The Sun 12.18.24

THE

SUN

Serving Polk County’s St. Croix Valley since 1897

Lawsuit over Bluffs goes to Wisconsin Supreme Court

BY GREG SEITZ, ST. CROIX 360

A group of Osceola citizens and river advocates have filed an appeal to the Wisconsin Supreme Court over a four-story apartment building proposed on the river bluff. Last month, the state Court of Appeals overturned a local court decision that halted the project, and the plaintiffs are now asking the state’s highest court to review it.

There are no guarantees the Supreme Court will consider the case, as it has the option to decline hearing it and letting the appeals court decision stand. If taken up by the state’s highest court, it could be an early test of a new law that limits who can sue to stop housing development projects in Wisconsin.

The plaintiffs seeking to stop the proposed apartment building include several neighbors, as well as the nonprofit St. Croix Scenic Coalition. In their appeal filing, they noted their challenge could set precedent for how the new law will be interpreted.

Osceola High School to receive generous donation

BY MATT ANDERSON EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM

High school is often some of the most formative and memorable years for many. Because of Osceola High School’s positive impact on her, former Osceola graduate Millicent Chapman (née Lindahl) will donate the remainder of her estate to the Osceola High School. Though the final amount has yet to be totaled as her estate is finalized, her donation has

already placed $1.2 million into an account showing her generosity and love for the Osceola High School.

“This fall, Shannon [Grindell] received an email about a significant donation to our school district,” said Osceola School District Superintendent Becky Styles. “Honestly, our first reaction was, ‘This has to be a scam.’ But after several conversations, some thorough

DONATION, PAGE 16

Survey says: ‘Too close to call’

Osceola Elementary School remodel is on the fence

BY MATT ANDERSON EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM

Considering a potential capital referendum to remodel the Osceola Elementary School, the Osceola School Board recently mailed an eight-page survey to Osceola taxpayers to gather feedback as to whether they would support the referendum. Within the margin of error, the capital referendum was considered “too close to call” if it went to vote today. However, a potential operational referendum saw less favorable results and would likely fail if it went to the taxpayers today.

SEE SURVEY, PAGE 15

Polk County Public Safety/Public Works monthly department reports

Snow plows ready; projects continue; heat needed at recycling center

T. RIVARD

Hearing department reports that dominated

the Polk County Public Safety/Public Works Committee, members addressed the need for a temporary heat source at the recycling center, heard that the highway department has its equipment prepped and ready for the first snowfall, and that other road projects continue on time.

The following highlights each of the reports:

Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) provided by General Division Director/Deputy County Administrator Don Wortham … Wortham reminded those in attendance of the CJCC Treatment Court graduation that

was held last week …

“It’s a wonderful experience, if haven’t attended,” he said.

Program stats – FirstTime offenders Program had three complete the class this month, with one new referral; The Intoxicated Driver Program has two participants; The Substance Diversion Program has

three participants and had one termination; The Treatment Court has eight participants, but with the one graduation this month, that program will be down to seven.

Public Works presented by Public Works Division Director Rod Polk

The Clam Falls Dam

project is progressing well County I has one lane open across the bridge and should remain that way for the remainder of the project; The county is trying to get construction equipment moved to allow easier passage of snow plows; have had no

SEE COUNTY, PAGE 23

CONTRIBUTED Millicent Chapman, a graduate of Osceola High School made a significant donation to the Osceola School District.

SEE

MATT ANDERSON | THE SUN

The Osceola Elementary School could be renovated if the Osceola School Board decides to bring it to a referendum in 2025, but survey results show it’s “too close to call” at this time.

OUT ABOUT&

www.osceolasun.com

ONGOING

The Gathering

Meets the first and third Friday at 1 p.m. in the Osceola Senior Center. Discuss topics, exchange ideas, share life experiences. For more info: jimihnye@gmail.com

Tai Chi, Qi Gong

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 9-10 a.m., in the Osceola Senior Center. Available on Zoom, email rmussell@att.net. 312524-3934.

River Valley Stitchers

River Valley Stitchers

meet the second Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the second Saturday, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Osceola Senior Center. Participants bring their own projects to work on. For more info contact mkmcelrath@hotmail. com.

American Legion meeting

American Legion Post 0221 meets every third Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Ken’s Keyboard. For more info: Matt Goldman 952-465-5922.

LEGO Club

LEGO Club at the Wilberg Memorial Public Library of Osceola meets the first and third Thursday of the month at 4 p.m. to build with LEGOs. Used book sale

The Friends of the Osceola Library used book sale is the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the lower level of the Wilberg Memorial Public Library. Friends of the Library

The Friends of the Osceola Library meets on the fourth Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in the lower level of the Wilberg Memorial Library (Third St. entrance). New members welcome.

Widow Connect

The St. Croix Valley Widow Connect, a subgroup of Widow Might, meets the third Sunday of each month at Trinity Lutheran Church, 300 Seminole Ave, Osceola. The meeting is from 1-4 pm. https://www.widow-

might.org/

MONDAYS

Indianhead Barbershop

The Indianhead Barbershop Chorus meets Mondays at 7 p.m. at the Justice Center in Balsam Lake. 715-475-7666. Alcoholics Anonymous Mondays, 7 p.m., at Osceola United Methodist Church.

TUESDAYS

Seniors on the Go Seniors on the Go meet Tuesdays from 12:30 to 4 p.m. for 3-13 cards at the Osceola Senior Center.

Exercise classes

Free exercise classes for seniors at Osceola Community Church, 2492 Education Ave., 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more information: 612751-9151. Learn the Bible Every Tuesday Osceola Elementary School and Intermediate School students have the opportunity to learn the Bible during specials. An Osceola Community Church van will pick them up and return them on time. Contact the church for van schedule, 715-2944332.

WEDNESDAYS

TOPS meeting

Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets every Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Osceola. For more information: Nancy, 715-553-3998.

AA meetings

AA meets at the St. Croix Falls Alanon Club, 221 S. Adams St., St. Croix Falls, at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. NA meets at 6 p.m.

THURSDAYS

Adult grief group

St. Croix Chaplaincy offers a free, online grief support group on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. Find the link to the Zoom meetings at Facebook. com/stcroixchaplaincy. For more information: 651-239-8441 or email StCroixChaplaincy@gmail. com.

Alanon meeting

An Alanon meeting is held at 6 p.m. at the St. Croix Falls Alanon Club, 221 S. Adams St., St. Croix Falls.

Exercise classes

Free exercise classes for seniors at Osceola Community Church, 2492 Education Ave., 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more information: 612751-9151.

500 Cards

Seniors meet Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m. for 500 cards at the Osceola Senior Center.

AA meeting

AA meets at Peace Lutheran Church in Dresser every Thursday at 7 p.m.

FRIDAYS

AA meeting

AA meets at the St. Croix Falls Alanon Club, 221 S. Adams St., St. Croix Falls, at 7 p.m.

Soma Yoga

Soma Yoga meets at 11 a.m. to noon in the Osceola Senior Center. Gentle mindful practice focusing on breathwork, alignment, & finding individual pose variations. Seated in a chair and standing. Bring a mat and water bottle. For more information, 715-417-2765.

SATURDAYS

AA meeting

AA meets at the St. Croix Falls Alanon Club, 221 S. Adams St., St. Croix Falls, at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

SUNDAYS

AA meeting

AA meets at the St. Croix Falls Alanon Club, 221 S. Adams St., St. Croix Falls, at 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.

DECEMBER 18

Live Nativity

A Live Nativity is planned at Peace Luthern Church, Dresser, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Christmas reading at 6:30 p.m. Soup, s’mores and bonfire planned. Bake Sale Valley Christin School, 933 248th St., Osceola, will be having a bake sale from 3:15 p.m. to 6 p.m.

DECEMBER 20

Coffee with a Cop

Have Coffee with a Cop at Caribou Coffee in Osceola from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Come and ask Osceola police questions or talk about whatever you want.

DECEMBER 23

ST. CROIX FALLS SENIOR CENTER

BY WANDA BROWN

Cards and games each week: Small fee.

Rummikub: Tuesdays at 4 p.m.

Mahjong: Wednesdays at noon.

Bridge: Fridays at 10 a.m.

500: Saturdays at 1 p.m.

Zumba: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:30 a.m. Core and More: Tuesday and Thursday at 8:30 a.m. Butts and Gutts: Tuesday and Thursday at 4:30 p.m. Challenge yourself with a great strength and toning workout Bring a mat to class for floor exercise. Small fee for exercise classes. Sunday morning Church: Living Waters Church All Welcome. 10 a.m. Information or reservation of the Center, call Brad Moore 906-396-2481.

Candlelight services

Everyone is nvoted to Taylors Falls United Methodist Church for its Christmas cadlelight service at 7 p.m.

DECEMBER

24

Candlelight services

Peace Lutheran Church in Dresser will be having Christmas Eve Candlelight services at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

DECEMBER

27

Coffee with a Cop

Have Coffee with a Cop at Caribou Coffee in Osceola from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Come and ask Osceola police questions or talk about whatever you want.

THE OPEN CUPBOARD

DECEMBER 30

Bloodmobile

The American Red Cross will be at Peace Lutheran Church, Dresser, 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.

JANUARY 1

First day hike Interstate Park in St. Croix Falls will be having a First Day Hike. Meet at 1 p.m. on the Ojibwa winter use trail. Hike begins at 1:16 p.m. Refreshments at the Ice Age Interpretive Center.

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.

Christmas Eve

Candlelight Services

2:00, 4:00 & 10:00 p.m. Traditional Candlelight services

PUBLIC NOTICES

STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY

STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

(Informal Administration) Case No. 24 PR 112

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MIRIAM J. WEIDEMANN

A/K/A JOANNE WEIDEMANN

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE:

1. An application for informal administration was filed.

2. The decedent, with date of birth Sept. 18, 1942, and date of death Sept. 11, 2024, was domiciled in Polk County, State of Wisconsin, with a mailing address of 1880 60th Avenue, Osceola, WI 54020.

