First of its kind Outdoor Comprehensive Plan will help guide Amery Park system
BY JUSTIN RUNBERG EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM
Amery city parks will now have a guide on how to update and improve parks through the Outdoor Comprehensive Plan. This plan is a first for the city and will help them access more grant funding to upgrade various parks. Similar to the city’s comprehensive plan, this will serve as a reference and support those on the Arts, Parks,
and Rec committee with their longterm goals.
The committee reviewed all 18 parks in Amery and explored ways to improve what they currently offer. They collected public feedback and approved recommendations during this process. This is the first plan of its kind, specifically focusing on the parks system and its inventory. The city had a similar initiative in 2017 with their Bicycle and Pedestrian master plan.
Amery decided to create this plan because they had Community Development Block Grant funds from the federal government that were an eligible use. The city also believed that the park system had been neglected and wanted to give it the attention it needed. However, the biggest benefit of having a document like this is the potential for additional funding.
Amery entrepreneurs
to learn
funding strategies at business workshop Thursday
BY JUSTIN RUNBERG EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM
BY JUSTIN RUNBERG EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM
Tragedy rarely strikes at the most convenient times. When it does, it can feel like everything is falling
apart. Recently, the Fleischauer family felt this pain after their son, Jayhden, was involved in a motorcycle crash. Fortunately, thanks to the kindness of the community, they have found much-needed hope as
they support Jayhden on his journey to recovery.
Jayhden was riding his motorcycle down Highway 64 and County
Small business owners will gather Friday morning to explore strategies for clarifying their vision and securing capital through a statewide entrepreneurship program making its first stop in Amery. The City of Amery will host a Rural Entrepreneurial Ventures Program on November 14. Starting at 7:30 a.m. in the Amery City Center, speaker Katherine Fossler, Center Director at UW-River Falls, will present a program on key insights every business owner needs.
The session will focus on helping business owners develop clearer goals and identify funding options.
The session will focus on helping business owners develop clearer goals and identify funding options. Through these concepts, Fossler will teach how to develop a clearer vision for the business's future and explore different strategies for obtaining funding. Light refreshments and coffee will be available.
The Wisconsin Rural Entrepreneurial Ventures Program is organized through the
JUSTIN RUNBERG | AMERY FREE PRESS
Jayhden’s family pictured L-R: Mateo Fleischauer (brother), Ross Fleischauer (dad), Chastity Justice (mom), Maleeya Fleischauer (sister), Carmen Fleischauer (daughter), Justice Miller (fiancee), and Xavier Fleischauer (brother).
JUSTIN RUNBERG | AMERY FREE PRESS
Some parks may be getting a face lift soon.
WORKSHOP: Meeting is
tainable jobs for people living and working in rural areas.
UW system. The REV program supports the growth of rural entrepreneurs in communities across the state. The program launched in 2024, with partnerships throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota. It is designed to boost small-town economies through a business-focused approach.
Communities that fit the mold of what REV is trying to accomplish have a few common traits. Most often, their population ranges from 1,500 to 10,000 residents within a municipality or school district. They also have community leaders ready to assist local businesses and support those with new business ideas. Additionally, they are committed to developing diverse industries to create sus-
Communities that participate in the program will gain access to additional resources. A trained coach will work one-on-one with leadership for up to three years. They also have tools to help grow the leadership base in supporting entrepreneurial activity both now and in the future.
Program organizers say REV increases the tax base, adds businesses to small towns and diversifies local economies while creating sustainable jobs in rural areas.
Business owners and prospective owners will learn tips for a successful launch.
FLEISCHAUER: Slow recovery from accident PLAN: Possible grants?
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
“The Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan really enables a degree of grant funding from the state, most notably the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Grant Program offered by the state DNR,” City Administrator Alex Mansfield said. “You cannot apply for that grant if you do not have a comprehensive Recreation Plan adopted. So it's both a guiding document to help direct resources towards the park system, as well as a funding mechanism to tell granting entities that we have a plan, if you give us funds, we'll do something with them.”
Although few grants fully fund projects, having grants helps stretch funds further. Based on the public responses, they have identified some priorities for the park system.
One of the biggest responses was for increased maintenance. The focus will be on upgrading existing facilities and addressing some of the maintenance issues that have arisen. The next major concern for residents is the development of amenities for young children and families, from toddlers to young adults. Families also showed interest in replacing some park equipment with new additions to current structures. Mansfield’s goal is to ensure parks are within a 15-minute walk from any point within the city limits to maximize access to green space.
Some parks have a higher priority for completing tasks, with most people taking advantage of what they offer at the most popular locations.
“We want to get more people into them. North Park, York Park, and Michael Bobber Park along the river are kind of the three crown jewels of the system. They're the biggest parks we have that get the most utilization. In York Park, we want more utilization and enjoyment thereof. So work there is kind of higher priority,” Mansfield said. “But there's other things throughout the system that we want to do because there are nice little picnic spots and other water accesses, like South Twin, formerly the beach, or it still is a beach, but South Twin Park, there's efforts we can do to kind of spread the love outside of those system.”
North Park has a significant monetary value attached to it. In the future, the city plans to strongly advocate for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Grant Fund to support changes in 2029. This document is important for the city because it allows people to enjoy public space, be outdoors, recreate, and stay active. Mansfield said parks are an essential function of any city. It also helps to direct efforts in a more organized way.
Road T on August 17 near New Richmond, near the intersection.
A car suddenly cut in front of him, leaving no time to react. He collided with the car. Since then, he has been in the hospital fighting for recovery.
He started his medical stay at Regions Hospital in St. Paul. Jayhden suffered a traumatic brain injury, several broken bones, and fractures. He has also been in a coma for months and has been in a mild conscious state for the past three weeks. Now, he is at a skilled nursing facility as he begins the next phase of his recovery journey.
Before the accident, his family says Jayhden had a personality that would go out of his way to help those who genuinely needed it, even rearranging his plans to ensure he could assist.
“He's so carefree, and he's the guy that shows up to a party and the guy you want to talk to. He's the jokester. He's the fun guy. He's so social. He's got a huge heart,” Chastity Justice, Jayhdens mom said. “He's also the guy you're going to call, and if you are stranded, his friends are always calling him, and he's the one that goes and helps. He will change his schedule and go find them. He's just got a huge heart.”
Besides his big heart, he also has a strong work ethic working for both the family business and full-time at General Beer. Despite a busy work schedule, he is a loving father and husband to
his wife, daughter, and soon-tobe-born child.
The first two weeks were the hardest on the family. At one point, they didn’t think he might make it through. But then, he started to make leaps and bounds in his recovery that gave the family a glimmer of hope. Working at the Amery Ale Works, Chastity has made friends through her job and after hearing her story, they knew they needed to help.
Jenna, Sam, and Destiny from the Amery Ale Works helped organize a benefit for Jayhden’s young family. This will assist his wife in caring for their threeyear-old daughter and support the upcoming addition of a new baby arriving in March. A Go Fund Me has also been created on the family’s behalf.
The Fleischauers received a wave of support from the community. The family moved to Amery nearly a decade ago and see themselves as private people. Chastity said that she and her family don’t go out much, but help others where they can over the years. Due to their privacy, they weren’t sure about using GoFundMe or accepting help until the bills started to pile up. Then something special happened.
Chastity and her friends Justice, Pat, Jenna, Sam, Destiny, Michelle and Heather went out into the community to prepare for the benefit and received over 133 baskets and donations. Besides the gals at the Amery Ale Works, Heather Wiarda, the Li-
Dr. Engelking joins our Surgical Services team
brary Director, also came out to help the family with the baskets. As the benefit continued, many members of the community stopped by to support them.
Now, Chastity and her family would like to thank the community for giving them hope during one of the most difficult times in their lives.
“We're so speechless, and we're just grateful. My heart exploded, to be honest. I didn't even know what to say and to say thank you to how many people. I mean, it was so many people,” Chastity said. “But the help has helped immensely, just because there's so many unknowns that we're still in. And then the medical things that Jayhden's going to need. We have to do home improvements on his house just so he'll be able to come home. It's so humbling to know that we live in a community like this. It really does. And it makes us confirm our move here was the right choice.”
The Fleischauer family wants to thank everyone for making a difference in their lives. Although they've passed the hardest part, the road to recovery will still be long. Jayhden continues to improve and is starting to mumble in mild consciousness. The benefit event was a huge help for the family, and since it began, the Go Fund Me has raised $13,000. If you or anyone else would like to help or donate, visit https://www. gofundme.com/f/support-jayhden-fleischauer-on-the-road-tohealing.
OUT ABOUT& AMERY FREE PRESS
Amery Food Pantry renovations finished!
The Amery Food Pantry has finally finished their renovations and are inviting people out to take a peek. It has been over a year in the making. The grand opening and open house will be held Nov. 18 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. The Pantry thanks the hospital for allowing them to use the space and helping with more.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous will meet at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 217 Deronda Street in Amery on Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m.
Fall Dinner with a Touch of Norsk First Lutheran Church, 811 South Ave. W, Clear Lake, is holding their annual Fall Dinner with a Touch of Norsk on Wednesday, November 12. Basket viewing begins at 3 p.m.; serving begins at 4 p.m. til gone. On the menu: Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy, squash, corn, bean salad, coleslaw, cranberries, lefse, rye and white bread, choice of beverage (milk, coffee, or water), and a dessert table with Scandinavian delicacies. Also featuring a basket raffle and general raffle.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13
Amery Al Anon Group
The Amery Al Anon Family Group will meet Thursdays at 7 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, 240 W Elm Street, Amery. Call 715-554-3344 for info.
Alcoholics Anonymous Alcoholics Anonymous will meet at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 217 Deronda Street, Amery on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous will meet at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 217 Deronda Street, Amery on Friday evenings at 7 p.m.
NOVEMBER 14-16
Clear Lake Community Theater Play
Clear Lake Community Theater presents “The Purrfect Crime” by Todd Wallinger November 14-16. Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Clear Lake Community Center (East Arena). Parking will be available in the northeast lot and east lot. There is a fee. Opening night special: All admissions $1 off! Intermission provided by Forest View 4-H.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15
Medallion and Speaker Meeting
Every third Saturday at 10 a.m. is A.A. Medallion and Speaker Meeting at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 217 Deronda Street, Amery. Open to all 12-step addiction programs. Family and friends are encouraged to attend.
Amery Area Historical Society Museum Open
The Amery Area Historical Society will be open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., which includes the museum and the FamilySearch genealogy research center. The Historical Society is located at 109 E. Maple St., Amery. For information, contact ameryhistory@ gmail.com.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17
Scout Pack/Troop/ Crew 9146 Meeting
Join Scout Pack/Troop/Crew 9146 at their meetings on Mondays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Amery Congregational Church UCC, 201 Harriman Ave. N, Amery. Open to all children from kindergarten to 17 years
old and their families. Please feel free to come to a meeting to visit us before you sign up.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18
GriefShare
A grief support group for people grieving the death of a loved one will be held on Tuesdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m. starting September 2 through November 25. There will be weekly video with insights from respected experts and relatable personal stories, followed by a time of sharing and support. GriefShare sessions will be held at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1050 Keller Ave. N, Amery. You are welcome to join at any time during the session. For more information or to register, call the St. Joseph office at 715-2687717 or visit griefshare.org. Alcoholics Anonymous Alcoholics Anonymous will meet at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church, 507 W Main St, Balsam Lake on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. and at the Clear Lake Community Center, 560 5th Street, at 7 p.m.
Email events for consideration to editor@theameryfreepress.com.
OUT & ABOUT CALENDAR
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Active member
The cub bear triumphs
It’s funny how things from your childhood have a way of coming up when you are an adult.
When I was young, my late father Arved (aka The Chief), sometimes had to ask for help around the house or after hours in the Chevy garage where he worked. This annoyed the Chief, because he was a perfectionist and would rather do the work on his own.
From the Publisher’s Desk
Tom Stangl
At times when I was drafted into service as a pair of extra hands, I was often derided as being “clumsier than a cub bear with mittens on.” The Chief loved to use this chestnut when he was frustrated with the progress on the project or my contributions, which were intentionally limited. He was going to do it his way and not share the plan.
I had friends who told me how fortunate I was to have a car mechanic as a father; I must know a lot about how cars work. Wrong. I learned the basics of changing the oil and developed a healthy skepticism of the ability of machines to “think.”
“Machines are stupid,” the Chief liked to say. “They only know what you are telling them. If you have a problem with a machine, you have to think like a machine.” The Chief told me to consider only the information the machine is receiving and that will guide your troubleshooting.
This is one of the best lessons I have ever learned from the Chief. I have used this practice repeatedly when working with machines. It has helped me succeed many times.
Recently, I was faced with another machine that wasn’t working properly. The sensors on my water softener were no longer responding to inputs through a touch panel. Ordinarily, this wouldn’t be a problem, but the machine has an alarm when the brine tank is running low on salt. The machine gives off a persistent beeping noise when it believes it is low on salt.
The way it knows it is low on salt is another issue. When I add salt, I input the salt level through the touch panel so the machine knows how much salt is in the brine tank. I assume the machine determines the amount of salt it uses based on the hardness level I have set on the touch panel.
Are you with me so far?
Without a functioning touch panel, I could not tell the machine what the salt level was in the tank. Nor could I silence the alarm. Not a good situation.
So, I did what many people do today with a problem. I went to YouTube. Lots of videos, not much help. I searched online for my specific problem and found a forum where troubleshooting tips were laid out. It looked like I needed to remove the logic board, the “brains” of the softener. If I were lucky, a cleaning would do the trick; if not, I would have to replace the board. After carefully disassembling the machine, the cleaning process did not work. I carefully reassembled the unit, ordered the replacement board and waited. After the new board came, I once again took everything apart, swapped out the board and reassembled the unit. I was delighted to be able to “talk” once again with the unit.
My ten-year-old self, the cub bear, took off his “mittens” and smiled. I had defeated the machine at its own game.
As always, I welcome your comments. You can reach me by email at tstangl@theameryfreepress.com, by telephone at 715-268-8101, or by writing to P.O. Box 424, Amery, WI, 54001. Thanks for reading. I’ll keep in touch. Feel free to do the same.
Could there be an alternative?
The story about the lawsuit regarding the Stower Seven Lakes Trail was a hot-button issue two weeks ago. I try to give at least a week or so before touching on something to let the dust settle. After seeing the comments and what people had to say, I also thought about tossing my hat in the ring.
From the Editor’s Desk
Justin Runberg
Before I begin, I want to mention a few things. First, I don’t own any ATVs, UTVs, or snowmobiles. Second, everyone I’ve interacted with in the Friends group has been friendly and respectful.
Third, it seems this issue has been lingering for years. Let’s get started!
