BLACKWELL – Sunshine and colorful fall leaves greeted participants in the Town of Blackwell’s 13th annual Wellness Walk on October 3, helping raise $1,614 for American Legion Post 44.

Although the Rat River Trail was damp from the previous night’s rain, the sun emerged before the walk’s 10 a.m. start, providing pleasant conditions for participants to enjoy the scenery along the river.

Patriotic plastic ducks in two sizes were hidden along the trail, including 10 with stickers on the bottoms worth $10 each. Grand prizes included two painted flag rocks worth $25 each and an eagle-painted rock worth $50. The grand prize winners were Cindy Reigle, Anne Marie Provenzano and Halee Henkel.

American Legion Post 44 member Henry Severson stopped by to visit the trail and thank the town for supporting the organization. Following the walk, participants and volunteers enjoyed pizza, sub sandwiches and desserts.

The event collected $807 in donations. With matching funds from the town, Blackwell will present a $1,614 check to the Legion at its next meeting.

Organizers thanked volunteers Jeff and Mary Schadrie, Gail Gentz, Sue Banie, Trista Jameson, Lisa Messerschmidt and Samantha Johnvin, along with local rock artist Laura Bethke. Josh Banie was also recognized for lending military flags from the Old Town Hall.

The town expressed appreciation to everyone who participated, donated and helped make the annual event a success.

Photo Credit: Laura Bethke

Published on: Oct 18, 2026 at 3:25 pm