3. All interested persons waived notice.

4. The deadline for filing a claim against the decedent’s estate is March 25, 2025.

5. A claim may be filed at the Polk County Courthouse, 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, Room 500. By the court: Cheryl Winberg Probate Registrar December 11, 2024 Attorney Shannon A. Allen DeWitt LLP 13845 Bishop’s Drive, Ste. 300 Brookfield, WI 53005 262-754-2840 Bar #1024558 20-22Sc WNAXLP Join us in celebration of our Savior’s birth. All are Welcome! Peace Lutheran Church 2355 Clark Road, Dresser • 715-755-2515

PUBLICATION SUMMONS

Case No: 24-CV-000283

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN CREDIT UNION 8033 Excelsior Dr. Madison, WI 53717

Plaintiff, v. TAYLOR P. SPRINGER

800 200th St. Dresser, WI 54009

Defendant THE STATE OF WISCONSIN

To each person named above as a defendant: You are hereby notified that the plaintiff named above has filed a lawsuit or other legal action against you. The complaint, which is also served on you, states the nature and basis of the legal action.

Within 40 days after December 4, 2024, you must respond with a written answer, as that term is used in Chapter 802 of the Wisconsin Statutes, to the complaint. The Court may reject or disregard an answer that does not follow the requirements of the statutes. The answer must be sent or delivered to the Court, whose address is 1005 W. Main St., Balsam Lake, Wisconsin 54810, and to the plaintiff’s attorney, whose

address is 735 N. Water Street, Suite 205, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202. You may have an attorney help or represent you. If you do not provide a proper answer within 40 days, the Court may grant judgment against you for the award of money or other legal action requested in the complaint, and you may lose your right to object to anything that is or may be incorrect in the complaint. A judgment may be enforced as provided by law. A judgment awarding money may become a lien against any real estate you own now or in the future, and may also be enforced by garnishment or seizure of property. We are attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Dated this 22nd day of November, 2024.

DARNIEDER &

By: Electronically signed by Michael A. Sosnay Michael A. Sosnay, Attorney

OPINION

Christmas is for children of all ages

Well, Christmas is knocking on our doors. I hope you are ready and are able to spend time with friends and family, which is the best gift one can receive. Throughout my newspaper career, I have run the following editorial, the most famous newspaper editorial of all time, reprinted here because it fits the season.

As children grow older and wiser, parents inevitably are faced with the question, “Is there a Santa Claus?” When Virginia O’Hanlon asked that question of her parents in 1897, they suggested she write the New York Sun for an answer. She did, and Francis P. Church, a Civil War correspondent, wrote an editorial response which has become an American literary classic. Mr. Church died in 1906. The New York Sun closed its doors in 1950.

Virginia O’Hanlon Douglas died in 1971 after a distinguished career as a teacher and administrator in the New York City school system. However, the letter from Virginia, and Mr. Church’s response, will live forever as a part of our Christmas heritage. It is still a wonderful answer to a very difficult question.

Dear Editor:

I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in The Sun it’s so.” Please tell me the truth: is there a Santa Claus?

Virginia O’Hanlon Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished. Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. No Santa Claus! Thank God, he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now. Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the hearts of childhood.

From The New York Sun, September 21,1897

To our valued friends, subscribers and advertisers, best wishes for a happy holiday seasonMerry Christmas!

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.

If I wanted to marry my wife, Kylee, it meant I was moving to northern Wisconsin. She grew up in New Richmond and was adamant about living as close to her family as possible. Growing up in Illinois, I thought I already had my fill of winter weather and hoped to move in the opposite direction. Needless to say, we did the opposite, which meant I had to learn and navigate life living a state’s distance away from my family.

During the holidays, you often have to compromise. It would be wonderful to have both our families within walking distance as we do with Kylee’s family, but the reality is a five-hour drive is between us and my family. That means we have to flip-flop our Thanksgiving and Christmas every year.

I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t tough at times, especially after our son Graydon was born. And

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.)

it’s not just tough for me. Graydon’s first Christmas was spent with the Anderson family down in Illinois. I know that’s not what my in-laws had hoped for, but it just happened to be the year we were heading down there for Christmas. Again, you often have to compromise. Growing up, I always had a fondness for Thanksgiving. I truly was thankful to be with my family every year, sitting around the table eating great food and enjoying each other’s company. Now that we divide the holidays, it’s always a little bit hard for me not to be home around my aunt and uncle’s table as I had for so many years during Thanksgiving. That said I’ll never turn down my motherin-law’s fantastic cooking, especially her sticky toffee pudding. Now that’s a real treat I wouldn’t have had if I decided not to move up north.

Christmas is no different. Just over five years ago, we tragically lost my brother-in-law, Rob Deshazer, to a heart attack. That Christmas, we made the decision to travel down to Illinois when it was typically our year to spend

LETTER GUIDELINES

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Due to space limitations, letters that don’t address local issues are not guaranteed publication.

Staff reserves the right to refrain from printing a letter. Anonymous letters will not be printed.

with Kylee’s family. There was already going to be one less person sitting around the Christmas tree, so it was important that we were there to support my family even if it meant spending the holidays away from Kylee’s family. Obviously, I’m just one of many who decided to move away from the hometown and family they grew up with. I’m sure some of you can relate with divvying up the holidays between families. It’s not easy when you have to choose which family you visit during the holidays. But, again, compromises must be made in these circumstances.

But it also makes each holiday visit just a little more special. When you only get to spend Thanksgiving or Christmas with one family or the other every other year, being together is even more important. Every opportunity my family gets to spend with us (especially with Graydon) is a gift, and it makes me cherish every minute spent with them just a little bit more than I had in the past.

Letters may be emailed to: editor@osceolasun.com no later than noon Friday the week preceding publication.

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and 10¢ each additional word. Like other letters to the editor, the writer’s name, address and phone number are required. Phone numbers are not published. The Sun has the right to reject letters which don’t meet publishing standards and will determine if the letter qualifies as a paid endorsement. Paid letters will be identified with a label and may or may not appear on the opinion/letters page.

Publisher

Tom Stangl Editor Matt Anderson

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the town, in shelter kennels - we are lost but not found. We lay in our kennels, patiently waiting there. We hope every minute that someone will care. They’ll come to adopt us and give us the call, “’Come Max, Come Sparkie, come fetch your new ball!!”

The kind workers come through with a meal and a pat, with so many to care for, they can’t stay to chat. They move to the next kennel, each of us cheer. We appreciate their loving attention during our shelter stay here. We lay down to sleep; sweet dreams fill our heads, of a home filled with love and our own cozy beds.

If you can’t adopt us or there’s no room at your Inn, could you help with the bills and fill our food bin? We count on your kindness each day of the year. Can you give more than hope to everyone here?

Please make a donation to pay for the heat and help get us something special to eat. With shelter care. we are given a second chance to live. We offer uncondi-

Just in time

Iwill be home in time for Christmas.

It’s always a little hard to leave Mexico, and leaving right before the holidays is perhaps the hardest. The giant Christmas tree just went up in front of the church last night. Thousands of handmade tin stars hang over the streets, embedded with colored glass beads and lit from within. The poinsettias (or “nochebuenas”) decorate the windowsills.

tional love, with help, from people who give.

Arnell Memorial Humane Society is a safety net for lost cats and dogs. providing shelter. reclaim, medical care, enrichment, and adoption for animals in need of

Christmas trees.

One of my favorite holiday songs is about Christmas in Australia, where going home for Christmas means arriving at the hottest time of year, with family sitting outside drinking “white wine in the sun.”

People write about being especially determined to get home at Christmas and especially lonely if they don’t make it home.

There is a concert every night of the week. It is hard to leave, in the middle of all this celebration, to return to our own Christmas up north, where the weather is so very different.

But I don’t really mind because I’ll be home, just in time for Christmas.

There’s a reason there are so many songs about going home for Christmas. Many of them are from decades past, in the heyday of movie musicals. I imagine it must have been a challenge for songwriters, sitting around a swimming pool in Los Angeles, penning lyrics about snow falling and sleigh bells ringing and

I know there are plenty of people who don’t go anywhere at Christmas and have given up the whole idea of what the holiday season is supposed to look like in favor of a more relaxed and peaceful time, with fewer expectations and obligations. I can understand that as well.

But I’ll be home in time for Christmas.

I am fortunate because I actually enjoy all the holiday cliches. I love baking cookies every year with my sister and wrapping packages and setting the table for more people than it can comfortably hold. I love the falling snow and the ringing of sleigh bells and—most of all—the Christmas trees.

My first official act of the Christmas season will be to hurry down to the local hardware store to get my Christmas tree from the lot out front. I will walk there with my cart, and I will worry all the way to the store that I am too late.

a helping hand. Our sources of funding are adoption fees, donations and fundraising events. The annual Arnell newsletter was recently mailed to 2024 Adopters, Donors and Friends, If you would like to receive our newsletters, please call or email the shelter to request one. Tho newsletter includes a Friends Donation Envelope, our annual end of year fundraising campaign,

Perhaps you have adopted “the best dog we ever had” from Arnell, or you have a friend who has taken home one of our fabulous feline companions. Maybe you have found a desperate and disoriented stray in need of a warm place to rest their head. Or your frantic search for a lost pet has ended when they were found safe and our shelter. That’s why we are here and will continue to be the safety net in their lives with your help. Good things happen at Arnell. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season! Arnell Memorial Humane Society 185 Griffin St East, Amery WI 54001; (715)268-7387.

I will imagine the tree lot empty except for a few broken branches lying in the trampled snow.

“Sorry! Just sold our last tree 30 minutes ago,” the man in the insulated overalls will tell me, and I will stand there in the snow with my little cart and my bungee cords and wonder where I will find a Christmas tree at this late date.

