Public involvement meeting coming for Cascade Falls project
BY MATT ANDERSON EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM
A public involvement meeting is planned to be held in February after the Osceola Village Board approved a preliminary plan for the Cascade Falls project design by MSA Professional Services. The board received an update by Drew Lindh of MSA on the design at their Jan. 14 meeting where they discussed design and project funding and approved the initial design phase of the project ahead of the proposed public meeting. In one of the initial presentations from Lindh in November 2024, the board discussed the initial plan for the project meant to be broken into three phases, the first of which would focus on a sidewalk path, pedestrian hub, overlook, and aluminum staircase with landings. The second phase of the project could possibly include a pedestrian bridge above the falls and another aluminum pedestrian bridge below the falls. The third and final phase could include an asphalt parking area,
pedestrian bridge crossing Osceola Creek, and an aluminum boardwalk connecting to Eagle Bluff trail.
At the time, Lindh reported that there was a project deficit of roughly $250,000. And with an estimated cost of $1,217,400 for the project, the board
has since discussed ways to reduce the overall price tag by eliminating certain items like a paved walkway from PY’s to the 2nd Avenue parking lot, and a drinking fountain and lawn irrigation system which would cost an estimated $55,000 alone to add to
the project.
“Based on the initial cost, which I don’t believe is cost effective for these two things and ongoing costs… These lawn irrigation systems, they don’t last very long,” said Lindh. “So, it could be a
SEE FALLS, PAGE 9
St. Croix Falls School District moves forward after data breach
Osceola School District remains unaffected
BY MATT ANDERSON EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM
Across the nation, a breach in data service provider PowerSchool has many school districts evaluating their data security going forward. Among them is the St. Croix Falls School District, which was victim of a breach in its security information regarding its students. The St. Croix Falls School District has issued a statement regarding what data was leaked and what is being done to resolve the situation.
“We are reaching out to all current families, as well as those from previous years whose contact information we have access to, to make you aware that we were informed on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, that PowerSchool, our
Student Information System (SIS), may have been compromised as a result of an individual gaining access to PowerSchool administrative credentials,” said St. Croix Falls Superintendent Craig Broeren. “We were not provided any specific information about our District at that time, just that some of our data may have been compromised.
“As of Friday, January 10, 2025, we were able to verify that student and staff information was in fact compromised here; however, the data for current students that was taken was ‘directory data’ (names, addresses, class lists, etc.) while former students (those who graduated or left the District between 2004 and 2024 ) may have also had their social security number released as part of this. Please note that the District no longer
SEE BREACH, PAGE 15
Livestock ordinance challenge lawsuit dismissed
BY TOM STANGL
TSTANGL@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM
A lawsuit against the Town of Eureka concerning an ordinance regulating concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) was dismissed in Polk County court.
Ben and Jenny Binversie of rural Luck filed the suit in July.
Attorneys from Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the combined state chamber of commerce and manufacturers association handled it.
The Town of Eureka revised the ordinance in question in March 2022. The regulations apply to new CAFOs or smaller facilities with common ownership that house
at least 700 “animal units”—the equivalent of 1,750 swine or 500 dairy cows.
Eight towns and three counties have passed similar ordinances.
The rules require applicants to apply for an operations permit and submit plans to prevent infectious diseases, air pollution, and odor, manage waste, and han-
dle dead animals. They also mandate traffic and property value impact studies, money set aside for cleanups and decommissioning, and an annual permit fee—in addition to the costs to review the application and enforce the permit terms.
Attorneys for the Binversies in their July lawsuit argued state law
prevents local authorities from passing rules more strict than state law, unless local elected officials can prove they are necessary to protect public health or safety. They also argued the ordinance is unlawful and unenforceable, claiming the ordinance will result in the unlawful expenditure of public funds, harming them and other
taxpayers of Eureka. Lawyers for the Town filed a motion to dismiss the complaint in August, arguing the plaintiffs do not meet justiciability requirements. Justiciability requirements are a set of legal tests that determine if a court can hear a case. They ensure that courts only hear
SEE LAWSUIT, PAGE 9
MATT ANDERSON | THE SUN
A frigid morning nearly froze Cascade Falls solid on Jan. 20. The Cascade Falls Park preliminary plan was approved by the village board offering improved access to the falls when complete.
Hauge Dental Care welcomes Momchilovich to practice
BY MATT ANDERSON EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM
Hauge Dental has welcomed a new member to their team. Hugo, Minnesota native Dr. Janae Momchilovich joined Hauge Dental Care in November, 2024 focusing on comprehensive diagnosis and creating personalized treatment plans for patients of Hauge Dental Care in downtown Osceola.
Momchilovich attended Marquette University in a Pre-Dental Scholars program receiving degrees in biology and Doctor of Dental Surgery
Momchilovich
where she would also meet her husband and fellow dentist, Chris. She then practiced her
residency at the VA Hospital in Dallas, Texas where she expanded her practice to include more complex medical cases including special needs dentistry, sedation, implant placement and complex restorative cases. She and Chris currently live in Woodbury, Minnesota and they hope to stay in the Northeast Twin Cities Metro area since moving there in 2023.
“Being a dentist is the only thing I’ve ever wanted to be,” said Momchilovich. “I don’t have any dentists in my family, but I told my
parents that I wanted to be a dentist before I went to preschool, and it never really changed. I didn’t really know why I wanted to be a dentist, but as I got older, I learned to appreciate the mix between science and art and the ability to help people, not only medically, but also to boost their self-esteem and feel better about themselves.
“It’s not only a medical procedure, but also sometimes a cosmetic one to change someone’s smile. So, I learned to love the more intricate parts of dentistry as I got older and learned more about the profession.”
With her dad growing up in Osceola and her grandparents living there for roughly 30 years, Momchilovich is familiar with the Osceola area. But she was also familiar with Dr. Tom Hauge before taking her journey into dentistry. When Hauge found out that Momchi-
lovich had moved back to the Twin Cities area, he extended an invitation to her which she happily accepted.
“I grew up in the same neighborhood as Dr. Hauge,” said Momchilovich. “He and my parents live in the same neighborhood, so I’ve known him for many years. He had an opportunity at his office and he reached out, not really knowing where I was at with my job situation. He just had known that we had moved back to the Twin Cities. So, when he reached out, I pretty readily jumped on that opportunity because I know the area and knew that it would be a good fit for me.
“So far, I have absolutely loved it. I just feel like the patients have been super welcoming and super easy to meet.
Sometimes it’s intimidating going into a new community, but it’s really been a great tran-
sition. The staff there is wonderful and has really taken me under their wing and made this transition super easy.”
Having worked in the community since November 2024, Momchilovich has already found Osceola to be a welcoming place to practice dentistry. As she continues her practice, she hopes to help all of her patients and put a smile on their faces at Hauge Dental Care.
“I’m super excited to work with the community and I’m always available to help out where needed,” said Momchilovich. “And if people have questions or concerns about their teeth or anything like that, I’m always here to help. That’s the nature of the job. I’m really happy and excited to be a part of the community and really look forward to all the good work I can do and helping along the way.”
JANUARY 22, 2025
ONGOING
The Gathering Meets the first and third Friday at 1 p.m. in the Osceola Senior Center. Discuss topics, exchange ideas, share life experiences. For more info: jimihnye@gmail.com
Tai Chi, Qi Gong Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 9-10 a.m., in the Osceola Senior Center. Available on Zoom, email rmussell@att.net. 312524-3934.
River Valley Stitchers
River Valley Stitchers meet the second Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the second Saturday, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Osceola Senior Center. Participants bring their own projects to work on. For more info contact mkmcelrath@hotmail. com.
American Legion meeting
American Legion Post 0221 meets every third Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Ken’s Keyboard. For more info: Matt Goldman 952-465-5922.
LEGO Club
LEGO Club at the Wilberg Memorial Public Library of Osceola meets the first and third Thursday of the month at 4 p.m. to build with LEGOs.
Used book sale
The Friends of the Osceola Library used book sale and lots of puzzles, is the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the lower level of the Wilberg Memorial Public Library.
Friends of the Library
The Friends of the Osceola Library meets on the fourth Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in the lower level of the Wilberg Memorial Library (Third St. entrance). New members welcome.
Widow Connect
The St. Croix Valley Widow Connect, a subgroup of Widow Might, meets the third Sunday of each month at Trinity Lutheran Church, 300 Seminole Ave, Osceola.
The meeting is from 1-4 pm. https://www.widowmight.org/
MONDAYS
Indianhead Barbershop
The Indianhead Barbershop Chorus meets Mondays at 7 p.m. at the Justice Center in Balsam Lake. 715-475-7666. Alcoholics Anonymous Mondays, 7 p.m., at Osceola United Methodist Church.
TUESDAYS
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
OUT ABOUT&
Free exercise classes for seniors at Osceola Community Church, 2492 Education Ave., 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. For more information: 612751-9151. Learn the Bible Every Tuesday Osceola Elementary School and Intermediate School students have the opportunity to learn the Bible during specials. An Osceola Community Church van will pick them up and return them on time. Contact the church for van schedule, 715-2944332.
WEDNESDAYS
TOPS meeting
Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets every Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Osceola. For more information: Nancy, 715-553-3998.
AA meetings
AA meets at the St. Croix Falls Alanon Club, 221 S. Adams St., St. Croix Falls, at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. NA meets at 6 p.m.
THURSDAYS
Adult grief group
St. Croix Chaplaincy offers a free, online grief support group on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. Find the link to the Zoom meetings at Facebook. com/stcroixchaplaincy. For more information: 651-239-8441 or email StCroixChaplaincy@gmail. com.
Alanon meeting
An Alanon meeting is held at 6 p.m. at the St. Croix Falls Alanon Club, 221 S. Adams St., St. Croix Falls.
Exercise classes
Free exercise classes for seniors at Osceola Community Church, 2492 Education Ave., 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. For more information: 612751-9151.
500 Cards
Seniors meet Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m. for 500 cards at the Osceola Senior Center.
AA meeting
AA meets at Peace Lutheran Church in Dresser every Thursday at 7 p.m.
FRIDAYS
AA meeting
AA meets at the St. Croix Falls Alanon Club, 221 S. Adams St., St. Croix Falls, at 7 p.m. Soma Yoga
Soma Yoga meets at 11 a.m. to noon in the Osceola Senior Center. Gentle mindful practice focusing on breathwork, alignment, & finding individual pose variations. Seated in a chair and standing. Bring a mat and water bottle. For more information,
715-417-2765.
SATURDAYS
www.osceolasun.com
JANUARY 29
Last Wednesday Meal
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 25
Puzzle contest
Third Annual WMPL Puzzle Contest, 10:30 a.m. at the Osceola Senior Center, 310 Chieftain St. Put together a team of up to four puzzlers and compete with other teams to finish the 500-piece jigsaw puzzle the fastest. Space is limited; registration is required. Contact Wilberg Memorial Public Library for information or to register, 715-294-2310.
The Last Wednesday Meal is a community service that provides a free meal to the people of the community. Trinity Lutheran Church will serve the meal at the Osceola United Methodist Church from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The meal is served the last Wednesday of each month from January through October.
JANUARY 31
Bloodmobile
The American Red Cross will be at West Immanuel Lutheran Church, 447 180th St., Osceola, from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. To donate blood simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800733-2767.
FEBRUARY 1
Community Sewing Day
Everyone is invited to participate in a Community Sewing Day for Lit-
ST. CROIX FALLS SENIOR CENTER
BY WANDA BROWN
Cards and games each week: Small fee.
Mahjong: Wednesdays at noon.
Bridge: Fridays at 10 a.m.
500: Saturdays at 12:30 p.m.
500 tournament at Unity VFW, Feb. 8, March 8 and April 12.
Zumba: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:30 a.m. Core and More: Tuesday and Thursday at 8:30 a.m. Butts and Gutts: Tuesday and Thursday at 4:30 p.m. Challenge yourself with a great strength and toning workout. Bring a mat to class for floor exercise. Small fee for exercise classes.
Sunday morning Church: Living Waters Church All Welcome. 10 a.m.
Information or reservation of the Center, call Brad Moore 906-396-2481.
tle Dresses for Africa at Peace Lutheran Church in Dresser from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. No sewing experience needed. Light lunch served. Used book sale
The Friends of the Osceola Library used book sale including lots of puzzles, is the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the lower level of the Wilberg Memorial Public Library.
FEBRUARY
Bloodmobile
4
The American Red Cross will be at Cushing
THE OPEN CUPBOARD
Community Center, from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. To donate blood simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800733-2767.
