Village Board may choose engineer at start of new year
BY MATT ANDERSON EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM
The Village of Osceola Board of Trustees could choose a primary municipal engineer at the start of the new year. The board recently entertained proposals from four companies at the end of 2024 in consideration to provide engineering services
to the Village of Osceola. After discussion, the board is prepared to review the proposals and could come to a decision at a future meeting in January.
At the end of 2024, the board heard presentations from Stantec Consulting Inc., Cedar Corporation, MSA Professional Services, and Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc. (SEH) based
in Woodbury, Minn., Menomonie, Wis., St. Paul Minn., and New Richmond, Wis. respectively to potentially provide engineering services to the Village of Osceola. Each company was contacted by Village Administrator Devin Swanberg because the village has prior experience with each of them in some capacity.
Swanberg said each of
How to set and keep your New Year’s resolution
Tips to live healthier from OMC and Wild River Fitness
BY MATT ANDERSON EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM
According to the Pew Research Center, 79% of Americans focus their New Year’s resolutions on living healthier. But it’s not always easy to set a realistic resolution – let alone stick to it. Here to help is Osceola Medical Center and Wild River Fitness Athletic Trainer, Teddy Gildersleeve, with some tips to take on the new year with a healthy mindset to set and maintain your health goals.
Gildersleeve has been helping patients at Osceola Medical Center and Wild River Fitness going on four years, focusing on rehabilitation, personal training, and health education. Having met plenty of patients during his time there, he knows what it takes to help set realistic health and fitness goals and keep them for those entering the new year with their resolutions. To start, Gildersleeve has some general tips for
the companies, “Would do more than an excellent job to continue on with engineering services for our streets and future projects… These four engineering firms were selected because they are one-stop shops, which I was looking for. I was looking for a place that can handle city code, grants, CIP, core plans, comp plans - everything. So, we’re not
living healthier in the new year.
“You have to increase activity,” he said. “People just need to do more than what they’re doing already at the time. A lot of people want to focus on diet and then also increasing their physical activity. But the thing is, you’re just going to be overwhelming yourself with too much and then you’re going to find yourself not being
happy. It’s going to be harder for you to keep up with it.
“Instead, if you just focus on increasing your physical activity, coming in and at least doing 30 minutes of exercise every single day, then everything else will start to come with it. You’ll start to feel better. You’ll start to feel healthier. Then, you’ll find yourself eating healthier without even having to try to
implement a diet right off the bat as well. So usually, I just say to start simple; increase activity and once you start to get a routine there, then you can start incorporating some other things like a diet.”
When it comes to setting a New Year’s resolution, many tend to set themselves up for disappointment by
having piecemeal things as we go on.”
Each company provided a 10-minute presentation highlighting their qualifications, previous projects inside and out of the village, references from other municipalities, hourly rates, and other important factors. Given the
SEE VILLAGE, PAGE 8
What does the Regional Planning Commission do for Polk County?
Commission assists and consults with county and local municipalities on a number of projects
BY RAYMOND T. RIVARD RAY@SENTINELMEDIA.NET
Polk County will spend nearly $40,000 on an annual contract with the West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, a cost addressed by WCWRPC representatives with county supervisors about some of the services they provide.
Susan Badtke, a senior planner with the commission, provided a global overview of the organization, and Amanda Veith, a lending specialist, talked about the Regional Business Fund during the board’s Dec. 17 monthly meeting.
“So, we like to come here and present before you every year to give you an update,” Badtke said. “What have we’ve
been up to over the last 12 or so months …”
She explained that the nine regional planning commissions were created under state law in 1971.
“In the state of Wisconsin, there are nine regional planning commissions, and WCWRPC covers seven counties, including Polk and extending all the way to the east over to Clark County covering St. Croix, Barron, Chippewa and Eau Claire counties.”
A 21-member board governs the commission, with three appointees per county. The county board makes the appointments, which are announced on even years.
Representation from Polk County includes Terry Hauer, the county’s Economic Development Corporation Director. The other two representatives are Keith Karpinski and Board Supervisor Sharon Kelly.
MATT ANDERSON | THE SUN
Athletic Trainer Teddy Gildersleeve shares tips for healthy New Year’s resolutions
COUNTY: What does the Regional Planning Commission do for Polk County?
“Our mission is to provide a variety of services, all really related to creating strong, healthy counties and communities,” Badtke said.
She described how demographic data utilized by the commission helps the county apply and qualify for economic development grants.
“I’ve been speaking with your administrative folks about potential grant opportunities here in the county. For example, mapping, natural resources, planning, public administration, and transportation,” she said.
Badtke was also pleased to find that many of the county’s priorities align directly with the commission’s plans.
“Housing, parks, broadband access … many of the services that we provide align with those,” Badtke said.
WCWRPC services can be summarized under four general areas:
Economic Development
Transportation
Community Development Conservation & Mapping
The breakdown of services under each of the four general areas is as follows:
Economic Development
Regional economic development planning and coordination
Administration of revolving loan funds
Project consultation, grant writing and administration
Community and business finance
County economic and population profiles
Community and industrial park profiles
Transportation Highway, rail and airport planning
Safe Routes To School plans
Rural and urban transit plans
Corridor plans
Traffic/parking studies
Pedestrian/bicycle facilities planning
Community Development
County and community comprehensive plans
Zoning and subdivision regulations
Land use planning
Grant writing and administration
Emergency preparedness
Hazard mitigation planning
Tax Increment Finance plans
Capital improvement plans
Outdoor recreation plans
Housing assistance
Placemaking services
Conservation and Mapping
Water quality planning
Sustainability planning
Lake management plans
Base and customized maps
3D modeling, visualization and GIS
Mapping and graphics for specialized needs
“We are a staff of 15 in total,” Badtke said. “There’s 14 full-time, one part-time. Our finance manager is a part-time position. We have two administrative folks, nine planners, including myself, and then three folks that cover the regional business fund.
“Our goal is to assist units of government in planning for, and this is derived under state statute, the physical, social, and economic development needs of the region … We try to serve as a coordinating agency or coordinating organization … bringing different parties together to facilitate or convene … And we provide technical assistance and advice and services directly to communities.”
Polk County Projects & Programs (2023-24)
In coordination with the state, the local office provided administration of Mainstreet
Bounce Back Program. Ten-thousand-dollar grants were awarded to 860 organizations in the region ($8.6 million), including 116 in Polk County, totaling $1,160,000.
In coordination with the PSC, administration and outreach was provided to the region’s Broadband Implementation Group.
Hosted a regional Downtown Building Renovation Workshop in Clear Lake in June 2023.
Prepared successful grant applications: WisDOT TAP funding for Polk County Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan; and funding for Polk County Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Preparing Polk County Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Development of the Polk County Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan launched in November.
Completed Safe Routes To School plans for the Village of Osceola and the City of Amery.
Secured implementation funding to create three “traffic calming kits” around schools, of which the first demonstration site was in the City of Amery.
Completed Polk County Farmland Preservation Plan update.
Assisted leading a discussion panel for three sessions of “Securing Polk County’s Future: Housing and Talent Attraction Breakfast” (March-May 2024) in Amery, Osceola, and Luck.
Badtke said that WCWRPC prepared successful grant applications for a variety of projects.
“We assisted with … the Polk County Hazard Mitigation Plan and are currently working on a bicycle and pedestrian plan for the county,” she said.
“And again, that’s in coordination with your
county planner,” she added.
Badtke also talked a bit about the work they assisted with on the Safe Routes to School Plan.
“So, how do kiddos safely get from their home to school? That’s what the Safe Routes to School really is focused on, and we secured implementation to create some traffic calming kits of which we’re using for demonstrations in the city of Amery. So that’s one example where we took some cones and we did a demonstration of … a reconfigured street - how would that impact traffic flows to help kids safely cross and access the school?”
Badtke summed up her presentation by saying,
“We’re a quasi-governmental agency … we’re a public entity, so we operate with public and fiscal accountability to our local governments. We offer a neutral forum for exploring and resolving intergovernmental issues. So, we try to be a convener and a facilitator, … so if there are two intergovernmental groups that are coming together, struggling on an issue, we’re happy to be that convener and bring folks together,” she said.
Regional Business Fund Amanda Vieth, a lending specialist with the commission who covers Polk County for the Regional Business Fund, provided supervisors with an overview of the program.
The Regional Business fund is a nonprofit and was created by the West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission to administer revolving loan funds in the 1990s.
The nonprofit is staffed by the Regional Planning Commission.
Covering the same seven counties as the Regional Planning Commission, there is one board member per-county. Aaron J. Mork, vice president of the board, represents Polk County.
“What we do is we offer low interest loans to businesses that provide an economic benefit to the region … I represent the four western counties - St. Croix, Baron, Dunn, and Polk. Our funds are flexible and then they can be used for a variety of business financing needs.”
Between 2007 and July 31, 2024, “we’ve helped about 161 businesses … But 71 of those were startup businesses with over $8 million in financing. It’s created over 500 jobs in the area and leveraged over $76 million in private funds. So, banks, credit unions, contributions from borrowers or investors.
“The loan program is an incentive that is meant to assist with revitalizing downtown commercial buildings,” Vieth said.
“Each municipality in all of our counties has provided the Regional Business Fund with a map of what should be considered their historical downtown. While our other loans require that the business operate out of the location, the facade loan does not, it can be utilized by business owners or property owners,” she added.
“And then our biggest loan fund, our biggest pot of dollars, is called the revolving loan fund. That is what we spend most of our time on,” Vieth said. “This loan requires participation from a financial institution. So, the majority of the funds are provided by the bank.”
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 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,
OUT ABOUT&
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
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., 10:15 a.m. to 11 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
www.osceolasun.com
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., 10:15 a.m. to 11 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 1
First day hike Interstate Park in St. Croix Falls will be having a First Day Hike. Meet at 1 p.m. on the Ojibwa winter use trail. Hike begins at 1:15 p.m. Refreshments at the Ice Age Interpretive Center.
ST. CROIX FALLS SENIOR CENTER
BY WANDA BROWN
Cards and games each week: Small fee.