But this will not happen.

Instead, I will pick out a tree, all wrapped up in twine, and I won’t even untie it. I will judge by its appearance—all tied up—that it will be the perfect tree.

The man in the lot will help me strap it into my cart, and I’ll wheel it home. A few people will stare at the woman hauling her tree in a cart, but I won’t mind. And when I get home, I’ll put my tree in the stand and cut the twine cords binding it, and ever so slowly, the cold tree will unfurl. In the morning, I’ll get out of bed, and it will be as if a miracle has taken place in my living room.

The perfect Christmas tree will be there, waiting for me, and I’ll be home—just in time for Christmas.

Till next time,

Carrie

To see photos, check out CarrieClassonAuthor on Facebook or visit CarrieClasson.com.

YEARS AGO

20 years ago Dec. 15, 2004

• Grace Kirby and Ashlea Muckenhirn were honored last week. Kirby was the first Chieftain female to win a varsity wrestling match. Muckenhirn was the first Chieftain girl to score 1000 career points in basketball.

• The Osceola Lions Club presented a cardiac defibrillator to the Osceola Middle School.

• Students and staff from the Osceola Middle School special education department donated $300 worth of gifts to Toys for Kids at The RiverBank.

• Ryan Kalmoe of St. Croix Falls has the distinction of being named an AP Scholar in the College Board Advanced Placement program in college level courses taken at St. Croix Falls High School.

• The Osceola boys basketball team lost to Somerset, 51-43. David Schwab scored a team-high, 14 points.

• The Osceola wrestling team won the Baron Invitational. Kevin Steffen, Mark Steffen, Joe Steffen and Andy Geving finished first. Dave Olson, Brett Madlon and Kevin Raska finished second.

• Jenny Wolter, a University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire junior received the Most Inspirational Award for the Bluegold volleyball team.

30 years ago Dec. 14, 1994

• Lexi Allen, Courtney Roberts, Gina Laursen and Amy Deloach were named Osceola High School Students of the Month.

• David Smith of Osceola Business Association presented Fern Brunclik with a floral arrangement congratulating her on her new location on Oak Ridge Drive.

• Thirty to fifty gallons of diesel fuel spilled near the C-Plus business area on Dec. 5 after an 18-wheeler suffered a broken driveshaft.

• Riverside Sanitation customers in Osceola will receive a letter this week notifying them that the company has been sold to Waste Management.

• Free sleigh rides were of-

fered in downtown Osceola during Saturday’s holiday festivities. Santa arrived via dog sled.

• Wayne’s Cafe in St. Croix Falls was serving lutefisk on Mondays during November and December.

• Osceola Daisy Girl Scouts bright a little Christmas cheer to the residents of the L.O. Simenstad Nursing Care Unit.

• The Osceola girls basketball team picked up an impressive win over New Richmond, 52-43.

40 years ago Dec. 18, 1984

• At the Dec. 11 Osceola village board meeting, Purnal Tracy was appointed to fill the term of Keith Jones. Jones has been elected Polk County District Attorney.

• The Osceola village board granted the request of developer Jerry Staloch to develop a mobile home park across from Northern Metals on County Road M.

• The Red Cross Bloodmobile collected 154 units of blood in Osceola. First time donors were Jeff Rydeen, Jerry Erickson, Barbara Vignere, Richard Lee, Darlene Smith, Jerry Baillargeon, David Holmdahl, Chris Carlson, Jonna Zehm, Kris Wilker, Shawn Cottor, Steve Olson, Sheri Backes, Sara Montgomery, Beth Quist and Sara Kuske.

• Dean Mortenson of Dresser has been promoted Marine Sergeant while serving with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station, Beaufort, S.C.

• Showing at the Auditorium Theatre in St. Croix Falls: Beverly Hills Cop.

• For outstanding merchandising and achievement of sales goals, Tim Adams of Osceola Super Valu has been awarded the coveted Super Valu “Big Brands Sale” Spectacular award plaque.

• Don Stark, a junior at University of Wisconsin – River Falls, has been named to the 1984 All-Wisconsin State University Conference football team.

GOVERNMENT NUMBERS WHO TO CALL...

President Joe Biden

1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW • Washington, D.C. 20500

Comments: (202) 456- or http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ Switchboard: (202) 456-1414

Congressman Tom Tiffany 7th Congressional District 1714 Longworth HOB, Washington, DC 20515 • (202) 225-3365

U.S. Senator Ronald H. Johnson 328 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20515 • (202) 224-5323 www.ronjohnson.senate.gov

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin 7 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 • (202) 224-5653 • (715) 832-8424 www.baldwin.senate.gov/contact

Governor Tony Evers

5 East, State Capitol Bldg. Mailing address: P.O. Box 7863, Madison, WI 53707 • (608) 266EversInfo@wisconsin.gov • www.evers.wis.gov

Rep. Gae Magnafici 28th Assembly District P.O. Box 8953 • Madison, WI 53708-8953 (608) 237-9128 or 1-888-529-0028 • Fax (608) 282-3628

Rep.Magnafici@legis.wisconsin.gov

Senator Rob Stafsholt 10th Senate District Room 15 So., State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882 • Madison, WI 53708 (608) 266-7745

Sen.Stafsholt@legis.wisconsin.gov NO CALL LIST 1-888-382-22 or website: datcp.wi.gov

Dr. Carla Hauge

Dr. Thomas Hauge

Dr. Jordan Dittberner

Lundquist

Clarification/correction

Numbers included in “Polk County is $294k into legal fees over trail,” an article published in the Nov. 27, edition of The Sun, included inaccurate figures that reflected an amount $61,841.50 over what the county has spent.

Instead of the rounded $294,000 reported, that number should have been $233,000.

The fee amounts were obtained through an open records request to determine how much the county had spent to-date on litigation brought by the Friends of the Stower Trail against the county.

The litigation was brought The Friends of the Stower Trail against the county a couple of years ago after the county approved plans to allow motors and horses on the trail.

The county answered the request by sending redacted invoices from Attolles Law and VonBriesen & Ropert, S.C., both law firms from Milwaukee, that have been handling the county’s side of the lawsuit.

When contacted

TO THE EDITOR

As a working journalist at my local newspaper, just out of college, a local police chief threatened to throw me in jail for refusing to share my photos of members of a white supremacist motorcycle group that came to our town (at the behest of a local business owner). Lucky for me, calmer heads prevailed. But it remains an example of how a federal shield law (in lieu of the patchwork of state laws that

by this newspaper to coordinate a correction to the published story, Polk County Administrator Emil “Moe” Norby said there were issues with the documents that could have caused confusion.

“Unfortunately, no fault of your ownsome of the invoices you received show a carryover balance that were paid in a previous billing cycle that you would not have known about,” Norby wrote.

“The changes would be Feb 2024 should be $6173.50 instead of $22119.75, June 2024 should be $1656.00 instead of $23,775.75, and July 2024 should be $3805.09 instead of $27775.75 with a total of overstating of $61,841.50.”

The county has continued to pursue the lawsuit and has filed two appeals over the past year, both of which are in the hands of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals.

Decisions on both of the appeals is expected in 2025.

We apologize for our error.

exist) would protect journalists at all levels from not being forced to become an investigative tool of law enforcement.

I fully support the bipartisan passage of the PRESS Act and I urge both Wisconsin Senators Ron Johnson and Tammy Baldwin to support it.

Kyle Weaver Osceola

“Back before the Constitution enshrined the principle of free speech in the very First Amendment, the French writer, wit, and philosopher Voltaire said, ‘I may not agree with what you have to say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.’” Robert Mankoff, February 20, 2015, New York Times

This week we celebrate Bill of Rights Day, observed on December 15. It’s an important day for all Americans. These first ten amendments to the Constitution were ratified on December 15, 1791 (233 years ago). They are known as the Bill of Rights because they protect the most basic rights of Americans including freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, the right to protest, and equal protection under the law. Other amendments include the right to bear arms, protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, and so forth. Bill of Rights Day was introduced by James Madison, who later became the fourth President of the United States.

Libraries and library users especially celebrate the First Amendment to the Bill of Rights. This amendment which gives everyone residing in the United States the right to hear all sides of every issue and to make their own judgments about those issues without government interference or limitations. The First Amendment allows individuals to speak, publish, read, and view what they wish, worship (or not worship) as they wish, associate with whomever they choose, and gather together to

ask the government to make changes in the law or to correct the wrongs in society.

The right to speak and the right to publish under the First Amendment has been interpreted widely to protect individuals and society from government attempts to suppress ideas and information, and to forbid government censorship of books, magazines, and newspapers as well as art, film, music and materials on the internet.

The Supreme Court and other courts have held conclusively that there is a First Amendment right to receive information as part of the right to speak. Celebrate Bill of Rights Day—visit your library. Borrow something free with your library card just because you can.

“Freedom of speech is a principal pillar of a free government: When this support is taken away, the constitution of a free society is dissolved,” wrote Founding Father Benjamin Franklin in The Pennsylvania Gazette.

Geraldine E. Anderson Village Library, Dresser Phone: 715-755-2944, email: dresserpl@ dresserpubliclibrary.org, web: https://dresserpubliclibrary.org, or find us on Facebook.

Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 10-7, Tuesday and Friday 10-5, Saturday 10-1. Outdoor book return open 24/7 at the blue box. Wi-Fi: Free 24/7 near the library. Computers, printing, copies, etc. Call or email for special needs or assistance.

Print at the library from home or your mobile device with Princh. Pay at the library. New

color copier/printer/ scanner

Small meeting room for your Zoom calls, etc. —Check-in with your library card. Call us with any special assistance needs. We will work to get you what you need, with safety our top priority.

