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FREE PRESS MESSENGER AMERY

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2015 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 33,8,2222

120 NO. 24 $1.00 $1.00 VOL. 131 NO. 19 VOL. www.moraminn.com

HOLIDAY STROLL: Warm weather for 30th edition of community event PAGES 18,19

Tax and utility increases coming in 2016

COUNTRY

BY JESSICA DE LA CRUZ

THURSDAY,EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM SEPTEMBER 33, 2222

Serving Marine-on-St. Croix, Scandia, May Township

and plates need to be soaked because we had eggs this morning. This is my soak bucket and this is my silverware bucket.”

Representative Adam Jarchow chose Willow Ridge to be his December ‘Working-With-You Day,’ a monthly time Adam spends working amongst his constit

VOL. 131 NO. 19 www.moraminn.com $1.00 As a result of the newly passed 2016 city budget, Amery residents will be seeing a variety of increases, some of which will show up on their property tax bills.

The city projects expenditures for 2016 to total just over $4.98 million for all city funds. The complete document, including Capital Improvement Plan forecasting large expenses, is available for review at Amery City Hall and the Public Library.

City Administrator Darcy Long notes that this year’s budget was especially challenging because of state aid restrictions and new debt coming onto the tax roll.

According to Long, the debt THURSDAY, 33, 2222 is due in largeSEPTEMBER part to recentVOL. 131 NO. 19 industrial-park www.moraminn.com $1.00 ly purchased property (which Long says was in short supply) and a new road grader purchased in 2014. All told, the city’s budget changes will increase property tax bills by $51.21 per $100,000 of assessed property value.

Also included in the budget is an increase in each alderperson’s salary by $400. Current alderpersons receive $3,000 annually for their service, with roughly 15 years since the last increase. Long noted the increasing complexity of city projects, and the significant amount of time council members spend at meetings and city functions.

The city’s walkability committee has also includ

SEE JARCHOW ON PAGE 8

SEE BUDGET ON PAGE 2

SENTINEL BURNETT COUNTY

JESSICA DE LA CRUZ|AMERY FREE PRESS

After nearly four years on the job, Heather Trzcianko got a surprise helper during Adam Jarchow’s December 4 visit to Willow Ridge Nursing Home. Adam helped the kitchen staff with a variety of duties and visited with Willow Ridge residents during his monthly ‘Working-With-You Day.’

Jarchow rolls up his sleeves at Willow Ridge

BY JESSICA DE LA CRUZ

some help.

Who would sign up for such a task? His name was Adam, the Representative for Wisconsin’s 28th District.

We watch as Heather instructs Adam on the finer points of dish duty.

“I have a process,” she explains to him. “All the bowls

COUNTY ST

FREE EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

It was no ordinary day for Heather Trzcianko, a young mother of two working as a dietary aid at Willow Ridge Nursing Home in Amery. Heather usually handles dishes on her own, but today she would have

FREE

ISANTI-CHISAGO

The city’s budget changes will increase property tax bills by $51.21 per $100,000 of assessed property value FREE

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Governor visits Clayton to present broadband expansion grant

BY JESSICA DE LA CRUZ EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

Governor Walker’s office contacted Shimon the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, asking about using the school to present a broadband expansion grant to Amery Telcom. “I thought it was a hoax,” says Shimon.

But it was no joke.

Amery Telcom really WAS getting a grant to expand broadband services. The Governor really

WAS coming to present it. And they really WERE going to use the school, the only place in town big

THE SUN “In my 36 plus years in working in public education, I’ve never had an opportunity to host an event like this,” said Clayton District Administrator, Cathy Shimon.

She describes the moment as historic. And it was, in more ways than one.

SEE WALKER ON PAGE 2 JESSICA DE LA CRUZ|AMERY FREE PRESS

Clayton Administrator Cathy Shimon presented Walker with a Centennial Cookbook and a ‘We are Clayton’ t-shirt as he took to the podium on December 1.

Serving Polk County’s St. Croix Valley since 1897

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 33, 2222

VOL. 131 NO. 19 www.moraminn.com $1.00

THE LAW FIRM OF WILLIAMS & DAVIS 314 Keller Avenue North, Amery

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FROM PAGE ONE

AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 8, 2015

BUDGET: Oldest sewer lift station in city will be replaced in 2016 FROM PAGE ONE

ed new pedestrian crossing lights in the budget. The lights will be installed at the crosswalk on Hwy 46 near McDonald’s. If effective, the city plans to implement them elsewhere in the city.

Improvements to the city parking lot behind Amery Food Hub have been delayed.

The city hopes to re-bid the project in early 2016 with better results.

Elsewhere in the budget, $15,000 will be set aside toward the Fire Department’s 2017 airboat purchase. The total cost will be shared with neighboring townships that also benefit

from the equipment. The projected expense incorporates the $9,000 in donations received by the Fire Department.

Public works will be replacing two of its aging mowers, and the Police Department will be replacing Tasers and radio equipment as planned.

Amery residents will also see an increase in the garbage rates this year. The increase will be $3.50 per container.

Also, Waterman Sanitation will apply extra charges (the details of which have not been determined) for residents who dispose of large items that do not fit in their trash containers. Long mentioned that Wa-

terman planned to use a tablet to take photos of items being billed.

Water rates will also increase by 3% in the second quarter of 2016. The city is keeping a close eye on its water fund, anticipating an aging infrastructure and potential upgrades.

The Flag Pole Park sewer lift station will be replaced in 2016.

The lift station is one of the oldest in the system. The city will also implement some trenchless technology throughout the city to help eliminate groundwater infiltration, in hopes of delaying the need for expensive sewer treatment upgrades.

The city has also extended its

Management Analyst position for an additional six months into 2016. Megan Will currently holds the position. Part of her responsibilities will be to coordinate a water recreation study.

Long also discussed the city’s qualification for the state’s Expenditure Restraint Program in 2017. The program awards state aid to municipalities that demonstrate stable and reduced spending. An unusually low Consumer Price Index had put that aid in question. However, a new provision would allow Amery to deduct the expenses for contracting services such as fire protection to neighboring townships like Lincoln and

Blackbrook. Therefore Amery will once again qualify for the $65,000 state aid in 2017.

The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) created in 2011 was incorporated into the budget document this year. The CIP helps project city expenditures over a five-year time frame.

The city has fine-tuned the CIP in 2016, along with adopting new procedures for maintaining it. Rather than having a special CIP committee, city administration will work with department heads to review capital expenses and then submit the CIP to the public works and finance committees for review.

WALKER: Funding will be used to expand broadband Internet in Vance Creek FROM PAGE ONE

enough to host such an event.

And so began the planning.

Shimon invited local businesses owners, community members, local elected officials and Clayton high school students to help fi ll the gymnasium December 1, and greet Wisconsin Governor and former presidential candidate, Scott Walker.

Amery Telcom had been selected to receive a $99,000 broadband expansion grant from the Public Service Commission. Walker would be in Northern Wisconsin throughout the first week of December, presenting several similar broadband expansion grants and attending an economic development summit in Trego.

The grant for Amery Telcom will be used toward a $492,000 project to expand high-speed Internet services into the township of Vance Creek.

“When a person grows up in the rural areas of Northwest Wisconsin, some may feel that the opportunities available to them are limited and sub-standard compared to larger schools in the area,” said Clayton Principal, Ed Cerney. “In communities like Clayton, where the median income is only about two-thirds the state average, services like these are even more necessary to level the playing field.”

As Walker took to the podium in Clayton’s small gymnasium, Shimon presented him with a few Clayton souvenirs: a Centennial Cookbook, and his own “We Are Clayton” t-shirt.

“Really what we’re announcing today, it’s about technology and it’s about broadband and fiber access, but really it’s about you,” said Walker to the students of Clayton High School. “We’re investing in you, not just the seniors but all the other students, and not just the students here, but this entire community.”

Speaking on behalf of Amery Telcom, Scott Jensen said he hopes the expansion will continue to help the Clayton district in the great work they do. The project is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2016, and should be complete by year-end.

Ellen Nowak of the Public Service Commission says that they were able to award $1.5 million statewide thanks to funding for broadband expansion that had tripled in the last budget cycle. The commission received 28 statewide applications totaling 4.4 million dollars in requested funds.

“We looked at every application that came in, and we obviously saw a lot of merit in this one. It was a unanimous decision,” said Nowak. Amery Telcom’s willingness to fund

JESSICA DE LA CRUZ|AMERY FREE PRESS

While in the Trego area for an economic development summit, Governor Walker came to Clayton School on December 1 to present Amery Telcom with a $99,000 broadband expansion grant. High school students, local business owners, community members and elected officials listened to Walker speak for roughly eight minutes in the school’s small gymnasium.

such a large part of the project, along with its scalability, the amount of underserved people in the area, and potential for future growth were significant reasons for awarding Amery Telcom’s Vance Creek expansion. “This one rose to the top, one of the biggest matches we saw in our applications,” Nowak adds.

Walker, fresh from the Economic Development Summit in Trego, understands that broadband access is a key component in rural develop-

Record rainfall continues in November Amery received 5.59” of rain in November, over three times the normal amount of 1.85”, keeping the record rainfall pace for 2015.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) climate records, 2002 was the record year for precipitation in Amery, with 42.99” received by the end of November. Through the same period this year, 48.72” of precipitation has been received.

The largest amount of rain occurred on Nov. 12, when 3.52” fell. Rain was recorded nine of the 30 days of the month.

November was warm as well, averaging 8.2 degrees above normal. The warmest daytime high was 69 degrees on Nov. 4. The coldest overnight low was on Nov. 28. Only six days of the month were below normal, with many days being as much as 21 degrees above normal.

ment. He thanked Amery Telcom for their partnership, and their willingness to expand services despite the challenges of low population density.

“It helps students, it helps small businesses, it helps farmers,” Walker says.

In regard to future funding for broadband expansion, Walker thinks additional grant funding would be a big help. “Our goal would be looking at adding more within the next budget cycle,” he says.

“There’s a high demand, and I

think it’s appropriate.”

Ellen Nowak of the Public Service Commission summed up the twenty-minute presentation.

“There’s so much growth and so much potential here,” she says of the Clayton area.

“Thirty years ago we didn’t have email, we didn’t have Internet, and now, how do we get along without that? It’s really an honor to be here and help with your commitment to move forward.”

Unemployment rate steady The unemployment rate in Polk County remained unchanged in October at 3.6 percent. The rate had fallen for the previous two months, and is at its lowest level since 1998, when the rate was 3.3 percent.

According to Wisconsin’s WorkNet, 23,656 people were working in the county in October. This is the highest number of employed people in the county ever in October since records were kept online 1990.

There were 892 unemployed in the county in September, the lowest number since 2005.

Dane County continued to have the lowest unemployment rate at 2.6 percent. Menominee County continues to have the highest unemployment rate in the state at 7.9 percent.

Wisconsin’s non seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 3.6 percent, below the national unemployment rate of 4.8 percent.

DECEMBER 8, 2015

DECEMBER 10

OUT&ABOUT

AMERY FREE PRESS

AMERY FREE PRESS

Love Light Tree Ceremony The Amery Hospital and Clinic Volunteer Partners invite the public to the annual Love Light Tree lighting ceremony Thursday, Dec. 10, 6 p.m. at the hospital cafetorium.

The Apple River Ensemble will play Christmas music and there will be a Christmas singa-long before the ceremony. Refreshments and appetizers will be held after the lighting.

HOW TO REACH US: Our offices are located at 215 Keller Ave. S. We are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekday. Call: (715) 2688101 or fax at (715) 268-5300.

TO SUBSCRIBE: dstangl@theameryfreepress.com The Free Press is mailed to the homes of subscribers for delivery every Wednesday. One year subscription in Polk, Burnett, St. Croix and Barron Counties is available for $30, two years is $58.

A subscription in Wisconsin and Minnesota is available for $35, two years is $68. Other states: $40, two years $78. Students: $20 for nine months, $25 one year. Service persons $25 per year.

DECEMBER 12 Santa at Chet Johnson Drug Bring your own camera and your Christmas list to Chet Johnson Drug on Saturday, December 12. Rather than walking around downtown, Santa will give his knees a break and be at Chet’s from 11-3.

NEWS ITEMS: editor@theameryfreepress.com News releases of general interest must be at our office by Monday at 12 p.m. to be considered for publication.

Jul Fest Scandinavian Bazaar Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, located at 217 Derona in Amery, is hosting a Jul Fest Scandinavian Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 12, starting at 10:30 a.m.

Baked goods, craft shop, trim the tree and candy shop will all be featured, as well as a Scandinavian Luncheon, with pie and coffee.

Ruby’s Pantry A community food distribution will be held at Congregational Church, 201 Harriman Ave N. in Amery. Shares of the distribution can be acquired for a $20 donation beginning at 7:30 a.m. Bring boxes or carrying containers. All who are registered before 8:45 a.m. will be entered into a drawing. Distribution begins at 9 a.m.

Deer Park Holiday Fair The public is invited to participate in a Holiday Fair at the Deer Park Community Center from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

There will be lunch, a children’s store, fishpond, crafts, bakery, canned goods and more. Santa appears from 10-1.

DECEMBER 13 Community Christmas Carols Sing-a-long The community at large is invited to join the voices of Holy Trinity United Methodist Church (Cty I between Balsam Lake and Centuria) for a community sing along from 1:30-2:30 on December 13.

Selections will include traditional sacred songs as well as familiar favorites. The Faith Lutheran Handbell Choir and Serenade (a small women’s barbershop group) will add to the festivities. The event is free. Milk, coffee, and cookies will be served after.

TubaChristmas in Menomonie A free holiday concert performed by volunteer tuba and euphonium players, TubaChristmas, will be held at

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CONTRIBUTED

A gift for the kids Val Engebretson of Berghammer Builders (right) and Brenda Ketz of Clayton BP (left) present a check for $500 to Cindy Vanda for Clayton Area Gifts for Children. Val and Brenda extend a special thank you to Cindy for her dedication in coordinating this program every year.

St. Joseph’s Church, 910 Wilson Ave., in Menomonie Sunday, Dec. 13, 4 p.m.

Retired Amery band instructor Kim Johns will be the conductor for the concert. Retired Amery band instructor Bill Baldwin and Amery grad Anita Keeler will among the performers.

The hour long concert is free with free parking.

Remembrance Candle Lighting The death of a family member or close friend can be difficult any time of the year. But feelings of loss can be especially heightened during the season of Advent, and the Christmas and New Year holidays. Peace Lutheran Church will hold a brief Service of Remembrance on Sunday, December 13th at 1:30 PM. Our focus will be on remembering the blessings our loved ones brought to our lives and how they continue to live on within us. During the service you will have an opportunity to light a candle in memory of your loved one. Anyone affected by grief is welcomed to attend. Peace Lutheran is located ½ mile northwest of Dresser on Clark Road (look for signs on Hwy. 35.)

Candle Lighting Ceremony The Tri-County Chapter of The Compassionate Friends will again be hosting a local candle-lighting program on December 13, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Clear Lake. This program, supporting families who have lost children of any age for any reason, will consist of readings, music & candle lighting as children’s names are read, and a tribute video memorializing lost children will be shown. To

submit a photo of your child for the video contact the chapter at 715-263-2739. You are welcome to bring a photo or memento of your child that night for the memory table. Candles are provided for the candle lighting.

A time of sharing & refreshments will follow the program.

The Holiday Tree of Love & Remembrance at the Main Street Park will also be lit this night. To purchase bulbs to honor or remember loved ones, contact the chapter.

For more information about The Compassionate Friends and the event, visit compassionatefriends.org or call 877969-0010.

DECEMBER 15 Friends of Amery Dog Park A meeting for the Friends of the Amery Dog Park will take place at 5:30 p.m. at the Amery Library. The group will begin their formal planning process for the facility, and invite the public to participate.

Caring for the Caregiver Caring for the Caregiver is support group that meets monthly for people helping to take care of a friend or loved one. The group gathers the third Tuesday of the month at 2:00 PM at Peace Lutheran Church in Dresser. Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, December 15th. New members are always welcomed to join; holiday refreshments will be served. For more info call 715755-2515.

DECEMBER 16 Auditions for ‘Of Mice and Men’ Amery Community Theater will be holding auditions for

‘Of Mice and Men’ at 7 p.m. in the Amery Middle School Library. The production will be staged in mid-March. The cast requires nine males and one female, all high school or older.

For more information please call 715-269-5139.

DECEMBER 18 Deadline for Lampert Lumber Coat Drive Join Lampert Lumber in helping keep people warm this holiday season. Drop off your new or gently used coats, hats, gloves & blankets at your local Lampert Lumber by Friday, December 18. Every person donating will get their name in a drawing for a $100 gift certificate to Lampert Lumber. Drawing will be held on Monday, December 21.

DECEMBER 19 Amery Area Garden Club It’s the merry, merry season and that means club members have a Christmas party. Club member Barb Erickson is hosting the event at her home on Saturday, Dec. 19, starting at 5 p.m.

Members will bring a side dish to pass and their own “joy juice” if they so wish. Transportation has been group arranged as Barb’s home is near Deer Park.

And from all of us we wish each and all a very Happy Holiday season and we’ll talk at you next year. Please remember that there are no meetings during the months of January and February.

Peace and Joy — Phyllis Martinson, reporter

PLACING AN AD: phumpal@theameryfreepress.com Display advertising must be in the Free Press office by 12 p.m. Monday.

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Submissions subject to editing and are not guaranteed publication.

Tom Stangl, Publisher Jessica de la Cruz, Editor Pam Humpal, Advertising Manager Bette Elmer, Graphic Design Diane Stangl, Circulation/Office Mike Jacob, Sales Representative The Amery Free Press (ISSN 107486898) is published weekly by Sentinel Publications, 215 Keller Ave. S., Amery, WI 54001. Periodicals postage paid at Amery, WI 54001. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Amery Free Press, P.O. Box 424, Amery, WI 54001 Contents copyright. No reproduction without permission of publisher.

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AMERY FREE PRESS

It wasn’t a teddy bear

OPINION

DECEMBER 8, 2015

BY TOM STANGL FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

Throughout history, bears have been feared, revered and humanized in myth and legend.

From early man hunting the bears for their coats to Goldilocks invading the home of the three bears, we have had a love/hate relationship with bears.

Many of us grew up with miniature versions of the animal, ever since Teddy Roosevelt refused to kill an old and injured bear in Mississippi in 1902. A cartoon depicting the president refusing to kill the bear became linked with Publisher his image and entrepreneurs soon began making stuffed verTom Stangl sions of “Teddy’s bear,” and the rest is history.

The only bears I had seen before moving here over three years ago were in zoos.

So I have to admit that I was more than a bit shocked when I actually saw bear prints in the new snow around my home the day after Thanksgiving.

According to the Black Bear Society, there are 20,000 black bears living in Minnesota and 35,000 in Wisconsin.

That’s a lot of bears.

I get the fact that we live in the northlands and I have actually seen a bear lumber across the highway in daylight, but seeing prints in the new snow a few feet away from where you watch television is a bit disconcerting.

In doing some research for the column, I learned that the bears are opportunists when it comes to eating, adapting to whatever is around to eat, from grass to insects to the occasional young deer or dead animals — even trash.

As I was reading the list of things bears eat, I couldn’t help but think of Euell Gibbons, the back to the land forager from the 1960s who starred in Grape Nuts commercials in the 1970s. “Ever eat a pine tree?” he would say in his southern drawl.

“Many parts are edible,” he would say before the pitchman began espousing the benefits of the cereal.

According to the Black Bear Society, bears are active in late fall as long as food is plentiful. In years of abundant natural crops, they will feed until snow makes travel difficult, and normally enter dens in late November. If late fall food is scarce, bears usually enter dens by mid-October.

It makes sense that the warmer than normal weather has the bears still out and about packing on the pounds before hibernating.

I have always envied the hibernating bear.

Who among us wouldn’t want to simply just sleep through winter, dropping a few pounds in the process? Sounds like a sweet deal to me, but I can imagine the bear wouldn’t mind having the convenience of a grocery store to forage through, as well as the opposable thumbs that we take for granted.

I imagine I’ll need to be more careful with the trash and will probably take the bin to the curb in the morning, rather than the night before like I usually do most weeks.

My dogs may have a new thing to bark at when they are in the back yard.

Like they need anything else to bark at when they are out in the fenced in back yard.

One thing is certain, everyone in the neighborhood has a hot topic to discuss with their friends.

As always, I welcome your comments. You can reach me by email at tstangl@theameryfreepress.com, telephone 715-268-8101 or write me at P.O. Box 424, Amery, WI, 54001.

Thanks for reading. I’ll keep in touch. Feel free to do the same.

Far from ‘hokey-dokey’

BY MATT POMMER

“Everything is not hokey-dokey in Wisconsin.”

That’s the explanation given by Charles Franklin, director of the Marquette Law School Poll, to the Los Angeles Times this summer to explain the collapse of Gov. Scott Walker’s bid for the Republican presidential nomiCapitol nation.

Newsletter The governor had hoped his Matt record as WisPommer consin’s chief executive would capture Republican enthusiasm, starting in Iowa. He raised some $5 million before the first debate and was spending $25,000 a day on campaign staff, Time Magazine reported. But poll numbers and contributions declined sharply in the wake of the debate. U.S. News & World Report told readers that “Walker spent like a drunken sailor,” including putting his two sons on the campaign payroll.

Walker recently used e-mails to help retire his campaign debt: “It is my hope you and all of our supporters will chip in and make an online contribution of $10, $25, $50, $100, $250 or more so we can end this campaign in the black.”

The latest Marquette poll showed less than 40 percent of Wisconsinites viewed Walker favorably. Then

a national survey showed Walker had the fourth-lowest acceptance rate of the nation’s 50 governors.

Running for president while serving as governor was very unpopular.

Controversy has dominated Walker’s years as governor. He dropped a policy “bomb” on public employee unions gutting their bargaining rights. He bragged in Iowa his changes made it easier to fire teachers. He also approved making Wisconsin a “right-to-work” state for private-sector unions.

Changes to the state’s mining laws were made, aimed at economic growth. Later it was found a mining company had given $700,000 to help defeat a recall of Walker. But the company never moved ahead with the mine, setting back the promises and hopes of economic development in the north.

There were changes to affect the poor. Despite legal setbacks in other states, Wisconsin moved to require many of those receiving unemployment compensation or food stamps to undergo drug testing.

Major budget decisions included rejecting hundreds of millions of additional federal money for Medicaid under Obamacare. Walker, perhaps with an eye on the White House, said he didn’t think the federal government could afford it.

Meanwhile, Republican governors in Iowa and Ohio had fashioned plans to use the Medicaid monies.

With the state government facing an economic pinch, state aid to the

University of Wisconsin System campuses was reduced. Walker tried, but later retreated, to change the university’s “Wisconsin Idea.”

Statutory tenure for faculty was replaced.

Expanding voucher aid for private schools, including using some public-school aid, dominated local education.

Election laws were changed. Voters will be required to show a photo ID when they get to the polls next year. Absentee voting hours were reduced. Critics said the changes will make it harder for the elderly, students and poor to vote in Wisconsin elections. Campaign donation limits were dramatically increased.

All the changes may make little difference in legislative elections.

Only 10 percent of the districts are considered competitive in the wake of Republican gerrymandering.

Leaders in the Republican-controlled Legislature this summer flirted with gutting the state’s Open Records law, but retreated as public outrage grew and newspaper editorials poured in. But the Legislature did change the way elections and ethics are administered, creating two partisan-dominated commissions.

What’s ahead for Walker? His answer in the fund-raising e-mails was, “While I don’t know what the future holds, trust me, we will continue leading the fight for big, bold, conservative changes in Wisconsin and across America.”

LETTER GUIDELINES Letters to the Editor are published with priority given to letters that are concise (400 words or less) and exclusive to our newspaper, from readers in our general distribution area.

All letters are subject to editing for grammar and clarity and must contain the undersigned’s full name and their address and daytime telephone number for verifi-

cation. (Addresses and phone numbers will not be printed.) Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to The Amery Free Press’ coverage area.

Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.

Staff reserves the right to refrain from printing a letter.

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Letters may be emailed to: tstangl@ theameryfreepress.com no later than 12 p.m. Monday the week of publication.

The Free Press welcomes readers’ suggestions for news stories as well as their comments on stories that have been printed.

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DECEMBER 8, 2015

AMERY FREE PRESS

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Why property rights matter

BY REP. ADAM JARCHOW 28TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT

This week I introduced two property rights bills. The central idea behind both bills is the same - you own your property, not the government. As we have seen gover n ment grow, it has gradually crept into every corner of our lives. And, it Jarchow is not just the federal government - it’s state and local government as well. There-

fore, I have introduced these bills in an attempt to re-balance that relationship in favor of the property owner. Property rights are important for three distinct, but equally important, reasons: First, there is a principle at stake of which we should never lose sight. The government is subservient to the citizen, not the other way around. In other words, the government exists solely with the consent of the governed. Allowing the government to impinge on our fundamental property rights puts this basic principle and our liberties as free people at risk.

Second, by far and away, the greatest showcase of success and prosperity ever known to man, is what we, as citizens, have in our property. Of course, that prosperity derived from property ownership has fundamentally changed history. Until relatively recently, wealth and privilege were reserved for a select few. Over the past two centuries, the wide dispersion of property ownership has allowed people to start at the bottom of the economic ladder and move up many rungs over the course of their lifetimes. How many people have financed their children’s

education or have started a business by mortgaging their home?

Third, Wisconsin’s economy is incredibly dependent on property-intensive industries. Think of farming, manufacturing, mining, and even tourism. For the past five years, we have pressed the idea that “Wisconsin is Open for Business.” In its most basic sense, this means that Governor Walker and Legislative Republicans are committed to getting government out of the way so business owners can do what they do - create jobs and grow the economy. Unfortunately, one area to which we

have not paid nearly enough attention are laws, rules, and regulations related to property use. Wisconsin is home to a mish mash of conflicting, overlapping, confusing, ambiguous and at times, downright ridiculous, rules and regulations. Our legislation aims to fi x this.

In short, it is time to put power back in the hands of the people. Our property rights bills are a small, but necessary, step in that direction. We hope you will support our efforts.

Members of Congress need to spend more time on Capitol Hill

BY LEE H. HAMILTON

When Paul Ryan became House Speaker a few weeks ago, he made it clear that he has no intention of spending too much time in Washington. His wife and children are in Wisconsin, he pointed out, and he plans to commute, as he’s done since he got elected to Congress. “I just work here,” he told CNN, “I don’t live here.”

I have great sympathy for Ryan’s urge to strike a balance between family and work. It is very, very tough for every member, let alone the Speaker, to live and work far from home, and to weigh constantly whether to be in Washington or back in the district. I remember that when I served in Congress, I felt I was in the wrong place wherever I happened to be. If I was home in Indiana, I missed important meetings on Capitol Hill.

When I was in Washington, the calendar in Indiana was fi lled with events I should

have been attending.

Yet while we should sympathize with the compromises members of Congress have to make between their duties in Washington and their responsibilities back home, there’s no question where they must be to discharge their public responsibilities. If we want a well-functioning Congress, they need to be in Washington more.

When I first got elected to Congress in 1964, members didn’t have to split time between their colleagues on Capitol Hill and their families back in the district, because most of us moved our families to Washington. But over the years, the politics of the country have grown strongly anti-Washington.

Members of Congress do not want to be associated with the city. They want to show they haven’t been seduced by the lifestyle of the Nation’s Capital or adopted an “inside-the-beltway” mindset. They take pride in

rejecting the elitism of Washington. Today’s politics make it hard to argue that members should be spending more time on Capitol Hill.

Yet as Washington Post writer Dana Milbank noted recently in an insightful column on the topic, “It’s no mere coincidence that in the time this trend has taken hold, much of what had previously existed in Washington disappeared: civility, budget discipline, big bipartisan legislation and just general competence. In place of this have come bickering, showdowns, shutdowns and the endless targeting of each other for defeat in the next election.”

Expanding the Capitol Hill workweek, in other words, isn’t just a symbolic gesture.

It’s one of the keys to reversing congressional dysfunction.

For starters, you have to get to know your colleagues in order to do business with them.

The amenities are crucial in politics, even more than in

most spheres of working life.

In any legislature, whether it’s on Capitol Hill or in a state capital or in City Hall, the very nature of the job is going to involve disagreement.

Yet everyone there is there to solve problems together; they have no choice but to work together. It’s hard to attack a person you know well, but even more important, getting to know one another — and one another’s families — is an essential lubricant for resolving the issues you confront together.

Second, drafting legislation is highly demanding, because the core of it involves building consensus. This takes time. It can’t be forced. Members have to have the time and room to consider the options, look for common ground, and think through alternatives. Politicians, in other words, need sufficient time to be good politicians and good legislators.

The array of tough issues that face Congress can’t be dealt

Time to change the discussion on carbon emissions To the editor: Some 40,000 people from across the planet attended the Paris climate talks, but around here it seems that people wonder what all the fuss is about. After the great weather we’ve had recently that’s probably understandable.

Some people are convinced that climate change is a farce meant to promote some job-killing liberal agenda or at best an unavoidable demonstration of natural cycles.

Around here we have closely linked climate change “belief” to political affi liation.

