BURNETT COUNTY
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2018 VOL. 56 NO. 21 www.burnettcountysentinel.com $1.00
SNAP SHOT: A glimpse into business life in the Northwoods. INSIDE
All the comforts of home at Countryside Acres
Police Chief retiring at end of month
LINDA LUHMAN SENTINEL STAFF
JONATHAN RICHIE EDITOR@BURNETTCOUNTYSENTINEL.COM
JACKSON TOWNSHIP — Countryside Acres’ facility stands tall on a small rise overlooking fields and forests. As its name suggests, the community based residential facility is located about nine miles northeast of Webster. The location is key to providing an alternative to a nursing home in a beautiful, relaxing, country setting, and it is definitely on purpose. “I like small and cozy, “said Terri Russow, who along with her daughter, Sara Stadler, opened the home to residents in October 2011. The eight-bed facility is equipped to care for a wide variety of residents, including respite care, hospice care, and the physically or developmentally disabled. But they specialize in memory and Alzheimer’s care, and the location is a big part of that. Large windows throughout the home provide residents needed mental stimulation through the use of the scenic views. Russow shares that plans include fencing around the 40 acre property to provide for the addition of cows to further enhance that aspect. “We already have the barn, and giving people something to watch helps keep their brains engaged.” Another important part of staying engaged is being social, Russow says. “When (people) are alone too much, their mind goes. We are social creatures.”
WEBSTER––Webster Chief of Police Mike Spafford is retiring after serving as a law enforcement officer for over 30 years. He said it was a difficult decision, but added it’s what’s best for him and the department. Earlier this month, Spafford put in his paperwork to retire. The board accepted his notice and has begun the process of searching for another Chief in the next few weeks. Village President Jeff Roberts said the Village Board accepted Spafford’s retirement, but knows how much he means to the community. “It’s always tough to lose someone with all of Chief Spafford’s experience,” Roberts said. “He knows the village and the county unbelievably well so replacing that insight and experience will be very difficult. Chief Spafford will be missed and the village board wishes him well in his retirement.” Spafford said it was a difficult - but simple - decision. “I’ve got 35 years in law enforcement - I’m tired,” Spafford said. “I just can’t keep up. This is in the best interest of the department.” He also cited health concerns and trouble sleeping for why he’s decided to retire. “The family met and they said enough is enough. I’m definitely going to miss it, but this is what’s best,” Spafford said. Spafford explained he went to
SEE COUNTRYSIDE ACRES, PAGE 2
JONATHAN RICHIE | SENTINEL
Irish beads for everyone Saturday was St. Patrick’s Day and Webb Lake had their annual parade. It was a beautiful day and organizers estimated over 5,000 people were going to invade County H in Webb Lake.
Siren man found dead inside trailer fire JONATHAN RICHIE EDITOR@BURNETTCOUNTYSENTINEL.COM
SIREN—On Sunday around 5:30 p.m. the Siren Fire Department was called to the Siren trailer park at 23642 State Road 35 in the Village. The Siren Police Department released a press release on Monday morning saying dispatch received a report that the male property owner was suicidal and was in possession of a firearm. Officers arrived at the scene, located the man inside the residence and removed him from the fire. He was checked for signs of life and was found to be deceased. On Monday morning Siren Fire Chief Tony Dalsveen confirmed the identity of the deceased property owner as Claire Erickson. “He was a wonderful firefighter and a better person,” Dalsveen said. “Anything involved with the fire department that
was in the community, he was there.” Dalsveen said Erickson served with the Siren Fire Department for five years. The Siren Police Department was assisted by the Burnett County Sheriff’s Department, St. Croix Tribal Police Department, Siren Fire Department and the medical examiners’s office. The case is still under investigation with the Siren Police Department.
JONATHAN RICHIE | SENTINEL
SEE SPAFFORD, PAGE 2
Visit Visi Vi it am amer amerymedicalcenter.org erym y ed ym dicallcent nter ter.o org tto o fi find nd d care near ar yyou. ou. ou
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