AMERY
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2019 VOL. 123 NO. 22 www.theameryfreepress.com $1.00
City fires administrator
Fall back to standard time This weekend it is as they say, “Time to fall back.” The first weekend of November marks the end of daylight saving time. Daylight saving time ends Sunday, Nov. 3 at 2 a.m. The first thing on the minds of most, is too set back their clocks, but it is a good opportunity for conducting safety checks in your home. “As you reset the clocks, take a moment to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and check the supplies in your emergency kits,” said Dr. Darrell Williams, Wisconsin Emergency Management administrator. “The few minutes it takes to make sure they are working properly and are fully stocked could help save your life.” Smoke detectors sound the alarm when there’s a fire in your home, and it’s important the devices are kept in good working order. The National Fire Protection Association says three out of every five home fire deaths occurred when smoke detectors were either not present or were
BY TOM STANGL TSTANGL@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM
Almost two years to the day that she began work for the City of Amery, Kim Moore has been fired as the city’s administrator. The City Council voted 5-1, with Alderperson Julie Riemenschnieder casting the lone dissenting vote, to terminate Moore’s employment, effective Oct. 31. The vote took place after a closed session Oct. 23 at the end of a scheduled budget session. The council held a
closed session at the end of the Oct. 2 meeting regarding Moore but took no action after returning to open session. Moore was fired without cause. According to her Moore employment agreement with the city, she will be paid six months of severance SEE MOORE, PAGE 2
Taxpayers pay over $387k in three years to end employment agreements BY TOM STANGL TSTANGL@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM
CONTRIBUTED
A real goal getter Amery alumnus Terra Mitzel conquers barrel racing and bodybuilding. Story and more photos on page 8.
SEE DAYLIGHT SAVING, PAGE 2
In the past three years, Amery taxpayers have paid over $387,000 to sever ties with two city administrators and the district administrator for the Amery School District. In March 2017, the Amery City Council approved a sep-
aration agreement with City Administrator Darcy Long, ending nearly nine years of employment. Long was paid a year’s salary of $85,300, $10,498 in unused vacation time, $3,280 in unused sick leave as well as a year of health insurance coverage for his family. SEE CITY EMPLOYMENT, PAGE 2
Public divided on fate of Stower Trail BY APRIL ZIEMER EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM
When it comes to the fate of the 14-mile Stower Seven Lakes State Trail (SSLST), residents of the area have wanted their voices heard on usage opinions. An open house, held at Amery’s Community Center Oct. 21, not only provided the
WD The Law Firm of Williams and Davis
opportunity for people on both sides of the controversy to state those opinions, but it also provided information to those who are still unsure where they stand in the debate. Toole Design, a company brought in by Polk County, presented the SSLST Master Plan Open House. Participants were first presented what has
taken place to date in regards to the trail planning and what upcoming plans are in store. Input gathered from the Open House and listening sessions will give consultants insight on the public’s thoughts about snowmobile and horseback usage on the trail, as well SEE STOWER TRAIL, PAGE 2
APRIL ZIEMER | THE AMERY FREE PRESS
Residents flocked to the Amery Community Center to voice their thoughts on the fate of the Stower Seven Lakes State Trail.
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