Rummikub: Tuesdays at 4 p.m. Mahjong: Wednesdays at noon.
Bridge: Fridays at 10 a.m.
500: Saturdays at 1 p.m.
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.
NOTICE OF TOWN CAUCUS TOWN OF FARMINGTON
A caucus will be held on Monday, January 6, 2025 at the Farmington Town Hall at 2647 30th Ave beginning at 7 p.m. prior to the regular board meeting, to nominate candidates for Town Board Chairman and two Town Supervisors to be on the ballot for the Spring Election held on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
Steven Swanson, Deputy Clerk/Treasurer
JANUARY 8
Osceola Senior Citizens Osceola Senior Citizens Club will meet at noon at the Senior Center for a potluck and meeting. Program: “Gretel & Andy, God’s Gift,” with Marina Peacock. Everyone 55 years of age or older is welcome to attend. For a ride or more info call (651) 319-7985.
THE OPEN CUPBOARD
JANUARY 9
Bloodmobile
The American Red Cross will be at Bethany Lutheran Church, Star Prairie, 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.
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.
PUBLIC NOTICES
STATE OF WISCONSIN
CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY
NOTICE AND ORDER FOR NAME CHANGE HEARING Case No. 24CV320 IN THE MATTER OF THE NAME CHANGE OF Greyson Emmett Piland By (Petitioner)
Alexandria Rose Hendrickson By (Co-Petitioner) Richard Glenn Piland
NOTICE IS GIVEN:
A petition was filed asking to change the name of the person listed above:
From: Greyson Emmett Piland
To: Greyson Emmett Hendrickson
Birth certificate: Greyson Emmett Piland
IT IS ORDERED:
This petition will be heard in the Circuit Court of Polk County, State of Wisconsin: Daniel
STATE OF WISCONSIN
CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY
NOTICE AND ORDER FOR NAME CHANGE HEARING Case No. 24CV321 IN THE MATTER OF THE NAME CHANGE OF Freya Esmee Piland By (Petitioner)
Alexandria Rose Hendrickson By (Co-Petitioner) Richard Glenn Piland
NOTICE IS GIVEN:
A petition was filed asking to change the name of the person listed above:
From: Frey Esmee Piland
To: Freya Esmee Hendrickson
Birth certificate: Freya Esmee Piland
IT IS ORDERED:
This petition will be heard in the Circuit Court of Polk County, State of Wisconsin: Daniel
STATE OF WISCONSIN
CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY
J. Tolan, 1005 W. Main St., Branch 1, Balsam Lake, WI, on Jan. 23, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. 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: Daniel J. Tolan Circuit Court Judge Dec. 10, 2024 21-23Sp WNAXLP
J. Tolan, 1005 W. Main St., Branch 1, Balsam Lake, WI, on Jan. 23, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. 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: Daniel J. Tolan Circuit Court Judge Dec. 10, 2024 21-23Sp WNAXLP
STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
(Informal Administration) Case No. 24 PR 112
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MIRIAM J. WEIDEMANN
A/K/A JOANNE WEIDEMANN
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE:
1. An application for informal administration was filed.
2. The decedent, with date of birth Sept. 18, 1942, and date of death Sept. 11, 2024, was domiciled in Polk County, State of Wisconsin, with a mailing address of 1880 60th Avenue, Osceola, WI 54020.
3. All interested persons waived notice.
4. The deadline for filing a claim against the decedent’s estate is March 25, 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 December 11, 2024
Attorney Shannon A. Allen DeWitt LLP 13845 Bishop’s Drive, Ste. 300 Brookfield, WI 53005 262-754-2840 Bar #1024558 20-22Sc WNAXLP
NOTICE AND ORDER FOR NAME CHANGE HEARING Case No. 24CV322 IN THE MATTER OF THE NAME CHANGE OF Zachery Frost Piland By (Petitioner) Alexandria Rose Hendrickson By (Co-Petitioner) Richard Glenn Piland
NOTICE IS GIVEN: A petition was filed asking to change the name of the person listed above: From: Zachery Frost Piland To: Zachery Frost Hendrickson
Birth certificate: Zachery Frost Piland
IT IS ORDERED: This petition will be heard in the Circuit Court of Polk County, State of Wisconsin: Daniel
J. Tolan, 1005 W. Main St., Branch 1, Balsam Lake, WI, on Jan. 23, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. 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 trans
OPINION
Leave USPS and clocks alone
Happy New Year to you and your family!
As we begin 2025, many are taking stock of things they want to improve this year. I’ve never made resolutions. But, I understand their appeal. I applaud those who can change their lives, no matter how they decide. We will have a new president in a short time. As Donald Trump prepares for his new term in office, he is making many decisions and making headlines.
Tom Stangl
I want to comment on two issues the incoming president has addressed. Before your blood pressure goes out of its healthy range, relax. I am here to offer positive suggestions.
Mr. Trump wants to privatize the USPS and end daylight saving time. I believe both of these decisions are a mistake.
Let’s go with USPS first.
The post office is older than our nation. When the U.S. Constitution was ratified, it contained what has been called the “Postal Clause.” Article I, Section 8, Clause 7 of the United States Constitution, known as the Postal Clause or the Postal Power, empowers Congress “To establish Post Offices and post Roads.” The Post Office has the constitutional authority to designate mail routes. The Post Office is also empowered to construct or designate post offices with the implied authority to carry, deliver, and regulate the mail of the United States as a whole. The Postal Power also includes the power to designate certain materials as non-mailable and to pass statutes criminalizing abuses of the postal system (such as mail fraud and armed robbery of post offices)
I know our nation has greatly changed since the post office was founded in 1775 by the Second Continental Congress. I also understand USPS has run at a loss for years. A mandate is part of USPS’ financial issues. It requires funding retirement benefits for employees who have yet to be hired. No other agency has to deal with this burden. Full disclosure: our newspaper and many others use the mail to deliver our product. We hope to be able to do so for many years to come.
The current postmaster general is Louis DeJoy. Trump appointed him during his first term. Under DeJoy, USPS has repeatedly raised rates while lowering delivery standards. USPS is understaffed and has had technology removed from mail processing centers.
The mandate for universal delivery means USPS must deliver to all addresses at the same rates. Privatization will leave many rural areas either paying more for delivery or not having service at all. I support raising package rates. I want to bring back the sorting machines and keep delivery times.
I have opined many times about changing our clocks twice a year. I’m not a fan, but I understand why we do the change. In my opinion, if you will keep only one time, keep Daylight Saving Time (DST). At the peak of daylight, without DST, the sun will be rising at 4 a.m. and setting after 8 p.m. There’s no way that’s a good system. Conversely, at the low ebb of daylight, on year-round DST, the sun won’t rise until after 8:30 a.m. We tried yearround DST 50 years ago. Children got injured going to school in the dark.
There are no easy answers to both topics. Rural America needs to speak up for itself before we are left behind.
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.
THE SUN
Accepting Santa Claus
LEditor
Matt Anderson
ike many boys growing up, I had a blast playing with Legos. I particularly liked Bionicles. It was fun to build your own designs and characters to play with by following some simple instructions to complete them. Now, I’m convinced those toys are just designed to prepare us for adulthood and fatherhood when we set up those complicated toys in the middle of the night on Christmas Eve that “Santa” left for our kids.
I came to this realization on Christmas Eve this past year setting up a tricky race car tower for our son Graydon that he would wake up to find from Santa on Christmas Day. A good hour or so later and I realized what all my training playing with Legos and Bionicles was for all those years. But I also had another realization in that moment.
Up until now, I was kind of opposed to teaching our son about
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.)
Santa Claus. I didn’t feel it was right to lie (or stretch the truth at least) only to have him find out later that we made the whole thing up. I remember the moment I walked up to my mom and said, “Mom… Santa isn’t real, is he?”
“What? No… Of course he’s real,” she replied waveringly. I just stared at her until she said, “When did you figure it out?” I don’t think I felt all that hurt when I figured it out, but it was an odd and awkward moment for both of us. Because of that, I just didn’t really feel like dragging my son into the myth of Santa Claus only to have him figure out we were fibbing the whole time. But that wasn’t going to fly with my wife Kylee. She was all in for Santa, and there was no way I was going to stop her. So, I rolled my eyes and reluctantly accepted the fact that Santa was invariably going to be a part of Graydon’s Christmases from here on out.
Up until now, he wasn’t really old enough to understand Santa. But now that he’s starting to grasp the concept, we’ve started to introduce all the aspects of Santa; reading books, telling him that
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Santa was coming, leaving out milk and cookies - the whole nine yards. I was still rolling my eyes when no one was looking.
But as I put my many years of Lego building to use while constructing Graydon’s tedious car tower, took a few bites from “Santa’s” cookies, and drank down the cup of milk, it all started to hit me. I remembered all the Christmas Eve nights staying up too late out of nervous energy for what Santa might bring me. I remember the magic of walking out to the living room to find new gifts that were labeled, “From Santa.” Then I thought about my life having grown up. That magic is gone now. Sure, I have so many things to be thankful for and some things that I would consider miraculous, but there was some special sense of wonder in believing in Santa that we’ll never experience again - even if we’d all like to go back there sometime. So, as I was playing Santa for my son, leaving the half-eaten cookies, the half-full glass of milk, and his new toy ready for him
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Publisher
As we welcome 2025, there’s no better time to embrace new beginnings — and what better way to start the year than by opening your heart and home to a furry friend in need? Arnell Memorial Humane Society is kicking off the year with hope, optimism, and some inspirational resolutions from our four-legged residents! Maple, a playful German Shepherd/Yellow Lab pup, has resolved to “work on basic obedience skills” and “be the best puppy she can be” — though we think she’s already pretty great!
Then there are Autumn and Breeze, two medium-haired calico sisters. One is determined to “finally stop knocking things off the counter,” while the other
has resolved to “become an expert lap warmer.” Bandit, a goofy pit mix, has promised to “not try so hard to make everyone love me.” He’s a fun-loving guy who’d thrive with a family that enjoys plenty of outdoor playtime.
