Amery Free Press December 10, 2019

AMERY

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2019 VOL. 123 NO. 28 www.theameryfreepress.com $1.00

Local women share gift of voices

BY APRIL ZIEMER EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

Tape complaint leads to new restraints for Amery Police

BY TOM STANGL TSTANGL@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

New restraints to restrain out of control juveniles have been ordered by the Amery Police after an investigation by the city’s law firm into allegations of improper use of force involving two incidents with students.

In both incidents, minors were restrained using duct tape.

Records obtained by the Amery Free

Take two ladies who have a love for music, add in some perseverance, tenacity, vision and faith and a year later you will have a grass roots project-self produced, self engineered. Local women, Rachel Lillian and Marla May, have released an album entitled, “Dyad” that is now available to listeners.

Marla said, “I met Rachel through church about five years ago. I recognized a calling and ministry in her, both in her heart and her honest gift of singing. I definitely felt led to connect with her and help in any way. She, being even more reclusive and introverted than I am, was skeptical of me. But I persisted.”

She explained as they shared more as songwriters and artists, she saw her ability to create these beautiful tapestries of images and story with her poetry. “Just check out the first 16 or so measures of You Reign. It’s just beautiful and brilliant lyrical poetry. However, she is not a musician. So, as I happen to have a background in the SEE MUSICIANS, PAGE 2

Press under Wisconsin’s open records law show Amery police officer John Carlson was involved in both incidents.

Carlson responded on his own to one call and was assisted by Police Chief Tom Marson on a second incident. One incident occurred in Dec. 2018 and the second in Feb. 2019.

One of the incidents occurred at Northwest Journey in Amery, the SEE POLICE, PAGE 2

HANDCUFF WAREHOUSE

These quick cuffs are among new restraints purchased by Amery Police Department.

APRIL ZIEMER | AMERY FREE PRESS

I get by with a little help from the elves Lydia Robert, 3, enjoys decorating a cookie with assistance from one of Santa’s Elves. See more Holiday Stroll photos on pages 18-19.

Wisconsin women win national 4-H dairy quiz bowl championship

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Pictured L-R: Grace Haase, Katherine Elwood, Courtney Glenna, and Courtney Stream.

BY PATTI HURTGEN

Seventeen teams from Washington to Massachusetts competed in the 40th annual North American 4-H Dairy Quiz

Bowl Contest, held at the famous North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Ky., on Saturday, November 9. Wisconsin’s Polk County four-person dairy quiz bowl

team was undefeated when they faced New York in their third round of the day. Wisconsin won this semi-finals matchup and SEE DAIRY BOWL, PAGE 8

Your friend in knee (and hip and shoulder) Solve joint pain | amerymedicalcenter.org | 715-268-8000

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MUSICIANS: Song streaming begins online this week CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

music industry, with a lot of varied experience and a few skill sets, I knew that I could produce and engineer an album if she was willing and crazy enough to step out into this with me. And she was,” said Marla. They spent the last year working on the project. Marla said, “We had an initial goal of July 2019, but spent way too much time laughing probably.”

People can buy and download their music from their website, www.riverhousemusic.com.

During the month of December on their website, they are giving a free download of “O Come O Come Emmanuel.” The full album and singles will be available for downloading/streaming on all sites such as ITunes, Spotify, Pandora, etc. on or after Dec. 18.

Listeners can also visit their YouTube channel-“Songs From the RiverHouse” or the Facebook page, “RiverHouse Music.”

Marla said she would call the album’s music Contemporary Christian music, but feels stylistically it has Eastern influences. “Its a slightly more cinematic sound because we were playing with the dichotomy of fusing tribal and orchestral, synthesizers with live instruments,” said Rachel.

Rachel shared her favorite part of singing and writing is the discovery of watching something develop and grow from a seed into a full song with all its parts. You start with nothing and then end up with something. “Its just that discovery and the process I enjoy,”

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Marla May (right) and Rachel Lillian (left) enjoy both recording music and perfrming live. Their album, “Dyad” is available for purchase online.

she said.

Marla said, “I love the entire creative, experimental process of writing and arranging, even the so called mistakes-all the synergies that can take place. Also getting what is inside of you out. As I say in our website - to sing and make the music that God puts in our souls feels like I’m walking in fulfillment of His purpose. Both writing and singing feel like tools we have been given to combat the insanity of this world.”

She said, “Actually we joke about World Peace a lot and laugh for hours when we are in recording or mix down mode. As if to have the console knob at just the right sweet spot at the right sweet time is going to bring world peace or something. It is hilarious. It is a serious mission but the whole pro-

cess is just hilariously funny to be honest. I’m referring a bit to how Solomon looks at life in Ecclesiastes. We are but specks in time, and its all very meaningless-yet in the same essence it is the very basis of meaning in individual life.”

Both ladies enjoy recording in the studio as well as playing live.

“We sang at a benefit at Waco recently. We will continue to write and record this year for sure. We are open to whatever,” said Rachel.

Marla said, “I would love to create a live stage production of these songs and other original material with a full band and orchestral elements-a “Gospel Rock Opera.”

That would be so fulfilling for both of us. I think we can pull off intimate acoustic style shows. Quite honestly, I would rather do live shows with musicians who actually play that particular instrument versus depending on my musicianship, which I consider limited. But being that my circle of musician friends has shrunk drastically after moving here, that’s a current challenge for live stuff. Thank God for sequencers, right?”

Marla feels that it is important for anyone who is trying their hand at making an album to by good gear and to learn how to use it, as the technical issues can be a big bummer. She said, “Oh and a gigantic sense of humor will make the process less painful too!”

More than one got away Deer registrations down after 2019 gun season

BY APRIL ZIEMER EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

There are probably quite a few people who will have a story to tell about “The one that got away” after the 2019 gun deer season. Another deer season has come and gone and overall it looks like both license sales and registration totals are down.

According to the Wisconsin DNR, n 2019, 564,664 gun deer licenses were sold through the end of the nine-day gun deer season, compared to 576,277 in 2018. This is a 2.02% decrease.

In total, 792,548 gun, archery and crossbow licenses (not including upgrades) have been sold through the end of the nine-day gun deer season, compared to 803,772 in 2018, a 1.40% decrease. Of the licenses sold to date, 54% were sold in person through transactions at DNR license agents, including through DNR offices and agents. The remaining 46% of licenses were purchased online.

Deer hunting license and harvest authorization sales will continue throughout the remaining deer hunting seasons.

Overall, preliminary figures show that 160,769 deer were registered during the nine-day gun deer hunt, compared to 213,972 in 2018. Of the deer harvested in the 2019 nine-day season, 75,236 were antlered compared to 105,315 in 2018. The nine-day hunt also provided successful hunters with 85,533 antlerless deer, a decrease from 108,657 in 2018.

Even though opening weekend saw mild temperatures throughout the state with a little snow in the north, hunting conditions deteriorated throughout the remainder of the season. Conditions including SEE DEER, PAGE 36

POLICE: Investigation notes, bodycam footage not provided by city attorney CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

second at Lien Elementary.

Assistant Police Chief Joe Vierkandt filed a complaint Feb. 6, 2019, about the use of duct tape as a restraint. At a closed session during the March 6, 2019, Amery City Council meeting, the city agreed to hire City Attorney Paul Mahler to investigate the allegations.

Mahler hired Dan Breymeier, a former law enforcement officer, to conduct the investigation. Mahler and Breymeier gave their report and recommendations to the council during a closed session June 5.

The Free Press requested all records related to the investigation June 6, including bodycam footage. Mahler’s report, police and incident reports and statements from witnesses were received Nov. 19.

Mahler did not provide bodycam footage because he was unable to blur the face of minors in the footage.

The city declined to give notes from the investigation, citing the balancing test where “disclosure of investigation notes and witness interviews would create a chilling effect on officers, department staff, and members of the public from speaking candidly not only in respect to the current investigation but any future investigations of the department and deprive the City, the department and the public from the benefit of accurate and complete investigations involving officers and the department.”

Mahler’s report, obtained in the open records request, states the scope of the

investigation “was meant to be complete while still considering cost to the City.” Breymeier was “not asked to draw conclusion as to the allegations made

by Mr. Vierkandt.”

Mahler’s report Carlson states “the use of force essentially comes down to whether the force was reasonable as judged in light of the circumstances as they appeared to the officer at the time they acted. Stated another way, 20/20 hindsight Marson should not be used in the evaluation. The purpose of the use of force is to control the situation and thus protect the safety of the officer, the subject and other individuals.

“Clearly the use of duct tape should not be viewed as standard operating procedure,” Mahler continues. “However the investigation did not find documentation that it is prohibited. It is our understanding that the department has since purchased restraints that could be used in the case of juveniles.”

Mahler tells the Council that “per state law, (the council) is not empowered to discipline police officers. That power would be held by a committee or single individual that the Council would appoint.”

During a closed session at the end of the May 6 council meeting, the council

discussed a law enforcement disciplinary committee, but took no action.

The council took no action on Vierkandt’s complaints after hearing Mahler and Breymeier’s report in June.

According to records obtained from the Polk County Sheriff, police were called to Northwest Journey to restrain out of control students 89 times in the past five years. During the same time period, police were summoned to Lien Elementary 12 times, Amery Intermediate School 9 times, Amery Middle School 34 times and Amery High School 12 times for out of control students.

INCIDENTS Carlson and Marson responded to a call of an out of control juvenile at Northwest Journey Dec. 6, 2018. After trying to calm the juvenile, who had been hitting and biting staff members, Carlson “used duct tape to restrain (name) by wrapping his wrists and forearms together in front of him. I also wrapped his lower legs together.”

Carlson states the juvenile removed the tape from his wrists with his teeth and the tape from his legs with his hands.

Eventually, the juvenile calmed down before becoming agitated again. The juvenile is restrained with a bean bag chair the second time.

Carlson responds to call from Lien Elementary Feb. 1, 2019, for an out of control student. Staff members are attempting to restrain the student as Carlson arrives on scene. The student is kicking and Carlson uses duct tape around the child’s calves to keep them

from kicking.

After the student is distracted by a smartphone app, they calm down enough for Carlson to remove the duct tape with school safety scissors. Carlson notes redness on the student’s skin in the area where the tape had been wrapped over his pants.

In his statement, Vierkandt notes that after raising concerns about these incidents with Marson and then City Administrator Kim Moore, Mayor Paul Isakson and city council member Tim Strohbusch, the city agrees to investigate the actions, only if a formal complaint is filed. Vierkandt files a complaint with Moore.

“In the end of this, the police department, City of Amery, the Community, and the child have all lost by the actions of two officers who acted unprofessionally and did not place the mission of the organization first,” Vierkandt says in the complaint.

City Attorney Mahler notes in his May report to the council that Carlson and Marson have each hired employment attorneys. Carlson and Marson each had the opportunity to file suit to block the release of the records, but neither did so.

Mahler states near the end of this report “This is and has been a difficult time for the Amery police department.

Questions of motivation and credibility have arisen on all sides during the investigation. While not the focus of the investigation it became clear that personnel issues within the department remain an issue to be resolved to allow the department to move forward.”

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DECEMBER 10, 2019

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Combined choirs to perform holiday concert this weekend This Sunday afternoon, December 15, at 3:30, a very special Christmas Concert will be held at the Osceola Intermediate School. The Indianhead Chorus, St. Croix Valley Christian Community Choir, Voices of the Valley, Peace Lutheran Church, and other small groups will be combining to present this amazing concert! The grand finale will be the combined groups singing several songs together - including the Hallelujah Chorus. Audience members who would like to participate will be asked to join the mass choir. This is a free event - a Christmas present to the community. Merry Christmas!

DECEMBER 12

DECEMBER 14

DECEMBER 28

Love Light Tree Ceremony

“Hygge themed” Jul Fest

Amery Hospital & Clinics Volunteer Partners invite you to join the lighting of the outdoor Love Light Tree on Thursday, December 12 at 6 p.m. at the Amery Hospital & Clinic, 265 Griffin Street E, Amery.

Entertainment & Christmas Sign-A-Long: Led by the Apple River Ensemble. Refreshments: Served immediately following the ceremony.

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Amery is hosting this event on Saturday, December 14 at 10:30 a.m.

Featuring handcrafted items, baked goods, and activities for the kids. Scandinavian luncheon served.

27th Annual John Legut Memorial Cup

Polk Burnett Farmers Union Annual Meeting The Polk Burnett Chapter of the Wisconsin Farmers Union is holding its annual meeting this Thursday, December 12, 9am at Cafe Wren in Luck. On the agenda is review of 2019, planning for 2020, election of officers, and election of delegates to the WFU Convention.

Please join us if you are member or come along if you’re considering joining.

After seeing over 120 folks turn out to our Farm and Rural Economic Development event in October, we are excited to see what the Polk Burnett Chapter can do in 2020.

Contact: Jason Montgomery-Riess, Chapter President Email: steadyhandfarm@ gmail.com or call 715-768-0719

DECEMBER 13 Soup Supper & Basket Raffle There will be a Soup Supper & Basket Raffle Friday, December 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Clear Lake High School. Proceeds benefit the post-prom lock-in to provide a safe activity for students after prom.

Karar Academy presents “A Christmas Carol” December 14, 2019 at 7 p.m. in the Amery High School Auditorium. Free.

The 27th Annual John Legut Memorial Cup will take place Saturday, December 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the Amery Ice Arena, 1065 River Place Drive, Amery.

Enjoy a great hockey game with Amery Alumni and help raise funds to award educational scholarships. Hockey Alumni interested in playing please contact Andrea Legut at andrealegut@yahoo.com or 715-781-0710.

DECEMBER 18

DECEMBER 29

A Christmas Carol

Christian Based Cancer Support Group The next Christian Based Cancer Support Group meeting is Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at the Amery Public Library meeting room at 10 a.m. Everyone is welcome! For more information call 715-2686957.

DECEMBER 19 Amery Area Historical Society Membership Meeting The membership meeting will take place at 3 p.m. in the lower level of the Amery Area Public Library. The meeting will include a short program. Members and guests will be able to see our new AV equipment “in action”. The meeting will include voting on officers and committee chairs.

Guests are always welcome at membership meetings. Membership is only $10 and now, paying in 2019 will cover 2020 as well! Questions? Call Karen at 715-268-6069.

Free Holiday Open Skate It’s time again for Amery Youth Hockey’s Free Holiday Open Skate! Sunday, December 29 from 4 to 6 p.m. there will be free skates, free admission and free cider at the Amery Hockey Rink. Watch Amery Youth Hockey’s Facebook page for more details.

Skates available on first come, first served basis.

JANUARY 10 Blood Drive There will be an Amery Community Blood Drive located at Bremer Bank in the American Red Cross Bus on Friday, January 10, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: Bremer to schedule an appointment.

ONGOING Basketball Winter Recreation for Youth and Families Open Gym for boys and

girls grades 4-12. Families are encouraged to participate together. Younger children are welcome when accompanied by parents. Bring your own ball; enter through North doors. No fee. Sundays through March 15 from 1:30-3:30 p in the Middle School gym.

Open Gym for Families Sponsored by PowerUp Open gyms are a chance for kids and families to bounce a ball, shoot some hoops, play catch or just run around and be active together. For families with children of all ages.

Parents/Guardians must stay in the gym with the children.

Select Sundays: Nov 17, Dec 1 & 15, Jan 5 & 19, Feb 2 & 16, Mar 1 from 1:30-3:30 p in the Intermediate School – enter through the doors facing the NORTH parking lot. No fee – just show up!

Rumble Jumble Open Gym Sponsored by PowerUp Open Gym for toddlers and preschoolers to run, burn energy, and have fun. Balls, scooters, mats, and other gym equipment available. Parents/ Guardians are expected to stay in the gym. Child care providers welcome. No fee – just show up. Tuesdays through March when school is in session from 11 -11:45 a. Intermediate School.

Adult Rec Basketball Team league play in the Middle School on Wednesdays, Nov 6 through April 15. The first few weeks the gym will be open from 6-9 for open gym, to form teams, to join teams, or to come practice with your already-formed team.

PLACING AN AD: phumpal@theameryfreepress.com classifieds@theameryfreepress.com Display advertising must be in the Free Press office by 12 p.m. Monday.

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Tom Stangl, Publisher April Ziemer, Editor Pam Humpal, Advertising Manager Jamie Stewart, Classifieds Nicole Gagner, Production Manager Cathy Nelson, Graphic Design Diane Stangl, Circulation/Office The Amery Free Press (ISSN 107486898) is published weekly by Sentinel Publications, 215 Keller Ave. S., Amery, WI 54001. Periodicals postage paid at Amery, WI 54001. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Amery Free Press, P.O. Box 424, Amery, WI 54001 Contents copyright. No reproduction without permission of publisher.

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DECEMBER 10, 2019

The best gift is not the most obvious

BY TOM STANGL FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

D

epending on when you read this column, you have about two weeks to go until Christmas.

Yes, it’s true. Check the calendar, I’ll wait.

The best thing to do right now is to avoid panic.

There is a lot of time to get your shopping done.

You know what you are buying, right?

If you don’t know what the perfect gift is for everyone, I would suggest thinking back to conversations or interactions you have had with your friends and loved ones. The best ideas come from the most basic information.

Publisher As a grandparent, I find wish lists helpful, but I often think it’s Tom Stangl perfectly fine to go off of script d find d something th and special. Like many things in life in the early 21st century, gift giving and suggestions are far too specialized and structured.

Globalization, international trade and the internet have opened a whole new world for shoppers. If you see a Japanese cartoon you like, it’s a safe bet there is merchandise you can buy and bring to your home a half a world away.

This is a wonderous, daunting and divisive landscape for consumers and retailers. In many ways, it is great. You can literally get you heart’s desire, providing you can find it and get it safely delivered to your front door.

But there is a darker side to these developments as well. Local brick and mortar retailers, the heart and soul of our downtowns and communities, face huge challenges in this new reality. Few have the space, time and resources to compete in this space. After being the best at their niche business for decades, retailers cannot expand into numerous other businesses and be the heart’s desire of enough people to remain profitable and more importantly, viable.

Some have chosen to find a lane and do the best they can for goods and more importantly – service. Attentive service will be the salvation of many small businesses.

Consider the venerable retail giant of the late 19th and 20th century – Sears and Roebuck.

Their catalog, which first advertised watches, eventually changed the face of retail sales in the nation. Consumers could buy anything from watches to clothing to even kit homes and have them delivered to their doors.

The disruption caused by this innovation was bemoaned by many main street store owners, who made arguments against the retailers that are similar to those being made today against Amazon. Many on main street adapted and went on being the beating heart of their community.

Sears as we all know is on the ropes, seeking bankruptcy protection in recent years.

I let my parents know what I wanted in the late 1960s by telling retailers downtown in my small hometown what I wanted. The folks at the hardware store and the dime store were very helpful.

I also dogeared pages in the JC Penney catalog.

We were JC Penney people, not Sears or Montgomery Ward people in my family’s household.

In my lifetime, I can recall very few gifts that changed my life. I appreciated them all, but when I am pressed to name the best gift, I say the lime green stingray bicycle I received as a boy.

But when I think about it, what comes back is the time spent with my family and friends.

Bottom line: don’t obsess. Get the gift, but be there for the gathering. That’s what matters.

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.

Cheers to you, Bob!

L

ast week I ventured over to Amery Memory Care to attend a birthday party for Robert Holm, also known to many as “Uncle Bob.” I picked up my Grandad and we headed over to AMC, where I looked forward to an evening spent with my two favorite Bobs.

For the second year in a row, headlining Uncle Bob’s birthday party was a well-known band in the area, Trigger Happy. His first experiences with Trigger Happy took place back in his old Country Dam days and here they were all these years Editor later still partying April Ziemer together.

Now gone, Highway 8’s iconic Country Dam restaurant and nightclub was known as the “Best Place By A Dam Site.”

The building was located next to a dam and was demolished sometime around 2004.

Bob shared with me that he was hired by Jim Woodley to work a few shifts a week in 1961. That turned into a gig lasting until 1987, except it ended up being a bit more than a handful of hours per week. Bob eventually became the manager and did a bit of everything around the busy joint. When I asked him if he was the resident manager, handyman and ladies man, he responded he would only take credit for the first two titles.

The Country Dam featured two bands each Friday and Saturday

night. Bob said John and Dave from Trigger Happy started there in 1970. “They were and still are a good band and great guys,” he said.

Mike Murtha of Trigger Happy is who changed the name of the hard working bar businessman, Robert Holm, to be known as “Uncle Bob.” I have vivid memories of the Dam. My aunt was a cocktail waitress there for many years. As a little girl I would occasionaly accompany her when she went to pick up her paycheck. Other children may have first practiced writing their name on a wide lined tablet, but I practiced writing mine on the stage coach canopy that perched above visitors when they entered the establishment.

That canopy was filled with names from near and far. Bob said he enjoyed his Country Dam years and loved meeting thousands of people from all walks of life. “I appreciated my time having conversations with bums just as much as sitting to talk with doctors or attorneys,” he said.

When asked about some of his favorite (newspaper appropriate) memories from the Dam he chuckled. He shared a story about Vulcans from the St Paul Winter Carnival coming in and asking him for a fork. They then tapped him on the head with it and told him they were “Knighting” him.

Becoming an honorary Vulcan wasn’t his only claim to fame. A movie was once partially filmed at the Dam. It Ain’t Easy (also known as Into the Storm and The Winnipeg Run) was a 1972 American film, starring Lance Henriksen, Barra

Grant, Bill Moor and Uncle Bob. O.K. so maybe the movie didn’t star Uncle Bob, but he was an extra in the film. His celebrity status allowed him to get into the movie for free at Peper’s theater in St. Croix Falls. He said they wanted him to make an appearance on a red carpet at the Amery Theater, but he was too shy.

After the Dam, Bob began working in Amery at Richards. The tavern previously known as Gordy’s and Birch Street was eventually named after him.

He once gave a job to a young girl in between gigs, and that girl was me. I agreed with Uncle Bob when he told me bar tenders were sort of like psychologists, people tell you everything, they trust you and depend on you.

What struck me spending time with Bob at his party all these years later was the way he could still work the crowd. He has a smile that lights up a room. He had some visitors from his days at the Dam, including Wisconsin State Assembly Representitive, Gae Magnafici.

She even jumped in with the band to sing Bob a few tunes. “I just love her voice,” he said.

I may not ever come into contact with the number of people that Bob has throughout the years. But I hope someday I can say that I have left half the impact that he has. I’m not sure if there will be a band that will jump at the chance to play at my 85th birthday, but when I asked Uncle Bob if in the 70s he ever thought Trigger Happy would be playing at his 85th, he laughed and said, “Of course not.”

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

DECEMBER 10, 2019

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Are we there yet?

BY APRIL ZIEMER EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

W

e have all been on a ride when we have thought in our minds, “Are we there yet?” It is not uncommon for there to be voices asking the same question from the back seat. We have been on a journey here at the Free Press for the last 10 months that has seemed never-ending. We have also heard your inquiries coming from the back seat.

This journey Editor pertains to the April Ziemer article entitled, “Tape complaint leads to new restraints for Amery Police” , on page one of this week’s Free Press.

In March of this year, I received the first phone call of many in regard to questionable force being used on minors by a few members of the Amery Police Department.

The first thing I did was reach out to several places for information, this included the City of Amery, the Polk County Sheriff’s Department, the Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigations and the School District of Amery.

It was clear this was a matter needing to be handled with care, it was also clear to me that as this information leaked out into the public, residents would deserve answers to their questions and concerns about the matter. I never thought it would take 10 months for the Amery Free Press to be able to report on the situation.

Early on “Police Matters” began showing up on closed sessions portions of the City Council agenda. When we reached out to the former City Administrator to see if the City cared to make any comment, we were ignored numerous times. I completely understood that a serious matter like this could take time, but we were never even given acknowledgement the city was aware of the situation.

By the first week of June, we received word the City was having an investigation conducted on the matter and June 6, the Free Press sent an open records request to the City of Amery per the 1982 Wisconsin Open Records Law. The Wisconsin Attorney General states a reasonable amount of time to fulfill a record request is 10 working days. We received our request 126 working days later, Nov. 19. At that point we started paging through the large stack of documents, figuring out what was appropriate to publish in the paper while still protecting the identities of the youth.

Those 126 working days have by far been some of the most frustrating of my life. I received calls, emails, and numerous questions in person about the situation. I was asked, “What is going on?”, “What is the City doing about it?” and “When is the Free Press going to report on it?”

I also received emails of disgust that we were even entertaining reporting on the matter and a phone call urging me to shed good light on someone involved in the matter.

Meanwhile crickets were the only sound we heard through the month of June when asking the City of Amery officials through email how our records request was coming along. In July, Tom and I took a trip to City Hall to ask in person. The former Administrator looked at us blankly and asked, “What request?” When we reminded her of our over month old request, she informed us the investigation was still going on. A document obtained in our request states the council received a completed investigation report May 30.

Ten months later, I can say that being ignored and mislead did not stop the Free Press from continuing to ask for the answers readers were asking for. Do I believe we received answers to all of people’s questions-not in the least. We can simply report on what our persistence did ultimately provide.

We were not out to write a story to damage anyone. We were out to report facts provided by the records. If we wanted to report on assumptions or allegations, a story would have been completed in the month of April, May or June.

I’m sure there will be people who will use the line to others when this topic comes up in conversation, “You do not know all of the facts.” I guarantee that will be a true statement as we do not feel we were given all of the facts in our request.

One thing I have learned during my time here at the Free Press, is when concern is raised over a public matter, people feel they deserve answers. I realize there are legalities that go hand in hand with providing that information.

