[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 131 (Monday, October 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2099]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           MOURNING THE TRAGIC BUS CRASH IN OSSEO, WISCONSIN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON KIND

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 17, 2005

  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, today I rise with a heavy heart. I mourn with 
the citizens of western Wisconsin as we remember the lives of five 
people killed in a tragic school bus crash in Osseo, Wisconsin.
  On Sunday, October 16, teachers, chaperons and members of the 
Chippewa Falls High School Marching Band were returning from a marching 
band championship when their bus struck an overturned tractor-trailer 
on Interstate 94 outside the city of Eau Claire. The band director, his 
wife and granddaughter, the bus driver, and a student teacher all were 
killed in the collision. Additionally, 29 other people were injured in 
this terrible accident.
  Sunday should have been a day of celebration for the Chippewa Falls 
Community. The Cardinals' routine, ``Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,'' 
earned the school third place in its division at the Wisconsin School 
Music Association State Marching Band Championships in Whitewater. 
Instead of excitement over a job well done, the night would end in 
tragedy. At 2 a.m., the first of four buses carrying more than 200 
students and 40 adults struck the overturned trailer on the dark road.
  That day Wisconsin lost dedicated secondary education teachers and 
valued members of our community. The band director, Morgan Greenhalgh, 
affectionately called ``G'' by his students, was more than a teacher to 
them; he was a friend. His pupils said of him that he was able to bring 
out the best in his students, creating an extended family of those he 
taught. His peers said he was a wonderful teacher and a role model who 
will be impossible to replace.
  Sadly, Therese Greenhalgh and their granddaughter, Morgan, also were 
lost in the crash. As was Brandon Atherton, a student teacher. Only 24 
years old, Brandon attended the university of Wisconsin Eau Claire. 
Even at such a young age, he was committed to giving back to the 
community. And finally, Paul Rasmus, the bus driver was killed. At 78 
years old, he was in the golden years of life. Instead of living a 
simple life of retirement, he spent his last years in service to the 
students at Chippewa Falls High School.
  There were 29 students and adults who suffered serious injuries as a 
result of the collision. My heart goes out to all those who were 
involved in this terrible accident, as well as the families, students, 
and the community that were effected that terrible morning. On behalf 
of all the residents of western Wisconsin, each of us shares in your 
loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones.

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