FEBRUARY 12
Spread the Love 5K
The Osceola High School Mental Health Matters Club will be sponsoring the Spread the Love 5K at the Osceola High School at 6 p.m. Race will be inside. For more information email pattersonc@osceolak12. org.
Items needed at Osceola’s food pantry: Butter and eggs
Items can be dropped off during business hours Monday and Wednesday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. After hours donations can be left in the black bin in front of the building at 406 2nd Ave.
PUBLIC NOTICES
STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS (Informal Administration) Case No. 25 PR 04 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF Charlene M. Berg PLEASE TAKE NOTICE:
1. An application for informal administration was filed.
2. The decedent, with date of birth Nov. 19, 1948, and date of death Dec. 12, 2024, was domiciled in Polk County, State of Wisconsin, with a mailing address of 596 224th Street, Osceola, WI 54020.
STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS (Informal Administration) Case No. 24 PR 119 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF Susan D. Griffin Wendel PLEASE TAKE NOTICE:
1. An application for informal administration was filed.
2. The decedent, with date of birth November 11,1960, and date of death October 11, 2024, was domiciled in Polk County, State of Wisconsin, with a mailing address of 1368 Northpoint Road, St. Croix Falls, WI 54024.
3. All interested persons waived notice.
4. The deadline for filing a claim against the decedent’s estate is May 1, 2025.
5. A claim may be filed at the Polk County Courthouse, 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, Room 500. By the court: Cheryl Winberg Probate Registrar January 16, 2025 Jeanine M. Sandberg 2251 60th Avenue Osceola, WI 54020 612-590-2656 23-25Sc WNAXLP
3. All interested persons waived notice.
STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY
NOTICE AND ORDER FOR NAME CHANGE HEARING Case No. 25CV13 IN THE MATTER OF THE NAME CHANGE OF Renesmae Rose Muzquiz
By (Petitioner)
Isaac James Hendrickson
By (Co-Petitioner)
Alexis Marie Fuller
NOTICE IS GIVEN:
A petition was filed asking to change the name of the person listed above:
From: Renesmae Rose Muzquiz
To: Renesmae Rose Hendrickson
Birth certificate: Renesmae Rose Muzquiz
IT IS ORDERED: This petition will be heard in the Circuit Court of Polk County, State of Wisconsin: Jeffery L.
4. The deadline for filing a claim against the decedent’s estate is April 17, 2025.
5. A claim may be filed at the Polk County Courthouse, 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, Room 500. By the court: Cheryl Winberg Probate Registrar January 2, 2025 Ronald L. Siler Williamson & Siler, S.C. 201 S. Knowlels Avenue New Richmond, WI 54017 715-246-6806 Bar #1022083 23-25Sc WNAXLP
Anderson, 1005 W. Main St., Branch 2, Balsam Lake, WI, on Feb. 14, 2025, at 8:30 a.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: Jeffery L. Anderson Circuit Court Judge Jan. 10, 2025 25-27Sp WNAXLP
OPINION
www.osceolasun.com
Always next year
The National Football League’s postseason rolls along, with the championships of both conferences scheduled for this weekend.
The Super Bowl will be played next month, and the hype and spending will continue for another year. I read the NFL is considering extending its season so the Super Bowl can coincide with Presidents Day and the Monday holiday after the Super Bowl can become a reality.
Yes, that has been a thing for a few years now.
Look, I know as Americans it is our right to be over the top on many things. We eat and drink too much, we party too much, and we don’t work enough. We are entitled to our entitlements – I think it’s somewhere in the Constitution. If it isn’t, it should be included. Why isn’t Congress working on this now?
The Super Bowl audience is traditionally a high-water mark for television. Commercial rates are set accordingly so local affiliates can make some money on the game as well. Some people tune in just to see the commercials, and news stories are done about which ads were good and which ones were bad.
Most local folks who are fans of the Green Bay Packers or Minnesota Vikings are working their way through the seven stages of grief after their teams exited in the first round of the playoffs. Fourteen of the 32 NFL teams make the playoffs. If your team was among the teams playing, congratulations. If you are a fan of a deadbeat team like my Miami Dolphins, who missed the playoffs again this year, you are farther along in your grieving process, moving through shock/denial, anger, bargaining, depression, guilt, testing and on to acceptance.
I would argue it takes a while to move past anger, but that’s just me.
How invested I get in a sports team never ceases to amaze me. Like many other fans, I feel better on Mondays when my team wins on Sunday. If they lose, it takes a while to get over the sting and accompanying funk that follows. Clearly, the tribal gene is hard wired in many of us at our core. Rationally, I know I could do nothing to change the outcome. I made all the tackles I was supposed to, wore my lucky article of clothing, drank my game-day cup of coffee in the team mug, and said my prayers. But still, despite my best efforts, my team fell short.
I also know when grown men play a child’s game there are many, many variables. Weather, egos, coaching, officiating, and crowd interactions all play a role in the outcomes. It is a team sport, so everyone on the field potentially has an impact on every play.
This allows pundits to opine about how good or bad a player or strategy is when they run replays several times to point out what could have gone better. Of course, the actual play takes place in just a few seconds at speeds over 20 miles an hour. I will do my best to enjoy the big games, looking closely to see if there’s a redemption story to root for, a villain to root against or a local tie to latch on to and connect with.
Packers and Vikings fans, take heart. Like the other 26 teams sitting on the sideline, as Jim McKay always said on ABC’s “The Wide World of Sports” the “thrill of victory and the agony of defeat” will be there for you next year.
As always, I welcome your comments. You can reach me by email at tstangl@theameryfreepress. com, telephone 715-268-8101 or write me at P.O. Box 424, Amery, WI, 54001.
Thanks for reading. I’ll keep in touch. Feel free to do the same.
AEditor
Matt Anderson
s quickly as the TikTok ban took place, it was reversed. In less than 24 hours, TikTok was up and running again in the United States after it was briefly banned due to the Supreme Court’s decision in the belief that it was a risk to citizen data security and exposure to Chinese propaganda. While I understand the concerns surrounding the Supreme Court decision, I’m honestly glad TikTok is up and running again. Allow me to explain.
I’m not naive to the fact that social media has a lot of garbage in it. There’s a lot of vitriol, ignorance, misinformation and so much negativity to be found on all social media platforms. I’ve written before about how I feel it’s a good idea to keep your political opinions to yourself rather than post them on social media simply because you may very likely
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.)
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see the worst of people. There’s something about the false sense of power being behind a screen gives people that allows them to be downright nasty in a way they likely never would be in person. That said, social media does have positives as well. You just have to look in the right places and from a certain perspective to understand it.
For example, when was the last time something broke in your house and you had no idea how to fix it? YouTube can help! If you simply search, “How to fix ‘X’ item” you’re going to find multiple videos that can help you step-bystep to fix whatever is broken. No more digging up your owner’s manual and hoping to God you can figure it out on your own. Plenty of people have uploaded videos to simply help you out when something needs fixing.
As a fisherman, I’ve also learned so much from social media. I particularly love bass fishing. It’s what I grew up doing, and over the years I’ve read a ton of magazines and books, fished with a lot of people, and put countless
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hours in to learn as much as I can to improve my game.
But in the last seven or so years, I have learned more about bass fishing from the Tacticalbassin YouTube channel than I have in my whole life. Those guys are humble, helpful, and only want to see other bass anglers catch more fish. And at 627,000 subscribers, they’re making a darn good living doing it too.
That brings me to TikTok.
According to recent data, there are 1.3 million content creators on TikTok. That’s an insane number when you think about it. And while many of them aren’t necessarily making a full-time living on it, a lot of them are growing. And plenty of them are not just making a living, but a very wealthy living making content on the app. If it were banned, all those content creators would at least lose a substantial source of income if they are producing content on other social media apps. But at worst, those up-and-coming creators who gained their
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Publisher
Tom Stangl
Clean ankles
Idon’t normally tackle controversial issues, but today I’m going out on a limb. Baths are better than showers.
I don’t care what my husband, Peter, or my mother and father have to say on the subject. I don’t care about those people who take samples of bathwater and look at them under microscopes and tell you that you are bathing in miniscule amounts of dirt and microorganisms. They are all wrong, and I will tell you how I know. I looked at my ankles. When Peter and I stay in Mexico, I do not have a bathtub. I will admit, when the sun is shining and we are eating outside in February surrounded by the friendly staff at our hotel, I am not exactly hankering to get back to the gloom of the Midwest. I can go for days without being under a cloud, wearing shorts and sandals and eating fresh avocados every day. If it wasn’t for missing my family, I’d be happy just to stay, and I can’t
• Ceramic Crowns (1 day crowns)
• Oral Surgery (implants)
• Cosmetic
honestly say I would miss much— except for my bathtub. I love a hot bath. And baths are better. I have proof. The proof is on my ankles. When I get home after a long stay in Mexico, I sit in the bathtub and give myself a good scrub, and the things that need scrubbing the most are my ankles. It would be only a slight exaggeration to say that they are filthy. And this is no surprise.
Anyone who has tried to properly scrub their ankles while standing in a shower should save their skills and become a yoga instructor. Or a stork. It is not physically possible. There are creative ways to get one’s feet clean, but the ankles suffer in a shower. And before anyone tells me it doesn’t matter because ankles are covered by socks, I’d like to point out that this could apply to a lot of other body parts. It’s a slippery slope. If we’re going to be OK with dirty ankles, what’s next?
Baths are also much more relaxing. I don’t have to be worried about how much water is running down the drain while I wash. I can be concerned about the environment and the cleanliness of my ankles and my need to relax all at the same time. I can simply lie still in hot water and enjoy the sensation of nothing to do (other
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than wash my ankles, of course) and breathe in steamy air. It is the perfect way to relax after a long day. I get out of the bathtub, and I am never cold or rushed or bothered by the microscopic organisms I hear are rumored to be clinging to me. I am at peace. I have never felt truly peaceful getting out of a shower. (But then, how could I with dirty ankles?)
I realize I will not win this debate. There are houses that don’t even have bathtubs these days. I hear people say they are dangerous and take up space and no one has the time.
My feeling is that, if I run out of time for a hot bath, I need to reorder my schedule. I will always have time for a hot bath. I will have time on good days and bad. I will have time when I’m actually dirty and on days when I just need to feel warm and relaxed. I take a bath and feel as if I get out ready for a new beginning, each and every time.
And I have remarkably clean ankles.
Till next time,
Carrie
To see photos, check out CarrieClassonAuthor on Facebook or visit CarrieClasson.com.
YEARS AGO
20 years ago Jan. 19, 2005
• Olivia Wilson, an eighth grade student at Osceola Middle School, captured her second Osceola Middle School Geography Bee title.
• Polaris donated a Ranger 6x6 to the Polk County Sheriff’s Department.
• Osceola High School student Amanda Haase attended the National FFA Convention in Louisville, Ky., and met country music singer Trace Adkins.
• Osceola swimmers Luke Byker, Walter DeKock and Logan Sullivan qualified for the Wisconsin State Meet.
• St. Croix Falls High School students received awards for exhibiting outstanding problem solving skills in December. They included Marley Hanson, Shannon Loberger, Emily Thayer, Karissa Mewes, Jeremy Dietmeier, Peter Weber, Matt Campeau and Mitch Judkins.
• Osceola boys basketball improved its conference record to 2-3 after picking up a road win at Ellsworth, 60-55.
• Chieftain wrestlers competed at the Stillwater duals and finished second behind Milaca. Kaleb Kroells, Kevin Steffen, Dave Olson, Andy Geving and Brett Madlon posted 3-0 records.
• Kevin McCusker placed first in the 200 weight class at the Osceola Powerlifting meet.
30 years ago Jan. 18, 1995
• Disclosure of the St. Croix Falls City Administrator William Sizemore’s criminal record led to the city attorney’s resignation, threatening phone calls and questions about proper governmental procedure.
• The Osceola Fire Department made a total of 41 runs in 1994 with less manpower hours than 1993.
• Action by the Osceola Village Board allowed the village to own 30 acres of land for expansion of the industrial park.
• Shelly Udovich, Polk County’s Fairest of the Fair, was named Miss Congeniality in Wisconsin’s Fairest of the Fair competition.
• The Osceola wrestling
President Joe Biden
team traveled to Unity and picked up their second dual meet win in a row, 39-34. Nate Demulling won his match to seal the Chieftain win.
