Amery Free Press April 14, 2020

AMERY

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2020 VOL. 123 NO. 46 www.theameryfreepress.com $1.00

Confirmed COVID-19 cases in Polk County

Pitching in making protective gear

BY APRIL ZIEMER EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

In a time where many are left feeling helpless concerning the current state of everyday life, making protective gear, including masks, has given some people a feeling of purpose.

2003 graduate of Amery High School, Dustin Coleman, currently lives in Unity, New Hampshire and is the owner of COLE-TAC. After high school, Coleman enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and then attended and graduated from UW-Stout with and Engineering Technology degree. His first job was with Flambeau Plastics and then Ruger Firearms in New Hampshire. He said, “I was an engineer for Ruger Firearms and wanted a suppressor cover for myself.” After buying a suppressor that didn’t work well for him, Coleman and his wife decided they could do better. They had success with what they constructed. They even made a few extras that they gave to Coleman’s friends who were also shooters and

BY APRIL ZIEMER EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

According to Polk County Health Department, cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the county. The first was reported last Thursday.

As of Press time Tuesday, April 14, there were three confirmed cases in Polk County and 3,428 in the State of Wisconsin.

A release from the department said the first individual was exposed in a work-related setting and developed symptoms shortly afterward. The individual and family remain under self-quarantine as requested by local, state and federal recommendations. Public Health is identifying and contacting anyone that has been in close contact with the positive case.

“It is important that Polk County residents do not panic but continue to follow recommendations to protect themselves, others, and slow the spread of COVID-19.” said Brian Kaczmarski, Polk County Health Officer. “I am confident in our community’s ability to support each SEE CONFIRMED, PAGE 2

APRIL ZIEMER | AMERY FREE PRESS

Here comes Peter Cottontail The Easter Bunny visited through windows with area residents. He is shown with Ginny Nelson. See more photos on page 20.

they too liked the product.

Next, COLE-TAC was born.

COLE-TAC cuts and sews gear for the long range shooting community. A typical day before COVID-19, saw them answering phone calls

‘During this craziness we kept hearing of all of the shortages of personal protective equipment in the medical field.’

Dustin Coleman COLE-TAC from people all over the world wanting to know what piece of COLE-TAC gear is the best fit for them. “That side of the business is still strong as people are still getting out and practicing and getting ready for when the world can get back to normal,” said Coleman.

Coleman felt compelled to step up as the COVID-19 SEE MASKS, PAGE 2

Toilet paper shortage, BUTT how can that be?

Wisconsin is the ‘Toilet Paper Capital’ of the world

BY APRIL ZIEMER EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

Whether the paper goes over the roll or under, toilet paper is such an easy thing to take for granted until it is not there. How can there possibly be a shortage of rolls in the state of Wisconsin, where a vast amount of the world’s toilet tissue is produced?

Throughout history a wide array of objects were used to cleanse bottoms

until the beloved rolls of comfort known as toilet paper came along. Fur, grass, moss, fruit skins, shells, stones and corncobs have all been documented in history as wiping tools. A sanitary relief apparatus known as tersorium, which was a communal stick with a vinegar-soaked sponge on its end, was used in Roman times.

Toilet paper dates back to medieval China. Chinese emperors used 2-foot by 3-foot sheets of paper. In the late 15th

century, paper became readily available, so it was commonly used as toilet paper.

Joseph Gayetty made the first commercially packaged toilet paper in 1857.

The paper was wet partially because of the amount of aloe infused into it. Each sheet had Gayette’s name printed on it.

SEE TOILET PAPER, PAGE 2 APRIL ZIEMER | AMERY FREE PRESS

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MASKS: Large and small scale operations work to provide protective gear for others CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

pandemic presented some serious issues for the medical community.

He said, “During this craziness we kept hearing of all of the shortages of personal protective equipment in the medical field and how people are being asked to sew items at home. We have Computer Numerical Control (CNC) fabric cutting and a factory filled with industrial machines and we knew we could use these tools to produce a lot more than what people are capable at home.”

Coleman and his wife talked about it the night of March 20th and decided isolation gowns would be fairly straightforward for them to construct.

“I developed the patterns that night. I came into work on the 21st and set up a plan with my shop manager on how we could accomplish it. Not only did I want to help the medical community in this crisis, but I also wanted to make sure team members stayed employed. I was concerned if the stay at home order would have deemed us “non-essential”, everyone would be staying at home and all of our tools would sit idle that could help fill a giant need,” said Coleman.

The next day they were on their way

SUBMITTED

This group of Clear Lake women usually spend free moments quilting. Now instead of stitching together blankets, they are making masks to help provide safety to others.

to Massachusetts to pick up an industrial Serger sewing machine, as they normally did not need one for their products. By Monday morning they were making their first gowns and try-

ing to find facilities in need. “I had to find new sources for cotton fabric and our first truck load came in later that week. It took a little while for nursing homes and hospitals to find out that we

TOILET PAPER: Local store doing best to stock shelves CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

The paper was sold as a medical product and claimed to prevent hemorrhoids. The product wasn’t very successful, because it was quite expensive and people continued to use paper products they already had available such as newspapers and magazines.

In 1871, Zeth Wheeler patented the mass production of toilet paper and perforated rolls. Scott brand made toilet paper rolls popular beginning in 1890, selling to hotels and drug stores.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, indoor plumbing and flush toilets were becoming more common, so Americans were forced to buy toilet paper that would not cause clogs or damage to pipes. It still wasn’t the relief known today because until the late 1920s, toilet paper actually contained splinters. Toilet paper, like most paper of the time, was made from wood chips. These were pulped, treated, cooked and washed. However the process was not perfect. Small pieces of wood would often be embedded in the paper.

When the paper mills of Green Bay, Wisconsin, turned sights on the nation’s newest luxury product, Northern Tissue was born. In 1901, Northern Paper Mills of Green Bay issued the first “sanitary tissue” called Northern Tissue. Each pack had 1,000 sheets of 4x10 inch paper that were pierced with a wire loop to hang from a nail. The product was such a success that by 1920 Northern Paper Mills was the world’s largest producer of bath tissue. Competitors sprung up and production of toilet paper doubled between 1925 and 1935.

Such was the success of the toilet paper industry that it helped Green Bay avoid the worst effects of the Great Depression.

Engineers at Northern Paper worked ceaselessly to develop the method of “linenizing” paper which made toilet paper both softer and,

METRO CREATIVE

vitally, “splinter-free.”

The product was extremely successful, and toilet paper quickly became a necessity instead of a luxury item reserved only for royalty or the very wealthy. The discovery that the rolls could be made without shards of wood creeping through made “Splinter-Free“ Northern Tissue’s slogan and led it and Green Bay’s toilet paper manufacturers onto national and global success.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Georgia Pacific Corp., once known as Northern Tissue, saw its orders for household toilet paper and paper towels double, while demand for the products at airports, hotels and other public venues softened.

The company’s mills and distribution centers hit 120% of their normal capacity, but “you can just load and ship so fast,” said Georgia Pacific spokesman Michael Kawleski. about refilling empty store shelves with toilet paper. The plants normally run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so the company couldn’t just flip a switch and double production.

Georgia Pacific has five facilities in Green Bay. One of the mills is considered among the largest tissue recycling operations in the world. One of the paper machines at the mill makes enough paper in a single day that,

when converted into two-ply tissue rolls, it would wrap around the entire world, according to the company.

“Whatever we have is getting out in the marketplace,” said Kawleski.

The paper industry has seen closures of plants in the Fox Valley and Northern regions of Wisconsin over the past couple of decades, but statewide, there are 35 pulp, paper and paperboard mills with a total annual payroll of nearly $2.5 billion, according to industry figures.

Georgia Pacific’s operations in Green Bay employ 2,300 including 1,725 mill workers manufacturing toilet paper, napkins and towels. Another 600 or so employees are in engineering, data processing and customer services for the Atlanta-based company. Other tissue operations in Wisconsin include Kimberly-Clark Corp and Procter and Gamble’s Charmin. Clearwater Paper, which has production facilities in Neenah, is the country’s leading maker of store-brand toilet tissue.

Trucking companies are seeing spikes in volumes of toilet paper deliveries across the nation. Panic buying has caused a boost for the trucking industry overall. They are delivering a full load of paper products to stores that usually order a half-truck. The long-term impact is too hard to yet predict, but customers stocking up on paper products now may not need more for months, so that could mean slower shipments to distribution centers later in the year.

Locally, Tony Aizpurua, manager of Amery Dick’s Fresh Market, said in the beginning, their team was able to see the toilet paper shortage coming and was prepared. In the first weeks of the shortage they still had a supply when others did not.

The store cannot be guaranteed that the amount of cases they order of toilet paper is what they will actually receive, but they are doing their best to make sure that shelves have the necessity.

were making the gowns, but since then, it has been non-stop with requests. I had to go yesterday to pick up more equipment to meet the demands. With the new equipment and processes in place, we are hoping to be completing 100 to 150 gowns a day,” Coleman said.

His team is also making washable facemasks under a GoFundMe they started with two other industry/company friends. Coleman said, “We have a goal to make and donate 10,000 masks, and we are well on our way with that.”

Locally, many people have rolled up their sleeves to assist with the ever-growing need for masks.

A drop box at the Fitness Center in Amery has received donations of masks from people in the area who are putting their sewing skills to great use.

Recently Clayton Lions Club members met with Cindy and Bill Vanda to present a $500 check for supplies to make Covid-19 facemasks. Cindy has been providing several facilities in the area with facemasks made by local volunteers. Much of the fabric has been donated, but some supplies, such as the elastic used to hold masks to faces is in short supply. After the first week of April, about a thousand facemasks had been made and distributed.

CONFIRMED: Practice simple steps to avoid illness CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

other at this time. Having a confirmed case reminds us of the need to follow social distancing guidelines” The Polk County Health Department and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) responsibilities include: • Identifying and contacting anyone who has been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19. These people are asked to quarantine themselves for 14 days from their exposure and will be monitored for fever and respiratory symptoms. People with symptoms are tested for COVID-19.

• Performing follow-up testing for individuals who test positive to determine when a person can be released from isolation.

• Providing guidance to clinicians regarding testing.

• Preparing Wisconsin for community spread of COVID-19.

Polk County Health Department is keeping track of this outbreak. We are working with our local, state, and federal partners to deal quickly and effectively when people have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been around people who have been infected with the coronavirus.

The Health Department wants everyone to know that while the risk of getting the illness remains low, people should follow simple steps to avoid getting sick.

“Polk County Health Department is ready to deal with the potential for additional cases. We will continue to work with DHS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and our local partners to make sure our community remains safe and healthy,” said Kaczmarski. The COVID-19 pandemic is quickly evolving and many rumors exist.

The Polk County Health Department is committed to sharing accurate information and is notified of confirmed test results. For the latest information about COVID-19 in the U.S. and Wisconsin, visit the CDC’s website or the DHS website.

APRIL 14, 2020

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Donation drop off extended to April 17

Planting seeds of safety this spring

BY APRIL ZIEMER EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

“This spring kids are home and around their family farms 24/7. During a busy planting season, it is more important than ever to maintain a safety focus,� said Brian Kuhl, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Progressive Agriculture Foundation.

After offering safety and health education programming across North America for more than 25 years, the Progressive Agriculture Foundation is getting creative for the sake of safety.

The foundation provides health and safety education to children ages 4-13 through hand's-on activity programing. They provide support for nearly 400 events across North America and with COVID-19 many of these events are being postponed

to the fall of 2020 or spring of 2021.

The Progressive Agriculture Foundation knows kids are now at home, they are curious, they are bored, and on top of all of that, farmers are entering a busy spring planting season.

In a normal year, children are in school 5 out of 7 days of the week during these busy seasons protecting them from the risks and hazards of the spring planting activities. This year those same children will be around the farm 24/7 and in some cases being asked to help in the farm work. It is important to maintain a safety focus above and beyond what is normally done because there are more individuals around the farmstead this year as compared to a normal year.

Videos offered up by the foundation use a unique way of providing safety messages

everyday at Noon on Facebook, showcasing content normally used during their hands-on training.

Kuhl said, “Our program the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day is held in nearly 400 communities across North America reaching about 100,000 individuals.�

People can learn more about our organization at progressiveag.org and they can view the Daily Learning Drop videos at www.facebook.com/ PAFSafetyDays Kuhl shared there are good activity videos pertaining to mental health to that are great for both children and parents. He said, “Stress, anxiety and depression are just a few of the many emotions we all may be experiencing in this environment so we need to care for ourselves both physically and mentally.�

Businesses and individuals interested in donating personal protective equipment and masks can do so from 10 a.m. to noon through April 17 at the Fitness Center downtown Amery, 220 N. Keller. Please drop off donations at the FRONT DOOR on Keller Avenue. Watch for signs.

Donations being accepted are: ¡ Protective face wear — N95 respirators, PAPR hoods and procedure masks: ¡ Face Shields ¡ Tyvek coveralls ¡ Tyvek foot covers ¡ Eye protection (wraparounds or chemical splash) ¡ Other manufactured masks and gear ¡ Sewn masks

Undelivered absentee ballots heighten election controversy ping pong match Monday; going back and forth as Wisconsin’s election swung from one extreme to the other. Now, some claim they did not receive absentee ballots in time while others say they got them back with “undeliverable� stamps on

BY APRIL ZIEMER EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

Like many things that seem to be constantly changing, in person voting for the April 7 in the State of Wisconsin saw what seemed like a four hour

them.

Governor Tony Evers postponed Tuesday’s voting only to have the State’s Supreme Court overrule him. The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled 4-2 late Monday afternoon to block Evers’ executive order to

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postpone the election until June 9. In an expedited ruling, the court rejected the Evers’ contention that it was his constitutional duty to protect the safety of the state’s residents and thus

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APRIL 14, 2020

Pandemic picks

BY TOM STANGL FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

B

y several indications, it appears social distancing is helping to flatten the curve with the coronavirus. We should all be happy about this, but being socially distant to many may seem like the cure is worse than the disease, which is, of course, totally wrong.

But as we near the first month of many staying at home, it is time to have some talks about how we will be spending the duration.

I imagine during the first 30 days cleaning and organization, two necessary but unpopular Publisher tasks, were accomplished. Folks with children at home adjusted Tom Stangl to new careers as teachers as well. Couch potatoes spent a lot of time binging shows and playing video games.

With libraries closed, finding new books to read is a bit more of a challenge, but not impossible.

I was thinking about several pandemic themed novels and movies I have enjoyed over the years and thought it might make an enjoyable column.

I’m a science fiction fan, have been one for many, many years, so a pandemic is a popular topic. With tongue planted firmly in cheek, here are some recommendations for pandemic entertainment.

Author Richard Matheson wrote a novel about the last man on earth in 1954. “I Am Legend” follows Robert Neville, the last human on earth. A pandemic causes the rest of the planet to die and return as vampires. The novel has been adapted to movies three times with Vincent Price, Charlton Heston and Will Smith playing Neville.