Lastly, Ivy, a gorgeous classic tabby girl, has made it her mission to “explore every nook and cranny in the house” and “find the comfiest napping spots.” She would love a home with another kitten her age to play with — or better yet, someone who’s willing to adopt her and her medium-haired sibling,
Cedar!
Our pet of the week is Fiona, a one-year-old spayed female shorthaired tabby. She is a sweet girl who would do great in a quieter home with another cat to help bring her out of her shell.
You can meet her, along with our other adoptable animals, by stopping by the shelter weekdays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. We’re located at 185 Griffin St E in Amery. You can reach us by phone during business hours at (715) 268-7387 or check us out on Facebook!
YEARS AGO
20 years ago Jan. 5, 2005
• Beginning in mid-January there will be a uniform 45 mph speed limit on Hwy. 8 from the Minnesota line to one-quarter mile east of Glacier Drive in St. Croix Falls.
• A rice and chili benefit dinner/raffle was planned at the St. Croix Falls Senior Center to hep victims of the tsunami in the Indian Ocean.
• Judge Gableman administered the Oath of Office to Rep. Mark Pettis Dec. 28 at the Village Hall in Osceola.
• Verhasselt Construction received the 2004 St. Croix Valley Builder of the Year award.
• Centurytel donated $1,000 to the Osceola Public Library for shelves, tables and equipment.
vey Stower was awarded a Certificate of Honor recognizing him as Legislator of the Year, Midwest Area, from the Society for the Advancement for the Handicapped.
• Bob Dueholm was sworn in as a state representative on Thursday. He will be the third generation to represent northwestern Wisconsin’s 28th district.
• A robbery of Wildwood Flowers’ bank bag on Dec. 12 delivered a sour Christmas present to businesswoman Diane Ebert.
• Ben Sabel recently renovated the warming house near the skating rink at St. Croix Falls Elementary School as part of an Eagle Scout project.
A little stuck
This year had a lot of ups and downs for me.
This past spring, I felt about as low as I have felt about my writing since I started. My book was going nowhere. There seemed to be nothing I could do to better its chances of being sold. I was unsure if anything I was writing was any good.
Then something happened. And that something was nothing at all.
There’s a story Stephen King tells about his first novel, “Carrie,” my more frightening namesake. The novel, to hear him tell it, was in the wastebasket. (This was in the days when documents were made of real paper and went into actual wastebaskets.) His wife, Tabitha, pulled the pages out, brushed off the cigarette ashes, and read them. She thought they were good. She encouraged him to continue. He did, and the rest is history.
I love this story because nothing happened. Tabitha believed in him. He decided not to quit. This is not the stuff of a screenplay—
certainly nothing as exciting as Stephen King would write. But I love the story because I believe this is how most of the big miracles happen.
In my case, I just moped around for a few days and finally realized that, if I was going to feel any different, I would have to do something different. And so I did.
I started planning a show for the first time in four years. I made plans to perform in front of people—not because it was the most practical course of action for a writer to take, but because it made me happy, and it connected me and my writing to other people. For the first time, I almost forgot I had a book being shopped around. As soon as I started making plans, everything changed.
I realized I loved the new book I was working on and dove into revisions. I was able to finish the book after that. I had been worried I would have less energy to devote to projects if I picked up another one. Instead, I had much more energy than before. I had just been a little stuck.
And, somewhere in the middle of all that, my book sold.
In a movie, there would have been a miraculous phone call that turned everything around.
“Hello, Carrie? We’re interested in buying your book!” the caller
would have said in the movie version of my life. This is not what happened. I was already unstuck when the good news arrived.
This is the lesson I’d like to take into the new year.
It’s easy to get a little stuck. There are things that will genuinely slow me down and hamper my success and, as optimistic as I am, I’m not blind to these obstacles. More will come in the future. I know this.
But, somehow, I need to find a way to get unstuck.
Sometimes it’s as simple as messing with my routine: Go out for a coffee once in a while, take a walk in the morning, call a friend I haven’t talked to in a while. It doesn’t really matter. That is the point. It doesn’t matter what I do, as long as I get unstuck. The hardest thing is to recognize that I am stuck and realize I don’t have to be.
I can’t fix everything at once. I might spin my wheels for a while. But, with any luck, someone like Tabitha will give my rear bumper a push when I need it, and I can get myself moving again.
Happy New Year,
Carrie
Photos and updates can be found on Facebook at CarrieClassonAuthor.
• St. Croix Falls won the Division 2 crown at the Northern Badger wrestling tournament. Will Miron finished in first place.
• Osceola placed second in Division 1 at the Northern Badger wrestling tournament. Andy Geving and Dave Olson won their weight classes.
• Osceola’s Ky Battern and Ross Benitz earned all-tournament honors at the Chisago Lakes basketball tournament.
30 years ago Jan. 4, 1995
• The Osceola Women’s Club and the Osceola Library Board will be honoring Martha Schillberg’s decades of community service with a program and reception.
• Gene McCurdy, wrestling at 145 pounds for Osceola, beat a two-time state tournament participant Alvin Peterson of Baldwin-Woodville to take the championship at the Northern Badger wrestling tournament.
• State representative Har-
40 years ago Jan. 8, 1985
• The staff at the Osceola branch office of Barron County Federal Savings and Loan area already to begin work when they open Jan. 14. Staff members include Julie Nicklas, Sheila Olson, Jane Gottwald, Val Ellefson and Eric Thoreson.
• At a special meeting of the Osceola and St. Croix Falls school boards, the order denying a property transfer requested by Steve and Shirley Johnson from the St. Croix Falls School District to the Osceola District was affirmed. A mediator decided there was no evidence to justify property boundaries being reorganized.
• Katherine Ekstrom donated property on Horse Lake to the Osceola Ambulance Service and Osceola Public Library.
• Osceola boys basketball struggled through the first half of their contest with St. Croix Falls but ended up winning, 58-42. Todd Ellingson had 14 points and Brad Momchilovich had 13.
GOVERNMENT NUMBERS WHO TO CALL...
President Joe Biden
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW • Washington, D.C. 20500 Comments: (202) 456- or 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 • (608) 266EversInfo@wisconsin.gov • www.evers.wis.gov
Rep. Gae Magnafici 28th Assembly District P.O. Box 8953 • Madison, WI 53708-8953 (608) 237-9128 or 1-888-529-0028 • Fax (608) 282-3628
Rep.Magnafici@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
RESOLUTION: Set and keep
FROM PAGE 1
setting goals that are difficult to achieve. Instead, Gildersleeve recommends a simpler approach.
“They need to have an idea of something that’s realistic,” he says. “A lot of times what I feel like I’ve seen here is that people will come up with a long-term goal. They’ll just want to lose such and such weight. But for a lot of them, they struggle with trying to find the timeline that they should be looking at. And is weight necessarily the one thing that you should be focusing on?
“It’s more important to focus on goals like coming in five days a week and doing 30 minutes of exercise - goals that are going to be easier and more attainable. That’s also going to help you stay motivated and achieve that longterm goal of losing the weight. But the shortterm goals should also be independent of that long-term goal.”
But setting a New Year’s resolution is only one hurdle. It can also be difficult to keep up with the goals you set as the year continues.
To make sure you don’t join the thousands of people who drop their resolutions, the best thing you can do is build a support system, according to Gildersleeve.
“I feel like when people are starting out their resolutions, they may not be that knowledgeable about the sorts of things that they should be keeping up with or should be doing,” said Gildersleeve. “Seeking out help or somebody that you go to the gym with like a partner, an instructor, or taking online classes; those will help you keep at it and have that increased retention to maintain your health fitness goals. When you’re on your own, it’s obviously a lot harder than if you had a friend or instructor motivate you.”
For anyone setting
out to set and keep a New Year’s resolution to live healthier, diet and exercise are the standout components that most think of. But there are some little thought of pieces of the equation that also come into play. While physical health is important, a positive mental state should receive equal priority.
“One that stands out the most is probably mental health,” said Gildersleeve. “And that’s across the entire year. I think if a lot of people focused a bit more on just being healthier psychologically, it would be easier for people to be able to reach their other goals. You have to reach out. You can’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether that be from a friend or seeking professional help.”
While setting a New Year’s resolution to live healthier is a positive thing, it’s easy to set the bar too high and get discouraged which often leads to dropping the resolution and feeling defeated. To stick to those health goals, Gildersleeve encourages people to be realistic. By focusing on what you can do in the short-term and holding yourself accountable, he believes more people will be successful in keeping those resolutions in the new year.
“The most important thing is just to make sure that you start simple,” said Gildersleeve. “Once you’re able to keep a routine and achieve those shortterm goals that help you eventually reach those long-term goalsthat’s really going to be the best thing for you. People start their new resolution, saying, ‘I want to lose 40 pounds.’ Well, for you to lose 40 pounds, realistically that’s going to take you over six months to reach. And most of the time people stick around for a month, if that, and then they’re gone. So, you have to try things that’ll keep you motivated in that short term.”
LIBRARY NEWS
“The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals.” – Melody Beattie Write your story this new year.
As we welcome the New Year, many of us return to the tradition of making resolutions—a practice that dates back 4,000 years! The ancient Babylonians were among the first to set New Year’s resolutions, promising their gods to repay debts and return borrowed items in exchange for favor in the year ahead. Later, the Romans made similar promises to their two-faced god, Janus, for whom January is named. Early Christians saw New Year’s Day as a time for reflection and resolving to improve in the year to come.
Today, New Year’s resolutions are largely a secular tradition, with many aiming for personal growth or healthier lifestyles. Popular goals include eating healthier, learning a new skill, exercising more, saving money, getting organized, reading more books, and spending quality time with loved ones.
But let’s face it: keeping resolutions is often easier said than done. Studies suggest that most resolutions fade away by February. The key to success is setting realistic goals and breaking them into manageable steps. Celebrating small victories along the way can also help maintain motivation.
Whatever your goals for 2025, your library is here to support you. Want to read more books? We have plenty to choose from, including eBooks and audiobooks. Looking to learn a new skill or hobby? Check out our how-to guides, online courses, or crafting resources. If getting organized or managing your finances is on your list, we have tools and books to help you get started.
The New Year is a fresh start, a blank page waiting to be filled. Let your library be part of your journey as you write the next chapter of your story.