• Chieftain girls basketball opened the week with a 50-17 win over Frederic. Steph Bullard led Osceola with 10 points. On Friday they lost to Durand, 69-42.
• Miss Osceola Gina Laursen was among 80 visiting queens at the St. Paul Winter Carnival.
• Several Osceola businesses sponsored a “Hot Shot” contest at the basketball game on Friday. One woman, one man and one student tried lay ups, free throws, three point and half court shots to win prize money.
40 years ago Jan. 22, 1985
• Osceola resident Robert Viau and partners Steve Johnson and Pat Pauman of Minnesota began a 3,000 mile round-trip snowmobile ride from Lake Elmo to Montreal, Canada on Jan. 24. They were raising money for MS.
• Area pastors and lay people gathered at Peace Lutheran Church on Jan. 15 to discuss peace and justice issues. Participants included Ann McKee, Carolyn Saunders, Larry Hakes, Kathy Howe, Paul Howard, Diane Lechman, Mary Ellen Deloach, Cheryl Kleven, Wayne Deloach and Jim Dabruzzi.
• Sherry Foss, Miss Osceola, was one of 61 queens to arrive in St. Paul Jan. 31 for “Wintertainment 1985” and the St. Paul Winter Carnival.
• Margaret Piszczek and Vera Wulf, Polk County Chapter members of the Wisconsin Citizens Concerned for Life, participated in the “tie a red ribbon” project to remember lives lost by the Jan. 23, 1973, Supreme Court decision to allow abortion.
• New Osceola Business Association officers were Vice President Bill Chantelois, Secretary/Treasurer Vicki Burton and President Dale Morrill.
• Osceola boys basketball brought their record to 10-0 after beating Frederic 78-49. Brian Thompson scored 18 points and had 16 rebounds.
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 EversInfo@wisconsin.gov • www.evers.wis.gov
Rep. Duke Tucker 75th Assembly District P.O. Box 8953 • Madison, WI 53708-8953 (608) 237-9175 or 1-888-534-0075
Rep.Tucker@legis.wisconsin.gov
Senator Rob Stafsholt 10th Senate District Room 15 So., State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882 • Madison, WI 53708 (608) 266-7745
Sen.Stafsholt@legis.wisconsin.gov NO CALL LIST 1-888-382-22 or website: datcp.wi.gov
Dr. Carla Hauge Dr. Thomas Hauge Dr. Jordan Dittberner
Taylor Lundquist
Janae Momchilovich
Skip the resolutions
Habits are hard to change, so skip the resolutions. It may be a good idea to have your spouse, children and other special friends help you make them. You know what I mean?
Be gentle, be kind, be encouraging, and that’s not always easy.
Columnist
Gene
Johnson
In all our newspapers we try to celebrate success, years of service, and enter contests within the associations for quality of work.
The Press celebrates years of service of staff members. On a snowy day in December, Myrna Press reached the 17-year mark at the front desk as executive assistant to Carter and Gene. At the end of the day, she was presented a gift for being the first one at work that day, as a number of employees surrounded her with accolades of loyalty and competence. When asked, “What made you come in on this snowy day, or at least not come in until a little later?” she answered, “It’s just how I was raised.” She grew up on a farm in North Dakota where a strong work ethic was expected. Maybe by now you have found it interesting that her last name is Press.
Last call for ballots
I thought our November state and national elections were over. They are still counting ballots and there is likely to be some re-elections where ballots can’t be found right here in Minnesota. On the presidential side, there were people who were surprised at the outcome. Maybe there were lessons learned. Minnesotans were frustrated with the spending that had been going on and the corruption in food programs for children, not holding construction and software companies to their bids, dealing with the safety of light rail and the overruns of the light rail construction in the southwest metro. The project is now delayed nine years.
People voted across the country and showed their displeasure with government leadership, the expansion of government, and the excessive programs affecting the economy.
The future challenges will include controlling medical costs, immigration, insurance rates, and inflation which far exceeds incomes.
It was another indication that every vote counts, if they got counted.
Generational living
A trend is emerging of multi-generational housing. Homes that have adult siblings, adult children over the age of 18, and parents and/or grandparents residing with the primary home buyer. A local realtor, Joe Benson, sent me some information on this statistic. Between 2013 and 2024 it has been gaining traction. 17% of homes purchased last year were multi-generational households.
A number of factors bring this about, such as high interest rates and housing costs. It also points to the growth of condominiums and large rental units, especially near freeways, light rail and inner-city housing. Storms and fires caused
NOTICE OF RABIES VACCINATION AND DOG LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Pursuant to Section 174.052, Wisconsin Statutes, notice is hereby given to all owners of dogs in Polk County that rabies vaccinations and dog licenses are required under the statutes.
Vaccination by a veterinarian against rabies of all dogs is required (Sec.95.21) within 30 days after the dog reaches 5 months of age, and re-vaccinated before certificate expires or within three years of the previous vaccination. Notice is hereby further given that evidence that the dog is currently immunized against rabies must be presented before a license can be issued. To qualify for the minimum license fee for neutered males or spayed females, presentation of evidence attesting to same must be presented when applying for the license.
PENALTIES
A minimum late fee of $5 shall be assessed the owner of each dog 5 months of age or over who fails to obtain a dog license by April 1st of each year, or within 30 days of acquiring ownership on or before the dog reached licensable age. The minimum late fee may be raised by municipal action.
Any owner who fails to have a dog vaccinated against rabies as required by statute may be required to forfeit not less than $50 nor more than $100.
Share your library love story
“Public libraries are the heart and soul of any community. They are a place to read and think and browse and dream.”
– Mary McNear, contemporary American author
Do you love your library? Even if “love” feels like a strong word, you enjoy using the library regularly, bringing your kids to story time, or participating in the summer reading program. Whatever your connection, now is the time to let your legislators know!
We’re inviting you to share your Library Love Story. Not sure where to start? Here are questions to spark your creativity: What makes the library vital to your community?
What problem has your library helped you solve in 2024?
What have you accomplished with help from your library?
How does the library stand out from other services?
You can also share personal anecdotes, like how the library helped you in a tight spot, your favorite library activities, or how a librarian went beyond to assist you. Whether it’s about computers, programs, or the joy of browsing, your story matters!
Your submission can be as short or detailed as you like. Write it, type it, or get creative with a drawing or photo. If you have visual elements, you can email them or drop them off at the library.
Why does your story
matter? Because it helps elected officials and funders understand the profound value libraries bring to our community. Public libraries rely on funding from local, county, and state governments, as well as federal grants. Sharing your experiences demonstrates how your library matters to you and your neighbors.
We’ve made it easy! Use the online form on our library’s website or visit your local branch to share your story in person. But don’t wait— submit your Library Love Story by February 2nd. Together, we’ll ensure libraries remain a cornerstone of our community.
“Libraries always remind me that there are good things in this world.” – Lauren Ward, American signer & actor
Geraldine E. Anderson Village Library, Dresser Phone: 715-755-2944, email: dresserpl@ dresserpubliclibrary.org, web: https://dresserpubliclibrary.org, or find us on Facebook.
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 10-7, Tuesday and Friday 10-5, Saturday 10-1. Outdoor book return open 24/7 at the blue box. Wi-Fi: Free 24/7 near the library. Computers, printing, copies, etc. Call or email for special needs or assistance.
Small meeting room for your Zoom calls, etc. —Check-in with your library card. Call us with any special assistance needs.
Family Story Time: Every second Saturday
of the month at 10:30 a.m. at the Library. Stories, interactive songs, and sensory activities suitable for a wide range of ages. Preschool -Kindergarten will most benefit.
Check our website, Facebook, or call for more information on programming.
St. Croix Falls Public Library Phone: 715-483-1777, email: scflibrary@scfpl. org, web: https://www. scfpl.org, Facebook too.
Hours/Services: M-F 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
24/7 After Hours Locker Pick-up - To schedule –call 715-483-1777 or email scflibrary@scfpl.org
Book Return: 24/7 through the return slot near the main entrance. Free Wi-Fi 24/7 near the library. Computers, printing, faxing, copies, etc. Call or email for special needs or assistance.
Knit and Crochet Group, every second Monday of each month from 6-8 p.m. Come and stitch with us. Bring your project or start a new one.
Winter Storytime, every Wednesday, through Feb. 19 at 10:15 a.m.
Workshop Series from January-June 2025 - free! Workshops include a variety of activities. Feb. 6, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and Feb. 23, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The last Wednesday of each month will be story time yoga with Yogilee and Elham.
Check our website, Face Book, or call for more information on programming.
Wilberg Memorial Public Library of Osceola
Phone: 715-294-2310, email: osceolapl@osceolapubliclibrary.org, web: www.osceolapubliclibrary.org, or find us on Facebook.
Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m-1 p.m. Please call us if you need special assistance to pick up your holds.
Book Return: 24/7 at drop box near drive thru window.
Free Wi-Fi 24/7. Follow our Facebook page or website for details.
Join us for the magic of story time – where books come alive! Storytime Tuesdays at 10:30 am.
LEGO Club – first and third Thursdays of the month at 4 p.m.
Get Lit - The Library Book Club that meets at the Cascade Bar & Grill - first Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. Pick up a copy of the book from the library.
Lunch with a Librarian. Bring your lunch to the library to chat about books, movies, or anything else library related. first and third Monday of the month at 12:30 p.m.
Adult Winter Reading Program through March 31. Read, watch, or participate to earn entries into the prize drawing. Stop into the library for more details.
Third Annual WMPL puzzle contest Jan. 25 at 10:30 a.m. Get your team of up to four people together to puzzle for prizes.
WMPL Book Discussion - fourth Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. at the library. Get a copy of the book from the library.
Lakes study highlights clarity, low phosphorus and chlorophyll levels
With close to 4,000 lakes, Polk County’s study focused on just seven undeveloped water bodies
BY RAYMOND T. RIVARD RAY@SENTINELMEDIA.NET
Polk County has clean lakes, a fact with which most residents would agree.
But a recent study has confirmed that notion.
Of the county’s 3,871 water bodies, many are undeveloped and were the subject of a study conducted over the course of 2023 and 2024 by Katelin Anderson and Colton Sorensen of the Polk County Land and Resource Department.
Their two-year study focused on just seven of the more than 3,800 lakes.
But by doing so, Anderson and Sorensen had the time to drill down into the lakes’ qualities, how they differed, and why. In presenting their findings
to the county Environmental Services Committee last week, Anderson and Sorensen laid out their purpose: To determine water quality on lakes with limited development and comparing the data from undeveloped lakes and developed lakes.
What they found was that the undeveloped lakes were “clean”, with one lake, Margaret, registering “no phosphorus” on four separate occasions.
In noting that fact, Sorensen said, “That’s impressive.”
Criteria established
In selecting lakes for their studies, the county employees set their criteria, and water bodies were removed from consideration if:
They were not a lake (flowages, rivers, streams)
They were less than 10 acres
They were less than 5 feet deep or disappeared on summer aerial
They had an inlet/outlet
They boat ramp access
They had existing data
They had more than one dwelling
They also said they considered lake distribution across Polk
County.
The lakes they chose: Dinger
Margaret Pogo Ember
Lost
Mud (Dace) Omer
In addition to measuring water clarity with a Secchi Disc, phosphorus and chlorophyll were also measured.
Why measure the phosphorus and chlorophyll?
Phosphorus is the nutrient most often responsible for excess plant and algae growth, while Chlorophyll is an indicator of algae growth.
What the researchers found was that all the lakes measured were within the acceptable ranges for phosphorus and chlorophyll. They also defined the Trophic State Index, which divides lakes into three categories: Oligotrophic Mesotrophic
Russell Eugene Johnson
Russell Eugene Johnson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, died peacefully Jan. 11, 2025. He was 79.
Russell was born April 13, 1945, in Amery, to LeRoy and Inez Johnson, Russell was a lifelong resident of the St. Croix Falls area. He attended St. Croix Falls High School, where he met the love of his life, Lila. The two were married for 61 wonderful years, building a life filled with love, family, and community.
Russell devoted his life to the family farm, cherishing the land and animals he cared for so deeply. His dedication to the farm extended well into his later years, working alongside his son, Mark, in the family business. Known for his kind and gentle spirit, Russell loved being outdoors, hunting, and spending time with family and friends. He had a special connection with animals, and they, in turn, adored him. From his beloved cows to the farm’s dogs and cats, every creature under his care was treated with love and respect.
