AFP 01-03-2017

FREE PRESS AMERY

1892 - 2017

125 YEARS STRONG

TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2017

VOL. 121 NO. 27 www.theameryfrepress.com $1.00

SPORTS: Clear Lake wrestles at River Falls PAGE 13

Amery’s top 8 stories of 2016 BY JESSICA DE LA CRUZ EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

CONTRIBUTED

The Amery High School Band, led by Director Chris Boyd, poses for a photo aboard the U.S.S. Intrepid, home to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City. The band’s performance aboard the aircraft carrier was a highlight of the trip.

and fundraising, along with a small army of volunteers and an enormous amount of community support made the trip possible. Imagine packing more than 100 teenagers for vacation, and then asking them to remember their marching shoes, and instrument, and all the neces-

Amery man dies in Friday morning police pursuit An Amery man is dead, and two more were injured following an overnight police chase that ended at the intersection of 150th St. and Highway 46 near Luck. The driver was identified by the Polk County Sheriff’s Department as Cody Handrahan, 22 of rural Amery.

sities they’ll need for a week. The monstrosity of the task was daunting. But with a lot of organization and a little luck, three coach busses left the High School lot on Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. Worried parents prepared their children for a 25-hour SEE NEW YORK PAGE 16

SEE 2016 ON PAGE TWO

Walker appoints Tolan as interim Judge BY JESSICA DE LA CRUZ EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

According to a release from the Sheriff’s Department a Polk County Deputy was on patrol in the Village of Luck at approximately 2:40 a.m. on December 30, traveling on East Butternut Ave. when he observed a red Chevy Silverado leave the roadway near the SEE ACCIDENT PAGE 8

WD The Law Firm of Williams and Davis

Former Amery Fire Chief gets 30 years

The community was left stunned in early February as news broke of a thirty-year prison sentence for the then 49-year-old former Amery Fire Chief and father of three, Darryl Christensen. Christensen’s legal woes dominated headlines throughout 2015, and by November of that year he would plead guilty to sexually assaulting five female inmates while employed as a jailor for Polk County. Christensen addressed the court, “To the Sheriff’s Department, to the citizens of Polk County and Amery, I apologize for violating your trust that you expected of me in my decisions,” he said. “To my family and friends, I could never say I’m sorry enough for the pain, embarrassment and disappointment that I’ve caused all of you. I regret that I did not seek and accept proper treatment that could have

Amery High School band takes Manhattan by storm

By Jessica de la Cruz editor@ theameryfreepress. com The Amery High School band returned early Monday morning from their once-in-a-lifetime trip to New York City, after six days of driving, sightseeing and behind-the-scenes tours. More than a year of planning

It was a big year at The Amery Free Press. I say that, mostly, because it was my first full year. I don’t have much to compare it to. But surely I’ve seen it all by now, right? It was a busy year, to be sure. Reflecting on the stories we’ve told, and how those stories have helped shape our communities is a rewarding part of the job. But the credit goes to you. For good, or bad, these moments are yours. Here are the top eight stories of 2016.

The Governor’s office confirms that Daniel Tolan will be appointed interim judge for Branch 1 of Polk County’s Circuit Court. The appointment comes following the retirement of Judge Molly GaleWyrick. Tolan had already announced his intentions to run for the spot in the April 4 election. Thus far, Tolen will run against Malia Malone for the position, with the deadline for fi ling January 3.

The newly announced appointment means Tolen will vacate his current responsibilities as Polk County Assistant District Attorney. The transition is expected to take place in the coming weeks. Tolan beat out Dave Danielson of St. Croix Falls and Stephen Sawyer of Steven’s Point for the appointment. Tom Evenson, Deputy Communications Director, adds that in regards to Burnett County, “The Governor has decided not to make an appointment and will allow the electoral process to play out.”

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2016: Meth, election, bomb threats and more dominate Free Press headlines FROM PAGE ONE

prevented these things from happening.” Christensen spent his 50th birthday at Waupon state prison, and could potentially spend the rest of his life behind bars. He continues to appeal the sentencing decision. Civil suits are also pending against both Christensen and the county, which may take years to play out. Insurance has yet to agree to cover the county’s liability for any of the wrongdoings. Judge Harrington said of the matter, “I don’t know if there’s enough money in Polk County’s insurance to pay for the treatment these women will need.”

Meth: an overarching theme

The facts presented in the article came as a surprise to many were simply validation for others. The article ‘Polk County leads Wisconsin in meth crime-lab cases’ was published by The

The conversation around meth evolved in an important way throughout 2016. An Osceola fi lm maker even saw fit to make it the subject of a documentary, ‘Church of Felons.’ And meth evolved from a ‘them’ problem, to undeniably, ‘our’ problem. We’ve been able to look at ourselves honestly and reflect on solutions to a problem we can no longer deny. The discussion will continue into 2017. You can even become part of it. Stay tuned for more.

A new local website

Nothing has had more impact on the reach of Amery’s stories than the launch of theameryfreepress.com in January. Since that time, social media has helped our stories reach every corner of the globe. Online news has also opened up an entirely new way for Amery businesses to advertise and expand their reach. The idea of a local newspaper that could be found online, and shared with readers near and far, was one that Amery had been craving for quite some time. It was, undeniably, OUR biggest change for 2016. And it has been a year of growth for us in that regard. If you’re a current print subscriber, former resident, or just have loved ones in Amery, be sure to take advantage of our website, theameryfreepress.com. We offer unlimited online access with every print subscription.

Marko makes history

Judge GaleWyrick applauds Jenny, a recent Drug Court graduate.

Amery Free Press and Osceola Sun in May, and pointed to 2015 data released by the Wisconsin Department of Justice highlighting the number of meth cases processed by the state crime lab per county, with Polk County leading the state. The story took weeks of research and investigation, and played an important role locally, bringing the conversation of meth addiction, and subsequently mental health, to the forefront. As stories of meth users, abusers, and distributors have become more commonplace locally, dominating police reports and becoming regular line items on our records pages, they have in turn become less newsworthy. If were to have meth related headlines, there would be two to three per week, easily. But that doesn’t make the stories any less important. Investigator Anthony Grimm was quoted within the article, “If you break down criminal activity, you will find drugs somewhere. I don’t like to oversimplify things, but it really is that simple.” Throughout 2016 we’ve followed cases like Marlaina Tibbetts, who herself accumulated more than six probable cause entries throughout the year, including mail theft. Separately they seem less significant. But in their totality, those entries told a larger story of addiction; from the burdens it places on victims, families and children, to the added strain on law enforcement and our local court system. We’ve also told you about Polk County’s Drug Court program, the lives it’s changing, and the program’s constant battle for funding. And we’ve talked about Public Health’s new focus and priority on mental health and substance abuse, now topping its list of priorities for the upcoming year.

The 2015-16 wrestling season was one of legend at Amery High School. Never before had any Warrior athlete won four consecutive state championships. But when he came home with his fourth state wrestling title, Hunter Marko made it look easy. In doing so, he not only made Amery history, but became the 14th Wisconsin High School athlete to accomplish the feat. Of the 105 matches in his entire high school career, only two ended with him drawing the short straw. Throughout

spot, defeating incumbent Dan Steffen by a margin of 13,410 to 8,748. Also riding high on the republican ticket was newly elected County Clerk, Sharon Jorgenson. Sally Spanel ran unopposed to win the Register of Deeds position. And incumbent Treasurer Amanda Nissen was re-elected for 2016.

Olson Brothers leave Amery a quiet legacy

When Phil Kluge approached us with the story of Donald and Eddie Olson in February of 2016, he fought back the tears for the two men he considered to be dear friends and ‘salt of the earth people.’ And for that reason we knew the story was one we needed to tell. Donald and Eddie Olson were two local farmers who kept to themselves, for the most part. Aside from their East Immanual congregation, very few people even knew them by name. Kluge had helped the pair invest and grow their nest eggs throughout their lives. And upon their deaths, with no family to speak of, they left gifts that would give back to the community and organizations they cared about most, forever. Through funds set up through the Amery Area Community Foundation, Donald and Eddie Olson will forever make sure four area seniors have some money for college. They’ll also be making annual gifts to Jorgenson Field, the Town of Alden’s charitable fund, and the United Way, as well as the Amery chapter of the Future Farmers of America.

Bomb Threats

Bomb threats seemed to be a common theme throughout Polk County in 2016, with two made to the Amery School District, and one to Polk County Government buildings. But it the events did nothing else, they made us more prepared in the event of an emergency. The first school threat came on February 4, when an apparent robo call prompted an off-site evacuation of all students district wide. Students were bussed to local churches and safe places for much of the morning. The school was criticized for unclear communication and misuse of the word drill during the incident. Both school and law enforcement used the incident as a learning experience. They were better prepared for an incident that came as a surprise later in the fall, on the first day of school,

August 30. With better weather and a more specific threat, an off site evacuation was not necessary, and the event went much more smoothly. Suspects have yet to be apprehended in either of the incidents. A strange threat was also directed to Polk County government buildings on March 22, interrupting government operations throughout Polk County, and closing county offices and court proceedings for the remainder of the day. David Strenke, 28 of Luck was eventually charged with the crime. But subsequent investigations uncovered that the threat was made by a third

Buses took students to local churches during an off site school evacuation in February.

party using Strenke’s phone in order to shut down government operations and thwart a scheduled meeting with a probation agent. David Strenke, 32 of Wyoming was later charged in connection with the crime, and is awaiting court proceedings.

Kwik Trip

News of the regional chain store’s interest in the Amery community was a topic that fed the rumor mill for years on end, but was finally verified in 2016. In August, First Baptist officials confirmed that Kwik Trip stores had made them an offer to purchase the long-vacant Alco building, a structure they had once hoped to remodel into their new church home. Better yet, they planned to accept it. Since that time, details of the purchase continue to be worked through. Store officials confirm that they are pushing forward with developing the lot, and plan to tear the Alco building down. But not all aspects of the site plan have been determined as of yet. It could be up to two years or more before a Kwik Trip store is physically open in Amery.

Hunter Marko celebrates his fourth state title. Photo by Eric Paulson.

the 2015-2016 season, Marko’s senior record was flawless. He entered the state championships with a 33-0 record and dominated each of his opponents on his way to securing his fourth title and a 150-4 career record. In the spring of 2016, Marko signed on to continue his wrestling career with the Minnesota Gophers.

Election sweep

As drama swept the national election theater all year long, Polk County’s voters had a contentious election of their own to contend with in the race for Polk County District Attorney. Ultimately, republicans would make a clean sweep of Polk County, and elect many new faces to take office in 2017. Jeff Kemp won the District Attorney

Former Hudson dog track may be developed LA CROSSE, Wis. (AP) — A developer is pitching a plan to convert a former dog track in western Wisconsin into a baseball stadium and office park. The Hudson City Council is considering the development plan for the former St. Croix Meadows that has been vacant since the greyhound racing track closed in 2001. Minnesota-based KF Investments is looking at developing the 131-acre site into the Northwoods League baseball field and a mix of office and residential developments, including high-end townhouses and corporate headquarters, the La Crosse Tribune reports. The company hopes to close on the vacant property by the end of January. Klaas, who played two years in the Houston Astros’ minor league baseball system in the mid-1990s, would be part of the ownership group hoping to enter the Northwoods League, which includes the Eau Claire Express. Darnold said the existing 150,000-square-foot dog track building may remain if it is deemed structurally sound. There have been six weeks of discussions with KF about their plans, which currently call for the baseball park and “corporate possibilities” available for occupancy in 2018, he said. “There is some immediacy to the project with that time schedule,” Darnold said.

JANUARY 3, 2017

OUT&ABOUT

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AMERY FREE PRESS

JANUARY 5 Takedown Cancer

HOW TO REACH US: Our offices are located at 215 Keller Ave. S. We are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every weekday. Call: (715) 268-8101 or fax at (715) 268-5300, or visit www.theameryfreepress.com.

The Amery Wrestling Club will be hosting a TakeDown Cancer event on Thursday, January 5 at 7 p.m. in the Amery High School gymnasium, teaming up with their opponents, St. Croix Central, to help raise funds for cancer research. Purchase apparel items now or at the day of teh event. Simply email, takedownc a nc er a mer y @ g m a i l .c om . The night of the event will also include cocessions and a “Dash for Cash” and honorary/memorial wall tributes. All proceeds benefit The Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund. For more information, please visit www.takedowncancer.org

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. Online subscriptions are available starting at $5 per month. NEWS ITEMS: editor@theameryfreepress.com Send by Monday at 12 p.m. to be considered for publication.

Public Mtg. for Hwy 46 The WisDOT will host a public information meeting to discuss traffic and pedestrian safety improvements to Highway 46 in Amery. The meeting is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. at Amery City Hall.

JANUARY 8

CONTRIBUTED

Access for all Positive Alternatives of Amery recently received a little help from the Amery Lions Club, who donated $500 toward a wheelchair ramp at the organization’s Amery facility. Kelli Kamholz, Executive Director of Positive Alternatives, accepts the funds from Alina Veenendall, President of the Amery Lions Club. Positive Alternatives is an eight-bed foster environment serving Amery’s female youth and their families.

Power up Open Gym A Powerup Open Gym for families with children of all ages will be held at the Amery Intermediate School from 1:30 to 3:30. Enter through the north doors. Parents/guardians must stay in the gym with their children.

JANUARY 9 Prairie Fire Auditions Auditions will be held for the Prairie Fire Children’s Theater production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ will be held at 3:20 p.m. at the Amery High School Auditorium. Grades 3-8 are invited to audition. For more information, call Amery Community Ed 715.268.9771 ext 220.

JANUARY 13 & 14 Beauty and the Beast Prairie Fire Children’s Theater presents Amery youth in a presentation of ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ Performances are Friday at 7 and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Amery High School Auditorium. Tickets are $5 in advance at Chet’s or the Amery Middle and Intermediate School Offices, or $6 at the door.

JANUARY 14 Rally for Ryan A full day of events is planned to benefit Ryan Schnell, 38, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor at a young age, but has recently developed into glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive brain cancer. Although deemed incurable, Ryan will be fighting it through chemotheraphy and radiation.

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Ryan’s wife, Michelle, has taken a leave of abscence from her job to take care of Ryan and deliver their second child. To offset a growing list of medical and living expenses, the public is invited to join in a children’s carnival from 2 o 5 p.m. and a spaghetti supper (free will donation) from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Event will also include a silent auction, drawings, live auction and raffles. All events will take place at the Clayton School. A fund has been set up at Citizens State Bank in Clayton under the Ryan Schnell Benefit Account.

JANUARY 20 & 21 Church of Felons Church Of Felons is the captivating true story of four multi-offense felons from Polk County, Wis. who have lived a life of addiction, crime, and destruction until their choices caught up with them. A felony conviction remains on their record for life, unless it’s overturned… which, in Polk County is a long shot. Amery Congregational Church, East Immanuel Lutheran Church, Clear Lake/ Amery Police Departments & Amery Community Education are sponsoring two screenings of the fi lm, January 20 and 21 at 6:30 p.m. at Amery High School Auditorium. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $5, available at Chet’s or online at churchoffelons.com/tickets.

JANUARY 28

Youth in Harmony The Youth In Harmony Festival is a one day festival for grades 6 through college. This years festival is at Amery High School on January 28th 2017. Students will learn about close harmony and enjoy the music of some top notch teaching quartets. They will then perform a free concert at 4:30 that afternoon. The concert should last about one hour. Registration is between 8:30 and 9am. Cost $10 per student. Registration includes: Music, Learning Tracks (when available), Lunch, Snack, T-Shirt. Please note: If your student has special dietary needs.....a sack lunch should be brought to the event.More information available at www.youthinharmonyfestival.org.

Candlelight Ski Friends of the Stower Seven Lakes State Trail will host a Candlelight ski or snowshoe event from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. beginning at Soo Line Park in Amery. Luminaries will light the way to County Road C, a four mile round trip. Stargazing will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m., and fat biking will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. 2017 State Trail Passes are required for those 16 and over who are biking or skiing. Passes available at the event.

vember. The High School gym will be open for playing on Wednesdays from 5:45 to 8 p.m. Cost is free. Inexperienced players welcome.

Ruby’s Pantry Held the 2nd Saturday of each month at the Congregational Church in Amery. Doors open at 7:30, food distribution from 9-10:30.

Open Gym -Basketball

Pickleball

EVENTS: Send to editor@theameryfreepress.com or submit online at www. theameryfreepress.com. 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

Boys and Girls in grades 4-12 and their families can enjoy supervised free-play basketball on Sundays from 1:30 to 3:30 at the Amery Middle School Gym through March 12. Event is free. (Use north doors, closed Dec. 25 and Jan 1)

Open studio Mondays Bring your art supplies and equipment to artZ for an extra bit of guidance during ‘Open studio Mondays,’ every 4th Monday of the month at artZ Gallery in Amery. Get guidance and creative support in finishing your paintings, pastels and mixed media projects. Cost is $5.00, open 10:30 to 4.

Song Circlde Song Circle meets the second Sunday of every month at the St. Croix Falls Public Libraryn(230 S. Washington, St. Croix Falls, Wis.) from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Questions? Call Lia Falls, 715-501-4487.

ONGOING Open gym will be held for pickleball players throughout the winter beginning in No-

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.

More events online at theameryfreepress.com

Share your event Mail your events to: Amery Free Press P.O. Box 424 Amery, WI 54001 You may also email items to editor@theameryfreepress. com, FAX items to 715-268-5300, deliver them in person to our office at 215 Keller Ave. S. in Amery, or submit the event online at www.theameryfreepress.com.

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Better living through technology

OPINION

JANUARY 3, 2017

www.theameryfreepress.com

BY TOM STANGL FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

We live in an age of wonders and miracles, occurring around us so often that we take them for granted. With some microchips and a telephone line, you can communicate with people half a world away. Heck, you don’t even need a telephone line. Routinely, surgeons perform procedures that were impossible just a few years ago. Your car can send you an e-mail telling you that it needs its oil changed. There are new refrigerators that are so smart, they can order the you run out of (providing Publisher foods you hook it up to the Internet and Tom Stangl have online grocery shopping capabilities). It can all be a bit daunting, to say the least. Throughout history, we have been on a constant march to make things bigger, faster, better and cheaper. Often the advances come before we are ready as a society to be able to deal with the unintended consequences of technology. There are economic, social and ethical questions that quite often are not thought out before the technology genie is out of the bottle. It seems that we have already become slaves to the devices that were supposed to make our lives easier. How many of you struggled to set the clock on your VCR? There was a vendor that sold black tape to cover up the blinking 12:01 on the display, remember? Wait; in these days of digital video recorders (DVR), does anyone even remember VCRs? We are constantly spoon fed a diet that tells us that without the latest and greatest technology, our lives will be miserable. What actually happens is quite different. We end up buying the latest and greatest (fill in product that your life will be miserable without), paying the least we can (so we can afford the extra bells and whistles, can’t have the neighbor out belling or out whistling you), get the product home, confident that we can make it do what we want it to do. Hours later, after talking with technical support, many of us simply snap. According to one survey, 29 percent of all callers swear at their customer service representative, 21 percent just scream. Life is better, right? I tread water the best I can in this technology ocean, and savor my small victories over machines. When I become frustrated, I remember the advice of my father, who worked as an auto mechanic in the days before computerized cars: machines are stupid objects that will only do what you tell them to do. Think like a machine, not a person, and you will have better luck solving problems. Never let an inanimate object defeat you. Of course, I had to reset the time on his VCR twice a year, but you get the idea. The convergence of technology continues unabated and I fear (at the risk of sounding like a Luddite) that many in our younger generation would have a very hard time if the power grid went down and the magic of technology went away. The whole idea of “smart” appliances communicating with one another in my home sounds a bit too much like the “Terminator” movies. I’m not going to be a slave to a toaster overlord. I’ll keep my freedom for as long as I can. I do know how to throw a breaker switch. 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.

The people voted BY GENE JOUHNSON

I wrote A column “Follow the Money” prior to the general election in November. I thought it was appropriate that I follow up with another column as I processed the results. By 3:30 a.m. the morning following the election, Kathy and I were surprised, we were shocked, and we were pleased. For me, the ProOwner gressive MoveGene Johnson ment had moved so far to the left that I felt we may not recover from going totally socialist. The country was surprised at the results. Media missed the mark in not even covering the major issues. In addition, they assumed that the Clintons would be once again in the White House. Pollsters missed the mark too, and many conservatives refused to be polled and were afraid to talk about their political decisions in fear that they would destroy relationships with neighbors and even family. The middle class, which has been shrinking and neglected, came out to vote. They expressed their concern by choosing a candidate that would change the direction from the Obama Adminis-

tration and the Clintons. Rural populations outvoted the core city populations and the election was decided by the Electoral College. Without it, large population states could control the country. For many, the election became an education on the political process, as well as the issues facing the country. Although Obamacare may be repealed or modified, the cost of health insurance is far beyond what most people can afford. Government should come into play when the medical care costs go extremely high and let a family or individuals have insurance that covers up to the first $200,000 to help reduce these costs. More insurance companies should be allowed to help drive down costs in a competitive marketplace. There was a lot of name calling and insults, and even the possibility of foreign hackers. I was also surprised following the election by the number of demonstrators and expressions of hate, as well as the millennials who wondered what had happened. The conservatives now have control of the presidency and both the House and Senate. Perhaps they can get some things done which are in the best interests of the American people. The country is not falling apart because we have a new leader.

We have a long established system under the Constitution that for over 200 years has provided us with a government of the people and for the people. We don’t need vote shaming, we need open dialogue. We don’t need to roll back every executive decision or legislation during the eight years of Obama, but there are some things that can be done to reduce government regulation, eliminate areas where the government is in excess or no longer effective and especially cut down on wasteful spending. Political leadership hasn’t proven itself during the last several administrations. Maybe it is time for a business approach to government. Now we need to get a new cabinet in place, eliminate the politics from the IRS and the Justice Department, keep our military strong, promote the value and integrity of our police departments, and both parties need to improve their manners during the political campaigns. We need to once again respect the opinions of others. “A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force of the common enemy.” Samuel Adams (1779) Gene Johnson is an owner of the Amery Free Press

LETTER GUIDELINES Letters to the Editor are published with priority given to letters that are concise (400 words or less) and exclusive to our newspaper, from readers in our general distribution area. All letters are subject to editing for grammar and clarity and must contain the undersigned’s full name and their address and daytime telephone number for verification. (Addresses and phone

numbers will not be printed.) Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to The Amery Free Press’ coverage area. Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication. Staff reserves the right to refrain from printing a letter. Anonymous letters will not be printed.

Letters may be mailed to: Amery Free Press P.O. Box 424 Amery, WI 54001 Letters may be FAXed to 715-268-5300 Letters may be emailed to: editor@theameryfreepress.com no later than 12 p.m. Monday the week of publication.