It is happening though, even here where the effects at present seem to be limited to a shortened maple syrup season and changes in the usual patterns of bird migration. The Department of Defense now says that climate change is getting a lot worse and adds great risk to national security. The DOD warns of mass migrations from new areas of severe heat drought and from land areas subject to rising seas. Less of the

globe will be inhabitable very soon, and those peoples will be on the move.

The irony is that the most effective solution to the climate threat is coming from conservative political thought. It uses a free-market approach that has actually been demonstrated to work in British Columbia: carbon fee and dividend. It doesn’t depend on government regulation or “letting government pick winners and losers”, a major problem for Republicans.

It will be more effective overall than power plant regulations as President Obama has ordered. It can be applied globally and to be effective must be.

Look up Citizen’s Climate Lobby to get the details on how carbon fee and dividend works, and how it accomplishes massive carbon reduction without increasing government size or regulation. There are also plenty of articles on-line about Republican solutions for climate change, many appearing in the last few months.

with by part-time legislators.

Which is what they are right now. Members of Congress work hard, but they do not work hard at legislating. They work hard at constituent relations and raising money and campaigning.

Legislating, whether we like it or not, takes a five-day week, not the three they put in at the moment.

What I’m arguing for here will not be popular with members of Congress, and it certainly won’t get a warm reception from their families. But they are elected to do the job of legislating. For the good of the institution they serve and the work product they owe the nation, members need to spend more time in Washington.

Lee Hamilton is a Distinguished Scholar, Indiana University School of Global and International Studies; and a Professor of Practice, IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.

Food Pantry grateful for donations As these conservative solutions to climate change become better known, Republican voters will be increasingly willing to acknowledge their concern. It is already happening. A University of Texas poll shows that 59% of Republicans worry that climate change is occurring. Concern is even higher among younger Republicans.

Politicians are listening. This year 12 Republican House members signed on to the Gibson resolution to move Congress to act.

Politically we have plenty of polarizing issues. Now that there are reasonable solutions from both Right and Left, we should stop wasting time debating whether there is a climate problem. There is, it’s critical, and we need to move the debate to the best ways to solve it.

Gerry Lisi Rice Lake

To the editor The Amery Area Food Pantry would like to extend a very special Thank You to the community of Amery for the BLESSINGS we have received this past November.

The first event was the Turkey Trot sponsored by the youth program called FUEL. On a very rainy, stormy night the youth from our community collected over 2000 food items as well as monetary donations from individuals as well as churches in Amery.

Then at the community Thanksgiving Eve Service at St. Joseph’s Church we were again richly blessed by many food items as well as generous monetary donations.

We also SO appreciate those hunters who have donated their venison to the pantry this month.

Every month because of the generous giving from so many wonderful people we are able to provide food for well over 150 families within the Amery School District.

With our sincere thanks, Shirley Klopotek & Cheryl Bowman Executive Directors

6

RECORDS

AMERY FREE PRESS

Authorities interrupt Frederic meth delivery A Danbury man in possession of methamphetamine told authorities during a traffic stop that he was just on his way to smoke it with a female friend. But the large amount of cash in his wallet and the scale in his back seat told a different story.

Preston Operating on a tip from a confidential informant, authorities pulled over Barry E.

Preston, 59 of Danbury, while on his way to an alleged meth delivery.

According to police reports, authorities found a glass-bubble pipe inside Preston’s jacket pocket that was “loaded” with methamphetamine, along with marijuana and a one-hitter pipe. In the vehicle, officers found an orange case with a digital scale in the back seat, along with baggies commonly used to store drugs.

Preston insisted that he was merely on his way to smoke the

meth with a female.

Preston’s wallet was also full, containing $320 cash and several small baggies of meth that totaled approximately 2 grams.

Preston has a criminal history of drug-related charges. He’s been formally charged with Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Deliver, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of THC. He made his initial appearance on December 7, and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for December 10.

Amery couple arrested for meth use Unable to remain in good stand- Sheriff’s office, authorities were assisting an agent in the ing with arrest of Troy D. Nelson, the terms 41, Amery for violating of their the terms of his probaprobation, tion. two Amery Both Nelson and his residents live-in girlfriend, Kawho pled trina M. Mulroy, 32, guilty to Amery were on probapossessing Nelson Mulroy tion at the time, having methamboth pled guilty to posphetamine earlier this year have found them- session of methamphetamine in selves on the wrong side of the separate cases earlier this fall.

During the home visit Nelson law, again.

According to the Polk County was taken into custody, as was

Mulroy. Both tested positive for methamphetamine.

According to reports, a search of their residence found one gram of methamphetamine in a bedroom closet, along with three syringes and a stamp which may be laced with an “acid” type substance that were not yet tested.

Possession of methamphetamine charges have been fi led for both Nelson and Mulroy. Their preliminary hearings are both scheduled for December 10 at the Polk County Justice Center.

Reports in Support of Probable Cause Polk County Sheriff’s Department Monday, December 7 Brandon J. Studeman, 23, Siren was arrested on August 9 for Sex Offender Failure to Update.

Mark G. Doiron, 50, St. Croix Falls was arrested on December 1 for Domestic Abuse D/C. Joshua A. White, 30, Luck was arrested on December 3 for Warrant Fail to pay forfeiture, Meth Possession, Marijuana Possession, and Drug Paraphernalia possession.

Dennis E. Lang, 53, Osceola was arrested on December 3 for Battery Domestic and D/C Domestic.

Thomas E. Cruzen, 38, St. Croix Falls was arrested on December 1 for Battery.

Troy D. Nelson, 41, Amery was arrested on December 3 for Pos-

session of Meth.

Katrina M. Mulroy, 32, Amery was arrested on December 3 for Possession of Meth.

Barry E. Preston, 59, Danbury was arrested on December 5 for Possession of Meth. with intent to deliver, Possess of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Marijuana.

Niki D. Dahl, 52, Glenwood City was arrested on December 5 for Disorderly Conduct.

Cory D. Newman, 22, Osceola was arrested December 4 for OWI 2nd and Bail Jumping.

Aundria M Schadow, 36, Balsam Lake was arrested on November 30 for Bond Violation.

Amber M. Larsin, 26, Clear Lake was arrested on November 30 for Probation Hold.

Basil J. Raffa, 29, Luck was ar-

rested on December 1 for Probation Hold.

Dominic L. Koch, 21, St. Croix Falls was arrested on December 1 for Probation Hold.

Andrew H. Langevin, 37, Eau Claire was arrested on December 2 for Polk Co. Warrant.

Troy D. Nelson, 41, Amery was arrested on December 3 for Probation Hold.

James S. Meyer, 63, Amery was arrested on December 3 for Felony Warrant – Failure to Appear.

Derek A. Croteau Scheps, 28, Clear Lake was arrested on December 4 for Warrant.

Jesika J. Lindberg, 30, Florida was arrested on December 5 for Warrant FTA

Amery Police Department Incident Report 11/27/15-12/4/15 12/4/15, 4:00PM- Police responded to a welfare check of a subject.

12/3/15, 4:50PM- Police responded to a physical domestic abuse incident at the Law Offices. The suspect was arrested.

12/3/15, 4:35PM- Police assisted probation and assisted Polk County with a search warrant regarding drugs.

12/3/15, 11:17AM- Police responded to a motor vehicle acci-

dent at the intersection of Keller Ave. S and Deronda St. 12/3/15, 9:06AM- Police responded to a threat and harassment complaint.

12/2/15, 4:18PM- Police assisted Juvenile Justice with a juvenile matter.

12/1/15, 5:10AM- Amery Police responded mutual aid for the Sheriff’s Department for a motor vehicle accident.

11/29/15, 8:15AM- Police inves-

tigated a probation/parole violation.

11/29/15, 5:01AM- Amery Police responded to ARMC to investigate a motor vehicle accident for the Sheriff’s Dept.

Arrests: 12/3/15- Dennis Lang, Osceola, was arrested for Domestic Battery and Disorderly Conduct.

DECEMBER 8, 2015

Acre-Kendall trial begins in Polk County

BY SUZANNE LINDGREN EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM

Dressed in a shirt and tie, wrists and ankles shackle free, Levi Acre-Kendall took his place at the defendant’s table Dec. 7, the first day of his jury trial. Charged with both second-degree intentional homicide and first-degree reckless homicide, the 20-year-old Cambridge man has been in custody for all but a week since April 16, when he turned himself in after the death of Peter Kelly, St. Croix Falls, the night of April 14.

As he entered, attorneys Eric Nelson and Douglas Hazelton were waiting for him at the defense’s taAcre-Kendall ble. Through evidence and persuasive argument, the pair of lawyers will attempt to convince the jury that Acre-Kendall is not guilty of either charge, that the injury he inflicted that night – a single stab wound to the side that pierced Kelly’s heart – was the result of an act of self-defense.

Prosecuting attorney Daniel Steffen, with assistant attorney Kenneth Sortedahl, will attempt to prove to the jury that Acre-Kendall intended to kill Kelly, though it might not have been premeditated, and that the stabbing exceeded the amount of force needed for Acre-Kendall to defend himself.

If they succeed, the jury will find Acre-Kendall guilty of second-degree intentional homicide.

If the jury is not convinced that Acre-Kendall meant for Kelly to die when he stabbed him, they may still find him guilty of a different charge, first-degree reckless homicide, if the state can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Acre-Kendall’s actions under the circumstances showed utter disregard for human life.

Acre-Kendall could serve up to 60 years if he is found guilty of either charge.

“Why charge both?” Steffen asked the jury rhetorically during his opening statement. “We don’t know at this point what’s going to be said. ... Could it be intentional? Is it reckless?”

Steffen also qualified any potential claims of self defense, saying, “As this trial unfolds there will be a lot of discussion about self defense. The crux of the self defense argument is that (Acre-Kendall) must have had a reasonable belief that the force used was (necessary to prevent) immanent death or great bodily harm.”

Both Steffen and Nelson offered an account of the evening in opening statements. Steffen reminded the jury that there would be a big piece missing from the evidence: Kelly’s account of what happened that night.

Nelson, whose opening remarks were the more impassioned of the two, offered a story that characterized Kelly and his companion, Ross Lechman, as foul-mouthed aggressors in the confrontation.

“The state bears burden of not only proving guilt,” he concluded, “but proving that (Acre-Kendall) did not act in self defense. The state will not be able to satisfy those two burdens, and I will ask you to find Mr. Acre-Kendall not guilty.”

Later in the morning, these would contrast sharply with Lechman’s witness testimony, during which he said he makes it a point to use respectful language.

This article was prepared for print before Lechman’s full testimony, including cross examination, was complete.

Acre-Kendall could serve up to 60 years if he is found guilty of either charge.

YESTERDAY’S NEWS

DECEMBER 8, 2015

AMERY FREE PRESS

105 Years Ago December 22, 1910

into the garage.

A wire was attached between the starter and coil to start the machine. No one heard a bit of commotion during the night in the Schumacher garage.

Investigating officer Grover Winchell said he heard no reports of similar incidents in this area lately. He does not believe it was the work of “professionals.”

Death Toll From Football When last year 23 young men were killed in football games, there was such a public protest against this butchery that the rules were radically changed.

It was hoped that the game, there was such a public protest against this butchery that the rules were radically changed.

It was hoped that the game would be made much less brutal, but the casualty list for this season shows practically no improvement.

Here is the record for 1910: 19 men killed, 36 legs broken, 67 collar bones broken, 36 noses broken, 26 ribs broken, 19 arms broken, 17 ankles broken and enough other serious accidents to bring the total of dead or injured to 450 or more.

The high school teams supplied eight of the deaths, the athletic clubs six and the college teams five.

A number of colleges and scores of high schools and private schools have forbidden football matches in future entirely, or at least until the boys prove that they can play the game for sport, without killing or maiming one another.

90 Years Ago December 17, 1925 Wets and Drys Prepare for Battle One of the controversies that will be carried on at this session of Congress will be that between the “wets” and the “drys.” Each side is determined to force some action.

During the past week many reform organizations interested in prohibition have been meeting in Washington. They are preparing to make a concerted drive for the rigid enforcement of the prohibition amendment.

On the other hand the “wets” are marshaling their forces with a determination to secure a modification, at least, of the Volstead law.

85 Years Ago December 18, 1930 F. W. Finnemore Injured While putting storm windows on the second story of his residence last Sunday morning, J. W. Finnemore met with an exceedingly painful accident. The ladder on which he was working slipped and as he was thrown to the ground the ladder fell across his ankle badly bruising his leg and fracturing a bone in his ankle.

Santa Claus Letters Wanderoos, Wis. Dec. 15, 1930 Dear Santa Claus: I would like to get a train and Beebe gun and nuts.

From, Kenneh Christenson Nye, Wisc. December 12, 1930 Dear Santa: My name is Melvin Peterson. I am eight years old. And

7

50 Years Ago December 16, 1965 Car Occupants Cut by Thrown Bottle

Evidence cannot be obtained to substantiate this remark today, but some 20 inches of snow has fallen in this area since the “big snow” started last Monday, according to local weather observer, I. M. Lindgren.

The reason for lack of evidence lies in the fact that a good deal of settling has taken place and the snow will not measure up to the amount that has actually fallen. All are agreed, though, that it is definitely enough snow for the time being…or the rest of the winter, for that matter.

County traffic officers issued a plea for help and a stern warning this week after someone in a car tossed an empty bottle through the windshield of another car.

Mrs. Loreli Thompson, 23, of Amery, was traveling along highway 35 just north of Dresser at about 10:30 p.m., Saturday when a car she met tossed a 7-up bottle that popped through the windshield, showering the interior with broken glass.

Suffering from glass in her eyes and facial cuts, Mrs. Thompson and her dad, Otto Arntzen, 78, a passenger were taken to the St. Croix Falls hospital for treatment. Both persons suffered from broken glass in the eyes and the extent of the injuries is not known.

“Any information on the car occupants who threw the bottle would be much appreciated,” declared Traffic Officer Merle Beedle.

60 Years Ago December 15, 1955

45 Years Ago December 10, 1970

Christmas In Amery

Back in the day, Christmas in Amery was highlighted by the lighting of the town Christmas tree at the intersection of Keller and Birch. Once the center street lights were removed, the tradition died as a hazard to automobile traffic.

Christmas is soon coming.

I should like to get three things for Christmas that is sled, skies, toy roadster.

I got two sister. There names are Helen and Lillian. They both want a sleeping doll and each a toy roadster. I hop to see you Christmas eve.

Yours truly.

Melvin Petersen P.S. Wish you a happy Christmas and a happy New Year.

75 Years Ago December 19, 1940 Super Bicycle Will Be Given Away Dec. 23 The Super streamlined bicycle, with all its fine accessories, including toolbox, extra strong headlight, horn, etc., will be given away to some happy boy or girl Monday, Dec. 23, between 4 and 4:30 p.m., at the Super Ice Cream Co. offices.

Second prize is a gallon of special Super Christmas ice cream, packed and delivered for one’s Christmas dinner.

The Webster boys are reported to have about 400 tickets, but there are other boys and girls who are giving him a close run and at the last minute may pass him. Many adults are saving tickets until the last minute, to give to boys and girls who asked them to save them.

The bicycle is now in Danielson Drug’s window on the north side. The boy or girl with the highest number of tickets wins the bike, the second highest wins the ice cream.

Heavy Snow Blocks Traffic and Closes Schools Old Man Winter delivered another right to the jaw Monday and paralyzed traffic in Amery and a large section of the Midwest. The blizzard struck with fury about 6 a.m. and when it was all over left 12 inches of snow, which means about 1.20 inches of rain.

The street shoveling crew was undoubtedly the hardest working men in town. They cleared both the center and sides of Keller Avenue and were almost done by Tuesday night.

The snow came on the heels of cold weather. It was 19 degrees below sometime Thursday night, 16 below Friday night, zero Saturday night and Sunday.

Curbside weathermen observed that we have had more winter before Christmas this year than we had all of last winter.

65 Years Ago December 14, 1950 Explosion, Fire Wreck John Mathias Home Fire following an explosion, gutted the John Mathias farm home north of Volga shortly before noon Wednesday. Through the efforts of neighbors and the Balsam Lake fire d e p a r t m e nt , the house was saved from burning to the Yesterday’s ground, alNews though the entire north porDiane Stangl tion is almost completely burned out.

In the Amery Clinic, suffering from burns on the hands and about the face, is John Mathias who broke into the flaming house to rescue his two-year-old son, Dennis.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Mathias were outside near the home when the explosion occurred.

Mr. Mathias dashed for the kitchen door and had a difficult time to open it because of internal pressure, but finally managed to make his way into the house.

Upon entering, he found Dennis in a south room of the home crouching in a corner, thoroughly frightened from the blast, and brought him outside.

The other Mathias children were attending school.

Origin of the blast is not known, but it is believed by some to have been caused by a gas stove or refrigerator. While the blaze was checked before the house was destroyed, the damage renders it almost a total loss.

That’s a Lot of Snow

Cold and Snow Strike Area For some time now, stories have been circulating that this winter is going to be the roughest in recent history. At least one Farmers’ Almanac forecast this theory well in advance.

And with the calendar winter is not even supposed to start until Dec. 22, the initial onslaught certainly upholds the forecasters’ prognostication.

Cold weather and snow were in the headlines throughout the entire Midwest during the fore part of the week. Total snowfall on Tuesday amounted to about four inches according to the government observation station at the Black Brook plant of the Wisconsin Hydro-Electric plant. So far this autumn, the snowfall measures almost 11 inches.

Almost Loses Car To Night Workers A week ago Sunday, Russ Schumacher went to his garage to get his car and found a damaged garage door and an entire side of his car scratched from one end to the other. Sometime during the night some wouldbe car thieves failed to accomplish their mission.

In the process of backing the machine out of the garage, it became engaged with the side of the garage.

The would-be thieves simply gave up and drove the car back

Three Escape With Burns In Explosion Three persons, two firemen and a welder from Thompson’s Welding, escaped with minor injuries when stored fireworks exploded at the city garage about 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8.

Kent Stalhiem, Amery, was on the ladder inside the steel building welding a beam when sparks set off the explosion.

Ben Jacobson was standing on top of a steel cage near the scene, while Milford Waldbillig steadied the ladder.

With the ensuing series of three explosions, Stalhiem was knocked from the ladder slightly injuring his leg while Jacobson suffered minor burns on his hands.

Four fire trucks from the Amery fire department and two ambulances owned and operated by the Amery Area Ambulance were stored in the building at the time. Except for minor smoke damage, all the equipment was declared operational after the fire.

Several emergency stretchers, oxygen-gas mask kits, and boxes of equipment were destroyed in the minor fire, which erupted.

Fireworks stored in the building were scheduled to be used for the annual “Burning of the Greens” celebration held immediately following the Christmas season.

8 AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 8, 2015

JARCHOW: Quizzed about Medicaid, Medicare during Amery visit FROM PAGE ONE

uents. He finds that the experience helps him connect with people and have honest conversations.

“When I first got elected last November, I was trying to come up with ways to be as effective as possible. I actually stole this idea from a Democrat from Florida,” he says.

“People are so cynical about politicians. If we can bring down the cynicism just a bit, I think it’s a success.”

So, up to his elbows in soapy water, he listens and scrubs.

Adam spent the day helping out in the kitchen, doing dishes, taking the food out to the tables, cleaning up, unloading the truck and anything else that needed to be done. But he learned a lot in the process.

“One of the biggest things I’ve heard from nearly every employer is that health care insurance costs for employees is out of control,” says Adam, who explains the pinch of being able to pay a competitive wage is especially difficult in our area. “Our best and brightest move away, we have a real brain drain problem here. And employers just can’t find skilled workers.”

Director Nicole Verdon says that with 70 percent of her residents relying on Medicaid and Medicare, nursing homes are feeling the political pinch more than ever. “As we get more baby boomers, the funds for Medicaid and Medicare are spread out thinner and thinner. At the end of the day if the bottom line doesn’t allow you to give wage increases, all we can do is look to our legislators.”

“Right now we’re losing, on average, $40 per day for any Medicaid person in our building, and it piggybacks onto the private care residents making their care more expensive,” says Verdon.

Adam explains the state of the budget as it affects all of us. “If you look at what we’d broadly call the medical assistance category, it’s gone from about 9 or 10 percent of the general purpose revenue in 2010 to now 17 or 18 percent. So if you look at that in terms of your other budget priorities, schools, roads, etc., it’s causing a big problem. We’re not like the federal government, we have to balance our budget constitutionally.

Jarchow, who is working closely with Governor Walker on budget issues, says there are no simple answers, especially when we’re talking about our state’s most vulnerable populations.

“If you can save a dollar by combining agencies or by making things more efficient, then you can put a dollar into schools, roads, or medical assistance.

One of the other things we’re trying to do is manage how some of these Medicaid dollars get allocated, how they’re used, etc. There are some ideas about how we can squeeze some efficiency into it, but it’s tough.

“There are no easy answers when you’ve got the baby boomers retiring. You’ve got this bulge in the pipe coming through, and then those of us who are younger workers trying to figure out how to pay for those older folks while still

CONTRIBUTED

Adam Jarchow spent a little of his morning having coffee with Willow Ridge residents John Sirjord (left) and Eugune Ludeck (right). John managed the Amery Co-op for many years, and Eugene was a schoolteacher in Siren.

These days the two occupy some of their time making wooden stars from clothespins, which Eugene displays for the picture. John and Eugene were just two of the Willow Ridge residents who enjoyed sharing their stories with Representative Jarchow on December 4.

having schools, roads, etc.”

Adam, who grew up in Clear Lake, worked at the Amery Hardees and Golden Age Manor at a young age. He found himself impressed with the food and quality of care at Willow Ridge.

He was able to sit for a few minutes and have coffee with a small group of the male residents.

“You know what they said, they said they’re really nice here. They said ‘they’re really good to us,’” Adam says with a smile.

“One of the guys was a 20year Navy veteran. I think we owe it to that guy to make sure he’s taken care of in his senior years.”

Willow Ridge staff and residents enjoyed having Adam

around for the day. Heather Trzcianko, who has her dishwashing process down to a science, was especially surprised at how quickly Adam rolled up his sleeves and took to the job.

“He’s a really good dishwasher!” she said.

Council Notes Amery Fire Chief Dale Koehler commended 13 firefighters in training with WITC. He thanked residents for attending the annual chili feed, which raised $3,500 before expenses. Koehler also urged residents to stay off of local lakes and rivers, as the ice is not yet safe enough for recreation.

Amery Police Chief Tom Marson mentioned two nice letters he received, one thanking his office staff, another thanking former officer Carlson for his life-changing suicide intervention several years ago.

The City is producing a new visitor’s guide and business directory, including city map.

Contact Megan Will if you’d like to be listed in the publication.

The Council adopted the 2016 Annual Budget by unanimous decision. The complete document is available for review at city hall and the Public Library.

The Council voted to amend

and replace the ordinance dictating the city’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The CIP is now part of the annual budget document, and will be reviewed by city administration, department heads, and public works and finance committees rather than a separate CIP committee.

The Council amended two separate job descriptions. Megan Will’s position will no longer be an intern; her new title is Management Analyst. And City Clerk-Treasurer Fran Duncanson will now have an Office Manager and supervisory role. The Council also ratified the tentative labor agreement between the city and WPPA, and voted to reappoint election inspectors for the 2016-2017 term.

The Council approved a house-moving permit for Allen McCarty (aka Bones) from 221 Church Street to 960 Sunflower Way. The move will take place December 10.

Mayor Kay Erickson announced that former alder-

man Dave Myers would fi ll the council seat being vacated

by Jack Rogers. Myers will be

sworn in at January’s meeting. The term for this at-large position will conclude in April

of 2018. The council enjoyed a cake to commemorate Jack’s service.

JESSICA DE LA CRUZ|AMERY FREE PRESS

In commemoration of Jack Roger’s service and departure, Amery council members cut a cake following December’s monthly meeting. Left to right are Alderman Tim Strohbusch, Alderwoman Julie Riemenschneider, Alderman Rick Van Blaricom, Alderman Jack Rogers, Alderwoman Kris Vicker, Mayor Kay Erickson, and City Administrator Darcy Long.

DECEMBER 8, 2015

AMERY FREE PRESS

9

A place to call home

Positive Alternatives closes on five-bedroom Amery property

BY JESSICA DE LA CRUZ EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

After a year and a half of searching, Positive Alternatives of Amery has finally found a forever home.

According to Executive Director Kelli Kamholz, the organization recently closed on a five-bedroom home with 20 acres on 60th Avenue west of Amery. The group is currently in the process of licensing the facility and hope to move in by February 1.

Positive Alternatives (PA) is a non-profit agency that provides temporary housing for teen girls, who, for whatever reason, need temporary residence away from their home environments. Amery’s facility is just one of four throughout Northwest Wisconsin.

Positive Alternatives isn’t necessarily a home for troubled girls. It’s a service to families who are riding the storms of turbulent teenage years.

“These girls are active in their communities, they have jobs, and they’re in FFA and band and lots of other things,”

JESSICA DE LA CRUZ|AMERY FREE PRESS

This five-bedroom home on 20 acres west of Amery will soon be a stable environment for up to eight local teenage girls, thanks to the work of Positive Alternatives.

says Kamholz. “Something is going on with either them or their families where they can’t be at home. The majority of them end up with a social worker and it’s a social worker who will give us a call and get them into our facility.”

Kamholz calls it a higher

level of care than a traditional foster environment, because it’s a licensed group-home with 24/7 awake staff.

PA has been leasing a facility north of Amery at Mains Crossing. But because of square footage they’ve been limited to a maximum of sev-

en girls. And the need is sometimes greater. “We often operate with a waiting list,” says Kamholz.

PA’s new home outside of Amery will allow them to accept up to eight girls at once– the most allowed for their type of group home. That one extra

Wittstock declines re-nomination New Municipal Judge sought for Amery and Clear Lake

BY JESSICA DE LA CRUZ EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

After 18 years as the Amery and Clear Lake Area’s first multi-jurisdictional Municipal Judge, Jerome Wittstock has fi led a Notice of Non-Candidacy for the upcoming term.

There are no specific requirements to hold the position, although legal background and knowledge of city ordinances and

traffic laws is beneficial. The position oversees court on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, and other trials as needed, and makes judgments on municipal ordinance and traffic violations.

Once elected, the Municipal Judge is expected to attend an orientation and attend classes with the Office of Judicial Education.

The Multi-jurisdictional Municipal Judge position oversees court for the City of Amery, Village of Clear Lake and Town of Clear Lake, and receives and annual salary of $5,100.

Interested candidates must fi le nomination papers with either the

Amery City Clerk or Polk County Clerk’s office by January 5. They must also fi le a Statement of Economic Interest with the State Elections Board. For those seeking more information, Municipal Judge positions are governed by Chapter 755 of Wisconsin state statute.

The Multi-Jurisdictional Municipal Judge will be on the April 5 ballot, and take office effective May 1. If more than two candidates fi le nomination papers for the position, a primary election will be held on February 16.

CONTRIBUTED

Spreading the spirit of the season Girl Scout Troop 56021 went caroling to Willow Ridge Nursing Home and Riverbend Senior Living Apartments on December 7th. The 3rd Grade Brownie Troop sang a variety of Christmas songs for the residents there.

bed means serving more families in need, and operating more efficiently in terms of funding and expenses.

The PA home is a temporary safe-haven for girls who need it most, but it won’t be the last stop. “The state wants us to send our kids back to a less-restrictive environment. Most of the time its not permanent, ideally back home, and sometimes from us they will go to a foster home,” says Kamholz.

Although they weren’t able to find a facility close to the school, Kamholz says the new facility is still within the Amery School District.

Girls at the facility help take care of the cooking and cleaning, and general upkeep of the home. But Kamholz says that because of the long driveway and large amount of mowing, they’re looking for some extra volunteer help in those areas.

To learn more about Positive Alternatives, or offer volunteer assistance, visit positive-alternatives.org or contact Kelli at 715-235-9552.

2016 Wisconsin State Trail passes make great holiday gifts Looking for that last-minute gift for the bicycle riders, skiers, or equestrian enthusiasts on your list?

2016 State Annual Passes are available for holiday shopping at the Polk County Information Center in St. Croix Falls, and in Amery, at the Countryside Convenience Store (Cenex), Ellie’s Ice Cream and Coffee, City Hall, and from the Friends of the Stower Seven Lakes Trail.

State Trail Passes are required in Polk County for bikers on the Gandy Dancer Trail, bikers and skiers on the Stower Seven Lakes Trail, and riders on the Trade River Horse Trail in the Town of Sterling, 16 years of age and older.

An annual State Pass opens up the whole network of Wisconsin State Trails that require passes.

Annual passes are priced at $25 and are good for calendar year 2016.

Trail pass sales generate around $10,000 a year for Polk County that is used for trail maintenance and that helps offset the tax levy to lower your taxes. So, if you are planning to use any of the Wisconsin State Recreation trails in 2016 that require passes, it pays to buy your pass at home in Polk County.

Polk County now has two bike trails and one Nordic ski trail that require a State Pass.

The Gandy Dancer Trail has been in operation since 1996 and is a 47-mile long, limestone surfaced trail that stretches from St. Croix Falls to Danbury. It is operated by agreement with the DNR as a non-motorized trail in the summer and a snowmobile trail in the winter.

Wisconsin’s newest State Trail, the Stower Seven Lakes Trail, is a 14 mile, limestone surfaced trail running from Amery to just outside Dresser.

It is a non-motorized trail year around, offering biking, birding, and hiking in the summer, and x-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.