Happy New Year from your library! P.S. Keep an eye on your library’s special holiday hours. Regular hours resume January 2, 2025.
“The beginning is the most important part of any work.” ~ Plato
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.
Print at the library from home or your mobile device with Princh.
POLK COUNTY LAND TRANSFERS
Farmington
Diamond Hex Surveying and Surveyor Carl W. Hetfeld to Ryan Sicard, 89 260th St., in the Town of Farmington.
Estate of Wayne G. Shelton to Susan Shelton, 2731 36th Ave., in the Town of Farmington.
Frederic
Cora and Thomas Jr. Witkiewicz to Judy J. Larson, 105 Polk Ave. N, in the Village of Frederic. Joy and Kay Friberg to Johannah and Zachary Hochstetler, 301 Ash St. W, in the Village of Frederic.
David and Joshua Picknell to James O. Beam, 404 Wisconsin Ave. N, in the Village of Frederic.
Garfield
Visit us online at: www.grandstrandfh.com
David and Eileen Flatten to Joseph David Odegard, 1468 70th Ave., and 2 other parcels, in the Town of Garfield.
John G. Falls to Lia B. Falls, 1879 80th Ave. and 1 other parcel, in the Town of Garfield.
Lee J. Olson to Lee and Susan Olson, 692 Wanderoos Rd., in the Town of Garfield.
Surveyor Michael J. Erickson and Four Seasons Land Surveying LLC to Charles and Darlene
Pay at the library. New color copier/printer/ scanner
Small meeting room for your Zoom calls, etc. —Check-in with your library card. Call us with any special assistance needs. We will work to get you what you need, with safety our top priority.
Family Story Time: Every second Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at the Library. Stories, interactive songs, and sensory activities suitable for a wide range of ages. Perfect for working families! It’s a library visit, literacy education, a bit of music, and play all in one stop before lunch and naptime. Preschool -Kindergarten will most benefit.
Second Saturday Story Time, Jan. 11 at 10:30 a.m. at the library. Stories, songs, crafts, fun. 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.
Johnson, 1448 90th Ave., 1496 90th Ave. and 2 other parcels, in the Town of Garfield.
Dakota County Court and Colleen and David Kovacs to Colleen and David Kovacs, 822 138th St., in the Town of Garfield.
Gaylen and Kristin Paulson to Christi and Robert Wallace, 762 130th St. County Rd. F, in the Town of Garfield.
Georgetown
Bruce D. Jacobsen to Bruce D. Jacobsen Revocable Trust, 2015 Richardson Ct., in the Town of Georgetown.
Trustees Timothy R. Blazek and Amanda J. Pfaff and the Trust Agreement of Debra J. Blazek to Timothy R. Blazek, 1133 Sandy Hook Ln., in the Town of Georgetown.
Secretary Doug Bonjean, DB Investments LLC and Katie Zoe Real Estate Group LLC to Jeff Peterson, 1 parcel, in the Town of Georgetown.
Estate of Dean Scott Grill and Personal Rep. Jill R. Grill to Jill R. Grill, 1823 110th St., in the Town of Georgetown.
Estate of John F. Wanless to Holli Wanless,
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.
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.
Storytime will be back Jan. 7.
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.
WMPL Book Discussion meets Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. at the library. Get 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.
2184 70th St., in the Town of Georgetown.
Trustees Christopher and Jenifer Cosgrove and the Jenifer A. Cosgrove and Christopher J. Cosgrove Trust, 1 parcel, in the Town of Georgetown. Shari and Thomas Blindt to Trustees Shari and Thomas Blindt and The Trust Agreement of Thomas and Shari Blindt, 2268 71st St., in the Town of Georgetown.
Laketown
Estate of Marvin L. Lattin and Elizabeth Lissick to James Klassen, Steven Lattin and Elizabeth Lissick, 2480 202nd St., in the Town of Laketown.
Lincoln
Prop Property Rental LLC to QA Holdings LLC, 1151 80th St., in the Town of Lincoln.
Chad and Heather Nevland to Terrance Jeske, 1 parcel, in the Town of Lincoln.
Personal Rep. Lori A. Kopacz and the Estate of Scott A. Sigsworth to Mitchell A. Sigsworth, 924 Cameron Bridge Dr., in the Town of Lincoln. Michael Erickson and Four Seasons Land Surveying LLC to Jennifer L. Hansen, 823 68th Ave.
County Rd. F and 1 other parcel, in the Town of Lincoln.
Personal Rep. Charles G. Orme and the Estate of Tracy D. Orme to Jacob and Nicole Siebolds, 815 100th St., in the Town of Lincoln.
Kari Jones and Joseph and Tony Von Delinde to Jacob and Nicole Siebolds, 815 100th St., in the Town of Lincoln.
Trustees Mary and Michael Kjeseth and the Dale F. and Betty J. Bliese Living Trust to Jennifer and Terry Hansen, 1 parcel, in the Town of Lincoln.
Luck WI DNR to Shannon and Thomas Leach III, 3 parcels, in the Town of Luck.
Dena M. Williams to Thomas R. Franzen Intervivos Trust, 1660 250th Ave., in the Town of Luck.
Harold S. Skow to Mickey A. Petersen, 516 S 4th St., in the Village of Luck.
Trustees Kathlene and Ronald Hanson and the Hanson Revocable Trust to WI DOT, 24 E 1st Ave., in the Village of Luck.
TRANSFERS, PAGE 8
Allen Merle Thompson
Allen Merle Thompson of Osceola died Dec. 18, 2024, at Comforts of Home in St. Croix Falls. He was 77. Allen was born Sept. 18, 1947, to Dale and Ruth (Berseng) Thompson in Amery. He attended school in New Richmond and graduated class of 1965. Allen met the love of his life in high school, Judy Dorr, and on March 26, 1966, they were united in marriage at Zion Lutheran Church in East Farmington. This marriage was blessed with three daughters, Tammy, Kris and Lori.
After graduation, he made his way into the workforce eventually working for Andersen Windows. Allen was very dedicated to his job and truly enjoyed working for Andersen’s. He retired in 2003 after 36.5 years.
After Allen’s retirement, you would find him in his woods enjoying the wildlife and cutting wood for everyone and anyone. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, Nascar and was an avid Packers fan. He especially enjoyed his time spent with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. If you asked him what his highlights in life were, he would say going to the Vikings/Packers game and taking his family to Atlanta to watch Nascar.
Allen was preceded in death by his grandson, Logan Dobberschutz; parents, Dale and Ruth Thompson; brothers, Richard and Nolan; in-laws, Herbie and Ruby Dorr and Lyle (Diane) Thompson and many other relatives.
Allen is survived by his wife Judy; daughters, Tammy (Tim) Grunow, Kris Dobberschutz and Lori (Dave) Wistrom; grandchildren, Taylor and Taran Grunow, Tanner Dobberschutz, Kayla (Anthony) Haugen and Cody (Taylor) Wistrom; great-grandchildren, T.J., Estella, Kaylee, Clara and Axel. Memorials preferred to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or Zion Lutheran Church.
Funeral services were Dec. 30 at Zion Lutheran Church, East Farmington. Interment was in the Oak Grove Cemetery, East Farmington. Arrangements are with the Grandstrand Funeral Home, Osceola. Condolences may be expressed online at www.grandstrandfh.com.
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
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
Naomi Bibeau
Naomi Bibeau of Star Prairie died peacefully after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease on Dec. 21, 2024, at the Deerfield Arbor in New Richmond. She was 85.
Naomi was born May 17, 1939, the daughter of George and Luberta Ballard, in the town of Weston, Dunn County, Wis.
In 1949, the Ballard family moved to Van Nuys, Calif. Naomi grew up in Van Nuys and graduated from Van Nuys High School with the class of 1956. She began her career working as a stenographer for the City of Los Angeles, eventually working her way up to executive secretary to the future Los Angeles mayor, Sam Yorty. Thereafter, she met and fell in love with Guy who was the superintendent of Street Lighting for the city of L.A. They married on June 7, 1968. After many years living in California, they made the big decision to retire to Wisconsin and they settled in Star Prairie on Cedar Lake in 1989 where they had many, many happy years.
Naomi was a very kindhearted person who was hardworking, generous and loyal to those she loved and cared about. She enjoyed shopping (especially for antiques), socializing, playing cards and celebrating any occasion with her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Guy; and parents, George and Luberta Ballard.
Naomi is survived by her son Scott (Kris) Bibeau; siblings, George (Geri) Ballard, Ray (Georgiann) Ballard, Mike (Sue) Ballard; nieces and nephews, Mike (Jennifer) Ballard, DeAnn (Pete) Halverson, George (Jennifer) Ballard, Shirley (Duane) Fagnon; many other relatives and special friends. She is also survived by her beloved cat of 17 years, Bijou.
A Celebration of Naomi’s Life was held Dec. 28, at Bethany Lutheran Church, Star Prairie. Interment will be in the Lower Weston Cemetery, Town of Weston, Wis.
The family would like to thank the staff at Deerfield Senior Living for their compassion and the loving care they gave to Naomi.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to The Parkinson’s Foundation or to your favorite charity.
Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
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
David L. Madden
David L. Madden, died peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Dec. 22, 2024. He was 69. He was born July 1, 1955, in St. Paul, Minn., to Pat and Loretta (Langer) Madden. Dave worked in the printing industry and retired from the Target printing department. Dave enjoyed gardening, canning and cooking. He also enjoyed fishing trips to Canada and South Dakota, going to the hunting shack and camping with family and friends. He found great joy in his grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by many.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Pat and Loretta; brother, Mark; sister-in-law, Robin Madden; brother-in-law, Jerry Green and father and mother-in-law, Henry and Bea Green.
Dave is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sherry; daughter, Stacy (Rob) Smith of Ladysmith; son, Matt (Tikvah) of Broomfield, Colo.; grandchildren, Kaieden, Josiah, Uriah, Silas, Kolaiah, Titus, Jachin and Jonah Smith; brother, Mike (Glenda); sister, Margie Ahart; brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and many friends.