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Prison for veteran charged in bloody St. Croix Falls assault BY JESSICA DE LA CRUZ EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

At Wednesday’s sentencing in front of a gallery of twenty plus victims and family members, Judge Jeffery Anderson noted that the case of 27-year Eric ‘Kirby’ Berg would be one he wouldn’t soon forget, calling it one of the most heinous cases of first degree reckless endangerment he’s seen in 15 years. Not surprisingly, a prison sentence wasn’t far behind for the man who once served his country in Iraq. In October, Berg, who grew up in Minnesota and also uses the alias ‘Kirby,’ pled no contest to three of six charges fi led against him; first degree reckless endangerment, substantial

JESSICA DE LA CRUZ | AMERY FREE PRESS

Eric Berg takes a seat at the defense table, where he awaited sentencing for a June incident in which he pled no contest to violently assaulting an ex girlfriend at gunpoint in St. Croix Falls.

battery, and reckless use of a firearm. The charges stem from a June 25 incident in which Berg violently assaulted an ex-girlfriend at a home in St. Croix Falls, kicking and punching her several times in the face, strangling her, holding her against her will, pointing a gun at her head, and at one point threatening to urinate on her. Authorities who responded to the scene found a large amount of blood throughout the home, along with a loaded gun and brass knuckles on the couch, and several more guns and ammunition stockpiles throughout the home. Berg, however, had fled the scene, only to text the victim a short time later, “I know you called the police. I don’t blame you. I have become a monster and I never want to hurt another person again.” Emergency responders found the victim covered in blood with facial fractures, and reportedly told her she was lucky to be alive. Berg went ‘on the run’ from authorities for 20 days following the assault, all the while posting on social media and texting acquaintances about living ‘the outlaw’ lifestyle. Berg was eventually apprehended by U.S. Marshalls in Minnesota. Berg is an admitted user of methamphetamine, which he claimed to be under the influence of, along with alcohol, during the assault. The defense’s position on the matter made much of a 2013 diagnosis for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which in some way explained the assault. Berg enlisted with the National Guard in 2008, and was deployed to the

Middle East from 2011 to 2012. Although Berg claimed to have witnessed horrific scenes during his deployment, soldiers from within Berg’s own unit provided conflicting statements as to whether Berg had actual-

‘Mr. Berg is not making excuses for what happened and neither am I. Soldiers don’t blame anyone else for their failures.’ Dan Firkus Attorney for Eric Berg

ly seen combat, and echoed concerns about his emotional stability and honesty. The statements were just a few of the telling interviews included within a pre-sentence investigation (PSI) fi led December 20, a document that Judge Anderson noted to be one of the longest PSIs he had ever seen. It included dozens of witness accounts to Berg’s character, all of which seemed to point in the same direction. District Attorney Dan Steffen, quoting an interview with Berg’s father in the PSI, said, “He has a story about everything, you can’t believe a lot about what he says. He is a bull[expletive] and will tell you what you want to hear, and a lot of it is less than truthful.” Steffen explained that Berg told the PSI investigator that he had a healthy upbringing, and denied abuse of any kind. But in an assessment by the Veterans Hospital, Berg disclosed abuse by four or five men during his childhood. Other details revealed that Berg admitted to being a difficult child, raised to age twelve by his single mother, and then living with his father until age sixteen when he was emancipated. Steffen went on about a less-thansteady work history, having been fired from multiple employers for issues of theft and dishonesty. “Everybody that’s been talked to, his

‘In all my reading it doesn’t appear in any of your military service you were ever held down by the enemy, or ever experienced what you put [the victim] through.’ Judge Jeffery Anderson Polk County Circuit Court, Branch 2 family, his friends, his victim, even the assessors, indicate this individual has a difficulty telling the truth,” Steffen continued. “In the state’s opinion, the PTSD, the meth, and the alcohol are all just an excuse.” Perhaps the most telling part of the PSI are statements provided by Berg’s past romantic partners. Several women recounted having also been violently assaulted or threatened by Berg, at least one of which dated to a time prior to Berg’s 2011 deployment. Berg’s attorney, Dan Firkus, argued that the claims from the women should not be considered in the sentencing because they had not been substantiated.

Judge Anderson pointed out that Berg had been given every opportunity to refute the PSI and request a new one, but declined. “You’re not going to stick me between a rock and a hard place, Mr. Firkus,” he said. Firkus asked for probation and conditional jail time in the matter, citing Berg’s limited criminal history and records from a recent visit to the VA Hospital in St. Cloud, including information relating to Berg’s PTSD. “Mr. Berg is not making excuses for what happened and neither am I. Soldiers don’t blame anyone else for their failures,” added Firkus. Since October, Berg had been allowed to attend the St. Cloud VA hospital under strict guidelines, but was ultimately arrested by St. Cloud authorities on December 8 for allegedly violating those guidelines, and returned to Polk County Jail. Berg hadn’t expressed much in the way of remorse during his interviews with the PSI investigator, at one time saying that returning him to jail would be ‘like beating a dead horse.’ Berg was given the last word before his sentencing, which he used, in part, to reflect on his recent hospital visit. “Your honor I’d like to apologize. Not only to the victim and the victim’s family but to society, the community, and people who’ll read about this. I learned a lot of tools while I was there. Your honor, I can’t say that I’ve been healed completely. That would be a lie. I know that we’ve now cracked my egg, if you will. And we’re opening it up to emotion, to feeling, and to remorse. And I know that I need to continue to seek treatment instead of just getting egg all over my hands. I need help. “My biggest concern is for my actions, knowing my kids are going to see it. And I don’t want them to grow up thinking their dad is a monster. I just want to do right. I just want a chance to show that I can do right, that I can be a model citizen again. That I can, not only be an attribute to the community, but just a better person in general. Not end up ever back in your courtroom, or any courtroom for that matter.” Both Steffen and Judge Anderson were intentional about mentioning their appreciation for Berg’s service, and for veterans in general. But they also agreed that the maximum punishment of 7 ½ years confinement and 5 years extended supervision seemed less than adequate given what appeared to be a pattern of dangerous behavior. Anderson spoke for over an hour in delivering his sentence, referencing multiple instances where Berg had an opportunity to seek help for his own mental health problems but failed to follow through. “How about her own PTSD that could come from an incident like this?” questioned Anderson. “In all my reading it doesn’t appear in any of your military service you were ever held down by the enemy, or ever experienced what you put [the victim] through.” “It’s everybody else’s fault,” added Anderson. The Judge cited an overarching need to protect the public, specifically those in any future relationships with Berg. With the other charges of false imprisonment, strangulation and disorderly conduct each dismissed but considered for sentencing purposes, Anderson sentenced Berg to a nearly maximum term of seven years incar-

ceration, and 5 years of extended supervision for the most serious charge of first-degree reckless endangerment. “I understand you haven’t been in prison or jail before but this is so serious, I do not find that jail or probation are appropriate,” added Anderson. Berg was also given nine-month sentences for each of the other charges of

JESSICA DE LA CRUZ | AMERY FREE PRESS

“It’s everybody else’s fault,” remarked Judge Jeffery Anderson, after reviewing a 35 page pre-sentence investigation into the character of 27-year-old Eric Berg.

battery and reckless use of a firearm, although those sentences were ordered to be served concurrently with his seven-year term. Berg awaits disposition on the bail jumping charges he acquired earlier this month. Restitution for the victim, who suffered significant emotional trauma leading to the loss of her job, has yet to be determined.

Polk County Marriage Licenses Jeremy John Peterson and Jeanie Marie Bly were issued a marriage license on December 8, 2016. Jared Louis Greenebaum and Emma Catherine Lightburn were issued a marriage license on December 11, 2016. Erik William Bethell and Stephanie Lynn Walter were issued a marriage license on December 12, 2016. Bennett Gregory Takes and Christine Campbell Bartholet were issued a marriage license on December 15, 2016. Kyle Patrick Johnson and Jenna Margaret Waller were issued a marriage license on December 12, 2016. Gerald Morris Olson Jr. and Melissa Ann Thompson were issued a marriage license on December 12, 2016. Jacob Barton Walker and Kailee Addison Kazeks were issued a marriage license on December 15, 2016. James Edward Brunberg and Nora Cris Quevedo Espares were issued a marriage license on December 18, 2016. Nicholas Joseph Stewart and Brittany Jean Anderson were issued a marriage license on December 18, 2016. Thomas William Wadel and Lisa Kay Lundberg were issued a marriage license on December 22, 2016.

6 AMERY FREE PRESS

Polk County Circuit Court was held on Dec. 13, 2016. The following cases were heard: Joshua J. Wedrickas, 33, Red Wing, MN, speeding in 55 mph zone (20-24 mph), $225.70. Jeremy C. West, 33, Clayton, operating while suspended, $200.50. Kathryn F. Westby, 41, Roseville, MN, exceeding speed zones (20-24 mph), $225.70. Nicholas C. Williams, 26, Princeton, MN, fail to immediately validate proper carcass tag (elk), $387.25. Sara E. Wynveen, 31, Woodville, speeding in 55 mph zone (11-15 mph), $175.30. Joshua R. Zasada, 40, Amery, vehicle operator fail to wear seat belt, $10. James O. Zins, 54, Woodbury, MN, exceeding speed zones (35-39 mph), $358. Appearance date: Dec. 20, 2016 A A Logistics LLC, Chetek, overlength semi-trailer or trailer, $200.50. Judith A. Bellinger, 74, River Falls,

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Polk County Circuit Court

speeding in 55 mph zone (11-15 mph), $175.30. Jeannette L. Bowers, 46, Frederic, speeding in 55 mph zone (16-19 mph), $200.50; operating a motor vehicle without insurance, $200.50. Caitlyn C. Cheaney, 20, Amery, speeding in 55 mph zone (20-24 mph), $225.70. Monte C. Eiseman, 46, Barronett, speeding in 55 mph zone (16-19 mph), $200.50. Jesse J. Erickson, 22, Luck, disorderly conduct with motor vehicle, $263.50. Alan J. Gimler, 53, Mounds View, MN, speeding in 55 mph zone (20-24 mph), $225.70. Jesse A. Gjerdahl, 26, Luck, operate motor vehicle while suspended, $200.50. Cally J. Johnson, 23, Taylors Falls, MN, exceeding speed zones (20-24 mph), $225.70. John C. Klein, 53, Shoreview, MN, speeding in 55 mph zone (16-19 mph),

$200.50. Derrick M. Koch, 36, Turtle Lake, speeding in 55 mph zone (11-15 mph), $175.30. Melanie R. Lonien, 26, Lucki, speeding in 55 mph zone (16-19 mph), $200.50. Kaylene G. McElfresh, 62, Star Prairie, speeding in 55 mph zone (11-15 mph), $175.30. Calvin A. McCollough, 41, Clayton, OWI (1st), $887.50; operating w/PAC >=0.15 (1st), $887.50; operate after revocation/suspension of registration, $175.30; keep open intoxicants in MV-driver, $243. Corey M. Mitthun, 43, Frederic, non-registration of vehicle – auto <10,000 lbs., $175.30; operate without valid license (1st violation), $200.50. Roger A. Mulderink, 20, Rice Lake, speeding in 55 mph zone (20-24 mph), $225.70. Travis S. Muller, Luck, speeding in 55 mph zone (11-15 mph), $175.30. Kody J. Murphy, 21, Osceola, exceed-

Reports in Support of Probable Cause Polk County Sheriff’s Department Monday, December 26, 2016 David M. Hood, 56, Chisago City, Minn. was arrested on December 19 for OWI (first) and possession of drug paraphernalia. Joseph H. Gates Jr., 21, Clayton was arrested on December 26 for OWI (first) and operating with a prohibited alcohol content. Theodore V. Glasby, 19, Clayton was arrested on December 22 for disorderly conduct (domestic). Zachary G. Hansen, 20, Eau Claire was arrested on December 24 for battery (domestic) and disorderly conduct (domestic). Nichole C. Hays, 32, Webster was arrested on December 20 for a Polk County warrant. Jason J. Hansen, 45, St. Croix Falls was arrested on December 21 for a St. Croix Falls warrant. Benjamin T. Nelson, 25, Frederic was arrested on December 19 for three counts of failure to appear. Gary M. Mathson, 52, Cambridge, Minn. was arrested on December 22 for a municipal warrant. Chloe I. Hayes, 20, New Richmond was arrested on December 23 for a Polk County warrant. Karen I. Livingston, 30, Centuria was arrested on December 24 for a Minnesota warrant.

Reports in Support of Probable Cause Monday, January 3, 2017 Shannon M. Peck, 35, Amery was arrested on December 27 for a probation hold. Andrew S. Williams, 38, Superior was arrested on December 27 for a warrant. Kaitlin R. Reed, 31, Osceola was arrested on December 28 for a Polk County warrant and a Dane County warrant. Amik N. Cobenais, 20, Luck was arrested on December 30 for two warrants. Nicholas C. Sandberg, 30, Minneapolis, Minn. was arrested on December 31 for a felony probation warrant (Minn.). Saree L. Reindahl, 47, Amery was arrested on December 28 for OWI 3. Jonas D. Linberg, 35, St. Croix Falls was arrested on December 29 for OMVWI 1. Steven M. Stephans, 25, Osceola was arrested on December 31 for OWI 2, OAR 1, and a warrant. Jeffrey C. Zacco, 57, Luck was arrested on December 31 for OWI 4th in five years, felony bail jumping, failure to install ignition interlock device, and operating while revoked. Jakeob M. Peterson, 23, Osceola was ar-

JANUARY 3, 2017

rested on December 26 for disorderly conduct (domestic enhancer). Jared D. Gray, 17, St. Croix Falls was arrested on December 27 for possession of THC. Andrew R. Jones, 17, River Falls was arrested on December 27 for possession of THC. Brandon L. Sellers, 20, Amery was arrested on December 28 for possession with intent to deliver THC and possession of THC paraphernalia. Tianna N. McDermott, 18, Amery was arrested on December 28 for possession with intent to deliver THC and possession of drug paraphernalia. Keith D. Milham, 49, Milltown was arrested on December 28 for possession of meth and possession of drug paraphernalia. Pamela J. Tillman, 53, Milltown was arrested on December 28 for possession of meth. Brandon R. Chapman, 19, St. Croix Falls was arrested on December 28 for disorderly conduct. Kevin J. Palmer, 33, Dresser was arrested on December 29 for possession of THC with intent to deliver, manufacturing marijuana, and possession of paraphernalia. Patrick S. Fowler Sr., 53, Luck was arrested on December 30 for disorderly conduct and battery. Joshua M. Dahlberg, 18, Luck was arrested on December 30 for disorderly conduct and battery. Andrea L. Grahek, 25, Plymouth, Minn. was arrested on December 31 for possession of methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia. Steven D. Peterson, 46, Eden Prairie, Minn. was arrested on December 31 for possession of methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia. These entries are based on information provided in a Probable Cause Report (facts reported by the officer at time of arrest). These alleged incidents are not a reflection of the information brought forth in a formal criminal complaint or formal charge, which may be amended by the district attorney. As always, an arrested person is presumed innocent until convicted by a judge or jury.

ing speed zones (11-15 mph), $175.30. Valentin M. Rosales, 24, Barron, operating a motor vehicle without insurance, $200.50; violation of child safety restraint requirements – child 4 years but less than 8 years of age, $150.10; exceeding speed zones (16-19 mph), $200.50. Hunter C. Schmidt, 18, Frederic, speeding in 55 mph zone (16-19 mph), $200.50. Danetta L. Schulte, 42, Grantsburg, operating a motor vehicle without insurance, $200.50; operate without valid license (1st violation), $200.50. Brendon K. Schultz, 19, Amery, speeding in 55 mph zone (11-15 mph), $175.30. Troy E. Thiele, 51, St. Croix Falls, fail/improper fuel tank cap, $175.30; exceeding speed zones (16-19 mph), $200.50. Gehrig R. Williamson, 38, Amery, exceeding speed zones (11-15 mph), $175.30.

Amery Police Report 12/23/2016 – 12/29/2016 12/23/16, 01:24AM, Assist other agency 12/23/16, 10:30AM, Assist citizen in civil matter 12/23/16, 02:00PM, Welfare check 12/23/16, 04:30PM, 911 hang up 12/24/16, 10:38AM, Gas drive off 12/24/16, 11:55AM, Assist other agency 12/24/16, 02:20PM, 911 hang up 12/24/16, 02:46PM, Assault report 12/24/16, 07:54PM, Vehicle lock out 12/24/16, 11:10PM, Assist EMS 12/25/16, 09:22AM, Business alarm 12/25/16, 12:09PM, Restraining order violation call 12/25/16, 10:16PM, Assist other agency 12/26/16, 04:41AM, Assist other agency 12/26/16, 03:52PM, Assist public works 12/26/16, 07:41PM, Harassment report 12/26/16, 08:39PM, Welfare check 12/27/16, 12:02AM, Welfare check 12/27/16, 04:01AM, Mental health call 12/27/16, 10:45AM, Warrant ar-

rest 12/27/16, 12:17PM, Mental health call 12/27/16, 11:43PM, Assist citizen 12/28/16, 11:22PM, Vehicle lock out 12/28/16, 12:25PM, Assist citizen 12/28/16. 01:21PM, Assist other agency 12/28/16, 04:28PM, Assist other agency 12/28/16, 04:36PM, Drug activity 12/28/16, 05:37PM, Harassment report 12/29/16, 09:12AM, Suspicious activity 12/29/16, 12:59PM, Traffic complaint 12/29/16, 02:15PM, Assist other agency Arrests: Shanon Peck, 35 of Amery. Probation Violation Brandon Sellers, 20 of Amery. Drug Violations Repeat Offender, Possess with Intent to Distribute, Possess Drug Paraphernalia Tianna N. McDermott, 18 of Amery. Possess with Intent to Distribute, Possess Drug Paraphernalia

Divorces Filed Monday, January 2, 2017 Ashley L. Meyer, 28, Balsam Lake and Brett R. Meyer, 32, Centuria filed for divorce on December 20, 2016. Hansl M. Stridde, 42, St. Croix Falls and Ryan M. Stridde, 30, St. Croix Falls filed for divorce on December 21, 2016. Christa M. Blaser, 38, Glenwood City and Bryan W. Blaser, 43, Boyceville filed for divorce on December 21, 2016. Susan L. Tellijohn, 28, New Richmond and Eric G. Tellijohn filed for divorce on December 29, 2016.

YESTERDAY’S NEWS

JANUARY 3, 2017

AMERY FREE PRESS

www.theameryfreepress.com

90 Years Ago December 30, 1926

by about five percent on Jan. 1. The State Department of Industry, Labor and Human Relations said the changes were adopted two years ago as part of the three-step rate increase. Under state rules, the minimum hourly rate for most adults will increase by 10 cents to a new rate of $2.20, while the rate for most persons under age 18 will increase by 8 cents to $1.76.

Amery Girl Shot in Foot Miss Amy Erickson, teacher in the West Sweden school, was brought to the Frederic hospital Sunday afternoon suffering from a bullet wound in her foot, suffered when the .22 caliber rifle she was carrying was accidentally discharged. Miss Erickson had been hunting and when removing her glove had shifted the rifle from one hand to the other, the finger of the glove catching in the trigger and discharging the rifle. An x-ray was taken at the hospital and the bullet removed Sunday. Miss Erickson was a patient in the hospital for three days after the accident, leaving Tuesday on the train for her home in Amery.

Peterson Gets Five to Ten Years E. Peterson, aged 32 years, who resided with her father northeast of Clear Lake was sentenced to from five to ten years in the penitentiary by Judge Foley, on a charge of manslaughter. She confessed to placing the body of her newborn baby in the manure pile where it was found.

75 Years Ago January 1, 1942 Famous Economist Foresees ’42 as Year of Caution Most readers, whether employers or wage workers, should primarily be interested in whether World War II will continue in its present fury through 1942. If it will so continue, this is good Yesterday’s news for those engaged in the News defense indusDiane Stangl tries, and bad news for those who are in certain non-defense industries. If the war is to end during 1942, then the reverse is true. In fact, we would then see some hectic times which would be detrimental to many readers, even though helpful to others. Therefore, let’s bravely face the facts and answer the question, “Will World War II continue through 1942?” It would be impossible to lick Hitler by an army of invasion before December 31, 1942. Most aviators are not very hopeful about the effects of bombing. They believe that cities gradually become immune to bombing as individuals become immune to almost everything, which comes slowly and last long enough. Of course, if the British and Americans should invade Europe, bombing planes would tremendously help the invading army by destroying the enemy’s communication lines, crops and oil. But for merely scaring the people of a country, bombing has not been successful. Statistics indicate that the money lost in the cost of bombers de-

7

December 30, 1976 Brrrr…it’s cold! Temperatures dipped officially to a minus 28 degrees in Amery early Thursday morning according to the weather station operated by the city of Amery. Around Polk County, unofficial temperature reports had the mercury dipping to a minus 39 degrees in the Lewis area.

Amery Depot in 1908 The Soo Line Railroad began planning to construct a railroad through Amery back in 1887. The Amery depot pictured above was divided into four main areas - mens and womens waiting room, agent’s office and the warehouse. The depot was open twenty-four hours a day and the railroad agent would work six days a week with no vacations. The tall building behind the depot was the coal chute, which provided fuel for the steam locomotives. The building on the right was the first Amery firehouse.

stroyed amounts to more than the property loss caused by the bombers. The blockade however is becoming an important factor, but blockading takes time whether against Germany or Japan. All this means that the only hope of bringing WW II to an end during 1942 is an uprising of the Germans, Japanese and Italians, or of people of the conquered nations, or of the people of Great Britain, or of the United States. To have the people of any of these countries quit and go on a “sit-down strike” would bring the war to an end. I can visualize this taking place sometime after 1942, but I cannot visualize it as coming about in 1942. In this connection let me remind readers of what I said last January regarding the destruction of crops and fuel supplies during 1942. Therefore, I say that there will be no peace in 1942, that many non-defense industries will be depressed throughout 1942 and that business as a whole has already seen its peak. The war may even last two or more years after 1942 but after 1942, two months before it ends no one will foresee the end.

65 Years Ago January 3, 1952 City Dads Have Rinks Operating Looking to the younger generation, the city fathers announced this week that they have two skating rinks now operating, one on each of the twin lakes. Both rinks are open for public use with youngsters encouraged to avail themselves of the opportunity.

Spring Hole Causes City Truck Dunking Slightly damp was the city of Amery truck as attempts were made to rescue it from the briny deep on North Twin Lake last Friday evening. The

accident occurred when it paused in its snow-pushing operations on the northern part of the lake, and faulty ice gave way. Driving the truck at the time was Warren Marquand who didn’t waste any time getting to shore. Ice was tested before the mishap and found to be eight inches thick but apparently a spring hole prevented ice from forming in that particular spot. Before efforts were successful, both Fay Auto and Adams Auto wreckers were employed to bring about the rescue. The truck was clearing a skating rink at the time of the incident.

55 Years Ago December 28, 1961 Dynamite Blast Sails Youth, Breaks Foot Peter Dallenback, 16, St. Croix Falls, narrowly escaped death as he was thrown about three feet into the air and received a broken foot when he stepped on a charge of dynamite set for deer Tuesday morning. Arrested this week on a charge of using dynamite in a manner injurious to another person was Milo Wassberg, St. Croix Falls. The violation is under the state criminal statutes and is considered a felony. Wassberg was arrested after investigation by Sheriff Eugene Holmes, Under-sheriff Harold Maier, and Conservation Warden Robert Ward. Wassberg appeared in court late Wednesday afternoon with the results of the hearing unavailable as this is being printed. According to Warden Ward, Dallenbeck was hunting deer with bow and arrow and was following a deer trail when he stepped on the charge. The dynamite was set between two pieces of plywood and hooked to a storage battery.

As the dynamite exploded, Dallenback was hurled into the air and other debris tossed for a distance of 50 feet from the blast. One of the arrows carried by the injured man was broken and a feather from an arrow was blown 25 feet from the initial impact. It was learned that Wassberg has been setting the trap at night and turning it off in the daytime, but failed to disconnect the battery on the day of the accident. Warden Ward stressed that the use of any explosives on wild animals or fish is illegal in Wisconsin.

