Closer, stronger

Brian and Shannon Meltz's 2-year old daughter, Hailey, is still battling an inoperable brain tumor. The Appleton, Wis., family's life is full of stresses and strains they weren't expecting. But through it all, they find themselves closer and stronger. They still have hope. Post-Crescent video by M.P. King.

Closer, stronger

Strength through bodybuilding

It started as a simple Christmas gift: a personal trainer to foster Derek Dolgner’s interests in fitness and personal training. Joan Dolgner, the 17-year-old’s mother, admits that gift evolved into something much larger than she ever expected. Post-Crescent slideshow by M.P. King.

Strength through bodybuilding

Annual Midwest Crane Count

Scores of volunteers fan out across the countryside one day each year in search of returning Sandhill cranes. The volunteers use their ears as well as eyes to count the cranes as part of the International Crane Foundation's Annual Midwest Crane Count. The event is a five-state effort to measure the resurgence of the birds, which were hunted to near extinction in the late 19th century. Post-Crescent video by Steve Wideman.

Crane Count

Women's roller derby league rolls into Fox Valley

They have names like Switchblade Hunni, Drunkin’ Donut, Slick Nikki, Ginger Gunns, Chauncy Lightbottoms, Secretary of Skate and Snap CrakYa Pop! They’ve grown to 60 women strong and they are the Fox Cityz Foxz women’s roller derby league. Delonna Kaufman (AKA Wring Leader), 38, of Oshkosh, formed the league last September and now the 2008 season is in full swing. Post-Crescent video by Sharon Cekada.

Roller Derby

Moving with faith

It was Aug. 7, 2001. After a day with temperatures near 100, John Reese had jackknifed off a pontoon boat into a sand bar. The tingling pain and pressure he felt after the incident — after his rescue — were not a sign of hope. He broke his neck, and was paralyzed. He no longer would have use of his arms and legs. In the seven years since the accident, the only times Reese has felt both comfortable and comforted are when he has turned to God for answers. It has transformed his life. Post-Crescent slideshow by Dan Powers.

Moving with faith

Ald. Merkes wins Menasha mayoral race

Ald. Donald Merkes overcame an 808-vote deficit in the primary election to oust Mayor Joe Laux from the job he has held for two decades. Post-Crescent video by M.P. King.

Mayoral election

Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers legend, remembered

Photojournalist Dan Powers of The Post-Crescent remembers Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre's exceptional performance against the Oakland Raiders on Dec. 22, 2003, one day after Favre's father, Irvin, died of a heart attack. Post-Crescent video by M.P. King.

Brett Favre remembered