Russell is survived by his wife, Lila Johnson; daughter, Kimberly Meek (David); son, Mark Johnson and friend Linda Nelson; daughter Christy Olson (Troy); and his treasured grandchildren, Callie Johnson, Brenna Johnson, Reed Olson, and Charlie Olson.
His legacy of love, hard work, and kindness will remain in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to share in his life.
A celebration of Russell’s life will be held this spring or summer.
Arrangements by the Grandstrand Funeral Home in Osceola. Condolences may be expressed online at www.grandstrandfh.com
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN – GREEN BAY
Dylan Smith of St. Croix Falls received Highest Honors during the fall semester.
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN – STOUT
The following students were named to the fall semester Dean’s List. Dresser: Grace Gi.housen, Evan Rose, Nick Sedok. Osceola: Mason Campbell, Connor Eid, Kait Nelson, Georjeanna Osterbauer, Owen
CHURCH LISTINGS
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
Community Sewing Day at Peace Lutheran
It promises to be a colorful day at Peace Lutheran Church in Dresser on Feb. 1. That’s when the public is invited to participate in a Community Sewing Day for Little Dresses for Africa. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a light lunch served mid-day. People are welcome to come for all or any part of the time.
The community-wide event has been held since 2018 as a local endeavor to support the international aid project. There will be plenty of materials available for the project and volunteers who
WEEKLY MEDITATION
New Years resolutions
BY PASTOR TONY MINELL NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
plan to sew are welcome to bring their own machines. Can’t sew? No problem. Help is also needed to cut patterns and iron. There are also kits available to take and sew at home. Many hands will make work light and fun, turning the day into a feel-good and productive event. Anyone under 16 must be with an adult.
PatrickNichols, Shelby Wiederin, Colton Wilmot. St. Croix Falls: Jenna Driscoll, Riley Holsclaw, Luke Kubesh, Jacob McKinven. Star Prairie: Benjamin Moe, Thomas Newman.
SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY
Abbigail Stener of Osceola has been named to the fall semester Dean’s List. Callie Halstrom of Dresser was named to the fall semester President’s List.
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
Can you believe it? By the end of next week, January will be drawing to a close, and we will be charging into 2025’s shortest month – February. Time just doesn’t slow down. And just as quickly as the days disappear, those resolutions that were so passionately made a month ago are likely falling by the wayside with quick and unfortunate gusto. In time we all fall back (with very few who are able to push through to the end) into the old patterns of who we are. Indeed, even with the few success stories among us, we are unable to truly change who we are.
The fact that we are a people who need help is not news to the prophet Micah (if you haven’t looked at the book of Micah lately, take a look – but be ready for some sobering truths). Micah begins his message to Judah by letting them know of their impending doom. But his message of destruction for a sinful people (all of which could be applied to each of us) is not without hope.
In Micah 4:1-2a he expresses the
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
and industries. They
If you would like to be a church page sponsor please call 715-294-2314. These Church listings are sponsored by
Little Dresses for Africa is a non-profit Christian organization founded in 2008. The brightly-colored little dresses serve as “ambassadors” to Africa and other areas where children – particularly girls – are most vulnerable, to help them feel good about themselves and let them know they are worthy. According to LDfA, the dresses create another avenue into homes, to form relationships and educate distressed regions on the importance of clean water and community. You can learn more about the international project by going to their website at littledressesforafrica. org.
hope that in the days to come, despite the impeding destruction of the temple,
“the mountain (temple) of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and it shall be lifted up above the hills; and peoples shall flow to it and many nations shall come, and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.”
There is good news to come! In the following chapters Micah reveals that there will be a ruler to be born in Bethlehem. Christmas is the exact fulfillment of the prophecy of Micah.
But for Micah’s audience, the days of salvation are yet far off. God’s people would need to wait nearly 800 years to see Micah’s words fulfilled. In the same way, we view the promise of salvation for a day yet to come (if you are reading this you are still waiting for that great inheritance which is being kept for you). For those who have turned to Christ for salvation we have already received God’s salvation, but we have not yet fully realized our
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
For more information about the sewing event at Peace, contact Diane at 715-483-9791.
inheritance in heaven. Thus, we must wait (like Micah’s readers). And even if impending doom knocks at our doors, we are called to “look to the Lord” (7:7). Micah writes, “I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me” (7:7). What is most fascinating, and perhaps most insightful for our culture, is that the person who is truly turning to the Lord for salvation must first be willing to acknowledge that we are deserving of God’s indignation.
In the midst of this inspiring moment - waiting for the salvation of the Lord - Micah writes something our culture tends to avoid. He says, “I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against him.” He is willing to acknowledge (first) that he has sinned and that he is willing to stand under the judgement/indignation of God (7:9a)! Then, in 7:9b Micah says, “until he pleads my cause and executes judgement for me. He will bring me out to the light”!
The person looking to the Lord for salvation must first look to Him for judgement. These two SEE MEDITATION, PAGE XX
ST. ANNE PARISH 139 Church Hill Road Somerset, WI 54025 715-247-3310 Rev. Joseph Madanu ST. CROIX FALLS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Upper St. Croix Parish 300 North Adams Street St. Croix Falls 715-483-9494 churches@centurytel.net umstcroixfallswolfcreek.org
Pastor Jenny Lee
ST. CROIX UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP 201 N. Adams, St. Croix Falls www.scuuf.org Rev. Terri Burnor
ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH Franconia, MN 651-465-7345 www.stfrancisfranconia.org Fr. John Drees
ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC Osceola Rev. Joseph Madanu 715-294-2243
ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC 490 Bench Street Taylors Falls, Minnesota 651-465-7345 www.stjosephtaylorsfalls.org Fr. John Drees
RIVER VALLEY CHRISTIAN CHURCH LIGHTHOUSE 89 160th Street St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin 715-483-5378 Pastor Jonah Fetzer
SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH MISSOURI SYNOD 140 Madison Street St. Croix Falls Pastor Mark Schoen 715-483-86
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH TAYLORS FALLS Rev. Tom Ervasti 651-242-6046 Sunday services at 10 a.m.
TRINITY EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH (WELS) 300 Seminole Ave., (Ct H M) Osceola 715-294-2828
LAKES: Lake study highlights clarity, low phosphorus/chlorophyll levels
FROM PAGE 6
Eutrophic
They said 31% of Polk County lakes are mesotrophic; while 66% are eutrophic; and 3% are oligotrophic.
Of the lakes studied, the researchers broke them down by category: Oligotrophic – Margaret Lake
Clear water, low productivity
Very desirable fishery of large game fish
Mesotrophic – Ember Lake
Increased production
Accumulated organic matter
Occasional algal bloom
Good fishery
Eutrophic – Dinger, Dace (Mud), Lost, Pogo, and Omer
Very productive
May experience oxygen depletion
Rough fish common
The chart above shows that two Polk County lakes studied, Margaret and Ember, were above the Polk County average of 7.5 feet for Secchi Disc depth (meaning that when the disc is sunk into the water, it is last visible at 7.5 feet).
Margaret, Ember,
VILLAGE OF DRESSER SPRING PRIMARY ELECTION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2025 VOTING BY ABSENTEE BALLOT
Any qualified elector who is unable or unwilling to appear at the polling place on election day may submit a request to vote an absentee ballot to their municipal clerk. A qualified elector is any U.S. citizen, who will be 18 years of age or older on election day, who has resided in the ward or municipality where they wish to vote for at least 28 consecutive days before the election. The elector must also be registered to vote to receive an absentee ballot. Proof of identification must be provided before an absentee ballot may be issued.
YOU MUST MAKE A REQUEST FOR AN ABSENTEE BALLOT IN WRITING OR ONLINE AT MyVote.wi.gov.
Contact your municipal clerk and request that an application for an absentee ballot be sent to you for the election. You may also submit a written request in the form of a letter or you may apply for an absentee ballot online on MyVote.wi.gov. Your written request must list your voting address within the municipality where you wish to vote, the address where the absentee ballot should be sent, if different, your signature and a copy of your photo identification. You may make application to your municipal clerk for an absentee ballot in person, by mail, by fax, by email or at MyVote.wi.gov.
MAKING APPLICATION TO RECEIVE AN ABSENTEE BALLOT BY MAIL
The deadline for making application to receive an absentee by mail is 5 p.m. on the Friday before the election, February 14, 2025. Please allow 5-7 days mailing time.
NOTE: Special absentee voting application provisions apply to electors who are indefinitely confined to home or a care facility, in the military, hospitalized, or serving as a sequestered juror. If this applies to you, contact the municipal clerk regarding deadlines for requesting and submitting an absentee ballot.
VOTING AN ABSENTEE BALLOT IN PERSON
You can also request and vote an absentee ballot in the clerk’s office or other specified location during the days and hours specified for casting an absentee ballot in person.
VILLAGE OF DRESSER
Jodi Gilbert, Clerk/Treasurer
102 W Main Street – PO Box 547 - Dresser, WI 54009
715-755-2940
FROM PAGE 7
contrary concepts do actually go together.
A heart willing to receive salvation from God is a heart that first acknowledges that he is sinful. This is the two edges of confession – confessing, on the one hand, that we have sinned, and confessing, on the other hand, our complete trust in our Savior. A heart that is poised to be saved is a heart that freely acknowledges that she will not be able to change
herself without the help of her Savior. Let’s make sure our new year’s resolutions are not a distraction from the only truth that can bring transformation and salvation –“there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Jesus Christ is our only resolute hope. Truly, any eternal change is only possible in the one - Jesus Christ. He is our new year’s resolution, today, tomorrow and forever.
Dinger, Dace (Mud), Lost, and Pogo were all below the county average for phosphorus, while all of the lakes studied were below the county average for chlorophyll.
Conclusion
The researchers wrote that compared to the average Polk County lake, the undeveloped lakes were: Shallower (except Margaret)
Smaller in lake size and watershed size
With the exception of Omer, all undeveloped lakes were below the average Polk County total phosphorus value; and all undeveloped lakes were below the average Polk County chlorophyll value. Pogo and Omer had the highest trophic state index values, but they were also the
largest of those studied in watershed-to-lake ratio. Those two lakes also had the highest amount of development.
In discussing their conclusions with members of the committee, it was noted that the data showed the data for many of the larger and more developed lakes in close proximity with those that were studied.
The researchers agreed that there are some Polk County lakes that have had more development, but the data shows them almost, if not “cleaner,” than some of the studied lakes.
Committee members said, and the researchers agreed, that the efforts by area lake districts and lakes associations have been successful in bringing
VOTING BY ABSENTEE BALLOT
Any qualified elector who is unable or unwilling to appear at the polling place on Election Day may submit a request to vote an absentee ballot to their municipal clerk. A qualified elector is any U.S. citizen who: • will be 18 years of age or older on Election Day.
• has resided in the ward or municipality where they wish to vote for at least 28 consecutive days before the election.
The elector must also be registered to vote to receive an absentee ballot. Proof of identification must be provided before an absentee ballot may be issued*.
Making application to receive an absentee ballot by mail
Contact your municipal clerk and request that an application for an absentee ballot be sent to you for the primary or election or both. You may make written application to your municipal clerk for an absentee ballot by mail, by fax, by email or at MyVote.wi.gov. Or you may apply in person at the clerk’s office during the In-Person Absentee Voting period listed below.
Your written request must include:
1. your voting address within the municipality where you wish to vote
2. the address where the absentee ballot should be sent, if different from the address above
3. your signature
4. a copy of your photo identification*
The deadline for making application to receive an absentee ballot by mail is:
Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 5:00 pm**
*Voters who are indefinitely confined due to age, illness, infirmity, or disability may not be required to provide photo ID. If this applies to you, contact the municipal clerk regarding deadlines for requesting and submitting an absentee ballot.
**Special absentee voting application provisions apply to electors who are indefinitely confined, in the military, hospitalized, or serving as a sequestered juror. If this applies to you, contact the municipal clerk regarding deadlines for requesting and submitting an absentee ballot.
Voting an absentee ballot in person
You may also request and vote an absentee ballot in the clerk's office or other specified location during the days and hours specified for casting an absentee ballot in person.
Carie Krentz 715-294-3498
310 Chieftain Street PO Box 217 Osceola, WI 54020
M-F 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The first day to vote an absentee ballot in the clerk’s office is: Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 9:00 am
The last day to vote an absentee ballot in the clerk's office is: Friday, February 14, 2025 at 5:00 pm
No in-person absentee voting may occur on the day before the election. The municipal clerk will deliver voted ballots returned on or before Election Day to the proper polling place or counting location
Co-op taking applications for 2025 board election
Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative holds elections each spring for co-op board directors. This year, board positions in co-op districts 4, 5 and 6 will be on the ballot. Members residing in those districts have an opportunity to get involved in co-op decision making by running for a seat on the board. Applications for the 2025 board election are now being accepted from coop members in districts 4, 5 and 6. The deadline to apply is March 7.