Two of the adaptations had the same name as the novel, Heston’s was called “The Omega Man.” I’m partial to Chuck Heston as the guy to get us through the vampire apocalypse. As a teenager, the scenes of Heston tearing around a deserted downtown Los Angeles at 60 miles per hour spoke to me, even though I was years away from driving. Heston was the guy who bested the apes in “Planet of the Apes” so it made sense to me that he was the person to emulate during the vampire apocalypse.

I believe all three versions are available to stream online.

When I was considering this column, I thought I would keep with a vampire apocalypse. Vampires are terrifying, but not real. So, I would recommend the excellent trilogy by author Justin Cronin on the topic. “The Passage”, “The Twelve” and “The City of Mirrors” are long and character driven, taking place in multiple timelines.

A virus being tested to enhance healing on the military goes terribly wrong, unleashing a strain of vampires on the nation. Amy, a young girl, survives the virus, frozen in time at 15 years old.

Immortality was one of the desired effects of the virus. She appears nearly a century later at one of the outposts of humanity. Amy works with the survivors to destroy the original 12 vampires after they discover the vampires created by the 12 die when the vampire who created them is destroyed.

The novels are well written and compelling.

There was a television series developed a year or so ago, but it couldn’t capture the magic of the books. In truth, in my opinion, there are few adaptations of books that can recreate novels better than my imagination.

There are other movies and novels dealing with pandemics. I find the more outrageous ones entertaining, because the others are just plain scary.

Here’s to passing some time safely defeating a pandemic from the comfort of your home.

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.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder

BY APRIL ZIEMER EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

W

e have all heard the old saying, “You don’t know what you’ve got til’ it’s gone.” I guess that can probably apply to many things in life right now. As the weeks have passed, I have come to miss things, which I now know I took for granted.

There have been little things such as grabbing a cup of coffee at the gas station in the mornEditor ing, throwing a April Ziemer container of Clorox wipes into my cart at the store when I need them and sitting down face to face to interview someone for a newspaper article.

There have been bigger things like meeting a friend for lunch at a local eatery, gathering with other community members to work on local events and attending my children’s programs and sporting events at school.

The big one though, that really took a toll on me was Easter with my family.

It’s funny how something that can really be so chaotic can be so severely missed when it doesn’t take place.

Holidays with families can be interesting. The host puts so much effort into making sure the event is a success. You clean, you cook and then you clean some more.

If you are like me, you want to make sure everybody has their favorite food and their favorite drink.

I do this because my mother did it.

She did it because her mother did it.

When our family gets together it is loud. There are usually three or four conversations going on and people tend to talk louder with the passing minutes and passing glasses of wine.

There are squealing and running children being chased by aunts and uncles. There are people yelling and cheering at whatever sports game is playing on the television. There are roars from board game battles, there is singing and there is laughing.

I have always complained about the noise. There have been many times where I scream at my husband across the room, “Why is it so loud in here?!”

I wonder if every family is as boisterous as the Ziemers/Siegerts.

I ponder if somewhere out there a family sits quietly and politely unwraps gifts or tippy-toes around the yard to find eggs to the relaxing sound of chirping birds. What would it be like to calmly sit around a dinner table and savor your food with some light background music playing softly from the stereo?

I don’t know what that would be like and after our quiet little Easter last weekend, I hope to never find out.

My wish is that after we return to holiday celebrations together, I hear rambunctious children and annoyingly rowdy giggles from adults. I yearn for unrestrained teases com-

bined with zesty comebacks from a family who takes great joy in poking and prodding at one another.

I want to hear the clanking of wine glasses cheersing and the patting of hands on full bellies.

Now more than ever I look forward to the sounds of sighs from tight hugs and the genuine “I love yous.”

I have learned a lot of lessons throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

I have gained some insight into virus control. I have learned a little on essential and non-essential. I have changed my thoughts in the department of necessity or not.

The biggest thing I have learned though, is part science lesson, part lesson of the heart: Sound energy travels in waves and is measured in frequency and amplitude. The energy in a sound wave can be measured using decibels. The Decibel Meter shows examples of things that make noise and measurements in decibels.

Amplitude measures how forceful the wave is.

If my family’s love were measured in the energy of decibels and in amplitude of forceful waves, well then my friends, as the rock band Led Zepplin would say, that would be “A whole lot of love.”

I enjoy sharing my thoughts with you and look forward to readers sharing their thoughts in return.

Feel free to email me at editor@ theameryfreepress.com, write me at P.O. Box 424, Amery WI. 54001 or I can be reached by phone at 715-2688101.

LETTER GUIDELINES The Amery Free Press encourages readers to share their viewpoints of community issues by writing Letters to the Editor.

Submit your letters via email to editor@ theameryfreepress.com, by mail to the Amery Free Press, P.O. Box 424 Amery, WI 54001, or by fax to 715-268-5300.

We reserve the right to edit for accuracy,

clarity, libel, and civility.

General letters to the editor are limited to 400 words or less. Readers may submit one letter for consideration every 30 days.

Letters must include the writer’s full name, address, and phone number (address and phone number will not be printed). Anonymous letters will not be

published. Only letters originating from writers who live, have lived or work in the Amery Free Press circulation area or have some other relevance to the community area will be published. Special rules apply to election-related letters.

For questions about policies on letters contact the editor at 715-268-8101

OPINION

APRIL 14, 2020

AMERY FREE PRESS

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www.theameryfreepress.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Please limit plastic A plastic bag. An empty jar of peanut butter. A crumpled candy wrapper. Every year, according to the Earth Day website, over 300 million tons of plastic are produced worldwide. That is nearly the equivalent weight of the entire human population! National Geographic states that over 90% of plastic isn’t recycled, instead ending up in landfills, ditches, or our oceans. As the community of Amery—the City of Lakes—we need to take steps to stop this environmental pandemic. We must limit our use and consumption of single-use plastics to set an example, to preserve our environment, and to protect ourselves.

Ever since childhood, we are taught to value responsibility and leadership; this concept starts with integrity and role models. In 2007, a small farming community in Greensburg, Kansas, suffered severe damage from a tornado.

When faced with the challenge of rebuilding, the city decided to implement green measures. Today, Greensburg runs on energy harvested from a nearby wind farm.

This town’s story is one of sacrifice and change, but it is a story that has inspired others. We should learn from Greensburg and take on a leadership role in this fight for our planet. If we want to maintain the pride we have for our town and our community, it is time to make a change in the way we live our lives.

As soon as we accept the challenge of changing our day-to-day

lives, we can begin to impact our world on a global scale. Plastic particles have been found nearly everywhere on our planet, from our oceans to our mountains to our lakes; even the most remote areas have seen plastic litter. Although some plastic in a ditch might seem harmless, rain can quickly wash this pollution into rivers or streams. These waterways ultimately lead to the ocean, where— according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration—8 million tons of plastic end up each year. The danger of plastic is that it doesn’t disintegrate; it decomposes into smaller pieces called microplastics. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), people have discovered some of these microplastics at the bottom of the Mariana Trench, the deepest trench on earth. Plastic also poses a threat to terrestrial and marine wildlife when animals are caught and trapped in floating piles of plastic or when the plastic is digested into their stomachs. The NRDC cites that recent studies predict 90% of seabirds and 100% of turtles to have plastic in their guts. These statistics will only worsen unless we make significant changes in our lifestyles, and soon!

While the harmful effects of plastic on the environment are often common knowledge, many people are not aware of the many dangers plastic has on our health. Besides the safety problems that arise in the manufacturing process, plastic

Kudos to Golden Age My mother and I moved to Amery five years ago in search of quality care for my father who was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Thanks to research done by my brother and sister, we found Golden Ager Manor. My father was provided care there for roughly one year before he succumbed to the disease and passed away. He was provided excellent care over that final year of his life and we were very grateful for that.

A year ago, my mother moved into Golden Age Manor when I could no longer provide the care she needed. Again, the staff at Golden Age Manor has done an excellent job in providing for her care and I take comfort in knowing that I needn’t worry about her. With the current challenges placed on all of us during the Covid-19 pandemic, I am especially grateful that my mother is in a safe and loving environment.

Having watched the news coverage lately about cities that literally applaud the front-line heroes in the health industry after they finish their shift, I wanted to let the staff at Golden Age know that they are appreciated. I thought about sending flowers, (not available), or simply sending a card but that didn’t seem enough. I even thought of going to their parking lot and applauding them but I would have to do that many times in order to reach all of them and that would be nearly impossible to do. I decided that the best way would be to write a letter to the editor. Hence, my letter here.

I am certain that the Covid-19 concerns weigh heavily on the Golden Age staff as they are caring for the most vulnerable amongst us. This surely adds stress and anxiety to this already challenging work. I would like to thank the entire staff of Golden Age Manor including the administration, nursing staff, kitchen and cleaning staff, maintenance, et al. I would like to especially thank the CNA’s for doing the yeoman’s work every day to ensure that the residents are loved and cared for and that their needs are met. I am confident that my mother is receiving the best of care and I thank Golden Age Manor for the excellent work they are doing.

Sincerely, Gordon H. Pearson, Amery, Wisconsin

products can also leach chemicals that are toxic to the human body.

According to the Ecology Center’s website, plastic can release chemicals such as lead, mercury, and some common carcinogens—compounds found in cigarettes. The website also states that endocrine— the category of hormones that facilitates many of our bodily functions—disruptors present, leading to “cancers, birth defects, immune system suppression, and developmental problems in children.” We are discovering new evidence as more and more tests are conducted but, ultimately, enough data already exists proving plastic is not something we want in our bodies.

Although some people are concerned by the added cost of both money and effort limiting single-use plastics would require, these drawbacks are less costly than the dangers of consuming plastic at our current rate. According to a United Nations report, “Each year, more than 8 million tons of plastic end up in the oceans, wreaking havoc on marine wildlife, fisheries, and tourism, and costing at least $8 billion in damage to marine ecosystems.”

On a smaller scale, the benefits of plastic-saving measures like reusable bags, straws, and containers can save the individual consumer money in the long run. More importantly, our planet cannot sustain the plastic we are producing and consuming without severe consequences. Already, coastal islands SEE PLASTIC, PAGE 6

Doctor’s advice on COVID-19 procautions I urge my fellow citizens to follow social distancing protocols, use good cough and sneeze etiquette, and wear a cloth mask in public, during the current COVID-19 pandemic. If we all do this, we will help to protect ourselves and each other.

Up to one quarter of people infected with this novel coronavirus may be asymptomatic (no symptoms) or pre symptomatic (before onset of symptoms), yet still carry the virus in their respiratory tract and thus be able to infect others. Even if we feel fine, it is possible that we could be spreading this disease, and the person or persons to whom we spread it may not be so lucky, especially if they are over age 65 or have underlying medical conditions. This could be a family member or friend whom you are visiting, or a fellow shopper or checkout person at the grocery store.

This is a particularly dangerous infection. First of all, no humans have previously been exposed to it, so our immune systems have not been able to develop any resistance to it. We don’t have a vaccine to help our immune systems develop that protection. We don’t have any medications that are proven to help if we become ill. This virus also tends to cause infection lower in the respiratory tract, in the lungs. Normally the air sacs of the lungs allow oxygen to enter the body and carbon dioxide to leave it. With COVID-19, these air sacs can fill up with fluid so that the lungs are unable to fulfill this essential role. If we don’t get oxygen to our cells, and we can’t

Don’t blame Trump Politicians hate to let a good crisis go to waste and many are taking advantage of the coronavirus crisis.

Just last week Democrats again held up additional money for small business loans so they could add more pet-project funding as they did to the previous bill. Funding which is totally unrelated to the coronavirus or American workers or small businesses.

The coronavirus is a bad deal for everyone. None of us are exempt from it. To blame President Trump for any of it is absurd. After all, doesn’t the real blame lie with China? I hope you realize that and I’m sad for you if you don’t.

Should Wisconsin have delayed the election on April 7th? Maybe, but voting is one of the most important civic obligations we have as US citizens. I refuse to hide out in my basement like Joe Biden has been doing as if I were awaiting a nuclear attack. I voted.

Do you remember the 2017-2018 influenza season?

The CDC estimated 45 million Americans were infected that season and flu related deaths topped 61,000. I hope we don’t reach that number with the coronavirus but we may. I only point this out to keep things in perspective More than 20,000 coronavirus victims have already died in the US and we mourn these losses as they are significant. Yet, since 1973 we have killed more than 61 million of our babies, mostly for profit, courtesy of the likes of Planned Parenthood and the Democrats.

Why are coronavirus deaths in the thousands considered to be so tragic while abortion deaths in the millions are actually revered by many Democrats?

Are we now reaping some of the death we have sown on the innocent millions?

Over the past three years, the Democratic leadership in the House of Representatives has been in attack mode against our President and our nation. They have completely lost their way on the values, which made us a great nation in the first place: God, Country and Family. May God help us because Democrats surely will not!

Thomas Wulf New Richmond, WI

get rid of carbon dioxide, we won’t survive.

To put this in perspective: On average, 8% of the population contract seasonal influenza every year.

The death rate from influenza is approximately 0.1 percent, meaning about 1 in 1000 of those that get sick will die from it. In contrast, with COVID-19, it is likely that due to the lack of immunity in the population, if we do nothing, 50% or more could eventually be infected. Although the death rate from this infection has yet to be well defined, it appears that it ranges from 2% to 10% or more, the higher rate involving those at higher risk. So, without the efforts of all of us to slow the spread of this disease, it could infect an enormous number of us and our neighbors and family, and when it does, it will kill 20 to 100 times more than does influenza.

We may feel that we are at less risk here in rural Wisconsin, with lots of open spaces, where we’re not packed like sardines into a city like New York. However, we still need to shop for food and supplies, we may still need to go to work in an essential capacity. We should not be lulled into letting down our guard.

When someone with the virus coughs, sneezes or even talks, the virus sprays out from the mouth in respiratory droplets. These can then enter into the eyes, nose or mouth of others nearby. They can also land on surfaces such as counters, or even food on the grocery store shelves, where they can live up to 3 days or more, and from where they can be picked up by other hands that touch that surface, hands that may then inadvertently touch eyes,

nose, mouth.

Social distancing (staying home unless we have an essential need to go out, and maintaining at least 6 feet of distance from others), proper cough and sneeze etiquette (coughing or sneezing into the crook of the elbow), and wearing a cloth mask can certainly decrease our own risk of getting sick. However, their greatest role is in decreasing the chance that someone else will be infected by us. Remember that even if we have no symptoms, it doesn’t mean that we don’t carry the virus. A note on masks: the tiny openings in the weave of even the tightest cloth are many times larger that the respiratory droplets. Thus homemade cloth masks will likely help prevent some of the virus from passing through, but cannot stop it all. Therefore, observing the 6 foot rule (that’s as far as the droplets tend to travel with a cough or sneeze), and coughing or sneezing into the elbow are essential. Also, as long as supplies remain inadequate, please reserve surgical and N95 masks for those at highest risk on the front lines.

Careful attention to social distancing, proper cough and sneeze etiquette, and wearing a mask in public are acts of compassion. They express in action our care for each other. Through the amazing capacity of our scientists, I am hopeful that we will eventually have both a vaccine and beneficial medications, but that will take time. In the meantime, there is no greater gift than this act of compassion we offer each other.

