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Acre-Kendall acquitted in St. Croix River stabbing COUNTRY

BY SUZANNE LINDGREN EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM

Levi Acre-Kendall, 20, of Cambridge, Minn. was declared not guilty of all charges of intentional and reckless homicide in the stabbing death of Peter Kelly, St. Croix Falls, at Wisconsin’s Interstate Park last April.

Jurors reached their decision at about 10 a.m. Monday, the third day of deliberations.

The verdict was announced an hour later.

Just before the attorneys made closing arguments on Saturday, District Attorney Dan Steffen fi led an amended, “lesser and included” charge of second-degree reckless homicide. Representing a less serious crime, a class D felony, the maximum sentence would be 25 years.

Acre-Kendall was initially charged with one count each of second-degree intentional homicide and first-degree reckless homicide, both class B felonies for which he could serve up to 60 years.

In his closing statement, DA Steffen attempted to cast doubt on the accuracy of Acre-Kendall’s testimony. Although Acre-Kendall testified that he was in a headlock when he stabbed Kelly, Steffen drew attention to the fact that his friends described seeing the two men in a “shoulder lock,” in which case they would have been face to

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The knife used in the fight is shown to Levi Acre-Kendall while on the stand. The spring-assisted weapon was the subject of much controversy and discussion throughout the trial, prompting court officials to avoid using the term “switchblade” in front of the jury.

With the legality of switchblades in question, use of such a blade for self-defense was questionable. Acre-Kendall is not a Wisconsin resident.

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A familiar face takes a more active role on Amery Police Force

BY JESSICA DE LA CRUZ EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

Amery Police Chief Tom Marson introduced his new full time officer at the November city council meeting, and it wasn’t a new face. Crystal Zacharias has been part time with the city until recently, but has now been hired full time, and will be working the night shift beginning in January.

Crystal and her husband of twelve years have lived in the area for eight years now.

They were both raised in the suburbs of the Twin Cities and have three children, ages 7, 9, and 11.

Crystal spent 4½ years post high school in the MN Army National Guard, where she worked as a Mental Health Technician. She gained additional experience as a legal assistant in a law firm, andTHURSDAY, got SEE ZACHARIAS SEPTEMBER 33, 2222 ON PAGE 18 VOL. 131 NO. 19 www.moraminn.com $1.00

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Crystal Zacharias stops for a picture next to an Amery squad truck. Crystal, a wife and mother of three, was recently hired on full-time at the Amery Police Department.

She’ll be working nights starting in January, according to Police Chief Tom Marson.

Serving Polk County’s St. Croix Valley since 1897

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

We wish health, happiness and prosperity to all!

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her Criminal Justice training at National American University.

In the spring of 2014 she was sponsored by the Clayton Police Department and completed WITC’s Law Enforcement Academy.

And by the fall she was also going on ride-alongs with the Amery PD, and started part time with department in February of 2015.

Crystal enjoys helping area youth, and is also a resident counselor at Positive Alternatives in Amery. She also enjoys the outdoors and watching her children in their extracurricular activities.

Crystal describes the philosophy of the department as serving with compassion, courtesy, and diligence.

“Being a police officer is such a fulfi lling career,” she says. “I love every aspect

Dr. Heather Marks Dr. Rollyn Lee

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FROM PAGE ONE

AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 15, 2015

VERDICT: Jury acquits Acre-Kendall after weekend deliberations out an attorney and were willing to work with police. That group turned out to be the three friends who were with Acre-Kendall that night.

Polk County Investigator Rick Gearhart made contact with Acre-Kendall, who had ridden to work with his boss in a nearby town, later that day. Acre-Kendall gave Gearhart the knife and clothes he’d worn the night before. Taking the advice of his parents, he agreed to turn himself in after speaking to an attorney, and did so the next day.

FROM PAGE ONE

face.

Defense Attorney Eric Nelson reminded the jury that, in spite of a human tendency to presume guilt, the law presumes innocence. He also reminded jurors to put themselves in Acre-Kendall’s position that night and underscored the legitimacy of the defendant’s fear by listing several cases in which people have died or been seriously injured by a single punch.

Lechman’s testimony Ross Lechman and Peter Kelly thought it would be a quick stop -- practically on the way home -- to advise some younger men who’d been fishing across the river on their conduct in the park earlier that night. But when the intervention ended, Kelly was dead.

His close friend, Lechman was the first witness to recount the events that took place the evening of April 14.

“Pete said, “We should probably stop over at the park and talk to these guys. … It’s not a place where you come and smoke drugs and yell all night,” Lechman testified.

His story sharply contrasted with the summary given earlier by defense attorney Eric Nelson in his opening argument, during which he characterized Pete Kelly as the aggressor in the conflict.

Lechman testified that he and Kelly had gone fishing on a sunny spring evening, choosing to fish on the Minnesota side of the river because it was typically less crowded.

It was a bit of a hike from the parking lot to their fishing spot, but they liked the relative quiet. They sipped their hard ciders – each had a total of four that night, according to Lechman – and fished.

Early in the evening, Lechman sneezed and someone in the group across the river said, “Bless you.” Lechman waved in acknowledgement.

But later the group grew loud. The park was important to both Lechman and Kelly, and the young men “hootin’ and hollering” across the river, followed by the scent of marijuana smoke, bothered them.

Lechman couldn’t remember who spoke first, but says eventually they called over for the boys to quiet down, saying the park was “a family place.”

The response came, “Why don’t you [gay slur] just shut up?”

Then, as they were packing up to leave, the same voice floated across the water, “Are you [gay slur] heading out?”

“Yes we are,” said Kelly.

“Why don’t you guys shut up and leave us alone?”

“Why don’t you come over here and make us?”

“We’ll see you in ten minutes.”

“See ya then.”

Acre-Kendall’s testimony

JESSICA DE LA CRUZ|AMERY FREE PRESS

Nick Stahlke of the Wisconsin State Crime Lab in Madison testified about his investigation of blood spatter at the scene. Both Levi Acre-Kendall and Peter Kelly’s blood was found on the interior passenger side of the car.

Stahlke’s analysis concluded that blood spatter on the latch area of the door came from outside while the door was open, while another pattern on the interior was more likely to have occurred while the door was closed–possibly from the opening of a blade.

On the journey back to their car, Lechman says they talked about other things. But as they drove home across the river Kelly suggested they approach the men.

Lechman says it was his idea to park about 100 yards from the other group.

“I didn’t want them to see the car in case we were out fishing and they recognized it,” he said. “They might vandalize it.”

It was also his idea to pause behind a tree to assess how many were in the group.

As they began to walk forward and made their presence known, Lechman said Acre-Kendall stepped toward him saying “some of foulest stuff I’ve heard in my life,” and Lechman pushed him away.

As Acre-Kendall got up, Kelly warned Lechman of the knife.

“I saw a flash of something, but it was dark,” said Lechman.

Acre-Kendall and Kelly continued to “exchange words,” said Lechman, and a peacemaking effort by one of Acre-Kendall’s friends was rebuffed.

There was a movement – perhaps the flash of brake lights – and Lechman looked away.

Seconds later, he heard his friend yell, “We gotta go … He stabbed me!”

Lechman kicked at the young men’s car, then ran after Kelly.

“I thought maybe he got stabbed in arm,” he said, voice cracking with emotion. “I ran right by him.”

Behind him, he heard “an awful noise,” a gush of air. In

the dark he had passed Kelly, who had fallen to the ground.

He ran to his friend, then back to the car, breaking a window and pulling out a phone to call 911. But he could tell the injury was severe.

“I saw here the hole was and I knew he was going to be dead,” said Lechman. “I put my hand on his heart to try and hold the blood in. … Toward the end he had a peaceful look in his eyes.”

The search Investigators identified a great deal of potential evi-

dence at the scene. What set them on the path of Acre-Kendall and his friends was coincidence, as DA Dan Steffen called it, “a bit of luck.” They traced receipts found crumpled near the river bank to a local man who was not at the scene but happened to know the group of young men from Cambridge and could identify them based on Lechman’s description of the dog and vehicles.

Investigators contacted law enforcement in Minnesota, and were able to track down members of the group. They learned that some had sought

Levi Acre-Kendall was goofing around with his friends, watching video clips on a phone and joking about the peanuts he was eating when a call came from across the river.

“You think that’s funny?”

“What?” he asked, confused.

The videos they’d been watching use “deez nuts” as a punchline, and he’d been riffing on the theme, calling over to a friend to ask if he wanted any of ‘deez nuts,” the peanuts.

After a few more words were exchanged across the river he heard, “We’re going to come over and put you to sleep.”

“Why? I’m not tired yet,” he called back.

“We’ll be over in ten minutes.”

Close to an hour passed. He and his friends were headed out when one commented loudly, “Those [expletive] didn’t even show up.”

“Yeah,” he agreed, repeating the description.

“Who you calling [expletive]?” came a call from the dark. “So you’re the one who was talkin’ [expletive].”

With that, said Acre-Kendall, he was tossed sideways, landing on all fours. He got up, SEE VERDICT ON PAGE 18

Trial by Twitter

BY JESSICA DE LA CRUZ EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

In the midst of the media firestorm of the Levi Acre-Kendall trial, judge and lawyers alike found themselves grappling with intricacies that don’t often come into play in Polk County, like an army of camped-out news reporters, and Twitter, for example.

On Wednesday, as done throughout the proceedings, a morning witness was released before lunch with instructions not to leave the building. He was under sequestration and may need to testify again. Lunch was extended by more than an hour, however, as it appeared someone had gotten wind of previous testimonies through one journalist’s tweets. To regain control of a situation that could have caused a mistrial,

Judge Molly E. GaleWyrick called onlookers and future witnesses into the courtroom for a candid discussion.

“Folks, before we bring the jury back in, I owe you all an apology. And the apology is for not explaining what sequestration means. A sequestration order is meant to insure that one person’s testimony does not influence another witness in the proceedings,” she said, continuing for several minutes in a calm but serious tone.

“If you’re a member of the gallery, you cannot leave the courtroom and inform potential witnesses of what has been said by other witnesses.

Talk about anything else you want to talk about, but do not talk about the trial, even in general terms, because the integrity of the process is that important.”

“I did not realize but I’ve now learned that someone is the media is tweeting.

“No potential witness should be on social media.

You should not be on Twitter, you should not be looking at blogs, and you should not be watching the nightly news– again because we’re trying to maintain the integrity of the testimony.”

GaleWyrick made one last addendum to how things would be handled going forward. The two factions would be released separately at day’s end, and expected to vacate the courthouse promptly, with the hope of avoiding conflict within the building and parking lot.

“This is as serious a case as ever is going to come through this courthouse,” she added.

“Emotions are high.”

DECEMBER 15, 2015

DECEMBER 15

OUT&ABOUT

AMERY FREE PRESS

AMERY FREE PRESS

Friends of the Amery Dog Park Meeting Friends of the Amery Dog Park will have their monthly meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Amery Public Library.

The group will be discussing their long-term plans, including fundraising for fencing, and more. They invite the public to join them the second Tuesday of each month at the library.

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 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 17 Amery Area Garden Club

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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.

CONTRIBUTED

Riders help fight cancer Members of the H-D Riders M.C., presented a check Dec. 5 for $1,000 from the Boob-a-Luscious bike run in the summer raising money for fighting cancer. The check was presented at St. Croix Harley Davidson in New Richmond.

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 Thursday, Dec. 17, 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.

An advertising representative will gladly assist you in preparing your message. The Tab ads must be in the office by 12 p.m. Friday.

NEWSLINE AND EVENTS: ameryfreepress@yahoo.com Deadline is 5 p.m. Friday.

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.

Active member

Middle School Holiday Concert Amery Middle School will host their annual Holiday Music Concert, Thursday, December 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the High School Auditorium. The event is open to the public, and includes performances from the 6th Grade Band, Middle School Jazz Band, and Middle School Choir.

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 Santa at Stems From the Heart Santa Claus will visit with

JESSICA DE LA CRUZ|AMERY FREE PRESS

Earliest ice-out…ever.

While authorities continue to urge residents to stay off area lakes because of thin ice, mild weather has melted the ice that formed on North Twin November 29. Even with Docks pulled, December 11 was a day to be out on the water for fishermen and waterfowl alike.

customers at Stems From the Heart in Amery on Saturday, December 19 from 11 to 3. Bring your own camera for this free visit. Santa Claus is sponsored by the Amery Community Club.

DECEMBER 26 John Legut Memorial Cup The 23rd Annual John Legut Memorial Cup will be held on Saturday, December 26, at 6

p.m. at the Amery Ice Arena.

Enjoy a great hockey game with Amery Alumni and help raise funds toward educational scholarships. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for students, 6 and under are free. Hockey alumni interested in playing please contact Andrea Legut at andrealegut@yahoo.com or Annette Elkin at 715-268-9126.

JANUARY 15 AND 16 Prairie Fire Children’s Theater ‘Robin Hood’ ‘Robin Hood’ will be performed as part of Prairie Fire Children’s Theater production at 7 p.m. on Friday, January 15, and 10:30 a.m. on Saturday January 16 at the High School Auditorium. The troop will hold auditions for the production at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, January 11.

Share your event Send items for the out and about calendar to us at the Amery Free Press.

Mailing address: Amery Free Press P.O. Box 424 Amery, WI 54001 You may email items to ameryfreepress@yahoo. com, FAX items to 715268-5300 or deliver them in person to our office at 215 Keller Ave. S. in Amery.

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AMERY FREE PRESS

Getting ‘in the spirit’ of the season

OPINION

DECEMBER 15, 2015

BY TOM STANGL FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

‘Tis the season to be getting in the spirit of Christmas. It’s hard to avoid the holiday, which is just a week and a half away.

The television networks are trotting out the Christmas specials, holiday movies are being released and schools and churches are having concerts, programs and pageants. It’s a busy, busy, time of the year and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

I recall being in several Christmas programs as a child, but I got my “big break” in a church Publisher program where I went from the part of Knight Number 3 to the Tom Stangl lead, an alchemist.

The plot was pretty standard fare: the alchemist (someone who believed they could turn lead and other base metals into gold), obsessed with his work and intent on saving his hide, tries and fails to make gold.

Depressed, he wanders with his servant, observing others that are less fortunate than himself, learning the importance of unconditional love and the true spirit of Christmas. Sort of a rip off of “A Christmas Carol” with a medieval spin.

I remember having a lot of lines to memorize and being deathly afraid of the prompter, a nun who would start saying your lines in a loud and low voice if you hesitated at all. Apparently, dramatic pauses and ad libbing to fill in the time until you remembered your lines was inappropriate.

Hadn’t the Sister ever heard of a stage whisper?

I made it through without having to be prompted. I recall some type of Carnac the Magnificent type of costume, complete with a cape and oversized hat that didn’t fit too well. No one threw over ripe produce, so I guess my performance was acceptable.

I always try to catch several of the many versions of “A Christmas Carol.” A search of the title found 25 different movie versions of this tale.

The 1938 MGM version with Reginald Owen as Scrooge, 1950s version with Alastair Simms, the 1980s television version with George C. Scott, the 1990s cable version with Patrick Stewart — even “Scrooged” with Bill Murray — it’s all good. Each actor brings a different twist to the Ebenezer Scrooge character, and the message that redemption is always there if you choose to seek it is one that we all need to remember.

Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life,” starring Jimmy Stewart as a compassionate banker facing a crisis that makes him wish he had never been born, is another movie I need to see each Christmas season. If you haven’t seen it, you need to make a point of watching the movie.

And, last but certainly not least, there is “A Christmas Story” about little Ralphie growing up during the Great Depression in Indiana, hoping beyond hope to get “an official Red Ryder 200 shot air rifle with the compass in the stock” for Christmas. Of course, he is told by everyone that he will shoot his eye out, but he doggedly seeks his “Holy Grail of Christmas Presents” through many misadventures. The movie is a delight, and I have seen it so many time that I can recite the dialog.

Whatever you use to get into the spirit of Christmas, take time to stop and savor the moment.

Children grow up quickly, parents and loved ones depart and all we are left with, in the end, are the memories we create.

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.

Who am I to judge?

BY JESSICA DE LA CRUZ EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

After more than a month on the job and getting to know a whole lot of people in the Amery area, I finally have something to say.

Thank you.

What an amazing first few months, and an even more amazing welcome. So many of you have taken time to introduce yourself, or tell me Editor you’re enjoying the paper. As litJessica tle orphan Annie de la Cruz would say…”I think I’m gonna like it here.”

Earlier this month, I had the honor of being one of 16 people to sit on the regional judging panel for the Herb Kohl Excellence Scholarship and Fellowship awards. Those deemed worthy by our standards would go on to the State level. Most of the judges were school administrators, principals, or had other ties to education. But the Herb Kohl Foundation wanted at least one person from the press. So I agreed.

Going into it, I knew very little about the program. As much as I would have like to think so, I was never one of those high-achieving kids. And the program itself didn’t start until well after my time anyway.

So I took a moment to educate myself, which I am inclined to do from time to time.

Each year the Herb Kohl Foundation awards 100 of Wisconsin’s graduating seniors with a $3000 scholarship. Founded in 1990, the program also has a $3000 fellowship award for 100 Wisconsin

teachers, and if awarded, their schools will also receive $3000.

Teachers are chosen for their “superior ability to inspire a love of learning in their students and ability to motivate others, and for their leadership and service within and outside the classroom.”

Similarly, selected students are chosen for their “demonstrated academic potential, outstanding leadership, citizenship, community service, integrity and other special talents.”

Wow! And they want me to be the judge?

Red pen in hand, I arrived

Our life experiences shape us. They change us, for better or for worse.

And these stories shaped mine. at the CESA 11 office in Turtle Lake somewhat dreading the day ahead. I expected four hours of tedious proofreading and scoring, with a neck ache to follow. There were rules–protocols for spacing, font size, and format. A cup full of sharpened pencils, and a stack of applications several inches high sat in front of me. I remember taking my ACTs, and this was pretty close. Each application had to be reviewed and scored by three different judges. Thankfully, there was coffee.

As instructed, I read a few applications first to get an idea of the varying content.

I was to give each young man or woman a numerical score on the quantity and quality of achievements across different areas of their life–arts and music, speech, athletics, community involvement, etc. But, the piece that I

didn’t anticipate was the cards.

It’s hard to judge against the individual hands we’ve all been dealt in life. When I really think about it, is your perfect score in athletics the same as my perfect score in athletics? If a small district has fewer opportunities available, what then? What about family and life circumstances?

It became obvious to me that varying degrees of effort were exerted in each student’s quest to be one of the best.

I read about a young lady whose mother had cancer and was determined to pursue a career in science and medicine. Another appeared lacking in athletics, with only one 120-mile bike ride in her list of achievements. But a closer look revealed that Leukemia had robbed her of much of her physical abilities. She was lucky to be alive. And despite that, she gave back anyway, with extensive volunteering efforts on an international level.

Our life experiences shape us.

They change us, for better or for worse. And these stories shaped mine.

Who’s to measure the success of a student or teacher? Certainly not me.

If I could have given them all perfect scores, I would have. In life and in learning, we’re all fighting our own fight. And if you ask me, the scorecard deserves a curve.

Thank you to Cindy Becker and CESA 11 for such an amazing experience. Best of luck to this year’s Herb Kohl Scholarship and Fellowship applicants. And to students and teachers everywhere who do their best every day, award or not – you’ve already won. Congratulations.

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DECEMBER 15, 2015

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Who will pay to fix the potholes?

BY MATT POMMER

A good friend who lives in suburban Milwaukee recently reported there were potholes on her neighborhood streets.

She added that she blamed President Obama for the situation.

C y n i c s might blame conser vative t a l k-radio Capitol Newsletter personalities.

They reguMatt larly lay the Pommer blame for American problems, both real and perceived, on the White House doorstep. Or perhaps her local government officials are using Obama’s name to sooth annoyed residents in the Milwaukee suburb. The suburb returns strong Republican pluralities at each election.

Don’t blame her. Republi-

cans have no other choice than to blame Obama. He is the only major Democratic official in sight. Republicans have majorities in both houses of Congress and both houses of the Wisconsin Legislature.

The governor is a Republican and conservatives even control the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

It’s easy to understand why a solid Republican would surely think the problem resides with Obama.

The truth is we are the problem. We want good roads, highways, and bridges. But we’d rather not pay any more to accomplish those goals. Accounting shifts and borrowing are widely used when it comes to road issues, including the local government role in fi lling potholes.

In October, the League of Wisconsin Municipalities called on Gov. Scott Walker and the Legislature “to enact

an adequate, equitable and sustainable transportation funding system” that met both state and local needs. Republican legislative leaders have prodded and implored Walker to present a solution – beyond just borrowing – to meet transportation needs.

The League’s resolution cited a report by the Local Government Institute that the Wisconsin system of roads and bridges is below average. Less than half the pavement is rated “good” in terms of smoothness. Thirty-five states, including three neighboring states, have roads and bridges in better condition than Wisconsin.

“The situation is significantly worse in Wisconsin’s 15 urbanized areas, where only 15 percent of urban streets are rated good’ while just half are considered “acceptable,” the League said in its resolution calling for help.

Local governments, the people in charge of fi xing most street potholes, rely significantly on state assistance.

“The percentage of local government related costs that the state reimburses municipalities has steadily declined, shifting ever more of the cost onto property taxpayers,’’ the League noted.

Critics have suggested the state has focused on major highway projects at the expense of help for fi lling neighborhood potholes.