There’ll be “Burning of the Greens” Area residents were alerted this week by President Bob Harkness that the Community Club will continue its traditional “Burning of the Greens” this year. While the date hasn’t been definitely set, all persons with greens of any type are asked to save them for pickup by the city crews. If they prefer, residents may leave them just south of the Amery skating rink by the A & W Root Beer stand at any time. Community Club members, along with help from the Amery firemen, will ignite the greens on a Sunday night (presumably about Jan. 7) and all persons will be served hot chocolate and other refreshments. City officials have pointed out that this means of disposal for greens has been a safe and sane way to handle these very combustible materials.

40 Years Ago December 16, 1976 Minimum Wage Climbs to $2.20 for Workers All four of Wisconsin’s minimum wage rates will increase

35 Years Ago December 15, 1981 Man Injured by Holstein Bull Lyle Banks, rural Clayton, was injured by a 1,500 pound Holstein bull at the Bevan Asp farm, Rt. 2, Clayton. According to Mrs. Asp, her husband and Banks traveled a short distance to check on a heifer. She added that the men probably made a mistake not taking the Asp’s blue heeler dog with them. On previous trips to the field, the bull would bellow but always seemed afraid of the dog, said Mrs. Asp. On Tuesday night the bull bellowed at the men and charged as they were set to leave. Asp jumped on top of a wagon, but Banks wasn’t as lucky. The bull hit him on the side breaking several ribs, bruising his hip and giving him a concussion. Asp jumped from the wagon and pulled Banks underneath it before leaving for help. When the ambulance arrived, Asp arrived with the blue heeler along. While the dog kept the bull away from the scene, the crew administered aid to Banks.

January 5, 1982 New Owner of Hardware Store Rick’s Our Own Hardware in Amery has new owners – Chuck and Nancy Harville. The sale was completed Jan. 4 when the former Stillwater couple attained possession of the long established firm from Rick Rehm, owner for the past 16 years. A veteran of 19 years in railroading, Chuck Harville resigned his position in marketing with Burlington-Northern Railroad to purchase the store. The Harvilles have purchased the former Art Lyman home on Hyland Avenue and have been living here about a month. They have two children, Bob, 12, and Jennifer, 10. Rick Rehm has not announced what his future plans are.

8 AMERY FREE PRESS

JANUARY 3, 2017 www.theameryfreepress.com

ACCIDENT: Outside agency will investigate, autopsy results pending for alcohol use FROM PAGE ONE

intersection of Main St. and East Butternut Ave. The Deputy proceeded to the location and as he neared the vehicle, the vehicle was driven back on to the roadway. The Deputy activated his emergency lights at which time the driver of the vehicle fled eastbound on E. Butternut Ave. The Deputy and a Luck Police Department Officer then pursued the vehicle. The vehicle continued east on E. Butternut Ave. to 7th St. It then turned south on 7thh St. past the High School. It continued around Big Butternut Lake and onto South Shore Dr. to 150th St. where it turned south on 150th St. The vehicle continued southbound on 150th St. at a high rate of speed. When it got to State Highway 46, the vehicle left the roadway and rolled over causing Handrahan to be ejected from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other occupants in the vehi-

cle, 23-year-old Aaron Melendez and 24-year-old Shawn Zimmer, both of Amery, were transported to Saint Croix Regional Medical Center via ambulance with non-life threatening injuries. The Polk County Sheriff’s Department reports that Handrahan was not wearing his seatbelt, but it is not yet known if alcohol was a factor in the incident. Toxicology reports were pending as of Monday. Because of the incident involved a police pursuit, Polk County Sheriff’s Office requested an independent investigation be completed by the Wisconsin State Patrol and the Saint Croix County Sheriff’s Office. Assistance at the scene was provided by the Milltown Fire Department, Milltown First Responders, Lifelink and the Polk County Medical Examiner’s Office. Funeral arrangements for Cody Handrahan have been made by Williamson White Funeral Home. A visitation

POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

A photo taken by authorities at the scene of a fatal accident that claimed the life of Cody Handrahan, 22 of Amery.

will be held from 4 to 7 pm on Tuesday, January 3 at the Williamson-White Funeral Home in Amery, as well as the hour prior to 11 a.m. services at

West Immanuel Lutheran Church on Wednesday, January 4.

Church of Felons comes Amery, screenings Jan. 20 and 21 at Amery High School POLK COUNTY, WI - “We were both amazed and grateful for sold-out crowds at our fi lm screenings in Osceola and St. Croix - it’s a sign that Polk County is looking for change… looking for something better” says Director Jordan Mederich. “This is just the tip of the iceberg. We’re pursuing BIG changes and BIG impact in the St. Croix Valley. We won’t stop. We’ll take this to the very top for change.” The highly anticipated fi lm Church Of Felons follows four recovering addicts in a rural Wisconsin church who agree to reveal hidden truths about their criminal pasts. When they speak the unspeakable, the shockwaves reverberate from their own families through the entire Polk County judicial system. It’s no secret that addiction grips much of the population of Wisconsin... the societal acceptance and outdated laws of alcohol use has created an addiction culture

that is very difficult to overcome. Church Of Felons is spreading throughout the U.S. with these stories of hope and redemption, screening to several fi lm festivals - winning the First Time Filmmaker Award at the Hollywood Independent International Documentary Awards, and many more screenings to come. The next Church Of Felons Live Screening Events are January 20 & 21 at Amery High School at 6:30 PM. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $5 and available online at www.churchoffelons.com/tickets or at Chet Johnson Drug. Sponsored by Amery Congregational Church, East Immanuel Lutheran Church, Clear Lake/Amery Police Department & Amery Community Education.

Wisconsin increases some drunken driving penalties on Jan. 1 BY TODD RICHMOND ASSOCIATED PRESS

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Repeat drunken drivers will face more time behind bars in Wisconsin starting New Year’s Day under a law the state Legislature passed overwhelmingly nearly a year ago. The new law doesn’t make the first offense a criminal violation, leaving Wisconsin as the only state that treats a first offense as a civil violation. Advocates for sober driving say lawmakers need to go further in the upcoming session, starting by expanding ignition interlock use. “(The new penalties are) just closing some loopholes that currently exist,” said Frank Harris, state government affairs director for Mothers Against Drunk Driving. “By the time someone’s a repeat offender prosecutors need every tool in the tool box.” The new law, sponsored by Rep. Jim Ott, a Mequon Republican, makes a fourth drunken driving offense a felony punishable by up to six years in prison regardless of when it’s committed. Right now a fourth offense is a felony only if it’s committed within five

years of a third offense. The law also increases the maximum sentence for fi fth and sixth offenses from three years to five. Maximum sentences for seventh, eighth and ninth offenses will increase from five years to seven years and six months. The maximum sentence for a 10th or subsequent offense will increase from seven years and six months to a decade in prison. The new penalties will go into effect Jan. 1. Drunken driving has plagued Wisconsin for decades. The state Department of Transportation has tracked more than 4,000 alcohol-related crashes every year from 2012 through 2015. Eighty-five people died in alcohol-related crashes last year, according to the state agency’s data. The state’s drunken driving laws have been notoriously lax. Wisconsin is the only state where a first offense is treated similar to a speeding ticket. The offender can lose a driver’s license but doesn’t face any jail time and can obtain occupational licenses allowing travel to certain destinations during certain hours. Prohibitive cost estimates and resistance from powerful Tavern League

lobbyists have scuttled attempts to create harsher penalties. The Department of Corrections, for example, projects it may have to spend as much as $129 million annually as well as another $157 million to construct a dozen drug abuse centers to accommodate the additional offenders under the new law. Still, sober driving advocates seem to be gaining some momentum. Ott has insisted the cost estimates are exaggerated and the Tavern League registered in support of the new law. The Senate passed the measure in January on a voice vote, a procedure reserved for non-controversial legislation, and the Assembly passed it 95-1 in February. MADD’s Harris wants more. He wants to see Sen. Van Wanggard, a Racine Republican, reintroduce a bill that would allow first-time offenders to obtain a special license allowing them to drive wherever they wish if they install ignition interlock devices on their vehicles. The devices work like breathalyzers. The driver blows into it and if his or her breath exceeds a certain alcohol content the vehicle won’t start. Under the bill, a license holder who drives

a vehicle without such a device could face six months behind bars. A fiscal estimate attached to the bill found fees for the new licenses would generate about $1.1 million annually but the measure never got a floor vote last session. Harris said 28 other states already permit such a practice, which he called “an in-car probation officer.” Wanggard said Tuesday he’ll bring the bill back this session, adding that the measure will encourage people to stay sober. He said he also plans to bring back a proposal to revoke a person’s license permanently if he or she has five or more operating while intoxicated offenses. Ott, meanwhile, plans to reintroduce bills that would require a minimum 18-month prison sentence for fi fth and sixth offenses and a mandatory seven-year sentence for committing a homicide while driving drunk. “By working to close loopholes and strengthen sentencing,” Ott spokesman Ryan Augustyn said in a statement, “we send the message that OWI is a serious offense with potentially life-changing consequences.”

JANUARY 3, 2017

SPIRITUAL

AMERY FREE PRESS

www.theameryfreepress.com

9

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 to 103; 10:15 a.m. Worship Service. Every Wednesday: 7 p.m Youth Group. Several small groups meet throughout the week. Call the church office for details 715-268-9218 APPLE RIVER COMMUNITY, 942 Hwy. 8, Amery Justin Hosking, pastor Sunday: 9:30 a.m. Sunday school for all ages; 10:15 a.m. Coffee & Fellowship; 10:30 a.m. Worship/Children’s Church. Thursday, Jan. 5: 9:30 a.m. White Cross. BALSAM LUTHERAN, 1115 Mains Crossing, Amery Sunday, Jan. 8: 8:30 a.m. Sunday Youth Sessions; 9:30 a.m. Birthday Sunday; 9:30 a.m. Finance Committee; 10:15 a.m. Holy Worship. Tuesday, Jan. 10: 8:30 a.m. Quilting at Elim; 9 a.m. Backpacks; 1 p.m. Ruth Unit, h/Nancy, l/Julaine; 6:30 p.m. Church Council. 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: 8:30 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, Jan. 4: 3:30 p.m. Homework & Hangout/Confo Make Up; 6 p.m. Family Dinner; 6:30 p.m. WOW/Youth Group; 6:45 p.m. Money Managemernt Class; 7 p.m. Choir Rehearsal. Thursday, Jan. 5: 8 a.m. Pastoral Leaders; 9:30 a.m. Local Communions; 9:30 a.m. Senior Dining Hall open 5:30 p.m. Women’s Bible Study. Friday, Jan. 6: 8:30 a.m. Distant Communions; 9:30 a.m. Senior Dining Hall opens. Sunday, Jan. 8: 8:30 a.m. MT17 meeting; 10 a.m. Worship/ Installation Sunday 11:15 a.m. Trustee meeting; 11:30 a.m. Confo Mentor/Mentee Pizza and Bowling. Monday, Jan. 9: 9:30 a.m. Senior Dining Hall opens; 10 a.m. “Undecorating” Party; 7 p.m. Boy Scouts. Tuesday, Jan. 10: 6:30 a.m. Men’s Bible Studyp 9:30 am. Senior Dining Hall opens; 11:30 a.m. Bible Study “In the Dust of The Rabbi” with Ray Vander Laan; 6 p.m. Council meeting. DEER PARK UNITED METHODIST, John Hazen, pastor Sunday: 11 a.m. Worship. DERONDA LUTHERAN, 1239 65th Ave., Amery Lori Peper, pastor 715-268-9577 Wednesday, Jan. 4: 6 p.m. JAM/Confirmation at Deronda. Thursday, Jan. 5: 9 a.m. Deronda Quilting. Sunday, Jan. 8: 8 a.m. Deronda worship; 9 a.m. Deronda WELCA. Tuesday, Jan. 10: 7 p.m. Church Councils meet at Trinity. 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 Saturday, Jan. 7: 8 a.m. Men of East Immanuel at Ida Mae’s. Sunday, Jan. 8: 9:30 a.m. Education; 10:30 a.m. Worship. EAST LINCOLN ALLIANCE, 735 70th Ave., Amery 715-268-2350 www.eastlincolnalliance.com Eric Danielson and Randy Schussman, pastors Sunday: 8:45 a.m. Prayer Meeting; 9 a.m. Coffee and Fellowship; 9:30 a.m. Worship service. Child Care and Discovery Land for children are provided during Worship service. Small groups meet throughout the week. Contact the church office for further details. Recharge for Middle and High School students, 6 p.m. every Wednesday. 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 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 a.m. Sunday school; 9:45 a.m. Worship; 10:45 a.m. Fellowship. Men’s Bible Study 2nd Sunday 6 p.m. Mission Quilting Tuesdays 9 a.m. FIRST BAPTIST, 131 Broadway St., Amery Nick Buda, lead 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, Jan. 4: 5:15 p.m. Supper; 6 p.m. Friends in Faith and Confirmation; 6 p.m. Men in Mission. Thursday, Jan. 5: 8 a.m. Bible Study at Ida Mae’s; 8:30 a.m. Quilters; 7 p.m. Al Anon. Sunday, Jan. 8: 9 a.m. Worship; 10:15 a.m. Choir, Sunday school. Tuesday, Jan. 10: 6:30 a.m. Women’s Bible Study; 8:30 a.m. Property Committee; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. WIC Clinic; 6:30 p.m. Worship Life. FIRST LUTHERAN (LCMC), 811 South Ave. W, Clear Lake www.firstluthclearlake.com Bryan S. Anderson, pastor Wednesday, Jan. 4: 1 p.m. Evening Stars at Carol Anderson’s; 6:15 p.m. 7th and 8th grade Confirmation; 7:30 p.m. 9th grade Confirmation. Jan. 6-7: Confirmation Retreat. Saturday, Jan. 7: 7 a.m. Men’s Bible Study. Sunday, Jan. 8: 8:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship; 9:30 a.m. Fellowship; 9:40 a.m. Sunday school; 10 a.m. Traditional Worship; 11 a.m. Church Potluck; 11 a.m. Altar Guild meeting; 6-8 p.m. Knotty Pine 4-H meeting. Monday, Jan. 9: 3 p.m. Service at Golden Age Manor. Tuesday, Jan. 10: 9 a.m. Quilting; 9 a.m. Pastor at Clergy meeting.

FIRST PRESYTERIAN, 719 Nevada St., St. Croix Falls Barbara Anne Keely, pastor Sunday: 10:15 a.m. Coffee and Fellowship; 11 a.m. Worship. FOREST UNITED METHODIST, John Hazen, pastor Sunday: 9:45 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 service 8:30 a.m. Bible Class Thursday morning 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Thursday evening. Ladies Aid 2nd Thursday of month 2:30 p.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. IMMANUEL LUTHERAN, 65th Ave., rural Clayton Margaret Grant, pastor Immanuel: 8:30 a.m. Worship. LITTLE FALLS LUTHERAN, 1272 44th Ave., Amery Lori Peper, pastor 715-268-9577 Wednesday, Jan. 4: 6 p.m. JAM/Confirmation at Deronda. Thursday, Jan. 5: 9 a.m. Little Falls Quilting. Sunday, Jan. 8: 9:30 a.m. Little Falls Worship. Tuesday, Jan. 10: 7 p.m. Church Councils at Trinity. See our website for up-to-date scheduling www.little fallschurch.net

Do Something Nice for Someone

T

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” —Matthew 7:12 NIV

he advice to do something nice for someone follows logically from the golden rule, i.e., to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Matthew 7:12), and is, in effect, a summary of the Bible’s teaching on morality. We all know how good it feels when someone does something nice for us, and so we should return the favor, or perhaps “pay it forward,” as the saying goes. This can be done in so many simple ways, from helping someone with their chores, to inviting someone to eat with you or otherwise sharing your food, to just being there for others. It doesn’t have to be expensive; sometimes the best gift is the gift of our time. A patient and understanding listener is often the best therapist. On the other hand, gifts are also nice. Who doesn’t like to be the recipient of a thoughtful gift? And monetary gifts are always practical. Sometimes the nicest things we do are the things we do for those who don’t expect it, or deserve it. If someone deserves to be forgiven, then it’s not a big deal to forgive them. But if someone doesn’t deserve to be forgiven and we forgive them, that is a big deal. Do something nice for someone each and every day and occasionally do something really nice for someone who doesn’t necessarily expect it, or deserve it. – Christopher Simon

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AREA CHURCHES CONTINUED 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, 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, Jan. 4: 12 p.m. Men’s Table Talk; 6:15 p.m. Evening Prayer; 7 p.m. St. Choir practice. Thursday, Jan. 5: 8:15 a.m. Weigh-In Club; 8:30 a.m. Bible Study Group. Sunday, Jan. 8: 9 a.m. Worship with Holy Communion. PRAIRIEVIEW COVENANT, 1396 210th Ave. (2 miles north of New Richmond on 65) Joe Sir, pastor www.prairieviewchurch.net Sunday: 9 a.m. Sunday school, nursery care; 10 a.m. Worship service, nursery care. REDEEMER LUTHERAN, 600 S. Keller Ave., Amery Tom Hahn, pastor Wednesday, Jan. 4: 11 a.m. Ladies Aid; 1 p.m. Ladies Aid Christmas Luncheon; 5:30 p.m. Confirmation. Sunday, Jan. 8: 8:15 a.m. Lay Ministers; 9:30 a.m. Worship and Sunday school; 10:30 a.m. Fellowship. Tuesday, Jan. 10: 7 p.m. Parish Planning. REEVE EVANGELICAL FREE, Jct. Barron CTH K & A, Clear Lake, www.reevechurch.org Sunday: 9 am. Worship service; 10:15 a.m. Fellowship Time. Wednesday nights: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Adult Bible Study and Prayer; Kids Club, Jr. & Sr. High Youth Group (Sept.-May). A variety of small groups (AA, men’s & women’s) are also held throughout the week. 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. ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC, Clear Lake, Fr. John Long, pastor Mass: 8 a.m. Wednesday. Mass: 8 a.m. Thursday. Mass: 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

Snipping Away The Wilted With gratitude for what was given me, I snip the wilted blooms from the bouquet, a sparse but freshened beauty I can see, with perky hue to last another day. A day is given me, just one, to fill, with loving things that I can think or do, be open to the Father's love and will, extend the warmth I feel to special you. A garment or a little toy, I'd make, if I had time to fashion it with care, a comforting massage to soothe the ache, a smile to say that I am glad you're there.

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC, 1050 Keller Ave. N, Amery Father Eugene Murphy 715-268-7717 www.stjosephamery.org Weekly Mass, Communion service schedule: Saturday 4 p.m. Mass. Sunday 10:30 a.m. Mass. Tuesday 9 a.m. Communion Service. Wednesday 9 a.m. Mass. Thursday: 1st, 2nd and 3rd Thursdays, Communion Service is held at local nursing homes. Friday 9 a.m. Communion Service. Special events: Wednesday, Jan. 4, Anointing of the Sick after 9 a.m. Mass, RCIA Class 6:30 p.m.; Thursday, Jan. 5, Faith Formation Meeting 6:30 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 8, Confirmation Enrollment Mass, Donut Sunday; Tuesday, Jan. 10, KC Meeting 6:30 p.m. ST. JOHN LUTHERAN, Forest, John Wilman, pastor Thursday, Jan. 5: 1 p.m Bible Study. Sunday, Jan. 8: 8 a.m. Worship with Holy Communion; 9n a.m. Coffee fellowship. ST. PAUL LUTHERAN, Deer Park, John Wilman, pastor Sunday, Jan. 8: 8:45 a.m. Sunday school; 9 a.m. Coffee fellowship; 9:30 a.m. Worship; 10:30 a.m. Annual Voter’s meeting; Confirmation. Monday, Jan. 9: Pastor visiting shut-ins. Tuesday, Jan. 10: Pastor visiting shut-ins; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study. 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 Chapel 715-537-3679 Bishop Kenneth Konesky 715-719-0283 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 Lori Peper, pastor 715-268-9577 Wednesday, Jan. 4: 6 p.m. JAM/confirmation at Deronda. Sunday, Jan. 8: 11 a.m. Trinity Worship. Tuesday, Jan. 10: 7 p.m. Church Councils at Trinity. See our website for up-to-date scheduling www.trinity lutheranchurchofamery.com UNITED COVENANT, 348 5th St. NW, Clear Lake Dan Pearson, pastor Wednesday, Jan. 4: Week of Prayer; 5:45 p.m. Worship Team 2 Practice; 6:15 p.m. CREW (Youth Group). Thursday, Jan. 5: Week of Prayer; 3:15 p.m. Good News Club at CL Elementary. Sunday, Jan. 8 8:30-9:45 a.m. Sunday school, Confirmation, Youth; 9:30 a.m. Worship Team 2 Practice; 10 a.m. Worship service. Tuesday, Jan. 10: 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 Wednesday, Jan. 4: 9 a.m. Men’s Work Group; 6 p.m. Confirmation Meal; 7 p.m. Confirmation classes. Sunday, Jan. 8: 8 a.m. Worship; 9 a.m. Coffee fellowship; 9 a.m. Ladies Meeting; 9:15 a.m. Sunday school; 10:30 a.m. Worship. 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.

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Security Health Plan invests $1,000 in reducing drug use and addiction MARSHFIELD – “My daughter says she can get her hands on anything at her school, if she wanted,” Colby-Abbotsford Police Chief Jason Bauer heard a parent of a Colby-Abbotsford high school student say of the school from which Bauer’s children graduated. The Colby-Abbotsford Police Department confirms the use of heroin, methamphetamine and misused prescription drugs in the community, and is aware of the increase in drug use in its schools. Over the past six months, the Police Department has rallied the community’s support around building a K-9 Unit with an accompanying investigator to fill requests of local schools and businesses for canine searches, give educational demonstrations and stop drug use in youth before it becomes addiction. Security Health Plan is investing $1,000 in the Police Department’s efforts to improve the health of our children and communities through its monthly Employee-Driven Corporate Giving campaign. “One of Security Health Plan’s visions is to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. What a great opportunity for us to address a specific law-enforcement need in our community to make it a healthier, safer place to live and work,” said Security Health Plan Business Configuration Manager and wife of Chief Bauer, Stephanie Bauer. Stephanie has actively volunteered for the Police Department’s K-9 Unit fundraising efforts, and submitted the nomination on its behalf. The Police Department had a K-9 Unit in the past,

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but the canine was transferred to the Clark County Sheriff’s Department and has been missed since. With the return of the unit (anticipated in the spring), the Police Department is assigning Officer Jim Wagner to act as the Department’s canine handler. An assigned investigator will follow-up on any arrests made with the help of the canine. The donation will go towards the $53,500 needed to fund the canine, handler training, fully equipping a K-9 squad, and the yearly cost of food and vet bills. The Police Department has now met its start-up fundraising goal, but will continue to request support for the annual $2,500 needed for upkeep of the canine and unit equipment. The program is close to the Bauers’ hearts, whose children attended the Colby-Abbotsford high school when the previous K-9 Unit was still in place. Chief Bauer remembers its positive impact on one youth who was caught with marijuana and later became a jailer, instead of an inmate. “The long-term impact on our community is huge. If we can stop drug use early, we can prevent addiction and associated health problems, increase productivity of the community’s members, and lower the cost of healthcare for everyone,” said Chief Bauer. Every month, Security Health Plan invests $1,000 as part of its Employee-Driven Corporate Giving campaign. Marshfield Clinic Health System employees are encouraged to nominate an organization that it is making a positive difference in the community.