When inquiries are not acknowledged, when answers are delayed, a statement to the public is not made or resolutions attempts are hidden, it only makes matters worse. During this time, rumors spread, tales are told, feelings are hurt and frustration and mistrust grow.

I will also add as I have mentioned in the past, it is easy to criticize those in the public eye during situations when they arise. Very few of us know what it is like to be in their shoes. If you truly think you can serve the public better, remember there is an election coming up in the spring. In the least, start attending meetings to make your voice heard. In the words of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring in a folding chair.”

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 715-268-8101

YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

Don’t block anonymous requests

BY LARRY GALLUP

You can walk into City Hall asking to see records without ever having to give your name.

You can mail or email an open records request to any public entity without giving any indication of who you are.

You don’t even need to submit a written request. You can make the request orally and still remain anonymous.

That’s because, while there are a few exceptions, Wisconsin’s open records law states: “No request … may be refused because the person making the request is unwilling to be identified or to state the purpose of the request.”

The law’s chief author, Lynn Adelman, a former state legislator who’s now a federal judge, has said that provision was so important to him that he would have scrapped the legislation entirely if an amendment to remove it had passed.

Yet, in at least two recent cases, that right has been challenged.

An anonymous requester sued the Madison Metropolitan School District in November for refusing to release records unless the requester revealed his or her identity.

The person, according to the suit, made 26 requests between July and October. The school district ignored some of them. It responded to others by saying it needed to know the requester’s name to ensure he or she posed no threat.

That’s one of the exceptions to the anonymity provision of the law — if there’s a safety concern that outweighs the presumption of disclosure. Another is that if student or health records are requested, the custodian should confirm the requester is authorized to receive them.

The requests in the Madison case are for routine documents, such as school board updates and a school improvement plan. As the requester’s attorney, Tom Kamenick, notes in the suit, the records are “not focused on any individual, and they contain no information that would put any person’s safety in danger if revealed.”

There are circumstances in which the exemption can be legitimately applied — for example, a request by a domestic abuser for records about the abuser’s victim. This isn’t one of them.

In a second case, the village of Ashwaubenon refused an anonymous request in March. The requester had asked for the billing records of an outside law firm the village had hired to conduct personnel investigations.

The requester used the pseudonyms Mr. M or Richard Marven, a Navy officer who was a whistleblower in the Revolutionary War. The village’s attorney responded in April by asking the requester to make an appointment at city hall to access a copy of the records.

SEE ANONYMOUS REQUESTS, PAGE 6

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR What is wrong with Washington D.C.?

Is Washington D.C. broken? I’m sorry to say this, but I believe so.

When you have elected officials who are getting paid $179,000.00 acting like a bunch of kindergarteners saying, “he started,” instead of being professionals who are representing their states and who are supposed to be fixing the many issues that will make our country better.

Grow up Washington D.C. You’re not in kindergarten anymore. You’re elected officials who were sent to Washington D.C. to deal with the many issues at hand.

Everyone is watching you.

The first thing that you

must deal with Washington D.C. is all of the mass shootings that are going on in our country. Look what happens if you don’t deal with problems right away.

California is an excellent example of what happens when you don’t do anything.

A public school in California had a mass shooting because Washington D.C. did nothing. Is this supposed to be the new normal Washington D.C.? We have mass shootings and you must do nothing to deal with the problem. Other countries don’t have as many mass shootings like our country because they fix the problem instead of putting it off. How

long are the victims of mass shootings going to have to wait until you do something about it?

The second thing is there used to be three types of wealth when I was growing up. There was the rich, middle class, and the poor. Now there is only two classes of wealth, and they are Washington D.C. and everyone else who has to work two jobs just to make ends meet.

There is a right way and a wrong way, and you’re not doing the right way. You need to fix the problems before you’re unable to fix them anymore.

James Hill Amery

Food Pantry Sends Thanks Dear Editor, With grateful hearts, the Amery Area Food Pantry acknowledges the generosity of the Amery Community. A HUGE thank you to all of you who have contributed to the pantry in any way this fall season. Most of you contribute anonymously through your church, your work place, food drives, or various fundraisers in our community. We want to THANK YOU ALL for your gifts!

Most recently, we have been gifted by a wonderful fundraiser and a generous grant.

The Kuhl family once again sponsored the “Trick or Trot” fundraiser! In addition, we received a grant from the Amery Community Foundation. To all of you who in any way contributed, participated, or donated, we say thank you!

This past November also brought many blessings to the Food Pantry. The first event was the Turkey Trot sponsored by the youth

program called FUEL. The youth from our community collected an enormous amount of food for the pantry that night.

Then at the community Thanksgiving Eve Service at First Lutheran Church we were again richly blessed by many food items as well as generous monetary donations.

We also SO appreciate those hunters who have donated their venison to the pantry this month.

During the upcoming holiday season, please know that we are very thankful to you for your monetary donations, your grocery donations, and to all our volunteers for your gift of time and talents!

May God Bless You, Cheryl Bowman / Peg Bavin Co-Executive Directors Amery Area Food Pantry

6 AMERY FREE PRESS

RECORDS

DECEMBER 10, 2019

www.theameryfreepress.com

Amery Police Report 11/27/19-12/05/19 11/27/19, 03:15 p.m., Juvenile call 11/27/19, 05:10 p.m., Welfare check 11/27/19, 05:30 p.m., Assist other agency 11/28/19, 12:22 p.m., Assist EMS 11/28/19, 06:56 p.m., Assist citizen 11/29/19, 09:31 a.m., Assist EMS 11/29/19, 11:30 a.m., Theft report 11/29/19, 04:31 p.m., Mental health call 11/30/19, 12:38 a.m., Assist other agency 11/30/19, 04:43 a.m., Business alarm 12/01/19, 12:01 a.m., Suspicious activity 12/01/19, 06 a.m., Vehicle lockout 12/01/19, 09:35 a.m., Assist other agency 12/01/19, 03:01 p.m., Animal control call 12/01/19, 06:18 p.m., Mental health call 12/01/19, 09 p.m., Assist other agency 12/02/19, 05:27 a.m., Vehicle lockout 12/02/19, 09:12 a.m., Animal control call 12/03/19, 10:05 a.m., Harassment report 12/03/19, 09:13 p.m., Animal control call 12/03/19, 11:10 p.m., Assist other agency 12/04/19, 01:52 a.m., Assist EMS 12/04/19, 09:03 a.m., Juvenile call 12/04/19, 11 a.m., Animal control call 12/04/19, 06:41 p.m., Assist other agency 12/04/19, 10:38 p.m., Animal control call 12/04/19, 11:23 p.m., Suspicious activity 12/05/19, 09:28 a.m., Welfare check

Polk County arrests Cory Tyler Peasley, 33, Grantsburg, was arrested November 26 for possession of drug paraphernalia and a Burnett County warrant.

Brooklyn Marie Lundgren, 22, Maplewood, MN, was arrested November 26 for obstruction and possession of marijuana.

Nicholas William Troendel, 46, Centuria, was arrested November 30 for domestic disorderly conduct.

Enrique Torres Favela, 27, Amery, was arrested November 30 for endangering safety prohibited alcohol content and disorderly conduct.

Juan De Dio Torres Galicia, 25, New Richmond, was arrested November 30 for endangering safety prohibited alcohol content and disorderly conduct.

Jesus Armando Torres Garcia, 26, Amery, was arrested November 30 for endangering safety, disorderly conduct and possession of methamphetamine.

Joshua Elwood Ludwig, 28, Frederic, was arrested November 30 for physical abuse of a child.

Samantha Jo Leuthard, 34, Waconia, MN, was arrested November 27 for possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia and November 29 for party to a crime-possession of stolen property.

Jacob Daniel McPheeters, 26, Richfield, MN, was arrested November 27 for possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia and November 29 for party to a crime-possession of stolen property.

Leigha Maria Van Sickle, 33, Luck, was arrested November 28 for felony bail jumping, a probation hold, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Richard John Peterson, 49, Luck, was arrested November 30 for disorderly conduct.

Mark Allan Leverty, 28, Balsam Lake, was arrested November 26 for OWI (2nd), possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Antonio James Salinas, 42, St. Paul, MN, was arrested November 26 for OWI (4th).

Alicia Dawn Paukstat, 29, Luck, was arrested November 30 for OWI (1st).

Eugene Edwin Ruhn, 40, Frederic, was arrested November 30 for OWI (1st).

Erick Duane Bloom, 54, Balsam Lake, was arrested November 30 for OWI (5-6th), operating with a prohibited alcohol content (5-6) and operating after revocation.

Daniel J. Richter, 67, Osceola, was arrested December 1 for OWI (1st).

Jennifer Sue Sigsworth, 42, Amery, was arrested December 2 for OWI (1st) and prohibited alcohol content (1st).

John T. Bainbridge, 26, Ashland, was arrested December 1 for OWI (2nd).

Traffic crash prompts arrest for OWI 5

BY APRIL ZIEMER EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

A Balsam Lake man has been charged with his fifth offense of Operating While Intoxicated in connection with an accident that took place Nov. 30. Erick D. Bloom, 54, was also charged with Operating While Revoked and operating with prohibited alcohol content.

According to the Probable Cause report, a Polk County Deputy responded to a traffic crash near Highway 46 and 134th Avenue Nov. 30. The deputy was

informed the reporting party made contact with the driver and believed he may have been intoxicated.

Upon contact, the deputy claims Bloom’s speech was slow and slurred and there was a clear odor of intoxicants coming from him as he spoke. When Bloom exited the vehicle he stumbled and appeared to have poor balance.

Bloom told the deputy that he swerved to miss a deer. Based on the evidence and tire tracks on the scene, the deputy did not think it appeared that Bloom attempted to evade a deer.

Bloom admitted to drinking and said he had five to six “brandys” and that his last drink was approximately two hours prior.

Bloom consentBloom ed to an evidentiary chemical test of his breath. The test was completed with a reported value of 0.21 g/210L. If convicted, Bloom could face up to 20 years in prison and $50,000 in fines.

Wisconsin Guard’s sexual assault response ‘train wreck’ MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A federal investigator called the Wisconsin National Guard’s response to sexual assault case an “a train wreck,” according to a review that Gov. Tony Evers is preparing to release.

Evers and U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, both Democrats, asked the National Guard Bureau’s Office of Complex Investigations in Washington, D.C., in April to review the Wisconsin Guard’s sexual assault and harassment reporting procedures, investigative protocols and accountability measures.

They made the request after the U.S. Air Force launched an investigation into allegations of sexual assault and harassment within a Wisconsin Air National Guard security unit. Baldwin requested that probe in November 2018 after a master sergeant in the unit, Jay Ellis, told her office that he knew of six incidents between 2002 and 2016 and high-ranking officers had done little to address them. That probe is still ongoing.

Evers’ spokeswoman, Melissa Baldauff, said late Wednesday that the governor’s office received the OCI review late last month. Evers plans to release it after briefing the Wisconsin Guard’s top commander, Maj. Gen. Donald Dunbar, on its contents.

The Capital Times newspaper obtained excerpts from the report that indicate that a court-martial was botched in one sexual assault case. The newspaper reports that the case involves allegations that a male soldier sexually assaulted a female soldier in 2015 when their unit was required to spend the night in their armory after a night of Guard-authorized drinking. Other soldiers in the room during the assault said they heard the woman say “no’’several times, according to sworn statements The Capital Times obtained.

Wisconsin National Guard spokesman Joe Trovato didn’t immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking comment.

The alleged perpetrator was charged with four sexual assault violations of the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice. But the state’s military prosecutor missed several administrative deadlines and eventually failed to advance the case.

The state tried to reopen the court-martial and eventually settled by offering the alleged perpetrator a plea deal. The solider ultimately pleaded guilty in August to one count of indecent conduct, a charge involving having consensual sex with the woman rather than assaulting her.

The federal investigator told the woman during an interview as part of the OCI review that “The governor and Sen. Baldwin will know that your case was a train wreck ... they will know that one or more members of the Wisconsin National Guard completely (expletive) up.’’

The investigator said the bungled court-martial resulted largely from “incompetence”on the part of Wisconsin National Guard officials.

Ellis alleged in May that his superiors were working to discharge him from the military on trumpedup medical issues to deny him retirement benefits in retaliation for sparking the two federal investigations. He appealed and traveled to Randolph Air Force Base in Texas on Monday to appear before a medical review board.

He said Thursday that he has won his appeal and will be returned to regular duty. Trovato didn’t immediately respond to another email seeking confirmation of Ellis’ status.

ANONYMOUS REQUESTS: Few obstacles for fair openness CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

After several email exchanges didn’t lead to a resolution, the requester filed suit in June, contending the village and its attorney refused to provide copies of the records by mail or email and required the requester to appear in person to inspect them.

In October, the case was settled and the requester, who was not required to reveal his or her name, said the records were made available.

The presumption of openness in Wisconsin government means there should be as few obstacles to openness as possible. Requiring records requesters to identify themselves is an

obstacle.

Citizens would be less likely to make requests without the right to anonymity. That’s why the law was clearly written to prevent governments from denying public information to people for whom this is important.

The anonymity provision is crucial to the state open records law. Our governments need to understand that — and obey the law.

Your Right to Know is a monthly column distributed by the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council (wisfoic. org), a group dedicated to open government. Council member Larry Gallup is the digital news director for USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin.

Polk County marriage licenses David Joseph Groszewski and Ashley Nicole Barney fo Luck are to be married December 20, 2019.

Ryan Wade Kahl and Sarah Faye Metke of Lincoln are to be married December 14, 2019.

Bruce Alan Smith and LaRae Edna Stevens of St. Croix Falls are to be married December 14, 2019.

Thank you for reading the Amery Free Press

YESTERDAY’S NEWS

DECEMBER 10, 2019

AMERY FREE PRESS

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www.theameryfreepress.com

110 Years Ago Dec. 16, 1909 John Jones who recently returned from the West and is well known hereabouts is now in complete charge of the Parks Mill in Balsam Lake.

There is more lumbering being done this winter in this vicinity than for years before.

There are about 20 mills in operation tributary to this village.

William Gust of Deer Park has his camps built and has started logging operations on the timber recently purchased by him north of Amery.

100 Years Ago December 11, 1919 Swell Bear Dinner One of the most enjoyable social affairs ever given in the city of Amery was held at the Commercial Club Rooms, with a sumptuous banquet at Hotel Hart, when P. C. Amundson was host to about 25 of the Amery hunting party who have their camp at Clubine.

Mr. Amundson had the party in celebration of the killing of his giant brown Yesterday’s bear and the principle News course was Diane Stangl bear roast and steaks, which with the other viands on the menu, was delightfully cooked and efficiently served.

Every detail of the affair would have been a credit to a Waldorf Astoria caterer and every guest had a royal good time and smiles rather than growls followed the swell event.

90 Years Ago December 5, 1929 Joel Man Attacked by Bull J. P. Anderson of Clayton was terribly mauled by an angry bull Monday and was extremely fortunate to escape with his life.

Five ribs on the right side were fractured, both bones in the right leg were fractured and he was badly bruised about the body. He is at Amery Hospital.

Car Crashes Over Enbankment August Schuster, driving a Margolis Co. truck, crashed over an embankment near Cameron Bridge Thanksgiving day. The truck turned completely over and landed on all four wheels with the motor still running.

Mr. Schuster although severely injured, tried to get his truck back upon the highway but failing in this he walked to the Larson farm and called for a “trouble car.”

He sustained a badly injured hip and was cut about the head.

85 Years Ago December 13, 1934 December 5th First Repeal Anniversary December 5 marked the first anniversary of repeal of the eighteenth amendment.

During the first five months after repeal, according to the court records of 86 leading cities, compiled by the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, the number of children injured in traffic accidents has grown to startling figures.

Automobile accidents in these 86 cities showed an increase of 514 deaths as compared with the corresponding period of the previous year.

Signed, Pearl Crommett, committee of publicity.

Dear Santa: I would like a little truck with candy in it, and some candy, bubble gum and apples in my stocking.

Love Darlene Hawkins Dear Santa: How are you? Fine, I hope.

Santa, I would like to have a train, a barn and animals. My sister wants a toy accordion and candy.

Eugene Elden

55 Years Ago December 17, 1964

Keep Off Moody’s Bay A warning was given this week asking skaters to keep off Moody’s Bay, near the Soo railroad trestle, where workmen are putting the ice in excellent shape for skating and for hockey games.

Those working on the project have asked skaters to stay away until the ice is in better condition, so that they will have an opportunity to make a fine rink.

Ice Three Inches Thick in Twin Lakes Chief of Police Carl Burman tested the ice with an axe in North and South Twin Lakes Tuesday and found the ice three inches thick. Caution must be taken by those walking on the ice however, to watch out for air holes.

No Plow For Amery – Yet The Amery Community Club at a special meeting Monday in the Amery Hotel, took note of the fact that no county highway snowplow has yet been stationed in Amery nor had arrangements been made to station one here.

The members were firm in their declaration that a plow should be placed here throughout the winter, inasmuch as Amery, the largest community in the county, has many trade routes going out of it. A committee promised to see Matt Miller, highway commissioner, to induce him to place a snowplow here.

80 Years Ago December 14, 1939 Santa Will Be Here!

Santa Claus will make his annual visit to Amery on Friday afternoon, December 22, at 3:00 p.m. The good man of the north pole will arrive by sleigh at about 3:00 p.m. at the big Christmas tree in the center of Amery’s business district, and will have lots of candy and peanuts for every boy and girl who comes here on that day.

M. Mahon Hurt When Team Bolts Martin Mahon was the victim of a runaway Monday when the team he was driving on a hayfork became frightened and bolted. He was cut about the head and his entire body was a mass of bruises.

For Christmas I would like a climbing tractor, some marbles and some targets for my gun, lots of candy and apples, too.

Love, Laverne Hawkins

Warm Weather Fine But Was Bad on Trade The warm weather has been fine for the Amery community, but not so good for Amery merchants and for the coal man, Herb Jones. Merchant’s shelves

Main Street Businesses to Follow NSP’s Office Move

Visit with Santa Claus Youngsters could find Santa Claus easily since he was right on the Amery main street, located between Gambles and B & B Clothing. Ol’ St. Nick chatted with youngsters daily from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. In the photo above, Tom Gjerde made his Christmas wishes known to Santa.

were piled high with woolens for the cold weather, which did not come.

Sam Vassau’s mercury hovered around the 40’s and 50’s last week in one of the mildest Decembers (and November too) on record.

Mrs. Myrtle Cheney picked pansies in her yard Dec. 4, but now comes Floyd Waterman, south of town, and displays 4 sacks of potatoes, which he dug out of the ground, unfrozen, December 5. He dug 10 sacks, but six of them were frozen.

At Fergus Falls, Minn., there was an ice shortage. Only cakes available were only four inches thick, and they have to be taken from the shady side of Wall Lake. Ordinarily ice is 15 to 20 inches thick by now.

Farmers in that section were plowing, and bees were swarming. Dandelions were growing and box elder bugs are still bothering the trees.

In Havre, Mont., usually one of the coldest spots in the United States, the weather bureau marked down a maximum of 71, highest ever recorded in December there.

A ski train scheduled for the New Mexico mountains was cancelled for lack of snow.

Cherry trees were blooming at Alma, Mo.

70 Years Ago December 15, 1949 Suffers Severe Back Injury in Accident Virginia Gunderson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Gunderson of Amery is in Midway Hospital with two crushed vertebrae as the result of a tobogganing mishap.

The injury was sustained as she participated with a group of her friends in a sliding party in North Minneapolis Thurs-

day evening. She fell from the toboggan and was unable to walk. Carried to the home of a friend nearby she was taken to Midway Hospital Friday where the discovery was made of the injury. She will be discharged to her home as soon as a cast may be placed on her back.

Amery Paint Company Moves to New Spot This week found the Amery Paint and Wallpaper store in a new location in Amery. They are now occupying a unit in the Danielson building.

Formerly located in the Granum building, the firm is owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Harold Snyder and features the Glidden line of paint.

Weatherman Gives Thermometers Workout While always basking in the limelight of public conversation, the weather during the past week created even greater stories through its varied course.

All residents of this area basked in spring-like warmth Sunday afternoon with the temperature reaching the high of 47 degrees. During this balmy spell, lightning could be seen and some .42 of an inch of rain hit this section of the state.

Then came the big blow out of the north, which brought sub-zero temperatures. Readings Monday morning found a minimum of 5 below at the government weather station at Black Brook according to I. M. Lindgren of the Wisconsin Hydro Electric Company.

The coldest reading this year was recorded Wednesday morning with a minimum of 6 below the zero mark.

Letters to Santa Dear Santa:

When Northern States Power Company moves to their new building in south Amery shortly after Jan. 1, it will start a chain reaction of change along the business street.

The present building occupied by NSP will be completely remodeled by owners G. and William Rasmussen to house their present Lincoln Cash Store operation. Extensive changes are planned to make the structure one of the most modern of shopping centers.

When Lincoln moves to the new corner location, remodeling will start at their present site to make way for the Gamble store to move to that spot.

Les Gullickson, now a veteran of five years in Amery, will move his present store into the Lincoln Cash building. New front is being planned along with other changes to make it into a modern outlet suitable for the hardware-sporting goods operation.

The last link in the chain will take place when the present Gamble location is rented.

At the present time, the new tenants for that location are not known. Mrs. Louis Michael is the owner of the building.

Letters to Santa Dear Santa Claus, Will you please bring me a nurse and doctor set, Tammy doll, with some clothes; Corning ware plastic dishes and a pool table.

Thanks so much. I will be a good girl and leave you some candy and cookies. I love you.

Mary Lu Doll.

50 Years Ago December 18, 1969 Form Snowmobilers Club, Plan Trail Project Problems of snowmobilers who do not obey trespass laws and the possibility of establishing trails around Amery occupied discussion at a December meeting of Amery’s Sno-A-GoGo. The group formulated plans to seek permission from landowners in the Amery area with the goal of establishing a network of snowmobile trails.

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DECEMBER 10, 2019 www.theameryfreepress.com

DAIRY BOWL: Polk County Juniors have been participating in Quiz Bowl since ‘04 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

sent the Empire State to the consolation bracket. New York worked their way back to the finals to face Wisconsin again.

This time, the result was different. Wisconsin lost, forcing a winner-take-all match for the championship.

After the last question was answered, the Wisconsin team set its buzzers down, relaxed their arms, and joined hands behind the skirted table as the results were read. After team questions, toss-up questions, and written test scores were added, Wisconsin emerged as national champions. Cheers and a few moist eyes erupted from the four ladies dressed in matching purple dresses.

This victory halted New York’s championship run of five consecutive wins and keeps their total at 15 total national championships.

This was Polk County’s second national win. They also won in 2011. Wisconsin has only won this national contest three times in the 40-year history of the contest. New York placed second, followed by Iowa, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania and Georgia earned honorable mention.

The Dairy Bowl program encourages youth to increase their dairy knowledge as they prepare for the contest. They learn life skills - critical thinking, decision-making, problem solving, communication skills, and independent thinking – when preparing for competition. They also gain knowledge in dairy nutrition, milk quality, herd health, breeding and genetics, marketing, dairy foods, and calf raising. Dairy bowl competitions are held throughout the U.S. Polk County’s senior dairy bowl team topped the state 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Contest in February, earning the right to represent Wisconsin at the national contest. They outperformed other senior teams, consisting of youth between the ages of 15 and 19. The sources and materials used to form question are nearly endless, as new information and dairy information is generated nearly daily.

The Polk County team members are Katherine Elwood, Courtney Glenna, Courtney Stream of Amery, and Grace Haase of Osceola. Sending the winning county team makes Wisconsin unique. Most states select their top four 4-Hers as their representatives. Wisconsin, and Polk county had an advantage this year. Team members aren’t just acquaintances, they are friends and teammates. It is hard to create a new “team” each year with youth from across a state who may have never even met each other. They might be a team in name, but not necessarily in spirit.

The national 4-H contest is different than many breed dairy bowl contests. A 50

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Grace Haase placed 10th, Katherine Elwood placed 4th, and Courtney Glenna placed 3rd on the written exam.

question (short-answer) written test is taken the night before the contest and counts the next day. Scores from five questions from each team member is tallied for each round, for a possible 100 points per round.

However, the actual scores that the team earned on the test are not known. Only the two scorekeepers are privy to those numbers until they are revealed after the team and toss-up questions have been answered. Another set of points is earned when answering the discussion questions. During this time, team members can discuss their answers to five questions and the team captain provides the group’s collaborative answers to the panel of three judges. The 20 toss-up questions are when the individual team members can buzz in and showcase their areas of knowledge. After three differ-

ent team members correctly answer a question, a four-part bonus question is offered to that team only. If all parts are correct a maximum of 20 points are rewarded. If segments are correct, partial credit it given.

The judges are all university professors or dairy extension specialists.

The deciding factor: Wisconsin’s balance. It was the team’s balance that earned them bonus questions in the head-to-head match and also high written test scores which were added to the overall score.

Glenna had the 3rd highest test score, Elwood was 4th, and Haase was 10th. No other state had three individuals in the top 10.

Polk juniors have been actively participating in dairy bowl since 2004. Nearly 50 different Polk county youth have participated in this dairy

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Back row: Courtney Glenna, Grace Haase, and Courtney Stream. Front row: Coach Patti Hurtgen and Katherine Elwood. Not pictured Gwen Dado, coach.

knowledge competition over the past fifteen years. Teams didn’t win a single match the first two years they competed, but their dedication to improve and learn more about Wisconsin’s dairy industry persisted. Those initial years were difficult, but it laid a foundation that has enabled current teams to thrive.

Three of the Polk county team members started practicing weekly in the fall of 2017.