You probably already know my love of the outdoors. If it is public land, it is meant for everyone to enjoy in their own way because it belongs to all of us. I take issue because the county and the friends group keep going back and forth, spending all this money on legal fees. Personally, I’d rather see a trail open to all kinds of recreation than be limited to what one group
wants, especially since the DNR owns the trail.
One example that is similar is the issues with Wake Boats. A significant number of people dislike their use on the lakes. The people who use Wake Boats love them. Should we ban Wake Boats because some people have concerns? No, definitely not; the water and natural resources are for everyone.
From an outsider’s perspective, it seems like the Friends group is trying to control how people use this trail. That said, I believe that’s not their intent, I hope, but the outside view doesn’t look good. The optics also reflect poorly on the county, especially after losing legal battles, yet they continue on. It just appears to be a waste of money for the Friends group and taxpayers alike.
After talking to people around town and gathering opinions, it seems many locals prefer the trail to be walk-only. I understand that; I’m an avid walker myself, especially around my neighborhood. I get it, but not allowing other uses on a trail like Stower feels like a missed opportunity.
I say this mostly from an economic perspective. Growing up north of eight, many different bars and restaurants received a much-needed boost during the winter months from snowmobilers stopping in.
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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.
The Amery Free Press accepts election letters endorsing or advocating for or against a ballot measure, political party or candidate as a paid advertising announcement. The fee will be a $25 minimum for
Some would be locals, but many come from the cities. Tourism is a huge driver of business in the area, and when it’s not being utilized, the small towns suffer.
The main point I wanted to raise is everyone’s favorite C word: compromise! Right now, it seems both sides have dug their heels in the sand and refuse to back down. All that does is hurt both sides. Surely, there’s some kind of agreement people can reach. We aren’t children, after all, though I keep being reminded maybe that’s not the case. Perhaps during the winter months, snowmobilers could use the trail. Considering the miserable snowfall over the past few years, they might only have a week to enjoy it. Then, they should reach an agreement with friends and clubs to manage it together. Maybe the groups pool their resources and create a side-by-side trail for walkers and riders.
Consider petitioning the county for an advisory referendum. The Friends group is small; their Facebook page has about 1,000 likes, and let’s assume all are members. There are 45,000 people living in the county. An advisory referendum would show the county, friends, and interested parties where the major-
SEE EDITOR, PAGE 5
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For questions about policies on letters contact the editor at 715-268-8101 x103.
Too often, Congress treats oversight as an afterthought
Here’s something I’ll bet you didn’t know: Congress has no idea what’s happened to the funds it told the government to spend. It’s supposed to be in charge of the federal budget—appropriating money for parks and air traffic control and public health and support for farmers and myriad other things—but as an article in the New York Times made clear a few weeks ago, between the cuts enacted by the “Department of Government Efficiency” and those imposed by the Office of Management and Budget, what’s actually happened to the money is a mystery.
Comments on Congress
Lee Hamilton
This might seem like so much inside baseball, but as one budget analyst told the Times reporters, “The fact that Congress, who constitutionally has the power of the purse, can’t figure out what’s been going on is a deep, deep, deep constitutional issue.”
It’s not just spending, either. I’ve lost track of the number of issues I wish Congress was looking into in a major and systematic way. There’s the impact on prices and the economy of the Trump administration’s tariffs; the killings in the Caribbean of possibly innocent civilians by the US military; the effectiveness and impact of National Guard and ICE deployments to US cities; the evidence that the administration is using the government shutdown in a partisan way to kneecap funding in Democratic jurisdictions; the firings of key federal employees and the impacts of mass layoffs on the ability of US departments and agencies to fulfill their responsibilities; the use of the Justice Department and other agencies to go after people who challenge the president… And that’s just for starters.
I’m not arguing that Congress needs to stop any of these. But it does need to scrutinize them, for a simple reason: Once an administration is in power, only Congress has the ability—and the responsibility to the American people—to hold its actions up to the light of day and, if necessary, hold it to account.
Let me back up for a minute to explain why this is so important. In many ways, our strength as a nation rests on a basic feature of the system the founders designed: a presidency and a Congress that are both strong, vibrant institutions, with neither able to run roughshod over the other. That, they believed, would keep the government responsive to the American people and produce wiser, more sustainable policies.
In that mix, congressional oversight of administration actions and policies is crucial. It gives the American people information we need about our government, protects us from bureaucratic arrogance, erects guardrails against rules and regulations that might do more harm than good,
SEE HAMILTON, PAGE 15
EDITOR: Advisory vote could give direction
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4
ity of the people stand on this issue. Additionally, because it’s an advisory referendum, they would not be obligated to follow the results.
My position on this is clear: no individual or group should have the authority to control what happens on public lands, no matter who they are. Call me Custer because that is the hill I will die on. What alternative ideas do people have in mind?
Feel free to reach out at any time. I always welcome your thoughts and opinions. You can reach me at 715-268-8101, or send me an email at editor@theameryfreepress.com.
LETTERS
Seeks common ground
I grew up in Amery, and have lately been disappointed in my hometown. So much drama. Imagine, instead of spending who knows how much on a giant sign to “trigger” our neighbors. We asked "How can I love my neighbor?"
Imagine, instead of "getting involved" in the local school district by finger pointing, and seeing what information we can get our hands on for the sake of scandal, we ask what supplies our classrooms need, what events are happening soon that I could help with?
Even better, we could advocate for legislation that allows all children to eat lunch while they are in school. As kids, did we think we would grow up to be like the villains in the old movies who had no sympathy for the poor?
Imagine instead of hate, we find common ground? For example, both the left and right care about protecting our water supply and wildlife. We can push for regulation on PFAS which have already contaminated local waters.
We need to remember the pledge we took in school, “liberty and justice for all”. Not just those who look and think like us.
Bottom line, let's stop with the embarrassing behavior, remember that WE the people must work together. Whether you're supporting the second amendment or the right to due process, we need to get back on the same side and fight for what is right! For all of our neighbors, for all children. For our lands and our waters, and for constitutional rights.
Amy Hutton St. Croix Falls
In Response
I would like to respond to Terry Guanella’s letter to the editor in the Amery Free Press. The letter seems to be based on misinformation and unsubstantiated facts leading the reader to erroneous and dangerous conclusions. Mr. Guanella blames Democrats for the government shut-down and claims that Democrats want to allocate nearly $200 billion to healthcare for illegal aliens over the next decade.
Truth is quoted in a BBC article “Why the US government has shut down and what happens now” “Democrats want the bill to open the government to include a extension of expir-
ing tax credits that make health insurance cheaper for millions of Americans and a reversal of Trump’s cuts to Medicaid, a government health care programme used by millions of elderly, disabled and low income people.” People in our community are receiving letters indicating extreme increases in health insurance premiums without these extensions. Many will lose their insurance totally because they cannot afford the increased premiums. This is why the Democrats are holding the line.
Lies and disinformation lead to political extremism and destroy communities through hate. Terry Guanella sets up the Democrats as wanting healthcare for illegal immigrants when Federal law prohibits healthcare for this population except in emergency rooms to prevent death.
Lies and disinformation lead to political extremism and destroy community trust. We need to expose disinformation, promote critical thinking and rebuild trust in our community. Newspapers need to only print verifiable information and call out those who seek to divide the community.
Linda Nauth Luck
Pesticide Use on Polk County’s Public Property
Pesticides. Toxic or non-toxic? I searched for answers and made inquiries to discover what was being sprayed and where on Polk’s public property:
• Of the 9 school districts, only Clear Lake doesn’t use pesticides.
• Centuria, Frederic, Luck and Milltown don’t use pesticides.
• Amery, Balsam Lake, Clear Lake, Dresser, Osceola and St. Croix Falls use pesticides.
• The county uses an herbicide on county trails.
The most used pesticide on our public property is 2, 4-D, a former ingredient of Agent Orange. Studies show that:
• 2, 4-D lowers sperm counts.
• 2, 4-D is contaminated by TCDD, one of the most toxic dioxins.
• Dioxins can cause hydrocephalus, paralysis, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, reproductive abnormalities, spina bifida etcetera.
Also commonly used is glyphosate. Studies show that:
• Normal levels of use can cause genetic damage.
• Residual levels commonly found in most people’s urine induced human breast cancer cells to multiply 5-13 fold.
• Glyphosate damaged human placental cells within 18 hours of exposure at levels lower than what’s found in commercially available products.
• A 60% decline of milkweed, the only plant monarch butterflies lay their eggs on, possibly caused by glyphosate may have resulted in the 81% decrease in the monarch population.
Other pesticides used in the county are dicamba, glufosinate-ammonium, bifenthrin, Zeta-Cypermethrin, tetramenthrin and sumithrin.
Was the research of these chemicals thorough?
• Most research is only 90 days long. There’s little long-term testing.
• The toxicity of mixtures and cocktails of chemicals isn’t tested.
• The actual formulated products aren’t tested.
• The toxicity of pesticide metabolites aren’t tested.
• Only adult or teenage rats are used in the studies so little is known how these chemicals affect children, infants and the unborn.
• Endocrine disruption isn’t tested for.
I asked 100 Polk County residents the following question:
“Do you desire that pesticide applications to Polk County’s public property like county park trails, city parks, sidewalks, and trails and public school grounds be discontinued?”
66 said yes, 10 said no and 24 said unsure.
Are you concerned about pesticide use? I encourage you to call your local governments and school districts to voice your concerns and request that alternative, non-toxic methods be used to control insects and weeds.
To learn more, ask your local library for these resources:
• The Myths of Safe Pesticides by Andre Leu
• Toxic Legacy by Stephanie Seneff
Thank you to everyone in local governments, school districts, lawn care companies and residents for answering my questions.
Holly has been gardening without pesticides for 16 years.
A self-described “knowledge junkie”, she is an avid researcher who studies organic gardening, GMOs and pesticides. She lives in Polk County.
Holly Hildebrandt XXXXXX
100 Years Ago
November 19, 1925
Ford Car Burns
Dr. Cornwall’s Ford coupe burned last night near the N. Wirth place south of this city. The Doctor was returning from a country call when he noticed smoke coming up at his feet and had just time to jump from the car before the entire machine was enveloped in flames.
A leaky gas line and a short circuit are believed to have been the causes of the fire. In jumping from the burning car he landed in front of the evening bus and escaped death by a miracle.
Another Lizzy Crank Victim
While cranking a car Sunday, Earl, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Axel Andren of Deronda, fractured a bone in his right arm.
Former Amery Merchant Dead
Otto Madson for many years a resident of this city, died at the Bethesda Home for the aged at Willmar, Minn., on Monday Nov. 9, aged 72 years. Deceased was born in Norway and came to America many years ago, locating in this city 18 years ago when he went into the tailoring and clothing business.
He later sold to A. R. Sjobeck and was employed by him for a number of years. About a year and one half ago he retired and he and his wife who survives him, entered the Home for the Aged.
Published Nov. 19, 1925
Women as “Fishermen”
Two Springfield (Mass.) girls who went fishing had decided that one was to put on the worms and the other was to take off the fish. The worm girl kept her part of the bargain, but when the first fish was caught the other girl began to show yellow. Not a fish would she take off the hook, if she could help it.
Yesterday’s News
Diane Stangl
Finally the first girl produced a large handkerchief, evidently one of her brother’s, and she wrapped this around the fish in a sort of strangle hold. With teeth clenched and the handkerchief firmly grasped, the hook finally was released. Both girls kept on fishing and both hoped they wouldn’t get another fish, and they didn’t.
80 Years Ago
November 15, 1945
Must Be in Red for Deer Hunting This Year
Under a new law Wisconsin deer hunters must wear red during the coming season, November 24 to November 28, and the conservation department urged hunters to observe this and every other safety precaution.
Every hunter owes it to himself to think of his own safety, Ernest Swift, assistant conservation director, says and he adds: “Did you ever see anyone shake out a white handkerchief after two blocks away in the brush? Surprising how much it resembles a deer’s ‘flag.’
“And white tops on wool hunting socks, seen across a ravine, look for all the world like a buck doing a sneak away from there.
“If you have white hair probably you know enough by now not to take off your cap in the woods during hunting season.
Owly’s Café Holds Grand Opening
On July 27, 1962, Owly’s Café held their grand opening. Owly’s invited customers to enjoy dining at its very best, everyday in air-conditioned comfort. Some of the specials during the open house were: turkey with all the trimmings for 89¢; chicken basket for 99¢; and fish fry for 95¢.
“Khaki hunting clothes may be all right for duck and pheasant hunters –their game is brightly feathered – but did you ever consider how you might look to an anxious deer hunter?”
70 Years Ago
November 10, 1955
Arrest 11 for Arson Halloween Night
Sheriff James Moore and Deputy Fire Marshall William Rowan have placed under arrest 11 people for arson in the Osceola area on Halloween night
Included in this group are five juveniles who are accused of setting fire to a vacant farmhouse, corn shocks and a haystack.
Charged with the house fire are four young men from the Osceola area. Six juveniles from the Osceola area were also charged with setting fire to a haystack and corn shocks in the Nye community.
Break Into Lagoon Tavern
Sunday night thieves broke into the Lagoon Tavern on U.S. highway 8 and took about $100 in cash and seven valuable revolvers.
Closed for the week by the Rogers brothers because of the tragic drowning of Hugh Rogers at Phantom Lake, the Lagoon was entered by prying off the door hinges.
The yeggs raided the gun collection of antique revolvers, which included a rare pepper gun.
Officials Warn City People on Firearms
A hunting dog belonging to Marvin “Pete” Gehrman was reported shot to city officials at about 9 a.m., Wednesday morning. The brown and white cocker spaniel was killed with a .22 rifle shot a short distance from St. Joseph’s Church.
“Discharging of any firearms in the city limits is against the law,” commented police officials following the incident. They also pointed out that violation of this ordinance will bring swift justice.
Spare One?
Members of the Amery Women’s Club are looking for someone with one tree too many.
What they would like is a well-proportioned spruce, 15-18 feet in height, for the Lakeview Park (between the old “46” and new “46.”
Purpose of this project is a community Christmas tree – permanently located. Anyone having same should contact Mrs. Ralph Ryder, Amery.
65 Years Ago
November 10, 1960
Nation Elects Kennedy
Democrat John F. Kennedy, 43, is slated to become the next president of these United States.
As if to defy the elaborate plans of the major news networks throughout the nation in their attempt to announce an early decision in the race, the election was not conceded until 11:45 a.m. Amery time, Wednesday morning. At the present time it appears that Kennedy outpointed Republican Richard Nixon in the popular vote by the slim margin of less than 500,000 in an unprecedented battle that found close to 70,000,000 people voting their choice. But the electoral college vote is quite a different story.