Be well, B. Rolf Bjornson, MD, Amery,WI

6 AMERY FREE PRESS

RECORDS

APRIL 14, 2020

www.theameryfreepress.com

Amery Area Municipal Court Amery Area Municipal Court was held in Amery on Wednesday, April 8, 2020. The following cases were heard: CITY OF AMERY Shania A. Burstad, 19, Amery, failure to stop at stop sign, $98.80.

Thomas M. Cadotte, 36, Amery, retail theft, $313.

Jeremy G. Ellingsworth, 43, Amery, operating motor vehicle without proof of insurance, $10.

Dustin J. Ferguson, 25, Amery, non-registration of auto, $98.80.

Jason F. Gouker, 48, Amery, operating motor vehicle without proof of insurance, $10.

Mitzi L. Hawkins, 44, Clayton, riding in vehicle without wearing a seat belt, $10.

Trevor W. Hollern, 22, Clayton, operating motor vehicle without insurance, $124; operating after suspension,

$124.

Joshua D. Johnson, 29, Dresser, violating red traffic signal, $98.80; operating without valid license, $124.

Melinda D. Johnston, 43, Deer Park, speeding in school zones (16-19 mph), $161.80.

Jessica M. Marquand, 34, Prairie Farm, possessing open intoxicants in motor vehicle - passenger, $124.

Anthony M. Ninke, 26, Clayton, violating red traffic signal, $98.80; possessing open intoxicants in motor vehicle - driver, $187.

John D. Nissley, 23, Clear Lake, possessing open intoxicants in motor vehicle - passenger, $124.

Jacob D. Ruff, 18, operating motor vehicle without proof of insurance, $10.

Jennifer S. Sigsworth, 42, Amery, operating after suspension, $124.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

VILLAGE OF CLEAR LAKE Courtney B. Alvermann, 27, Clear Lake, operating motor vehicle without insurance, $124.

Daniel R. Goward, 39, Lindstrom, MN, exceeding speed zones (20-24 mph), $149.20.

Jessie K. Hanson, 39, New Richmond, keeping open intoxicants in motor vehicle - driver, $187.

17 year old, Clear Lake, disturbance of the peace with motor vehicle, $124.

Kane L. Kegel, 40, New Richmond, possession of THC, $376.

JUVENILES City of Amery 16 year old, Star Prairie, underage drinking, $187.

16 year old, Amery, possession of a controlled substance by juvenile 16 year old, Amery, purchase or possession of tobacco products

Polk County arrests Alexandra J. Beyer, 30, Centuria, was arrested March 30 for disorderly conduct.

John C. Stenberg, 61, Siren, was arrested March 31 for possession of drug

paraphernalia.

Julie Kay Clayton, 60, Luck, was arrested March 31 for felony possession of THC (2nd+).

Alyssa J. Eisen, 25, St. Croix Falls, was arrested

April 3 for domestic disorderly conduct.

Joseph William Tetrault, 22, Dresser, was arrested April 2 for OWI (3rd), operating after revocation (3rd) and operating with prohibit-

ed alcohol content.

Richard Leslie Loomis, 56, Amery, was arrested April 3 for OWI (1st) and operating with prohibited alcohol content (1st).

PLASTIC: Consuming at current rate presents many dangers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

and countries are dealing with the ugly, stinky, and dangerous effects of littered plastic—there is not enough room for more.

We, as the citizens of Amery, must accept the responsibility of limiting our plastic use before it’s too late. As Mahatma Gandhi, one of the most influential civil rights leaders in history, once said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” We must lead by example, with the hopes that we could inspire others. We must protect both the health of our environment and ourselves. Let us accept this challenge. Let us put forth the effort. Let us make a stand today to preserve the beauty and prosperity of our world so that we may enjoy it tomorrow.

Annika Schwartz, Amery High School student

OPINION

See the forest through the trees

BY REP. GAE MAGNAFICI

In October 1962, President John F. Kennedy was informed that the Soviet Union was in the process of stationing nuclear missiles off the coast of the United States. The event would come to be known as the Cuban missile crisis, and the closest the world would ever come to all out nuclear war.

After the anGae nouncement that Magnafici the Soviets were positioning nukes District 28 Representative capable of striking the United States, Kennedy was faced with a series of options. He could strike Cuba and give the U.S. the upper hand if a nuclear war broke out, or he could refrain from nuclear escalation at the risk of putting the U.S. at a disadvantage in any conflict.

Kennedy saw the forest through the trees. While his military experts unanimously advised him to attack Cuba, Kennedy refrained from direct action because he saw the human suffering that would eventually come from escalating the conflict.

He risked an immediate threat to the U.S. because he knew there were consequences his advisors were not adequately weighing.

Soon, Governor Evers will also need to see the forest through the trees.

State health experts have accurately advised him of the dangers of the

You’re making a difference SENATOR PATTY SCHACHTNER

coronavirus, but it is impossible to quantify the costs of preventative measures. Hundreds of thousands have filed for unemployment in Wisconsin, and each one represents a life, a livelihood, a family that has been upended in a matter of weeks. People who have spent decades building profitable businesses are preparing to file for bankruptcy. The mental health effects of social isolation will not be seen for months or years. Drastic social distancing has flattened Wisconsin’s curve, but each day of isolation has real costs to everyone.

Soon, Governor Evers must return Wisconsin to work. The dignity of work and the prosperity of our economy must be taken into account as he decides his policies. Banning cars would save many lives, but no one has ever seriously recommended doing so.

We must accept a certain amount of risk to continue our lives during these times. Social distancing must be integrated into everyday life until we have a vaccine. Restaurants, bars, and retail should be opened again, even if their capacity is limited. Churches should be opened to help our communities cope with this crisis. Parks and golf courses should be opened because state lands held for public use should never be closed. Wisconsin deserves a measured approach to preventing severe outbreaks that can coincide with our daily lives.

We face a once-in-a-generation crisis. To navigate it, and to succeed, we must all see the forest through the trees.

The other night my little granddaughter, Lilah, asked me whether she would ever be able to hug me again.

Staying safer at home is hard on my family, and I know that it’s Senator been hard Schachtner on yours too. Joe d I missed i d gathering t and all our kids and grandkids around our table for an Easter meal. I have missed visiting my dad in his nursing home- although I was able to wave through the window the other day.

But the good news is that our sacrifices are making a difference. We are flattening the curve, as they say, and we can’t let up yet.

Wisconsin’s model indicates that, without action, COVID-19 would have caused 22,000 infections

by April 8 and between 440 and 1,500 deaths. These projections were based on data compiled by our Department of Health Services between March 3 and March 15, 2020. This data showed that without

action, Wisconsin would have seen exponential growth in COVID-19 cases- doubling every 3.4 days. We had no choice but to take action.

We have been able to change our trajectory because our Governor, his administration, and all of you stepped up. Those bleak projections have not become our reality because so many of you stayed home and kept your communities healthier.

Now, we have to stay the course because while the number of new cases is smaller each day than it could have been, the cases are still increasing.

Last week, Polk County had its first two cases confirmed while cases in Dunn, Pierce, and St. Croix County are also still increasing.

The Department of Health Services has developed a tool to review the capacity of our healthcare system as this pandemic continues.

As I’m writing this, our Northwest Wisconsin facilities have 62% of their beds already filled, 3 COVID patients on the ICU, and 6 patients on ventilators. Rural hospitals are at particular risk

of becoming overwhelmed by this virus so it’s on each of us do our part to keep our number of positive cases low and slow.

I know it’s hard. I wish with all my heart that I could wrap Lilah, and all my grandkids, in a big hug. But especially in my role as chief medical examiner, I am exposed on a regular basis and it is not worth risking the health of my family. So I stay home. They stay home.

And we stay physically distant.

The best way to approach this is not to assume that you could catch coronavirus by breaking isolation and coming into contact with others.

Assume, instead, that you are already contagious and act accordingly. Do your part to protect your loved ones, neighbors, and the healthcare workers that are fighting to keep us all healthy. I know that your sacrifices are great, and I am working hard on the front lines of our emergency response team and as your Senator to support you too. Together, we can do this- and we already are. Let’s keep up the fight.

YESTERDAY’S NEWS

APRIL 14, 2020

AMERY FREE PRESS

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Dust Hampers Travel

to grab the trusty rifle. By this time, however, Charles Hougen had started toward the back door, and yelled to the thieves to halt. Instantly they dropped the gasoline can and fled into the darkness of night, but the Hougens believe that they have identified one of the thieves, and will turn information over to the police.

Going out to the garage they found a large hose used to siphon the gasoline, and the 5- gallon can, brought by the thieves.

This is the fourth in a series chronicling the trek to the west coast in 1858 by Monroe Adams, father of Harry Adams, who made the trip.

800 Miles to Gold Country We had to go about 150 miles north to get around the head of the lake. We crossed the Weber River where Ogden is now located, 40 miles from Salt Lake.

We crossed the Bear River where it was 10 rods wide and the water came up to the wagon box all the way across. This was backwater from the lake.

The Mormon we boarded with while at Salt Lake had seven wives and 26 children living, I heard later.

We paid three dollars a hundred for flour here and 10¢ for a bundle of sheaf oats. My partner bought three dollars worth of jerked beef to have for us later on. It was cured by cutting in thin slices and hung over the fire to dry without salt. When cured properly it was pretty good. Before we had need of it, it smelled so strong we hung the pail containing the meat on the Yesterday’s hind end of the wagon. It was News like the DutchDiane Stangl man’s cow, it came up missing. Perhaps if we had had it the last end of our journey we might have cooked it to eat.

L. P. Christiansen Buys Barbershop

Remember B&B Clothing?

Pictured above is a photo of the interior of the B&B Clothing Store owned and operated by Leonard “Bud” Harris back in 1974. Bud got his start in the clothing business with the former Evenson’s Clothing. In 1950, Bud became manager of Evenson’s and managed the business until 1955. In February of that year, Dr. A. R. Buchanan and Bud purchased the business, formed a partnership and changed the name to B&B Clothing.

in the 300 or so miles that we traveled by it.

I dare say, thousands of head of stock had been driven through it and many of them standing in it to cool off, during the hot days of July and August. You can well imagine what it would be like to use as drinking water.

Dust Hampers Travel Find Salt Water One night in going out of the valley we camped near a fine spring, unyoked our cattle, started a fire and went to the spring for water, but found it so full of salt we couldn’t drink it.

We tried to make tea and coffee with it, but couldn’t make it go down.

Then mosquitoes – Oh my! Their noise would scare anyone. Out of the question for man or beast to sleep. The moon rose about midnight and we hitched up and drove until daylight, found water, rested for a few hours, made breakfast and started on again.

In going around the head of the lake, we were caught several times without water fit to drink and would gladly have given a dollar for a good drink of it.

On the 10th day of August, we came to the junction of the roads and found the rest of the company had passed there five days before. Didn’t see them again until we got to California.

Finally Found Water When we got to Humboldt creek we found it to be about as large as Rock Creek west of Tipton. All our drinking water came from the river. You might call it a creek as it wasn’t more than 20 feet wide and about knee deep in the deepest places where we crossed it. As we traveled, we had to cross and re-cross it a great many times

That night a number of other wagons came into camp. We kept a generous supply of beef for ourselves and told the others to help themselves and by dark very little was left besides the hide and bones.

Down the Humboldt the dust was from six to eight inches in depth and the long line of wagons with the poor and jaded oxen dragging their feet along, made a cloud so dense we could hardly see one another.

You can well imagine what an unpleasant place for women and children to ride, the sun beating down scorching hot and there was much alkali in the dust and it made our lips and even our mouths very sore.

You would not wonder that with all this to put up with that there was some fussing and quarreling and dividing up.

Some of the men took packs on their backs and struck out on foot. They had been walking all the way but their eatable and other belongings were carried in the wagon.

Robert and Ben Lyon, the two boys who went with me, were true blue, not a cross word between us, we had no one to order us out of the wagon if we chose to ride and we kept together all the way.

Indians Cause Excitement Two hundred miles out of Salt Lake City we came to several of the wagons and they told us that two nights before

their oxen had been run off by the Indians. They had followed the trail up the mountains about 20 miles and were afraid to go further for fear of being ambushed. We never heard if they got through. It was not safe to let the cattle run without someone to guard them.

From here down to the sink of the Humboldt River was where you could see the destruction of property that had been going on for the last three years.

Oxen often gave out, wagons were burned, guns were struck over the wagon wheels and the stocks broken off and the Indians gun barrels had been gathered up and laid up like a rail fence. As we were plodding along, for a bit of diversion we rolled wagon tires into the river and a stray gun barrel, which lay by the trail we tossed in as well.

(To be continued)

95 Years Ago April 16, 1925 O Wonderful Horse!

“O horse, you are a wonderful thing; no buttons to push, no horn to honk; you start yourself, no clutch to slip; no spark to miss, no gears to strip; no license buying every year, with plates to screw on front and rear; no gas bills climbing up each day, stealing the joy of life away; no speed cops chugging in your rear, yelling summons in your ear.

Your inner tubes are all O. K., and thank the Lord, they stay that way; your spark plugs never miss and fuss; your motor never makes us cuss. Your frame is good for many a mile; your body never changes style.

Your wants are few and easy met; you’ve something on the auto yet.” – American Forestry

90 Years Ago April 17, 1930 Attractive Window Display The Twin Lake Drug Store has a neat Easter window display. A dozen or more live baby chicks in all colors of the rainbow surrounded artistically with Easter eggs, rabbits, etc.

The chicks are as happy and contented as can be and appear proud of their Easter finery.

Buildings Threatened by Brush Fires There were some very serious brush and woods fires over a considerable section south and east of this city Sunday.

Many buildings were threatened but due to the unrelenting work of neighbors and help sent out from Amery, no buildings are reported burned.

Much damage was done to timber and much wood, which had been corded up in the woods, was destroyed.

Everything is as dry as tinder and it is touch and go when a spark lights on the dry grass or leaves. Fires of every nature should be watched with the utmost care.

85 Years Ago April 4, 1935 Thieves Enter Amery Garage Two midnight prowlers, who apparently have no gasoline for their automobile, were frightened away from the Charles Hougen home about midnight Monday night, just as they were about to make away with 5 gallons of gasoline siphoned from the Hougen car.

Charles Hougen and his son, Morgan was just retiring when the elder Hougen said he believed someone was prowling around the premises.

“Get the gun,” Mr. Hougen ordered and Morgan proceeded

L. P. Christiansen, pioneer Amery barber, this week announced the purchase by him of the J. P. Parslow estate’s share of the shop, known as the City Barber Shop, effective April 1.

Mr. Christiansen purchased an interest in the shop from Mr. Parslow on July 1, 1901, and they continued in partnership until Mr. Parslow’s death August 11, 1934. It is considered a unique record for such a partnership in a barbershop.

Mr. Christiansen will continue doing business in the same location. He is also city treasurer and for years has been prominent in the affairs of the community.