They were also part of Osceola and Amery FFA’s dairy judging teams and would rotate study material between the two contests. Last fall they began practicing twice a week, including early Sunday mornings and one week night.

Katherine Elwood is a junior at Amery High School. She was raised on a dairy farm and raises market hogs. Katherine was the 2nd place High Individual at the All-American Dairy Judging Contest and 5th in the Junior Dairy Management Contest in Harrisburg this fall.

Katherine is Vice President of Amery FFA and President of Eagle View 4-H. She also played soccer and was in the Amery Band.

Courtney Glenna is a sophomore. She lives on a dairy farm just North of Amery. She was the 9th place individual at the National FFA Dairy Judging and Management Event a few weeks ago and had the highest score on the written test of over 160 competitors. She competes in state FFA speaking contest and was the Intermediate Dairy Jeopardy Winner at the National Holstein Convention in 2019.

Serving as team captain, Grace Haase is a senior at Osceola High School. She will be attending University of Wisconsin – River Falls and majoring in Dairy Science with a goal of working as a calf specialist upon graduation. Grace is active in Osceola FFA, serving as President. She also competed in Powerlifting and track.

At the National Junior Dairy Management Contest in Harrisburg in September, Grace placed 4th overall and won the

Calf Care Section. Last year, Grace’s Osceola FFA placed 3rd at the National FFA contest (in dairy cattle evaluation) and she competed in two contests in Europe, placing 2nd and 4th as teams. Haase’s family operates a Holstein and Jersey dairy in Osceola.

Ella Williamson was on the team that won the state contest, but was not able to compete in Louisville as she had a role in the school musical. Ella is active in gymnastics, cross country, and is 1st Princess Miss Amery and Miss Congeniality.

She was on the 3rd place National FFA team with Elwood, Glenna, and Hailey Clausen in October and those four will be traveling to Europe to participate in the International Dairy Judging Tour next summer.

In Ella’s absence, the team needed a new member. And Courtney Stream answered the call. Courtney is a junior at Amery High School. She is an avid livestock judge, and raises beef, sheep, and hogs, as well as working on a local dairy.

She had been studying with the team since the spring and made up years of practice in a few months.

The team is coached by Patti Hurtgen and Gwen Dado.

Hurtgen does not live in Polk County; she resides in Fort Atkinson, 300 miles away. Gwen Dado handles the majority of the face-to-face practices. Hurtgen provides material to the team via email, Facebook, and article links, along with a few full-day weekend practices prior to competitions. “I know this team would not be as prepared without Gwen’s regular practices” commented Hurtgen.

“These young people are so enjoyable to work with. They want to learn, so they put the time into studying on their own and in groups, and that makes a huge difference,” shared Hurtgen. They read material, watch videos, take quizzes, and listen to recorded questions.

When they can see what they learned applied on actual dairy farms, they connect the book knowledge to the hands-on learning. This is when the information really takes root and the material is truly learned, and not just memorized.

Dr. Donna M. Amaral-Phillips, Extension Professor and Extension Dairy Nutritionist at the University of Kentucky, has been the contest superintendent for 28 years. She is assisted by Warren Gilson, retired, University of Georgia.

The Dairy Quiz Bowl started in 1980 and has always been held in conjunction with the North American International.

That exposition is the largest purebred livestock exposition in the world. Sponsors of this contest include the American Dairy Science Association, National Dairy Shrine, North American International Livestock Exposition, Perdue Agribusiness, Select Sires, and Hoard’s Dairyman.

DECEMBER 10, 2019

AMERY FREE PRESS www.theameryfreepress.com

Amery’s new pediatric dentist There is a new dentist in town that is ready to check out the pearly whites of area children.

Dr. Amanda Spitz is board certified, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry with over 16 years of experience treating children.

Located in the Dental Arts building, she accepts all insurances, including BadgerCare.

A pediatric dentist has two to three additional years of specialized training after their four years of dental school and four years of undergraduate studies. Pediatric dentists use appropriate communication styles tto examine and care for a c child’s oral health needs tthroughout all stages of c childhood. Treatment m modalities and recommend dations for the growing c child and baby teeth are n not the same as those for a adults and adult teeth. Ped diatric dentists are trained iin specialized treatment m methods and techniques to b best serve children.

The American Academy o of Pediatric Dentistry Dr. Amanda Spitz (AAPD), the American Dental Association (ADA) and The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) all recommend a child see a dentist by age 1! The thought of such an early visit is surprising to many parents. However, we know that Early Childhood Cavities can have a detrimental impact on baby teeth and overall health. Prevention through diet and oral hygiene education as well as early detection of dental problems is the goal. Early dental visits also allow dental professionals the opportunity to assess for issues with tongue and lip ties, thumb, finger and pacifier habits, teething milestones and facial growth and development.

Aren’t they just baby teeth? Without proper dental care, children face possible oral decay and disease that can cause a lifetime of pain and complications.

Studies have shown that children with poor oral health have decreased school performance, poor social relationships and less success later in life.

Children need their back teeth (molars and canines) until age 10-12. The teeth are not only needed to speak naturally and chew food comfortably, they hold space and aid in forming a path for permanent teeth to erupt into the mouth. Bacteria from untreated cavities should be treated or it will spread to neighboring teeth. Cavities left untreated can lead to pain, abscess and even failure to thrive.

A lifetime of healthy oral practices begins with good diet choices and establishing a dental home. Both are important in promoting a lifetime of healthy habits.

Cavities and aggressive bacteria related to dental disease can be found in children of all ages. Frequent consumption of highly acidic beverage such as juice, flavored milk, energy drinks, sports drinks and soda can be destructive to any age teeth.

Your dentist can give you detailed home care recommendations specific to your child’s age, but here are some general tips for home care: • Anything, other than water, which is sipped on throughout the day or night, will cause cavities.

• Limit juice to 6 oz. per day. (AAP and AAPD), from a cup and as part of a meal or snack. This is recommended for overall health and dental health.

• Limit, or do not purchase for the home, soda and high energy sports drinks.

• Limit sticky snacks such as fruit snacks, candies and cookies.

• Brush teeth 2x/day for 2min. Do not skip brushing before bed at night.

• Children age 8 and under need supervision, likely assistance, with brushing and flossing, because they may not have the dexterity to do an adequate job alone.

• Floss the teeth once they are touching.

• Use fluoride toothpaste.

• Chew sugar free gum with Xylitol as the first ingredient.

Learn more at: www.mychildrensteeth.org, https:// www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/childrens-oral-health/ index.html and at www.sim4kids.com

THANK YOU

to everyone who joined the fun in Amery on Saturday for the 34th Annual Amery Holiday Stroll!

The hot dog stand crew - Cathy Nelson, Nicole Gagner, Pam Humpal and Jamie Stewart Thank you for your generous donations to the Amery Area Food Pantry.

Thank you for decorating our tree with mittens, gloves, hats, coats, etc. for Operation Christmas.

Items can still be dropped off at the Amery Free Press office until December 13.

April Ziemer with Operation Christmas donations

Winner of the Free Press Subscription was Eileen Markee

Congratulations!

A F P ffice d i Amery Free Press crew att th the offi during the stroll - Tom & Diane Stangl

215 Keller Ave. S, Amery, WI 54001 Phone 715-268-8101

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AREA CHURCHES AMERY CONGREGATIONAL, 201 N. Harriman Ave. Barry Schaefer, pastor Wednesday, December 11: 9:30 am Senior Dining Hall Open; 3:30 pm Homework & Hangout/Bell Ringing; 5:45 pm Dinner; 6:30 pm Youth Group Christmas, Caroling at AMC; 6:45 pm Youth Group.

Thursday, December 12: 9:30 am Senior Dining Hall Open; 5:30 pm Women’s Bible Study; 7 pm Money Management.

Friday, December 13: 9:30 am Senior Dining Hall Open.

Saturday, December 14: 6 am Food Set Up for Ruby’s Pantry; 7:30 am Registration Begins for Ruby’s Pantry; 9 am Registration Closes and Food Distribution Begins.

Sunday, December 15: 10 am Youth Christmas Program; 11:15 am Congregational Giving Meeting; 5 pm Christmas Village Light Tour.

Monday, December 16: 9:30 am Senior Dining Hall Open; 7 pm Boy Scouts.

Tuesday, December 17: 6:30 am Men’s Bible Study; 9:30 am Senior Dining Open; 10 am Bible Study; 5 pm Christmas Cookie Exchange/Potluck.

AMERY FREE LUTHERAN, 1 mile west of golf course on CTH F, Eric Christenson, pastor, www.ameryflc.org Every Sunday: 9 am Sunday School; 10:15 am Worship Service; 6 pm Small Group Bible Studies in homes.

Wednesdays: 9:30 am Small Group Women’s Bible Study in home; 7 pm Youth Group.

Call the church office for details 715-268-9218.

APPLE RIVER COMMUNITY, 942 US Hwy. 8, Amery Justin Hosking, pastor Sunday: 9:30 am Sunday School for All Ages; 10:15 am Coffee and Fellowship; 10:30 am Morning Worship.

Monday: 6:30 pm Women’s Bible Study.

Tuesday: 9:30 am Women’s Bible Study.

Wednesday: 10 am Men’s Bible Study; 5:30 pm One-Way Club for Kids.

BALSAM LUTHERAN, 1115 Mains Crossing, Amery, Dan Watland, pastor 507-459-1141, Church 715-2689291, www.balsamlutheranchurch.org.

Sunday worship 10:15 am. Holy Communion 2nd & 3rd Sundays.

Wednesday, December 11: 6 pm Dinner Worship on Revelation–”666 and the Beast” at Elim.

Saturday, December 14: 6:30 pm St. Croix Valley Christian Choir Concert followed by dessert.

Sunday, December 15: Elim 8:30 am Holy Worship; 8:30-9 am Practice for Christmas Program; 9:30 am Fellowship Time Hosted by the Youth, Finance Committee; 10:15 am Holy Worship (Youth Christmas Program); 11:30 am Balsam Church Council.

Tuesday, December 17: 8:30 am Quilting at Elim; 6 pm Elim Church Council.

CENTERPOINT, 740 Maple Drive, St. Croix Falls (High school) Dick Enerson, pastor Sunday: 10-11:15 am Worship celebration; Children’s church (SuperKidz) age 4-5th grade; Nursery (KidzKorner) birth-3 years.

Cell Groups (small group Bible studies) offered throughout the week.

CHURCH OF CHRIST, New Richmond Jack Philips, Evangelist, 715-497-7596 Sunday: 9 am Bible Study; 10 am Worship.

Wednesday: 6:30 pm Bible Study and Devotions.

CLEAR LAKE UNITED METHODIST, John Hazen, pastor Sunday: 8:30 am Worship.

DEER PARK UNITED METHODIST, John Hazen, pastor Sunday: 11 am Worship.

DERONDA LUTHERAN, 1239 65th Ave., Amery Lori Peper, pastor 715-268-9577 Wednesday, December 11: 4:30 pm Good Neighbor Ukulele Circle Rehearsal at Deronda; 6 pm JAM, Confirmation & Parents at Deronda; 7:30 pm NUIC Choir Rehearsal at Deronda.

Thursday, December 12: 9:30 am Apple River Conference at Our Savior’s.

Sunday, December 15: 8 am Deronda Worship with Holy Communion; 9:30 am Little Falls Worship with Holy Communion; 11 am Trinity Worship with Holy Communion.

Tuesday, December 17: 9 am Little Falls WELCA Christmas Boxes, Parish Staff Meeting at Trinity; 7 pm Church Councils at Trinity.

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 Sunday: 9 am Worship service; 9:30 am Children’s Church.

Tuesday: Women’s Ministry; 9 am Bible Study.

EAST IMMANUEL LUTHERAN, south of Amery on Hwy. 46 then west on 20th Ave., Kathy Pennington, pastor Wednesday, December 11: 7 pm Council Meeting.

Sunday, December 15: 9:30 am Education; 10:30 am Worship; 11:30 am Handbell Practice.

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

Sunday: 8:45 am Prayer Meeting; 9 am Coffee and Fellowship; 9:30 am Worship service. Child Care and Discovery Land for children are provided during Worship service.

Small groups meet throughout the week. Contact the church office for further details.

Recharge for Middle and High School students, 6 pm every Wednesday.

EL SALEM BAPTIST/TWIN FALLS CHRISTIAN CENTER, Dresser, Darryl R. Olson, pastor Sunday: 9:30 am Sunday school; 10:35 am Worship; 6 pm Sunday evening.

Wednesday: 7 pm Bible Study.

ELIM LUTHERAN, Range, Dan Watland, pastor Sunday: 8:30 am Worship.

Holy Communion 2nd and 3rd Sundays.

Council 3rd Tuesday at 6 pm FAITH LUTHERAN (ELCA), 301 1st Ave. East (across from public beach on Co. Rd. I) Balsam Lake, 715-4853800, Diane Norstad, pastor Sunday: 9:30 am Sunday worship; Communion first and last Sunday.

Wednesday: 6:15 pm Christian Education; 7 pm Worship; 7:30 pm Youth Group.

FAITH LUTHERAN (ELCA), 134 Prentice St. S, Clayton Margaret Grant, pastor Sunday: 9 am Sunday school; 9:45 am Worship; 10:45 am Fellowship.

Men’s Bible Study 2nd Sunday 6 pm Mission Quilting Tuesdays 9 am Wednesday evening service 7:15-7:45 pm FIRST LUTHERAN, 240 Elm St., Amery Tim Bjorge, pastor Wednesday, December 11: 3:30-5 pm SS Cookies and Crafts; 6 pm Confirmation; Hi League; 6 pm Church Council at M. Chelberg-Polfus.

Thursday, December 12: 8 am Bible Study; 8:30 am Quilters; 7 pm Al Anon.

Saturday, December 14: 9-11 am Christmas Program Practice.

Sunday, December 15: 9 am Worship, Sunday School Christmas Program.

Monday, December 16: 6-10 pm ARQG. Tuesday, December 17: 7:30 am Women’s Bible Study; 11 am Pastor at Evergreen.

FIRST LUTHERAN (LCMC), 811 South Ave. W, Clear Lake www.firstluthclearlake.com, Bryan S. Anderson, pastor Wednesday, December 11: 6:15 pm 7th & 8th Grade Confirmation; 7:30 pm 9th Grade Confirmation.

Thursday, December 12: 11 am Pricilla Circle at Church; 1 pm Joanna Circle at Ridgeview; 3:15 pm CEF Party at Elementary.

Saturday, December 14: 9-11 am Christmas Program Practice; 11 am-Noon Birthday Party for Jesus.

Sunday, December 15: 8:30 am Contemporary Worship with Communion; 9:30 am Fellowship; 9:40 am Sunday School/ Program Practice; 10 am Traditional Worship with Communion; 11 am Fellowship; 1:15 pm Children Arrive for Program; 2 pm Sunday School Christmas Program; 4:30-7 pm Youth Christmas Party; 7 pm Choir Practice.

Monday, December 16: 10 am & 7 pm Bible Marathon Class.

Tuesday, December 17: 9 am Quilting; 11:30 am Women of the Word Christmas Potluck Luncheon; 6:30 pm Church Council.

FIRST PRESYTERIAN, 719 Nevada St., St. Croix Falls Barbara Anne Keely, pastor Sunday: 10:15 am Coffee and Fellowship; 11 am Worship.

FOREST UNITED METHODIST, John Hazen, pastor Sunday: 9:45 am Worship.

FULL GOSPEL LIGHTHOUSE, Graytown Merlin Burton, pastor Sunday: 10:30 am Sunday school; 11 am Worship.

GEORGETOWN LUTHERAN-ELCA, 877 190th Ave. Co. Rd. G, Balsam Lake (Fox Creek) 715-857-5580, serving@georgetownlutheran.net, Pastor Diane House Sunday: 9:15 am Sunday school; 10:30 am Worship; Communion 1st and 3rd Sunday.

GRACE LUTHERAN - WELS, 460 4th St., Clear Lake, Ellery W. Groth, pastor 715-491-4330 Sunday: 10:15 am Worship.

Thursday: 10 am Bible Class.

Wednesday, December 11: 5 pm Meal; 5:45 pm Advent Service.

HOLY TRINITY ORTHODOX, 511 1st St., Clayton, 715948-2493, htoc@amerytel.net, Chris Wojcik, pastor Sundays: 9:30 am Divine Liturgy.

HOLY TRINITY UNITED METHODIST, 1606 165th Ave., Centuria, on CTH I between Balsam Lake and Centuria, Yul Kwon, pastor Sunday: 8:30 am Worship and Sunday School.

IMMANUEL EV. LUTHERAN (LCMS), 124 E. Church St., Clayton, lmmLCLCMS@centurytel.net, 715-541-2955, Gregory Becker, pastor Sunday: 9 am Divine Worship.

Wednesday: 6:30 pm Family Christian Education; 7:30 pm Confirmation.

IMMANUEL LUTHERAN, 65th Ave., rural Clayton, Margaret Grant, pastor Sunday: 8:30 am Worship.

Wednesday: 6:30 pm Family Christian Education; 7:30 pm Confirmation.

SEE AREA CHURCHES, PAGE 11

Loving Kindness L

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

1 John 4:7-8 NIV

oving Kindness is a concept and a practice that is shared by most if not all the world’s religions. In Buddhism, for instance, the concept of “metta” denotes loving kindness, compassion, or even friendliness and good will. A typical metta meditation might start with the words “may I be happy, may I be well, may I be comfortable, and may I be at peace.” This prayer for well-being begins with oneself, and then extends to loved ones, acquaintances, enemies, and finally, to all sentient beings. When Jesus tells his followers in the fifth chapter of Matthew “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” he is distilling loving kindness down to its essence. That is, we are to love and care for all sentient beings, not just the small circle of those who love us. Jesus’s command to love your neighbor as yourself has its roots in the Hebrew Bible, where we are instructed “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself.”

(Leviticus 19:18 NIV) The most frequently used word in the Koran is “compassionate,” with every chapter (except the ninth) beginning with the words “In the name of God (Allah), the Compassionate (al-Rahman), the Merciful (al-Rahim).” The Koran is virtually an extended commentary on the loving kindness and mercy of God, which is a core tenet of Islam. Perhaps the best summary of this is in the first epistle of John, where we are told to love one another, for love is of God, and God is love.

–Christopher Simon

These weekly church messages are contributed by the following:

AmTec 241 Venture Dr., Amery Phone 715-268-8146

Carlson SV CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS 301 Keller Ave. S., Amery 715-268-7999

Amery Free Press Your Comunity Newspaper for over 125 years 215 S. Keller Ave., Amery Phone 715-268-8101

DECEMBER 10, 2019

SPIRITUAL

AMERY FREE PRESS

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www.theameryfreepress.com

AREA CHURCHES CONTINUED JOURNEY CHURCH, 131 Broadway St., Amery, Derek Downs, Lead Pastor, 715-268-2223, www.journeychurch.city, office@journeychurch.city Every Sunday: 9 am Worship Service; Nursery for ages 0-3 is offered. Kids Zone Children’s Church ages preschool-4th grade will meet downstairs during the sermon! No Sunday School during the summer.

2nd Sunday of the Month: 6-7 pm Praise and Prayer Night (Except June 12 & July 10) Mondays: 8:30 am Moms In Prayer.

Wednesdays: 8:30 am Women’s Bible Study in the Teen Center.

Thursdays: 8:30 am Prayer Group. Open to anyone with a heart of prayer!

Saturdays: 7 am Men’s Bible Study (Meets in the Teen Center).

LITTLE FALLS LUTHERAN, 1272 44th Ave., Amery, Lori Peper, pastor 715-268-9577 Wednesday, December 11: 4:30 pm Good Neighbor Ukulele Circle Rehearsal at Deronda; 6 pm JAM, Confirmation & Parents at Deronda; 7:30 pm NUIC Choir Rehearsal at Deronda.

Thursday, December 12: 9:30 am Apple River Conference at Our Savior’s.

Sunday, December 15: 8 am Deronda Worship with Holy Communion; 9:30 am Little Falls Worship with Holy Communion; 11 am Trinity Worship with Holy Communion.

Tuesday, December 17: 9 am Little Falls WELCA Christmas Boxes, Parish Staff Meeting at Trinity; 7 pm Church Councils at Trinity.

See our website for up-to-date scheduling www.littlefallschurch.net.

LIVING WORD CHAPEL, 2746 Hwy 64, Forest, Senior Leaders Sean & Libby Higgins, 715-265-4810, we.are. living.word@gmail.com, www.livingwordchapel.com Sunday: 9 am Breakfast and Fellowship; 10:15 am Service; Nursery and Children’s Church Available.

Wednesdays: 6 pm The Study; 7 pm Prayer.

Weekly Local Home Groups MENNONITE CHURCH, 1681 6 1/2 St., Co. Hwy. P North, Almena, 715-357-3321 Sunday: 10 am Sunday school, all ages; 10:45 am Sunday worship service; 7:30 am Sunday evening service.

MOE LUTHERAN (ELCA), 451 30th St., Clear Lake Sunday: 10 am Fellowship; 11 am Worship; Potluck lunch 2nd Sunday.

Men’s Bible Study 2nd Sunday 6 pm.

Women’s Bible Study 2nd Thursday 1:30 pm.

NEW LIFE COMMUNITY, Amery, Craig Jorgenson, pastor Sunday: 10 am Worship.

Tuesday: 6:30 pm Prayer.

Wednesday: 6:30 pm Youth.

OTTERCREEK CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP, Glenwood City Civic Center, Jason Taylor, pastor Sunday: 10:30 am Worship; Children’s church, childcare provided.

Wednesday Night Prayer.

OUR LADY OF THE LAKES CATHOLIC, Balsam Lake Father Eugene Murphy, pastor Masses: Saturday 6 pm, Sunday 8:30 am.

OUR SAVIOR’S LUTHERAN, 217 Deronda St., Amery Keith Ruehlow, pastor Wednesday, December 11: 12 pm TableTalkMen; 1:30 pm Abigail Circle; 3:30 pm Faith’n’Fun; 5 pm Cafe; 5:30 pm Confirmation Classes; 6:15 pm Evening Prayer; 6:30 pm Advent Vespers; 7 pm Choir Practice.

Thursday, December 12: 8:30 am Bible Study; 9:30 am Apple River Conference; 1:30 pm Martha Circle.

Saturday, December 14: 10:30 am Jul Fest.

Sunday, December 15: 9 am Worship with Holy Communion; 10:15 am Sunday School; 11 am Christmas Program.

Tuesday, December 17: 1 pm Quilting; 6:30 pm Church Council.

PRAIRIEVIEW COVENANT, 1396 210th Ave. (2 miles north of New Richmond on 65) Tim Coyer, pastor, www.prairieviewchurch.net Sunday: 9 am Sunday School; 10 am Worship, Nursery care available; Coffee/fellowship after worship service.

Wednesday: 6-7:30 pm Family Night, Worship/Groups for all ages.

REDEEMER LUTHERAN, 600 S. Keller Ave., Amery, Tom Hahn, pastor Wednesday, December 11: 5 pm Soup Supper; 5:30 pm Confirmation; 6:30 pm Advent Service; 7:15 pm Choir Practice.

Sunday, December 15: 9:30 am Worship with Holy Communion; 9:30 Sunday School; 10:30 am Fellowship.

REEVE EVANGELICAL FREE, Jct. Barron CTH K & A, Clear Lake, www.reevechurch.org Sunday: 9 am Worship service; 10:15 am Fellowship Time.

Wednesday nights: 6:30-7:30 pm Adult Bible Study and Prayer; Kids Club, Jr. & Sr. High Youth Group (Sept.-May).

A variety of small groups (AA, men’s & women’s) are also held throughout the week.

ST. BARNABAS EPISCOPAL, 365 5th St., Clear Lake, Rev. Geri E. Sola Sunday: 9:15 am Sunday school; 10:15 am Worship.

Holy Communion 1st and 3rd Sunday at 10:15 am.

Morning Prayer 2nd and 4th Sunday at 10:15 am.

ST. CROIX UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP, 201 N. Adams, St. Croix Falls www.scuuf.org Sunday: 10 am First three Sundays.

ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC, Clear Lake, Fr. John Long, pastor Mass: 8 am Wednesday.

Mass: 8 am Thursday.

Mass: 8:30 am Sunday.

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC, 1050 Keller Ave. N, Amery, Father Eugene Murphy • 715-268-7717 • stjosephamery.org Wednesday, December 11: 9 am Mass; 5:30 pm Advent Reconciliation at Our Lady of the Lakes.

Thursday, December 12: 10:30 am Communion Service at Golden Age Manor; 11 am Charlotte Skidmore Funeral; 6:30 pm GriefShare Meeting.

Friday, December 13: 9 am Communion Service.

Saturday, December 14: 4 pm Mass.

Sunday, December 15: 2nd Grade Bake Sale; 10:30 am Mass.

Tuesday, December 17: 9 am Communion Service.

ST. JOHN LUTHERAN, Forest, John Wilman, pastor Wednesday, December 11: 7 pm Midweek Advent Service at St. John’s.

Friday, December 13-Saturday, December 14: Pastor’s Day Off. Sunday, December 15: 8 am Worship with Holy Communion; 9 am Fellowship.

Tuesday, December 17: 1 pm Bible Study.

ST. PAUL LUTHERAN, Deer Park, John Wilman, pastor Wednesday, December 11: Pastor Visiting Shut-Ins; 7 pm Midweek Advent Service at St. John’s.

Friday, December 13-Saturday, December 14: Pastor’s Day Off. Sunday, December 15: SS Christmas Program with the Prairie Boys; 8:45 am Sunday School; 9 am Fellowship; 9:30 am Worship; 10:30 am Christmas Dinner.

