Spread the Love 5K hopes to shed some light on mental health
BY MATT ANDERSON EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM
The winter months are a difficult time for those who struggle with their mental well-being and suicidal thoughts. To bring some awareness to mental health and suicide prevention, the Osceola High School and the Mental Health Matters Club will be hosting their Spread the Love 5K Walk/ Run on Feb. 15. The event is open to all and hopes to provide resources and education to those who have been personally affected by mental illness and suicide.
The Mental Health Matters Club started after a student in the Osceola School District lost their life to suicide. After the loss of their fellow student, Osceola High School Teacher and Mental Health Matters Club Adviser Claire Patterson helped her students create the group that would raise awareness surrounding mental health education and suicide prevention. Part of their efforts would be to create an event that would encourage Osceola residents to attend and shed
SEE 5K, PAGE 14
BY RAYMOND T. RIVARD
The Polk County Board of Supervisors demonstrated it will continue to support the creation of an inpatient psychiatric treatment facility in northern Wisconsin by approving a resolution supervisors hope will bring attention to how much it is costing county taxpayers and the amount of time and resources that are being tied up on a regular basis while having to transport people in crisis. During a thorough presentation,
SEE COUNTY, PAGE 2
New arcade will provide a safe place for Osceola youth
BY MATT ANDERSON EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM
This weekend, Osceola will have new space for Osceola families to have some fun. Cues N’ Quarters is a new arcade that will open on Cascade Street intended to give kids of all ages a place to play games, enjoy each other’s company and take some time to just be kids.
Cues N’ Quarters is a venture started by owner and Osceola resident, Breanna LaMarch and her family. Having opened the first business in their family, LaMarch jumped through several hurdles to create this new business; none of
which stopped her from opening the new arcade on Cascade Street.
“I’ve been living here since I was seven years old,” said LaMarch. “I grew up not having anything to do in this town and seeing my friends not have anything to do and the choices they made. I have a six-yearold and I just want to build a better community space for him, kids his age and even people my age.”
The idea for Cues N’ Quarters came up for LaMarch years ago when the Osceola Discovery Center opened in downtown Osceola. While the library has plenty of resources for
kids and families, their hours of operation left LaMarch feeling that some families would not be able to use those resources because of their work schedules.
“The library is only open till 6 p.m.” said LaMarch. “My kids’ friends all have parents who have normal nine-to-five jobs. So, they don’t even get back to town until like 5:30 p.m. So, in the winter, there’s not really any place around here that you can do play dates because the bowling alley starts happy hour leagues at five, you know?
“So, that’s really what brought us to the conclusion that there needs
to be something; just having a space for my child and his friends to go on play dates to play. So, when the community center announced the library’s hours, that’s when it theoretically started.”
To remedy that issue, Cues N’ Quarters will be open from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the weekends in the winter. In the warmer months, LaMarch hopes to stick with the 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. hours throughout the week, providing families plenty of time to stop in and have some fun.
SEE ARCADE, PAGE 14
Light Up the Night was a success in 2023. Now it’s back as the Spread the Love 5K Run/ Walk. Back row: Claire Patterson, Katherine Tandberg, Elinor Hagen, Ceadaoin Snell, Allysson Cherewan, Kenny Lancaster. Front row: Ella Chinander, Georjeanna Osterbauer.
Owner Breanna LaMarch sorting kids craft supplies.
COUNTY: County board continues to support concept of an area treatment facility
Polk County Community Services Director Tonya Eichelt told supervisors at their first meeting of the year that it is the county’s responsibility to provide for those who are in crisis.
That means providing a safe place for an involuntary patient. And it’s not inexpensive.
For counties in Western Wisconsin, that requires transporting the person to the nearest qualified facility to take them – and that is to the Winnebago Mental Health Institute in Oshkosh – about 270 miles one-way from Balsam Lake.
The cost in terms of time and local personnel, as well as the trauma of being experienced by the patient, is high … and only getting more costly for local counties.
For Polk County, the number of individuals who have been served and transported for treatment over the past few years was spelled out by Eichelt: “For emergency detentions I can go back solidly to 2021, where there were 53 detentions, 37 were dismissed. In 2022, we had 42, and 26 dismissed; in 2023, 50 total, and
31 dismissed; and in 2024 we had 43, with 19 dismissed. [In 2025] we’ve had five, with two dismissals.
According to Eichelt, the county is on the hook for mandated costs over the first three days (at a cost of $2,100 per-day).
“So, the first three days is mandated and wherever the crisis happens, it’s the county that is responsible … if it’s an out-of-county person, we work with that other county to get transferred … back to their home county … so they can get their services there. But the first three days are [the county’s responsibility] if it happens here. And those rates just went up in October to $2,100,” Eichelt said. “That rate, in 2023 it was $1,627; in 2024, it was $1,790; and it just jumped to $2,100. Most of that we end up paying for because of how insurance companies won’t pay for that service - every now and then they will pay - but our population is a pretty big Medicaid base, and Medicaid will only pay if the person is under 21 or over 65. So, if we look at our demographics, most of our people are in the bubble.”
With two people re -
quired to transport the patient, transportation costs alone are between $1,200 and $1,500.
“They have to go to the facility, and then they have to come back for court, so we’re going back and forth, Eichelt said.”
However, it’s not always the sheriff that’s doing the transporting. If a local municipality is doing the transporting, then they are the ones that bear the cost of the transportation.
In those cases, the county would bear the housing costs of $2,100, but the municipality would be charged for the transportation costs.
Legislators listening
At recent meeting between Polk County staff and state legislators was “productive,” Eichelt said, citing several takeaways.
Eichelt said there is a shared interest among county and state officials to keep people out of locked units altogether, if possible.
“So, we’re looking at public and private partnerships to be able to do that right here in our community. It’s better for everybody involvedlaw enforcement, human services, the person
who is experiencing that acute episode … I mean, just in general it would be a win-win-win all the way around,” Eichelt said.
That could mean utilizing peer support specialists, co-responders, mental health officers, and a behavior stabilization center.
However, there will always be a need for involuntary inpatient units.
Eichelt said this is a non-partisan issue that will take a concerted effort at the state and local levels to solve.
That would include work on allowing more third party transports, as well as a recognition of the strain on local resources for crisis services. In addition, there would be benefits in utilizing “smart” forms that would be universally accepted for medical clearance, which can sometimes be an issue.
“There’s a ‘smart form’ that has been developed to try to help ease the amount of wait time that enforcement has to get somebody cleared to go over to Winnebago,”
Eichelt said. “They can sit in an ER waiting room for up to eight hours to get some testing done, and it’s just a waste of time. So, this smart form is being used and I do believe Chief Deputy Burrows is working with Winnebago right now to see if they will accept that from our local law enforcement,” Eichelt said.
Grants are also a possibility to help with the costs incurred.
“So, we are always looking for grant opportunities,” Eichelt said. “We’ve engaged the Regional Planning Commission to look at some grant opportunities for us … expanding local facilities capacity for crisis beds. So, rather than building from the ground up … is there a further expansion that we can do with an existing facility? But when we talk to our private partners … the one thing that they told us is that the sustainability is really the key,” she added. Highlighting the meeting the county had with legislators, Eichelt said that because there
will always be a need for a facility for involuntary patients, “it’s just some people are just going to have that level of care, but if we can divert when we can we want to do that,” she added.
Conclusion
In concluding, Eichelt emphasized the importance of communicating with lawmakers.
“The counties are always encouraged to come to Madison, meet with legislators, … and then there’s a human services day at the Capitol coming up - everybody here is invited to attend. We will load a car and go down. But like Supervisor [Brad] Olson said, ‘get on the phone and call these legislators’ anytime. They want to hear from us. There’s more data needed from the counties to drill down on issues to create those solutions.”
Polk County administrator’s notes
Polk County Administrator Emil “Moe” Norby provided a short checklist of items of note for supervisors at the Jan. 21 meeting:
The Clam Falls Dam construction is “on schedule” and expected to be completed by this summer.
said. A similar facility in Burnett County cost around $600,000, but is smaller than what is needed in Polk County. “We are looking at options on a bunch of different avenues to bring that number down,” Norby said. 2024 closed with eight traffic fatalities. That’s down from 16 in 2023. The average in Polk County is 11 fatalities per-year. FROM PAGE 2
The recycling project is “winding up,” with the inside work scheduled for completion by the end of February. The paving and landscaping will be
completed in the spring. During the budget process, the county set aside $50,000 to study the conversion of a portion of the ADRC building into a kitchen for the Meals on Wheels program. However, an engineer studying the county’s needs, wrote that it could be done, but that the cost would be around $900,000. “So, we are now looking at more options and to bring that number down,” Norby
POLK COUNTY COURT NEWS
ATV- operation by minor
• Jennifer K. Kammeyer, 48, St. Croix Falls, pled no contest and was fined $232.
County trespass
• Grant J. Lindahl, 20, pled guilty and was fined $263.50.
• Calvin J. Ringing Shield, Jr., 24, Luck, pled no contest and was fined $263.50.
Discharge firearm from/ across highway
• Andrew M. Anderson, 41, Luck, pled no contest and was fined $217.90.
Dog at large
• Jennifer K. Hensel, 45, Centuria, pled no contest and was fined $100.
• Lisa M. Mosay, 60, Luck, pled no contest and was fined $100. Exceeding speed zones, etc.
• Joshua R. Bjorke, 29, Osceola, pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
• Marcial Y. Dubon Rivas, 22, Bloomington, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $250.90.
• Rylie D. Sauter, 28, Grasston, Minn., pled no contest and was fined
$200.50.
• Joshua M. Seim, 18, Hudson, pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
• Dennis C. Spence, 61, Minneapolis, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $183.30.
• Paul R. Anderla, 54, Ramsey, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
• Donald H. Anderson, 34, Foley, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
• Julius H. Cadwallader, Somerset, pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
• Samuel J. Christenson, 44, Turtle Lake, pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
• Williams J. Cruz, 22, Ellicott City, MD, pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
• Zachary D.T. Hovey, 29, Sarona, pled no contest and was fined
JANUARY 29, 2025
ONGOING
The Gathering Meets the first and third Friday at 1 p.m. in the Osceola Senior Center. Discuss topics, exchange ideas, share life experiences. For more info: jimihnye@gmail.com
Tai Chi, Qi Gong Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 9-10 a.m., in the Osceola Senior Center. Available on Zoom, email rmussell@att.net. 312524-3934.
River Valley Stitchers
River Valley Stitchers meet the second Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the second Saturday, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Osceola Senior Center. Participants bring their own projects to work on. For more info contact mkmcelrath@hotmail. com.
American Legion meeting
American Legion Post 0221 meets every third Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Ken’s Keyboard. For more info: Matt Goldman 952-465-5922.
LEGO Club
LEGO Club at the Wilberg Memorial Public Library of Osceola meets the first and third Thursday of the month at 4 p.m. to build with LEGOs.
Used book sale
The Friends of the Osceola Library used book sale and lots of puzzles, is the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the lower level of the Wilberg Memorial Public Library.
Friends of the Library
The Friends of the Osceola Library meets on the fourth Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in the lower level of the Wilberg Memorial Library (Third St. entrance). New members welcome.
Widow Connect
The St. Croix Valley Widow Connect, a subgroup of Widow Might, meets the third Sunday of each month at Trinity Lutheran Church, 300 Seminole Ave, Osceola.
The meeting is from 1-4 pm. https://www.widowmight.org/
MONDAYS
Indianhead Barbershop
The Indianhead Barbershop Chorus meets Mondays at 7 p.m. at the Justice Center in Balsam Lake. 715-475-7666. Alcoholics Anonymous Mondays, 7 p.m., at Osceola United Methodist Church.
TUESDAYS
OUT ABOUT&
www.osceolasun.com
Seniors on the Go Seniors on the Go meet Tuesdays from 12:30 to 4 p.m. for 3-13 cards at the Osceola Senior Center.
Exercise classes Free exercise classes for seniors at Osceola Community Church, 2492 Education Ave., 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. For more information: 612751-9151. Learn the Bible Every Tuesday Osceola Elementary School and Intermediate School students have the opportunity to learn the Bible during specials. An Osceola Community Church van will pick them up and return them on time. Contact the church for van schedule, 715-2944332.
WEDNESDAYS
TOPS meeting
Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets every Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Osceola. For more information: Nancy, 715-553-3998.
AA meetings
AA meets at the St. Croix Falls Alanon Club, 221 S. Adams St., St. Croix Falls, at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. NA meets at 6 p.m.
THURSDAYS
Adult grief group
St. Croix Chaplaincy offers a free, online grief support group on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. Find the link to the Zoom meetings at Facebook. com/stcroixchaplaincy. For more information: 651-239-8441 or email StCroixChaplaincy@gmail. com.
Alanon meeting
An Alanon meeting is held at 6 p.m. at the St. Croix Falls Alanon Club, 221 S. Adams St., St. Croix Falls.
