ABOUT KAREN
PERSONAL
Married to husband Steven for 48 years. Five children, seven grandchildren.
Resident of the Town of Withee (Thorp mailing address), Wisconsin. Has lived in rural Wisconsin
for 30 years.
EDUCATION
Truman State University, Kirksville, Missouri
Bachelors of Arts in Spanish, Minor in German, May 1980
Graduated Summa Cum Laude
Huntington’s College of Health Sciences, Knoxville, Kentucky
Diploma of Comprehensive Nutrition, May 1994
Reaffirmed through testing September 2014
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Undergraduate studies in Chemistry, Biology, Statistics,
Calculus, Physics, Completed August 2012
Certificate in Grant Writing and Management, June 2007
University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, Connecticut
Master of Science Biochemistry, December 2017
The George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
Master of Public Health, August 2024.
MILITARY TRAINING AND SERVICE
Reserve Officer Training Program (ROTC)
Truman State University, Kirksville, Missouri
Graduated May 1980
Air Assault School, Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, May 1979
Advanced Camp Training, Ft. Riley, Kansas, August 1979
Regular Army Commission, Second Lieutenant, May 1980
United States Army
Military Intelligence Officer’s Basic Course
Fort Huachuca, Arizona, graduated August 1980
Electronic Warfare Training Military Occupational Specialty
Fort Devens, Massachusetts, graduated November 1980
Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Defense Warfare Course,
Fort Stewart, Georgia, graduated March 1982, Honor Student
Completed time in service May 1984 holding the rank of Captain
WORK EXPERIENCE
Small business owner
Karen R. Hurd Nutritional Practice, LLC, May 1994 to present
Scene & Hurd Productions, LLC, Film production company 2017 to present
Crickets Pizza, Pizza restaurant, 2023 to present
Legislator, Representative to the Wisconsin State Assembly, District 69. First elected November 2022—completing 2nd term January 2027.
United States Army
May 1980 to May 1984
US Army Reserve 1984-1986
Various jobs held while in high school and college
Administrative assistant
Cafeteria worker
Spanish/German tutor
COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE
Legislator – Representative to the Wisconsin State Assembly, District 69. Elected November 2022.
Currently a candidate for a third term in the Wisconsin Assembly.
Village of Fall Creek Trustee – 2021 to 2024
Fall Creek Public Library Trustee – 2021 to 2024
American Legion, Fall Creek Post 376 Past Member, Color Guard Commander, Chaplain, 2006-2024. Current member of Thorp American Legion Post.
Fall Creek Historical Society member— 2020 to 2024
Fall Creek Lions Club member—2020 to 2024
Faith Evangelical Free Church, Fall Creek, Wisconsin
Director of Music/Worship Leader for 19 years, 1996-2015
Sunday School Teacher and Women’s Bible Study Leader for 19 years, 1996-2015
Fall Creek Valley Housing (Wunderhaven) board member and past president 2001-2004, 2023-2024
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
Columnist
From 2002 to present: Weekly historical fiction column entitled “On the Heels of the Past”
Tri-County Area Times, Osseo, Wisconsin
From March 2021 to present: Weekly historical fiction column entitled “The Sojourn of Saida Chatlier”
Buffalo County Journal (Buffalo County, WI), the Courier-Wedge (Pepin County, WI), Plainview News (Plainview County, MN), St. Charles Press (Winona County, MN), and Wabasha County Herald (Wabasha County, MN).
Playwright
From 1997 to 2017
Penned over forty full-length plays and musicals that were performed by the production company Scene & Hurd Productions LLC (previously known as Community Arts). Many of these plays and musicals were performed in Fall Creek at Faith Evangelical Free Church. Many were performed at the State Theatre in Eau Claire, WI.