Kennedy amassed an early lead in both the popular vote and the electoral balloting throughout the “long night.” By dawn he had received assurance that 337 votes of the electoral college would be in his corner with 185 assured for his opponent. Actually only 269 electoral votes are needed to become president of the United States.
Much of Kennedy’s strength was to be found in the traditionally Democratic south and the populous east. New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut (and possibly Illinois) counted heavily in the electoral college for Kennedy. He also appears to have carried the home state of Richard Nixon – California.
Wisconsin preferred Nixon by a slim margin and Minnesota appears to have been conceded to Kennedy. Throughout the Midwest and far west the voters gave victory margins to the Republican standard-bearer with a few exceptions.
Bone Lake Boy Dies in Gun Accident
Kent Hansen, 14, Bone Lake community, died last Saturday night at about 6 p.m. in the Frederic hospital after being shot near his home earlier in the afternoon, about 3 p.m.
He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Warren Hansen.
According to a report from authorities regarding the incident, the boy and two 16-year-old companions had been hunting and had finished the day’s outing when the accident occurred.
The three boys had decided to fire at an object that was to be thrown up by a member of the hunting party. As one of the boys raised his gun, the weapon discharged, striking Hansen in the left hip and the shot traveling into the stomach area.
The boy was then rushed to the Frederic hospital by Paulsen ambulance, where he died about three hours later.
Sheriff Eugene Holmes called the shooting an accident after talking with the other boys involved in the incident.
60 Years Ago
November 18, 1965
Studded Tires Now Legal in State
While some surrounding states are still forbidding them, tires studded with metal spikes are now legal in Wisconsin from Oct. 15 to April 15.
State Traffic Officer Roland Gilbertson, Amery, called attention to the fact that the states of Michigan and Illinois are still restricting their use.
Signed into law recently, the bill provides for spikes not to exceed oneeighth inch in length over the top of the tread. Vehicles weighing over six tons cannot use the studded tires.
508 – 280
School district electors placed their stamp of approval on a $1,100,000 elementary building in Tuesday’s special bond referendum by an almost two-toone margin – 508 to 280.
The actual vote was relatively light considering that some special meetings concerning the bond election had been held in the area and some opposition evidenced at the annual school meeting. By the vote, the electors authorized the board of education to continue their plan to construct a new grade school on a portion of the Milton Aasmundrud farm, the site selected at the annual school meeting.
The structure will contain 24 classrooms, three kindergartens, a small gym, cafeteria-all purpose room and a library plus the usual offices. Plans call for bidding the structure next spring with construction to start shortly thereafter.
Youngsters Cannot Entertain in Bars
Minors under 18 cannot play in bands or combos performing in taverns or nightclubs, says Douglas N. Ajer director of the State Industrial Commission’s division of Labor Standards.
Ajer said several injuries and complaints had been made to his office concerning teenage musicians performing in discotheques and teenage bars.
“The law is quite clear on this point,” he said. “The employment of a minor under 18 as an entertainer in a dance hall, a nightclub, tavern, or similar place is illegal, even though the minor may have his parent’s permission or even be accompanied by a parent.
Ajer went on to say that legal opinion has been obtained which puts the responsibility upon the tavern or nightclub owner as “employer” even though the minor was not directly employed or paid by him.
“Furthermore,” Ajer said, “the law could hold the parent responsible as well as the employer and both may be subject to the penalties of the law.”
Gift of Gab
The expression “gift of gab” – to speak fluently, if not endlessly – is of Scottish origin.
The word “gab” is Celtic for “mouth.” So in this common phrase we have a rare example of the Scots giving away something for nothing (to be “Scotch is to be extremely frugal). Of course the “gift” in this instance has no tangible value, which is why the Scots are so free with their “gab”!
AMERY CONGREGATIONAL
201 N. Harriman Ave., Amery, 715-268-7390, www.ameryucc.org
Sunday, November 16: 8 am Council Meeting; 10 am Sunday Worship; 11:15 am Missions & Social Concerns Meeting. Monday, November 17: 6:30 pm Boy Scouts. Tuesday, November 18: 5 pm Gaither Video. Wednesday, November 19: 7 pm Acapella Group.
AMERY FREE LUTHERAN
1 mile west of golf course on CTH F, Alan Arneson, Pastor, 715-268-9218, www.ameryflc.org
Sundays: 9 am Sunday School; 10:15 am Worship. Call for more information on midweek youth group, bible study & small groups.
APPLE RIVER COMMUNITY
942 US Hwy. 8, Amery, Justin Hosking, Pastor, 715-268-2176, www.appleriverchurch.org
Sunday, November 16: 9:30 am Adult Sunday School, Children’s Sunday School, Women’s Sunday School; 10:30 am Worship Service; 4 pm Small Group Studies.
Tuesday, Nov. 18: 9:30 am Women’s Bible Study; 12 pm Senior Saints. Wed., Nov. 19: 10 am Men’s Bible Study; 5:30 pm Youth Ministry.
BALSAM LUTHERAN
1115 Mains Crossing, Amery, Laurie Kenyon Woods, Pastor, 715-2689291, www.balsamlutheranchurch.org
Sundays: 8:45 am Youth Ed.; 9:30 am Fellowship; 10:15 am Worship. Wednesdays: 10:30 am Adult Bible Study.
BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH
415 Bridge Avenue, Star Prairie, 715-248-3730, blcsp.org
Sundays: 9 am Worship, Sunday School. Tuesdays: 9:30 am Women’s Bible Study. 1st and 3rd Saturdays: 8 am Men’s Bible Study
CHURCH OF CHRIST – NEW RICHMOND 1491 Co Rd A, New Richmond, 715-600-1072, cocnr.com, Michael Hunt, Minister Sundays: 9:30 am Adult and Youth Bible Study; 10:30 am and 6 pm Worship. Wednesdays: 10 am Open Forum Bible Study; 6:30 pm Bible Study.
CLEAR LAKE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST
76 20th Ave., Clear Lake, Scott Manly, Pastor, 715-566-4349; Head Elder Norman Britain, 715-263-2457, Church 715-263-3034, clearlakewi.adventistchurch.org
Saturdays: 9:30 am Sabbath School (All Ages); 11 am Worship.
CLEAR LAKE UNITED METHODIST
420 4th Ave., Clear Lake, Hakki Min, Pastor, 715-263-2700, www.willowriverparish.org
Sundays: 8:30 am Worship.
DEER PARK UNITED METHODIST
221 2nd St. W., Deer Park, Hakki Min, Pastor, 715-263-2700, www.willowriverparish.org
Sundays: 11 am Worship.
DERONDA LUTHERAN
1239 65th Ave., Amery, 715-268-9577, Loren Teig, Synodically Authorized Minister, www.nuicparish.org
Saturday, November 15: 8 am Men in Mission at Little Falls. Sunday, November 16: 8 am Radio Broadcast on WPCA 93.1 FM; 9:30 am Combined Worship with Communion at Deronda. Monday, November 17: Newsletter Deadline.
Tuesday, November 18: 7 pm Parish Council Meeting at Little Falls. Wednesday, November 19: 5:30 pm JAM/Confirmation Family Meal; 6 pm JAM/Confirmation at Trinity.
EAST BALSAM BAPTIST
1816 108th St./CTH I, Balsam Lake, Jonathon Enger, Pastor, 715857-5411, www.eastbalsam.org
Sundays: 9 am In-Person Worship or Livestreaming on Website.
EAST IMMANUEL LUTHERAN
207 120th Street, Amery, 715-268-2143, Hillary Toulson, Pastor, www.eastimmanuel-lutheran.org
Sundays: 9:30 All Ages Learning; 10:30 am Worship. Tuesdays: 9 am Quilting.
EAST LINCOLN ALLIANCE
735 70th Ave., Amery, Eric Danielson, Lead Pastor; Kent Tollakson, Youth Director; Randy Schussman, Pastoral Care Pastor, 715-2682350, www.eastlincolnalliance.com
Sundays: 8:45 am Discipleship Hour; 10 am Worship Service, Discovery Land. Wednesdays: 6 pm Student Ministries (school year)
EL SALEM CHRISTIAN CENTER
1751 100th Ave., Dresser, Pastor Steven and Debra Mayer, 715-749-6002, www.escc.church
Sundays: 10 am and 6 pm Services. Wednesdays: 7 pm Fellowship Bible Study.
ELIM LUTHERAN
1277 60th St., Range, Laurie Kenyon Woods, Pastor Sundays: 8:30 am Worship.
FAITH FAMILY (UNITED METHODIST)
2692 154th Ave., Emerald, Hakki Min, Pastor, 715-263-2700, www.willowriverparish.org
Sundays: 9:45 am Worship.
FAITH LUTHERAN (ELCA)
301 1st Ave. E., Balsam Lake, Neal Weltzin, Pastor, 715-485-3800, www.faithlutheranbl.com
FAITH LUTHERAN (ELCA)
134 Prentice St. S, Clayton, Margaret Grant, Pastor, 715-948-2867, www.cllutheran.org
FIRST LUTHERAN
240 Elm St., Amery, Tim Bjorge, Pastor, 715-268-7135, www.flcamery.org
Please see our Facebook page “First Lutheran Church of Amery, WI or our website for weekly schedule changes.
FIRST LUTHERAN (LCMC)
811 South Ave. W, Clear Lake, Bryan S. Anderson, Pastor, 715-263-2846, www.firstluthclearlake.com
Thursday, November 13: 9:30 am Morning Grace Bible Study; 2 pm Ridgeview Bible Study; 7 pm Finance Committee Meeting. Saturday, November 15: 7 am Men’s Bible Study. Sunday, November 16: 8:30 am Contemporary Worship with Communion; 9:30 am Fellowship; 10 am Sunday School, Traditional Worship with Communion; 11 am Potluck, Choir. Monday, November 17: 7 pm Evening Grace Bible Study. Tuesday, November 18: 9 am Quilting.
Wednesday, November 19: 5:30 pm Supper; 6 pm Fellowship and Fun; 6:15 pm 7th & 8th Grade Confirmation Classes; 7:30 pm 9th Grade Confirmation Class.
GEORGETOWN LUTHERAN (ELCA)
877 190th Ave./Cty. Rd. G, Balsam Lake (Fox Creek), Diane Norstad, Pastor, 715-857-5580, www.georgetownlutheran.net
Sundays: 9:15 am Sunday School; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service. Mondays: 9:30 am Bible Study.
GRACE LUTHERAN (WELS)
460 4th St., Clear Lake, 715-263-2140 Saturdays: 9 a.m. Worship Service.
HOLY TRINITY ORTHODOX
523 1st St., Clayton, Chris Wojcik, Pastor, 715-948-2493, www.htocclayton.org
HOLY TRINITY UNITED METHODIST
1606 165th Avenue, Centuria (County Rd I between Balsam Lake and Centuria, Steve Rice, Pastor, 715-485-3363, htslumc@gmail.com, Facebook Sundays: 8:30 am Worship.
IMMANUEL EV. LUTHERAN (LCMS)
124 E. Church St., Clayton, Scott 715-641-0054, Sundays: 9 am Divine Worship.
IMMANUEL LUTHERAN
375 65th Ave., Clayton, Susan Anderson, Pastor, 715-202-3623
JOURNEY CHURCH
131 Broadway St. E., Amery, Isaac Karpenske, Lead Pastor, 715-268-2223, office@journeychurch.city, www.journeychurch.city Sundays: 9 am Worship Service, Available Online at Amery Journey Church YouTube. Nursery for birth-3 years; Kid’s Church 4 years2nd Grade; 10:30 am Sunday School for All Ages. Mondays: 5 pm Latino Bible Study in the Teen Center. Weds: 6 pm Kids Club (Grades 1-5); Youth Group (Grades 6-12). Thursdays: 6:30 pm Trail Life.
Saturdays: 7 am Men’s Life Group in the Gathering Room.
LITTLE FALLS LUTHERAN
1272 44th Ave., Amery, 715-268-9577, Loren Teig, Synodically Authorized Minister, www.nuicparish.org
Saturday, November 15: 8 am Men in Mission at Little Falls. Sunday, November 16: 8 am Radio Broadcast on WPCA 93.1 FM; 9:30 am Combined Worship with Communion at Deronda. Monday, November 17: Newsletter Deadline. Tuesday, November 18: 7 pm Parish Council Meeting at Little Falls. Wednesday, November 19: 5:30 pm JAM/Confirmation Family Meal; 6 pm JAM/Confirmation at Trinity.
LIVING WORD CHAPEL
2746 Hwy. 64, Forest, Sean and Libby Higgins, senior leaders, 715-265-4810 or 715-781-8247, www.livingwordchapel.com
MOE LUTHERAN (ELCA)
451 30th St., Clear Lake, Margaret Grant, Pastor, 715-948-2867, www.cllutheran.org
NEW LIFE COMMUNITY
119 Birch St. W., Amery, Craig Jorgenson, Pastor, 715-268-6989, www.amerynewlifechurch.org
Sundays: 10 am Church Service. Tuesdays: 6:30 pm Prayer. Wednesdays: 5:30 pm Youth Group.
OUR LADY OF THE LAKES CATHOLIC
507 W. Main St., Balsam Lake, Father Chandra Ery 715-405-2253, catholiclakescluster.org & Facebook Sundays: 7:45 am Confession; 8:30 am Mass. Tuesdays: 8:30 am Rosary; 9 am Liturgy of the Word. Wednesdays: 8:30 am Confession; 9 am Mass, Adoration.
OUR SAVIOR’S LUTHERAN
217 Deronda St., Amery, 715-268-7290, www.oslcamery.org
Thurs., Nov. 13: 9 am Bible Study; 1:30 pm Martha Circle at Conf. Saturday, November 15: 6 pm AA Open Meeting. Sunday, November 16: 9 am Worship; 10:30 am Lefse Making. Monday, November 17: 7 am Breakfast Club. Tuesday, November 18: 1 pm Quilting.
Wednesday, November 19: 10 am and 2 pm Sunday Worship Service on Channel 6; 12 pm Table Talk; 3:30 pm Praise; 5:30 pm Confirmation Cafe; 6 pm Confirmation; 7 pm Choir Practice.
REDEEMER LUTHERAN (LCMS)
600 Keller Ave. S., Amery, Edward Clemens, Pastor, 715-268-7283, redeemerlutheranchurch-amery.com Sunday, November 16: 8:30 am Adult and Children’s Sunday School; 9:30 am Worship with Communion; 10:30 am Fellowship. Wednesday, November 19: 5:15 pm Confirmation; 6:30 pm Choir.
REEVE EVANGELICAL FREE
205 1 1/2 St./Cty. Rd K, Clear Lake, Todd Groat, Pastor, 715-263-2126, www.reevechurch.org
ST. BARNABAS EPISCOPAL
365 5th St., Clear Lake, Rev. Geri E. Sola, 715-263-2961
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC
811 4th St., Clear Lake, Father Chandra Ery 715-268-7717, catholiclakescluster.org
Saturdays: 6 pm Mass; Thursdays: 9 am Mass.
ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC
1050 Keller Ave. N., Amery, Father Chandra Ery 715-268-7717, catholiclakescluster.org & Facebook
Saturdays: 3:30 pm Confession; 4 pm Mass. Sundays: 10:30 am Mass; Tuesdays: 5 pm Mass. Wednesdays: 8:30 am Rosary; 9 am Liturgy of the Word. Fridays: 8:30 am Confession; 9 am Mass, Adoration.
ST. JOHN LUTHERAN (LCMS)
2803 Hwy. 64, Glenwood City (Forest), Dan Moeller, Vacancy Pastor Sundays: 9 am Worship Service.
TRINITY LUTHERAN OF GARFIELD
1578 85th Ave., Amery, 715-268-9577, Loren Teig, Synodically Authorized Minister, www.nuicparish.org
Saturday, November 15: 8 am Men in Mission at Little Falls. Sunday, November 16: 8 am Radio Broadcast on WPCA 93.1 FM; 9:30 am Combined Worship with Communion at Deronda. Monday, November 17: Newsletter Deadline. Tuesday, November 18: 7 pm Parish Council Meeting at Little Falls. Wednesday, November 19: 5:30 pm JAM/Confirmation Family Meal; 6 pm JAM/Confirmation at Trinity.
UNITED COVENANT
348 5th St. NW, Clear Lake, Dan Pearson, Pastor, 715-263-2665, www.unitedcovchurch.org
Thurs., Nov. 13: 1 pm Rebuilders Group; 6:30 pm Men’s Bible Study. Friday, November 14: 2 pm SALT at Ridgeview Commons. Saturday, November 15: 7 am Men’s Bible Study at Sigsworth’s. Sunday, November 16: 7:50 am Worship Team Practice; 8:30 am Worship Service; 9:45 am Sunday School; 10:45 am Worship Service; 12 pm Choir Practice. Monday, November 17: 6 pm Women’s Bible Study. Tues., November 18: 8 am Prayer Time; 9 am Women’s Bible Study. Wednesday, November 19: 5:30 pm Family Supper; 6 pm Kids Blast, CREW56; 6:15 pm CREW, Adult Studies, Men’s Group. WEST IMMANUEL LUTHERAN (ELCA) 447 180th St., Osceola, www.westimmanuel.org, 715-294-2936 Sundays: 9:30 am Worship; Holy Communion 1st and 3rd Sunday. Worship on 87.9 FM; Nursery and Children’s Bags; Coffee and Fellowship Following Service; 10 am Sunday School (3-3rd grade during school year); 5 pm Bible Study (3rd Sunday). Tuesdays: 10 am Bible Study. Wednesdays: 9 am Mens and Womens Group, Quilters (3rd and 4th Wednesday); Family Meal, WOW (4th-6th Grade), 7th-8th Grade Confirmation; HS Youth.
Coleen Donath
Coleen Donath, age 72, of Spring Valley, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Our House Senior Living in River Falls.
Coleen was born April 4, 1953, to Donald and LaVera (Kohn) Schramski in Amery, WI. She grew up in the Turtle Lake area and attended Turtle Lake Schools and St. Croix Falls High School before earning her GED later in life.
On July 31, 1970, Coleen married Ronald Donath in Centuria, WI. They started their family in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, before making the Spring Valley area their home in 1975.
Coleen enjoyed beautifying the world around hercreating meticulous needlepoint and stamped cards, growing flowers, setting a stunning Christmas table with a delicious meal and amazing homemade cookies next to a perfectly decorated tree. She took pride in her work at McMillan Electric, Anderson Windows, and Bergquist Company and made friends wherever she went. But her greatest love was for her family. Her beloved husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were what she treasured most in life and what she saw as her legacy.
Jeffrey Allan Jungmann
Jeffrey Allan Jungmann, born October 27, 1961, crossed over November 4, 2025. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Jeff’s life at “The Last Call Bar Speakeasy” 527 3rd Ave #527, Clear Lake, WI 54005 on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 from 3:00–7:00 PM, with a Memorial Service starting at 5:00 PM. Jeff was born and raised in North St. Paul, Minnesota. In 1976, Jeff’s parents relocated the family to Clear Lake, Wisconsin. Originally a hockey player who shifted to wrestling, he quickly proved his natural ability and went on to excel in the sport throughout his high school career.
Jeff shared 40 years of marriage with his best friend, Lisa. In that time, they were blessed with two sons, Jake and Josh, who he proudly mentored in every sport they grew to love. Jeff especially cherished the years he spent coaching both boys in hockey. Jeff spent his career in miscellaneous metals and structural steel, working his way up by doing just about everything, from helping build the Metrodome to contributing to the U.S. Bank Stadium. He took
Ruth (Peter) Linnea Severson (née Warner)
Born on February 16, 1937, Ruth was the ninth child of Phillip and Elvera Warner. She grew up on a dairy farm in Deer Park, Wisconsin. Ruth passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on November 5, 2025, at home surrounded by her family.
She went to school in Deer Park until 6th grade and graduated from New Richmond High School. She married John Severson on October 4, 1958. Together, they raised four sons in Deer Park, Wisconsin, along with many beloved Boston Terriers.
Ruth worked as a teller at the State Bank of Deer Park for five years and continued her banking career at Bremer Bank for another 25 years. She was a cornerstone of her community and served as the 2025 Grand Marshal in the Deer Park Parade. Ruth was actively involved in numerous
Coleen sacrificed for her family and deeply taught them a sense of fairness and justice, a love of music and dancing while doing chores, life skills, a sense of humor, the value of any job well-done, and the importance of family above all else. Even as she lost her ability to verbalize, her hugs and tears of joy upon seeing family members made them feel valuable and connected. Her gentle and loving presence is deeply missed by all.
Coleen was preceded in death by her husband, Ron, her brother, Steve, and her parents.
Survivors include her children: Michele (Eric) Huppert; Bridget Johnson; Brenda (Brandon) Johnson; and Jeremy (Emily) Donath; grandchildren: Christien (Nicole) Huppert; Sedrick (Patrick) Huppert; Brittany (Raj) Bohini; Katelyn (Justin) Brathall; Jonah and Jaden Johnson; Adia Johnson; Dominic, Dakota, Dalton, and Cloe Donath; and great grandchildren: Aria, Tristan, Phoenix, Kiana, Raina; siblings: Paula Henck; Laurie Hughes; Mary Schramski; Joe Schramski; Tim Meyer; and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, other relatives and friends.
Coleen’s children and their children take comfort in knowing that her suffering from dementia has come to a peaceful end and she has rejoined Ron where they can be together forever.
A prayer service will be held from 5:00 pm to 5:15 pm on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Keehr Funeral Home in Spring Valley. A Celebration of Life will follow at the funeral home until 8:00 pm.
Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley is handling arrangements.
great pride in his craftsmanship and in doing things the right way, every single time.
He loved his time at Camp Brigadoon, which he affectionately called his “poor man’s cabin.” Summers were for the lake, and when fall rolled around, you could find him in his deer stand. His favorite place of all was sitting by the fireplace, watching the Wild, while enjoying a cold Bud.
Jeff built a legacy through the way he lived. He taught his boys to work hard, solve problems, carry themselves with pride, and grow into good men. His influence reached far beyond his family, touching the lives of countless young men he had the chance to mentor.
Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Dar Jungmann. He is survived by his wife, Lisa; his sons, Jake (Danielle) and Josh (Brooke); and his grandchildren, Novalei, Luella, Hendrik, Neave, and Nolan. He is also survived by his siblings, Ron and Mary Jo Jungmann, Brenda and Bob Campion, Kathi and Larry Sempf, Debbie and Steve Bolter, and lifelong friends Bob and Kelly Fischbach.
His legacy will continue in the hearts he touched and the lives he helped shape.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials.
To sign an online guestbook, please visit www. williamsonwhite.com. Arrangements were made with the Williamson White Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Amery, Wisconsin.
organizations, including the Order of the Eastern Star, HCE, and as a Cub Scout leader and hospital volunteer. She was an original member of the Deer Park First Responders, and also participated in the Swedish Club, Red Hat Society, and Relay for Life. She found great joy in watching her children and grandchildren participate in sports and other activities—they were her pride and joy. A talented baker, Ruth was known for her wedding and themed cakes. She took pride in her gardens, loved birdwatching, and cherished memories of her childhood horse, Fly. Time at the cabin was always well spent with family and friends.
Ruth traveled to 48 of the 50 U.S. states and visited many countries. She especially enjoyed spending time at the 7 Lazy P Ranch in Montana. After her sons left home, she welcomed many foreign exchange students into her life, including Beky, Desi, Muncy, Igal, Mirjam, and Ana—visiting most of their home countries in return. She often said she felt blessed in many ways.
Ruth is survived by her sons: Arlyn (Denise), Greg (Kristi), Dan (Missy), and John (Jewel); her grandchildren: Mandy (Tyler Sharpe), Bud (Molly), Brittany (Tony), and Joshua; and her great-grandchildren: Aiden, Ava, Cooper, and Cole. She is also survived by
Retha Jane Nelson
July 15, 1950 - November 03, 2025
Her Light Shone BrightlyRetha entered this world in Wichita Falls, Texas, as the eldest of her siblings—a natural protector and leader who guided them through life's storms with unwavering strength. Her early years were marked by hardship, yet she never wavered in her focus on faith, family, and above all, love. That foundation carried her forward, touching countless lives along the way. For most of her life, Retha built deep roots and cherished memories between the borders of Minnesota and Wisconsin, where her family remains scattered today. She was a force for good—a lighthouse for the lost, drawing from her own struggles to guide others to safety. No wonder she adored lighthouses; she embodied one, offering hope and encouragement to carry on, no matter the darkness.
A Lifetime of Music and Compassion-
Retha's passion for music ignited during her studies at the University of Wisconsin, evolving into a lifelong calling of singing and teaching. She inspired generations at Mustard Seed Academy in Wisconsin, nurturing the musical talents of her own four children and many more. Choir director for multiple congregations, she even led a joyful holiday recital at her assisted living community just one year before her passing. Music wasn't just her gift—it was her way of sharing love with the world, right up to her final days.
In human services, Retha found profound purpose. As a crisis counselor, she took immense pride in supporting those in greatest need, transforming personal trials into a beacon for others adrift at sea.
On Monday, November 3rd, 2025, Retha completed her journey peacefully, surrounded by family and friends.
She is survived by her four beloved children: Daniel, Kevin, Amanda, and Timothy; eleven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; five siblings: Sharon, Barb, Marie, Karen, and Jeanna.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings Carol and James (Jim).
Retha was Married to Bradley E. Nelson of Amery, WI. Bradley is son to Ethel Nelson (deceased) and Edwin Nelson (deceased).
Retha loved unconditionally—her family, her friends, and if you're reading this... she loved you too. Funeral services will be Saturday, November 11, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at Living Word Lutheran Church, 4300 Nicols Rd, Eagan, MN with visitation 1 hour prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of physical gifts and flowers, please consider helping with funeral expenses monetarily. You can donate directly via Venmo(@Tnelson226), at the service or by mail to Timothy Nelson, Timothy Nelson, 1583 Northridge Court S, Cambridge, MN 55008. Any remaining funds after expenses will be donated to Living Word Lutheran Church and 988 Lifeline/Crisis Text Line. Any assistance is greatly appreciated during this difficult time.
her beloved Boston Terrier, Spot, as well as extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John; Granddaughter, Ashley; Parents, Phillip and Elvera; and her siblings: Phyllis (Al), Wahlberg, Harlan, Loren, Lorraine (Marvin), Evie (Ira), Ana (Bill), and Arlene, she is also preceded in death by extended family members.
The family would also like to take a moment to appreciate and acknowledge the dedication of Mandy and Brittany for making sure Ruth was well taken care of around the clock. She would have never been comfortable at home without them. Thank you.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2025 from 2:00 to 5:00pm at Williamson-White Funeral Home in Amery, WI. The funeral service will take place at 11:00am on Monday, November 10, 2025 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Deer Park, WI with a visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Deer Park.
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 in Amery, Wisconsin.
Plant dormancy a dependable process
Every fall we see trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants go dormant as winter approaches and wait for them to resume growth when spring arrives. Overall, the dormancy process is very dependable, as both existing plants and seeds in the soil survive to resume growth after winter fades away.
True plant dormancy requires exposure to a cold period to resume active growth. This ensures winter survival and avoids growth starting during mid-winter mild weather.
Numerous processes are involved, but a key plant hormone is abscisic acid. Often called the dormancy hormone, it inhibits any growth processes from starting at incorrect times.
In late fall, dormant buds in trees and shrubs have elevated levels of abscisic acid to keep them dormant. Bud dormancy is broken by exposure to a certain minimum temperature over a required period. Extreme cold is not required, and an unusually cold spell in winter does not accelerate the process. As winter advances, abscisic acid levels slowly drop until reaching a level that can be overcome by growth promoting hormones. Increasing light and accumulating warmer days of spring raise growth hormone levels, thus plant growth resumes.
Seeds have internal or physiological dormancy to remain dormant until favorable conditions are present for germination, growth, and development. Dormant seeds use minimum energy to survive, and abscisic acid keeps them dormant. After exposure
spring comes back.
DEATH NOTICE
Allen Hubred, age 64, of Amery, WI passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2025. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 2pm at the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Osceola, WI. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.
to a certain length of winter cold, abscisic acid levels dissipate in seeds. Once favorable temperatures return and adequate moisture levels exist, seeds germinate. Without meeting the cold period requirement, however, they cannot germinate even if soils are warm.
We “fool” seeds to germinate without sitting outside all winter through stratification, or exposure to artificial cold, such as in refrigerators. The required cold period length can be found when researching propagating native plant seeds. Typically, minimum temperatures range from upper thirties to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Seeds often have a second mechanism inhibiting germination called physical dormancy. A tough seed coat prevents water uptake and seed germination. The abrasive action of freezing and thawing soil may crack
or scratch seed coats. Some seeds require exposure to acid, such as found in digestive tracts of birds or animals, to dissolve tough seed coats. This allows seeds to be dispersed as birds carry them off a distance away from parent plants.
This process of roughening or dissolving outer seed coats is called scarification. Seeds collected from native plants are often recommended to be mixed with abrasive sand or even roughened with a file; this breaks physical dormancy. This also explains why seeds of certain plants may need to be treated with acid or boiled in water.
BRUCE SPANGENBERG is a Horticulture Outreach Specialist with UW-Madison Division of Extension. Get answers to your lawn, landscape, and garden questions anytime at www.go.wisc.edu/ GardenQuestions
Burial will take place at the Mount Hope Cemetery in Osceola. Arrangements are being made with the Williamson-White Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Amery, Wisconsin.