Exercise classes
Free exercise classes for seniors at Osceola Community Church, 2492 Education Ave., 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. For more information: 612751-9151.
500 Cards
Seniors meet Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m. for 500 cards at the Osceola Senior Center.
AA meeting
AA meets at Peace Lutheran Church in Dresser every Thursday at 7 p.m.
FRIDAYS
AA meeting
AA meets at the St. Croix Falls Alanon Club, 221 S. Adams St., St. Croix Falls, at 7 p.m.
Soma Yoga
Soma Yoga meets at 11 a.m. to noon in the Osceola Senior Center. Gentle mindful practice focusing on breathwork, alignment, & finding individual pose variations. Seated in a chair and standing. Bring a mat and water bottle. For more information, 715-417-2765.
SATURDAYS
AA meeting
AA meets at the St. Croix Falls Alanon Club, 221 S. Adams St., St. Croix Falls, at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
SUNDAYS
AA meeting
AA meets at the St. Croix Falls Alanon Club, 221 S. Adams St., St. Croix Falls, at 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.
JANUARY 29
Last Wednesday Meal
The Last Wednesday Meal is a community service that provides a free meal to the people of the community. Trinity Lutheran Church will serve the meal at the Osceola United Methodist Church from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The meal is served the last Wednesday of each month from January through October.
JANUARY 31
Bloodmobile
The American Red Cross will be at West Immanuel Lutheran Church, 447 180th St., Osceola, from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. To donate blood simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800733-2767.
FEBRUARY 1
Community Sewing Day
Everyone is invited to participate in a Commu-
nity Sewing Day for Little Dresses for Africa at Peace Lutheran Church in Dresser from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. No sewing experience needed. Light lunch served.
Used book sale
The Friends of the Osceola Library used book sale including lots of puzzles, is the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the lower level of the Wilberg Memorial Public Library.
FEBRUARY 4
Bloodmobile
The American Red Cross will be at Cushing Community Center, from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. To donate blood simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800733-2767.
FEBRUARY 5
Bloodmobile
The American Red Cross will be at St. Croix Falls High School, 740 Maple Dr., from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. To donate blood simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800733-2767.
Osceola Seniors meet Osceola Senior Citizens Club will meet at noon at the Senior Center for a potluck, program, and meeting. Everyone 55 years of age or older is welcome to attend. For a ride or more info call (651) 319-7985.
FEBRUARY 11
Bloodmobile
The American Red Cross will be at The Acreage at Osceola, 2585 WI-35, Osceola, from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. To donate blood simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit
RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800733-2767.
Bloodmobile
The American Red Cross will be at Wild River Fitness, 2630 65th Ave., Osceola, from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. To donate blood simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800733-2767.
FEBRUARY 13
St. Croix Health lunch
Quarterly Lunch: Alumni and current employees and volunteers of St. Croix Health, 11
THE OPEN CUPBOARD
a.m. at The Pizzeria in Dresser. Wellness Night
The second annual Wellness Night will be at Osceola Intermediate School, from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
FEBRUARY 15
Spread the Love 5K
The Osceola High School Mental Health Matters Club will be sponsoring the Spread the Love 5K at the Osceola High School at 6 p.m. Race will be inside. For more information email pattersonc@osceolak12. org.
Items needed at Osceola’s food pantry: Butter and eggs
Items can be dropped off during business hours Monday and Wednesday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. After hours donations can be left in the black bin in front of the building at 406 2nd Ave.
ST. CROIX FALLS SENIOR CENTER
BY WANDA BROWN
Cards and games each week: Small fee. Mahjong: Wednesdays at noon. Bridge: Fridays at 10 a.m.
500: Saturdays at 12:30 p.m.
500 tournament at Unity VFW, Feb. 8, March 8 and April 12.
Zumba: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:30 a.m. Core and More: Tuesday and Thursday at 8:30 a.m. Butts and Gutts: Tuesday and Thursday at 4:30 p.m. Challenge yourself with a great strength and toning workout. Bring a mat to class for floor exercise. Small fee for exercise classes.
Sunday morning Church: Living Waters Church All Welcome. 10 a.m.
Information or reservation of the Center, call Brad Moore 906-396-2481.
PUBLIC NOTICES
STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY
NOTICE TO CREDITORS (Informal Administration) Case No. 25 PR 04 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF Charlene M. Berg
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE:
1. An application for informal administration was filed.
Every 3rd Wednesday • 10 AM
Mark your calendars and join us at the Community Center every 3rd Wednesday for our NEW series, “All’s Well That Ends Well” the planning and preparation of end-of-life care and Hospice. These one-hour sessions, set in a supportive and non-judgmental environment, will be filled with information to help you plan and prepare for Hospice and death.
2. The decedent, with date of birth Nov. 19, 1948, and date of death Dec. 12, 2024, was domiciled in Polk County, State of Wisconsin, with a mailing address of 596 224th Street, Osceola, WI 54020.
STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY NOTICE AND ORDER FOR NAME CHANGE HEARING Case No. 25CV13 IN THE MATTER OF THE NAME CHANGE OF Renesmae Rose Muzquiz By (Petitioner) Isaac James Hendrickson By (Co-Petitioner)
Alexis Marie Fuller
NOTICE IS GIVEN:
A petition was filed asking to change the name of the person listed above:
From: Renesmae Rose Muzquiz
To: Renesmae Rose Hendrickson
Birth certificate: Renesmae Rose Muzquiz
IT IS ORDERED:
3. All interested persons waived notice.
4. The deadline for filing a claim against the decedent’s estate is May 1, 2025.
5. A claim may be filed at the Polk County Courthouse, 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, Room 500. By the court: Cheryl Winberg Probate Registrar January 16, 2025 Jeanine M. Sandberg 2251 60th Avenue Osceola, WI 54020 612-590-2656 25-27Sc
If you require reasonable accommodations due to a disability to participate in the court process, please call 715-4859299 prior to the scheduled court date. Please note that the court does not provide transportation.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED: 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 Sun, a newspaper published in Polk County, State of Wisconsin. BY THE COURT: Jeffery L. Anderson Circuit Court Judge Jan. 10, 2025 25-27Sp WNAXLP
This petition will be heard in the Circuit Court of Polk County, State of Wisconsin: Jeffery L. Anderson, 1005 W. Main St., Branch 2, Balsam Lake, WI, on Feb. 14, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.
OPINION
Your land is my land
Ever since I was a kid, I loved maps. I enjoyed learning the states and their capitals, other nations on the continents and even how the nations had changed over the centuries. Yes, I am a nerd.
Recent talk about annexing Canada and Greenland has apparently rekindled some old ambitions among the states. Last week, Iowa lawmakers announced a proposal for Iowa to buy the tier of the southern nine counties of Minnesota. Some Illinois counties are also exploring secession to Indiana.
Iowa Senator Mike Bousselot of Ankeny floated the Hawkeye proposal, stating the counties were originally part of the Iowa Territory. The counties included in the Iowa proposal are Rock, Nobles, Jackson, Martin, Faribault, Freeborn, Mower, Fillmore, and Houston, all of which border Iowa at the southern edge of Minnesota.
Bousselot says the proposal is serious, even though other legislators believe Iowa has enough to worry about with its current 99 counties. Some Mower County officials have responded with a “thanks, but no thanks” to the notion of becoming part of Iowa.
In Illinois, seven counties voted in favor of exploring secession. Those counties were Iroquois, Calhoun, Clinton, Greene, Jersey, Madison, and Perry. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker calls talk of secession a bunch of nonsense and slammed the idea by saying “I’ll just say Indiana is a low-wage state that doesn’t protect workers, a state that does not provide health care for people when they’re in need, and so I don’t think it’s attractive for anybody in Illinois where wages are higher where the standard of living is higher, and we do provide health care for people in need.”
All this talk of changing boundaries has me wondering if now is the time for Wisconsin to reclaim the Upper Peninsula so the state can look like the shape of a lobster claw. Surely, it is manifest destiny to reunite the peoples of the “U.P.” with their Badger brethren.
Closer to home, is it time to decide to straighten out the boundaries of Burnett and Polk Counties? Is it time for the Towns of West Sweden, Clam Falls and Lorain to become part of Burnett County, removing the “notch” on the county’s southern border?
Or perhaps Polk County should claim the Towns of Anderson, Trade Lake, and Roosevelt to smooth the line from a Southern perspective.
If you dig deep enough into the history books, you will find why the current boundaries were established. Wars were literally fought for some of the lines to be drawn where they are today, so making changes is good political theater, it doesn’t do a whole lot of good for anyone involved.
I suspect some politicians will make hay on the publicity generated by the news coverage. It’s usually a good time to put on a guilt trip to get what you want. You know, make your boyfriend jealous.
I thought about the song lyrics of “You Belong to Me” written by Carly Simon and Michael McDonald: “You don’t have to prove to me/That you’re beautiful to strangers/I’ve got loving eyes of my own, of my own/And I can tell/I can tell darling/You belong to me/Baby, I really love you.”
It’s fun to talk and write about these things until someone actually takes it seriously and causes a war.
Besides, since smartphones took over for road maps, there’s not a lot of money in selling new maps. As always, I welcome your comments. You can reach me by email at tstangl@theameryfreepress. com, telephone 715-268-8101 or write me at P.O. Box 424, Amery, WI, 54001.
Thanks for reading. I’ll keep in touch. Feel free to do the same.
THE SUN
AEditor
Matt Anderson
s January comes to a close, so does Mental Wellness month. But why should that be the case? Shouldn’t every month be mental wellness month? I say we make that a personal goal, because more than ever, many people are struggling with their own mental wellness. I have always been outspoken about mental health in the hope to end the stigma that comes with it and to encourage people to find the resources available if they need them. Thankfully, we’ve come a long way, but that stigma is still there. Maybe it’s that I’m a millennial, but compared to previous generations, I have no issue telling anybody about my own experiences with mental health struggles because I think the more we talk about it openly, the more others will be willing to do the same.
Letters to the Editor are published with priority given to letters that are concise (400 words or less) and exclusive to our newspaper, from readers in our general distribution area. All letters are subject to editing for grammar and clarity and must contain the undersigned’s full name and their address and daytime telephone number for verification. (Addresses and phone numbers will not be printed.)
For anyone who wasn’t aware, I am the editor of both The Sun in Osceola, Wisconsin, and the Country Messenger in Scandia, Marine on St. Croix and May Township. This week, the Sun and the Country Messenger both have stories in them about mental health.
In Scandia, the iconic Gammelgården Museum will be starting the Mindful Creations Support Group in partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to offer those living in and around Scandia struggling with mental illness an opportunity to meet with a group of like-minded individuals and learn positive coping skills through artistic expressions like drawing, writing and crafting. Groups like this can be incredibly helpful for those who deal with mental health struggles by giving them the opportunity to talk about what they’re going through and express their emotions through creative outlets.
On the other side of the river, the Osceola High School and their
LETTER GUIDELINES
Letter writers must live, work or have another connection to The Sun’s coverage area. One letter per author may be submitted every 30 days.
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Staff reserves the right to refrain from printing a letter. Anonymous letters will not be printed.
student-led Mental Health Matters Club will host their Spread the Love 5K run/walk to raise awareness for mental health struggles and suicide prevention. Teenagers are unfortunately prone to mental health issues and suicidal thoughts. I vividly remember when a fellow student in my high school lost their life to suicide. Sadly, the Osceola School District had a similar instance in 2021. To raise awareness on this issue after losing their fellow student, the Mental Health Matters Club launched this event last year for the first time and will continue the event this year and, hopefully, many years to come. When I report on events and programs like this, I take it personally. Depression hit me like a ton of bricks when I was in high school. I couldn’t explain what I felt, because I had never experienced it before. The only way I can think to describe it is a low level of constant despair. Every morning when I opened my eyes,
Letters may be emailed to: editor@osceolasun.com no later than noon Friday the week preceding publication.
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The Sun accepts election letters endorsing or advocating for or against a ballot measure, party or candidate as paid advertising announcements. The fee is $25 minimum for up to 250 words
and 10¢ each additional word. Like other letters to the editor, the writer’s name, address and phone number are required. Phone numbers are not published. The Sun has the right to reject letters which don’t meet publishing standards and will determine if the letter qualifies as a paid endorsement. Paid letters will be identified with a label and may or may not appear on the opinion/letters page.
Publisher
Tom Stangl
Meet Imogen, our adoptable Pet of the Week! Imogen is a sweet, one-year-old spayed female with a gorgeous white coat adorned with unique black spots. Her fur is sleek and soft, giving her a stunning appearance that will melt your heart. Imogen may be a bit timid when you first meet her, but don’t let that fool you—she has a playful, loving personality that shines once she gets comfortable. She’s been with us for over 100 days now, and as much as we all enjoy her company, we’d be much happier seeing her go to her forever home.
Imogen’s adoption fee has been sponsored, as has Zoey’s. Zoey is a 3-year-old Labrador mix with a fun personality and experience with both obedience training and doggy daycare.