75 Years Ago April 5, 1945 Winter Returns in All Its Glory The reluctancy of Old Man Winter to take a powder and scram is nothing new to most people of this vicinity, so when the second day of April brought a little snow and the next day a little more it was no surprise.

When this is being written it appears as though every bit as much snow blankets the ground now as did before the thaw in the merry month of March.

Whipped around by a nice wind on Wednesday, the snow has done its best to be remembered, by clogging most roads and hampering communication.

April 12, 1945 Golf Course Donated to City of Amery At the last meeting of the City Council, the City of Amery found itself one golf course richer, as the committee representing professionals and businessmen of Amery appeared and donated same to the city.

Interested persons of Amery subscribed funds for the purchase from Union State Bank in a drive to assure a post-war golf course for this community.

The Council accepted the gift of the course and in turn assured the committee that it would look after the interests of the course.

8 AMERY FREE PRESS

SPIRITUAL

APRIL 14, 2020

www.theameryfreepress.com

AREA CHURCHES Following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, all gatherings of 10 or more are being curtailed. Please call the church for the most updated service information.

EAST LINCOLN ALLIANCE 735 70th Ave., Amery, 715-268-2350, www. eastlincolnalliance.com, Eric Danielson and Randy Schussman, pastors

JOURNEY CHURCH 131 Broadway St., Amery, Derek Downs, Lead Pastor, 715-268-2223, www.journeychurch. city, office@journeychurch.city

AMERY CONGREGATIONAL 201 N. Harriman Ave., Barry Schaefer, pastor

EL SALEM BAPTIST/TWIN FALLS CHRISTIAN CTR Dresser, Darryl R. Olson, pastor

LITTLE FALLS LUTHERAN 1272 44th Ave., Amery, Lori Peper, pastor 715268-9577 Broadcasting church services on the WPCA 93.1 FM radio station Sunday mornings at 8 am. See our website for up-to-date scheduling www.littlefallschurch.net.

AMERY FREE LUTHERAN 1 mile west of golf course on CTH F, Eric Christenson, pastor, www.ameryflc.org. Call the office for details 715-268-9218.

APPLE RIVER COMMUNITY 942 US Hwy. 8, Amery, Justin Hosking, pastor In-House Services Cancelled. Please listen to our service on 93.1, WPCA Radio at 1:00 pm on Sunday, visit our website at appleriverchurch. org or on Facebook.

BALSAM LUTHERAN 1115 Mains Crossing, Amery, Dan Watland, pastor, 507-459-1141, Church 715-268-9291, balsamlutheranchurch.org.

CENTERPOINT 740 Maple Drive, St. Croix Falls, (High school) Dick Enerson, pastor CHURCH OF CHRIST New Richmond, Jack Philips, Evangelist, 715497-7596 CLEAR LAKE OR DEER PARK UNITED METHODIST John Hazen, pastor DERONDA LUTHERAN 1239 65th Ave., Amery, Lori Peper, pastor, 715268-9577 Broadcasting church services on the WPCA 93.1 FM radio station Sunday mornings at 8 am. See our website for up-to-date scheduling www.derondachurch.net.

EAST BALSAM BAPTIST 1816 108th St./CTH I, Balsam Lake, www. eastbalsam.org 715-857-5411 9am Worship Service live streaming at www. eastbalsam.org. On the homepage, click “YouTube” at the top.

EAST IMMANUEL LUTHERAN south of Amery on Hwy. 46 then west on 20th Ave., Kathy Pennington, pastor. Sunday Worship on Facebook Live at 10:30 am.

Services are available on YouTube later. Phone dial-in option is also available. Please contact the church office for dial-in access. Visit eastimmanuel-lutheran.org for the link to our YouTube channel and up-to-date information.

ELIM LUTHERAN Range, Dan Watland, pastor FAITH LUTHERAN (ELCA) 301 1st Ave. East (across from public beach on Co. Rd. I) Balsam Lake, 715-485-3800, Diane Norstad, pastor FAITH LUTHERAN (ELCA) 134 Prentice St. S, Clayton, Margaret Grant, pastor FIRST LUTHERAN 240 Elm St., Amery, Tim Bjorge, pastor FIRST LUTHERAN (LCMC) 811 South Ave. W, Clear Lake www.firstluthclearlake.com, Bryan S. Anderson, pastor

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS 644 S. 6th St., Barron, Chapel 715-537-3679 Bishop Kenneth Konesky 715-719-0283

MOE LUTHERAN (ELCA) 451 30th St., Clear Lake NEW LIFE COMMUNITY Amery, Craig Jorgenson, pastor

OUR LADY OF THE LAKES CATHOLIC Balsam Lake Father Eugene Murphy, pastor

HOLY TRINITY ORTHODOX 511 1st St., Clayton, 715-948-2493, htoc@ amerytel.net, Chris Wojcik, pastor HOLY TRINITY UNITED METHODIST 1606 165th Ave., Centuria, on CTH I between Balsam Lake and Centuria, Yul Kwon, pastor IMMANUEL EV. LUTHERAN (LCMS) 124 E. Church St., Clayton, lmmLCLCMS@ centurytel.net, 715-541-2955, Gregory Becker, pastor IMMANUEL LUTHERAN 65th Ave., rural Clayton, Margaret Grant, pastor

OUR SAVIOR’S LUTHERAN 217 Deronda St., Amery Keith Ruehlow, pastor

Bernice A. Rauterkus, age 96 of Amery, WI, formerly of Clear Lake, WI, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 9, 2020 at the Amery Memory Care in Amery, WI. Bernice Anna Rauterkus w was born on August 30, 11923 in Westphalia, Iowa, tthe daughter of Pete & Dora ((Book) Blum. She grew up iin Westphalia, Iowa, was b baptized and confirmed a at St. Boniface Catholic C Church there and graduate ed from Westphalia High S School in 1940. After gradu uation, Bernice continued tto live at home and worked on the family and neighboring farms around Westphalia. She was married to Leonard Rauterkus on January 26, 1954 at St. Boniface Church in Westphalia and together they raised 7 children, Norma, Teresa, Leo, Dale, Ralph, Don & Alice. In 1962, they moved to New Richmond, WI. In addition to taking care of her family, Bernice also worked at Friday Canning and as a cook at St. Mary’s Catholic School in New Richmond. In her spare time, she enjoyed quilting, sewing, knitting and playing cards, especially 500 and Canasta. Bernice also had a green thumb and enjoyed tending to her flower and vegetable gardens. She won numerous St. Croix County Fair Blue Ribbons for her baking, vegetables and needle work. Bernice and Leonard moved to and retired in Clear Lake, WI, in 1999 and she was an active member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Clear Lake, WI. Bernice had been a resident of Amery Memory Care for the past 4 years.

TRINITY LUTHERAN OF GARFIELD 1578 85th Ave., Amery Lori Peper, pastor 715-268-9577 Broadcasting church services on the WPCA 93.1 FM radio station Sunday mornings at 8 am. See our website for up-to-date scheduling www.trinitylutheranchurchofamery.com.

UNITED COVENANT 348 5th St. NW, Clear Lake, Dan Pearson, pastor UNITED METHODIST, GLENHILLS PARISH Marybeth Scow, pastor

PRAIRIEVIEW COVENANT 1396 210th Ave. (2 miles north of New Richmond on 65) Tim Coyer, pastor, www. prairieviewchurch.net REDEEMER LUTHERAN 600 S. Keller Ave., Amery, Tom Hahn, pastor All church services and activities have been cancelled until further notice. Redeemer Lutheran Church will have weekly recorded services on our church Facebook page or website www.redeemerlutheranchurchamery.com.

WEST IMMANUEL LUTHERAN (ELCA) 447 180th St., Osceola, Pastor Matt Saarem, Interim Pastor, www.westimmanuel.org, 715294-2936

Church Page Sponsors: AmTec

REEVE EVANGELICAL FREE Jct. Barron CTH K & A, Clear Lake, www. reevechurch.org

241 Venture Dr., Amery • 715-268-8146

ST. BARNABAS EPISCOPAL 365 5th St., Clear Lake, Rev. Geri E. Sola

301 Keller Ave. S., Amery • 715-268-7999

Carlson SV

ST. CROIX UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP 201 N. Adams, St. Croix Falls www.scuuf.org

Amery Free Press 215 S. Keller Ave., Amery • 715-268-8101

Janell (Sundby) Parr

OBITUARIES

Bernice A. Rauterkus

ST. PAUL LUTHERAN Deer Park, John Wilman, pastor

MENNONITE CHURCH 1681 6 1/2 St., Co. Hwy. P North, Almena, 715357-3321

FOREST UNITED METHODIST John Hazen, pastor full gospel lighthouse

GRACE LUTHERAN - WELS 460 4th St., Clear Lake, Ellery W. Groth, pastor 715-491-4330

ST. JOHN LUTHERAN Forest, John Wilman, pastor

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST 76 20th Ave., Clear Lake, John Redlich, pastor 715-645-2230; Head Elder Paul Hasman 715671-3697

OTTERCREEK CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Glenwood City Civic Center, Jason Taylor, pastor

GEORGETOWN LUTHERAN (ELCA) 877 190th Ave. Co. Rd. G, Balsam Lake (Fox Creek) 715-857-5580, serving@ georgetownlutheran.net, Pastor Diane House

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC 1050 Keller Ave. N, Amery, Father Eugene Murphy • 715-268-7717 • stjosephamery.org

LIVING WORD CHAPEL 2746 Hwy 64, Forest, Senior Leaders Sean & Libby Higgins, 715-265-4810, we.are.living. word@gmail.com, www.livingwordchapel.com

FIRST PRESYTERIAN 719 Nevada St., St. Croix Falls, Barbara Anne Keely, pastor

GRAYTOWN, Merlin Burton, pastor

ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC Clear Lake, Fr. John Long, pastor Masses suspended unti further notice.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Rauterkus; her parents, Pete & Dora Blum; and her brothers and sisters.

Bernice is survived by sons and daughters, Norma LaVenture, Apple Valley, MN, Teresa (Joe) Znidarsich, LaCrosse, WI, Leo Rauterkus, Clear Lake, WI, Dale Rauterkus, Amery, WI, Ralph (Mary) Rauterkus, Red Wing, MN, Don (Linda) Rauterkus, Onalaska, WI, Alice Ditlefsen, Edinburg, TX; grandchildren, Dan (Sarah) LaVenture, Briana (Chris) Royal, Joe (Jamie) Znidarsich, Becca (Ben) Pfaff, Jake (Lea) Znidarsich, Tim (Sarah) Znidarsich, Andy Rauterkus, Julie (Brandon) Johnson, Susan (Brian) Peters, Doug Rauterkus, Katie (Rob) Necklen; 18 great-grandchildren; any many other relatives and friends.

A Memorial Mass will be at St. John’s Catholic Church in Clear lake, WI at a later date in August.

Interment will be at the Clear Lake Cemetery on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 Scheuermann Funeral Home and Cremation Services are handling the arrangements. www.clearlakefuneralhome.com *Please note corrections*

Dale F. Bliese Dale F. Bliese, age 83 of rural Amery died on Sunday, April 5, 2020 at his home in Amery.

Arrangements are pending with the Williamson-White Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Amery.

For further information, please visit www.williamsonwhite.com

Mrs. Janell (Sundby) Parr, age 87, of Fern Creek, formerly of Amery, Wisconsin returned to her Heavenly Father on Sunday, April 5, 2020. Mrs. Parr was born in Red Wing, Minnesota on June 2. 1932 to the late G George and Meta (Joost) S Sundby. Mrs. Parr dedicate ed her life to serving the L Lord, she was a traveling E Evangelist that sang in a g gospel group with her husb band and daughter, the trio h had 3 gospel albums. She iis preceded in death by her p parents; and brother, Grant S Sundby.

She leaves to cherish h her memory her husband, “Bud” M.L. Parr; daughter, Renee Hollis (Randy); grandsons, Beau (Sherah) and Jaron (Haley) Hollis; great-grandsons, Jack, Gabe and Henry Hollis; sister, Carolyn Knopic (Wayne); nieces, Dawn Krause (Jim), Lori Allison (Dean), Jeannie Thomas (Mike) and Kari Fladwood (Todd).

Schoppenhorst, Underwood and Brooks Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. All services will be private.

Due to COVID-19, there will be a Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date. subfuneralhome.com

June A. Jensen June A. Jensen, age 54 of Amery, died on Sunday, April 12, 2020 at her home in Amery.

Arrangements are pending with the Williamson-White Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Amery.

For further information, please visit www.williamsonwhite.com

9 AMERY FREE PRESS

MEET YOUR AMERY BUSINESS

APRIL 14, 2020

www.theameryfreepress.com

Amery | Baldwin New Richmond | River Falls 715-246-5165 kristoorthodontics.com

AMERY AREA Community Center

MEET YOUR

Join Us at the Center of Activity!

608 Harriman Ave S Amery, WI 54001 (715) 268-6605 ameryacc@outlook.com Follow us on Facebook!

AMERY BUSINESS

Sales & Service

AMERY OFFICE 1060 Cornwall Avenue (715) 268-8127

211 S. Keller Ave. Amery, Wis. Phone 715-268-7882

westconsincu.org KINDNESS COUNTS—Pass it on!

Duane R. Swanson Jordan T. Wold

Golden Age Manor

115 Keller Ave N., Amery, WI 54001 (p) 715-268-7832 (t) 888-890-0787 www.bridgewhatmatters.com

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

Call Now to Schedule !

Jennifer Rentz, Brandon Graber, Kristin Silvin, Jordan Wold, Jodi Gibson, Nicole Munro. Duane Swanson seated.

115 Keller Ave. N. | Amery, WI 715-268-2819 bridgewhatmatters.com

715.578.KIDS KidsDentalOutreach.com

FOR ALL OF YOUR COMPUTER NEEDS 216 Keller Ave. N, Amery 715-268-8159 • 4thepoint.com

Novitzke, Gust, Sempf, Whitley and Bergmanis Attorneys-at-Law DON PAUL NOVITZKE (1937-2004) GERALD N. GUST *TIMOTHY T. SEMPF JASON W. WHITLEY *ERIK M. BERGMANIS 314 Keller Ave. N, Suite 200, Amery, Wis. 54001 Phone 715-268-6130 *Licensed in Minnesota and Wisconsin

Changing Lives ...

One Smile At A Time

1030 River Place Drive • Amery 715-268-2103 www.river-place-dental.com

Dena Cress and Darren Booth

551 State Hwy 46, Amery Phone 715-268-HOME (4663) info@stonecreekcustominteriors.com

Always going above and beyond Amery • 715-268-7161 | Member FDIC

Over the past few weeks, the growing concern of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has all of our attention. As this situation continues to have an increased impact on financial markets and communities, we want to connect with you directly to help make sense of what is surely an emotional time for families and an anxious time for investors. Please know that we are here for you during this challenging and stressful time.

PUTTING THINGS INTO PERSPECTIVE Negative market response to health crises is not new. In fact, since 2003 there have been several different epidemics that caused short-term disruption and panic in the financial markets.