Email: Tom Stangl, Publisher tstangl@theameryfreepress.com
Justin Runberg, Editor editor@theameryfreepress.com
Donna Jilk, Media/Sales Advisor marketing@theameryfreepress.com
Laura Alvarez, Media Advisor marketing@theameryfreepress.com
Laura Alvarez, Public Notices legals@theameryfreepress.com
Diane Stangl, Office Manager dstangl@theameryfreepress.com
Sue VanBuskirk, Employment Ads classifieds@theameryfreepress.com
Nicole Gagner, Graphic Design ngagner@theameryfreepress.com
Rebecca LaMar, Graphic Design design@burnettcountysentinel.com
Our office is located at: 215 Keller Ave. S., Amery Hours: Mon-Fri 8-4:30 pm
Born Sept. 2, 1943
Died Sept. 18, 2025
MACLAUGHLIN
WI Yard & Garden
Bruce Spangenberg
As the weather gets colder, the plants start to go to sleep for the long winter before
More badges
It’s November, and so I’m writing a book. You may have heard of National Novel Writing Month. Until earlier this year, it was an official organization called NaNoWriMo, and it had almost 400,000 participants. The goal was to write 50,000 words in the month of November, and people of all ages and from all over the world participated. But the organization got a little too big to monitor properly. At least one volunteer behaved badly, and the board was slow to act. The organization had no idea how to deal with AI. (If 50,000 words are written by artificial intelligence in 30 seconds, does it count?)
The Postscript
Carrie Classon
Eventually, the organization closed its doors, and I was one of many participants who were sad because, while I write almost every day, it was fun, one month of the year, to know I had lots of company.
Having a big goal can be a lot of fun. Writing 50,000 words in a month means I must write 1,667 words a day. It’s a stretch for most writers, and I loved the feeling that I was surrounded by people as excited about putting words on paper as I am most months of the year.
I was talking to someone about setting goals yesterday. We agreed it was hard for most people to set goals, not because they don’t know what they want, but because they aren’t sure what the first step would look like and, somewhere early on, they get worried that they are headed in the wrong direction.
I think that was what was so fun about NaNoWriMo. There was a graph. There was a big, exciting graph, and when I hit milestones, I earned a badge that everyone could see. Of course, the words might be terrible. But they were counted up and recorded, and I had the badges to prove it!
Not all goals are quite this satisfying. Most goals involve a little dithering. The plan has to be altered. There is a step backward after two steps forward. There are obvious failures when, as optimistic as I try to be, I know I have hit a setback.
Last week, a book I’d written was rejected for publication. I had great hopes that it would be published in the not-too-distant future. It was rejected with a lot of kind words and perhaps even a little reluctance, but it was still rejected, and now I don’t know if that book
ARNELL MEMORIAL HUMANE SOCIETY
Our fabulous feline Pet of the Week is Sasha, the adorable 7-month-old brown mitted tabby who came in with her campsite-crashing pal, Binx (who is also still adoptable!). Sasha is affectionate, playful, and ready to find a forever home where she can shine. She’s spent her time here exploring, playing and cuddling hard, and bringing a smile to the face of everyone she meets. Of course, if you’d like a duo adoption — Binx would gladly join the fun! While Sasha is front and center this week, we also have several other adoptable cats and kittens waiting for their match. On the canine side, we’ve got some wonderful, adoptable dogs. For example, Gary, a 3-year-old Husky mix with a sleek coat, quiet confidence, and a love of outdoor adventures. Keep an eye out for Oscar, a 4½-year-old Dachshund & Spaniel mix who loves lounging next to you, belly rubs, and gentle walks. No matter the size or age, there’s a four-legged friend here waiting for the right home.
In honor of Veterans Day this week, we want to shine a light on the Pets for Patriots program. Pets
County board to weigh resolution on anti-drug messaging after Naloxone billboard controversy
BY RAYMOND T. RIVARD RAY@SENTINELMEDIA.NET
The Polk County Board of Supervisors will decide this month whether to adopt a resolution supporting "positive prevention-focused community messaging" after members of the Health and Human Services Committee debated the appropriateness of a Highway 65 billboard promoting Naloxone use.
The committee last month approved three amendments to the resolution before sending it to the full board, with supervisors divided over language about normalizing drug use and the message conveyed by the billboard reading “I carry hope. I carry Naloxone.”
Some members of the Health and Human Services Committee objected to a billboard recently erected along Highway 65 that promotes the carrying of Naloxone (Narcan), a drug used to bring people from out of a drug overdose.
At the committee’s October meeting, Supervisor Brad Olson said the billboard was distasteful and one that was “promoting drug use.”
The text on the billboard reads, “I carry hope. I carry Naloxone.”
“I mean, at the end of the day that should not say ‘I carry hope.’ It should say, ‘I carry dope.’ It should not say, ‘I carry Narcan.’ It should say, ‘I carry death and destruction.’ Because in my part of Polk County, at least the individuals that I know that are hooked on drugs, they’re not carrying hope,
they’re not carrying Narcan, they’re carrying dope and they’re carrying death and destruction for themselves, as well as their family and their family units …,” Olson said.
It was decided at the meeting that Corporation Counsel Joe Loso would work with Olson to develop language for a potential resolution.
From that collaboration, Loso said the resolution was developed and being passed on the to the committee. In its original form, it read: “Resolution Supporting Positive, Prevention-Focused Community Messaging.”
While the full resolution will be sent to the full county board as originally presented to the HHS Committee, the three amendments the committee approved at the November meeting will also be passed on to the county board. In essence, the county board will consider the original resolution, as well as whether to approve the amendments as recommended.
THE AMENDMENTS
The first of the amendments, which was approved on a 5-4 vote, focused on the removal of lines 17-19, which read:
WHEREAS, public messaging that normalizes and trivializes illegal drug use can undermine these prevention efforts and confuse or mislead people, especially young people, in the community about the real risks associated with substance use.”
Supervisors voting against the measure were Olson, Pam
Garvey, Tony Johnson, and Gae Magnafici
In arguing his case, Olson said, “I’d like to say, I think on this one here, I think we’re making a mistake, because I think any time we trivialize drug use, illegal drug use, to not say that it isn’t trivialized at times, I believe is a mistake … especially to our young people … maybe the wording’s wrong. I just think getting rid of it completely is a mistake - just wiping it out completely - I believe at the end of the day it is a mistake, because I think we do need to say that, at times, drug use is trivialized, and that it is affecting our young people.”
There was some discussion about editing specific words, but in the end the motion to remove the entire passage was approved
The second amendment targeted lines 25-28: “NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Polk County Board of Supervisors encourages all community partners, advertisers, and property owners to promote messages that support prevention, recovery, and healthy lifestyles, and to avoid content that may intentionally or unintentionally normalize or glamorize illegal drug use.”
Again, the language, including the words “normalize” and “glamorize,” were seen as objectionable.
But instead of removing the entire passage, supervisors agreed to cut the last portion of
for Patriots is a nonprofit dedicated to helping U.S. military veterans and Gold Star families adopt companion pets — giving at-risk shelter animals a second chance and veterans a loving friend. Through the program, qualified veterans can receive largely discounted (or even waived) adoption fees, a one-time $200 pet retail gift card, discounts on veterinary telehealth services, and access to affordable services and pet products. The eligible pets include companion dogs or cats at least 2 years old,
or any age animal with special needs, or dogs over 40 lbs, or homeless more than six months. If you are a veteran interested in adopting, visit petsforpatriots. org for details.
This Saturday, November 15, join us at UW Wanderoos in Amery starting at 2:30 PM for the Wanderoos Area Lions Club meat raffle — all proceeds benefit our shelter animals.
Santa will be at AMHS on Saturday, November 29 from 2 PM to 4 PM! Join us for pet photos, cookies, cider, and gifts for pets from Santa! We will provide you with an electronic copy of your photo(s) and/or we can take your photo with your personal device. This is a free will donation event – any proceeds go directly to helping our animals.
We are located at 185 Griffin St E in Amery. Our hours are Monday through Friday from 12 PM to 5 PM, and Saturday 12 PM to 4 PM. Give us a call at (715) 268-7387 or check us out online at arnellhumane. org.
Stay ahead of potential issues with a yearly preventative exam. Schedule yours today and take charge of your health!
Winter sports seasons on the horizon
Gymnasiums and ice arenas will soon be filling with fans as the winter sports seasons get underway.
Monday Nov. 10 was the first day of practice for boys’ and girls’ hockey and girls’ basketball. Boys’ basketball and boys’ and girls’ wrestling practices will get underway on Nov.17.
The Amery girls’ basketball team will host a varsity scrimmage on Nov. 17 at the middle school. New Richmond and St. Croix Falls are scheduled to attend and each play Amery.
The first game begins at 6 p.m. The girls open their season on the road at Cumberland Nov. 20.
The Amery boys’ basketball team hosts a varsity scrimmage Nov. 25 at the middle school. Clear Lake and Cumberland are scheduled to attend and each play Amery. The first game starts at 6 p.m.
Boys’ and girls’ hockey have their first matches on Nov. 25. The Warriors face Luck at home at 7 p.m. Nov. 25. The Stars play Simley at Somerset the same evening.
The Warriors face Tomahawk Friday, Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. at home. The Warriors host a tournament Saturday, Nov. 29.
The Warrior boys’ wrestling team opens its season Friday, Dec. 5 at an invitational at Big Lake High School. The girls’ wrestling team opens its season the same day at an invitational hosted at Mondovi.
The Clear Lake girls’ basketball team opens its season Monday, Nov. 17 at a scrimmage in Osceola.
The Clear Lake boys’ basketball team opens its season Tuesday, Nov. 25 at a scrimmage in Amery. They will face Cumberland and Amery.
The Clear Lake boys’ wrestling team opens its season at Glenwood City at an invitational.
This is the first season Prairie Farm and Clayton will be sharing boys’ and girls’ basketball.
The girls’ basketball team opens its season Saturday, Nov. 15, at an invitational in Chetek.
The boys’ basketball team opens its season Tuesday, Nov. 25 on the road at Luck.
The wrestling co-op between Clayton and Turtle Lake will continue this season. No schedule information could be found at press time.
Spare Time, Turtle Lake
MONDAY NIGHT WOMEN
November
TUESDAY
Tibbetts named conference player of the year
The Clear Lake volleyball team had a great first year in the Dunn-St. Croix conference, going undefeated in its eight matches and advancing to the sectional final.
They were rewarded as such, with five players named all-conference, headlined by junior Abby Tibbetts, who was voted player of the year. The other four selections were second-team selections: junior Ayla Monson and Alissa Burbach, and seniors Sophia Tellijohn and Brena Dimler.
Mumm,
Ten football players honored as all-conference
Seven Clear Lake football players were voted all-conference, with three of them being rewarded for their performance on both sides of the ball.
Casarez
named
First-team selections went to juniors Wyatt Lundgren at punter and Caleb Arcand at defensive back.
Second-team honorees went to senior Kasey Becker at offensive line and defensive end, senior Aiden Mikulich at inside linebacker, and senior Lane Prusak at outside linebacker.
Earning honorable mentions were junior Max Everts at wide receiver, Prusak, and junior Miles Johnson in the backfield, and Lundgren at place kicker.
offensive,
defensive players of the year
The Clayton football team finished with 10 all-conference selections, including three for their play on both sides of the ball.
Senior Dayne Mumm was selected as the offensive player of the year. He was joined on the first team offense by junior Cain Casarez, who was voted as the defensive player of the year. Mumm also earned a first-team defensive selection, along with junior Brody Curts, who earned a second-team offensive selection.
The rest of the Clayton selections were junior Cooper Flanigan (second-team offense), junior Tim Becker and Owen Anderson (honorable mention offense), and senior Nathan Peterson (second-team defense).
Out of the 54 overall selections, 51 were juniors and seniors. Frederic ended up with the most selections with 14, followed by Siren with 11.
SCHRADLE NAMED FIRST TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE
Clayton’s Isabelle Schradle was the lone Bear selected first team all-conference in volleyball.
The senior was joined on the first team by Shell Lake’s Quinn Schenkenberg, who was voted player of the year, Turtle Lake’s Lacey Popenhagen, Ava Mau, and Ashlyn Hubbard, Prairie Farm’s Sophie Bergmann, Sydney Buck, and Kassie Shelton.
Junior Addyson King was voted to the second team along with Shell Lake’s Shauna Swan, Athe-
na Lehmann, and Prairie Farm’s Kylie Kahl, Evangeline Siemsen, Elise Lovelady, and Turtle Lake’s Destiney Osumi and Lexi Tarman.
Turtle Lake and Prairie Farm tied for the most conference selections with seven each, followed by Shell Lake with six.
marketing for 2026, please contact me!
x102
Trucking 17
Games: Heidi VanHeuklom 195, Kelley VanHeuklom 191, Donna Berquam 191, Karen DeGolier 179, Deanne Moravitz 173.
Series: Heidi VanHeuklom 529, Donna Berquam 528, Sheila LaBlanc 498, Sam Munkelwitz 498, Judy ullom 495.
Games: Sherry Munkelwitz
Connie Black 208, Donna Berquam 179, Ali Blomberg 191, Kimberly Elwood 183, Cheryl Harshman 176, Marlys Lauritsen 172, Heidi VanHeuklom 168. High Series: Connie Black 556, Sherri Munkelwitz 554, Donna Berquam 511, Ali Blomberg 496, Kimberly Elwood 482, Cheryl Harshman 478, Heidi VanHeuklom 465, Marlys Lauritsen 455.
AREA BOWLING SCORES
McMillan is new chair of America’s Newspapers’ board
STAFF REPORT
Matt McMillan, CEO of Press Publications, Northstar Media, Kanabec Publication, Sentinel Publications, is the newly-elected chairperson of America’s Newspapers’ board.
America’s Newspapers is an industry trade group with 1,700 members including many independent and family-owned local newspapers.
Its members attend conferences twice each year including the fall Senior Leadership Conference, which recently met in Colorado Springs and spring Mega-Conference, which meets in Austin, TX, March 30, 2026.
McMillan is succeeding Leonard Woosely, president of Southern Newspapers and publisher of the Galveston Daily News. Pat Dorsey from the Sante Fe New Mexican is
Frederic High School reopens with increased security after bomb threat
BY JUSTIN RUNBERG EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM
Frederic High School was expected to resume classes Wednesday with heightened law enforcement presence after a bomb threat Tuesday forced an evacuation and sweep of the building.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of a bomb threat to Frederic High School Tuesday afternoon. The Emergency Dispatch Center immediately reached out to the district, where Frederic School District followed emergency protocols.