While Wisconsin awaits Walker’s plan, attention will be focused on the new fiveyear, $286 billion federal transportation budget which was hammered out after Thanksgiving by congressional conferees. The document runs more than 1,300 pages so it will take some time for individual states to grasp.

A spokesman for the International Bridge, Tunnel and

Turnpike Association, a trade association, said the new U.S. budget plan will provide more flexibility for states to consider implementing tolls on interstate highways which had been partially built with federal assistance.

Public opinion polls regularly show significant support for imposing tolls on major roads and bridges. That may reflect most people do their driving on local streets going to work or getting children to school.

The over-the-road trips that could involve toll roads may be popular for various holidays, but the mileage for most would be less than the daily driving.

Early in December gasoline was priced below $2 in some Wisconsin localities. That might seem an opening for a gas tax increase to help pay for things like aid to local governments to repair potholes.

Sadly, Congress seems okay with being weak

BY LEE HAMILTON

Not many people outside of Capitol Hill paid attention last month when the congressional leadership released next year’s legislative schedule.

Its headline feature is a strikingly long summer recess: half of July and all of August, along with a few spotty weeks of work before the November election. In all, the House will be in session for less than onethird of the year, and the Senate only a bit longer.

This schedule reveals a serious issue: it suggests that Congress, or at least its leadership, is unconcerned about how ineffective and even irrelevant the institution has be-

come when it comes to policy making. Wherever you turn, Congress has lost ground as an institution. The contrast with the presidency is especially stark. Every President in recent memory has expanded the power of his office, especially on two fronts where Congress ought to be resolute.

One is the budget — the blueprint for the government — which is now largely the President’s responsibility.

Congress cannot even produce a real budget any more; every year, it kicks the serious fiscal questions down the road.

Its deference to the President is even more striking when it

comes to committing U.S. forces overseas. On some of the most important questions the government faces — whether, how, where, and when to intervene using military force — they defer utterly to the White House.

They do the same with the regulatory agencies, failing repeatedly to do the kind of routine, painstaking oversight of federal agencies that would help eliminate wasted resources and bureaucratic overreach. And because Congress has essentially given up on trying to shape fiscal policy, it has put the Federal Reserve in charge of keeping

the economy growing. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has become the principal way our country deals with a host of tough issues like abortion and affirmative action.

Congress these days is far from being the co-equal branch our Founders envisioned. And many of its members agree. They don’t believe the institution they serve is doing its job — they’d point, for instance, to immigration reform, which Speaker Paul Ryan recently announced the House would not even touch next year.

Which may be the most distressing part of it all. Instead

Taxes, Rural America, and Broadband To the editor: Growing up in Barron and Polk Counties in the ‘50’s and ‘60’s, we had access to many of the same amenities that were available in a big city. We had electricity, television and telephone services, postal services including local offices, adequate roads, good schools, etc., provided at or about the same costs as a large city. These services were available because of overall taxes, Federal grants (giveback to needed communities), and/or regulation. Let’s face it. Businesses need to make profits and it costs more to provide services to rural or small towns than to provide to a large city. Government regulations required these services be provided at a reasonable cost and broad based and/or government helps small communities receive these benefits. Amery Telecom and Vance Creek Broadband (high-speed internet) grant is the Federal government at its best, giving opportunities to try to help all America compete and enjoy the benefits of modern technology

and life.

This broadband grant administrated through USDA (US Department of Agriculture) helps establish essential services in rural communities where it is currently not available. President Obama’s commitment to historic investments in Rural America helps communities become stronger, with investments in housing, community facilities, and infrastructure. Small businesses, police departments, rural rescue services, schools, and residents will benefit.

All Americans should want these investments to continue to help either a struggling old metropolitan city or rural America. We don’t need to divide the US into haves and have nots. Taxes are what we pay for a civilized society.

Taxes are as old as governments.

When Federal or state taxes are cut, especially for the wealthiest or big business, more of those taxes have to be picked up by middle and lower income Americans and small businesses either in Fed-

of being concerned enough about Congress’s weakness and inactivity to take action, its leaders, at least, appear to believe that many of the toughest issues on the national agenda are beyond their capability to resolve.

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.

Trump a fascist? eral or state, local, and sales taxes. Federal taxes trickle down to help those most in need to make all America stronger. A stronger America equates to a strong economic future, like after WWII. Corporate taxes are justified as a means of covering the costs of public services that especially benefit business – education, roads, police and fire protection, national defense, etc. The idea of a progressive tax bears some close relation to the benefits one enjoys from the operation of government.

It is easier to make money when you have money.

Current tax rate for the wealthiest and big business is at historic lows in modern history. To pay for WWII debt, taxes increased. The highest tax rates under Republican President Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of Allied forces during WWII, were a minimum rate of 23% with the maximum of 94%, but with far fewer loopholes.

Cheryl Moskal (previous area resident) Denver, CO

To the editor: Donald Trump has been and is the front runner in the Republican primary race.

Mr. Trump is not the choice of the old Republicans who have decided that he will not be their standard bearer. I saw a news broadcast on the net where Republican political strategist referred to Donald Trump as a fascist.

They claim that he is not a conservative but he is a fascist. The old Republicans are not ready to relinquish control of the party and are going to campaign against Mr. Trump.

Donald Trump is not only running against other presidential candidates but also against the established Republican party. The party leaders intend to deny Mr. Trump the nomination. They do not intend to leave that decision up to the voters.

In a interview Mr. Trump was ask if he would seek the presidency if he did not get the Republican nomination. He said he would abide by the party’s decision if he is treated fairly.

It is apparent that the party bosses have no intention of treating Donald Trump fairly, leaving him the right to seek the presidency outside the political party.

AJ Charbonneau Balsam Lake

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RECORDS

AMERY FREE PRESS

St. Croix Falls couple arrested for maintaining a drug house Michael Heilman, 50 and Jill in the lower level of the house.

Johnson, 56, were arrested Dec. According to the police report, 9 after the St. Croix Valley Drug a search of the house revealed a large marijuana grow Task Force operation in three areas conducted of the house. Approxia search mately 43 live marijuawarrant at na plants, several large 2893 274th bags of marijuana, a Ave. in St. scale, packaging maCroix Falls. terial, hash butter and Members Heilman Johnson oils, drug paraphernaof the Polk lia, grow lights, potting C o u nt y Sheriff’s Dept. and the task force beads and soil, pumps, hoses and discovered Heilman and Johnson irrigation supplies. Several fire-

arms were seized from the residence as well.

Heilman admitted to the grow operation but denied selling or distributing marijuana with the exception of smoking with friends on occasion at the residence.

The couple were charged with possession of THC with intent, possession of drug paraphernalia, manufacturing marijuana and maintaining a drug trafficking place.

Amery Police Department Incident Report 12/4/15-12/10/15 12/10/2015, 12:34PM- Police investigated a report of a vehicle illegally passing a school bus.

12/10/2015, 1:39PM- Police investigated a threats and harassment complaint.

12/10/15, 9:31AM- Police responded to the Elementary School for a parental matter.

12/10/15, 4:05AM- Police responded to a suspicious vehicle at

the beach.

12/9/15, 2:08PM- Police responded to Amery Behavior Health to assist staff with a patient.

12/8/15, 9:00AM- Police responded to evaluate the mental health of a subject.

12/7/15, 10:27PM- Police responded to a disorderly incident.

12/7/15, 1:37PM- Police investigated a threats and harassment complaint.

12/7/15, 1000AM- Police investigated drug activity.

12/5/15, 5:29PM- Police responded to a juvenile runaway report.

The juveniles were found and transported back to the residence.

12/4/15, 4:00PM- Police responded to check the welfare of a subject.

Reports in Support of Probable Cause Polk County Sheriff’s Department Monday, December 14 Benjamin Scott Kammerud, 22, Osceola was arrested on December 9 for Probation Hold.

Willie Joe Hochstetler, 27, Frederic was arrested on December 8 for Probation Warrant.

Amik Cobenais, 19, Luck was arrested on December 9 for Probation Hold.

Albert Henery Allman, 45, Clear Lake was arrested on December 9 for Warrant.

Tiffany Michelle Jerry, 34, Dresser was arrested on December 9 for Probation Hold.

Michael Paul Lamb, 36, Dresser was arrested on December 10 for DOC Warrant.

Michael Jonathon Ophelan, 34, Balsam Lake was arrested on December 11 for Polk County Warrant (Misd.) and Cook County Warrant (Fel).

James Allen Langer, 39, Web-

ster, WI was arrested on December 11 for Warrant Arrest.

Shephen Alexander Fraser, 38, Osceola was arrested on December 10 for OMVWI 1st and PAC. Matthew James Thorud, 25, Amery was arrested on December 12 for OWI 2nd.

Tiffany M. Jerry, 34, Dresser was arrested on December 8 for Battery X3.

Charles Ronald Martin, 53, Amery was arrested on December 8 for OAR and Bail Jumping Misdem.

Dennis Ray Hannah, 26, St. Croix Falls was arrested on December 9 for OAR. Jason Matthew Fenton, 25, homeless was arrested on December 9 for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Meth.

Paraphernalia, SCF Warrants and Theft-Misd.

Jeremy Daniel Thayer, 19, Balsam Lake was arrested on December 9 for Battery.

Shuyler Jordain Mosay-Rainy, 19, Balsam Lake was arrested December 9 for Criminal Damage to Property.

Jill D. Johnson, 56, St. Croix Falls was arrested December 9 for Possession THC w/intent, Possession of Paraphernalia, Manufacturing Marijuana and Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place.

Michael R. Heilman, 50, St. Croix Falls was arrested on December 9 for Possession THC w/ intent, Possession of Paraphernalia, Manufacturing Marijuana and Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place.

Joel Jeffrey Succo, 31, Milltown was arrested on December 10 for Endanger Safety by Use of Dangerous Weapon.

Lara Kristine Vandanacker, 34, East Bethel, MN., was arrested on December 11 for Warrant Fail to Pay, Meth Possession, Drug Paraphernalia Possession and Possession Schedule IV.

About the crime stories The crime stories on this page are based on the Probable Cause reports from different law enforcement agencies.

Probable Cause Reports (PCs) are simply a report stating the “Probable Cause” that the arresting officer had at the time of arrest.

It is used by the District Attorney, Defense Attorney, and Judges in the court’s “Initial Appearance” to assist them in determining, first, to confirm whether or not there was enough “Probable Cause” for the arrest, second, if the charge stated

by the officer is appropriate and supported by the information contained therein, and third to assist the judge in setting bond. The District Attorney also uses the Probable Cause Report as a basis (but not exclusively) to complete the Criminal Complaint, which is the official charging document.

A Probable Cause Report is NOT the same as a Criminal Complaint.

While the PC shows why the person was arrested, they are not officially charged until the Criminal Complaint is filed. Those charges

may differ from the charge(s) listed on the PC based upon what charges the District Attorney believes he can prove. Charges may be amended up or down during the charging process as information becomes available.

As always, an arrested person is presumed to be innocent until convicted by a judge or jury. Not all arrested people are convicted of the crimes alleged.

DECEMBER 15, 2015

Text message exchange escalates to battery Tiffany Jerry, 34, of Dresser was arrested Dec. 8 after a text message exchange with neighbors in her apartment building escalated to Jerry allegedly using pepper spray on three people.

According to the police report, one of the victims that was sprayed with pepper sprat told officers that she had been having a text message argument with Jerry earlier in the day.

The woman and two of her friends were sprayed by Jerry when they returned home.

The victim showed the officer the text messages where both Jerry women made “vulgar comments on the others sexual promiscuity, low morals, disposition of the other’s personality and failures of their physical appearance.”

Jerry told the officer that she had been fighting with her neighbor and that she was “protecting her children” who were in the hallway during the altercation.

Jerry’s estranged husband told officers he was aware of the argument going on between the two women and that Tiffany told him she was going to mace the other woman when she came home.

Jerry was arrested and charged with three counts of battery.

‘Sore teeth’ leads to harassing neighbors Joel Succo, 31, of Milltown was arrested Dec. 10 after deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Department had to make two trips to the same place in Milltown where Succo was allegedly threatening his neighbors with a machete, then a hammer.

According to the police report, deputies were dispatched to a complaint of a “suspicious subject in pajama pants” trying to gain access to a home in Milltown. The persons who called the authoriSucco ties were working on their driveway when they observed Succo across the street, waving a machete. Succo dropped the machete and tried to follow the residents into their home.

After talking with deputies, Succo agreed to return to his home, telling the officers that he was drunk and had sore teeth.

A short time later, deputies returned to the scene where Succo was brandishing a hammer and going after the same neighbors. After disarming Succo, he was arrested and charged with endangering safety by use of a dangerous weapon.

Polk County Marriage Licenses December 15 Kenneth Roland Chinander and Karen Faith Kolander were issued a marriage license on December 9, 2015.

YESTERDAY’S NEWS

DECEMBER 15, 2015

AMERY FREE PRESS

85 Years Ago December 25, 1930

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day morning entirely unaware of its presence until he looked out the window.

Well – Well – Well The Osceola Sun comes to bat with an editorial praising its village because of the fact that in 1931 it will pave two blocks of its principal business blocks and that city will then be the only one in Polk County to enjoy the benefits of paved streets.

We also extend our congratulations to that city and know they will be more than repaid by the expenditure.

Grantsburg has had all its main streets paved the past ten years and we don’t believe there is a citizen who would wish to return to the “mud and water” streets.

Amery has had about five blocks concrete paved for a number of years, but nevertheless we congratulate Osceola for arranging to pave its two business blocks.

80,000 Deer Hunters Between 70,000 and 80,000 hunters invaded the north woods this year in their biennial quest for deer. Of this number there were probably between 12,000 and 15,000 who brought home the much-coveted buck. Wisconsin has no game tally check system, so an accurate check of game killed is impossible.

The presence of more deer in the woods this year than two years ago caused many hunters to comment and there is a growing sentiment in favor of the one-buck law, which is primarily responsible for the increase in deer. Many old-time hunters say that there are more deer in the hunting sections of the state today than there have been for many seasons past.

Santa Letter Amery, Wis. Dec. 12, 1930 Dear Santa: I am nine years old. I am in the 4th grade. Will you please bring me a tool chest, a pair of skiis, a sled, a bat, a baseball, and a glove: Greetings to you.

Lovingly yours, Reuben Waalen

75 Years Ago December 26, 1940 Kids Jam Street To See Santa Hundreds of the Amery trade area’s young boys and girls jammed Amery’s business center Monday to have a good time, watch Santa Claus arrive, and enjoy candy and peanuts – the gift of the Amery business and professional men.

Bert Thompson was given the responsibility of seeing that Santa arrived, and he was right on the dot. The smiling faces of the hundreds of boys and girls bespoke a feeling of Christmas happiness and satisfaction.

A big prize was given at the celebration – the Super streamlined bicycle with all its accessories. This went to Johnny Leadholm, who will be riding around in great style now. Second prize, a gallon of Super ice cream, Christmas style, went to Donny Webster.

60 Years Ago December 22, 1955 Milkman helps avert tragedy

Can You Find Rudolph?

Authentic reindeer helped to impress the youngsters around Amery back in 1921 when this picture was taken during Santa Claus day. Apparently this annual event had a long history in the annals of this community. This photo was the property of Roy Bennett and was brought to the Amery Free Press by Edward Knutson of Amery and was published in the December 22, 1955 issue.

Nearly Four Billion Pounds of Milk for Wisconsin Cheese Nearly four billion pounds of milk were used in the production of Wisconsin cheese last year, and the state continues to lead the nation in producing this product.

The Stella Cheese of Amery plays a big part in this production.

Reports from the state’s dairy plants, says the Wisconsin Reporter, show that over 370 million lbs. of cheese were made in the state in 1939, which was more than half of all the cheese made in the U.S.

70 Years Ago December 13, 1945 History of Wagon Landing The story of how Wagon Landing got its name and some of its history was written by K. F. Peabody of that community.

Here is Mr. Peabody’s account.

When my family came to Polk County in the latter part of 1855 there was no other settlers anywhere near. However, lumbering was being carried on, on the Apple River. The lumbermen brought their supplies to Hudson or Stillwater and loaded them onto “bateux” or oversized scow, which were polled and towed up the Apple River to a point a little north of the present site of Star Prairie where there was a small falls (Gannon’s Falls) which could not be navigated. There the supplies were landed and loaded onto wagons in which they were hauled further north. So that became “The Wagon Landing.”

At that time there was no man nearer than Hudson and when our people in the east wrote to those out here the letters were addressed like this one which I remember seeing: John L. Bridgman, The Wagon Landing Community, north of Hudson on the St. Croix, Northwest Territory. By the way, in those days it took a letter the

better part of a year to come from Connecticut to this place.

From The Wagon Landing, the “tote road” ran northeast following an old Indian trail past, or rather through Wagon Landing corners, on between North and South Fish lakes, turning north at Otterson’s corner and keeping south and east of the river past Little Falls.

A large hollow basswood tree stood on almost the exact site of the present Alden Town Hall.

The tree was the community’s first and for many years, its only post office. Kindly lumbermen and trappers going north from Hudson would carry the mail and leave it wrapped in an oil cloth in the old tree. They also took mail to Hudson.

The first settlement was Yesterday’s beside the rivNews er a little above the site of the Diane Stangl present Wagon Landing bridge. From there it spread eastward two or three miles. V. M. Babcock owned a farm and had a store about two miles east of the river, and when a post office was established, Mr. Babcock became the first postmaster of Wagon Landing, and the four corners where his store was located became Wagon Landing Corners.

So that is why Wagon Landing is so far from the river and several miles from the true location, which gave it its name.

65 Years Ago December 21, 1955 Amery Theatre Sold to Elk Mound Man “I just don’t feel up to continuing,” commented A. M. Paulson this week when queried on the recent sale of the Amery Theatre.

John Shanon of Elk Mound is the new owner of this business in Amery and plans to move here in the very near future.

Main reason for the sale, Mr. Paulson, stated this week, lies in the fact that his son, A. A. (Tony) Paulson, is now on active duty with the Marine Corps. Tony formerly managed the theatre but was called back into the Marines shortly after the Korean situation became serious.

The Paulsons have owned the Amery Theatre for over 16 years, coming to Amery from Barron in September, 1934.

During this period, the theatre moved from the old Gem to the new, modern structure on Keller Avenue, built by the Paulsons in 1936.

Nov. 14, 1936 was the grand opening of the theatre in its present location. Also constructed at the same time was the building now occupied by the Coast-to-Coast store.

Car Somersaults on Broadway Front Yard Only minor injuries were sustained by the three occupants of the car, which struck another car parked on Broadway in Amery early Sunday morning, but they can recount experiences of “flying through the air with the greatest of ease.”

Driving the ’41 Ford was Billy Thompson of Balsam Lake who had as his passengers, Clyde Petersen and Marvin Neurer of Amery. The Ford struck a ’48 Pontiac parked in front of the Russel Ecklund home, belonging to John Ecklund of Watertown, Minn., careened from the impact, turned a somersault and landed on its wheels in the Fred Olson front yard.

Visibility at this point and traveling faster than conditions permitted were blamed for the crash with a fog coming from the Apple River as it crosses county highway “F” just a short ways east of the accident scene. A huge snow pile probably saved considerable damage and more serious injury as the car overturned into the pile.

Surprisingly enough, Fred Olson, in whose front yard the car ended its flight, awoke Sun-

Thanks to the alertness and timeliness of Jack Jones, what could have been a serious fire was extinguished before it really got started.

Making his rounds for the Twin Lake Dairy last Friday morning, Jack entered the Leo Shattuck home in Amery to find a heavy smoke screen.

Jack hunted through the smoke and found the cause, a box of smoldering rags, which he hastily picked up and threw out the door.

Only damage was a slightly scorched washing machine.

No one was at home when milkman, Jones discovered and extinguished the blaze.

Mercury Hits New “Fall” Low Just in case readers of this newspaper haven’t checked their calendar, winter officially begins December 22. It’s a grim reminder that even after six weeks of snow and cold, there is still more to come. Actually, the past six weeks of alternating between cold and snow shoveling hasn’t been winter at all! That’s right – it is classed as “autumn.”

Continuing on its merry way, the weather emphasized its role during the past week when record cold for the season was recoded. The official low on the government thermometer was -27 degrees on Sunday, Dec. 18.

Many residents reported temperatures of 32, 36 and even 40 below zero readings.

In fact, the temperature on that particular day never did get over the zero reading with the high a -1 below.

30 Years Ago December 17, 1985 Students Respond To Drug Survey Most Amery High School students indicated in September that they have tried alcohol.

The survey was conducted among 222 boys and 262 girls as part of the Student Assistance Program. High school counselor Janelle Ahlin announced the results.

Some 80.9 percent of the students said they had tried an alcoholic beverage and 21.5 percent have tried marijuana.

Among girls, 7.5 percent indicated they have used speed, usually for weight reduction.

Ten percent of the students said someone had told them they were concerned about their drug or alcohol use. Some 7.5 percent indicated they had a problem with alcohol abuse.

Thirty-six percent of the students said they have had a friend they believe to have problems with alcohol or drugs.

About 40 percent indicated that members of their family had problems with drugs or alcohol.

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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. 16: Advent service “Preparing for His Arrival! Christ is Coming Again!”

Sunday, Dec. 20: 10:15 a.m. Sunday School Program.

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. 16: 9 a.m. Bible Study; 6:30 p.m. Confirmation class.

Sunday, Dec. 20: 8:30 a.m. Christmas Program practice; 8:30 a.m. Adult class; 9:30 a.m. Property Committee; 9:30 a.m. Fellowship Time; 10:15 a.m. Worship, Youth Christmas Program.