Tuesday, December 17: 6:30 pm Bible Study.

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST, 76 20th Ave., Clear Lake, John Redlich, pastor 715-645-2230; Head Elder Paul Hasman 715-671-3697 Saturday Services: Adult and Children’s Bible Study 9:30 am; Church 11 am Midweek Service: Wednesday 7 pm Call Head Elder for location in winter months.

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, 644 S. 6th St., Barron, Chapel 715-537-3679 Bishop Kenneth Konesky 715-719-0283 Sunday: 10-11 am Sacrament Meeting; 11:10-Noon Priesthood, Relief Society, Primary, Sunday School.

TRINITY LUTHERAN of Garfield, 1578 85th Ave., Amery Lori Peper, pastor 715-268-9577 Wednesday, December 11: 4:30 pm Good Neighbor Ukulele Circle Rehearsal at Deronda; 6 pm JAM, Confirmation & Parents at Deronda; 7:30 pm NUIC Choir Rehearsal at Deronda.

Thursday, December 12: 9:30 am Apple River Conference at Our Savior’s.

Sunday, December 15: 8 am Deronda Worship with Holy Communion; 9:30 am Little Falls Worship with Holy Communion; 11 am Trinity Worship with Holy Communion.

Tuesday, December 17: 9 am Little Falls WELCA Christmas Boxes, Parish Staff Meeting at Trinity; 7 pm Church Councils at Trinity.

See our website for up-to-date scheduling www.trinitylutheranchurchofamery.com.

UNITED COVENANT, 348 5th St. NW, Clear Lake, Dan Pearson, pastor Wednesday, December 11: 5:30 pm All Church Supper; 6 pm Kid’s Blast Veggie Tales Movie, CREW, Adult Study; 7:15 pm Worship Practice T-3.

Thursday, December 12: 3:15 pm CEF Club at Clear Lake Elementary School.

Saturday, December 14: 7 am Men’s Prayer Breakfast.

Sunday, December 15: Sunday School Christmas Program; 8:45 am Sunday School/Confirmation; 9:30 am Worship Practice T-3; 10 am Worship Service; 7 pm Friendship Builders at Ridgeview.

Monday, December 16: 5 pm Grief Support Group at Margaret Peterson’s.

Tuesday, December 17: 8 am Prayer Time; 9:30 am Women’s Bible Study; 6:45 pm Women’s Bible Study at Lynn Pickard’s.

UNITED METHODIST, GLENHILLS PARISH Marybeth Scow, pastor Emerald UMC: 8:30 am Worship with Sunday School.

Glenwood City UMC: 9:45 am Worship with Sunday School.

Downing UMC: 11 am Worship with Sunday School.

WEST IMMANUEL LUTHERAN, ELCA, 447 180th St., Osceola, Pastor Matt Saarem, Interim Pastor, www. westimmanuel.org Wednesday, December 11: 9 am GECC; 6 pm Choir, Confirmation Meal; 7 pm Confirmation Class.

Saturday, December 14: 9-11 am Sunday School Program Practice.

Sunday, December 15: 9:30 am Children’s Christmas Worship Practice; 10:30 am Sunday School, Coffee Fellowship; 4 pm Service of Remembrance.

Tuesday, December 17: 7 pm Church Council.

WORD OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP, Clear Lake Patricia and Harlen Wienke, pastors Sunday: 10 am Worship.

Tuesday: 9 am Healing Rooms by appointment.

Wednesday: 7 pm Adult Bible Study.

Obituaries are posted online each week

“Hygge themed”

Jul Fest

Scandinavian Bazaar!

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church 217 Deronda St., Amery

Saturday, Dec. 14 10:30 a.m.

Handcrafted Items Get Cozy Baked Goods Relax & Mingle Activities for Kids Scandinavian Luncheon Served

Join us for these special holiday services Advent Services Wednesdays, Dec. 11 & 18 Soup & Sandwich 5 p.m.

Worship 6:30 p.m.

Worship Services Sundays, Dec. 15 & 22 9:30 a.m.

Christmas Eve Tuesday, Dec. 24

7 p.m. Candlelight Service w/communion

Choir & Youth Christmas Service Sunday, Dec. 29, 9:30 a.m.

REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH 600 Keller Ave. S, Amery 715-268-7283

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church 217 Deronda St. on CTH F in Amery

Wednesday, Dec. 11 & 18

6:30 p.m. Advent Vespers Service

Sunday, Dec. 15

9 a.m. Worship Service with Holy Communion 11 a.m. Youth Christmas Program “The Birth of Jesus”

Tuesday, Dec. 24

5 p.m. Worship with Holy Communion 10 p.m. Worship with Holy Communion

Wednesday, Dec. 25

9 a.m. Christmas Day service with Holy Communion We invite the public to come worship with us during the year 2020!

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Area Christmas Services:

Everyone Welcome!

Celebrate with us!

Sunday, Dec. 15 10 a.m. Sunday School Christmas Program

Tuesday, Dec. 24 CHRISTMAS EVE 2 p.m. Barn Service at home Strodthoff-Kopp Farm 1364 105th Ave./CTH C, Amery 4:30 p.m. Children & Family Worship Service 9:30 p.m. Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols

Congregational Church 201 N. Harriman Ave., Amery 715-268-7390 • ameryucc.org

Please join us for the Holidays!

Tuesday, Dec. 24 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Amery Free Lutheran Church Hwy. F west of Amery 715-268-9218

In a religion that was born in a barn, open doors go without saying . . .

The Willow River United Methodist Parish invites you to join us this Christmas season as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ SUNDAY WORSHIP

A warm Christmas welcome is extended to the entire community to attend

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH Hwy. 46 North, Amery

Sunday, Dec. 22 - 10:30 a.m.

Youth Christmas Program Tuesday, Dec. 24 - CHRISTMAS EVE 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass Wed., Dec. 25 - CHRISTMAS DAY Nativity of the Lord 10:30 a.m. Christmas Day Mass Tuesday, Dec. 31 6 p.m. Solemnity of Mary Eve Mass

8:30 a.m. Clear Lake United Methodist Church 9:45 a.m. Forest United Methodist Church 11 a.m. Deer Park United Methodist Church

OUR LADY OF THE LAKES CATHOLIC CHURCH

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES TUESDAY, DEC. 24 4 p.m. at the Clear Lake United Methodist 5:30 p.m. at the Forest United Methodist 7 p.m. at the Deer Park United Methodist

Tuesday, Dec. 24 - CHRISTMAS EVE 6 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass Wed., Dec. 25 - CHRISTMAS DAY 8:30 a.m. Christmas Day Mass Wed., Jan. 1 8:30 am Solemnity of Mary Mass

Clear Lake U.M.C. - 420 4th Ave. Trinity-Deer Park U.M.C. - 221 2nd St. W Forest U.M.C. - 1893 Co. Rd. D & Hwy. 64

The Reverend Gene Murphy and the staffs at St. Joseph and Our Lady of the Lakes extend to all a Blessed Christmas and a Joy-filled New Year!

Sunday, December 15 9:30 a.m. Children/Youth present “Symbols of the Season” Christmas Worship Service 4 p.m. Service of Remembrance

Sunday, December 22 9:30 a.m. Advent Worship

Tuesday, December 24 4 & 10 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship with Holy Communion

West Immanuel Lutheran Church Matt Saarem, Interim Pastor 447 180th St., Osceola 715-294-2936 westimmanuel.org

507 W Main St., Balsam Lake

And we’ll call him Immanuel . . . meaning “God with us.”

Tuesday, Dec. 24 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Nursery care is provided for small children Handicap accessible

United Covenant Church 348 5th St. NW, (Jct. Hwy. 63 & Cty. JJ) CLEAR LAKE Phone 715-263-2665

Enjoy the Sounds of the Season!

Youth Christmas Program Sunday, Dec. 15, 10:15 a.m. at Balsam

CHRISTMAS EVE 2 p.m. Barn Service at Strodthoff-Kopp Farm, 1364 105th Ave/CTH C, Amery 5 p.m. Candlelight Service at Balsam 9 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at Elim Lutheran Church

Balsam Lutheran Elim Church Lutheran 1115 Mains Crossing, Amery Church (5 miles north of Amery off CTH H) 715-268-9291

Range

SUNDAY, DEC. 15

Sunday, Dec. 15

2 p.m. Sunday School Christmas Program

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 18

9 a.m. Worship & Sunday School Christmas Program

7 p.m. Christmas Concert with First Lutheran Choir & Unitied Methodist Hand Choir

Christmas Eve Worship Tuesday, Dec. 24

Tuesday, Dec. 24, 4 p.m.

Candlelight Service with Holy Communion

3 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Candlelight Service with Holy Communion

First Lutheran Church 240 W. Elm St. • Amery

CHRISTMAS EVE

CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE Wednesday, Dec. 25, 10 a.m. with Holy Communion

First Lutheran Church 811 South Ave. W Clear Lake, WI

SPIRITUAL

DECEMBER 10, 2019

AMERY FREE PRESS

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Irene Avril (Dado) Paulson Irene Avril (Dado) Paulson, age 91 of Clear Lake, WI, met her Savior, Jesus Christ, when she was called home on December 2, 2019 at Amery Hospital.

Irene was born on February 27, 1928 in Vance Creek Township to Andrew and Susan (Hoffich) Dado.

R Raised in the Prairie Farm a area, Irene graduated from P Prairie Farm High School iin just three years and was h her class Valedictorian. On M May 28, 1949, she married tthe love of her life, Melvin P Paulson.

Once she and Mel starte ed their family, she was a h housewife, raising and nurtturing their nine children.

T They moved several times early in their marriage, finally settling on the Dado homestead. For years the family made their home on this dairy farm, between Clear Lake and Prairie Farm. She found much joy in her gardening and can-

ning during her years as a homemaker.

Having several sons and grandsons on the Clear Lake Wrestling team, she became a big supporter and fan of Clear Lake Sports. She attended many matches over the past 40 years and traveled to Madison several times for the state tournament.

Irene attended Reeve Church faithfully for decades, where she was regarded as a prayer warrior. She loved to spend time reading her Bible and in prayer, deepening her walk of faith as she followed Jesus.

An avid reader who liked to shop, she was active right up to her final days, eating out with friends, attending Bible study, and celebrating family birthdays.

She will be missed by her many family members and church family, but all who loved her are happy that she is now with her Savior and those she loved who arrived in Heaven before her.

Irene is survived by her children, Randy (Mona) Paulson, John (Susan) Paulson, Loren (Kathy) Paulson, Russell (Chris) Paulson, Marilyn Weber, Steven/ Maynard (Diane) Paulson, Linda (Don) Rauterkus, Howard Paulson and Peter (Cheryl) Paulson; a

brother, Andrew Dado Jr; 32 Grandchildren and 61 Great-Grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Melvin; her parents, Andrew and Susie; 2 sisters, Genevieve (Dado) Bruder and Laurice (Dado) Lambert; sons-in-law Joel Weber and Peter Friedrich; daughter-in-law Darla Paulson; and infant great-granddaughter Allison Landry.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at the Reeve Evangelical Free Church with Pastor Todd Groat officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 – 8 PM on Friday at the Williamson-White Funeral Home and for one hour prior to the services at the Church. Interment will take place immediately following the service at the Reeve Cemetery.

To sign an online guest book and view a video tribute please visit www.williamsonwhite.com Arrangements were entrusted to the Williamson-White Funeral Home and Cremation Services Amery, Wisconsin.

Norma J. Lahners Norma J. Lahners died peacefully on Monday, November 18, 2019 at the age of 84, at the Christian Community Home in Osceola.

Norma was born on November 9, 1935 in St. Paul, M MN to Elsie Stricker. They llater moved to Grantsburg, W WI where she completed h her education and graduate ed from Grantsburg High S School in 1953. It was in G Grantsburg that she met C Clarence and was married o on April 30, 1955 and to this u union seven children were b born.

Her family was very

important to her and she loved spending time with them. She also enjoyed sewing and making quilts for each of them. Playing cards with others at the Millside Apartments,reading, and working on Word Finds were a few of her favorite things to do. On many afternoons you could find her watching Jeopardy as she loved to watch and answer the questions.

Norma was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence; daughter, Marilyn; mother, Elsie Janke; in-laws, John and Evelyn Lahners; brothers, Charles and Thomas Janke; grandchildren, Amanda Smith and Lucus Smith; sisters-in-law, Irene Steffen and Alberta Lahners; brothers-in-law, Don Steffen, Willie Lahners and Marvin Westrom.

She will be sadly missed by her daughters, Jackie (Al) Marmon, Jo (Ron) Jasperson, Linda (Joe) Kahl,

Donna (Mike) Peterson, Judy (Frank) Smith; her son, Ron Lahners; Clem Anderson her son-in-law; brothers, Bill (Carol) Reed and Leo (Judy) Janke; sister-inlaw, Louise (Dick) Klawitter; seventeen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held 2:00 pm, Friday, November 22 at Peace Lutheran Church in Dresser, WI, with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment was at Pleasant Prairie Cemetery. Arrangements were made by the Grandstrand Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed online at www.grandstrandfh.com.

Phoebe M. Knutson

SUNDAY, DEC. 22 10:30 a.m. Worship with Youth Christmas Program TUESDAY, DEC. 24 CHRISTMAS EVE 4 p.m. Candlelight Service SUNDAY, DEC. 29 10:30 a.m. Christmas Lessons and Carols

East Immanuel Lutheran Church 207 120th Street Amery, WI 54001 715-268-2143 www.eastimmanuel-lutheran.org

Phoebe M. Knutson, age 95 of Clear Lake, died on Friday, December 6, 2019 at Golden Age Manor in Amery.

Funeral Services are Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the United Covenant Church in Clear Lake with visitation 1 hour prior to services at the

church.

Scheuermann-Hammer Funeral Home of Clear Lake, WI handled the arrangements. www.clearlakefuneralhome.com A complete obituary and photo will follow next week.

James Wayne Peterson James Wayne Peterson, 81, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 26th, 2019.

Jim was born in a log home on the family farm north of Wright, Minnesota (Carlton County) on December 7, 1937. He was the third of six children born to Delmar and Vivian (Tollerson) Peterson. The years of growing up were

spent in the Wright area on three different family farms. Two of the farms truly were located in the sticks, one of the farms had a mile long driveway that often the kids would have to sprint down to catch the bus, and in the spring Jim’s dad Delmar would often break SEE JAMES PETERSON, PAGE 25

Please join us for the Christmas Season!

December 22: 9:30 a.m. JAM Christmas Program Deronda

December 24: 4:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Combined Candlelight Service at Trinity with Holy Communion December 25: 9:30 a.m. Christmas Day Combined Worship at Little Falls with Holy Communion

NEIGHBORS UNITED IN CHRIST Deronda Little Falls Trinity Lutheran Lutheran Lutheran

Co. Rd. F west of Amery

Just off Co. Rd. C west of Amery

1578 85th Ave./Cty. Rd. F, Amery (east of Hwy. 65)

14 AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 10, 2019 www.theameryfreepress.com

...homes for the holidays this year!

Let’s all help decorate each others’...

Newspaper Fun! www.readingclubfun.com

Annimills LLC © 2019 V15-48

Holiday Fun & Feasts Kwanza

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3. The Legend of the Poinsettia 4. Miracle on 34th Street 5. The Nutcracker Ballet 6. A Charlie Brown Christmas 7. A Christmas Story 8. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 9. ’Twas the Night Before Christmas 10. It’s Kwanzaa Time!

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1. Lights: The Miracle of Chanukah

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Read the clues to fill in the crossword with holiday fun: 1. Festival of Lights, an 8-day Jewish holiday, honoring the Maccabees’ victory over their enemies and the miracle of a small amount of oil that kept burning for 8 days in their temple.

2. Jewish families use this to arrange candles.

3. Families find their recipes for sugared jelly doughnuts, honeycovered puffs and these delicious potato pancakes. dec 4. Las ________ is a celebration in Mexico for 9 days before Christmas. ora te People act out the journey of Joseph and Mary trying to find shelter.

8 5. Families make these special treats from a corn dough and a spicy pork or beef filling, all wrapped in corn husks for cooking.

6. Families set up these scenes in their homes: a stable for shelter, the figure of the Christ child in the center with Joseph and Mary looking on, three kings (the Magi), angels, shepherds and townspeople, and some animals.

7. Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus.

8. On Christmas Eve, delivers gifts to good children; fills their stockings too!

9. Families ________ their houses, mantels and halls with lights, greens and a tree.

10. A 7-day festival celebrated by African-Americans; a time to think about their lives and families; how they can help to create strong communities.

11. People decorate, set a nice table for a dinner, light ________ and give gifts.

12. Peanut soup, sweet potatoes, rice or chicken dishes are made for a ________.

Favorite Family Films and Fun!

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I have such a busy schedule for the holidays. This week I made little doughnuts and honey-covered puffs to take to my classmate’s Hanukkah celebration. Next week, one of our teachers is going to tell us about the holiday season of Kwanzaa and some of his traditions.

Then, I’m going to help Forest and Glade decorate their home with greens for Christmas. Chatter will bake cookies, breads and a ..

Buche de Noel – a delicious Christmas log cake – and I’ll help! What are you and your family doing to celebrate the holidays?

It’s that time of of year when there are many choices for family holiday fun and entertainment: movies, plays, television shows, cartoons, books, poetry, stories, and music. Here is a list of some family favorites.

Match each title to its description:

Kids: color stuff in!

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A. folktale by Tomie dePaola about a girl in Mexico whose gift to Baby Jesus turns into beautiful poinsettias B. dance and musical performance based on storybook; music was written by a famous composer–Tchaikovsky; first shown in Russia C. money is tight for the family in this Hanukkah tale; but when a stranger visits they share what little they have D. movie that makes everyone want to write to Santa Claus E. cartoon that shows the story of Hanukkah (Chanukah) and the family traditions of this holiday F. story, song, TV show about reindeer whose bright red nose helps Santa find his way through bad weather to deliver gifts G. TV special based on the comic strip Peanuts; Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus and other characters talk about the meaning of Christmas H. poem by Clement Clarke Moore describing Santa Claus’ trip to deliver gifts; “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”

I. movie about 9-year-old Ralphie who can only think about the Red Ryder air rifle he wants for Christmas J. book by Linda and Clay Goss full of stories, songs, recipes, games and crafts for celebrating Kwanzaa

ANSWERS FOR NEWSPAPER FUN ON PAGE 31.

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Welcome to ‘Newspaper Fun’ – a weekly learning & puzzle feature aimed at young readers.

To advertise, please contact Pam at the Amery Free Press 715.268-8101 • phumpal@theameryfreepress.com

COMMUNITY

DECEMBER 10, 2019

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COOKING WORLD Tidbit: Liberty cannot be preserved without general knowledge of the people. (John Adams – SecCarolyn C l Lumsden L d ond President of the U.S.) 715-483-9738

This is a quick and easy hot dish make with frozen French Fries.

FRENCH FRY HOT DISH Cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes, in skillet: 1/3 c. cubed butter 1 small onion, chopped 1 small green bell pepper, seeded and chopped Stir in until blended: 1/2 c. flour Whisk in: 3 c. milk Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until thickened (2-3 minutes).

Stir in and cook until cheese is melted: 1 medium carrot, shredded 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 c. diced pimientos, drained 1/2 tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. pepper Remove from heat and set aside.

Place in a greased/sprayed 9x13" baking pan: 1 pkg. (32 oz.) frozen French Fried potatoes Pour the sauce over the potatoes. Bake, uncovered, at 375˚ for 30 minutes.

Sprinkle on top and bake another 3-5 minutes or until melted: 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese.

Serves 8-12.

This makes a good bean and corn salad. Make it ahead to refrigerate overnight to blend flavors. This makes a nice buffet salad because you don’t have to worry about keeping it cold.

BLACK BEAN AND CORN SALAD Combine in large bowl: 2 cans (15 oz. ea.) black beans, rinsed and well drained 3 ears cut-off cooked corn (or use about 2-2 1/2 cups frozen whole kernel corn, thawed 2 red bell peppers, seeded and diced 2 cloves minced garlic 2 T. minced onion 2 tsp. salt or to taste 2 T. sugar 9 T. extra-virgin olive oil 1 tsp. lime juice 1/2 c. chopped fresh cilantro Mix well and cover. Refrigerate overnight or several hours.

Just before serving, add and mix carefully: 2 avocadoes, chopped Serve at room temperature. Serves 6-8.

M&M PUDDING COOKIES Beat together in large bowl on medium until fluffy, scrapping side of bowl often: 1 c. butter, softened 3/4 c. sugar 3/4 c. brown sugar Beat in: 1 box (4 serving size) vanilla instant pudding Add and beat in one at a time: 2 eggs Beat in: 1 tsp. vanilla Combine and add to the above until well blended: 2-1/2 c. flour 1-1/2 tsp. soda 1/2 tsp. salt Stir in: 2 c. green and red M&M’s 1 c. white vanilla baking chips Drop dough by rounded tablespoonsful onto ungreased baking sheets about 2" apart. Bake at 350˚ for about 9-11 minutes or until light brown.

Cool on pans for 2 minutes, then remove to wire racks to cool. Store in airtight containers at room temp. Makes about 4 dozen cookies. Hint: When the holidays are over, use other M&M colors for other baking times.

Spread onto bottom of a greased/sprayed 9x13" baking pan: 2 cans (14 oz. ea.) whole berry cranberry sauce Sprinkle on top of the cranberry sauce: 1 box (15.25 oz.) yellow cake mix (super moist kind) Pour over the cake mix and cover as much as you can: 3/4 c. melted butter Bake at 350˚ for 45-50 minutes or until golden and bubbling.

Cool on wire rack for 15 minutes before spooning into bowls or dessert dishes. You can add a dollop of whipped cream/topping or a scoop of ice cream if you wish to do so.

With the holiday coming, you’ll probably be baking cookies. These are easy, colorful and good tasting, too.

Everyone will enjoy them.

Tips: Remember when measuring brown sugar to pack it in the measuring cup.

When storing cookies, don’t pack several varieties together. Put the cookies on a tray/dish just before ready to serve instead to keep flavors separate.

Many cookies freeze well. Pack in airtight containers in your freezer, remove about an hour before ready to serve and put on a pretty plate/tray.

Enlist the help of children when baking. (Be prepared for little messes and have paper towels, etc. ready to clean up spills etc.) They love help baking bars and cookies and will enjoy telling family/friends they helped make them. That’s part of the fun and sharing of the holidays together!

Read the

If you don’t have a recipe for Peanut Butter Blossoms, here it is.

It’s always a favorite on any cookie tray. You will need 36 unwrapped candy kisses when making this recipe.

PEANUT BUTTER BLOSSOM COOKIES Beat together in large bowl until well blended: 1/2 c. butter, softened 1/2 c. sugar 1/2 c. brown sugar 1/2 c. creamy peanut butter 1 egg Combine and add to the above until dough forms: 1-1/2 c. flour 3/4 tsp. soda 1/2 tsp. baking powder Take some dough and roll into 1" balls. Put some sugar into a shallow dish and roll each ball into the sugar and place on baking sheets about 2" apart. Bake at 375˚ for 8-10 minutes or until edges are light golden brown.

SUNDAY

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TUESDAY

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WEDNESDAY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

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6-8 pm Pickleball/ Open Gym at Amery High School (through March)

8:15 am Amery Housing Authority Meeting at the AHA Office 5:30 pm Polk County Democrats at the Dresser Pizzeria 6:30 pm Bingo at the VFW Hall 7 pm Amery Wrestling at Osceola 7 pm Clear Lake Wrestling vs Boyceville

5:45 pm Clear Lake Girls Basketball vs Turtle Lake 7 pm Amery Boys Ice Hockey at Rhinelander 7:15 pm Amery Boys Basketball at Cameron 7:15 pm Amery Girls Basketball at Ellsworth 7:15 pm Clear Lake Boys Basketball vs Turtle Lake

10 am Amery Wrestling Invitational at Spooner 10:30 am Clear Lake Wrestling Invitational at Barron 11:30 am Amery Boys Ice Hockey at Lakeland

December 11December 21, 2019

Make this simple, easy and tasty cobbler that uses a yellow cake mix. You can make it in just a few minutes and let it bake.

CRANBERRY COBBLER

Immediately press 1 milk chocolate candy kiss in center of each cookie.

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

*All events marked with an asterisk are located at the Amery Community Center.

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1:30-3:30 pm Basketball Winter Rec for Youth & Families at Amery Middle School gym (through March 15) 1:30-3:30 pm Open Gym for Families sponsored by Power Up at Intermediate School gym

7 pm Indianhead Barbershop Chorus meets at the Polk County Government Center in Balsam Lake 7:15 pm Amery Girls Basketball vs BaldwinWoodville

11-11:45 am Rumble Jumble Open Gym at Intermediate School gym (through March when school is in session) 7 pm Amery Snowmobile Club meeting at the Amery Community Center 7 pm Amery Boys Ice Hockey vs Somerset 7:15 pm Amery Boys Basketball vs Baldwin-Woodville 7:15 pm Clear Lake Girls Basketball vs Clayton 7:15 pm Clayton Boys Basketball at Lake Holcombe 7:15 pm Clayton Girls Basketball at Clear Lake

6-8 pm Pickleball/ Open Gym at Amery High School (through March)

6:30 pm Bingo at the VFW Hall 7 pm Amery Wrestling vs Prescott 7:15 pm Amery Girls Basketball vs. St. Croix Central 7:15 pm Clear Lake Boys Basketball vs Clayton 7:15 pm Clayton Boys Basketball at Clear Lake 7:15 pm Clayton Girls Basketball vs Unity

5 pm Amery Wrestling Meet at Cameron 5:45 pm Clear Lake Girls Basketball vs Luck 7 pm Clear Lake Wrestling at Bruce 7:15 pm Amery Boys Basketball vs New Richmond 7:15 pm Clear Lake Boys Basketball vs Luck

9 am Clear Lake Wrestling Invitational at Osceola 2 pm Amery Boys Ice Hockey vs River Falls

SPONSORED BY:

Amery • 715-268-7161 Member FDIC

For All Your Communications Needs 715-268-7101

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

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LUNCH MENUS AMERY SCHOOL DISTRICT

ghetti, PB&J Sandwich, Yogurt Lunch, Chef Salad, Green Beans, Garden Bar, Fruit Choices, Pasta, Spaghetti WG-2g, Garlic Toast.