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SPIRITUAL

JANUARY 3, 2017

AMERY FREE PRESS

www.theameryfreepress.com

11

OBITUARIES

Orval E. Wood

Marilyn J. Rimestad

Mitzi L. Steenberg

Orval E. Wood passed away December 27, 2016 in Spokane, WA. He was a man of great faith, one who loved the outdoors and whose greatest pride was his family and friends. He was born March 18, 1922 in Ladysmith, WI; the son of Seth and Esther (Wells) Wood. Orval attended Clear Lake High School in Wisconsin and enlisted in the US Army in October 1940 at Fort Snelling, MN. In June 1942, Orval became an Army Air Corps Cadet in St. Louis, Missouri and later transferred to Scottsdale, AZ for Primary Flight Training in the Stearman PT-17. Orval completed Basic and Advanced Pilot training and was commissioned as an Army Air Corps Second Lieutenant in October 1943. Orval served in World War II in Italy in the 5th Squadron, 90th Photo Recon Wing flying the P-38 and completing over 50 missions. During the Korean War, Orval participated in airlift operations flying transport aircraft. He later became an instructor and check pilot in the C-124 aircraft. During his military career, he was stationed at Great Falls, MT; Travis Air Force Base (AFB) CA; Tokyo, Japan; and, at Donaldson AFB in Greenville, SC; where he retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Following Orval’s military service, he moved his family to Spokane, WA where he worked for Dishman Dodge. He later worked for the Washington State Employment Security Department in Yakima, Ephrata and Moses Lake, after which, he fully retired. Orval was married to Marion O’Brien in Great Falls, MT in 1950 and was a loving husband and father. He and Marion were married for 57 years and raised five children. Following Marion’s passing in 2007, Orval married Juanita Morris in 2009 in Spokane, WA. Orval is survived by his loving spouse, Juanita Morris of Spokane; and five children: Mike (Rosie) Proteau of Spokane; Gloria (Tom) Slagle of Two Rivers, AK; Scott Wood of Spokane; Barbara (Randal) Wagner of Cheney; Paul (Michelle) Wood of Bellevue, WA; eight grandchildren; and stepson, Terry (Sue) Morris of Phoenix, AZ. Rosary Vigil was Monday, January 2, 2017 at 7 PM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 304 S. Adams Road Spokane Valley, WA. Funeral Mass was celebrated Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at 2:30 PM also at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Internment will take place at East Lincoln Cemetery in Amery, Wisconsin at a date and time to be determined.

Marilyn J. Rimestad, 85, of St Croix Falls, WI went to be with her Savior on Wednesday, December 28 surrounded by her family. Marilyn was born on March 21, 1931 in Grand Forks, North Dakota, the daughter of Tenny and Judith Stromstad. She graduated from Grand Forks Central High School and attended Aaker’s Business College. She worked for Grand Forks Herald newspaper until her marriage to Sigurd Rimestad. She was proud to have raised five children before going back to work. She worked at Hazelden in Center City, MN and then as librarian at the Taylors Falls Public Library for over twenty years retiring in 2001. Marilyn loved being involved in various church committees and was a church choir singer her entire life. Those who knew her knew that she loved to sing. She sang whenever she had the opportunity - in the car or in the shower - and while cleaning, sorting books and shopping. Marilyn is survived by her children: Marty (Wanda) Rimestad, WI, Kris (Mike) Lance, VT, Debbie (John) Motley, MN, Kathy (Richard) Westrum, IL, and Sanna (Dan) Raedeke, MN; thirteen grandchildren: Noelle (Hassan) Young, WA, Daenon (Brian) Scobee, IL, Kjersten Lance, IL, Luke (Beth) Westrum, CA, Lauren Rimestad, MN, Curtis Lance, TX, Brianna Lance, NY, Matthew Westrum, CO, Dominick Raedeke ND, Simone Raedeke, CA; Karsten Rimestad, IL, Landen Rimestad, WI; Braeden Rimestad, WI; six great-grandchildren, and a sister Patricia (Ken) Schultz, Grand Forks, ND. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Sig. The family wishes to thank the staff at Comforts of Home in St Croix Falls, WI for their loving care these past two years and Adoray Hospice for their compassionate care. Family prefers memorials to Peace Lutheran Church, 2355 Clark Road, P.O. Box 655, Dresser, WI 54009. Memorial services were on Monday, January 2, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church with visitation at the church for the hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Kahbakong Cemetery in Taylors Falls. 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.

Mitzi Lou Steenberg, 60, of Hudson, WI died December 26, 2016 at the Minneapolis VA Hospital. Mitzi was a cancer survivor six years ago but was recently diagnosed with cancer that had no cure. She valiantly chose to spend her final days with a clear mind and was at peace with God. Mitzi was born on February 6, 1956 in Amery, WI. She was baptized and confirmed at Balsam Lutheran Church and lived her life with a strong Faith. She graduated from Amery High School in 1974 and joined the Army immediately following high school. She was on active duty until 1976, with time spent in Germany. After that time she held various jobs, including working at the Amery Free Press and waitressing in both Wisconsin and Arizona. n 1982 she joined the MN Army National Guard from which she retired in 2002 at the rank of Sergeant First Class. After retiring from the National Guard, she was employed by the IRS as a Technical Assistant and was still employed there at the time of her passing. Mitzi married Cliff Steenberg October 10, 1987. Together they enjoyed traveling to different places in the United States, visiting relatives and attending several NASCAR races throughout the years. Mitzi very much enjoyed NASCAR Sprint Cup racing, with Matt Kinseth being her favorite driver. Mitzi was very proud of her 22 year military career. Her expertise in Army administrative requirements were put to good use as a Family Readiness Group leader for HHC, 34TH Combat Aviation Brigade, Cliff’s unit, during their deployment to Iraq in 2008-2009, providing support for military families and loved ones back on the home front. Mitzi is preceded in death by parents Robert and Arlene Jones and survived by her husband, Cliff; brothers Neil Jones (Ginni), Lee Jones (Sidney) and sister SEPTEMBERLowell 33, 2222 Steenberg, Jean Pierce (Rory),THURSDAY, father-in-law 131 NO. 19 www.moraminn.com $1.00 sisters-in-law Lola VOL. Bruggeman (Todd) and Toni O Keefe (Rick). She is also survived by 6 nieces and nephews, 13 great nieces and nephews and 3 fur babies that she loved dearly. Memorial Service will be Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at Augustana Lutheran Church, 1400 S Robert St, West St. Paul, MN with visitation beginning at 9 AM and the service at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery at 2:00 PM. Memorials may be sent to the church in care of Cliff Steenberg.

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OBITUARIES

Marlene (Molly) L. Munkelwitz

Cody J. Handrahan

Pamela Olson

Marlene (Molly) Loretta Munkelwitz, age 81, of Clear Lake, Wisconsin passed away on December 25, 2016 at her home. Marlene was born on March 26, 1935 to Helmer L. and Evelyn (Sanderson) Peterson in St. Paul, Minnesota. She graduated from Stillwater High School in 1953. On August 28, 1954 she married Vernon Albert and together they had 2 children, Dean and Doreen. Marlene was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hudson until she moved to Clear Lake, Wisconsin. In her free time she loved bowling, traveling, watching the Green Bay Packers, but most of all loved going to the Clam Falls Campground. She was dearly loved at the Campground and will be dearly missed. Marlene is survived by a son, Dean (Sherri) Munkelwitz; a daughter, Doreen (Bill) Bradley; significant other, Randall Ersland; 6 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Wayne Peterson and Howard Swanson. She is preceded in death by her husband, Vernon and her parents. Funeral services will be held at 12 PM on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at the Amery United Congregational Church of Christ with Pastor Barry Schaefer officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 AM–12 PM on Saturday January 7, 2017. Burial will held at a later date in the spring. To sign an online guest book and view a video tribute please visit www.williamsonwhite.com Arrangements have been entrusted to the Williamson~White Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 222 Harriman Avenue North Amery, Wisconsin 54001.

Cody Jacob Handrahan, 22 of Amery, WI passed away on Friday, December 30, 2016 in an automobile accident. He was born on March 4, 1994 in Amery to James and Lisa (Sigsworth) Handrahan. Cody attended Amery schools and graduated from Amery High School in 2012. After graduation, he worked at Andersen Windows where he was still employed. He loved hunting, fishing, and especially the yearly family salmon fishing trips to Algoma, WI that he took since he was a child. Cody also enjoyed the Demo Derby, helping his brother Josh and Uncle Nathan with mudding/mud trucks, watching the Packers and spending time with his cousins, nephews, niece, and many friends. Cody was preceded in death by his great grandparents, Mary and Lawrence Sigsworth, Erma Berquam, Edwin and Junice Berquam, James and Vivian Handrahan, Alice and Jasper (Brass) Christensen; Grandpas Richard Handrahan and Larry (Fuzzy) Sigsworth; brother, Jordan Handrahan and many Aunts and Uncles. Cody is survived by his parents, Jim and Lisa Handrahan; brother, Josh (Kelsey) Handrahan and nephews and niece, Hunter, Troy and Sophia Handrahan. He is also survived by his Grandmas, Karen Sigsworth and Carmen Handrahan, as well as many other loving Aunties, Uncles, cousins and friends. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at 11:00 am at West Immanuel Lutheran Church, with Pastor Rex Brandt officiating. A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 pm on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at the Williamson-White Funeral Home in Amery, as well as the hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place at the West Immanuel Cemetery next to Cody’s brother, Jordan. Pallbearers will be Aaron Sarchet, Darren Sigsworth, Jon Holloman, Josh Barry, Matt Hancock and Kyle Niebergall. Honorary pallbearers are Josh Handrahan, Hunter and Troy Handrahan, Sophia Handrahan and all Cody’s cousins. To view a video tribute and sign an online guestbook please visit www.williamsonwhite.com Arrangements were made with the Williamson-White Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Amery.

Pamela Olson age 59 of St. Paul, Minnesota passed away on Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota. Pamela Jean Olson was born on March 7, 1957 in St Paul MN. She was the first of three daughters born to Arvid and Marlys Olson. She was baptized April 7th in 1957 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Amery WI. She was confirmed at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in 1972 and Luther League at OSLC was also an important part of her life. Her parents returned to Amery in 1958 when she was a year old. Growing up in Amery she enjoyed being involved in Brownies and Girls Scouts. She liked “clowning around” and performing for different occasions. Later she was a Girl Scout leader. She attended school in Amery and graduated in 1975. She went on to attend UW- Stout and Century College where she received a degree in interior design. She worked several years in retail design before becoming a sales representative for Kirsch Fabric and Warren Shade, a distributer of Hunter Douglas. Where she enjoyed traveling the 5 state Mid-West territories. She had interests including cake decorating, baking, sewing, knitting, and crocheting. She enjoyed spending time with her family. Pam liked going to garage sales and thrifting. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arvid and Marlys (Hanson) Olson and her grandparents: Russel and Mildred (Olufson) Hanson, Henry and Myrtle (Wienke) Olson. Surviving family members include her two sisters: Patty (Steven) Gooch, Paula Olson (Charles Smock). Niece, Monique Gooch, Nephew, Lance Gooch. Great Niece Ava (Gooch) Toftness, Great Nephew Bentley Gooch. She leaves behind many relatives and friends. Funeral Services will be held at 11 AM on Friday, January 6, 2017 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Amery, Wisconsin with Pastor Keith Ruehlow officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be held at the Amery Cemetery following the service. To sign an online guest book and view a video tribute online please visit www.williamsonwhite.com

Wisconsin FFA Foundation awards $28,950 in SAE grants Madison, Wis. [December 23, 2016] – A total of 37 Wisconsin FFA members from 27 different chapters have been awarded $28,950 in Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) grants from the Wisconsin FFA Foundation. The Wisconsin FFA Foundation awarded the 2016-17 SAE grants in five categories: aquaculture, dairy, livestock, organic agriculture and start-up. Successful candidates were chosen based on the level and scope of their SAE in accordance with their age, future goals and plans for the program as well as financial need. Through the SAE program, students are able to create their own business or build career skills through an existing operation. They apply concepts learned in the classroom to real-world challenges and work experiences, learning valuable lessons from the outcomes. The program is one component of the agricultural education

opportunities available to students throughout Wisconsin. To apply for a Wisconsin FFA Foundation SAE grant, students must complete a five-page application explaining their SAE program, how much funding they are in need of, the expected use of those funds, and future goals with their SAE as well as FFA and other school activities. Their FFA advisor also must submit a statement about their involvement in the organization and the student's vision with their SAE. “It’s always an added joy to announce Wisconsin FFA Foundation Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) grant winners at this holiday time of year," says Jen Bradley, interim executive director of the Wisconsin FFA Foundation. “We are so proud of the work Wisconsin FFA members are accomplishing and the innovative ideas they present to us for their SAE projects. Our generous donors make this all

possible and for them, we are continually thankful.” Program sponsors and grant recipients are as follows: Aquaculture SAE grants were sponsored by the Wisconsin Aquaculture Association. Two $300 grants were awarded to John Birr of Oconto Falls FFA and Alexander William Orr of Waupaca. Dairy SAE grants were sponsored by: Dairy Business Association, Dairy Business Milk Marketing Cooperative, Foremost Farms USA, Nasco, Saputo Cheese USA Inc., We Energies, and the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board. Grants in the amount of $1,000 were awarded to: Nicole Broege, Janesville Craig FFA; Jared Baudhuin, Southern Door; Garett Borth, Ellsworth; Abby Frisk, New Lisbon; Hailey Hendrickson, Randolph Cambria-Friesland; Emily Pankratz, Auburndale; Anne Runde, Janesville Craig; Marcus Schroepfer, Antigo; Morgan Seitz, Seymour; Dev-

on Weiland, Colby; and Randy Winch from the Fennimore FFA. Brynn Emery and Kenzie Emery, both from the Palmyra-Eagle FFA were awarded $675 grants while Allison Jo Bragger of Independence FFA and Noah Ley Heine of Jefferson FFA both received a $500 Dairy SAE grant. In the new category, $700 Livestock SAE grants were awarded to Sarah Snortheim of Auburndale FFA; Lindsey Augustine, Ellsworth; Adam Zee, Marshfield; Kittrick Singerhouse, Menomonie; and Cassie Lawrence of the Shell Lake FFA. A $500 Livestock grant was awarded to Winston Petkoff of the Clinton FFA. Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association is the sponsor of the Livestock SAE grants. Organic Agriculture SAE grants were sponsored by Organic Valley/CROPP Cooperative, Inc. and Viroqua Food Co-op. Two $1,000 grants

were awarded to Jacob Schreiber of the Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA and Zach Sirianni of Whitehall FFA> Start-up grants were provided by BlueScope Buildings, Sartori Company and ST Paper LLC. Start-up grants in the amount of $1,000 were awarded to Kendra Goplin of Whitehall FFA; Denise Olson, Cambridge; Cameron Pokorny, Waupun; Rhiannon Reimer, Granton; and Sarah Zuelke, Stratford FFA. A $900 start-up grant was awarded to Jamie Chulafich of Fennimore FFA, an $800 grant to Raye Schmalstig of Ellsworth FFA, a $700 grant to Connor Cook of Glenwood City and two $500 grants to Madelyn Rankin of Clinton and Michael Schmitt of the Thorp FFA. Finally, a $400 start-up grant was awarded to Christopher Moskal of Clayton FFA and a $200 grant to Tristan Wirkus of Stratford.

SPORTS AND OUTDOORS

JANUARY 3, 2017

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13

Clear Lake wrestlers have six place at Northern Badger tourney Clear Lake Wrestling did well at the Northern Badger Tournament Dec. 29 and 30 in River Falls. Six Wrestlers made the podium. 106lbs- 1st place Ryan Anderson. 113lbs- 3rd place Cori Engebretson. 138lbs- 2nd place Nicholas Sempf-Nyren. 145lbs- 5th place Gabe Colbeth. 152lbs- 6th place Korey Catts and 220lbs- 3rd place Noah Wieczorek.

NICOLE ANDERSON

Ryan Anderson placed first at 106 pounds.

NICOLE ANDERSON NICOLE ANDERSON

Nicholas Sempf-Nyren placed second at 138 pounds.

NICOLE ANDERSON

Noah Wieczorek placed third at 220 pounds.

Cori Engebretson won third place at 113 pounds.

NICOLE ANDERSON

Gabe Colbeth won fifth place at 145 pounds.

NICOLE ANDERSON

Korey Catts won sixth place at 152 pounds.

14 AMERY FREE PRESS

SPORTS

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Clear Lake Boys win two at Holiday Basketball Tourney faced the Somerset Spartans. The Warriors got off to a fast start and never looked back, dominating the Spartans in every facet of the game. The final score was 67-22 in favor of the Warriors. Blanchard once again led the Warriors in the scoring department with 26 including a perfect 3 for 3 from three-point range. He also had 4 rebounds for the Warriors. Senior Matt Fisher also scored in double digits with 13 points against Somerset. Warrior junior Austin Anderson chipped in 8 points. In addition, senior Christian Briesemeister helped on both offense

The Clear Lake Warriors boys basketball team carried the momentum gained from a victory over Amery on December 22 into a holiday tournament on Dec. 29-30. In the tournament, held in Glenwood City, the Warriors first took on the Ellsworth Panthers. In a close battle the Warriors prevailed 51-48. Leading scorers for the Warriors were sophomore Bailey Blanchard with 16 points and Senior Jordan Ramis added 14. Junior Daymond Bad Horse scored 7 points and recorded 4 steals. On Friday, Dec. 30 the Warriors

and defense with 4 assists and 3 steals. Warrior Head Coach Jason Sargent also highlighted the tenacious defensive play of junior Calvin Rosen in both victories. “We were very proud of the team’s performance in the Holiday Tournament and hope that we continue this momentum as we enter the new year,” Sargent added. The wins bring the Warriors season record to 6-2. The Warriors will face Birchwood in a road game on Jan. 5.

Warrior junior Calvin Rosen goes up for a rebound.

Senior Christian Briesmeister scores two versus Ellsworth

Austin Anderson pulls up for a jumper for the Warriors.

Youth Hockey Pee Wee A 12/28 Amery @ Baldwin Amery Win 13-1

Junior Daymond Badhorse goes in for a layup against Ellsworth.

1st Period Goal: #5 Justin Walter/ unassisted Goal: #18 Blu Anderson/ Assisted by #3 Fredrik Henningsgard Goal: #11 Forrest Alton/ unassisted Goal: #30 Kobe Stinson/ Assisted by #5 Justin Walter & #22 Danny Tylee Goal: #5 Justin Walter/ Assisted by #18 Blu Anderson 2nd Period Goal: #12 Max Mike / Assisted by #2 Stuart Hellie & #5 Justin Walter Goal: #17 Daniel Koch/ Assisted by #18 Blu Anderson & #3 Fredrik Henningsgard Goal: #18 Blu Anderson/ unassisted 3rd Period Goal: #30 Kobe Stinson/ Assisted by #3 Fredrik Hennings-

gard & #8 Maddy Johnson Goal: #3 Fredrik Henningsgard/ Assisted by Blu Anderson Goal: #18 Blu Anderson/ Assisted by #5 Justin Walter Goal: #30 Kobe Stinson/ Assisted by #3 Fredrik Henningsgard Goal: #12 Max Mike/ Assisted by #5 Justin Walter Saves (12) Goalie #1 Avery Starzecki

12/29 Amery @ Stillwater B2 Red Amery Win 3-2 1st Period Goal: #2 Stuart Hellie/Assisted by #11 Forrest Alton & #18 Blu Anderson 2nd Period Goal: #11 Forrest Alton/ Assisted by #3 Fredrik Henningsgard 3rd Period Goal: #3 Fredrik Henningsgard/ Assisted by #22 Danny Tylee Saves(16) #1 Avery Starzecki

Pee Wee B 12/27/16 Amery 0 vs. Blizzard 3 Saves- Mork 26

12/31/16 Amery 1 vs. Blizzard 5 Goal- T. Welu Assist- G. Hacken, J. Jensen Saves-Mork 47

SPORTS

JANUARY 3, 2017

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15

Packers surge to postseason, Lions back in BY NOAH TRISTER AP SPORTS WRITER

DETROIT (AP) — The Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions are both headed to the postseason. One of those teams looks like a threat to make a serious run. Aaron Rodgers threw four touchdown passes, and the Packers calmly dispatched Detroit 31-24 on Sunday night to win the NFC North title. Green Bay finished the regular season with six consecutive victories, and although the Lions made the playoffs as a wild card, they frittered away the division title with three straight losses down the stretch. The Packers and Lions were

both safely in the playoffs by the time their game kicked off, because Washington lost to the New York Giants earlier in the day. But there was still a division title at stake in the Green Bay-Detroit game, and the winner would enter the postseason on a much happier note. “Winning games like today gives you great confidence. It gives you momentum,” Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. “We clearly understand where we were six weeks ago, and where we are today.” Green Bay (10-6) starts its postseason at home against the Giants next weekend, and Detroit (9-7) plays at Seattle. The Lions made the playoffs for the second time in coach

Jim Caldwell’s three seasons at the helm, but they remain without a division title since 1993. They are 0-5 this season against teams that made the playoffs — including losses to the Giants, Cowboys and Packers to close the regular season. “This isn’t what we wanted, and every loss is a major disappointment, but we have to have short memories,” Detroit receiver Golden Tate said. “All we can think about right now is Seattle, and playing the way we are capable of playing.” The Lions led 14-7 late in the first half, then Rodgers and the Packers scored 10 points before Detroit ever had the ball again. Green Bay managed a field goal at the end

of the second quarter and a touchdown drive to start the third. Detroit had a raucous home crowd on its side in what was probably the biggest game the Lions have played at Ford Field since it opened in 2002. It turned out to be their last home game of the season — they’ll be the bottom seed in the NFC playoffs. Although Detroit rebounded after missing the playoffs last season, fans in Motown will have to keep waiting for a division title. The season will be viewed a lot more positively if the Lions can beat the Seahawks for their first playoff win in 25 years — but if not, there will still be a sense that the franchise hasn’t been able

to take another significant step forward. “We got in,” quarterback Matthew Stafford said. “We’re one of the 12 teams that earned a spot in this thing and it’s a brand new season.” The Packers started 4-6 and were two games behind Detroit in the division with three to play. They pulled even with one game to go, and then Rodgers toyed with the Lions for much of Sunday night’s matchup. “Our plan is to try to win it all,” McCarthy said. “We’ll tighten our focus to the Giants, but we never lost sight of where we wanted to go. These guys, their work ethic and everything they needed to do, they just kept plowing ahead.”

This week’s sports Amery Boys Basketball Jan. 3 @ Colfax Jan. 6 @ Osceola Jan. 9 vs. Cumberland Jan. 10 vs. Grantsburg

Amery Girls Basketball Jan. 3 @ Osceola Jan. 5 @ Baldwin-Woodville Jan. 6 @ St. Croix Falls

Jan. 10 @ New Richmond

Clear Lake Boys Basketball

vite

Amery Hockey

Clayton Boys Basketball

Jan. 6 @ Tomah Jan. 7 @ Black River Falls Jan. 10 vs. Eau Claire Regis

Jan. 6 @ Northwood Jan. 9 @ Clear Lake

Clayton Girls Basketball

Amery Wrestling Jan. 5 vs. St. Croix Central Jan. 7 @ New Richmond In-

Jan. 6 @ Northwood Jan. 9 vs. Spring Valley

Jan. 3 @ Luck Jan. 6 @ Birchwood Jan. 9 vs. Clayton Jan. 10 vs. Northwood

Clear Lake Girls Basketball Jan. 3 @ Luck Jan. 6 @ Birchwood Jan. 10 vs. Northwood

25 YEARS OF BETTER!

TURTLE LAKE 1.800.846.8946 | STCROIXCASINO.COM |

#TURTLELAKE25

Clear Lake Wrestling Jan. 7 @ New Richmond Invite

16 AMERY FREE PRESS

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NEW YORK: Band students and chaperones experience four days in New York City FROM PAGE ONE

bus ride and eagerly awaited an online update from Beth Monson about their well-being. The first such post came nearly 24 hours later, as the group was forced to make a longer-than-expected stop in Pennsylvania.