Passes for the holiday season are also available at the Polk County Parks Buildings, and Solid Waste office in Balsam Lake.

10

AMERY FREE PRESS

AREA CHURCHES AMERY FREE LUTHERAN, 1 mile west of golf course on CTH F, Eric Christenson, pastor www.ameryflc.org Every Sunday: 9 a.m. Sunday school for ages 3-103; 10:15 a.m. Worship. Nursery is available during worship service.

Wednesday, Dec. 9: Advent service “Preparing for His Arrival! Christ is Coming Again!”

Saturday, Dec. 12: 11 a.m. Ladies Christmas Tea “Christmas: Past & Present.”

APPLE RIVER COMMUNITY, 942 Hwy. 8, Amery Justin Hosking, pastor Wednesday: 5:30 p.m. Youth One-Way Club; 8 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer Meeting.

Sunday: 9:30 a.m. Sunday school for all ages; 10:15 a.m.

Coffee & Fellowship; 10:30 a.m. Worship/Children’s Church.

BALSAM LUTHERAN, 1115 Mains Crossing, Amery Matt Saarem, pastor Wednesday, Dec. 9: 9 a.m. Bible Study; 6:30 p.m. Confirmation class.

Saturday, Dec. 12: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Bell ringing at Walmart.

Sunday, Dec. 13: 8:30 a.m. Sunday school; 8:30 a.m. Adult class; 9:30 a.m. Social Ministry Committee; 9:30 a.m. Fellowship Time; 10:15 a.m. Holy Worship.

Tuesday, Dec. 15: 8:30 a.m. Quilting at Elim; 9 a.m. Pack backpacks.

CENTERPOINT, 740 Maple Drive, St. Croix Falls (High school) Dick Enerson, pastor Sunday: 10-11:15 a.m. Worship celebration; Children’s church (SuperKidz) age 4-5th grade; Nursery (KidzKorner) birth-3 years.

Cell Groups (small group Bible studies) offered throughout the week.

CHURCH OF CHRIST, St. Croix Falls Jack Philips, evangelist Sunday: 9:30 a.m. Bible Study; 10:45 a.m. Worship.

Wednesday: 7 p.m. Bible Study and Devotions.

CLEAR LAKE UNITED METHODIST, John Hazen, pastor Sunday: 11 a.m. Worship.

Wednesday: 5:30 p.m. Meal for all; 6 p.m. Church school.

CONGREGATIONAL, 201 N. Harriman Ave., Amery Barry Schaefer, pastor Wednesday, Dec. 9: 6 p.m. FUEL; 6:30 p.m. The Story Children/Youth/Adults; 7:15 p.m. Choir.

Thursday, Dec. 10: 5:30 p.m. Women’s Bible; 7 p.m. Money Class.

Saturday, Dec. 12: 6 a.m. Food Setup; 8 a.m. Car Care; 9 a.m. Food Distribution.

Sunday, Dec. 13: 8:30 a.m. The Story - Children/Youth/ Adults; 8:30 a.m. L-4 Confirmation; 8:30 a.m. Nursery Care; 10 a.m. Worship/Sunday School Christmas Program; 11:30 a.m. MT16 mtg.

Tuesday, Dec. 15: 6:30 a.m. Men’s Bible Study; 10 a.m “The Story” - Adults; 5:30 p.m. Trustees mtg.

DEER PARK UNITED METHODIST, John Hazen, pastor Sunday: 9:45 a.m. Worship.

DERONDA LUTHERAN, 1239 65th Ave., Amery Lori Peper, pastor 715-268-2098 Wednesday, Dec. 9: 6 p.m. JAM and Confirmation at Little Falls.

Sunday, Dec. 13: 10 a.m. Coffee and Fellowship; 11 a.m. Worship service.

Tuesday, Dec. 15: 7 p.m. NUIC Council meeting at Deronda.

See our website for up-to-date scheduling www.deronda church.net EAST BALSAM BAPTIST, 1816 108th St./CTH I, Balsam Lake, Gabriel Brennan, pastor www.eastbalsam.org 715-857-5411 Sunday: 9 a.m. Worship service; 10:30 a.m. Sunday school.

Tuesday: Women’s Ministry; 9 a.m. Bible Study.

EAST IMMANUEL LUTHERAN, south of Amery on Hwy. 46 then west on 20th Ave., Kathy Pennington, pastor Wednesday, Dec. 9: 6 p.m. Confirmation.

Saturday, Dec. 12: 8 a.m. Men’s Group at Ida Mae’s.

Sunday, Dec. 13: 9:30 a.m. GIFT; 10:30 a.m. Worship.

Tuesday, Dec. 15: 7 p.m. Choir.

EAST LINCOLN ALLIANCE, 735 70th Ave., Amery 715-268-2350 www.eastlincolnalliance.com Eric Danielson and Randy Schussman, pastors Sunday: 8:30 a.m. Prayer Meeting; 9:15 a.m. Sunday school and Adult Bible Studies; 10:30 a.m. Worship service.

Child Care and Children’s church are provided during worshp service.

Wednesday: 6-8 p.m. Youth Group meets (6th-12th grade) Small groups meet throughout the week. Contact the church office for further details.

EL SALEM BAPTIST/TWIN FALLS CHRISTIAN CENTER, Dresser, Darryl R. Olson, pastor Sunday 9:30 a.m. Sunday school; 10:35 a.m. Worship; 6 p.m. Sunday evening.

Wednesday: 7 p.m. Bible Study.

SPIRITUAL

DECEMBER 8, 2015

ELIM LUTHERAN, Range, Matt Saarem, pastor Sunday: 8:30 a.m. Worship.

Holy Communion 1st and 3rd Sundays.

FAITH LUTHERAN (ELCA), 301 1st Ave. East, Balsam Lake , Diane Norstad, pastor Sunday: 9:30 a.m. Sunday worship; 10:40 a.m. Sunday school.

Wednesday evening Confirmation classes.

FAITH LUTHERAN (ELCA), 134 Prentice St. S, Clayton Margaret Grant, pastor Sunday: 9:45 a.m. Worship; 10:45 a.m. Fellowship.

Wednesday: 6 p.m. Church School.

Men’s Bible Study 2nd Sunday 6 p.m.

Mission Quilting Tuesdays 9 a.m.

FIRST BAPTIST, 131 Broadway St., Amery Charlie Butt, lead pastor, Nick Buda, associate pastor churchoffice@fbcamery.org Sunday: One service 9-10:15 a.m. Nursery is available for ages 0-3; 10:30-11:30 a.m. All Ages Sunday School (nursery available for ages 0-3).

Monday: 1:30-2:30 Moms in Prayer Group (until end of school year).

Saturday: 7-8 a.m. Men’s Bible Study at Ida Mae’s.

FIRST LUTHERAN, 240 Elm St., Amery Tim Bjorge, pastor Wednesday, Dec. 9: 5 p.m. Church in Society; 6-8 p.m. FUEL here; 7 p.m. Church Council.

Thursday, Dec. 10: 8 a.m. Bible Study at Ida’s; 8:30 a.m.

Quilters; 7 p.m. Al Anon.

Saturday, Dec. 12: 8 a.m. Car Care; 9-11 a.m. Christmas Program Dress Rehearsal.

Sunday, Dec. 13: 9 a.m. Worship; 10:15 a.m. Children’s Christmas Program, Jamaica Bake Sale.

Tuesday, Dec. 15: 6:30 a.m. Women’s Bible Study; 1:30 p.m.

Handbells; 6:30 p.m. Sons of Norway; 11 a.m. Service at Evergreen.

FIRST LUTHERAN (LCMC), 811 South Ave. W, Clear Lake www.firstluthclearlake.com Bryan S. Anderson, pastor Wednesday, Dec. 9: 6:15 p.m. 7th and 8th grade Confirmation; 7:30 p.m. 9th Grade Confirmation.

Thursday, Dec. 10: 12:30 p.m. Priscilla Circle at Gail Clark’s; 2 p.m. Joanna Circle at Ridgeview Apartments; 6:30 p.m.

Church Council.

Sunday, Dec. 13: 8:30 a.m. Contemporary worship; 9 a.m.

Choir practice; 9:30 a.m. Fellowship; 9:40 a.m. Sunday school; 10 a.m. Traditional Worship; 11 a.m. Church Potluck; 11 a.m. 3rd Rotation Teachers Orientation meeting; 6:30 p.m.

Compassionate Friends Candlelight Service.

Monday, Dec. 14: 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Bible Marathon Class; 3 p.m. Service at Golden Age Manor.

Tuesday, Dec. 15: 9 a.m. Quilting; 10 a.m. Staff meeting.

FIRST PRESYTERIAN, 719 Nevada St., St. Croix Falls Barbara Anne Keely, pastor Sunday: 10:15 a.m. Coffee and Fellowship; 11 a.m. Worship.

FOREST UNITED METHODIST, John Hazen, pastor Sunday: 8:30 a.m. Worship.

FULL GOSPEL LIGHTHOUSE, Graytown Merlin Burton, pastor Sunday: 10:30 a.m. Sunday school; 11 a.m. Worship.

GEORGETOWN LUTHERAN-ELCA, 877 190th Ave. Co. Rd. G, Balsam Lake (Fox Creek) 715-857-5580 serving@georgetownlutheran.net Interim Pastor Paul Settergren Sunday: 9:15 a.m. Sunday school; 10:30 a.m. Worship; Communion 1st and 3rd Sunday.

GRACE LUTHERAN - WELS, 460 4th St., Clear Lake, 715-263-2164 Ellery W. Groth, pastor Sunday school 9 a.m. Divine worship 10:15 a.m.

Dec. 2-9-16 My Love, My Savior Bible Class with 5:30 p.m.

Supper; 6 p.m. Bible Class.

Christmas Eve Service 7 p.m.

Christmas Day Service 10:15 a.m.

HOLY TRINITY ORTHODOX, 511 1st St., Clayton, 715-948-2493 htoc@amerytel.net Chris Wojcik, pastor Sundays: 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy.

HOLY TRINITY UNITED METHODIST, 1606 165th Ave., Centuria, on CTH I between Balsam Lake and Centuria Freddie Kirk, pastor Sunday: 8:30 a.m. Worship.

IMMANUEL EV. LUTHERAN (LCMS), 124 E. Church St., Clayton ImmLCLCMS@centurytel.net 715-541-2955 Gregory Becker, pastor Sunday: 9 a.m. Divine Worship.

Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. Family Christian Education.

Advent Worship Service Wednesdays 5:30 p.m.

Children’s Christmas Program Dec. 24 at 4:30 p.m.

IMMANUEL LUTHERAN, 65th Ave., rural Clayton Margaret Grant, pastor Immanuel: 8:30 a.m. Worship.

LITTLE FALLS LUTHERAN, 1272 44th Ave., Amery 715-268-9409 Wednesday, Dec. 9: 6 p.m. JAM and Confirmation.

Saturday, Dec. 12: 12 p.m. Little Falls WELCA Christmas Party.

Sunday, Dec. 13: 8 a.m. Worship; Council meeting follows service.

Tuesday, Dec. 15: 7 p.m. NUIC Council meeting at Deronda.

See our website for up-to-date scheduling www.little fallschurch.net

We Shall T Overcome

he shooting and killing of nine people engaged in a Bible study this past June in a Charleston church basement was horrific on many levels. How anyone could do such a thing was beyond comprehension for most of us. But what strained our comprehension even more was the reaction of love and forgiveness by family members of the slain victims. Forgiving such a heinous crime requires a deep and abiding faith, and was so morally and spiritually beautiful as to bring many of us to tears. Out of tragedies such as this, God works miracles, and the miracle here was how a young man hoping to bring strife and division to our country actually brought a show of love and unity. There will always be hate and haters among us, but love is stronger and more pervasive, and ultimately more effective in overcoming hate. We are reminded of Jesus’ words on the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34 NIV) And remember, it’s easy to forgive the little stuff; the real task is to forgive the seemingly unforgivable – Christopher Simon

These weekly church messages are contributed by the following:

Freedom Valu Center

We Want To Be Your Total Convenience Store 715-268-8957 237 Keller Ave., Amery

AmTec

241 Venture Dr., Amery Phone 715-268-8146

Dick’s Fresh Market RiverPlace Mall Amery

Carlson Highland & Co., L.L.P. CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS 301 Keller Ave. S., Amery 715-268-7999

Amery Free Press “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

—Romans 12:21 NIV

Your Comunity Newspaper for over 120 years 215 S. Keller Ave., Amery Phone 715-268-8101

SPIRITUAL

DECEMBER 8, 2015

AMERY FREE PRESS

11

AREA CHURCHES continued

DEATH NOTICE

LIVING WORD CHAPEL, Hwy 64 at Forest ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC, 1050 Keller Ave. N, Amery Randy Dean, pastor Father Eugene Murphy Sunday: 8:45-9:45 a.m. Sunday school; 10 am. Main serWeekly Mass and Communion service schedule: vice.

Saturday 4 p.m. Mass.

Wednesday: 7:30 pm. Adults and Teen Ministry.

Sunday 10:30 a.m. Mass.

MENNONITE CHURCH, 1681 6 1/2 St., Co. Hwy. P North, Monday 9 a.m. Communion Service.

Almena, 715-357-3321 Tuesday 9 a.m. Communion Service.

Sunday: 10 a.m. Sunday school, all ages; 10:45 a.m. SunWednesday: 9 a.m. Mass. day worship service; 7:45 p.m. Sunday evening service.

Thursday: 1st and 2nd Thursdays, Mass is held at local MOE LUTHERAN (ELCA), 451 30th St., Clear Lake nursing homes; Other Thursdays 9 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph.

Sunday: 10 a.m. Fellowship; 11 a.m. Worship; Potluck lunch Friday: 9 a.m. Communion Service.

2nd Sunday.

Bible Study Schedule: Tuesday, Dec. 15, 9:45 a.m.

Men’s Bible Study 2nd Sunday 6 p.m.

Special events: Tuesday, Dec. 15: Communal Advent Women’s Bible Study 2nd Thursday 1:30 p.m.

Reconciliation 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Dec. 16, Stump The NEW LIFE COMMUNITY, Amery Chump after 9 a.m. Mass.

Craig Jorgenson, interim pastor ST. JOHN LUTHERAN, Forest, John Wilman, pastor Sunday: 10 a.m. Worship.

Wednesday Dec. 9: 7 p.m. Midweek Joint Advent service at Tuesday: 6:30 p.m. Prayer.

St. John’s.

Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. Youth; 7 p.m. Adult Bible.

Thursday, Dec. 10: 7 p.m. Bible Study.

OTTERCREEK CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP, Sunday, Dec. 13: 8 a.m. Worship; 9 a.m. Coffee Fellowship.

Glenwood City Civic Center, Jason Taylor, pastor Tuesday, Dec. 15: 10 a.m. Circuit Pastor’s meeting.

Sunday: 10:30 a.m. Worship; Children’s church, childcare ST. PAUL LUTHERAN, Deer Park, John Wilman, pastor provided.

Wednesday, Dec. 9: Pastor visiting shut-ins; 7 p.m. MidWednesday Night Prayer. week Joint Advent service at St. John’s.

OUR LADY OF THE LAKES CATHOLIC, Balsam Lake Thursday, Dec. 10: Pastor visiting shut-ins.

Father Eugene Murphy, pastor Sunday, Dec. 13: 8:45 a.m. Sunday school; 9 a.m. Coffee Masses: Saturday 6 p.m., Sunday 8:30 a.m.

Fellowship; 10:15 a.m. Council meeting.

OUR SAVIOR’S LUTHERAN, 217 Deronda St., Amery Monday, Dec. 14: 6:30 p.m. 4-H meeting.

Keith Ruehlow, pastor Tuesday, Dec. 15: 10 a.m. Circuit Pastor’s meeting; 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 9: 8:45 a.m. Bible Study; 12 p.m. Men’s Bible Study.

Table Talk; 1:30 p.m. Abigail Circle/Verneil’s; 5:30 p.m. FUEL SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST, 76 20th Ave., Clear Lake 7th and 8th grade here; 6 p.m. FUEL 6th, 9th-12th at First John Redlich, pastor Lutheran; 6 p.m. Evening Prayer; 6:30 p.m. Advent Vespers; Saturday: 9:30 a.m. Bible Study; 11 a.m. Worship service; 7 p.m. Choir practice.

Head Elder David Scott 715-263-3367.

Thursday, Dec. 10: 8:15 a.m. Top’s Club; 8:30 a.m. Bible Mid-week service: Wednesday 7 p.m.

Study; 9:30 a.m. Apple River Conf. at Zion Lutheran, Trade THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY Lake; 1:30 p.m. Martha Circle.

SAINTS (Mormons), 644 S. 6th St., Barron Friday, Dec. 11: Set up for Jul Fest.

Bishop Patrick F. Roper Saturday, Dec. 12: 10:30 a.m. Jul Fest opens.

Sunday: Sacrament 10 a.m.; Sunday School/Primary 11:20 Sunday, Dec. 13: 9 a.m. Contemporary Worship service with a.m.; Priesthood/Relief Society 12:10 p.m.

Holy Communion; 10:15 a.m. Sunday school.

TRINITY LUTHERAN of Garfield, 1578 85th Ave., Monday, Dec. 14: 6:30 p.m Lion Den meeting.

Amery 715-268-9577 Tuesday, Dec. 15: 9 a.m. Special Friends of OSLC; 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 9: 6 p.m. JAM and Confirmation at Little Church Council meeting.

Falls.

PRAIRIEVIEW COVENANT, 1396 210th Ave. Thursday, Dec. 10: 4:30 p.m. WELCA caroling.

(2 miles north of New Richmond on 65) Joe Sir, pastor Sunday, Dec. 13: 9:30 a.m. Worship; 10:30 a.m. Fellowship.

Sunday: 9 a.m. Sunday school, nursery care; 10 a.m. WorTuesday, Dec. 15: 7 p.m. NUIC Council meeting at Deronda. ship service, nursery care.

See our website for up-to-date scheduling www.trinity Wednesday: 6 p.m. Family Night Supper; 6:30 p.m. Teach- lutheranchurchofamery.com ing activities for all ages; nursery care.

UNITED COVENANT, 348 5th St. NW, Clear Lake Women’s Bible Studies.

Dan Pearson, pastor REDEEMER LUTHERAN, 600 S. Keller Ave., Amery Wednesday, Dec. 9: 5:30 p.m. Fellowship Supper; 5:50 Tom Hahn, pastor p.m. Worship Team 2; 6:15 p.m. Kids, Youth, Adult, Men’s FraWednesday, Dec. 1 p.m. Ladies Aid Christmas Luncheon; ternity.

5:30 p.m. Confirmation; 5:30 p.m. Soup/Sandwich Supper; Saturday, Dec. 12: 78 a.m. Men’s Breakfast at Church.

7 p.m. Advent Service; 7:45 p.m. Choir practice.

Sunday, Dec. 13: 8:30 a.m. Mighty OAKS/Confirmation/ Sunday, Dec. 13: 9:30 a.m. Choir Cantata and SS Presenta- Youth; 8:45 a.m. Adult Classes; 10 a.m. Worship service; Pottion; 10:30 a.m. Fellowship then caroling to shut-ins. luck following service.

Tuesday, Dec. 15: 9 a.m. Craft Day. Tuesday, Dec. 15: 8 a.m. Sweet Hour of Prayer; 8:45 a.m.

REEVE EVANGELICAL FREE, Jct. Barron CTH K & A, Women’s Bible Study at UCC; 6:30 p.m Budget/Planning Clear Lake, www.reevechurch.org mtg; 6:45 p.m. Women’s Bible Study at Lynn Pickard’s.

Sunday: 9 am. Worship service; 10:15 a.m. Fellowship Time; UNITED METHODIST, GLENHILLS PARISH 10:30 a.m. Sunday school for all ages; 6:30 p.m. Jr. and Sr. Marybeth Scow, pastor KANABEC COUNTY High Youth Group (Sept.-May).

Emerald UMC: 8:30 a.m. Worship with Sunday school.

Wednesday nights: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Adult Bible Study and Glenwood City UMC: 9:45 a.m. Worship with Sunday Prayer; Kids club (Sept.-May). school.

ST. BARNABAS EPISCOPAL, Clear Lake, Rev. Bob Lyga Downing UMC: 11 a.m. Worship with Sunday school.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 33, 2222 VOL. 131 NO.447 19 www.moraminn.com Sunday: 9:15 a.m. Sunday school; 10:15 a.m. Worship.

WEST IMMANUEL LUTHERAN, ELCA, 180th$1.00 St., ST. CROIX UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP, Osceola, Rexford D. Brandt, pastor 201 N. Adams, St. Croix Falls 715-483-1113 Sunday: 8 a.m. Sunday worship service; 9 a.m. Coffee FelSunday: 10 a.m. First, second and third Sunday, 715-553- lowship; 9:15 a.m. Sunday school; 10:30 a.m. Sunday worship 3386. service; Holy Communion 1st and 3rd Sunday.

ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC, Clear Lake, Fr. JohnPINE Long,CITY pastor Wednesday: 6 p.m. Confirmation Meal; 6:30 p.m. EducaMass: 8 a.m. Wednesday. tion Committee; 7 p.m. Confirmation classes.

Mass: 8 a.m. Thursday.

WORD OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP, Clear Lake Mass: 8:30 a.m. Sunday.

Patricia and Harlen Wienke, pastors THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 33, 2222 VOL. 131 NO. 19 www.moraminn.com $1.00 Sunday: 10 a.m. Worship.

Tuesday: 9 a.m. Healing Rooms by appointment.

Wednesday: 7 p.m. Adult Bible Study.

Mark A. Buhr, 50, Clear Lake, died Sunday, Dec. 6, at his home after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, from First Lutheran Church, Clear Lake. Burial will be in the Clear Lake Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Friday, Dec. 11, from 3-8 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Clear Lake and the hour before services at the church on Saturday.

Scheuermann Funeral Home of Clear Lake is handling the arrangements.

Sylvia E. Schmidt, 95, Turtle Lake, passed away Saturday, Dec. 5, at Golden Age Manor in Amery.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at Silver Creek Lutheran Church, Clayton.

Visitation will be the hour before services at the church.

Skinner Funeral Home of Turtle Lake is serving the family.

Join us for these special holiday services Advent Services Wednesdays, Dec. 9 & 16 Soup & Sandwich 5:30 p.m.

Worship 7 p.m.

Worship Services Sundays, Dec. 13 & 20, 9:30 a.m.

Dec. 13 - Choir Cantata, Sunday School Worship

Christmas Eve Thursday, Dec. 24

7 p.m. Candlelight Service w/communion

Christmas Day Friday, Dec. 25

9:30 a.m. Worship w/communion

Redeemer Lutheran Church 600 Keller Ave. S, Amery 715-268-7283

TIMES

PIONEER

ibe r c s Sub ay!

Tod

FREE PRESS AMERY

215 S. Keller Ave., Amery, WI 54001 Phone 715-268-8101 Fax 715-268-5300 Email dstangl@theameryfreepress.com COUNTRY

SUBSCRIPTION RATES Polk, Burnett, St. Croix, Barron counties, $30 per year Other Wisconsin and Minnesota $35 per year THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 33, 2222 VOL. 131 NO. 19 www.moraminn.com $1.00 Other States $40 per year Students $20 nine months Service persons $25 per year

12 AMERY FREE PRESS

SPIRITUAL

DECEMBER 8, 2015

OBITUARIES

Gertrude E. Moriak

Marsha A. Jensen

Gertrude E. Moriak, age 94 of Amery, WI passed away on Thursday November 19, 2015 at Golden Age Manor, Amery, WI, where she has been living for the past eight years.

Gertrude E. Moriak was born on May 30, 1921, in Barron County, the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Ritsche) Schmitz.

Most of her childhood she lived in Barron County, WI, and attended St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Turtle Lake, WI. She attended Sunny Slope Country School through the eighth grade.

Gertrude was married to Frank Moriak in Turtle Lake, WI on October 14, 1941. Together they made their home with Frank’s parents and siblings in Vance Creek. They had 9 children, from 1942 1965. Gertrude and her 5 youngest children joined Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in 1965. Gertrude and Frank moved to Oak Terrace apartments in Clayton on 7/7/77, where they were caretakers and still helped out at the farm. In December 1992, they moved to Evergreen apartments in Amery until her last move to Golden Age Manor in August of 2007.

Over the years Gertrude was a homemaker, gardener, farmer, World Book and Amway saleswoman. She was a 4-H leader for over 25 years, involved and active in NFO, Farmer’s Union and every woman’s organization she could be. She loved to travel, do crossword puzzles, read and crochet. Everyone in the family has multiple afghans plus she donated an afghan for many years to the church raffle. She also had a collection of post cards. Since Gertrude helped all her children through high school and 6 of them through college, she decided to try for her GED. She received her GED Diploma from the State Superintendent in 1987. Gertrude had a big heart. In 1962 she took in a neighbor’s infant daughter, which was intended to be for a couple of weeks and she was blessed to have her for nearly 5 years.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband Frank; 2 brothers Jerome and John.

Survivors include her 9 children: Ted (Susan) Moriak of Centreville, VA, Sheila (Ron) Dietrich of Almena, WI, Dale (Joyce) Moriak of Barron, WI, Terese (Dennis) Farrar of Sun City West, AZ, Craig (Pam) Moriak of Amery, WI, Rollan (Linda) Moriak of Mary Esther, FL, Tim (Lori) Moriak of Turtle Lake, WI, Tom (Lisa) Moriak of Amery, WI, Nicola (Greg) Hazen of Clear Lake, WI. Foster daughter, Caroline Austin of Clayton, WI; 25 Grandchildren, 29 Great-Grandchildren, 5 Great-Great Grandchildren; brother, Raymond Schmitz of Hudson, WI; sister, Mary Ann (Allen) Nelson of LaCrosse, WI; many family and friends.

Visitation is December 11, 2015, 4-7 p.m. at Williamson-White Funeral Home, Amery, WI and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral service is 11 a.m. December 12, 2015 at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Clayton, WI. Fr. Christopher Wojcik officiating. Pallbearers are her 9 children and family members. Interment is at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church Cemetery after the service.

Memorials preferred to Holy Trinity Orthodox Church for Capital Improvements, 523 1st Street, Clayton, WI 54004.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation for the compassionate care our mother, Gertrude, received at Golden Age Manor in Amery.

To sign an online guest book and view a video tribute, visit www.williamsonwhite.com.

Arrangements were made with the Williamson-White Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Amery.

Marsha Ann Jensen (nee Sheehan) was born October 10, 1948 in Amery, WI to Marshall and Wilma Sheehan of Milltown, WI. Marsha passed peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Saturday, November 28, 2015 after her courageous four-year battle with cancer.

Marsha was born and passed away in Polk County, but spent much of her early and teen life traversing the country with her father, mother and brothers while her father worked on large scale construction projects. Marsha and her brothers attended 22 different schools while traveling around the country. Marsha’s family returned to the Polk County area in 1967 after Marsha’s High School Graduation from Del Rio Public High School in Del Rio, TX. Marsha worked at Minnesota Plastics in St. Paul, MN before enrolling at UW-Stout in Menomonie, WI. In August of 1970 Marsha married Mark W. Jensen of Luck, WI. Mark and Marsha’s first married years were spent in Menomonie and Neenah, WI where their children, Jacob and Jacqueline, were born. In 1976 Mark and Marsha came back to Luck to join Mark’s parents, Levi and Harriet, in the family business of Jensen Furniture. Marsha spent their first years in Luck raising their children and doing child care from their home in Luck. Marsha officially joined the family business in 1984 where she worked side by side with her family until her health would not allow her to.

Marsha was actively involved in the American Legion Auxillary Post 255 where she served as an officer of different capacities, over a decade on the Luck Village Board, Kinship Mentor, Luck Winter Carnival Little Miss Pageant Coordinator, Luck Commercial and Community Club, and Luck Lutheran Church. While Marsha did not favor the “limelight” of public affection she graciously accepted the opportunity to be Honorary Chair of the Luck Cancer Society Cancer Walk in 2013 and Grand Marshal for the Luck Winter Carnival in 2014.

Marsha’s greatest enjoyment was spending time with her family, including seven grandchildren.

Along with being a talented gardener, Marsha was an excellent cook and loved spending time in her

Sylvia E. Schmidt Sylvia Elizabeth Schmidt, 95, of Turtle Lake passed away Saturday, December 5, 2015 at Golden Age Manor in Amery. She was born July 17, 1920 in Prairie Farm, WI to Oscar and Gladys (Pearson) Wold. Sylvia attended grade school at Breen School in Prairie Farm and graduated from Clayton High School in 1940.

After working for several years at Montgomery Wards in St. Paul, MN, she was married in Stillwater, MN on June 17, 1948 to Kenneth Schmidt who preceded her in death on May 6, 2007. They purchased a farm near Clayton where they lived for 40 plus years and raised their children.

In addition to being a hard working farmers wife and the mother of 4 children, Sylvia worked at Jerome Foods and was very active in her church. In later years, she enjoyed sewing, making countless dolls, from Raggedy Anns' to cabbage patch and

kitchen cooking for her family, teaching her daughter, daughter-in-law, and granddaughters her craft, and her gift of hosting annual family gatherings where Marsha would graciously open the doors of their home for all to enjoy. Marsha also enjoyed sightseeing from her and Mark’s motorcycle, camping with the grandkids, taking (self-named) “putt putts” around Big Butternut Lake on their pontoon, attending her grandchildren’s many athletic and musical events, and reminiscing about her family history.