Milk Choices: Low-fat White Milk, Chocolate Skim Milk, Skim White Milk.

Daily Breakfast Offerings: Chex, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cocoa Puffs, Honey Nut Cheerios, Chocolate Mini Wheats, Trix or Cheerio Bar-MS/HS Only, String Cheese, Hard Boiled Egg or Sunflower Seeds, Fruit Choices, 100% Orange Juice, 100% Grape Juice, 100% Apple Juice.

Wednesday, Dec. 11– Breakfast: Freshly Baked Cinnamon Rolls.

Elementary Lunch: Chicken n’ Waffles, Bologna Sandwich, Baked Beans, Garden Bar, Berries & Cream, Fruit Choices.

Intermediate Lunch: Chicken n’ Waffles, Bologna Sandwich, Chef Salad, Baked Beans, Garden Bar, Berries & Cream, Fruit Choices.

Middle School Lunch: Chicken n’ Waffles, Garlic Cheese Flatbread, Bologna Sandwich, Chef Salad, Baked Beans, Garden Bar, Berries & Cream, Fruit Choices.

High School Lunch: Chicken n’ Waffles, PB&J Sandwich, Yogurt Lunch, Chef Salad, Baked Beans, Garden Bar, Berries & Cream.

Thursday, Dec. 12– Breakfast: Maple Pancake Coins.

Elementary Lunch: Homemade Spaghetti, Yogurt Combo Lunch, Green Beans, Garden Bar, Fruit Choices, Pasta, Spaghetti WG-1g, Garlic Toast.

Intermediate Lunch: Homemade Spaghetti, Yogurt Combo Lunch, Chef Salad, Green Beans, Garden Bar, Fruit Choices, Pasta, Spaghetti WG-1g, Garlic Toast.

Middle School Lunch: Homemade Spaghetti, Yogurt Combo Lunch, Crispy Chicken Salad, Green Beans, Garden Bar, Fruit Choices, Pasta, Spaghetti WG-1g, Garlic Toast.

High School Lunch: Homemade Spa-

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Friday, Dec. 13– Breakfast: Warrior Sandwich.

Elementary Lunch: Sweet & Sassy Meatballs, Bologna Sandwich, Broccoli & Cauliflower, Garden Bar, Fruit Choice, Brown Rice.

Intermediate Lunch: Sweet & Sassy Meatballs, Bologna Sandwich, Chef Salad, Broccoli & Cauliflower, Garden Bar, Fruit Choice, Brown Rice.

Middle School Lunch: Sweet & Sassy Meatballs, Chicken Teriyaki, Bologna Sandwich, Chef Salad, Broccoli & Cauliflower, Garden Bar, Fruit Choices, Brown Rice.

High School Lunch: Sweet & Sassy Meatballs, PB&J Sandwich, Yogurt Lunch, Chef Salad, Broccoli & Cauliflower, Garden Bar, Fruit Choices, Brown Rice.

Monday, Dec. 16– Breakfast: Early Riser, Cinnamon Crisps.

Elementary Lunch: French Toast, Sausage Patty, Ham & Cheese Sandwich, Tri-Tator, Garden Bar, Warm Cinnamon Apples, Fruit Choices.

Intermediate Lunch: French Toast, Sausage Patty, Ham & Cheese Sandwich, Chicken Fajita Salad, Tri-Tator, Garden Bar, Warm Cinnamon Apples, Fruit Choices.

Middle School Lunch: French Toast, Sausage Patty, Pork Carnita Sandwich, Ham & Cheese Sandwich, Chicken Fajita Salad, Tri-Tator, Garden Bar, Warm Cinnamon Apples, Fruit Choices.

High School Lunch: French Toast, Sausage Patty, PB&J Sandwich, Yogurt Lunch, Chicken Fajita Salad, Tri-Tator, Garden Bar, Warm Cinnamon Apples, Fruit Choices.

Tuesday, Dec. 17– Breakfast: Lumberjack.

Elementary Lunch: Italian Dunker, Yogurt Combo Lunch, California Blend Veggies, Garden Bar, Fruit Choices, Marinara Sauce.

Intermediate Lunch: Italian Dunker, Yogurt Combo Lunch, Chicken Fajita Salad, California Blend Veggies, Garden Bar, Fruit Choices, Marinara Sauce.

Middle School Lunch: Italian Dunker, Klements Bratwurst, Yogurt Combo Lunch, Chicken Fajita Salad, California Blend Veggies, Garden Bar, Fruit Choices, Marinara Sauce.

High School Lunch: Italian Dunker, PB&J Sandwich, Chicken Fajita Salad, California Blend Veggies, Garden Bar, Fruit Choices, Marinara Sauce.

CLEAR LAKE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Pineapple Tidbits, “Jonny Pop� Fruit Bar, Juice, Milk Choice.

Friday, Dec. 13– Elementary Breakfast: Breakfast Cereal or Cinnamon Roll, Hard Cooked Egg, Fruit Juice, Fruit, Milk Choice.

Elementary Lunch: Chicken Nuggets, Mashed Potatoes/Gravy, Dinner Roll, Steamed Corn, Applesauce, Blueberries, Milk Choice.

High School Breakfast: Cereal, Yogurt, “Gripz� Graham Crackers, Cinnamon Rolls, Pop Tart, Sausage Links.

High School Lunch: Chicken Nuggets, Mashed Potatoes/Gravy, Dinner Roll, Sweet Potatoe Souffle, Applesauce, Mixed Fruit, Milk Choice.

Monday, Dec. 16–

Wednesday, Dec. 11– Elementary Breakfast: Breakfast Cereal or Oatmeal, Cereal Bar, Fruit Juice, Fruit, Milk Choice.

Elementary Lunch: Toasted Cheese Sandwich or PB&J “Uncrustable�, Tomato Soup, Crackers, Vegetables with Dip, Strawberries, Frozen Yogurt, Milk.

High School Breakfast: Cereal, Zee Zee Bar, Muffin, Yogurt, Sausage/Egg/ Cheese Sandwich, “Gripz Graham Crackers, Lemon Bread.

High School Lunch: Toasted Cheese Sandwich or PB&J “Uncrustable� or Oriental Chicken Salad, Tomato Soup, Crackers, Vegetables/Dip, Strawberries, Mandarin Oranges, Milk.

Thursday, Dec. 12– Elementary Breakfast: Breakfast Cereal & Yogurt or Peanut Butter and Jelly “Uncrushable�, Hash Brown, Fruit Juice, Milk Choice.

Elementary Lunch: Cheese Quesadilla or Taco in a Bag, Fixings, Refried Beans, Mandarin Oranges, Slushie Fruit Cup, Milk Choice.

High School Breakfast: Cereal, Cheese Omelet, Muffin, Lemon Bread, Pancakes, Nutri Grain Bar, Yogurt Parfait.

High School Lunch: Deluxe Nachos or Quesadilla, Refried Beans, Fixings,

Elementary Breakfast: Breakfast Cereal or French Toast Sticks, Sausage Links, Fruit Juice, Fruit, Milk Choice.

Elementary Lunch: Mini Corn Dogs or Macaroni & Cheese, Potato Wedges, Steamed Broccoli, Cheese Sauce, Sliced Peaches, Milk.

High School Breakfast: Cereal, Yogurt, Muffin, Lemon Bread, Cereal Bar, French Toast Sticks, Sausage Links.

High School Lunch: “Brunch Lunch�, Cheese Omelet, Donut, Sausage Links, Juice, Hash Browns, Salsa, Fresh Fruit, Milk, (Grilled Chicken Salad Option).

Tuesday, Dec. 17– Elementary Breakfast: Breakfast Cereal or Mini Cinni, Smoothie, Fruit Juice, Fruit, Milk Choice.

Elementary Lunch: Warrior Burger or Fish Sticks, French Fries, Baked Beans, Applesauce, Blueberries, Milk Choice.

High School Breakfast: Cereal, Hard Cooked Egg, Muffin, Lemon Bread, Donut Holes, Sausage Links, Smoothie, Pop Tart.

High School Lunch: Warrior Burger or Barbecue Riblet, French Fries, Baked Beans, Mandarin Oranges, Sliced Pears, Milk Choice.

Wolves relocated to Isle Royale park ďŹ nding plenty to eat HOUGHTON, Mich. (AP) — Scientists say gray wolves relocated to Isle Royale National Park are adjusting nicely to their new surroundings and finding plenty of prey.

Officials released findings Monday from observations of wolves that were captured on the mainland and taken to the Lake Superior park during the past year.

Plans call for moving 20 to 30 wolves to

Isle Royale to restore a population that had nearly disappeared because of inbreeding.

The park’s current total is 17.

The radio-collared wolves were monitored over the summer by park staffers and researchers with the State University of New York.

They studied remains of animals the wolves had eaten and concluded that more

than half of the prey were moose. But the wolves also feasted on beavers and snowshoe hares.

Natural resources chief Mark Romanski says the prey study is part of an effort to determine how wolf restoration will affect the park’s ecosystems.

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COMMUNITY

DECEMBER 10, 2019

AMERY FREE PRESS

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www.theameryfreepress.com

AMERY AREA COMMUNITY CENTER What do you wish for? According to the dictionary a wish is a desire or hope for something to happen.

I recently read a poem by an unknown author that says: “I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright. I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more. I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive. I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger. I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting. I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess. I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.” With that said, I wish you all of this for the upcoming holiday season!

2020 Memberships are due by December 31st. Stop in and See Jen or Amanda to pay your dues and update your information.

Christmas Day Dinner: Come enjoy a free will offering dinner with all the trimmings at 2:00. Please stop in the office or call 715-268-6605 to reserve your spots. All are welcome! We are also looking for cookie and other holiday treat donations, please drop them off before 4:00 on December 23rd.

• Are you looking for a place to host your holiday party for work or family?? 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,

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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.

• Tuesday December 3rd Pool winners were Gary Snelling in first, Mary Fisher took second, Dean Elken placed third, Dean Elken took fourth, and Loren Bavin took the consolation prize.

• Wednesday December 4th Bridge winners were Frank Segerstrom taking first, Steve Willhelm placed second, Dean Elken took third and Bernie Peterson placed fourth.

• Thursday December 5th Pool winners were Gary Snelling in first, Dean Elken placed second, Mary Fisher took third, and Les Peterson took fourth and Jerry Fisher took the consolation prize.

Congratulations to all!

Amanda Fisk, Director Jen Tyman, Assistant Director

SELF HELP GROUPS Advance Directive Workshop. Who would make your healthcare decisions in the event you are unable to? How would this person know what decisions you would want made? Learn more about Advance Directives and how to complete them. Free Advance Directive Workshop will be held the first Wednesday of the month from 10-11 a.m. Wisconsin and Minnesota Advance Directives will be available. Call St. Croix Regional Medical Education Services at 715-483-0431 or 800-642-1336 ext. 2431 to register.

Alanon/Alateen (for family and friends of alcoholics) meets Thursday nights 7-8 p.m. at First Lutheran church, Amery. 715-268-8362.

Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Monday 7 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m., Thursday 7 p.m., Friday 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m., Sunday 7 p.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 217 Deronda St., Amery. 715-781-4380 Jason.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Tuesdays 7 p.m. at Clear Lake Community Center, VFW Room 123. Richard 715-554-7277, Teresa 612-636-3244.

Alcoholics Anonymous meets Monday at noon B.B., Thursdays 10 a.m. at Parkview Methodist church, Turtle Lake. Contact Mike 715-986-2457.

Alzheimer’s Support Group. First Wednesday of the month 10 a.m. at Amery Senior Center. Last Tuesday of month 1 p.m. at Good Sam Nursing Home. Sharlene Bellefaille 715-635-6601.

Baby & Me. Weekly play and discussion hour for parents and their infants (birth to 12 months).

Wednesdays 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Amery Hospital & Clinic, BirthDay Suites Waiting Room. Join at any time.

No charge.

The Baby Bistro: Breastfeeding Support Group.

This free support group encourages, helps and supports women before, during and after breastfeeding. Led by a certified breastfeeding counselor, who is also a registered nurse and a mother of four, attendees learn from, share with, and support other mothers who are breastfeeding. Pregnant women who are considering breastfeeding are strongly encouraged to attend. Every Wednesday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Amery Hospital & Clinic, Boardroom, 2nd floor. No fee, no registration required, just stop by.

Breast Feeding Support Group. All nursing mothers and babies are invited to participate. Group meets the second Thursday of the month from 10-11:30 a.m. and the fourth Thursday of the month from 6:30-8 p.m. at St. Croix Regional Medical Center. An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant will facilitate the group. Call 715-483-0431 or 800-642-1336 ext. 2431.

No charge.

C.H.A.D.D. (Children with Attention Deficit Disorder). Parent support group meets the fourth Monday of each month at Firstar Bank board room, Cumberland, 7 p.m. For information call Pat Skinner at 715-822-8422 and leave message.

Cancer, Grief & Depression Support Group. A

support group to allow people to talk about their experiences with cancer, grief and depression as well as share mutual support to one another. Second Tuesday of every month at Amery Area Community Center at 1 p.m. You can join at any time and it is free and open to the public.

Cancer Support Group meets the second Tuesday of the month at the Amery Public Library at 6 p.m.

Caregiver Support Group meets the third Tuesday of every month from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Peace Lutheran Church in Dresser. Contact Barb at ADRC of NW WI at 877-485-2372 for more information.

Christian Based Cancer Support Group meets Wednesdays the third Wednesday of the month at the Amery Public Library meeting room at 10 a.m. Everyone is welcome! For more information call 715-268-6957.

Compassionate Friends, Tri- County Chapter meets the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. First Lutheran church, Clear Lake. This group offers support and understanding to families who are grieving the death of a child of any age, from any cause. For more information call 715-263-2739 Domestic Violence (DV) and Sexual Assault (SA) Support Groups and Services. Polk County - S.T.A.R.S. (Surviving Trauma Advocacy Resource Group) Monday 4-5 p.m. in Amery, Tuesday 6-7 p.m. in Osceola, Wednesday 2-3 p.m. in Milltown and Thursday 6-7 p.m. in Milltown. Domestic Violence Education Class every other Wednesday from 10-noon in Milltown.

Burnett County - Monday 4-5 p.m. 715-349-7272. Barron County - Thursday 5:30-6:30 p.m. 715-651-4969.

For more information call CRA 715-825-4414 or the 24 hour crisis line 1-800-261-7233. All groups are held every week unless noted. Child care is available with some groups. Ask your facilitator prior to the group meeting.

Early Stage Alzheimer Support Group. For the diagnosed person and their caregiver. Challenges in early-stage dementia will be discussed, along with therapeutic benefits of family involvement. Sponsored in part by the American Alzheimer’s Association. Meetings are free of charge and open to the public, held at the Amery Centennial Hall the first Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. Call 715-268-6605 to register.

Epilepsy Foundation of Western Wisconsin. Call 1-800-924-2105.

Family Child Care Professionals Network. Meets the third Thursday of each month. Contact Beth Neely at 715-483-1482 for more information. All family child care providers are welcome.

Families and Parenting. Milltown Parenting Group meets Wednesdays from 1-2 p.m., Milltown Family Group has dinner from 5-5:30 p.m. and F.U.N. from 5-6 p.m. on Thursdays. For more information call CRA 715-825-4414. All groups are held every week unless noted. Child care is available with some groups. Ask your facilitator prior to the group meeting.

Farm Crisis. Information on financial, mental health, legal, job retraining resources. Call 1-800-942-2474.

Golden Age Manor Family Council meets the first Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. in the east wing sunporch. GAM is Polk County’s longest operating longterm healthcare facility. The Family Council’s goal is to enhance the lives of the residents beyond what the staff normally does.

Grief Share. Have you lost someone close? Grief Share is a Christian based, non-denominational seminar/support group program that will be meeting at Centennial Hall in Amery every Monday at 1 p.m. For information call Bruce 715-268-2176 or 715-268-8360.

GriefShare, a non-denominational special help seminar and support group for people experiencing the loss of a loved one is being held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Amery on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

The church is located at 1050 Keller Ave. N. GriefShare features nationally recognized experts on grief recovery topics. Seminar sessions include “Is This Normal?” “The Challenges of Grief,” “Grief and Your Relationships,” “Why?” and “Guilt and Anger.” For more information call St. Joseph Catholic church at 715-268-7717.

Head Injury Support Group. Closed head injury, stroke, aneurism or traumatic brain injury which affects your daily living? Learn to cope with your disabilities, provide insight and camaraderie. Second Friday of each month 2-3:30 p.m. Frederic Public Library. Contact Julie Martin 715-327-4474.

Memory Cafe. Do you or your loved one have memory concerns or early signs of dementia? Join us at the Amery Memory Cafe where individuals with memory concerns and their care partners, family and friends can laugh, learn and stay connected in a safe atmosphere.

The Memory Cafe meets at the Amery Area Community Center the 3rd Thursday of each month from 1-2:30 p.m. Please RSVP to Barb at the ADRC of NW WI at 877-485-2372. Memory Cafe is free to attend, and coffee and snacks are provided.

Moms in Prayer International. •Two or more women who meet regularly to pray for their children, their schools, their teachers and administrators. •Mothers, grandmothers or anyone who is willing to pray for a specific child and school. We meet at the Journey Church, 131 Broadway St., Amery, Mondays from 1:302:30 p.m. Contact Jen at 715-268-2223 with questions. (only meets during the school year.)

MOPS and MOMsnext (Mothers of Preschoolers) is a group for moms and their kids. Every mom who is pregnant or has a child at home is welcome, accepted, and challenged to meet her potential.

Better moms make a better world! For more info go to clmops@hotmail.com.

PEPTalk - P(arents)E(ncouraging)P(arents)... exists to encourage, support, and build up a community of homeschool families in Polk County, Wisconsin. We welcome all types of homeschooling families to check

us out! PEPTalk activities happen throughout the month. For more information contact Jenn Dueholm, jenndueholm@yahoo.com or Wendy Dietrich, thedietrichs@amerytel.net. Like us on Facebook under PEPTalk.

Polk County Parent-To-Parent Coaliton, a network for parents of children from birth through adulthood who have disabilities or other special needs.

For more information about meetings and advocacy support, contact Lynne 715-472-2002.

PREGNANT. Need help? Our tests and help are free and confidential. 715-755-BABY (2229). Osceola Life Care Center.

Student Assistance Program is for students in the Amery school district who may be having personal or family problems. Strict confidentiality is followed except in cases of danger to self or others. Call 715-2680303 for middle school S.A.P. members or 715-2680214 for high school S.A.P. members.

TEENS—Talk before you run. Trained counselors will listen. 1-800-491-8336 or 715-235-8882.

TEENCARE. Where teens get help fast. 1-800-4918336.

TOPS Club meets Tuesdays 3:30-5 p.m. at the Balsam Lake Municipal Building (under the water tower), Balsam Lake. Contact Sheila 715-857-5892 or just come to a meeting. TOP’s mission is to support our members as they take off and keep off pounds sensibly.

Tutors: Free tutors are available to anyone who would like help studying for GED, English as a Second Language (ESL), or with basic skills in reading or math. Call 715-405-7323 to be matched with a local tutor.

Weight Loss Club meets Thursdays 8-9 a.m. Our Savior’s Lutheran church, 217 Deronda St., Amery. Bonnie Timm 715-268-2980.

Western Wisconsin LYME Education and Support Group meets: fourth Thursday of the month (April through October) at 7 p.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran church, 217 Deronda St., Amery. (No meetings November through March). Meetings are free of charge and open to the public. For info call Ann 715-268-2856, Paula 715-268-2035, Bonnie 715-268-9557, Sue 715268-6687.

Women’s Spiritual Growth Group meets each Thursday from 7-8 p.m. at 931 Pine St., St. Croix Falls.

Yoga for Addiction Recovery Y12SR is a 12 step based discussion and yoga practice that is open to anyone and everyone dealing with their own addictive behavior or affected by the addictive behavior of others. All A's are welcome. Great Blue Yoga, 113 Keller Ave N 54001, 6:45 p.m., Tuesdays.

Call Nicole at 715-268-8101 or email ngagner@theameryfreepress.com with additions or corrections.

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AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 10, 2019 www.theameryfreepress.com

34th Annual Holiday Stroll

APRIL ZIEMER | AMERY FREE PRESS

Pam Humpal is shown at the Amery Food Pantry with Gloria Lansin, Cheryl Bowman and Julie Anderson. Humpal was giving food and monetary donations raised during the holiday stroll.

APRIL ZIEMER | AMERY FREE PRESS

Amy Carlson and Lucky spread holiday cheer in their festive attire.

APRIL ZIEMER | AMERY FREE PRESS

The Indianhead Chorus was music to the ears of shoppers at the stroll.

APRIL ZIEMER | AMERY FREE PRESS

Visitors of the Holiday Stroll were quick to grab up the goodies being sold by the Amery Womans Club.

More ways we care. For you.

Delivering comprehensive Rehabilitation Services.

Cumberland Healthcare's Therapy Team helps you regain skills and continue healing by providing individualized treatment plans so you can reach your highest level of activity.

Every treatment ensures you are one step closer to recovery.

Call 715-822-7300 to schedule an appointment.

APRIL ZIEMER | AMERY FREE PRESS

3-year-old Colin Schmidt contemplates what exactly to place on this year’s wish list.

APRIL ZIEMER | AMERY FREE PRESS

Kiki Larson, 5, finds Soo Line Park to be the perfect place for a snowball fight.

SPORTS

DECEMBER 10, 2019

AMERY FREE PRESS

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A day filled with sunshine and smiles

APRIL ZIEMER | AMERY FREE PRESS

Addie Kobernick shows the Stalheim Clydesdales some love in between their wagon rides.

APRIL ZIEMER | AMERY FREE PRESS

Kris and Laurie Harris climb Soo Line’s gigantic snowbank with their granddaughter, Eloise.

APRIL ZIEMER | AMERY FREE PRESS

Baby its cold outside! Thank goodness daddy, Chad Elmer, has Everett all bundled up for his first Holiday Stroll.

APRIL ZIEMER | AMERY FREE PRESS

Members of the 2019/2020 Amery Royalty greet strollers. L-R: Second Princess Kelsey Oman, First Princess/Miss Congeniality Ella Williamson, Miss Amery Ally de la Cruz, Fourth Princess Emilie Koenig and Third Princess Madilyn Heinn.

APRIL ZIEMER | AMERY FREE PRESS

Sherry Martin, Tommy Dusek and Lee Jones collect Toys for Tots in front of the Amery Fire Department.

APRIL ZIEMER | AMERY FREE PRESS

Hailey Clausen and Courtney Glenna are shown with holiday decorations made and sold by members of the FFA Dairy Team to raise money for the trip to Internationals in Scotland.

Welcome Dr. Amanda Spitz is board certified, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry with over 16 years of experience treating children!

Dr. Spitz

• Accepting all insurances including BadgerCare • Pediatric Dentists are specialists that have an additional 2-3 years of schooling beyond dental school

• Seeing children through all stages of childhood, beginning by age 1 •

Located in the Dental Arts building

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

APRIL ZIEMER | AMERY FREE PRESS

Owen, Aubrielle and Gavin Harris bare the chilly breeze for a photo opportunity.

404 Wisconsin Ave, Amery, WI • 715-578-KIDS • kidsdentaloutreach.com

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AND OUTDOORS AMERY FREE PRESS

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DECEMBER 10, 2019

Schmidt tallies 15 points, 15 rebounds in opening win

BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Amery's girls' basketball team got its season started on the right foot on Nov. 21 when it took down the Rice Lake Warriors 54-46 in Amery.

Ella Schmidt, Morgan Brotzel and Julia Engebretson provided a scoring triple threat for the Warriors. Schmidt took care of business from close range, and at the free throw line (where she was 5-for-6) to record a team-high 15 points - and also pounded the boards for a teambest 15 rebounds. Brotzel added the perimeter attack, sinking four 3-pointers and pitching in 2-for-2 free throw shooting to finish with 14 points. Engebretson added 13 points and five rebounds.

Lydian Monson pitched in five points, four assists and four rebounds. Drew Granica added three assists and three points. Mariah Waalen contributed four points and four rebounds.

Rice Lake was led by Brynn Olson, who scored a game-high 24 Anna Ganje (23) guards a Rice Lake Warrior attempting to pass. points.

ALLEN CARLSON

ALLEN CARLSON

Mariah Waalen (20) pushes past a Rice Lake player in an attempt to score.

Warriors remain undefeated with 92-point effort

BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Clear Lake's boys basketball team put on an offensive showcase on Dec. 6 in Prairie Farm as it outscored the Panthers, 92-32, sinking 10 3-pointers along the way.

Tyson Blanchard, who was a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc and 2-for-2 at the charity stripe, only missed one shot all night on his way to scoring a game-high 19 points. He also led the team in rebounds, with five, and picked up five assists.