Family Story Time: Every second Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at the Library. Stories, interactive songs, and sensory activities suitable for a wide range of ages. Perfect for working families! It’s a library visit, literacy education, a bit of music, and play all in one stop before lunch and naptime. Preschool -Kindergarten will most benefit.

Check our website, Facebook, or call for more information on programming.

Closed: Dec. 24-26 & Dec. 31.

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.

Check our website, Face Book, or call for

more information on programming.

Writing for Calm with Kathleen Melin, Tuesday, December 17 @ 6 pm-8 pm. Bring an item or photo of your item to prompt your writing. Come have fun, explore gratitude, and eat cookies.

Special preschool Holiday Yoga, Dec. 18 at 10:15 a.m.

Closed: Dec. 24-26 & Dec. 31.

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.

WMPL Book Discussion meets Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. at the library. Get a copy of the book from the library.

Lunch with a Librarian. Bring your lunch to the library to chat about books, movies, or anything else library related. first and third Monday of the month at 12:30 p.m. Closed: Dec. 24-25 & Dec. 31-Jan. 1.

Amery

Trustee Bradley E. Guinn and the Roger J. Neumann and Laurie M. Neumann Family Trust to Laurie M. Neumann, 10 parcels, in the Town of Alden.

Laurie M. Neumann to Trustee Laurie M. Neumann and the Laurie M. Neumann Survivor’s Trust, 10 parcels, in the Town of Alden.

Trustee Laurie M. Neumann and the Roger J. Neumann and Laurie M. Neumann Survivor’s Trust to Trustee Laurie M. Neumann and the Laurie M. Neumann Survivor’s Trust, 10 parcels, in the Town of Alden.

Trustee Laurie M. Neumann and the Roger J. and Laurie M. Neumann Living Trust to Trustee Laurie M. Neumann and Laurie M. Neumann Survivor’s Trust, 1 parcel, in the Town of Alden. Joel and Natalie Kelso

to Joel and Natalie Kelso, 2061 10th Ave., in the Town of Alden.

Elaine and Gerald Boucher to Anthony L. Boucher, 503 150th St., in the Town of Alden.

Elaine K. Boucher to the public, 503 150th St., in the Town of Alden.

Jessica and Zachary McNeil to Anna and Carter Drompp, 371 195th St., in the Town of Alden.

Debra and Virgil Koehler to Luke W. Haase and Katelyn Katelyn E. Tietz, 384 202nd St. County Rd. M, in the Town of Alden.

Trustees Jessica L. Olson and Michael J. Viebrock and the Viebrock Family Trust to Michael and Sue Viebrock, 1 parcel, in the Town of Alden.

Michael and Sue Viebock to Trustees Jessica Olson and Michael Viebrock and the Viebrock Family Trust, 1 parcel, in the Town of Alden.

Rhys Williams to Millertime Properties LLC, 122 Tower St., in the City of Amery.

Jean Volkert to the public, 751 Pondhurst Circ., in the City of Amery.

Attorney in Facts

Darla J. Lovald, Roger A. Lovald and Jean Volkert to Katherine Munthe, 751 Pondhurst Circ., in the City of Amery.

Co-Personal Reps. Kevin and Rita Sheldahl and the Estate of Kenneth L. Sheldahl to the Joel E. Danielson Trust, 112 Burman Ave., in the City of Amery.

Curtis and Emily Joslin to Daniel and Mickayla Oswald, 128 Arch St., in the City of Amery. Apple River

James and Kimberly Baldwin to Peter J. Baldwin and Jennifer N. Rogers, 1771 Belisle Ct., in the Town of Apple River.

Marie L. Geist to

Trustees Richard L. Berhow and Marie L. Geist and the Marie L. Geist Living Trust, 1335 100th St., in the Town of Apple River.

Personal Rep. Edward R. McGlynn Jr., Personal Rep. Nora McGlynn and Rosemary M. McGlynn to Edward Jr. and Jessica McGlynn, 1 parcel, in the Town of Apple River. Balsam Lake Jessica and Noah Bratzel to the public, 1579 160th St, in the Town of Balsam Lake.

Sarah T. Hansen to Joseph D. Hansen, 1654 169th Ave., in the Town of Balsam Lake.

Estate of Rose M. Mason to David W. Mason and Dawn E. Swanson, 112 Basil St., in the Village of Balsam Lake. Gary and Mary Prazich to Prazich Living Trust, 1707 133rd Ave., in the Town of Balsam Lake.

POLK COUNTY LAND TRANSFERS

Alden

Charlene Monica Berg

Charlene Monica Berg died Dec. 12, 2024 at her residence in Osceola. She was 76.

Charlene was born Nov. 19, 1948, in St. Paul, Minn., to parents Lynn and Monica (Waldera) Johnson. She attended Johnson High School and graduated in 1966. In 1967, she studied nursing at Abbott Hospital School of Nursing. In 1968, she met her future husband, Richard Berg, and the two were married on April 12, 1969.

After marrying, Charlene helped Richard on the family farm with milking, chores, fieldwork or whatever else was needed. In 1990, Richard and Charlene opened Pleasant Lake Bed and Breakfast and enjoyed hosting guests for the next 33 years.

Charlene loved spending time with her family –kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. She was an amazing baker and made all the wedding cakes for her kids’ weddings. She loved to sew and quilt. She attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Church for over 50 years and had a strong Christian faith. She stayed very active with church events and was a Eucharist minister and Lectern there.

Charlene was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Richard Berg; mother, Monica Johnson; son, Danny Berg; brothers, Dan, Dean, and Greg Johnson; sister, Nancy Fritsche; parents-in-law, Frank and Julia Berg; and sister-in-law, MaryAnn Dreher.

She is survived by her four children: Jeanine (Greg) Sandberg, Jim (Donna), Vicki (Alec) Russell, and Rick (Elizabeth) Moore; father, Lynn Johnson; 20 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brothers, Tom (Lois) Johnson, John (Kelli) Johnson, and James (Colleen) Johnson; sister, Monica Carroll; brothers-in-law, Tom (Linda) Berg and Paul (Becky) Berg; and many nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial for Charlene will be Dec. 21 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Osceola. Visitation one hour prior. Burial to follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in East Farmington. An evening visitation will take place the night before, Dec. 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with prayer service at 6:30 p.m.

Arrangements made with Grandstrand Funeral Home of Osceola. Condolences can be expressed online at www.grandstrandfh.com

ALLIANCE CHURCH OF THE VALLEY

59 Hwy. 35 South, St. Croix Falls 715-483-00

www.stcroixalliance.com

Lead Pastor Jeff Naegelen

Co-Lead Pastor Chris Folkestad

ASSUMPTION OF THE

BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

CATHOLIC CHURCH

East Farmington

Rev. Joseph Madanu

BETHANY LUTHERAN Star Prairie

Pastor Dan Pennington (715) 248-3730

blcsp@frontiernet.net

BETHESDA LUTHERAN LCMC

1947 0th Ave. Dresser Sand Lake 715-755-2562

www.bethesdalutheran.ws

Pastor Peter Rimmereid

Associate Pastor Scott Adkins

CEDARBEND CHURCH

P.O. BOX 414, Osceola Matt Hayton

connect@cedarbendchurch.com

SUNDAY: Worship, 10:30 a.m., 373 280th St., Osceola, (old Neuroscience building).

CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH

150 Fifth Street

Marine on St. Croix, Minn.

Pastor Joel Martin 651-433-3222

EL SALEM/TWIN FALLS

CHRISTIAN CENTER

Six miles east of Dresser on

ABOUT THE TOWN

The stars told the story

More than 2,000 years ago the stars pointed to a revolution that was about to take place on earth. Astrologers, though we don’t know their names, followed the stars to see the newborn king in Bethlehem. They went to Herod, the king, and he didn’t know about it so they continued following the bright star until they found Jesus in Bethlehem. Herod went about sending a decree that male babies up to two years old should be killed.

From my youth until this day, I feel it is important to celebrate the birthday of Jesus. However, today it is so woven with commercialism we hardly grasp the meaning. We need to know more about the life of Jesus.

Today we celebrate in many different ways. Dinners with family and friends, gift exchanges, and for some it’s travel time. Over the years it was gift exchanges with close family members, whether it be on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, or a visit with close relatives on one of those days.

Since the ‘70s, we have taken our family to the Festival of Christmas concert at Bethel University. We did that again this year. Bethel was celebrating the 68th festival in the Great Hall at the Arden Hills campus. It’s a wonderful way to begin the Christmas season. The title of the concert this year was “Children, Go Where I Send Thee.” This song discusses the message of God and encourages us as children to follow his teaching. It references sowing seeds of faith that will last forever into Heaven.

Following the concert was a beautifully prepared Scandinavian buffet.

Throughout the concert my eyes got a little teary having 20 of our family members surround us. I think of the memories of Kathy teaching in the Bethel music department and the opportunity I had to serve on the Board of Regents for more than a decade.

Christmas memories

Memories are wonderful to reflect on. The first memorable Christmas gift was a farm set from my Uncle Ed and Aunt Myrtle Olson, my mom’s sister. I must have been three or four years old.

Another memorable gift was an American Flyer passenger train with the introduction of the S gauge two-rail toy train. That prompted building a large layout in the basement in 1946 at the age of 10.

Over the years memories continued, being married at the age of 18 to Joan Ostrom, who would die from a diabetic condition 12 years later, building

HOLY CROSS ORTHODOX

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

our own home at the age of 17 and 18, and losing our first child at birth. Thankfully, Julie was born in good health a year later.

I worked at the Press above the Getty building at the age of 16 and continued until the age of 20 when the opportunity came to buy our first newspaper in Atwater in west central Minnesota. Then we purchased the paper in Olivia and eventually came back to buy the White Bear Press and other newspapers in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Life is wonderful

Making up the wonderful memories are the many friendships, a growing family, and opportunities to serve community organizations as well as National Newspaper Association work. Another big highlight was serving on board leadership at Bethel University. We have had 28 foreign visitors live with us and have been able to travel over 75 countries in the world and consult in several under-developed countries in Europe, South America and the South Pacific.