Marsha was preceded in death by her parents, Marshall and Wilma (Jensen-Reitz) Sheehan; her oldest brother, Leroy (Dixie Mabry) Carston; brother, Pat Sheehan; sister-in-law, Jane Sheehan; and niece, Cherie Strohl.

Marsha is survived by her husband, Mark; children, Jacob J. (Sonja) Jensen and Jacqueline (Craig) Gordon; brother, Timothy J. Sheehan; niece, Emily L. Sheehan; grandchildren, Isabelle Ann Jensen, Levi Marshall Jensen, Wyatt Jacob Jensen, Julia Ruby Gordon, Marshall Ray Gordon, Jameson Jensen Gordon, and Blake Joseph Tomandl; sisterin-law, Dixie Carston and her children, Charlene Carston, Charles Carston, and Cindy Fitton; sister-in-law, Margaret (Bill) Jensen Connet and her children, Daniel, Andrew, and Samuel; and many great-nieces and great-nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

The family would like to thank the members of Luck and surrounding communities for all of the well wishing and prayers sent Marsha’s way, along with the caregiving team from Lean On Me Homecare, and St. Croix Hospice.

Marsha’s family has requested Memorials be designated to the American Legion Auxiliary Post 255, The Courage Center, Hope House and Interfaith Caregivers of Polk County, Luck Lutheran Church, Luck Public Library, Luther Point Bible Camp, and Kinship of Polk County.

Visitation will be held at Luck Lutheran Church on Sunday, December 6th from 5 to 7:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at Luck Lutheran on Monday, December 7th at 11:00 a.m. with one hour visitation prior to the service.

You are invited to sign an online guestbook at www.rowefh.com or www.wicremationcenter.com .

Arrangements are entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home in Luck, 715-472-2444 and the Northwest Wisconsin Cremation Center in Milltown, 715-825-5550.

amish dolls, for all of her kids and grandkids. She also enjoyed crocheting afghans, quilting and baking thousands of chocolate chip cookies for everyone. After Kenneth's death, due to declining health, Sylvia moved to Golden Age Manor. She enjoyed taking part in the activities there and always said they had the best food and it was a pretty good place to live.

Sylvia is survived by her son, John (Rebecca) Schmidt of Birchwood; daughters, Pat Berghammer (Gene Andren) of Turtle Lake, Cathy (Dale) Stepan of Turtle Lake and Lori (Todd) Johnson of Clayton; 9 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren with one on the way and sister, Margaret Greschner of Barron.

She was preceded in death by husband, parents and sisters, June Zemke and Nadine Gruenwald.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 10, 2015 at Silver Creek Lutheran Church, Clayton WI with Rev. Gregory Becker officiating. Burial will be in Clayton Cemetery. Pallbearers are Chris Berghammer, Corey Berghammer, Joe Mathison, Sam Sventek, Joel Cormican and Bobby Shea. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Thursday at the church.

Skinner Funeral Home of Turtle Lake is serving the family.

SPIRITUAL

DECEMBER 8, 2015

Marlene B. Miller Marlene Bertha Miller was born on March 29, 1937 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Martin and Clara (Guse) Hansen. As a child she was raised in Clear Lake, Wisconsin. She attended school in Clear Lake and graduated from the Clear Lake High School in 1955.

After graduating high school Marlene moved to St. Paul, Minnesota. She lived on Grand Avenue in St. Paul and worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield.

In May of 2002, at the age of 67, she was united in marriage to Bruce Miller.

Marlene and Bruce sold their homes in the St. Paul area and moved to Amery, Wisconsin. Marlene enjoyed square dancing and was active with a truck club as well as a button club.

On December 1, 2015 Marlene passed away at her residence at the Deerfield Gables where she had been most recently been residing.

She is preceded in death by her parents and husband Bruce Miller.

She is survived by her brother Harley (Sharon) Hansen, her twin sister Maxine Arvilla, brother-inlaw Greg (Mary) Miller, nieces Cindy (Joe) Radatz, Shelley (Al) Reimers and Heidi (Brad) Lorenzetti; nephews Kevin (Paula) Hansen and Paul Arvilla; as well as other loving relatives and friends.

Funeral Services were at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 5, 2015 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Amery, WI with Pastor Tom Hahn officiating. Burial was at the Clear Lake Cemetery in Clear Lake, Wisconsin.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the Church.

You may sign an online guest book and view a video tribute at www.williamsonwhite.com.

The Williamson-White Funeral Home and Cremation Services assisted the family.

Diann J. Stumo Diann J. Stumo, 73, Roseville, MN, formerly of Turtle Lake, WI, passed away peacefully at home on December 3, 2015. Retired Cypress Semiconductor employee.

Preceded in death by parents, Walter Sr. and Frances “Betty” (nee Peterson) Strasser.

Survived by beloved husband of 52 years, Victor A.; children, Tracy (Peter) Stumo-Langer, Terry (James Bazoff), and Thom (Dina); grandchildren, Nick and Taylor Stumo-Langer, Jakob Bazoff, Madison and Maranda Leffew, Stephen and Scott Rios, and Joshua and Jonathan Stumo; brothers, Walter Jr. (Jill) Strasser, Paul (Carrie) Strasser, and Tim (Tanya) Strasser; brothers/sisters-in-law, Ted (Joanne) Stumo, Phil (Marion) Stumo, and Della Dole; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friend Judy Langer.

Visitation is Saturday, December 12th from 11 a.m. to time of service at Roseville Memorial Chapel (2245 N. Hamline Ave., Roseville, MN). Funeral to follow at 12 Noon. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Roseville Memorial Chapel 651-631-2727 is in charge of arrangements.

Copies made and faxes sent Available at the Amery Free Press

Wisconsin churches build structures to hold cremated remains

BY MATTHEW DEFOUR WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A parishioner at Madison’s Grace Episcopal Church spoke often about why she wanted her ashes interred in a metal box within a wooden cabinet alongside her husband and two children in the church’s chapel.

Many churches in Wisconsin have built such structures over the years, even though state law didn’t clearly define them as distinct from mausoleums, which can only be built in cemeteries.

Gov. Scott Walker and the Legislature recently updated the law to make clear that churches are allowed to build columbaria, provided they follow certain rules, the Wisconsin State Journal reports.

Columbaria can be buildings, free-standing structures or walls within buildings, usually located in churches or cemeteries, that contain several niches to hold urns or other containers with the cremated remains of the deceased.

They can also be as simple as Grace Episcopal’s pair of 4-foot wooden cabinets with a cross carved on the door. Each niche costs $200, Henning said.

Two plaques on the wall above the cabinets list the names of 35 parishioners whose ashes lie there.

Unlike mausoleums, which can be built only at cemeteries, columbaria do not hold embalmed remains.

The impetus for the recent change in law came from a handful of communities in southeastern Wisconsin that tried to block churches from building free-standing structures, saying they were mausoleums and not allowed outside of cemeteries.

The lead sponsor of the bill, Rep. Rob Brooks, R-Saukville, noted the new law includes a one-year moratorium on new construction of columbaria to allow municipalities to develop ordinances related to them.

AMERY FREE PRESS

13

30th Annual

Amery

Holiday Stroll HONOR ROLL

Many people and many community-spirited businesses helped us chalk up another successful Holiday Stroll last Sunday . . .

THE AMERY FREE PRESS STAFF ISSUES THEIR MERITORIOUS SERVICE BADGE TO THE FOLLOWING:

Businesses inviting people to Amery with the Red Bows: Amery Discount Liquor Ellie’s Ice Cream & Coffee Amery Express Farm Table Amery Family Restaurant Freedom Value Center Amery Free Press Indigo Iris Amery True Value Kyuki-Do Martial Arts Apple River TV & Appliance Slumberland Better Self Wellness Slumberland Clearance Chet Johnson Drug Stems From the Heart Dick’s Fresh Market Subway Village Pizzeria Downtown Threads And a special thanks to . . .

—FIRMS THAT DONATED FOOD: and made facilities KANABEC COUNTY available so that the hot dog stand could operate and donate over $400 to the Amery Area Food Pantry: Amery Community Club, City of Amery, Bremer Bank —HORSE AND WAGON RIDES: The Stalheim Family —SPONSORS OF THE HOLIDAY STROLL STORIES: Bremer Bank, Northwest Communications, Erspamer Law Office, Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative —SANTA CLAUS: who added so much to the enjoyment for the young and oldCITY during the great afternoon PINE —HOLIDAY STROLL ELVES: Mike Elmer, Dave Humpal, Madison Stangl, Lindsay Valenty, 2015 Amery Royalty —TO THE STROLLERS . . . You were simply great!

TIMES

PIONEER Our Sincere Gratitude

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AMERY FREE PRESS

PUBLIC NOTICES

AMERY CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS November 4, 2015 The Amery City Council met for a regular meeting on November 4, 2015 at City Hall. Mayor Kay Erickson called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m.

Present: Erickson, Rick Davis, Julie Riemenschneider, Tim Strohbusch, Rick Van Blaricom, Kristen Vicker, and Jack Rogers.

Staff present: Darcy Long, Fran Duncanson, Megan Will, Tom Marson, Bones McCarty, Dale Koehler, James Nalen, Chanz Green, and Crystal Zacharias.

Others present: Tom Stangl and Jessica de la Cruz of the Amery Free Press, Bob Zank of WPCA, Larry Stelter, Judie Johnson, and Darren Forbes from Freedom Value Centers.

Clerk Duncanson conducted roll call.

Jessica de la Cruz led the Pledge of Allegiance Motion by Strohbusch and seconded by Riemenschneider to approve the minutes of the October 7, 2015 City Council meeting.

Ayes-5 Nays-0 Motion carried.

Officers Reports: Fire Chief - Koehler: Recently the Dept. has received calls regarding insurance ratings. The City and covered contracted municipalities have a high rating of four that helps save on property insurance.

Thirteen Dept. firefighters are attending continuing education classes. The Dept. held Trick or Treating with the Police Dept. Chief Koehler thanked the Amery Hospital for a $3,000 donation for the proposed airboat purchase putting the total fund up to $9,000.

DPW Director - McCarty: The Dept. has been winterizing the parks. North Park is open as long as possible due to the nice weather. Trucks and equipment are getting ready for winter. There have been recent issues with water turn off valves. A reminder there is no leaf pickup and the landfill will be open as long as the weather is nice for leaves and brush.

McCarty has been on vacation and complimented Asst. PWD Green on a good job filling in while he was gone.

Library Director - Nalen: There will be a Harry Potter party at the library during the upcoming school closed day. There are several genealogy programs coming up. The Job Skills Café drop in program with the Polk County Workforce Dept. is available to help with resumes and job searching. Computer technology help is available for free and held Tuesday and Wednesday nights. The Library will be closed November 10th for server maintenance and reopen on November 11th which is also Veterans’ Day. Police Chief - Marson: Presents the October activity report. New officer Crystal Zacharias was introduced. Zacharias started part time in January and now works full time and is training on the day shift.

Zacharias will go to nights in January. The Dept. held the Drug Take Back Day and collected 100 lbs. of items. Marson thanked Sharon Paulson of the Amery Woman’s Club for assistance in developing the event. Winter parking restrictions are now in effect. There is no parking from 2:00-6:00 a.m. on City streets.

City Administrator - Long: Read a letter of thanks from Norm Osero regarding recent paving at the Pondhurst neighborhood. The purchase of the Ron Anderson property is complete. The Whispering Waters development has new homes under con-

struction. The new band shell in Michael Park looks great, the roof is on, and they are working on siding.

Construction is on schedule and the sound system will be completed in the spring. City Dept. heads and staff is working on the 2016 budget with the Finance Committee.

Management Analyst - Will: Updates of the Capital Improvement Plan are in progress. The Tree City application has been sent in and we are waiting to hear from the DNR on its approval. The Walkability Committee meets tomorrow. The Community Garden project is getting off the ground with organizational meetings being held.

Committee Reports: Finance Committee-Davis: The Committee has been busy with budget work and is getting in the home stretch. The Committee met to negotiate Police Dept. union contracts and has reached a three year tentative agreement with WPPA. Public Safety-did not meet.

New Business: Motion by Van Blaricom and seconded by Davis to approve the borrowing of $250,000 from Bremer Bank for Industrial Park land acquisition from Ron Anderson on a ten year note at an interest rate of 3.25%.

Ayes-6 Nays-0 Motion carried.

Long explained the difficulties of the current phone system. It is 18 years old and does not permit calls to be transferred to the various City departments as they are physically spread out too much. The current system has other drawbacks due to outdated technology. The proposed new system is internet based and calls can be transferred directly including to a cell phone. The estimated cost of $3,400 will be spread out over all the City departments including the utilities.

Motion by Strohbusch and seconded by Riemenschneider to approve a new City-wide phone system.

Ayes-6 Nays-0 Motion carried.

Consideration of Class A Liquor License Freedom Value Center Clerk Duncanson reviews the application from Freedom Value Center for a Class A liquor license and noted this type of license is not subject to quota limits. Duncanson also reviewed proceedings from when Dick’s Fresh Market was issued a Class A license in February of 2010. Darren Forbes of Freedom corporate commented that packaged liquor and wine are part of the goal of offering convenience.

Freedom has been in Amery since the early 1970s and is overdue for a remodel. The Class A license would allow them to move forward and better utilize the space they have. Tentatively plans are to relocate the checkout and the unused kitchen area space could be reallocated. Value Center means lower prices and they feel it would be good for competition.

Van Blaricom wanted the application approval tabled until the next meeting to allow time to gauge community sensibilities. How many liquor stores do we need in the City, do we want liquor in every gas station? Rogers asked about extended hours for gas sales and Forbes replied they would look in to it. Strohbusch felt Freedom did market research and must have found selling liquor would be a money

DECEMBER 8, 2015

maker. Rogers questioned what further information there was to be obtained by waiting. Davis wanted to see the items on the agenda for December with more definite plans from Freedom. Forbes responded Freedom won’t have a definite plan for December. Vicker understands they don’t want business to go elsewhere and wanted to gather more information. Strohbusch felt it was a non-issue.

Motion by Van Blaricom and seconded by Vicker to table for one month the consideration of a class A liquor application from Freedom Value Center.

Ayes-Vicker, Van Blaricom Nays-Strohbusch, Riemenschneider, Rogers, Davis Motion fails.

Motion by Strohbusch and seconded by Rogers to approve a Class A liquor license for Freedom Value Centers at 237 Keller Avenue.

Ayes-Strohbusch, Riemenschneider, Rogers, Davis Nays-Vicker, Van Blaricom Motion carried.

Motion by Vicker and seconded by Rogers to approve the Change of Agent at Amery Express to Sharena Olson.

Ayes-6 Nays-0 Motion carried.

Motion by Riemenschneider and seconded by Strohbusch to approve operator licenses for Gannon, Hart, and Scholes.

Ayes-6 Nays-0 Motion carried.

Erickson regretfully accepts the resignation of Jack Rogers as of December 31st 2015. Rogers is going to Arizona for four months and feels he cannot continue to serve.

Motion by Rogers and seconded by Van Blaricom to adjourn at 6:00 p.m.

Ayes-6 Nays-0 Motion carried.

Frances Duncanson, City Clerk WNAXLP

TOWN OF LINCOLN NOTICE OF TOWN BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MONTHLY MEETING The Town Board of Supervisors Monthly Meeting of the Town of Lincoln will be held on Thursday, December 10, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lincoln Town Hall -- 661 85th Street.

MONTHLY MEETING AGENDA 1. Call Meeting to Order 2. Verification of Meeting Posting 3. Approval of Agenda 4. Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting 5. Public Comment 6. Reports: Treasurer, Clerk, Road Work Issues, Plan Commission 7. Presentation and Approval of Bills 8. Appoint Election Inspectors 9. New Business 10. Unfinished Business 11. Adjourn. *Action may be taken on any agenda item* Stephanie Marciniak, Clerk 715-268-4747 Published December 8, 2015 - Amery Free Press

WNAXLP

BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY Krupa DENTAL ARTS, James Attorney-at-Law 307 S. Keller, Amery S.C. Family Dentistry Members American Dental Association

D. P. Doroff, D.D.S. R. A. Johansen, D.D.S. J. J. Lampi, D.D.S. T. P. VanSomeren, D.D.S. 404 Wisconsin Ave. Amery, Wis. Phone 715-268-7177

Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Closed Fridays Other times by appointment Phone 715-268-8135

River Place Dental

FAMILY DENTISTRY Rollyn P. Lee, D.D.S. Heather Marks, D.D.S.

1030 River Place Drive, Amery Ph. 715-268-2103

Christopherson Eye Clinic Vision Examination Contact Lenses

Provider for Medicare, Medicaid and most insurances

341 Keller Ave. N Amery, Wis. 54001 Phone 715-268-2020

120 N. Keller Ave. Amery, WI 54001 Call 715-268-9010

314 Keller Avenue North, Amery, WI 54001 715-268-5000

Brian D. Byrnes

Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Whitley and Bergmanis FAMILY EYE Novitzke, Gust, Sempf, Attorneys-at-Law CLINIC DON PAUL NOVITZKE JASON W. WHITLEY Dr. Daniel C. Satterlund

BYRNES LAW OFFICE

(1937-2004)

GERALD N. GUST *ERIK M. BERGMANIS *TIMOTHY T. SEMPF

314 Keller Ave. N., P.O. Box 200, Amery, Wisconsin 54001 Phone 715-268-6130 *Licensed in Minnesota and Wisconsin

Richard A. Davis, CPA Randy A. Paulson, CPA Dirk A. Prindle, CPA Margo A. Rosen, CPA Roger Van Someren, CPA Abby L. Williamson, CPA Cathy A. Gille, CPA, MN 301 Keller Ave. S, Amery WI Business: (715) 268-7999 Fax (715) 268-4161 www.carlsonhighlandcpa.com

DECEMBER 8, 2015

Osceola laboratory agrees to pay $8.5 million in false billing case John W. Vaudreuil, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Pharmasan Labs, Inc. and NeuroScience, Inc., and Gottfried Kellermann, 74, and Mieke Kellermann, 68, both of Osceola, Wis., have agreed to pay $8.5 million to the United States to resolve False Claims Act allegations.

The settlement resolves allegations that Pharmasan submitted false information for laboratory services billed to Medicare, and allegations that it violated Medicare rules pertaining to services referred by non-physician practitioners.

Pharmasan located in Osceola, is a provider of routine and specialty testing services for healthcare businesses and research institutions. NeuroScience is a related corporation that bills Medicare for Pharmasan’s services. The Kellermanns founded both corporations.

As part of the agreement, Pharmasan agreed that the United States could prove that: Pharmasan falsely billed Medicare for ineligible food sensitivity testing for nearly five years; Pharmasan employees knew that Medicare prohibited payment for food sensitivity testing; and Pharmasan employees submitted false information to

Medicare disguising the type of test that Pharmasan was performing so that Medicare would pay for the services.

Pharmasan also agreed that the United States could prove that it knowingly submitted claims for laboratory services that violated Medicare billing rules.

Pharmasan knew that Medicare billing rules prohibit payment for laboratory services referred to a laboratory by non-physician practitioners, with few exceptions for mid-level practitioners. A large portion of Pharmasan’s referrals for laboratory services came from non-physician practitioners that were not eligible to refer Medicare paid services. Pharmasan employees nevertheless billed Medicare for these services for nearly five years.

Under the terms of the agreement, Pharmasan, NeuroScience, and the Kellermanns agreed to the forfeiture of $2,852,015.81 seized by federal agents on March 12, 2014. They also agreed to pay an additional $5,669,837.58 to the United States.

Pharmasan, NeuroScience, and the Kellermanns separately executed a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General relating to

the resolved allegations.

The Corporate Integrity Agreement requires Pharmasan, NeuroScience and the Kellermanns to implement a comprehensive compliance program, including an annual claims review that must be conducted by an independent review organization. The agreement also requires implementation of a centralized annual risk assessment and review process designed to identify and address risks associated with submission of Medicare and Medicaid claims. Finally, senior executives and employees must annually certify compliance with applicable Federal health care program requirements and the Corporate Integrity Agreement.

“As this settlement demonstrates, health care fraud will be aggressively pursued in Wisconsin,” said United States Attorney Vaudreuil. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that health care providers who lie to the United States, and place profits ahead of their legal and ethical responsibilities, are held accountable.”

The United States’ investigation stems from a whistleblower action filed under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. The whistleblower will receive $1,129,145 as part of this resolution.

NOTICE OF HOSPITAL RATE INCREASE FOR Amery Regional Medical Center dba Amery Hosptial & Clinic 265 Griffin St E, Amery, WI 54001 Fiscal year begins January 1 and ends December 31 Charge Element Room - Semi Private Obstetrics Nursery-Newborn Coronary/intensive Care Mammography-Digital Screening Emergency Room Level 3 Delivery Circumcision

Previous 1,495.00 1,575.00 840.00 3,275.00 250.00 375.00 1,500.00 180.00

New $ Increase Percent 1,555.00 60.00 4% 1,640.00 65.00 4% 875.00 35.00 4% 3,575.00 300.00 4% 260.00 10.00 4% 390.00 15.00 4% 1,560.00 60.00 4% 187.00 7.00 4%

Annual percentage increase in total patient revenue: 4% Effective Date: January 1, 2016 Effective Date of last increase January 1, 2015 @ 3%.

AMERY FREE PRESS

NOTICE OF SPRING ELECTION CITY OF AMERY, POLK COUNTY WI April 5th, 2016 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at an election will be held in the City of Amery, on Tuesday, April 5th, 2016. The following offices are to be elected to succeed the present incumbents listed. The term for mayor and alderperson begins on Tuesday, April 19th, 2016. The term for Mayor is two years and the term for Alderperson and multi-jurisdictional Municipal Judge is for four years.

Office Mayor Alderperson, At Large Alderperson I, Wards I & II Alderperson II, Wards III, IV & V Multi-Jurisdictional Municipal Judge City of Amery & Village of Clear Lake Town of Clear Lake

Incumbent Kay Erickson Kristen Vicker Rick Van Blaricom Tim Strohbusch Jerome F Wittstock

Information concerning aldermanic district boundaries may be obtained from the City Clerk, Frances Duncanson at 118 Center St W, Amery, WI. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that the first day to circulate nomination papers is December 1st, 2015 and the final day for filing nomination papers is 5:00 pm on Tuesday January 5th, 2016 in the office of the City Clerk.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that if a primary is necessary, the primary will be held on Tuesday, February 16th, 2016 Done under my hand in the City of Amery, on this the 13th day of November, 2015.

Frances Duncanson, City Clerk-Treasurer

WNAXLP

Help us make health care better in our community Share • Advise • Guide Amery Hospital & Clinic is forming a patient and family advisory group to obtain a better understanding of the patient care needs and perceptions of the care they receive at Amery Hospital & Clinic and at locations in Clear Lake, Luck and Turtle Lake.

Translating feedback to the our community Our goal is to bring feedback from the group and use it to assess what we do and where we want to go in the future, so we can provide an exceptional experience and high quality care at an affordable cost. The advisory group would have patients and family members become a part of the conversation; this helps bring best practices in medical care to the local community in ways that work for the patient and their caregivers.

Searching for participants We are asking for 10-12 volunteers who will be willing to commit to attending four to six meetings for one year. The hospital will be asking for diversified participants from the Amery, Clear Lake, Luck, Turtle Lake and surrounding communities in varied age ranges who have used Amery Hospital & Clinic services. Meetings will include a meal provided by facility.

The group will collaborate on a wide range of issues that affect patients, potentially including registration and discharge processes or location and time accessibility. Agendas and meeting minutes will be reviewed at each meeting as well as reviewed by physicians and leadership at the hospital insure your thoughts and perspectives are shared.

If you are interested in being a part of our advisory group, please call Joanne Jackson at 715-268-0303 or Joy Keller at 715-268-0211.

Accepting applications through December 31, 2015.

The medical center finds it necessary to increase prices in order to continue its commitment to the community to provide quality care with modern equipment and technology, to provide competitive salaries, and to keep pace with the increasing costs of providing care.

WNAXLP

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AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 8, 2015

Walker Holds Press Conference to Encourage Public Awareness During the Holidays

Governor Walker and Major General Don Dunbar Promote “See Something, Say Something” Campaign in Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker joined Major General Don Dunbar, law enforcement representatives, and representatives from the Wisconsin Homeland Security Council to remind Wisconsin citizens to be vigilant this holiday season and report any suspicious activity.

“It’s incredibly important for Wisconsinites to be aware of their surroundings, especially during the holiday season when we attend special events, shop for our loved ones, and travel,” Governor Walker said. “If you see something that doesn’t look right or someone is acting suspicious, contact the local authorities. Please don’t hesitate to speak up. Citizen tips help our law enforcement officers do their job to keep Wisconsin and our communities safe.”

In 2012, Governor Walker launched the “See Something, Say Something” campaign in Wisconsin. The national “If You See Some-

thing, Say Something™” public awareness campaign is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This simple and effective program raises public awareness of indicators of terrorism and terrorism-related crime and emphasizes the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement.

“The role of law enforcement is to protect our state and our nation.

However, everyone can help by reporting suspicious activities,” said Major General Don Dunbar, the Adjutant General and Wisconsin’s Homeland Security Advisor. “Suspicious activities could be an unattended backpack or briefcase in a public place, a vehicle that is parked in a strange location, or someone who is acting unusual.”

The Wisconsin “See Something, Say Something” campaign is coordinated by the state’s two fusion centers – the Southeastern

WISTAX Facts: Wisconsin Tax Burden Lower Than Census Reported The U.S. Census Bureau erred in recent years by double counting state property tax credits paid to municipalities. The mistake resulted in overstating our property taxes and, therefore, the state’s overall tax burden and rank. According to federal figures, Wisconsin taxes claimed 11.3% of personal income in 2013 and were 11th highest of the 50 states; property taxes took 4.4% (7th). After the WISTAX correction, however, the property tax figure dropped to 3.9% of income (10th), and that pulled down the total tax burden to 10.9% (15th).

The Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance is a nonpartisan, nonprofit research organization dedicated to good government through citizen education since 1932.

REGULAR MEETING Town of Clear Lake

The Regular meeting of the Town of Clear Lake will be held at the Town Hall on Monday, December 14, 2015, at 7:00 p.m.

AGENDA: 1. Meeting called to order 2. Reading and approval of last meeting’s minutes 3. Treasurer’s Report 4. Chairman’s Report 5. Approve payment of monthly bills 6. Ordinance Commission Report 7. Old Business: -Possible new shop and hall - final plan & estimates 8. New Business: -Appoint 2016-2017 Election Officials 9. Road Maintenance 10. Adjourned Janelle Johnson, Town Clerk WNAXLP

Wisconsin Threat Analysis Center (STAC) in Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Statewide Information Center (WSIC) in Madison. Both fusion centers serve local, county, and state public safety customers by sharing intelligence, offering training on the behaviors and indicators of terrorism, protecting Wisconsin’s critical infrastructure through risk assessments, and analyzing national threat information as it relates to Wisconsin.

If someone sees something suspicious, they should contact their local law enforcement by dialing 9-1-1. Information can also be submitted through Wisconsin’s “See Something, Say Something” campaign called WiWatch. Tips can either be submitted electronically and anonymously at www.wiwatch. org or by calling a law enforcement agent at 1-877-WI-WATCH (1-877949-2824).

NOTICE OF ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS CITY OF AMERY

The Zoning Board of Appeals of the City of Amery will meet on Thursday December 17, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. in Conference Room One of Amery City Hall located at 118 Center St., Amery, WI. The Board will consider the following: Consideration of an application from Vincent and Joni Riley to request a variance for nonconforming structures located on Pike Lake. The request is for front and rear setbacks to replace a deck, install a foundation, remodel home and to add a garage to a boathouse. This property is located at 756 100th Street and legally described as follows: LOT 1 CSM #5580 V25 PG 57 LOC GOV LOT 1, City of Amery, Polk County, WI Darcy Long, Zoning Administrator WNAXLP

PUBLIC NOTICE Town of Clear Lake Plan Commission

The next public meeting of the Plan Commission will be held at the Town Hall on Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at 7:00 PM. AGENDA: 1. Call meeting to order, verify public notice, roll call, and approve last meeting minutes.

2. Review Revised Polk County Zoning Ordinance a. Question/Answer session with Tim Anderson (Polk County Planner). b. Discuss possible zoning changes in the Town of Clear Lake. c. Update the Town of Clear Lake Zoning map. d. Vote on a resolution requesting the Town Board approve the updated Town of Clear Lake Zoning map.

3. Update Comprehensive Plan.

4. Future meeting date and agenda.

5. Adjourn.

Chairman Lawrence Thelen WNAXLP

Thank You . . .

to all the businesses and individuals who donated to the annual Veteran’s Poppy Fund Drive.

Amery American Legion Post 169

Each year our local WESTconsin Credit Union donates funding and time to help us coordinate a Personal Financial Literacy Simulation for all Juniors called, Mad City Money.

Students earn a paycheck and have to work their way around the stations to pay their monthly bills after creating a budget. The simulation helps students practice making financial decisions in a safe environment. Once again, the event was a great success due to the great community volunteers!