Tuesday, Dec. 22: 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. 16: 6:30 p.m. The Story - Children/Youth/ Adults; 7:15 p.m. Choir.

Thursday, Dec. 17: 5:30 p.m. Women’s Bible; 6 p.m. CIA Board mtg; 7 p.m. Money Class.

Sunday, Dec. 20: 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; 11:30 a.m. Congregational Giving mtg; 11:30 a.m. Youth Christmas Caroling and Christmas Party.

Tuesday, Dec. 22: 6:30 a.m. Men’s Bible Study; 10 a.m “The Story” - Adults.

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. 16: 6 p.m. JAM and Confirmation at Little Falls.

Saturday, Dec. 19: 10 a.m. JAM Christmas Program Practice at Little Falls.

Sunday, Dec. 20: 10 a.m. Coffee and Fellowship; 11 a.m.

Worship service; 6:30 p.m. JAM Christmas Program at Little Falls.

Tuesday, Dec. 21: 6:30 p.m. Education Committee meeting at Little Falls.

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. 16: 6 p.m. Confirmation.

Saturday, Dec. 19: 8 a.m. Men’s Group at Ida Mae’s.

Sunday, Dec. 20: 9:30 a.m. GIFT; 10:30 a.m. Worship.

Tuesday, Dec. 22: 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.

SPIRITUAL

DECEMBER 15, 2015

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.

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. 16: 5:15 p.m. Supper; 6 p.m. Friends in Faith; 6 p.m. Confirmation w/Mentor; 7 p.m. Hi League.

Thursday, Dec. 17: 8 a.m. Bible Study at Ida’s; 8:30 a.m.

Quilters; 9:30 a.m. Ruth Circle, Janet Booe hostess; 7 p.m. Al Anon.

Sunday, Dec. 20: 9 a.m. Worship; 10:15 a.m. Choir; No Sunday school.

Monday, Dec. 21: 6-10 p.m. ARQG. Tuesday, Dec. 22: 6:30 a.m. Women’s Bible Study; 1:30 p.m. Handbells; 11 a.m. Service at Evergreen.

Please join us for the Christmas Season!

December 20: 4:30 p.m. JAM Christmas Program at Little Falls December 24: 4:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Combined Worship at Little Falls with Holy Communion December 25: 9:30 a.m. Christmas Day Combined Worship at Deronda with Holy Communion December 27: 9:30 a.m. Combined Christmas Worship at Trinity

NEIGHBORS UNITED IN CHRIST Deronda Little Falls Trinity Lutheran Lutheran Lutheran

Co. Rd. F west of Amery

Spread Good News

“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”

—Psalm 96:3 NIV

T

Just off Co. Rd. C west of Amery

here is something in us that seems to crave bad news.

Why do we listen with such keen interest to the news story of the latest horrific crime or natural disaster? We just can’t seem to resist telling everyone about our cares and woes, and even when we know the car crash is going to be ugly, we have to look. Rather than spreading the news about how bad it was, maybe we should focus on the good works of those who came to the rescue. Instead of talking about how poorly things are going, maybe it would be better to talk about what is working. That might spur others to follow the good example. There will always be plenty to complain about in the world, but there is also a lot of good news. Many parts of the world are actually safer and less violent than in previous ages and people are living longer than ever, but since we live in a world of instant access to all of the world’s news it’s easy to understand why people think the world is horribly violent and unsafe. Horrific crimes and violence are newsworthy precisely because they are relatively unusual. People helping each other and treating others humanely is the rule; violence is the exception. Perhaps we should spread that good news, and encourage others to do likewise.

– Christopher Simon

1578 85th Ave./Cty. Rd. F, Amery (east of Hwy. 65)

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

DECEMBER 15, 2015

SPIRITUAL

AMERY FREE PRESS

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AREA CHURCHES continued FIRST LUTHERAN (LCMC), 811 South Ave. W, Clear Lake www.firstluthclearlake.com Bryan S. Anderson, pastor Wednesday, Dec. 16: 6:15 p.m. 7th and 8th grade Confirmation; 7:30 p.m. 9th Grade Confirmation.

Thursday, Dec. 17: 11 a.m. CLAMA meeting; 1 p.m Women of the Word Meeting.

Saturday, Dec. 19: 7 a.m. Men’s Bible Study; 9-11 a.m.

Christmas Program practice; 11 a.m. Birthday Party for Jesus.

Sunday, Dec. 20: 8:30 a.m. Contemporary worship with Communion; 9 a.m. Choir practice; 9:30 a.m. Fellowship; 9:40 a.m. Sunday school; 10 a.m. Traditional Worship with Communion; 11 a.m. Fellowship; 1:15 pm. Children arrive to rehearse; 2 p.m. Sunday School Christmas Program.

Tuesday, Dec. 22: No Quilting.

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.

Wednesday, Dec. 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. 16: 6 p.m. JAM and Confirmation here.

Saturday, Dec. 19: 10 a.m. JAM Christmas program practice here.

Sunday, Dec. 20: 8 a.m. Worship; Council meeting follows service; 6:30 p.m. JAM Christmas Program here.

Monday, Dec. 21: 6:30 p.m. Education Committee meeting here.

See our website for up-to-date scheduling www.little fallschurch.net LIVING WORD CHAPEL, Hwy 64 at Forest Randy Dean, pastor Sunday: 8:45-9:45 a.m. Sunday school; 10 am. Main service.

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

MENNONITE CHURCH, 1681 6 1/2 St., Co. Hwy. P North, Almena, 715-357-3321 Sunday: 10 a.m. Sunday school, all ages; 10:45 a.m. Sunday worship service; 7:45 p.m. Sunday evening service.

MOE LUTHERAN (ELCA), 451 30th St., Clear Lake Sunday: 10 a.m. Fellowship; 11 a.m. Worship; Potluck lunch 2nd Sunday.

Men’s Bible Study 2nd Sunday 6 p.m.

Women’s Bible Study 2nd Thursday 1:30 p.m.

NEW LIFE COMMUNITY, Amery Craig Jorgenson, interim pastor Sunday: 10 a.m. Worship.

Tuesday: 6:30 p.m. Prayer.

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

OTTERCREEK CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP, Glenwood City Civic Center, Jason Taylor, pastor Sunday: 10:30 a.m. Worship; Children’s church, childcare provided.

Wednesday Night Prayer.

OUR LADY OF THE LAKES CATHOLIC, Balsam Lake Father Eugene Murphy, pastor Masses: Saturday 6 p.m., Sunday 8:30 a.m.

OUR SAVIOR’S LUTHERAN, 217 Deronda St., Amery Keith Ruehlow, pastor Wednesday, Dec. 16: 8:45 a.m. Bible Study; 12 p.m. Men’s Table Talk; 5 p.m. Confirmation Cafe; 5:30 p.m. Confirmation Classes; 6 p.m. Evening Prayer; 6:30 p.m. Advent Vespers; 7 p.m. Choir practice.

Thursday, Dec. 17: 8:15 a.m. Top’s Club; 8:30 a.m. Bible Study.

Friday, Dec. 18: 3:30 p.m. Holy Bash.

Sunday, Dec. 20: 9 a.m. Contemporary Worship service with Holy Communion; 10:15 a.m. Sunday school; 10-10:30 a.m Live Nativity in Garage; 11 a.m. Sunday School Christmas Program.

Sunday, Dec. 20 9 a.m. Worship Service with Holy Communion 10 a.m. Live Nativity at the garage 11 a.m. Sunday School Christmas Program Thursday, Dec. 24 5 and 10 p.m. Christmas Eve services with Holy Communion Friday, Dec. 25 9 a.m. Christmas Day service with Holy Communion Sunday, Dec. 27, 9 a.m. Worship with Holy Communion We invite the public to come worship with us during the year 2016!

Christmas Eve Thursday, Dec. 24, 4:30 p.m. Candlelight Service with Holy communion 10 p.m. Candlelight Service Sunday, Dec. 27, 10:30 a.m. Christmas Lessons and Carols EAST IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH

South of Amery on Hwy. 46 then west on 20th Ave.

In a religion that was born in a barn, open doors go without saying . . .

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church

217 Deronda St. on CTH F in Amery

PRAIRIEVIEW COVENANT, 1396 210th Ave. (2 miles north of New Richmond on 65) Joe Sir, pastor Sunday: 9 a.m. Sunday school, nursery care; 10 a.m. Worship service, nursery care.

Wednesday: 6 p.m. Family Night Supper; 6:30 p.m. Teaching activities for all ages; nursery care.

Women’s Bible Studies.

REDEEMER LUTHERAN, 600 S. Keller Ave., Amery Tom Hahn, pastor Wednesday, Dec. 16: 5:30 p.m. Confirmation; 5:30 p.m.

Soup/Sandwich Supper; 7 p.m. Advent service; 7:45 p.m.

Choir practice.

Sunday, Dec. 20: 9:30 a.m. Worship w/HC and Sunday school; 10:30 a.m. Fellowship.

REEVE EVANGELICAL FREE, Jct. Barron CTH K & A, Clear Lake, www.reevechurch.org Sunday: 9 am. Worship service; 10:15 a.m. Fellowship Time; 10:30 a.m. Sunday school for all ages; 6:30 p.m. Jr. and Sr. High Youth Group (Sept.-May).

Wednesday nights: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Adult Bible Study and Prayer; Kids club (Sept.-May).

ST. BARNABAS EPISCOPAL, Clear Lake, Rev. Bob Lyga Sunday: 9:15 a.m. Sunday school; 10:15 a.m. Worship.

ST. CROIX UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP, 201 N. Adams, St. Croix Falls 715-483-1113 Sunday: 10 a.m. First, second and third Sunday, 715-5533386.

Youth Christmas Program SUNDAY, DEC. 20, 10:15 a.m.

“Christmas in the Barn” THURSDAY, DEC. 24

Join us at the manger at 2 p.m.

Strodthoff-Kopp Farm, 1364 105th Ave./ CTH C, Amery. Dress warm!

Pets Welcome - Blessings of the Animals

On Thursday, Dec. 24, everyone is invited to a dinner at 3:30 p.m. at the church followed by Candlelight Service at 5 p.m.

9 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at Elim Lutheran Church

Balsam Lutheran Elim Church Lutheran 1115 Mains Crossing, Amery Church (5 miles north of Amery off CTH H) 715-268-9291

Range

The Willow River United Methodist Parish invites you to join us this Christmas season as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ SUNDAY WORSHIP:

8:30 a.m. Forest United Methodist Church 9:45 a.m. Deer Park United Methodist Church 11 a.m. Clear Lake United Methodist Church

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE, DEC. 24, 2015

4 p.m. at the Forest United Methodist 5:30 p.m. at the Deer Park United Methodist 7 p.m. at the Clear Lake United Methodist Clear Lake U.M.C. - 420 4th Ave. Trinity-Deer Park U.M.C. - 221 2nd St. W Forest U.M.C. - 1893 Co. Rd. D & Hwy. 64

10 AMERY FREE PRESS

SPIRITUAL

AREA CHURCHES continued ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC, Clear Lake, Fr. John Long, pastor Mass: 8 a.m. Wednesday.

Mass: 8 a.m. Thursday.

Mass: 8:30 a.m. Sunday.

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC, 1050 Keller Ave. N, Amery Father Eugene Murphy Weekly Mass and Communion service schedule: Saturday 4 p.m. Mass.

Sunday 10:30 a.m. Mass.

Monday 9 a.m. Communion Service.

Tuesday 9 a.m. Communion Service.

Wednesday: 9 a.m. Mass.

Thursday: 1st and 2nd Thursdays, Mass is held at local nursing homes; Other Thursdays 9 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph.

Friday: 9 a.m. Communion Service.

Bible Study Schedule: No Bible Study Dec. 22 & 29.

Special events: Wednesday, Dec. 16, Stump The Chump after 9 a.m. Mass.

ST. JOHN LUTHERAN, Forest, John Wilman, pastor Wednesday Dec. 16: 7 p.m. Midweek Joint Advent service at St. Paul’s.

Thursday, Dec. 17: 7 p.m. Bible Study.

Sunday, Dec. 20: 8 a.m. Worship with Holy Communion; 9 a.m. Coffee Fellowship.

ST. PAUL LUTHERAN, Deer Park, John Wilman, pastor Wednesday, Dec. 16: 7 p.m. Midweek Joint Advent service at St. Paul’s.

Sunday, Dec. 20: 8:45 a.m. Sunday school; 9 a.m. Coffee Fellowship; 9:30 a.m. Children’s Christmas Program with Holy Communion.

Tuesday, Dec. 22: No Bible Study, Christmas break.

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST, 76 20th Ave., Clear Lake John Redlich, pastor Saturday: 9:30 a.m. Bible Study; 11 a.m. Worship service; Head Elder David Scott 715-263-3367.

Mid-week service: Wednesday 7 p.m.

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS (Mormons), 644 S. 6th St., Barron Bishop Patrick F. Roper Sunday: Sacrament 10 a.m.; Sunday School/Primary 11:20 a.m.; Priesthood/Relief Society 12:10 p.m.

TRINITY LUTHERAN of Garfield, 1578 85th Ave., Amery 715-268-9577 Wednesday, Dec. 16: 6 p.m. JAM and Confirmation at Little Falls.

Saturday, Dec. 19: 10 a.m. JAM Christmas Program practice at Little Falls.

Sunday, Dec. 20: 9:30 a.m. Worship; 10:30 a.m. Fellowship; 6:30 p.m. JAM Christmas Program at Little Falls.

Monday, Dec. 21: 6:30 p.m. Education Committee meeting at Little Falls.

See our website for up-to-date scheduling www.trinity lutheranchurchofamery.com

DECEMBER 15, 2015

DEATH NOTICE UNITED COVENANT, 348 5th St. NW, Clear Lake Dan Pearson, pastor Wednesday, Dec. 16: 5:30 p.m. Fellowship Supper; 5:50 p.m. Worship Team 3; 6:15 p.m. Christmas Caroling.

Thursday, Dec. 17: 3:30 p.m. CEF at Clear Lake Elementary.

Sunday, Dec. 20: 8:30 a.m. Mighty OAKS Christmas Program; 8 a.m. Youth Worship Team Practice; 8:30 a.m. Mighty OAKS/Confirmation/Youth; 8:45 a.m. Adult Classes; 10 a.m.

Worship Service, Mighty OAKS Christmas Program during service; refreshments after service.

Monday, Dec. 21: 5:30 p.m. Grief Support Group at Crystal Hanson’s.

Tuesday, Dec. 22: 8 a.m. Sweet Hour of Prayer.

UNITED METHODIST, GLENHILLS PARISH Marybeth Scow, pastor Emerald UMC: 8:30 a.m. Worship with Sunday school.

Glenwood City UMC: 9:45 a.m. Worship with Sunday school.

Downing UMC: 11 a.m. Worship with Sunday school.

WEST IMMANUEL LUTHERAN, ELCA, 447 180th St., Osceola, Rexford D. Brandt, pastor Saturday, Dec. 19: 9-10:30 a.m. Program practice for Pre-K thru 4th grade.

Sunday, Dec. 20: 8 a.m. Worship w/Holy Communion; 9 a.m. Coffee Fellowship; 9:15 a.m. Sunday school; 10:30 a.m.

Christmas Program Pre-K thru 4th graqde; 4 p.m. Service of Remembrance & Hope, followed by light refreshments..

WORD OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP, Clear Lake Patricia and Harlen Wienke, pastors Sunday: 10 a.m. Worship.

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

Wednesday: 7 p.m. Adult Bible Study.

Join us for these special holiday services Advent Service

Wednesday, Dec. 16, 7 p.m.

Worship Service

Sunday, Dec. 20, 9:30 a.m.

Christmas Eve Thursday, Dec. 24

7 p.m. Candlelight Service with Communion

Christmas Day Service 9:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 25 with Communion

Redeemer Lutheran Church 600 Keller Ave. S, Amery

Connor Michael Ajer, age 4, Rapid City, S.D. (formerly of Clear Lake), died Friday, Dec. 11 in a car accident in Rapid City.

Visitation will be Thursday, Dec. 17, from 4-7 p.m. at Scheuermann Funeral Home, Clear Lake.

Funeral service will be on Friday, Dec. 18, at 11 a.m. at Reeve Evangelical Free Church with visitation the hour before service. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Deer Park.

Memorials preferred instead of flowers.

Joseph V. Hilton, 85, Clear Lake, died Thursday, Dec. 10, at Golden Age Manor in Amery.

Visitation is from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19 at the Scheuermann Funeral Home, Clear Lake, with the funeral service at 4 p.m. at the funeral home.

Interment at Clear Lake Cemetery at a later date.

Scheuermann Funeral Home of Clear Lake, is handling the arrangements.

A warm Christmas welcome is extended to the entire community to attend

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH Hwy. 46 North, Amery

Thursday, Dec. 24 - CHRISTMAS EVE 4 p.m. Children’s Christmas Eve Program followed by Mass Friday, Dec. 25 - CHRISTMAS DAY Nativity of the Lord 10:30 a.m. Christmas Day Mass Friday, Jan. 1 - NEW YEAR’S DAY 10:30 a.m. Mary - Mother of God

OUR LADY OF THE LAKES Balsam Lake

Thursday, Dec. 24 - CHRISTMAS EVE 6 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass Friday, Dec. 25 - CHRISTMAS DAY 8:30 a.m. Christmas Day Mass Thursday, Dec. 31 - NEW YEAR’S EVE 6 p.m. Mass Vigil of Mary - Mother of God The Reverend Gene Murphy and the staffs at St. Joseph and Our Lady of the Lakes extend to all a Blessed Christmas and a Joy-filled New Year!

715-268-7283

Please join us for the Holidays!

Advent Service Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 20, 10:15 a.m.

Sunday School Program Thursday, Dec. 24 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Amery Free Lutheran Church Hwy. F west of Amery 715-268-9218

Enjoy the Sounds of the Season!

Sunday, Dec. 20, 8 a.m. Worship w/Holy Communion; 9 a.m. Coffee Fellowship; 9:15 a.m. Sunday School; 10:30 a.m. Christmas Program Pre-K thru 4th grade; 4 p.m. Service of Remembrance & Hope, followed by light refreshments

SUNDAY, DEC. 20 2 p.m. Sunday School Christmas Program

Thursday, Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Services 4 p.m. Candlelight Service with Holy Communion; 11 p.m. Candlelight Service with Holy Commnion.

Christmas Eve Services

Sunday, Dec. 27: 8 a.m. Worship service; 9 a.m. Coffee Fellowship; No Sunday school; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service

West Immanuel Lutheran Church Pastor Rexford Brandt 447 180th St., Osceola 715-294-2936

Thursday, Dec. 24, 4 p.m.

Candlelight Service with Holy Communion

Christmas Day Service Friday, Dec. 25, 10 a.m. with Holy Communion

First Lutheran Church 811 South Ave. W, Clear Lake

SPIRITUAL

DECEMBER 15, 2015

AMERY FREE PRESS

11

OBITUARIES

Duane Gaudette Duane “Dewey” Gaudette was 84 when he passed away peacefully Saturday evening, December 5, 2015 at Three Links Care Center, Northfield, MN. He was a patient and quiet man. Dewey was very modest and enjoyed the simple things in life. Extremely intelligent, there wasn’t anything he could not fi x.

A Celebration of Life Service was held on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 2 pm, with a time of gathering starting at 12:30 pm, all at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake, MN. Jean Breeggemann led the service.

The Prior Lake American Legion Honor Guard was present. A private family burial will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery with full military honors. Memorials are preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association.

The third of four children, Duane Donald was born on February 17, 1931, in Amery, Wisconsin to parents, Roy and Ann Elizabeth (Waldbillig) Gaudette.

He grew up in a small town of Range, WI, until the passing of his dad, when Dewey was just 12. His mother later married, Ralph Thompson. Dewey moved to Amery, WI and now his family included 10 step-brothers and sisters.

All through Dewey’s life, he had a strong interest in mechanics. Dewey’s interest in all things mechanical began at a very early age. He was soon fi xing cars on his own. This interest lead him to later racing cars and repairing them too. As the years went on, Dewey became the individual everyone would call upon when something needed to be fi xed or built.

For 35 years, Dewey was a Quality Assurance Specialist for the Department of Defense in the Defense Contract Administration Service Management Area (DCASMA) Twin Cities. He was responsible for assuring supplies or services procured by the Department of Defense satisfy the conditions set forth in various contracts. Dewey earned the respect and confidence of his fellow employees, agency personnel and contractors with his calm, rational, intelligent and technically competent manner in performing his job.

Through mutual friends, Dewey met and later married Marvel Petersen on November 12, 1955, at the Cathedral of St. Paul. They were blessed with 5 children, Denise, Linda, Donald, Kathy and Chris.

Over their 60 years of marriage, due to Dewey’s job transfers, they lived in several places before settling in Eagan. For 35 years, Eagan was called Dewey and Marvel’s home. Upon selling their Eagan home they lived a few years in Buffalo before Prior Lake became their home for the past 10 years.

Dewey was a dedicated supporter of his country and community. He served in the United States Air Force from November 1, 1951 to October 31, 1955, mainly stationed at Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota attached to a SAC bomber squadron. For 15 years, he was committed in serving the Eagan Volunteer Fire Department. When time allowed, he was an avid fisherman, with fond memories of the annual trips to Big Stone and up north with the guys. And can’t forget fishing with his children and later teaching his grandchildren the sport. Dewey loved dogs and was an avid reader, with a focus on history and Canada.

His love for building and fi xing things continued.