Township
District 4 includes the towns of Balsam Lake, Apple River, Beaver, Clayton and Almena. The incumbent director is Joe Metro of Balsam Lake.
District 5 includes the towns of McKinley, Maple Plain, Georgetown, Johnstown and Crystal Lake. The incumbent director is John Ukura of Luck.
District 6 includes the towns of LaFollette, Dewey, West Sweden,
of Farmington Notice for Voting By Absentee Ballot Spring Primary Election February 18, 2025
Any qualified elector who is unable or unwilling to appear at the polling place on Election Day may request to vote an absentee ballot. A qualified elector is any U.S. citizen, who will be 18 years of age or older on Election Day, who has resided in the ward or municipality where he or she wishes to vote for at least 28 consecutive days before the election. The elector must also be registered in order to receive an absentee ballot. Proof of identification must be provided before an absentee ballot may be issued.
You must make a request for an absentee ballot in writing. Contact your municipal clerk and request that an application for an absentee ballot be sent to you for the primary or election or both. You may also submit a written request in the form of a letter. Your written request must list your voting address within the municipality where you wish to vote, the address where the absentee ballot should be sent, if different, and your signature. You may make application for an absentee ballot by mail, email, in person or at MyVote.wi.gov.
Making application to receive an absentee ballot by mail
The deadline for making application to receive an absentee ballot by mail is: 5:00 pm on the fifth day before the election, Thursday February 13, 2025.
Note: Special absentee voting application provisions apply to electors who are indefinitely confined to home or a care facility, in the military, hospitalized, or serving as a sequestered juror. If this applies to you, contact the municipal clerk regarding deadlines for requesting and submitting an absentee ballot.
Voting an absentee ballot in person
You may also request and vote an absentee ballot in the clerk's office or other specified location during the days and hours specified for casting an absentee ballot in person.
Steve Swanson Town of Farmington Deputy Clerk 715-294-2370 304 State Road 35 Osceola, WI 54020 Monday through Friday, 5 pm to 7 pm
The first day to vote an absentee ballot in the clerk’s office is / was: Tuesday February 4th, 2025
The last day to vote an absentee ballot in the clerk's office: Friday February 14th, 2025
FALLS: Meeting planned
1
future headache just based on some of these things. I recommend that we don’t include these in the project.
“Moving on to the next item, there was discussion to investigate a paved walkway that would connect to the sidewalk near PYs to the 2nd Avenue parking lot. This would just be a wide piece of pavement with a retaining wall and fence that would just create some interconnectivity to the 2nd Avenue parking lot and the sidewalk. We decided to look into it after the meeting. After the meeting we decided to not include it in the current design with the goal of reducing the project’s cost.”
The village also received a $710,000 DNR stewardship grant in 2024 to help fund the project planned for the summer. And by eliminating some of the proposed items in the project, the village and MSA are reducing the budget deficit to fund the project to completion. “Based on the estimate I have in front of you right now, I’m seeing that the deficit is between $70,000 and a $103,000, give or take, with some of the decisions we just made,” said Lindh. “So, we’re getting a lot closer.”
“In terms of financing, I see no issue with that,” said Village Administrator Devin Swanberg. “These type of recreation projects can be used within a half-mile boundary of TID four. It’s within TID three, so there’d be no issue with that. I currently went after another grant with WEDC and we have $15,000 every year from the Horst Foundation that can help offset some of this too. I also reached out to them and am waiting and hear back if they’re willing to donate more money. So, I feel that this is an acceptable amount.”
“I feel that we should be able to close that gap without increasing taxes anywhere on it… We’d have to borrow the money upfront, but it would be paid for through the TID four and TID three over the years rather than on the tax levy.”
After further discussion, the board unanimously approved the preliminary plan for the Cascade Falls project which allowed for the public involvement meeting. An exact date for the public involvement meeting has not yet been determined but is expected to be held in early February.
LAWSUIT: Challenge dismissed
genuine disputes, and not abstract or hypothetical issues.
Judge Angeline Winton of Washburn County, who heard the case in Polk County, agreed with the Town of Eureka that the Binversies do not meet several requirements under justiciability.
In her decision dismissing the case, Winton discussed legal precedents cited by the plaintiff’s attorneys.
“In both of those cases there was certain action being taken by the defendants, and the court believes this case is distinguishable in that other than adopting the Ordinance with its certain provisions, no one at this point, other than the Binversies have taken action with regard to the Ordinance,” Winton said.
“The Binversies acknowledge that they are not subject to the Ordinance nor has anyone else applied for permitting under the Ordinance,” said Winton. The judge said the Eureka case was different from the two cases cited, which both involved powers relating to elections held during the pandemic.
“The Binversies haven’t applied under the Ordinance nor is
the court aware that anyone else has. No actual action has been taken by the Town or otherwise that would make this case ripe for adjudication,” Winton concluded before dismissing the case.
“WMC’s lawsuit against Eureka is part of a three-prong strategy by this industry with one goal - no regulation,” said Lisa Doerr, a Polk County farmer who helped develop Eureka’s ordinance in a press release issued after the decision. “They use lawsuits to intimidate local officials who pass legal ordinances. At the same time, they have a lawsuit challenging any state authority. Finally, their Madison lobbyists are pushing state legislators to ban all local control.”
When contacted for comment on the decision, Scott E. Rosenow, Executive Director of the WMC Litigation Center, which litigated the suit for the Binversies, had no comment and did not say whether the decision would be appealed.
A measure to make types of ordinances like the CAFO ordinance passed the assembly last session and was vetoed by Governor Tony Evers.
POLK
St. Croix Falls
Carol J. Swenson to Agent Debra J. Marks and Douglas E. Swenson, 1007 N Hamilton St., in the City of St. Croix Falls.
Personal Rep. Bradley H. Hanson and the Estate of Herbert A. Hanson to Bradley H. Hanson, 2030 US Hwy 8, in the Town of St. Croix Falls.
Attorney in Fact Debra J. Marks and Douglas E. Swenson to Trustee Debra J. Marks and the Douglas E. Swenson Revocable Trust, 1 parcel, in the City of St. Croix Falls.
Keith and Laurel Fermanich to Trustees Keith and Laurel Fermanich and the Fermanich Cabin Trust, 1341 A Hungerford Pt., in the Town of St. Croix Falls.
Heidi and Mark Wingerd to Trustees Heidi and Mark Wingerd and the Mark H. Wingerd Living Trust, 1311 182nd St. and 1 other parcel, in the Town of St. Croix Falls.
Michell and Robert Sherlock to Elizabeth A. Johansen Tettey and Martin Tettey, 2 parcels, in the City of St. Croix Falls.
West Sweden
Estate of Darla M. Nelson to Lawrence M. Nelson, 3307 State Hwy 35, in the Town of West Sweden.
Lawrence M. Nelson
to Mary K. Johnson, 3307 State Hwy 35, in the Town of West Sweden.
Land transfers Alden
Todd A. Kjeseth to Kjeseth Properties LLC, 5 Parcels, in the Town of Alden.
Nancy Slevin to Russell P. Faschingbauer, Trustee Jodi V. Hammerstad-Faschingbauer and the Jodi V. Hammerstad-Faschingbauer and Russell P. Faschingbauer…, 332 Paulsen Lake Ct., in the Town of Alden.
Brian P. Johnson and Anne T. Wallisch to the Brian P. Johnson and Anne T. Wallisch Revocable Trust, 225 E Lower Pine Lake Ln., in the Town of Alden.
Estate of Stuart Weitzman to Mary Weitzman, 1929 B W Church Rd., in the Town of Alden. Amery
Carol A. Van Amber to Dawn and Gary Nelson, 710 Pondhurst Cir., in the City of Amery. Trustees Barbara and Stephen Scribner and the Trust Agreement of Barbara J. Scribner to Leah Scribner, 142 Maple St. E, in the City of Amery.
Leah Scribner to Shawn Sloan, 142 Maple St. E, in the City of Amery.
Heather and Timothy Russo and Heather Shafer to Heather K. Russo, 658 Cedar Ave., in the City of Amery.
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Hastings, Logan Meyer win titles for OHS wrestling at Ladysmith Invite
The Osceola boys wrestling team had eight wrestlers finish in the top four of their weight classes at the Ladysmith Invitational Jan. 18. Those finishes helped the Chieftains finish third with 394 points. Weyauwega-Fremont won the 23-team meet with 570.5 points, followed by Stratford’s 545.5. OHS scored 394.5.
OHS had two firstplace finishes in Logan Meyer (144 pounds) and Wyatt Hastings (165).
Meyer used a technical fall, a pin, and a decision to advance to the final, earning a 6-5 decision over Weyauwega-Fremont’s Aiden Marquette. Meyer is now 26-11 overall. Hastings recorded two pins and a decision before defeating Somerset’s Carter Bighley 11-8 in the final to improve his record to 29-9. The two pins combined were 1 minute and 42 seconds.
Talon Berg posted a technical fall and a decision before losing
PAGE 13
Bradway scores 29 points in win over Ellsworth
Hunter Bradway scored over 20 points in the third straight conference game as the Osceola boys basketball team defeated Ellsworth 66-60 Jan. 14.
“I thought we had a great start to the game in the first half and come out at the start of the second half with a lot of energy as well,” OHS coach Tyler Olson said as the Chieftains had a 12-point halftime lead. “In those segments of the game, we were clicking offensively, and it obviously helps when shots are falling like they were.”
Bradway went 10-for-20 from the field, including 4-for-9 from threepoint range to finish with a game-high 29 points. He also added
six rebounds and six assists. Caleb Irlbeck posted 17 points and eight rebounds, along with Jonah Race’s eight points and six rebounds.
The Chieftains shot 43.3 percent from the field overall and 12-for-15 from the free throw line. Ellsworth outrebounded OHS by 13, while Osceola had six more assists.
George Rohl led three Panthers in double figures with 18 points. Gavin Puhrmann finished with 13, while Omar Coulson recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
“Ellsworth made their rally in the second half to cut our lead to one point,” Olson continued. “I
THERESA MEYER
Logan Meyer finished first in his weight class at the Ladysmith Invitational.
www.osceolasun.com
Chiefs edge out two conference rivals
The Osceola girls basketball team ended the Jan. 17 game against Ellsworth on a 14-1 run to defeat the Panthers 37-31.
“Kya Krenz started our late offensive charge,” OHS coach Mike Haase said. “She knocked down a three-pointer at the top of the key, then Maddie Newton followed it up with a three-pointer of her own to give us the lead.
“Maddie added two more free throws, and Kya put in our last basket.”
Lauren Ulrich led OHS (2-4 conference, 6-6 overall) with 11 points, followed by Newton’s nine. Krenz recorded seven.
“This was another great team effort for our girls,” OHS coach Mike Haase said. “We did a great job with our help defense, especially when Ellsworth got the ball into the post.
“Izzy Ellefson had the prima-
ry defense, and Josie Mork and Maddie Newton were able to steal some passes that were on their way into the post.”
Morgan Halverson scored a game-high 12 points and eight rebounds for Ellsworth (0-7, 4-9).
Lexi Marks and Alivia Maher scored eight points each. The Panthers were also done in by 22 turnovers.
OSCEOLA 38, SOMERSET 35
Maddie Newton scored the game’s final four points to give Osceola the Jan. 14 win.
“We really dictated the tempo of the game,” Haase continued.
“During the first half, we were patient on offense and shared the ball. We had great teamwork on the offensive end. Seven different players scored in the half. “
Newton finished with 12 points, five rebounds and four steals.
Josie Mork recorded 11 points and six rebounds. Izzy Ellefson and Lauren Ulrich pulled down seven rebounds each.
“Izzy Ellefson really helped us break down the Somerset zone by controlling the middle of the floor,” Haase added. “Equally impressive was how we played defense and rebounded.”
OHS outrebounded Somerset by six and committed two fewer turnovers. The Chieftains were 15-for-32 from the free throw line, while Somerset was 5-for-7.
“In the first half, it was halfcourt defense at its best,” Haase explained. “In the second half, we had to rely on the press.”