Riley Peterson tallied 16 points, two rebounds, two assists and a blocked shot. Alex St. John went 2-for-3 from 3-point range and finished with 10 points.

Also scoring for the Warriors were Ethan Kirk (nine points, three steals, two rebounds), Brayden O'Bryan (nine points, four rebounds, two assists, one block), Alex Burbach (seven points, four assists, four steals), Adam Loenser (six points, two steals), Ashtyn O'Bryan (six points, two rebounds, one block), Brett Benson (four points, four rebounds, two assists, three steals), Angel Guillen (three points), and Jarrett Marlet (three points, six assists, two rebounds).

With the win, the Warriors improved to 2-0 on the season while Prairie Farm fell to 0-2.

ERIK PAULSON

Warrior Wrestlers take on 2019-2020 season Above: JV wrestlers left their mark in Chisago Lakes December 7. Timmy Kelling and Brenden Burke were both champions. Austin Scheulsner and Chance Schroeder took second. Cole Andren, Angelo Sowell and Maverick Goulet placed third.

ABBY BUSHINGER

JC Wentz (above) and Jordan Penard (left) assisted the Varsity Warriors in beating the New Richmond Tigers 43-34 on December 5th.

SPORTS

DECEMBER 10, 2019

AMERY FREE PRESS

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Clear Lake girls top Spring Valley in opener

Smith sets record as Warriors trounce Oredockers

BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Amery's boys' ice hockey team started its 2019-20 season pretty much the way it had hoped, defeating Ashland, 7-2, on Nov. 29.

"We are a pretty experienced team, but we still came out nervous in the first period of the season," said Amery Coach Tim Henningsgard.

Mac Smith put the Warriors on the board 4:50 into the game with an unassisted even strength goal, only to have the Oredockers knot things up about 2 minutes later.

"Our top line took control of the second period," Coach Henningsgard said. "The defensemen got involved in the offense and everything seemed to click."

In fact, things clicked so well that Amery poured in five second-period goals while giving up just one goal on a power play by the Ordedockers.

Smith was responsible for two of Amery's second period goals, picking up his hat trick at the 11:19 mark of the period. Fletcher Kjeseth also scored two goals in the second period while Grady Martin scored one.

Pake Brown finished the scoring 9:41 into the third period on a power play. Martin and Smith assisted on the goal, marking Smith's fourth assist of the game.

"Mac Smith had a career game," Henningsgard said. "His seven points in a game is a program record for a single game."

Kjeseth finish with two assists, bringing his game total to four points. Jackson Henningsgard pitched in three assists.

BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Clear Lake's girls basketball team picked up a season-opening 56-41 road win over Spring Valley on Nov. 26 as three players scored in double digits.

Julianna Rosen led the way with 15 points, followed by Maddie Rosen with 14 and Madison Zimmer with 13.

Also scoring for the Warriors were Maggie Rosen (five points), Kaylee Madison (three points) and Lily Hacker (one point).

Spring Valley was led by Alyxis Johansen who tallied 24 points, 14 rebounds, three steals and two blocks.

SUBMITTED

Sammy Otto (7), Reece Atkins and Nick Bush (17) battle the Oredockers right off the drop of the puck.

Rosen earns doubledouble vs. Unity

BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

SUBMITTED

Three Warriors, Jackson Henningsgard (12), Pake Brown (3) and Danny Tylee (22) set up the box on the penalty kill while backstop Ethan Mork looks on.

Ethan Mork saved 12 of 14 shots faced in the Amery goal, and Avery Starzeck got to spend just over 7 minutes in the goal where he saved all five shots faced.

Overall, Amery outshot Ashland 44-19.

Benson scores 15 in win over Unity

Schmidt scores 29 to guide Warriors past Cameron

BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Clear Lake's boys' basketball team earned a strong 46-34 road win over Unity on Dec. 3 led by a 15-point night by Brett Benson.

Benson was one of two Warriors to score in double figures as Tyson Blanchard tallied 11 points and also led the team in assists with three.

Riley Peterson nearly broke into double digits in both points and rebounds, with nine of each, and led the team in steals, with four, and blocks, with two.

Benson also finished with six rebounds and two steals while Blanchard added five rebounds and three steals.

Also scoring for the Warriors were Alex St. John (five points, two steals, three rebounds), Alex Burbach (two points, two steals), Ethan Kirk (two points, three assists), Will Fitzer (one point, two rebounds), and Jarrett Marlett (one point, five rebounds).

Ella Schmidt unleashed 29 points and eight rebounds on Dec. 3 to lead the Amery girls basketball team to a 59-39 road victory over Cameron (0-2).

Joining her with a solid, nine point, nine rebound, three assist and two steal night was Julia Engebretson. Meanwhile Lydia Monson led the Warriors in assists (four) in addition to posting two points, two steals and four rebounds.

Also scoring for the Warriors (2-0) were Anna G Ganje (seven points, ttwo rebounds), M Morgan Brotzel ((five points, six rrebounds), Mariah W Waalen (five points, sseven rebounds, two a assists) and Drew G Granica (one point, ttwo assists, three ssteals).

ALLEN CARLSON

Ella Schmidt (32) going in for two of her 29 points against Cameron.

Julianna Rosen recorded a double double with 10 points and 10 rebounds on Dec. 3 to lead the Clear Lake girls basketball to a 54-36 victory over Unity in Balsam Lake. She also made sure to make her mark in each statistical category, adding one assist, one steal and one blocked shot.

The Warriors' top scorer on the night was Madison Zimmer who picked up 14 points. Maddie Rosen and Rayne Vangsness each tallied eight points.

Maddie Rosen also pitched in nine rebounds and two steals.

Maggie Rosen contributed six points, eight rebounds, three steals (team high) and an assist.

Also scoring for the Warriors were Lizzie Rosen (six points, two rebounds), and Lily Hacker (two points, four assists, two rebounds).

ALLEN CARLSON

Julia Engebretson (15) jumps for the ball.

Thank you for reading the Amery Free Press

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AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 10, 2019

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Amery boys fall to Colfax

BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Amery's boys' basketball team opened its 2019-20 season on Dec. 3 with a 29-56 home loss to Colfax.

Jason Oft led the Warriors with 13 points, followed by Wyatt Luchtenburg with 8 points. Also scoring with two points each were Luke Julson, Raymond Sowell, Charlie Flanum and Lane Frederick.

Sowell tallied a team-high six rebounds, two assists and a block. Luchtenburg added two steals and a block.

Colfax was led by Ed Hydukovich with 17 points, eight rebounds five assists and two steals. Cole Seehaver added 12 points.

Brice scores two goals in win over Black River Falls

BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Black River Falls' Lunda Memorial Rink was good to the Western Wisconsin Stars girls' ice hockey team as it picked up its first win of the season in the form of a 5-1 shelling of Black River Falls on Nov. 30.

The Stars started fast with Bryn Conners scoring just 31 seconds into the game. Black River Falls responded with a unassisted goal by Lexie Hagen at the 4:50 mark, but it was all Stars from there.

Lauren Gruber scored the go-ahead goal at the 6:31 mark of the first period and Ellie Brice followed with another goal at the 10:03 mark.

Brice added a power play goal 3:44 into the third period and Alise Wiehl finished the scoring on another power play just under 6 minutes later.

The Stars outshot BRF 45-25 including by 16-8 margins in both the second and third periods.

Erin Huerta and Bailey Williams each racked up three assists in the game while Wiehl and Ally Dahlberg each added one assist for the Stars.

Lauren Sobczack saved 24 shots on goal.

Stars tie No. 3 Raiders, 2-2

BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Western Wisconsin Stars girls ice hockey team jumped out to an early lead and walked away from Somerset Ice Arena with a 2-2 tie against the third-ranked Hudson Raiders on Dec. 5.

Just 1:03 into the contest, Western Wisconsin's Erin Huerta took advantage of an Ellie Brice assist to put the Stars (1-2-1) on the board. However, the Stars' lead was a short-lived one as Hudson's Leah Parker answered just 16 seconds later.

The Raiders (0-1-1) claimed the lead for the first time with a power play goal by Nikki Olund at the 10:10 mark of the opening quarter only to have the Stars knot things up again 43 seconds later.

That goal, scored by Brice and assisted by Huerta, proved to be the game's final goal despite Hudson outshooting Western Wisconsin 23-6 in the second period and 48-22 overall after overtime.

Stars goalkeeper Caitlyn Erickson recorded 46 saves.

SUBMITTED

Jackson Henningsgard (12) gains control of the puck on the power play as Grady Martin (13) and Fletcher Kjeseth await the pass. Henningsgard ended with three assists in the game.

SUBMITTED

Grady Martin battles for below the goal line. Also in the picture Justin Walter (6), Max Mike (5) and Ethan Mork in goal.

Mork ended the game with 28 saves.

Henningsgard records second straight playmaker

BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

On Saturday, Nov. 30, the Amery hockey team picked up its second consecutive 7-2 victory to start the season 2-0. This time the victory came against St. Paul Highland Park at Amery Ice Arena.

"We got off to a great start but lost focus quickly on the little things of the game," said Amery Coach Tim Henningsgard. "We need to fix that before we get into the conference schedule."

The Warriors opened with a power play goal by Fletcher Kjeseth less than 3 minutes into the game and added a second goal by Pake Brown at the 4:12 mark.

Highland Park answered with

a pair of goals less than a minute apart to knot the score at 2-2 with 7:21 expired from the first period clock.

Jackson Henningsgard, who assisted on the opening goal, scored the go-ahead goal on a power play at the 15:22 mark.

From there on, the Warriors never looked back. Grady Martin scored another power play goal in the second period and Mac Smith extended the lead to 5-2 at the 16:18 mark as Jackson Henningsgard recorded his third assist to gather his second straight playmaker.

"His ability to set up his teammates his second to none," said Coach Henningsgard.

Jackson Henningsgard then added his second goal of the game at

the 6:00 mark of the third period.

Miles Troff finished the scoring 10 minutes later.

"Ethan Mork made some great saves in the second and third periods to help us build the lead," Coach Henningsgard said. "Those big saves kept the momentum on our side for the rest of the game."

Mork finished with 28 saves against 30 shots. Meanwhile, his teammates bombarded Highland Park goalkeepr Caden Frahm with 42 shots on goal.

Smith also had a playmaker game, recording three assists to go with his one goal, bringing his two-game total to 11 total points.

Asher Page had two assists. Max Mike, Justin Walter, Kjeseth and Martin each had one assist.

Amery hockey takes down Hayward

BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

When Amery Boys' Ice Hockey Coach Tim Henningsgard picked up his 200th career win in the first game of his 20th season coaching the WIAA high school team, it was a sign of good things to come. On Saturday, Dec. 7, his Warriors recorded their third seven-goal game of the season - also marking their third win in the first four games of the year.

Saturday's 7-4 win over the previously-undefeated Hayward Hurricanes (3-1) came as a results of a huge five-goal second period effort after falling behind 0-1 in the first period when the Warriors gave up an unassisted goal to Kayleb Martin.

"We didn't quite have the effort we were looking for in the first," Coach Henningsgard said.

"We realized we could skate with a very good Hayward team but just couldn't put it together.

The second period was one of the best periods we have played in the last 10 years."

The period began with a Jackson Henningsgard power play goal just over 4 minutes in, and finished with four goals in the final four minutes.

Fletcher Kjeseth scored back to back goals just 31 seconds apart off assists

by Jackson Henningsgard. Grady Martin added a power play goal at the 15:24 mark and Jackson Henninsgard tallied his second power play goal of the period

at 16:30 off an assist by Martin.

"We capitalized on our chances, and our power play was unstoppable," Coach Henningsgard said. "It was fun to see the boys play with so much confidence."

The Warriors extended their lead to 6-1 4:45 into the third period as Justin Walter added a power play goal.

Hayward rallied for three consecutive power play goals of their own over the following 10 minutes, but Amery's Mac Smith, who was named the Wisconsin Prep Hockey Player of the Week for his play in the first week of the season where he tallied 11 points in two games, capped the scoring with a empty net goal at the

16:20 mark. The goal was a nice addition to his two assists throughout the rest of the game.

Martin and Jackson Henningsgard each finished with three assists.

"Grady Martin has done a great job adjusting to playing defense for our team this season after being a forward his first three seasons," Coach Henningsgard said. "His ability to create scoring chances is a great addition to our blue line."

Also earning assists for the Warriors were Pake Brown, Asher Page and Kjeseth.

Each team finished with six penalties and Hayward outshot Amery, 32-24. Ethan Mork finished with 28 saves.

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Amery loses Warrior battle in OT

BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Amery's boys' ice hockey team suffered its first loss of the season on Dec. 3 when it traveled to Rice Lake and fell 1-2 to the hosting Warriors in overtime.

"We came out slow in the first period after playing so well over the weekend," said Amery Coach Tim Henningsgard. "It was a frustrating way to open the game."

Rice Lake outshot Amery in every period except for the third where Amery held an 1211 shot advantage.

After a scoreless first period, Amery took the lead 7:46 into the second period on a goal by Mac Smith that was assisted by Miles Troff and Max Mike.

Nearly 2 minutes into the third period, however, Rice Lake took advantage of a power play and Zach Holmstrom was able to knot the score at 1-1, essentially sending the game into overtime where Rice Lake managed to pick up the win with a goal by Jace Fitzgerald at the 5 minute mark.

"There were many little things that we didn't take care of tonight," Coach Henningsgard said. "We had so many chances, including a power play down the stretch and couldn't capitalize. To beat good teams like Rice Lake, we will have to take advantage of our opportunities."

Just five penalties were

PAM HUMPAL | AMERY FREE PRESS

Mac Smith wins the draw as Jackson Henningsgard, Fletcher Kjeseth and Pake Brown (3) and the rest of the Warrior bench look on. Smith scored the lone goal for the Warriors in the game..

called in the contest, with Amery getting charged for three of them.

Overall, Rice Lake outshot Amery 36-27, and Amery goalkeeper Ethan Mork tallied 34 saves.

"Ethan Mork kept us in the game most of the night," Coach Henningsgard said. "Both goalies were outstanding, and the game could have gotten away from either team without good goaltending."

PAM HUMPAL | AMERY FREE PRESS

Justin Walter races for a puck while Asher Page (8) and Grady Martin (13) set up for the breakout.

Stars lose Huerta tallies 2 opener to goals, 1 assist in Fusion lost to Ice Bears

BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Western Wisconsin Stars girls hockey team opened its season on Nov. 27 with a 1-4 road loss to the St. Croix Valley Fusion.

The Fusion's Amber Delong scored the game's first two goals, but Western Wisconsin's Ellie Brice finally got the Stars on the board 14:11 into the second period with an even strength goal off assists by Erin Huerta and Amanda Magler.

After a Fusion goal by Juneau Paulsen, Delong closed out the game's scoring by completing her hat trick at the 13:08 mark of the third period.

Western Wisconsin outshot SCV 34-30 and spend 12 few minutes in the penalty box.

Stars goalkeeper Caitlyn Erickson picked up 26 saves.

The Western Wisconsin Stars girls' ice hockey team lost a tough battle to the Bay Area Ice Bears on Nov. 29 at the United Civic Center Ice Arena in Baldwin.

Tied 3-3 late in in the second period, the Stars gave up an even strength goal in the final minute of the second period to fall 3-4 to the Ice Bears.

While the game was scoreless for the first 12 minutes of play, action picked up in a hurry with Bay City scoring two unassisted goals within 28 seconds of each other and Western Wisconsin answering with an pair of Erin Huerta goals just over a minute apart. All four goals took place within a two and a half minute span of the first period.

Huerta's first goal was unassisted while her second was assisted by Grace Stock and Ellie Brice.

Bay City reclaimed the lead 4:49 into the second period on a goal by Makayla Spejcher only to have the Stars answer with an even strength goal by Bryn Conners, which was assisted by Huerta.

Spejcher ended up scoring the game winning goal at the 16:14 mark of the second period.

Overall, Western Wisconsin outshot Bay Area, 28-23, including by a 14-5 margin in the first period. Bay Area made good on one of six power plays while the Stars were 0-for-5 on power plays.

In the Western Wisconsin goal, Caitlyn Erickson saved 11 of 15 shots faced while Lauren Sobczak tallied eight saves against eight shots on goal.

Brewers part with Travis Shaw, Jimmy Nelson, 3 others MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Brewers declined to offer contracts to infielder Travis Shaw, right-hander Jimmy Nelson and three others Monday, making them free agents.

Pitchers Alex Claudio and Junior Guerra and infielder Tyler Saladino were also let go by a Milwaukee club that has parted with a number of key players this offseason.

After catcher Yasmani Grandal left as a free agent for a $73 million, four-year contract with the Chicago White Sox last month, infielder Mike Moustakas agreed to a $64 million, fouryear deal with Cincinnati on Monday, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement had not been announced.

Shaw hit 63 homers over the 2017 and ‘18 seasons, but the corner

infielder slumped last year. Nelson struggled after missing nearly two years following surgery on his right shoulder.

The Brewers and Ben Gamel agreed to a $1.4 million, one-year deal to avoid arbitration. The contract includes a team

option for 2021 at $2.55 million with no buyout.

Shortstop Orlando Arcia also agreed to a $2.2 million, one-year deal to avoid arbitration.

Milwaukee projects to save around $15 million in salary in 2020 by cutting the five players.

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Farewell to another stroll...until next year

APRIL ZIEMER | AMERY FREE PRESS

Many wagon rides were given down Amery’s Keller Avenue Saturday.

APRIL ZIEMER | AMERY FREE PRESS

The crew from Amery Chevrolet, L-R: Allie Peterson, Debbie Peterson, Jess Rada, Natalie Keller and Troy Keller poses with Santa Clause.

APRIL ZIEMER | AMERY FREE PRESS

Stone and Steele Wachtler cheers to good times and cocoa.

APRIL ZIEMER | AMERY FREE PRESS

Kar Jackers keep the music flowing at the Amery Community Center during Saturday’s Holiday Bazaar.

APRIL ZIEMER | AMERY FREE PRESS

Ryann Mizejewski shared all of her holiday wishes with Santa.

APRIL ZIEMER | AMERY FREE PRESS

Members of the Amery Womans Club sold out of the yummy treats they had for sale Saturday. Pictured L-R: Pat Parsons, Julie Anderson, Gloria Lansin, Beth Wydeven and Vonnie Niccum.

APRIL ZIEMER | AMERY FREE PRESS

The New Midnight Coal Company provided tunes for shoppers strolling down main street.

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Outdoor Addiction ushers in new era of deer processing

BY BARRY ADAMS WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL

BLUE MOUNDS, Wis. (AP) — The number of people hunting deer is on a decades-long slide, this year’s harvest is off from last season, and chronic wasting disease is still a major concern.

Alex Lease, however, had no qualms about buying a deer-processing business this summer along Highway ID in the heart of the CWD zone.

And his decision appears to be sound.

Lease’s Outdoor Addiction — a one-stop shop that offers up free CWD testing, butchering, sausage-making and taxidermy — was abuzz last week in the midst of the nine-day gun deer season, a Wisconsin tradition older than the Green Bay Packers, Johnsonville Sausage and Colby cheese.

Lease expects to process between 600 and 700 deer and remove the lymph nodes from up to 1,000 deer so they can be tested for CWD. He’ll be busy making venison snack sticks, summer sausage and landjaegers, likely through February. He also has a basement full of antlers, and more coming in, that will be formed into mounts for man caves, family rooms and basement hideaways.

But he’s also trying to create a sense of place where hunters can gather, share their stories and commune after Gov. Scott Walker’s administration did away with deer registration stations in favor of electronic registration in 2015.

“We’re trying to bring that camaraderie back,’’ Lease told the Wisconsin State Journal. “Opening weekend we were cooking out, and we had 20 to 30 people here at a time. We’re trying to make our own scene.’’

Wisconsin is home to some remarkable butcher shops that have long been destinations for successful deer hunters. They include Bavaria Sausage Kitchen in Fitchburg, Lodi Sausage Co., Miesfeld’s in Sheboygan, Straka Meats in Plain, LeRoy’s Meats in Horicon and Pernat’s Meats with locations in Johnson Creek, Juneau and Ixonia.

Lease, 27, represents a new generation of processors.

He spent his early childhood in Barneveld before moving to Cottage Grove, where he graduated from Monona Grove High School and began doing taxidermy out of his mother’s garage.

In 2016, he began renting

space in the bottom of his uncle’s deer-processing facility just outside Blue Mounds. Lease, who drives a sporty Toyota Camry that is covered with decals advertising his business, not only brings youthful energy and optimism but also social media skills.

Over the summer, he posted a video on Facebook announcing he had purchased his uncle’s deer-processing business and the building.

Lease’s Instagram account has more than 1,000 followers and is filled with images of his work, which includes not only deer but fish, waterfowl, turkey and bear.

“The rut is on,’’ Lease announced in an Instagram post Oct. 31 during the bow season for deer. “We’ve got a little snow on the ground, it’s nice and cold out ... there’s going to be a lot of deer going down.’’

He also has started a podcast featuring hunting and taxidermy. Lease has three episodes in the books and records the shows at a table filled with microphones, cords and a mixer in front of a wall filled with wildlife mounts in the retail area of his business. A recently completed mountain lion mount stands nearby.

“I think we’re doing something right,’’ Lease said.

“We’re a one-stop business.’’

On a recent Wednesday, the business was in full gear. Pickup trucks with freshly killed deer waited to back into the loading dock, where workers also used power saws and scalpels to remove lymphoids, which were placed in plastic baggies to be shipped off to a state Department of Natural Resources lab for testing.

Jason Reed, of Dodgeville, brought in an 8-point buck he shot in rural Iowa County, where 26 percent of the deer last season tested positive for CWD. “I missed it the first time,’’ Reed, 36, chuckled. “It was chasing some does and came around 15 minutes later and I got a second shot at it and I dropped it.’’

Near the large walk-in cooler just beyond the loading dock, Brad Lease, Alex’s cousin, worked on butchering a deer that had already been skinned and was going to be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank.

Brad said he can break a deer down into pieces that are further processed at a different station in about 10 minutes. He wore a blaze orange stocking cap and insulated winter boots, and wielded a razor-sharp boning knife. Part of the job for

Brad, who works full-time as a UPS driver, involves not only cutting out entry and exit holes from the fatal shot but also realizing that wild venison is the ultimate in the local food movement.

“This is organic food. It’s not raised on a farm,’’ he said. “It’s free-range, good, healthy venison.’’

The statewide harvest for the opening weekend was 90,286 deer, down 26.7% from the previous year, according to the DNR. The number of licenses sold was up slightly over 2018 to 564,052 but has been on a downward trend since 1990 when 699,275 licenses were sold. This year’s season, which straddles Thanksgiving, falls later in the rut, while the 2018 season started earlier in the rut when deer are more active. This year’s season has also been hampered by a lack of snow cover in the southern part of the state, wet soils that kept hunters out of marshes and river bottoms, and an unusually late harvest that left about 2 million acres of corn remaining in fields, providing ample cover for deer.

Deer harvests were down in every county during the opening weekend except Walworth, where the 335 deer represented a 2.8% increase, according to the DNR. But for A.J. and Casey Bennett, of Clyde Park, Montana, their first time hunting whitetail in Wisconsin was a phenomenal success. A.J., 33, normally uses his .300-caliber Winchester Magnum rifle with a Vortex Optics AMG scope made in nearby Barneveld to hunt elk in the Crazy Mountains near his home in southern Montana. But he took a 403-yard shot south of Blue Mounds on a Tuesday afternoon to bag a 3.5-yearold, 8-point buck. His wife, Casey, 32, filled her tag the following morning with a 75yard shot that took down an 11-point buck.

The couple had brought the heads of their deer into Outdoor Addiction for CWD testing but had butchered the deer at the rural Blue Mounds home of Gary Karls, whom they met a few years ago when A.J. was doing excavation work at a Montana cabin owned by Karls. They have since hunted elk together in the Big Sky State but found whitetail success in the Badger State.

“We have whitetail, but they don’t ever get this big,’’ A.J. said. “We’re coming back next year.’’

JAMES PETERSON OBITUARY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

an axle trying to transport milk to town. Jim always said that if you went back to any of these family farms and lifted up the floor boards you would likely find the venison they had poached to feed the family.

He attended a one room country school near Wright, where his mother a also was a teacher. But that did not mean he w would always behave. Jim always could find a way to get himself into mischief. He then w went to Cromwell MN High School. This is w where he first got his love for High School b basketball by being on the team, and in his llater years loving watching high school g games.

Upon graduation, Jim began working a at a paper mill in Cloquet, MN, while also sstill working on the family farm. He also w worked on the railroad setting ties and track a and sailed the Great Lakes shoveling coal.

During this time Jim’s oldest brother Boysy (Delmar) began sharing with him what he was learning from the Bible from Jehovah’s Witnesses. Jim didn’t just take his brothers word for it, he compared different religions on his own. It didn’t take long for him to know he was learning the truth. He was baptized as one of Jehovah’s people on June 3, 1961.

Soon thereafter, Jim moved to Chisago City, MN. There, for a time, he lived in a cottage on the Paul and Helen Peterson farm. While he lived there, Paul and Helen took him under their wing spiritually. Later they became his father and mother-in-law. Yes, the farmer’s daughter eventually caught his eye. While living there he supported himself by helping on the farm and working on a garbage route with a friend.