Despite his diagnoses of Alzheimer’s five years ago, Dewey never lost his sense of humor. With the help from his devoted wife and beloved family, he found great comfort in being able to stay home. On October 5, Dewey lived the rest of his days at Valley Ridge Memory Care Burnsville, MN. Left to honor Dewey’s life and forever love and miss him is his wife of 60 years, Marvel; children, Denise Gaudette, Linda (Paul) Gaudette-Sigel, Donald (Ann) Gaudette, Kathy (Norm) Jerde, Chris (Kristi) Gaudette; grandchildren, Melissa, Chris (Abby), Claire, John, Luke, Zach, Maddie; great-grandson, Ben; sister, Beverly McCreary; many friends, step sisters and step brothers, and relatives Greeting Dewey home in heaven are his parents; Roy and Ann; step-father, Ralph Thompson; brother; Leroy (Barbara) and, sister; Shirley (Jim) Jones.

Dewey’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to those who cared for him during his illness, especially Touching Lives Adult Day Care and Valley Ridge Memory Care. We are grateful for your care and compassion towards Dewey and you will always have a special place in our hearts.

Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, Prior Lake Chapel proudly served and cared for the Gaudette family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com

Thursday, Dec. 24 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Candlelight Service with Communion

First Lutheran Church 240 W. Elm St., Amery

Loyd Lane Pilgrim was born on July 20, 1959 in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin the son of James Pilgrim and Betty Leggitt. He passed away on Tuesday, December 8, 2015 at 1:26 p.m. from a heart attack at the age of 56 years. Living on the Pilgrim family farm engraved a strong work ethic in Loyd, and also gave him his passion for scrap. He would ride his bicycle around from farm to farm with his wagon and collect scrap metal. Loyd and his partner Dale Karis started Lad Auto Crushing in the mid 1980’s. They made it a very successful business and it will continue to grow as his legacy.

Loyd enjoyed being around his family and friends.

He was always the first one there if you needed help.

Being a very kind hearted man; he touched many lives and made so many friends.

Loyd was preceded in death by his father James Pilgrim, his brother Dan Pilgrim, and his mother Betty Leggitt.

His survivors include his wife Sara Pilgrim and their daughter Kylie, daughters: Kitty Smith and Kelly Smith and their mother Barbara Smith, Amy Krusell and Alicia Pilgrim whose mother was the late Cheryl Krusell, Mitchell and Marcus Hoverman, Emily Johnson and their mother Kay Hoverman; his grandchildren: Zane, Lillian, Alek, Silas, Miles, Rose, Riley and Jameson; brother Lee W. Pilgrim as well as other relatives and friends.

A gathering to celebrate his life was on Monday, December 14, 2015 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Amery Community Center, 608 Harriman Ave S. in Amery.

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.

And we’ll call him Immanuel . . . meaning “God with us.”

“Glories Stream from Heaven Afar” Christmas Eve Worship

Loyd L. Pilgrim

Everyone Welcome!

Celebrate with us!

Thursday, Dec. 24 CHRISTMAS EVE

4:30 p.m. Children & Family Worship Service 9:30 p.m. Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols

Congregational Church 201 N. Harriman Ave., Amery 715-268-7390 ameryucc.org

Sunday, Dec. 20, 10 a.m.

Mighty OAKS Christmas Program during worship service

Thursday, Dec. 24 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Nursery care is provided for small children Handicap accessible

United Covenant Church 348 5th St. NW, (Jct. Hwy. 63 & Cty. JJ) CLEAR LAKE Phone 715-263-2665

12

SPIRITUAL

AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 15, 2015

OBITUARIES

Clarabell Hingos

Mark A. Buhr Mark A. Buhr, age 50 of Clear Lake, WI, died on Sunday, December 6, 2015, at his home after a 3 month battle with Pancreatic Cancer.

Mark Anthony Buhr was born on July 21, 1965, in Amery, WI, the son of John and Gloria (Rothe) Buhr. He grew up in Clear Lake, was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Catholic Church there, and graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1983.

Mark worked for many years as a mechanic at Buhr Brother’s Transport in Clear Lake. He was married to Sherry Jo Rowell on February 14, 1987 at the First Lutheran Church in Clear Lake. Mark was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith and became a member at First Lutheran Church.

Together, Mark and Sherry made their home in the Clear Lake area and raised three children, John, Amanda, and Cody. In his spare time, Mark enjoyed hunting, fishing, and watching NASCAR. He also enjoyed restoring and driving his 1966 Ford Galaxy.

Mark especially loved spending time with his family and friends.

The past five years, Mark worked for the Village of Clear Lake and became the Supervisor of the Street and Water Department. He was also a member of Clear Lake Fire Department. Mark will be sorely missed by his family and many friends.

Preceded in death by his grandfather, Anthony Buhr; and grandmother, Margaret Strate.

Survived by wife, Sherry Buhr of Clear Lake; children, John Buhr of New Richmond, Amanda Buhr of Clear Lake, and Cody Buhr of Clear Lake; his parents, John and Gloria Buhr of Clear Lake; grandmother, Dorothy Buhr of Clear Lake; sister, Theresa (Rick) Dague of Clear Lake; brother, T.J. (Anna) Buhr of Clear Lake; niece and nephew, Alexis and Andy Buhr; brothers and sisters-in-law, Matt (Julie) Rowell of Clear Lake, Richard (Brenda) Rowell of Clear Lake, Debe Rowell of Clear Lake, Diane (Marv) Anderson of Clear Lake, Eadith (Mark) Rundquist of Clear Lake, Evelyn (Jace) Fox of College Grove, TN, Penny (JD) Frank of Clear Lake; beloved dogs, Peanut and Scamper; cousins, family and many friends.

Visitation was Friday, December 11, 2015 from 3 - 8 p.m. from the First Lutheran Church in Clear Lake, and one hour before the service at the church on Saturday.

Funeral service was on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 11 a.m. from First Lutheran Church in Clear Lake, with Rev. Bryan Anderson officiating. Music was provided by Brian Wick and Annette Rudd.

Pallbearers were Amanda Buhr, Cody Buhr, John Buhr, Matt Rowell, Richard Rowell and Mike Wisemiller.

Visitation was Friday, December 11, 2015 from 3 8p.m. from the First Lutheran Church in Clear Lake, WI and one hour before the service at the church on Saturday.

Interment was in the Clear Lake Cemetery, Clear Lake, with Honors by the WI Fire and EMS Honor Guard.

Scheuermann Funeral Home and Cremation Services handled the arrangements. www.clearlakefuneralhome.com

Joseph V. Hilton

Clarabell was born on March 7, 1931 in St. Paul, Joseph V. Hilton, age 85 of Clear Lake, WI, died Minn., to proud parents Wilbur and Dora Winsor. on Thursday, December 10, 2015 at the Golden Age She soon became the oldest of three, with sister Au- Manor Nursing Home in Amery, WI. drey and brother Richard joining their happy famiJoseph Verle Hilton was born on February 21, 1930, ly. She attended Central High School, and married in Rockford, IL, the son of Albert and Lillian (Isaac) U.S. Army Veteran Jerome Hingos on September Hilton. As a boy, Joe 25, 1948. Their marriage moved often with his famcentered around the kind ily in and around Illinois. of true love told only in He served in the United fairy tales. Jerome and States Air Force and was Clarabell had two chilhonorably discharged dren, Cheryl and Leonfrom military service. ard. They settled in the Joe was married to Como Park neighborhood Darlene Peterson on May of St. Paul. Evenings of 10, 1952 in Pecatonica, laughter, friends and famIl. In 1959, they moved to ily, good food and good Clear Lake, WI, where beer could be found many Joe farmed and raised five sons, Brad, Kelly, Scott, nights at their home - along with the twang of Clara- Rance and Kyle. In addition to farming, Joe worked bell's banjo as she played in the family band. In 1951, for a time in construction in the Twin Cities and the couple purchased land along the Apple River in later worked as a carpenter in the Clear Lake area Amery, Wis., building their cabin by hand from the for many years. Joe also worked at Pixall in Clear floorboards up. They retired to their cabin in 1971 to Lake a short time before moving to Payson, AZ, in enjoy the beauty of nature and later, time with their 1980. While in Payson, Joe built homes, had his own grandchildren. street sweeping business, and worked for the school Clarabell was known for her fiery red hair, leading district and funeral home. He and Darlene returned her family and friends to affectionately nickname to the Clear Lake area in 2005. In his spare time, Joe her "Rusty." After Jerome's passing in 1982, Clara- enjoyed fishing, playing cards, telling stories, workbell took great comfort in many activities, including ing crossword puzzles, and spending time with his the joining the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, attending St. family and friends. He especially loved being with Joseph's Catholic Church, and meeting a wonderful his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Joe has group of friends each morning for coffee. She was lived in Amery for the past couple years. widely known as a great cook, an ice cream aficioHe was preceded in death by his wife Darlene, his nado, a dedicated friend, and the best mother, grand- parents Albert and Lillian Hilton; brothers John, mother and great-grandmother anyone could ask for. Robert, and Richard Hilton; sisters, Katherine White Her laughter was infectious and often. and Nancy Wandell; daughters-in-law, LaVonne HilClarabell passed away at the Amery Hospital on ton and Joyce Hilton; grandson Adam Hilton.

Friday, December 11, 2015 at the age of 84.

Survived by sons, Bradford (Bev) Hilton of Eau Clarabell is preceded in death by her loving hus- Claire, Kelly Hilton of Clear Lake, Scott Hilton of Siband, Jerome; parents, Wilbur and Dora; sister Au- ren, Rance (Julie) Hilton of Clear Lake and Kyle (Keldrey and her husband Leo Hingos; brother Richard ly) Hilton of Albia, IA; grandchildren, Aric (Tamara) "Sonny" Winsor; and most recently, her daughter Hilton, Rachel (Aaron) Warner, Zachary (Shaelyn) Cheryl Stratton.

Hilton, Sheena (Luke) Juedes, Nicole (Michael) Kuc, She is survived by her son, Leonard Hingos and Brenna Hilton, Cheyenne Hilton, Daelynn Hilton, his wife Patty of Golden Valley, Minn.; grandson Ste- Eli Hilton, Christopher Grunder, Robert Grunder, phen Hingos of Maple Grove, Minn.; granddaughter and Elizabeth Wilson, and Vanessa (Brandon) LindDawn Player of Burnsville, Minn.; granddaughter sey; 17 Great Grandchildren.

Stacey Stratton and her husband John Ernste of ApAlso survived by a sister, Gwen Ang of Rockford, ple Valley, Minn.; granddaughter Lisa Stratton of IL; sister and brothers-in-law, Darrel Peterson, PaWoodbury, Minn.; great-granddaughter Julia Player tricia Greene and Charles Peterson, all of Pecatoniof Burnsville; great-granddaughter Tiffany Ernste ca, IL; many friends and relatives.

KANABEC of Apple Valley; many nieces, nephews, family and Funeral service COUNTY will be on Saturday, December 19, friends."

2015 at 4 p.m. at the Scheuermann Funeral Home in Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, Clear Lake, with Pastor Dan Pearson officiating.

December 17, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph CathoVisitation will be Saturday at the Funeral Home lic Church in Amery. There will be visitation at the from 1 - 4 p.m.

Williamson-White Funeral Home on Wednesday, DeInterment at Clear Lake Cemetery at a later date. cember 16, 2015 from 4 to 7 p.m. and for the hour prior Scheuermann Funeral Home of Clear Lake, WI to the service at the church. Burial will be at the handled the arrangements.

Amery Cemetery. www.clearlakefuneralhome.com You may sign an online guestbook and view a video tribute at www.williamsonwhite.com.

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

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DECEMBER 15, 2015

AMERY FREE PRESS

Warriors dominate Chieftains with quick pins

BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Amery’s wrestling team had a couple of bad breaks on Thursday, but still managed to dominate Osceola 45-24 with the help of five falls and two forfeits.

After falling behind 9-0, the seventh-ranked Warriors, charged back with three-straight pins to claim an 18-9 advantage.

Carl Oman started the comeback with a 1:08 pin over Noah Kunkel-Smith at 182 pounds. Then defending state champion Bennett Paulson followed with a quick 20 second pin over Austin Moltzer in the 195 pound match for the go-ahead points. And Eli Newton added a 45-second fall over Gabe Lowney.

13

Osceola didn’t go away easily, however as its heavyweight Evan Adams picked up a 20-second fall of his own.

The teams continued to trade blows as Amery 106-pounder Mike Smith pinned Andrew Olson in 30 seconds and Osceola’s Andrew Montpetitt answered with a 30-second fall at 113 pounds.

Amery finally began to pull away after Noah Zhin benefited from an Osceola forfeit at 126 pounds and seventh-ranked Andrew Smith followed with a 45-second pin over Hunter Kautz at 132 pounds.

Three-time state champion Hunter Marko put the match out of reach with a 45-second fall over Diego Lowney in the 145 pound match. Johnny Benitez finished the night with a win-by-forfeit at 152 pounds.

BRETT HART|AMERY FREE PRESS

Amery’s Bennett Paulson unstraps his head gear after finishing Osceola 195-pounder Austin Moltzer in just 20 seconds.

BRETT HART|AMERY FREE PRESS

Amery’ Carl Oman pins Noah Kunkel-Smith in the 182 pounds match Thursday in Amery.

BRETT HART|AMERY FREE PRESS

Amery 106-pounder Mike Smith prepares for a takedown attempt against Osceola’s Andrew Olson. Smith pinned Olson in 30 seconds.

BRETT HART|AMERY FREE PRESS

Hunter Marko picks up a 45-second fall over Osceola’s Diego Lowney on Thursday in Amery in the 145 pound match.

Fouks scores 16 in loss to SCC

BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

With a 56-43 loss to St. Croix Central on Tuesday, the Amery girls’ basketball team(1-4) fell to 0-3 in the Middle Border Conference.

Katelyn Fouks dominated the offensive end of the court for the Warriors, racking up 16 points, while added three rebounds. Jillian Jensen pitched in eight points, three steals, three assists and three rebounds. Madelyn Granica was the team rebound leader

with seven, and added one block to go with her four points.

Also scoring for the Warriors were Gabby Fredrick (eight points), Hailey Streich (five points) and Dani Meyer (two points). Esmee Luchtenburg contributed five rebounds and two assists.

Overall the Warriors shot 45 percent from the field, but were just 1-for-12 from beyond the three-point arc, and 6-for-10 at the charity stripe.

SCC (2-3) was led by Mia Krogseng, who tallied a game-high 17 points and eight steals.

This week’s sports Amery Boys Basketball 12-15 vs. St. Croix Central 12-18 at Ellsworth 12-21 vs. Clear Lak

Amery Girls Basketball 12-17 vs. Ellsworth 12-22 vs. Spooner

12-19 Minn.

at

Rochester,

Clayton Boys Basketball 12-17 at Clear Lake 12-22 at Luck

Clayton Girls Basketball

Amery Hockey

12-15 vs. Cameron 12-19 at McDonell Central Catholic 12-22 at Luck

12-15 vs. Highland Park 12-17 vs. Siren

Clear Lake Boys Basketball

Amery Wrestling 12-17 at St. Croix Central 12-18 at Rochester, Minn.

12-15 at New Auburn 12-17 vs. Clayton 12-21 at Amery 12-22 at Turtle Lake

Clear Lake Girls Basketball 12-15 at Turtle Lake 12-18 at Bruce

Clear Lake Wrestling 12-17 at Grantsburg 12-19 at Osceola 12-21 at Elmwood

14

SPORTS

AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 15, 2015

LISA MCBRAAYER

Peter Elwood gets one of his six steals, this one occurring in overtime.

Warriors slip past Barron, 59-56

BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Amery’s boys’ basketball team improved to 2-0 with a 59-56 victory over Heart O’North Conference Leader Barron (3-1, 2-0 HON) at home on Monday, Dec. 7. Oddly enough, the Warriors shot better from beyond the 3-point arc (6-for-10) than they did at the free throw line (11-for-25), thanks to sharpshooter Riley Waltz.

Barron scored 19 points from the charity stripe and outrebounded Amery 42-25. Where Amery really thrived was on steals and assists, collecting 14 steals and 12 assists.

Waltz led the Warriors offensively, accounting for all of Amery’s threepoint baskets on 6-for-7 shooting from

long range. Waltz finished with a game-high 23 points. Connor McBrayer was a presence inside, grabbing a team-best nine rebounds and finishing with 12 points on 5-for-13 shooting.

Peter Elwood was a thorn in Barron’s side all night, collecting six steals, while Lane Christensen posted a teambest three assists. Elwood, Brett Schulte and Seth Amundsen each tallied two assists while McBrayer and Christensen marked two steals apiece.

Beau Helin snagged four rebounds and eight points before fouling out.

Amundson added four rebounds and five points. Also scoring for the Warriors were Schulte (five points), Christensen (three points) and Elwood (three points).

LISA MCBRAAYER

Riley Walztakes a shot from the three point arc. Walz was 6 of 7 from 3 points.

LISA MCBRAAYER

Beau Helin defends a shot against Barron.

LISA MCBRAAYER

Connor McBraayer led the Warriors in rebounds with nine.

DECEMBER 15, 2015

SPORTS

AMERY FREE PRESS

15

Marko named outstanding wrestler at prestigious Battle on the Bay Tournament

BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

ERIC PAULSON

Alex Thompson in action at the Battle on the Bay.

The seventh-ranked Amery Warrior wrestling team faced its biggest challenge to date as it participated in the 28-team Battle on the Bay Tournament in Bayport. Two Warriors claimed individual titles in what Coach Scott Marko described as “one of the toughest tournaments in Wisconsin,” while the team took third overall.

Hunter Marko won the 145-pound tile while Eli Newton was the 220-pound champion. Hunter was named outstanding wrestler of the tournament and defeated the returning state champion from Sparta in the finals. Newton won his championship match with a 5:27 fall over East Troy’s Kyle Storandt.

Andrew Smith placed fourth at 132 pounds. Mike Smith (106 pounds) was sixth and Jude Ingham (113 pounds) finished 14th.

“The team competed and fought very well in every situation,” said Coach Marko “I am very proud of them.”

ERIC PAULSON

Andrew Smith sizes up his opponent. Smith placed fourth at 132 pounds.

ERIC PAULSON

Eli Newton won the title at 220 pounds.

ERIC PAULSON

Turner Luke in action at the Battle on the Bay.

ERIC PAULSON

Mike Smith works for a pin.

16

AMERY FREE PRESS

SPORTS

DECEMBER 15, 2015

McBrayer records double double

BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Amery’s boys’ basketball team traveled to Prescott on Friday, only to be handed an 8052 loss by the co-Middle Border Conference leading Cardinals.

The Warriors (2-1, 1-1 MBC) shot 42 percent from the field and drained seven 3-pointers, but Prescott (2-0, 2-0 MBC) topped them in every scoring category with 45 percent shooting from the field, 10 3-pointers and 10-for-20 free throw shooting.

Three Amery players reached double figures in the scoring column, led by Connor McBrayer, who recorded a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds

(10 defensive). McBrayer also tallied two steals and an assist.

Riley Waltz provided solid backup with 15 points, two blocks, two assists and four rebounds. Beau Helin tallied 10 points, four assists and two rebounds. Although Peter Elwood notched just three points, he was critical to the Amery offensive attack, collecting a teamhigh eight assists.

Also scoring for the Warriors were Tristen Collins (three points), Brett Schulte (two points) and Seth Amundsen (two points).

Amery outrebounded Prescott, 28-25, but turned the ball over 18 times.

LISA MCBRAAYER

Connor McBraayer takes a shot against Prescott. McBraayer had 17 points and 12 rebounds.

LISA MCBRAAYER

Brett Schulte scores a layup against Prescott.

LISA MCBRAAYER

Beau Hamilton puts up a shot against Prescott.

SPORTS

DECEMBER 15, 2015

AMERY FREE PRESS

17

PAM HUMPAL|AMERY FREE PRESS

Baldwin-Woodville takes one of their 57 shots on goal.

BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Amery’s struggles on the ice continued on Dec. 8, when the Warriors’ boys’ hockey team fell 12-0 to the Baldwin-Woodville Blackhawks.

While the Warriors (0-7-1) trailed just 1-0 after the first period, Baldwin-Woodville

Blackhawks black out Amery (6-1) tacked on eight goals in the second period and another three in the third. Four of the Blackhawks’ goals came on the power play.

The game’s leading scorer was B-W’s Gavin Hessler, who notched five goals and one assist. Brandon Connett added three goals and two assists.

Mitchell Larson pitched in one goal and three assists.

Two Warriors spent time in the Amery Net as Adam Doroff tallied 13 saves and allowed five goals in 22 and a half minutes and Adrian Troff racked up 32 saves while allowing seven goals in 28 and a half minutes.

Overall, the Blackhawks outshot Amery, 57-15. Amery was penalized 13 minutes on five infractions while B-W was tagged with just two penalties for 4 minutes.

“Once again, we came out and played a solid period and fell off a cliff,” said Amery Coach Tim Henningsgard.

“We need to get better at staying in the moment and trying to improve each shift.”

Warrior drop 2-1 lead to Red Raiders

BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Amery dropped at 7-2 boys’ hockey game to the La Crosse Logan/Central Red Raiders on Dec. 11.

After giving up one first period goal, the Warriors answered with two goals in the first 6 minutes of the second period to claim a 2-1 lead. However, things fell apart for the Warriors after that point, as

they allowed six unanswered goals the rest of the contest.

Scoring Amery’s tying goal with 1:57 expired in the second period was Ryan Van Blaricom. His power play goal was assisted by Ethan Panek

and Cam Smith.