The good news is that in nearly every case they were relatively short-lived, and the S&P 500 experienced sizable gains over the months immediately following the downturns. While there is no guarantee the market will rebound in this current situation, historically negative market responses to these types of healthcare crises have been temporary dips.

STRATEGIES THAT CAN HELP YOU STAY CALM THROUGH THE STORM Market volatility can be unsettling and increase anxiety. While no one can predict what the market will do and when, making decisions based on panic rarely plays out well in the long term. In these challenging times, we must find a balance in the way we live and invest to take advantage of the inevitable progress of science and in financial markets while managing the probability of short-term disruptions. That’s why it’s important to focus on your long-term goals as well as asset allocation and rebalancing based on goals, time frame, and risk tolerance.

History and time have shown that volatility often has an upside, especially when you use strategies like dollar-cost averaging. When you dollar-cost average, you invest equal dollar

amounts at regular intervals of time – for example, investing $100 in your workplace retirement savings plan at the same time each month.

Rather than trying to time the market’s ups and downs, you buy at range of difference prices.

Keep in mind that dollar cost averaging does not ensure a profit nor guarantee against loss.

Investors should consider their financial ability to continue their purchases through periods of low price levels.

April is Financial Literacy Month, so we encourage you to use some of this time at home to educate yourself on investing basics, as well as how to navigate the current markets. We have resources available on many different topics.

Please contact us if you are interested in taking your financial literacy to the next level!

WE ARE HERE TO HELP Although the situation remains fluid, we are here to guide you through these turbulent times. Let’s make sure your decisions are in line with your long-term goals. Please feel free to call us at any time.

While our office lobbies are closed to the public for the time being please know, we are available and ready to serve your needs.

Together, we will get through this!

Jordan T Wold, Brandon L Graber, Jodi K Gibson CRPC, and Duane R Swanson CFP ® P: (715) 268-7832 T: (888) 890-0787 F: (715) 2682819 Investment adviser representative and registered representative of, and securities and investment advisory services offered through Voya Financial Advisors, Inc. (Member SIPC).

BRIDGE INVESTMENT GROUP is not a subsidiary of nor controlled by Voya Financial Advisors, Inc CN1139819_0421

400 Deronda Street • Amery 715-268-8171

L

Specialized Dentistry for Kids

WILLOW RIDGE HEALTHCARE

L

LEADHOLM INSURANCE AGENCY

212 Keller Ave. N Amery, WI 54001 Phone 715-268-7188 www.leadholminsurance.com

475 Golfview Lane Amery, WI 715-268-9949 Redefined Senior Living

+Z\ DQG *ULIÀQ 6W Amery, Wisconsin (Near River Place Mall) Phone 715-268-8149

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

Lisa Novak

REALTOR®

715.554.2270

REALTOR for you!

Serving Amery and surrounding areas for 20 years

Featured dates of participating businesses: Jan. 28 ................... Amery Free Press Feb. 11................................Dental Arts Feb. 25..............................Stone Creek Mar. 17 ....WESTconsin Credit Union Apr. 14.............. Bridge Investments Apr. 28.................... Smiles in Motion May 12 .............. Golden Age Manor

June 9......................Apple River TV & Appliance June 23 .... Amery Discount Liquor July 21 ..........Amery Comm. Center July 28 ........ Novitzke, Gust, Sempf, Whitley & Bergmanis Aug. 11.................River Place Dental Aug. 25...Willow Ridge Healthcare

Sept. 1 .... Riverbend Assisted Living Sept. 22...........................Bremer Bank Oct. 6 ................Kristo Orthodontics Oct. 13............................Slumberland Oct. 27............ Leadholm Insurance Nov. 3 ................... Connecting Point Nov. 23................................Lisa Novak Dec. 8........Amery Hospital & Clinic

www.propxrealty.com

Amery Discount Liquor 1015 Cornwall Ave., Amery

Crown Royal 1.75 liter

Good thru 04-26-2020

$46.99

“Western Wisconsin’s Largest Variety of Fine Wines & Spirits at Discount Prices”

10

AMERY FREE PRESS

APRIL 14, 2020 www.theameryfreepress.com

Amery School District Board Member Erin Hosking

City of Amery

Emilie Bremness

Town of Alden

125

72

Town of Apple River

72

72

Town of Balsam Lake

15

8

Town of Beaver

17

8

Town of Black Brook

129

57

Town of Clayton

24

17

Town of Garfield

136

82

Town of Lincoln

355

183

City of Amery

322

195

Total

1085

629

Paul Isakson (Mayor) City of Amery Wards 1-5 460

Rick Van Blaricom (Alderperson District 1)

Timothy Strohbusch (Alderperson District 2)

Michael Klopotek (Alderperson At Large)

Kay Erickson (Alderperson At Large)

Chelsea Whitley (Municipal Court - Amery/ Clayton/Clear Lake)

205

233

47

57

968

Election Results

Justice of the Supreme Court

President of the United States - Republican Donald Uninstructed J. Trump Delegate

Adam Nicholas Paul

Scattering

Jill J. Karofsky

Daniel Kelly

(Write-In)

Statewide results Charts provided show the results from Polk County voters. Winners for State and Federal elections though, see Donald Trump, Joe Biden and Jill Karofsky as the winners in their races.

Also, Wisconsin voters approved a State Constitutional Amendment known As Marsy's Law, which is aimed at providing crime victims more rights.

Town of Alden

464

321

475

Town of Apple River

134

109

153

Town of Balsam Lake

216

148

220

Town of Beaver

103

93

97

Town of Black Brook

187

117

204

Town of Bone Lake

131

3

116

128

Town of Clam Falls

67

1

63

69

100

143

55

131

1

Town of Clayton 137 Town of Clear Lake

121

Town of Eureka

299

165

303

Town of Farmington

392

222

381

165

220

Town of Garfield 206

1

1

Town of Georgetown

124

117

133

Town of Johnstown

61

63

63

Town of Laketown

170

139

178

Town of Lincoln

321

246

340

Town of Lorain

53

32

60

Town of Luck

182

128

181

Town of McKinley

64

1

34

70

Town of Milltown

131

2

120

152

Town of Osceola 489

359

505

We are grateful for those who have our back in this important time. The list is long, but we want to thank our first responders and front-line workers.

Town of St. Croix 179 Falls

126

183

63

104

Especially in critical times, newspapers have your back.

Town of West Sweden

90

75

100

Village of Balsam Lake

105

75

108

Village of Centuria

68

49

70

Village of Clayton

50

32

51

Village of Clear Lake

150

90

153

Village of Dresser

138

3

90

121

Village of Frederic

112

2

123

114

Village of Luck

141

147

141

Village of Milltown

86

1

46

91

Village of Osceola

331

5

375

330

Village of Turtle Lake 2A

10

3

11

COVID-19 is a national story that is impacting you at home and at work.

Your local newspaper is keeping you informed with current events in your neighborhood and is bringing communities together in these challenging times.

From the actions your local government is taking, to lists of local stores that are delivering and tips on what to do while you’re at home, your local newspaper is committed to bringing you the news you need, when you need it.

WE ARE IN THIS

TOGETHER Support your local newspaper.

Subscribe in print or online.

6

Town of Sterling 94

3 5

2

1

Village of Turtle Lake 2B

$PHULFD¶V 1HZVSDSHUV LV D QDWLRQDO DVVRFLDWLRQ VXSSRUWLQJ MRXUQDOLVP DQG KHDOWK\ QHZVSDSHUV LQ RXU ORFDO FRPPXQLWLHV )LQG RXW PRUH DW ZZZ QHZVSDSHUV RUJ RU IROORZ XV RQ 7ZLWWHU #QHZVSDSHUVRUJ RU RQ )DFHERRN #DPHULFDVQHZVSDSHUV

City of Amery

251

City of St. Croix Falls

257

12

Total

6114

47

1

3

293

279

335

277

4834

6339

APRIL 14, 2020

AMERY FREE PRESS

11

www.theameryfreepress.com

President of the United States - Democratic Tulsi Gabbard

Amy Klobuchar

John Deval Bernie Andrew Pete Tom Elizabeth Michael Delaney Patrick Sanders Yang Buttiigieg Steyer Warren Bennet

Town of Alden

9

Town of Apple River

4

1

29

2

1

37

1

1

3

25

1

1

3

33

2

1

26

Town of Balsam Lake

1

Town of Beaver Town of Black Brook

1

Town of Bone Lake Town of Clam Falls

1

Town of Clayton Town of Clear Lake

1

Town of Eureka

2

Town of Farmington

1

80

3

1

16

1

1

24

1

1

1

3

1

Michael Bloomberg

Joe Biden

1

231

1

86

1

2

106

1

56 94

1

2

77

1

2

42

1

73

17

1

12

37

1

8

67

2

4

2

138

2

1

1

121

2

3

78

2

44

Town of Garfield

1

6

41

Town of Georgetown

1

1

39

Town of Johnstown

1

3

19

Town of Laketown

1

3

21

Town of Lincoln

1

6

Town of Lorain

1

Town of Luck

1

1

42 3

1

6

1

2

116

2

2

195

3

7

1

1

26

4

31

2

3

Town of McKinley

2

8

Town of Milltown

4

34

1

74

1

2

1

4

2

1

80

1

28

2

103

2

9

Town of St. Croix Falls

1

6

24

Town of Sterling

2

2

18

2

18

1

4

1

23

1

25

Village of Clayton

7

1

19

Village of Clear Lake

9

1

85

1

62

1

86

3

2

Village of Centuria

1 1

1

Village of Dresser

1

3

16

Village of Frederic

1

3

33

Village of Luck

1

1

33

1

14

1

7

114

1

Village of Milltown Village of Osceola

6

1

1

2

Village of Balsam Lake

1

1

Town of Osceola

Town of West Sweden

1

1

121

58 1

Uninstructed Delegate

1

6

254

1

89

1

48

3

62

3

70

1 1

Village of Turtle Lake 2A

2

3

2

43

2

43

1

249

1

3

2

Village of Turtle Lake 2B City of Amery

3

6

City of St. Croix Falls

2

9

34

129

Total

1

7

2

64

1

3

3

2

225

95

1

3

2

2

250

1193

17

25

37

3538

5

51

1

ABSENTEE: COVID-19 Pandemic leaves a mark on spring election CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

postpone inperson voting.

Also Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 to overturn a lower court decision made last week to give Wisconsin voters more time to receive and send mailin absentee ballots during the chaos of the election. Under the ruling, ballots had to be postmarked by Tuesday or dropped off in person by 8 p.m.

The COVID-19 pandemic left many areas facing poll worker shortages and election officials across the state were scurrying to mail out thousands of the unprecedented 1.2 million ballots requested.

Voters who requested mail-in ballots but had not yet received them had a decision to make between not voting and going out during the current catastrophe.

A spokesman for the United States Postal Service says an investigation is underway into the claims of potential issues with absentee ballots in Wisconsin.

U.S. Sens. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) sent Inspector General (IG) of the U.S. Postal Service Tammy Whitcomb a letter Thursday, urging the IG to investigate reports of irregularities involving absentee ballots for the election held on Tuesday, April 7. A

portion of the letter said, “Unfortunately, there have been numerous accounts from the state that USPS failed to fulfill that critical function for some voters. According to an April 8th report by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and the account of a state legislator, three tubs of absentee ballots from Appleton and Oshkosh were discovered in USPS’s Milwaukee process-

ing center after polls closed on Tuesday.

In addition, the City of Milwaukee Election Commission has requested that USPS investigate the failure of batches of absentee ballots requested on March 22nd and 23nd to be delivered to voters. Finally, the Village of Fox Point reports that USPS returned to them multiple batches of unsent absentee ballots and they were unable to obtain an explanation from their local post office as to why they were not deliv-

ered to the voters who requested them,” the senators wrote. “We are concerned there may be more examples, and request that you promptly open an investigation to determine the cause of these failures, which appear to have disenfranchised many Wisconsin voters.”

In response, Bob Sheehan, the Communication Specialist for the USPS Lakeland District, which covers most of Wisconsin, said, “We have been made aware of potential issues with absentee ballots in Wisconsin and are currently conducting an investigation into the claims. At this time we do not have additional information to provide on this issue. It is important to note that throughout every election cycle, the U.S. Postal Service works with state and local election officials to ensure the timely delivery of Election Mail. The United States Mail system serves as a secure, efficient and effective means for citizens and campaigns to participate in the electoral process, and the Postal Service is committed to delivering Election Mail in a timely manner.”

In Amery, 1,471 voters appeared on the Poll List before the April 7 election started and they received 40 new registered voters for the City. As of press time, the percentage of absentee voters in the City was not available.

1

19

Polk County Supervisor Race District 1-Brad Olson 411/ Michael Noreen 295 District 2-Doug Route 720 District 3-Steven Warndahl 406/Lisa Doerr 391 District 4- Chris Nelson 499 District 5-Tracy Lablanc 608 District 6-Brian R. Masters 462/Mike Miles 304 District 7-Mike Prichard 726 District 8-James Edgell 534 District 9-Kim O’Connell 620 District 10-Amy Middleton 482/Tom Magnafici 402 District 11-Jay Luke 692 District 12-Fran Duncanson 499 District 13-Russ Arcand 615 District 14-John Bonneprise 589 District 15-Joe Demulling 819

12 AMERY FREE PRESS

COMMUNITY

APRIL 14, 2020

www.theameryfreepress.com

CCOOKING WORLD Tidbit: A physician once said, T The best medicine for humans is llove.” Someone asked, “What if it doesn’t work/” He smiled and said, “Increase the dose.”

Carolyn C l Lumsden L d This recipe makes 18 muffins. It 715-483-9738 seems to have a lot of ingredients

but it will mix up quickly and have healthy ingredients. You can also freeze them.

MORNING GLORY MUFFINS Combine: 1 c. whole wheat flour 1/2 c. all-purpose flour 1 c. old-fashioned oats 3/4 c. brown sugar 1 T. wheat bran 2 tsp. soda 1/4 tsp. salt Combine and add to the above, mix until just combined: 1 c. plain yogurt – reg. or fat-free 1 c. mashed ripe bananas (about 2) 1 large egg Add and fold in: 1 c. chopped dates (pitted) 3/4 c. chopped walnuts 1/2 c. chopped dried pineapple Spoon into sprayed muffin cups or use cupcake liners.

Sprinkle with: 3 T. ground flaxseed Bake at 350˚ for 20 minutes or until done (they will spring back when touched in the middle). Remove from pans immediately and put on wire racks to cool.

Serve warm or cool. Makes 18 muffins.

We hear about beef stroganoff but why not chicken? It’s a good way to use some leftover cooked chicken, too.

PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

Soup always makes a good meal.

CREAMY CARROT SOUP Heat in large Dutch Oven (or large saucepan or stockpot): 1 T. extra-virgin olive oil Add and cook 10 minutes, stirring frequently: 2 pounds carrots, cut into 1/2" pieces 1-3/4 c. sweet onion Sprinkle on top and stir in: 1 tsp. sea salt 1/2 tsp. pepper Dash of ground ginger Add, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 25 minutes or until carrots are done: 2 c. water 2 c. chicken broth (reduced sodium – if regular, leave out the salt above) Remove from heat and cool.