God is wonderful

In my teens, I struggled to find the purpose of life. When I was 17, I turned my life over to the Lord and what a difference that has made. I still struggle to be faithful to his commands, but I also acknowledge that I have been very blessed for these experiences of life and to share his teaching through my life in expressions in this column.

Merry Christmas, readers

Kathy and I hope you have cherished memories that will be with you for years to come. Enjoy the special traditions that you have come to enjoy. Find ways to help to those less fortunate. Take time to be with those you love and be charitable with your resources. Don’t forget our heritage, our democracy, our Constitution, and pray for our nation and world leaders.

CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Meeting at Zion Lutheran Church 28005 Old Towne Road Chisago Lakes, Minn. 651-260-5100 www.holyx.net

Fr. Bill Neumann, pastor

HOLY TRINITY

ORTHODOX CHURCH 523 First Street, Clayton 715-948-2203 Father Christopher Wojcik

HOPE EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH 933 248th Street, one mile north of Osceola on Highway 35 Pastor Neil Schindler 715-294-21 • www.hefc.org

JOURNEY CHURCH 131 Broadway, Amery www.journeychurch.city office@journeychurch.city 715-268-2223

NEW LIFE

CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

Non-denominational 201 State Hwy. 35, Dresser Pastor Tony Minell, 715-417-1982 galatiansii20@yahoo.com Church office: 715-417-45

OSCEOLA

COMMUNITY CHURCH

2492 Education Drive, Osceola Pastor Josiah Williams www.occnow.org

OSCEOLA MEDICAL CENTER SPIRITUAL CARE 2600 65th Avenue, Osceola https: myomc.org/wellness/ spiritual-care 715-294-21 Chapel open daily for meditation.

OSCEOLA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 306 River Street, Osceola P.O. Box 447 Pastor Jack Starr 715-755-2275 osceolaunitedmethodistchurch@gmail.com

PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH (ELCA), 2355 Clark Rd., Dresser 715-755-2515 • plcdresser.org plcdresseroffice@gmail.com

Pastor Melissa Carmack Find us on Facebook. Live steam YouTube. Sundays 9 a.m.

PRAIRIEVIEW COVENANT CHURCH OF NEW RICHMOND 1396 210th Ave. 2 miles north of New Richmond on Hwy. 65 Pastor Rudy King 715-248-0600

REDEEMER EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH Wisconsin Synod Corner of Adams & Louisiana St. Croix Falls Rev. Timothy Blauert 715-483-3401

ST. ANNE PARISH 139 Church Hill Road Somerset, WI 54025 715-247-3310 Rev. Joseph Madanu

ST. CROIX FALLS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Upper St. Croix Parish 300 North Adams Street St. Croix Falls 715-483-9494 churches@centurytel.net umstcroixfallswolfcreek.org

Pastor Jenny Lee

ST. CROIX UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP 201 N. Adams, St. Croix Falls www.scuuf.org Rev. Kelli Clement

ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH Franconia, MN 651-465-7345 www.stfrancisfranconia.org Fr. John Drees

ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC Osceola Rev. Joseph Madanu 715-294-2243

ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC 490 Bench Street Taylors Falls, Minnesota 651-465-7345 www.stjosephtaylorsfalls.org Fr. John Drees

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

Columnist

Gene Johnson

POLK COUNTY COURT NEWS

Possession of THC

• Gerald A. Walker, 64, Clear Lake, pled no contest and was fined $263.50.

Speeding in 55 MPH zone

• Jenavieve R. Kinzer, 20, Amery, pled no contest and was fined $175.30.

Speeding on city highway

• Darrell A. Askew, 21, Minneapolis, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $250.90.

• Joshua J. Erickson, 42, Chisago City, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $175.30.

• Alexis C. Salminen, 24, Stanchfield, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $175.30.

County disorderly conduct

• Jason R. Stage, 42, Luck, pled no contest and was fined $263.50.

County possession of paraphernalia

• Cole A. Duxbury, 18, Milltown, pled no contest and was fined $263.50.

• Soukseum Inthickack, 46, Brooklyn Park, pled no contest and was fined $263.50.

• Patrick B. Kirby, 47, Frederic, pled no contest and was fined $263.50.

• Kaedyn B. Peterson, 18, Elk Mound, pled no contest and was fined $263.50.

County possession of THC

• Soukseum Inthickack, 46, Brooklyn Park, pled no contest and was fined $263.50.

• Patrick B. Kirby, 47, Frederic, pled no contest and was fined $263.50. Exceeding speed zones

• Kami A. Beckman, 42, Luck, pled no contest and was fined $200.50.

• Ethan E. Davison, 22, Centuria, pled no contest and was fined $225.70.

• Gregory C. Smith, 68, Centuria, pled no contest and was fined $200.50. Fail/slow vehicle- passing stop emergency vehicle

• Jorge A. Sarava Varela, 30, Somerset, pled no contest and was fined $263.50.

Fail/stop at stop sign

• Nathanael W. Graves, 26, Minnetonka, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $175.30.

Fail/yield right/way from stop sign

• Teresa J. Ailing, 60, Balsam Lake, pled no contest and was fined $175.30.

Failure of operator to notify police of accident

• Ignacio Clemente Cervantes, 20, Luck, pled no contest and was fined $389.50.

Failure to yield right of way

• Henry F. Kuehndorf, 56, Balsam Lake, pled no contest and was fined $238.30.

Hit and run- unattended vehicle

• Ignacio Clemente Cervantes, 20, Luck, pled no contest and was fined $263.50.

Inattentive driving

• Joan M. Lorenz, 62, Luck, pled no contest and was fined $187.90.

• Miguel A. Sanchez, 20, Cumberland, pled no contest and was fined $187.90.

Non-registration of vehicle

• Zachary A. Hoffman, 34, Roberts, pled no contest and was fined $175.30.

• Mya D. Monteith, 49, Luck, pled no contest and was fined $175.30.

• Rylie R. Schmidt, 17, Frederic, pled no contest and was fined $175.30.

• Brandon W. Schultz, 23, Milltown, pled no contest and was fined $175.30.

• Patric Tillery-Lamarche, 25, Milltown, pled no contest and was fined $175.30.

Operate without a valid license

• Joshua S. Stone, 43, Mora, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $200.50.

Operating a motor vehicle without insurance

• Gregory J. Becker, 44, Rice Lake, pled no contest and was fined $200.50.

• Ignacio Clemente Cervantes, 20, Luck, pled no contest and was fined $200.50.

• Logan B. Curran, 18, the charge was dismissed on prosecutor’s motion.

• Ashley L. Curry, 36, Luck, pled no contest and was fined $200.50.

• Joshua D. Johnson, 34, Amery, pled no contest and was fined $200.50.

• Vada M. Moody, 32, Luck, pled no contest and was fined $200.50.

• Jorge A. Sarava Varela, 30, Somerset, pled no contest and was fined $200.50. Operating a motor vehicle

Holiday season celebrations have a reputation for being especially jovial. The spirit of the season undoubtedly has something to do with that, as people from all faiths and backgrounds tend to have an extra hop in their step and a slightly wider smile on their faces each December.

Holiday hosts also do much to promote the festive spirit of the season. Hosts often go to great lengths to ensure holiday guests enjoy their visits, and that even extends to the food and drinks they serve the people they welcome into their homes. Many celebrants would insist no holiday season get-together is complete without eggnog, a classic beverage that’s most popular in December. This holiday season, hosts can treat their guests to this recipe for “Eggnog” courtesy of Lines+Angles.

Eggnog

Makes 2 servings

2 ounces brandy or cognac

2 ounces dark rum, plus more for sugar rim

1 cup eggnog, prepared

1⁄8 teaspoon nutmeg

1⁄8 teaspoon cinnamon 1⁄2 teaspoon light brown sugar

without proof of insurance

• Kami A. Beckman, 42, Luck, pled no contest and was fined $10.

• Sean C. Hickey, 53, New Richmond, pled no contest and was fined $10.

• Cory K. Smith, 35, Rice Lake, pled no contest and was fined $10. Operating while revoked

• Rachel Bugg, 30, Luck, pled no contest and was fined $200.50. Operating while suspended

• Jamie S. Melin, 47, Luck, pled no contest and was fined $200.50.

• Christian J. Prusinski, 28, Augusta, pled no contest and was fined $200.50.

Passing in no-passing zone

• Vada M. Moody, 32, Luck, pled no contest and was fined $213.10. Possess open intoxicants in MV- driver

• Christian J. Prusinski, 28, Augusta, pled no contest and was fined $263.50.

2 sticks cinnamon, for garnish (optional)

2 pods star anise, for garnish (optional) Shortbread or gingerbread cookies, for garnish (optional)

1. In a cocktail shaker with ice, add the brandy, rum and eggnog together, cover and shake.

2. Add the nutmeg, cinnamon and sugar to a small plate and stir around to combine. Wet the rims of 2 glasses with rum. Roll the rims of the glasses in the spices to coat.

3. Strain the eggnog mixture into the two glasses. Garnish with cinnamon sticks, star anise pods and festive shortbread cookies, if desired.

Another Christmas is on the way!

FROM PAGE 6

Roy B. Toland to Marybeth and Todd Nelson, 1639 170th St. and 1 other parcel, in the Town of Balsam Lake.

Amber and Nicholas Palmer to Christopher Swanson, 1638 162nd St., in the Town of Balsam Lake.

Diane and Timothy Mares to Sheldon Lindskog, 411 W Main St., in the Village of Balsam Lake.

Joseph and Julie Moliter to Jam Living Trust, 1383 176th St. and 1 other parcel, in the Town of Balsam Lake.

