This year’s Outstanding Citizen moved to Boscobel in 1965 with her husband when both of them were teachers. After teaching for two years, she took time off to raise her family. When her two children were old enough to attend school, she began volunteering while working part time at several different jobs. All of her jobs had one stipulation, that she be home in the morning and after school so she could take care of her two children. In 1979, she went back to work full time for the State of Wisconsin Job Services Department as a case manager. Quoting one of her fellow employees, “She was a great office leader and worked very hard to help job seekers achieve their employment and training goals. She was also a wonderful mentor, not only to customers, but office staff as well.” It was during this period of time when her community service began to shine. She served as the Boscobel Park and Rec Director for several years. During her tenure as Rec Director, she saw the arts incorporated into the recreational programs, opened the ice skating rink, where she even served as the official skate sharpener, and insisted on getting more girls involved in activities. Retiring in 1998, she had no idea what retirement would be like for her. It soon became the busiest time of her life. She volunteered at church, working with and organizing the quilters, who provide quilts for third world countries, as well as local families in need. She continues to organize the choir music, yearly choir schedule, and music library for her home church. She has written cover letters and aided people with resumes, as well as writing letters of recommendation. In 2002, she began the Boscobel Area Rescue Kennel, also known as BARK. This organization began as an idea and through many volunteers and donated time and resources it has continued. Over the past 10 years, BARK has rescued and adopted hundreds of animals. In 2008, she volunteered as the treasurer for the InHealth Community Wellness Free Clinic. She not only handles the books and pays the bills for the clinic, but also does the same for the Thrift Shop and the Boscobel Area Food Pantry. She also serves on the Free Clinic Board of Directors. Over the past several years, health problems have forced her to cut back somewhat on her volunteering, but she continues to remain involved with the Free Clinic and her church work. As a result of her health, she was a catalyst for having the EECP (Enhanced External Counterpulsation Therapy) service brought to the Boscobel Area Health Care facility. No other hospital in Grant, Richland or Crawford counties provides this non-invasive procedure. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, doing puzzles and, of course, spending plenty of time with her husband, children and grandson, Parker. I know she’s a brave lady, because she offered to taste my homemade head cheese. For those of you who know what that’s made of, not just everyone enjoys such a delicacy. It is my pleasure to introduce this lady, who has been a friend of mine for a long time, as the Citizen of the Year: Lois Knoble. Lois, please come forward to receive your award and introduce your family that is with you tonight.