Law enforcement and the Frederic Fire Department responded to the scene. Staff and students were evacuated from the school as bomb detection dogs were brought in to sweep for potential threats. After the sweep, no explosives were found in or around the school.
The investigation is ongoing, with more information becoming available as the investigation continues.
Multiple agencies responded to the incident, includingthe Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Frederic Fire, Luck Police, Northwestern Municipal EMS, US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and US Marshalls.
CONTRIBUTED
Matt McMillan
608 Harriman Ave S., aaccjen@ outlook.com, 8:00am to 3:00pm Monday – Friday.
Creativity is defined as the ability to come up with or recognize ideas to solve problems, communicate with others, or entertain. Have you ever said to yourself; “Self; I wish I was more creative? I wish I could be able to paint like Rembrandt?” Being creative isn’t just for musicians, writers or any other type of artist; it is actually a skill for ALL people and walks of life. In an article on verywellmind. com they have come up with 17 ways for one to find their inner creative being. Starting out with Committing to Creativity; meaning if you want to learn a “craft” (whatever it may be) devote time to doing so; set goals and most importantly ask for help! You can also boost your creativity by becoming an expert in that area by reading, going to museums or even talking to an “expert.” Take risks and build confidence; make time every day/week/month for development of your chosen “craft.” Next, overcome a Negative Attitude; challenge yourself when you feel a negative feeling coming on and reverse it into something positive. Fight your Fear of Failure; remind yourself that mistakes and failure are part of the process! Brainstorm New Ideas and Explore Multiple Solutions; these are powerful tools; start out by asking yourself; what if I do this or use this instead how will it turn out? Start a Journal; this is an easy way to track your progress and reflect back on how far you have come! Once you have some basic skills, Challenge Yourself and find Opportunities to advance your abilities! Find something a bit more difficult and
try something new! Find Inspiration; creativity doesn’t just happen, find some places of inspiration to get fresh ideas and motivate you! Ask yourself; “What if...” I do this instead of that? By considering an alternative scenario you can also develop more creative solutions. And lastly; try the Snowball Technique; if an idea doesn’t quite fit with the current project; set it aside and see if it will “snowball” into its own project or even add it to an upcoming project and see where it goes. What are you going to do to get creative? Stay healthy and hope to see you all soon!
There are a lot of exciting things happening in the next couple weeks; check out the new newsletter for more details. Stop in and fill out a survey; the data received is very helpful for our grants! Make sure everyone in your household fills one out!
Upcoming events: We are hosting a Love Light Tree event here on Friday December 5th at 1:00pm. If you would like to have your loved one remembered; please stop by or call us for more information.
*We have a new Foot Clinic Nurse! Every second Tuesday of each month moving forward, from 10:00-3:00 every half hour; for $25 cash or check only. Only 3 open spots left for December 9th! Please call us here at the Community Center to get your date and time!
Amery Area Community Center Members Memberships! Stop in or mail your dues to us, remember membership at the Community Center is January 1st to December 31st. Starting in 2026 for ALL members, renewing or new, dues will be $25, cash or check only;
please. Consider becoming a Patron of the Center with a donation of an additional $10 or MORE
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 Rentals: Now booking all your Fall and Winter (can you believe it?) events! Dates currently available are November 23, 28 & 29 & December 7, 14, & 21st! Call for available dates for graduation parties as well. If you are looking for a place to host a family reunion, birthday party, bridal or baby shower or celebration of life consider the Community Center; rental of the main hall includes use of commercial kitchen. We will also work with profit and nonprofit organizations to help with the perfect meeting place. The commercial kitchen can also be rented on its own, call for details!
The fitness center; for an additional $10 per month; we have a treadmill, elliptical, recumbent bike and more, stop in and see what we have to offer! No contract fees or commitment required.
Tues Nov 4th: Pool winners are Dean Elken in 1st, Mary Fisher placed 2nd, Dave Olson with 3rd, Wendell Anderson with 4th & GARY SNELLING with the consolation prize.
Wed Nov 5th: Bridge winners are Dave Almlie in 1st, Bernie Peterson in 2nd and John Nelson & Steve Berestka tied for 3rd.
Thur Nov 6th: Pool winners are Gary Snelling in 1st, Dean Elken placed 2nd, Dave Olson with 3rd, Wendell Anderson with the consolation prize. Congratulations to all! Jen Tyman- Director.
Bell ringers needed for the Red Kettle Campaign
AMERY, Wisconsin. The Salvation Army of Polk County needs bell ringers for our Red Kettle Campaign. We need your help to reach our goal of $75,000 so Polk County Salvation Amry can continue to provide food backpacks and assist homeless families and individuals on their road to self-sufficiency. All proceeds from the campaign remain in St. Croix County.
Bell ringing starts on November 14th and runs through December 31st except for Sundays and holidays. Both groups and individuals can sign up for bell ringing at www.registertoring.com.
When registering to ring, we ask that you first consider ringing on Wednesday, November 26th Black Friday the 28th, and Saturday the 29th. Because one-third of all red kettle donations are collected on those days, it is crucial we have all-day coverage at all locations.
The next most significant days are Fridays and Saturdays at all locations and Wednesdays, Senior Day, at Dick’s Fresh Markets. If you are unable to ring on these days, there are many other days that need to be filled.
It is particularly helpful when groups such as churches, businesses, civic groups, community clubs, and social groups or families can cover a full day of bell ringing. Those who are unable to ring but wish to donate to the campaign can go to www.registertoring.com and click on ‘I’m a Virtual Ringer.’
Businesses who wish to sponsor a red kettle for a day can easily double our donations for that day. For questions regarding kettle sponsorship, please contact Amy Clay at 715-912-2834 or Amy.Clay@ usc.salvationarmy.org.
For more information as to how The Salvation Army is working toward combating homelessness in St. Croix County go to: www.sagraceplace.org or follow us on our Facebook page: Grace Place Salvation Army.
Operation Christmas Child kicks off shoebox gift season
NORTHWEST WISCONSIN – The Northwest Wisconsin Area of Operation Christmas Child kicked off the 2025 collection season with a gathering of at least three dozen individuals at Spooner Wesleyan Church late last month.
This year’s collection week is Monday, Nov. 17, through Monday, Nov. 24, and volunteers in this area hope to collect more than 6,500 shoebox gifts filled with fun toys, school supplies and personal care items for children in need around the world.
A project of Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Christmas Child shares the love of Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas with millions of children each year. Drop-off locations across the Northwest Wisconsin Area will be the first stop on a journey across the globe for the thousands of boxes packed by local fam-
25th Annual
DINE IN OR TAKE OUT
Proceeds to benefit Northwoods Homeless Shelters Saturday, Nov. 22
4:30 pm - 6:30 pm FREE WILL OFFERING
St. Joseph Catholic Church 1050 Keller Ave N, Amery Silent Auction – something for everyone!
ilies. Together with the church worldwide, Operation Christmas Child will collect and deliver these gifts to children in need overseas to more than 100 countries. A shoebox gift is often the first and only gift the child has ever received.
Operation Christmas Child seeks to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world and, together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 232 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories.
The eternal impact of Operation Christmas Child was shared in statistics presented in a video shown by volunteer area coordinator Wyman Johnson. Every
24 hours, through the packing and distribution of shoebox gifts, 31,020 children hear the gospel, and 8,930 children accept Jesus as their Savior.
For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child, call volunteer area coordinator Wyman Johnson at 763-607-8215 or visit samaritanspurse.org/occ. Participants can donate $10 per shoebox gift online through “Follow Your Box” and receive a tracking label to discover its destination.
For those who prefer, shoeboxes can also be packed online at samaritanspurse.org/buildonline to select gifts matched to a child’s specific age and gender. A photo and personal note of encouragement can be added to an online shoebox gift.
MCMILLAN: Will serve one year term as chair
the new vice chair. Jeremy Gulban from Cherry Road Media is the new treasurer.
As chair, McMillan will lead its board of directors pursuing the Association’s goal to support, advocate and be the “voice of America’s Newspapers.”
“It is an honor to represent Gene and Carter Johnson’s newspapers and employees during the next year while working with other newspapers from across the country,” McMillan said. “We get to see the difference local news and advertising make each day close up –working in smaller rural and suburban communities.” McMillan believes there is an uptick in awareness about the value newspaper provide to bind and build communities since America’s Newspapers founded in 2019, from the merger of Inland Press and Southern Newspaper Publishers’ Associations.
“In the U.S., there are 3,141 counties. Of those 2,928 counties have newspapers, which is 93.2% coverage. It is unfortunate 219 counties don’t have newspapers. But, the majority do. And, two-thirds of those papers are independently owned.”
McMillan is past president of the Minnesota Newspaper Association and served as America’s Newspapers’ treasurer and vice chair before becoming its chairperson.
“We recently released the winners and finalists in our 11 best of contests and 409,241 votes were cast by readers for local businesses,” McMillan said, “Those businesses ran 782 ads to ask for votes, thank readers for voting and ask readers to shop at their businesses. This is an example of how newspapers build and bind communities. It is an honor to serve readers and advertisers each week and now serve as chair of America’s Newspapers’ board for the next year.”
HAMILTON: Real oversight is needed now
exposes misconduct, ensures that we understand not just what our government is doing but why, and potentially helps the country avoid disaster from misguided or poorly contrived initiatives.
I’d be the first to admit that in recent decades, scoring political points has too often masqueraded as “oversight”—a bid to make the party holding the presidency look bad or good, depending on which party controlled Congress. But that’s not what effective oversight is about. Instead, it brings fresh eyes and multiple viewpoints to the construction and implementation of policy. It holds unelected officials’ feet to the fire, asking them to explain their thinking, their actions, and their understanding of how those actions affect our nation’s people, communities, economy, and future prospects. And it’s absolutely vital to ensuring that the federal government is serving the national interest, not the whims and personal interests of a single elected official, the president. This should be true no matter which party holds the office.
It’s impossible to write all this, though, without noticing just how far short of the mark Congress has fallen. When its leaders are of the same party as the president, they scurry to justify his actions—or, at best, plead ignorance and avert their eyes; when they’re of the other party, they tend to dwell on the politics, not on digging into the nuts and bolts. In both instances, Americans are left ignorant and misinformed, the administration is empowered, and Congress grows even weaker. This is not what the founders wanted, and it’s not what our country deserves.
LEE HAMILTON is a Senior Advisor for the Indiana University Center on Representative Government; a Distinguished Scholar at the IU Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies; and a Professor of Practice at the IU O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.
the passage, adding a period after “lifestyles.”
The third amendment was less objectionable, the only change being to swap the word “invite” to “encourage.”
The line, as written, was as follows: “BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Polk County
Board of Supervisors invites the Northwoods Coalition …”
FUTURE STEPS
The full Polk County Board will now be asked next month to approve a resolution supporting the “positive prevention-focused community messaging” resolution with suggested amendments drafted at the Health and Human
will ever find a home. This was a disappointment. I don’t earn any badges for this.
But I try, as I always do, to look for the learning in the disappointment. I certainly learned a lot about writing while writing that book. But I try to learn something about the disappointment as well, because I’ve noticed when things are going great and I get one badge after another, I don’t actually learn a whole lot—no matter how fun and motivating it might be.
And I think the lesson in this particular disappointment is rather simple. It’s some-
Services November committee meeting.
The options the board has is approving of the resolution as is, adding some or all of the amendments suggested by the committee to the resolution, or shooting down the entirety of the full resolution and the amendments.
thing I thought I already knew but needed to be reminded of once again. It doesn’t really matter what I’ve done. All that matters is how I spend today. If I am writing today, then I am doing everything I can to earn more badges in the future.
So I’ll be participating in Novel November in whatever form it appears this year. I’ll be tracking my words and collecting any badges available—as if this were the first book I’ve ever written because, in truth, it is the only one that matters.
Till next time, Carrie
ATHLETIC OFFICE ASSISTANT
The School District of Amery is hiring an Athletic Office Assistant to support the Athletic Director in coordinating and managing all aspects of the district’s athletic programs. The person in this key office role helps ensure that all athletic operations run efficiently and reflect the district’s commitment to excellence!
35 hours per week, 10 months per year Hourly wage based on experience
Full benefit package including health, dental, paid time off, retirement plan, and more
Learn more & apply on WECAN today: https://wecan.waspa.org
Or call Dylan Johnson at (715)
HEAD GIRLS VOLLEYBALL COACH
The Prairie Farm and Clayton School Districts are seeking a qualified and student-centered Head Girls Volleyball Coach to lead the PFC HS Girls Volleyball Co-op starting in the Fall of 2026.
The HS Girls Volleyball season begins August 17, 2026 and runs through the beginning of November.
Candidates who are interested in this position should provide a letter of interest to Alethea Seeger at aseeger@prairiefarm.k12.wi.us
The Amery Free Press is looking for a motivated Sales Representative
What You’ll Do:
Build and maintain relationships with local businesses
• Help clients create effective advertising campaigns that get results
This position is a great fit if you:
• have strong communication and customer service skills are motivated, organized, and goal-oriented
• enjoy working with people and being part of your community
We offer a supportive, local work environment where your ideas matter and your efforts make a real difference.
Compensation includes: Consistent base pay, commission, paid time off, health, vision, dental, life insurance, 401K and flexibility.
Send
PUBLIC NOTICES
AMERY CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
OCTOBER 01, 2025
The Amery City Council met on October 01, 2025, at the Amery City Center. Mayor, Rick Van Blaricom called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
Roll Call: Clerk-Treasurer, Taylor Larson conducted Roll Call.
Present: Mayor, Rick Van Blaricom; and Alderpersons; Frances Duncanson; Roger Van Someren; Adam Honl; Eric Elkin; Mike Manor and Sharon Marks.
Staff Present: City Administrator, Alex Mansfield; Clerk-Treasurer, Taylor Larson; Police Chief, Dan Peters; Fire Chief, Chuck Frohn; Library Director, Heather Wiarda; and Deputy Clerk-Treasurer, Lisa Gunderson.
Others present: Tom Stangl – Amery Free Press
Motion by Alderperson Elkin; seconded by Alderperson Manor to adopt the agenda.
Ayes – 6 Nayes – 0 Motion Carried.
Consent Agenda Items: Minutes – City Council (September 17, 2025)
Motion by Alderperson, Duncanson; seconded by Alderperson, Elkin; to approve the consent agenda items as listed.
Ayes – 6 Nayes – 0 Motion Carried.