Brett Forrest followed with a penalty shot goal at the 5:47 mark of the period.

Ben Zieglbein scored two goals for the LaCrosse Co-op while Max Hengel added one

Fast start leads hockey team to tie

BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Amery picked up its first tie of the season on Saturday when its boys’ hockey team tangled with the Viroqua Blackhawks for a 5-5 draw.

“This weekend, we were finally 100 percent healthy for five periods,” said Amery Coach Tim Henningsgard. “We played well for those five periods.”

The Warriors (0-7-1) shot out of the gates with an Ethan Panek even-strength goal just 43 seconds into the game. Brock Hojem earned the assist.

Cam Smith followed with another goal just over a minute later off an assist by Ryan Van Blaricom.

Despite give up a goal just after the 6 minute mark, the Warriors continued to cruise past the Blackhawks (1-4-1) with a pair of even-strength goals early in the second period to claim a 4-1 advantage. Scoring the Warriors’ third and fourth goals were Van Blaricom and Brett Forrest, respectively, while Smith tacked on an assist.

Once again Viroqua scored the last goal of the period, to cut its deficit to two goals.

The Blackhawks finished with a furious third and final period, scoring three goals, including two

by Luke Noble to secure the tie.

Amery’s final goal came in the form of an even strength, unassisted goal by David Olson.

The game featured 11 penalties, all minor, with Amery claiming five of them.

“We lost a D going into the third and really struggled,” Henningsgard said. “When we are healthy, out effort is much better.”

Amery outshot Viroqua, 4227, and got 22 saves from Adrian Troff.

Viroqua goalkeeper Carter Bergdahl tallied 37 saves while Noble (2 goals, 1 assist) and Sam Barendregt (1 goal, 2 assists) led the Blackhawk attack with three points each.

goal and three assists to lead the team.

Adam Doroff was the losing goalkeeper for the Warriors while LaCrosse’s Willem Alvarado collected the win in the Red Rangers’ net.

Bantams December 10 Amery 1, Chisago Lakes 2 Goal: Noah Ward Assists: Pake Brown, Wyatt Johnson Saves: Josh Bohn 34

December 12 Amery 10, Chippewa Falls 1 Goals: Jackson Henningsgard 4, McAdam Smith 2, Miles Troff, Wyatt Johnson, Bauer Panek Assists: McAdam Smith 3, Miles Troff 2, Jackson Henningsgard 2, Noah Ward 2, Pake Brown, Mackenzie Mike, Wyatt Johnson Saves: Josh Bohn 20

December 13 Amery 7, Rice Lake 4 Goals: Allison Dahlberg, Zach Sobczak 3, Jackson Henningsgard 2, McAdam Smith Assists: Miles Troff, Noah Ward, Layton Borst, McAdam Smith, Wyatt Johnson, Jackson Henningsgard, Gavin Phillips Saves: Josh Bohn 27

18

AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 15, 2015

VERDICT: Out of county jury is sequestered for duration of trial FROM PAGE TWO

pulled out the knife, released the blade and held it in front of himself as he backed toward the car door.

Kelly and Lechman initially backed up, he said, but they didn’t seem scared. Kelly seemed to grow angrier, calling him a punk and a city slicker.

“I wanted to get in the car and leave,” he said. “I didn’t want to fight. … He was bigger than me, older and angry.”

He made it inside the car, where he said to Kelly, “Yeah, you’re a real bad [expletive].”

Kelly replied, “You wanna feel a real man’s muscles?”

Acre-Kendall’s friend attempted to diffuse the situation, but was urged away by Kelly, who pulled Acre-Kendall from the car shortly thereafter.

With his body in a headlock, Acre-Kendall said he went limp and could see only his and Kelly’s feet when he swung the knife.

“I didn’t know where I stabbed him,” he said. “I couldn’t see.”

After they left, they were “freaking out,” he said. “I didn’t know whether he was coming back or where he was going.”

He called his dad, who told him to come home.

JESSICA DE LA CRUZ|AMERY FREE PRESS

Acre-Kendall’s mother embraces the defense team following the emotional not-guilty verdicts.

JESSICA DE LA CRUZ|AMERY FREE PRESS

“So that’s what I did,” he said.

Acre-Kendall said he couldn’t describe the way he felt when he learned he’d killed Kelly, but he expressed dismay.

“I feel terrible,” he said, reflecting on the incident and its outcome. “I wish I could take it all back or do something to change it.”

Looking to Kelly’s family as he broke into tears, he said, “I’m so sorry.”

The knife It came as a surprise to

many when the prosecution divulged late on the second day of the trial that the knife Acre-Kendall used to stab Kelly was illegal in Wisconsin.

The knife, which DA Steffen called a “switchblade,” had a spring-assisted release mechanism that allowed the blade to release with the push of a button.

The seeming technicality undermined the defense’s hope to use Wisconsin’s “castle doctrine,” would have eliminated the need to show that the amount of force used was beyond what Acre-Kendall

Hank Michaels, Acre-Kendall’s best friend since middle school and driver of the car, testifies about the knife Levi had in his hand when he drove him away from the scene.

needed to defend himself that night.

The defense tried twice during the trial to get the case dismissed using the castle doctrine, but Judge Moly GaleWyrick denied each motion, chiefly on the grounds that the knife was illegal.

However, the law that makes the knife illegal is currently under review. The Wisconsin court of appeals ruled in November that the state’s ban on

switchblades is unconstitutional – at least if kept in the home for self-defense.

The purpose of the law is to prevent the public from surprise attack, a threat the court found negligible compared to guns.

The defense cited the November decision in its second motion to dismiss. Judge GaleWyrick called the argument creative, but did not change her decision.

JESSICA DE LA CRUZ|AMERY FREE PRESS

Jacob Mossberg shows the court the shoulder lock that he saw between Acre-Kendall and the victim, Peter Kelly.

ZACHARIAS: New officer enjoys making a difference in lives FROM PAGE ONE

of my job and working with people in the community. Amery is a great team of individuals with outstanding leadership.

I feel honored to be with a department that is passionate about the work that we do and the importance we place on building a relationship with the community.”

What does she love about her job?

“Taking a situation that may be dismal and seeing it turn into a positive contact or knowing that the end result will prove to be beneficial to all those involved,” says Crystal.

“I look forward to serving and protecting a great community where I hope to be for years to come.”

DECEMBER 15, 2015

AMERY FREE PRESS

19

Wisconsin’s eagle population soars to new record RHINELANDER - Wisconsin’s eagle population continues to soar, with statewide aerial surveys in 2015 documenting a record number since the surveys started 43 years ago, according to the Wisconsin Bald Eagle and Osprey Nest Surveys 2015 report released earlier this month.

“It’s certainly a great story,” says Jim Woodford, one of the eagle surveyors and a section chief for the Department of Natural Resources’ Natural Heritage Conservation Program. “Eagle populations have recovered from near-extinction in Wisconsin in the 1970s thanks to protections and a cleaner environment, and their numbers continue to increase and exceed our expectations.

“We’ve seen them re-

colonize almost every county in the state while increasing even in those areas where they’re likely reaching carrying capacity and running out of room.”

The aerial surveys found 1,465 bald eagle nests occupied in 2015, 121 more than in 2013, the last year in which a statewide survey was conducted, the report says.

Locally, the survey found 37 occupied nests in Polk County. In neighboring counties there were 81 nests in Burnett County, 23 in Barron, 18 in Pierce and St. Croix and 15 in Dunn County DNR pilots and biologists from the agency’s Natural Heritage Conservation and Wildlife Management programs conduct the surveys in late March and April and consider a nest occupied

if they see incubation, eggs, young or a repaired nest. Landowners, birders, volunteers and raptor banders provide more ground observations to supplement and check aerial data.

As in past years, Vilas County, with 162 nests, and Oneida County, with 143, had the highest number of occupied eagle nests. These two counties represent most of the Northern Highland Ecological Landscape, which has one of the highest concentrations of lakes in the world. Bald eagles usually build their nests in tall trees near lakes and streams.

Bald eagles occupied nests in 69 of the state’s 72 counties in 2015 and the number of occupied nests continued to increase in the southwest and northwest portions of the state,

the report says.

DNR pilots and biologists returned to the skies in late May and June 2015 to count young eagles and determine nest success.

Observers counted 1,248 bald eagle nestlings and a statewide nest success rate of 66 percent.

A limited osprey survey completed in May 2015 found 167 occupied osprey nests in the 14 counties surveyed. Numbers of nesting ospreys were greater than or equal to numbers observed in 2014 within 11 of the 14 counties, Woodford says.

Past statewide surveys have shown osprey populations trending upward, with 2014 recording the highest numbers yet of occupied osprey nests, 542, up from 535 the previous year.

Polk County had 20 occupied osprey nests.

In neighboring counties there were 12 occupied nests in Barron, 9 in Burnett, 5 in St. Croix, 2 in Dunn and none in Pierce County.

The federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty continue to

provide protection for all eagle nests, nest trees, and habitat adjacent to nests.

Eagles’ recovery resulted from the banning of DDT nationally in 1972 (and in Wisconsin in 1969), prohibition of killing of eagles, improved water quality in lakes and rivers, nest protection, and reintroduction of eagles in some areas.

Eagles were removed from Wisconsin’s endangered species list in 1997 and from the federal list in 2007.

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DECEMBER 15, 2015

TOM STANGL|AMERY FREE PRESS

Janette Cysewski conducted the Apple River Ensemble in several Christmas Carols. The group has performed at the lighting ceremony for 24 years.

Spirit of gratitude bright at Love Light Tree lighting ceremony TOM STANGL|AMERY FREE PRESS

TOM STANGL|AMERY FREE PRESS

Pastor Lori Peper, Patti Johnson, Felice Leadholm and Debra Rudquist pose near the Love Light Tree. Leadholm, a charter member and past volunteer at the hospital, had the honors of lighting the tree.

Patti Johnson, Volunteer Partner at Amery Hospitals & Clinic, welcomed the crowd to the hospital’s 29th Annual lighting of the Love Light Tree. The lights on the tree are memorials to loved ones and members of the Armed Forces purchased by community members.

Johnson explained that the proceeds fund the hospital’s college scholarships presented to Amery, Clear Lake, Luck and Turtle Lake graduates entering the medical profession. Johnson added that the scholarship program would be extended to Clayton next year.

An Uncommon Heart

Amery fifth grader recognized as Student of the Month

BY JESSICA DE LA CRUZ EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

Amery fi fth grader Ryder Fern spends many of his recesses pushing his friends Clara and Ethan on the swings. Now in his last year at the Amery Intermediate School, Ryder has enjoyed their company from the start.

“They’re not Fern as fortunate,” he says. “I thought it would be nice to help them.”

The non-traditional friendship has captured the attention of several teachers at the school, in a good way.

“He will ask on his own to eat with us, or play on the playground with us,” says Special Education Aid Sandy Johnson. She doesn’t see a lot of kids reach across that invisible line to make friends or lend a hand.

“Even when he was playing soccer, one of the students was yelling looking for someone and Ryder stopped and took time to help,” she says. And

it’s the reason she decided Ryder should be recognized, nominating him for November’s student of the month.

“They just draw him in, he’s just got this heart,” says Guidance Counselor Cory Schneider, who also wanted to help recognize Ryder’s willingness to make friends.

Ryder has aspirations of being a football player when he grows up.

When asked if he’d ever considered making a career of special education, Ryder shrugs. “I hadn’t thought about it,” he says.

Nevertheless, he says he’s proud to be able to help his friends when needed. “Clara always puts her knees above the table and I help her sit,” he says.

Ryder is one of four siblings, and the son of Rich and Erin.

Like many fi fth graders, Ryder likes jumping on his trampolines, soccer, playing video games, and cooking with his dad. Ryder’s goals include getting an A in reading this quarter.

JESSICA DE LA CRUZ|AMERY FREE PRESS

Ryder Fern (front, right) poses with some of his friends from the Intermediate School Special Education Department. Pictured are (back, left to right) Sandy Johnson, Clara, Kaylana, Liberty, Anthony, and Ryan, (front, left to right) Ethan, Ulrich, Dorian, Quinn, and Ryder.

S

DECEMBER 15, 2015

AMERY FREE PRESS

21

Student-loan default nears 10 percent with few taking advantage of available programs According to the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, nationally 11.8 percent of graduates default on their student loans; in Wisconsin it is 9.2 percent.

The student debt crisis is real, and its implications for individual graduates are serious. While the average undergraduate student debt for a four-year degree program in Wisconsin is $28,128, it is less than the average price of a new car, which is $33,560. Un-

like a car, which depreciates the minute you drive it off the lot, a college degree pays dividends in terms of increased life-long earnings, regardless of major.

Of course, when there are averages there will also be extremes. Individuals who choose to borrow more, but are not earning enough after graduation to keep current with their payments, may not realize there is a program with Wisconsin roots already in place to help them. The

sad fact is that a majority of students do not know the program exists and do not take advantage of it.

The federal Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently reported that relatively few student loan borrowers were participating in the income-based repayment programs. Former US Representative Tom Petri of Wisconsin was one of the authors of this program. According to the GAO report, the US Department of Education (USDE)

has not done enough to make borrowers aware of their repayment options.

The existing income-based repayment program, known as pay-as-you-earn, recently expanded in response to a June 2014 directive from the Obama administration. The expansion allowed borrowers to cap monthly payments at 10 percent of discretionary income and be provided complete loan forgiveness after 20 years.

According to the GAO re-

port, fewer than one in seven holders of direct student loans were paying them back based on their income levels, while more than half were eligible for the programs that would allow them to do so.

To learn more about income-based repayment options, or determine eligibility, borrowers should contact their student loan provider.

Three supervisors not seeking reelection There will be at least three new faces on the Polk County Board of Supervisors after the spring election.

Supervisors William Johnson – Dist. 1, Ken Sample – Dist. 6 and Marvin Caspersen – Dist. 7 have fi led declarations of non-candidacy, according to Polk County Clerk Carole Wondra.

All 15 seats on the board are up for election this spring.

Wondra has received nomination

papers from the following candidates: Brad Olson, Dist. 1; Pat Schmidt, Dist. 2; Craig Moriak, Dist. 5; Jim Edgell – Dist. 8; Kim O’Connell – Dist.

9; Larry Jepsen – Dist. 10; Jake Luke – Dist. 11; Warren Nelson – Dist. 12; John Bonneprise – Dist. 14; and Joe Demulling – Dist. 15.

Declarations of non-candidacy forms are due Dec. 28 at 5 p.m. Nomination papers are due Jan. 5

Background checks for gun sales surge on Black Friday

CONTRIBUTED

Dr. Jerry Young (left) and Brooklyn Moravitz (right) perform at “Tuba Christmas”

‘Tuba Christmas’ has Amery ties The 4th annual “Tuba Christmas” was held Sunday, December 13, at St. Josephs’ Catholic Church in Menomonie. Brooklyn Moravitz, age 11, was the youngest tuba player. She attends Middle School in Cameron and is the daughter of Christy and Brett Moravitz (granddaughter of Kathy and Dennis R. Nelson, of Amery). Pictured with Brooklyn is Dr. Jerry Young, the “most seasoned” tuba player in the group. Dr. Young is Professor Emeritus of Music and a member of the faculty at UW Eau Claire, since 1983. Dr.

Young’s vast academic and professional accomplishments include being the current Immediate Past-President of the International Tuba-Euphonium Association. Several Amery-area musicians participated in the concert; including Bill Baldwin (Coordinator) and Kim Johns (Director/Conductor). This is a spectacular musical event which, anyone would thoroughly enjoy. The 5th annual “Tuba Christmas” will be held, in Menomonie, on December 11, 2016.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Background checks for gun purchases soared to the highest one-day total ever the day after Thanksgiving in Wisconsin, mirroring a national surge on Black Friday.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice conducted 1,752 background checks on Nov. 27, department spokeswoman Anne E. Schwartz told the Journal Sentinel in an email Monday.

According to Schwartz, the next-closest day for background checks in Wisconsin was 1,542 on Dec. 21, 2012, about a week after 20 children and six adults were shot to death in a Connecticut elementary school.

Nationwide on Black Friday, the FBI conducted 185,345 firearms background checks, the most ever during a single day. The previous record nationwide was also Dec. 21, 2012.

Brian Rafn, who follows the gun in-

dustry as director of research at Morgan Dempsey Capital Management in Menomonee Falls, said the industry has grown 20 percent annually for the last three or four years. He said firearm sales increase every time President Barack Obama or another politician calls for tighter restrictions on guns.

Rafn said fears over domestic terrorist attacks also play a role in increased gun sales. He said the annual sales pace is unsustainable and is likely to slow down, but that it’s hard to predict where the market is headed with so many variables, including the health of the economy.

The state Department of Justice says there are nearly 272,000 concealed carry permits in Wisconsin.

The state had issued 35,294 concealed carry permits this year as of Nov. 29, up from 33,641 at the same point a year earlier, Schwartz said.

All-clear given at UW-La Crosse after package found harmless LA CROSSE, Wis. (AP) — The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse has given the all-clear after the discovery of a suspicious package prompted an evacuation of some dorms.

UW-La Crosse spokesman Brad Quarberg says a bomb squad checked the package Tuesday night and found no explosives.

The school had issued a campus alert in the afternoon. Police blocked off part of the campus, and some dorms were evacuated as a precaution.

The La Crosse Tribune reports Chancellor Joe Gow says a suitcase was spotted in a gazebo by Drake Hall.

22

PUBLIC NOTICES

AMERY FREE PRESS

WISTAX Facts: Open Enrollment Participation Climbs Despite declining student numbers overall, Wisconsin’s open enrollment program, which allows Wisconsin public school students to attend the public school district of their choice, continues rapid expansion.

Since its inception in 1999, growth in participation has exceeded 10% in 12 of 16 years. After rising more than 30% in the prior two years, participation climbed 7.0% in 2015 to 53,188, and is now 6.2% of all public school students.

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

THANK YOU Thank you to my family and friends for making my 85th birthday a fun one. Also the quilters, and Pure n’ Simple for the nice lunch, all the cards and telephone calls. Take care and God Bless you all.

June Helin

Polk County Platbooks are available at the Amery Free Press

Takedown Cancer Thank you!

A huge thank you to the communities and School Districts of Amery and Ellsworth for making our Takedown Cancer event a huge success! Over $10,500 has been raised for the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund!

THIS SUCCESS IS NOT POSSIBLE WITHOUT YOU!!

A special thanks to the following businesses for their generous donations:

Gold Level

Amery Express Amery Hospital & Clinic Dick’s Fresh Market Riverbend Senior Living Stems from the Heart Floral & Gifts Williamson-White Funeral Home and Cremation Services Willow Ridge Healthcare

Silver Level

Northland Surveying Tom Hartmann - Century 21

Bronze Level

Amery Discount Liquor Bremer Bank Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery Family Eye Clinic Gosso-Waidelich Chiropractic Greg Nichols - Country Financial Kristo Orthodontics Noah Insurance

Thank you, Amery True Value, for selling shirts!

NOTICE TOWN OF BLACK BROOK THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015 99 75th Street – Clear Lake WI 54005 TOWN BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ 7:00 P.M.

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Call meeting to Order; Proof of Meeting Notice; Approve Agenda; Approve Vouchers & Pay bills, Reading of Reports; Public Comments; OLD BUSINESS: Discussion/decision regarding disposal of tires; Update and decision regarding David Earl Paulson Memorial Bridge; NEW BUSINESS: Approval of Election workers for 2016-2017; Review and approve Polk County Purchasing Agreement; Review and approve updated Emergency Response Plan; Adjourn to January, 2016 meeting.

Sally Pickard, Clerk

715-948-2811 Clayton, WI

This notice is for informational purposes only - final agenda will be posted on the Town Hall door, Nextgen Motors in Clear Lake and Countryside Store in Amery.

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DECEMBER 15, 2015

Amery Free Press Subscription makes a wonderful gift Amery Board of Education December 21, 2015

A Regular Board Meeting meeting of the Amery Board of Education is scheduled for Monday, December 21, 2015, at 7:00 PM in the Board Room at the Amery Intermediate School, located at 543 Minneapolis Avenue in Amery, Wisconsin. Business under review will include: --------------------------------------------------------I. Call to Order II. Spotlight on Education III. Consent Agenda Items A. Agenda B. Minutes C. Financial/Budget Reports D. Board Vouchers IV. Community Comments V. Administrative/Committee/Department Reports A. Administrator Reports VI. Informational Items A. 2016 School Board Election Information B. Review of Revised Hiring Process Guidelines C. Preliminary Budget Information for 201617 - Mr. Kuchta/Mrs. Sikkink VII. Action Items A. 2016-17 Band Trip - Mrs. Curtis B. Resolution Authorizing Issuance of Individual Procurement Cards Mr. Kuchta/Mrs. Sikkink VIII. Closed Session A. Review of performance evaluation data and consideration of continued employment and considering financial, medical, social or personal histories or disciplinary data of specific persons in order to take Personnel Action pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes 19.85 (1)(c).

IX. Open Session A. The Board may take action on personnel items that were discussed in closed session.

X. Adjournment DALE JOHNSON Clerk, Amery Board of Education In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the School District of Amery will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities who wish to participate in public meetings. If you require an accommodation, please contact the District Office at (715) 268-9771 a minimum of 72 hours prior to the meeting.

The original agenda for this meeting was provided for publication more than one week prior to the meeting date. Due to this fact, the agenda published in the Amery Free Press may have been altered after publication. The final agenda is available on the District’s website: www.amerysd.k12.wi.us at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting.

