FREE PRESS AMERY
1892 - 2017
125 YEARS STRONG
TUESDAY, APRIL 4, 2017
VOL. 121 NO. 41 www.theameryfrepress.com $1.00
ON TRIAL: DA Kemp’s first criminal trial ends in mixed verdict PAGE 7
Clausen earns perfect score on ACTs Amery, Wis.—Amery High School junior Dylan Clausen, son of Heidi and Dave Clausen, earned a distinct and rare honor this month, earning the highest possible score of 36 on his ACT exams. To the knowledge of Amery staff, Clausen is the first Amery student in memorable history to ace the test. On average less than one tenth of one percent of students who take the ACT exam earn a perfect score. Of 2016 graduates nationwide, only 2,235 out of nearly 2.1 million graduates who took the exam earned a perfect score. Clausen is an exceptionally well rounded student. He has competed twice at the National level and four times at the state level within the FFA program. He also plays baseball, is a member of the National Honor Society, and plays the trumpet in both band and jazz band. Dylan’s career aspirations include computer science and applied mathematics. Congratulations Dylan!
Isakson eager to serve BY TOM STANGL TSTANGL@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM
Russell Hanson, Cushing, advocated for preservation of the 1909 structure. “It’s part of a fair that’s been going on since 1861,” he said. “I think it deserves preservation as a historic building. It’s part of what makes the fair what it is.” Dale Wood, president of the Polk County Fair, said the historic value of the grandstand had been
The newest representative on the Polk County Board of Supervisors is getting up to speed as quickly as possible. Kate Isakson of Amery was appointed by Mayor Kay Erickson to fi ll the unexpired term of Warren Nelson, who died unexpectedly March 9. Her appointment was approved by the board March 21. Isakson served on the Amery Hospital Board of Directors from 1994 – 2015. During her time on the board, the new hospital was built and the acquisition of the hospital by HealthIsakson Partners occurred. “I enjoyed serving on the board and worked with a great bunch of people,” Isakson said. In addition to learning about the issues facing Polk County, Isakson is brushing up on her knowledge of parliamentary procedure. “The hospital board wasn’t as formal,” she explains. “I understand the need on the county level to have the rules in place.” Isakson will take Nelson’s spot on the Environmental Services Committee and Amery Lakes Protection and Rehabilitation Board, and is unsure at this point if she will seek to become more involved by serving on more committees. Nelson lived down the street from Isakson and she would see him out walking his dog. She wishes that she had gotten to know him better. “I have big shoes to fi ll,” she said. She comes to the county board with no plans and no agenda.
SEE GRANDSTAND PAGE 2
SEE KATE PAGE 2
Right: Amery Junior, Dylan Clausen.
The $21,000 question: Answer to grandstand query no small sum BY SUZANNE LINDGREN EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM
As debate continues over whether to tear down or repair the aging grandstand at the Polk County Fairgrounds, county board members will consider whether to invest $21,000 in finding an answer. Speakers representing both sides of the debate appealed to the county board last week.
Airboat, shredding, maple syrup and pickleball at Spring Show For the price of just a non-perishable food item or $2 donation to the food pantry, show-goers can visit with over 20 area vendors, and enjoy a variety of presentations, including free document shredding from Bremer Bank on Saturday morning. The Amery Fire Department’s new airboat will be on display Friday eve-
The Amery Ice Arena will be alive with activity this Friday and Saturday, as vendors from throughout the Amery area gather together for the 14th annual Amery Spring Show. The Amery Free Press invites the public to attend Friday, April 7 from 5 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, April 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ning from 5-8 p.m. Showgoers will have three opportunities to learn how to play pickleball, one of the fastest growing sports in the nation. A combination of tennis and handball, the sport has a growing following in Amery. Tim Strohbush will give demonstrations on Friday night from 6-8 p.m., Saturday at noon and
2:30 p.m. Bremer Bank will host a community shredding event at the show from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Ice Arena Parking lot. Help secure your privacy by utilizing the on-site professional shredding service. The free event is open to the public with a limit of three boxes or 100 SEE SHOW PAGE 2
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