Schoeff, 82 157th Ave., in the Town of Beaver.

Michael and Myrna Barthel to Trustees Michael and Myrna Barthel and the Michael Joseph Barthel and Myrna Sue Barthel Revocable Trust, 7 155th Ave. and 1 other parcel, in the Town of Beaver.

Dal Inc. FKA, Vice President Matthew J. Rowell, President Sara J. Rowell and Scrap Metal Recycling Inc. to Nicole M. Pickle, 1356 10th St., in the Town of Beaver.

Chief Manager Lisa Peterson-Kinnunen and Lisa’s Lake Cabin LLC to Cynthia and Warren

Black Brook

Tammy Johnson (AKA Ray) and Rodney D. Ray to Emma and Gabriel Flandrick, 137 70th St., and 4 other parcels, in the Town of Black Brook.

Affiant Tammy S. Johnson to the public, 3 parcels, in the Town of Black Brook.

Estate of Raymond G. Sislo to Linda J. Sislo, 833 20th Ave., in the Town of Black Brook. Linda J. Sislo to Andrew Thoe, 833 20th Ave., in the Town of Black Brook. Sandra Teske to Allison Benson, 660 60th

LIGHTS

LOVE LIGHTS

Shine at Osceola Medical Center - A blessed season to all!

Shine at Osceola Medical Center - A blessed season to all!

We want to thank everyone who designated lights in honor or memory of friends and family to the Love Light Tree at Osceola Medical Center. The lights will continue to shine in the darkness each night during the holiday season.

We want to thank everyone who designated lights in honor or memory of friends and family to the Love Light Tree at Osceola Medical Center. The lights will continue to shine in the darkness each night during the holiday season.

Kathy Apke

Angie Brassow

Pastor Brassow

Darlene Brown

Blake Hagen*

Karen Hurtis

IN HONOR IN MEMORY

Tom & Laura Jensen

Millie Addy

Richard Addy*

Marian Addy Popov

Harry A. Beck*

Harry Beck, OD*

Marian Belisle

Paul Belisle

Shirley Belisle

Vic Belisle

Carissa Berhow

Richard & Iris Bierbrauer

Jim Bostrom*

Evan Bresina

Rita Bresina

Earl Brown+*

Ray & Mabel Brust

Helen Casey

William Casey Jr.*

William Casey Sr.*

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Vickie Jensen

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Marvin & Thelma Heuer

Julie Olson

Shaun Olson

Thomas Rooker*

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Rita Schmidt

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Jack Starr

Wayne & Jeffrey Heuer

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Louie Ingram*

Scott Ingram

Yvonne Ingram+

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Charles & Mary Jensen

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Bill Johnson*

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Pam Talmage

Darlene Tarman

Mary Lewis

Scott Marble

Ron Martire

Kathy Measner

Ardis Meyer

Kenneth Meyer*

Sue Miles

Julaine Nicklas

Victoria Olson

Robert E. Olson*

Lyle Palmsteen

Christine Pederson

Mary (Liz) Peterson

Jack Pixley

Paul & Ethel Rud

Brian G. Salmon

Gregory R. Salmon*

Jim Salmon

Joan Salmon

Marilyn M. Salmon

Steven S. Salmon

Dr. Fred & Mickey Schletty*

Harold Schmidt*

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Eight ways to avoid holiday weight gain

A popular, familiar holiday song insists the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is “the most wonderful time of the year.” But for people who are mindful of eating and trying to maintain a healthy weight, the holiday season can very well turn into the “most compromising time of the year.”

Weight gain during the holiday season is quite common, although the amount gained can vary and it may not be as high as people think. The average weight gain during the holidays is anywhere from 0.8 pounds to just under 2 pounds. Although that doesn’t sound like a lot, that extra weight

stays on, says Dr. Donald Hensrud, a Mayo Clinic physician specializing in nutrition. Cumulative holiday weight gain can add up over the years. Dr. Hensrud says studies also show that people who weigh more to begin with may also gain more weight during the holiday season. Though the holiday season can be food-centric, it is possible to avoid gaining weight between late November and the start of a new year.

1. Eat protein in the morning. A high-protein breakfast can keep blood sugar more stable throughout the day and help control appetite.

2. Keep a consistent sched-

Minutes of Osceola Village Board Proceedings

The Village of Osceola met for a Regular meeting on November 12, 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, Marsha Hovey, Van Burch and Neil Kline

Staff present: Devin Swanberg, Carie Krentz, Tanya Batchelor, Ann Miller, Todd Waters, Andrew Bach, Paul Elfstrom and Joey Cutts

Motion by Maki and seconded by Hovey to approve the agenda.

Ayes-6 Nays-0 Motion carried Motion by Pedrys and seconded by Burch to approve the consent agenda.

Ayes-6 Nays-0 Motion carried

Public input and ideas (Limit 5 minutes per speaker)

Aaron Rother at 406 Delmar Avenue spoke about fixing the broken sign at Cascade Falls entrance. Ask about why the Pledge of Allegiance isn’t said to begin each meeting.

Reports: Staff reports

Police: Bach stated the PD generated 334 calls, 59 incidents and traffic reports with 4 arrests. Officers had 30 traffic stops and issued 37 municipal citations. Proceeded to review his memo to the board.

Public Works: Waters reviewed his memo to the board and information on the new sweeper.

Utilities: Swanberg reviewed Caruso’s memo to the board. Neil Kline arrived @ 6:12 pm

Library: Miller reviewed Library Director memo.

Fire: Elfstrom stated runs for the month of October were 13 runs total, 8 in Village of Osceola and 5 in Town of Farmington and reviewed his memo.

Building Inspection: Swanberg stated 3 new homes making it a total of 12 for the year. Showing we are growing.

Administration: Swanberg talked about (1) the Court case that was dismissed in court (2) finished audit and being presented tonight (3) hard work by staff and crew on Election Day (4) attending League of WI Municipalities (5) updates on potential developments.

Chamber of Commerce/Mainstreet: There was no update. Other business – discussion and possible action re: 2023 Audit Review – Clifton Larson Allen

Brock Geyen, with Clifton Larson Allen, handed out a summary sheet and presented the 2023 Financial Statement Audit. Began with what CLA offers, auditor’s report, dealt with prior year reports from previous auditors, management letter and in future will work with Batchelor on some training to reconcile accounts. Went into General Fund, which ended with an increase of $251,883 and showing a 11.6% of unassigned fund balance. Policy says 30% and improving each year to get to that number. Quickly reviewed special revenue funds, debt service funds, capital project funds and enterprise funds, running on a profit and current on rates for water & sewer. Reviewed long-term obligations and showed that number decreasing each year and ending at 58.1%, overall in good shape.

Lutz stated back in 2018 that percentage was at like 93% percent so have been improving each year since being in that situation. Swanberg stated that in better shape due to not taking from our fund balance.

MSA Professional Services – MSA Project Update

Drew Lindh from MSA, this update is communication tool that MSA uses. Since presenting conceptual design at last meeting has had communication with Fire Department and Todd Waters to get their approval on plan. Waiting on a response from Swanberg on any more work needed by MSA. Swanberg asked for a couple of board members, along with Lindh, Waters, and Wyatt Yager for a kick-off design meeting to go over members suggestions. Lindh updated the board regarding existing trail, which is permitted by WI DOT

ule. Just because it’s the holiday season doesn’t mean schedules should go out the window. Stick to structured mealtimes and your usual exercise routine.

3. Use smaller plates. It’s possible to fool yourself into thinking you ate more if you fill up a small plate rather than a large one.

4. Curtail the cocktails. Many people enjoy more alcoholic drinks during the holiday season than they do at other times of the year. But alcoholic beverages can be high in calories, especially mixed drinks and traditional egg nog. Stick to clear liquors with club soda in moderation, and

limiting consumption of beer, wine and mixed drinks.

5. Load up on a protein-laden snack. An hour before heading out for a holiday party or meal, enjoy a protein-rich shake or yogurt to allow for more self-control later on.

6. Eat strategically. Fill up on vegetables, whole grains and other less calorie-dense foods. Go sparingly with the foods you know are historically less healthy, including fried offerings or cream-based dishes.

7. Manage stress effectively. Although the holiday season is a festive time of year, it also can be stressful. Many people cope with stress by

and will remain after bridge construction. Then proceeded with phase 1 budget scenario, highlighting 50% of grant can be advance, covering a large portion to begin, project needs $250K of additional funding and reviewed options to consider. Discussion on these options and design changes.

MSA – Update and Adopt the Comprehensive Plan per Ordinance #24-06

Swanberg stated Planning Commission voted 5-1 to approve the Comprehensive Plan. It was stated that the issue from the nay vote was no agreements with neighboring communities and issues with Chapter 9 of plan. Lindh stated MSA does not take a traditional approach to preparing comp plans which allows the plan to amended and not to lengthy people won’t read it.

Motion by Burch and seconded by Maki to adopt Ordinance #24-06 an Ordinance to update and adopt the Comprehensive Plan of the Village of Osceola as presented.

Ayes-7 Nays-0 Motion carried

MSA – Contract for AFG Re-Application

Lindh with MSA, stated FEMA has opened their 2024 AFG Application and presenting their contract to re-apply. First attempt was unsuccessful but has received valuable feedback to reapply. Looking at options, one being to apply for two trucks versus one. Lutz asked for feedback received. Lindh stated didn’t make it past initial first step and feels because we looked for a new vehicle instead of a replacement vehicle. Discussion on what will be done differently this time in the application, highlights: narrative, financial needs and replacement. Major need is the department has an aging fleet, at least 36 years old.

Motion by Kline and seconded by Sine to approve contract with MSA to move forward with AFG Re-Application as presented.