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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. A. G. Ott, 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 15, 2015

AMERY FREE PRESS

‘Tis the week before Christmas ‘Tis the week before Christmas, and is everyone ready? Do you have your decorating, shopping, baking, cleaning done for the holidays? As for me, Pounding I am lucky to have one out of four comthe plete…the decorating Pavement is done! Hopefully the rest will fall into Pam Humpal place.

We have been enjoying the spirit of the season with various Christmas parties, our outstanding Choir Cantata at church, Disney On Ice at the Xcel, and the list goes on and on.

Last Thursday we attended the Wapogasset Bible Camp Christmas Dinner Theater, an annual tradition for us. It was fabulous! The wonderful talent we have in our community is amazing. Everyone did a super job from young to older cast members, and choir. And once again this year, the meal was delicious…all 4 courses.

Thank you for a very entertaining and meaningful night.

I also want to thank everyone who has taken the time to decorate their yard and house for the holidays. Each year we love traveling around town and the countryside viewing the beautiful lights. I know it is a lot of work putting everything up, and also keeping everything going after it is up…Christmas lights are probably the most frustrating things ever. If it helps at all, we really appreciate your effort.

Congratulations to the winners of the final drawing in the Amery Christmas Punch Promotion sponsored by the Amery Community Club…Anna Buhr, Julie Tew, Gwen Wold, Melissa Lee, Joanne Gorres, Brenda Hopkins, Rose Gilbertson, Sheryl Flatten, Scott Gehl, and Julie Beach. Thank you to everyone for participating in the promotion, and for supporting our local businesses.

“Santa Is Coming To Town”…yes, Santa will be available to talk to kids on Saturday, December 19, from 11am3pm at Stems From The Heart at River Place Mall in Amery. Bring your cameras for a picture with Santa. The Amery Community Club brings Santa Claus to town.

The Christmas season is a wonderful time of year but it also brings along some confusion with office/ store hours, and also publication dates for a paper. Our next issue will be on Monday, December 21. That edition will contain last minute gift ideas, and holiday hours plus Christmas greetings from area businesses with the assistance of drawings from Amery boys & girls in grades K-4.

Area businesses who would like to have a greeting by using a child/ children’s cards, please give me a call today at 715-268-8101. Deadline for the December 21 issue for the Amery Free Press and The Tab is Thursday, December 17.

The wonderful kids cards may also be used for New Year’s Greetings in our issue on Monday, December 28. The deadline for this issue will be Wednesday, December 23 at 4pm.

The Amery Free Press office will be closing at 1pm on Thursday, December 24, and closed on December 25 and January 1.

I warned you that the next couple of weeks were going to be confusing with hours and publications. Thank you in advance for your cooperation with our early deadlines.

Please be sure to check the church pages for special Christmas services and youth programs held at various area churches.

Like I mentioned before, Christmas is only about one week away. Please take time out of your busy schedules to enjoy the wonders of the season, the beautiful lights & decorations, spending time with family & friends, and be truly thankful for all your many blessings! Have a great week!

In digital era, grocery stores largely stay traditional tional,” said Brandon scape today is very Scholtz, president and different from when MADISON, Wis. (AP) CEO of the Wisconsin Webvan crashed in Association. 2001: “In terms of the In— Tim Preboski walks Grocers down the aisles of “It is as about as tradi- ternet, it was like three lifetimes ago.” NeverFresh Madison Market, tional as you can get.”

There are different theless, the cautionary adding groceries to his cart based on the list ways digital technology tale — along with the he holds in his hand. has changed how some razor-thin margins that He drops eggs into the consumers shop. Take WGA president Scholtz cart — “They’re getting Fetch, for example: It’s said are associated with expensive, but still a a smartphone app that online shopping — may pretty good seller,” he keeps a running tally of make many grocers says — before moving a shopper’s purchases hesitant to invest in onon to the snack aisle to and offers manufactur- line shopping software.

Scholtz said he thinks er coupons. collect Gushers.

“You don’t have to that demographics may Preboski is an employee of Fresh, and on clip coupons — it’s au- also have something to this particular day, he tomatically done,” said do with why the indusisn’t shopping for him- Tim Philosophos, an try has been slow to emself — he’s fi lling an or- angel investor in Fetch brace digital shopping der placed by an online Rewards. “And then (it) tools.

“We talk a lot about customer. The grocery might present opportustore, located near the nities. Let’s say you’re millennials and what University of Wiscon- buying sausages, you’re that brings to the store sin-Madison campus, buying brats. It might and how you cater to lets customers shop on tell you buns are on millennials, but there’s still a lot of old baby its website, and then sale.”

Then there’s online boomers out there like delivers the orders to shopping and deliv- me who aren’t on Facethem.

It’s an example of how ery, something that’s book,” he told Wisconsome grocery stores actually been around sin Public Radio.

Some research sughave begun catering to for a while: The Illicompany gests that many cona new kind of consum- nois-based er. Going to the store Peapod has been doing sumers may be willing to buy groceries online. with a fistful of coupons it since 1989.

However, there are Philosophos points to isn’t the only option anymore: With more disincentives for stores a Nielsen study that people gaining access to and companies to em- found just that. But whether Keller Avenue N. • P.O.those Box 17 conshopping. broadband Internet and brace online 204 Amery, WI 54001 sumers actually follow with fewer of them own- Philosophos said that Phone: 715-268-8121 through is another ing cars, customers are while Peapod has stayed matter: seeking food in ways afloat, similar compa-STORE HOURS:Many of them Mon. - Fri.still 8 a.m.

7 p.m.; go- to the store the that’s more convenient nies have gone bankAmery, Wisconsin Sat. 8notable a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m. -way.

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“Sixty-one percent example wasNEEDS a startup Yet industry offi cials & HEALTH-CARE SERVICES EVERYDAY FROM PEOPLE YOU KNOW say that by and large, called Webvan, which of these global responPrices good Feb. 16 - 22, 2015. • While supplies last. grocery stores have Philosophos described dents enjoy the grocery shopping experience,” largest dot-com been slow to embrace as “the THURSDAY, FEB. 19, IS said Philosophos. “So bust of all time.” new technologies.

The investor acknowl- it’s not going away.”

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AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 15, 2015

COOKING WORLD Tidbit: Real heroes are the people who fall and fail and are flawed but win in the end because Carolyn Lumsden they stick to their ideals and beliefs. Kevin Costner – American 715-483-9738 actor and director) Christmas is a time of candy making. This fudge recipe will please anyone who likes fudge. This recipe makes about 5 pounds of fudge.

FUDGE Butter well a 9x13” baking pan.

Combine in large bowl: 1 jar (7 oz.) marshmallow crème 2 sticks butter, (1/2 pound), melted Add and combine: 3 pkgs. (12 oz. ea.) chocolate chips Combine in saucepan and bring to a boil, reduce heat and stir constantly: 4-1/2 c. sugar 1 can (12 oz.) evaporated milk Simmer, stirring constantly for 7-8 minutes.

Pour the hot mixture over the marshmallow/ chocolate chip mixture and stir until chips are melted.

Add and combine: 1 tsp. vanilla 2 c. chopped walnuts, (or nuts of your choice) – optional Pour mixture into the buttered pan and spread evenly. Refrigerate for awhile, remove and cut into pieces before firm. Hint: If you’d like, add some raisins with or without nuts.

This is a homemade pudding. Use as a pudding or use as part of a parfait for a festive look.

ORANGE ALMOND PUDDING Combine, with whisk, in a large microwave bowl: 2 c. milk 3 T. cornstarch Add and combine: 2 beaten eggs 1/2 c. sugar Place in microwave and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add and combine: 1 tsp. vanilla 1 squeezed orange for juice 1 c. almonds, whole, sliced or slivered Put back in the microwave and cook another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove and stir until thickens enough. Serve as a pudding or use layered with fruits, nuts, etc. for a parfait. Serves 4 as a pudding, more for a parfait.

This recipe is for anyone who enjoys potatoes. It is a simple but tasty fried potato recipe. If you haven’t tried it before, here is the recipe.

CLASSIC POTATO SLICES Peel and slice about 1/8 thick: 4 large Russet type potatoes Slice thinly: 1 large onion Melt in large skillet: 4 T. butter Add and combine: 3 T. olive oil Add the onions and potatoes, cover and cook for 10 minutes over medium heat.

Remove cover and turn over the mixture using a large spatula being careful not to break the mixture apart.

Sprinkle with: 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1/2 tsp. dried dill weed salt to taste pepper to taste Fry for another 5 minutes or so until potatoes begin to turn slightly brown, then serve hot. Serves about 3-4.

Pecan pie is a favorite of many. Combined with chocolate, it is especially appealing. You will need one ready to bake pie shell, your own or frozen. If frozen, thaw before fi lling.

CHOCOLATE PECAN PIE In large bowl, combine well: 1 c. light corn syrup 1 c. brown sugar 3 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla Add and combine: 1-1/2 c. coarsely chopped pecans 3/4 c. chocolate chips 1/4 c. melted butter Pour mixture into pie crust and bake at 350° for 55-60 minutes or until firm. (Filling will sink as it cools.) When serving, add a dollop of whipped topping/ whipped cream or add a scoop of ice cream and drizzle with a bit of fudge/chocolate ice cream topping.

Soup is welcome anytime for a meal. This soup uses tortellini and makes a good tasting vegetable soup.

VEGETABLE TORTELLINI SOUP Sauté in large soup kettle: 2 T. oil 1 large onion 2 celery stalks Add, combine and bring to a boil, then simmer until tender: 2 c. beef broth 1 c. frozen corn 1 c. sliced carrots 1 c. cut green beans 1 c. diced uncooked potatoes 1 tsp. dried basil 1 tsp. dried thyme 1/2 tsp. dried chives Add and simmer until tortellini is cooked according to direction: 2 cans diced tomatoes (reg. size) 2 c. frozen beef or cheese tortellini When serving, sprinkle with some shredded cheese, if desired.

Hint: Frozen mixed vegetables can be used, adding the fresh potatoes with them. Cook as above.

Serves 3-4 or more, depending on size of serving.

The holidays would not be complete without Russian Tea Cakes. If you don’t have a recipe for them, here is one to try.

RUSSIAN TEA CAKES Mix together in large bowl: 1 c. butter, softened 1/2 c. powdered sugar 1 tsp. vanilla Stir in and combine until dough holds together: 2 c. flour 1/4 tsp. salt Stir in: 3/4 c. finely chopped nuts Roll into 1” balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheets and bake at 375° for about 12-14 minutes or until set but not browned. Remove from cookie sheet and cool slightly on wire racks. While still warm, roll in powdered sugar and then cool on the wire racks. Roll again in powdered sugar when cooled.

Makes about 48 Russian Tea Cakes.

Tip: With the E-coli scare on the news media, be sure to wash all your salad greens, even though they are the ‘ready to eat’ kind. Add a bit of vinegar while washing, rinse, drain well or spin dry. It takes a bit more time but well worth doing to avoid becoming ill. Inexpensive salad spinners are readily available now, are handy, and last a long time.

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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

FRIDAY

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Community Center: 8 am Coffee Club, 9 am Pool, 9:30 am Quilting, 1 pm Wii Games, 6:30 pm 500 Cards 7:30 pm HS Girls Basketball vs. Spooner, here

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Community Center: 8 am Coffee Club, 9 am Silver Foxes, 9 am Mah Jong, 6 pm Lee Elmer & Friends Music Night, 8 pm Alcoholics Anonymous 7:30 p.m. HS Boys Basketball at Ellsworth -HS Wrestling at Rochester Regional Sports Center for MN Christmas Tournament

TUESDAY

Community Center: 8 am Coffee Club, 9 am Silver Foxes, 12:30 pm Bridge, 7 pm Alcoholics Anonymous 7:30 pm HS Boys Basketball vs. Clear Lake, here

CHRISTMAS Community Center: 11:30 am Christmas Day Dinner

-HS Wrestling at Rochester Regional Sports Center for MN Christmas Tourn.

10-11:30 am Ultimate Christmas Party at Amery Public Library for kids 5-12 5 pm Amery Area Garden Club meets at home of Barb Erickson for Christmas Party 7:30 pm “Joy To the World” readings and sing-along at the Northern Lakes Center for the Arts

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DECEMBER 15, 2015

AMERY FREE PRESS

United Way and West CAP partner to combat rural homeless rates Homelessness continues to increase in western Wisconsin.

According to the 2014 State of Homelessness in Wisconsin (Institute for Community Alliances 2015), The West CAP service area has a rate of homelessness of 48 per 10,000 people.

This translates to approximately 1,472 people experiencing homelessness every year, 818 of whom live in Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix Counties.

Nationally, the rate of homelessness in rural areas is 14 per 10,000 people.

The main reasons for homelessness are similar for rural and urban areas: lack of affordable housing and inadequate income. However, one factor has a much larger impact in rural areas than in urban areas – access to services. With state and federal funding often directed to urban areas, rural areas lack the ability to provide comprehensive ser-

vices to quickly address the needs of people experiencing homelessness.

West CAP is fortunate to receive funding from St. Croix Valley United Way to assist in addressing these needs.

West CAP, based in Glenwood City, focuses on helping individuals and families experiencing homelessness find housing, pay for housing, and stay in housing. Case managers help people identify and overcome potential barriers to obtaining housing with a goal of getting people housed within 30 days or less. West CAP assists with security deposit and moving expenses, as well as paying a rent subsidy while individuals and families are participating in one of our programs. Case managers help people stay housed by connecting them to community resources and supports, as well as helping to resolve issues that may threaten hous-

ing stability, including issues with landlords.

West CAP’s Homeless Prevention Program has always received more requests for assistance than there has been funding to serve.

Since January 1, 2015, the West CAP office has received over 200 requests for housing assistance from St. Croix, Polk and Pierce County residents. Of those households, 156 were able to receive services to obtain or maintain safe, affordable housing.

The funding that West CAP receives from the St. Croix Valley United Way enables us to house more individuals and families that are homeless in Polk, St. Croix, and Pierce counties.

For more information on the Homeless Prevention Program or other West CAP programs, please call 1-715-2654271 or go to www.westcap.org.

United Way helps Behavioral Health Center add music therapy The United Way St. Croix Valley granted the Amery Hospital & Clinic Volunteer Partners $500 to support the Behavioral Health Center in Amery.

The grant will be used to help the center’s inpatient program through educational and therapeutic activities.

Using the funds, the Behavioral Health Center music therapy program was expanded with the addition of MP3 players, headphones and music for their inpatients. The addition of various music genres is a natural supplement to the Behavioral Health Center’s existing treatment services.

Heather Erickson, Program Director of the Behavioral Health Center, states, “The benefits of music for elderly patients and especially those with dementia are enormous.” She adds, “My hopes are to add a more frequent inclusion of music tailored to the individual with the use of headphones.”

The state of Wisconsin also supports the benefits of music therapy as it has implemented the Wisconsin Music and Memory Program. The program trains and certifies nursing home staff on using music as a therapeutic tool for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Erickson continues, “This therapeutic approach will bring our patients and visiting family members some joy, peace, and happy memories during their stay here. I truly believe this will heighten the quality of patient care we provide.”

While the inpatient program provides unique and specialized programming for individuals who struggle with dementia, it also provides services to individuals who struggle with other mental health crisis due to disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and many other mental health issues.

For the Volunteer Partner’s to continue their philanthropic efforts, support from individuals and organizations like the United Way St. Croix Valley is instrumental. Without such assistance, funding for the high school scholarship program, educational materials, and areas of patient care would cease to exist.

To learn more about the Volunteer Partners or the Behavioral Health Center, visit amerymedicalcenter.org.

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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.

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26

AMERY FREE PRESS

Care for your Houseplants this Winter DIANA ALFUTH, HORTICULTURE EDUCATOR, UW-EXTENSION

Lush, green houseplants can help brighten our spirits on cold, winter days. Besides adding beauty and being an integral part of interior decoration, houseplants help satisfy the gardening urge for people who can‘t have outdoor gardens or who can’t wait for the start of next year’s outdoor growing season. And, research shows that plants help clean indoor air and have therapeutic effects for people of all ages. Indoor gardening can be very simple, or as challenging as the most dedicated gardener desires.

Because we are located so far north, we have drastic seasonal fluctuations not only in temperatures, but in the duration and intensity of daylight. To keep houseplants healthy, consider light, temperature, water, humidity and nutrient requirements, all of which are interrelated.

Start by choosing plants that are adapted to your home environment and the amount of light you have. All plants need light to conduct photosynthesis, which creates the food (carbohydrates) needed by the plant to grow. In winter, we have fewer hours of daylight and the sun’s low angle causes winter light to be less intense. Add to that the fact that we have more cloudy days in winter, and light becomes the most limiting factor to healthy plant growth indoors. These low light levels cause most plants to go into a period of low activity, with little if any growth.

If you’ve summered your houseplants outside on your deck or patio and brought them back in for winter, be prepared for some initial leaf drop. Even if your plants are in the shade outside, the light is still brighter than it is inside most houses. Once brought indoors, some plants will shed their summer leaves and grow new leaves that are thinner and more able to survive in lower light levels.

Consider ways to maximize light levels for indoor plants over winter. South windows will have the highest intensity, so you can move houseplants to those areas, but beware that in March and April, leaves may scorch as the sun becomes more intense. Remove window screens in winter, as they block an amazing amount of light. And, wash your windows!!! Dirt on windows also blocks light. Finally, consider adding supplemental light. A simple fluorescent light positioned a foot or two above a houseplant and left on late into the evening can be extremely beneficial.

The amount of water a houseplant needs is dependent on the amount of light the plant receives, the humidity, the potting soil mix, and the room temperature. A plant growing actively in good light will need more moisture than one growing slowly in minimal light. Higher temperatures and lower humidity also increase the need for water. Don’t water on a schedule—water only when the plant needs it. Dig your finger into the surface of the soil and if its dry ½ inch deep, it’s time to water. Sometimes it will take 4 days to become dry, and other times it will take 10 days. More houseplants die from overwatering, which suffocates roots and allows root rot fungi to set in, than from under watering. Plants usually develop brown leaf tips, when soil is allowed

to get too dry. Always water thoroughly until water comes through the pot’s drain holes, but do not let the plant sit in a saucer full of water.

Temperature is another consideration that affects the happiness of your houseplants. Most plants prefer days between 65 and 75 degrees F, with nights about 10 degrees cooler. The more light a plant has, the higher temperatures it can tolerate. High temperatures and low light produce spindly, weak plants. In most cases, flowers will last longer on plants if kept in cooler conditions, with temperatures in the 60’s.

Keep plants out of cold, drafty locations such as entryways where cold air blasts the plant when doors are opened. Also avoid hot, dry areas such as near heat vents.

The indoor heating season results in our homes usually being quite dry. Low humidity increases the amount of moisture lost through houseplant leaves, which may increase the amount of watering necessary. Using room humidifiers and grouping plants together can increase humidity. Setting pots above (not in) a tray of water also increases surrounding humidity. Misting plants raises humidity for only a very short time.

Be careful not to over-fertilize your houseplants during winter in an attempt to encourage growth. Plants manufacture their own food during photosynthesis, and use fertilizer as a “vitamin” supplement. During the winter, when light levels are low and photosynthesis slows, plants won’t do much growing and therefore have no need for fertilizer. Wait until late February or March to fertilize, when increased light levels cause plants to increase growth. Always mix fertilizers at ½ the rate recommended on the label. Fertilizers can easily build up in houseplant containers and cause browned leaf tips and burned roots. This can result in stunted growth, or root rot fungi can move in and cause plant death.

Give your plants an occasional shower or sponge bath during winter. Dust builds up on houseplants and blocks the already low light from reaching the leaves, reducing photosynthesis even more. Large plants can be placed under the shower for a few minutes to wash dust and dirt off leaves. Place tinfoil over the pot to keep soil from splashing out. Smaller plants can be treated the same way in your kitchen sink, using the hand sprayer or a spray bottle.

Keep a close eye out for insect pests indoors, especially spider mites and mealy bugs, and treat accordingly. Spider mites love the warm, dry indoor air and can get out of hand quickly and do a lot of damage by sucking the juices out of the plants.

When winter’s over, you will be anxious to get back outside, and so will your houseplants! Summering them in a protected outdoor spot will invigorate them and improve their lush, full appearance.

For questions or more information about caring for your plants, contact Diana Alfuth, UW-Extension Horticulture Educator, at the Pierce County UW-Extension office, (715) 273-6781.

CENTRAL AUTO & Towing, LLC Amery • Clayton • Clear Lake 560 70th Ave., CTH J & JJ

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We service all makes and models

Within 30 miles of Amery, Clayton or Clear Lake, We Tow For Free If We Do The Work

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Oil Change • Tires • Exhaust • Suspension

DECEMBER 15, 2015

Students at for-profit schools will see loans forgiven

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state board that oversees for-profit colleges says hundreds of students who enrolled at four Wisconsin schools can get some of their loans forgiven.

The U.S. Justice Department in November reached a $95.5 million settlement with Education Management Corporation, a Pittsburgh firm that runs for-profit schools, to resolve allegations of deceptive recruiting.

The Wisconsin Education Approval Board announced Monday that 933 adult students who enrolled at four EDMC institutions — the Art Institute of Wisconsin and online programs through Argosy University, South University and the Art Institute of Pittsburgh — will have more than $916,500 in loans from the institutions forgiven under the settlement.

The students had to have dropped out within 45 days of beginning their first term between 2006 and 2014. The board asks students to call 855-725-4301.