Screenwriter/Producer
From 2016 to present
Wrote and produced The Lumber Baron, a fictional historical drama feature film
Subject: the lumber era in Wisconsin in 1910
www.sceneandhurd.com
Released May 2018, North American Distributor: Indican Pictures, a partner with Lionsgate
Released Oct 2021, Worldwide Distributor (less North America): Multicom
Winner of the 2018 Twin Cities Film Fest Audience Award
Nominated for Best Feature Film 2018 Twin Cities Film Fest
PRESENTATIONS
Professional Enhancement Speaker
The George Washington University
December 2020
Nutritional Speaker
From 1992 to present
Nutritional presenter at:
College, high school, and middle school classes
Main presenter at multiple public events (spring luncheons,
seminars, and special events)
High school teacher in-service days
Southwestern Bell Telephone employees
Drury Inn employees
St. Louis Catholic Parish Parent-Teacher Organization
Podcast guest on several health-related podcasts
Panel member for nutrition health organizations’ e-classes
Radio guest speaker
From 2007 to 2016
WWIB/WOGO Radio Station, Lake Hallie, Wisconsin
AWARDS
Army Service Medal, 1984
For outstanding service in the United States Army
Air Assault Badge
Marksmanship Badge
Army ROTC Outstanding Cadet Decoration
Awarded as the outstanding cadet in her senior class for the
academic year 1979-80
Distinguished Military Student, 1980
ROTC Excellence Ribbon, 1977-1980
Outstanding Merit Ribbon, 1977-1980
Scholastic Achievement Ribbon, 1977-1980
Cadet Commendation Ribbon, 1977-1980
Academic Achievement Insignia, 1977-1980
Scholarship Ribbon, 1977-1980
Color Guard Ribbon, 1977-1980
Drill Team Ribbon, 1977-1980
Cannoneers Ribbon, 1977-1980
“A” Award, 1977-1980
PUBLISHED WORKS
Books
And They Said It Wasn’t Possible, 2006
Crohns disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis
2nd edition, 2015
The Bean Queen’s Cookbook, 2008
Three hundred original bean recipes
Mr. Sugar Comes to Call, 2015
Elementary level book for children
eCourses
Developed and made available the following eCourses 2019 until present
Acne
ADHD/ADD
Allergies
Autoimmune/Inflammatory Disorders
Crohns Disease, Ulcerative Colitis and Related GI Disorders
Depression/Anxiety and Mental Health
Diabetes
Gallbladder, Liver, and Upper GI Disorders
Hair Loss
Infertility
Living Well—General Health
Menopause
PMS/Endometriosis, PCOS
Pregnancy—Prenatal to Postpartum
Psoriasis
Thyroid Disorders
Weight Loss
DVDs/CDs
Published through the years 2007-2015
General Nutrition
Weight Loss
Anxiety and Depression
Inflammatory Disorders
Children’s Health
The Fountain of Youth--Essential Fatty Acids
Cancer
Diabetes
Myths That Muddle
Taking Care of Your Temple
Allergies
Perfumes and Fragrances
Thyroid
Women’s Health
Skin Issues
Wrote and produced eight historical musicals written about various families of Fall Creek (see below). This involved the Fall Creek community coming together to provide the actors, musicians, resources for the productions as well as the dinner theatres associated with the musicals. Musicals were performed in Fall Creek at Faith Evangelical Free Church except for The Threshing which was produced in Fall Creek, but performed at the State Theatre in Eau Claire.
The Stage Coach Stop: a musical drama based on the true-life story of Simon Randall, Sr., Fall Creek. Lucille Randall Drehmel is the great-granddaughter of Simon Randall, Sr. Proceeds from the musical went to Wunderhaven (Fall Creek Valley Retirement), a non-profit retirement community in the village of Fall Creek.
From Prussia We Come: a musical drama based on the true-life stories of Christian and Michael Zimmerman who lived out their lives in Fall Creek after emigrating from Radewitz, Prussia in 1867. St. John Lutheran Church, the oldest established church in the area was a highlight of the musical. Proceeds from the musical went to the restoration of the two Fall Creek cemeteries.