Thursday would bring another day packed to the gills with adventure. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Times Square, a tour of Lincoln Center, and a performance by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. It would also bring a little rain. Beth writes:

Chaperone Allen Carlson snapped a photo of sleeping passengers during the bus ride to NYC.

Beth, who had been serenading her passengers over a microphone on the bus, wrote: “Wed. morning- 7:30am. We are in Bloomsbury, PA having breakfast. The first 12 hours was quite nice. We were excited and our bus was presented with the full series of Star Wars. We got through 3 episodes, then took a break. Sleeping overnight had the regular challenges of comfort and driver stops, which seemed way too often. This morning there was a popped steering tube or something, so good news. While we eat a good hot breakfast, the company is coming to us to fix it. In a few hours I will be singing on that mic on the bus! Love that mic!” The group ended up pressing on without their third bus, squeezing onto just two busses instead. But bus number three would be repaired and catch up the following day. A full day of activities awaited before the group before they would check into their hotel. Reflecting on Wednesday, Beth writes: “Seeing that Skyline appear as we drove in made it all real. Cool. I have always wanted to come to NY and what a neat way to do it. It was at Radio City, a beautiful Art Deco creation, with such a rich history, that it all caught up with me. Standing there with Mr Boyd and part of our group, watching the real Rockettes perform. Those years of stress, planning, fundraising all led to this. All so worth the effort so our kids could experience this part of our world. Thanks to every single person who did their part to make it happen. “We were given time to tromp all around the Rockefeller, 5th Ave, I don’t know area. Met up for a super fun dinner at Ellen’s Stardust Cafe. One of our guys was quoted as saying, ‘well, that was the most excellent hour of my life’. Fun.”

“We observed all the lines of people waiting to get into museums in the rain. We are privileged to drive up and walk in a side door at all of our sights and walk right in. Our wonderful bus drivers pick us up at the door and shuffle us off to the

Posing with a ‘Rockette.’

next destination. The Metropolitan Museum of Art was a popular stop for half of the world, on this given day. We were free to wander on our own. It was a bit overwhelming to get into the groove. But if you did, there were some amazing things to see. I loved the paintings , a

lot, but such a range of ancient artifacts, art work, scenes, $10 fruit cups (the $20 bill food allowance has been a mini money management lesson). An amazing place which may have been too big and crowded for the kids to fully experience- they can go back later in life.” Friday was performance day the kids and chaperones planned a stop at Manhattan Studio, where the band received a performance clinic from a Broadway Musician before recording our performance with the musician accompanying. Colorguard members, too, got to work with a broadway clinician. And then it was off to the Intrepid Air and Space Museum where they would perform for tourists aboard a real live aircraft carrier. The busy day was topped off with dinner at Planet Hollywood, and a Broadway show, ‘School of Rock.’ Beth writes: “This day was the heart of what we came to do. The Color Guard departed for a separate clinic, and it was reportedly a great exposure to a very skilled and dedicated troop. The band headed down to an actual music studio. No front door, you gotta take the freight elevator-quite amusing to us. They did an impressive job sight reading the music. Yes! They did great tackling new music under the direction of a professional musician. He shared some incite into his career, and a singer with a really big voice ( and reportly not hard on the eyes) wisked in, belted it out, and off he went. Give my regards to Broadway! “In typical band fashion it was a flurry to get uniforms on, instruments out, divert any emergencies, and gather on the deck. Amery can continue to be SO PROUD of this band. The crowd loved it, visiting foreigners taped it, and the mom’s cried ( not just me). As they walked away, they did the entire “AHS-Charge” schpeal, and continued to play as they walked off, oh these kids are great! After posing for a group photo they couldn’t help but

has developed our own kind play an encore.” “We are so pleased with the of groove. As the week went travel company and amazed at on we melded into whatever everything we are taking in. An individual could never create a trip this complete. The kids continue to respect the schedule. We are living real-life lessons all along the way on humanity and society and overall life. Our youth are fortunate for a community which has made this happen. A special thanks to the parents, it is all worth it friends! Saturday the group would e x p e r i e n c e A rainy day for shopping. perhaps the most magical New Year’s Eve role needed to make this a safe of their lifetimes; a boat ride and memorable time for our to Liberty Island and Ellis Is- youth. My respect to Mr. Boyd land, the 9/11 Memorial and leading up to this trip and all Museum, dinner in Little Ita- through the week. He was solid

Students saw artifacts and artwork during their visit to ‘The Met.’

ly, and then last but not least, their own private New Year’s Eve party, complete with snacks, beverages, and a DJ at the hotel. Beth writes: “I can’t believe that I was in Joisey having a New Year’s dance party with a DJ named Vinnie! You can’t make this stuff up.” “Our group of chaperones

in leading us through a pretty intense experience. Hoping for a smooth trip home as we are all exhausted, have been in large groups for so many days, and need to face 20 some hours of bus. Don’t worry, we are strong, but we welcome prayers for a safe trip with a few more memories to boot. Chaperonesthanks for a good time. It has definitely been real. I am out.”

The group poses for a casual photo inside Lincoln Center, where they received a guided tour and even saw some rehearsals in progress.

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Bright Lights, Big City Above, students take in the beauty of Rockefeller Center and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iconic holiday display and skating rink. The trip was documented widely accross social media by students and chaperones alike using the hashtag #AmeryBandTrip2K16, including a video of the groups performance on the Intrepid. More photos online at theameryfreepress.com.

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PUBLIC NOTICES

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LEGALS/PUBLIC NOTICES

JANUARY 3, 2017

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LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT, POLK COUNTY NOTICE AND ORDER FOR NAME CHANGE HEARING Case No. 16 CV 367 In the matter of the name change of: Ryan Joseph LaBlanc NOTICE IS GIVEN: A petition was filed asking to change the name of the person listed above: From: Ryan Joseph LaBlanc To: Ryan Joseph Gilbertson IT IS ORDERED: This petition will be heard in the Circuit Court of Polk County, State of Wisconsin, Branch 1 Circuit Court, 1005 W. Main St., Balsam Lake, WI 54810 on January 12, 2017 at 2 p.m. If you require reasonable accommodations due to a disability to participate in the court process, please call 715485-9299 at least ten (10) working days prior to the scheduled court date. Please note that the court does not provide transportation. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED: Notice of this hearing shall be given by publication as a Class 3 notice for three (3) weeks in a row prior to the date of the hearing in the Amery Free Press, a newspaper published in Polk County, State of Wisconsin. BY THE COURT: Howard W. Cameron December 12, 2016

STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT, POLK COUNTY NOTICE AND ORDER FOR NAME CHANGE HEARING Case No. 16 CV 368 In the matter of the name change of: Jacqueline Jean LaBlanc NOTICE IS GIVEN: A petition was filed asking to change the name of the person listed above: From: Jacqueline Jean LaBlanc To: Jacqueline Jean Gilbertson IT IS ORDERED: This petition will be heard in the Circuit Court of Polk County, State of Wisconsin, Branch 1 Circuit Court, 1005 W. Main St., Balsam Lake, WI 54810 on January 12, 2017 at 2 p.m. If you require reasonable accommodations due to a disability to participate in the court process, please call 715485-9299 at least ten (10) working days prior to the scheduled court date. Please note that the court does not provide transportation. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED: Notice of this hearing shall be given by publication as a Class 3 notice for three (3) weeks in a row prior to the date of the hearing in the Amery Free Press, a newspaper published in Polk County, State of Wisconsin. BY THE COURT: Howard W. Cameron December 12, 2016

STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT, POLK COUNTY NOTICE AND ORDER FOR NAME CHANGE HEARING Case No. 16 CV 369 In the matter of the name change of: Cashton Douglas LaBlanc By (Petitioner): Ryan Joseph LaBlanc By (co-petitioner): Jacqueline Jean LaBlanc NOTICE IS GIVEN: A petition was filed asking to change the name of the person listed above: From: Cashton Douglas LaBlanc To: Cashton Douglas Gilbertson Birth Certificate: Cashton Douglas Gilbertson IT IS ORDERED: This petition will be heard in the Circuit Court of Polk County, State of Wisconsin, Branch 1 Circuit Court, 1005 W. Main St., Balsam Lake, WI 54810 on January 12, 2017 at 2 p.m. If you require reasonable accommodations due to a disability to participate in the court process, please call 715485-9299 at least ten (10) working days prior to the scheduled court date. Please note that the court does not provide transportation. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED: Notice of this hearing shall be given by publication as a Class 3 notice for three (3) weeks in a row prior to the date of the hearing in the Amery Free Press, a newspaper published in Polk County, State of Wisconsin. BY THE COURT: Howard W. Cameron December 12, 2016

(Dec. 20, 27, Jan. 3)

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(Dec. 20, 27, Jan. 3)

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LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT, POLK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF NICHOLAS J. ALLEE DOD: September 25, 2016 NOTICE TO CREDITORS (Informal Administration) Case No. 16 PR 79 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: 1. An application for informal administration was filed. 2. The decedent, with date of birth March 11, 1982 and date of death September 25, 2016, was domiciled in Polk County, State of Wisconsin, with a mailing address of 1344 101st Street, Amery, WI 54001. 3. All interested persons waived notice. 4. The deadline for filing a claim against the decedent’s estate is March 20, 2017. 5. A claim may be filed at the Polk County Courthouse, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin. Jenell L. Anderson Probate Registrar December 8, 2016 Brian D. Byrnes Byrnes Law Office, LLC 123 Keller Ave. North Amery, WI 54001 715-268-5000 Bar Number 1032419 (Dec. 20, 27 & Jan. 3)

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Governor Walker approves more than $4.4 million to serve the transportation needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities Governor Walker announced this week that 47 agencies will receive awards totaling $4,402,105 in state and federal funds to enhance and support local transportation options for Wisconsin seniors and individuals with disabilities. The specialized transportation program is administered through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) via the Federal Transit Administration’s Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program. The program grants are awarded to assist local public bodies and private, non-profit agencies with providing transportation services for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Such services include mobility management, operating assistance and vehicle purchases. Under federal transportation law, the cities of Milwaukee, Madison, Appleton and Green Bay now administer the federal 5310 program for their geographic areas. They coordinate with WisDOT to ensure continuity of the application and project selection process. WisDOT continues to administer the specialized transportation program for the rural and smaller urban areas of the state. The federal and state program, initiated in the mid1970s, has helped fund the purchase of more than 2,200 vehicles in Wisconsin, including the 780 active vehicles currently providing transportation services to seniors and individuals with disabilities. In addition, approved projects for 2017 include funding for 15 mobility management projects to help coordinate transportation services, increase transportation capacity and connect individuals with transportation services in their geographic service area. Many of the grant recipients serve smaller communities in rural areas. See the complete list of Enhanced Mobility for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program Grants for 2017 at the WisDOT website.

www.theameryfreepress.com

(Dec. 20, 27, Jan. 3)

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James Krupa Attorney-at-Law

307 S. Keller, Amery Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Closed Fridays Other times by appointment Phone 715-268-8135

BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY Christopherson Eye Clinic

DENTAL ARTS, S.C. Family Dentistry Members American Dental Association

D. P. Doroff, D.D.S. J. J. Lampi, D.D.S. A. G. Ott, D.D.S. T. P. VanSomeren, D.D.S.

Vision Examination Contact Lenses

Certified Public Accountant Accounting • Tax • Retirement Services

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

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433 3 Ave, Clear Lake, WI • (715) 263-4111 • www.OverbyFinancial.com

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

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

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

BYRNES LAW OFFICE 123 Keller Ave. N, 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

404 Wisconsin Ave. Amery, Wis. Phone 715-268-7177

Provider for Medicare, Medicaid and most insurances

River Place Dental

(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

LEGALS/PUBLIC NOTICES

JANUARY 3, 2017

AMERY FREE PRESS

www.theameryfreepress.com

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CARD OF THANKS The family of Gert Fredericks wish to extend our sincere thanks for your many kindnesses and for the condolences and support that we have received in our loss. We also send our gratitude and appreciation to the caring staff at Monroe Manor, Pastor Tim Vettrus and Skinner Funeral Home. Neal & Arlyce Langness and families Dave & Marlys Fredericks and families

Quality Service and Installation on Forced Air & AC units Gas piping FREE ESTIMATES

Jeff Young, Amery 715-529-1419 cell 715-948-2229 fax

MEETING NOTICE

Planning Commission Meeting

The Planning Commission for the Village of Clear Lake will be meeting on Thursday January 12, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building (350 4th Avenue). AGENDA: 1. Call to order and roll call to determine quorum present 2. Request for Conditional Use Permit by John & Merrily Karel @ 410 5th Street, Clear Lake (former First Lutheran Church) for rental usage. 3. A Public Hearing to consider a requested zoning change for Lot 2 of CSM # 6696 (part of Outlot 167 Assessor’s Plat to the Village of Clear Lake) from R-2 (Single Family) to R-4 (Two - Family Residential) & from B-1 (Commercial) (former Northland Equipment Property) to R-4 (Two Family Residential) for the purpose of building duplex. This has been requested by Wes Joachim. 4. Adjourn WNAXLP

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We service all makes and models

The next public meeting of the Plan Commission will be held at the Town Hall on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at 7:00 PM. AGENDA: 1. Call meeting to order. 2. Approve last meeting’s minutes. 3. Review new Zoning map. 4. Review Subdivision Ordinance. 5. Review possible new shop and hall. 6. Update Comprehensive Plan. 7. Set future meeting date and agenda. 8. Adjourn. Chairman Lawrence Thelen

REGULAR MEETING Town of Clear Lake

The Regular meeting of the Town of Clear Lake will be held at the Town Hall on Thursday, January 12, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. AGENDA: 1. Meeting called to order 2. Reading and approval of last meeting’s minutes 3. Treasurer’s Report 4. Chairman’s Report 5. Approve payment of monthly bills 6. Ordinance Commission Report 7. Old Business: -Possible building project estimate 8. New Business: 9. Road Maintenance 10. Adjourned Janelle Johnson, Town Clerk

NOTICE OF CAUCUS AND MONTHLY MEETING Town of Garfield Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a caucus will be held in the Town of Garfield on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at 7 p.m. at the Garfield Town Hall for the purpose of nominating candidaes to appear on the spring election ballot to succeed the present incumbents listed. All terms are for two years beginning on April 11, 2017. OFFICE Town Chairperson Supervisor Supervisor Clerk Treasurer

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INCUMBENT Ed Gullickson George Stroebel Don Mork Sue Knutson JoAnn Erickson

The monthly town board meeting will follow caucus. Sue Knutson Clerk Town of Garfield

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NOTICE OF CAUCUS

TOWN OF CLAYTON CAUCUS NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the Caucus for the Town of Clayton will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. in the Clayton Town Hall located at 462 105th Avenue/County Road D, Clayton, for the purpose of placing in nomination candidates for the office of (2) Town Supervisors, Town Chairman, Town Clerk, Town Treasurer whose names will appear on the ballot at the April 4, 2017, spring election. Tracy LaBlanc, Clerk

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Town of Lincoln State of Wisconsin, Polk County January 12, 2017

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a Town Caucus for the purpose of nominating candidates to appear on the spring election ballot will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at the Town of Lincoln Hall, 661 85th Street. The Caucus will be held immediately following the Town Board of Supervisors Monthly Meeting, which meets at 7:00 p.m. Stephanie Marciniak, Clerk Town of Lincoln 661 85th Street - Amery WI, 54001 715-268-4747 Published January 3 & 10, 2017 - Amery Free Press

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NOTICE OF SEWER RATE INCREASE Village of Clear Lake

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the BOARD of the Village of Clear Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin, did approve a sewer rate increase during its regular Village Board on December 6, 2016. A summary of the approved sewer rate increase is shown below: CURRENT NEW MONTHLY MONTHLY RATES RATES Residential, Commercial, Light Industrial and Public Authority: Volume Charge - Per 1,000 Gallons $ 5.02 $ 7.16 Fixed Costs / Month (5/8" meter) $ 9.11 $ 11.07 Fixed Costs / Month (1" meter) $ 21.65 $ 26.52 Fixed Costs / Month (1 1/2" meter) $ 42.55 $ 52.28 Fixed Costs / Month (2" meter) $ 67.64 $ 83.19 Fixed Costs / Month (3" meter) $ 126.17 $ 155.31 Fixed Costs / Month (6" meter) $ 418.83 $ 515.93 Holding Tank Wastes /1,000 gal. $ 18.47 $ 25.42 Septage Wastes /1,000 gal. $ 159.00 $ 230.77 NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that these new sewer rates shall take effect on January 1, 2017 following their publication. Dated: December 27, 2016. Albert L. Bannink Village Clerk Village of Clear Lake

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Saturday business hours will now be offered by appointment beginning January 7, 2017.

Leadholm

Insurance Agency 212 N. Keller Ave. • Amery, Wis. Phone 715-268-7188

20 AMERY FREE PRESS

JANUARY 3, 2017 www.theameryfreepress.com

COOKING WORLD Tidbit: There are things in your life that cannot be recaptured: spoken words, passed time and missed opCarolyn Lumsden portunities. (anonymous) 715-483-9738

Candy is always popular for eating and giving. Candy cordials are ever popular. You can make your own easily without buying them. They are even more special for gifts, when entertaining or enjoying with family and friends. CHERRY CORDIALS You will need 1 jar (10 oz.) stemmed maraschino cherries. Remove from jar carefully to keep the stems on. Drain well. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. In smaller bowl, combine until stiff dough forms: 2-1/2 c. powdered sugar 1/4 c. butter, softened 2 T. milk Shape some dough around each drained cherry, being careful to keep the stem on the cherry. Place on baking sheet and freeze for 15 minutes or until firm. In small saucepan (or MW) melt until smooth: 1 pkg. (11-12 oz.) milk chocolate chips 1 T. vegetable shortening Remove the frozen cherries and dip each one into the chocolate mixture, coating completely. Return to baking sheet and chill for 1 hour or until chocolate is firm. Serve or cover and chill until ready to serve. Makes about 2-1/2 dozen cordials. Hint: You can use semi-sweet chocolate chips. You could also melt white chocolate chips and drizzle a bit over each cherry for a festive look.

This meal is made in your skillet. You can make this in about half an hour. Or you can use leftover chicken or turkey in this recipe, too. CHICKEN NOODLE DINNER Put in skillet and brown, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes on medium high heat: 1 T. veg. or olive oil 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 1/2” chunks (or your favorite part of the chicken) Stir in and combine: 2 c. chicken broth 1 can (10-3/4 oz.) cream of chicken soup Add and bring to a boil: 1/2 c. sliced mushrooms 1 c. frozen broccoli cuts 1 c. frozen corn or carrots 1 c. uncooked egg noodles 1/2 tsp. onion powder 1/2 tsp. salt or to taste pepper to taste Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 8 minutes. Uncover and simmer an additional 5 minutes or until noodles are tender. Serves 2-4. Hint: If you have leftover chicken or turkey, you can cut it into pieces and add the ingredients above to save even more time.

BEEF AND BEAN TACO CASSEROLE Thoroughly cook in 12” skillet, about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally: 1 pound lean ground beef Drain any fat. Stir in: 1 can (16 oz.) refried beans 1 jar (16 oz.) thick and chunky salsa 1 pkg. (1 oz.) taco seasoning mix (low sodium) Reduce heat to medium and heat mixture to boiling, stirring occasionally. Put in 2 qt. casserole: 2 c. coarsely broken tortilla chips Put on top of the chips: The cooked ground beef mixture Sprinkle on top in order below: 1/2 medium green bell pepper, seeded and chopped (about 3/4 c.) 4 medium green onions (about 3/4 c.) 1 c. medium tomatoes, chopped (about 1 c.) 1 c. shredded cheddar cheese 1/4 c. sliced ripe olives Bake at 350° for about 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly and cheese is melted. Just before serving top with: 1 c. shredded lettuce 1/2 c. chopped tomatoes (about 1/2 medium tomato) 1/2 c. broken tortilla chips Serves about 4. Tip: If you have leftover sweetened condensed milk from a recipe, you can store it in refrigerator for about 3 weeks. Use it drizzled over fresh fruit, over cooked cereals or in hot coffee or tea.

These are a good-tasting oatmeal cookie. Frost or leave plain. HUMMINGBIRD OATMEAL COOKIES Beat together in medium bowl for 3-5 minutes or until creamy: 1 c. butter, softened 1 c. brown sugar 1 tsp. vanilla Add, one at a time, beating well after each addition: 2 large eggs Combine in a larger bowl: 2 c. flour 2 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. soda 1/2 tsp. salt Add to the above and mix until just blended: The egg mixture 1/2 ripe banana, mashed Add and combine: 1-1/2 c. oatmeal (regular) 1 c. finely chopped pecans 1/2 c. finely chopped dried pineapple Drop by heaping tablespoonfuls onto parchment lined cookie sheets about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with a floured flat bottomed glass. Bake at 350° for 12 minutes or until golden. Cool on cookie sheets for 10 minutes then remove to wire racks to cool completely. Makes about 4 dozen cookies. To frost the cookies, make a cream cheese frosting and put some of the frosting on each cookie. Combine and sprinkle each cookie with 1/2 c. finely chopped dried banana chips, 1/2 c. toasted coconut, and 1/2 c. chopped toasted pecans.

Maybe you’d like this casserole. It will take less than an hour to make.

Copies made and Faxes sent Amery Free Press 215 S. Keller Ave., Amery

Open 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday WEDNESDAY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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MONDAY

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Community Center: 7 pm HS Hockey at Tomah Ice Center 7:15 pm HS Boys Basketball at Osceola 7:15 pm HS Girls Basketball at St. Croix Falls 7:30 pm “A Student Art Exhibit” opening at the Northern Lakes Center for the Arts

9:30 am HS Wrestling Meet at New Richmond 10 am Golden Age Manor Family Council meets on the Sun Porch 1 pm HS Hockey vs. Black River Falls at the Milt Lunda Arena

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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

Community Center: 8 am Coffee Club, 9 am Pool, 9 am Circle of Sisters, 12:30 pm Hand & Foot, 7 pm Alcoholics Anonymous 6:30 pm Bingo at the Amery VFW 7 pm HS Wrestling vs. St. Croix Central, here with Takedown Cancer event 7:15 pm HS Girls Basketball at Baldwin-Woodville west gym

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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 pm HS Hockey vs. Eau Claire Regis, here 7:15 pm HS Boys Basketball vs. Grantsburg, here 7:15 pm HS Girls Basketball at New Richmond

Community Center: 8 am Coffee Club, 9 am Silver Foxes, 10 am Alcoholics Anonymous, 1 pm Bridge, 7 pm Alcoholics Anonymous

Community Center: 8 am Coffee Club, 9 am Pool, 12:30 pm Hand & Foot, 7 pm Alcoholics Anonymous 8:15 am Amery Housing Authority monthly board meeting at the AHA office 4:45 pm HS Hockey at New Richmond Sports Center 6:30 p.m. Bingo at the Amery VFW 7 pm HS Wrestling at Somerset 7:15 am HS Boys Basketball vs. Baldwin-Woodville, here

Community Center: 8 am Coffee Club, 9 am Silver Foxes, 8 pm Alcoholics Anonymous 7:15 pm HS Girls Basketball vs. Somerset, here

2 pm HS Hockey vs. Ashland, here

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SATURDAY

TUESDAY

Community Center: 7:15 am HS Boys Basketball vs. Cumberland, here

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING Beat together: 1/2 pkg. (4 oz.) cream cheese, softened 1 T. butter, softened 1/2 tsp. vanilla Add gradually, beating well: 2 c. powdered sugar If frosting seems too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar until frosting is as thick as you want. If too thick, add just a smidge of milk or water. (This is half of a full recipe and should be enough to frost the cookies. If you like more frosting on each cookie, double the recipe of frosting.

