BURNETT COUNTY
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 VOL. 55 NO. 21 www.burnettcountysentinel.com $1.00
CHRISTENSEN: $11.5 million awarded in first of civil suits. P2
‘The power of the micro-processor’ BY TODD BECKMANN SENTINEL
GRANTSBURG—It’s a long way from the high school shop of yore when spot-welding, toolboxes and birdhouses were all the rage. Not that they’re abandoning the old stand-bys like hammer and nails, but today’s Technical Education students are throwing about terms like robotics, laser scanners, plasma cutters and 3D printing. Such was the case during last week’s computer-aided design
The Town of Jackson Fire Department was paged to a fully-engulfed structure fire at the home of Tasha Tourville, 27982 Alden Road, east of Webster, just before midnight on Friday. Between the Town of Scott, Jackson and Webster fire departments, fire fighters were able to save the detached garage. According to Dan Campion, Jackson fire chief, the house and belongings were a total loss. No one was at home at the time of the blaze so there were no injuries. The cause of the blaze has yet to be determined.
“You need the power of the micro-processor to do well in business,” he added. “The kids are seeing that power on display here in the fab lab.” While a quick look will make it appear the machines are doing all the work, it’s up to the Tech Ed students to “tell” each machine what to do. “It might take 40 hours for the machine to make a part, but the really nice part is a person doesn’t need to stand there the SEE FAB LAB, PAGE 7
Schools to benefit from ‘reform dividend’
SUSAN RADKE
Total loss
class at Grantsburg High School. Jeremiah Steck, the district’s new Technology Education teacher, led his students through a demonstration of the laser printer, one of the new “toys” populating a portion of Steck’s classroom — the fabrication laboratory or Fab Lab. “A lot of local businesses — Parker-Hannifin, McNally’s, Victrex Gears — to name a few, are using computers and automation,” Steck observed. “It’s the future — today’s kids need to know this stuff.”
BY TODD BECKMANN SENTINEL
BURNETT COUNTY—Greater state support for Wisconsin’s rural schools is Governor Scott Walker’s plan and he released details of the plan last week when he announced his state budget proposal. “Every student matters, and there’s no doubt that Wisconsin’s rural school districts face unique
challenges,” Governor Walker said. “Our reforms are working in Wisconsin, and it’s because they are working that we are able to make greater investments into our education system — I call it the ‘reform dividend.’” Under Governor Walker’s plan, the funding for sparsity and transportation aids will reach an all-time high. Governor Walker also plans to increase
investments in broadband and technology grants, make it easier for school districts to recruit teachers, and provide additional flexibilities. The proposed increases in funding will provide greater stability for rural school districts. The governor’s office is also planning to provide a significant increase SEE DIVIDEND, PAGE 8
Keeping that spark ignited BY TODD BECKMANN SENTINEL
DANBURY—It’ll be steak on the grill and maybe a glass of wine — that’s how Barb and Denny Blodgett, who will toast 28 years of marriage come September, will celebrate St. Valentine’s Day. The Blodgett home is made up of Barb, Denny and the rescue dogs who have found a new ‘forever’ home with the Blodgetts — currently, the dogs outnumber the couple, three-to-two. “All we want is to spend a quiet night at home,” Barb shared with a laugh. “Our favorite time of night is watching old episodes of ‘Special Victims
Unit’ hoping that the phone doesn’t ring.” It’s a humorous thing to say because, as the heart and soul of the Interfaith Caregivers of Burnett County, quiet nights at home are a rarity for Barb and Denny. The phone is always ringing — mostly from people who are in need. “People are always calling to ask if we know where they can get a refrigerator, a table and chairs or a load of wood,” Barb noted. “A woman just lost everything in a fire last weekend so I’ve been busy trying to help her.” “The best feeling is when we can match someone’s need
with a resource,” Denny added. “That’s a ‘real rush’ for us.” In fact, it’s what the two point to as the biggest secret to their happy years together. “We share a common interest — volunteerism,” he continued. “We really ‘clicked,’” Barb agreed. When pressed, she said it was more than volunteerism. “We both have a good sense of humor — we laugh a lot,” Barb explained. “We love the Packers and we love where we landed.” “We think this is paradise,” Denny said of their land south SEE SPARK, PAGE 6
Barb and Denny Blodgett
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