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MILBERG TRIAL: Proceedings begin in vehicular homicide case PAGE 20
Fireworks: COUNTRY Legal or Not? BY JESSICA DE LA CRUZ EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 33, 2222
Serving Marine-on-St. Croix, Scandia, May Township With fireworks sales in full swing and the July
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4 holiday right around the corner, the Amery Police Department reminds all of us about the legalities of what can often be a very confusing topic. According to state statutes, state law allows for many “fireworks” to be used legally. Others, while they may be available for purchase, cannot legally be discharged in Wisconsin without a permit. Which begs the question—what is a firework?
SENTINEL BURNETT COUNTY
Legal without permit State law allows the sale, possession and use, without a permit, of sparklers not exceeding 36 inches in length, stationary cones and fountains, toy snakes, smoke bombs, caps, noisemakers, confetti poppers with less than X grain of explosive mixture, and novelty devices that spin or move on the ground. There is no age restriction on sale, possession or use of these devices and the statute does not classify them as fireworks. Local ordinances may be more restrictive than state statutes and may prohibit any of these items or limit their sale or use. These are the only kinds of ‘fireworks,’ as that word is commonly used, that a person may use or possess without a permit or that may be sold to a person who does not have a permit.
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Judge Molly GaleWyrick applauds for Jenny, one of two spring graduates from Polk County’s Treatment Court. The program graduates students four times per year, and has graduated more than two dozen individuals since it began in Polk County.
Two graduate from Polk County’s ‘Treatment Court’ program
BY JESSICA DE LA CRUZ EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 33, 2222
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and applause are encouraged. Friday June 3 was a very special one. It was graduation day for two drug court participants, Jenny and Brandon. For those accepted into the program, Polk County’s treatment court offers an alternative to incarceration. It’s a process. If successful, participants stay with their loved ones and remain in society, often on probation. If they fail, they will serve the prison
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On any typical day, the inside of Polk County’s branch one courtroom is overshadowed with quiet and seriousness. Except for Fridays. One hour every Friday morning is reserved for the very special business of treatment court, a day where smiles are more commonly mixed with happy tears, and laughter
ISANTI-CHISAGO
Illegal Without A Permit Possessing or using any other fireworks, including firecrackers, roman candles, bottle rockets and mortars, in Wisconsin without a SEE FIREWORKS PAGE NINE
time that awaits them. For a minimum of eighteen months students take regular random drug tests, maintain sobriety, meet with sponsors and counselors, attend support meetings, set goals, get jobs, do community service, and check in at treatment court every Friday morning at 9 a.m. But they don’t do it alone. There they get the support of their peers, and an entire team of
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SEE GRADUATES PAGE TWO
One dead, three hospitalized in three separate motorcycle crashes
THE SUN BY JESSICA DE LA CRUZ EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM
With good weather and heavy summer traffic, it was a busy week for motorcycle crashes on local highways. Three such crashes were reported this week alone. Two of the accidents were motorcycle vs. deer collisions in Clayton.
The first occurred at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 21. Scott G. Sesker, 54 of Cottage Grove, Minn. was traveling northbound on highway 63 near County Road D when he collided with a deer. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Department, Sesker sustained significant head trauma and was airlifted from the scene to Regions Hospital. His condition had been downgraded from
serious to critical as of press time. The second crash involved 66-yearold Roger L. Harms of Amery. Just shortly before noon on Saturday, June 25, Harms hit a deer on County Highway D near 105th Avenue. According to information provided by the Wisconsin State Patrol, Harms was not wearing a helmet, and sustained non-life-threatening head and shoul-
Serving Polk County’s St. Croix Valley since 1897
der injuries during the crash. He was transported by ambulance to an awaiting Life Link 3 helicopter, which then airlifted him to Regions Hospital in St. Paul. As of press time Harms was listed in fair condition. The crash remains under investigation by the Wisconsin State Patrol. St. Croix County officials also SEE MOTORCYCLES PAGE TWO
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“Have a Safe & Happy 4th of July”
Dr. Heather Marks Dr. Rollyn Lee
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