Thank you to the following volunteers:

Front Row: Lori Hoeft (McDonald’s), Elaine Molls (Clayton Schools), Carrie Snyder (Royal Credit Union), Lindsey Pratt (WESTconsin Credit Union), Richel Mount (WESTconsin Credit Union), Nathan Thompson (WESTconsin Credit Union), Liane Peterson (Overby Financial), Danielle Andersen (WESTconsin Credit Union), Dirk Prindle (Carlson Highland Accounting), Jeanette Thompson (Retired AHS Guidance Secretary), and Lisa Nick (Polk Burnett Electric Cooperative). Middle Row: Shelly Huber (New Richmond Business Teacher), Josh Lindseth (WESTconsin Credit Union), Josh Pratt (Arrow Building Center), Paul Schafer (Amery Economic Development Corp.), Aaron Mork (WESTconsin Credit Union), Tim Strobush (Clear Lake Police Department-Chief), Erik Hellie (Noah Insurance), Gene Kittelson (Amery Chevrolet), and Denise Luster (Amery Chevrolet). Back Row: Sam Otis (WESTconsin Credit Union), Cheri Lee (AHS Business Teacher), Mike Rose (AHS Business Teacher), Lisa Novak (WESTconsin Realty), Marie Gremore (WESTconsin Credit Union), Tammy Jackson (WESTconsin Credit Union), and Shari Overby (WESTconsin Credit Union).

Photo Credit: Ramona Lockwood (AHS Business Teacher)

Notice of Ordinance Replacement and Amendment At the December 2nd, 2015 Amery City Council meeting on a Strohbusch and a seconded by Riemenschneider the City Council voted to amend and replace “Capital Improvement Plan 2-2015” This ordinance pertains to the updating of Capital Improvement Plan originally adopted in 2011 and includes procedures for implementation, a time table of action, and funding sources for capital expenditures.

Also acted upon on a motion by Rogers and seconded by Van Blaricom the City Council voted to amend and replace ordinance 03-2015 “Fee Schedule” Title 1 Chapter 1-3-1.

The full text of these ordinances is available online at amerywi.org or at Amery City Hall.

Frances Duncanson, City Clerk

WNAXLP

You can renew your Amery Free Press subscription just by calling 715-268-8101

DECEMBER 8, 2015

AMERY FREE PRESS

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THU

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AMERY

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THU

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215 S. Keller Ave. Amery, WI 54001 Phone 715-268-8101COUNTRY Fax 715-268-5300 Email: phumpal@theameryfreepress.com

Serving Marine-on-St. Croix, Scandia, May Township

THE LAW FIRM OF

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WILLIAMS & DAVIS

Owen R Williams

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SENTINEL 715-268-8901

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PERSONAL INJURY, CRIMINAL, SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY, DIVORCE, BANKRUPTCY*

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Willow Ridge Healthcare 400 Deronda St. Amery 715-268-8171

Left to right: Jennifer St. Sauver, Eileen Waterhouse, Tiffany Anderson, David Millard, Wendy Sorensen.

Genesis Rehabilitation Therapy team at Willow Ridge.

Willow Ridge Healthcare 400 Deronda St. Amery 715-268-8171

475 Golfview Lane Amery, WI 715-268-9949

Painted Sky Veterinary Services, LLC Abby Coodin, DVM

“Exceptional care for your exceptional pet” 741 Harriman Ave. Amery, WI 540021 715-268-8131 paintedskyvet@gmail.com Visit us on our website at paintedskyvet.com or like us on Facebook

Robert A. Johansen, D.D.S. David P. Doroff, D.D.S. James J. Lampi, D.D.S. Thomas P. VanSomeren, D.D.S.

FAMILY DENTISTRY

404 Wisconsin Avenue Amery, WI 54001 715-268-7177 www.amerydental.com

Erspamer Law Office 571 State Rd. 46 Amery 715-268-2550

1-715-268-7676 Serving Polk County’s St. Croix Valley since 1897 1-888-257-7989

Dena Cress and Darren Booth

1060 Riverplace Mall, Amery Phone 715-268-HOME (4663) info@stonecreekcustominteriors.com

Golden Age Manor 220 Scholl Ct., Amery, WI Phone 715-268-7107

Redefined Senior Living

1062 RiverPlace Mall, Amery Phone 715-268-9000 www.stemsfromtheheart.com

THE SUN

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We utilize many different aspects of whole person healing to ensure you get the care you need and the respect you deserve.

Contact us today to find out what your plan should be in the event of a life changing event!

715.268.8171 Featured dates of participating businesses . . .

Jan. 27 - Amery Free Press Feb. 3 - Stems From the Heart Feb. 17 - Dental Arts SC March 3 - Coleman & Hartman, S.C. April 7 - Central Auto & Towing, LLC April 28 - Stone Creek Custom Interiors May 5 - Chet Johnson Drug

May 19 - Golden Age Manor May 26 - Apple River TV & Appliance June 16 - Amery Discount Liquor June 23 - Riverbend Assisted Living July 7 - Amery Chevrolet July 21 - Slumberland Aug. 4 - Novitzke, Gust, Sempf, Whitley & Bergmanis Law Office

Aug. 18 - The Law Firm of Williams & Davis Sept. 8 - Erspamer Law Office Sept. 29 - Amery Hospital & Clinic Oct. 13 - Toftness Chiropractic Office Nov. 3 - Painted Sky Veterinary Service Dec. 8 - Willow Ridge Healthcare

204 Keller Ave. N, P.O. Box 17 Amery, WI 54001 715-268-8121 www.chetjohnsondrug.com STORE HOURS:

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Saturday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sunday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

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Sales & Service

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Toftness Chiropractic Office

102 Keller Ave. S, Amery, WI 715-268-7500

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AMERY FREE PRESS

HOLIDAY STROLL

DECEMBER 8, 2015

JESSICA DE LA CRUZ|AMERY FREE PRESS

The Amery Woman’s Club held their annual Holiday Cookie and Candy sale at the Soo Line Park Pavilion.

JESSICA DE LA CRUZ|AMERY FREE PRESS

Amery Assistant Police Chief Joe Vierkandt took the reins of the Stalheim team on a ride through downtown Amery.

A holly jolly Holiday Stroll

BY JESSICA DE LA CRUZ EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

Downtown was alive with excitement on Sunday afternoon, as shoppers shopped, carolers caroled, and children and families enjoyed horse and wagon rides thanks to the Stalheim family.

Joe Vierkandt took the reins to drive the Stalheim Clydesdales through downtown Amery. And the Amery Fire Department did very well on their Toys for Tots drive.

Santa spent the afternoon walking around downtown, surprising children young and old with candy canes. And Indianhead Chorus fi lled the streets and stores with sounds of the season.

More than $400 was collected for local food shelves at the Soo Line Park hot dog stand. Many mittens were collected on the mitten tree, and donations will continue to be taken at the Amery Free Press through December 14. Mittens and hats will be donated to Polk County Operation Christmas.

JESSICA DE LA CRUZ|AMERY FREE PRESS

Santa was a very popular fellow on Sunday. He stopped for a photo with members of the Fall Festival Court.

JESSICA DE LA CRUZ|AMERY FREE PRESS JESSICA DE LA CRUZ|AMERY FREE PRESS

The wagon rides proved popular on a mild Sunday afternoon.

After hearing Christmas wishes, children received a candy cane.

DECEMBER 8, 2015

HOLIDAY STROLL

AMERY FREE PRESS

19

JESSICA DE LA CRUZ|AMERY FREE PRESS

The mild weather brought out strollers and shoppers alike.

JESSICA DE LA CRUZ|AMERY FREE PRESS

The Amery Fire Department continued their Toys for Tots toy drive, greeting motorists passing by on Keller Ave.

The Best in Home Mortgages are at First National Community Bank

JESSICA DE LA CRUZ|AMERY FREE PRESS

Members of the Indianhead Barbershop Chorus sang carols in the businesses of stroll sponsors.

Joel Emerson

Brian Campbell

Mortgage Loan Officer jemerson@fn-cb.com | 715-381-7129 NMLS #1241089 Hudson Office

Vice President bcampbell@fn-cb.com | 715-243-6147 NMLS #507069 New Richmond Office

Judy Price

Julie Dodge

Vice President/Branch Manager 715-247-4525 | jprice@fn-cb.com NMLS #1156878 Somerset Office

Sr. Vice President jdodge@fn-cb.com | 715-243-6126 NMLS #507072 New Richmond Office

Jennifer Suit Assistant VP| Branch Manager jsuit@fn-cb.com | 715-755-2167 NMLS #883496 Dresser Office

Strong & Secure Since 1919

NEW RICHMOND

JESSICA DE LA CRUZ|AMERY FREE PRESS

Many thanks to those who made donations at the Soo Line Park hot dog stand. Here Amery Free Press’s Pam Humpal presents a check for more than $400 to the Amery Area Food pantry.

HUDSON

715-246-6901

715-386-9301

SOMERSET

DRESSER

715-247-4501

www.fn-cb.com

715-755-2174 NMLS #412555

20

SPORTS AND OUTDOORS

AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 8, 2015

Freshmen guide Amery in Warrior showdown

BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Amery’s girls’ basketball team was the first of what will likely be many victims of the Rice Lake Warriors this season, as they lost a 65-46 home game to Rice Lake on Tuesday.

Equipped the powerful genetic advantage of one of Wisconsin’s most prestigious basketball families, Rice Lake (2-0) turned to junior Ella Ellenson to lead the team. And lead she did, scoring 22 points while tallying five rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block.

The Amery Warriors’ weren’t without weapons of their own, however, as freshman phenom Madelyn Granica recorded team-highs in points, rebounds, assists and

blocks. Granica finished with 14 points, eight rebounds, three assists and one block.

Fellow freshman Abby Schmidt completed the 1-2 punch for the Warriors, shooting 4-for-5 from the field to finish with 13 points. Schmidt also added seven rebounds and one assist.

Junior Esmee Luchtenburg pitched in six points and three assists for Amery while senior Jillian Jensen tallied four points and four rebounds. Also scoring for the home squad were Katelyn Fouks (3 points), Brianna Wundrow (3 points), Shawna Weise (2 points) and Gabby Fredrick (1 point).

Rice Lake’s duo of Ellenson and fellow junior Amanda Stone were just too much to handle, as Stone led all players on the boards with nine

rebounds and also recorded a game-high five steals to go with her 18 points. Also scoring for Rice Lake were Carly Larson (8 points), Brook Olson (8 points), McKenzie Orr (4 points), Addison Bowman (3 points) and Sarah Webber (2 points).

Rice Lake forced Amery into 17 turnovers, resulting in 19 of its points – the same as its margin of victory.

Note: Ellenson’s father played basketball at Marquette and Wisconsin before moving on to professional ball in France. Two of her three brothers are currently playing basketball for Marquette. The other brother is playing basketball for Valley City State University, and her mother played basketball for UW-Eau Claire.

BRETT HART|AMERY FREE PRESS BRETT HART|AMERY FREE PRESS

Amery senior Alicia Monson dishes the ball to a teammate under close coverage by Rice Lake junior Ella Ellenson.

BRETT HART|AMERY FREE PRESS

Amery’s Madelyn Granica scraps for a loose ball in Tuesday’s loss to Rice Lake

Amery senior Jillian Jensen sinks a basket to bring the score to 11-21 against Rice Lake on Tuesday.

Griffen scores first goal in loss to Tigers

This week’s sports Amery Boys Basketball

BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Amery’s woes on the ice continued on Saturday as its boys’ hockey team suffered a 7-2 loss to the Black River Falls Tigers.

The Tigers (4-2) jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first 8 minutes on goals by Zachary Zillmer and Broc Zukowski. But Amery kept things competitive as Parker Griffen utilized assists by David Olson and Chase Measner for an even strength goal at the 10:47 mark.

“It was great to see Parker pick up his first career goal,” said Amery Coach Tim Hen-

ningsgard. “As a freshman, his hard work in practice has earned him some varsity playing time.”

That was as close as the Warriors (0-6) would get, however.

Black River Falls notched two more goals by the end of the opening period and extended its lead to 6-1 by the 10:15 mark of the third period when Zukowski netted his fourth goal of the game.

Eight seconds later, Amery’s Austin VonDoehren struck back with an even strength goal off assists by Dylan Nyholm and Measner, marking Amery’s final point.

The Tigers’ Joseph Arnaud led all scorers with one goal and five assists. Zukowski finished with four goals, and Zillmer tallied two goals and two assists.

Amery was charged with 10 penalties while Black River Falls players were sent to the box just three times.

Adrian Troff tallied 41 saves for the Warriors compared to 23 saves for Black River Falls goalkeeper Lance Muir.

“Once again, we only played two-thirds of the game,” Henningsgard said. “Our effort in the first period cost us a shot at being in this game. We have to be ready to play each night.”

12-11 at Prescott 12-15 vs. St. Croix Central

Amery Girls Basketball 12-8 vs. St. Croix Central

Amery Hockey 12-8 at Baldwin-Woodville 12-11 at Central La Crosse 12-15 vs. Highland Park

Amery Wrestling 12-8 vs. Osceola 12-12 at Bay Port

Clayton Boys Basketball 12-8 at Turtle Lake 12-11 vs. Cameron

Clayton Girls Basketball 12-10 at Turtle Lake 12-15 vs. Cameron

Clear Lake Boys Basketball 12-8 at Frederic 12-10 at Shell Lake

Clear Lake Girls Basketball 12-8 at Frederic 12-10 at Shell Lake

Clear Lake Wrestling 12-8 vs. Boyceville 12-10 Triangular

SPORTS

DECEMBER 8, 2015

AMERY FREE PRESS

21

BRETT HART|AMERY FREE PRESS

Dylan Nyholm weaves his way toward the Northwest goal in the first period. Nyholm scored Amery’s lone goal at the 8:39 mark of the first period.

BRETT HART|AMERY FREE PRESS

Chase Measner takes a shot during the match against the Icemen

BRETT HART|AMERY FREE PRESS BRETT HART|AMERY FREE PRESS

Jacob Ganter (left) and Jacob Howell are set to skate down ice.

Cam Smith takes an elbow to the face mask in Tuesday’s battle with the Northwest Icemen.

Smith assisted on Amery’s only goal.

Penalties plague Warriors in loss to Icemen

BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Amery’s boys’ hockey team put up a good fight against the Northwest Icemen in the first period of Tuesday’s Showdown in Amery, playing to a 1-1 tie. But the Icemen separated themselves from the hometown Warriors quickly in the second period, scoring four goals in the first 4 minutes, and cruised to an 8-1 victory.

The Icemen’s lead was short-

lived in the first quarter as Michael Johnston scored an even-strength goal at the 7:46 mark. Amery responded with an even strength goal

by Dylan Nyholm less than a minute later off an assist by Cam Smith.

Northwest tallied four of its six second-period goals on power plays and added one more power play goal in the third period to seal the victory.

Johnston finished with two

goals for the Icemen, as did Ian Larson.

While Northwest was tagged with the only two penalties of the first period, Amery dug itself a hole in the second period, opening with a hooking penalty 29 seconds in. Then Austin VonDoehren was ejected from the game at the 2:23 mark after a major checking-from-behind penalty. Amery’s Brock Hojem was also called for a major penalty in the third period for boarding.

“The major penalty in the second really changed the game,” said Amery coach Tim Henningsgard. “We gave up four power play goals during the 5 minutes and never recovered mentally.”

Overall, the Warriors were flagged with six penalties for a total of 26 minutes, compared to five Northwest penalties, totaling 10 minutes.

“In order to start winning some of these games, we are going to have to overcome

some adversity with some mental toughness,” Henningsgard said.

Two goalkeepers spent time in the Amery net as Adam Doroff defended 34 shots on goal in 34 minutes and collected 27 saves. Adrian Troff faced 20 shots on goal in 17 minutes, notching 19 saves. The Warriors managed just 12 shots on goal.

22

SPORTS

AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 8, 2015

ERIC PAULSON|AMERY FREE PRESS

Turner Luke won a major decision over Hibbing at 170 pounds.

Warriors take two in Chisago Lakes Quad

ERIC PAULSON|AMERY FREE PRESS

Alex Thompson earned a 4-0 major decision over Hibbing at 160 pounds.

BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Just one day after dropping its dual season opener to top-ranked Ellsworth, Amery’s seventh-ranked Division 2 wrestling team participated in the Chisago Lakes Quad in Minnesota and claimed a 38-26 victory over Chisago Lakes and added a 40-27 win over Hibbing.

Amery 38, Chisago Lakes 26

ERIC PAULSON|AMERY FREE PRESS

Carl Oman in action against Hibbing.

Amery boys top Somerset

BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Amery’s boys’ basketball team started its 2015-16 season with a 16-point victory over Somerset on Dec. 1 by a score of 45-29.

The Warriors shot 39 percent from the field and 69 percent from the free throw line, but were outrebounded, 30-33.

Leading the charge for the Warriors was Riley Waltz who was 2-for-3 from beyond the threepoint arc and finished with a team-high 14 points. He also pitched

in three assists and six rebounds.

Brett Schulte was close behind with 13 points on 5-for-13 shooting and led the team in blocks with four. Beau Helin was the team rebound leader, hauling in seven boards while also collecting three assists and eight points. Peter Elwood had the quick hands, racking up a team-best four assists and four steals.

Also scoring for Amery was Seth Amundsen (six points) and Tristen Collins (four points).

Of the eight individual victories earned by the Warriors against Chisago Lakes, three were by pin.

Mike Smith dominated the 106-pound match, pinning Chisago’s Jake Novack in just 53 seconds, and seventh-ranked Andrew Smith worked even faster, winning his 132-pound match in just 30 seconds with a pin against Brendan Huffman.

Eli Newton (ranked fi fth at 195 pounds) disposed of heavyweight Adam Klick in just 3:17 in the 285-pound match.

Top-ranked Hunter Marko (145 pounds) grabbed a 12-2 major decision

victory over Minnesota Class AA’s second-ranked Teddy Pierce while Johnny Benitez (152 pounds) defeated Grant Brown, 14-2.

Tylor Nichols (182 pounds) earned a hard-fought 2-0 win over Brock Sandstrom and top-ranked Bennett Paulson edged fi fth-ranked Kyle Schoenecker, 7-2.

Josh McCloud received a forfeit.

Amery 40, Hibbing 27 Five of the Warrior’s eight individual victories against Hibbing came by way of fall.

Paulson recorded top honors with a 12-second pinning of Holden Law in the 220-pound match. Smith disposed of David Plat in 49 seconds. Newton stuck Hibbing heavyweight Halen Spiering in 1:11, and Benitez stopped the clock at 3:00 with a fall over Cole Vericheck. Marko pinned Ray Pierce in 3:49.

Turner Luke added at 13-3 major decision over Leddell Nash at 170 pounds.

Alex Thompson (160 pounds) earned a 4-0 decision over Tyson Dralaka, and Nichols topped Zach Newman, 6-1.

Youth Hockey Bantams

Dec. 5, 2015 Amery 2, Hudson 3 Goals: Fletcher Kjeseth, Jackson Henningsgard Assists: Pake Brown, Jackson Henningsgard, McAdam Smith, Fletcher Kjeseth Saves: Josh Bohn 29

Dec. 5, 2015 Amery 9, BCS Iceman 2 Goals: McAdam Smith 2, Bauer Panek, Miles Troff, Jackson Henningsgard 2, Noah Ward 2, Zach Sobczak.

Assists: Fletcher Kjeseth 2, Jackson Henningsgard 2, McAdam Smith 2, Pake Brown, Mackenzie Mike, Allison Dahlberg.

Saves: Josh Bohn 11

Dec. 6, 2015 Amery 4, Menomonie 5 Goals:

Fletcher

Kjeseth

McAdam Smith 2 Assists: McAdam Smith, Jackson Henningsgard 3, Fletcher Kjeseth Saves: Josh Bohn 19

Squirt A Dec. 5, 2015 Amery 10, Menomonie 0 Goals: Vincent Greene 3, Daniel Koch 2, William Jensen 2, Maxwell Mike, Leif Anderson, Stuart Hellie Assists: Stuart Hellie 2, Vincent Greene 2, Maxwell Mike 2, Daniel Koch, Fredrik Henningsgard Saves: Avery Starzecki 4

Dec. 6, 2015 Amery 0, Superior 8 Saves: Avery Starzecki 34

2,

New Richmond ices Amery

BY BRETT HART CONTRITBUTING WRITER

Amery’s hockey team fell to 0-5 with a 13-0 loss to New Richmond on Thursday. The Tigers (3-1) dominated the Warriors from the start, scoring seven goals in the first period, one in the second and five in the third.

Amery goalkeeper Adam Doroff tallied six saves before leaving the game while the Warriors trailed 5-0 in the first period. Adrian Troff entered in relief and racked up 36 saves.

Amery was charged with four penalties and New Richmond, three.

SPORTS

DECEMBER 8, 2015

AMERY FREE PRESS

23

No. 1 Ellsworth doubles up Warriors

BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Amery wrestling team received a tough welcome to the 2015-16 season on Thursday as it hosted Division 2’s top-ranked Ellsworth squad and was handed a 46-23 loss.

The seventh-ranked Warriors (0-1) tallied just five individual victories on the night, but four of them were at least by major decision.

Tyler Nichols recorded Amery’s lone standard decision win with an 8-6 victory over Carson Johnson in the 182 pound match. Fifth-ranked heavyweight Eli Newton recorded a 15-5 major decision over Mike Freund.

Andrew Smith (132 pounds) and top-ranked Hunter Marko (145 pounds) each won by technical fall. Smith defeated Thaddeus Kosnopfal, 17-1, while Marko topped Devin Drier, 18-2.

Top-ranked Bennett Paulson pinned Ellsworth 220-pounder Jacob Kinneman in 4:15.

ERIC PAULSON|AMERY FREE PRESS

Tyler Nichols scored a 8-6 victory over Carson Johnson in the 182 pound match.

ERIC PAULSON|AMERY FREE PRESS

Fifth-ranked heavyweight Eli Newton recorded a 15-5 major decision over Mike Freund.

CONTRIBUTED

Amery Scores Again!

Amery’s 2nd Annual Takedown Cancer event was held on December 3 in conjunction with the first home wrestling meet against Ellsworth. Last year Amery was the top fundraiser, collecting over $10,000. This year’s event was another great showing, raising $10,500 and counting for Randy Shaver’s Cancer Research Fund. For more information on donating, email takedowncanceramery@gmail.com, or visit takedowncancer.org.

Amery loses nail biter to Prescott

BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

CINDY LUEHMAN

Gabby Frederick sets a pick for Madelyn Granica.

It was a tough loss for the Amery girls’ basketball team on Saturday, when it fell by a 45-44 decision to Prescott at home.

Amery freshman Madelyn Granica led all scorers, with 15 points, and added eight rebounds. Esmee Luchtenburg tallied nine points and three steals.

Katlyn Fouks and Jillian Jensen combined for nine points and 12 rebounds. Meanwhile Dani Meyer stepped up for a team-best four assists and five steals to go along with her three points. Shawna Weise had two points and three steals.

Also scoring for the Warriors were Abby Schmidt (three points) and Brianna Wundrow (three points).

Amery sank five three-pointers in the game, including two each from Granica and Luchtenburg, but the Warriors finished just 11-for-22 from the free throw line.

CINDY LUEHMAN

Jillian Jensen passes the ball against Prescott.

24

AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 8, 2015

COOKING WORLD Tidbit: Sometimes you’ll never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory. (anonymous) Carolyn Lumsden 715-483-9738

This is a no-bake cake. It tastes like S’mores. Make it ahead of time because it needs to be refrigerated. You will need 1 box of honey graham crackers.

S’MORES ICEBOX CAKE Line bottom of an ungreased 9x13” baking pan with 1/3 of the graham crackers. Breaking crackers if need to be.

Combine in large bowl: 3 c. milk 2 pkgs. (4 serving size ea.) instant chocolate pudding mix Stir until mixture thickens and then stir in: 2 c. mini marshmallows Spread half of the pudding mixture on the layer of graham crackers.

Add another 1/3 of the crackers and put on the other half of the pudding mixture.

Top with the remaining 1/3 of the graham crackers.

Spread on top of the crackers: 1 container (8 oz.) frozen whipped topping, thawed Top with 1/4 c. mini marshmallows and shaved chocolate.

Refrigerate, covered, and chill for 4-6 hours or more until ready to serve. Refrigerate any leftovers.

During the holidays, you may want to make a special breakfast or dessert. This basic crepe recipe can do both.

BASIC CREPE RECIPE Combine well and let sit for about an hour so the flour will absorb the liquids: 4 eggs 1 c. flour 1/2 c. milk 1/2 c. water 1/2 tsp. salt 2 T. melted butter Heat crepe pan or frying pan and lightly grease.

Pour 1/4 c. batter into pan and tilt the pan so the batter covers the bottom of the pan. Once the crepes has a lot of bubbles, loosen edges with a spatula and flip the crepe over. This side will cook quickly. Slide onto a plate. Keep warm while making more crepes.

Recipe will make 12-14 crepes. You can eat these like pancakes or make your favorite flavor of fruit and put some of the fruit into the crepe and roll the crepe up. Top with some whipped cream or frozen whipped topping, thawed.

Hint: For example, put some strawberries or other fruit into a pan with juice or bit of water and heat to near boiling. Combine some cornstarch and water and drizzle into the fruit and juice. Lower the heat and stir until thickened. Or you could use your favorite jam or jelly and roll the crepe around the fi lling.

Or make a no-bake Cranberry Pie. Make it ahead because it needs time to freeze. You will need a graham cracker crust, yours or store-bought. It’s a pretty pie to serve.

NO-BAKE CRANBERRY PIE Beat together until well combined: 1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened 1 can (16 oz.0 whole berry or traditional cranberry sauce 1 can (8 oz.) crushed pineapple, drained and squeezed dry (save juice for another use like smoothies, etc.)

Stir in and put into the graham cracker crust: 1/2 c. chopped walnuts Combine in bowl and spoon over the cranberry mixture: 1 c. sour cream 2 T. light brown sugar Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Thaw 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Hint: If you wish, you could use frozen whipped topping, thawed on top of the pie when ready to serve instead of the sour cream mixture for topping.

Love to make cookies for the holiday but want a shortcut? Here are two cookie recipes using a cake mix and adding ingredients from there.

CAKE MIX SNICKERDOODLES Combine in large bowl until dough forms (some dry bits could remain): 1 pkg. super-moist white cake mix 1/2 c. butter, melted 1 egg Shape dough into 1” balls.

Mix together in shallow smaller bowl: 2 T. sugar 1 tsp. cinnamon Roll the balls into the cinnamon/sugar mixture and put onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until set. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack to cool. Makes about 42 cookies.

CAKE MIX FUDGE CRINKLE COOKIES Combine in larger bowl until dough forms: 1 box super-moist devil’s food cake mix 1/3 c. veg. oil 2 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes or as needed for easier handling.

Shape dough into 1” balls.

Put into bowl: Powdered sugar Roll the dough into the powdered sugar. Put balls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 350° for about 10 minutes or until set. Cool 1 minute and remove to wire racks to cool completely, about 30 minutes.

Store in a tightly covered container. Makes about 30 cookies.

CESA 11 Receives Grant to Provide Rural Wisconsin Schools 21st Century Learning Opportunities ic School District, Luck School District, Pepin School District, Plum City School District, and St. Croix Falls School District.

This is the second USDA RUS DLT grant CESA 11 has secured in two years to fund distance learning equipment, totaling over $500,000 in support of providing rural Wisconsin schools 21st century learning opportunities. CESA 11, with offices located in Turtle Lake, provides training, technical support, coordination of shared high school course offerings and collaborative program development for 39 districts in northwestern Wisconsin.

Cooperative Educational Service Agency 11 (CESA 11) has been awarded a United States Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Services Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant to replace video conferencing equipment in four school districts, and provide new or additional equipment in three school districts.

With funds from the grant and matching school dollars, local schools will receive nearly $200,000 in interactive video classroom equipment.

Schools that will benefit from the latest USDA RUS DLT grant include: Clayton School District, Freder-

Tip: If you’ve forgotten to take out butter to use at the table and like it spreadable, heat a bowl with water until hot, then wipe dry. Invert over the hot bowl over the butter dish and leave it for awhile.

Butter will soften but will not melt.

320 Keller Ave., Amery • 715-268-5626

We service all makes and models

Oil Change • Tires • Exhaust • Suspension

WE DO IT ALL!

WEDNESDAY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

13 6:30 pm

Tri-County Chapter of The Compassionate Friends host program at First Lutheran Church in Clear Lake with readings, music and candlelight 7 p.m. Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting to remember children who have died at any age from any cause

Amery2.25x1.indd 1

MONDAY

14

FRIDAY

10

11

12

16

17

18

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Community Center: 8 am Coffee Club, 8:30 am Foot Clinic, 9 am Silver Foxes, 10 am Alcoholics Anonymous, 1 pm Bridge, 7 pm Alcoholics Anonymous

Community Center: 8 am Coffee Club, 9 am Pool, 12:30 pm Hand & Foot Cards, 6 pm Bridge, 7 pm Alcoholics Anonymous 8:15 am Amery Housing Authority Monthly Board meeting at AHA Office 6 pm Love Light Tree Lighting at Amery Hospital & Clinic 7 pm HS Wrestling vs.