As the cold sets in, we’ve got a few winter safety tips to help keep your pets safe from
freezing their tails off: Provide shelter: If your pet must be outside for any period, make sure they have access to a warm, dry shelter where they can escape the wind. If you put bedding inside an animal shelter, avoid using blankets, towels, or hay. These materials act as sponges for moisture and will make an animal wet and cold. Instead, use straw, which naturally repels water.
Protect paws: Ice, salt, and snow can be tough on your pet’s paws. Be
Talking to a friend
Yesterday, I got to talk with an old friend.
I used to see Cheryl almost every day. But for the last several years, we have seen each other once a year, at most. She’s going to direct my show, so we’ll be working together again. We had coffee and soup on a very cold day, and I had this strange feeling I had slipped back in time.
I didn’t need to explain a thing, talking to this old friend. I knew her and she knew me, and I lost track of the number of times we finished each other’s thoughts.
“If we can’t find a chair that looks good…” I began.
“You could bring a throw to toss over it,” she finished.
“Exactly,” I said.
We did that all afternoon.
This is also the week my editor, Patty, is retiring. Patty has been editing my columns for most of the time I’ve been writing The Postscript. She’s repaired my fractured sentences and added literally thousands of missing commas to my writing, as she has
sure to wipe their feet after walks to remove any ice melt or salt, which can irritate their skin. Watch for hypothermia and frostbite: Pets are susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite too! Hypothermia can be fatal, and the best treatment is prevention. If your pet is showing signs of hypothermia— such as shivering, seeking warm places, stumbling, difficulty walking, hunching, or acting confused or sluggish—move them indoors and call your regular veterinarian immediately.
Limit outside time: In temperatures 20°F and above, large dogs (50-80 pounds) should be outside no more than one minute per degree. Medium dogs (25-50 pounds) can be outside for 30 seconds per degree. Small dogs (15-25 pounds) can only withstand 15 seconds per degree, and extra small dogs (less than 15 pounds) can tol-
for writers for the last 44 years, and if anyone deserves a restful retirement from all that bad punctuation, it is her.
But I can’t imagine not talking with my friend Patty every week because—although I’m sure she is one of the best editors in the business—that is not what makes her really special. What makes her special is that every week she says something nice about my column. There is no need for her to do this, but it means the world to me. She does this every single week, and I will miss her terribly.
But I somehow feel that Patty will remain in my life, just as Cheryl drifted away for a bit and circled back. The people who are meant to be in my life have a way of staying there, in some form or another, sometimes taking a step back to make room for the new friends in my life.
And sometimes friendships end. I had a friend who ghosted me years ago. She did it three times and, finally, I decided I would stop reaching out to her except on her birthday. One year, on her birthday, she responded. She said she was sorry she had ghosted me. She said she had a lot going on in her life that made her anxious and insecure, and this was how she dealt with it.
erate only 7 seconds per degree. At 10°F or colder, these guidelines are cut in half. These are general recommendations and can vary based on many factors. If you’re cold, they are too! Give pets a little extra food when it’s cold out. Keeping yourself warm uses up a lot of energy! Tonight (Wednesday, the 29th) is the night for the Meat Raffle at Balsam Lake Brewery, benefitting AMHS! We hope to see you there for a fun evening of raffles, prizes, and great company. Balsam Lake Brewery is located at 101 1st Ave E in Balsam Lake. All proceeds from the event will directly support our mission to provide care and find forever homes for animals like Imogen. AMHS is located at 185 Griffin St E in Amery. We’re open Monday-Friday, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., and Saturdays,12 p.m. - 4 p.m. You can reach us by phone at (715) 268-7387.
I’ve learned that almost always, when people do something that hurts me, it has much more to do with their own hurts than me. And those hurts were usually there long before I met them. We had a good time, while we were friends, and the memory of her leaving is forgotten, replaced by memories of the lunches and laughter we shared.
Relationships change. One thing leads to another and, before I know it, I’m spending my time with new people, talking to new friends, without realizing how much has changed. I’ve met a couple of people in the last few months that I suspect (and hope!) will be friends in the future. And I know, as I grow older, keeping in touch with old friends and making new ones is important.
My grandmother lived to be 100 and outlived all her old friends. So she made new old friends. By the time she passed, many of her friends were closer in age to her children than to her, but she always seemed to have someone to talk to. And that is what matters.
We all need someone to talk to.
Till next time,
Carrie
To see photos, check out CarrieClassonAuthor on Facebook or visit CarrieClasson.com.
YEARS AGO
20 years ago Jan. 26, 2005
• Dr. John Simenstad died Thursday after a three year battle with cancer. He was 76.
• Osceola Middle School’s Peer Ambassador’s Club raised $1,334 for tsunami victims. Club members included Ashley Amundson, Missy Ganley, Emmy Videen, Emily Nelson, Rachel Mortel, Peter Meyer, Brittney Gray, Kelli Peterson, Molly Tomfohrde, Chrissy Erickson, Alisha Kasparec, Paige Garriga, Taylor Michelson, Andrew Kaul, Briana Abrahamson and Ashley Etter.
• Osceola powerlifters Jenni Backes, Dawn Sol, Victoria Boucher, Emily Lowney and A.J. Bach, qualified for the state meet.
• St. Croix Falls wrestlers clinched their third straight West Lakeland Conference crown.
• Osceola boys basketball handed Somerset their first conference loss. David Schwab was high scorer for Osceola with 20 points.
30 years ago Jan. 25, 1995
• Candidates for April’s election in the Village of Osceola included Chuck Jensen, village board president; village trustees Jim Montgomery, Bobbe Teigen, Vicki Burton, Evarist Schneider and Dan Reeves.
• Candidates for the Town of Farmington included Don Getschel and Dennis Cottor for chairman and supervisors Greg Kipp and Dennis Potting.
• Dotty Zens traveled to Romania in October 1994 to deliver bibles and needed supplies to children.
• Showing at St. Croix Falls Cinema 5: Dumb and Dumber, Speechless, IQ, Far from Home and Legends of the Fall.
• Osceola Chieftainettes won a first place award in regional competition in Wisconsin Rapids.
Dancers included Sara Getschel, Gina Laursen, Kari Dodge, Sara Lorenz, Jenni Hoverman, Lisa Crary, Kari Tolzman, Amanda
Colaizy, Kelly Hudick, Katie Montgomery, Christy Hauble, Melissa Miles, Dana Everson and Angie Gwiazdon.
• The Osceola girls basketball team beat unity 60-44. Jessica Viebrock led the team with 14 points.
• The Osceola wrestling team lost 68-3 to Baldwin/ Woodville. Rick Demulling won the only match at 103 pounds.
• Osceola boys basketball beat St. Croix Falls 70-50. Dan Grimsrud scored 25 points. They were 4-4 in conference play.
40 years ago Jan. 29, 1985
• Osceola High School will host the Band Festival Concert Feb. 4. Honors band members included Lon Peper, Saralee Mallin, Kris Larson, Pam Weinmann, Todd Woolson, Kevin Ulisnik, Leanne Johnson, Lynn Jewell, Shannon Olson, Sheryl Foss, Neil Larson, Laura Schmitt, Corinne Greene, Rory Pieper, Jay Monson, Sandra Barton, Randy Nykanen and Rohn Nelson.
• The Osceola wrestling team won top honors in the Upper St. Croix Valley Conference.
• Akemi and Kaisa are foreign exchange students at Osceola High School. Akemi is from Tokyo, Japan, and Kaisa is from Kankaanpa, Finland.
• Named to the Dean’s List at the University of Wisconsin –La Crosse were Karen Thompson Hurtis and Julie Teske.
• Showing at the Auditorium Theatre: Missing in Action.
• Jenny Hauble, Jenny Morgan and Jenny Montpetit helped launch the annual Girl Scout cookie drive by presenting a sample cookie kit to the Osceola Sun. House to house sales would begin Feb. 2. • Kevin Rogers and Susan Redlich graduated Dec. 15 from University of Wisconsin – Stout.
• Osceola boys basketball earned two more wins to bring their record to 12-0. They have been ranked in the Top 10 Class “C” schools in the state for the better part of the season.
GOVERNMENT NUMBERS WHO TO CALL...
President Donald Trump
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW • Washington, D.C. 20500 Comments: (202) 456-1111 or comments@whitehouse.gov http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ Switchboard: (202) 456-1414
Congressman Tom Tiffany 7th Congressional District 1714 Longworth HOB, Washington, DC 20515 • (202) 225-3365
U.S. Senator Ronald H. Johnson 328 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20515 • (202) 224-5323 www.ronjohnson.senate.gov
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin 7 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 • (202) 224-5653 • (715) 832-8424 www.baldwin.senate.gov/contact
Governor Tony Evers
5 East, State Capitol Bldg. Mailing address: P.O. Box 7863, Madison, WI 53707 EversInfo@wisconsin.gov • www.evers.wis.gov
Rep. Duke Tucker 75th Assembly District P.O. Box 8953 • Madison, WI 53708-8953 (608) 237-9175 or 1-888-534-0075
Rep.Tucker@legis.wisconsin.gov
Senator Rob Stafsholt 10th Senate District Room 15 So., State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882 • Madison, WI 53708 (608) 266-7745
Sen.Stafsholt@legis.wisconsin.gov
NO CALL LIST
1-888-382-22 or website: datcp.wi.gov
Dr. Carla Hauge
Dr. Thomas Hauge
Dr. Jordan Dittberner
Dr. Taylor Lundquist
Dr. Janae Momchilovich
Plan for healthy lawns in 2025
While lawn care maintenance schedules are blank in January, now is a wonderful time to plan how to achieve a quality lawn with less overall care and reduced use of chemicals in 2025. Proper fertilizing, mowing, and good soil conditions are all keys to healthy lawns.
Columnist
Bruce Spangenberg
Fertilizing has a significant impact on lawn health. Lawns need nitrogen fertilizer on an annual basis, but oftentimes information is unclear on proper amounts to apply. Full sun lawns need about three pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet for the entire growing season, with about half that amount suggested for shade lawns. Individual applications should be one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn area or less. Clippings returned after mowing recycle nitrogen. Focus on May and early September as optimum times for fertilizer applications. Resist the urge to heavily fertilize lawns as soon as spring arrives. Instead, wait until your lawn has resumed growing and ideally you have mowed twice before making a spring fertilizer application. The second key time for applying nitrogen fertilizer to lawns is Labor Day. Choose quality slow-release or controlled-release nitrogen fertilizers for your lawn. Although often overlooked in importance, proper mowing is key to both healthy looking lawns and reducing chemical use. Mowing too short is a common, correctable problem on home lawns. Mow at about three inches high for more attractive lawns with fewer weed issues, especially crabgrass, in 2025. Follow the rule of one-third, which simply says mow often enough so not removing more than one-third of the leaf blade when mowing. Returning clippings does not cause thatch, and since they recycle nitrogen, you can apply less nitrogen fertilizer.
Healthy, problem-free lawns share the common characteristic of good underlying soil conditions. Grasses growing in good soil have well-developed roots, which translates to healthy plants. The importance of taking time and effort to properly prepare soil prior to establishing lawns cannot be overemphasized. Add soil amendments such as compost, quality soil, or similar materials and work them into the upper 4 to 6 inches prior to planting lawns.
On established lawns with soil problems underneath, consider core aerating in your 2025 lawn care plan. This practice gradually improves conditions for roots, which translates to better quality lawns that long-term will require less care. Core aerating is also an ideal way to manage thatch problems, as it both degrades existing thatch and addresses the most common causes, soil issues like compaction and poor drainage.
Planning properly timed and sound practices make huge differences in lawn health. Watch this column for more on lawn care and numerous gardening topics throughout 2025!
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
• Office Supplies
Celebrate National Train Your Dog Month with Your Library
“Happiness is a warm puppy” ~ Charles M. Schulz
January is National Train Your Dog Month, a time to highlight the importance of training your furry friend and to promote responsible pet ownership. Started by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the Association for Professional Dog Training (APDT) also takes credit, this event encourages pet owners to build strong bonds with their dogs while improving their pets’ behavior and quality of life.
Training isn’t just about teaching tricks— it’s about fostering trust, creating a safe environment, and ensuring a happy, healthy relationship with your pet. Whether you’re addressing common challenges like leash pulling or exploring fun activities like agility training, consistent and positive dog training can make a world of difference. Your library is here to help you get started! We offer a variety of resources to support you on your training journey:
Books and eBooks: Check out our collection of dog training guides, including titles on positive reinforcement, puppy basics, and understanding canine behavior.
Audiobooks: For busy pet owners, listen to dog training tips while walking your pup or driving.
Online Courses: Use your library card to access free or discounted online courses through platforms like Udemy or Gale Courses, featuring professional trainers’ advice.
Magazines and Journals: Explore periodicals available at the library or through digital apps like Libby for articles on the latest training techniques.
Community Connections: We can help you find local dog training classes or groups in your area. Not sure where to start? Ask a librarian! For even more ideas, visit trainyourdogmonth.com, where you’ll find expert tips and inspiration.