The family would like to thank friends and family for all their prayers and visits. It meant so much to him!
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m., Dec. 27, at the Grandstrand Funeral Home, Osceola.
A private interment will be held at a later date in the Oak Grove Cemetery, East Farmington. Arrangements are with the Grandstrand Funeral Home, Osceola. Condolences may be expressed online at www.grandstrandfh.com.
and
be a church page sponsor please call 715-294-2314. These Church listings are sponsored by
you would
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
RIVER VALLEY CHRISTIAN CHURCH LIGHTHOUSE 89 160th Street
St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin 715-483-5378 Pastor Jonah Fetzer
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. Kelli Clement
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
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
POLK COUNTY COURT NEWS
Speeding in 55 MPH zone
• Charles C. Knost, 63, Frederic, pled no contest and was fined $225.70.
• Camden J. Paquin, 17, Centuria, pled no contest and was fined $225.70.
• Vickie L. Rein, 67, Forest Lake, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $200.50.
• Matthew D. Sina, 50, Luck, pled no contest and was fined $250.90.
• Anthony T. Tacheny, 26, St. Croix Falls, pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
• Antonio D. Villella, 26, Frederic, pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
Speeding on city highway
• Casey J. Fussy, 39, Circle Pines, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
Speeding on semiurban highway
• Mark O. Berg, 76, Amery, pled no contest
and was fined $175.30.
• Matthew S. Brekke, 47, Byron, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
• Zachary L. Bush, 24, Osceola, pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
• Michael E. Chenoweth, 69, Dresser, pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
• Xiro Naovalaith, 37, Brooklyn, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $225.70.
• Benett J. Schramski, 21, Cumberland, pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
Truancy
• Layla R. Lutz, 17, Balsam Lake, pled no contest and was fined $200.50.
Underage drinking
• Darrel H. Sistad III, 19, Hillside, pled no contest and was fined $162.70.
VILLAGE: Village board may choose engineer at start of new year
PAGE 1
amount of information provided by each of the companies, the board determined that reviewing the proposals over the next month, collecting feedback from village staff and returning to the January meeting with a possible decision was in the best interest of the village.
“I’m glad that we have experience with all of these people,” said Village Trustee Neil Kline. “I think we’ve had a lot of experiences with some of these folks and I haven’t invested the time to reflect on those experiences to be able to come to a decision tonight. I think that if we can have time to mull this over, I would really want to know what staff thinks because you guys are the ones that work with them every day.
“And I think that as a representative of the board in these relationships, having a clear understanding of what staff has to say about these proposals would also be really important and I would value that information…It seems like if we decided in January that
gives time for due diligence if I want to know a recommendation from staff about what they think about this too. And I think that that would be ample time to pull that information together.”
Having worked with all of the companies presented at the December meeting, some consideration was discussed regarding choosing a single primary engineering service company as opposed to selecting separate firms for particular projects. For example, the village is currently working with Stantec on certain projects, which are intended to be finished by them, even if the board chooses a primary engineering firm for the village. That said, certain members of the board voiced their opinions that selecting a primary firm for the village would be advantageous.
“I agree with what everybody said so far, but I do see value in picking one primary firm,” said Village Trustee Ron Pedrys. “And the reason for that is just relationships, right? They’re going to work harder for us; we’re going to work closer with
POLK COUNTY LAND TRANSFERS
FROM PAGE 6
Estate of Charlaine Van Gundy and Paula D. Voss to Ricky D. Van Gundy and Paula D. Voss, 520 E North Ave., in the Village of Luck. DF & Company Inc. and VP James R. Ertz to Harold S. Skow, 521 S 1st St., and 1 other parcel, in the Village of Luck.
Myrna and Robert Hinz to Alexander and Krysta McCabe, 1787 South Shore Dr., in the Village of Luck.
Estate of Frederick William
Dalleska to Edith A. Dalleska, 2943 130th St., and 1 other parcel, in the Town of Luck.
Edith A. Dalleska to Dalleska Revocable Trust Agreement, 2943 130th St., and 1 other parcel, in the Town of Luck.
Trustee Edith A. Dalleska and the Dalleska Revocable Trust Agreement to Bradley and Jodi Salmi, 2943 130th St., and 1 other parcel, in the Town of Luck.
Cole Stellrecht to Christopher J. Buller, 209 E North Ave., in the Village of Luck.
them. It’s okay to go with another one if we need it for a specialty project. I’m sure they gladly take the job. But for me it’s about relationships as well. So, at some point I think we need to pick one primary and hopefully stick with them.”
After further discussion, the board thanked each of the presenters for their time and tabled the discussion on choosing an engineering firm until January where they will reconvene to potentially choose a primary company for the village. “Just [some] acknowledgement to the four firms for stepping out tonight,” said Village President Brad Lutz. “[We] appreciate you all coming in. You all have core competencies that run the gamut. You definitely have covered the entire spectrum of what you can do. So, thank you.”
The board is expected to continue discussions on engineering services and could make a decision on their preferred choice at a future meeting in January. The next Village Board Meeting is scheduled for Jan. 14 at 6:00 p.m.
Milltown
Eric and Wendy Reed to Theresa L. Jones, 1639 190th Ave., in the Town of Milltown.
Diane Jorgensen and Diane NKA Mansfield, 603 Parkins Ave., in the Village of Milltown. Deena and Frederick Hall to Trustees Roni and Scott Schuler and the Scott J. Schuler and Roni L. Schuler Revocable Living Trust, 428 Dairyland Ave., in the Village of Milltown.
with
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
NORTHWOOD
TECHNICAL COLLEGE
The following students earned their degree from Spring 2024 semester. Dresser: Hunter Degerstrom, Technical Diploma One Year, Architectural Woodworking & Cabinetmaking; Hunter Degerstrom, Technical Diploma Two Year, Construction and Cabinetmaking; Samantha Goodwin, Technical Diploma One Year, Accounting Assistant; Julie Haasnoot, Technical Diploma One Year, Cosmetology; Kaitlin Hedin, Technical Diploma One Year, Human Resources and Payroll Generalist; Rebecca Hill, Technical Diploma One Year, Medical Coding Specialist; Nolan Jaroscak, Technical Diploma Two Year, Agricultural Power and Equipment Technician; Ashlyn Tinney, Technical Diploma One Year, Dental Assistant; Osceola: Cole Ellefson, Associate in Applied Science, Busi-
ness Management; Cole Ellefson, Technical Diploma One Year, Customer Service Manager; Connor Haberle, Technical Diploma One Year, Drafting Technician; Dale Hall, Technical Diploma One Year, Outdoor Power Equipment Technician; Jenna Miller, Associate in Applied Science, Nursing - Associate Degree; Austin Phillips, Technical Diploma One Year, Outdoor Power Equipment Technician; Garrett Slater, Technical Diploma One Year, Outdoor Power Equipment Technician; John Terhell, Technical Diploma Two Year, Automated Packaging Systems Technician; Melissa Trepanier, Associate in Applied Science, Administrative Professional; Melissa Trepanier, Technical Diploma One Year, Office Support Specialist; Kari Zegarski, Associate in Applied Science, Accounting; Kari Zegarski, Technical Diploma
One Year, Accounting Assistant. St. Croix Falls: Pamela E Stone, Technical Diploma One Year, Accounting Assistant; Graidy Guggisberg, Technical Diploma Two Year, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning/Refrigeration; Carson Knutson, Technical Diploma One Year, Architectural Woodworking & Cabinetmaking; Carson Knutson, Technical Diploma Two Year, Construction and Cabinetmaking.
MINNESOTA STATE MANKATO
Zachary Collins of St. Croix Falls received a bachelor of science degree in Sport Management.
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN –
WHITEWATER
The following students were named to the fall semester Dean’s List. Osceola: Lauren Kremer. St. Croix Falls: Brianna McCurdy.
Counting down in Times Square
Each New Year’s Eve, thousands of revelers gather at the intersection of Seventh Avenue, Broadway and 42nd Street in the heart of New York City’s “Time Square” to count down the final moments of the year. Millions more watch the festivities on television.
This annual tradition is something people look forward to each December, with many making pilgrimages from far and wide to stand outside for hours just to be at the crossroads of the world. According to the official website of Times Square, people began celebrating New Year’s
Eve in Times Square in 1904. However, it wasn’t until 1907 that the New Year’s Eve ball made its first descent from a flagpole atop One Times Square.
The first ball was made of iron and wood and featured 100 25-watt light bulbs. Designed and operated by signmaker Jacob Starr, the initial ball weighed 700 pounds and was five feet in diameter.
A ball has been lowered every year since 1907, except for in 1942 and 1943 in response to a wartime “dimout” of lights in NYC.
Today’s Time Square ball is much larger than
Minutes of Osceola Village Board Proceedings
The Village of Osceola met for a Special meeting on December 4, 2024, at Village Hall. Village President Lutz called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
Present: Brad Lutz, Arvid Maki, Mike Sine, Marsha Hovey, Van Burch and Neil Kline.
Absent: Ron Pedrys.
Staff present: Devin Swanberg, Carie Krentz, Tanya Batchelor, and Ann Miller.
Motion by Maki and seconded by Sine to approve the agenda.
Ayes-6 Nays-0 Motion carried Public Hearing – 2025 Proposed Budget
Lutz opened public hearing. No one from the public is in attendance and closes the public hearing.
Proposed amendments to 2025 Proposed Budget
Lutz asks members for any amendments to the proposed 2025 budget – no amendments suggested.
Resolution #24-16 “To Appropriate Funds for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2025 and to Authorize the Levy of a Sufficient Tax Upon the Taxable Property within the Village of Osceola”
Tips to choose your next book
Avid readers are always seeking new material to whet their literary appetites. Reading can be an immensely enjoyable activity, and one with notable benefits. According to Basmo, a reading tracker app, a couple hundred thousand books are published each year. The sheer volume of material to choose from can make it challenging to find a good book.
Readers can pursue many avenues to find new books. The following are just a few ways to find the next book you won’t want to put down.
• Visit the library. With so much content at your fingertips, it may be tempting to turn to the internet to find a new read. Instead, go back to where many people first fall in love with reading. The local library has many great offerings and personnel who can help you find something that will prove a good match.
