PATRIOTIC D.A.R.E. CAR EARNS FIRST

The Trempealeau County D.A.R.E. car recently was named first in the state
during the recent Wisconsin D.A.R.E. conference at the Ramada Inn in Eau
Claire.

Each year at the conference, vehicles from throughout the state are
displayed, and officers in the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program vote
for the best design.

Trempealeau County's car -- painted red, white and blue in a U.S. flag
design -- competed against vehicles including a four-wheel-drive truck,
1959 Ford, 1957 Chevy Camaro and other sports cars.

The Trempealeau County car was created after the county's van quickly
deteriorated. The van was a former phone company service van, which the
sheriff's department used for seven years.

Because of a lack of funds available for the project, the sheriff's
department sought support from the community.

Local business owners Ted Kabus and Loren Nelson led the way by creating a
design and soliciting sponsorship from their vendors: Mike Skroch; Sam's
Auto Supply; Pro-Lite Glass, Nels Gunderson Chevrolet; Keenan Ford; Osseo
Ford; Speltz Sign Co.; PPG Automotive Finishes; and American Racing Custom
Wheels.

No taxpayer money was used for the project, which was funded through the
collaborative effort of Kabus Auto Body, Nelson's Straightline and
Trempealeau County Sheriff's Department employees who donated time and
materials.

The D.A.R.E. car is intended to connect with students and increase support
for the program. Throughout the last year the car has been featured in many
local parades.