The Mysterious Robbery: a musical drama based on the true-life story of Irving and Louise Melville, the watch and jewelry shop owners in Fall Creek in the 1920s and 1930s. Their building is still standing and currently houses Kristi’s Sweets and Treats on Lincoln Avenue. Proceeds from the musical went to the Fall Creek Public Library.
Stockyard Tuesdays: a musical drama that highlighted the life of cattleman and farmer, Douglas Raether, a life-long Fall Creek resident. Proceeds from the musical drama went to the Fall Creek Historical Society.
Heart of Frost: a musical drama based on the true-life story of John Michel Shong, Fall Creek, 1865. Proceeds from the musical went to the Fall Creek Partnership Council comprised of the Fall Creek School District, Beaver Creek Reserve, the Fall Creek Historical Society, and Fall Creek Library. The council worked to enrich our community through the use of computer technology.
Sea of Change: a musical drama that followed the true-life events of the Fall Creek Kaeding family as they traveled from Germany to Wisconsin in 1856 on the emigration barque Palland. The musical also included more history in commemoration of the Fall Creek centennial. Proceeds went to funding the writing of the 25 Year Supplement to Fall Creek’s History Sights and Sounds of the Valley.
The Pronto Drive-in: A musical drama based on the true-life stories of Fall Creek residents Wilbur and Myrt Walter and their Pronto Pub Drive-in in Fall Creek and Eau Claire in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Proceeds from the production went to the Fall Creek American Legion for the purchase of flagpoles for the Fall Creek cemetery.
The Threshing: a musical drama presented at the historical Eau Claire State Theatre based on the true-life story of Myron Wathke’s family, Fall Creek. Mr. Wathke was a Fall Creek farmer who requested I write his family’s story specifically of Viola Geisler. The musical was dedicated to the memory of Myron Wathke who died one year prior to being able to complete the musical.
Numerous Passion of Christ musicals, dramas, other musicals, comedies, musical concerts, community Christmas celebrations, dinners and dances that involved the Fall Creek community performed in Fall Creek or at the State Theatre in Eau Claire, WI.
Married to husband Steven for 48 years. Five children, seven grandchildren.
Resident of the Town of Withee (Thorp mailing address), Wisconsin. Has lived in rural Wisconsin
for 30 years.
EDUCATION
Truman State University, Kirksville, Missouri
Bachelors of Arts in Spanish, Minor in German, May 1980
Graduated Summa Cum Laude
Huntington’s College of Health Sciences, Knoxville, Kentucky
Diploma of Comprehensive Nutrition, May 1994
Reaffirmed through testing September 2014
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Undergraduate studies in Chemistry, Biology, Statistics,
Calculus, Physics, Completed August 2012
Certificate in Grant Writing and Management, June 2007
University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, Connecticut
Master of Science Biochemistry, December 2017
The George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
Master of Public Health, August 2024.
MILITARY TRAINING AND SERVICE
Reserve Officer Training Program (ROTC)
Truman State University, Kirksville, Missouri
Graduated May 1980
Air Assault School, Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, May 1979
Advanced Camp Training, Ft. Riley, Kansas, August 1979
Regular Army Commission, Second Lieutenant, May 1980
United States Army
Military Intelligence Officer’s Basic Course
Fort Huachuca, Arizona, graduated August 1980
Electronic Warfare Training Military Occupational Specialty
Fort Devens, Massachusetts, graduated November 1980
Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Defense Warfare Course,
Fort Stewart, Georgia, graduated March 1982, Honor Student
Completed time in service May 1984 holding the rank of Captain
WORK EXPERIENCE
Small business owner
Karen R. Hurd Nutritional Practice, LLC, May 1994 to present
Scene & Hurd Productions, LLC, Film production company 2017 to present
Crickets Pizza, Pizza restaurant, 2023 to present
Legislator, Representative to the Wisconsin State Assembly, District 69. First elected November 2022—completing 2nd term January 2027.