New Business
1. Public Comment – None
2. Department Head Reports –City Administrator, Clerk-Treasurer, Police Chief, Fire Chief, and Library Director -- Reports were heard from City Administrator Mansfield, Clerk-Treasurer Larson, Police Chief Peters, Fire Chief Frohn, and Library Director Wiarda
3. Discussion on a Mobile Food Vendor Ordinance – Administrator Mansfield proposed to the Council the idea of creating a Mobile Food Vendor Ordinance. The City has been issuing Mobile Food Vendor Licenses under the Transient Merchant Ordinance. Mansfield explained some of the concepts that are included in ordinances in other municipalities. The Council asked questions and
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TOWN OF ALDEN
The Board of Supervisors of the Town of Alden will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at the Alden Town Hall, 183 155th Street, Star Prairie, WI.
1) Update the current Building Code Ordinance
Persons wishing to review the proposed ordinance/s may do so by contacting Christine Genung, Town Clerk, at (715) 248-7859
The Regular Monthly Board Meeting will be held following the Public Hearing.
Christine Genung, Alden Town Clerk WNAXLP
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY
Notice is hereby given that St Croix – Balsam Lake Self Storage, located at 201 Unity Ave, Centuria, WI, 54824 will hold a Public Sale, to satisfy the lien of the owner (pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes 704.90 Self-service storage facilities). Units will be sold via online auction, at www.LockerFox.com. Auction will close on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
The personal goods stored therein by the following may include, but are not limited to household goods, furniture, tools, equipment, toys, boxes, clothes and misc items. Owner reserves the right to bid and the right to refuse bids. Cleanup deposit is required. Sale is subject to cancellation. The contents of the rental storage units belonging to the following persons will be sold:
9 - Cassie Morfitt
P012 - Kevin Marsh
44 - Tracy Dow
42 - Kayli Kromrey
22 - Tom Sellers
26 - Erika Dennis
10 - Eric Carlson
20 - Micheal Duncci
P011 - Larry Kartadak
P010 - Eric Carlson
74 - Kent Zellmer
P018 - David Andersen
2 - Joe Heasley
52 - Zach Cardot
46 - Kent Zellmer
were interested in seeing an Ordinance. Mansfield will prepare a Draft Ordinance for an upcoming Council Meeting.
4. Council Comment – None
Motion by Alderperson, Manor; seconded by Alderperson, Marks; to adjourn at 5:56 P.M.
Ayes – 6 Nayes – 0 Motion Carried. Respectfully submitted, Taylor Larson City Clerk-Treasurer
October 2, 2025
WNAXLP (Nov. 11)
AMERY CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
OCTOBER 15, 2025
The Amery City Council met on October 15, 2025, at the Amery City Center. Mayor, Rick Van Blaricom called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
Roll Call: Clerk-Treasurer, Taylor Larson conducted Roll Call.
Present: Mayor, Rick Van Blaricom; and Alderpersons; Frances Duncanson; Roger Van Someren; Adam Honl; Eric Elkin; Mike Manor and Sharon Marks.
Staff Present: City Administrator, Alex Mansfield; Clerk-Treasurer, Taylor Larson; Police Chief, Dan Peters; Fire Chief, Chuck Frohn; Library Director, Jeff Mahoney and Deputy Clerk-Treasurer, Lisa Gunderson.
Others present: Justin Runberg – Amery Free Press, Bridget Anderson – SEH, and Scott & Holly Carlson
Motion by Alderperson Manor; seconded by Alderperson Duncanson to adopt the agenda.
Ayes – 6 Nayes – 0 Motion Carried.
New Business
1. Public Comment – Holly Carlson requested a better explanation of why the WWTP has change orders and thanked City staff for working on updating ordinances. Dan Peters congratulated Sharon Marks on receiving the Melvin Jones Fellowship award from the Lions Club, and Taylor Larson reminded citizens there is an electronic waste disposal event on October 23rd from 1-5pm at the South Industrial Park.
2. Change Order #4 for the Wastewater Treatment Plant – Bridget Anderson with SEH was present to present Change Order #4 for the WWTP. This change order included two cost deductions and 4 cost increases. The increases were for a new ceiling in an existing office space, filling in an existing crawl space that is no longer needed, and correcting a pipe layout. The change order total is $42,356.69.
Motion by Alderperson, Duncanson; seconded by Alderperson, Elkin to approve Change Order #4 as reviewed and recommended by SEH for the Wastewater Treatment Plant in the amount of $42,356.69.
ORDINANCE 19-2025
CITY OF AMERY – POLK COUNTY, WISCONSIN CH. 294 REGULATING MOBILE FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
AN ORDINANCE CREATING CH. 294 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF AMERY
The Common Council for the City of Amery, Polk County, Wisconsin do ordain on, November 5, 2025, as follows:
Roll Call Vote
Ayes – Duncanson, Van Someren, Marks, Honl, Elkin, Manor
Nayes – None Motion Carried
3. Discussion on a Mobile Food Vendor Ordinance – Administrator Mansfield presented a proposed ordinance and updated application for Mobile Food Vendors. The council reviewed the ordinance and the only change they suggested was addressing trash and recycling language for events in public spaces. The council would like to see the updated ordinance on the November 5th consent agenda for adoption. Council Comment – Council members shared their thoughts.
4. Mayor Van Blaricom read aloud the Closed Session item in full. Motion by Manor; seconded by Marks to go into Closed Session at 5:22pm under Wis. Stat. §19.85(1)(e) Deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session – Possible sale .12 acres of PID 20100896-0000 approximately 175ft North of Melrose St/Griffin St W intersection along Melrose St.
Roll Call Vote
Ayes – Duncanson, Van Someren, Marks, Van Blaricom, Elkin, Honl, Manor
Nayes – None Motion Carried
Motion by Duncanson seconded by Manor to reconvene into Open Session at 5:32pm
Roll Call Vote
Ayes – Duncanson, Van Someren, Marks, Van Blaricom, Elkin, Honl, Manor
Nayes – None Motion Carried
5. Open Session – Potential action on Closed Session Agenda - Possible sale .12 acres of PID 201-00896-0000 approximately 175ft North of Melrose St/Griffin St W intersection along Melrose St.
Motion by Alderperson Manor; seconded by Alderperson, Duncanson to sell .12 acres of PID 201-00896-0000 as described above to Jim and JoNell Leadholm for $7,500 plus survey costs.
Roll Call Vote
Ayes – Duncanson, Van Someren, Marks, Elkin, Honl, Manor Nayes – None Motion Carried
Motion by Alderperson, Manor; seconded by Alderperson, Duncanson; to adjourn at 5:34 P.M.
Ayes – 6 Nayes – 0 Motion Carried.
Respectfully submitted, Taylor Larson City Clerk-Treasurer October 16, 2025
WNAXLP (Nov. 11)
ORDINANCE 20-2025 CITY OF AMERY – POLK COUNTY, WISCONSIN UPDATING AND ADOPTION OF THE 2045 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AN ORDINANCE TO UPDATE AND ADOPT THE 2045 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF THE CITY OF AMERY
The Common Council for the City of Amery, Polk County, Wisconsin do ordain on, November 5, 2025, as follows:
68 - Penny Hoglund
27 - Roger Despiegelaere
19 - Nick Berhman
77 - Jessica Hicks
17 - Jordan Schramski
76 - Kim Hochstetler
60 - Bill Adler
P002 - Ashley Groszewski
41 - Eric Carlson
15 - Cassie Morfitt
88 - Kelly Norgren
73 - Diane Jorgensen
P014 - Brennan Adkins
49 - Thor (Debbie) Jepson
14 - Marty Krueger
WNAXLP
WHEREAS, the City Council for the City of Amery has determined that in conformity with other relevant sections of the Municipal Code; for the orderly operation and development of the City; and to protect the health, safety, and well-being of its citizens that it is an appropriate exercise of its authority and power to amend, create, and recreate its municipal ordinances so as to implement rules, policies and regulations pertaining to the orderly operation of the City;
NOW THEREFORE, the City Council for the City of Amery does hereby approve, creating Chapter 294 within the Code of Ordinances for the City of Amery to regulate mobile food establishments operating in the City of Amery.
The full ordinance can be viewed at the City Clerk’s office located at the City of Amery, 104 Maple Street West, Amery, WI – Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Taylor Larson, City Clerk-Treasurer City of Amery
WHEREAS, the City Council for the City of Amery has determined that in conformity with other relevant sections of the Municipal Code; for the orderly operation and development of the City; and to protect the health, safety, and well-being of its citizens that it is an appropriate exercise of its authority and power to amend, create, and recreate its municipal ordinances so as to implement rules, policies and regulations pertaining to the orderly operation of the City;
NOW THEREFORE, the City Council for the City of Amery does hereby approve, adopting the 2045 Comprehensive Plan for the City of Amery.
The full ordinance can be viewed at the City Clerk’s office located at the City of Amery, 104 Maple Street West, Amery, WI – Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted, Taylor Larson City Clerk-Treasurer City of Amery
NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF BUDGET FOR THE VILLAGE OF CLEAR LAKE, WISCONSIN 2026 BUDGET
NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF BUDGET FOR THE VILLAGE OF CLEAR LAKE, WISCONSIN 2026 BUDGET
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That on December 2, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. at the
Clear
WI), the Village Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed budget for 2026. The following is a summary of the proposed 2026 budget. A detailed account of the
of the Village Clerk-Treasurer.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That on December 2, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. at the Clear Lake Village Hall (350 4th Avenue, Clear Lake, WI), the Village Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed budget for 2026. The following is a summary of the proposed 2026 budget. A detailed account of the proposed budget may be inspected at the office of the Village Clerk-Treasurer.
Dated this November 10, 2025 Albert Bannink - Village Clerk-Treasurer
TOWN OF BLACK BROOK
TOWN OF BLACK BROOK
NOTICE of PUBLIC HEARING and BUDGET SUMMARY
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND BUDGET SUMMARY
Notice is hereby given that the Town of Black Brook, Polk County, WI will hold a public hearing on the town’s proposed 2026 budget on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 6:00pm, at the Black Brook Town Hall, 99 75th St, Clear Lake, WI. The proposed budget in detail is available for inspection at the clerk’s office by appointment. The following is a summary of the proposed budget.
Notice is hereby given that the Town of Black Brook, Polk County, WI will hold a public hearing on the town’s proposed 2026 budget on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 6:00pm, at the Black Brook Town Hall, 99 75th St, Clear Lake, WI. The proposed budget in detail is available for inspection at the clerk’s office by appointment. The following is a summary of the proposed budget.
TOWN OF BLACK BROOK - 2026 PROPOSED BUDGET
NOTICE OF SPECIAL TOWN MEETING OF ELECTORS
NOTICE OF SPECIAL TOWN MEETING OF ELECTORS
Notice is hereby given that a special meeting of the electors of the Town of Black Brook, Polk County, WI, will be held at the town hall located at 99 75th Street, Clear Lake, WI, on November 20, 2025, immediately following the completion of the Public Hearing on the proposed 2026 town budget, which begins at 6:00pm, for the following purposes:
Notice is hereby given that a special meeting of the electors of the Town of Black Brook, Polk County, WI, will be held at the town hall located at 99 75th Street, Clear Lake, WI, on November 20, 2025, immediately following the completion of the Public Hearing on the proposed 2026 town budget, which begins at 6:00pm, for the following purposes:
1. To approve the 2025 total town tax levy (to be collected in 2026), pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 60.10(1)(a).
STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF Jerome C. Wagner Notice to Creditors (Informal Administration) Case No. 25 PR 96
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE:
1. An application for informal administration was filed.
2. The decedent, with date of birth September 6, 1943 and date of death September 20, 2025, was domiciled in Dunn County, State of Wisconsin, with a mailing address of 910 85th Street, Amery, WI 54001.
3. All interested persons
waived notice.
4. The deadline for filing a claim against the decedent’s estate is February 6, 2026.
5. A claim may be filed at the Polk County Courthouse, 1005 W. Main St., Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, Room 500. /s/ Cheryl Winberg Probate Registrar October 23, 2025
Michael G. Moseler Skinner Law Firm, LLC 3120 Schneider Ave E, Suite 2 Menomonie, WI 54751 715-235-5556
Bar Number 1095506
WNAXLP (Oct. 28, Nov. 4, 11)
Lake Wapogasset & Bear Trap Lake Sanitary District MONTHLY MEETING
To be held Monday, November 17, at 4 p.m. at the District Office and via Zoom. Call 715-268-7761 for Zoom link. AGENDA 1. Monthly officers report
Old business
New business 4. Any other business that may be brought before the board
Dennis Badman, Secretary WNAXLP
AMERY BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 17, 2025
A Regular Meeting of the Amery Board of Education is scheduled for Monday, November 17, 2025 in the Board Room at 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 p.m.
Considering employment, promotion, compensation, or performance evaluation data, of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility in order to take Personnel Action pursuant to Wisconsin Statute 19.85(1)(c).
III. Open Session - 6:30 p.m.
IV. Pledge of Allegiance
V. Spotlight on Education: Kinship Program
VI. Consent Agenda Items
a. Agenda
b. Minutes
c. Financial Reports
d. Board Vouchers
VII. Administrative/Committee/Department Reports
a. Administrator Reports
b. Clubhouse Childcare Report – Rachel Kaczmarski
c. Buildings & Grounds Report –Committee
VIII. Informational Items
a. Strategic Plan 2025-2030 Update –Shawn Doerfler
IX. Action Items
a. Second Reading of Board Policy 851: District Branding Guidelines – Shawn Doerfler
b. Second Reading of Board Policy 852:
Distribution of Non-School Materials –Shawn Doerfler
c. Substitute Pay – Shawn Doerfler
d. Short-Term Borrowing – Jon McBride
e. Donations & Grants – Shawn Doerfler
f. Personnel Action – Shawn Doerfler
X. Community Comments
XI. 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
XII. Adjournment
GWEN DADO
Clerk, Amery Board of Education In
1. To approve the 2025 total town tax levy (to be collected in 2026), pursuant to Wis. Stat. §
2. To establish compensation for elected town officers who will be elected April 6, 2027, pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 60.10(1)(b)1.
2. To establish compensation for elected town officers who will be elected April 6, 2027, pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 60.10(1)(b)1.
Immediately following the above-noticed meetings, the Town Board will hold the monthly meeting of the Board of Supervisors. Agenda for this meeting will be posted at a later date. Respectfully submitted by Janel Belle Isle, Clerk 651-245-8929 WNAXLP
Immediately following the
STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF
Michael D. Hedges
DOD: June 8, 2024
Amended Notice to Creditors (Informal Administration)
Case No. 25 PR 05
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE:
1. An application for informal administration was filed.
2. The decedent, with date of birth September 30, 1954 and date of death June 8, 2024, was domiciled in Polk County, State of Wisconsin, with mailing address of 174 60th Avenue, Clayton, WI 54004.
