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TUESDAY, MAY 14,33, 2019 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2222
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AWARDS: Community Club recognizes businesses, volunteers P8,9
City seeks grant to help with Keller Ave. improvements
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 33, 2222 BY APRIL ZIEMER
Serving Marine-on-St. Croix, Scandia, May Township
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SENTINEL BURNETT COUNTY
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Three local fire departments fought flames at this grass fire northwest of Amery May 5.
Wildfire calls to local departments on the rise BY APRIL ZIEMER EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM
Two-thirds of all wildfires occur in spring, which means fire season is upon us. A wildfire can be classified more specifically with names such as brush fire, forest fire, vegetation fire and grass fire. The accumulation of dry vegetation, fallen leaves and other debris present this time
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of year, is quick to dry out. Accompanied by warmer weather, drops in humidity and gusty winds, wildfires can quickly ignite and spread. Each year an estimated 1,100 wildfires burn in DNR protection areas (about half the state, generally the more forested areas) and another estimated 2,500 wildfires burn in parts of the state where fire departments are the primary responders.
With the nicer weather, homeowners are cleaning up around their properties, sometimes choosing to burn leaves and branch debris. Debris burning is the leading cause of wildfires, especially this time of year. It is important to remember that storm systems bringing snow and rain give a short reprieve in fire danger.
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ISANTI-CHISAGO
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Saputo will close Dresser cheese plant BY SUZANNE LINDGREN EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM
our market position in the U.S. and improve the overall performance of our U.S. manufacturing assets,” the company wrote in a letter to Dresser’s village president, “… Saputo has reached the difficult decision to completely and permanently close the Dresser plant.”
Saputo plans to lay off the majority of employees within two weeks of May 31, keeping a small group “to help wind down operations.” All hourly employees subject to the layoff will receive offers to transfer to Saputo’s manufacturing plant in Almena, about 35 miles away.
“We are hopeful that the vast majority of hourly employees will accept offers of employment at the Almena Plant,” Saputo wrote. If 25 or more employees do not transfer, the closure would trigger Wisconsin’s WARN Act. Under the act, employ
THE SUN Less than six months after buying Dresser-based F&A Dairy, Montreal-based Saputo Cheese announced plans to close the facility at the end of May. “As part of our strategic objectives to expand
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Not only are building renovations cleaning up the look of downtown Amery; the city is hopeful that a grant application will provide money to be the icing on the cake of the downtown revitalization. The City of Amery is in the process of applying for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The grant money if awarded to the city is to go toward the cost of improving, the curbs, sidewalks and parking spaces along Keller. The city is working with Dave Rasmussen, senior planner and office manager at MSA Professional Services. Rasmussen has assisted the city step by step with the actions needing THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 33, the 2222probability of reto be taken to increase VOL.ceiving 131 NO. 19 the www.moraminn.com $1.00 grant. CGBG is a flexible program that provides communities with resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs. It is one of the longest running programs of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). CDBG programs differ from categorical grants made for specific purposes. They are largely used at the discretion of local governments. CDBG is an important tool for helping local governments tackle serious challenges facing their communities. Mayor Paul Isakson said to get the project started, City Hall sent out letters to Amery
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SUZANNE LINDGREN | THE SUN
Montreal-based Saputo Cheese has announced plans to close its Dresser facility. Before its purchase by Saputo in late November, F&A had operated since 1965. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 33, 2222
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Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to our nurses, physicians and care teams. amerymedicalcenter.org
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