FRIDAY

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January 4 - 14

SUNDAY

THURSDAY

For All Your Communications Needs 715-268-7101 3/10/15 11:31 AM

265 Griffin St. E, Amery Phone (715) 268-8000 www.amerymedicalcenter.org

JANUARY 3, 2017

AMERY FREE PRESS www.theameryfreepress.com

Newly Passed 21st Century Cures Act Is No Panacea Will patients benefit from the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act? After listening to politicians and reading the headlines, most peomight think Thinking ple it’s the best thing ever to come About along for patients. Health “A new day for Trudy Lieberman, medical research Rural Health News is on the horizon,” Service proclaimed Rep. Fred Upton, the outgoing chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee which had just won a major victory last week. “The House and the Senate have passed this bipartisan legislation which will ensure our health system can keep pace with incredible advances in science and technology,” Upton said in the GOP’s weekly radio address. “We needed to do better. And with 21st Century Cures, we will.” Media headlines mirrored Upton’s victory declaration. Headlines like this from the Wall Street Journal, “House Passes Health Bill to Speed Drug Approvals, Boost Biomedical Research” seemed to say it all: faster drug approvals, more money for research, less pesky regulation. Or was there more to the story? Not everyone thinks the Cures Act will be wonderful for patients. But their voices were drowned out in the slick public relations campaign Upton’s committee waged over the past few years using some 200 or so patient advocacy organizations to push for the bill. Most of those groups have strong ties to the drug and medical device industry. A recent study by Dr. Vinay Prasad, an oncologist at Oregon Health Sciences University, found that three-quarters of 68 cancer advocacy groups he studied disclosed

sponsorship from pharmaceutical companies. Some groups received money from as many as 16 or 17. Prasad told me, “Ten years from now, someone with a cancer diagnosis will be worse off with this bill. People will be exposed to more things that don’t work.” Prasad and others say the Cures Act actually lowers the regulatory standards for drugs and devices. It’s a step backward for patients. In a nutshell the Act turns current regulatory practice on its head. Randomized trials, the gold standard for medical research, may disappear if a drug company wants to sell a medicine for a different condition than the one it’s already approved for. Instead it can use “real world evidence” to show the drug also works for a new indication. Such “evidence” could be observational studies, which are less reliable than randomized trials, but are cheaper and take less time. The FDA can use patient experience to inform its regulatory decisions – information about the impact of a disease or related therapy on patients’ lives. The data can come from patients, family members, caregivers, patient advocacy organizations, disease research foundations and drug manufacturers. The agency can approve new drugs on the basis of data summaries rather than requiring the FDA to independently analyze study results for a new drug indication. Drug makers would have to submit all their data, but the FDA would not have to review it. And although the bill authorizes billions for new medical research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the funding is not guaranteed, and the NIH would have to fight Congress for the money. The Cures Act is the culmination of a 20-year effort by the drug in-

dustry and Beltway think tanks to loosen standards and permit new uses for drugs already approved in order to expand their markets. It can be traced back to the 1997 FDA Modernization Act, which was then - as the Cures Act is now - sold on the promise of getting cures to market faster. The 1997 law loosened regulatory standards and reduced the number of clinical trials needed for drug approval. Are the changes brought about by the earlier law a harbinger of what’s to come? The reporting by John Fauber and his colleagues at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel offers a cautionary tale. In the last few years the paper has reported how drug and device makers have spent huge sums of money to sell drugs for conditions that were once thought to be part of everyday life. The reporters found that drug companies turned conditions such as overactive bladder, adult ADHD, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder into medically treatable ailments. They reported that the latter was not even recognized as a mental disorder until 13 years after the first drug treatments were on the market. “Drugs used to treat the various medicalized conditions don’t work that well and often have side effects that are nearly as common as the benefit,” Fauber told me. Are we turning the calendar back to 1933 when a book called “100,000,000 Guinea Pigs” was published exposing the dangers of patent medicines? Federal oversight of drugs was pretty lax then, and patients died. It’s obvious drug makers will benefit from looser regulation. It remains to be seen whether patients will, too. What have been your experiences with new drugs? Write to Trudy at trudy.lieberman@gmail.com.

Flu cases on the rise in Wisconsin Adults ages 65 years and older especially affected Flu cases are on the rise, and health officials are urging people to take precautions. Simple steps, including getting a flu shot, help protect against the flu. There have been 161 influenza cases to date this flu season, and 95 influenza-associated hospitalizations, including 8 children and 78 adults ages 50 and older. Of those hospitalized with influenza, 63 percent were ages 65 years and older. “Getting a flu shot is still one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family and friends against the flu and potential complications,” said State Health Officer Karen McKeown. “There are also many simple steps people can take now to avoid spreading the flu to family and friends, and to keep from getting it themselves, including practicing good handwashing hygiene, covering your cough, and not sharing drinking cups and straws.” Influenza can range from mild to severe, and in some cases can cause life-threatening complications. Symptoms can come on quickly and include fever, headache, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, body aches, and tiredness. If someone does get the flu after getting vaccinated, it is more likely to be a milder case. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), everyone aged six months and older should be vaccinated annually. To schedule a flu shot, contact your health care provider, pharmacy, local public health department or tribal health clinic, or go to the CDC website (link is external) to find a flu vaccination center near you. Health officials encourage you to remember these steps for protecting against the flu: •Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. •Cover your cough or sneeze with your upper sleeve, and try to avoid touching your face with your hand. If you use a tissue, throw it away after one use. •Use your own drinking cups and straws. •Avoid being exposed to people who are sick with flu-like symptoms. • Eat nutritious meals, get plenty of rest and do not smoke. •Frequently clean commonly touched surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, refrigerator handle, telephone, faucets). •If you think you have the flu, call your doctor. Stay home, rest, drink plenty of liquids, and avoid using alcohol and tobacco.

Mind Your Manners So much to do while you’re on the run, It's winding down and soon it will all be done, There will be manners that we forgot, Being remembered by a friend means a lot, Just a greeting it is just for thought, A simple hello doesn't have to be bought, Pick up the phone and give them a holler, Doesn't cost much, not even a dollar, I like to hear your voice when you talk, Something to think about anytime around the clock, You say hello, and I say hi, I never like the part when we say goodbye, After a day of errands and a big goal, Makes my mind feel smaller than a mole, Tired or not you have to be polite, Always say good morning and always say goodnight.

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JANUARY 3, 2017 www.theameryfreepress.com

For the month of January, artZ Gallery presents: “Hidden Gems” an Invitational Theme Show

Every month artZ Gallery showcases one or more Member Artist and at least one Guest Artist in the large featured gallery space. In January, former Guest Artists are invited to interpret the theme: “Hidden Gems”. Painter Paul Oman, will be displaying two large watercolors: "Great Lakes Rollers- Hidden beneath the waters and within the lore of the Great Lakes are journeys of natives and explorers alike. The power of these waters holds our imaginations captive.” And,

County Deer Advisory Councils will meet to discuss CWD County Deer Advisory Councils will hold special meetings in January for the specific purpose of discussing recommendations for responding to chronic wasting disease statewide and on a local level. Each council will review information regarding CWD and discuss the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' 15year Chronic Wasting Disease Response Plan. This plan guides the department's approach to addressing CWD in Wisconsin, and is currently under review by DNR, DATCP and the Conservation Congress along with a stakeholder-based CWD Response Plan review committee. Each council will use current CWD data, preliminary recommendations from the review committee, and online public feedback to submit recommendations on action items in the plan. The response plan covers topics including CWD surveillance and monitoring, hunting season tools, captive cervid regulations, biosecurity

and safety, research, and public involvement. To help council members gather public feedback prior to the meetings, an on-line public input form survey is available on the CWD Response Plan review and is open for public comment through Jan. 3, 2017. Additional public comments will be accepted at each January CDAC meeting. Final CWD response plan recommendations will be presented to the Natural Resources Board in March 2017. To provide comment on the current CWD Response Plan review, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keywords “CWD Response Plan.” Polk County’s meeting will take place January 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Polk County Government Center’s East Conference Room. For CDAC meeting information in other counties, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keyword "CDAC" and select the link labeled "Find your county's January meeting location, date and start time."

"Evening Glow -To the north and west of Amery several miles, the Balsam Branch meanders its way to Lake Wapogasset. This hidden gem is seen here only several hundred feet beyond where the old Kennedy Mill once stood.” Mixed media artist Barb Bend, created “ The Pollinator” with cotton, silk, beads and crystals, over a steel armature. “The Pollinator

is covered with pollen that has gathered on and disperses from its body as it flits from plant to plant. The pollen is the hidden gem that gives and sustains life.” artZ welcomes Photography by resident teens from the Northwest Passage program. Other works by Guest Artists will include: Assemblage’ by Nancy Viebrock, Photography by Patrick Murray, Collage’ by Gloria Adrian, Oil painting by Susan Aamot, Calligraphy by Christine Manwiller and Jewelry by Sheila Courts and Edna Grotjahn Early. Gallery members are challenged to express the “Hidden Gems” theme in a variety or mediums. “ As a community of artists, we believe the power of art to educate, inspire, and advocate is at the core of what makes art an essential part of creating thriving, vibrant communities.” artZ Gallery is an artist owned and operated gallery, with changing monthly exhibits featuring member and guest artists. Artists who are interested in exhibiting can pick up application information at the Gallery or: www.artzgallery.org artZ Gallery is located at 208 North Keller Ave. in Amery, Wisconsin. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10-5.

Children invited to enter DOT’s Aviation Art Contest Children, ages seven to 17, are eligible to win an airplane ride or art supplies by showcasing their artistic talent in the annual Aviation Art contest. This year’s theme is “Beyond the Clouds” and artists are encouraged to use their imagination and celebrate the adventure and excitement only available in the special place beyond the clouds. Entries are first judged on a state level and winners will re-

ceive the following prizes: •First place: $100 art supply gift certificate or an airplane ride for themselves and two guests •Second place: $75 art supply gift certificate •Third place: $50 art supply gift certificate The top three entries in the three different age divisions will advance to the national competition, with the potential to be entered in the international aviation

HEARING

HAPPENS IN THE BRAIN

CONNECTIONS

HAPPEN IN THE HEART

Book an appointment and receive: • Free NEW technology demonstration • Free batteries for 3 years with select technology

715.268.8000 Amery Medical Center AmeryRegional Hospital and Clinic

hudsonhearing.com

Additional Locations:

Hudson Hospital and Clinics Baldwin Area Medical Center New Richmond Westfields Hospital

art contest. All artwork must be original and cannot be computer generated. For complete contest rules and the official entry form, visit the WisDOT website. Entries must be postmarked by January 20, 2017 and mailed to: Karen Broitzman, WisDOT – Bureau of Aeronautics, P.O. Box 7914, Madison, WI 53707-7914

JANUARY 3, 2017

AMERY FREE PRESS www.theameryfreepress.com

SCHOOL LUNCH MENUS AMERY SCHOOLS Thursday, Jan. 5— Elementary lunch: Chicken patty, Sonoma blend veggies, garden bar, fruit choices. Intermediate & Middle lunch: Chicken patty or chili w/soft pretzel, Sonoma blend veggies, garden bar, fruit choices. High school lunch: Chicken patty or chili w/soft pretzel, Sonoma blend veggies, garden bar, fruit choices. Friday, Jan. 6— Elementary lunch: Grilled cheese, tomato soup, garden bar, fruit choices. Intermediate & Middle lunch: Grilled cheese or cold cut sub, tomato soup, garden bar, fruit choices. High school lunch:, Grilled cheese or cold cut sub, tomato soup, garden bar, fruit choices. Monday, Jan. 9— Elementary lunch: Corn dog, sweet potato fries, garden bar, fruit choices. Intermediate & Middle lunch: Corn dog or steakhouse hoagie, sweet potato

fries, garden bar, fruit choices. High school lunch: Corn dog or steakhouse hoagie, sweet potato fries, garden bar, fruit choices. Tuesday, Jan. 10— Elementary lunch: Deluxe nachos, refried beans, black bean salsa, garden bar, fruit choices. Intermediate & Middle lunch: Deluxe nachos or chicken quesadilla, refried beans, garden bar, fruit choices. High school lunch: Deluxe nachos or chicken quesadilla, refried beans, black bean salsa, garden bar, fruit choices. Wednesday, Jan. 11— Elementary lunch: Chicken strips, carrot coins, garden bar, fruit choices. Intermediate & Middle lunch: Pork sandwich or Teriyaki chicken rice bowl, stir fry veggie blend, garden bar, fruit choices. High school lunch: Pork sandwich or Teriyaki chicken rice bowl, stir fry veggie blend, garden bar, fruit choices.

CLEAR LAKE SCHOOLS Thursday, Jan. 5— Elementary breakfast: Cereal or Little John donut, yogurt or yogurt parfait, fruit juice, fruit, milk. Elementary lunch: Mini corn dogs or peanut butter sandwich, potato wedges, steamed broccoli, cheese sauce, pears, milk. High school breakfast: Entree options: Cereal, mufin, cheese stick, bagel with jelly, Krave S’mores, ham & cheese sandwich. High school lunch: “Brunch Lunch,” cheese omelet, sausage links, muffin, hash browns, bell peppers, orange wedges, juice, (Chef salad option). Friday, Jan. 6— Elementary breakfast: Cereal or French toast sticks, cheese omelet, fruit, fruit juice, milk. Elementary lunch: Ham & cheese sub or PB&J “Uncrustable,” fresh vegetables, chips, applesauce, mandarin oranges, milk. High school breakfast: Entree options: Cereal, yogurt, “Gripz” graham crackers, mini donuts, sausage links, cereal bar. High school lunch: Ham & cheese sub or grilled chicken sub, fresh vegetables, tangy broccoli salad, strawberries, grapes, chips, milk. Monday, Jan. 9— Elementary breakfast: Cereal and graham crackers or pancake sausage stick with syrup, fruit juice, fruit, milk. Elementary lunch: Pizza sticks or Italian flatbread, spaghetti sauce, garden

salad bar, strawberries, blueberries, milk. High school breakfast: Entree options: Cereal, cheese stick, cereal bar, Pop Tart, pancake sausage stick, banana bread. High school lunch: Pizza sticks or Italian flatbread, spaghetti sauce, milk, garden salad bar, applesauce, blueberries, “Jonny Pop” fruit bar. Tuesday, Jan. 10— Elementary breakfast: Cereal or mini donuts, sausage links, fruit, fruit juice, milk. Elementary lunch: Meatballs or hot dog on a bun, tator tots, steamed corn, orange smiles, milk. High school breakfast: Entree options: Cereal, yogurt, Krave S’mores, muffin, Little John donut, scrambled eggs. High school lunch: Meatballs or hot dog on a bun, tator tots, steamed corn, orange wedges, sliced pears, milk. Wednesday, Jan. 11— Elementary breakfast: Cereal or oatmeal, cereal bar, fruit juice, fruit, milk. Elementary lunch: Stromboli or PB&J Uncrustable,” or “Goldfish bowl,” garden salad bar, grapes, pudding cup, milk. High school breakfast: Entree options: Cereal, Vertical bar, cereal bar, muffin, “Gripz” graham crackers, Canadian bacon, egg & cheese sandwich. High school lunch: Stromboli or garlic cheese french bread, garden salad bar, sliced apples, sliced peaches, pudding cup, milk.

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To Throw or Not to Throw N o w that the holidays are over you may be wondering what to Garden do with Variety yC hor ius trJulie Kuehl, m a s Polk County t r e e . R at hMaster Gardener er than throwing it out why not put it outside and use it for the birds and small animals. Their food sources will be under the snow and using your tree to tie small bird seed balls, suet or leftover fruit cake will give them a food source out of the snow. If you still have some tinsel on the tree you can leave it, it will add visual interest in your garden or add some yarn for spring nest making. You can cut the boughs off and lay by a bird feeder for nesting. If you place it outside a window, it will also provide entertainment during the long cold win-

ter months ahead. Many of us have Poinsettias for Christmas. When the holiday is over just keep them watered and enjoy. If you would like to get them to bloom again keep the plant out of drafts and watered. By February the flowers will fade and the laterals (the green part of the plant) will begin to grow. In March remove the flowers and cut the lateral stems to 6”. In June when all chances of frost are gone put the plant outside (if it has crowded the pot repot into larger pot). If you have space, dig pot into your garden in a well-drained area. In July, fertilize the plant and cut the laterals back to 4”. In late August take inside. From September 1 – December 1 keep plant in light from 8AM5PM and in dark area from 5PM-8AM. Keep plant watered throughout growing time and away from cold drafts. If you have a Christmas cactus, these can be kept for many years with some care. They should be kept in diffused light

(not direct sunlight). Make sure if you have them by a window they are not touching the glass. Watering should be done when the soil is completely dry. Remember they are a cactus. Fertilizing should be done on a monthly basis in the spring and summer. When the buds begin to set withhold fertilizing until after flowering, then resume to fertilize on a monthly basis. They like warm temperatures when blooming 70-80 degrees. Keep them away from drafts. Once they are done flowering they will rejuvenate with a light pruning. The Polk County Master Gardeners will be meeting Monday, February 13 at the Justice Center in Balsam Lake. Meeting at 6PM and speaker at 7PM. Check for February speaker in Out and About Section. Next month I’ll give you some tips for forcing bulbs indoors for a little bit of spring in the dead of winter.

Clear Lake Schools to Hold Jr. Kindergarten and Birth to 3-Year-Old Screening Clear Lake School District will be holding our 10th annual Jr. Kindergarten screening on Thursday, February 9 and Friday, February 10, 2017. All children in the Clear Lake School District that turn 4 years old before September 1, 2017 are encouraged to attend. Even if you are unsure about sending your child to school in the Fall, we would love to meet with you. We will also be holding our annual Birth to 3 years of age screening on Friday, February 10, 2017. If you are concerned about your child’s development, please call for an appointment time. Children will be screened by Polk County Birth to Three providers. Our screening process for all students is play-based and lots of fun! Children will be observed by a trained teacher. Along with the teacher observations, children will have their vision and hearing screened. This is the time to register your child for Jr. Kindergarten (4K) starting in September 2017. All paperwork will be completed at this time, and information about our program will be shared. During the screening, parents will meet with Mrs. Pickard (JK teacher) and will be able to browse the many area services that Clear Lake has to offer. Area dental clinics, hospitals, school nurse, and Polk County resources will be available to answer questions and provide information to you. Please call or email ASAP to register your child for this wonderful screening. You can reach Mrs. Pickard at 715-263-2117 ext. 2112 or email the following information below to jpickard@clwarriors.org : Child’s Name Parent(s) Name(s) Birthdate Phone Number Address

We look forward to meeting you in February!!

-

Clear Lake Schools JK/K Staff

24 AMERY FREE PRESS

JANUARY 3, 2017 www.theameryfreepress.com

Public comment sought on Wisconsin water quality The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on guidance that helps evaluate the status of the state’s surface water quality. The comment period will run from December 20 to January 27. The Wisconsin Consolidated Assessment and Listing Methodology, known as WisCALM, provides guidance to assess surface water quality and trends against standards set by the Clean Water Act. The methodology is updated for each biennial surface water assessment cycle and the current guidance is being updated for the 2018 cycle. Ashley Beranek, DNR water resources management specialist, said this year’s updates include: •A new numeric criteria quick-reference section at the beginning of the document. This includes tables of numeric criteria and links to further descriptions within WisCALM.

•Added language on chloride assessments. This represents a clarification rather than a change in criteria or assessment methods. •Lake total phosphorus targets for fish and aquatic life that have been updated to match the recreation use criteria. There is no change in codified total phosphorus criteria. Assessing water bodies against water quality standards and identifying impaired waters that don’t meet standards is part of the overarching federal Clean Water Act framework for restoring impaired waters. Under the Clean Water Act, states are required to monitor and assess their waters to determine if they meet water quality standards and support the designated uses they are intended to provide. Wisconsin’s surface water quality is good and improving in many areas; by updating the technical guidance and maintaining the impaired waters list, the state works to address changes through targeted improve-

ment plans. A copy of the draft guidance can be downloaded by clicking on the following link: Draft 2018 WisCALM. For more about these changes, visit dnr.wi.gov and refer to the Water condition assessments & reporting page. Public comments on the latest WisCALM guidance can be made according to the process described on the following website: Proposed DNR Program Guidance. Comments also may be submitted to: dnrimpairedwaters@wisconsin. gov or via mail to Ashley Beranek, DNR, Bureau of Water Quality, 101 S. Webster St. WQ/3 Madison, WI 53707 CONTACTS: Ashley Beranek, DNR water resources management specialist, 608-267-9603, Ashley. Beranek@Wisconsin.gov; Jennifer Sereno, DNR communications, 608770-8084, Jennifer.Sereno@wisconsin.gov

BIRTHS Cumberland Memorial Hospital Rilynn Ruth Nelson, 6 lbs. 5 ozs., born on December 19, 2016 to Jaci and Steven Nelson of Turtle Lake.

St.Croix Regional Medical Center Breckan Taylor Rivard, 6 lbs. 7 ozs., born on Dec. 15 to Rebecca and Jacob Rivard of Taylors Falls, MN. Teyton Phillip Dziubak, 8 lbs. 6 ozs., born on Dec. 17 to Alicia and Eric Dziubak of Stacy, MN. Maura Anne Barwin, 7 lbs. 6 ozs., born on Dec. 17 to Samantha and Jonathan Barwin of Sunrise, MN. Summit Duane Barnes, 8 lbs. 7 ozs., born on Dec. 20 to Kelley and Bob Barnes of Siren. Noah Christopher Bruzek, 7 lbs. 4 ozs., born on Dec. 21 to Jessica and John Bruzek III of Siren. Kinsley Ann Hopp, 7 lbs. 7 ozs., born on Dec. 22 to Whitney and Justin Hopp of Frederic. Harvey Lawrence Schroepfer, 7 lbs. 8 ozs., born on Dec. 23 to Ali and Andrew Schroepfer of Lindstrom, MN. Henley Sonnen Hillesheim, 9 lbs. 8 ozs., born on Dec. 27 to Alyssa and Ryan Hillesheim of Lindstrom, MN.

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. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Tuesdays 7 p.m. at Clear Lake Community Center, VFW Room 123. Richard 715-554-7277, Teresa 612-636-3244. 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.

Cancer, Grief & Depression Support Group. A support group to allow people to talk about their experiences with cancer, grief and depression as well as share mutual support to one another. Second Tuesday of every month at Amery Area Community Center at 1 p.m. You can join at any time and it is free and open to the public. 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 of the month at 10 a.m. in the west wing sunporch. GAM is Polk County’s longest operating longterm healthcare facility. The Family Council’s goal is to enhance the lives of the residents beyond what the staff normally does.