Roll Call Vote: Ayes-Kline, Sine, Burch, Maki, Hovey Nays-Lutz, Pedrys Motion carried

Simmon Drive Change Order #1 & Albrightson Pay Application

Angela Popenhagen with Stantec, attended virtually, explained the change order #1 need due to a culvert on a residential driveway, town side, in poor condition with too steep slopes to make work, which then needed to be reworked and replaced. The amount of that order was $2,889.26. Swanberg stated Village is the payee of project and offered to reach out to the Town. Discussion on where located, who pays and how approved. Batchelor stated the Town could special assess amount to property owner. Popenhagen stated that Stantec authorized contractor to move forward, if had to stop for approval that would have delayed project for at least a month. Stated that the grant will cover 50% of order, if paid with total project costs. Village should pay the bill, due to grant requirements and seek restitution from the Town.

Popenhagen went over pay application on project, that had slight overruns. Stantec check the numbers and confirmed overruns, which is a 2.3% increase and members felt that was a good number. Discussion on the numbers.

Motion by Hovey and seconded by Sine to accept the change order #1 and directed staff to seek the amount from the Town of Osceola with a special assessment. Ayes-7 Nays-0 Motion carried

Motion by Lutz and seconded by Sine to approve the pay application as presented.

Ayes-7 Nays-0 Motion carried

New Sweeper – CIP Public Works

Waters reviewed opportunity to purchase 2016 Ravo sweeper, the substantial cost savings and the need for this sweeper. Discussion on the procurement policy and cost savings of this unit. Admin and Finance recommend approval to the board to purchase due to the cost savings and need for a new sweeper. Swanberg and Waters feel that Village should capitalize on the opportunity and did all the research to make sure it would work for the Village. The procurement policy should be reviewed and make sure all departments can move forward on opportunities such as this.

Motion by Hovey and seconded by Pedrys to approve purchase of 2016 Ravo sweeper as presented.

Ayes-6 Nays-1 (Sine) Motion carried 2024 1-Ton with Plow – Public Works

Waters stated the 2019 F350 is at its 5-year replacement

eating comfort foods, which can contribute to weight gain. Alleviate stress through exercise, meditation, talking with friends or a therapist, or taking other measures that do not involve food or drinks.

8. Take the focus off food. Whenever possible, build holiday-related activities around something other than food. For example, replace family baking sessions with some homemade wreath-making. Weight gain doesn’t have to be a part of the holiday season. By being mindful of behaviors, it’s possible to enjoy the season and still maintain health.

date and looking to sell and use the 2024-CIP-R-029 item to for total funds of $70K to move forward to find a 1-ton truck with snow plow. Looking for approve to move forward to be ready when find a truck to purchase.

Motion by Lutz and seconded by Burch to approve sale of 2019 Ford F350 and approve capital expenditure of 1-Ton truck with snowplow as presented. Ayes-6 Nays-1 Motion carried

Adopt Ordinance #24-05 to amend Chapter 134 Impact Fees and approve Resolution #24-15 to update Fee Schedule with new Impact Fees

Popenhagen stated is the ordinance, written by attorney, to increase impact fees as originally presented in previous months. Krentz stated that the ordinance does not state fees, since we took them out of Village Code earlier this year, so there is a Resolution to approve the increase on the Village Fee Schedule to go along with the ordinance.

Motion by Maki and seconded by Sine to adopt Ordinance #24-05 to amend Chapter 134 Impact Fees and approve Resolution #24-15 to update Fee Schedule with new Impact Fees as presented.

Ayes-7 Nays-0 Motion carried

Fire contract with Town of Farmington

Swanberg stated the last time contract with Town of Farmington for fire services was 1997. It was based upon a .75% of mill rate and since 2021 their amount has increased 100%. This year we agree to keep it the same as last year’s amount of $193K while we look at a new contract. After negotiations, the agreed upon amount would be $140,000 with a 1% annual increase. Looking to accept that amount and move forward with a new contract.

Motion by Burch and seconded by Maki to approve new fire contract with Town of Farmington as presented. Discussion on the 1% increase. Swanberg stated it would be renewed every year if no discussion was needed. The percentage can be addressed next year.

Roll Call Vote: Ayes-Pedrys, Lutz, Burch, Klein Nays-Hovey, Maki, Sine Motion carried

Approval of the Fire Chief Job Description

Swanberg stated he was unable to find a job description and the Fire Chief position is up again. Fire Department made some edits and final is before the board tonight. With approval we will posting for applications.

Motion by Sine and seconded by Hovey to approve Fire Chief Job Description as presented.

Ayes-7 Nays-0 Motion carried

2025 Budget Update

Batchelor stated before the board is the final proposed budget for 2025 with one change after discussion tonight. With the approval of $140K for fire contract with Town of Farmington the budget currently shows $150K. Meaning the final proposed deficit being $98,495 it would be $108,495 and would easily be covered by General Fund if needed. Depending on situations the number can easily go up or down and is based on the past two years for budgeting purposes. Public Hearing of the proposed 2025 budget will be on Wednesday, December 4th at 6:00 pm.

Motion by Klein and seconded by Sine to go into closed session proceedings at 7:59 p.m. pursuant to Wisconsin Statute §19.85(1)(e) to deliberate or negotiate the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specific public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons. This pertains to 2nd Avenue parking lot.

And continue in closed session 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-Hovey, Maki, Pedrys, Lutz, Burch, Sine, and Kline Nayes-0 Motion carried Back in open session at 9:26 pm.

Future agenda items and updates

n/a

President Lutz adjourned the meeting at 9:28 pm.

Respectfully submitted by Carie Krentz, Village Clerk

The month of December has been home to many historical events over the years. Here’s a look at some that helped to shape the world in Dec. 1924.

• Boston Arena hosts the first National Hockey League game ever played in the United States on Dec. 1. The league’s two newest franchises, the Boston Bruins and the Montreal Maroons, lock horns in a 2-1 game eventually won by the home team.

• On Dec. 1, Richard L. Cowan of Toronto and C. Lewis Fowler of New York sign an agreement to start the first chapter of the Ku Klux Klan in Canada.

• More than 700 people perish when a devastating earthquake strikes present-day Indonesia on Dec. 2.

• The SS Belgenland departs New York City on Dec. 4. The ocean liner begins a cruise around the world that would last for more than months.

Though at least 350 passengers are on board when the ship departs the Big Apple, just 235 remain for the duration of the trip.

• Decree No. 2980 creates the State of Syria on Dec. 5, uniting the State of Aleppo and the State of Damascus under a common native assembly and administration.

• The Chicago Bears defeat the Cleveland Bulldogs 22-0 on Dec. 7. National Football League rules at the time made no provision for a postseason championship, so the Bulldogs, in spite of the loss, are deemed the league champion because their winning percentage (.875) was better than the Bears’ (.857).

• The Book-Cadillac Hotel, at the time the tallest hotel in the world, opens in Detroit on Dec. 9. The luxury hotel includes 1,136 rooms and 31 stories.

• Gold is discovered near the Swedish village of Boliden on Dec. 10,

revealing what would become the largest and richest gold mine in Europe. The mine would not be exhausted of its gold supply until 1967.

• American Tobacco Company founder James B. Duke gives $40 million to The Duke Endowment on Dec. 11. The trust fund, directed to support four colleges, awards the largest share of the gift to Trinity College in Durham, N.C., provided the school change its name to honor James Duke’s father, Washington Duke.

• Exiled former Albanian Prime Minister Ahmet Zogu leads an invasion of the country with guerillas backed by Yugoslavia on Dec. 13. Zogu enters the capital city of Tirana on Dec. 24 and declares the country a republic.

• On Dec. 14, the temperature in Fairfield, Mont., drops from 63 F at noon to -21 F at midnight. The 84-degree change sets a record for the greatest drop in temperature in a 12-hour period.

• Masked and armed vigilantes seize 15-yearold African American Samuel Smith from his hospital room in Nashville, Tenn., on Dec. 15. Smith, who had been arrested for shooting and wounding a white grocer, is hanged from a tree near the grocer’s home.

No one is ever charged with the crime.

• Fritz Haarmann is sentenced to death in Germany on Dec. 19. Known as the “Butcher of Hanover,” the “Vampire of Hanover” and the “Wolf Man,” Haarmann had been found guilty of murdering 24 men, and is ultimately executed by guillotine in April 1925.

• After serving just 13 months of a five-year prison sentence, Adolf Hitler is released from Landsberg Prison on Dec. 20. Hitler’s release is part of a wider policy of general amnesty for political prisoners.

• A Christmas Eve party in a one-room schoolhouse in Babbs Switch, Okla., ends in tragedy on Dec. 24. A student handing out presents accidentally brushes a wrapped gift against a candle flame near a dry Christmas tree, igniting a fire that ultimately kills 36 people.

• The Broadway Theatre in Manhattan opens on Christmas Day. The theatre remains open today, and is one of just a handful of theaters that is physically located on Broadway.

• Singing “Jingle Bells” at her parents’ theater in Grand Rapids, Minn., two-year-old Judy Garland makes her show business debut on Dec. 26.

How some popular holiday traditions got their start

Will you be baking gingerbread or hanging stockings by the fireplace this holiday season? Perhaps you’ll be lighting the menorah or playing a game of dreidl? The holidays are steeped in tradition, some of which are older than celebrants may realize.

evergreen branches as a reminder that spring would come again, while Romans placed them around temples to honor Saturn, the god of agriculture. Eventually the evergreen was used in conjunction with Christian Christmas celebrations. In the sixteenth

book of Exodus when the design of the lamp was revealed to Moses by God on Mount Sinai. Many menorahs are seven-branched, but during Chanukah, an eight-branched menorah is used. The Chanukah menorah is modeled after the Tabernacle me

Merry Christmas

tidings of Comfort and Peace

A hot punch to warm up this holiday season

Images of warm family gatherings dominate millions of people’s holiday season memories. But the warmth inside a home come the holiday season does not mean it’s not cold outside. Indeed, snow-filled landscapes and/ or temperatures below freezing are not uncommon come late December.