Osceola, here 6:30 p.m. Bingo at the Amery VFW

Community Center: 8 am Coffee Club, 9 am Silver Foxes, 9:30 am Polish Poker, 12 pm Potluck Lunch, 1 pm Bingo, 6 pm Pool Night, 8 pm Alcholics Anonymous 7:30 pm HS Boys Basketball at Prescott 7:30 pm HS Boys Hockey at Green Island Ice Arena, La Crosse

TUESDAY

Community Center: 8 am Coffee Club, 9 am Silver Foxes, 12:30 pm Bridge, 7 pm Alcoholics Anonymous 7:30 pm HS Girls Basketball vs. Grantsburg, MS gym

15

Community Center: 8 am Coffee Club, 9 am Pool, 1 pm Wii Games, 7 pm Snowmobile Club 5:30 pm Friends of Amery Dog Park meet at Amery Library 7 pm HS Hockey vs.

Highland Park, here 7:30 pm HS Boys Basketball vs. St. Croix Central, here

SATURDAY

9

December 9 - 19

SUNDAY

THURSDAY

Community Center: 8 am Coffee Club, 9 am Silver Foxes, 10 am Alcoholics Anonymous, 1 pm Bridge, 7 pm Alcoholics Anonymous 7 pm Auditions for Amery Community Theater at the Middle School Library

Community Center: 8 am Coffee Club, 8 am Pool, 9:30 am Board Meeting, 12:30 pm Hand & Foot Cards, 7 pm AA 6:30 pm Bingo at the Amery VFW 7 pm HS Wrestling at St. Croix Central 7 pm HS Wrestling vs.

Siren, here 7:30 pm HS Girls Basketball vs. Ellsworth, here

Community Center: 8 am Coffee Club, 9 am Silver Foxes, 9 am Mah Jong, 6 pm Lee Elmer & Friends Music, 8 pm Alcoholics Anonymous 7:30 p.m. HS Boys Basketball at Ellsworth -HS Wrestling at Rochester Regional Sports Center for MN Christmas Tournament

9 am Ruby’s Pantry food distribution at Congregational Church 9:30 am-1:30 pm Deer Park Holiday Fair at the Deer Park Community Center 10:30 am Jul Fest Scandinavian Bazaar at Our Savior’s Lutheran 1 pm HS Boys Hockey at Viroqua 7:30 pm “The Reason for the Season” inspirational readings at Northern Lakes Center for the Arts

-HS Wrestling at Rochester Regional Sports Center for MN Christmas Tournament 10-11:30 am The Ultimate Christmas Party at the Amery Public Library for kids 5-12 5 pm Amery Area Garden Club meets at home of Barb Erickson for Christmas Party

SPONSORED BY:

Amery • 715-268-7161 Member FDIC

For All Your Communications Needs 715-268-7101 3/10/15 11:31 AM

265 Griffin St. E, Amery Phone (715) 268-8000 www.amerymedicalcenter.org

DECEMBER 8, 2015

AMERY FREE PRESS

25

Hudson volunteers will participate in 30-hour bell-ringing marathon

CONTRIBUTED | AMERY FREE PRESS

Dollars making a difference Because of the generosity of the public who rounded up their grocery purchases in the month of November, Dick’s Fresh Market was able to present a check for $816.04 to Family Resource Center of the St. Croix Valley (FRCSCV). Pictured are Eric Graski of Dick’s Fresh Market and Kristen Thompson of the Family Resource Center. The FRCSCV offers free assistance in parenting skills, child development needs, and other support for families with small children throughout Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix Counties. More info at frcscv.org.

AMERY AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY Early release program Join us for a Doctor Who Christmas episode marathon, December 16, 1 p.m.—4 p.m.

Lego club / Maker mind afternoons Up for a Lego challenge? Want to make a pipe cleaner ninja? After School Library Club meets on Thursdays, 3:30 p.m.—5 p.m. Bring a note from home to take bus #11 to the library.

Children under 8 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Preschool storytime Preschool story time is held every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Interactive stories, songs and crafts are geared toward children aged 2-5 and a caregiver.

1,000 books before kindergarten and Baby book bees Start your children on the path to loving books and reading right from birth. These two reading initiatives offer a chance for families to bond and ensure school readiness

by reading books and completing various activities. Each program offers prizes at different levels.

Teen advisory board Open to 12-18 year olds, the Teen Advisory Board meets on the first Friday of each month, 3:45 p.m.—5:15 p.m., to plan events, talk about books and more.

Book discussion The Friends of the Library book discussion group meets on the third Monday of the month at 1:30 p.m. The book selection for December is A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg.

Tech help program Have questions about using your computer, tablet, or mobile device?

Need some help with Microsoft Word or Excel?

The library offers tech help on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 4 p.m.—7 p.m. No appointment necessary.

Book sales The Friends of the Library Book Sale is held on the first Saturday

of the month, 9 a.m.—2 p.m., and on the Thursday evening prior to the Saturday sale, 4 p.m.—7 p.m.

Friends The Friends of the Amery Area Public Library Foundation, Inc. meets on the 3rd Monday of the month at 4:30 p.m.

Meetings are open to all members and to the public.

E-books and e-audiobooks Your MORE library card gives you access to the Overdrive collection of e-books, e-audiobooks, streaming videos, and digital magazines; and the Freading collection of e-books.

Check out the website Check out the library website at www.amerylibrary.org, or find us on Facebook at facebook. com/amerylibrary.

Hours Library hours are Monday through Thursday 9 a.m.—7 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.—6 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m.—2 p.m.

Amery Free Press Subscriptions make wonderful gifts any time of the year!

GIVE US A CALL TODAY AND WE CAN EVEN SEND A GIFT CARD

For the last few years, two very brave men have stepped forward to keep the tradition alive of ringing bells for the Salvation Army in St. Croix County– for 30 hours straight.

Jeremy Lilyquist and Derek Gilbert, both of Hudson, have increased the funds that they have raised for the Salvation Army throughout the last 5 years to now. This year, they have set a goal of $75,000 within 30 hours.

Jeremy and Derek have their own unique style to ringing and will be sure to have lots of fun things going on during the 30 hours they are stationed outside of County Market in Hudson, beginning December 17th at 1 p.m.

Right now, Senator Harsdorf will be stopping by on Thursday the 17th to ring with them. Associated Bank will be serving Brats on Friday the 18th for those who are bringing donations.

And this year, you can help two organizations at once with the Red Cross Bloodmobile. They will be there on December 18th from 1-6pm.

Jeremy and Derek certainly know how to have fun but its important to remember that they volunteer as bell ringers because they know first-hand how the funds raised are used to “Do the Most Good” in St. Croix County.

They volunteer each year for this marathon ring event because they know and see that the dollars raised help people right in their own community.

The Salvation Army in St. Croix County provides: rent assistance, utilities, transportation and medical as-

sistance to families and individuals in need. The Salvation Army in St. Croix County also operates one mass shelter that last year increased its capacity by moving to New Richmond. The shelter is called Grace Place and is specifically designed to serve families in need and who find themselves homeless.

This year the Salvation Army’s total goal is to raise $150,000 to assist in these programs and more. Everyone’s help is needed to accomplish this goal and the marathon ring is a big step toward reaching it.

Pledges are now being accepted toward the event. Call the Grace Place Shelter to donate over the phone to help the mission! You can send a check labeled “30 Hour Ring” to: Grace Place 505 W. 8th Street in New Richmond and have it count in the effort. And of course, Jeremy and Derek would love to visit with you at County Market beginning December 17th at 1:00 pm and ringing all the way through December 18th at 7:00 pm.

All donations that go to a St. Croix County Red Kettle on those dates will be counted toward the mission. St. Croix Red Kettle locations are Ormson’s Super Valu in Glenwood City, County Market, Family Fresh and Wal-Mart in Hudson, Family Fresh and Wal-Mart in New Richmond, Econofoods in Somerset, and Nilssen’s in Baldwin.

To volunteer for this or other Salvation Army Bell Ringing stations, visit ringbells.org or call 715-246-1222.

DONATE COATS, HATS, GLOVES & BLANKETS

Many people are in need this winter of Coats, Hats, Gloves and Blankets. Join Lampert Lumber in helping those in need in your community keep warm this winter. Drop off your new or gently used donations to your local Lampert Lumber by Friday, December 18.

As a Thank You, every person donating will get their name in a drawing for a $100 Gift Certificate to Lampert Lumber.

Drawing will be held on Monday, Dec. 21. *All items will be donated to Polk County Salvation Army

26

AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 8, 2015

Late night racing in Amery

BY LOREN ELKIN

GROWING UP IN AMERY January. So late at night that it’s the next morning. Keller Avenue appears deserted in this 1968 setting, the streets clear and snow piled on the edges as snow does in January. On the radio, WDGY’s overnight dj playing the latest.

On this night? “Judy in Disguise” and Linda’s “Different Drum”.

But first you need to know about our Pontiac 1963 Star Chief.

Dad went out on a limb to purchase it, spending more than he and Mom intended.

With room for six, this navy blue four-door powerful jacked up Star Chief looked smart all around. When floored, the engine and its huge carburetors created unnatural sounds. First a delay. Then a roar.

Imagine two muzzled pumas fighting in a metal box. The front end of the car raises up, and passengers lean forward to counter the inertia.

‘Twas a special auto.

Arriving in Amery after an evening at Richardson’s Pavilion, my search for activity came up fruitless. Nothing open, the last couple shooed out of Club 53, and Keller deserted.

Surprise. A car pulled next to me as I drove north by the present Dairy Queen. Three goofy looking guys I didn’t recognize, all in the front seat of a ’62 Chevy Impala. World’s record for dorks in the front seat (keep in mind these comments are coming from this not-somature 20 year old).

We postured as we drove across the tracks

and into downtown Amery. One of the low-lifes asked me how many were in my car, I think, by sticking up one finger. Why the middle finger? Watch what you’re doing, fellows, justice may soon be wicked and severe.

Looking to my left at the tracks, I noticed the Amery Police car hiding on the dark side of the depot. Locals knew of his usual spot, outsiders didn’t.

After a U-turn by the current Bremer Bank, I pulled out in front of the bakery as the Chevy followed. Neck and neck in front of Chet’s, we looked straight ahead

and waited for an opening, a first move.

At the main intersection I put the gas pedal to the floor, hard. He saw my move and within a second he punched it.

Staying together for 100 feet, my plan took shape.

Slowing down at the Amery clock, I quickly became the world’s most careful driver. The Chevy operator wasn’t.

That genius must have hit 70 mph as he crossed the railroad tracks.

Imagine the eyes of the Amery officer.

On the other hand, my 28 mph moved me slowly along.

In fact the police car with red lights blazing had to wait for me as I crossed in front of him.

The mental giants a couple blocks south must have spotted the flashing lights and hit the brakes. As the police officer got out of his car across from the Camelot Motel, I drove past them.

Turning left on Broadway and heading home to my warm, comfortable bed, all I could do was wave and admit, “You won.”

Email Loren at elkfarm@wctc.net with questions or ideas.

USDA Begins 49th Enrollment Period for the Conservation Reserve Program

December 2015 Marks 30th Anniversary for the Nation’s Most Successful Voluntary Conservation Program WASHINGTON, Dec. 1, 2015 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today reminded farmers and ranchers that the next general enrollment period for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) begins today, Dec. 1, 2015, and ends on Feb. 26, 2016. December 2015 also marks the 30th anniversary of CRP, a federally funded program that assists agricultural producers with the cost of restoring, enhancing and protecting certain grasses, shrubs and trees to improve water quality, prevent soil erosion and reduce loss of wildlife habitat.

As of September 2015, 24.2 million acres were enrolled in CRP. CRP also is protecting more than 170,000 stream miles with riparian forest and grass buffers, enough to go around the world 7 times. For an interactive tour of CRP success stories from across the U.S., visit www.fsa.usda. gov/CRPis30, or follow on Twitter at #CRPis30.

“Over the past 30 years, farmers, ranchers, conservationists, hunters, fishermen and other outdoor enthusiasts have made CRP one of the most successful conservation programs in the history of the country,” said Vilsack. “Today, CRP continues to make major environmental improvements to water and air quality. This is another longstanding example of how agricultural production can work hand in hand with efforts to improve the environment and increase wildlife habitat.”

Participants in CRP establish longterm, resource-conserving plant species, such as approved grasses or trees (known as “covers”) to control soil erosion, improve water quality and develop wildlife habitat on margin-

ally productive agricultural lands.

In return, FSA provides participants with rental payments and cost-share assistance. At times when commodity prices are low, enrolling sensitive lands in CRP can be especially attractive to farmers and ranchers, as it softens the economic hardship for landowners at the same time that it provides ecological benefits. Contract duration is between 10 and 15 years.

The long-term goal of the program is to re-establish native plant species on marginal agricultural lands for the primary purpose of preventing soil erosion and improving water quality and related benefits of reducing loss of wildlife habitat.

Contracts on 1.64 million acres of CRP are set to expire on Sept. 30, 2016.

Producers with expiring contracts or producers with environmentally sensitive land are encouraged to evaluate their options under CRP. Since it was established on Dec. 23, 1985, CRP has: •Prevented more than 9 billion tons of soil from eroding, enough soil to fi ll 600 million dump trucks; •Reduced nitrogen and phosphorous runoff relative to annually tilled cropland by 95 and 85 percent respectively; •Sequestered an annual average of 49 million tons of greenhouse gases, equal to taking 9 million cars off the road.

Since 1996, CRP has created nearly 2.7 million acres of restored wetlands.

For more information FSA conservation programs, visit a local FSA office or www.fsa.usda.gov/conservation. To find your local FSA office, visit http://offices.usda.gov.

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AMERY FREE PRESS

SCHOOL LUNCH MENUS AMERY Monday, Dec. 14— ES & MS breakfast: Scrambled egg/English muffi n or mini lumberjack (mini pancakes and sausage) or cold cereal choices, grahams, fruit choice and fruit juice.

MS & HS morning nutrition break: Scrambled egg/ English muffi n or lumberjack (pancakes/sausage on a stick) or frudel or cold cereal choices, grahams, fruit choice and fruit juice.

Elementary lunch: Popcorn chicken/roll, mashed potatoes/gravy, garden bar, fruit choices or box lunch.

IS/MS lunch: Popcorn chicken/roll; salisbury steak/roll; box lunch; mashed potatoes/gravy.

HS lunch: Popcorn chicken/roll; salisbury steak/ roll; uncrustable; box lunch; mashed potatoes/gravy.

Tuesday, Dec. 15— ES & IS breakfast: Assorted breads or Mini blueberry waffles or Cold cereal choices, cheese stick, fruit choice and fruit juice.

MS & HS morning break: Assorted breads or bacon egg scramble or mini blueberry waffles or cold cereal choices, cheese stick, fruit choice and fruit juice.

Elementary lunch: Hot

CLEAR LAKE Monday, Dec. 14— Elementary breakfast: Breakfast cereal, chocolate chip “ultimate breakfast round,” fruit juice, fruit, milk choice.

Elementary lunch: Chicken chow mein or popcorn chicken, rice, chow mein noodles, green beans, fortune cookie, carrots with dip, pineapple chunks, milk.

High school breakfast: Entree options: Cereal, Pop Tart, “UBR” (chocolate chip), sausage links, cereal bar, banana bread.

High school lunch: Chicken chow mein or popcorn chicken, chow mein noodles, rice, green beans, carrots/dip, applesauce, banana, fortune cookie, milk choice.

Tuesday, Dec. 15— Elementary breakfast: Breakfast cereal and “Scooby Bone” graham crackers or pancakes with syrup, fruit juice, fruit, milk.

Elementary lunch: Cheeseburger or macaroni & cheese, french fries, baked beans, applesauce, milk choice.

High school breakfast:

dog, baked beans, baked chips, garden bar, fruit choices or box lunch.

IS/MS lunch: Hot ham & cheese; hot dog; box lunch; baked beans and baked chips.

HS lunch: Hot ham & cheese; hot dog; uncrustable; box lunch; baked chips and baked beans.

Wednesday, Dec. 16— ES & IS breakfast: Mini pancakes or bacon egg scramble or cold cereal choices, grahams, fruit choice and fruit juice.

MS & HS morning break: Mini pancakes or breakfast egg wrap or uncrustable or cold cereal choices, grahams, fruit choice and fruit juice.

Elementary lunch: Pizza, corn, garden bar, fruit choices or box lunch.

IS/MS lunch: Pizza; tater tot hot dish/roll; box lunch; corn.

HS lunch: Pizza; tater tot hot dish/roll; uncrustable; box lunch; corn.

Thursday, Dec. 17— ES & IS breakfast: Breakfast pizza or UBR (Ultimate Breakfast Round) or Cold cereal choices, cheese stick, fruit choice and fruit juice.

MS & HS morning break: Breakfast pizza or UBR (Ultimate Breakfast Round) or

Entree options: Cereal, muffi n, cream cheese bagel, mini cinni, yogurt, oatmeal.

High school lunch: Cheeseburger or pulled pork sandwich, french fries, baked beans, mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, milk.

Wednesday, Dec. 16— Elementary breakfast: Breakfast cereal and cheese stick or ham & cheese bagel sandwich, fruit juice, fruit, milk choice.

Elementary lunch: Cheesy ravioli and breadstick or pepperoni pizza, salad bar, milk, sliced apples, slushie fruit cup.

High school breakfast: Entree options: Cereal, Pop Tart, muffi n, pancakes, sausage links.

High school lunch: Pepperoni pizza or cheesy ravioli and breadstick, steamed corn, garden salad, pears, sliced apples, milk.

Thursday, Dec. 17— Elementary breakfast: Breakfast cereal or oatmeal, blueberry or chocolate muffi n, fruit juice, fruit, milk choice.

Elementary lunch: Mini corn dogs or peanut butter

yogurt parfait or cold cereal choices, cheese stick, fruit choices and fruit juice.

Elementary lunch: Homemade spaghetti, garlic toast, green beans garden bar, fruit choices or box lunch.

IS/MS lunch: Homemade spaghetti; box lunch; garlic toast and green beans.

HS lunch: Homemade spaghetti; box lunch; garlic toast and green beans.

Friday, Dec. 18— ES & IS breakfast: Mini cinnamon roll or Warrior sandwich or cold cereal choices, grahams, fruit choice and fruit juice.

MS & HS morning break: Mini cinnamon roll or Warrior sandwich or mini bagel/cream cheese or cold cereal choices, grahams, fruit choice and fruit juice.

Elementary lunch: Chicken sandwich, broccoli & cauliflower w/cheese sauce, garden bar, fruit choices or box lunch.

IS/MS lunch: Chicken sandwich; fish sandwich; box lunch; broccoli & cauliflower w/cheese sauce.

HS lunch: Chicken sandwich; fish sandwich; box lunch; uncrustable; broccoli & cauliflower w/cheese sauce.

sandwich, potato wedges, steamed broccoli, cheese sauce, peaches, milk choice.

High school breakfast: Entree options: Cereal, cheese stick, cereal bar, bagel with jelly, ham & cheese sandwich.

High school lunch: “Brunch Lunch”, cheese omelet, sausage links, muffi n, hash browns, bell peppers, orange wedges, juice, milk choice, (Chef salad option).

Friday, Dec. 18— Elementary breakfast: Breakfast cereal and yogurt or Long John, fruit juice, fruit, milk choice.

Elementary lunch: Ham & cheese sub, fi xings, fresh vegetables, chips, grapes, mandarin oranges, milk choice.

High school breakfast: Entree options: Cereal, yogurt, graham crackers, cinnamon roll, cheese omelet, cereal bar.

High school lunch: Ham & cheese or grilled chicken sub, fresh vegetables, tangy broccoli salad, strawberries, grapes, chips, milk choice.

27

Prepare your heart for snow shoveling, before the storm “If you’re out of shape, you wouldn’t just hop on the treadmill and set it to the fastest speed,” says Andrew Freeman, MD, cardiologist at National Jewish Health. “For those already at high risk, it’s an extremely taxing activity.”

Here are his tips to protect yourself and still clear the driveway this winter.

Don’t shovel first thing in the morning.

Most heart attacks occur first thing in the morning when your blood is most likely to clot. Give yourself time to get up and moving before going out and grabbing the shovel. You’ll also give the sun a chance to warm things up some.

Warm up before shoveling. Shoveling snow is exercise. It’s hard work.

Take a few minutes before to stretch,

POLK COUNTY SENIOR DINING MEAL SITES Everyone age 60 plus is invited for lunch. Meals are served Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Check your site for specific serving time.

Suggested donation is $4 per meal. Please call the meal site 24 hours in advance for a reservation.

Amery 715-268-6818.

Centuria 715-540-2022.

Frederic 715-327-8623.

Luck 715-472-8300.

Monday, Dec. 14— Beef stew with carrots, potatoes and onions, biscuit/margarine, orange, frosted cake.

Tuesday, Dec. 15— Tator tot casserole, cauliflower, wheat bread, margarine, chilled peaches.

Sites closed on Wednesday.

Thursday, Dec. 17— Christmas lunch: Roast turkey, savory stuffing, gravy, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, WW dinner roll, margarine, apple pie.

Friday, Dec. 18— Chicken enchilada casserole, Mexican corn, 12-grain bread, margarine, banana.

move about and get the ‘blood flowing’ before undertaking any strenuous activity, including shoveling snow.

Use a smaller shovel. A shovel full of wet snow is especially heavy when the shovel is big. It may take a little longer, but many small loads will be better than fewer heavy ones.

Dress appropriately. Cover your hands, head and mouth. Covering your mouth with a scarf will help you inhale warmer air and can help avoid respiratory problems.

Shovel in shifts. If you need a rest, take a rest. Taking 15-minute breaks can help lessen the load on your heart.

Watch for warning signs. Tightness in the chest, lightheadedness and dizziness are all signs of a heart attack. If you suspect you’re having a heart attack, call 911.

Look on the Classifieds Page for employment opportunities!

Luggage and Heart The season has sauntered in expected; time has come for that familiar song: what will I leave behind for winter?

I inventory what to take along Only yesterday, it seems, the daydreams, were vague and wistful, tentative and light.

I had both endured and savored winter, when geese and songbirds took their annual flight.

Maybe, I thought, some day among the palm trees, I'll enjoy the beach or view the bay.

I'll take along summer garb and trappings.

Now, here I am, looking at the day.

It's like going home, yet unfamiliar, as I seriously contemplate the move.

Thankful the same Father's eyes are on me, to guard and guide in His faithful love.

Surroundings, familiar, I'll adapt to, anticipate, choose, and then join in.

Picking up my old ways as I'm apt to expectations set aside, begin.

In ways I only vaguely dreamed of, watching geese their annual passing by, I'll set to preparing heart and luggage, and I, too, will rise aloft and fly.

Carol Morfitt Welch

28

AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 8, 2015

Polk County and Ice Age Trail Featured at Outdoor Expo The National Scenic Ice Age Trail, which begins in Polk County’s Interstate Park, was featured at the 62nd bi-annual Midwest Mountaineering Outdoor Adventure Expo held November 20-22 in Minneapolis, MN. The Ice Age Trail crosses Wisconsin along the southern edge of the glacier that covered a large portion of the state and then retreated more than 10,000 years ago, leaving behind the geography of Wisconsin.

Polk County Tourism Council members Roxanne White and William Johnson, both from Frederic, provided Expo visitors with information about the 1,100 mile hiking trail. They also

distributed Polk County Visitor’s Guides, maps, and area promotion information. Over ten thousand people attend the bi-annual three-day expos, held in November and April each year.

The Ice Age Trail has over 1.2 million visitors a year, who bring $113 million to the state and local economies. Destination marketing is important to Polk County, where visitors spend around $79 million annually.

Polk County serves as the western terminus of the trail in Interstate Park and has many interesting segments, including the recently completed trail segment through Wisconsin’s newest State Park,

Straight Lake, east of Luck.

The Ice Age Trail Alliance, and the local Indianhead chapter have hosted several Mobil Skills trail building events over the past three years to complete trail segments through Straight Lake State Park, and one north of St. Croix Falls. Many interesting remnants of the glacier’s advance and retreat are easily seen in Straight Lake Park, east of Luck and Frederic.

For more information on the Ice Age Trail visit iceagetrail.org and other area trail opportunities at polkcountytourism.com.

PETS AT ARNELL MEMORIAL HUMANE SOCIETY

Meet the Pets at the Humane Society Ms. Lila is a Calico of the softer palette. Instead of the Black, Orange and White combi-

nation of a classic Calico, Lila has a Grey, Peach and White longhair coat.

She came to the shelter as a new mother with eight tiny kittens. After foster care for Mom and babies, all nine returned to the shelter to find homes. Lila has seen all of her kittens off to pursue happy careers as family companion cats and Lila is now ready for her own happy ending.

Lila is a talker and will let you know what’s on her mind. She enjoys a warm lap and an ear caressing. Morning is her favorite time to hang out at the foot of your bed.

With a gentle tail patting of the blankets, she makes her plan for the day. Eat, sleep, cruise the bedroom, eat some more, visit the sewing room, sleep in a basket, watch the birds out the living room window and eat again. Lila enjoys her meals as many of the strays at the shelter do.

They don’t seem to be

able to eat enough after nearly starving to death on their own.

Lila is two years old, vaccinated, spayed and feline leukemia tested. Her age puts her in our “Shelter, Spay and Adopt” category with a $30 adoption fee. Also available at this reduced fee are: Joshua, a Large, three year old Black Cat with a small white locket at his neck, Norm, a full bib Brown Tabby also of a notable size, and Janice and Mincey, both stray Tortoiseshell mothers with kittens.

I know what you’re thinking. “If only there was a Bacon Raffle I could attend to help support the animals at Arnell.” Well, you’re in luck! This Friday, December 11th at Wards Bar in Dresser, starting at 6:30 pm, the Dresser Lions Club is hosting a Bacon Raffle for Arnell.

If you have attended a meat raffle, you know the excitement and merriment that surrounds these events. This raffle is similar and yet different. You will have to witness the frenzy for a Bacon Only Raffle for yourself. Bring a friend to Wards Bar and enjoy the fun.

Do you have a loved one on your Christmas Gift List who shares their home with a puppy or dog? A gift certificate for positive canine train-

ing classes at Arnell would be a great gift.

Choose from the popular Puppy Socialization class for puppies eight weeks to four months or Basic Obedience for dogs four months and beyond. A full scholarship certificate for four Puppy classes is $35; Basic Obedience is $70 for six classes. (Class descriptions are on our website) Purchase all or part of the fee for each class; you choose the amount.

Your dog owning loved one will be pleasantly surprised with your original gift. Lessons learned in class will make for a rewarding relationship that continues to give all year.

The drawing for the 2015 Arnell Raffle contest for cash and Packer-Viking tickets, took place on Saturday, December 5th. The winners are: Stephanie Lindholm, Osceola, Candi Mueller, Osceola, Laurie Harris, Amery and Tom Benson, Amery.

Thank you all for buying tickets to support Arnell Humane Society. There are a lot of raffles to choose from; we appreciate that you chose to support ours. Arnell Memorial Humane Society, 185 Griffin St, Amery 715 268-7387 or online: ARN E L L H U M A N E .ORG and Facebook

SUBMITTED

William Johnson of Frederic was one of two Ice Age Trail volunteers who helped educate expo visitors about the Ice Age Trail and Polk County Tourism.

Come in to the Amery Free Press and see our Holiday/ Christmas Letterhead

Musclemedix

By Toni SPECIALIZING IN DEEP MUSCLE MASSAGE as well as Swedish and Relaxation

TONI BARR, LMT Licensed Massage Therapist Office 715-948-2900 110 Prentice St. N, Clayton @ Sassy Snips, Ect.

-ONE NIGHT ONLY- Dec. 3, 4-8 p.m. during Sassy Snips Open House *HOLIDAY SPECIAL*

Buy 3 - 1 Hr. Massage Sessions Get 1 FREE (Save $55)

CONTINUING HOLIDAY SPECIAL

Pkg. of 4 - 1 hr. Massage Sessions for $180 (Save $40) Offer Valid Dec. 4-31, 2015

The doctors and staff at Dental Arts are pleased to announce the addition of

Amy G. Ott, D.D.S.

Dr. Amy Ott grew up in Green Isle, Minnesota. As an undergrad she attended the University of Wisconsin River Falls. She received her dental degree from the University of Minnesota.

Dr. Ott and Scott enjoy riding motorcycle together and visiting her family back in Minnesota. Dr. Ott stays active by running half marathons and just completed her 4th Warrior Dash.

Dr. Ott shares Dental Arts commitment to providing the finest dental care. We are confident you and your family will enjoy working with her.

Dental Arts S.C.

DECEMBER 8, 2015

AMERY FREE PRESS

AMERY COMMUNITY EDUCATION Pre-register for all classes and events by mail, in person, online (www.amerysd. k12.wi.us) or by phone.

For more information call 715-268-9771 x220 or email commed@amerysd.k12.wi.us.

TRIP TICKETS MAKE GREAT HOLIDAY GIFTS -- The Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder at the State Theatre in Minneapolis. Getting away with murder can be so much fun...and there’s no better proof than the knock‘em-dead hit show that’s earned unanimous raves and won the 2014 Tony Award® for BEST MUSICAL! Sunday, January 10 show at 1 p.

Motorcoach Departure from Amery at 11 a and approximate return 5 p.

