Mar 2, 2026, 6:44 AM CST
Share
Nine Prairie du Chien middle school students have reason to celebrate. They earned a nationally recognized NC3 Global Credential in Introduction to Mechatronics, a level of certification typically achieved by high school or post-secondary students.
Upon completing the program, the students successfully earned their NC3 certification through Southwest Tech. The credential demonstrates knowledge and competency in industrial automation, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), electro-pneumatic systems, electro-pneumatic systems, and engineering system design. This accomplishment will support future high school technical pathways, credit for prior learning, and eventual careers in automation, engineering, and advanced manufacturing.
Adam Hess has been involved in radio broadcasting since 1990, with many of those years spent on the air at WRCO FM in Richland Center. Currently, Adam hosts the Weekend Wake-up and Prime Mover Saturdays on WRCO FM, jumps in and helps out with news duties, handles Social Media duties for WRCO and WRCE, and is the Director of Technology at a Southwest Wisconsin School District. Reach him at adam.hess@civicmedia.us.
Jo Ann Krulatz is Senior Radio Journalist and News Director at WRCO and WRCE in Richland Center. Email her at joann.krulatz@civicmedia.us.
Want More Local News?
Civic Media
Civic Media Inc.
The Civic Media App
Put us in your pocket.