Minnesota Maller They call her the Minnesota Maller; in all the shops she really makes a haul.

The merchants together cheer and holler, when she comes to Minneapolis or St. Paul.

She makes black Friday seem a puff of smoke; the early sales, she makes it to them all.

Her SUV should be a semi truck, no joke, by the time she leaves the shopping mall.

Outlet- another word that turns her on, boutique--a place to have a lavish ball.

The clicking of her credit card from dawn, to closing time in Wally World beats all.

Wisconsin, eyes turn green when she comes back to have scored all those bargains would enthrall.

Let's try to lure her home to spend her jack, back here in a Wisconsin shopping mall.

She would be one of the Wisconsin Mallers; in Milwaukee, Madison, even St. Croix Falls.

She could scatter all her plastic dollars, as she frequents Wisconsin shopping malls.

Carol Morfitt Welch

Lifestyle Choices for Seniors…

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• Skilled Nursing Facility with spacious rooms and a homelike setting to entertain family and friends.

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• Transitional/Short-term Rehabilitation available for recovery following surgery or illness.

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(Mechanical Repair Over $150)

715-268-6681

Call today to learn more or to schedule a tour!

DECEMBER 15, 2015

AMERY FREE PRESS

Polk County says ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ December 18 to January 3 CONTRIBUTED

70 Year Members Seventy year members Bob Ginter and Don Nelson have seventy year membership’s recognized by Post 169 of the Amery American Legion. Pictured here are Past Commander Doug Gunderson, Don Nelson, Bob Ginter, Walt Boerum and current Commander Don Fansler.

SCHOOL LUNCH MENUS AMERY Monday, Dec. 21— 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: Chicken tenders/roll, sweet potato fries, garden bar, fruit choice sor box lunch.

IS/MS lunch: Hamburger; chicken tenders/ roll; box lunch; sweet potato fries.

HS lunch: Hamburger; chicken tenders/ roll; uncrustable; box lunch; sweet potato fries.

Tuesday, Dec. 22— 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: Turkey ala king/roll, mashed potatoes, peas, garden bar, fruit

CLEAR LAKE Monday, Dec. 21— Elementary breakfast: Breakfast cereal or Mini Cinni, scrambled eggs, fruit juice, fruit, milk choice.

Elementary lunch: Pizza sticks or Italian flatbread, spaghetti sauce, vegetables with dip, strawberries, blueberries, milk choice.

High school breakfast: Entree options: Cereal, Pop Tart, cereal bar, cheese stick, pancake sausage stick, banana bread.

High school lunch: Pizza sticks or Italian flatbread, spaghetti sauce, vegetables with dip, applesauce, blueberries, slushie fruit cup, milk.

Tuesday, Dec. 22— Elementary breakfast: Breakfast cereal or oatmeal, cereal bar, fruit juice, fruit, milk choice.

Elementary lunch: Hot dog or meatballs on a bun, tator tots, steamed corn, orange wedges, milk choice.

High school breakfast: Entree options: Cereal, Pop Tart, muffi n, french toast sticks,

choices or box lunch.

IS/MS lunch: Turkey ala king/roll; meatloaf; box lunch; mashed potatoes/peas.

HS lunch: Turkey ala king/roll; meatloaf; uncrustable; box lunch; mashed potatoes/ peas.

Wednesday, Dec. 23— 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 dippers w/sauce, green beans, treat, garden bar, fruit choice sor box lunch.

IS/MS lunch: Pizza dippers w/sauce; chili cheese wrap; box lunch; green beans, treat.

HS lunch: Pizza dippers w/sauce; chili cheese wrap; uncrustable; box lunch; green beans, treat.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office has been awarded a traffic grant in excess of $60,000 to be used for impaired driving enforcement.

To save lives and prevent injuries, law enforcement officers will be on patrol in greater numbers and for longer hours to arrest impaired drivers and get them off the road.

The goal is not to arrest more drunken drivers. The goal is to deter drunken driving, in order to reach an ultimate goal of zero preventable traffic deaths.

Efforts to combat drunken driving in Wisconsin through effective enforcement and education are showing positive results, according to DOT statistics. Last year there were 162 fatalities in alcohol-related crashes. Deaths in alcohol-related crashes in 2014 were 23 fewer than 2013 and 56 fewer than the five-year average.

Although there has been progress in preventing drunken driving, too many people are still being killed or injured because of the irresponsible decision to drive while impaired.

Drunken driving is completely preventable.

Choose a designated river before you begin drinking.

If you're feeling buzzed, you likely are over the 0.08 BAC limit and should not drive Rather than risk arrest, ask a sober person to drive you home, The Zero in Wisconsin safety program has a free "Drive Sober” mobile app that can be downloaded by visiting zeroinwisconsin.gov.

Some taverns and restaurants have programs to provide patrons with a safe ride home. Visit www.tlz. org/ and click on Safe Ride.

Report impaired drivers to law enforcement by calling 911.

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 715-5402022.

Frederic 715-3278623.

Luck 715-472-8300.

Monday, Dec. 21— Sliced hot beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, cornbread, margarine, pineapple tidbits.

Tuesday, Dec. 22— Chicken breast on WW bun, mayo, corn chowder, marinated veggie salad, fresh fruit.

Sites closed on Wednesday.

Thursday, Dec. 24— Meal sites closed.

Friday, Dec. 25— Meal sites closed.

We send faxes and do laminating Amery Free Press 215 Keller Ave. S, Amery

Thursday, Dec. 24— No school.

Friday, Dec. 25— No school.

School resumes Monday, Jan. 4.

sausage links.

High school lunch: Meatballs or hot dog on a bun, tator tots, steamed corn, orange wedges, sliced pears, milk.

Wednesday, Dec. 23— Elementary breakfast: Breakfast cereal or cinnamon roll, sausage links, fruit juice, fruit, milk.

Elementary lunch: Chicken fajita wrap or yogurt, cheese stick & mufi n, carrots with dip, seasoned rice, black beans, pineapple chunks, milk.

High school breakfast: Entree options: Cereal, yogurt, Pop Tart, chocolate chip crisps, cinnamon roll, cheese omelet.

High school lunch: Chicken fajita wrap, ham & cheese wrap or chicken caesar salad, seasoned rice, black beans, carrots/dip, pineapple, strawberries, milk.

Thursday, Dec. 24— No school.

Friday, Dec. 25— No school.

School resumes Monday, Jan. 4.

27

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

28

AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 15, 2015

Amery music memories A single trumpet blasted a horse-like sound as if the horse was whinnying; Growing Up then someone clapped the slapin Amery sticks together, creating the sound of a Loren Elkin whip. It was the end of the Christmas song “Sleigh Ride” played by the Amery band under Milton Simon.

The stage? The big gym at the old Amery High School, decked out with a huge Christmas tree and other garlands and decorations.

I saw Mr. Simon as the stern and competent face of music in Amery.

My instrument was the trombone.

Tunes and melodies we played in the band made me realize that there’s

not good and bad music, nor is there boring and exciting music. There’s music.

Someone once asked me when or how I started enjoying classical music. At a loss, I couldn’t trace it.

In reflection, I realized that the band program helped me understand that just about any music was acceptable and worthwhile. Classical music was never an unpleasant music to this teen, nor were Sousa’s marches anything to poke fun at.

Teamwork was a sub-lesson, playing as a unit to create a special sound.

Back to the horse sound. The Amery High School Christmas Concert. In a 1958 December Amery

Free Press, the program for the Christmas concert appeared on the newspaper’s front page. The high school band, high school choral group, junior high choral groups and a couple others must have made for a festive but long evening. Often the arena was fi lled to capacity. This concert in 1958 was on the 19th of December, a Thursday, so I’m thinking it was a day or two away from Christmas break.

The band played “Joy to the World”, “Oh Come All Ye Faithful”, and a Christmas festival collection.

This last one was probably where “Sleigh Ride” appeared.

My early memory of a Christmas concert took place in the Amery small gym on the stage where plays took place. At the end of the evening several enthusiastic and wonderful singers came stage front, lined up across it, and loudly sang, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”. It was so appropriate and uplifting, a real send-off to all ages to enjoy that special time of the year.

Other band thoughts: The Amery Band traveled to Winnipeg for a concert and marching competition in June of 1963, and this became a high school highlight for many of us. We stayed on the 5th floor of a historic downtown hotel with its spacious rooms, a magical world. And for many of us, our first trip to a foreign country.

Marching in a number of local parades around Amery in the summer became an enjoyable and opportune time to get back with friends. Our proudest moment of all? Leading the Fall Festival Parade on a clear, sunny, brisk September day. That felt great.

Loren Elkin writes fiction and non-fiction about Amery. Since he doesn’t hear from many readers, he’s ready to pay anyone who sends an email with questions, comments, or ideas. elkfarm@wctc.net

COLLEGE ACCOLADES Graduate from Minnesota State University, Mankato MANKATO, Minn. - Minnesota State University, Mankato presented 1,740 degrees during summer/fall commencement exercises on Saturday, Dec. 12 in Taylor Center on the Minnesota State Mankato campus.

Among the graduates were: Jonathan Novak of Amery, who received a BS in Aviation; Samantha Rapp of Osceola, who received a BS, Biol: Biomedical Sciences and Scott Anderson of Star Prairie, who received a BS in Speech Communicatio.

Graduate-level doctoral degrees to be presented include three doctor of education (Ed.D.) degrees and one doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) degree.

Graduate-level master's degrees to be presented include 69 master of arts degrees, 19 master of arts in teaching degrees, seven master of fine arts degrees, four master of business administration degrees, one master of music degree, 12 master of nursing degrees, four master of public administration degrees, 226 master of science degrees, 28 master of social work degrees and

27 specialist degrees.

Awarded at the undergraduate level will be 75 bachelor of arts degrees, two bachelor of athletic training degrees, 31 bachelor of fine arts degrees, one bachelor of music degree, 1,141 bachelor of science degrees, one bachelor of science in computer engineering degree, four bachelor of science in mechanical engineering degrees, eight bachelor of science in electrical engineering degrees, 13 bachelor of science in engineering degrees, 29 bachelor of science in social work degrees and 34 associate of arts degrees.

Undergraduate students receiving recognition will include 72 students graduating summa cum laude (3.8 grade point average and above), 191 students graduating magna cum laude (3.5 to 3.79 grade point average) and 197 students graduating cum laude (3.3 to 3.49 grade point average).

Minnesota State Mankato, a comprehensive university with 15,193 students, is part of the Minnesota State Colleges & Universities system, which comprises 31 state institutions.

PETS AT ARNELL MEMORIAL HUMANE SOCIETY Bozz is a Beagle Creampuff. What a honey!

He has the Tri-Color Beagle outside, generous fit, and warm, sensitive insides. Bozz came to find a new home at our shelter when his long term family added an infant with allergies. A sad day for them. This

gentle, sweet Beagle is seven years old. His gentle demeanor is offered to all he meets, children, dogs and cats. Bozz is a purebred Beagle, larger than most. At first sight you might think he is part Basset. Bozz likes to eat, sleep and take walks. He mostly likes to hang out with his family and isn’t one to let his nose take him astray.

Bozz is just the right dog; sweet disposition, holds a Companionship Degree and promises to enrich your life with a smile on his cute face at the end of the day.

Two other purebred dogs, waiting for their new homes are: Winston, a Silver Lab and Digby, a Boxer. Winston is a youngster, nine months old. He loves to play with other dogs and is large for his age.

Winston is a handful.

He tries to behave with manners but his inner puppy comes out and he just can’t help himself.

He wants to play and go for walks, chew on squeaky toys and be in the moment.

Digby is one and a half years old. He has the classic Boxer markings, Red Fawn, white paws and forehead snip. Digby

is very smart and bouncy. He is looking for a home that will keep him engaged. He does not do well with cats and is too much for small children.

Digby is a manly dog with adolescent tendencies. He too is a handful of handsome dog.

Amos, Australian Shepherd Mix, Frank, Puggle and Willie, Lab/ Terrier Mix, are also looking for new homes.

Each would love to be in their new home before the holiday, offering mistletoe kisses to all they meet.

Over the past week, adult cats Mercedes, Wendell, Ignatz and Norm found homes.

Norm found his place in an Assisted Living residence. He will be cuddling with all of the residents in equal measure.

Kittens Spice, Dolly, Paris, Mabel, Uno and Felice were adopted.

Kittens are not usually available at Christmas time, but we have seven left. They are all approximately nine weeks old.

Five are White and Grey, one Tuxedo and one Orange Tabby. They all have motors that purr when you hold them and batteries that won’t require changing.

Adult cats available are: Large and Handsome Joshua, Black, Lila, Long Hair Diluted Calico, Janice and Mincey, Short Hair Tortoiseshells. Margaret is a Declawed Short Hair Diluted Calico. She was found shivering under a vehicle at the Amery Post Office, on deaths door. She was dehydrated, starving thin, injured and hosting internal and external parasites. Her poor condition at intake led us to believe she was an elderly cat in the last stages of life. But that is not the case.

Margaret is approximately one year old.

She has gigantic, round green eyes and a loving personality. She likes all cats and adores humans. She is so thankful to the postal workers who took her in, gave her a meal and helped her find her way to Arnell; she is showering all who visit her, an appreciative purr.

Margaret has recuperated from her time on the street and will continue to heal from her hind leg bite wound. She is very sweet and deserves the very best home. View all of our adoptable pets online: ARNELLHUMANE.ORG. Our shelter is a private, 501c3 Non-Profit organization.

We rely on community support to help the animals in our care. Please consider a tax deductible donation this Holiday Season to support the your local humane society, taking in homeless pets and helping them to find a new start.

When you support Arnell Memorial Humane Society directly, your donation stays in your community, helping animals in your community. Donations can be made by check and sent to: AMHS, 185 Griffin St East, Amery, WI 54001 or through Paypal on our website: ARNELLHUMANE.ORG. Last but not least, a big Shout Out Thank You to Market Place Foods in St. Croix Falls! Our supply of Kitty Litter was dangerously low – down to our very last bag. Market Place Foods donated 400 pounds of Tidy Cat clay litter to see us through. Community support is so important to our cause.

Arnell Memorial Humane Society, 715 268-7387 (PETS) Amery, WI

Love Your Hearing Love Your Audiologists Carrie Bell, Au.D., and Michele Drevnick, M.S.

Better hearing is our passion.

Whats Yours? We’d love to help you hear it.

Book an appointment and receive: • Free NEW Technology Demonstration • Free Batteries for 3 Years with Select Technology

715.268.8000 Amery Regional Medical Center

hudsonhearing.com

Hudson • Baldwin • New Richmond • Amery

Celebrating 25 YEARS of service.

DECEMBER 15, 2015

AMERY FREE PRESS

Brothers’ babies arrive hours apart at same hospital

AMERY AREA COMMUNITY CENTER Christmas is upon us, and we are proud to be able to continue our tradition of a wonderful Christmas Day Dinner on December 25th. This year it is hosted by Bob, Lisa and Ashley Turek-Shay and I know they have a wonderful meal planned of ham, turkey, cranberries, mashed potatoes and gravy, homemade desserts and more!

And for the first 100 people, we have Christmas presents for each of you! Social time is at 11:30, with dinner being at 12 noon. We ask that you call 715.268.6605 to make a reservation, but we welcome the pop-in! Maybe you don’t have family or anyone to share the holiday with. Maybe you just don’t feel like cooking – whatever your reason, we encourage you to join us! If you can leave a freewill donation, we appreciate it, but we want everyone to feel they can come. This year our sponsors include Amery Community Center, Amery Snowmobile Club, Dick’s Fresh Market, Duck’s Sports Bar, East Immanual Lutheran Church, Erspamer Law Office, Indigo Iris, Northland Surveying, Riverbend, Royal Credit Union, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Tac Two & the TurekShay Family. We are so grateful for everyone that has helped with this event!

IT PAYS to be a member of the Amery Area Community Center!! Get ready for some fun events and free prizes this coming year – some of our events and activities will feature door prizes and drawings, ranging

anywhere from Gift Certificates to local merchants to large items, such as TV’s, appliances and other great prizes! If you bring a guest to our events, you get an extra chance and if they join, even more chances! Keep checking our Facebook page and the column in the Amery Free Press for more details in 2016! Membership is open to everyone 21 and older, cost is $20/year.

Many of our members are snowbirds and like to pay for their membership dues before they leave for the winter. So we thought we would do something fun to encourage everyone to pay their dues early. Anyone who pays their dues before December 31st will be entered into a drawing for a free 24” flat screen “Smart” TV with built-in Wi-Fi and 1080p full HD. Members who participate in the Patron program will also receive an additional entry. New members will also be entered in the drawing.

Board and staff members are excluded from this promotion.

Smaller runner-up prizes will also be given out. Good luck!

Join us in inviting Dr. Abby from Painted Sky Veterinary Clinic here to speak with us on the best ways to take care of our fur-baby’s in winter! This will be held January 14 at 9am. She will speak on the topic and there will be a question and answer forum after. Coffee and cookies will be available – we encourage you to bring a friend!

Winter is coming when there isn’t always much to do, so why

not stop down and see if there is an activity that sounds fun for you? And we are always looking for more! Please let us know if you have any suggestions on what you would like to see here.

And we are always looking for someone to head up a trip or two – is there someplace a group of you would like to go? Come talk to us! We will do our best to make your suggestions a reality!

Are you looking for a place to hold a reception, party or other gathering? We have the place for you! We have large rooms, small rooms and a certified kitchen with competitive prices. We are a gathering place for support groups as well, so if you need a place to hold things, please come and talk to us.

Gary Snelling was first in pool this week, with Val Hansen bringing up second, Jim Webb third and Paul Seidel fourth.

Dave Olson came in first in bowling, with Paul Seidel second, Sandy White third and Carl Johnson fourth. Sydney Lund was first in Wednesday bridge with Asa Steen second and Steve Wilhelm third. Carl Johnson was first at Thursday pool, with Gary Snelling in second, Wendell Anderson in third, Paul Seidel fourth and Mary Fisher and Gene Pribnow tying for fi fth. Don’t forget all members are encouraged to come and join in the fun! Thank you all for playing!

Have a great week!

Kari Fladwood - Director

29

KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) — When two Wisconsin brothers found out their babies were due a week apart, the newborns’ arrivals turned into a bit of a family competition that ended in a relative tie.

Both babies were born at the same hospital in Kenosha on the same day, delivered by the same doctor.

Chris and Courtney Hicks arrived for a scheduled cesarean section Friday at Aurora Medical Center and found out Chris’ younger brother Matt and his fiancee, Allie Osheim, were already at the hospital, awaiting their newborn’s arrival.

Chris and Courtney’s daughter, Kadence, arrived first and was followed just hours later by Matt and Allie’s baby, James.

Family members tell WISN-TV that visiting the new cousins is easy because they can just walk from one hospital room to the one next door.

Just in time for the Holidays Hair Company & Spa welcomes Stylist Sarah John 715-246-4701 1461 Cernohous Ave. New Richmond, WI 54017 www.hcandspa.com Find us on Facebook

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 15, 2015

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.

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 1:303:30 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-them-out” 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 3:456 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.

BLACK FRIDAY SALE!!!

Suburban . Commercial . Agricultural Horse Barns & Arenas

Quality Buildings Since 1958 For More Information Call

HURRY! SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED!

Ed Beese 715. 768. 5299 Toll Free 800. 225. 2591 waltersbuildings.com

10% OFF THRU DEC. 24

One discount per item

IN-STOCK TVS & APPLIANCES!

SERVICE • INSTALLATION • EXPERIENCE

PPpple River TV & APPLIANCE 211 Keller Avenue S. Amery, WI 54001

715-268-7882

639108 6d

Mon. - Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Email: appletv@amerytel.net

www.applerivertvandappliance.com

CONTRIBUTED

Lions Toy Donation Dave, Zachary and Michele Osero of the Amery Lions Club present a donation of toys to the Salvation Army for children in the Amery School District. Receiving the gift on behalf of the Salvation Army is Angela Moulton (right) The Salvation Army is very grateful to the Lions Club in Amery for their efforts and thoughtfulness this Christmas.

More than an Advisor It’s a good feeling when things just work and the complicated is made easy. We believe it shouldn’t take a miracle to find that sense of satisfaction in your financial life.

That’s why we have strategies and answers that go far beyond banking, right in your local bank branch from our financial advisors supported by Wall Street powerhouse Raymond James Financial Services.

Whether helping you save for your children’s college education, plan for retirement, protect or transition your business, the advisors at Bremer Investment Services can help you define and reach your financial goals.

Start the conversation today.

Pat Gherity Financial Advisor 715-268-3297

Sherri Munkelwitz Registered Sales Assistant 715-268-3312

Amery • 715-268-7161 Colfax • 715-962-3141 Danbury • 715-656-7890 Elk Mound • 715-879-5541 Frederic • 715-327-4256 Downtown Menomonie • 715-235-2144 North Menomonie • 715-235-3422 New Richmond • 715-246-5711 Siren • 715-349-2191 Bremer.com

Consistently recognized as one of the Nation’s Best Managers* Securities are offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Securities are not insured by bank insurance, are not deposits, obligations or guaranteed by the bank and are not insured by the FDIC or any other government agency and are subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Bremer Investment Services and Bremer Bank are independent of Raymond James. Bremer Investment Services, 8800 Hwy. 7, St. Louis Park, MN 55426, 800-908-2265.*Recognition given by Bank Investment Consultant Magazine in 2012, 2014 and 2015 to Steve Kruchten, branch manager of Raymond James Financial Services Inc. and president of Bremer Investment Services, and is based on percentage growth in team AUM, percentage growth in team production, production per advisor, number of advisors and number of LBEs. © 2015 Bremer Financial Corporation. All rights reserved.