Fee $84 or Sr Fee (62+) $54 per ticket includes all fees, main floor seating, and motor coach transportation. Drop-off and pick-up at the front doors to the theatre!! No need to search for and pay for parking. Register early.

Planning the Garden for Seed Saving: Imagine if you were able to save seeds from

29

Lifestyle Choices for Seniors…

your favorite vegetables from your own garden.

Not only would you save money and help preserve those heirloom vegetable varieties that you love, but you would have the start of a grand gardening adventure right in your own backyard!

Learn the basics of how to plan your gardening year round seed saving.

You will be encouraged to take home some free heirloom seeds to grow in your summer garden.

Dec 10 from 6:30-8 p. Fee $9, pre-register with Comm Ed. Bee Keeping for Beginners: Learn about types of bees and hives, the life cycle of honey bees, hive management, pollinator-friendly flowers, pesticide and herbicide impact on pollinators, over-wintering of hives, and optimal hive locations. January 18 from 6-9 p. Fee $25 or Sr Fee $20 - class proceeds benefit the Polk Burnett Beekeeping Association.

Pre-register with Amery Comm Ed. Pickleball - Open Gym - Come play the fastest growing recreational sport in the nation on Wednesday

evenings from 5:45-8 p through March 30 (gym closed Dec 30). It is easy to learn, provides plenty of exercise, and is played on a court much smaller than a tennis court. Participants don't have to be strong, don't have to be quick, and don't have to be athletic or good at other sports. Call Bob W 715-268-7789 for more information.

Basketball Winter Rec for Youth and Families on Sundays in the Amery Middle School gym from 1:30-3:30 p through March. Open to boys and girls grades 4-12. Families are encouraged to participate together. Younger children are welcome when accompanied by parents.

Church groups welcome.

Bring your own basketball. Enter through North doors. No fee.

Adult Rec Basketball for Men and Women in the Amery Middle School gym on Wednesday evenings from 6-9:30 p through March 30 (gym closed Dec 23 & 30).

Come with your team early in the season to get on the schedule or come to join a team. Team fee.

For more information

call Steve 715.268.8229 Rumble Jumble Open Gym: Do you need a place for your toddlers and preschoolers to run, burn energy, and have fun? Open Gym is in the Intermediate School on Tuesday mornings for a full hour of “tire-themout” fun! Balls, scooters, mats, and other fun gym equipment will be available for play. Parents/Guardians are expected to stay in the gym with the children and are encouraged to play as well. Child care providers welcome. No fee and no need to pre-register. Tuesdays through March when school is in session from 10:45-11:45 a.

Futsal Open Gym: For boys and girls in grades 8-12. Futsal is a form of indoor soccer and a great way to improve upon footwork skills in the off-season.

Session I on Sundays: Dec 6, 13, 20, Jan 10, 17, 24 & 31 from 3:45-6 p in the Middle School gym (use the north doors). Fee $10 per session. Session II will be in Feb/March.

Pre-register with Comm Ed or pay your first time in the gym.

“Your Life, Your Style”

Dedicated to showing residents they are truly special and deserving of quality care.

• Skilled Nursing Facility with spacious rooms and a homelike setting to entertain family and friends.

• Hearthside Assisted Living offers assistance with activies of daily living in a community-like setting.

• Transitional/Short-term Rehabilitation available for recovery following surgery or illness.

Christian Community Home of Osceola 2650 65th Ave., Osceola, WI 54020 • 715-294-1100 www.cchosceola.org

Call today to learn more or to schedule a tour!

Come in to the Amery Free Press and see our Holiday/ Christmas Letterhead

SELF HELP GROUPS Advance Directive Workshop. Who would make your healthcare decisions in the event you are unable to? How would this person know what decisions you would want made? Learn more about Advance Directives and how to complete them. Free Advance Directive Workshop will be held the first Wednesday of the month from 10-11 a.m. Wisconsin and Minnesota Advance Directives will be available. Call St. Croix Regional Medical Education Services at 715-483-0431 or 800642-1336 ext. 2431 to register.

Alanon/Alateen (for family and friends of alcoholics) meets Thursday nights 7-8 p.m. at First Lutheran church, Amery. 715-268-8362.

Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Monday 7 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m., 7 p.m., Thursday 7 p.m., Friday 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m., Sunday 7 p.m. at Amery Community Center, 608 Harriman Ave. S. 715-781-4380 Jason.

Alchololics Anonymous (AA) Tuesdays 7-8 p.m.

Reeve Evangelical Free church, 205 1 1/2 St., Clear Lake Cty. Rd. A & K. Contact David 715-948-4235.

Alcoholics Anonymous meets Thursdays 10 a.m. at Parkview Methodist church, Turtle Lake. Contact Mike 715-986-2457.

Alzheimer’s Support Group. First Wednesday of the month 10 a.m. at Amery Senior Center. Last Tuesday of month 1 p.m. at Good Sam Nursing Home. Sharlene Bellefaille 715-635-6601.

Baby & Me. Weekly play and discussion hour for parents and their infants (birth to 12 months). Wednesdays 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Amery Regional Medical Center, BirthDay Suites Waiting Room. Join at any time. No charge.

Breast Feeding Support Group. All nursing mothers and babies are invited to participate. Group meets the second Thursday of the month from 10-11:30 a.m. and the fourth Thursday of the month from 6:30-8 p.m. at St. Croix Regional Medical Center. An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant will facilitate the group. Call 715-483-0431 or 800-642-1336 ext. 2431. No charge.

C.H.A.D.D. (Children with Attention Deficit Disorder). Parent support group meets the fourth Monday of each month at Firstar Bank board room, Cumberland, 7 p.m. For info. call Pat Skinner at 715-822-8422 and leave message.

Caregiver Support Group meets the third Tuesday of every month from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Peace Lutheran Church in Dresser. Contact Barb at ADRC of NW WI at 877-485-2372 for more information.

Compassionate Friends, Tri- County Chapter meets the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. First Lutheran church, Clear Lake. This group offers support and understanding to families who are grieving the death of a child of any age, from any cause. For more information call 715-263-2739 Domestic Violence (DV) and Sexual Assault (SA) Support Groups and Services. Polk County - domestic violence (DV), sexual assault (SA) and the children’s group are every Monday (DV) and Tuesday (SA) beginning at 6 p.m. Call CRA to find out more info and for the location. Burnett County call CRA for info (the day and time will be changing). For more information call CRA 715-825-4414 or the 24 hour crisis line 1-800-261-7233.

All groups and services are free of charge.

Early Stage Alzheimer Support Group. For the diagnosed person and their caregiver. Challenges in early-stage dementia will be discussed, along with therapeutic benefits of family involvement. Sponsored in part by the Amnerican Alzheimer’s Association. Meetings are free of charge and open to the public, held at the Amery Centennial Hall the first Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. Call 715-268-6605 to register.

Epilepsy Foundation of Western Wisconsin. Call 1-800-924-2105.

Family Child Care Professonals Network. Meets the third Thursday of each month. Contact Beth Neely at 715-483-1482 for more information. All family child care providers are welcome.

Farm Crisis. Information on financial, mental health, legal, job retraining resources. Call 1-800-942-2474.

Golden Age Manor Family Council meets the first Saturday at 10 a.m. on the sunporch at GAM. Grief Share. Have you lost someone close? Grief Share is a Christian based, non-denominational seminar/support group program that will be meeting at Centennial Hall in Amery every Monday at 1 p.m. For information call Bruce 715-268-2176 or 715-268-8360.

Head Injury Support Group. Closed head injury, stroke, aneurism or traumatic brain injury which affects your daily living? Learn to cope with your disabilities, provide insight and camaraderie. Second Friday of each month 2-3:30 p.m. Frederic Public Library. Contact Julie Martin 715-327-4474.

Moms in Prayer International. •Two or more women who meet regularly to pray for their children, their schools, their teachers and administrators. •Mothers, grandmothers or anyone who is willing to pray for a specific child and school. We meet at the First Baptist church, Amery, Mondays from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Contact Jen at 715-268-5408 with questions.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) is a group for moms and their kids. Every mom who is pregnant or has children 5 years of age and under is welcomed, accepted, and challenged to meet her potential. Better moms make a better world! For more info go to clmops@hotmail.com and call 715-263-2665 for location/dates/ time.

NA meetings. There’s hope. Every Sunday 6 p.m. St. Croix Casino & Hotel, Turtle Lake. Hospitality Room.

Everyone welcome to attend. Info call Pat at 715-5532859.

Polk County Parent-To-Parent Coaliton, a network for parents of children from birth through adulthood who have disabilities or other special needs. For more information about meetings and advocacy support, contact Lynne 715-472-2002.

PREGNANT. Need help? Our tests and help are free and confidential. 715-755-BABY (2229). Osceola Life Care Center.

Student Assistance Program is for students in the Amery school district who may be having personal or family problems. Strict confidentiality is followed except in cases of danger to self or others. Call 715-2680303 for middle school S.A.P. members or 715-2680214 for high school S.A.P. members.

TEENS—Talk before you run. Trained counselors will listen. 1-800-491-8336 or 715-235-8882.

TEENCARE. Where teens get help fast. 1-800-4918336.

TOPS Club meets Thursdays 8-9 a.m. Our Savior’s Lutheran church, 217 Deronda St., Amery. Bonnie Timm 715-268-2980.

TOPS Club meets Tuesdays 3:30-5 p.m. at the Balsam Lake Municipal Building (under the water tower), Balsam Lake. Contact Nancy 715-646-1464 or just come to a meeting. TOP’s mission is to support our members as they take off and keep off pounds sensibly.

Tutors: Free tutors are available to anyone who would like help studying for GED, English as a Second Language (ESL), or with basic skills in reading or math. Call 715-405-7323 to be matched with a local tutor.

Veterans PTSD Support Group. 1st and 3rd Tuesday monthly 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Amery VFW, 130 Wisconsin Ave. Spouses/significant other also welcome and encouraged to attend. Contact Dan 715-768-0679, Amanda 715-429-0467 or Dianna 715-607-1898. Sponsored

by Amery VFW Post 7929 and American Legion Post 169.

Western Wisconsin LYME Education and Support Group meets: fourth Thursday of the month (March through October) at 7 p.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran church, 217 Deronda St., Amery. (No meetings November through February). For info call Ann 715-268-2856, Paula 715-268-2035, Bonnie 715-268-9557, Sue 715268-6687.

Women’s Spiritual Growth Group meets each Thursday from 7-8 p.m. at 931 Pine St., St. Croix Falls..

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AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 8, 2015

AMERY AREA COMMUNITY CENTER We want to thank all of our volunteers who helped to make our Annual Christmas Party such a fun and exciting event. A special thanks to Judie Johnson who cooked an amazing and delicious meal as well as the Right Reverends who put us all in the holiday spirit.

Amery Community Center Cordially Invites You to Our Christmas Day Dinner December 25th 11:30am Social, 12:00 noon dinner.

If you want a place to go on Christmas day to be in the fellowship of others, please join us!!

Everyone welcome!

Turkey, Ham, Mashed potatoes and all the fi xin's and trimmings along with homemade desserts.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Families welcome!

RSVP preferred by calling 715.268.6605 but you can just show up!

Free Will Donation, Christmas gifts for the first 100 people to show up.

Hosts: Lisa, Bob & Ashley Turek-Shay Sponsors: Amery Community Center, Amery Snowmobile Club Erspamer Law Office, Dick’s Fresh Market, Duck’s Sports Bar, East Immanual Lutheran Church, Indigo Iris, Northland Surveying, Riverbend Assisted Living, Royal Credit Union, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Tac Two & the Turek-Shay Family Do you want to explore the world of watercolor?

Then sign up for a two day watercolor work-

BIRTHS

shop taught by Paul Oman, a well-known muralist. Paul shows you how to paint with freedom and simplicity.

The workshop will be held at Amery Community Center on January 27th and 28th from 9am4pm. The cost is $150 and the class is limited to 20 participants. To register contact Paul at 715-790-2029 or at paul@ paulomanfineart.com.

Need a place to rent?

How about considering Amery Area Community Center for that birthday party, anniversary celebration or wedding reception? We can help!

We also work with profit and not-for-profit organizations to help with the perfect meeting place.

The winners of the Tuesday pool players were Gary Snelling in first place, Paul Seidel in second, Jerry Fisher took third and Mary Fisher placed fourth.

Thursday pool winners were Gary Snelling in first, Paul Seidel in second, Val Hansen took third place, and Milt Johnson placed fourth. Wii bowling winners were Jerry Langland in first place, Jerry Fisher in second, and Carl Johnson took third place.

The Wednesday bridge winners were Cheryl Miller and Steve Berestka in first and Pete Humlie placed second. Congratulations to all!

Have a safe and wonderful week…..Susan Shachtman, Assistant Director

St. Croix Regional Medical Center, St. Croix Falls Landon Dean Sorgaard, 7 lbs. 5 ozs., born on Nov. 16 to Marissa Wilson and Christopher Sorgaard, St. Croix Falls.

Capri Stone Robinson, 6 lbs. 15 ozs., born on Nov. 18 to Sam and Brooke Robinson, Chisago City, MN. Jettson Philip Mederich, 7 lbs. 11 ozs., born on Nov. 19 to Jordan and Julia Mederich, Osceola.

Emma Sue Tomczak, 7 lbs. 10 ozs., born on Nov. 19 to Jeremy and Laura Tomczak, St. Croix Falls.

Wyatt Edward Marek, 7 lbs. 8 ozs., born on Nov. 20 to Samantha Stoeklen and Jesse Marek, Frederic.

Dante Luis Cavarria, 8 lbs. 7 ozs., born on Nov. 24 to Cheyenne Matrious and Jose Chavarria, Danbury.

Jaxon Morgan Berg, 8 lbs. 2 ozs., born on Nov. 24 to Dwight and Jinessa Berg, Milltown.

Leah Michele Bergeron, 6 lbs., born on Nov. 25 to Taylor and Faith Bergeron, Siren.

Amery Free Press Subscriptions make wonderful gifts any time of the year!

Left to right, Mike Jacob, Jessica de la Cruz, Diane Stangl, Tom Stangl.

The Amery Free Press staff enjoyed visiting with you at the 30th Annual Amery Holiday Stroll!

Winner of the “Packer Stocking” was Jackie Feyen KANABEC COUNTY

The Amery Free Press is open 8 to 5 Monday through Friday at 215 S. Keller Ave. in Amery

Christmas in the air

By Larry Phillipson ©12-6-2015 Once again it is here, it is that time of year.

A lift in your step, a jovial greeting full of pep.

A broad smile on your face, walking along at a quickening pace.

The feeling of happiness and glee, thoughts of Christmas I can see.

There is a slight chill in the air, that's ok, there is happiness everywhere.

The Christmas feeling truly abides, not a sullen face in the crowd I find.

So here it is catching on, everywhere the spirit is, the sadness is gone.

The joy that we feel keeps us warmer, it brightens our smile in true form.

The pretty lights that shine at night, they make us raise our spirits bright.

There is something about this time of year, it's Christmas that brings the cheer.

TIMES

PIONEER

THURSDAY,

VOL. 131 NO. 19

PINE CITY

THURSDA

VOL. 131 NO.

Left to right, Dave Humpal, Pam Humpal, Bette Elmer, Mike Elmer.

FREE PRESS AMERY

215 S. Keller Ave., Amery Phone 715-268-8101 Fax 715-268-5300 email: tstangl@theameryfreepress.com

COUNTRY

THURSDA

VOL. 131 NO.

DECEMBER 8, 2015

AMERY FREE PRESS

31

Thanks for a wonderful Amery Holiday Stroll, Christmas Punch Promotion continues THANK YOU!!!

The 30th Annual Amery Holiday Stroll was another fun and successful stroll but it would not have been possible if it weren’t Pounding for the following… *Hot Dog/Hot the Chocolate Food Pavement Stand served 360 hot dogs to the Pam Humpal strollers. Over $400 in money and food items were collected for the Amery Area Food Pantry. Each year I enjoy visiting with everyone from the hot dog stand. It seemed strange setting up and working this year without my heavy coat on…a little milder than most years. Amery Community Club, City of Amery, Dick’s Fresh Market, Bremer Bank, and Amery Royalty…

Thank You! *Santa Claus - who is a very busy man this time of year, joined the event to see kids young and old…Thank You! *Polk-Burnett Indianhead Chorus who fi lled the air with beautiful carols all over town…Thank You! *Dixie & Sonya -t he Clydesdales, and the Stalheim Family provided horse and wagon rides throughout the afternoon. The horses are absolutely beautiful…Thank You! *Our Mitten Tree is beautifully decorated with hats, gloves, mittens and scarves for Polk County Operation Christmas. Items can be dropped off

at the Amery Free Press office until Monday, December 14…Thank You! *Participating Amery Businesses who welcomed strollers to stop by on Sunday afternoon for treats and specials, and the area businesses who helped sponsor the activities. Your wonderful support of the Holiday Stroll is greatly appreciated…Thank You! *And of course, the “Strollers” who took part in the fun. There were even some strollers who have joined us for the entire 30 years. We enjoy seeing you each year…Thank You! Yes, the 30th Annual Amery Holiday Stroll was a fun-fi lled afternoon!

Thank you to each and every one of you for sharing your day with us!

And the Amery Christmas Punch Promotion continues. It’s simple to play-each time you make a purchase at a participating business, you will get your card punched for each $10 purchase, up to 5 punches per visit.

Once your card is fi lled, sign your name and phone number, and drop it off in the drawing box at Amery Free Press, Chet Johnson Drug, Dick’s Fresh Market or Paperworx. Winners will receive $50 Amery Scrip Money to spend around town. The final drawing will be on Monday, December 14.

Thank you for shopping locally!

Congratulations to this week’s Christmas Punch Winners:Loris Ostenson, Barb Kirkvold, Deb Morelock, Nicky Gehrman, Don Tarnowski. The Amery Christmas Punch Promotion

is sponsored by the Amery Community Club.

“Santa Claus Is Coming To Town”… hey kids, Santa will be available for you to visit with and you can take your picture with(bring your own camera) on Saturday, December 12, from 11am to 3pm at Chet Johnson Drug in downtown Amery. Remember, be good…Santa is watching!

“Meet Your Amery Business”…this week’s featured business is WILLOW RIDGE HEALTHCARE. They have been part of the Amery community for many years offering caring and skilled long term care and rehabilitation. Willow Ridge is located on the west side of Amery.

Give The Gift Of Health This Holiday Season. FITNESS CENTER, Amery Hospital & Clinic, is offering a special through the month-purchase a $25 gift certificate for only $20.

The certificate may be used toward services such as massage therapy, memberships, and personal training.

Stop by Amery or Luck Fitness Center for complete details.

Christmas is just about 2 weeks away…Yikes! I love the Christmas season but it just passes by way too fast.

We all need to slow down and enjoy every minute!

Next week’s paper on December 15 will have Christmas gift ideas, holiday activities, area worship services,

Attention Buyers & Sellers!!

“Let the count down begin”

Soon it will be a NEW YEAR with New Dreams. Out with the Old and in with the NEW. Looking to sell your Old home OR dreaming of owning a NEW one I can help you go “shopping” or I can “recycle” your old one.

Give me a call orCOUNTY better yet - Stop KANABEC by the NEW Edina Realty Office in Amery. I look forward to making your NEW YEAR one to remember.

TIMES

jackiepregler-goodmanson@edinarealty.com

ibe r c s Sub ay!

Tod

PIONEER 18 4C

A Berkshire Hathaway affiliate

Have me at the tip of your fingers 24/7 and download the Edina Realty mobile app by texting PINE CITY jackiepreglergoodmanson to 952-856-8300

Amery Office Location

543 State Road 46, Amery

FREE PRESS MESSENGER AMERY

215 S. Keller Ave., Amery, WI 54001 Phone 715-268-8101 Fax 715-268-5300 Email dstangl@theameryfreepress.com COUNTRY

Serving Marine-on-St. Croix, Scandia, May Township

etc. with regular deadlines for the paper and The Tab. On Monday, December 21, the Amery Free Press issue will include Christmas Greetings, and last minute gift ideas. Yes, I said Monday. With the holidays, it pushes our printing up a day so we will be having publications on Monday, December 21 & 28.

The Christmas Greetings in the paper from area businesses will be drawings from Amery boys and girls in grades K-4. Each drawing is a masterpiece in it’s very own way. Businesses who would like to use a card/ cards for their Christmas &/or New Years Greeting should please give me a call today at 715-268-8101. Deadline for the December 21 issue is Thursday, December 17, at 4pm.

The Amery Free Press office will be closing at 1pm on Thursday, December 24, and closed on Christmas Day. Baby News…Brooks Jensen Gorres was born on December 6. He weighed in at 7 lbs 4 oz. His parents are Beau and Karen, and big sisters, Nora and Lola. Congratulations to the Gorres and Jensen family!

Happy Birthday on December 9 to my nephew, Franklin, who will be 10 years old, and also to my godchild, Jake. Enjoy your special day!

Have a great week, and enjoy the upcoming events…Christmas concerts, programs, parties, and family gatherings. This is a wonderful, magical time of year!

204 Keller Avenue N. • P.O. Box 17 Amery, WI 54001

Phone: 715-268-8121

Amery, Wisconsin

STORE HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

HEALTH-CARE SERVICES & EVERYDAY NEEDS FROM PEOPLE YOU KNOW Monday, December 7 - Sunday, December 13, 2015

New & Coming Soon Items to help make your Holidays brighter!

Eco Candles

Bath Fizzers Lip Balm, Night Cream, MadeTHURSDAY, in Minnesota SEPTEMBER 33, 2222Blemish Stick, Acne Solution 131 NO. 19 www.moraminn.com $1.00 by 2VOL. teenage girls. and more!

Clean-burning soy candles made in Appleton, Wis.

Grooming products for men.

We have Holiday Gifts all Bundled up and ready to go! Stop by next to the Handmade Soaps Clearance Department Luxurious, handcrafted, and get your shopping chemical-free bar soap, done quickly!

Watch our Facebook for our 25 Days of Christmas!

made in the USA

638697 6d Visit us online at: www.chetjohnsondrug.com or facebook.com/chetjohnsondrug and facebook.com/elliesicecream for weekly specials

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 33, 2222

VOL. 131 NO. 19 www.moraminn.com $1.00

We reserve the right to limit quantity and to correct printing errors. Prices in effect while supplies last.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES Polk, Burnett, St. Croix, Barron counties, $30 per year Other Wisconsin and Minnesota $35 per year Other States $40 per year Students $20 nine months Service persons $25 per year THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 33, 2222

VOL. 131 NO. 19 www.moraminn.com $1.00

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 33, 2222

VOL. 131 NO. 19 www.moraminn.com $1.00

715-948-7777

llery

Please join us Friday,thru Oct. 12, 5-8 p.m.

Art Exhibition Oct. 29 Featured artists for December: Featured artists:for an Artist’s Reception 208 Keller Avenue • A mery, wisconsin Hours: mon-sAt 10-6 pm 715.268.8600 Featuring artists Bonnie Hagen, Dudgeon Printmaker Emily GraySarah Koehler and Kay Brathol-Hostvet www.ArtzgAllery.org

Potter Bruce Kaupanger Julie Adams - Arcylic and Assemblage’ Painter Diana Randolph Bruce Kaupanger - Raku Pottery Loretta Pedersen - Textiles Donna Ernst - Glass Jewelry and Mosaic

New Handmade Gifts and Ornaments!

The Northern Lakes Center for the Arts presents

“The Reason for the Season”

An evening of inspirational readings for the Christmas holidays presented by members of the Northern Lakes Theater Guild.

Saturday, Dec. 12 - 7:30 p.m.

The Northern Lakes Center for the Arts 113 Elm St. - Amery, WI - (715) 268-6811

Amery Community Theatre

AUDITIONS for

“Of Mice and Men” Wednesday, Dec. 16

7 p.m. at Amery Middle School Library 9 males - high school and older 1 female - high school and older Production dates mid-March 2016

THE

For more information please call 715-269-5139

ULTIMATE SHOW

FOR THE

IICE FISHING FANATIC

DECEMBER 11-13

WISCONSIN FAIRGROUNDS milwaukeeicefishingshow.com

FRIDAY: 1pm-9pm | SATURDAY: 10am-7pm | SUNDAY: 9am-2pm

23rd Annual

John Legut Memorial Cup Saturday, Dec. 26, 6 p.m.

AMERY ICE ARENA 1065 RiverPlace Drive, Amery

Enjoy a great hockey game with Amery Alumni and help raise the funds to award educational scholarships.

Your support is appreciated for this effort.

Hockey Alumni interested in playing please contact Andrea Legut andrealegut@ yahoo.com, phone 715-781-0710 or Annette Elkin 715-268-9126

Admission $3 adults, $2 students, 6 & under free

Jul Fest

Saturday, Dec. 12

HOURS: Sun.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-Midnight Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m.-2:30 a.m.

Scandinavian Bazaar!

9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Santa appears from 10-1 Lunch, Children’s Store, Fish Pond, Crafts, Bakery, Canned Goods

Daily Food Specials

(Dec. 7-11th) Monday - Taco Burger Tuesday - Hot Ham & Cheese w/Tomato Soup Wednesday - Spaghetti Thursday - Chicken Parmesan Sandwich Friday - 7 Brothers Fish Sandwich

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church

Deer Park Community Center

Margarita Monday $3 Margarita & Pina Coladas (all day!) $1.50 Tacos (5-10 p.m.) $2 Tuesday $2 Domestic Beer (all day!)

2 Sliders for $2 (5-10 p.m.)

Windsor & Wings Wednesday $2 Windsor Drinks (all day!)

50¢ wings (5-10 p.m.) variety of sauces available Thirsty Thursday - 2 for 1 Drink Special (4-6 p.m.)

Friday Fish Fry (5-10 p.m. )

Admission: Adults, $5.00 - Children, $1.00

Velkommen

217 Deronda St., Amery

Saturday, Dec. 12 10:30 a.m.

Craft Shop • Trim the Tree • Baked Goods • Candy Shop • Norwegian Goodies and as always a “Scandinavian Luncheon with dessert” Pie and Coffee, too!

The Ultimate Christmas Party December 19th 10-11:30 a.m.

Amery Public Library

ENTERTAINMENT

Dec. 7: Prairie Dawg DJ & Karaoke (9 p.m.-1 a.m.)

Dec. 12: Three on the Tree (8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.)

Dec. 19: Dr. Groove DJ & Karaoke (9 p.m.-1 a.m.)

Dec. 25: Closed for Christmas Dec. 26: Northland Entertainment (9 p.m.-1 a.m.)

Dec. 31: Jukebox Live (9 p.m.-1 a.m.)

FREE for kids 5-12 Hosted by Child Evangelism Fellowship 715-263-4344

T R U E

art ga

Deer Park HOLIDAY FAIR

N O S E

107 Prentice St. North

715-268-8600 www.artzgallery.org

T R I L O G Y

Mon.-Sat. 10-5 HOURS: 715-268-8600 www.artzgallery.org

HOURS: MON.-SAT. 10-6 MON.-SAT. 10-6 SUN. 11-4 715-268-8600 www.artzgallery.org

C L I O H O N K I O N S E K S F C D S C L U E R O V E O V A K W E L S E H E S P A C T L I H U Y L O N

AMERY, WISCONSIN

N E W S M E N

art A Fine

Downtown Clayton

208 KELLER AVE. AMERY, 208 KELLER Hours:AVE.WIS.

F L A W O U C H G S T A S T T O E T A B L E R R S A R I E B O E O W N J X E L I D F O R I R G O O O N

create Art • give Art • Buy Art

DECEMBER 8, 2015

M O R A S S E S

Z

ENTERTAINMENT

C O D E

O W L E F R I E F I L L S T Y I B R I D L I N T A F T A S L O G S E W C C L O B R A C R I N K O B E Y

32 AMERY FREE PRESS

"Dental Work" Across 1 Young hooter 6 Scratch 10 Muse of history 14 Young chicken 15 "Yow!" 16 Goose sound 17 Places that gave away road maps 20 Pig residence 21 Deep in thought 22 Exhausting trips 23 Android alternative for smartphones 24 French chef's egg 25 Where some contracts are agreed on 30 D.J.'s stack 33 Like a dryer trap 34 Transgresses 35 Tip-off 36 Colgate shaving product 37 One of the Osmonds 38 Drift 39 Plug away 40 Double-reed woodwind 41 "Vertigo" actress Kim 42 Use a Singer 43 Royal wealth 45 Wheedle 46 Flock member 47 Oafs 49 Tops 51 Guys 54 Gets ready to crash 57 Milieu for Lemieux 58 Cogito ___ sum 59 Diplomat Root 60 Heed 61 Presently 62 Kind of hose

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44 Luke Skywalker, e.g.

45 Self-assured 47 Plagiarize 48 Runner's assignment 49 Company's icon 50 Steel ingredient 51 Salute 52 Audio effect 53 Overpower 54 Friend in the 'hood 55 Back again 56 Thickness

Down 1 Does in, mob-style 2 Order in the court 3 Showy flower 4 Snaky fish 5 "The Hunger Games," notably 6 Obscures 7 A deadly sin 8 Function 9 "Is there more?"

10 Principal 11 "___, ma! No hands!"

12 Honeymoon spots 13 Some nods 18 Glasses supporter

Straight Luggage tie-on Host Conan Bill of fashion Winchester, e.g.