Grace Braithwaite scored a game-high 14 points and nine rebounds for Somerset. Marlee Lane added nine points, and Lily Peterson grabbed eight rebounds. Statistical recap aided by AI.
Saints boys wrestling rout Ladysmith
BY JASON SCHULTE SENTINELSPORTS48@GMAIL.COM
The Saints jumped out to a big lead, winning the first eight matches Jan. 16 to cruise to the 71-10 conference dual win.
“Ladysmith has only one senior on their team, so we had them outnumbered pretty well with our group,” Joe Raygor said. ‘We jumped out to an early lead and got the momentum going.”
St. Croix Falls won 12 of the 14 matches with seven pins, five forfeits, and one technical fall.
The pins were by Copelan Grimes (106), Miles Kelly (120), Carter Ridgeway (126), Kort Fleck (132), Jack Ryan (138), and Payton Kelly (165). Grimes recorded the fastest pin in 55 seconds, while Ridgeway earned his pin with two seconds left in his match.
“Carter had a big win against Alex Mikunda,” Joe Raygor said.
Sharing ice fishing secrets
IColumnist
“Mikunda won the Somerset tournament earlier this year, pinning an opponent that beat Ridgeway. Glad to see growth in his skills.”
Kaiden Hahn (113) won by technical fall, while Logan Bockman (285), Isaac Briggs (144), Connor Weber (157), Drake Petersen (175), and Joe Petherbridge (215) received forfeit wins.
UNITY GIRLS INVITE
On Jan. 13, the Saints went 20-3 in matches against wrestlers from Unity and Luck/Frederic/Grantsburg/Siren.
“We wrestled a pretty tough schedule compared to girls in the area, so I think that was a big factor in their success,” Raygor explained. Highlights include Autumn Steffen pinning Unity’s Evelyn Fugate.
“Autumn has been working extremely hard and continues to
like fishing with people who can out fish me. Being a former fishing guide, working in DNR fisheries research and with 70 years of time spent on and in the water I can catch fish. But Eric Duffy can out fish me. I met Eric when I worked at Gander Mountain in Forest lake. Eric came in as a customer and was working beside me in the fishing department a couple weeks later. Eric loved the employee discount as did I. That was over 15 years ago and our friendship has grown because of our love for the outdoors. I once followed Eric in my car to Wyoming and trout fished with him and his friend all the way from back Wyoming to Wisconsin. And we caught trout. Eric caught the
Jim Bennett
Saints battle hard but fall short
The St. Croix Falls Saints girls basketball team faced a tough week, dropping two Heart O’ North Conference matchups to Ladysmith and Barron to fall to 3-6 in the conference and 3-12 overall.
BARRON 38, ST.
CROIX FALLS 23
The Saints played great defense, as the Bears shot less than 30 percent from the field overall in the Jan. 17 game.
The problem was SCF couldn’t make a shot, as they shot 25 percent from the field.
“We played solid defense the entire game,” SCF coach Angie Maternowsky said. “The shots weren’t falling in the second half.”
improve each week,” SCF coach Joe Raygor said. “I really like her trajectory right now.”
Kylie Miller and Larissa Chapman also won both of her matches.
“Kylie went 2-0 in domination fashion,” Raygor explained. “She continues to win matches the gritty, tough way.
“Larissa shows continued improvements in her hand fighting and scoring abilities.”
Both teams will be wrestling three times this week as the girls will host its tournament Jan. 24, with the boys tournament the following day. Raygor also noted the wrestling club would be hosting a spaghetti dinner in the high school commons 3-7 p.m. Jan. 23 as the community is invited. Free will donations are encouraged. Statistical recap aided by AI.
Rylin Vruwink led the Bears (8-6 overall) with 21 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals. She was also 10-for-10 from
the free throw line. Izzy Donica scored eight points and 10 rebounds. Kasey Stauner pulled down eight rebounds. Catherine Williams scored a team-high 11 points and six rebounds for the Saints, while Madi Johnson recorded nine rebounds. In addition to the shooting, the Saints were also hampered by 23 turnovers.
LADYSMITH 62, ST. CROIX FALLS 58
The Lumberjills outscored SCF by 10 in the second half to earn the Jan. 14 win. Lexi Arenson led the Saints with 17 points, followed by Catherine Williams’ 15. Olivia Shimon and Amber Bateman contributed nine points each. Bateman had a teamhigh 10 rebounds. Statistical recap aided by AI.
Saints’ defense limits Ladysmith to 36 points
The St. Croix Falls boys’ basketball team held Ladysmith to less than 32 percent shooting from the field overall, winning a 4036 road victory Jan. 14.
“Our defense was the difference throughout the game,” SCF coach Chad Hall said.
“They were averaging 70 points per game.
Our offense was good enough to get the win.” Caden Folkestad led the Saints with 14 points and six rebounds. Elliot Wilson recorded 13 points and 11 rebounds. Nels Sederlund and Anders Waterworth contributed five points each. SCF outrebounded Ladysmith by seven.
big ones!
Now we’re locked in the jaws of winter. All of the below zero temps made lots of ice. The fish we didn’t catch this summer are still there. The only problem is launching the boat is much harder to do when the lake is frozen. I asked Eric to share some ice fishing secrets.
“I like ice fishing. I try to keep it simple. I don’t like hauling around a lot of gear. The less weight I take out on the ice the better. I don’t need a lot of fancy electronics. Just give me an old FL12 Flasher and a long pole. I like to fish outside with a pole that is 38 to 40 inches long. A pole that long won’t work in a shack. If it’s windy I can keep the tip of the rod just off the water and still pick up those light bites without the wind’s interference.”
WRESTLING: Chiefs finish third at Ladysmith Invitational
FROM PAGE 11
to Weyauwega-Fremont’s Carter Birdyshaw in the 138-pound final. He is now 21-12 overall. Elliot Havlish went past the 30win mark thanks to a technical fall, a fall, and a decision before facing Cornell/Gilman/Lake Holcombe’s Taydyn Angell in the
215-pound final. Angell pinned Havlish in the second period to improve his record to 25-1.
Earning thirds were Malakai Barker (106) and Isaac Dunnom (157). Hunter Kromrey (132) and Cody Meyer (150) took fourths.
Other Chieftains who placed included Landon Peterson (106, sixth), Weston Meyer (106, sev-
enth), Alex Willeman (113, seventh), Travis Sicard (126, eighth), and Tristan Campeau (175, 10 th).
On the girls side, Lyv Geving (132/138) was second, while Ella Anderson (107) and Tanea Campeau (114) each took third.
Statistical recap aided by AI.
New minister at Unitarian Universalist
St. Croix Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (SCUUF) has named Rev. Terri Burnor as minister. She succeeds Rev. Kelli Clement who became minister at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames, Iowa. Burnor, a Unitarian Universalist (UU) minister and community organizer, will preach at SCUUF on a parttime basis on the first Sunday of each month and will provide other ministerial services. Her background spans congregational life, multifaith organizations and coalitions, and for-profit
businesses as a marketing and communications professional.
In addition to serving the St. Croix UU Fellowship, Burnor is the acting executive director
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Available at The Sun, 108 Cascade St., Osceola
of the Minnesota UU Social Justice Alliance. She is a values-led leader whose ministry is grounded in a belief of our shared interdependency. Burnor has a history of service and a deep commitment to working for racial and gender justice and social change. Rev. Burnor lives on Dakota land in St. Paul with her spouse and their two dogs. About St. Croix Falls Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Formed in 2012, St. Croix Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (SCUUF) is a liberal faith community that welcomes everyone. Unitarian Universalists – or “UUs” -- are people of all ages, of many backgrounds and of many beliefs. SCUUF gathers at 10:00 a.m. the
first three Sundays of the month at the Edling Building located at Adams and Louisiana Streets in St. Croix Falls, Wis. Rev. Burnor preaches on the first Sunday of each month. (www.scuuf.org)
Unitarian Universalism (www@uua.org) affirms and promotes principles grounded in the humanistic teachings of the world’s religions. UU spirituality is unbounded, drawing from scripture and science, nature and philosophy, personal experience and ancient tradition. UUs are people of many beliefs and backgrounds: people with a religious background and people with none; people who believe in a God and people who don’t; and people who let the mystery be.
Boys hockey extends winning streak to five
BY JASON SCHULTE SENTINELSPORTS48@GMAIL.COM
The Somerset boys’ hockey team has now won nine of its last ten games, the latest of which was a 3-2 win over Menomonie Jan. 18.
Marshall Haukom scored Somerset’s first goal shorthanded at 7 minutes, 11 seconds into the first period, with Brock Thiel assisting. Menomonie tied the game 36 seconds later.
The Mustangs grabbed a 2-1 lead in the second period. Broden Thiel scored the game-tying goal at 11:49 seconds into the second period, with Ryland Lahe assisting.
Lathe then broke the tie four minutes later with Wyatt Olson assisting.
Somerset outshot Menomonie 37-23, including 15-5 in the scoreless third period. Gunnar Anderson recorded 21 saves to earn the win.
The Spartans finished 1-for-7 on the power play, while Menomonie went 1-for-6.
Somerset is now 3-1 in the conference and 11-3 overall. Menomonie fell to 4-10.
SOMERSET 6, REGIS/ALTOONA/MCDONELL 0
The Spartans handed R/A/M its first conference loss Jan. 16 thanks to Devin Richardson, who earned his first hat trick of the season and added two assists for a season-high five-point game.
Richardson accomplished his hat trick in the second period, scoring even strength, short-handed, and on the power play. The first two goals were unassisted, while Ryland Lathe and Marshall Haukom assisted in the power play.
Josh Albert started the scoring at 9:49 of the first, with Devin Richardson and Layne Pinska assisting. Three minutes later, Haukom made the score 2-0, with Breck and Devin Richardson assisting. Vincent Henton wrapped up the scoring in the third with Micaiah Schuld assisting.
Somerset outshot R/A/M 31-26, with Carson Belisle stopping all 26 shots. The Somerset penalty kill defense was also outstanding, as R/A/M went 0-for-6.
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FROM PAGE 6
many people to lose their homes. Memory lane
Conversations with friends who are of similar ages to this 88-yearold bring around words like fender skirts, steering knobs, curb feelers, emergency brakes, and a clutch or a dimmer
switch.
What about running boards? Waiting in the driveway for your daddy to come home so you could ride up to the house on the running board on the outside of the car.
Do you remember the days when your home had hardwood floors and then you would
cover them wall-to-wall with carpeting?
The coffee maker was a changeout from a percolator and we changed words for Dyna Flow and Electrolux vacuums. The word supper is on the way out, being replaced by dinner.
Try this in conversations. It can be fun.
Minutes of Osceola School Board Proceedings
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Education for the School District of Osceola was held in the District Office Conference Room on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. The meeting was called to order by Board President Brooke Kulzer at 6:50 P.M. with roll call taken: Brooke Oye- present, Jan Carlson-absent; Cory Schmidt-present, Kysa Martenpresent; Kysa Marten-present. Superintendent Dr. Becky Styles and Business Manager Shannon Grindell also attended the meeting.
Public Comment
Rhett Larson addressed the Board regarding the community survey, district spending, state report card and high school instruction.
Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Brooke Oye and seconded by Cory Schmidt to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Minutes of the regular meeting held on November 13,
Stars shine in back-to-back wins
The Western Wisconsin Stars girls hockey team extended its winning streak to six with wins over Eau Claire and Hopkins/St. Louis Park last week.
STARS 4, HOPKINS/PARK 1
Four different Stars scored a goal in the Jan. 18 game at the outdoor rink in St. Croix Falls.
Lauren Kvitek opened the scoring in the first period at the 9-minute,
57-second mark, with Gabby Thomsen assisting.
Taylor Larson made the score 2-0 in the second period with Britni Detsch and Vivi Abbott assisting.
2024
Payment of the bills
SCF BBB: Saints beat Ladysmith
FROM PAGE 12
Both teams had the same number of steals (11), while the Lumberjacks committed 17 turnovers.
Andrew Lehman scored 19 points for Ladysmith, while Timmy Meltz posted 10 points. The rest of the team went 3-for-15 from the field overall.
“This was a big win against a team tied for the conference lead,” Hall stated.
SPOONER 72, ST. CROIX FALLS 54
The Rails’ three-point shooting carried them to the Jan. 16 win.
“Defensively, we struggled to guard the perimeter as Spooner shot the ball exceptionally well from outside and at the free throw line,” Hall added.