Make this January the month you strengthen your bond with your dog. Stop by your library today for resources to help your four-legged friend become the best they can be!
Sources: https:// www.campcompanion. org/2023/01/02/januaryis-national-train-yourdog-month/ Accessed 1/20/23
https://trainyourdogmonth.com/about-themovement/ Accessed: 1/20/25
“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole” ~ Roger Caras
Geraldine E. Anderson Village Library, Dresser Phone: 715-755-2944, email: dresserpl@ dresserpubliclibrary.org, web: https://dresserpubliclibrary.org, or find us on Facebook.
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 10-7, Tuesday and Friday 10-5, Saturday 10-1. Outdoor book return
open 24/7 at the blue box. Wi-Fi: Free 24/7 near the library. Computers, printing, copies, etc. Call or email for special needs or assistance.
Small meeting room for your Zoom calls, etc. —Check-in with your library card. Call us with any special assistance needs.
Family Story Time: Every second Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at the Library. Suitable for a wide range of ages. Preschool -Kindergarten will most benefit. Check our website, Facebook, or call for more information on programming.
St. Croix Falls Public Library Phone: 715-483-1777, email: scflibrary@scfpl. org, web: https://www. scfpl.org, Facebook too.
Hours/Services: M-F 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. 24/7 After Hours Locker Pick-up - To schedule –call 715-483-1777 or email scflibrary@scfpl.org
Book Return: 24/7 through the return slot near the main entrance. Free Wi-Fi 24/7 near the library. Computers, printing, faxing, copies, etc. Call or email for special needs or assistance.
Knit and Crochet Group, every second Monday of each month from 6-8 p.m. Come and stitch with us. Bring your project or start a new one. Winter Storytime, every Wednesday, through Feb. 19 at 10:15 a.m. Workshop Series from January-June 2025 - free! Workshops include a variety of activities. Feb. 6, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and Feb. 22, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The last Wednesday of
each month will be story time yoga with Yogilee and Elham. Check our website, Face Book, or call for more information on programming.
Wilberg Memorial Public Library of Osceola Phone: 715-294-2310, email: osceolapl@osceolapubliclibrary.org, web: www.osceolapubliclibrary.org, or find us on Facebook.
Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m-1 p.m. Please call us if you need special assistance to pick up your holds.
Book Return: 24/7 at drop box near drive thru window.
Free Wi-Fi 24/7. Follow our Facebook page or website for details.
Join us for the magic of story time – where books come alive! Storytime Tuesdays at 10:30 am. LEGO Club – first and third Thursdays of the month at 4 p.m.
Get Lit - The Library Book Club that meets at the Cascade Bar & Grill - first Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. Pick up a copy of the book from the library.
Lunch with a Librarian. Bring your lunch to the library to chat about books, movies, or anything else library related. first and third Monday of the month at 12:30 p.m. Adult Winter Reading Program through March 31. Read, watch, or participate to earn entries into the prize drawing. Stop into the library for more details.
WMPL Book Discussion - fourth Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. at the library. Get a copy of the book from the library.
Croix
St. Croix Falls powerlifters compete
On Jan. 18 the St. Croix Falls powerlifting team hosted a Junior Varsity powerlifting meet. Athlete competes to lift as much as they can in the barbell back squat, bench press and barbell deadlift. A total of 135
lifters competed. St. Croix Falls JV powerlifters, including Chloe Frandsen, Isaac Niswander, Kaylie Richards, Mya Espeseth, Oliver Bauer and RoseMary Thompson all competed in this meet and
achieved new personal records. Qualifying at the Osceola Regional for the Wisconsin High School Powerlifting Association State meet were Lucy Braund with a squat of 240, bench of 135 and deadlift of 305; Hannah Braund with a squat of 240, bench of 120 and deadlift of 305 and Tayten Lien with a squat of 440, bench of 265 and deadlift of 555.
St.
Falls powerlifters include front row: RoseMary Thompson, Chloe Frandsen, Mya Espeseth, Abbi Chaffee, Lucy Braund. Back row: Troy Gildersleeve, Tayten Lien, Oliver Bauer, Isaac Niswander, Kaylie Richards, Hannah Braund, Jordan Braund.
BY PASTOR WILLIAM BRASSOW ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH
When John the Baptist pointed out Jesus as the world’s Savior, two of John’s disciples began following Jesus (John 1:37).
Jesus saw that and asked them what they wanted. When they said what they wanted, Jesus told them to come and see.
This is our life as believers in Jesus. We tell Jesus what we want, and Jesus tells us to come and see.
I want more money, Jesus. Come and see how eternally horrible it will be to gain the
whole world and lose your soul (Matthew 16:26). Come and see that when you seek first God’s kingdom, your Father in heaven will provide your earthly needs (Matthew 6:33).
Well then, Jesus, I want that heavenly kingdom. Come and see that it is impossible for sinners to be saved on their own (Matthew 19:6). Come and see my cross as the absolute and only place of salvation from sin and salvation for heaven (John 3:1415). My Father’s will is that you come and see and believe in me so that you will have eternal life (John 6:40).
One glorious day, every believer in Jesus will hear his personal call to come and see the place in heaven he earned and prepared just for us. Until then, the Savior’s own open their Bibles and gather in worship with all their sins and struggles and questions. Whatever the sin or struggle or question, the risen Christ in his Holy Scriptures tells us to come and see.
Those two disciples of John who followed Jesus could not have been more blessed. Neither can we!
Interstate Park Candlelight Hike Feb. 8
WI-Interstate State Park’s Candlelight
Hike will be Feb. 8, from 5-8 p.m. The Candlelight Hike is a yearly tradition of honoring the long, dark winter nights of the year while looking ahead to warmer and increased sunshine. You stroll down the luminary-lit paths of hikes, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing (weather/snow conditions permitting). Back at the Ice Age Interpretive Center, you’ll warm yourself by the fire as you enjoy music, snacks, and hot cider. The event is co-sponsored by the Friends of Interstate Park volunteer organization. Hundreds of candles will light your path – one mile of the Skyline Ski Trail (classic skiing only)
ALLIANCE CHURCH OF THE VALLEY
59 Hwy. 35 South, St. Croix Falls 715-483-00
www.stcroixalliance.com
Lead Pastor Jeff Naegelen
Co-Lead Pastor Chris Folkestad
ASSUMPTION OF THE
BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
CATHOLIC CHURCH East Farmington
Rev. Joseph Madanu
BETHANY LUTHERAN Star Prairie
Pastor Dan Pennington (715) 248-3730 blcsp@frontiernet.net
BETHESDA LUTHERAN LCMC
1947 0th Ave. Dresser Sand Lake 715-755-2562
www.bethesdalutheran.ws
Pastor Peter Rimmereid Associate Pastor Scott Adkins
CEDARBEND CHURCH
P.O. BOX 414, Osceola Matt Hayton
connect@cedarbendchurch.com
SUNDAY: Worship, 10:30 a.m., 373 280th St., Osceola, (old Neuroscience building).
CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH 150 Fifth Street
Marine on St. Croix, Minn. Pastor Joel Martin 651-433-3222
EL SALEM/TWIN FALLS
CHRISTIAN CENTER
Six miles east of Dresser on
will be lit starting at the Ice Age Center. The hike is a 0.75-mile snowshoe loop and a one-mile hiking loop will also be available starting at the Camp Interstate Shelter. Snowshoes (ages 6+) will be available to try for free, if there is enough snow. The hiking loop is on the park’s lower
roadway along the St. Croix River. Warming fires will be set up at both locations. Park stickers are available at park offices and self-registration stations; annual stickers also are available online at yourpassnow.com/ ParkPass/wi. Pets are allowed on the snowshoe
Co. Rd. F, 1751 100th Ave. Pastor Darryl R. Olson 715-755-33
EUREKA BAPTIST CHURCH 2393 210th Ave., St. Croix Falls Pastor Seth Brickley 715-483-9464
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 661A West Street Taylors Falls, MN 55084 651-465-6792 www.firstbaptisttaylorsfalls.com Dr. Kevin Schumann, Pastor
FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN 561 Chestnut St. Taylors Falls, Minn.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN 719 Nevada St. St. Croix Falls Reverend David Maghakian 715-483-3550 (office)
GRACE CHURCH
Pastor Mark Barlow 722 Seminole Ave. Osceola 715-417-8594 gracechurchosceola.com
GRACE BEREAN FELLOWSHIP 421 4th Street, Centuria Duane Gallentine, Pastor 715-755-2523 FRIDAY and SUNDAY KJV Bible Study/Fellowship
GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Nye Area/Wisconsin Synod 28 70th Avenue Pastor Jim Bourman
Darwin A. Swiontek
Darwin A. Swiontek Osceola died Jan. 10, 2025. He was 89. He was born July 16, 1935, in Osceola to parents, Mike and Pearl Swiontek. Darwin was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, Russel Swiontek, Henry Swiontek, Lee Cross, and Loren Sparby. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Jeanette; children, Cheryl Woehl and fiancé Keith Roessel, David (Diane) Swiontek, Nancy (Chris) Daniel, and Mark Swiontek; grandchildren, Joshua Woehl, Adam Wale, Jessica Woehl, Andrea Skinner, Michael Swiontek, Mindy Diehl, Zachary Daniel, Alexander Daniel, Matthew Swiontek; eight great-grandchildren; siblings, Darlene Sparby, Shirley Cross, Michael (Maggie) Swiontek, Larry (Debbie) Swiontek, Darrel (Bonnie) Swiontek; sister-in-law, Carol Swiontek; and many other relatives and friends. Services will be held at a later date. Arrangements with Grandstrand Funeral Home of Osceola. Condolences can be expressed online at www.grandstrandfh.com.
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
The following students were named to the fall semester Dean’s List. Dresser: Matthew Slechta. Osceola: Nathaniel Jensen and Mason Utke.
and hiking loops; all pets must be on a leash at all times. Dress appropriately for the weather. Trail conditions will vary depending on snow conditions. This event may be canceled due to weather such as extreme cold.
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE Ella Waterworth of St.
Croix Falls was named to the fall semester Dean’s List.
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN STEVENS POINT John Bateman of St. Croix Falls received High Honors for the fall semester.
HOLY CROSS ORTHODOX
CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Meeting at Zion Lutheran Church 28005 Old Towne Road Chisago Lakes, Minn. 651-260-5100 www.holyx.net
Fr. Bill Neumann, pastor
HOLY TRINITY
ORTHODOX CHURCH 523 First Street, Clayton 715-948-2203 Father Christopher Wojcik
HOPE EVANGELICAL
FREE CHURCH 933 248th Street, one mile north of Osceola on Highway 35 Pastor Neil Schindler 715-294-21 • www.hefc.org
JOURNEY CHURCH 131 Broadway, Amery www.journeychurch.city office@journeychurch.city 715-268-2223
NEW LIFE
CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
Non-denominational 201 State Hwy. 35, Dresser Pastor Tony Minell, 715-417-1982 galatiansii20@yahoo.com Church office: 715-417-45
OSCEOLA
COMMUNITY CHURCH 2492 Education Drive, Osceola Pastor Josiah Williams www.occnow.org
OSCEOLA MEDICAL CENTER SPIRITUAL CARE 2600 65th Avenue, Osceola https: myomc.org/wellness/ spiritual-care 715-294-21 Chapel open daily for meditation.
OSCEOLA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
306 River Street, Osceola P.O. Box 447 Pastor Jack Starr 715-755-2275 osceolaunitedmethodistchurch@gmail.com
PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH (ELCA), 2355 Clark Rd., Dresser 715-755-2515 • plcdresser.org plcdresseroffice@gmail.com
Pastor Melissa Carmack Find us on Facebook. Live steam YouTube. Sundays 9 a.m.
PRAIRIEVIEW COVENANT CHURCH OF NEW RICHMOND 1396 210th Ave. 2 miles north of New Richmond on Hwy. 65 Pastor Rudy King 715-248-0600
REDEEMER EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH Wisconsin Synod Corner of Adams & Louisiana St. Croix Falls Rev. Timothy Blauert 715-483-3401
ST. ANNE PARISH 139 Church Hill Road Somerset, WI 54025 715-247-3310 Rev. Joseph Madanu
ST. CROIX FALLS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Upper St. Croix Parish 300 North Adams Street St. Croix Falls 715-483-9494 churches@centurytel.net umstcroixfallswolfcreek.org
Pastor Jenny Lee
ST. CROIX UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP 201 N. Adams, St. Croix Falls www.scuuf.org Rev. Terri Burnor
ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH Franconia, MN 651-465-7345 www.stfrancisfranconia.org Fr. John Drees
ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC Osceola Rev. Joseph Madanu 715-294-2243
ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC 490 Bench Street Taylors Falls, Minnesota 651-465-7345 www.stjosephtaylorsfalls.org Fr. John Drees
RIVER VALLEY CHRISTIAN CHURCH LIGHTHOUSE 89 160th Street St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin 715-483-5378 Pastor Jonah Fetzer
SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH MISSOURI SYNOD 140 Madison Street St. Croix Falls Pastor Mark Schoen 715-483-86
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH TAYLORS FALLS Rev. Tom Ervasti 651-242-6046 Sunday services at 10 a.m.
