Katie just finished selecting her dorm and her meal plan options for Bemidji State University, where she starts her freshman year on Aug. 20. Katie plans to live in Oak Hall, where the First Year Residential Experience is housed. FYRE is a program that helps freshmen adjust to college and dorm life through social activities. Katie is really jazzed about participating in FYRE. She has selected an all-women’s floor in the coed dorm (she said she figures the bathrooms will stay cleaner). Oak Hall was recently renovated, with a big screen TV and fireplace in the commons room. I want to move there myself. Want a peek at Katie’s dorm? Click on the photo tour link at the top right of this page.

It’s all starting to become all too real to us that our little Katie is about to leave the nest. Makes me sad and proud at the same time. I’ll certainly miss Katie’s ready smile and her bubbly personality around the house. But I also can’t wait to see what kind of teacher she becomes and to watch Katie grow into a full-fledged adult. We certainly have been fortunate with both of our girls.

Originally posted by jmidget123

I wonder if the newspapers in Wisconsin just have the bold phrase below programmed into their computers for ready access in this type of story.

From the Associated Press:

MANITOWOC, Wis. ― A zoo in Manitowoc was shut down for the day after a bear bit off at least two of a woman’s fingers. Police say the 47-year-old had gone past barriers and warning signs at the Lincoln Park Zoo and was apparently trying to feed two bears around 11:30 a.m. Friday. Capt. Scott Luchterhand tells the Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter a bear bit off her thumb and forefinger, while her middle and ring fingers were partially severed. The woman, identified as Tracy Weiler, of Manitowoc, remains hospitalized. Her boyfriend tried to pry the bear’s mouth off her hand. He also was bitten, but did not lose any fingers.

Mayor Justin Nickels’ office says alcohol was a factor with both adults. A 3-year-old child with them was not harmed (Editor’s Note: Apparently, he was the designated driver). Police say the bears likely won’t be euthanized.