Public shows concern about wildlife museum

<p>In the wake of the alleged embezzlement of funds by the former director of the Petaluma Wildlife & Natural Science Museum, many concerned local residents have been visiting the museum during the past week to find out more information.</p><p>“Parents, former volunteers and other community members have been stopping by to see what's going on,” said Neal Ramus, the museum's interim executive director. “We want to do a full review of our records, so our new CPA is gathering all available documentation.</p><p>“We don't have a lot of funds, so we are needing to do a lot of the ‘leg work,' such as contacting local banks, ourselves. We want to see if the banks are owed any money.”</p><p>Last year, museum board members became suspicious that Marsi Wier, then the executive director, was misusing funds for personal reasons. They confronted her about it at a board meeting in October and took away her financial responsibilities, although she retained her job.</p><p>Wier, who teaches wildlife management and museum management classes at Petaluma High School, where the museum is housed, was replaced as museum director this summer, and classes that she had been teaching at the museum where moved to a PHS classroom.</p><p>The museum receives no money from Petaluma City Schools, and depends on grants and contributions for funding. </p><p>The alleged embezzlement has received widespread attention during the past two weeks. Wier left school early on Aug. 23, and since then, a long-term substitute teacher has taken over her classes. District administrators have not disclosed Wier's current status.</p><p>Meanwhile, the museum is planning to host its annual pasta feed fund-raising event from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 2. More information about it can be obtained by visiting petalumawildlifemuseum.com or calling 778-4787.</p><p>(Contact Dan Johnson at dan.johnson@arguscourier.com)</p>