• Visit a local bookstore. If you’d rather purchase a book, your
local bookstore is an ideal place to get feedback on books. Whether it’s a chain store or an independent retailer, many bookstores employ individuals who are book lovers themselves. Ask for recommendations.
• Try an app. Options like Whichbook enable you to find your next book based on various qualifiers, such as emotion, geography or type of character.
• Go with a classic. Browse a list of classics and find books that you haven’t read yet or even ones you may want to reread now that you are older. There are reasons these books have withstood the test of time.
• Ask family and friends. Query the people in your life who love to read and find out what they are reading. You may be introduced to an author that you weren’t familiar with or a book series that is right up your alley.
its ancestor. The modern ball is a geodesic sphere, 12 feet in diameter, weighing 11,875 pounds. It’s also covered with 2,688 crystal triangles that have a special sparkling pattern and are bolted to modules containing 32,256 LEDs. The Times Square ball was born out of the tradition of using a ball “dropping” to signal the passage of time. The first ball of this type was used at England’s Royal Observatory at Greenwich in 1833, dropping at one o’clock every afternoon so that ship captains could set their chronometers.
The month of January has been home to many historical events over the years. Here’s a look at some that helped to shape the world in January 1925.
• Christiania, the capital city of Norway, is renamed “Oslo” on Jan. 1.
• Violence plagues Italy on Jan. 2 as part of the fallout of Benito Mussolini’s crackdown on opposition newspapers. Though King Victor Emmanuel III refuses to grant Mussolini the dictatorial powers the latter requested, he
Lutz states looking for approval of Resolution #24-16 “To Appropriate Funds for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2025 and to authorize the Levy of a sufficient tax upon the taxable property within the Village of Osceola.” States this is the authorization to collect taxes next year.
Motion by Burch and seconded by Sine to approve Resolution #24-16 as presented.
Ayes-6 Nays-0 Motion carried
Swanberg thanked staff for all hard work on the budget, feels it went very well and was presented to board effectively.
Other business – discussion and possible action re: Resolution #24-17 – Vibrant Spaces Grant
Swanberg stated he is applying for Vibrant Space Grant, through the State and has a $50K max and a 1 to 1 match if awarded. Applying for Cascade project specifically for Gristmill Park because grant is for improving existing spaces. Looking for approval of Resolution #24-17 to apply for grant. Discussion on where matching funds will come from if awarded grant. This grant can be used along with our Stewardship Grant. Swanberg is trying to help the Cascade project be the best it can be.
Motion by Kline and seconded by Maki to adopt Resolution #24-17 as presented.
Ayes-6 Nays-0 Motion carried
Snow Removal Contracts – Municipal Building & Downtown Area
Swanberg stated Waters has had difficulty getting contractors to bid on these spaces. Waters recommendations are listed in memo and Swanberg recommends the same. Discussion on both bids provided.
Motion by Maki and seconded by Hovey to approve snow
• Go with authors’ recommendations. If you like a particular author, research who he or she is reading. Some authors recommend others in the industry. While some of these recommendations may be for compensation or publicity, many are legitimate suggestions.
• Let your reading history dictate. Reading services like Amazon’s Kindle will recommend new titles based on your reading habits; otherwise, search for “books like (name title)” online to discover books that have a similar theme or style.
Reading is a popular pastime that can strengthen the brain and relax the body. There are many ways to find new books to read to keep one’s library fully stocked.
• Join a book club. A book club will expose you to a rotation of new books for as long as you are a member. Since books tend to be suggested by members each go-round, you won’t fall in the trap of only choosing one genre or “safe” titles that you are used to.
100 years ago this month
grants the Prime Minister tacit permission to respond to the violence how he sees fit.
• Nellie Tayloe Ross is inaugurated as the Governor of Wyoming on Jan. 5, becoming the first woman elected to a gubernatorial office in United States history.
• Bhanupratap Deo is proclaimed as the new Raja of the princely state of Kanker within British India on Jan. 8. The 3-year-old would rule until 1947, when the princely states are abolished as India gains its independence.
removal contracts as presented.
• The British submarine HMS L24 sinks in the English channel on Jan. 10. The submarine had collided with the Royal Navy battleship HMS Resolution, killing all 43 men aboard the L24.
• Al Capone survives an assassination attempt made by the North Side Gang on Jan. 12 in Chicago. Capone was conducting business inside a State Street restaurant when the rival gang riddled his car with bullets,
SEE 100, PAGE 20
Discussion: Sine feels Villages should work for better solicitation for more competitive and create interest in the bidding. Burch stated this may be the best we will get.
Ayes-6 Nays-0 Motion carried
Winter Parking Permits
Swanberg stated we are currently out of winter parking passes and due to issues with 2nd Avenue parking lot he does not want to issue any passes in that lot. He has offered free parking, with agreement from Waters, in the new lot by the Skatepark due to the distance from the apartments. Looking for guidance on parking, maintenance of 2nd Avenue lot, need to create more spaces, etc. Working on getting a meeting set with Salewski on 2nd Avenue lot. Discussion on other parking options. It was stated that if we don’t own 2nd Avenue lot, we will not maintain lot and the signs should be removed. Directed staff to look into replacing 2nd Avenue spaces with Municipal Building lot spaces.
Future agenda items and updates
Lutz reference the Levy Difference handout showing that taxes will be going down overall and this weekend is LightUp Osceola.
Sine asked what will be before the board at next weeks meeting.
Kline stated he will be sending out information for closed session at next week’s meeting.
President Lutz adjourned the meeting at 6:24 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Carie Krentz, Village Clerk
Home Sweet Home
Saints girls crush Ashland for first conference win
The St. Croix Falls girls basketball team secured its first win of the season with a 56-27 victory over Ashland Dec. 20.
Catherine Williams led the Saints (1-4 conference, 1-6 overall) with an outstanding 21-point performance, hitting nine of her 15 shots from the field. Williams was a force on both ends of the court, adding nine rebounds, three assists, and seven steals to her stat line.
The Saints controlled the boards throughout the game, grabbing 46 rebounds. Jocelyn Shimon and Madi Johnson were pivotal in the rebounding effort, each pulling down nine and eight rebounds, respectively, while chipping in 10 points each.
Amber Bateman added nine points and remained a consistent presence defensively, contributing a steal and tallying eight rebounds. Olivia Shimon rounded
out the team effort with strong ball distribution, managing six assists. Despite 21 turnovers, the Saints’ ability to force Ashland into mistakes and capitalize on scoring opportunities made all the difference.
The Saints also exhibited solid teamwork, with 18 assists highlighting their unselfish play.
Statistical recap aided by AI.
Stars fall at home against Blake
The Blake girls hockey team defeated Western Wisconsin Stars 4-0 on Dec. 20, extending its winless streak to four games.
The first period saw the Stars (2-5-1 overall) hold their ground defensively, with goaltender Sierra Andert making key saves to keep the game scoreless. Andert faced eight shots in the
opening frame, while the Stars managed just four on Blake’s goalie, Janie McGawn. Blake broke through in the second period with two quick goals. Leila Dalum opened the scoring on an even-strength play at 14 minutes, 50 seconds, and less than a minute later, Addie Wethington doubled Blake’s lead, finishing
a feed from Charlotte Palmby. The Stars’ offense was stifled, managing just six shots in the period.
The third period saw Blake pull away with two more even-strength goals by Nola Dalum and Ella Bond. The Stars fought hard but couldn’t penetrate McGawn’s perfect night in the net, as the Blake goalie stopped
all 18 shots she faced. The Stars had four power-play chances throughout the game but struggled to find a rhythm, while their penalty kill held Blake scoreless on two attempts. Andert finished the game with 29 saves on 33 shots. Statistical recap aided by AI.
Osceola grapplers win twice at Osceola
The Osceola wrestling team hosted its annual Osceola Duals on Dec. 21 and competed against Barron, New London-Spicer, Cumberland, and Hudson.
OSCEOLA 64, BARRON 15
Osceola opened the day with a commanding victory over the Bears. The Chieftains capitalized on Barron’s forfeits in multiple weight classes while showcasing their skills on the mat. Landon Peterson, Malakai Barker, Keagan Berg, and Travis Sicard earned early points via forfeits, giving Osceola a strong lead. Hunter Kromrey added to the momentum with a pin in just
WILD RIVER TRAILS
two minutes at 132 pounds, while Logan Meyer (144) and Cody Meyer (150) delivered technical falls. Pins from Isaac Dunnom (157) and Wyatt Hastings (165) sealed the deal. Tristan Campeau (175) and Elliot Havlish (215) also recorded forfeit wins.
NEW LONDON-SPICER 38, OSCEOLA 27
The Chieftains earned six wins against the Wildcats, with three of them only pins. Meanwhile, NL-S finished with five pins, highlighting the difference in points.
OHS’ wins were via Barker, earning a 5-4 decision at 114 pounds; Luke Taylor, who earned
Pheasants and pointers – A great game
Iknew Deke was locked up on point because the receiver I wear around my neck was beeping. The arrow pointed the direction on the screen said he was 127 yards away. I knew I had to get to my young pointer quickly before the bird busted and flew off or Deke would lose his cool and bust the bird before I could get into shooting range. I used to be a lot quicker but now at 74, age has slowed me down a bit.
Columnist
Jim Bennett
We were hunting private land across the road from a 1500 acre public woods, water, wetland and upland area that holds just about any and every critter that flies over or walks on land in the Badger State. The public land gets a lot of hunting pressure
a pin at 127 pounds in 2 minutes, 20 seconds; Cody Meyer, who posted a 5-0 decision at 152 pounds, Isaac Dunnom, who needed extra time to defeat Caleb Nelson at 160 pounds and Lane Lewis (172) and Havlish (215) who recorded pins.
