian Collicott. They'll also collect freewill donations in buckets. (It should be noted that "C" has been at every home game for many years, leading the pep band!) Tue, 10/25/05, 6:53am -- I copied the complete scoresheets from Whitewater competition to our website. Tue, 10/25/05, 8:17am -- The Director of Programs of the Wisconsin School Music Association says that Doug Greenhalgh "improved the marching band activity for thousands of students and fans" through his leadership, research, and evaluation in WSMA. (See email for details.) Tue, 10/25/05, 10:28am -- Ron Buckles says the 7pm Thursday choir concert is NOT cancelled! Tue, 10/25/05, 10:37am -- For those who didn't see the printed program at Greenhalghs' funeral, here are the lyrics from that song that Jessi McIlquham wrote down from her hospital bed when she heard that "G" had died. Tue, 10/25/05, 2:05pm -- According to this article, "Pat Hull, a band teacher who worked in Fall Creek, will work with Chi-Hi band students the next two weeks. During that time, the district will search for two substitute teachers for the remainder of the school year while a formal search is conducted. Mike Schoch guessed Brian Collicott, the assistant band director who was injured in the accident, will be back to teach again next year." Tue, 10/25/05, 11:51pm -- If you missed the Marching Cardinals on the news last night (WEAU-13), here is the transcript (and video!). Wed, 10/26/05, 4:51pm -- I had my camera at last night's football playoff game, and took a few photos and video clips. Wed, 10/26/05, 5:00pm -- I got to meet the new temporary director, Pat Hull , at the game last night. He let me take his picture for the web page. Wed, 10/26/05, 6:47pm -- According to Connie Luer, "A benefit fund has been set up for Brian and Jennifer Collicott at RCU. We've been discussing this through Molly Nordin with the Collicotts. This was just done today so people can start depositing funds beginning Friday, Oct. 28. All anyone has to do is tell any of the tellers at RCU that you would like to make a deposit in the Brian Collicott fund and they will have the account access, at any RCU branch. Wed, 10/26/05, 6:57pm -- Brian Collicott got out of surgery this afternoon, according to Jennifer. "He is having a lot of pain, but is back on the morphine pump. He is sleeping right now and appears to be comfortable. The days are long here, but we are hoping to return home soon. I hate seeing him in pain. I see the frustration in his eyes and it is difficult to handle emotionally. I am thankful that we are together and that we will get through this together, along with the help of our family and friends. We appreciate the visits and packages that we have been receiving while we have been here. Knowing that we will be able to go home soon gives us encouragement and hope." (Read LT article or Jennifer's journal.) Wed, 10/26/05, 10:21pm -- Greenhalgh funeral is mentioned on the Marching.com web site. Wed, 10/26/05, 10:22pm -- We need parents to bring bars and cookies to SuperShow on Sat., Nov. 4. Each pan gets you points. Bars need to be 3x3 or 4x4" and packaged; cookies two per package. Deliver to Ron Buckles Nov. 4 or the morning of the 5th. (Be sure to sign your name to get credit.) Wed, 10/26/05, 10:30pm -- CFMA needs volunteers to staff fundraising tables at Saturday's 1pm playoff game at Chi-Hi. Proceeds go to help pay for Brian Collicott's recovery (the "C Fund"). Contact Jon Tulman or Jayne Baugher for more info. Thu, 10/27/05, 9:20am -- According to WEAU news, close to 400 people packed Gantner Hall at UWEC last night for the Branden Atherton memorial service. (See transcripts and video from WEAU.) Thu, 10/27/05, 10:30am -- Jessi McIlquham "went into surgery yesterday at 12:30pm and got out at 10:30pm (10hrs). They were mainly working on her facial injuries. Things went well according to the doctors; she had a very rough night but seems to be coming back around this morning." (from Laura) Thu, 10/27/05, 10:34am -- Jessica Rozga "was moved last night from Marshfield to Milwaukee by ambulance. She is now at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee. I will post the address later. She is doing better, but still in a lot of pain. Thank you for all the kind words, thoughts and prayers." -- Tom Rozga (Dad) Thu, 10/27/05, 2:00pm -- Cassie Gast (CF Middle School 6th-grader at Gillette) hasn't needed a breathing tube since last weekend. Her IVs have all been removed, and she is able to talk. The cards, emails, and visitors really cheer her up. ( Read article.) Thu, 10/27/05, 5:00pm -- 1997 grad Michelle Southworth is trying to get her hands on videos from as many Marching Cardinals competitions as she can. She's going to collect them all and put them on a DVD for any past or present band member -- estimated cost is only $2 or so per DVD! (For more info see her email.) Thu, 10/27/05, 9:17pm -- We had a meeting tonight of all band parents. Superintendent Mike Schoch and Principal Jim Sauter talked and answered questions for about an hour, and