United States Army
May 1980 to May 1984
US Army Reserve 1984-1986
Various jobs held while in high school and college
Administrative assistant
Cafeteria worker
Spanish/German tutor
COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE
Legislator – Representative to the Wisconsin State Assembly, District 69. Elected November 2022.
Currently a candidate for a third term in the Wisconsin Assembly.
Village of Fall Creek Trustee – 2021 to 2024
Fall Creek Public Library Trustee – 2021 to 2024
American Legion, Fall Creek Post 376 Past Member, Color Guard Commander, Chaplain, 2006-2024. Current member of Thorp American Legion Post.
Fall Creek Historical Society member— 2020 to 2024
Fall Creek Lions Club member—2020 to 2024
Faith Evangelical Free Church, Fall Creek, Wisconsin
Director of Music/Worship Leader for 19 years, 1996-2015
Sunday School Teacher and Women’s Bible Study Leader for 19 years, 1996-2015
Fall Creek Valley Housing (Wunderhaven) board member and past president 2001-2004, 2023-2024
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
Columnist
From 2002 to present: Weekly historical fiction column entitled “On the Heels of the Past”
Tri-County Area Times, Osseo, Wisconsin
From March 2021 to present: Weekly historical fiction column entitled “The Sojourn of Saida Chatlier”
Buffalo County Journal (Buffalo County, WI), the Courier-Wedge (Pepin County, WI), Plainview News (Plainview County, MN), St. Charles Press (Winona County, MN), and Wabasha County Herald (Wabasha County, MN).
Playwright
From 1997 to 2017
Penned over forty full-length plays and musicals that were performed by the production company Scene & Hurd Productions LLC (previously known as Community Arts). Many of these plays and musicals were performed in Fall Creek at Faith Evangelical Free Church. Many were performed at the State Theatre in Eau Claire, WI.
Screenwriter/Producer
From 2016 to present
Wrote and produced The Lumber Baron, a fictional historical drama feature film
Subject: the lumber era in Wisconsin in 1910
www.sceneandhurd.com
Released May 2018, North American Distributor: Indican Pictures, a partner with Lionsgate
Released Oct 2021, Worldwide Distributor (less North America): Multicom
Winner of the 2018 Twin Cities Film Fest Audience Award
Nominated for Best Feature Film 2018 Twin Cities Film Fest
PRESENTATIONS
Professional Enhancement Speaker
The George Washington University
December 2020
Nutritional Speaker
From 1992 to present
Nutritional presenter at:
College, high school, and middle school classes
Main presenter at multiple public events (spring luncheons,
seminars, and special events)
High school teacher in-service days
Southwestern Bell Telephone employees
Drury Inn employees
St. Louis Catholic Parish Parent-Teacher Organization
Podcast guest on several health-related podcasts
Panel member for nutrition health organizations’ e-classes
Radio guest speaker
From 2007 to 2016
WWIB/WOGO Radio Station, Lake Hallie, Wisconsin
AWARDS
Army Service Medal, 1984
For outstanding service in the United States Army
Air Assault Badge
Marksmanship Badge
Army ROTC Outstanding Cadet Decoration
Awarded as the outstanding cadet in her senior class for the
academic year 1979-80
Distinguished Military Student, 1980
ROTC Excellence Ribbon, 1977-1980
Outstanding Merit Ribbon, 1977-1980
Scholastic Achievement Ribbon, 1977-1980
Cadet Commendation Ribbon, 1977-1980
Academic Achievement Insignia, 1977-1980
Scholarship Ribbon, 1977-1980
Color Guard Ribbon, 1977-1980
Drill Team Ribbon, 1977-1980
Cannoneers Ribbon, 1977-1980
“A” Award, 1977-1980
PUBLISHED WORKS
Books
And They Said It Wasn’t Possible, 2006
Crohns disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis
2nd edition, 2015
The Bean Queen’s Cookbook, 2008
Three hundred original bean recipes
Mr. Sugar Comes to Call, 2015
Elementary level book for children
eCourses
Developed and made available the following eCourses 2019 until present
Acne
ADHD/ADD
Allergies
Autoimmune/Inflammatory Disorders
Crohns Disease, Ulcerative Colitis and Related GI Disorders