3. All interested persons waived notice.
4. The deadline for filing a claim against the decedent’s estate is February 20, 2026.
5. A claim may be filed at the Polk County Courthouse, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, Room 500.
/s/ Cheryl Winberg Probate Registrar
November 6, 2025
Brian D. Byrnes Byrnes Law Office, LLC
123 Keller Avenue North Amery, WI 54001
715-268-5000
Bar Number 1032419 WNAXLP
(Nov. 11, 18, 25)
STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY
Set-In Stone Countertops, LLC
2631 23rd Ave
Osceola, WI 54020
Creditor(s)
-vs-
Sally A. Klevgard & Mustang Sally’s, LLC
128 Keller Ave N Amery, WI 54001
Debtor(s).
Order for Hearing and Contempt (Small Claims) Case No. 24 SC 464
A motion for contempt was filed with the court on October 20, 2025.
THE COURT ORDERS:
1. The judgment debtor(s) shall appear in person as stated below to answer why the judgment debtor(s) has failed to comply with the Order for Financial Disclosure Statement.
November 24, 2025 10:15 a.m.
1005 W. Main Street, Branch 3, Balsam Lake, WI 54810
Court Commissioner James Krupa
2. The judgment creditor(s) must serve
A. the motion and request for hearing on contempt, and
B. this Order for hearing on contempt on the judgment debtor(s) by personal service, unless otherwise authorized by law.
3. If the judgment creditor(s) does not appear at this hearing, the Motion may be dismissed.
4. The judgment debtor(s) may avoid appearing at this hearing only by, prior to the hearing date, either A. paying the judgment in full, including costs and accrued interest, or B. delivering an accurate and complete Financial Disclosure Statement to the judgment creditor(s).
If you require reasonable accommodations due to a disability to participate in the court process, please call 715-485-9299 prior to the scheduled court date. Please note that the court does not provide transportation.
BY THE COURT:
Electronically signed by Daniel J. Tolan Circuit Court Judge October 28, 2025
WNAXLP (Nov. 11, 18, 25)
STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY
IN THE MATTER OF THE NAME CHANGE OF Parker Leo Bender
By (Petitioner) Jerry James Bender
Notice of Name Change Hearing Case No. 25CV309
NOTICE IS GIVEN:
A Petition was filed asking to change the name of the person listed above:
From: Parker Leo Bender
To: Parker Leo Colbert Birth Certificate: Parker Leo Bender
This Petition will be heard in the Circuit Court of Polk County, State of Wisconsin before Honorable Daniel J. Tolan at 1005 W. Main St., Branch 1, Balsam Lake, WI 54810 on December 15, 2025 at 10:30 a.m.
If you require reasonable accommodations due to a disability to participate in the court process, please call 715-485-9299 prior to the scheduled court date. Please note that the court does not provide transportation.
NOTICE TO NEWSPAPER
AND PETITIONER:
Notice of this hearing shall be given by publication as a Class 3 notice for three (3) weeks in a row prior to the date of the hearing in the Amery Free Press.
WNAXLP (Nov. 11, 18, 25)
STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE NAME CHANGE OF Payton James Bender By (Petitioner) Jerry James Bender Notice of Name Change Hearing Case No. 25CV310 NOTICE IS GIVEN:
A Petition was filed asking to change the name of the person listed above:
From: Payton James Bender
To: Payton James Colbert
Birth Certificate: Payton James Bender
This Petition will be heard in the Circuit Court of Polk County, State of Wisconsin before Honorable Daniel J. Tolan at 1005 W. Main St., Branch 1, Balsam Lake, WI 54810 on December 15, 2025 at 10:30 a.m.
If you require reasonable accommodations due to a disability to participate in the court process, please call 715-485-9299 prior to the scheduled court date. Please note that the court does not provide transportation.
NOTICE TO NEWSPAPER AND PETITIONER:
Notice of this hearing shall be given by publication as a Class 3 notice for three (3) weeks in a row prior to the date of the hearing in the Amery Free Press.
WNAXLP (Nov. 11, 18, 25)
STATE OF WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
PUBLIC NOTICE OF INTENT TO REISSUE A WISCONSIN POLLUTANT DISCHARGE
ELIMINATION SYSTEM (WPDES) PERMIT NO.WI-0020648-11-0
Permittee: VILLAGE OF BALSAM LAKE, PO Box 506, BALSAM LAKE, WI,
54810
Facility Where Discharge Occurs: Balsam Lake Village of, 901 Old Main Street Receiving Water And Location: The groundwater of the Balsam Branch watershed within the St. Croix River drainage basin in Polk County.
Brief Facility Description and Summary of Proposed Changes: The Village of Balsam Lake owns and operates a domestic wastewater treatment system consisting of two aerated ponds and four seepage cells. Six monitoring wells placed around the perimeter of the system are used to monitor any groundwater impacts It is the Department’s intention to renew the permit for another term. Limitations and conditions which the Department believes adequately protect the receiving water are included in the proposed permit.
Permit Drafter’s Name, Address, Phone and Email: Sheri A. Snowbank, DNR, 810 W Maple St, Spooner, WI, 54801, (715) 635-4131, Sheri.Snowbank@wisconsin.gov
Basin Engineer’s Name, Address, Phone and Email: Michelle BalkLudwig, DNR, 810 W Maple St. Spooner, WI, (715) 939-9034, Michelle.Balkludwig@wisconsin.gov
Persons wishing to comment on or object to the proposed permit action, or to request a public hearing, may write to the Department of Natural Resources at the above-named permit drafter’s address. All comments or suggestions received no later than 30 days after the publication date of this public notice will be considered along with other information on file in making a final decision regarding the permit. Anyone providing comments in response to this public notice will receive a notification of the Department’s final decision when the permit is issued. Where designated as a reviewable surface water discharge permit, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is allowed up to 90 days to submit comments or objections regarding this permit determination. If no comments are received on the proposed permit from
anyone, including U.S. EPA, the permit will be issued as proposed.
The Department may schedule a public informational hearing if requested by any person and shall schedule a public informational hearing if a petition requesting a hearing is received from 5 or more persons or if response to this notice indicates significant public interest pursuant to s. 283.49, Wis. Stats. Requests for a public informational hearing shall state the following: the name and address of the person(s) requesting the hearing; the interest in the proposed permit of the person(s) requesting the hearing; the reasons for the request; and the issues proposed to be considered at the hearing.
Information on file for this permit action, including the draft permit, fact sheet and permit application, may be inspected and copied at either the above-named permit drafter’s office or the above named basin engineer’s office, Monday through Friday (except holidays), between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Please call the permit drafter or basin engineer for directions to their office location, if necessary. Information on this permit action may also be obtained by calling the permit drafter at (715) 635-4131 or by writing to the Department. Reasonable costs (15 cents per page for copies and 7 cents per page for scanning) will be charged for information in the file other than the public notice, permit and fact sheet. Permit information is also available on the internet at: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/ wastewater/PublicNotices. html. Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodation, including the provision of informational material in an alternative format, will be made to qualified individuals upon request.
NAME OF PUBLISHING NEWSPAPER and ADDRESS OF PUBLISHING NEWSPAPER: Free Press, PO Box 424, Amery, WI 540001-0424
Date Notice Issued: November 11, 2025 WNAXLP (Nov. 11)
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.
Tips of the Week
from Gene Johnson and Matt McMillan
The Newspaper shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of the advertisement.
The Newspaper shall not be liable or responsible for any error in any advertisement except to give the Advertiser credit for so much of the space occupied by the advertisement as is materially affected by the error; credit shall be by refund or republication of the advertisement at the election of Newspaper. Such credit shall only be given for one incorrect insertion if the Publisher is notified in writing of the error before the repetition of the insertion. When the Advertiser wishes to correct or change the copy submitted as a “proof,” the Newspaper shall not be liable for the changes or corrections unless the Newspaper receives them within a reasonable length of time before the deadline for publication.
If an advertisement is requested to run after the copy deadline, the Newspaper will not honor an adjustment request if an error occurs.
No specific page or position shall be guaranteed.
The Advertiser or Agency shall indemnify the Newspaper for any attorney’s fees incurred in defending against claims, pay any judgments against the Newspaper, and pay associated expenses and losses that are caused by the publication of any advertisement submitted by or published at the direction of the Advertiser or Agency, including claims for libel, copyright infringement, and invasion of privacy.
OCTOBER 6 – DECEMBER 12
Panel by Panel: A Comic Book Reading Challenge Tim Bruckner has worked for DC Direct and DC Collectibles for close to 20 years. Read comics, graphic novels, and manga for a chance to win a sculpture from his studio! Thank you to Mary and Tim Bruckner for donating a collection of sculptures for this challenge. Ages 6 and up, including adults.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11
Mystery Book Club – 2 p.m. Join us for a lively discussion of the book The Summer Guests by Tess Gerritson.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12
Preschool/Toddler Storytime – 10 a.m. Join Miss Emma and City Administrator Alex Mansfield for stories, songs, and more in the Makerspace.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13
Teen Thursday – 6 - 7 p.m. Youth between the ages of 12 and 18 are invited to hang out, play games, do crafts, and have snacks! This month, we're painting book pages! We will provide the books, but you're welcome to bring your own if you have a book that you want to paint on.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18
Homeschool Hangout – 1 - 2 p.m. Connect with other homeschool families at Homeschool Hangout, a casual social/play group that meets monthly to play games and do crafts. Let us know how the library can better support you. This month's activity is perler beads!
SNOWPLOWING ODM
accepting new snow plowing customers for the winter! Help Prevent Ice Dams! ODM Fiberglass Attic Insulation Heated Seamless Gutters & Gutter Guards
Text 715-781-3677 Or Message Me Today For A Free Estimate www.outdoormanllc.com
A. Davis, CPA | Dirk A. Prindle, CPA
Margo A. Rosen, CPA | Abby L. Williamson, CPA Adam P. Honl, CPA | Susan L. Hartman, CPA
Keller Ave. S, Amery,
Graphic Design ngagner@theameryfreepress.com
Rebecca LaMar, Graphic Design design@burnettcountysentinel.com
Our office is located at: 215 Keller Ave. S., Amery Hours: Mon-Fri 8-4:30 pm
Trick or Trot raises $11,000
Trick or Trot had another successful year. The organizers want to thank their generous sponsors and those who attended the meat raffle. They raised $11,000 for the Amery Food Pantry and the Amery Backpack Program. That totals $87,249 for these great causes since 2014 through the annual Trick or Trot.
We have the items that you need to get your outdoor decor ready for the holidays!
Make your own or buy pre-made PORCH POTS
GREENERY * HOUSEPLANTS * GIFTS * DELI FOOD * GF & VEGAN ITEMS * GROCERY ITEMS * LOCAL MEATS * LOCAL PRODUCE *CRYSTAL BALL CREAMERY MILK * EVENTS
Open Thursday - Saturday 9-3 *Thru Dec. 20th
Closed Thanksgiving Day Dragonfly Gardens 491 State HWY 46, Amery WI 54001 715.268.7660
Thanksgiving Deadlines
Thanksgiving is Thursday,Nov.27,2025
Tuesday, Nov. 25 Issue
Deadline is Thursday, Nov. 20 @ 4 p.m. for the Amery Free Press and The Tab
Tuesday, Dec. 2 Issue
Deadline is Monday, Dec. 1 @ Noon for the Amery Free Press and The Tab
The Amery Free Press office will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 27 & 28
Love light tree returns for 38th year
BY JUSTIN RUNBERG EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM
The annual tradition at the Amery Hospital and Clinic will continue for its 38th year. The Love Light Tree offers a meaningful way to honor and remember loved ones during the holiday season. For those who have served in the military, red bows are also available. It’s also a way for people to help support scholarship opportunities for kids within the district.
In the spring, six scholarships of $500 each are awarded to seniors pursuing a career in healthcare. A ceremony to light the tree will be held on Thursday, December 11, at 6 p.m. in the Rain Garden Café at the hospital, where family and friends will honor those they have sponsored. Afterward, there will be music, treats, and holiday cheer for everyone to enjoy.
All donors and honorees will be listed on the donor wall later in December and in the program booklet. If you cannot attend but want to let the loved one know you donated for them, you can do so by filling out a form with the person’s name and address. Donations can be made for a light or a red bow with a minimum of $10. The deadline to donate is Friday, November 28th. You can sign up in several ways: visit their website at https://fundraiser.support/LoveLightTree or scan the QR code. Checks payable to AHC Volunteer Partners can also be mailed to Kathy Gehrman, 761 20th Ave., Clear Lake, WI, by November 28th, 2025. Thank you for reading the Amery Free Press
I’ve never felt more supported in my life.
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Following a long and difficult road to diagnosis, Christina is cherishing her daughter, choosing hope, and fighting for a miracle. Read about Christina’s cancer journey. Visit CC-WW.org/Christina
Newspaper Fun!
The air is cooler. The fallen red, yellow and orange leaves have been raked. Geese honk noisily in the sky as they fly south. School buses rumble by. Football and soccer players are running and kicking balls. We’ve fallen gently past the middle of autumn!
Last Days of Autumn!
What are Families Doing in the Late Fall to Get Ready for Winter?
1. raking leaves and clearing ________
2. taking down ________ and putting up storm windows
3. having the chimney cleaned and stacking ________
10. cooking larger, hotter ________ Well, most of us have anyway!
4. storing summer ________ and taking out hats, jackets, boots
5. picking and storing apples, ________, carrots, squash
6. canning ________ and fruits; making jellies and jams
7. finding the shovels and filling a pail with ________ for ice
8. rolling up ________ and turning off water pipes to outside
9. having the ________ checked and cleaned
Read the clues to fill in the crossword with late fall fun.
1. big, orange __________ sit shrinking in fields
2. __________ are finishing chores around the house and yard
3. hours of __________ are even fewer
4. __________ have been raked
5. __________ are still gathering acorns
6. crowds cheer at __________ games
7. __________ are flying south
8. light jackets and __________ are being worn
9. the __________ is chillier
10. __________ are piled high in baskets
Falling rain and cool windy breezes pulled the last autumn leaves from the tree. When the storm was over, what could we see?
Look at the picture clues to fill in the puzzle.
screens hoses vegetables
Match each “harvest time” sentence to what it means:
I hope this is the last batch to store for the season!
1. Make hay while the sun shines.
2. The farmers had a bumper crop
3. The harvest moon rose over the fields.
Autumn Ice?
A. full moon nearest to first day of fall
B. unusually large amount C. make the most of a chance
I wanted to go out one rainy autumn day. As I stepped out the door, I slid away! “Autumn ice” was hiding beneath the eaves. It was made of freezing rain and fallen...
is not so nice!
Storing Food for the Winter
Start at the arrow to help the farmer squirrels find each giant acorn to put into their sack.
We’ve fallen
Last Days of Autumn!
Phew! I hope this is the last batch to store for the
Falling rain and cool windy breezes pulled the autumn leaves from the tree. When the storm was over, what could we see?