then we broke up into small groups for more discussions. For parents who couldn't make it, here are some highlights: Patrick Hull will teach band class through next week. School will hire "interim band director" for the rest of the school year. School will also hire a temporary directory until Mr. Collicott returns. There will be several interviews next week. The position for permanent band director will be opened in the spring. All music faculty will have input in the hiring process. Some band areas will be remodeled for handicap access. Current plan is that band will NOT march in future football playoff games this season, but pep band will play. Thu, 10/27/05, 10:53pm -- CFMA Vice President Jayne Baugher says that CFMA is planning to use the proceeds from the Supershow bake sale and concessions for three of the people who are still hospitalized. Read her email for more info. Fri, 10/28/05, 1:00pm -- Temporary band director Patrick Hull says that the physical changes in the band room are being made at the request of Brian Collicott. Hull and C are having lengthy discussions about the music program (a good sign!). C strongly feels that the marching season should now be over so the band can concentrate on the holiday concert. For more info, read Jon Tulman's email. Fri, 10/28/05, 11:40pm -- Brian Collicott is definitely coming home Monday!! He wrote a long email to all of the parents, students, faculty members, community members, friends, and strangers how proud he is to be associated with the Chippewa Falls School District, Music Department, and Community. (Note: this email went out on the "CFMA-News" email list. Eventually, these web page updates will become unnecessary, but the email list will live on. If you want to stay in the loop, you can join the list by sending a blank email to CFMA-News-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.) Sat, 10/29/05, 4:30pm -- both the soccer team and the football team from Chi-Hi won their playoff games today! The next football playoff game will be Friday or Saturday (to be announced Monday) in Menomonie. I'm not sure if the pep band will play or not. Sat, 10/29/05, 5:00pm -- Many people have enjoyed reminiscing over photos of "G"...and I discovered several more that I forgot I had taken (they were from events that I hadn't uploaded to the web yet), so I added them to the collection. I also have had requests for photos of Brian Collicott, so I put those online as well. Sun, 10/30/05, 8:00am -- Jessica Rozga "will be having more surgery on Monday. She is going to need some plates inserted for her ribs to align properly. The surgery should last about 4 hours. Ribs 2 thru 9 on her right side are not healing or lining up correctly. The surgery will correct those problems. She has been doing well at Froedtert Hospital. Her spirits remain high. The additional surgery is a bit of a setback, but in the long run it is the best for her full recovery." -- Tom Rozga (Dad) Sun, 10/30/05, 9:00pm -- This is old news to some of you, but I just learned that Cassie Gast was released from the hospital Friday! She is home and doing very well, according to her parents. Tue, 11/01/05, 9:00am -- The third round football playoff game is 7pm Friday night in Menomonie. I don't think the Chi-Hi pep band is playing, though. Also, both 4pm and 8pm SuperShow performances at Chi-Hi Saturday are sold out! They still need bars and cookies to sell. Tue, 11/01/05, 2:26pm -- Jessica Rozga "had surgery yesterday on her ribs. She is in ICU today and tomorrow...in a lot of pain. The surgery went well and she should be in less pain each day forward. It will be easier for her to breath now that the ribs have been corrected. Hopefully, she will be out of ICU on Wednesday." -- Tom Rozga (Dad) Thu, 11/03/05, 2:10pm -- Jessica Rozga "was removed from ICU today. She is in room 2NT-14 at Froedtert Hospital. Pain management is still one of the main issues. The surgery was successful and we hope that now she is on the road to recovery." -- Tom Rozga (Dad) Thu, 11/03/05, 7:56pm -- Brian Collicott has been home since Monday. His wife Jennifer thanks everyone for the messages, letters, and phone calls. Chi-Hi has set them up with a computer and web access at home. Most of the equipment Brian needs has arrived. They hope to transfer care providers to avoid trips to Rochester. They'll be setting up times for visits at their home within the next week. For more info, read Jennifer's journal. Fri, 11/04/05, 4:06pm -- Chi-Hi senior Danielle Hetke wrote a great essay on her marching band experience in the Whitewater competition, Reflections of a Senior Cardinal. Sat, 11/05/05, 2:00pm -- A Memorial Service for Doug Greenhalgh is being planned for Sunday, Nov 13 at 3:00 PM at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church in North Tonawanda, NY which is near Doug's hometown of Sanborn, NY. -- Candace Schultz (LeaBaer7@aol.com) Sat, 11/05/05, 2:00pm -- Jessi McIlquham is now online!! She is updating her journal by herself now. She is now eating (and craving