Put half of the carrot mixture into food processor with 1 T. heavy cream and process until smooth.

Repeat with the rest of the carrots.

Return mixture to pan and heat on low until thoroughly heated. Serves 3-4.

Maybe you’d like to try a new dressing.

HOMEMADE HOUSE DRESSING Put into food processor or blender and mix until smooth: 1/4 c. cottage cheese 1/2 c. buttermilk 1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning 1/4 tsp. pepper 1 green onion (chopped) 1 T. chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional) Makes 1-1/2 c. dressing. Hints: You can use a bit of garlic or substitute sour cream or yogurt for the buttermilk, if you wish.

CHICKEN STROGANOFF Cook according to directions and drain: 1 pound egg noodles In medium skillet, melt over medium heat: 2 T. butter Add and cook 2-3 minutes until thoroughly warmed: 1 can (4 oz.) sliced mushrooms, drained 1/4 c. water (or use cooking sherry or dry white wine) 1 tsp. seasoned salt 1/2 tsp. dried thyme Add and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally: 2 c. cooked chicken, cubed (about 1/2 pound) Remove from heat and stir in: 1 c. sour cream Serve over the cooked noodles. Serves 3-4.

Cookies are ever popular. If you have children, this is a good family project and everyone will enjoy the efforts.

Cream well: 1 c. shortening or butter, softened 1 c. sugar 1 c. brown sugar 1 c. peanut butter Add and mix together: 2 eggs 2 T. water Combine and add to above: 2-1/2 c. flour 1 tsp. soda 1 tsp. salt Roll into balls and flatten with fork so is a crisscross pattern. Bake on ungreased cookie sheets at 350˚ for 12-14 minutes or until starting to brown around edges.

Remove to wire racks to cool. Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

Maybe you’d like a no-bake cookie for your kid’s project.

You will need to supervise the first step.

NO-BAKE OATMEAL CANDY COOKIES Boil together for 4 minutes: 2 c. sugar 4 T. baking cocoa 1/2 c. milk 1/2 c. butter Remove from heat and add: 3 c. quick cooking oats 1 tsp. vanilla Drop by teaspoonful onto waxed paper. Let cool and enjoy or you can also freeze them.

Tips: With things more difficult to find these days, you can substitute other things for ingredients. For example: 1 pkg. large marshmallows and 1 pkg. mini marshmallows are the same for recipes. (10 oz. ea.) or 10 mini marshmallows equals 1 large marshmallow.

One small onion, minced is equal to 1 T. dried minced onion.

You can substitute 1 c. sugar plus 1 T. cornstarch to equal 1 c. powdered sugar.

1 T. freshly chopped herbs are equal to 1 tsp. dried herbs.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME, PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESS & STAY SAFE.

Amery • 715-268-7161 Member FDIC

For All Your Communications Needs

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

715-268-7101

AMERY AREA COMMUNITY CENTER **THE AMERY AREA COMMUNITY CENTER WILL REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL THE STATE MANDATE IS LIFTED.** I will continue to write this column to keep you posted.

Hope is a positive state of mind that is based on a prospect of positive outcomes in regard to events and circumstances in our lives or the world at large. Psychologist Charles Snyder has connected hope to the existence of a goal and the determination to reach that goal he has also said that there is a strong link between hope and willpower. He has come up with three main ideas that make up hopeful thinking, 1) Set goals, long-term and short-term, 2) if one way doesn’t work to achieve that goal, find a new path and start down it, lastly 3) believe in yourself, you can start change and achieve your goal no matter what. With all this it can be said that with a bit of determination and believing in yourself; hope will find a way! Stay healthy and hope to see you

all soon!

Then & Now: We would love it if you would share a picture of you from when you were young; such as your senior photo and a current photo as well. We will hang them in the center to share with all our members. Call or stop in and see Jen for more details.

2020 Memberships are due! Stop in and See Jen to pay your dues and update your information.

• Are you looking for a place to host a graduation party or family gathering such as a birthday party?? Did you know for the cost of $150 (as a member) or $200 (for non-member) you can rent the Amery Area Community Center for birthday parties, weddings, or anniversary celebrations, even end of life celebrations? This cost includes the rental of the main hall and use of commercial kitchen.

We will also work with profit and nonprofit organizations to help with the perfect meeting place. Call 715-

268-6605 for available dates.

• Do you volunteer around our community? Did you know that by telling us your volunteer hours it helps gain grant dollars by showing how active our members are? Please email Jen at aaccjen@outlook.com or call 715-268-6605 with your hours each month, thank you!

• Circuit Breaker Members, every month you pay your $10 you will get a punch on our new card and after you have paid for 5 months you get 1 month FREE! That means you will receive 2 FREE months per year! This is our way of saying your health is important to us!

• Did you know we have all kinds of greeting cards for sale here? They are twenty-five cents per card and sympathy cards are one dollar. Stop in and check out our variety!

• Like us on Facebook! Share our postings the more people that know what activities we have happening the better! Search Amery Area Community/Senior Center

•

• Want to get a complete workout in just 30 minutes? Do you enjoy walking on a treadmill? Get all of that for just $10/month if you are a member of the Amery Area Community Center. Our hours are 7am-4:30pm M-Th & 7am-3pm on Fridays. There are no contracts to lock into and no hidden fees. Come down and check us out!

• We always have people asking if there is anything we need here at the Center. We can always use things like stamps, cards, toilet paper, cleaning supplies & baking supplies. We also take rummage sale items all year long.

Jen Tyman, Interim Director

COMMUNITY

APRIL 14, 2020

AMERY FREE PRESS

13

www.theameryfreepress.com

ARNELL MEMORIAL HUMANE SOCIETY

SUBMITTED

Youth Hunter Six-year-old Sterling Ramis of Clear Lake shot his first Tom turkey on Easter morning.

He was mentored by his Mother, Tarisa, and his Grandpa Bill Helin.

WESTCONSIN CREDIT UNION

This Spring of 2020 calls for Social Distancing from our human friends. Not so from our furry friends. And though we should continue to practice social distancing at Dog Parks, they are a great way to provide offleash fun and exercise for your dog.

For the gregarious dog, there’s nothing better than playing with canine friends. Some dogs aren’t as comfortable in the dog park arena and it is definitely a new experience for humans. With a few resources in your pocket, the Dog Park can be great fun.

Casey McGee at Upward Hound Dog Training has compiled a great resource on her professional website, that will give you a few tips of Dog Park etiquette and help you understand the body language of Dog Play – Are they having fun?

A successful day at the Dog Park starts at home.

Bring poop bags, water and yummy snacks for a diversion or reward for your dog. Leave at home: Infants and toddlers, shock and prong collars, female dogs in heat, alcohol and food, and puppies under six months. (Enroll your young pup in a Puppy Socialization class to prepare them for play that can be intimidating at the dog park.)

Before your first visit to a dog park, train your dog to come when called and allow you to grab his collar. Practice at home and use extra-yummy treats to reinforce this essential ability to recall your dog on command. This skill

is of utmost importance when your dog is in the large open space of a dog park and you need to gain control for his safety or when it’s time to leave.

Most dog parks have a separate area for small dogs. Use this area to keep them free from the risk of being inadvertently bowled over, scared, or worse by the rambunctious athletes in the main area.

When you arrive, use the double-gate “airlock” at the entrance to leash and unleash your dog.

Don’t be tempted to keep him on leash to “see how he does.” Dogs are better at navigating the social scene when they are able to move freely to join the fun or avoid confrontation.

Once inside the fenced in park, Keep it moving.

If you want to strike up a conversation with another dog owner, do so while walking. Large congregations of dogs and people invite squabbling, so keep everything fluid and try to spread out.

When a new dog arrives, call your dog away from the front gate area.

It can be overwhelming and scary to be bombarded by a barking crew. A scared dog can become defensive and lead to an unnecessary squabble at the onset of your visit. Let newcomers enter quietly without fanfare to join the play on their own terms.

Be responsible for your dog; if he is harassing another dog, divert his attention to a more appropriate activity. Some dogs don’t play well or react well to rambunctious dog

Smiley’s adoption photo.

park play. These dogs should be removed from the park until they can learn to Play Nice.

Dog play can seem a little alarming if you don’t know what to look for. During play dogs will growl, bite, show their teeth, chase, wrestle and even stalk each other. No wonder it’s easy to mistake playing for fighting!

Lucky for us humans, dog play body language is something we can learn.

To acquaint yourself with Dog Park Body Language and Play, find videos of acceptable Dog Play at Casey’s website, www.upwarddog.com under Resources. These videos will give you an excellent understanding of what to expect, how to read dog body language and how intervene when necessary.

Dogs Parks in the St. Croix Valley can be found in Amery, Hudson, New Richmond, St. Croix Falls and Stillwater. A great day at the Dog Park will lift your spirits. Make it a fun day.

Federally insured by NCUA

RECENT BIRTHS TOGETHER, WE’RE NOT JUST STRONG—

We’re Community Strong!

One of the things that makes life what it is, is that you can never tell what might be around the next corner.

Sometimes it’s a nice surprise, other times…not so much.

But whatever life brings, WESTconsin will be here right alongside you.

The bond we share with our members, our employees and the communities we serve makes us all stronger.

So, whatever is waiting up around the bend—rest assured we’ll continue providing the services you need and the helping hand you’ve come to expect.

AMERY HOSPITAL & CLINIC Noah Jonathan Thompson Noah Jonathan Thompson, baby boy, 8 lbs 13 oz, was born March 4 to Schantee Schramski and Blake Thompson of Amery.

Elise Lynn Blair Elise Lynn Blair, baby girl, 7 lbs 1 oz, was born March 7 to Faith and Jacob Blair of Clayton.

Gage Thomas Ramsey Gage Thomas Ramsey, baby boy, 7 lbs 4 oz, was born March 11 to Jocelyn and Levi Ramsey of Clear Lake.

Lincoln Douglas Laursen Lincoln Douglas Laursen, baby boy, 7 lbs 8 oz, was born March 12 to Genesis and Ethan Laursen of Clear Lake.

Laiken Jean Hahn Laiken Jean Hahn, baby girl, 7 lbs 3 oz, was born March 19 to Megan and Cody Hahn of Turtle Lake.

15 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

(800) 924-0022 | westconsincu.org

Connor James-Curtis Troutz Connor James-Curtis Troutz, baby

boy, 7 lbs 1 oz, was born March 19 to Julie and Anthony Troutz of Amery.

Ella Rose Klingelhoets Ella Rose Klingelhoets, baby girl, 8 lbs 11 oz, was born March 23 to Courtney and James Klingelhoets of Somerset.

Blakely Fallot Willett Blakely Fallot Willett, baby girl, 7 lbs 15 oz, was born March 26 to Emily Borys and James Willett of Clear Lake.

Harrison Luke Olson Harrison Luke Olson Harrison Luke Olson Harrison Luke Olson, baby boy, 7 lbs 11 oz, was born March 27 to Carrie and Adam Olson of Amery.

Lucy Mae Buchholz Lucy Mae Buchholz, baby girl, 7 lbs 15 oz, was born March 27 to Brandi and Shane Buchholz of Frederic.

Augustus Iupo Golladay Augustus Iupo Golladay, baby boy, 7 lbs 6 oz, was born March 31 to Maddie and Ian Golladay of Luck.

14 AMERY FREE PRESS

COMMUNITY

APRIL 14, 2020

www.theameryfreepress.com

Kindness during COVID GiveBIG coming April 28

BY KAREN KRUPA PROGRAM DIRECTOR

I’d like you to meet Ethel. She has COPD and relies on her oxygen tank every day, all-day-long.

For her, catching Covid-19 could be fatal. For extra precaution, Ethel decided to order groceries and pay online. Next, she called Interfaith Caregivers and asked if we could help with delivery. One of our volunteers picked up her order and delivered it to her home. From a safe distance, Ethel said, “Thank you so much! Now I don’t have to worry for a while!�

Your neighbors need you now more than ever!

Here at Interfaith Caregivers, we are working hard to help seniors and disabled adults stay safe and healthy in their homes.

Due to the Covid-19 virus, we are encouraging vulnerable adults to stay-safer-at-home. But our neighbors still need priority rides. They still need groceries and essential supplies delivered. Many live alone and would appreciate friendly phone calls!

Interfaith Caregivers of Polk County and our volunteers are here to help provide essential rides, deliveries, and errands. If the person is healthy, we will arrange for a driver to get them to their medical appointment. If the client need groceries from the local market or food shelf, we will arrange deliveries to their door step. We will provide errands and shopping for essentials at local businesses. Volunteers will also call to visit and check-up on clients’ needs.

We need your help now to continue providing these priority services for neighbors. But we are counting BIG on your kindness and generosity to give now in April. “This year we have our biggest, ever giveBIG challenge match of $20,000! Please give now to make a BIG impact for those living in Polk County,� explains Karen Krupa, Director of Interfaith Caregivers. “Your gift will be doubled to help more people during Covid-19. Please they need your help now!�

When you give to Interfaith Caregivers now through April 28th your donation will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $20,000. “Your donations make it possible match volunteers to meet the needs of seniors (age 60 and over), adults with disabilities, and their family caregivers.� Krupa continues.

GiveBIG St Croix Valley is a 24-hour giving day encouraging your financial support for local non-profits. Donors are encouraged to support one or more of the non-profits that serve Polk, Peirce and St. Croix Counties. See a complete list of the participating organizations at www.givebigscv.org.

SEE KINDNESS, PAGE 17

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How: x Credit card: www.givebigscv.org x Mail check: Interfaith Caregivers PO Box 65 Milltown, WI 54858 x Call 715-825-9500

THE POSTSCRIPT

Peppermint Ice Cream “I love seeing all the people in the park,� my sister told me on the phone the other night. “I can tell who is together because they are walking in little clumps!�

I love that idea: little satellites orbiting the park— usually with a dog—keeping a safe distance from the other orbiting clumps nearby.

My sister is in a clump consisting of herself, her husband, their two children, a dog and a cat. (I’m not sure if the cat considers himself part of the clump or not. Possibly not.) The kids are doing their homework in record time, sports are discontinued but music lessons continue. They are playing The a lot of ping-pong and canasta.

My cousin, Dane, is in a clump of Postscript one so I was kind of worried about Carrie Classon him and called him up. He seemed to be doing okay, all things considered.

He’s laid off but getting a lot of house projects done. I caught him when he was out walking. “I’m on my annual walk,� he told me. “Annual?� “No, I meant daily. I’ve been walking every day.�

I was prepared to believe it was annual as I don’t generally think of Dane as being big on exercise. But I’m glad to hear he’s taking care of himself. I think that’s what we all need to do, as best as we can.

I’m in a clump of three these days—it’s just me, my husband Peter, and my anxiety. It wouldn’t be crowded with just Peter and me but it’s true what they say— three’s a crowd. I get free-floating anxiety and these times seem to promote it. Peter is amazingly patient with me, although he gets anxious when I get anxious and the atmosphere starts to get a little electric in the house. That’s usually when I go for a walk. A walk helps. But peppermint ice cream is what really works

wonders.