CUMBERLAND 45, OSCEOLA 33
The Beavers secured victories in five of the final seven matches to earn the dual win. Osceola recorded wins from Peterson (forfeit), Barker (pin), Talon Berg (major decision), Meyer (forfeit), Hastings (pin) and Havlish (pin). Barker recorded his pin at 3
SEE WRESTLING, PAGE 13
but I have pretty much exclusive access to the private land, about 60 acres of woods, wetland, upland and one of the thickest cockle burr patches on earth. Looking in the direction of the arrow and listening to the beeper still going off, I knew Deke hadn’t moved. How was I supposed to get over that tight, four-strand barb wire fence, through those cattails, and dense thicket of brush and brambles before the bird decided he couldn’t take the pressure and busted out of cover in full escape mode before I got there? I made it over the fence without ripping my hunting pants crotch out, or worse, then did an end run (okay, it was more of a shuffle but I was in an opening into the woodlot only 88 yards away from Deke). The opening wasn’t as open as I thought. It had all sorts of little eye height branches that wanted to poke my
Saints fall short against Hayward in conference clash
The Hayward boys basketball team grabbed its first win of the season thanks to five players scoring in double figures as it defeated St. Croix Falls 82-66 on Dec. 19.
The Hurricanes clinched the victory in the second half, as they outscored the Saints by 10.
Preston Sullivan led Hayward with 19 points, going 5-for-5 from the free-throw line. He also added six
steals. Dawson Jorczak added 14 points and eight rebounds. Ryker Chipman and Tyler Eaton each scored 13 points, while Caleb Springer scored 12. Eaton also had seven rebounds, six assists, and eight steals. There were no individual stats online for the Saints, who are now 0-4 in the conference and 1-4 overall. Statistical recap aided by AI.
Saints boys wrestling use eight firsts to take Somerset Invite title
BY JASON SCHULTE SENTINELSPORTS48@GMAIL.COM
The St. Croix Falls boys wrestling team had eight first places finishes and 12 top three places overall to claim the Somerset Boys High School Invitational Dec. 20.
“The kids wrestled hard and did a nice job getting to their attacks,” SCF coach Joe Raygor said. “Our previous two weeks, we’ve been battling some of the best teams in Minnesota and Wisconsin, so it was nice to be at a tournament with schools our size for a night.
“We still have a lot to work on, but watching the kids make adjustments this early in the season is always exciting.”
The Saints finished with 604 points ahead of Glenwood City’s 458. New Richmond took third at 436.
Kyle Reed started the
A LOOK AHEAD
championship brigade with the 106-pound title, topped off by a 19-3 technical fall victory over Luck/Frederic/ Grantsburg/Siren’s Colton Wiltrout in the final.
“He entered the tournament 0-2 on the season,” Raygor said. “He ended up dominating his way to his first-ever championship in his high school career. I’m extremely proud of Kyle and his sacrifice for his team.”
Kaiden Hahn used three pins to take the 113-pound title. His shortest match was 45 seconds over Woodbury’s Tareq Khriesat in the quarterfinal, and his longest was 3:34 over Turtle Lake/ Clayton’s Luke Moen in the semifinal.
Isaac Briggs recorded a pin, a technical fall, and a decision to win the 144-pound title. The decision was a 12-11
SEE SAINTS, PAGE 13
Saints girls wrestlers achieve history with win over Mukwonago
The St. Croix Falls girls wrestling team split against Holmen and Mukwonago on Dec. 20, in its first big dual match of the season.
HOLMEN
51, ST. CROIX FALLS 15
Holmen is currently ranked first in the state and has shown that the ranking is deserved.
“We just got a little overpowered in some positions,” SCF coach Joe Raygor said.
Saints’ wins came courtesy of Kylie Miller, who pinned Natalie Markos in 74 seconds at 145 pounds, Lauryn Vee, who earned a 20-5 victory over Jozie Collins at 132 pounds, and Nevaeh Nwachukwu, who defeated Peyton Kratochvill 18-3 at 138 pounds.
“Julianna Johnson came close to upsetting last year’s sixthplace state finisher in Holmen’s Kaytlynn Lambries, losing 5-3,” Raygor added. “Johnson
was winning with short time left and got caught. She’s getting closer to knocking off those girls.”
Additionally, the extra matches brought further success for St. Croix Falls, with Piper Ray, Morgan Hooverman, Hailey Dozois, and Lily Kne all securing victories.
Despite the team loss, the Saints showcased resilience, turning tough matches into learning experiences.
ST. CROIX FALLS 35, MUKWONAGO 27
The history-making win came against Mukwonago, who was fifth in the state.
“It’s our first ranked dual win over a Top 10 opponent in the girls program history,” Raygor concluded. “Three years ago, the women’s program had three girls trying it for the first time.
“Now, in a short three years, there are 15 girls out beating ranked op -
ponents. It’s awesome to see the women’s wrestling growth happen so fast.”
Rae Belleza started strong at 100 pounds with a forfeit victory, while Julianna Johnson earned a decisive win at 114 pounds, pinning Rebekah Katzfey in 1:18.
Nwachukwu continued her stellar day at 138 pounds, earning a technical fall against Lizbeth Gutierrez with a dominant 16-1 victory in just 1:29. Miller added to her success with a hard-fought 7-2 decision at 145 pounds, and Larissa Chapman sealed the dual with a pivotal pin at 185 pounds, defeating McKenzie Healy in 5:06.
“Nevaeh and Kylie’s ability to score bonus points helps the team score big time,” Raygor added. “Both of their wins were in dominating fashion.”
Statistical recap aided by AI.
SAINTS: Saints earn eight firsts at Somerset
FROM PAGE 12
score over Clear Lake’s Trevor Gilbertson in the final.
Payton Kelly won the 165-pound final via a medical forfeit over teammate Micah Nwachukwu. Kelly’s previous three wins were by pins (two) and a decision. Nwachukwu advanced to the final thanks to a pin, a major decision, and a decision.
Drake Peterson was on the mat for under
four minutes, racking up three pins and the 175-pound title. His final win was 98 seconds over Chippewa Falls’ Caiden O’Kelly. Griffin Marko used two pins and a decision to claim the 190-pound title. The decision was a 10-8 win over Ladysmith’s Carter Soltis.
Joe Petherbridge posted three pins and a technical fall to win the 215-pound title. He needed only 36 seconds to defeat Glenwood City’s
WRESTLING: Osceola wins
FROM PAGE 12
minutes, 19 seconds at 113 pounds, Hastings earned his pin at 6:15 at 165 pounds, while Havlish defeated Joseph Eggert in 95 seconds at 215 pounds.
OSCEOLA 46, HUDSON 28
The Chieftains closed the day on a high note, defeating the Raiders. Hudson jumped out to a 12-0 lead, but Osceola responded with wins in six of the next eight matches. Havlish, Peterson, Barker, Keagan Berg,
Kromrey, Logan Meyer, Cody Meyer, and Hastings earned the wins for Osceola. Havlish, Barker, Kromrey, Logan Meyer, Cody Meyer, and Hastings won via pins. Barker’s pin was in 31 seconds at 113 pounds, followed by Logan Meyer’s in 48 seconds at 144 pounds. Keagan Berg posted a major decision, while Peterson received a forfeit.
Girls Results
The OHS girls wrestlers have wrestled several times recently.
Jackson Logghe in the semifinal.
Logan Bockman wrapped up the firstplace finishes with a pin, an injury default, and a decision to earn the 285-pound title. The final was a 5-3 win over Glenwood City’s Blake Fayerweather.
“The kids got on a roll and kept the momentum going,” Raygor said about the champion wrestlers. “It was a great team atmosphere.”
On Dec. 19, Lyv Geving earned a pin over Amery’s Zoe Troff in 30 seconds at 138 pounds, while Amery’s Lyla Stone pinned Tanea Campeau at 120 pounds. Two days later, Ella Anderson earned a pin in 100 seconds over Hudson’s Ella Cothran at 107 pounds and another pin over Hudson’s Annabelle Johnson at 120 pounds. Campeau also pinned Johnson at 120 pounds in 38 seconds. Statistical recap aided by AI.
2024 St. Croix Valley CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION!
Customers will shop at participating merchants businesses and get their Celebration Card stamped for every dollar they spend. When their card is completely full, they may get another and leave completed cards at the last business or bring it to The Sun ofce.
You have until January 3 to complete your cards. Additional cards will be available at The Sun/Country Messenger office or at the participating businesses. The winner will be announced in the January 8 Edition of The Sun/Country Messenger. If you’re the winner, spend your Christmas Cash at any of the participating businesses. It’s that EASY!
Back side of card
Happy birthday to us!
When you “publish” something, you are sharing your ideas with others in a “public way.”
This year, Newspaper Fun is celebrating 20 years of publishing our weekly educational activity page. That may seem like a long time, but some newspapers have been in print for a century or more. Humans have been publishing in one form or another for thousands of years. Cave drawings were the earliest way for people to put their ideas on display for others.
Have you ever dreamed of publishing? This page shows you 12 basic steps for how we do it! Perhaps you can publish a newsletter or web site!
Read the clues to fill in the crossword:
1. ______ a calendar of themes: holidays, seasons, subjects taught in school, events
2. ______ the theme to learn interesting facts and decide how information will be used
Sharing Ideas
3. ______ out ideas for the types of puzzles and how they might fit on a page
4. ______ clues, word banks, directions, hints
5. ______ the puzzles: crosswords, dot-to-dots, mazes, word searches
6. ______ the illustrations and cartoons that we imagine
7. ______ (and tweak) the writing to make sure everything is as clear as possible
8. ______ the puzzles to make sure they are accurate and fun
9. ______ ______ the writing (copy), puzzles and illustrations to make an attractive presentation
10. ______ to look for any errors: spelling, facts, names
11. ______ the final product to a web site so others can print and enjoy it
12. start all over again: ______, visit places, explore, talk to people, take photographs and notes for future themes
Publish your ideas, too.
Tools of Writing and Drawing
Artists may do their work by hand, on a computer, or by using a combination of both.
ink ruler easel erasers mannequin art pencil blending tool dictionary notebooks pens laptop carry bag phone
drawing program digital camera sharpener drawing paper sketch books scanner computer monitor keyboard printer backup storage word processing program
Surprise Party!
Everyone is meeting at the clubhouse to hold a party to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their fun activity page. Help Forest pick up the piñata and the gifts on his way there.