Both teams finished with 24 shots on goal, with Maggie Alberts recording 23 saves to earn the win. Both teams struggled on the power play, as Hopkins/Park went 0-for-4 on the power play, and the Stars went 0-for-3.
The Stars improved to
After Hopkins/Park scored its lone goal in the third, Thomsen gave the Stars a two-goal lead 19 seconds later, with Ashley Jensen and Izzy Johnson assisting. Charlotte Rea wrapped up the scoring, with Detsch and Sophia Johnson assisting.
SEE STARS, PAGE 19
Caden Folkestad recorded a double-double with 19 points and 15 rebounds for SCF (2-6 conference, 4-7 overall), as Elliot Wilson scored 12 points and seven rebounds. Brett Sladky and Nels Sederlund finished with seven points each. Shane Backes chipped in with six points, six rebounds, and five assists.
“We had foul trouble early and just couldn’t keep them from scoring consistently,” Hall concluded. “We played better offensively in the second half, but our lapses on defense certainly hurt us.”
Spooner improved to 2-5 in the conference and 3-8 overall. Statistical recap aided by AI.
OHS BBB: Bradway scores 29
FROM PAGE 11
like how we stayed poised and tough after Ellsworth seemingly had all the momentum during that comeback.”
BARRON 70, OSCEOLA 62
The Chieftains (4-1 conference, 5-6 overall) saw its four-game winning streak end at the hands of the Bears Jan. 17.
“Tons of credit to Barron,” Olson explained. “They were physical, took advantage of their strength and size, and were relentless.
“We got hurt on the glass, giving up second-chance points and losing 50/50 balls. When we seemed to gain momentum in the second half, Barron responded with a run we could not answer.”
First Reading of Policies: 0164, 0174.1, 3120.08, 8601, 5200, 5505
Separations: Jeremy Rassier Bus Driver, Jennifer Rud Mental Health Matters Advisor
Hires: Nancy Neuman OHS School Nutrition Assistant, Sterling Kulke Community Ed Coordinator/Grant Writer, Trisha Olson Executive Assistant/Communication Coordinator, Rebecca Bauerfield OMS School Nutrition Asst. Motion carried.
School Board Reports
The School Board Committee Report from December 11, 2024 was provided by Kysa Marten. The Board reviewed the 2024 Community survey results, Administrative reports including state report card and recent donations and an aquatic center update provided by Holly Johnson. The Board recognized and thanked the Mental Health Task Force, Osceola Lions Club and Millicent Lindahl for their generous donations.
Student Representative Report postponed indefinitely.
Aligning and developing our facilities to best meet educational, safety, and security goals
The Graduate Class Project update was provided by Clint Strom, Lorraine Anderson and Kayla Dimler.
Engage in continuous improvement of student support systems and programs
The Board further discussed the results of the 2024 Community Survey that was provided in the Committee Meeting. The board will further review comments provided through
Brett McDonough led three Bears (7-4 overall) in double figures with 26 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Adam Wirth posted a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Zac Edwards tallied 16 points and 13 rebounds.
Hunter Bradway led all scorers with 33 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and four steals. Jonah Race finished with 13 points and nine rebounds. Caleb Irlbeck recorded eight points and 10 rebounds.
Osceola struggled from the freethrow line, going 6-for-17. Barron outrebounded OHS by four, while the Chieftains had seven more assists. Statistical recap aided by AI.
the survey upcoming board meetings.
Next Meeting Information
The next Committee Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 5:00 P.M. in the District Office Conference Room.
The next Regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 6:30 P.M. in the District Office Conference Room.
A motion was made by Kysa Marten and seconded by Brooke Oye to adjourn into Executive Session pursuant to WI Statute 19.85(1)(c) Considering employment, promotion, compensation, or performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility. A. Individual Contracts, Superintendent Annual Evaluation (d) Considering strategy for crime detection or prevention.
Roll Call Vote: Brooke Oye-yes; Jan Carlson-absent; Cory Schmidt-yes; Kysa Marten-yes; and Brooke Kulzer-yes. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Kysa Marten and seconded by Brooke Oye to adjourn out of Executive Session. Motion carried.
Board President Brooke Kulzer announced no official action was taken.
A motion was made by Cory Schmidt and seconded by Brooke Oye to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.
Adjourned. Brooke Oye, Board Clerk
BREACH: St. Croix Falls School District moves forward after data breach
requests social security numbers for students and we have taken steps to have the student social security numbers we do have on file from previous years removed as of today. This data breach at PowerSchool affected Districts across the country.”
According to the release provided by the St. Croix Falls School District, more than 1000 student social security numbers from 2004 to 2024 were “likely released.” The release also stated that PowerSchool, “has unofficially stated that they ‘paid a ransom’ to ensure that the compromised data was deleted.”
“We are incredibly disappointed with how PowerSchool has handled this situation and the subsequent timelines for notification to users,” said Broeren. “We would have much preferred to bring this to your attention sooner but were unable to do so as a result of poor communication and timely follow-up from PowerSchool.”
According to PowerSchool, the data breach occurred on December 28, 2024, and affected certain districts using PowerSchool’s Student Information System (SIS). PowerSchool issued statements to all affected school districts.
“As soon as we learned of the potential incident, we immediately engaged our cybersecurity response protocols and mobilized a cross-functional response team, including senior leadership and third-party cybersecurity experts,” the statement read. “We have also informed law enforcement…
“Importantly, the incident is contained, and we have no evidence of
malware or continued unauthorized activity in the PowerSchool environment. PowerSchool is not experiencing, nor expects to experience, any operational disruption and continues to provide services as normal to our customers. Rest assured, we have taken all appropriate steps to prevent the data involved from further unauthorized access or misuse. We do not anticipate the data being shared or made public, and we believe it has been deleted without any further replication or dissemination.”
Operating under a different Student Information System, the Osceola School District was not affected by the recent data breach. Issuing their own letter to families, the Osceola School District highlighted preemptive measures they are taking to avoid data breaches like this moving forward.
“Recently, some school districts using PowerSchool experienced a data breach,” the letter states. “Thankfully, our district was not affected as we do not use PowerSchool as our student management system. The School District of Osceola takes data security very seriously and is committed to safeguarding the information entrusted to us.
“To ensure the safety and privacy of our students’ information, we continually evaluate and strengthen our data security measures. As part of this commitment, we are updating our systems to remove Social Security Numbers (SSNs) for past students. While these numbers have always been securely stored, they are no longer necessary for our operations, and we no longer collect SSNs upon registration.
Minutes of Osceola Village Board Proceedings
The Village of Osceola met for a Regular meeting on December 10, 2024, at Village Hall. Village President Lutz called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
Present: Brad Lutz, Arvid Maki, Ron Pedrys, Mike Sine, Van Burch, and Neil Kline
Absent: Marsha Hovey
Staff present: Devin Swanberg, Carie Krentz, Ann Miller, Todd Waters, Rick Caruso, Andrew Bach, Paul Elfstrom and Joey Cutts
Motion by Pedrys and seconded by Maki to approve the agenda.
Ayes-6 Nays-0 Motion carried
Motion by Maki and seconded by Kline to approve the consent agenda.
Ayes-6 Nays-0 Motion carried
Public input and ideas (Limit 5 minutes per speaker)
Roxy and Tim Patterson at 305 River Street gave a quick background of their B&B and voiced their concerns regarding the state of the old hospital site. Four years ago when purchased business this site was intact, now there are doors/windows broken out, graffiti, overgrown landscape and gives a feeling of unsafe ness to themselves and their guests. They have lost 7% of their business due to this property. Stated they have called the police several times to report vandalism. Also stated this property is in violation of Ordinance §160-5 Public nuisances affecting peace and safety, specifically Section H – dilapidated buildings. Looking for action to enforce this regulation on this property.
Reports: Staff reports
Public Works: Waters reviewed his memo to the board. Utilities: Caruso reviewed his memo to the board and thanked Batchelor, Treasurer, for helping get the Utility Budget done for 2025. It was a project due to new account codes.
Library: Miller reviewed Library Director memo.
Fire: Elfstrom stated runs for the month of November were 14 runs total, 12 in Village of Osceola and 2 in Town of Farmington and reviewed his memo. Also stated boat training on the iced over river has begun.
Police: Bach stated the PD generated 307 calls, 55 incidents and traffic reports with 2 arrests and 1 emergency detention. Officers had 53 traffic stops and issued 32 municipal citations. Proceeded to review his memo to the board.
Building Inspection: Swanberg stated light building report – next month will do an annual review.
“This process will be handled securely and professionally, strictly adhering to advanced security practices,” the letter continues. “By taking these proactive steps, we are enhancing the protection of our records and further ensuring the integrity of our systems. In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is more important than ever, and we are dedicated to staying ahead of potential threats.”
Also issuing a statement regarding the PowerSchool data breach is St. Croix Falls IT and cybersecurity service provider Easy IT Guys offering some information for anyone who feels they may be a victim of a similar data breach.
“We are deeply concerned about the recent nationwide data breach involving PowerSchool, a widely used platform in schools across the United States,” said Easy IT Guys. “This breach has impacted approximately 75% of students nationwide, exposing sensitive information such as names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and other personal data of students and staff…
“This incident demonstrates the growing risks of cyber-attacks and the need for everyone—whether a large business, a small organization, or an individual—to take proactive measures to protect sensitive information. Preparedness, awareness, and the ability to respond quickly are essential to minimizing the impact of these breaches.”
“There’s nothing that any of us can do to stop this 100%,” added Easy IT Guys Director of IT, Cybersecurity and Compliance Chuck Van Duynhoven. “It’s impossible. All we can do is be
Administration: Swanberg stated appeal was filed last week and need to get our response out by December 19th. Taxes will go out on Friday. Finished Vibrant Grant spaces application. Speaking with Horst Foundation to donate more funds to Cascade Falls project. Staff meeting tomorrow to review Procurement Policy. Looking at two Verizon leases. HPC working mural ordinance for their district.
Chamber of Commerce/Mainstreet: Yager reviewed his memo to the board.
Other business – discussion and possible action re: Request for Services – Engineering
Swanberg has reached out the four firms below, that the Village has worked with in the past, to present to continue to work with for the Village’s streets and future projects for parks, this does not include water and sewer projects.
Stantec
Angela Popenhagen began with she has been the village engineer for the past 18 years and stated experience. Cody Gartman, with Stantec for past 5 years, working mainly on municipal engineering. Popenhagen went over long history with the Village and future projects they have started. Gartman went over his experience with municipalities, mainly with streets, water utilities, and parks. Popenhagen stated they already has street projects ready for 2025, familiar with village ordinances and working with attorney. Thanked board for the opportunity and hope to continue to service the Village of Osceola.
Cedar Corporation
Russ Kiviniemi is principal engineer with Cedar Corporation. Thanked board for the opportunity to present this evening. Went over his work experience with municipalities and services that Cedar Corporation offers in house. Highlighted the companies grant writing team and services. Stated there is no charge to attend board meetings, staff meetings, or virtual meetings, one way to keep costs down and still provide exceptional services to the Village.
MSA Professional Services
Jon Herdegen, Drew Lindh and Chuck Schwartz presented company’s experience and services offered to municipalities. Herdegen went over some current projects MSA as worked on with the Village. Continued on stating that MSA has worked with many similar sized communities and enjoy the challenges and relationships formed with those communities. Thanked board for the opportunity to present this evening.
Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc. (SEH)
Erik Henningsgard and Sarah Aarthun presented for SEH. Looking to build a good working relationship and gave background (experience) on themselves. Henningsgard stated that he looks forward to the relationships and seeing projects from start to finish with success is why he focuses on municipalities. SEH has worked with the Village on past and present projects. Appreciates the opportunity to present in front of the Board.
Swanberg felt all are good options, they all provide (1) one place for all services, (2) code work, (3) grant help, (4) CIP planning, and (5) CORP and COMP Planning. Looking for
ready for when it happens… But we can talk about it. We can educate. We can put things in place that are proactive.”
Below is the information provided by Easy IT Guys to individuals and businesses to prevent data breaches and what to do if they believe their data has been accessed: Steps for Personal Cybersecurity If you believe your information may have been compromised, here are some key steps to protect yourself:
- Monitor your identity and accounts regularly for unusual activity.
- Use a trusted data breach tool to check if your email and passwords have been exposed.
- Review your credit reports for unauthorized accounts or inquiries.
- Set up alerts with your bank and credit card providers for suspicious transactions.