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 Saturday 6 p.m. St. Croix Casino & Hotel, Turtle Lake. Room 121. Everyone welcome to attend. Info call Pat at 715-553-2859. Overeaters Anonymous. Tuesdays 10 a.m. at St. Croix Alano Club, across from hospital in St. Croix Falls. 715-825-3416. PEPTalk - P(arents)E(ncouraging)P(arents)... exists to encourage, support, and build up a community of homeschool families in Polk County, Wisconsin. Through our regular activities we provide opportunities for families to come together to enrich their students’ learning experiences with special classes, field trips, play dates, and celebrations. We facilitate regular time together which provides social, academic and character-building activities for our children while parents encourage and support each other through the homeschooling journey. We also strive to serve our surrounding communities through projects that emphasize selflessness and provide opportunities for parents and children to use their gifts and talents to serve others. We welcome all types of homeschooling families to check us out! PEPTalk activities happen throughout the month. For more information contact Jenn Dueholm, jenndueholm@yahoo.com or Wendy Dietrich, thedietrichs@ amerytel.net. Like us on Facebook under PEPTalk.

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 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. Veteran’s Support Group. 1st 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. Weight Loss Club meets Thursdays 8-9 a.m. Our Savior’s Lutheran church, 217 Deronda St., Amery. Bonnie Timm 715-268-2980. Western Wisconsin LYME Education and Support Group meets: fourth Thursday of the month (April through October) at 7 p.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran church, 217 Deronda St., Amery. (No meetings November through March). Meetings are free of charge and open to the public. 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..

JANUARY 3, 2017

AMERY FREE PRESS www.theameryfreepress.com

Kinship of Polk County recognizes January 2017 as National Mentoring Month Every day quality mentoring programs in our country connect mentors to our young people and culitivate relationships that provide crucial support and guidance as these young people grow and develop into our next generation of citizens and leaders. Research has shown that when matched through quality mentoring program, mentors can play a powerful role in providing young people with the tools to make responsible decisions, stay focused and engaged in schools, and reduce or avoid risky behavior like skipping school, drug use and other negative activities. For example, in a recent national report called the Mentoring Effect, young people who were at-risk for not completing high school but who had a mentor were 55% more likely to be enrolled in college than those who did not have a mentor. There were also: •81% more likely to report participating regularly in sports or extracurricular activities •78% more likely to volunteer regu-

larly in their communities •More than twice as likely to say they held a leadership position in a club or sports team. The same report found that one in three youth will reach age 19 without a mentor. National Mentoring Month gives us the opportunity to highlight Kinship of Polk County and to focus on year-round strategies to grow Kinship’s capacity to ensure every young person in Polk C o u n ty who needs a mentor is connected to a caring adult. Kinship of Polk County has been serving Polk County for 37 years. This program has been instrumental in matching hundreds of youth with caring mentors. Keep an eye out in the weeks to come to hear some of the stories of the mentors and youth impacted by this local program. For more information, please visit www.polkkinship.org.

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AMERY AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY Amery Area Public Library Customize a coffee mug, January 3-12 From January 3 through 12, bring in an 11 oz. coffee mug (3" - 3.5" in diameter) or 12 oz. latte mug (4.75" in diameter) and use a sublimation heat transfer press machine to create a personalized item. Requires a 20 minute appointment, a mug and an image in JPG format. Live raptors @ the library Meet and observe live birds of prey while learning about characteristics and adaptations that help them survive, January 20, 10 a.m. Storytime Storytime is held on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Join Miss Riss for interactive stories, songs, and more. Stick around after storytime for engaging art, music, or other early learning activities. Geared toward 2-5 year-olds and their caregivers. There will be no storytime in January. Storytime will resume on February 1. 1,000 books before kindergarten and Baby book bees These ongoing early literacy initiatives encour-

age families to establish a strong foundation of reading in young children. Visit the library to sign up for the program that is right for your child. 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.—5:00 p.m., to plan events, talk about books and more. Book discussion groups The Friends of the Library Book Discussion Group meets on the third Monday of the month at 1:30 p.m. to discuss general fiction and literature. The Great Seniors Book Club meets on the third Monday of the month at 10 a.m., at the Amery Area Community Center. 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 Mondays and Wednesdays, 4 p.m.—7 p.m. Help with basic computer skills is offered on Fridays, 10 a.m.—12 p.m. 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 meets on the third Monday of the month at 4:30 p.m. Meetings are open to all members and to the public. E-books, e-audiobooks and digital magazines Your MORE library card gives you access to the Overdrive collection of e-books, e-audiobooks, and streaming videos; and the Freading collection of e-books. Beginning in January, the library will offer access to digital magazines through Flipster. Magazines can be downloaded to most phones and tablets for offline reading anytime, anywhere. 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.

ARNELL MEMORIAL HUMANE SOCIETY In 2016 Arnell Humane Society took in more than the average number of strays in need of extra care. As the designated humane society for Polk County, accepting all strays, animals with special needs are to be expected. Homeless strays are fending for themselves and often arrive with serious parasite infestations, debilitating injuries, starvation or a lack of behavioral skills, fearful from their experience. All require a nourishing meal and TLC. In 2016, pets needing extra special care requiring surgery, extensive recovery care or long stays became more of a norm rather than the exception. They all found a second chance at Arnell Memorial Humane Society. This past year Arnell Humane Society provided care to dogs with broken bones, porcupine quill removal, shaved matted cats, treated dogs with mange and cats with chronic ear mites. Training was provided to make our pets more adoptable and their life with a new family, a success. On a cold December morning, a soft Diluted Calico came to the shelter emaciated, skin and bone, suffering a split lip, frosted ears and a severe case of fleas. Tortoiseshell Janice delivered kittens on her first night at the shelter and saw them all adopted before she found a home after five months. Black Lab mixes Dallas and Mona remained in Arnell’s care for four months before finding their perfect homes. They all need homes. For some it just takes a little longer. In March, a five month old female Australian Shepherd Mix came to the

shelter, holding her left hind leg off the ground, peg-legging it with her right. Her spiral fracture required a splint and six weeks of restricted exercise that included a plastic bag over her hind leg, daily walks, socializing and learning basic obedience before she was ready to move on. The Arnell shelter took in an extra-large Lab-Newfoundland Mix that was holding up the school bus traffic in Amery. He came with a rear toe completely sliced off. After six weeks of care, Huey’s toe healed and he was ready to go home and now works off his fetching fixation with the help of a tennis ball gun while his owner relaxes in a patio chair. A long hair stray Orange Tabby we named Lionel came to the shelter, was covered in one big mat that ran from his shoulder blades to the tip of his tail. He calmly accepted the shaving that revealed “the nicest cat we have ever known” according to his adopted family. Asa came to the shelter as a stray in early May with a damaged front leg that hit the ground when he hopped on three legs. Surgery removed the leg and our 18 pound wonder was ready to go home. After three months at the shelter, found his place with a senior citizen living alone, in need of a companion. In 2016, 67% of the animals that came to the Arnell shelter were stray or abandoned. Over the past year, 54% of our animals found homes by adoption, 22% were reclaimed by their owners, 2% were too unhealthy to survive and died of natural causes despite our best efforts and 1% were transferred to rescue care.

Sadly, 21% arrived with health issues beyond our abilities to treat or were too aggressive to safely release to the public. In July, a wire hair Jack Russell Mix we named Milo, came to our shelter as a stray with a broken femur. The location

at the shelter last week with his new Dad. Milo was his excitable happy self, running from one person to another, soaking up the love. It was a long road for Milo from surgery, to foster care, through training sessions, to the adoption floor. Our commitment to Milo was rewarded with his incredible spirit and plenty of face kisses. His success is our success.

Milo training with adopted Mom in our training room at the shelter Milo with adopted Mom

of the break and a recovery that allowed him to keep his leg, required that a steel plate be implanted. This surgery meant we needed to restrict his mobility by remaining in a crate for eight weeks. His energy level and need for this necessary restriction were in direct opposition to one another. After five months of shelter care, Milo graduated from Arnell to live with a dog loving family. He stopped by to visit us

It is an honor to be able to offer rescue and recovery to animals that need our help. With the continued support of our community, towns and county, Arnell will continue to provide the care our animals deserve. Please thank your town and county officials for having the foresight and follow-through to work together with Arnell Memorial Humane Society to look after the homeless animals in our area. They all need homes and a second chance. Here’s to 2017 and another year of happy tails.

26 AMERY FREE PRESS

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Bring in the Birds for Winter Beauty and Entertainment BY MELINDA MYERS

Brighten your winter days by inviting birds into your landscape. Their beauty and motion help enliven the garden and lighten your spirit. Not only do they provide entertainment, but also an opportunity for all ages to stay involved with nature year-round. Increase the number of visitors to your yard by including all the essentials these winged visitors need; food, shelter and water. Plants are the easiest way to bring birds into your landscape. These natural feeders provide seasonal food and shelter for the birds. Take a walk through your yard and look for trees, shrubs and perennials that provide food and evergreens that provide yearround shelter. Plan on adding a few of their favorites that provide food and shelter and seasonal beauty you can enjoy. In the meantime, add a few feeders. This is a great way to increase the number and diversity of birds visiting your garden. Place feeders in a quiet, sheltered location where you can easily watch these visitors come and go. Avoid placing feeders too close to plants that provide easy places for squirrels to jump onto the feeders and cats to hide while hunting for a meal. Select feeders to attract the type of birds you want to bring into the garden. Tube feeders with metal ports keep the seeds fairly clean and dry and are somewhat squirrel resistant. Feeders with short perches attract small birds like chickadees, titmice, and finches. Those with the perches above the feeding port are suitable for birds like goldfinches, chickadees and pine siskins that can feed upside down. Thistle feeders and socks have extra small openings designed to hold the small seeds of thistle. You’ll find small songbirds like finches feeding at these. Suet feeders hold blocks of high energy food made of animal fat filled with seeds and berries. They attract

woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, titmice, jays and starlings. Platform feeders attract the greatest variety of birds, but give squirrels easy access to the seed. Plus, the open environment subjects the seeds to spoilage from damp weather and droppings from feeding birds. Enclosed hopper or house feeders are attractive to most

Photo Credit - Gardener’s Supply Company

Private Agricultural Pesticide Applicator Trainings Scheduled Private Pesticide Applicator Training (PAT) sessions have been scheduled for the St. Croix Valley area for 2017. Sessions are scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m., unless otherwise noted, and conclude around 3:30 p.m. Please contact the respective UW-Extension office for further details. Trainings are scheduled for: •Tuesday, January 10th, at the UWRF Dairy Learning Center. UWRF Mann Valley Farm, 129 South Glover Road, River Falls •Tuesday, January 31st, at the Polk County Government Center. 100 Polk County Plaza, Balsam Lake •Wednesday, February 8th, at the Seyforth Building, Pierce County Fairgrounds. 364 North Maple Street, Ellsworth •Thursday, February 16th, Barron County Gov-

ernment Center Auditorium. 335 E. Monroe Avenue, Barron •Tuesday, March 7th, at the St. Croix County Ag Service and Education Center. 1960 8th Avenue, Baldwin Other trainings in the area include: •February 8th and 27th, 9:30 AM, Dunn County UW-Extension office, Menomonie If you are unable to attend a training session individuals have the option to take the exam selfstudy any time by making an appointment with the UW-Extension office nearest to you. Private Pesticide Applicator Training is designed for those individuals engaged in agriculture and planning to purchase restricted use pesticides. An exam is given, and to be certified, participants need 50%

correct when attending a training session and 70% for self-study. Materials should be picked up one week before the session in order to prepare for the written exam. Individuals are asked to pre-register as space may be limited, and pick up materials at their local UW-Extension office. Cost is $35 per person. For more information about Private PAT go to www.ipcm.wisc.edu/ pat or contact the Barron County UW-Extension office at 715-537-6250, Pierce County UW-Extension office at 715-273-6781, Polk County UW-Extension office at 715-485-8600 or the St. Croix County UW-Extension office at 715-5311930.

birds, but once again the seed can be exposed to the weather and spoil. Be sure to thoroughly clean the feeders monthly to avoid the spread of disease. Cover droppings and spoiled seed on the ground with a fresh layer of mulch. Add additional feeding stations by dressing up your evergreens with bird-friendly ornaments. You can purchase seed coated ornaments or make your own. Roll an evergreen cone in peanut butter or suet and coat with birdseed. Coat a stale bagel with peanut butter and seed. Hang these on the tree with colorful yarn. Add a few orange slices and strings of cranberries for added food and color. And once the holidays are over move a discarded holiday tree into your bird feeding station. It provides shelter from cold winter winds and makes another place to hang a few edible ornaments. Keep the birds coming by adding a birdbath for a constant supply of water for drinking and bathing. Shallow birdbaths with sloping sides and a maximum depth of two inches in the center provide easy access for all birds. Keep the water flowing despite cold temperatures with the help of an immersion heater designed for birdbaths or purchase a birdbath with a built-in thermostatically controlled heater. And once you create a bird-friendly environment you’ll be enjoying them year-round. Listen for their songs, watch them raise their young and thank them for helping keep garden pests under control. Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written over 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything: Food Gardening For Everyone” DVD set and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio segments. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers’ web site is www. melindamyers.com.

JANUARY 3, 2017

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INTERFAITH CAREGIVERS

Make Interfaith Caregivers part of your New Year’s resolutions Are you tired of all your old New Year’s resolutions? Lose weight, get more exercise, eat better, spend less, save more, etc. Are you looking for a New Year’s resolution that feels new and fresh? Resolve to become a volunteer! There are fantastic non-profits all over Polk County needing volunteers. Interfaith Caregivers has a variety of volunteer opportunities that will fit your busy schedule. Do you drive? How about driving older people to their doctor appointments? How about helping someone get their groceries or prescriptions? Would you pick up someone to take them to or from dialysis once or twice a week? Could you drive someone to visit their loved one in the nursing home or hospital? Our volunteers help three different couples that have to live separately for health care reasons. One is in the nursing home while the other is living independently or in assisted living. There is no reason for them to remain separated when YOU can help with a ride to and from the nursing home. If you’d rather not drive people, you can shop or do errands for someone

who is elderly or disabled. How about spending an hour or so visiting with someone who’s lonely? You could also make a quick phone call to check in or talk. Or sit with someone who has Alzheimer’s so their caregiver can get out for groceries and other errands? You can help with a small thing like changing a battery. A woman was home recovering after heart surgery. Getting out of bed made her weak and exhausted. So, when her smoke alarm started chirping she knew better than to trust her balance on a step stool. Her smoke alarm chirped every 15 or 20 minutes from Saturday until Wednesday. Could you help her? Would you replace the battery in her smoke alarm so that it would stop chirping and she could rest? Maybe you really don’t have time to volunteer. Instead, you could resolve to support your favorite Polk County non-profit – like Interfaith Caregivers! If you are already supporting Interfaith Caregivers, Thank YOU! But think about giving a monthly donation. Or increase your annual donation. After all, our expenses increase every year too. Although we don’t charge for our services,

every time we give Esther a ride, she sends us $3.00 so that we can help others. Most of our funding comes from Individuals like Esther and like YOU. So we do count on all that you can give, large or small. And remember that your donation is tax-deductible. Write a check before January 31st and you can include it in your 2016 charitable contributions. How about making a resolution that you will recommend Interfaith Caregivers to any senior or adult with a disability that needs a hand up? Even the smallest of things can enable someone to remain living independently in their home. And if none of these ideas fit for your New Year’s resolution, remember that 70% of Wisconsin residents engage in “informal volunteering,” like helping out your neighbors. Keeping an eye on your older neighbors can be your resolution! Please make Interfaith Caregiver a part of your New Year’s resolutions! You’ll be glad you did. For more about volunteering or referring your neighbors, call Interfaith Caregivers at 715-8259500 or send donations to PO Box 65, Milltown, WI 54858.

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Grades 3-8 invited to audition for “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST” Auditions for Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre’s original musical production of “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST” will be held on Monday, January 9 from 3:30-5:30 in the Amery High School auditorium. Students can ride their regular after school bus to the high school. Up to 75 children in grades 3-8 are needed to play the roles of BEAUTY, HER SISTERS and BROTHERS, THE GYPSIES, THE GARGOYLES, THE MADRIGALS, THE ROSES, THE SERVANTS, and THE PRINCE. The audition process lasts up to two hours and all those auditioning are required to be in attendance for its entirety. The cast will be announced at the end of the two hour audition; each cast member will receive a rehearsal schedule for the remainder of the week. A portion of the cast will be required to stay following auditions for a short rehearsal. Rehearsals will be held from 3:257:45 pm throughout the remainder of the week. Exact practice times will depend upon role. Performances will

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be Friday, January 13 at 7 pm and Saturday, January 14 at 10:30 am. Do NOT audition if not available to practice for the full week and perform in BOTH the Friday evening and Saturday morning performances. Two professional actor/directors from the staff of Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre will direct the production and play the roles of SERAFINA, THE QUEEN OF THE GYPSIES, PAPA, and THE BEAST. This week-long Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre residency is being sponsored by Amery Community Education. This is Prairie Fire’s 19th visit to Amery. Tickets for the performances are $5 in advance or $6 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased at Johnson Drug, the Intermediate or Middle School offices. Ages 5 and under are free. For more information, call Amery Community Ed 715.268.9771 ext 220.

Open house for 100th birthday There will be an open house at Evergreen Terrace on Sunday, Jan. 8 from 2-4 p.m. to celebrate the 100th birthday of Dr. Michael Marra. Coffee and refreshments will be served and the public is welcome to attend.

Lifestyle Choices for Seniors…

“Your Life, Your Style”

AMERY AREA COMMUNITY CENTER Now that we have rung in 2017, it’s time to check out the various activities and events we have scheduled for the New Year! On Friday, January 6th we will have a potluck lunch at 11:30 followed by an informational chat with Chief Tom Marson titled “Golden Tips for Golden Years.” Bingo will follow at 1pm. Join us for a fun painting party on Friday, January 13th at 6pm. We provide all of the materials and each painter will go home with their own beautiful painting. The cost is $30, snacks will be provided and adult beverages will be available for purchase. Please make your checks out to “Brush Strokes Paint Party” and drop them off or put them in the mail to be registered by January 9th. On Monday, January 23rd at 6pm we will be hosting a sign painting class. You do not have to be crafty or creative to participate. The cost is $25 and you can register by Janu-

ary 19th. Please make checks out to Lisa Moggo and mail them or drop them off at the Center. Starting January 2nd, our Circuit Breakers Exercise Room hours will be Monday-Thursday, 7am-4:30pm and Fridays 7am-2pm. Remember, our exercise room is available to members of the Community Center for only $10/ month. Come check us out if you have not done so already. Our next vendor event will take place on Saturday March 18th from 10am-1pm. Table rentals are $25 if you are not a member of the Center and $10 if you are. We do not allow duplicate product names so please contact us at 715-268-6605 if you have any questions. ADRC will present a seminar on Long Term Care Planning on January 30th at 1pm. They will discuss such topics as: starting the conversation, putting your affairs and important papers in order, and many other subjects. This seminar is free

and open to the public. Register by calling 715-268-6605. Tuesday pool winners were Gary Snelling in first, Jim Webb took second, Paul Seidel placed third, Carl Johnson took fourth place and Jerry Fisher went home with the consolation prize. Thursday pool winners were Gary Snelling in first, Paul Seidel in second, Mary Fisher placed third, Carl Johnson came in fourth and Les Peterson won the consolation prize. Wii bowling winners were Jerry Fisher in first, Milt Johnson in second and Mary Fisher placed third. Wednesday bridge winners were Sydney Lund in first, Lila Ward in second and Steve Berestka in third. Congratulations to all! Have a safe and wonderful week…..Susan Shachtman, Assistant Director

e... g her n i v i l o! I love will to u o y and

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Happy New Year! Welcome to 2017! With enjoying a long New Year’s weekend, I haven’t had to remind myself to write 2017 on anything yet, but I foresee that might be a problem. It’s always a challenge to get the right month, let alone changing the year Pounding too. Good Luck with your own attempt to write the correct year these the first few days of January. Isn’t it amazing how fast days over Pavement the holidays fly by? Having a couple Pam Humpal days off the last week or so I think even made the time go faster. Hopefully you had many chances to enjoy the time with family and friends. Once again, Congratulations to the Amery Youth Hockey Association on celebrating 40 years. We went to the community open skating last Wednesday that they had for their anniversary. The rink looked awesome…it was decorated with lights and Christmas décor. Thank you to the hockey association for putting on a great skating night. The Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre will be having auditions on Monday, January 9, for their original musical production of “Beauty and the Beast”. The auditions will be from 3:30-5:30pm in the Amery High School Auditorium. They are looking for up to 75 children in grades 3-8 to play various roles in the play. The performances will be on Friday, January 13, and Saturday, January 14. Tickets are available at Chet Johnson Drug, and the Intermediate and Middle School offices. For more information please call Amery Community Ed 715-268-9771, ext 220. With the start of a new year, it is also time to set up a new schedule for the “Meet Your Amery Business” promotion. This special page in our issue is a wonderful opportunity for Amery businesses to inform our readers of their services and products offered plus get

the word out about anything new happening in their businesses. The page will begin on January 24, and run about every other week through the year. Amery businesses interested in being a part of the 2017 Meet Your Amery Business page please give Mike or myself a call today at 715-268-8101. It’s time to start planning for the 14th Annual Amery Spring Show sponsored by the Amery Free Press. This year’s event will be on Friday, April 7, and Saturday, April 8, at the Amery Ice Arena. There will be displays/booths with information on vehicles, boats, plumbing, heating/air conditioning, home furnishings, flooring, finances, recreation, water conditioning, contractors, and much more. To get signed up for the 14th Annual Amery Spring Show please contact me at 715-268-8101. Happy Birthday wishes this week to my mother-in-law, Phyllis, who will be 95 years young on January 6. She is a very active lady, and always ready to go! Also, Happy Birthday to my brother, John, on January 9. Enjoy your very special days! Congratulations to Mandy & Chad as they got married on New Year’s Eve. It was a beautiful wedding, and a great time! As I have said before, count your many blessings each and every day… here’s to a wonderful upcoming year! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Walker hopes arms race comment means peace through strength MAPLE BLUFF, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Scott Walker says he hopes President-elect Donald Trump’s remarks last week about an arms race signals that Trump believes in upgrading the country’s nuclear delivery systems in hopes of deterring enemies. Walker said after a menorah lighting at the governor’s mansion Monday that he learned during his short-lived presidential bid last year that the nation’s nuclear delivery systems, particularly its submarines, are aging and need upgrades. He said he hopes Trump’s call last week to expand U.S. nuclear capability and follow-up remark “let it be an arms race” suggest Trump will adopt former President Ronald Reagan’s belief in maintaining peace by bolstering the country’s military strength.

