Advancing Rural Wisconsin - Suring School District/Village of Suring

Awards Recognize Efforts of Rural Schools, Communities, and Libraries

State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster presented her first Standing Up for Rural Schools, Communities, and Libraries awards on March 9 during the annual Small Schools Conference in Wisconsin Rapids.

The awards recognize the efforts of Wisconsin rural communities that have advocated for their schools, libraries, and way of life at a time when many are threatened by difficult financial challenges. "We have strong schools because of the capable teachers and administrators, engaged business and community leaders, and active parents working together to keep schools strong," Burmaster said.

Suring historical bridge project;
State Superintendent Burmaster,
Carol Heise, Village of Suring;
Connie Friesen, very special arts; Mary Dettmering, principal, Suring high school

An award was presented to:

Historic Bridge Project:
Suring School District/Village of Suring
Suring, WI

After the sesquicentennial celebration, the community of Suring was enthused by the participation of school district youth in producing a mural celebrating their community's history. At this same time, the village hoped to save an historic, iron bridge scheduled for replacement. Village officials looked to build on past success when they contacted the school for help with the bridge project. The community, with help from artist Connie Friesen, wrote a successful grant for $125,000 to save the bridge.

Grant funds helped to move the historic bridge to its present location, and it is now configured for community use. A 16' x 36' mural adorns the bridge, which is the co-creation of four school districts. Using land donated by Curtis Gehling, a handicapped-accessible wetlands trail has been constructed near the bridge, as well as a community garden, gazebo, flagpole and second mural. The bridge has become a center for community activity and a testimony to what a vibrant rural school and community can do together. It has indeed become a "bridge to tomorrow".

For questions about this information, contact dpifin@dpi.wi.gov (608) 267-9114

Last updated on 8/30/2005 1:13:01 PM