DECEMBER 15, 2015

AMERY FREE PRESS

CONTRIBUTED

Beaver Brook Badgers 4-H Christmas Party Members of the Beaver Brook Badgers 4-H Club collected Toys for Tots at their Christmas party and potluck held Dec. 13 at the Amery Area Community Center. The club’s next meeting will be Sunday, Jan. 10, at the Lincoln Town Hall.

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.

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

Thank You for shopping and supporting Amery Community Club businesses!

Congratulations to the final week’s winners of the Amery Christmas Punch promotion.

Each will receive $50 Amery Scrip Money

Anna Buhr, Clear Lake Julie Tew, Amery Gwen Wold, Amery Melissa Lee Joanne Gorres, Amery Brenda Hopkins Rose Gilbertson, Amery Sheryl Flatten, Amery Scott Gehl, Amery Julie Beach

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

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.

Amery | Clear Lake | Luck | Turtle Lake

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ENTERTAINMENT

Dine with us New Year’s Eve!

DECEMBER 15, 2015

Amery VFW 730 N. Wisconsin Ave.,

The Northern Lakes Center for the Arts presents

“Joy to the World!”

Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015

Our annual concert of favorite readings and audience sing-along carols accompanied by the Northern Lakes Chamber Orchestra.

8 entrees to choose from Serving at 4 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 19 - 7:30 p.m.

The Northern Lakes Center for the Arts 113 Elm St. - Amery, WI - (715) 268-6811

on Beautiful Pike Lake

DINNER & DANCE with JIM ARMSTRONG

BINGO Every Thursday 6:30 p.m.

Admission: Adults, $5.00 - Children, $1.00

E R I E

M I L T

H I H A T

E L I D E

K O O L

E S T R E E T

John Legut Memorial Cup

Hosted by Child Evangelism Fellowship 715-263-4344

C O N O W E N E W N E S T A H P E R S A A A M D C C A S E S Y A B L E O U T D O C H U T I E I S E R

23rd Annual

C O R N R O W

FREE for kids 5-12

C O P S A B E T N I G H O T E B L N S L E S T U N H I N S I N T L N G S C U R O A I S M U R V E E P T

Amery Public Library

T A I L O R E D

715-268-8774

December 19th 10-11:30 a.m.

S T E R T E S T S E E E S N S P T O A I M I N A

One mile north of Amery on Hwy. 46, 1/2 mile west on Cty. Rd. H

The Ultimate Christmas Party

R O D M C K U E N

On Pike Lake, Amery, Wis.

Amery

Progressive Jackpot Your share is over $1,353

No Bingo Dec. 24 or 31

S O D A

Call us about your parties before or after Christmas Friday - Fish Fry & Prime Rib Saturday - “Featuring” Prime Rib Sunday Breakfast - 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

E L O N

Dinner Reservations Recommended

Bar Open 4 p.m.-? Thursdays & Fridays HAPPY HOUR 4-6 p.m.

Only $1.50 beer during Happy Hour (Reg. $2.25)

AUCTION Friday at 6:30 p.m.

Every Third Friday each month

Billie Jo Larson, Auctioneer

C O W L S

32 AMERY FREE PRESS

OPEN SUNDAYS FOR FOOTBALL GAME

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.

Admission $3 adults, $2 students, 6 & under free

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

Downtown Clayton

107 Prentice St. North

715-948-7777 HOURS: Sun.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-Midnight Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m.-2:30 a.m.

Daily Food Specials (Dec. 14-18th)

Monday 14th - Chicken Fajitas Tuesday 15th - BBQ Pork Sandwich Wednesday 16th - Sausage Gravy over Biscuits Thursday 17th - Philly Steak Sandwich Friday 18th - 7 Brothers Fish Sandwich 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. )

ENTERTAINMENT Dec. 19: Dr. Groove DJ & Karaoke (9 p.m.-1 a.m.)

Dec. 26: Northland Entertainment (9 p.m.-1 a.m.)

Dec. 31: Jukebox Live (9 p.m.-1 a.m.)

"The Eyes Have It" Across 1 Treasury 6 Small woods 11 Swindle 14 Gulf ship 15 Looks out for, maybe 16 Be in the red 17 Damsel's rescuer 19 Unfamiliar 20 Young fellow 21 Dirty coat 22 Writer Hemingway 24 Ten-gallon hat 26 "That tastes awful!"

27 Slippery sort 28 Convertible sofas 31 French mothers 34 Dwarf 35 Auto club letters 36 Unbending 37 Dilutes 38 1700 in letters 39 Maximum 40 Peter, Paul or Mary 41 Court events 42 Mouth-watering 44 "The Thin Man" costar Myrna 45 Barbecue fuel 46 Not terminal 50 Igloo dweller 52 Stable color 53 In the open 54 Holtz of ESPN 55 "The Good Apprentice" novelist 58 Shelley work 59 Moxie 60 Navel variety 61 One of the Bobbsey twins 62 Proficient 63 More like Solomon

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Down 1 Monastery garb 2 Drum kit component 3 Drop 4 Hardened 5 Locks 6 Religious law 7 Passing mention?

8 Dowel 9 Washington erupter of 1980 10 Band that backs Springsteen 11 Classic "S.N.L." characters 12 Has a mortgage 13 Former Speaker Gingrich

56

18 ___ & The Gang (R. &B. group) 23 Kindergarten break 25 One nearing adulthood 26 Not mincing words 28 Police operation 29 Contest of speed 30 Anatomical pouches 31 Jazz vibraphonist Jackson 32 New York canal 33 "Love's Been Good to Me" composer 34 Lower leg parts 37 Like a well-fitting suit 38 Poet Angelou 40 Marathoner's need

57

41 Tight-aginst-the-scalp braid 43 Hawaiian dish 44 Hilo feast 46 Member of Santa's team 47 Sends packing 48 Desi's daughter 49 The wild blue yonder 50 North Carolina school 51 Fountain order 52 Common request 56 Outrage 57 SADD focus

ENTERTAINMENT

DECEMBER 15, 2015

AREA BOWLING Spare Time Bowl Bar & Grill, Turtle Lake MONDAY NIGHT LADIES Division 1 Clear Lake Auto ...................................72 Austad’s Super Valu............................51 No Wicks Moravit ................................37 Bye ...........................................................22 Division 2 Spare Time Bowl................................89 Becker’s Truckin...................................77 Bowlin Buddies...................................68 Countyline Dairy..................................52 High game: Shannon Bents 209, Judy Ullom 191, Marlys Lauritsen 189, Connie Graber 186, Deanne Moravitz 177, Debbie Anderson 177, Lori Larson 173, Gwen Johannsen 169, Polly Henke 169, Amy Anderson 169.

High series: Connie Graber 543, Judy Ullom 541, Lori Larson 509, Marlys Lauritsen 497, Shannon Bents 488, Karen DeGolier 478, Deanne Moravitz 475, Debbie Anderson 463, Michelle Holister 460, Polly Henke 457.

TUESDAY NIGHT LADIES Division 1 Sexy Mama’s ..........................................8 Charlie’s Place ........................................4 Nordquist Trucking...............................2 True Value................................................0 Division 2 Spare Time..............................................8 Red Cedar Accounting .........................6 The Dead End’s ......................................4 Range Fire Dept. ....................................0 High game: Sherri Munkelwitz 233, Lonnie Stowell 224, Lori Larson 200, Renee Glowe 191, Cheryl Harshman 179, Sandy Fredrickson 172, Deb Anderson 171, Norma Beach 170, Talea Schneider 170, Debbie Becker 167.

High series: Renee Glowe 563, Sherri Munkelwitz 554, Lonnie Stowell 544, Lori Larson 510, Cheryl Harshman 479, Sylvia Stetler 465, Mitzi Glasscock 457, Barb Weiss 454, Jamie Donath 449, Duffy Prusak 448.

SPARE TIME MEN’S Division 1 Spare Time.....................................294.5 Elfers Resident...............................270.5 7 Brothers .......................................262.0 Lefty’s Hookers...............................221.5 Division 2 Austad’s Super Valu..................... 291.5 Hoff’s Construct ............................267.0 Busy B’s ............................................247.0 Anderson Storage ........................227.0 Division 3

Hotel Bar & Grill ............................258.0 Floors & More .................................237.0 Seeger Synthetic..........................236.0 Danca’s Kar Korral .......................236.0 Division 4 Grosskruetz Crop...........................243.5 Sanmina ......................................... 230.5 Perfect Image .................................213.5 Scheps Dairy ...................................184.5 High game: Thales Kirk 269, Mark Ullom 268, Oliver Baillargeon 257, Hjalmer Gerloff 257, Jeff Becker 256, Brandon Kahl 256, Larry Anderson 247, Dean Munkelwitz 246, John Anderson 246, Ed Hougdahl 245, Tom Roessler 241, Richie Timm Jr. 239, Scott Danca 237, Anthony Mizer 236, Dewey Fansler 235, Gary Warner 235, Richard Timm 230, Jeff Gackle 228, Kurt Molls 225, Craig Niemann 224, Rob Erickson 223, Bag Grosskreutz 222, Mike Ellwood 222, Sprout Molls 216, Ryan Monson 216.

High series: Oliver Baillargeon 720, Jeff Becker 705, Tom Roessler 700, Scott Danca 678, Hjalmer Gerlof 659, Brandon Kahl 658, Richie Timm Jr. 640, Dean Munkelwitz 635, Gary Warner 632, Anthony Mizer 631, Rob Erickson 628, Larry Anderson 626, Kurt Molls 625, Mark Ullom 625, Larry Heinz 621, Mike Ellwood 620, Mitch Dietrich 619, Craig Niemann 618, Ryan Johnson 613, John Anderson 611, Alex Dix 599, Ed Hougdahl 599, Thales Kirk 595, Dewey Fansler 594, Tony Cifaldi 589.

SENIOR’S Kool Kats ...........................................43.0 Handy Kats ........................................41.0 Leinie Kats.........................................34.5 Old Cats...............................................31.5 Alley Kats...........................................28.5 Top Kats .............................................28.0 Tom Kats............................................ 27.0 Bad Kats.............................................26.5 High game, men: Hjalmer Gerloff 216, Harvey Becker 212, Jim Glowe 211, Bill Pickard 205, Jim Buckman 202, Buzz Pich 198, Jerry Schmidt 188, Bud Merriman 170, Davie Yeske 169, Howard Davis 163.

High game, women: Renee Glowe 210, Sandy Berglund 167, Patty Talbot 157, Judy Benes 147.

High series, men: Harvey Becker 597, Hjalmer Gerloff 591, Jim Glowe 586, Bill Pickard 544, Jim Buckman 538, Buzz Pich 511, Jerry Schmidt 480, Davie Yeske 479, Bud Merriman 449, Ralph Kolstad 440.

High series, women: Renee Glowe 532, Patty Talbot 452, Judy Benes 381, Sandy Berglund 377, Carol Hannula 367.

Amery Free Press Subscriptions make wonderful gifts any time of the year!

Call us 715-268-8101

Club 53 Bar & Lanes, Amery MONDAY NIGHT MEN Division 1 Amery True Value .........................150.0 Tac Two ............................................140.5 Division 2 Shoreview ....................................... 135.0 Harper Realty Group .................... 134.5 High games: Gary Nottom 241209, Carl Wulf 215-211-206, Jim Swanson 214, Curt Wears 213, Jack Fleming 210, Hjalmer Gerlof 200.

High series: Carl Wulf 632, Gary Nottom 597.

TUESDAY NIGHT MEN Division 1 Club 53 .............................................. 149.5 Waterside ........................................ 129.5 Division 2 Northwest Communications .... 142.0 Chet Johnson Drug .......................139.0 High games: Josh Gould 254236-210, Will Schaffer 239, Bryan Melberg 223-202, Randy Olson 213210, Bill Peterson 201.

High series: Josh Gould 700, Will Schaffer 621, Bryan Melberg 604, Randy Olson 570, Bill Peterson 553.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT MEN Division 1 Preferred Lawn.............................. 136.5 Lamperts ........................................... 117.5 Division 2 Club 53 .............................................. 165.5 Amery Fire Dept. ........................... 136.5

High games: Jim Swanson 248206, Steve Waterman 234, Jerod Wollan 229, Denis Carteron 226-202, Cody Fansler 217, Dave Fox 215-202, Chris Sobottka 209.

High series: Jim Swanson 637, Steve Waterman 607, Denis Carteron 576, Chris Sobottka 575, Jerod Wollan 560, Dave Fox 560.

THURSDAY-FRIDAY NIGHT WOMEN Division 1 Bremer ...............................................157.0 Northwest Communications ....148.5 Amery Fire Dept. ........................... 139.5 Division 2 Club 53 ...............................................172.5 Chet’s ................................................144.0 Amery Hospital & Clinic .............. 138.5 High games: Janet Martinson 179-175-162, Kaydi Sobottka 177, Shelby Cockrell 177, Lori Kopack 174, Arica Boudreau 171-152, Sherry Martin 168-154, Leslie Hessler 168, April Boe 165, Lacey Kammerud 165, Kelsey Monteith 164, Anne Wollan 161.

High series: Janet Martinson 516, Sherry Martin 448, Kaydi Sobottka 447, Shelby Cockrell 446, Lori Kopacz 440, Leslie Hessler 436, Arica Boudreau 433.

YOUTH LEAGUE Games over 125: Ryan Karpenske 126-127-129, Jacob Mahoney 125.

Series over 350: Ryan Karpenske 382.

Polk County Platbooks are available at the Amery Free Press

AMERY FREE PRESS

33

Also check the Community Calendar and Out & About pages for area happenings 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 For more information please call 715-269-5139

December issues of the Amery Free Press are as follows ...

Monday, Dec. 21COUNTY • Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas and KANABEC Christmas Greetings

TIMES

Deadlines are The Tab and Amery Free Press, news and advertising, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 33, 2222 Thursday, Dec. 17, 4 p.m.

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

Monday, Dec. 28 • After Christmas Sales, New Year’s Greetings and Activities

PIONEER

PINE CITY 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

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CLASSIFIEDS AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 15, 2015

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

FOR RENT

2 bedroom apt. in downtown Clear Lake

Heat and water included Off street parking AVAILABLE FEB. 1

715-263-2600

FOR RENT

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

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.

Violin Lessons

ALL AGES Beginning to Advanced Teacher in Amery since 1988 Graduate of American Conservatory of Music, Chicago.

Member of American String Teachers Association

Janette Cysewski 715-268-6610

Are you looking for a new and exciting profession?

FOR RENT

3 BR home with basement and garage in Cylon NEW RICHMOND SCHOOL DISTRICT

$850/month 715-643-2018

Underground Utility Locator Position Opening Company vehicle and equipment provided Experienced Preferred Will train right candidate Must have clean driving record

Have you ever considered becoming a Class A CDL Driver?

**Look no more! Veriha Driving Academy can help you do just that!**

We will not only train you, but will also put you in the driver’s seat with Veriha Trucking where you can earn more than $45,000 within your rst 12 months!

Some of what you can expect: • We will give you all the tools and knowledge to obtain your Class A CDL • 14 Day Accredited Course(Classroom and In Truck) • Tuition Assistance • Paid Meals • Room & Board Options • NO Experience Necessary ... We Will Train You! **So get ready to put your career in gear with Veriha Trucking!** For more information about our CDL Training Academy call us at 800-333-9291 1st Class starting January 8, 2016- sign up today!!

Send resumes to bandm@chibardun.net 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

715-948-2140

Need a High Efficient Furnace or Central Air Conditioning?

FOR SALE

FOR RENT

Farmall 400 GAS with IH loader and snow plow

Nice 3 BR, 2 bath home in country between Deer Park and Amery $850/month AVAILABLE NOW

Call

Fall Electric

Will sell with or without loader

Excellent condition

Clear Lake

715-419-3335

715-643-2018

715-263-2121

J&S Heating & Cooling

Quality Service and Installation on Forced Air & AC units Gas piping FREE ESTIMATES

Jeff Young, Amery 715-529-1419 cell 715-948-2229 fax

This size ad in the Amery Free Press and The Tab is $20 per week

Be part of building the world’s best dairy processing cooperative

Maintenance Technician Foremost Farms USA® Clayton, Wisconsin

We are seeking a Maintenance Technician at our award winning cheese facility in Clayton, WI. This plant produces quality provolone cheese and value-­‐added whey products for customers around the world. Our Clayton plant produces 48 million pounds of cheese each year.

Must be able to work variable shifts. Holiday and weekend work is required on a rotating basis.

Must be able to pass a maintenance exam.

Benefits include a competitive wage, shift premiums, holiday/OT pay, outstanding insurance benefits: health/vision/dental/life/disability, paid vacation and sick time, pension plan, 401(k), and tuition assistance.

Foremost Farms will supply uniforms, footwear and tools.

For full job details and to apply go to: www.foremostfarms.com

We’re looking for employees who challenge the status quo, innovate and aim for excellence. Because we’re working to be the world’s best – to Be Foremost – we’ll bring out the best in you. We’re already one of the nation’s top 10 dairy cooperatives, making Wisconsin cheese and dairy ingredients for customers in 40 countries. But we’re not satisfied. Are you?

Foremost Farms USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer; M/F/Vets/Disabled

Successful passage of drug test and criminal record check required.

DECEMBER 15, 2015

For information call 715-268-8411 Send resume to PO Box 489, Somerset, WI 54025

Truck Driver US Mail

Lost

Eagen, MN to Star Prairie, WI Split Shift 2+ days a week 4.67 hrs/day $25.89/hr.

Over 21 DOT card

Clean driving record and background. Ideal candidate would live in Star Prairie area

Hobby Farms Plus 763-753-1335

• Appliances • Cabinets

• Furniture • Household Items

• Building Materials • Lighting & Electrical

Donation Pickup Available

Old English Bulldog “Trista” 6 months old

Black & Tan Brindle

by Kennedy Mill NW of Amery on Dec. 9 Call 612-669-0126

Deadline for the classifieds page for Dec. 21 issue is Thursday at 4 p.m.

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

We reserve the right to refuse any donation.

St. Croix Falls - Top of the Hill • 715-483-2700

Spec 2

NOW HIRING Administrative Assistant for H&R Block Amery Office

AMERY FREE PRESS

Retail Hours: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. & Sat. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Donation Drop-off: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. & Sat. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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This size ad in the Amery Free Press and The Tab is $20 per week

POLK COUNTY POSITION ANNOUNCEMENTS Health Division Director/Health Officer Community Services

$70,140 annually (or DOQ)

Children and Family Service Director Community Services

$70,140 annually (or DOQ)

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

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. a 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

Zoning Specialist Land Information

DOQ

Full-time – Non-Exempt (Hourly) Position Performs intermediate professional work administering land use ordinances and sanitary sewer codes in Polk County including (but not limited to): issuing and inspecting zoning and erosion control land use permits, monitoring compliance, investigating violations; also assists with enforcing sanitary system ordinances. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Zoning Administrator. Minimum requirements Bachelor’s degree in land use or related field or Associated Degree in related studies and two years zoning and planning experience, or combination of experience and education, see our website for complete details regarding the minimum requirements.

Deadline to apply: January 5, 2016 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

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AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 15, 2015

30 30 2020 2520 20 15 15 10 1010 02014 2015 2016

• 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

Stay for the challenge.

• Low-Premium, Comprehensive Health Coverage • Health Savings Account • Dental Insurance • 401K • Company-Paid Life & Short Term Disability • $100 Per Month Perfect Attendance Incentive • Monthly Profit Sharing: Up to 52% Gross Monthly Earnings

Seeking FT and PT Electronic Assemblers FT Utility Worker/Ship/Rec/Inventory

Schedule a Jobs Test Today!

Call: Cheri R. (715) 268-6495 EXT. 216 For a full job descriptions please visit our website at: www.gdsiswitches.com

• $300 Referal Incentive for Referring New Hires •Internal Promotion & Advancement Opportunities •10 Paid Holidays Per Year

Look us up on Facebook GDSI Switches Northwest Corner of Thompson Center 709 Keller Ave. So. Amery, WI 54001 Please: Fax# 715-268-7263-Attn: Cheri R. E-mail to: richardsc@gdsiswitches.com

Apply in person at: 250 Griffin Street East, Amery, WI or online at www.cardinalcorp.com

Golden Age Manor in Amery, WI would like you on our team!

Dietary Aide / Fill in Cook Wage: $ 10.40- $11.00

60-75 hours every two weeks

BENEFIT ELIGIBLE including Paid Time Off, Retirement, Health Insurance, etc.

Hours: 10:30am-6:30pm every other weekend & Noon-8:00pm during the week. Trained for all shifts 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

Beautiful Holiday Stationery for your Christmas letters

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

KANABEC COUNTY

1) Model # 303 Little Rock $38,525…BALANCE OWED $15,900 2)Model # 403 Augusta $42,450…BALANCE OWED $16,500 3)Model # 502 Santa Fe $44,950…BALANCE OWED $17,500

NEW - HOMES HAVE NOT BEEN MANUFACTURED

• Make any design changes you desire!

• Comes with Complete Building Blueprints & Construction Manual • Windows, Doors, and Roofing not included • NO TIME LIMIT FOR DELIVERY! BBB A+ Rating

Deadline for the Classifieds page for Dec. 21 issue is Thursday at 4 p.m.

TIMES

PIONEER

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PINE CITY

Come on in and take a look!

FREE PRESS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 33, 2

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AMERY

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

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 33, 2

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