Within a short time, Jim moved to the Amery, Wisconsin area. The prime reason for the move was to help support the ministry in this seldom worked territory. He lived and worked on the Ray and Lorraine Nordquist farm near Clayton, WI. On December 15, 1962, Jim married Lois Lorraine Peterson, the farmer’s daughter, at the Chisago City, MN, Kingdom Hall. They settled on Pine Haven Farm near Deer Park, WI. There they raised their two sons, Joel and Barry. Jim was a very hardworking husband and father. In addition to taking care of the farm and running a janitorial service, Jim and Lois together were both zealous for their God Jehovah and active members in several congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

They included, Amery, New Richmond, Glenwood City and Hayward.

As a couple, Jim and Lois influenced the lives of many in positive ways.

Jim was a very generous man. If you were ever in need of something whether it be a car or a place to stay, Jim would work out a deal or a trade with you that often wouldn’t benefit himself but the one who needed it. Jim liked to treat everyone as family and many came to view him the same way as well. Jim loved to tell stories, some true, some not! When you went to visit Jim you could either find him in the house watching a western or tinkering on a car or tractor in his shed.

Jim loved spending time with each of his four grandchildren Tyler, Hannah, Logan, and Shalynn, and his bonus grandchild Tyler’s wife Chelsea. He loved to laugh with them and tease them. Often he would stay up late playing cards or watching a western with them. He was so happy knowing that each of them was continuing in their spiritual heritage often saying “Grandpa’s proud of you”.

Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife Lois Peterson, his parents Delmar and Vivian Peterson, along with his younger sister Vivian Korpela. He is survived by his sons and their families; Joel, Cath, Tyler, Chelsea, and Hannah; Barry, Michele, Logan and Shalynn.

His siblings: Delmar and wife Irene Peterson, Gladys Cooke, Thomas Peterson, and Susan Wojciehowski, as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family. He is also survived by a very large spiritual family which is too numerous to count. All are waiting for the time as described at Revelation 21:3, 4 when Jim will be resurrected back to a paradise earth.

Services will be held 3 PM on Sunday, December 15, 2019 at the Amery High School Auditorium. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the Amery High School Auditorium.

To sign an online guestbook and view a video tribute please visit www.williamsonwhite.com Arrangements were made with the Williamson - White Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Amery, Wisconsin.

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‘Every Day Matters’ poster contest winners

SUBMITTED

High School winners of the grades 6-12 “Every Day Matters” poster contest, promoting the importance of school attendance are shown with Dr. Shawn Doerfler, District Administrator.

L-R: Max Jicinsky, Jacob Oman, Mitchell Baillargeon and Gil Flores.

SUBMITTED

Middle School winners of the grades 6-12 “Every Day Matters” poster contest, promoting the importance of school attendance are shown with Dr. Shawn Doerfler, District Administrator.

L-R: Alessandra Hayes, Charlee Schroeder and Carter Kurtzhals.

SUBMITTED

Winners of the Clubhouse through Grade 5 “Every Day Matters” coloring/poster contest promoting the importance of school attendance are shown with Dr. Shawn Doerfler, District Administrator. Elementary students included: Skylar Chelberg, Lilah Anderson, Olivia Russo, Stella Gould and Karly Johnson.

SUBMITTED

Winners of the Clubhouse through Grade 5 “Every Day Matters” coloring/ poster contest promoting the importance of school attendance are shown with Dr. Shawn Doerfler, District Administrator. Intermediate School winners L-R: Isaac Thayer, Camille Kastanek and Rylee Reese.

THE POSTSCRIPT

The Cookie Situation “People have been asking about the squeaking of the ship,” our captain reported, somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic, “but I must tell you, this is nothing to worry about.”

He then proceeded to explain how a ship needed to give in heavy swells, just as an airplane had to flex during flight. “Otherwise,” he explained cheerfully, “the ship would snap in two!”

I’m not sure this was the reassurance worried passengers were looking The for.

Postscript My husband, Peter, and I are on the Carrie Classon second week of our trip across the ocean. The final stop at port has been cancelled due to storms in the Atlantic. This means we will have seven straight days at sea.

Peter and I are delighted. While it is always interesting to see a new place, the port stops on this long journey feel to us like lay-overs and we are happiest when the ship is moving—preferably through a variety of weather.

“The captain said there were fifteen-meter swells!”

I reported delightedly to Peter. Peter smiled. We knew we were not giving maritime safety the respect it de-

served. But we really couldn’t as we were preoccupied by what we were now calling, “The Cookie Situation.”

Peter and I are still rather new at this cruise boat business, since the only time we do it is returning from Spain in the fall. We are amazed and impressed by the massive logistics required and how rarely the boat runs out of anything or seems to experience any difficulties—other than the weather which, despite its best efforts, remains elusively out of control. Cookies, on the other hand, seem firmly within the cruise ship’s control—and equally elusive.

There is some sort of arcane formula afoot concerning the cookies. They are available—if you know where to look—at 2:30, but not before. Then they disappear again at precisely 5:00. After 5:00, it is impossible to find a cookie again until 9:30. You may be skeptical, but Peter and I have dedicated ourselves to a rigorous study of this. (We don’t have much else to do.)

Every evening, we dutifully trot up to the buffet for dessert, just before our 9:00 bedtime. (Peter and I have yet to make any evening entertainment as it interferes with my self-prescribed twelve-hour sleep.)

“Where are they hiding the cookies?” Peter asked.

“None of your business,” I told him. “You know what curiosity did to the cat.”

“Curiosity did wonders for the cat!” Peter retorted. I

suspected he might be right. So, a couple of nights ago, I went looking for cookies before their appointed hour. I found them, tucked beneath the buffet counter.

I asked the young server standing nearby, “May I have a cookie?”

“Cookies are served at 9:30,” the server politely replied.

“I will be asleep by 9:30,” I told him.

“You want a cookie?” he asked me. I could tell he was a little taken aback by someone questioning the Maritime Cookie Law. “Actually, I would,” I told him, seriously.

He quickly looked around, gave me two cookies, then carted the entire tray off to the kitchen where it was out of sight from future busybodies who might come along and question The Cookie Situation.

Last night, the cookies were better hidden. Instead, for dessert, we came across something that had been cooked in a pot. It looked like some sort of fruit soup but the sign over it proclaimed it was, “Peach and Apple Cake.” We scooped it into bowls and ate it with ice cream. It was the best cake ever.

Till next time, Carrie Carrie Classon’s memoir, “Blue Yarn,” was released earlier this year. Learn more at CarrieClasson.com.

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AMERY AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY Fall Storytime: (10:30 am) Wednesdays, weekly (no storytime Dec 25, Jan 1). All ages. Stories, music, action rhymes, and a craft! Drop-in program; no registration.

Homeschool Club: (9:30 & 10:30 am). 2nd Friday, monthly. All ages. We will meet at the Library and go caroling at Golden Age Manor from 10-11:00 am in December. Age-appropriate activities before and after. 9:30-10 am: Stories for younger kids. 11-11:30 am: Teen/Tween activity. Drop-in; no registration.

Tween Book Club: (4:00 pm) Last Monday of every other month (even months). Grades 3-5. Talk about a book, do a fun activity, and have a snack. Copies of the book are available at the Amery Library circulation desk (you don’t need to place your own hold). Read the book prior to book club and come ready to discuss it.

December 30th: Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea.

Registration required. Sign up at amerylibrary.org/ kids Board Games for Kids & Teens: Did you know we have a selection of board games always available for kids, teens, and families to play in the library? Check the Exploration Lab in Youth Services and the game shelf in the Young Adult area and find a game to play!

Young Adults: A new table & stools in the Young Adult area give you room to hang with friends, work on a project, or play a game. And be sure to answer the question on the white board!

Exploration Lab: Build, explore, and discover in the Exploration Lab in Youth Services. From Strawbees to Magnatiles, and Magnetic Poetry to insect specimens, there’s something to keep kids’ minds busy!

Baby/Toddler Zone: New puzzles and toys have been added to the Baby/Toddler Zone! Stop in today and let your little one explore sensory balls, transportation puzzles, soft building cubes, and more.

New Books!: Our New Books Bin (below the big bulletin board) showcases the newest additions to our picturebook and early reader collections. And the New Books Display in our J-Room house the newest additions in juvenile nonfiction, fiction, and graphic novels. Stop in today and find a new favorite title.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten and Baby Book Bees These ongoing early literacy initiatives encourage families to establish a strong foundation of reading in young children. Visit the library to sign up for the

AMERY COMMUNITY EDUCATION program that is right for your child.

Winter DIY Crafting Fair: Saturday, December 14th from 10 AM-1PM at the Amery Area Public Library.

Calling all crafters! Come by our “Third Thursday’ Open House-style Craft Fair. There will be crafting stations set up featuring some of our greatest hits from 2019 plus a few new ones. Come with friends and enjoy some treats while you work! No registration required, crafting while supplies last!

Winter Reading & Hygge Challenge! Join the Amery Area Public Library for a challenge designed to help us all get through the winter with more happiness and coziness in our lives! Starting Thursday, January 2, 2020, pick up a Bingo Card and work your way through it until the last day of February. Win little prizes with every “Bingo” completed and also get a raffle ticket each time to enter to win a grand prize!

Grand Prize drawing will take place on March 1, 2020.

Happy Hygge-days!

Book discussion group The Friends of the Library Book Discussion Group meets on the third Monday of the month at 1:30 PM. The title for December is Less by Andrew Sean Greer.

Book sales

The NEW Community Ed catalog with winter/ spring offerings will be in the mail and available around town by the end of January. Watch for it! Pre-register and learn more through Amery Community Ed online at www.amerysd.k12.wi.us or by calling 715-268-9771 x220.

Basketball Winter Recreation for Youth and Families: For boys and girls grades 4-12. Families are encouraged to participate together. Younger children are welcome when accompanied by parents. Bring your own ball; enter through North doors. No fee. Sundays through March 15 from 1:30-3:30 p in the Middle School gym.

Open Gym for Families sponsored by PowerUp: Open gyms are a chance for kids and families to bounce a ball, shoot some hoops, play catch or just run around and be active together. For families with children of all ages. Parents/Guardians must stay in the gym with the children. Select Sundays: Dec 1 & 15, Jan 5 & 19, Feb 2 & 16, Mar 1 from 1:303:30 p in the Intermediate School – enter through the doors facing the NORTH parking lot. No fee – just show up!

Rumble Jumble Open Gym sponsored by PowerUp

The Friends of the Library Book Sale will be held on Thursday, January 2nd from 4:00-6:30 PM. “Friends of the Library” may shop early (from 3-4). The Book Sale will also be held Saturday, January 4th from 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM.

Friends The Friends of the Amery Area Public Library Foundation meets on the third Monday of the month at 4:30 PM. Meetings are open to all members and to the public.

E-books, e-audiobooks and digital magazines Your MORE library card gives you access to the Overdrive collection of e-books, e-audiobooks, and streaming videos; the Freading collection of e-books; and the Flipster downloadable magazine collection.

Check out the website Check out the library website at amerylibrary.org, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/amerylibrary.

Hours Library hours are Monday through Thursday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Friday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, and Saturday 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

for toddlers and preschoolers to run, burn energy, and have fun. Balls, scooters, mats, and other gym equipment available. Parents/Guardians are expected to stay in the gym. Child care providers welcome. No fee – just show up. Tuesdays through March when school is in session from 11 -11:45 a.

Intermediate School.

Pickleball - Open Gym: Join us on Wednesday nights to play the fastest growing recreational sport in the nation. Wednesdays through March (closed Dec 25 & Jan 1) from 6-8 p in the High School. No fee – just show up.

Play and Learn Parent-Child Group provides an opportunity for children to interact with their parents and other children their age. Each session includes group activities, free play time, and supervised child time while parents are led to discuss parenting strategies, dilemmas, and everyday happenings. Winter session 10 Mondays, January 6 through March 2 from 10-11:30 a. No fee but pre-registration is required by calling 715-6844440 beginning at 9 a on Dec. 16. Do not register through Comm. Ed.

Sleeping Beauty presented by Prairie Fire Children’s Theater & Amery youth. The Golden

December issues of the Amery Free Press are as follows ...

Tuesday, Dec. 17 • Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas and Christmas Greetings Deadlines are The Tab, Friday, Dec. 13, 12 noon.

Amery Free Press, news and advertising, Monday, Dec. 16, 12 noon

Monday, Dec. 23 • After Christmas Sales, New Year’s Greetings and Activities Deadlines are The Tab and Amery Free Press, news and advertising, Thursday, Dec. 19, at 4 p.m.

The Amery Free Press office will be closed Tuesday & Wednesday, Dec. 24 & 25 and Wednesday, Jan. 1.

AMERY

215 Keller Ave. S, Amery Phone 715-268-8101 Fax 715-268-5300 Email tstangl@theameryfreepress. com

Age of Hollywood comes to life in this over-the-top version of the classic tale. Set on a movie set in the 1930’s, everything that can go wrong does! For Amery youth in grades 3-8. 74 children will be cast.

No charge to participate. Auditions Jan 6 from 3:30—5:30 p. Practices Jan 6-10 from 3:25-7:45 p depending on role. Performances Jan 10 at 7 p and Jan 11 at 10:30 a. Tickets $6 in advance or $7 at door to cover show expenses.

RECENT BIRTHS AMERY HOSPITAL & CLINIC Novak Grey Lillyblad Novak Grey Lillyblad, baby boy, 8 lbs 4 oz, was born November 5 to Crystal Sloan and Robert Lillyblad of Prairie Farm.

Jens David Webb Jens David Webb, baby boy, 9 lbs 6 oz, was born November 7 to Michelle and Nathan Webb of Amery.

Chase Austin Burstad Chase Austin Burstad, baby boy, 8 lbs 6 oz, was born November 27 to Janis Howie and Patrick Burstad of Deer Park.

Benjamin Ongue Shin Benjamin Ongue Shin, baby boy, 6 lbs 11 oz, was born November 30 to Anabelle Ongue and Jae Duck Shin of Clayton.

We appreciate our readers!

28 AMERY FREE PRESS

COMMUNITY

DECEMBER 10, 2019

www.theameryfreepress.com

ARNELL MEMORIAL HUMANE SOCIETY Carmel is the ultimate companion cat. She is a steady gal without an agenda. Carmel is affectionate feline who respects your space and is willing to carry on a conversation if you are in the mood. She is a good listener and will respond with the appropriate “Meow� to the highlights of your story. She is equally delighted to gaze out the window or curl up in your lap, whichever the moment requires.

Carmel meets strangers and other cats readily.

She is the ultimate feline companion.

This Friday, December 13th, the rare and much loved, Bacon Raffle for Arnell returns to Ward’s Bar and Grill in Dresser. The Dresser Lions will host the raffle that begins at 6:30 pm and goes until the Bacon and Free Drinks are gone.

All of the proceeds from this event will help the animals at the Arnell shelter. Start your weekend off with a fun time fundraiser for a good cause. You just might bring home the bacon.

There have been numerous stories in the local news lately, reporting abuse and neglect of dogs. Most notably is the story of a dog brought to the Dunn County Humane Society as a stray. When he arrived, the adult Large Mixed Breed dog named Gabriel by shelter employees, weighed just 23.5 pounds. He could barely stand; a photo shared with the news media, showed him laying on his side, a skeleton with fur.

His story made the evening news in Eau Claire and the Twin Cities. It was later revealed, that the woman who brought him to the shelter as a stray, had been his owner. She has been charged

34th Annual

Amery Holiday Stroll HONOR ROLL Many people and many community-spirited businesses helped us chalk up another successful Holiday Stroll last Saturday...

Carmel

with felony mistreatment of animals and a misdemeanor count of intentionally failing to provide food for an animal.

While Gabriel’s story is horrific, it is not an isolated story. Abuse and neglect cases walk through the doors of every animal shelter on a regular basis. Shelters absorb their pain and offer a life saving second chance. Rarely if ever are the perpetrators found and more often than not, sentencing for crimes of neglect, are a slap on the wrist. For shelters, the recovery of that animal is the primary concern.

Concerned citizens call the shelter to report animal abuse or neglect, searching for the proper authorities to bring relief to a suffering animal.

They know where the neglect is happening, they know who lives in the house, they usually have witnessed the abuse. They can advocate for a suffering animal by reporting it.

In Polk County, the

NEED CASH NOW? Apply By Phone Loans up to $5,000 Installment Loans & Title Loans Flexible Monthly Payments Flexible Finance (in Walmart’s parking lot) 2161 US Hwy. 8 • St. Croix Falls

715-483-5008

Under New Management

proper authority to report animal neglect is to your Town Chairman, City or Village Police Officer or the Polk County Sheriff Department.

Who you call depends on where the animal is kept and who has the authority in that jurisdiction. A list of the proper authorities for each municipality is available on the Arnell web site under Lost/ Found/Surrender. If you are in doubt, please call the shelter.

Preparations for the Holiday Season are upon us. The pets at Arnell are asking for a new home to call their own. If you aren’t able to adopt, the shelter can always use supplies to make their stay a delight. A full list of Wish List items is available on our web site, but currently we in extreme need of Tidy Cat Clay kitty litter. End of the year donations are gratefully received online: ARNELLHUMANE.ORG or by mail : AMHS, 185 Griffin St East, Amery, WI 54001

THE AMERY FREE PRESS STAFF ISSUES THEIR MERITORIOUS SERVICE BADGE TO THE FOLLOWING: Businesses inviting people to Amery with the official red and plaid bows: Amery Area Community Center Amery Chevrolet Amery Discount Liquor Amery Express Amery Family Restaurant Amery Farm & Home Amery Free Press Apple River TV & Appliance Better Self Wellness/ Thistle Dew

Bowman Leather Chet Johnson Drug Dick’s Fresh Market Ellie’s Ice Cream & Coffee Indigo Iris Proverbs 31 Slumberland Stems From the Heart Village Pizzeria

And a special thanks to . . . • FIRMS THAT DONATED FOOD: and made facilities available so that the hot dog stand could operate and donate over $600 to the Amery Area Food Pantry: Amery Community Club, City of Amery, Bremer Bank, WESTconsin Credit Union, Amery Fire Department • HORSE AND WAGON RIDES: The Stalheim Family • SPONSORS OF THE HOLIDAY STROLL STORIES: Northwest Communications, Erspamer Law Office, Bremer Bank, Polk Burnett Electric Cooperative, WESTconsin Credit Union • SANTA CLAUS: who added so much to the enjoyment for the young and old during the great afternoon • INDIANHEAD CHORUS for their beautiful music • HOLIDAY STROLL ELVES: Mike Elmer, 2019 Amery Royalty, Chris Olek • TO THE STROLLERS...You were simply great!

Our Sincere Gratitude from the staff at the:

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.

AMERY

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COMMUNITY

DECEMBER 10, 2019

AMERY FREE PRESS

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www.theameryfreepress.com

Warrior Way Winners

SUBMITTED

Congratulations to our BIG winners for the month of November L to R: Kyleigh Anderson, Mercades Blouin-Potvin, Cali Widiker and Zane Dombrock.

SUBMITTED

Back Row L to R: Ashtyn Brusletten, Austin Hanson, Isaac Thayer, Kyleigh Anderson, Cali Widiker, Ellie Gullickson, Katelyn Eaton, Ali Emerson, William Dahl, Carson Marciniak, Josephine Kuhl, Sophie Zarbok; Middle Row L to R: Hailie Anderson, Harlon Stone, Alex Siebenaler, Calvin Kurtzhals, Caydyn Voght, Zane Dombrock, Reese Anderson, Emmy White, Stella Eskro, Draden Vance; Front Row L to R: Kiyanna Lindner, Wyatt Langness, Sophie Timm, Mercades Blouin-Potvin, Kamdyn Salmore, Theo Whitley, Ozzie Warner and Trey Bell.

Bell ringer brings holiday joy in Janesville

BY CATHERINE W. IDZERDA THE JANESVILLE GAZETTE

JANESVILLE, Wis. (AP) — It’s not enough for Debi Pulver to say merry Christmas.

She has to fling her arms up in the air and proclaim it to the whole parking lot: “MERRY CHRISTMAS!’’ That’s a lot of joy for a woman who has committed to ringing bells for the Salvation Army 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. five days a week in front of Hobby Lobby.

On Black Friday, Pulver was outside the store about 10 feet from the red kettle, cheerfully calling out “hellos,’’ “thank yous’’ and her trademark joyous Christmas greetings. Things have been going well for her. She’s been averaging about $63 an hour during her bell-ringing shifts, she has a wonderful boyfriend and she’ll soon been leaving Wisconsin for the balmy weather of Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Things haven’t always been this good.

Last year, her mother died. In the six years before that, her father died and her husband died.

“I’ve had seven years living with grief,’’ Pulver told The Janesville Gazette.

After her mother died last year, Pulver was wrapping up the estate, and in order to get to certain documents, she needed to get her employee identification number. After struggling with the system over the phone, she thought she’d go directly to an IRS office. She was struggling financially, frustrated with the system and grieving.

“I had a meltdown in the IRS office,’’ Pulver said.

She was charged with criminal trespass and had to pay a fine and was sentenced to 25 hours of community service.

Pulver decided to ring bells for the Salvation Army in Janesville, where she didn’t know anyone.

She had so much fun ringing bells, she continued to ring after her community service was completed.

Last year, she racked up 46 hours as a bell ringer.

“I had a blast,’’ Pulver said. “I love being around people; I love finding the Christmas spirit, and I love sharing the Christmas spirit.’’

Pulver always greets people as they go into the store instead of when they come out. She doesn’t want to make anybody feel bad about not giving — giving very little.

But people do give, and Pulver’s joy is infectious.

Her greetings make people smile — not just one of those polite smiles that look more like grimaces.

Rather, people grin. Their cheeks pop, and their eyes light up. Sometimes, they even laugh a little.

It’s a good way to spread the spirit of the season, and it’s crucial for the Salvation Army and its programs. The red kettle drive is a significant part of the organization’s budget. The Salvation Army provides lunches throughout the year, presents for children in need, transitional housing for homeless adults, emergency assistance to families and a variety of other services.

Ex-Wisconsin Gov. Walker open to seeking office after 2025 MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Former Wisconsin Republican Gov. Scott Walker says he won’t run for office again before 2025, but he “wouldn’t rule anything out’’ after that.

Walker also says he hopes Rebecca Kleefisch, his former lieutenant governor, runs for governor in 2022. He says she would be a “hell of a great governor.’’

Walker commented on his political future Tuesday during an event at the Milwaukee Press Club.

Walker was governor for eight years before losing

last year to Democrat Tony Evers, ending his 26year run in elected office.

Walker says he wouldn’t run for office until his commitment to serve as president of the Young America’s Foundation is complete after 2024. He starts in that job in 2021.

Walker says he’s not ruling anything out after that.

The 52-year-old Walker says, “I’m 22 years younger than the president, so I definitely have time.’’

It’s Coming It’s coming; now the signs we see.

An extra smile, the colored lights, The cutting, trimming of a tree, Posters tell of special nights, Children anticipate delights.

And so it comes.

It’s coming, though some are away With duty on a far-off shore Who think of coming Christmas Day. And some at home yearn all the more.

Some hearts ache; some hearts soar.

Still it comes.

Relentlessly, as ages roll, Confirmed again a promise kept, Who came here to redeem the soul In glory while the people slept.

Hope into hearts longing crept.

Though king oppose and killing chose, Still He came A baby? How God chose to save A fickle and rebellious world, In the night, the gift He gave While shepherds shook and star unfurled.

Though evil all its might had hurled And God’s will flaunted, yet undaunted, Still He came.

Men of honesty face strife While those who cheat ,unchecked, succeed.

Some who live an easy life Ignore the stricken, abject need, To the promise give no heed.

Good spurned and hated, but unabated, Still it comes.

So pass the days as we prepare To celebrate with song and gift, With dear ones and some needy share.

The celebration our hearts lift, And pray the world to goodness shift Merriment uproarious, honoring the glorious, And Christmas comes. @12/14/2017 Carol Morfitt Welch

30 AMERY FREE PRESS

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www.theameryfreepress.com

How to prevent back and neck pain when you’re traveling As a physical therapist at Amery Hospital & Clinic and the Fitness Center, I help many patients with back and neck pain. And unfortunately, national statistics show this type of pain will affect most of us at some point in our lives.

The good news is that back and neck pain can often be managed with exercise and activity modification.

Making small changes to your habits and routine can do a lot to help prevent and ease it, and that’s especially true when it comes to travel-related pain.

Few things can ruin a vacation or Health time with friends and family faster Matters than a sore back or neck. Yet it’s very Tony Gould, common to start aching in these PT, DPT places during (or shortly after) a long Director of flight or road trip. That’s why as we Ancillary Services enter the year’s busiest travel time, and Physical I want to share my top advice for Therapist avoiding and minimizing back and neck pain.

If you’re one of the millions of Americans who will be driving, sitting in a car, flying or sleeping somewhere new over the holiday season, keep these tips in mind: 1. Motion is lotion for your body! Even when traveling, it’s important to stay active to prevent back pain.

• Use the 30-minute rule. If you are sitting or standing for 30 minutes, change position. Even if it is only a brief change, it can help prevent back pain. Really, I promise, your back will thank you in the long run.

• Take regular stretch breaks. Stop every 60-90 minutes to get out and walk around when traveling by car, or get out of your plane seat and walk the aisle if permitted.

• Do simple exercises while seated to help keep your back from getting stiff. If you find yourself slumping, sit up a little straighter for a while. You can do something called a pelvic tilt while sitting on a plane or in the car to mimic the sit-to-stand motion.

2. Stress can contribute to the intensity of low back pain. The better you can manage stress,

the better you can prevent back pain and the less you will hurt.

• Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Make things easier on yourself and let those who offer to help do so. If the flight attendants will help you lift your bags to the overhead compartment, let them.