Depression/Anxiety and Mental Health
Diabetes
Gallbladder, Liver, and Upper GI Disorders
Hair Loss
Infertility
Living Well—General Health
Menopause
PMS/Endometriosis, PCOS
Pregnancy—Prenatal to Postpartum
Psoriasis
Thyroid Disorders
Weight Loss
DVDs/CDs
Published through the years 2007-2015
General Nutrition
Weight Loss
Anxiety and Depression
Inflammatory Disorders
Children’s Health
The Fountain of Youth--Essential Fatty Acids
Cancer
Diabetes
Myths That Muddle
Taking Care of Your Temple
Allergies
Perfumes and Fragrances
Thyroid
Women’s Health
Skin Issues
Wrote and produced eight historical musicals written about various families of Fall Creek (see below). This involved the Fall Creek community coming together to provide the actors, musicians, resources for the productions as well as the dinner theatres associated with the musicals. Musicals were performed in Fall Creek at Faith Evangelical Free Church except for The Threshing which was produced in Fall Creek, but performed at the State Theatre in Eau Claire.
The Stage Coach Stop: a musical drama based on the true-life story of Simon Randall, Sr., Fall Creek. Lucille Randall Drehmel is the great-granddaughter of Simon Randall, Sr. Proceeds from the musical went to Wunderhaven (Fall Creek Valley Retirement), a non-profit retirement community in the village of Fall Creek.
From Prussia We Come: a musical drama based on the true-life stories of Christian and Michael Zimmerman who lived out their lives in Fall Creek after emigrating from Radewitz, Prussia in 1867. St. John Lutheran Church, the oldest established church in the area was a highlight of the musical. Proceeds from the musical went to the restoration of the two Fall Creek cemeteries.
The Mysterious Robbery: a musical drama based on the true-life story of Irving and Louise Melville, the watch and jewelry shop owners in Fall Creek in the 1920s and 1930s. Their building is still standing and currently houses Kristi’s Sweets and Treats on Lincoln Avenue. Proceeds from the musical went to the Fall Creek Public Library.
Stockyard Tuesdays: a musical drama that highlighted the life of cattleman and farmer, Douglas Raether, a life-long Fall Creek resident. Proceeds from the musical drama went to the Fall Creek Historical Society.
Heart of Frost: a musical drama based on the true-life story of John Michel Shong, Fall Creek, 1865. Proceeds from the musical went to the Fall Creek Partnership Council comprised of the Fall Creek School District, Beaver Creek Reserve, the Fall Creek Historical Society, and Fall Creek Library. The council worked to enrich our community through the use of computer technology.
Sea of Change: a musical drama that followed the true-life events of the Fall Creek Kaeding family as they traveled from Germany to Wisconsin in 1856 on the emigration barque Palland. The musical also included more history in commemoration of the Fall Creek centennial. Proceeds went to funding the writing of the 25 Year Supplement to Fall Creek’s History Sights and Sounds of the Valley.
The Pronto Drive-in: A musical drama based on the true-life stories of Fall Creek residents Wilbur and Myrt Walter and their Pronto Pub Drive-in in Fall Creek and Eau Claire in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Proceeds from the production went to the Fall Creek American Legion for the purchase of flagpoles for the Fall Creek cemetery.
The Threshing: a musical drama presented at the historical Eau Claire State Theatre based on the true-life story of Myron Wathke’s family, Fall Creek. Mr. Wathke was a Fall Creek farmer who requested I write his family’s story specifically of Viola Geisler. The musical was dedicated to the memory of Myron Wathke who died one year prior to being able to complete the musical.
Numerous Passion of Christ musicals, dramas, other musicals, comedies, musical concerts, community Christmas celebrations, dinners and dances that involved the Fall Creek community performed in Fall Creek or at the State Theatre in Eau Claire, WI.