BENNETT: Pheasants and pointers – A great game
FROM PAGE 12
eyes out. I felt lucky over the years that I still have two eyes knowing my glasses have saved my sight on similar hurried up wooded jaunts. I hit 60 yards from my target and another thicket and there was no way to go but straight through. Deke had been holding this bird with his rock solid point for about a minute plus! That’s great for a young pointer. I wondered if it
HOROSCOPES
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
You are likely to question information you receive this week, Aries. Investigate things further, but remain receptive to what others are saying.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
Taurus, it is time to solidify plans and any grand schemes you may have; otherwise, you may not know which path to take. For now, start outlining your ideas.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
Practice your communication skills, Gemini, as you are likely to need them this week. You may need to resolve a sticky situation and serve as a voice of reason.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, this week you may be looking to clean house, so to say. You are tossing away old beliefs and habits and are
might be a hen and not a rooster because it was holding so tight. I had to step on the gas. I caught a glimpse of Deke on rock solid point, peering into some thick bramble just as the rooster erupted into flight. The big bird, long tail dragging, was struggling to get airborne in the thick cover making it seem to be flying in slow motion. It was one of those shots that you can’t miss. The problem was I was still about 10 yards away
ready to embrace something new. It might be an exciting time.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
Leo, everything that you are going through right now is part of a cycle that has a beginning and an end. If you wait it out, you will find that patience pays off.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
Virgo, maintain open lines of communication. Some may offer advice, while others may seek it. Be receptive to the former and do your best to accommodate the latter.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
Do what you can to help others in need, Libra. Offer your services and insight, and be prepared to help in other ways as well.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
Scorpio, you are giving off an
from a good shooting range. That was either one smart rooster or just a lucky bird who only has another week to live through the hunting season. 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.
energy lately that others might be attracted to. Don’t be surprised if your fan club increases in the next few days. Enjoy the attention.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
Communication from a former friend or an old roommate may catch you by surprise this week, Sagittarius. Embrace this opportunity to reconnect.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
Capricorn, you’ve been waiting patiently to say something and looking for an opportunity to share your input. You might need to interrupt if you feel it is important enough.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
Your mind feels as if it’s going in a million different directions, Aquarius. One way to alleviate distractions is to direct your energy to an assortment of small projects.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
Pisces, sometimes it seems like what you are saying is going in one ear and out the other. Don’t let your frustration get the best of you. Keep trying to be heard.
FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS
DECEMBER 29
Jude Law, Actor (52)
DECEMBER 30
LeBron James, Athlete (40)
DECEMBER 31
Val Kilmer, Actor (65)
JANUARY 1
Poppy, Singer (30)
JANUARY 2
Dax Shepard, Actor (50)
JANUARY 3
Eli Manning, Athlete (44)
JANUARY 4
Coco Jones, Actress (27)
Celebrate the Chinese New Year with deep-fried wontons
The Chinese New Year is a unique celebration with a global footprint. While many of the more awe-inspiring celebrations may occur within China, that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to commemorate this unique event elsewhere. Celebrations can even take place at home, where individuals can whip up homemade Chinese fare to lend their festivities a more authentic feel. This Chinese New Year, those who want to bring this unique event into their homes can try the following recipe for “Deep-Fried Pork Wontons” courtesy of Lines+Angles.
Deep-Fried Pork Wontons
For the filling:
7 ounces minced pork
2 spring onions
1 green chili, deseeded
1 tablespoon grated ginger
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
32 square wonton wrappers
Vegetable oil, for frying
To serve:
Mixed leaf salad; cabbage, lettuce and coriander
Sweet and sour sauce
1. Mix together the ingredients for the filling, stirring in one direction only.
2. Place double layers of wonton wrappers in front of you in a diamond shape. Place a little of the filling on the bottom half of the dough. Fold the bottom corner of dough over the filling and roll it once. Take the outside corners and bring them together, sealing with a little water. Stand the wontons on their flat bases and gently separate the two top flaps. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
3. Heat about 4 inches oil in a deep pan until gently bubbling, then fry the wontons in batches for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels then serve on beds of the mixed leaves with the sweet and sour sauce alongside.
Tip: This recipe may also be steamed or boiled.
What
is the
Year
of the Snake?
Chinese New Year is a cultural phenomenon in China. In fact, the National Museum of Asian Art indicates Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in China, where a 15-day celebration incorporates age-old traditions in commemoration of the nation’s culture and history. Chinese New Year also has a global footprint, and celebrations in various countries commemorate this unique event that heralds the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar.
One notable tradition associated with the Chinese New Year involves animals. That tradition is traced to an ancient Chinese poem that told the story of 12 mythical animals that descended from the heavens in a particular order. The Rat was the first animal to arrive and help celebrate the coming spring, and the Pig was the last to make its presence known. Each Chinese New Year commemorates a different animal from that ancient poem, which is why celebrations are often characterized as “Year of the (Name Animal).” Chinese New Year celebrants will commemorate the Year of the Snake in 2025. According to National Museums Liverpool, the snake is wise and intense. The Snake emphasizes physical beauty, which is why it’s often associated with vanity. Travel China Guide adds that the snake carries meanings of malevolence, cattiness and mystery, but also notes that some in China believe a snake found in a courtyard is an omen of good luck. In addition, Chinese mythology characterizes the creator of the world as having a human head and the body of snake.
Compatibility is another notion associated with the animals of the Chinese Zodiac that feature so prominently in Chinese New Year celebrations. The Snake is considered most compatible with the Rooster, which the poem suggests was the tenth animal to descend. The Pig (twelfth) is considered the least compatible animal with the Snake. Chinese New Year is a notably unique celebration. In 2025, the Chinese New Year begins on Jan. 29.
Sharing Ideas
Scan this QR Code to see Employment opportunities in eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin communities.
TREASURER
The City of Scandia is accepting applications for a part-time Treasurer. The position will be under the direction of the City Administrator. The treasurer will be responsible for accounting functions for City financial systems and investments and reporting financial status to the Council. Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent education and two years of accounting or bookkeeping experience. Preferred qualifications include a two or four-year degree in accounting or a related field, government accounting experience, and/or experience with Banyon accounting software.
The pay range is $20.00 - $26.00 per hour plus benefits. A city application is required. For a copy of the application materials, contact the city at 651 433-2274 or visit the city website at www.cityofscandia.com/jobs. Submit the completed application packet to the City of Scandia, 14727 209th St. N., Scandia, MN, 55073, or mail@ci.scandia. mn.us. The position is open until filled. The expected start date is early January 2025. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-888355-6955 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a genera-
tor. It’s a power move. Donate your car, truck, boat, RV and more to support our veterans! Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction! Call Veteran Car Donations at 1-888-425-2108 today! Eliminate gutter
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Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-948-3442
Director is responsible for the full operations of Marketfest including: selling vendor spaces, obtaining sponsorships, booking musicians and managing the budget.
• Strong organizational and communication skills required
• Background in festival and event planning required
Send inquiries and resumes to Dan Perry at dan.perry@edwardjones.com
Annimills
Lions Club delivers beds
In the last few weeks, the Unity and Wanderoos Area Lions have delivered the last seven beds from the Sept 2023 Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) bed build at the Polk County Fairgrounds. These beds were built with labor and donations from multiple Lions groups, Boy Scout groups, church groups and individuals. The SHPs program was brought to the area by the Unity Lions Club and delivered over 26 beds to local children in need. When these beds are delivered, they come with the bed frame, mattress, 5 piece bed in a bag and pillow. The SHPs program motto is No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in our Town! A new bed build is hopefully going to be possible in the spring of 2025. Stay tuned for more information and how local groups and individuals can help.
ANDERSON: Accepting Santa Claus
100: 100 years ago this month FROM PAGE 4
when he woke up, all that strange animosity I had toward teaching Graydon about Santa melted away. It all came full circle. Just like my dad did all those years when I was little, here I was, playing Santa to give my son that
little bit of wonder during Christmas. Now, I can’t wait to watch him look forward to what Santa gives him every Christmas. I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. Until the next one, be the Santa Claus your kids and/or grandkids deserve. Life is hard
enough when you grow up. Let them have that special sense of wonder while they can. 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
FROM PAGE 9
prompting the mobster to order a bulletproof Cadillac.
• Joseph Stalin fires Leon Trotsky as Commissar for Military and Navy Affairs on Jan. 15. A prominent critic of Stalin, Trotsky is eventually murdered at his home in Mexico City by a Stalinist agent in 1940.
• Huddie Ledbetter, better known as “Lead Belly,” is granted a full pardon by Texas governor Pat Morris Neff on Jan. 16. The blues musician had served seven years of his prison sentence after being found guilty of killing a relative over a fight for a woman.
• “The Gentleman Bandit” Gerald Chapman is arrested in Muncie, Ind., on Jan. 18. Chapman is apprehended thanks in part to informant Ben Hance, who is murdered in August in a killing that is believed to have been performed as retaliation for Chapman’s incarceration.
• Roy Olmstead, a lieutenant in the Seattle Police Department, is indicted by a federal grand jury on Jan. 19. Olmstead is accused of smuggling alcohol into the country from Canada in violation of the Volstead Act.
• Curtis Welch, the only doctor in Nome, Alaska, sends an urgent message via radio telegram on Jan. 22. The message alerts all major Alaskan towns of an impending outbreak of diphtheria, while a second message sent to the U.S. Public Health Service in Washington, D.C. highlights the desperate need for antitoxin. Roughly 300,000 units of antitoxin are discovered in Anchorage on Jan. 26, temporarily containing the epidemic.
• Paul Newman is born in Shaker Heights, Ohio, on Jan. 26. The son of Theresa Garth and sporting goods store owner Arthur Sigmund Newman, Sr., the younger Newman would grow up to become one of the world’s most recognizable movie stars and a devoted philanthropist.
• A riot breaks out in Berlin on Jan. 27. Numerous injuries are reported as monarchists, communists and republicans clash during demonstrations held on the birthday of ex-kaiser Wilhelm II.
• On Jan. 28, nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court Harlan Fiske Stone testifies before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. Stone is eventually confirmed by a vote of 71 to 6.
CONTRIBUTED