BURNETT COUNTY
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2017 VOL. 55 NO. 55 www.burnettcountysentinel.com $1.00
CELEBRATE WISCONSIN SCHOOL BOARD WEEK, PG. 2
Hit-and-run suspect pleads not guilty
Goats feast on buckthorn
SEAN DEVLIN EDITOR@BURNETTCOUNTYSENTINEL.COM
GOVERNOR KNOWLES FOREST— The invasive species buckthorn is a longtime villain of northern Wisconsin forests. Studies show buckthorn originates from Eurasia and was introduced to North America as ornamentals. It is believed Wisconsin first encountered this species in 1849 and it became widespread after 1900. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has for some time now engineered different ways to combat this invasive species. Buckthorn has the ability to squeeze out native plants due to the longevity of its leaves’ life cycles. The leafs display early and retain their presence late into the fall creating dense shade that helps it to muscle-out many native plants. What is one way to help combat this species— a particularly environmental way? Goats. In 2012, DNR staff at Governor Knowles State Forest noticed an unwelcome abundance of buckthorn in Sunrise Ferry (Polk County) and immediately began devising ways to help rid the area of the invasive species. In this predominantly oak and aspen area, common buckthorn is present in the under-story of the forest along the St. Croix River. This area was soon designated as a demonstration area for buckthorn treatment trials to evaluate methods for control. The DNR called upon the Munch Bunch for help, an organization developed by a St. Croix Falls farm. The Munch Bunch specializes in “mob grazing” as a method of brush control. Goat grazing is becoming a widely used
SEAN DEVLIN EDITOR@BURNETTCOUNTYSENTINEL.COM
GOVERNMENT CENTER— The Radisson man charged with killing Courtney Oustigoff in a hit-and-run incident in July of 2016 plead not guilty on Sept. 28. The day was set for a preliminary hearing; however, Domminic Angelo Richard Haug gen, 35, and his defense attorney C Christopher Stephen Petros i informed the court they are w waiving rights to a preliminary. A preliminary hearing is for t use of the judge to determine the w whether there is enough evidence Haugen to force the defendant to stand trial. Because of the waiver, this case is set for further proceedings, including trial. A status conference is set for 2:45 p.m. Dec. 7.
Background According to the criminal complaint filed in Burnett County Court from February, Oustigoff was struck after 10:53 p.m. the evening of June 14 and before 6:11 a.m. the morning of June 15. The Burnett County Sheriff’s Department received an anonymous tip that Haugen struck a female with his white Dodge pickup truck and dragged her from the point of impact. Haugen allegedly returned to his residence to clean the truck. There, he smeared animal blood on the vehicle to hide the damage. A search of the vehicle by authorities “revealed a piece of cloth stuck between a clamp and a hose near the transmission.” Officers SEE HAUGEN, PAGE 9
STEVE BRIGGS | SENTINEL
Petunias from the sidewalk It’s amazing where petunias will grow with abundant rain and sun. Seeds from last year’s hanging basket apparently landed in a crack in the sidewalk last fall and seeded themselves this spring. Employees at Indianhead Credit Union in downtown Grantsburg said in previous years they have seen a few blossoms sprout from the sidewalk, but nothing like this year’s lovely spray. Dean Faulhaber of Wood River Garden Store says the baskets the village purchased from him are “Above and Beyond” variety petunias, and they proved true to the their name.
SEE GOATS, PAGE 9
UW student works to revamp Grantsburg SEAN DEVLIN EDITOR@BURNETTCOUNTYSENTINEL.COM
GRANTSBURG— Big steps for Grantsburg. Over the course of several years, community members may have heard chatter about the revamping of downtown; the presence of businesses on Highway 70;
how to better utilize Grantsburg’s natural resources, and much more. It’s happening. These conversation topics are now transforming into feasible plans. First, by the efforts of GRO, Grantsburg Revitalization Operation. GRO, headed by Nicki Peterson, is made up of five committee groups:
branding, highway, downtown, natural resources, and housing. This group is the result of working with the National Park Service, The University of Wisconsin- Extension, and others to develop plans to revitalize the Grantsburg area. While some of these groups are in
COLLEEN MATULA WDNR
‘The Munch Bunch’ mob grazing buckthorn in Govenor Knowles Forest.
SEE GRO, PAGE 6
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