Following Darjeeling holder Pointer Bit of garlic Golfer David Goes after Best Actor of 2000 Marshy lowlands Guys that cover stories 43 Secret message

ENTERTAINMENT

DECEMBER 8, 2015

SUNDAY NIGHT MIXED COUPLES Division 1 Becker/Monson ....................................41 Hegg/Carlson........................................31 Yeske/Nevin .........................................27 Anderson/Johnson ............................24 Nottom/Zemke...................................22 Lundgren/Kuhrt...................................15 Wick/Heintz ......................................... 10 Division 2 Becker ......................................................41 BBT ......................................................... 39 Brown/Everson ...................................35 Off Constantly..................................... 34 Larson/Kern ........................................ 29 Pabst/Graber .......................................23 High game, men: Hjalmer Gerloff 253, Craig Nevin 216, John Anderson 210, HB Becker 208, Larry Larson 203, Adam Zemke 199, Mike Elwood 194, Steve Heintz 193, Mark Kuhrt 192, Dave Pabst 190.

High game, women: Renae Anderson 210, Lori Larson 202, Bekka Zemke 195, Debbie Thill 190, Trudi Pabst 189, Emily Monson 187, Jamie Elfers 185, Connie Graber 180, Oreen Nottom 177, Val Hegg 167, Melissa Kern 167.

High series, men: Hjalmer Gerloff 666, Craig Nevin 592, Adam Zemke 564, Mike Elwood 562, Larry Larson 560, HB Becker 549, Ryan Monson 535, Pat Wick 526, Steve Heintz 523, Brad Graber 511, Stretch Broker 511.

High series, women: Lori Larson 531, Trudi Pabst 523, Bekka Zemke 491, Emily Monson 490, Oreen Nottom 489, Connie Graber 486, Debbie Thill 484, Jamie Elfers 473, Melissa Kern 469, Renae Anderson 448.

MONDAY NIGHT LADIES Division 1 Clear Lake Auto ..................................68 Austad’s Super Valu..........................46 No Wicks Moravit ............................... 30 Bye .......................................................... 20 Division 2 Spare Time Bowl................................80 Becker’s Truckin...................................75 Bowlin Buddies.................................... 61 Countyline Dairy..................................52 High game: Polly Henke 210, Sheila LaBlanc 189, Karen DeGolier 185, Shannon Bents 183, Deanne Moravitz 179, Debbie Anderson 179, Jamie Elfers 178, Virginia Carlson 174, Judy Ullom 173, Gwen Johannsen 169.

High series: Karen DeGolier 519, Deanne Moravitz 499, Polly Henke 498, Jamie Elfers 487, Debbie Anderson 481, Virginia Carlson 477, Judy Ullom 472, Sheila LaBlanc 470, Shannon Bents 461, Connie Graber 448, Orreen Nottom 448.

Club 53 Bar & Lanes, Amery MONDAY NIGHT MEN Division 1 Amery True Value .........................136.0 Tac Two ............................................ 134.5 Division 2 Harper Realty Group ..................... 127.5 Shoreview ....................................... 122.0 High games: Todd Zemke 257215, Rod Gehrman 242-238-226, Gary Nottom 242-225, Hjalmer Gerloff 227, Jim Swanson 218, Jim Knutson 202.

High series: Rod Gehrman 711, Todd Zemke 653, Gary Nottom 648, Jim Swanson 563..

TUESDAY NIGHT MEN Division 1 Club 53 .............................................. 138.5 Waterside ........................................126.0 Division 2 Chet Johnson Drug .......................130.0 Northwest Communications .....125.5 High games: Will Schaffer 232, Scott Sorensen 214, Wade Prindle 212, Dave Anderson 203, Scott Jensen 201, Ed Flanum 201.

High series: Will Schaffer 581, Bill Peterson 570, Scott Jensen 554, Wade Prindle 553.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT MEN Division 1 Preferred Lawn.............................. 129.5 Lamperts ...........................................112.5 Division 2 Club 53 ..............................................150.5 Amery Fire Dept. ............................123.5 High games: Lee Jones 278-235, Jim Swanson 256, Jerod Wollan 242231, Nate Webb 214-206, Denis Carteron 213-209, Bruce Hammer 212, Jim Knutson 203.

High series: Lee Jones 684, Jerod Wollan 665, Jim Swanson 633, Denis Carteron 602, Nate Webb 589, Jim Knutson 582, Cody Fansler 553.

THURSDAY-FRIDAY NIGHT WOMEN Division 1 Bremer .............................................. 149.5 Northwest Communications ....136.0 Amery Fire Dept. ............................127.0 Division 2 Club 53 .............................................. 156.5 Chet’s ................................................ 136.5 Amery Hospital & Clinic .............. 134.5 High games: Janet Martinson 187-186, Patty Talbot 175, Katie Lauterbach 165-163, Pam Humpal 164158-153, Sherry Martin 162, Andrea Karpenski 156, Shelby Cockrell 152152.

High series: Janet Martinson 510, Pam Humpal 475, Katie Lauterbach 457, Patty Talbot 437, Shelby Cockrell 428.

YOUTH LEAGUE Scores from Nov. 21 Games over 125: Jacob Bembenek 146.

Series over 350: .

FREE Lifeline Service Available for Income-Eligible Residents

If you participate in public assistance programs or meet monthly income level guidelines, you may qualify for a free phone* + 250 Minutes & Unlimited Texts.

To apply visit www.enroll.accesswireless.com Free phone is provided by Access Wireless. Access Wireless is a service provider for the government-funded Lifeline Assistance program. Lifeline assistance is provided by i-wireless LLC, d/b/a Access Wireless, an eligible telecommunications carrier. Lifeline service is non-transferable. Lifeline benefits are limited to one per household.

A household is defined, for the purposes of the Lifeline program, as any individual or group of individuals, who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. Violation of the one-per-household rule constitutes violation of FCC rules and will result in the customer’s de-enrollment from Lifeline. Only eligible customers may enroll in the program. Consumers who willfully make false statements in order to obtain a Lifeline benefit can be punished by fine, imprisonment, or can be barred from the program. Customers must present proper documentation proving eligibility for the Lifeline program. Your information will be validated against public records and any discrepancies could result in delays or denial of service.

33

Also check the Community Calendar and Out & About pages for area happenings

AREA BOWLING Spare Time Bowl Bar & Grill, Turtle Lake

AMERY FREE PRESS

Join in Amery’s Christmas Punch!

Weekly Drawings!

Win Amery Scrip Money!

THIS WEEK’S WINNERS ARE: Each will receive $50 Amery Scrip Money

Loris Ostenson, Clayton Barb Kirkvold Deb Morelock Nicky Gehrman Don Tarnowski, Amery

AYSO Soccer Registration April-June 2016 Season OPTION 1: Register Online! www.ayso1236.us click on “player registration” Online registration will be open Dec. 1, 2015-Jan. 31, 2016

Pick up your Christmas Punch Card at participating Amery businesses and you could be next week’s lucky winner!

OPTION 2: Register online at the following location: •Monday, Jan. 18, 2016 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Amery Middle School Media Center Computer Lab

SPONSORED BY AMERY COMMUNITY CLUB

Early Bird Registration = $50 from Dec. 1-Jan. 15 Regular Registration = $75 from Jan. 16-Jan. 31

Final Drawing will be Monday, Dec. 14.

Good Luck!

Shop Local!

Parents: Please have your AYSO email address and password available for sign-up

Registrations after Jan. 31 will be placed on a waiting list and are not guaranteed placement on a team.

Max cost per family = $150

QUESTIONS: PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL TOWN DIRECTOR: Amery - Position open Clayton - Position open Clear Lake - Casey Keller 715-607-1640 Turtle Lake - Position open Regional Commissioner - Dawn Kegley 715-268-6892 Serving Amery, Clayton, Clear Lake, Turtle Lake and surrounding communities OPEN TO ALL PLAYERS AGES 4 TO 18 (Born between 8/1/1996 - 7/31/2011)

December issues of the Amery Free Press are as follows ...

Tuesday, Dec. 15 • Christmas Gift Ideas

Deadlines are The Tab, Friday, Dec. 11, 10 a.m.

Amery Free Press, news and advertising, Monday, Dec. 14, 12 noon.

KANABEC Monday, Dec. 21COUNTY • Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas and Christmas Greetings

TIMES

Deadlines are The Tab and Amery Free Press, news and advertising, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 33, 2222 wThursday, Dec. 17, 4 p.m.

VOL. 131 NO. 19 www.moraminn.com $1.00

Monday, Dec. 28 • After Christmas Sales, NewPINE Year’s Greetings and Activities CITY

PIONEER

Deadlines are The Tab and Amery Free Press, news and advertising, Wednesday, Dec. 23, at 4 p.m.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 33, 2222

The Amery Free Press office will be closing at 1 p.m. on December 24, and closed December 25 and January 1.

FREE PRESS AMERY

VOL. 131 NO. 19 www.moraminn.com $1.00

215 Keller Ave. S, Amery Phone 715-268-8101 Fax 715-268-5300 EmailTHURSDAY, tstangl@theameryfreepress. com SEPTEMBER 33, 2222 VOL. 131 NO. 19 www.moraminn.com $1.00

PHONE: 715-268-8101 | FAX: 715-268-5300

34

CLASSIFIEDS AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 8, 2015

HELP WANTED

PCW/CNA/Caregivers Full-Time, Part-Time, 24-hours, Live-Ins

Looking for caring, reliable and motivated caregivers to join our team!

FOR RENT 2 BR apt. in newer duplex with fireplace, 1-1/2 bath, 2 car garage.

In Prairie Farm NO PETS

$650 deposit $650 rent

Application online: www.leanonmehc.com Apply online: 1250.axiscare.com

SCOTT’S

TOTAL YARD & HOME CARE

Snow and Ice Management Position Must have a valid WI driver’s license.

References are required.

Experience with snow removal equipment beneficial.

MUST BE A NON-SMOKER

715-268-6183 FOR SALE: 2 - One Story 4-plexes in Amery, WI Full occupancy. Excellent business opportunity Will consider trade of other houses and real estate

J&S Heating & Cooling

Quality Service and Installation on Forced Air & AC units Gas piping

SOME AGENT OWNERSHIP CARNINE REALTY Joe 715-222-1706 Cell 715-268-6336 Home

FREE ESTIMATES

Jeff Young, Amery 715-529-1419 cell 715-948-2229 fax

Tired of just being a number?

Working 12 hour shifts?

Working every other weekend?

Prism Plastics Products is now seeking applications for: Quality Manager

•Minimum of 5 years’ experience in quality assurance •Coordinates all activities involved in ISO certification •Responsible for all Quality Inspectors and Technician •Preferably to have experience in Medical Injection Molding •Previous experience in calibration systems, first articles inspections, advanced mathematics and statistics is desired

1st Shift Project or Tooling Engineer

•A.B.S. Engineering degree or a minimum of 5 years experience in plastics injection molding environment •Develop and establish cost estimates for tooling and molded parts •Function as a liaison between the organization and the customer for all sampling, technical and quality issues •Reviews tooling specifications and drawings •Coordinate tooling programs from start to finish on all projects •Working together as a TEAM player

3rd Shift Cycle Techs/Processing

•Associate degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school. A minimum of two years experience in mold maintenance & tooling related functions is required.

•Set-up and start-up all production jobs that’s consistent with staying within the processing parameters & master cycles •Able to trouble shoot production jobs if need be •Own your own tools •Working together as a TEAM player

3rd Shift Quality Inspectors

•A.B.S. Engineering degree or a minimum of 5 years experience in production activities in plastics injection molding environment •Function as a liaison between the organization and the customer for all sampling, technical and quality issues •Reviews tooling specifications and drawings •Ability to quote tools, equipment and parts. Develop and establish cost estimates •Coordinate tooling programs from start to finish on all projects •Working together as a TEAM player Send resume to Prism Plastics Products Inc., PO Box 446, New Richmond, WI 54017 or apply online at prismplasticsinc.com No calls please.

715-948-2140

FOR RENT

FOR RENT

Cute 2 BR home with basement and garage in country, Amery $675/month

AVAILABLE NOW

715-643-2018

3 Bedroom Apt. for rent near Lake Magnor, Clayton

Two car garage, nice yard. $775 per month $1550 to move in.

Includes all appliances, swere/ water bill, and garbage pick up.

No Pets. No Smoking.

AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY

Must have rental references 715-948-2811

GENERAL LABOR

F&A Dairy Products, Inc. is taking applications for part-time employment. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. Starting wage $9.50/hr.

Apply in person at

F&A Dairy Products, Inc. 212 State Rd 35 S, Dresser WI, 54009 715-755-3485

Manufacturing Engineer The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for developing and implementing optimal, cost-effective manufacturing processes and methods in accordance with product specification and quality standards. Also recommends and implements improvements to production processes, methods and controls and manages projects from concept through manufacturing launch for new or revised projects. Requirements include a BSME or equivalent experience, technical skills in manufacturing processes and all value added operations and methods including flow, layout, assembly and production equipment.

Please send resume to hr@ smcltd.com for consideration

Join the friendly staff at Westfields Hospital & Clinic Current Openings

Physical Therapist - .6 FTE Occupational Therapist - Casual Physicians Assistant or Nurse Practitioner (Health Station) - .5 FTE Dietary Aide - Casual Cook - .5 FTE Pharmacy Technician (Retail) - .5 FTE Surgical Technologist - .6 FTE and Casual Registered Nurse - Emergency Department - .8 FTE Registered Nurse - OB - .6 FTE and Casual Registered Nurse - Perioperative - Casual Registered Nurse - Clinic - 1.0 FTE (2 positions) Admitting Clerk - Casual Apply online at www.westfieldshospital.com/careers Human Resources • Westfields Hospital & Clinic 535 Hospital Road • New Richmond, WI 54017 hr@westfieldshospital.com • www.westfieldshospital.com

STEAM TEAM Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning IICRC Certified Master Textile Cleaner Deep Restorative Cleaning Scotchguard Truck Mounted Equipment

JOHN A. HUMPAL 25 years experience

800-553-3677 or 715-632-2109

Need a High Efficient Furnace or Central Air Conditioning?

Call

Fall Electric Clear Lake

715-263-2121

www.steamteamcleaning.com

Maintenance Technician This position is a hands on molding and machine troubleshooting position responsible for the improved operational uptime of the facility and systems through an expanded Preventative Maintenance program.

Requirements include a High school diploma or equivalent required; electrical and hydraulic training preferred.

Minimum 5 years of experience to include maintaining injection molding machines. Good troubleshooting skills and mechanical skills with ability to read blue prints and a strong background in hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical and robotics.

Please send resume to hr@ smcltd.com for consideration

We are growing!!

JOIN OUR TEAM!!

Amery Memory Care is looking for RCC’s (Resident Care Coordinators) for our PM and NOC shift to be caregivers to our residents. Position includes every other weekend and every other holiday. Competitive wages starting at $10.50/hour.

Amery Memory Care is looking for Weekend Dietary Aides, may include holidays.

Competitive wages starting at $9.50/hr.

Please stop in to inquire.

215 Birch St. West, Amery, WI • 715-268-4800

Willow Ridge Healthcare

has the following openings:

Housekeeping/Laundry Full and Part-Time Positions available

CNAs

Full-Time Positions Available PM and NOC Shifts Part-time AM shift Please apply in person 400 Deronda Street Amery WI 54001 EOE

DECEMBER 8, 2015

Deadline for the classifieds page is Friday at 10 a.m.

POLK COUNTY POSITION ANNOUNCEMENTS Health Division Director/Health Officer $70,140 annually (or DOQ) Community Services

Full-time – Exempt (Salaried) Position Professional position provides leadership, vision and strategic direction for Polk County’s Public Health programs and services. Directs the development, planning, management, coordination, evaluation, and delivery of public health programs, and promotes population health through ongoing community health assessment and improvement planning in collaboration with diverse community partners. Protects the heath of the community, through the enforcement of public health laws and facilitation of preparedness planning with community partners in a manner consistent with statutory authority and County policy. Minimum requirements of Local Health Officer as outlines in WI Statute 251.06. Master’s degree in related field and three (3) years of full-time experience in a public health agency or in the performance of closely related duties preferred, please see the position description on our website for complete details regarding the minimum requirements.

Deadline to apply: December 22, 2015

Children and Family Service Director $70,140 annually (or DOQ) Community Services

Full-time – Exempt (Salaried) Position The Children and Family Services Director is responsible for the administration of the Department of Children and Families programs including the interpretation, assessment and recommendation of policies and the supervision of assigned staff.

Performs complex professional work assuring compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations; supervising and coordinating community service programs, services and staff and oversight of specialized grant programming.

Master’s Degree in Social Work, human services, public administration or related field and five years of full-time work experience in a management level position in a public human services or a comparable agency with substantial administrative and supervisory experience preferred, please see the position description on our website for complete details regarding the minimum requirements.

Deadline to apply: December 22, 2015

Deputy Sheriff

$26.20/hr

Responsible for preventing, detecting and investigating crimes, apprehending criminals and other violators. Responding to emergencies and all other calls for Law Enforcement services. Requires current certification as a law enforcement officer in the State of Wisconsin, or licensed/certified law enforcement officer in another state and eligible to become certified in Wisconsin.

Full time – averages 39.73 hours per week 1 vacancy and create eligibility list Deadline to apply: December 28, 2015 Full-time positions offer a comprehensive benefit package, including participation in the Wisconsin Retirement program for government employees and optional health, dental and vision insurance.

Polk County promotes the health and well-being of their employees with opportunities to support your level of involvement in a Worksite Wellness Program.

YOU MUST COMPLETE AN ON-LINE APPLICATION TO BE ELIGIBLE. For complete job description, position requirements, application, and details please visit our website at www.co.polk.wi.us, Employment Opportunities. AA/EEOC

Robot/Automation Technician The Automation Technician is responsible for PLC troubleshooting/programming and set-up of Fanuc, Engel, and Adept robots. Requirements include the skills to troubleshoot and maintain custom assembly equipment and automated work cells. Mechanical, pneumatic, and electrical skills are essential. Previous experience in an injection molding environment is preferred but not required.

Please send resume to hr@ smcltd.com for consideration

Stay warm this winter with all utilities included in rent!

Upstairs 1 BR unit. On-site laundry, community room, huge storage lockers, rent based on 30% of income!

For those 50+ or disabled of any age.

Clear Lake Apartments 1-800-944-4866 Ext. 125 Equal Housing Opportunity

FOR RENT

2 bedroom apt. in downtown Clear Lake

Heat and water included Off street parking AVAILABLE FEB. 1

AMERY FREE PRESS

35

Music Director

East Immanuel Lutheran Church in Amery, Wisconsin is seeking a Music Director. This is a part-time position requiring approximately 10 hours per week. We are looking for someone to provide musical leadership to our worship services and incorporate the musical talents of the congregation. Responsibilities include: directing the choir, worship planning with the pastor, and coordinating special music for worship throughout the year. Interested candidates should review the job description found on the congregation's website, www.eastimmanuel-lutheran.org, and submit a letter of interest with resume and professional references.

Send application materials to Pastor Kathy Pennington via email to penningtonkm@gmail.com or submit them to the church office at 207 120th Street, Amery, WI 54001.

715-263-2600

Hair Care

Evergreen Village is seeking a part-time beautician to serve our tenants on site. Our tenants are women and men ages 65 and older.

The qualified candidate must possess a managers license or be working under a manager and have experience working with elderly hair styles. The current schedule is one full day per week on Wednesdays with some flexibility for other days. There is a monthly rental fee for the onsite salon. Send resume via email to: aha@amerytel.net, fax 715-268-7700 or mail to Amery Housing Authority, 300 Harriman Ave. N, Amery, WI 54001.

Quality Manager Due to an internal promotion SMC is hiring a new Quality Manager. This position is responsible to plan, coordinate and direct quality assurance program designed to ensure quality production of products consistent with established standards. Requirements include a Bachelor’s Degree (preferred), injection molding experience and a minimum of 5 years of experience in quality control in an ISO 9001 environment.

Please send resume to hr@ smcltd.com for consideration.

JackLink’s Link’sisis looking looking to Jack to fill fill the thefollowing followingpositions positionsimmediately Immediately.

Positions Open Positions Open and fastest-growing meat worldwide. snack manufacturer growing meat snack manufacturer The Jack Link’s Positions Open worldwide.

The aJack brand represents brand represents heritageLink’s of quality and consumer trust. a

JackJack Link’s is looking to fillglobal the following positions Immediately.

Link’s isisthe the global meat snacks leader and fastestJack Link’s meat snacks leader

Jack Link’s the global snacks leader heritage of for quality and consumer trust.

Well known Well known itsisiconic Messin’ Withmeat Sasquatch™ advertising and meat snack manufacturer for its fastest-growing iconic Messin’ With Sasquatch™ advertising campaign, JackJack Link’s Jack offer more than 100 premium meat snack worldwide.

The Link’s brand campaign, Link’s offers morerepresents than 100a products at retail outlets in more than 40 countries.

Check outin heritage of quality and consumer trust.

Well known premium meat snack products at retail outlets for itsthan iconic Messin’ With Sasquatch™ advertising more 40 countries.

Check out on the brand.

JackLinks.com for more information campaign, Jack Link’s offers more than 100 JackLinks.com for more information on the brand. is nowathiring premiumJack meat Link’s snack products retail outlets in more than 40 countries. out Jack Links is Check now hiring for for the following positions: JackLinks.com for more information on the brand. the following positions.

•Maintenance Supervisor • Sanitation 3rd Shift Jack Links is now hiring for •Sanitation 3rd Shift • Processing …Friday, Saturday, Sunday the following positions.

•Processing ...

Fri, Sat, Sun. weekend-schedule Schedule • Week-End Sanitation 3rd Shift •Food Safety and Quality Supervisor •• Food Safety And Quality Supervisor Processing …Friday, Saturday, Sunday •Food Safety and Quality Lab Technicians • Food Safety And Quality Lab Technicians Week-End Schedule •General Laborers Monday-Thursday •Apply Foodtoday Safety Quality Supervisor at ourAnd corporate office: One Snack Food •General Laborers Friday, Saturday, •Lane, Food Safety Lab Sunday Technicians Minong, WI.And or callQuality Human Resources Director, 715-466-6690 for more info.

Jack Link’s jerkycorporate is an equal opportunity employer.

Apply todayBeef at our offi ce: One Snack Food Employer M/F/D/V Lane, Minong,EEO/AA WI. or call Human Resources Director, 715-466-6690 for more info.

Ad:SUSA15271611; x 139.68mm) Jack Link’s Beef jerkyFormat(84.62mm is an equal opportunity employer.

Date:M/F/D/V 10/30/2015 16:51 EST EEO/AA Employer Ad:SUSA15271611; Format(84.62mm x 139.68mm) Date: 10/30/2015 16:51 EST

36

AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 8, 2015

Golden Age Manor

30 30 2020 2520 20 15 15 10 1010 02014 2015 2016

in Amery, WI would like you on our team!

• Now Hiring for 2nd & 3rd Shifts - Full-Time

• Starting Wage of $12.25 Per Hour

Come for the job...

• Raises: 90 days, 6 months, 1 year, 1 1/2 years & 2 years

Dietary Aide / Fill in Cook

• Low-Premium, Comprehensive Health Coverage

Stay for the challenge.

Wage: $ 10.40- $11.00

• Health Savings Account • Dental Insurance

60-75 hours every two weeks

• 401K

BENEFIT ELIGIBLE including Paid Time Off,

• Company-Paid Life & Short Term Disability

Retirement, Health Insurance, etc.

• $100 Per Month Perfect Attendance Incentive

Hours: 10:30am-6:30pm every other weekend & Noon-8:00pm during the week. Trained for all shifts

• Monthly Profit Sharing: Up to 52% Gross Monthly Earnings • $300 Referal Incentive for Referring New Hires

This is a great opportunity to begin your career in food service by learning the roles of dietary aide as well as cook alongside experienced teammates. Deadline to apply online: 12/18/15

•Internal Promotion & Advancement Opportunities •10 Paid Holidays Per Year

You must complete an on-line application to be eligible. For complete job description, position requirements, application, and details please visit our website at www.co.polk.wi.us, Employment Opportunities. AA/EEOC

FOR SALE: 8 golf course lots located in Pondhurst, Amery, WI 54001

Apply in person at: 250 Griffin Street East, Amery, WI or online at www.cardinalcorp.com

Quality Inspector

Tenere, Inc., is a Custom Integrator providing metal fabrication, assembly and engineering services to the high tech industry.

Tenere is located in Dresser, WI, and Osceola, WI.

1st Shift Turret Set-up - Dresser Plant Turret Lead - Dresser Plant Brake Set-up - Dresser Plant Punch Press Set-up - Dresser Plant TIG Welder - Dresser Plant Quality Inspector - Osceola 2 Plant 2nd Shift Turret Set-up - Dresser Plant Brake Set-up - Dresser Plant Punch Press Set-up - Dresser Plant TIG Welder – Dresser Plant 3rd Shift Turret Set-up - Dresser Plant Brake Set-up - Dresser Plant Punch Press Set-up - Dresser Plant TIG Welder – Dresser Plant Rapid growing company with great benefits.

Nice clean environment.

Opportunity for growth and advancement.

MANY GREAT EMPLOYEE INCENTIVES! Please email resume to jennifer.johnson@tenere.com or apply in person at: TENERE, INC. 700 Kelly Ave., Dresser, WI 54009 100 Industrial Dr., Osceola, WI 54020 715-294-1577, ext. 303

The Quality Inspector is responsible for visually and physically inspecting plastic injection molded components and assemblies. Verifies product conformance to specification upon completion of MRB activities.

Monitors and verifies quality in accordance with specifications, statistical process or other control procedures.

Provides feedback to other departments regarding product conformity. Maintains necessary inspection logs and writes inspection reports. Requirements include a strong attention to detail and documentation and the ability to provide professional and supportive interaction with individuals of all levels of technical abilities. Must also be mechanically inclined, have strong mathematics skills and possess a basic knowledge in statistics.

Please send resume to hr@ smcltd.com for consideration

Jack Link’s is looking to fill the following positions Immediately.

Positions Open JackLink’s Link’s is the meat snacks leader Jack is looking to fiis ll global the following positions Immediately.

Jack Link’s looking to fill the and fastest-growing meat snack manufacturer following worldwide.

The positions Jack Link’simmediately: brand represents a heritage of quality and consumer trust. Well known •Maintenance Supervisor Jack is the global meat snacks leader for its Link’s iconic Messin’ Sasquatch™ advertising •Maintenance Tech withWith Refrigeration and fastest-growing meat snack manufacturer campaign, Jack Link’s offers more than 100 worldwide.

Theexperience Jack products Link’s brand represents a and Ammonia premium meat snack at retail outlets in heritage of quality and consumer trust.

Well known more than 40 countries.

Check out •Maintenance Tech with Programming experience for its iconic Messin’more With information Sasquatch™ JackLinks.com for onadvertising the brand.

•Maintenance/Electrician campaign, Jack Link’s offers more than 100 The primary purpose this position is to keep all operations safe optimum premium meatof snack products at retailin outlets Jack Links is nowout hiring for in working condition alleviate as much equipment downtime as possible more than 40to countries.

Check theonfollowing positions. during production said shift.more Must also administer direct, coordinate JackLinks.com for information onandthe brand.

Positions Open

the functions of the night maintenance staff by working in conjunction with • Sanitation 3rd Shift other DepartmentLinks Supervisors, Night Supervisor and Night Production Jack is Plant now hiring for • Processing …Friday, Saturday, Sunday Manager.

the following Week-End Schedule positions.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS: •• Sanitation 3rd Shift Food Safety And Quality •Must have knowledge & experience of ammoniaSupervisor cooling systems •• Processing …Friday, Saturday, Sunday Food Safety And Quality Lab Technicians •General maintenance experience

Week-End Schedule

Apply today at our corporate office: One Snack Food • Food Safety And Quality Supervisor Lane, Minong, WI. or call Human Resources Director, • Food Safety And Quality Lab Technicians 715-466-6690 for more info.

Jack Link’s Beef jerky is an equal opportunity employer.

Apply today atEEO/AA our corporate offiM/F/D/V ce: One Snack Food Employer Lane, Minong, WI. or call Human Resources Director, 715-466-6690 for more info.

Ad:SUSA15271611; Format(84.62mm x 139.68mm) Jack Link’s Beef jerky is an equal opportunity Date: 10/30/2015employer.

16:51 EST EEO/AA Employer M/F/D/V

Also available attractive rural building sites.

Will consider trade of other houses and real estate SOME AGENT OWNERSHIP CARNINE REALTY Joe 715-222-1706 Cell 715-268-6336 Home

We love to hear from our subscribers, advertisers and readers. Here are the many ways you can contact us: Mail: Amery Free Press, Box 424, Amery, WI 54001 Phone: 715-268-8101 FAX: 715-268-5300 Email: Tom Stangl: tstangl@ theameryfreepress.com Jessica de la Cruz: editor@ theameryfreepress.com Pam Humpal: phumpal@ theameryfreepress.com Mike Jacob: classifieds@ theameryfreepress.com Diane Stangl: dstangl@ theameryfreepress.com Bette Elmer: belmer@ theameryfreepress.com Our offices are located at 215 Keller Ave. S. We are open from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Monday - Friday

Ad:SUSA15271611; Format(84.62mm x 139.68mm) Date: 10/30/2015 16:51 EST

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