My consumption of peppermint ice cream has shot through the roof.

In the past, Peter has accused me of being an ice cream snob. I scrutinize the ingredient list. I try to buy ice cream with fewer thickeners and additives and more natural ingredients. But none of this matters if it’s peppermint ice cream. There are no rules for peppermint ice cream. Everyone knows that.

I don’t even read the ingredient list because, what do I care? It’s peppermint ice cream! It’s bright pink and has little pieces of peppermint candy right in it! No matter how bad the news of the day might be, a little peppermint ice cream is certain to make things better.

No matter how anxious I might get, I can always eat peppermint ice cream.

Two days ago, we went to the grocery store. We are trying to minimize our trips and hoped to buy enough to get us through three weeks. We donned our masks, packed our hand sanitizer, and went together—I bought all the produce and Peter bought dairy and dry goods and we reconvened in the parking lot, feeling like we had just completed a major expedition.

Back at home, I was rinsing off the huge supply of fruit and vegetables while Peter unloaded his bags.

That’s when I noticed. “You only bought one carton of peppermint ice cream?� “Well, yeah, but we have one in the freezer.� “That one is almost gone.� “Oh. How much peppermint ice cream to do you think you’ll need?� Peter asked me. This was a difficult question to answer. How much peppermint ice cream will I need?

I’m hoping not too much more.

Till next time, Carrie

GARDEN VARIETY

Help! I’m conďŹ ned to home and going crazy

BY JULIE KUEHL

We all are feeling like the world is in chaos. The kids are home when they should be at school. We can’t visit friends when we want to. We don’t want to get anyone we know sick, but we feel like we’re going crazy not being able to leave the house. Don’t panic. You can still get out and work in the yard.

You can still start getting ready for gardening. Today I spoke with friends at Bergman’s in Clayton, Dragonfly in Amery and Abrahamson’s in Scandia and they all assured me that their greenhouses are full of beautiful seedlings just waiting for warm Garden weather so that we Variety can fill our planters and gardens Julie Kuehl with lovely flowers Polk County and veggies. They Master are still figuring Gardener how the logistics of sales will be handled, but all assured me they would do their best to find a way.

With this great news in mind, let’s think about getting ready to plant. As promised earlier here are some thoughts about planting those containers. Can containers be both gorgeous and practical?

The short answer is “yes�. If you either don’t have the space or don’t want the work involved in maintaining a large garden, why not try

container gardening. Containers can be used for growing everything from the standard flowers to many vegetables.

Let’s start with the typical containers we are used to seeing – those with flowers. There are of course several methods that can be used to get those full, gorgeous containers you see in the garden centers. You can purchase them already done for you – but this will come at a higher cost. They will still require the same type of watering, deadheading and nipping back that flower containers you do yourself require. If you chose to create your own containers, you need to make sure your container has good drainage. Most plants do not like their feet to be constantly wet. Decide if you want a hanging container or one that will sit on the ground or in a stand. This year I am experimenting with stacking various size containers to make a pyramid. This is done by using three larger pots (each one a bit smaller than the first). This is one way to create a little design element to your containers. You must also decide if your container is being done for a sunny or shady area.

This is necessary to determine the types of plants to use. Just as when we plant an in-ground garden we need to carefully read the tags to be sure our plants will play well together in our container.

I like to use MiracleGro with soil moist when I do containers. I’ve found that this seems to work well for me. Whatever type of potting

soil you chose to use, make sure that your plants are kept fertilized throughout the season to keep them blooming profusely. I like to use Soil Moist in my potting soil to help with the amount of watering I need to do during the summer.

Remember not to overfill your containers with the potting mix.

Allow enough room to be able to water without the water running over the edge of the container.

I follow the ABC’s of planting when doing my containers. “A� plants are taller and go in the center of the pot; “B� plants are medium height for the next area and to fill out the container’s center portion; and “C� plantings are the trailers for the overflow of the edges. Plants should be planted fairly close together to get that full look of the nursery planters. When planting your container you might consider planting a container for pollinators. Use any plants in the daisy or mint families or those which produce large quantities of flowers throughout summer. Don’t forget that you can grow many veggies - such as tomatoes, bush cucumbers, peppers, and most herbs in containers. You may want to try a combination of flowers and veggies or herbs.

Until next time keep your hands washed, your distance from others and stay safe. We’re all in this together.

Are there topics you would like to hear about? Send me an email at gardenvarietycolumn@gmail. com.

COMMUNITY

APRIL 14, 2020

AMERY FREE PRESS

15

www.theameryfreepress.com

It’s time to say “Spring has sprung” What’s up with the snow on Easter? I bet the Easter Bunny had a little bit of difficulty getting to some of the houses with the weather conditions…

Do you think he has snowshoes he wears to help with his travels? Oh well, I guess the little bit of snow that we got is better then what fell just a little south of us. At least I did not have any shoveling to do at my house.

And now back to Easter…with the social distancing that we are experiencing with COVID-19, it Pounding definitely put a different spin on the joyous celebration. Thank you the to the area churches for your extra Pavement effort in putting together church services that we can listen to on Pam Humpal the radio, and also watch on the computers from our homes. It’s not the same as being with everyone, but the joyous celebration is still there for us. Hopefully we can be back together very soon!

Do you get to see the beautiful Full Moon last week? It was awesome! Taking pictures of the bright moon is always a great idea but it does not do it justice. Hopefully you had a chance to see it

firsthand.

“Meet Your Amery Business”…this week’s featured business is Bridge Investment Group. The team at Bridge is always willing to help you with your long term financial goals and concerns. Their office is located in downtown Amery but for the time being, the office lobby is closed to the public.

Please call 715-268-2819 with your questions.

The annual Amery Free Press Spring Edition is planned to be published in next week’s paper. Let’s hope that Spring gets the memo that it’s time to say “Spring Has Sprung” and mean it for more than a day or two. I know, I have to be patient but we need some warm sunny days to brighten everyone’s spirits. Just a side note, as I am typing this column on Tuesday morning, we notice there is a Winter White-Out going on outside….and I wish it was an April Fools joke!

During this very difficult time in our world, I just want to say thank you to all of the medical teams, hospital personnel, retail workers, etc. for your efforts that go above and beyond…you are greatly appreciated!

Have a good week…Hang in there everyone, we will make it through this!

GIVE BLOOD Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood American Red Cross Blood Drive Our Savior’s Lutheran Church 217 Deronda Street, Amery, WI 54001 Monday, April 27, 2020, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuesday, April 28, 2020, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Sponsored by the Amery Woman’s Club.

Please call Kate Bevington at 715-441-3974, Sheeran Gallagher at 651-322-1101, or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: Amery to schedule an appointment.

To thank you for coming to give blood April 1-30, we will send you a $5 Amazon gift card via email. Restrictions apply, see amazon.com/gc-legal. Terms and conditions apply; visit rcblood.org/together.

Community BULLETIN BOARD

AMERY AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY I miss seeing all my special library families! I hope you are all doing well and staying safe & healthy at home. I am looking into offering some engaging, online programs soon and would love to see your smiling faces join the fun!

Until then, be sure to check both the Kids and Teens pages on the library’s website (amerylibrary. org) and our Facebook page (facebook.com/amerylibrary) for lots of interesting activities and ideas to keep busy during these next few weeks. There are specific lists to online resources on a variety of topics: animals, science, books & reading, arts & crafts, and more!

The page of all links is being added to daily. Families are also encouraged to check out some of the digital services being offered now, like TumbleBooks and Audible Stories for all ages. Teens, there are even special challenges being issued weekly on the Teen page just for you, so check them out and enter to win a prize (instructions can be

found on the Teen page at amerylibrary.org/teens). I hope you all are making the most of this trying time by planning video chats with friends & loved ones and enjoying extra hugs & snuggles with your immediate family. Until we can (safely!) meet again – take care, be good, keep reading, and know that I miss you all.

Smiles, Erin We’re hard at work keeping the public engaged and informed during this unprecedented time.

The Amery Area Public Library is providing news, updates, and entertainment on our website and our Facebook page. We were even featured on the Larry Meiller show on Wisconsin Public Radio! Want to listen? Go to this link: https://www. wpr.org/shows/library-resourceskeep-spirit-reading-and-learningalive One of the most popular activities for adults has been our weekend Stump the Chef Challenge.

This Facebook event occurs on Saturdays or Sundays and is a fun cooking challenge based on what items you have on hand. This is a great way to cook from your pantry and to help #flattenthecurve by minimizing trips to the grocery store. Look for announcements and details on our Facebook page!

Our webmaster has been working hard to continually add more activities, information, and digital library services as the Youth Services Librarian and Adult Programming Coordinator gather them and pass them on.

Keep checking our website, www. amerylibrary.org for updates!

Finally, don’t forget that you can message the Amery Area Public Library on Facebook or email us at library@amerylibrary.org. We check frequently and can help with all kinds of reference questions, digital resources, and more. We are here for you, even if the building is closed!

Best, Heather

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EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY, all real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention to make such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.

To complain of discrimination call HUD toll free at 800-6699777. The toll free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 800-927-9275.

Grocery provisions & ready-to-bake meals within a 10-mile radius of Farm Table! Call 715.268.4500 to place your order. Visit our website for a full list of our offerings. Online ordering coming soon! Delivery day is Saturday 3–5 pm.

CURBSIDE SERVICE Takeout food, grocery provisions, & ready-to-bake meals. Call ahead to place & pay for your order.

VIRTUAL CLASSES Tune into our free upcoming classes: • Raising Backyard Chickens on 4/18 • Bone Broth at Home on 5/19 • On-going Victory Garden Initiative Learn more: farmtablefoundation.org/ programs or call 715.268.4510 or email programdirector@farmtablefoundation.org

P.O. Box 424 • Amery, WI 54001 • 715-268-8101 dstangl@theameryfreepress.com

COVID-19 Update We are doing our best to protect our associates while continuing to remain open for business.

Please place your ads, renew your subscription or send a letter to the editor via the mail, phone or email. We are no longer sending FAXes for customers or making copies.

The door is locked, but we are here.

Please call 715-268-8101 We look forward to the time when we can serve you face to face. Until then, please stay safe.

16

AMERY FREE PRESS

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STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: Beverly J. Richmond

Notice to Creditors (Informal Administration) Case No. 20PR15 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: 1. An application for informal administration was filed.

2. The decedent, with date of birth July 22, 1932 and date of death February 2, 2020, was domiciled in Polk County, State of Wisconsin, with a mailing address of 240 Howard Ave S., Amery, WI 54001.

OFFICIAL NOTICE

TOWN OF ALDEN ANNUAL MEETING

In Loving Memory

FOLLOWED BY MONTHLY BOARD MEETING TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2020 7:00 p.m.

At the Alden Town Hall Agenda Will Be Posted at Horsecreek Store, Big Lake Store and Alden Town Hall Christine Genung Alden Town Clerk

Wilfred Kuhl Born Feb. 4, 1922 Died April 16, 2015

WNAXLP

AMENDED NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION FOR A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS SEVENTH DISTRICT May 12, 2020 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a proclamation by the Governor of the State of Wisconsin, dated the 22nd day of October 2019, that on Tuesday, May 12, 2020, a Special Election will be held in the several towns, villages, cities, wards and election districts of the 7th Congressional District in the State of Wisconsin, consisting of those parts of Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Florence, Forest, Iron, Jackson, Juneau, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Monroe, Oneida, Polk, Pierce, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Vilas, Washburn and Wood Counties, as described in Chapter 3 of the Wisconsin Statutes, at which the following officer is to be elected: A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS, SEVENTH DISTRICT to fill the vacancy, caused by the resignation of the Honorable Sean Duffy, for the remainder of the term which expires on January 3, 2021.

Notice is hereby further given that the earliest date for circulating nomination papers was Monday, September 23, 2019, and the deadline for filing nomination papers for the Special Election will be 5:00 p.m. on Monday, December 2, 2019, in the office of the Wisconsin Elections Commission. The Special Primary, if necessary, will be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2020. A description of the boundaries of the 7th Congressional District, as created in 2011 Act 44, is set out in 2017-2018 Wisconsin Statutes Section 3.17.

Done in the City of Madison, this 22nd day of October 2019. /s/ Meagan Wolfe, Administrator Wisconsin Elections Commission WNAXLP

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APRIL 14, 2020

3. All interested persons waived notice.

4. The deadline for filing a claim against the decedent’s estate is July 20, 2020.

5. A claim may be filed at the Polk County Courthouse, Balsam

Lake, Wisconsin, Room 500.

BY THE COURT: Jenell L. Anderson Probate Registrar April 13, 2020 Bryan D. Byrnes

Byrnes Law Office, LLC 123 Keller Avenue N Amery, WI 54001 715-268-5000 Bar No. 1032419 (April 14, 21, 28)

WNAXLP

NOTICE OF ELECTION PARTISAN PRIMARY – AUGUST 11, 2020 AND GENERAL ELECTION - NOVEMBER 3, 2020 State of Wisconsin } Elections Commission } NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at an election to be held in the several cities, villages, towns, wards, and election districts of the State of Wisconsin, on November 3, 2020, ten electors for President and Vice President of the United States, one for each congressional district and two for the state at-large, are to be elected. The names of presidential electors do not appear on the ballot, but each vote cast for a presidential candidate is a vote for the electors of the candidate. Independent candidates for President or Vice President may circulate nomination papers beginning July 1, 2020 and must file nomination papers with the Wisconsin Elections Commission no later than 5:00 p.m. on August 4, 2020. The Wisconsin Elections Commission is located at 212 E. Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, Madison, Wisconsin.

PARTISAN PRIMARY AND GENERAL ELECTION NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that in the several cities, villages, towns, wards, and election districts of the State of Wisconsin, at a primary to be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2020, and at an election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 the following officers are to be nominated and elected: Congressional Officers ONE REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS, for the term of 2 years, to succeed the present incumbents listed, whose terms of office will expire on January 3, 2021: 7th Congressional District Vacant Legislative and State Offices ONE STATE SENATOR, from the even-numbered Senatorial Districts of the State, each for the term of four years, to succeed the present incumbents listed, whose terms of office will expire on January 4, 2021: District 10 Patty Schachtner TWO REPRESENTATIVES TO THE ASSEMBLY, each for the term of two years, to succeed the present incumbents listed, whose terms of office will expire on January 4, 2021: District 28 Gae Magnafici District 75 Romaine Robert Quinn Congressional and legislative district boundaries are described in Chapters 3 and 4 of the Wisconsin Statutes. A copy of the boundary descriptions can be obtained from the Wisconsin Elections Commission or the Legislative Reference Bureau at 1 East Main Street, Suite 200, Madison, Wisconsin.

ONE DISTRICT ATTORNEY, for the term of four years, to succeed the present incumbent listed, whose term of office will expire on January 4, 2021: Polk County Jeff Kemp County Officers COUNTY OFFICERS, for each county of the State for the term of four years, to succeed the present incumbent in the office of County Clerk, Treasurer, Register of Deeds, and Surveyor, whose terms of office will expire on January 4, 2021: Polk County Clerk Lisa Ross Polk County Treasurer Amanda Nissen Polk County Register of Deeds Sally Spanel Circulation of Nomination Papers NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the first day for circulating nomination papers is April 15, 2020, and the deadline for filing nomination papers is no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2020. All federal and state office candidates, including district attorney candidates, file with the Wisconsin Elections Commission. All county partisan office candidates file with their respective county clerks.