TRINITY EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH (WELS) 300 Seminole Ave., (Ct H M) Osceola 715-294-2828
Osceola Fishing Team competes
The Osceola Fishing Team fished in the WIFA State Qualifier Tag Team Trifecta this past weekend. For this tournament, each school is paired with another school and they compete collectively to try to catch the biggest three fish in the categories: perch, bluegill, crappie, pike, walleye, bass. Osceola was paired with Kewaskum and they competed against 30 other partner schools and they finished third, less than 10” away from winner Neenah/Prairie Farm. Big fish for Osceola: Walleye: Landon 23.5”; Bass - Carson 16.5” (pictured); Pike - Gavin 36”, bluegill Aaron and Brieley 9”; Perch Brieley and Weston - 10.75” The Chiefs will be back on the ice on the Chetek Chain on Feb. 1 for a WIFA Regional Championship.
ANDERSON: Spread the Love 5K at Osceola High School Feb. 15
4
I hoped this “thing” happening to me would subside. But for a long time, it didn’t. Now I know that it was my first experience with depression, and I can recognize it and do something about it if and when I find myself there again. While depression is more of a rarity for me anymore, anxiety is a constant. I deal with it every day. I can also distinctly remember the first panic attack I had in the middle of the night when I was in high school. I woke my mom up because I honestly thought I was dying. At least, that’s what my body was telling me was happening. I still get panic attacks, and always have
Apple River
Mary and Scott Framsted to Carrie, Richard, and Thomas Framsted, Jill Hannula, Jennifer Hanson, Christie Hendricks, Beth McLeod, Melissa Monchilovich, Jill Morrissey and Jo Nelson, 1093 120th Ave., in the Town of Apple River.
Balsam Lake
Leon V. Alden to Trustee
Deborah Alden and the Leon Alden Revocable Living Trust, 1531 120th Ave., in the Town of Balsam Lake.
Michael and Sharon Belt to Kevin L. Belt, 136 Peterson Trl., in the Village of Balsam Lake.
Margo J. Belt to Kevin L. Belt, 136 Peterson Trl., in the Village of Balsam Lake.
Trustee Cynthia L. Petersen and the Eileen M. Persson Revo -
an underlying sense of anxiety day to day, but again, now I know how to deal with it with the right resources and coping skills. Whether you are personally experiencing mental health struggles, or know someone who does (statistically, we all do), I highly recommend speaking openly about it and joining or supporting the events and groups like those mentioned in The Sun and Country Messenger this week. Admitting to mental illness is no different than admitting to a physical illness. The sooner we can collectively understand that the better we can address the ongoing mental health epidemic that affects millions. It’s okay to not be okay.
The NAMI Mindful Creations
support group at Gammelgården will begin Feb. 19 and will be held monthly. Those interested in joining can contact NAMI Minnesota Peer Program Coordinator Kirsten Weiss at sgc@ namimn.org.
The Spread the Love 5K will be held at the Osceola High School Gym Feb. 15 at 6 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend the free event, and any free-will donations will go toward mental health awareness and suicide prevention activities at the Osceola High School.
Feel free to reach out at any time. I always welcome your thoughts and opinions. You can reach me at 715-294-2314, or send me an email at editor@osceolasun.com
cable Living Trust to Amber Weihe, 135 James Ct., in the Village of Balsam Lake.
Black Brook
Trustee Elaine V. Oman, the Elaine V. Oman Living Trust, the Kenneth L. Oman Living Trust and The Kenneth L. and Elaine V. Oman Living Trust, 1103 40th Ave., in the Town of Black Brook.
Bone Lake
Carol and Kevin Kirk to Heather M. Crandell and Amanda J. Weidenbach, 995 State Hwy 48, in the Town of Bone Lake.
Personal Rep. William L. Pullin and Estate of William M. Pullin to Brian and Hollie Laney, 1162 250th Ave. and 2 other Parcels, in the Town of Bone Lake.
Kenneth Nickel to Forward Momentum International LLC, 1 parcel, in the Town of Bone Lake.
Hope A. Healy to Emery D. Healy, Cheri L. Moats and Tammi S. Wiberg, 3177 80th St. and 1 other Parcel, in the Town of Clam Falls.
Emery D. Healy, Cheri L. Moats and Tammi S. Wiberg to Alicia and Benjamin Anderson, 3177 80th St. and 1 other Parcel, in the Town of Clam Falls.
Benjamin G. Anderson to the public, 3177 80th St. and 2 other Parcels, in the Town of Clam Falls.
Alicia K. Anderson to the public, 3177 80th St. and 2 other Parcels, in the Town of Clam Falls.
Chad and Jenna Strilzuk to Daniel and Dennis Deeb, 1 parcel, in the Town of Bone Lake. Clam Falls
POLK COUNTY LAND TRANSFERS
POLK COUNTY LAND TRANSFERS
FROM PGE 8
Clayton
Chippewa Family Services Inc., Angel E. Collier, President Tricia L. Wilkinson and By Guardian Thomas F. Gallay, 551 90th Ave., in the Town of Clayton.
Michael Dziki, Jr. to Jennifer Nelson, 650 45th St., in the Town of Clayton.
Charlene and John Tomars to Angela L. Tomaro and Michelle A. Tomars, 927 40th St., in the Town of Clayton.
Debra and Gregory Leschisin to Rhonda and Steven Mullin, 242 100th Ave., in the Town of Clayton.
Debra and Gregory Leschisin to Rhonda and Steven Mullin, 259 90th Ave. and 1 other parcel, in the Town of Clayton. Clear Lake
President John Karel and Karel Air LLC to Joben LLC, 410 5th St. and 2 other parcels, in the Village of Clear Lake.
Jennifer and Thomas Aasmundrud to Brady A. Aasmundrud and Megan M. Steinberger, 242 45th Ave., in the Town of Clear Lake.
Trevor Cluraghty to Josiah Vitalis, 341 7th Ave., in the Village of Clear Lake.
Trustees Patricia and Wayne Sullwold, the Patricia M. Sullwold Living Trust, the Wayne A. Sullwold Living Trust and the Wayne A. and Patricia M. Sullwold Living Trust to Michelle and Zachary Kuehndorf, 315 30th Ave. and 1 other parcel, in the Town of Clear Lake.
Trustees Patricia and Wayne Sullwold, the Patricia M. Sullwold Living Trust, the Wayne A. Sullwold Living Trust and the Wayne A. and Patricia M. Sullwold Living Trust to Kuehndorf Properties LLC, 315 30th Ave, in the Town of Clear Lake.
Eureka
Meridy and Nicholas Kantola to Nicholas W. Kantola, 2347 Big Lake Ave. and 1 other parcel, in the Town of Eureka.
Estate of Betty Gray to James and Jon Gray, 2152 220th St., in the Town of Eureka.
Joel Clark and WI DSPS to Joel Clark and WI DSPS, 1926 230th St., in the Town of Eureka.
Benjamin McCabe and Summer J. Young to Benjamin and Michael McCabe, 2015 246th St. and 1 other Parcel, in the Town of Eureka.
Julie Broom to Dale A. Broom, 2195 255th St. and 1 other parcel, in the Town of Eureka.
Julie Broom to Gene Broom, 2195 255th St. and 1 other parcel, in the Town of Eureka.
Farmington
Theresa and Tyler Bethke to Bailee R. Hallen and Austin M. Mueller, 2415 Cherry Dr., in the Town of Farmington.
Jeanine E. Kopel to Barbara and Troy Derosier, 1 parcel, in the Town of Farmington.
Estate of Duane A. Callin and Personal Rep. Sandra J. Callin to Barbara and Troy Derosier, 1 parcel, in the Town of Farmington.
Garfield
POLK COUNTY COURT NEWS
FROM PAGE 2
$175.30. Fail/slow vehicle- passing stop emergency vehicle
• Mathew C. Vitalis, 19, Dresser, pled no contest and was fined $263.50.
Fail/stop at stop sign
• Ann M. Cleary, 63, Lindstrom, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
• Teri J. Sutherland, 53, Centuria, pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
Failure to keep vehicle under control
• Rachel R. Bradshaw, 27, Amery, pled no contest and was fined $213.10.
Failure to kill game/fur-bearing animal
• Riley M. Krueger, 19, Glenwood City, pled no contest and was fined $343.50.
Fed motor carrier safety regs
• Elinn Underground Services LLC, Marshville, NC, pled no contest and was fined $200.50.
Fish > 3 hooks/lines/baits (5+ over)
• Roy E. Umlauf, 61, Balsam Lake, pled no contest and was fined $343.50.
Fish without license
• Anthony G. Zahnow, 30, Osceola, pled no contest and was fined $230.90.
Following operator fail/dim multibeams
Michael L. Markee and Sunrise Land Surveying LLC to Jon and Sharon Buersken and Kathryn and Patrick Forsythe, 1696 Bear Lake Dr. N, 1149 168th St. and 1 other parcel, in the Town of Garfield.
Jason and Lisa Dario to Gianna, Nicholas and Sophia Dario, 874 Walleye Ct., in the Town of Garfield.
Todd A. Kjeseth to Kjeseth Properties LLC, 3 Parcels, in the Town of Garfield.
Todd Kjeseth to Member Todd A. Kjeseth and Kjeseth Properties LLC, 1 Parcel, in the Town of Garfield.
Brian D. Byrnes to the public, 822 138th St. and 1 other Parcel, in the Town of Garfield.
Special Admin Charles D. Kovacs and the Estate of David Charles Kovacs to Charles, Daniel and Ryan Kovacs, 822 138th St., in the Town of Garfield.
Georgetown
Estate of Martha Jean Pfeifer to Thomas R. Pfeifer, 2000 81st St., in the Town of Georgetown. Thomas R. Pfeifer to Denise E. Miller and Thomas R. Pfeifer, Jr., 2000 81st St., in the Town of Georgetown.
Stephen P. Boyle, Linda A. Creps and Kathleen Van Thiel to Karen Creps, Molly Engedal and Jillian Van Thiel, 786 194th Ave., in the Town of Georgetown.
POA Linda A. Creps and POA Pamela Larson to Kathleen Van Thiel, 786 194th Ave., in the Town of Georgetown. Johnstown
Auth Consulting & Associates and Surveyor
Mark D. McClenathan to Doug Stahly, 226 219th Ave. and 224 219th Ave., in the Town of Johnstown.
Belinda A. Anderson/ Belinda A. Caple to Eric R. Anderson, 135 220th Ave. County Rd. G, in the Town of Johnstown.
Krista K. Armagost/ Frogness/Rankin to Bret Frogness, 43 210th Ave., in the Town of Johnstown.
Laketown
Patrick and Vena Hall to Jill, Marshall and Ronald Dillman, 1 parcel, in the Town of Laketown.
Lincoln
Surveyor Michael J. Erickson and Four Seasons Land Surveying LLC to Gary Goldsmith, 1027 85th Ave. and 1 other Parcel, in the Town of Lincoln.
Shannon M. Westfield to Jennifer and Luis Delgado, 967 106th Ave., in the Town of Lincoln.
Colleen and Kevin O’Brien to Joseph, Kelly and Patrick O’Brien, 722 190th St., 1074 Westwood Acres St. and 1 other parcel, in the Town of Lincoln.
KL MN 3 LLC to Daniel, Irvin and Jill Cooper, 745 107th St. and 1 other parcel, in the Town of Lincoln.
Luck
Mark W. Jensen to Mark W. Jensen Trust Agreement, Marsha A. Jensen Trust Agreement and the Mark W. Jensen and Marsha A. Jensen Trust Agreement, 1015 North Shore Dr., in the Village of Luck.
Sandra J. Madsen and Attorney in Fact Fred Zorn, Kay and Roger McGrath, 1515 Lake Ave., in the Village of Luck.
Tamara A. Gillen to Kaitlyn M. Dalton and Erica A. Gillen, 1648 250th Ave. County Rd. N, in the Town of Luck.
Milltown
Mark W. Jensen to Mark W. Jensen Trust Agreement, Marsha A. Jensen Trust Agreement and the Mark W. Jensen and Marsha A. Jensen Trust Agreement, 2 Parcels, in the Town of Milltown.
Trustee Timothy McMullen and The Seim Revocable Living Trust to Daniel and Denise Seim, 1852 140th St., in the Town of Milltown.
Andrew and Melissa Schrader to Melissa and Michael Voss, 1456 194th Ave. and 1 other Parcel, in the Town of Milltown.
Osceola
Terry R. Larsen to Siiri Foeller, 732 Mulligan Dr., in the Town of Osceola.
Steven J. Lawrenz and Marie L. Schlunz to The Steven J. Lawrenz and Marie L. Schlunz Revocable Trust, 2157 84th Ave., in the Town of Osceola.