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Road funding big, but not only, issue facing Wisconsin BY SCOTT BAUER ASSOCIATED PRESS

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Legislature begins the 2017-2018 session on Tuesday. Among the major issues it’s expected to address: DONALD TRUMP President-elect Donald Trump’s victory in Wisconsin, albeit with lukewarm initial support from Gov. Scott Walker and other state Republicans, gives the GOP an opportunity to make major changes in policy it hasn’t had in nearly 50 years. Walker and others have talked about seismic changes in funding affecting Medicaid, transportation and education, but with Trump as president other GOP initiatives that had been blocked in the state by President Barack Obama’s administration like drug-testing of food stamp recipients could move ahead. And Walker is hoping Wisconsin’s hybrid approach to health care, which includes some elements of Obama’s law, may serve as a model for what Trump and Congress does nationally. BUMPY ROAD AHEAD Road funding is the $1 billion elephant in the room. The Department of Transportation, at Walker’s direction, proposes plugging a nearly $1 billion shortfall with a mix of more borrowing and delaying ongoing road expansion and improvement projects. But Assembly Republican leaders say other ideas, including tax and fee increases, should be in the mix. Walker, and other Republicans, say nuts to that. The issue has

publicly divided Republicans and absent a solution that will make everyone happy, it’s likely to be one of the most contentious problems of the session. DIVIDE THE DNR? Just what the duties of the Department of Natural Resources will be, and how the agency that oversees air and water quality and wildlife management will be organized, is expected to be a major fight this session. The agency proposed its own reorganization, which Walker was expected to include in his budget. But a Republican lawmaker is also pushing for the DNR to be broken up, a move Walker said he is open to considering but that outdoor and recreational groups are fighting. UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN Walker is promising an increase in funding for UW after cutting it $250 million in the last budget. But he hasn’t said whether it will be enough to pay for the salary increases UW is seeking. Walker says he wants to tie funding to performance, such as enrollment, students in high-demand areas, graduation rates and graduates gaining employment. There is also likely to be a struggle over what to do about tuition, with the university pushing for an increase after a four-year freeze. And then there are the Republican lawmakers who say they don’t want to give UW any additional money as long as a course on racism titled “The Problem of Whiteness” is offered as planned this spring at the flagship Madison campus.

K-12 SCHOOLS Walker is promising a “sizeable increase” in funding for K-12 public schools, raising the state-imposed limits on school district spending. Walker said he wants to make sure rural schools get more money, and public school advocates will be pushing back against any attempt to divert more spending to further expand the private school voucher or charter programs. Assembly Republicans also say one of their priorities is making sure every public school student has a laptop computer. PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SHAKEUP Walker has said his top priority will be putting more people to work. Part of that is likely to be focused on kicking people off public assistance sooner. Walker has talked about making public aid programs like food stamps “a trampoline, not a hammock. For those who are physically and mentally capable of working, we have to find ways of transitioning them in to the workforce.” PARK FEES Walker said he is likely to include some increases in state park entry and camping fees for a second budget in a row to help keep them self-sustaining. TAXES Walker is advocating for a $10 million sales tax holiday, where purchases on back-to-school supplies would not be subject to the sales tax. LINCOLN HILLS The FBI investigation into allegations

of abuse at the Lincoln Hills juvenile prison is ongoing, with some calling for the facility located 30 miles north of Wausau to be closed. Walker has been cool to that idea. If criminal charges are filed this year it could force debate of the prison’s future in the Legislature. ELECTIONS Some Republicans have talked about changing the state’s recount law to prevent candidates who have no chance from winning asking for a recount,as Green Party presidential nominee Jill Stein did. Proposals to limit early voting times and locations, following a federal judge’s tossing of a state law that did just that, are also expected. BATHROOMS A proposal that failed last session barring transgender students from using the bathroom of the sex they identify with is expected to return. GUNS A bill allowing for the carrying of concealed weapons on school grounds was expected to return. REDISTRICTING A federal court in November threw out Republican-drawn legislative district boundaries, saying they amounted to unconstitutional gerrymandering that harmed Democrats. The question now is whether the Legislature will be forced to redraw the maps before the next round of elections in 2018. The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to decide that.

ENTERTAINMENT

JANUARY 3, 2017

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Preservation efforts underway for boom log in Chippewa Falls CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (AP) — Efforts are underway to preserve a part of Chippewa Falls’ lumber history that was taken from the Chippewa River eight years ago. A boom log that washed up against the Chippewa Falls Hydro Plant dam in September 2008 has been on display in a downtown park since, The Chippewa Herald reported. But Chippewa County Historical Society Vice President Jim Schuh said the area of the park it was kept in was somewhat shaded and prone to flooding, causing the log to deteriorate.

“With the wet weather we’ve had, the log was starting to get damp and moss was growing on it and we didn’t want to deteriorate it because it was so rare,” Schuh said. “We wanted to find a place where we could put it out of the elements to let it dry out.” The log now has been moved to a drier location, and the historical society is looking into methods to preserve it. Arley Engel, former vice president of the Chippewa County Historical Society, estimated that the boom log was at least 170 years old when it was

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pulled from the river. The log would have been used between the 1860s and the early 1900s to either guide logs to the mill or to hold them up until people were ready for them at the mill. The log is measured at around 42 feet long. According to Schuh, the long-term goal for the log would be to display it in the Chippewa Area History Center Museum as part of a possible lumbering display. Fundraising has begun for the proposed history museum near the main entrance to Irvine Park.

Nosey bear ‘interacts’ with cars on northern Wisconsin road GLEASON, Wis. (AP) — Motorists in northern Wisconsin had an encounter with a nosey bear that would look into their cars. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department says a state trooper responded Friday after several callers reported the bear was walking around on a state Highway 17 north of Gleason and “interacting with traffic.” The trooper found the bear would stand on his hind legs and peer into passing cars.

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The Northern Lakes Center for the Arts presents

“A Student Art Exhibit”

The opening of an art display by Amery Public School students. Don’t miss this always fun event. This exhibit will be on display through January 31.

Friday, January 6 - 7:30 p.m. The Northern Lakes Center for the Arts 113 Elm St. - Amery, Wisconsin - (715) 268-6811 There is no admission charge for this event.

AREA BOWLING SCORES Club 53 Bar & Lanes, Amery MONDAY NIGHT MEN Division 1 Tac Two .............................................197.5 Shoreview .......................................129.0 Division 2 Amery True Value .........................166.5 Dick’s Fresh Market .......................147.0 High games: Todd Zemke 268258-207, Rod Gehrman 233, Jim Swanson 216, Gary Nottom 214-200, Jan Knutson 212, Gary Dado 203. High series: Todd Zemke 733, Gary Nottom 600, Rod Gehrman 592. TUESDAY NIGHT MEN Division 1 Northwest Communications .....176.5 Club 53 .............................................. 156.5 Division 2 Chet Johnson Drug ........................157.0 Waterside ........................................150.0 High games: Will Schaffer 267246-205, Josh Gould 247-233-212, Scott Sorensen 245, Wade Prindle 227, Randy Olson 211, Andy Peterson 208-206. High series: Will Schaffer 718, Josh Gould 692, Scott Sorensen 633, Andy Peterson 567. WEDNESDAY NIGHT MEN Division 1 Amery Fire Department ..............157.5 Preeferred Lawn ........................... 134.5 Division 2 Lamperts .......................................... 181.5 Club 53 ..............................................166.5

High games: Beau Gorres 267224-217, Lee Jones 235-227, Jim Knutson 213, Lyle Kaehler 210, Denis Carteron 210. High series: Beau Gorres 708, Lee Jones 604, Jim Knutson 561, Lyle Kaehler 554. THURSDAY-FRIDAY NIGHT WOMEN Scores from Dec. 22-23 High games: Linda Mullendore 203-167-151, Sherry Martin 182, Bette Elmer 167, Barb Blossom 164-161, Shelby Cockrell 162, Katie Lauterbach 161, Janet Martinson 159-152, Gwen Wold 158, Patty Talbot 151. High series: Linda Mullendore 521, Barb Blossom 452, Janet Martinson 446, Katie Lauterbach 437, Shelby Cockrell 435, Gwen Wold 434, Sherry Martin 433, Bette Elmer 431, Patty Talbot 427. End of 1st half Division 1 Club 53 .............................................. 182.5 Northwest Communications .....167.5 Chet’s .................................................135.5 Division 2 Amery Fire Dept. ........................... 163.5 Amery Hospital ..............................157.5 Bremer ...............................................153.5 High games: Linda Mullendore 194-165-159, Marcia Clark 177, Gail Peterson 162, Jeri Cook 161, Karen Gorres 158, Lacey Kammerud 153, Patty Talbot 151. High series: Linda Mullendore 518, Marcia Clark 470, Gail Peterson 449.

Spare Time Bowl Bar & Grill, Turtle Lake TUESDAY NIGHT LADIES Division 1 Sexy Mama’s .........................................12 Range Fire Dept. .................................. 10 Red Cedar Accounting .........................6 Nordquist Trucking...............................4 Division 2 Spare Time.............................................12 The Dead End’s .................................... 10 Charlie’s Place ........................................8 True Value................................................2 High game: Renee Glowe 223, Cheryl Harshman 211, Carol Peetz 194, Sherri Munkelwitz 189, Mitzi Hawkins 178, Barb Weiss 173, Linda Shafer 166, Sandra Heppner 166, Kimberly Elwood 159, Laurel Cap 159, Sandy Frerickson 159. High series: Renee Glowe 538, Sherri Munkelwitz 536, Cheryl Harshman 526, Carl Peetz 500, Mitzi Hawkins 470, Kimberly Elwood 457, Deb Anderson 451, Barb Weiss 447, Laurel Cap 445, Lori Larson 445. SPARE TIME MEN’S Division 1 Spare Time........................................23.0 Anderson Storage ...........................15.5 Scheps Dairy ......................................15.0 Hoff’s Construct ................................11.0 Division 2 Austad’s Super Valou ....................24.0 7 Brothers ......................................... 20.0 Floor’s & More ...................................19.5 Perfect Image ...................................12.0

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Division 3 Narrows Waterfront ......................28.0 Sanmina .............................................19.0 Danca’s Kar Korral ............................11.0 Grosskreutz Crop............................. 10.0 Division 4 Lefty’s Hookers................................25.0 Elfers Resident.................................24.0 Busy B’s .............................................. 16.0 Hotel Bar & Grill ..................................7.0 High game: Merlyn Leslie 279, Adam Zemke 256, Chuck Bier 248, John Anderson 248, Thales Kirk 247, Alex Dix 242, Rob Erickson 235, Jim Glowe 234, Sprout Molls 232, Tony Cifaldi 227, Bill Pickard 225, Larry Larson 224, Anthony Mizer 223, Mike Ellwood 222, Craig Niemann 222, Larry Heinz 218, Darren Townsend 214, Scott Danca 213, Ryan Johnson 210, Tom Roessler 208, Mark Ullom 206, HB Becker 205, Mark Pickard 205, Wayne Ecklor 204, Dave Anderson 203, Steve Baillargeon 203, Chris Harmon 203. High series: Merlyn Leslie 696, John Anderson 680, Adam Zemke 657, Rob Erickson 640, Thales Kirk 632, Scott Danca 630, Mike Ellwood 628, Bill Pickard 621, Jim Glowe 608, Alex Dix 606, Tony Cafaldi 605, Larry Larson 592, Chris Harmon 591, Sprout Molls 570, Steve Baillargeon 568, Chuck Bier 562, Wayne Ecklor 562, Tom Roessler 558, Steve Elfers 556, HB Becker 556, Stretch Broker 552, Anthony Mizer 551, Jim Becker 550, Hjalmer Gerloff 541, Larry Heinz 538.

Wild Instincts, a Rhinelander-based nonprofit animal rehabilitation center, was contacted and transported the bear to its facility. The center says the 90-pound bear is about 2 years old and could have been displaced by hunters, snowmobilers, loggers or the warm weather. The bear will be allowed to hibernate at Wild Instincts for the rest of the winter and will be evaluated in the spring.

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All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, religion, marital status, color, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other protected status.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, religion, marital status, color, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other protected status.

Polk County offers careers that Matter Join us to make a difference, together we will strengthen our community! We cannot function without great employees - talented, caring professionals are rewarded with a great, competitive total rewards package.

Children & Family Program Supervisor — Human Services Full-time - Exempt Position Starting Wage: DOQ The Children and Families Program Supervisor provides administration and program supervision, interpretation and assessment of policies, supervision of assigned staff, and management of children and families service programs to assure compliance, efficiency and effectiveness. Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in human services, social work or related field and five years of full-time experience in public assistance eligibility work or equivalent combination of education and experience meeting the knowledge, skills and ability demands of this position. Deadline to apply: January 8, 2017

Information & Assistance Specialist — ADRC Benefit Eligible Part-time—Non-Exempt Wage: $23.80 Provides the general public, particularly adults who are elderly or have a disability, with information and assistance to a wide range of community resources; help inform and educate people about their options; assist in connecting them to programs and services, including public and privately funded options. Qualifications include a Bachelors Degree and Wisconsin Social Worker certification, or eligible for certification within two years. Deadline to apply: January 10, 2017 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

Recruitment Specialist

Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College New Richmond Campus Applications are being accepted from qualified candidates for a Recruitment Specialist position at the New Richmond Campus. This position develops and implements a recruitment plan, assists prospective students in making informed decisions about career options and encourages post-secondary education. The Recruitment Specialist establishes and maintains relationships with public and private middle and high schools, workforce development and similar agencies, to promote education and a skilled workforce. For a complete job description, list of qualifications, and to apply visit our website at https:// witc.peopleadmin.com/postings/1788 Deadline to apply: January 20, 2017 WITC is an Equal Opportunity/ Access/ Affirmative Action/Veterans/ Disability Employer and Educator

TTY 711

FREE on-line version of the Amery Free Press to subscribers FOR RENT Dec. 1

Bottom half of house on Harriman

Stove, refrig., washer, dryer. Two bedrooms, one bath, full basement. Garage. $600 + deposit.

You pay electric and share. You pay 2/3 of water, sewer & heat. Remove snow from walks & mow lawn in summer. No dogs. Call 715-268-8451 or 715-222-2653

Join Our Team!

Amery Memory Care is looking for part time 2nd & 3rd shift Resident Care Assistants Interested applicants please apply in person

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Rear Shoppes of Amery

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715-643-6404 EHO

Golden Age Manor in Amery, WI would like you on our team!

Career Opportunity - RN– Overnight

Shift

Hours: 10:30pm-6:45am Starting Night Shift RN Wage: $26.86-$27.86/hr .8 position / 31 hours guaranteed per week with opportunity to pick up additional hours Deadline to apply: January 15, 2017

This position offers a comprehensive benefit package, including participation in the Wisconsin Retirement program for government employees, Paid Time off, 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. Call today with any questions. 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

Help Us Make a Difference! Seeking GDSI Team members! www.gdsiswitches.com FT Die Cutters FT & PT Electronic Assemblers First Shift-Flexible Start/End Time Voluntary Benefits Available Pay BOE

APPLY TODAY! www.gdsiswitches.com Send resumes to Cheri at richardsc@gdsiswitches.com

Fire Apparatus TIG-WELDER Vehicle Electrical Technician

Manufacturer of custom designed premium fire apparatus, recognized in the industry for a quality

productthe and on-time seeking an experienced Tig-Welder. Must be open to overtime Build best deliveries fire apparatus in the industry to detailed de- & extremely quality conscientious. sign specifications. Looking for Automotive Technician with and qualifications 3Experience - 51) years of years experience. ASE certified preferred Two or more of experience tig-welding aluminum thickness from .090”w/strong to .125”, stainless steel and Schedule 10 or Schedule 40 piping. electrical and diagnostic skills. Must be able to read and wire 2) Two or more years of experience with cutting, coping, fitting to print. 3) Math aptitude including blue print comprehension & accurate dimensionalskills tolerancing. to electrical schematics. Strong communications are re4) Welding Trials will be administered quired to work well in a crossfunctional asrequired. well as hav5) Background check and pre-employment physical including team drug screen ing a meticulous nature and a strong commitment to quality.

Team Leadership experiences a plus. Equal Opportunity Employer Compensation Based upon Experience, Skill, and Certifications.

— Preference will be given to Candidates with prior line voltage exBenefits include: Day shift, vacation/holiday pay, uniforms, 401K with employer contributions, family perience such as generator installations including associated acmedical insurance as well as life and disability insurance, competitive salary, and excellent working cessories. conditions. —12V automotive electrical technician background and ASE or dealApply in Person: 8 AM - 5 PM or by appointment after hours; 715-294-2555 Resume and Work References: kristi@customfire.com er certifications aree-mail a plus. Benefits include: Employer provided uniforms, Day shift, medical in509 68 Avenue  Osceola  Wisconsin  54020 surance, life and disability insurance, vacation/holiday pay, 401K with employer contributions. th

Located East of Twin Cities Metro Area. Competitive salary. Excellent benefits and working conditions. Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity. Resumes may be sent to kristi@customfire.com. Apply in Person: 8 AM - 5 PM

Custom Fire Apparatus, Inc. 509 68th Avenue Osceola, WI 54020

POSITIONS AVAILABLE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF AMERY CLUBHOUSE: Clubhouse Childcare Assistant Teachers and Substitutes CERTIFIED STAFF: Summer School Coordinator SCHOOL NUTRITION: Substitute Cooks and Servers SUPPORT STAFF: Special Education Paraeducator, Substitute Paraeducators (4K, Office and Special Education) TRANSPORTATION: Bus and Van Driver Substitutes For further information on all of the positions listed above, go to WECAN https://services.education.wisc.edu/wecan/ and create an account. Coaching positions are listed under Certified Staff and all others are listed under Support Staff. For information call 715-268-9771 x272. TO APPLY: Complete application and provide 2 letters of recommendation on WECAN (https:// services.education.wisc.edu/wecan/). DEADLINE: Until Filled The School District of Amery is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program.

JANUARY 3, 2017

To place a help wanted ad on this page call Pam or Mike at the Amery Free Press 715-268-8101 or email classifieds@ theameryfree press.com

Deadline for the Classified page is Friday

AMERY FREE PRESS

31

HELP WANTED Looking for full time Counter Person

FOR RENT IN AMERY

1 BR apartment

Includes heat, water, sewer, garbage

Must have good customer service skills and have valid driver’s license, and clean driver record.

Call Shirley 715-808-4060

Faxes sent & received at the Amery Free Press

APPLY IN PERSON

Amery Auto Supply Inc. PARTS CITY AUTO PARTS 334 S. Keller Ave., Amery, WI 54001 715-268-7734

N ow Hiring!

Good Samaritan Society – St. Croix Valley is now hiring fulland part-time CNAs. Competetive benefits offered. To find out more, visit good-sam.com/stcroixvalley. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, religion, marital status, color, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other protected status. 16-G0493

The Wisconsin Bucket List: 12 Things to Experience in 2017 BY KRISTEN FINSTAD DISCOVER WISCONSIN

Some of these may seem obvious, but as a lifelong Wisconsinite, there are plenty of notoriously “Wisconsin” things that I haven’t seen or done. Who’s joining me in checking some things off our “to-do list” in 2017? 1. Catch a game at Lambeau Field The Packers are arguably the most iconic team in the NFL, and Wisconsin is lucky enough to claim the green and gold as our own. Just as iconic as the team itself is its home, Lambeau Field. Often referred to as the “frozen tundra,” a visit to Lambeau, although beautiful when the field is still green and the sun is shining, is a must when a season of wins (hopefully) has worn the field, snowflakes fall on the yellow helmets, the crowd is equal parts green, gold and blaze orange, and the breath of all 80,000 fans - shouting “Go Pack Go” in unison - cuts through the frigid air. Lambeau Field’s Family Night takes place during the summer. The official 2017 season kicks off on September 10. 2. See your favorite performer at Summerfest I mean, it’s “The World’s Largest Music Festival”, so I’ve

gotta put it on the bucket list. It’s put on every summer over 11 days, and it’s made up of performances from over 700 bands on 11 stages. Some of the biggest names have played here, including Paul McCartney, Def Leppard, Tim McGraw, The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, Lady Gaga, Mötley Crüe, and so many more. Summerfest 2017 opens on June 28 and runs through July 9, headlining Red Hot Chili Peppers and P!nk, among others, in 2017. 3. Attend the U.S. Open at Erin Hills How often do golf’s greatest players make their way to Wisconsin? Don’t miss your chance to see them on the sport’s biggest stage, taking place this year at Erin Hills, June 12-18. 4. Cheer on competitors during the 2017 Reebok CrossFit Games The games, which declare the “Fittest on Earth,” are coming to Madison in 2017. They’ve been held in Carson, Calif. for the past seven years and will be moving to the Alliant Energy Center in Madison for at least the next three years. Ticket information will be available in early spring. 5. Try a creampuff at the Wisconsin State Fair Each state has a State Fair

with unique sights, games and foods, but there’s nothing quite as legendary as the Wisconsin State Fair creampuff. It’s been sold at the fair since 1924 and more than 350,000 are enjoyed each year. The 2017 Wisconsin State Fair takes place August 3-13—show up with an appetite! 6. Go behind the scenes at the New Glarus Brewery Those who have tasted Spotted Cow but can’t buy it in their own state would want you to take advantage of your location and tour the New Glarus Brewery, sampling some local beers along the way. Self-guided tours are free and are available Monday through Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and on Sundays 12 p.m.-5 p.m. 7. Jump Around at Camp Randall The Wisconsin Badgers have a pretty great track record when it comes to sports – something worth celebrating. And celebrate, they do. Between the third and fourth quarter of every home football game, all 80,000 fans in attendance Jump Around to the well-known House of Pain song (pretty much starting an earthquake on the entire Madison isthmus). The Badgers’ home opener in 2017 is on September 9 and you know you want to be a part of this college game day

tradition. 8. Tour a cranberry marsh Wisconsin harvests more than 60 percent of the country’s cranberries, and 21,000 acres across Wisconsin are home to cranberry marshes. Tour a cranberry marsh during the fall harvest season in Junction City, Wisconsin Rapids, Pittsville, Warrens, Fifield, Eagle River and Manitowish Waters. 9. Attend a Native American Pow Wow Wisconsin is home to the largest number of Native American tribes east of the Mississippi River, and the cultural influence is apparent in the names of many Wisconsin towns (looking at you, Oconomowoc, Mukwonago, Manitowoc, Ozaukee…). Join the many celebrations in 2017, including the Ho-Chunk Memorial Day Pow Wow May 27-29 or the HoChunk Labor Day Pow Wow September 2-4, both in Black River Falls. 10. Experience Holy Hill National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians Holy Hill is situated atop southeastern Wisconsin’s highest point overlooking 435 acres. Its stunning location is just one reason why 500,000 visitors from all over the world descend on this spiritual haven in Erin,

Wis. each year. Whether a pilgrimage to worship, meditate or pray, or just a trip to admire the beautiful architecture of the neo-Romanesque church built in 1926, Holy Hill is a place everyone should experience. 11. Learn about Frank Lloyd Wright by visiting the Taliesin Frank Lloyd Wright, thought of as one of the greatest architects of all time, called Wisconsin home and his estate, known as the Taliesin, is available for tours. Take the House Tour every day May-October at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. or try the Twilight Tour, a two-hour excursion with drinks and hors d’oeuvres, on July 1, August 5 and September 2. 12. Snap a photo at Cave Point County Park Don’t go to Hawaii, but say you did. The photos will look the same. Cave Point County Park in Door County features cliffs overlooking clear blue water. You won’t believe you’re in the same country, let alone state. Wisconsin has so much to see and do, and 2017 is no exception. What’s on your Wisconsin bucket list? Share with us on social media using #DiscoverWisconsin.

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AMERY FREE PRESS

JANUARY 3, 2017 www.theameryfreepress.com

...a little more sparkle Leftoever entries from the Community Club’s annual Holiday Decorating Contest were too beautiful not to share. Twelve homes entered the contest, with votes tallied online at theameryfreepress.com. Winners were published in the December 27 issue of the Amery Free Press.

Hope Your New Year Sparkles

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