Olson's ice cream) and talking! The swelling is subsiding and her hair has already grown an inch. She even walked on crutches today! For her complete report, see her online guestbook/journal Sun, 11/06/05, 6:40am -- show choirs from several area high schools converged at Chi-Hi last night for the 26th annual SuperShow. Both shows were sold out in advance! Groups performing were from North, Elk Mound, Altoona, Memorial, McDonnel, and Chi-Hi. ( See a few hundred photos.) Sun, 11/06/05, 5:05pm -- The Merrill High School band had a nice gesture toward Chi-Hi at their last halftime show. For details, read Jon's email. Mon, 11/07/05, 12:18am -- Jessi McIlquham is checking out tomorrow! There will be visiting hours at her home (1136 Dover) 4-7pm Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. But she does ask that you stagger visits somewhat. You don't need to bring HER any food, but it's okay to bring your own snacks if you want. For more details, read Jessi's journal entry. Mon, 11/07/05, 3:02pm -- you can see the agenda for tomorrow's monthly CFMA meeting. Tue, 11/08/05, 9:17pm -- WEAU-TV had a story about the new courtyard in downtown Chippewa Falls being named "Harmony Park" to honor the victims of the bus crash. ( Read the story and see the video clip.) Tue, 11/08/05, 8:22pm -- Jessica Rozga "has had the chest tubes removed and all of her IV's have been removed. She is getting pain medication orally. This is all progress. She will be unable to start rehab for a few more weeks, so they may allow her to come home until that time. The current plan is to get a hospital bed and chair moved to our home and set her up in our dining room. That could happen in the next few days. We think she is done with surgeries; now it is just time to heal. -- Tom Rozga (Dad) (Note: Mr. Rozga is now updating Jessica's online journal.) Wed, 11/09/05, 10:35pm -- The interim band director through January 20 is Andrew Merrier, a director with 10 years' experience at St. Croix Falls. He will be helped by Andrei Streizek, a student teacher from UWEC. For more info, read the Herald article. Thurs, 11/10/05, 5:04pm -- Amy Bowen is now updating her journal, too! She reports: "I've been at home with my parents for a few weeks now and I'm gradually getting better. I had a surgery last week to repair my broken fibula and to remove some pins from my ankle. I'm also going to have surgery to fix the torn ACL in my knee, but that won't be for at least six months. I have a cast on my ankle to immobilize my foot, which was badly dislocated as a result of the accident. The cast will be coming off in another week or so and then I'll have a walking cast put on. I went to a class today for the first time since the accident. I'm going to try and finish out the semester, but I may have to drop a class. I'm still planning on graduating from UWEC in May. Thank you all for the support!" Thurs, 11/10/05, 10:52pm -- Jennifer writes in Brian Collicott's journal: "Brian and I would like to thank all of the parents and students of Chi Hi for visiting this evening. C apologizes for not being able to speak in great length to everyone that visited. The turn out was incredible! As the evening went on it was more difficult for him to carry on conversation due to fatigue, but he would like everyone to know how proud he is of each and every student and how he can not wait for his return to school. Special thanks to Jessie McIlquham for attending this evening with her family. Stay strong, Jessie, you are doing great. Thanks to everyone for all of the support and for those students and parents that brought food to the house. It made for a wonderful evening for all!" (Editor's note: I did not advertise this event ahead of time on the web page, because it was meant only for band students and their parents; I figured there would be enough people there already who heard about it in class, so I didn't want to be responsible for even MORE people than that showing up! - Tom A.) Sun, 11/13/05, 10:46am -- Jessica Rozga was taken home on Saturday afternoon, by ambulance. She will remain at home for a few weeks and than return to Freodtert Hospital for in-patient therapy. She is doing well and is happy to be home....even if it is only for a few weeks. Sun, 11/13/05, 10:46am -- Jessica Rozga was taken home on Saturday afternoon, by ambulance. She will remain at home for a few weeks and than return to Freodtert Hospital for in-patient therapy. She is doing well and is happy to be home....even if it is only for a few weeks. On Friday morning she was able to speak with the color guard...that sure was a boost to her spirits. She would like to do it again...soon. Her address at home is: 11409 West Rhoder Ave. Franklin 53132. -- Tom Rozga (Dad) Fri, 11/18/05, 2:07pm -- Jayne Baugher is helping promote the "Frigid 8," a run/walk in Chippewa Falls on Saturday, Dec. 3. Proceeds will go to the injured band students. CFMA members are asked to bring chili. For more info, read Jayne's email and poster. Sun, 11/19/05, 4:02pm -- Amy Bowen reports: "I got my cast taken off yesterday! Now I have a walking cast on and Raji and I match. We're going to set a trend, because it's cool to wear a walking cast. Unfortunately I'm not going to be doing much walking for a few weeks, though. I have to wait to have an MRI done so the doctor can be sure my ankle bones are healed enough to put weight on the joint. I also started physical therapy yesterday, which went pretty well. It feels really good to move my muscles again. Now I'll be going to PT two or three times a week for a while, and then I'll be doing a lot of work on an exercise bike." Tue, 11/22/05, 9:41am -- Beth and Benjamin and I got to visit Brian Collicott ("C") last night, when we brought a meal to him (scheduled by his next-door-neighbor Lynn Mayhew). The wheelchair ramp is installed on the stairway of their split-level home. He is doing home therapy twice a week. He let me take some photos and video for the web page. Jennifer wrote in her online journal last night: "Brian continues to have a bit of a rough week. He is having a lot of aches and pains. Today was the first day where he actually began to have a better appetite. I told him he needs to start eating better because I can not eat all of this delicious food by myself! ... There will be a special Thanksgiving article in the Chippewa Herald on Wednesday about Brian so be on the look out. ... Everyone have a Happy Thanksgiving and I'll be back with an update after the holiday!" Fri, 11/25/05, 1:28pm -- According to her parents, Cassie Gast (6th-grader) "got out of surgery yesterday and had her cast taken off and her traction pin removed. She is in recovery and doing great! She may still be out of school for about 6 weeks, but she is on the full road to being Cassie again. Also, there was a really nice Compass Report done on Cassie on TV-13 on Wednesday night. The reporter did a great job on the story. They talked to Cassie, Kelly, Craig, CJ...showed footage of Cassie's horses outside her living room window, etc." Tue, 12/13/05, 1:12pm -- Brian Collicott ("C") came to the holiday band concert last night! He got a standing ovation after he gave a short speech from the front of the packed auditorium. We also go to hear the world debut of Remembrance, the song composed in honor of Doug Greenhalgh and others who perished in the crash. You can see photos of the concert here. Wed, 12/14/05, 8:00pm -- band parent Maureen Steltz captured a great moment on film, when the Marching Cardinals had just come off the field at Whitewater competition, just hours before the crash. She added a quote from Doug Greenhalgh (his last words to the assembled group), and the CFMA parents decided to sell 8x12 prints for $5 each and donate 100% of the proceeds to the Brian Collicott Recovery Fund. (Click here for more info.) Sat, 12/17/05, 4:30pm -- Chippewa Herald publisher Mark Baker wrote a great column about Brian Collicott's visit to the Rotary Club Meeting last Tuesday, and gave me permission to put it on our web page. Fri, 12/29/05, 8:30pm -- Band student Brady Nyhus was sitting in row 4 or 5 of bus 1, and wrote a recap of his crash experience in an email to some friends. He gave permission to put it on the web: Brady's Recap Tues, 1/10/06, 10:06am -- Jessica Rozga will begin rehabilitation therapy tomorrow afternoon (January 11) as she learns to walk again, according to her dad. This will be the first time since the accident that her feet will be on the ground! Tues, 1/24/06, 10:00am -- I finally got to meet Jessi McIlquham at the basketball game tonight! I was thrilled to see that she was not only up and about, but actually playing in the pep band!! (Although she did have to change her embouchure because of her facial injuries.) I wish I could've taken a photo of her to share with you all, but I dropped my camera on New Year's Day, and now it does not focus properly. :-( Mon, 2/13/06, 10:00am -- Gene Burk reports that WEAU-TV was at Central Lutheran last Wednesday night to do a story about Caring Bridge web site. "They did some videotaping of Blind Faith, our youth band whose members include, Jessica Mcilquham, Ryan Burk and Brady Nyhus, who were all on bus one. The piece is scheduled to air on WEAU (TV-13) Wednesday, February 22 at 10pm. Mon, 2/20/06, 6:00pm -- It was amazing to see Jessi McIlquham performing in Chi-Hi's winter musical, West Side Story, this week. (Check out the close-up photo of Jessi and her dance partner.) With all her dance moves, it's hard to believe that she was in critical condition only four months ago! Wed, 2/22/06, 4:00pm -- There are still some 8x12 photos available for sale ($5 each; goes to Collicott Recovery Fund). Maureen can even email them to you! Check out this web page for details. Wed, 3/01/06, 4:00pm -- The want-ad seeking Doug Greenhalgh's permanent replacement (starting next fall) appeared in the Chippewa Herald today. Applications are required by March 24. I couldn't find the ad online, so I typed it in and put it here.

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