Krisann and Michael Anderson to Trustees Krisann and Michael Anderson and the Michael L. Anderson Trust, 1 parcel, in the Town of Osceola.
Timothy Jungers and Monica Larson to Kelsey Manthei and Eric Schipp, 409 8th Ave., in the Village of Osceola.
David and Jennie Twohy to the Twohy Revo -
cabe Trust Agreement, 1 parcel, in the Village of Osceola.
David and Shane Twohy to the Twohy Revocable Trust Agreement, 892 Maple Dr. and 1 other parcel, in the Village of Osceola.
Sterling Cindy and Michael Bentley to Nicki J. Folkens and Guy and Troy Koenig, 2727 290th St., in the Town of Sterling.
Estate of George W. Sornson to Christian P. Sornson, 2446 272nd St., in the Town of Sterling.
Destiny Walker to Daniel W. Kadlec and Destiny Walker, 2466 Old 87 Rd., in the Town of Sterling.
Michael R. Hyden to Trustee Kathy L. Hyden, Larry and Sylvia Kuske, Kathy Louise Hyden Revocable Family Trust, Patrick Eugene Hyden Revocable Family Trust and the Revocable Family Trust Agreement of Patrick Eugene Hyden, 2783 275th St., in the Town of Sterling.
Larry and Sylvia Kuske to Larry and Sylvia Kuske, 2783 275th St., in the Town of Sterling. St. Croix Falls
Vice President Kevin Gartland and Kreekview Properties LLC to Robert and Sandra Alexander, 741 Hilltop Ln., in the City of St. Croix Falls.
Richard F. Vezina to Living Water LLC, 102 S Washington St., in the City of St. Croix Falls.
Robert J. Hoglund to Richard and Susan Hoglund, 1 parcel, in the Town of St. Croix Falls.
• Pauline A. Peterson, 55, St. Croix Falls, pled no contest and was fined $263.50. Hunt bear or deer before/after hours
• Avery J. Starzecki, 20, Clayton, pled no contest and was fined $387.25. Hunt with improper license
• Andrew D. Huffman, 51, Hudson, pled no contest and was fined $266.65.
• Samuel P. Larson, 28, Almena, pled no contest and was fined $222.90. Hunt within 50 feet of road’s center
• Riley M. Krueger, 19, Glenwood City, pled no contest and was fined $222.90.
• Tristin D. McGee, 18, Clear Lake, pled no contest and was fined $222.90. Illegal loaded firearm (not handgun) in motorized vehicle
• Tyler D. Dyson, 33, Siren, pled no contest and was fined $258.10.
• Luke D. Thaemert, 23, Centuria, pled no contest and was fined $258.10. Improper transfer of approval or permit
• Jennifer L. Burtis, 38, Clayton, pled no contest and was fined $303.30.
Inattentive driving
• Calan E. Leahy, 22, Spring Valley, pled no contest and was fined $162.70. Hit and run- property adjacent to highway
• Gretchen K. Johnson, 59,
Osceola, pled no contest and was fined $187.90. Interstate/Intrastate driving requirements
• Elinn Underground Services LLC, Marshville, NC, pled no contest and was fined $200.50.
• Goff Farms LLC, Circle Pines, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $200.50.
• Gutter Team, Ramsey, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $200.50.
• Williams J. Cruz, 22, Ellicott City, MD, pled no contest and was fined $200.50.
• Elinn Underground Services LLC, Marshville, NC, pled no contest and was fined $200.50. Minor possesses/purchases tobacco/nicotine
• Dakota M. Henson, 17, Milltown, pled no contest and was fined $162.70. Non-registration of vehicle
• Todd R. Brunner, 52, Columbus, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
• Todd C. Hollander, 60, Center City, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
• Estee M. Slater, 33, Cushing, pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
• Adam T. Macdonald, 45, Osceola, pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
• Adam B. Ramm, 39, Amery, pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
• Micah J. Schrock, 31, Rice Lake, pled no contest and was fined $175.30. Non-registration of other vehicle
• James A. Klassen, 30, Centuria, pled no contest and was fined $263.50.
Operate ATV or UTV without valid registration
• Travis W. Mishler, 39, Milltown, pled no contest and was fined $232.
Operate without carrying a license
• Gunner J. Hacken, 20, Clear Lake, pled no contest and was fined $150.10.
Operate without a valid license
• Marcial Y. Dubon Rivas, 22, Bloomington, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $200.50.
• Christian A. Marcus, 28, Grantsburg, pled no contest and was fined $200.50.
Operating a motor vehicle without insurance
• Christian A. Marcus, 28, Grantsburg, pled no contest and was fined $200.50.
• Jackie L. Pardun, 52, Webster, pled no contest and was fined $200.50.
• Rachel R. Bradshaw, 27, Amery, pled no contest and was fined $200.50.
• Travis L. Hamann, 43, Eau Claire, pled no contest and was fined $200.50.
• Elizabeth R. Lindsey, 41, Spooner, pled no contest and was fined $200.50.
• Caitlyn M. Rocarek, 26,
Centuria, pled no contest and was fined $200.50.
Operating a motor vehicle without proof of insurance
• Jennifer N. O’Reilly, 34, Amery, pled no contest and was fined $10.
• Dominic J. St. John, 20, Grantsburg, pled no contest and was fined $10.
• Croix A. Stambaugh, 26, Somerset, pled no contest and was fined $10.
• Chad W. Copiskey, 43, St. Croix Falls, pled no contest and was fined $10.
• Leon C. Kist, 35, Dresser, pled no contest and was fined $10.
• Rose E. Rambo, 28, Frederic, pled no contest and was fined $10.
• Michelle L. Stokes, 28, Barron, pled no contest and was fined $10.
Operating while revoked
• Paul R. Mueller, 32, Amery, pled no contest and was fined $200.50.
• Jonathan Ortiz, 20, St. Paul, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $200.50.
Operating while suspended
• Summer R. Lee, 38, Luck, pled no contest and was fined $200.50.
• Jennifer N. O’Reilly, 34, Amery, pled no contest and was fined $200.50.
• Eva M. Etchison, 43, Rice Lake, pled no contest and was fined $200.50.
Now that we have your attention - SMC Ltd in Amery has immediate openings for Production workers. Our crews work 12 hour shifts on 2-2-3 schedule and night crews now have a new increased shift differential of 20%! That’s right - 20% of your hourly wage just for working a night shift. SMC Ltd offers an excellent benefits package, competitive wages, 401k match, generous PTO and much more.
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Submit your application at hr@smcltd.com or www.smcltd.com/careers
The Osceola boys basketball team recorded two more conference wins last week, highlighted by the 75-55 victory over Altoona Jan. 24.
“Our bench helped turn this game around for us with great energy and production,” OHS coach Tyler Olson said. “They were the real difference makers tonight. After starting in a 16-5 hole, they helped spur a 16-0 run to regain the lead and momentum.”
Irlbeck’s 27 points leads Chiefs to victory Saints struggle in back-to-back road games
percent from three-point range. Seventeen of those 27 field goals were from assists.
Osceola improved to 6-1 in the conference and 7-6 overall.
“We start our second round of conference play now, so we will need to gear up for the grind of the upcoming schedule one day at a time,” Olson added.
OSCEOLA 58, SOMERSET 54
Caleb Irlbeck led all OHS scorers with 27 points, going 11-for-14 from the field. He also added 17 rebounds and three assists. Hunter Bradway registered 19 points, while Waylon Cole finished with eight points and seven assists. Jake Bents and Jonah Race scored six points each.
The Chieftains shot 27-for49 from the field and nearly 54
The Chieftains shot 14-for-15 from the free throw line to earn the Jan. 21 win.
“I thought the key factors that helped us win this game were solid defense, free throw shooting, and taking care of the ball,” Olson stated.
Hunter Bradway led three Chieftains in double figures with 18 points, seven rebounds, and four steals. Caleb Irlbeck recorded 14 points, four rebounds, and
four blocked shots. Jonah Race posted 13 points and six rebounds. Waylon Cole contributed seven points and three rebounds.
The free throw shooting was needed as OHS went 0-for-14 from three-point range.
Kane Donnelly scored 18 points and nine rebounds for Somerset, while Kellen Donnelly finished with 11 points and five rebounds.
“I felt our ability to respond after Somerset went up by one with around three minutes was a major turning point,” Olson explained. “We were able to regain the lead at the free throw line and dug into force some key stops on the other end.”
Somerset outrebounded OHS by three, while the Chieftains had four more steals and five more blocked shots.
Statistical recap aided by AI.
Five first places in Chetek Scramble
The Osceola boys wrestling team took second at the Chetek-Weyerhaeuser/Prairie Farm Scramble Jan. 25 thanks to five champions.
Malakai Barker recorded a major decision and a pin at 106 pounds before facing Northwestern’s Lucas Brown in the final. Barker pinned Brown in the second period to improve his record to 34-8 overall.
Logan Meyer used a major decision and two pins to qualify for the 138-pound final, where he faced Chetek-Weyerhaeuser/Prairie Farm’s Jack Olson. Meyer pinned Olson in 65 seconds to run his record to 32-11 overall.
Osceola wrestlers Logan Meyer and Talon Berg both earned their 100th win last week.
Why do we live here?
So why do we live here? That was the question my good friend Eric Duffy asked me the other day when our temps kept dropping into negative 20’s with wind chill factors around forty below! Eric was actually out running his trap line, trapping beaver and ended up taking a swim. His immediate question to me that went along with a great photo of his frozen facial expression while wearing frozen pants was priceless.
Eric added, “Yuck! Why do we live where our face hurts when we go outside? Burning fingers and faces in winter? Horrendous bugs all summer? A two week long spring and a week of fall?”
I know Eric is not a wimp. His trap line speaks to that better than I ever could. He prefers to fish outside.
I never had any choice of picking where I live. My family moved here from Illinois in 1949 because dad got tired of driving north to fish every year. I was born in River Falls in 1950. You may have a similar story. We make the most of it. I’ve winter camped in the Boundary Waters when it got down to 35 below zero. I love ice fishing. I cross country skied the American Birkebeiner and the Vasaloppet in Mora, Minnesota. For some reason Eric’s question struck a chord in my bones, just like the cold weather. At 74 the cold weather is colder than in the past but I’m thinking -10 this year was the same minus 10 when I was cross-country skiing the Birkie.
The St. Croix Falls boys basketball team faced a tough twogame stretch on Jan. 23 and 24, taking on Amery and Barron on the road. Despite determined efforts, the Saints fell short in both matchups, dropping their record to 2-7 in the conference and 4-9 overall.
In Amery, the Saints couldn’t keep pace with the Warriors, who showcased a strong offensive performance to secure a 76-43 victory. St. Croix Falls trailed 32-18 at halftime and struggled to close the gap in the second half.
“We played solid defense early but struggled with turnovers, which equate to easy points for Amery,” SCF coach Chad Hall said.
Caden Folkestad led the Saints with 13 points, followed by Brett Sladky with 11. Elliot Wilson added eight points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
The Saints were 1-for-8 from the free throw line and 2-for12 from three-point range.
“We gave up 31 points off turnovers. That obviously kills our chances of winning a game,” Hall added.
Carter Wollan and Keaton Wollan combined for 44 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists, and six steals for the Warriors.
“Amery went on a run in the final three minutes of the half to push their lead into the double digits,” Hall
continued. “Up until that point, the game was back and forth.”
The following night in Barron, the Saints battled hard but came up short again, losing 70-55. Barron surged to a 42-20 halftime lead, but the Saints regrouped in the second half, outscoring the Bears 35-28.
“We had too many unforced turnovers that saw us in the hole in the first half,” Hall explained. Our defensive rotations were a little slow in the first half, but in the second half, we were much more aggressive and played a good second half on both ends of the floor.”
Anders Waterworth led the Saints with 18 points, Folkestad added 17, and Elliot Wilson contributed a double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds.
“We took care of the ball in the second half,” Hall said. “This allowed us to have some good offensive flow and set up our defense more effectively (First half, we had 17 turnovers, second half had four),”
Adam Wirth led four Bears in double figures with 20 points. Glendon Thompson posted 17 points, Brett McDonough recorded 16, and Zac Edwards scored 11.
While Barron went 10-for-15 from the free throw line, St. Croix Falls was 3-for-12. Statistical recap aided by AI.
THERESA MEYER
OHS girls have now won six of seven
To show the improvement the Osceola girls basketball team has undergone, the first time it played Prescott, it lost 60-32 on Nov. 28.
The second time around, the Chieftains closed the game on a 20-8 run to prevail 49-44 Jan. 24.
“Our team has gained a lot of confidence over the last two to three weeks, and it showed against Prescott,” OHS coach Mike Haase explained. “It’s a culmination of a lot of hard work and teamwork. If I had to sum it up, it comes down to two things: These girls want to compete and play with much more composure.”
Josie Mork and Maddie Newton combined for 32 points and 10 steals.