DONE in the City of Madison, this 9th day of April 2020. /s/ Lisa R. Ross, Polk County Clerk 100 Polk County Plaza, Suite 110 Balsam Lake, WI 54810 715-485-9226 NOTE: The Type A notice for this election shall be published by all county clerks on April 14, 2020. Wis. Stat. §§ 10.01(2)(a), 10.06(2)(h). County clerks also shall send notice of the partisan primary and general election to each municipal clerk on April 7, 2020. Wis. Stat. §§ 10.01(2)(a), 10.06(2)(gm).

WNAXLP

PUBLIC NOTICES

APRIL 14, 2020

AMERY FREE PRESS

17

www.theameryfreepress.com

KINDNESS: Golden tickets to be given away April 28 To learn more about April 28 giveBIG visit www. givebigscv.org

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

You can donate to Interfaith Caregivers online with a credit card at https://www.givebigscv.org/organization/Interfaithpolk from April 1-28th.

If you donate online on the actual giving day of April 28, organizations can earn extra prize money. Two golden tickets of $100 each are given away during most hours. Any donations made during the Power Hours from 10-11AM and 6-7 PM could earn even higher amounts for nonprofits.

If you don’t have computer access, you can write your check to Interfaith Caregivers. Mail it to PO Box 65, Milltown, WI 54858 between now and April 28.

Please invest in the independence and safety of Polk County seniors and disabled adults so they can live in their homes longer, especially during Covid-19!

Contact Interfaith Caregivers: Call 715-825-9500 www.interfaithpolk.org

TOWN OF LINCOLN NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING Notice is hereby given that the Town of Lincoln will hold their Annual Meeting on Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at the Lincoln Town Hall -- 661 85th Street at 7:00 p.m.

Stephanie Marciniak, Town Clerk 715-268-4747 Published April 14, 2020 - Amery Free Press

WNAXLP

TOWN OF BLACK BROOK BLACK BROOK TOWN HALL 99 75TH ST., CLEAR LAKE, WI 54005 ANNUAL MEETING TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2020 7:00 P.M. Discussion/decision regarding purchase of new truck and election costs will be part of the agenda.

The regular monthly meeting of Town of Black Brook Board of Supervisors will be held immediately following the annual meeting – agenda will be posted per statue.

(NOTE DATE CHANGE FOR MONTHLY MEETING) Sally Pickard, Clerk Web Site: Townofblackbrook.com WNAXLP

TOWN OF BLACK BROOK PLAN COMMISSION ONLINE MEETING NOTICE THURSDAY APRIL 16, 2020 7:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M (CDT) “Due to COVID-19, the Town of Black Brook Plan Commission meeting will be held remotely using GoToMeeting.” https://global.gotomeeting. com/join/645188109 You can also dial in using your phone United States: +1 (646) 749-3129 Access Code: 645-188-109 AGENDA: 1. Call meeting to Order 2. Proof of Meeting Notice 3. Approve Agenda 4. Review and make recommendation regarding Goldstar Coop CSM presented by Ed Flanum 5. Continue to Review and updating Comprehensive Plan Sally Pickard, Clerk Web Site: Townofblackbrook.com WNAXLP

School District of Amery Board of Education | April 20, 2020 Open Session at 6:30 p.m.

Notice: Pursuant to Wis. Stat. 19.81 and 19.84 as well as the current state of emergency declared by the Governor due to the COVID-19 pandemic, School Board members may participate in this meeting remotely, either through telephone or video conferencing. The public may access the meeting through a Zoom video conference (see instructions below). If members of the public would like to submit community comments, they must be emailed to District Administrator Shawn Doerfler at doerflers@amerysd.k12.wi.us by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 20, 2020.

Join the Zoom meeting at https://bit.ly/3c9jmMz | Meeting ID: 712 429 745 | Password: 022097 A Regular Meeting of the Amery Board of Education is scheduled for Monday, April 20, 2020, at 5:30 PM at Amery Intermediate School, located at 543 Minneapolis Avenue in Amery, Wisconsin.

Business under review will include: I. Closed Session - 5:30 p.m.

Considering employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data, of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility in order to take Personnel Action pursuant to Wisconsin Statute 19.85(1)(c).

II. Call to Order III. Open Session 6:30 pm IV. Consent Agenda Items A. Agenda B. Minutes C. Financial/Budget Reports D. Board Vouchers V. Community Comments VI. Administrator Reports VII. Action Items A. 2020 Spring Election Results & Oath of Office - Shawn Doerfler B. Resolution for the Waiver of Instructional Minutes, Educator Effectiveness and Civics Exam Shawn Doerfler C. Resolution to Continue Paying All Staff - Shawn Doerfler D. Resolution to Authorize Sale of Construction Academy House Shawn Doerfler E. Buildings and Grounds Projects Shawn Doerfler and George Sigsworth F. Approval for Technology Purchases Clint Waalen G. Staff Health and Dental Insurance Renewal - Shawn Doerfler H. Certified Staff Handbook Review Shawn Doerfler I. Support Staff Handbook Review Shawn Doerfler J. Personnel VIII. Closed Session Considering employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data, of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility in order to take Personnel Action pursuant to Wisconsin Statute 19.85(1)(c).

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

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

WNAXLP

Notice of the Board of Review for the Village of Clear Lake NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Review for the Village of Clear Lake in Polk County, Wisconsin shall hold its first meeting on the 4th of May, 2020 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Clear Lake Municipal Building – 350 4th Avenue, Clear Lake, WI 54005.

Please be advised of the following requirements to appear before the Board of Review and procedural requirements if appearing before the Board: No person shall be allowed to appear before the Board of Review, to testify to the Board by telephone or to contest the amount of any assessment of real or personal property if the person has refused a reasonable written request by certified mail of the Assessor to enter onto property to conduct an exterior view of such property being assessed.

After the first meeting of the Board of Review and before the Board’s final adjournment, no person who is scheduled to appear before the Board of Review may contact, or provide information to, a member of the Board about the person’s objection except at a session of the Board. Open Book shall occur no less 7 days prior to the board of review.

The Board of Review may not hear an objection to the amount or valuation of property unless, at least 48 hours before the board’s first scheduled meeting, the objector provides to the board’s clerk written or oral notice of an intent to file an objection, except that upon a showing of good cause and the submission of a written objection, the board shall waive that requirement during the first 2 hours of the board’s first scheduled meeting, and the board may waive that requirement up to the end of the 5th day of the session or up to the end of the final day of the session if the session is less than 5 days with proof of extraordinary circumstances for failure to meet the 48-hour notice requirement and failure to appear before the Board of Review during the first 2 hours of the first scheduled meeting.

Objections to the amount or valuation of property shall first be made in writing and filed with the clerk of the Board of Review within the first 2 hours of the board’s first scheduled meeting, except that, upon evidence of extraordinary circumstances, the board may waive that requirement up to the end of the 5th day of the session or up to the end of the final day of the session if the session is less than 5 days. The board may require objections to the amount or valuation of property to be submitted on forms approved by the Department of Revenue, and the board shall require that any forms included stated valuation of the property in question. Persons who own land and improvements to that land may object to the aggregate valuation of that land and improvements to that land, but no person who owns land and improvements to that land may object only to the valuation of that land or only to the valuation of improvements to that land. No person may be allowed in any action or proceedings to question that amount or valuation of property unless the written objection has been filed and that person in good faith presented evidence to the board in support of the objections and made full disclosure before the board, under oath, of all of that person’s property liable to assessment in the district and the value of that property. The requirement that objections be in writing may be waived by express action of the board.

When appearing before the Board, the objecting person shall specify in writing the person’s estimate of the value of the land and of the improvements that are the subject of the person’s objection and specify the information that the person used to arrive at the estimate.

No person may appear before the Board of Review, testify to the board by telephone or subject or object to a valuation if that valuation was made by the Assessor or the Objector using the income method; unless the person supplies the Assessor all of the information about income and expenses, as specified in the manual under Sec. 73.03(2a), that the Assessor requests. The Village of Clear Lake has an ordinance for the confidentiality of information about income and expenses that is provided to the Assessor under this paragraph, which provides exemption for persons using information in the discharge of duties imposed by law or of the duties of their office or by order of a court. The information that is provide under this paragraph, unless a court determined that it is inaccurate, is not subject to the right of inspection and coping under Section 19.35 (1) of Wis. Statues.

The Board shall hear upon oath, by telephone, all ill or disabled persons who present to the Board a letter from a physician, surgeon or osteopath that confirms their illness or disability. No other person may testify by telephone unless the Board, in it’s discretion, has determined to grant a property owner’s or their representative’s request to testify under oath by telephone or written statement.

No person may appear before the Board of Review, testify to the board by telephone, or contest that amount of any assessment unless, at least 48 hours before the first meeting of the board, or at least 48 hours before the objection is heard if the objection is allowed under s.70.47 (3) (a), Wis. Stats., that person provide to the clerk of the Board of Review notice as to whether the person will ask for the removal of a board member of the board of Review and, if so, which member, and provide a reasonable estimate of the length of time the hearing will take.

Notice is hereby given this 8th day of April 2020.

Albert L. Bannink Village Clerk – Treasurer Village of Clear Lake

WNAXLP

18 AMERY FREE PRESS

APRIL 14, 2020 www.theameryfreepress.com

Amery’s Isaac Gorres Awarded Goldwater Scholarship Winter Park, FL – April 8, 2020 - Isaac Gorres, a graduate of Amery High School who is now attending

Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida has earned a Goldwater Scholarship, the country’s most pres-

tigious undergraduate science scholarship. He was one of just 396 students to earn the highly selec-

Thermal Plastic Design, Inc. A Precision Custom Injection Molding Company Specializing in Engineering Polymers Seeking a qualified candidate for the position of:

OPERATOR / QA INSPECTOR BACK-UP 2nd shift Hours 3 P.M. to 11 P.M. Job Description: Tend molding machine and secondary equipment used in production. Performs assembly operations. Assure product is produced to customer specifications and satisfaction by applying inspection skills to read and follow inspection procedures and to document results.

General Responsibilities: Production _ Read and follow routing instructions. Observe product being produced for visual defects. Responsible for proper packaging, labeling, and floor dispositioning of completed product. Responsible for accurate counts. Document scrap totals throughout the shift and enters in IQ. Assist in setup of Auxiliary equipment. Transfer information to oncoming shift. Perform all job responsibilities in a safe manner.

QA _ Perform in-process inspections using inspection techniques and equipment per applicable work instructions and written procedures.

Work closely with and provide production support per shift supervisor’s requests including training production workers to recognize quality issues. Maintain a neat and orderly and efficient method of operation within the QA inspection department. Identify and promote new and different methods for inspection and production that increase productivity or safety by using corrective actions/process improvements.

Additional responsibilities: Backup for Receiving Inspection, calibration, first articles.

Physical Requirements: performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to sit and use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands occasionally climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.

Vision abilities required by this job include close visions.

Competencies: Ability to read and write English. Ability to use basic math. Items on this list will be verified or demonstrated through satisfactory completion of the defined probationary period.

tive scholarship from a pool of more than 5,000 applicants.

The award, which was established by Congress in honor of the late Sen. Barry Goldwater, is given to college sophomores and juniors who intend to pursue careers in mathematics, engineering, and the natural sciences.

It covers the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board up to a maximum of $7,500 per year.

Gorres is a double major in biochemistry/ molecular biology and art history, at Rollins Col-

T.D.I. offers Competitive wages and excellent benefits.

SUBMITTED

Isaac Gorres works in a lab at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida.

lege and he plans to pursue a PhD in conservation research and a career in contemporary art conservation. The discipline centers on employing analytical techniques and treat-

ment methodologies in a museum setting to aid in the preservation of artworks.

Now, with the world’s top undergraduate science scholarship on his resume, Gorres is setting his

sights even higher.

In fact, he plans to pursue a Fulbright fellowship at the Rijksmuseum, a Dutch national museum based in Amsterdam, before moving on to a PhD program in art conservation

FOR RENT

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3 BR, 3 bath, appliances, garage

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Qualified applicants can apply in person or by sending a resume to:

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Dragonfly Gardens 491 State Hwy 46 • Amery • 715-268-7660

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY Your best source for community information

215 S. Keller Ave. Amery, WI 54001

715-268-8101 theameryfreepress.com

Call today for your No Cost Consultation!

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“We Are Always Accepting New Patients!”

*TIMOTHY T. SEMPF JASON W. WHITLEY *ERIK M. BERGMANIS Attorneys-at-Law

David P. Doroff, D.D.S. Thomas P. VanSomeren, D.D.S. Amy G. Ott, D.D.S. FAMILY DENTISTRY

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Christopherson BYRNES LAW OFFICE Eye Clinic 123 Keller Ave. N, Amery, WI 54001 Mon, Tues, Wed Fri 8-5, Thurs 9-4 341 Keller Ave. N Amery, Wis. 54001 715-268-2020

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

HOMETOWN HELPERS SERVICE DIRECTORY

APRIL 14, 2020

AMERY FREE PRESS

19

www.theameryfreepress.com

HEATING & COOLING Need a High (IĂ€FLHQW )XUQDFH RU &HQWUDO $LU &RQGLWLRQLQJ" Call

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SEPTIC SERVICES

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Scrap Hours: 8:30am-4:30pm Monday-Friday

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As our nation responds to COVID-19, we know the most important thing we can do to help, is to keep your power on.

Co-op lobbies are closed to keep employees and the community safe, but our drive-thru, phone lines and website are open.

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TRUCK REPAIR

20

AMERY FREE PRESS

APRIL 14, 2020 www.theameryfreepress.com

Hippity Hoppity Easter made its way...

BRETT HART

It was happy trails for the Easter Bunny who took a leisurely ride before the big egg and basket delivery day on Sunday.

SUBMITTED

L-R: Amery Royalty, Fourth Princess,Emilie Koenig; First Princess and Miss Congeniality, Ella Williamson; Third Princess, Madilyn Heinn, Miss Amery, Ally De La Cruz and Second Princess, Kelsey Oman hold heartfelt signs outside of Golden Age Manor.

APRIL ZIEMER | AMERY FREE PRESS

Right: An Evergreen Village resident is surprised to see the Easter Bunny hopping through the backyard.

APRIL ZIEMER | AMERY FREE PRESS

Left: Willow Ridge resident, Janice, enjoys a window visit with the Easter Bunny.

APRIL ZIEMER | AMERY FREE PRESS

5-year-old Maverick Ziemer uses a quite fitting bucket to search for snow covered Easter eggs Sunday morning.

APRIL ZIEMER | AMERY FREE PRESS

The Easter Bunny recieves a happy hi-five from Robert (Uncle Bob) Holm Saturday, whiling visiting Amery Memory Care.