- File your taxes early to reduce the risk of tax-related identity theft. Strengthening Business Cybersecurity For businesses and organizations, cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Here are some proactive measures to reduce risk:
- Conduct regular security audits and update outdated systems.
- Provide employee training to help identify phishing and other cyber threats.
- Use monitoring tools to detect and act on breached credentials.
- Create and implement an incident response plan to respond quickly to potential threats.
direction from the Board on moving forward. Swanberg has worked with all four companies in the past year on various projects. Discussion among members on benefits of any of the firms. All felt more time is needed for a decision and directed Swanberg to gather further information and provide his and staff recommendation.
Cascade Stairs Update
Swanberg stated the first committee meeting was held last month on the Cascade Stairs project. Gave Lindh design direction, getting rid of the overlook and making Gristmill Park grander with trail head entrance. End of January, early February will be having an open house to get public input. Going out for BIDs sometime in March to begin project. Still working on additional funding for the grant match. Also directed staff to get feedback from the Heritage Committee. Bluff Tower Water Main Soil Contamination
Caruso stated when doing the design to replace water main to the bluff tower, engineer was notified to contaminated soil site from a leaking underground storage tank. This needs to addressed and is looking for approval for the work amendment to cover the additional cost to analyze borings and prepare soil management plan.
Motion by Sine and seconded by Burch to approve the scope of work amendment as presented.
Ayes-6 Nays-0 Motion carried
Resolution #24-18 To Adopt the 2025 Fee Schedule
Swanberg stated earlier this year we took all fees out of Village Code and created a Fee Schedule. That fee schedule will need to be reviewed annually and approved by resolution for each year. This is the resolution to approve the 2025 Fee Schedule. Swanberg went over the increases for the 2025 schedule, which are rental of the board room, request for a special village board meeting, direct sellers permit, right-of-way permit, conditional obstruction permit, driveway permit, Certificate of Appropriateness application, variance request, rezoning request and site plan review.
Motion by Sine and seconded by Burch to adopt Resolution #24-18 - 2025 Fee Schedule as presented.
Ayes-6 Nays-0 Motion carried
Motion by Kline and seconded by Maki to go into closed session proceedings at 7:40 p.m. pursuant to Wisconsin Statute §19.85(1)(c) to consider employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility. This pertains to review of administrator.
Roll Call Vote: Aye-Kline, Sine, Burch, Lutz, Pedrys, Maki Nayes-0 Motion carried Back in open session at 8:36 pm.
Future agenda items and updates n/a
President Lutz adjourned the meeting at 8:37 pm.
Respectfully submitted by Carie Krentz, Village Clerk
BENNETT: Sharing ice fishing secrets
FROM PAGE 12
“I don’t use any live bait with the exception of late season large pike. I use plastics. I like to fish with bigger baits than most people. I’m not going to wait around for fish to come to me. I’ll work a hole with bigger baits and quickly move on if fish don’t bite. I’ll look for and find fish that are active. I like chasing crappies, finding the active ones. I
HOROSCOPES
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
Aries, you feel loved and appreciated this week and you would like to share those feelings with others by being supportive of their needs. Focus your attention on a close friend.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
Taurus, even if you do not have anything in common with someone, you can find a way to be friends. Open a dialogue to get the ball rolling.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
Gemini, accept that you cannot change some things and look for a silver lining. Soon enough you’ll come out on the other side.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, you are getting hungrier and hungrier, which makes you determined to get ahead. Just be sure this determination is balanced by a little
ACROSS 1. “Loser” rocker
Partner to relaxation
Mixing
Winged nut
Expression of blame
Vast ocean
16. Comedienne Gasteyer 17. Multiply 19. Meat from a pig (French)
Related
Rocker Stewart 23. Surprise completely
Loon
Canister 27. Large, deep-bodied fish 29. Takes forcefully 31. Oil cartel 33. Palmer and Hepburn
like searching for big fish!”
We all have our favorite lures and Eric uses one that is called the Z-Viber made by Eurotackle. “It’s fairly new. It’s a hard plastic with the overall appearance of a minnow. It comes in three sizes that include the mini and the micro. It comes with a single hook and an internal rattle as well as an extra treble hook. It’s tungsten weighted so it gets down fast. You can either
reservation as well.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
Could it be that you are in the market for some romance, Leo? If so, make a plan for rekindling the flame with a current partner or finding someone new who also is looking for love.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
Challenges may arise in your relationship this week, Virgo. A serious approach to the partnership is required by both side. Work toward resolving the situation as a couple.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
Libra, although your creative juices are flowing, some type of roadblock pops up and restricts your path. Explore ways to work around this obstacle.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
Scorpio, take a deep look at yourself this week, examining all facets of your personality.
Teaches
One who carries something
rip it, so it shoots out fast to the sides like a Rapala but it comes back slower. I will also jig it with a plastic attached. It comes in all sorts of colors. Active fish pound them!” To be continued...
Jim Bennett is an outdoorsman who lived and worked in the St. Croix Valley and can be reached at jamesbennett24@gmail.com for comments.
Instead of being judgemental of others, you may need to make some changes yourself.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
Sagittarius, emotions are running high for you and you may not be able to focus on what needs your attention most. If you can’t get a hold of things, try delegating some of your tasks.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
Be careful when listening to what another has to say, Capricorn. Read their body language instead of just their words. The two may not match up with one another.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
Opportunities you may never have expected are presenting themselves, Aquarius. Find time to process these unexpected developments and mull the best approach.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
Pisces, resist hurried efforts to get to a destination without enjoying the journey. There is a lot to see along the way, so it’s best if you savor all of it while you can.
FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS
JANUARY 19
Shawn Johnson East, Gymnast (33)
JANUARY 20
Skeet Ulrich, Actor (55)
JANUARY 21
Billy Ocean, Singer (75)
JANUARY 22
Caitlin Clark, Athlete (23)
JANUARY 23
Mariska Hargitay, Actress (61)
JANUARY 24
Daveed Diggs, Rapper (43)
JANUARY 25
Alicia Keys, Singer (44)
CLet these nachos be the hit at any gathering
hips and dip always work when entertaining, and the potential flavor combinations of this classic party offering are endless. When it comes to nachos, the dip and the chip are melded into a single dish for a convenient and tasty offering that works as a snack, appetizer or even a main course. Of course, nachos also are a go-to dish while watching the big game with friends.
Nacho flavors run the gamut from Latin-inspired to chili-covered to everything in between. These “Outrageous Barbecued Nachos,” courtesy of “Virgil’s Barbecue Road Trip Cookbook” (St. Martin’s Press) by Neal Corman, pair the smoky flavor of slow-cooked barbecue with the zip of some nacho standards like jalapeño peppers and cheese.
Outrageous Barbecued Nachos Serves 4-6
3 ounces (about 1 cup) pulled pork 3 ounces (about 1 cup) pulled chicken
3 ounces (about 3 slices) sliced and chopped barbecued brisket
11⁄2 cups favorite mild barbecue sauce
3⁄4 (10-ounce) bag tortilla chips
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
15 pickled jalapeño slices
1. Preheat the oven to 400 F.
2. Combine the meats and barbecue sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat.
3. Spread half of the tortilla chips on a small cookie sheet. Cover the chips with half of the meat and sauce. Top with half of each cheese.
4. Repeat the process on top of this layer, using the other half of the ingredients.
5. Bake until the cheese is completely melted, about 10 minutes. Remove and top with the jalapeños.
ANDERSON: Not dead yet
FROM PAGE 4
following primarily on TikTok would likely lose everything they worked toward.
“They should just get a normal job,” I can hear some of you say. “They’re just lazy,” I imagine others would say. While I would agree there’s a lot of “brain rot” on apps like TikTok, there are plenty of people who are genuinely talented, helpful, and hard-working who deserve the following they’ve built and the income they receive from TikTok.
I’ve seen doctors sharing helpful medical advice and dispelling misinformation. I’ve seen tradesmen showing others how to fix and improve their homes. Anything you can imagine, there is likely a content creator on TikTok doing a very good job of talking about it and helping others do the same while making upwards of millions in income. Again, while some really are making garbage content, there are plenty of talented individuals who deserve the following they’ve garnered on the app.
Bird that flies by the coast
Optical device
Greek goddess of discord
Some are “Rolling”
Formerly (archaic)
Thrust a knife into
Muslim ruler title
Hunting expeditions
Large mollusk
Bind securely
Former U.S. presidential candidate
THE SUN
A great example of this is musicians. I don’t use TikTok very much. As a millennial, Facebook is more my style. But every now and then, I’ll switch it up and see what’s on the “clock” app. And I have seen so many unbelievably talented musicians who were otherwise starving artists until one video on TikTok changed the trajectory of their entire lives. I think it would be a disservice to those talented musicians, artists, doctors, fisherman, tradesman, etc. to take away a platform that can literally change peoples’ lives for the better. So, for now, TikTok is still here. I don’t foresee it going away, but it’s impossible to tell what the future holds. That said, I think there are other solutions that can be met that won’t take away the livelihoods of millions in a full-on ban of an app that gives a voice to so many talented individuals. Let’s hope we can find those solutions.
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
Polk-Burnett Ice Age chapter changes name
The chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance for Polk and Burnett counties has a new name: it’s now the Trap Rock chapter.
The chapter’s membership voted to change the name at its Jan. 18 annual meeting at Interstate State Park in St. Croix Falls. Chapter members maintain all 62 miles of the trail in the two counties.
The new name was chosen by members in recognition of the basaltic rock deposits that are mined at Dresser and Iver’s Mountain in Polk County.
The rock is crushed for use in road construction and has a variety of other uses in landscaping, drainage systems, shingle construction and for railroad ballast. Traprock
Trekker is the name that the chapter long has used to recognize people who hike all 62 miles in the two counties.
The chapter meeting first voted 25-3 to drop the Indianhead chapter name that it has used since its founding in the 1990s. Trap Rock was the top vote-getter after three rounds of voting among a list of nine nominated names, with St. Croix and Western Terminus as top runners up.
The impetus for changing the name began with a proposal by members Jeff Peterson and Barb Katt made at the chapter’s annual meeting a year earlier. They and other supporters of a change suggested that the previous Indianhead name was becoming dated as
more local institutions that once used it have dropped the term in deference to modern sensibilities about use of native American nicknames. Research found evidence of racist caricatures that had been used in the marketing of the Indianhead tourism designation employed since the 1930s for 13 northwestern Wisconsin counties.
Moreover, the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, comprised of 11 tribal governments, called in 1999 for the elimination of American Indian logos, mascots and nicknames.
The council includes the northwest area’s St. Croix Chippewa community of Indians, headquartered near Hertel.
CO-OP: Applications accepted
FROM PAGE 8
Lorain, Roosevelt, Luck, Clam Falls and Bone Lake. The incumbent director is Wilfred Owens of Frederic.
All co-op members in districts 4, 5 and 6 will have the opportunity to vote in the 2025 board election. Ballots will be mailed April 28 and members can vote by mail or online. Election results will be announced at the co-op’s 87th annual
meeting June 6.
Co-op members interested in running for a board position in districts 4, 5 and 6 may contact the general manager’s office at Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative, 800-421-0283, ext. 313, for an application packet.
Learn more about Polk-Burnett’s board of directors and see a map of co-op districts on polkburnett.com.
STARS: Girls have back-to-back wins
FROM PAGE 14
3-1 in the conference and 8-9-1 overall.
STARS 1, EAU CLAIRE AREA 0
Ashley Jensen netted the game’s lone goal on a first-period power play, assisted by Madison Kamish
and Gabby Thomsen, as the Stars prevailed Jan. 14
Sierra Andert was flawless, stopping all 23 shots she faced. The Stars’ penalty kill neutralized five power plays by Eau Claire. Despite 22 penalty minutes, Western Wisconsin held its composure to preserve the shutout.
Statistical recap aided by AI.
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City of Centerville NOW HIRING Rink Atte ndant to start immediately. Jo b duties in clude opening and closing warming house, ligh t shoveling, light custodial work and communicating with city staff. Hours are evenings weekends and holidays, th rough the outdoor ice season For application visit City Hall or online at www.centervillemn.com
City of Centerville NOW HIRING Pub lic Services Technician Duties include: Maintena nce of sewer, water, and stormwater infrastructure plowing snow maintaining pu blic bu ildings and parks, and other related tasks. Sewer and Water system operato r licensure and commercial driver license is required or may be obtained within one year of employment For application visit City Hall or online at www.centervillemn.com
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Stephen Stage 2 Hodgkin Lymphoma