“Josie shot very well, and Maddie made timely shots and helped us put the game away from the free-throw line,” Haase added. “The two of them also had the task of guarding Violet Otto, which is not easy.”
Izzy Ellefson also led the team
in rebounds with six.
“Everyone found a way to contribute to this win,” Haase continued. “Lauren Ulrich had a pair of offensive rebounds that she turned into put backs in the second half. Izzy Ellefson made two huge free throws late in the game. Courtney Slechta makes a second-half three-pointer. Aspen Jeske comes in and grabs a steal right away, then in the second half cases down a rebound that was for sure going to end up in Prescott’s hands.”
Osceola shot 35.9 percent for the field compared to Prescott’s 31.8. Prescott had eight more points in the paint than OHS. The Chieftains also outrebounded Prescott by three.
Otto led all scorers with 27 points.
OSCEOLA 41, HAYWARD 37
Less than 12 hours after the win over Prescott, OHS was back on the court against Hayward.
“We were up for the task,” Haase added. “Lauren Ulrich got
started on the right foot…she had our first 10 points and made it look easy.
“That alone put us in control of the game early. From then on, it was more of what we saw the night before. Tough defense, patience on offense, and players taking high-quality shots.”
Maddie Newton finished with a game-high 14 points, while Lauren Ulrich added 10 points and five rebounds. Josie Mork added seven points.
“In the last minute, when we needed it most, and after a Hayward timeout, Izzy Ellefson forced her player into an overand-back violation, which allowed us to put the game away,” Haase said.
Osceola (3-4 conference, 8-6 overall) shot 37.5 percent from the field, while Hayward went 36.4. The Hurricanes had one more rebound than Osceola, while both teams scored 18 points in the paint.
Statistical recap aided by AI.
Northwest Baseball Coaches Clinic Feb. 8
The 42nd Northwest Baseball Coaches Clinic will be held at Nezzy’s Sports Bar in Cumberland on Feb. 8. There is a fee. Registration is between 8 and 9 a.m., with the clinic running from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
Speakers include UW-River Falls Head Baseball Coach Steve Bartlein, along with
Wisconsin Hall of Fame Coaches Rob Hamilton from Sun Prairie, Tom Schmitt from Middleton, Marty Paulsen from Fond du Lac, and Bob Johnson from Eau Claire North.
Questions? Contact Mark Fuller at mfull@ csdmail.com or 715-7900109.
Saints fall in conference matchups
The St. Croix Falls girls basketball team faced tough competition in back-to-back Heart O’North Conference games.
On Jan. 20, the Saints hosted Cameron and struggled to keep up with the visiting team’s dominant offense. Cameron jumped out to a 45-9 lead by halftime, leaving St. Croix Falls playing catch-up for the remainder of the game. Despite a better second-half effort, the Saints fell 70-37.
Bailey Olson led Cameron with 21 points and six rebounds. Lexi Kuffel and Inez Schmidt scored
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10 points each. Cora Romsos chipped in with seven points and eight rebounds.
The Comets finished with 18 more rebounds and six more assists than SCF.
Catherine Williams led the Saints with nine points, while Madi Johnson added seven points and grabbed seven rebounds. Amber Bateman chipped in eight points of her own.
Thirty-one turnovers also did in the Saints.
Three days later, the Saints traveled to North
Somerset’s winning streak comes to crashing halt
The Amery boys hockey team posted a 7-0 shutout over Somerset Jan. 23, snapping the Spartans’ winning streak at six.
Jacob Maxon led the Warriors with two goals and three assists, while Taylor Gariepy added a goal and two assists. Elliot Greene also finished with three points.
Amery put the game on ice, scoring four times in the third period on eight shots. They fin-
ished with 30 overall to Somerset’s 26.
Amery was also 1-for-4 on the power play, while the Spartans went 0-for-5.
Gunnar Anderson started for the Spartans and gave up the first six goals before Simon Mathews relieved him.
The last time Somerset gave up seven goals in a game was also to Amery on Jan. 30, 2024.
NEW RICHMOND 4, SOMERSET 0
The Tigers jumped on Somerset early in the Jan. 25 game played in Hastings, scoring three goals in the first 11 minutes.
New Richmond finished with 30 shots on goal compared to Somerset’s 16. Gunnar Anderson recorded 26 saves in a losing effort.
Somerset is now 3-2 in the conference and 12-5 overall.
WRESTLING: Five first place finishes at Chetek Scramble
FROM PAGE 12
At 144 pounds, Cody Meyer started his tournament with three technical fall victories before pinning Northwestern’s Seth Cruz in the third period of the final for his 29th win of the year.
Wyatt Hastings actually lost a match to New Richmond’s Noah Zanon in the preliminaries at 157 pounds. However, he gained redemption, defeating Zanon in the first-place match as he pinned him with 15 seconds left in the third. Hastings is now 3411 overall.
Elliot Havlish wrapped up the first-place finishes, winning all five matches by pins at 215 pounds to improve his record to
39-6 overall. The fastest pin was in 33 seconds over New Richmond’s Alex Solberg in the final.
Tristan Campeau took second at 165 pounds, going 3-1. His three wins were by technical fall, major decision, and fall. Third places went to Hunter Kromrey at 126 pounds, Talon Berg (132), and Isaac Dunnom (150). New Richmond won the seven-team scramble with 227.5 points, followed by Osceola’s 154.5. Northwestern took third at 138.
ST. CROIX FALLS GIRLS WRESTLING CLASSIC
Ella Anderson won three matches at 107 pounds at the St.
Croix Falls Girls Wrestling Classic on Jan. 24. Those three were via pins over Superior’s Ana Johnson, St. Croix Falls’ Piper Ray, and Spooner’s Lauri Andrea. The pin over Andrea was in 36 seconds.
Tanea Campeau won one match at 114 pounds, along with Lvy Geving at 145 pounds.
OSCEOLA TRIANGULAR
The Chieftains hosted Baldwin Woodville and Ellsworth in a triangular Jan. 23. Individual stats weren’t available, but the Chieftains recorded wins over B-W 55-21 and Ellsworth 45-34.
ARCADE: New arcade will provide a safe place for Osceola youth
FROM PAGE 1
Cues N’ Quarters will offer a variety of activities to enjoy, like new and classic arcade games, a pool table, a pinball machine, and a crafting area. Weekly kids events like tournaments and workshops will also be available. For those who aren’t looking to spend money but still want to have a good time, LaMarch and company will still have plenty to offer, even hoping to attain a non-profit status after they open.
“We are going to have board games and puzzles there for people who may not have the money to spend on an arcade,” she said. “There are
going to be free options. And we are trying to be a non-profit. We’re not doing this in the hopes to get rich. We’re doing this because we just genuinely believe in creating a better community. I grew up in this community. I just want to see it do well.”
LaMarch and everyone involved have been fortunate to have a lot of support from the community, receiving donations from The Acreage who provided folding chairs and a counter space, and individuals willing to offer their vintage arcade games to be used until they receive their new games. They also hope to offer a place where local artists
can display their work, along with artwork from the Osceola School District.
“The community has been very generous with us,” said LaMarch. “We planned to do it all ourselves, but obviously with a very limited budget, we’re just kind of rocking with what we’ve got. We really appreciate it because that’s who we’re doing it for and to see them pulling together and actually believing in it… We’re just so thankful.”
Cues N’ Quarters is set to open February 1 at 10 a.m. and will have a ribbon cutting with LaMarch’s son Oliver cutting the ribbon. While there is more to
be done and more features to be added to the new arcade, LaMarch and everyone involved in making their new arcade a reality hope that it will be a new place that will help the Osceola community and give families a place to enjoy themselves in a safe and healthy environment.
“I just genuinely want to see this town succeed and see the kids in this town succeed,” said LaMarch. “Some of the stuff I’ve been hearing lately has been breaking my heart. So, that’s our whole mission. We just want to provide a place for the community to feel safe.”
SAINTS: Girls lose two games
FROM PAGE 13
western for another conference battle. The Tigers controlled the tempo from the start, taking a 43-24 lead into halftime and cruising to a 69-42 victory.
Abby Johnson led the Tigers with 28 points and 11 rebounds. She was 12-for-17 from the field. Jillian Kunert recorded 15 points and 21 rebounds, while Claire Neilcen posted 11 points and seven rebounds.
Northwestern outrebounded SCF by 23, had eight more assists, and
had seven more steals than the Saints.
St. Croix Falls found a bright spot in Olivia Shimon, who contributed 12 points and six rebounds, and Catherine Williams, who tallied nine points. Madi Johnson chipped in eight points and nine rebounds to contribute on the night.
The Saints shot less than 26 percent from the field overall.
With these losses, the Saints drop to 3-8 in conference play and 3-14 overall.
Statistical recap aided by AI.
with their mental health.
some light on those affected by mental illness and suicide.
That event started in September of 2023 under the name “Light Up the Night” with the goal of spreading awareness toward suicide prevention and was planned to be outside on the Osceola High School track. But a rainy day forced them inside to the Osceola High School Gym. However, that didn’t stop the event from being a success. In fact, the event was so successful the Mental Health Matters Club decided to bring the event indoors again and hold it in February; a time when mental health is often at a low.
“Last year, our theme was Light Up the Night,” said Patterson. “It ended up being a rainy day, so we ended up moving it inside. We kept the “Light Up the Night” theme and we just shut off all the lights and had this indoor 5K where people just walked through the gym and through the high school and the commons area. We got some feedback from it that people really liked the closeness of it and that feeling of being surrounded by people.
“We’re keeping the indoor theme and doing something during the winter blues to try to spread the love and some positivity during those winter months where it’s cold and people are maybe looking for something active to do when times are low to bring up that energy.”
Though the original venue has changed, the goal behind the Spread the Love 5K is still to provide education and resources to those interested on mental health and preventing suicide. All are invited to the event to offer their support by remembering those who have lost their lives to mental illness, providing donations to help the Mental Health Matters Club further their goals, and spreading awareness for anyone struggling
“This year’s program is Spread the Love,” said Patterson “It’s right after Valentine’s Day, but idea is still the same. We’re raising awareness on mental health and suicide prevention. The money that we raise for this event goes back to all these things that we do in our community and at the school… We’re going to do our Wall of Remembrance again, where people can add family or friends who struggle with mental health or who have been lost to mental illness. And we’re going to do a color format this year where anybody who comes will have an opportunity to get a set of colored beads that represents why they’re there.”
At the last event, the Mental Health Matters club raised roughly $8000 – a number that Patterson and her students were surprised to see but ultimately grateful to receive. With the help of the Osceola community, Patterson and the Mental Health Matters Club hope to continue raising funds that will help those in need; all while bringing the community together around a meaningful cause.
“A lot of people are going through tough times,” said Patterson. “So, we really just wanted to offer this event as a way to bring the community together and offer a place of support and know that there are people who care about them and love them and to spread that love and that kindness in a time where it can be a tough season in life.”
This year’s Spread the Love 5K will be held February 15 at the Osceola High School Gym at 6 p.m. The race begins at 6:30 p.m. The event is free to attend, but free will donations will be accepted at check in and will help the Mental Health Matters club in their efforts to bring awareness to mental health and suicide prevention. For more information contact Patterson at pattersonc@ osceolak12.org.
REGULAR MEETINGS
OSCEOLA TOPS NO.
514 - Trinity Lutheran Church. 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. every Wednesday.
SENIORS ON THE GO - Tuesdays, 12:30 p.m., Osceola Senior Center.
500 CARDS - Thursdays, 1 p.m., Osceola Senior Center.
REGULAR MEETINGS
ALCOHOLICS ANONY-
MOUS - 7 p.m. Mondays at Osceola United Methodist Church.
NEIGHBORHOOD BIBLE STUDY Every Monday at 1 p.m. For info. call Becky, (715) 294-4148 or Carol, (715) 294-3003. TAI CHI, QI GONG - Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9 a.m., Osceola Senior Center. (312) 524-3934.
WILBERG MEMORIAL PUBLIC LIBRARY HOURS
Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday - 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
FREE EXERCISE CLASS for seniors, 9 a.m., at Osceola Community Church.
BLOODMOBILE at Cushing Community Center, noon to 6 p.m.
OHS GIRLS BASKETBALL vs. Amery.
SCF BOYS BASKETBALL at Chetek-Weyerhaeuser.
FREE EXERCISE CLASS for seniors, 9 a.m., at Osceola Community Church.
LEGO Club at the Wilberg Memorial Public Library, Osceola, 4 p.m.
BLOODMOBILE at The Acreage at Osceola, noon to 6 p.m. and at Wild River Fitness in Osceola from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
SOMA YOGA Fridays, 11 a.m. to noon, at the Osceola Senior Center. RIVER VALLEY STITCHERS meets from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Osceola Senior Center. SPREAD THE LOVE 5K at the Osceola High School 6 p.m.
WIDOW CONNECT meets at Trinity Lutheran Church, Osceola, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
OHS BOYS BASKETBALL vs. Amery. SCF GIRLS BASKETBALL at Cumberland.