• Plan ahead. Make a list of everything that needs to get done, and allow extra time to do them all in case things don’t go according to plan. That will make it easier to adjust if something unexpected comes up at the last minute (like, traffic or long security lines). If nothing goes awry, you’ll have extra time to relax!

• Practice deep breathing and other mindfulness techniques. Search “progressive muscle relaxation” on YouTube and give meditative exercise a try. Most of these guided videos are 1020 minutes long, which often makes them a less time-intensive alternative to yoga or meditation.

And since they can easily be done in an airplane seat, they can be very helpful in counteracting the issues that can come from back pain and flying.

3. There are certain activities that may lead to back pain from driving or flying. So when you’re traveling, make simple changes to what you’re doing to prevent back pain from flaring up.

• When you’re spending a long time in a car or plane… Use a rolled up towel, sweatshirt, lumbar roll or a water bottle to give your back the proper support it needs for a long trip. Place the object just below the small of your back, above your hips.

• When you’re sleeping in a car or plane…

Use a neck pillow because they really do help.

Having a neck pillow will keep your spine in better alignment. That will decrease the stress that resting in an upright position can put on your neck. If you don’t have a neck pillow, roll up a towel, sweatshirt or small blanket and wrap it around your neck.

• When you’re standing in lines… Keep your weight equal between both feet, or shift your weight back and forth. When it comes to the issue of back pain and flying, waiting to go through airport security is often a culprit. You

METRO CREATIVE

can also try propping a foot up on a bag or curb to decrease the stress to your spine.

• When you’re lifting luggage or heavy items off the ground… Use a wide stance with your feet and squat down using your legs. Keep your butt back and put your weight through your heels.

• When you’re picking small objects off the floor… Try a technique called the “golfer’s lift.”

Kick one leg behind you and bend at the hip like a pendulum, keeping your low back straight.

Reach to pick up the object with one arm while using the other to hold a stationary object for support.

• When you’re sleeping in a different bed…

Use blankets to help cushion a hard mattress if you prefer softer surfaces. If you’re lying on your back, prop up pillows under your knees. Or if you’re lying on your side, put a pillow between your knees. This will help you prevent back pain by keeping your spine in a better position.

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Vintage snowmobile show brings over 100 sleds to Trollhaugen Vintage snowmobile show brought 107 sleds from the past to the Trollhaugen Recreation Area, Dresser, Saturday, Dec. 7. Many stories were shared from the early days of snowmobiling when the long, desolate Wisconsin winters were opened up by the popularity of snowmobiles in the late 1960s. The boom in snowmobiling found over 30 snowmobiler dealers in Polk and Burnett counties in the 70s. The dealers and most of the brands may be gone, but the trail system that was developed back then is still here today, and brings tourist dollars to the area – Polk County Tourism Council.

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A great kick-off to the Christmas season Only 2 weeks until Christmas? Can that be true? And those days will fly by as we all finish up shopping, get the baking done, attend Christmas programs/concerts/parties, decorate, take in sporting events, and along with all of that, we need to go to work. With everyone’s very busy schedule please take a moment to really enjoy the reason of the season, and remind yourself Pounding how truly blessed we all are! the Thank you so much to everyone who Pavement joined us last SaturPam Humpal day for our 34th Annual Amery Holiday Stroll. It’s always fun visiting with the strollers during the afternoon. A huge thank you to…

• participating businesses and sponsors for supporting the event year after year • Stalheim Family for providing wagon rides with their beautiful horses decked out in the sleigh bells • Santa Claus for keeping all ages on their toes • Indianhead Chorus for filling the air with Christmas carols • Strollers for stopping by the hot dog stand and donating over $600 in money and food items for the Amery Area Food Pantry. We served 350 hot dogs and hot chocolates. Also for decorating our tree with new hats, mittens, gloves, and scarves for Operation Christmas. Items may still be dropped off at the AFP office until December 13.

This past weekend was a great kickoff to the Christmas season. Besides the Amery Holiday Stroll on Saturday,

on Friday night we attended the Lake Wapogasset Bible Camp Christmas Dinner Theater. It’s always a wonderful night with great music, delicious food, and with a very talented group of actors/ actresses and musicians. It’s a great tradition of mine that I look forward to year after year.

Sunday afternoon we journeyed to Orchestra Hall for a “Comfort and Joy” Christmas Concert presented by the University of St Thomas. My nephew, Chase, is in the Concert Choir. It was an amazing performance by the college students in an awesome setting. Now that was quite a weekend!

Congratulations to this week’s winners of the Amery Christmas Punch Promotion…Janet Cran, Brielle Hopkins, Laurie Whitehead, Nancy Drake and Louann Pechacek. For your chance to be next week’s winner simply have your Christmas card stamped while you shop participating Amery businesses. You will receive a stamp for each $10 purchase, up to 5 stamps per visit. Once your card is filled, simply drop it off at Dick’s Fresh Market, Chet Johnson Drug, Worn Again, or the Amery Free Press. The final drawing of the promotion will be next Monday, December 16. Good Luck, and thank you for shopping locally!

The Amery Hospital & Clinic invite you to their annual Love Light Tree Ceremony on Thursday, December 12, at 6pm. The tree will be decorated with beautiful lights and red bows in memory of and in honor of loved ones. The Apple River Ensemble will play along with a Christmas sing-a-long followed by refreshments.

Santa Claus is coming to Amery! On Saturday, December 14, Santa will be at Chet Johnson Drug from 9am-1pm. And on Saturday, December 21, he is scheduled for Worn Again from 9am-1pm.

Mark your calendars for a chance to

Concert goers – myself, Julie, Chase, Joanne and Marv.

I was hanging out with Santa at the Holiday Stroll on Saturday.

visit with Santa, and have your picture taken.

As I have said before, I love traveling the countryside and in town viewing the Christmas lights and decorations.

I appreciate everyone’s effort in the decorating job…it takes a lot of time, planning, patience, and especially cords.

The following are some houses that I have noticed are decorated. Please let me know if you would like to be added to the list for next week, and thank you…

• Bob LaBathe – 1207 110th St, Amery • Alan Johnson – 959 85th Ave/Co Rd H, Amery • Koehler Family – 1074 65th Ave, Amery • Rick & Gwen Johannsen – 703 70th Ave/Co Rd J, Amery This week’s issue has information on area Christmas services and programs at area churches. Be sure to see the dates and times of the special services.

Next week’s issue will contain Christmas greetings from area businesses with the assistance of kids drawings in

the Amery School grades Pre-K through 4th. Businesses that would like to use a special child’s/children’s cards for their greeting should please give me a call today at 715-268-8101. The drawings can also be used for New Year’s Greetings in our issue on Monday, December 23.

Along with the holidays also comes a variation in publication dates for the paper. We will be printing on Monday, December 23, with deadlines for the Amery Free Press and The Tab of Thursday, December 19, at 4pm. The Amery Free Press office will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, December 24 and 25. The next publication will be Monday, December 30, with deadlines being Thursday, December 26, at 4pm.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation during the holiday schedule.

Full Moon will be on Thursday, December 12…let’s hope it is clear and lights up the sky!

Have a great week…stay warm, and enjoy!

New children’s activity page blends learning with fun to encourage good reading habits Newspaper Fun, we’re nurturing future generations of newspaper readers.”

Mills appreciates the influence of the Internet, and embraces it through her ReadingClubFun.com web site, which complements and extends the effect of Newspaper Fun. Each week, she publishes puzzle answers on the site, and offers a range of ideas, tools

and puzzles for parents, teachers, librarians and others to use to encourage children to read and learn.

“The idea is to create a flow between traditional and new media, with the common denominator being a focus on good reading habits,” Mills said.

See the Newspaper Fun on page 14.

NEWSPAPER FUN ANSWERS (Puzzles on page 14)

Holiday Fun and Feasts

Dear Santa, I’ve been good all 6 year long!

N 10 books K W A N Z ne candy ca T robot 4 I at winter co P l hat V basebal O I mittens 8 S A N T A C A Y es paintbrush D all basketb A 3 L A pajamas S ates sk ice 2 M E N O truck cheese drum set

12 F E A S

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5 T A M 9 A N D L E L C E S O R A T S E

If you can hear the musical, magical sounds of the holidays in person, you may be at the:

7

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S M H N Y P O Y

C H R I S T M A S

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We are pleased to share a new feature in our pages this week – Newspaper Fun – a high-energy, children’s activity page that features puzzles, cartoons, games and a cast of off-beat, humorous animal characters.

But, don’t be fooled by all the fun. Underlying these entertaining elements is a strong educational framework that encourages reading. The feature explores a variety of themes, many of them aligned with school curriculum, and buried in its puzzles and challenges are lessons that sharpen essential language arts skills.

“With every page I create, my first priority is to make sure you look at it and say, ‘Hey, this looks like fun,’ and then pull out a pencil and go to work,” said Ann Mills, who writes and illustrates Newspaper Fun each week in her studio in Connecticut.

“People love to learn new things. I work to make the learning fun and entertaining. This draws families in and keeps them coming back for more,” Mills said.

With both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in education, Mills has a diverse background involving education. She worked in several elementary schools, helping to teach and motivate students to read before turning to children’s publishing. For 10 years she created a children’s activity page in southern Connecticut, which focused on the challenges of a highly mobile, military-centered community, and which earned two international journalism awards. That page – with the addition of a cast of new characters – formed the basis for Newspaper Fun, which launched in 2004.

“Newspapers play a crucial role in helping people stay connected with what’s going on in their communities,” Mills said. “By attracting families to their local newspapers through features like

Hanuk kah

Kw an zaa

Favorite Family Films and Fun! 1. Lights: The Miracle of Chanukah 2. Just Enough is Plenty

A. a folktale B. a dance/musical

3. The Legend of the Poinsettia

C. Hanukkah tale

4. Miracle on 34th Street

D. a movie

5. The Nutcracker Ballet

E. cartoon

6. A Charlie Brown Christmas 7. A Christmas Story 8. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

F. a story/song/show G. television special

9. ’Twas the Night Before Christmas

H. poem

10. It’s Kwanzaa Time!

I. movie J. book

32 AMERY FREE PRESS

ENTERTAINMENT www.theameryfreepress.com

AREA BOWLING SCORES Club 53, Amery THURS-FRI NIGHT LADIES Division 1 Amery Fire Department .................148 Northwest Communications .....123.5 Chet Johnson Drug ...........................120 Division 2 Carlson SV ...........................................142 Club 53 ..................................................136 Better Self Wellness ..................... 110.5 High Games: Becky Ausen 206, Kelli Galbraith 195-152, Karen Gorres 187, Sherry Martin 182, Diane Lewis 175, Linda Mullendore 167-166-158, Gwen Wold 163, Kelly Fansler 162-154, Lori Dieckman 159, Jodi Chelberg 155, Katie Lauterbach 152-150, Lori Smith 152.

High Series: Linda Mullendore 491, Kelly Fansler 460, Becky Ausen 456, Katie Lauterbach 439, Gwen Wold 437, Lori Smith 436, Sherry Martin 435, Karen Gorres 434, Diane Lewis 434.

MONDAY NIGHT MEN Week 13 of 32 Division 1 Shoreview .........................................151.5 Tac Two ............................................104.5 Division 2 Gary’s Electric.....................................142 Dick’s Fresh Market .......................... 122 High Games: Brian Peterson 235,

Rod Gehrman 224, Bob Gillis 259, Todd Zemke 210, Bob Albee 210-220, Jim Swanson 202-201.

High Series: Brian Peterson 596, Rod Gehrman 600, Bob Gillis 635, Todd Zemke 562, Bob Albee 595, Jim Swanson 562.

TUESDAY NIGHT MEN Week 14 of 32 Club 53 ...................................................137 Garibaldi’s........................................ 134.5 Chet Johnson Drug ..........................111.5 Noah Insurance...................................86 High Games: Bill Peterson 208-224, Will Schaffer 246-231.

High Series: Bill Peterson 596, Will Schaffer 649.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT MEN Week 13 of 32 Preferred Lawn...................................151 Alibi.........................................................118 Club 53 ............................................... 137.5 Amery Fire Department .............104.5 High Games: Beau Gorres 224-224.

High Series: Beau Gorres 628.

Spare Time Bowling Turtle Lake MONDAY NIGHT LADIES Week 14 of 28 Countyline Dairy.................................. 81 Austad’s .................................................72 Bowlin Buddies....................................67 Spare Time Bowl................................ 65 LakePlace.com ................................... 59 Becker’s Trucking ............................... 58 Clear Lake Auto ...................................52 Little Debbies ......................................50 High Games: Orreen Nottom 203, Michelle Hollister 201-171-181, Deanne Moravitz 196, Jen Huebner 191, Debbie Thill 186, Mitzi Hawkins 181, Geri Christensen 179, Brenda Levine 173.

High Series: Michelle Hollister 553, Orreen Nottom 515, Mitzi Hawkins 512, Jen Huebner 504, Deanne Moravitz 495.

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We love to hear from our subscribers, advertisers and readers. Here are the many ways you can contact us: Mail: Amery Free Press, Box 424, Amery, WI 54001 Phone: 715-268-8101 FAX: 715-268-5300 Email: Tom Stangl: tstangl@ theameryfreepress.com April Ziemer: editor@ theameryfreepress.com Pam Humpal: phumpal@ theameryfreepress.com Jamie Stewart: classiďŹ eds@ theameryfreepress.com Diane Stangl: dstangl@ theameryfreepress.com Nicole Gagner: ngagner@ theameryfreepress.com Our office is located at 215 Keller Ave. S. We are open from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Monday - Friday

Bar Open 4 p.m.-? Thursdays & Fridays HAPPY HOUR 4-6 p.m.

Only $1.50 beer during Happy Hour (Reg. $2.25)

Paul Oman Gallery

WINTER HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Fri., Dec. 13th • 9a-5p Sat., Dec. 14th • 9a-5p Sun., Dec. 15th • 12noon-5p & by appt, please call 715-790-2029 Originals • Prints Notecards Gift Ideas Payment plans available for all originals.

Refreshments.

Come, relax & enjoy the Season! www.PaulOmanFineArt.com 1001 20th Ave • Deer Park, WI

DECEMBER 10, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

DECEMBER 10, 2019

AMERY FREE PRESS

33

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Huge Indoor Heated Sale

Friday - Saturday - Sunday Dec. 13, 3-9 pm • Dec. 14, 10am-7pm Dec. 15, 10am-4pm

Choose & Cut 517 Little Falls Drive Amery 715-554-3566

Furniture, home decor, collectibles, hunting & fishing items, small appliances, kitchen items & much, much more!

730 US Hwy 8 & 63 • Turtle Lake (Watch for signs)

Join in Amery’s Christmas Punch!

27th Annual

John Legut Memorial Cup Saturday, Dec. 28, 7:30 p.m.

AMERY ICE ARENA 1065 RiverPlace Drive, Amery

Enjoy a great hockey game with Amery Alumni and help raise the funds to award educational scholarships.

Your support is appreciated for this effort.

Hockey Alumni interested in playing please contact Andrea Legut andrealegut@yahoo.com, phone 715-781-0710

Admission $3 adults, $2 students, 6 & under free

Weekly Drawings!

Win Amery Scrip Money!

THIS WEEK’S WINNERS ARE: Each will receive $50 Amery Scrip Money

Janet Cran Brielle Hopkins Laurie Whitehead Nancy Drake Louann Pechacek

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Create Art • Give Art • Buy Art New Holiday Hours: 208 KELL Mon.-Sat. 10-5 AMERY 208 KELLER AV SundayWISCON 11-4 AMERY, HOU 715-268-8600 HOURS: MON.-SA www.artzgallery.org MON.-SAT. 10 SUN. 715-268-8600

art A Fine

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DECEMBER FEATURED ARTISTS

“New Boundaries” Julie Adams, Han Huisman & Judy Paulson, Mixed Media Artists Loretta Pedersen, Fiber & Textile Artist

Pick up your Christmas Punch Card at participating Amery businesses and you could be next week’s lucky winner!

Final Drawing is December 16 SPONSORED BY AMERY COMMUNITY CLUB

Free Admission

Welcome to Amery!

Visit with Santa Saturday, December 14 9 am - 1 pm at Chet Johnson Drug

Saturday, December 21 9 am - 1 pm at Worn Again

34

AMERY FREE PRESS

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DECEMBER 10, 2019

Woman sent to prison Wisconsin researchers find for selling drugs at microplastics in Boundary Waters ‘meth farm’ BUTTERNUT, Wis. (AP) — A woman will spend more than five years in federal prison for selling methamphetamine from a rural property in northern Wisconsin known as the ‘meth farm.’

Becky Peterson, 64, conspired with Mark Moore to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine at a farm near Butternut in Ashland County over the past several years, according to prosecutors. She was sentenced in federal court Tuesday to 66 months in prison.

WSAW-TV reports that between August 2017 and June 2018, an undercover officer conducted seven controlled buys of methamphetamine from Moore and one from Peterson at the farm.

Moore was convicted and sentenced to an equivalent 66-month prison term in March. Authorities also seized his farm.

The charges against Peterson and Moore were the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Ashland County Sheriff’s Department and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.

PUBLIC NOTICE STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: Raymond Anthony Wears Notice to Creditors (Informal Administration) Case No. 19PR83 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: 1. An application for informal administration was filed.

2. The decedent, with date of birth May 20, 1957 and date of death November 7, 2019, was domiciled in Polk County, State of Wisconsin,

with a mailing address of 924A Wisconsin Lane, Amery, WI 54001.

3. All interested persons waived notice.

4. The deadline for filing a claim against the decedent’s estate is March 13, 2020.

5. A claim may be filed at the Polk County Courthouse, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, Room 500.

Sidney P. Jones 1097 Baker Ave Amery, WI 54001 715-491-2938

BY THE COURT: Jenell L. Anderson Probate Registrar November 29, 2019

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (AP) — Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire have found microplastics in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness of northern Minnesota.

The researchers say they found microplastics — particularly fibers — in water, soil and worms collected this summer.

Biology professor Todd Wellnitz says they found 80 pieces of microplastics in one earthworm alone.

And he says microplastics in worms can impact the entire food chain.

Thank you for reading the Amery Free Press TOWN OF LINCOLN POLK COUNTY NOTICE OF TOWN BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MONTHLY MEETING The Town Board of Supervisors Monthly Meeting of the Town of Lincoln will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lincoln Town Hall -- 661 85th Street.

MONTHLY MEETING AGENDA 1. Call Meeting to Order 2. Verification of Meeting Posting 3. Approval of Agenda 4. Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting 5. Public Comment 6. Reports: Treasurer, Clerk, Road Work Issues, Plan Commission 7. Presentation and Approval of Bills 8. Appoint Election Inspectors 9. Discuss Possible Purchase to Replace 1 Ton 10. New Business 11. Unfinished Business 12. Adjourn *Action may be taken on any agenda item* Stephanie Marciniak, Clerk 715-268-4747 WNAXLP

WNAXLP

TOWN OF BLACK BROOK ORDINANCE 2019-01 Notice of Passage of an Ordinance Providing for Electrical Inspections by the Town Building Inspector Notice is Hereby Given that at its November 21, 2019, Town of Black Brook Board Meeting, the Town Board adopted Ordinance 2019-01. This ordinance authorizes the Town Building Inspector to conduct electrical inspections of farms, public buildings, places of employment, campgrounds, manufactured home communities, public marinas, piers, docks or wharves, and recreational vehicle parks. It also adopts SPS 316 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code containing state electrical codes in its entirety.

It requires that an electrical permit be obtained prior to starting or completing electrical wiring.

The Ordinance establishes procedures for both rough and electrical inspections. It also requires the designated electrical inspection agency to post its fees for such inspections online. Finally, the Ordinance provides for a penalty for failure to obtain a required permit or timely comply with a corrective order regarding electrical installations.

The full text of this ordinance may be examined as posted on the Town Hall door, Countryside or NextGen or a copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Town Clerk, Sally Pickard at: Phone number: 715-268-2926 Address: 858 60th Ave. Amery WI 54001 The full text can also be examined on the Town of Black Brook website: https://townofblackbrook. com/ Adopted: November 21, 2019 Published: December 10, 2019

Published December 10, 2019 - Amery Free Press

(December 3, 10, 17)

Wellnitz tells Wisconsin Public Radio most of the microplastics they’re finding are fibers that can shed from synthetic clothing and fabrics. But he says they also can spread by wind, rain and snow.

Wellnitz describes the research as preliminary since they took around 60 samples from a small portion of the BWCA. He says the results could form the basis for larger future research projects.

Sally Pickard, Town Clerk

WNAXLP

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DECEMBER 10, 2019

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HELP WANTED Full-Time Housekeeper

Clayton School District • Clayton, WI

Apply at BURKWOODTREATMENTCENTER COM ABOUT CAREERS

is accepting application for the following positions:

FOOD SERVICE WORKER Duties include dishwashing, food preparation and serving.

/LD -ILL 2OAD s (UDSON 7)

POLK COUNTY PLATBOOKS $42.00 each

SCHOOL NURSE Seeking an RN willing to work with students and staff. Approx. 4 hrs/week.

Must be community health certified. May also include Medical Advisor position if qualified.

Wage dependent on qualifications.

If interested in applying for either position please send letter of interest and resume with references to: District Administrator Ed Cerney 236 Polk Ave. W., PO Box 130 Clayton, WI 54004 or email to cerneye@claytonsd.k12.wi.us

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Deadline to Apply: December 23, 2019

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Thank you for reading the Amery Free Press PUBLIC NOTICE

Amery Board of Education December 16, 2019 6:00 PM - Board Room

A Regular Board Meeting of the Amery Board of Education is scheduled for Monday, December 16, 2019, at 6:00 PM in the Board Room at the Amery Intermediate School, located at 543 Minneapolis Avenue in Amery, Wisconsin.

Business under review will include: I. Call to Order II. Closed Session 6:00 pm 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). Conferring with legal counsel for the governmental body who is rendering oral or written advice concerning strategy to be adopted by the body with respect to litigation in which it is or is likely to become involved pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(g).

III. Open Session 6:30 pm IV. Spotlight on Education – 2nd Grade Kindness Campaign V. Consent Agenda Items A. Agenda B. Minutes C. Financial/Budget Reports D. Board Vouchers VI. Community Comments VII. Administrative/Committee/ Department Reports A. Administrator Reports B. Pupil Non-Discrimination and Educational Equity Report Brad Baumgartner VIII. Informational Items A. School Perceptions Staff Climate Survey - Shawn Doerfler, Sue Peterson B. District Achievement Presentation Shawn Doerfler, Administrative Team C. School Board Elections, April 2020 Shawn Doerfler D. We Are Amery Network - Josh Gould E. First Reading of Board Policies 529, 821.2, 821.2 Exhibits 1 & 2, 865, 882 Shawn Doerfler IX. Action Items A. Early Graduation Requests - Josh Gould B. Curriculum Recommendations from the Oversight Committee Oralee Schock C. Personnel Action X. 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). Conferring with legal counsel for the governmental body who is rendering oral or written advice concerning strategy to be adopted by the body with respect to litigation in which it is or is likely to become involved pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(g).

XI. 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

36

AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 10, 2019 www.theameryfreepress.com

DEER: Wisconsin ends 168th nine-day gun season with signiďŹ cantly lower totals CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

drastic winds, snow and rain bombarded most of the state.

The largest declines in antlered harvest occurred in the northern forest zone, where blizzard-like conditions and significant snow accumulation made it difficult for hunters to access hunting areas.

The Wisconsin DNR said reports from hunters around Wisconsin indicated low daytime deer activity throughout the gun deer season. Hunters afield within even a few miles of each other reported varying levels of deer sightings, confirming that deer are not evenly distributed on the landscape.

The DNR also feels standing corn proved to be an additional factor that likely influenced success in the field. At the conclusion of the nine-day season, harvest was 66% complete, 22 days behind the 2018 harvest.

Wisconsin held the earliest possible deer season in 2018 followed this year by the latest possible season opener. When this occurred between the 201213 and 2007-07 seasons, there were similar declines in yearto-year registration totals.

Additional hunting opportunities are available. Dec. 2-11 is the statewide muzzleloader hunt; Dec. 12-15 is the statewide four-day antlerless-only

Wisconsin DNR

Hunters may still use any unďŹ lled antlerless harvest authorization during upcoming hunts, but they must be used in the zone, county and land type designated on the harvest authorization.

hunt; Dec. 24 to Jan. 1, 2020 is a nine-day antlerless-only holiday hunt in select Farmland Zone counties; Presently - Jan. 5, 2020 are

the remaining archery and crossbow seasons; and Jan. 5-31, 2020 is the extended archery and crossbow seasons in select Farmland Zone counties.

Hunters may use any

GET

IN FRONT OF THE NEW YEAR

0% RSX GATOR

unfilled antlerless harvest authorization during any of these hunts, but they must be used in the zone, county and land type designated on the harvest authorization. For more information regarding hunts offered in each county, check out the interactive deer map at dnr.wi.gov, keyword "DMU." The Deer Hunter Wildlife Survey remains open through remaining seasons.

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13824 Lake Dr NE (651)464-5776

OSCEOLA

2446 State Rd 35 (715)220-4256

HASTINGS

12040 Point Douglas Dr S (651)437-7747

ROSEMOUNT

NEW W RICHMOND 730 Deere Dr (715)760-9990

TURTLE L AKE

2925 145th St West 1305 10th St (651)423-2274 (715)318-0425

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The Deer Hunter Wildlife Survey will remain active until all deer seasons have ended, and wildlife managers ask that hunters submit a report of what they observe during their time in the field. This information provides valuable data to improve population estimates for Wisconsin's deer herd and other species. For additional information, search keywords "deer hunter wildlife."

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