OSCEOLA SENIOR Citizens meet for noon potluck and meeting at the Osceola Senior Center, corner of Chieftain St. and Third Ave. BLOODMOBILE at the St. Croix FAlls High School, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
AA MEETS at Trinity Lutheran Church, Osceola, 10 a.m. and at Peace Lutheran Church, Dresser, 7 p.m.
FREE EXERCISE CLASS for seniors at Osceola Community Church, 9 a.m.
OHS WRESTLING vs. Chisago Lakes.
SCF GIRLS BASKETBALL vs. Ashland.
AA MEETS at Trinity Lutheran Church, Osceola, 10 a.m. and at Peace Lutheran Church, Dresser, 7 p.m.
FREE EXERCISE CLASS for seniors at Osceola Community Church, 9 a.m. WELLNESS NIGHT at Osceola Intermediate Schooll, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
OHS GIRLS BASKETBALL at Baldwin-Woodville.
SCF BOYS BASKETBALL at Ashland.
AA MEETS at Trinity Lutheran Church, Osceola, 7 p.m. THE GATHERING meets at 1 p.m. at the Osceola Senior Center.
OHS BOYS BASKETBALL at Altoona.
OHS GIRLS BASKETBALL at Altoona.
SCF BOYS BASKETBALL vs. Hayward.
FREE EXERCISE CLASS for seniors, 9 a.m., at Osceola Community Church.
BLOODMOBILE at Bethesda Lutheran Church, Dresser, noon to 6 p.m.
OHS GIRLS BASKETBALL vs. Somerset.
SCF BOYS BASKETBALL vs. Cumberland.
AA MEETS at Trinity Lutheran Church, Osceola, 10 a.m. and at Peace Lutheran, Dresser, 7 p.m.
FREE EXERCISE CLASS for seniors at Osceola Community Church, 9 a.m.
OHS BOYS BASKETBALL vs. Ellsworth.
SCF GIRLS BASKETBALL at Barron.
AA MEETS at Trinity Lutheran Church, Osceola, 7 p.m.
OHS BOYS BASKETBALL vs. BaldwinWoodville.
SCF GIRLS BASKETBALL at Spooner.
SCF
AA MEETS at Trinity Lutheran Church, Osceola, 10 a.m. and at Peace Lutheran, Dresser, 7 p.m.
FREE EXERCISE CLASS for seniors at Osceola Community Church, 9 a.m.
OHS BOYS BASKETBALL vs. Somerset.
SCF BOYS BASKETBALL vs. Barron.
AA MEETS at Trinity Lutheran Church, Osceola, 7 p.m.
THE GATHERING meets at 1 p.m. at the Osceola Senior Center. OHS GIRLS BASKETBALL vs. Ellsworth.
SCF BOYS BASKETBALL vs. Spooner.
FRIENDS
AA MEETS at Trinity Lutheran Church, Osceola, 7 p.m.
RIVER VALLEY STITCHERS meets from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Osceola Senior Center.
WRESTLING. Conference tournament at Northwestern.
OF THE LIBRARY meeting, 10:30 a.m., lower level of the Wilberg Memorial Library, Osceola. SCF WRESTLING at Amery.
BENNETT: Why do we live here
FROM PAGE 12
So my question to you is why do you live here? Were you born here and stuck around because that’s where all your family and friends live? Do you love winter more than spring, summer and fall because you could have those three seasons without winter if you’d simply move.
So I asked Eric where he’d rather live than here in the Frozen North? I was surprised by his answer. “I’d take South Dakota. Not
HOROSCOPES
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
Express yourself with great confidence this week, Aries. You feel like you are in control and well organized. This is a recipe for success regarding the things you need to accomplish.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
Taurus, you have a clear mind this week to put plans in place. But you might need some inspiration to get started. Avoid procrastinating.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
There are many tasks that lie ahead this week, Gemini,. It will be essential that you stay focused. One of the areas to consider is changing personal health for the better.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, you may find you’re an asset and sought-after among friends and coworkers. Use social situations to your ad-
terribly cold, not too much snow, no bugs except for bees and no state property or income tax. Plus the Black Hills” I had to question the weather but Eric assured me that the Black Hills have mild winters where it’s located at just the right longitude and latitude. “They get a lot of snow but it doesn’t last long since the average daytime highs are around 40 degrees and solar radiation is strong. They get just enough ice to go ice fishing but not much more than that.” Plus
vantage to network even more LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
Clear up some space at home so you can work more easily, Leo. Too much clutter in your home or work area can be a distraction. Disorganization can make tasks harder.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
Practice being smooth and professional in your manner, Virgo. This will be the best way to get good results at work. Others may be impressed by how you handle yourself under pressure.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
Libra, you might be very popular with superiors at work this week. Use this to your advantage to seek out a raise. Ask to head an important project.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
Scorpio, you can do anything you set your mind to. Share
it’s a great state for doing stuff outdoors. So why do you choose to live here? If you decided to move, where would it be? Where would you rather live than in this frozen tundra? I’m researching that in great detail and I’ll give you all the right answers next week. To be continued...
Jim Bennett is an outdoorsman who lived and worked in the St. Croix River Valley and can be reached at jamesbennett24@ gmail.com for comments.
your ideas with others and determine which concepts have merit. If nothing comes up, go back to the drawing board.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
Others admire your ability to be a good friend, Sagittarius. This week you will showcase your compassion and humility in myriad ways. It might garner you extra attention.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
Capricorn, happy news is coming your way this week. Share the good fortune with others in your life, either a spouse or a sibling. These people can use some sunshine as well.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
Aquarius, if at first you don’t succeed, you may need to change your approach to things. Enlist the help of others to help turn your ideas into
results.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
Develop a better strategy for saving money, Pisces. You need some extra funds to pay for larger expenses, and clipping coupons alone might not be the answer.
FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS
JANUARY 26
Joseph Quinn, Actor (31)
JANUARY 27
Noah Schnacky, Singer (28)
JANUARY 28
Ariel Winter, Actress (27)
JANUARY 29
Madison Bailey, Actress (26)
JANUARY 30
Christian Bale, Actor (51) JANUARY 31
Justin Timberlake, Singer (44) FEBRUARY 2
Lauren Conrad, TV personality (39) CLUES ACROSS
1. Where entertainers perform
Miller beer variety
Ageless
River in SE Europe
13. Able to be repaired
14. Type of wrap
15. Atomic #54
16. Type of tent
17. U.S. Treasury position
18. Opposed to 19. Protective covering 21. Bridge building degree
22. Clouding of the lens
27. Priestess of Hera loved by Zeus
28. Unacceptable
33. Mr. T’s “The A-Team” character
34. American national park
36. One point south of due east
37. Assist in a crime
38. Greek mythological personification of Earth
39. A major division of geological time
40. German courtesy title
41. English family dating back to Norman times
44. Discounts
45. South American nation
48. Former Milwaukee Buck Michael
49. Hostile
50. Passports and drivers licenses are two
51. Discourages from doing
CLUES DOWN
1. Supreme god of ancient Egyptians
2. Nevada city
3. Energy, style and enthusi-
4. Bird’s beak
5. Language
6. Midway between south and southeast
7. Punjab village
8. Small biting flies
Sportscaster Patrick
A way to get around
Repeat
A way to cook with fat
Temporary loss of consciousness
Reciprocal of a sine
Fir tree genus
Genus of leaf-footed bug
Music product 26. “Talk to you”
Used to have (Scottish)
Feed your game day crowd with smoked chicken wings
Sports fans across the globe tune in when the National Football League hosts its annual championship game each winter. And that already robust viewership is growing, as figures from Nielsen Fast National and Adobe Analytics indicated Super Bowl LVIII between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers garnered 123.4 million viewers who tuned in to watch Patrick Mahomes orchestrate a 25-22 overtime victory over Kyle Shanahan and the Niners.
Super Bowl Sunday has become an unofficial holiday in the United States, where fans ranging from the diehard to the casual to those simply tuning in for the commercials and halftime show gather to enjoy a few fun-filled hours. Seasoned party hosts know that food features as prominently as football and fun come Super Bowl Sunday. Guests may expect a few staples, including chicken wings. Hosts can impress their guests by serving up this recipe.
Virgil’s Smoked Chicken Wings With Blue Cheese Dip from Neal Corman’s “Virgil’s Barbecue Road Trip Cookbook” (St. Martin’s Press)
Serves 4
Blue Cheese Dip
2 cups blue cheese crumbles, divided 1 cup mayonnaise
1⁄2 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons hot sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt
1⁄4 cup finely chopped scallions
1⁄4 cup finely chopped celery
Marinade
1⁄2 cup vegetable oil
1⁄2 cup hot sauce
4 tablespoons Virgil’s Dry Rub (see below)
4 tablespoons granulated garlic
4 tablespoons granulated onion
Juice of 1⁄2 lemon
Wings
8 large chicken wings
1⁄2 cup Virgil’s Dry Rub (see below)
Sauce
10 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon cornstarch
4 tablespoons white vinegar
3⁄4 cup hot sauce
1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1. To make the dip, combine 1 cup of the blue cheese, mayonnaise, buttermilk, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and salt in the bowl of a food processor and blend on low until smooth.
2. Remove to a medium mixing bowl and fold in the rest of the blue cheese, scallions and celery, being sure to break up the larger blue cheese crumbles. Place in a covered container and refrigerate overnight.
3. Mix all the marinade ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Place the wings in a large container with a lid and pour the mixture over the wings. Toss until the wings are thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 2 days.
4. Preheat the grill or smoker to 245 F.
5. Spread out the wings on a sheet pan and wipe away any excess marinade. Sprinkle liberally with the dry rub, coating the wings all over.
6. Position the wings on the grill away from the direct heat of the coals or burners, and add hickory to the smoker or hickory chips on the coals or gas burners.
7. Cook the wings for about 3 hours, flipping every 30 minutes (their internal temperature should be about 165 F when cooked).
8. While the wings are cooking, cut the butter for the sauce into 1-inch cubes and refrigerate. Whisk the cornstarch into the white vinegar in a small bowl.
9. In a medium sauté pan over medium heat, bring the hot sauce to a simmer and whisk in the thickened vinegar. Return to a simmer, cook for 1 minute, and remove from the heat.
10. Add the cayenne and slowly whisk in the cold butter. Keep warm until serving.
11. Remove the wings from the smoker or grill and put half of them into a bowl, cover with the sauce, and toss. Repeat with the remaining wings and serve on a platter, with the blue cheese dip on the side.
Virgil’s Dry Rub
Makes 5 to 51⁄2 cups
21⁄2 cups sweet paprika
1 cup granulated sugar
1⁄2 cup Texas-style chili powder
1⁄2 cup minced onion
1⁄2 cup granulated garlic
THE SUN
1⁄4 cup dried parsley flakes
6 tablespoons kosher salt
Combine all of the ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk together until completely incorporated. Transfer to a covered bowl with a tight-fitting lid. Store in a cool, dry place.
Santa says it three times
Doctors’ group
African nation
Ageless
Worn
Muslim ruler title
Are you awake, Mr. Groundhog? I don't mean to hound you, but maybe you can predict the winner of the Super Bowl, too? Hello!
Do you think that a groundhog can predict the weather? On February 2, some people will get up very early to watch the groundhog come out of its home.They will stand around the groundhog's hole in the ground and study the sky. As soon as they see the groundhog poke out of its hole they will snap pictures. Who do you think will see the funnier sight...the people or the groundhog?
1. a long winter's nap
2. a warm-blooded creature
3. another name for the groundhog
4. curls into this to sleep
5. something people believe in or think will happen without facts or proof
6. the groundhog's ________ pumps more slowly when it hibernates
7. the groundhog is part of this family
8. young are born in this month
9. males are about two feet long and weigh about twelve pounds; females are _ 10. to tell about an event before it happens
Groundhog Weather Forecaster?
it is said that when the groundhog pokes out of his hole and sees the sun there will be six more weeks of winter, but when he sees clouds, ________ is near 12. where the groundhog lives
FOREVER LOVED | IN MEMORIAM TRIBUTES
ALLEN THOMPSON
Osceola, Wis.
September 18, 1947December 18, 2024
NAOMI BIBEAU
Star Prairie, Wis.
May 17, 1939December 21, 2024
Osceola, Wis.
April 25, 1928Decenber 31, 2024
DAVID MADDEN
Osceola, Wis.
July 1, 1955December 22, 2024
Somerset, Wis. 1936January 3, 2025
REBECCA DUFRESNE
Somerset, Wis.
July 30, 1959December 27, 2024
Osceola, Wis.
June 14, 1918January 7, 2025
Wanderoos, Wis.
May 8, 1957December 28, 2024
Dresser, Wis.
July 16, 1935January 10, 2025
RONALD ELMER
ROBERTA JELLE
RITA SCHMIDT
WILLIAM PATTEN JR.
DARWIN SWIONTEK