As the mercury drops outside, families can warm up inside with a batch of “Hot Holiday Punch” courtesy of Lines+Angles.

Hot Holiday Punch Makes 14 servings

16 cups water, divided 5 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen, plus extra for garnish

2 1⁄2 cups granulated sugar

1⁄2 cup red hots cinnamon candies

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

12 whole cloves

3 cinnamon sticks

1 lemon, sliced Cheesecloth

1. In a large saucepan, set over medium-high heat, bring 1 quart of water and cranberries to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes or until the cranberries begin to pop. Drain, reserving liquid and cranberries. Put cranberries through a fine mesh strainer or food mill. Set aside.

2. In a Dutch oven or large pot, combine sugar, red-hots, lemon juice, cranberry liquid and cranberry pulp, and remaining 3 quarts of water.

3. Place cloves and cinnamon sticks in a double thickness of cheesecloth. Tie with string to form a bag; add to

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

Total time: 35 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

pan with the punch. Bring to a boil; stir until sugar and candies are dissolved. Discard spice bag. Strain juice through a fine mesh strainer. Serve hot with lemon slices and cranberries.

SURVEY: Elementary remodel is on the fence

According to the results presented by Scott Girard of School Perceptions who conducted the survey, the district received 966 respondents compared to 947 respondents in 2022. The survey asked Osceola staff, parents, and non-parent, non-staff residents whether they would support the $27.2 million dollar capital referendum for the elementary school, and a $1.595 million dollar operational referendum. Survey takers also submitted 571 written comments to the board that will be used to consider a potential operational and/or capital referendum.

“So, what did we learn?” said Girard. “The level of weighted support for the proposed operational referendum is below 50%. Therefore, the referendum would not be expected to pass if the election were held today. The board could consider reducing the proposed amount of the referendum voter support generally increase the total cost to taxpayers is reduced on the capital side.

“The level of weighted support for the $27.2 million revised elementary school plan is within the margin of error. Therefore, the outcome is too close to call because the result is within the margin of error from a majority. There is enough support for the board to consider putting a facility referendum question on a ballot.”

“I expected this,” said Board Treasurer Cory Schmidt. “Just talking to people, everyone feels burnt out when it comes to money… especially around the holidays. So, I get it. I can’t blame people for not wanting taxes to go up… But some of the people that I’ve seen online are the same people saying, ‘Well the school should offer this and this and this,’ but you’re also voting no to stuff. It takes money. And

we don’t get the same money from the state that we got 30, 40 years ago… We’re not trying to be greedy. We’re just trying to survive with the current model that’s out there with what we have to deal with right now.”

The non-parent, non-staff taxpayers within the Osceola School District makes up the largest portion of the population. With the majority dejecting the operational referendum, and a margin within error for the potential capital referendum, the board is trying to consider what they can do to convince voters to opt for a “yes” vote should they choose to go to referendum in 2025.

“When you look at the themes that we are seeing in this survey, what is our biggest population telling us?” said Osceola School District Superintendent Becky Styles. “When I looked through, they are saying that the tax impact is too large; it’s too expensive; there are other tax increases, and they don’t have kids enrolled.”

“Which is understandable, but also astonishing at the same time because this is such a different tax impact than the previous ask,” said Board President Brooke Kulzer. “I don’t remember last year’s necessarily right off the top of my head, but I know that this was significantly less - both of them.”

The Osceola School Board is planning to hold an additional meeting prior to the regularly scheduled Jan. 8 meeting to further consider the survey results that will help them come closer to a decision as to whether they will move to referendum in 2025. They will also review the written comments provided by survey takers to gauge the public opinions on whether they support or refute the operational or capital referendum. A date for the upcoming meeting will be decided at a later date.

DONATION: Chapman wills money to school

FROM PAGE 1

research, and guidance from attorneys, we discovered the incredible truth: the high school was named as the recipient of the remainder of Millicent Lindahl’s estate.”

Chapman was born Nov. 29, 1929, in St. Croix Falls to Wilma Blanche Noe and Axel Victor Lindahl. She married Glen “Chappy” Chapman and lived out a full and happy marriage together. Chapman passed away on Nov. 6, 2021, making it a point to leave a portion of her estate to Osceola High School, where she was heavily involved in a variety of clubs and activities during her time there.

Chapman attended Osceola High School from 1943 to 1947 during

World War II. Despite those difficult years, she immersed herself in a wide variety of activities, including the glee club, homecoming court, cheerleading, speech club, and the school newspaper. In her senior class will, she said, “I, Millicent Lindahl, leave my peppiness to anyone willing to eat his Wheaties.”

While the final amount of Chapman’s donation will not be finalized until after the end of the year, the Osceola School Board already has early plans for how the funds could be used. The board plans to collect stakeholder feedback to identify projects that coincide with community interest and Chapman’s wishes. The board is also considering a feasibility study that will help determine the

Hot Off the Press: Our Best Wishes

financial and logistical details of those potential projects that will give them the best opportunity for positive impact. Once stakeholder feedback is collected, the board will create a long-term plan to use the funds donated from Chapman’s estate responsibly. Once the board has identified the projects planned, they will work to create them in a way that honors Chapman’s legacy and celebrate her devotion to the Osceola High School. “Millicent, or [Milly] as her classmates called her, was a proud graduate of the Class of 1947,” said Styles. “Her gift is nothing short of extraordinary… This kind of generosity is not just inspiring—it’s transformative. [Milly’s] legacy is a testament to the power of connection.”

LAWSUIT: Development goes to state supreme court

FROM PAGE 1

“The heart of this case is the interpretation and application of a new law,” they wrote. “This is a novel issue – the law has not yet been addressed by this Court and this case gives the Court an opportunity to do so.”

The request for an appeal hinges on a couple key issues the plaintiffs called out in the Court of Appeals decision. A big one is whether the new state law that limits who can sue to stop such projects was truly intended to prevent people with such specific concerns from seeking legal review.

Legislation limited lawsuits

“Legal standing” is the technical term for whether a person or organization is qualified to file a lawsuit against someone or something else — like a group of citizens and a local government, respectively.

citizens’ legal standing.

Assembly Bill 266 was part of a package of bills passed that spring and summer, promoted as clearing hurdles for new housing in the state, which has a shortage of affordable units.

Reducing legal challenges was seen as one way to expand affordable housing, which often receives the most opposition from neighbors. The legislation was primarily supported by the real estate and development industries, while also being praised by some affordable housing advocates.

The Wisconsin Court of Appeals said the new rules about who can sue meant the plaintiffs in Osceola were disqualified. Any merit to their concerns about how the development proposal was considered and approved by the village board and other commissions thus can’t be considered.

Reversing river protections

Scenic St. Croix River.

“The requirements of N.R. 118 exist for good reason,” the plaintiffs argue. “The Court of Appeals interpretation of [legislation limiting standing] is too narrow and renders N.R. 118 unenforceable.”

The issue has statewide significance, project opponents say. If the Court of Appeals’ interpretation of the new law is allowed to stand, it would effectively remove all regulation of community impacts of development projects across Wisconsin.

“[The] Court of Appeals interprets the statute so narrowly that development projects are effectively insulated from review,” their filing reads. “No neighbor could ever have standing to challenge the project because harm to their property is deemed merely a possibility until after the building has been built, at which point it is too late.”

In May 2023, in the middle of the Osceola Bluffs review by the village board, as some local citizens were organizing to oppose the project, the state legislature passed the bill that has now called into question the

THE SUN

Messenger

The plaintiffs say the Court of Appeals’ interpretation would effectively render toothless a previous act of the legislature, N.R. 118, the law created in 1980 to put state protections in place along the Wild and

The plaintiffs filed their notice of appeal on Dec. 5, with no information available yet about the timeline for response and consideration by the Supreme Court.

Tom, Carrie, Matt, Beth, and Eric

Serving Marine on St. Croix, Scandia, May Township

Letters to Santa

Your smile. Your way.

Chieftains split road games, notch first conference win

The Osceola boys basketball team found mixed results on the road last week, falling to Ladysmith in a high-scoring contest on Dec. 9 before securing a victory over St. Croix Central in conference play Dec. 13. The results moved Osceola to 1-1 in the conference and 1-3 overall.

OSCEOLA 50, CENTRAL 48

The Chieftains earned a gritty win over the Panthers, marking their first victory.

“Very pleased with the defensive performance and overall effort in this one,” OHS coach Tyler Olson said. “It was apparent our players wanted the one badly.

Jonah Race set the tone for us with his energy, which trickled down the whole team.” Hunter Bradway led three Chieftains in double figures with 13 points, seven rebounds, and five steals. Caleb Irlbeck posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Race contributed 10 points, while Carter Marincel provided a spark with seven points.

“We knew seeing an extended zone defense was a possibility from them, but SCC stayed in it a bit longer than we may have anticipated,” Olson added. “We were able to find enough scoring looks, but it caused us to be a bit hesitant and uncomfortable at times.”

The Chieftains defense limited SCC to just 18-for-55 shooting from the field. Osceola also dominated the boards, outrebounding Central 36-19.

Braiden Rasmussen finished with 13 points for SCC, while Matyas Larson recorded 12 and six steals. Tanner Grinnell posted eight points, four rebounds, and four assists.

“We’ve played a tough schedule to start and have been right there in all of them,” Olson concluded. “It was great to pull through with a road conference win. We are gaining valuable experience early in the season, and our focus right now

Osceola plays complete game in victory over St. Croix Falls

The Osceola girls basketball team emerged victorious in a closely contested battle against the St. Croix Falls, winning 49-44 in front of their home crowd Dec. 10.

“This was our most complete game of the season thus far,” OHS coach Mike Haase said. “SCF wanted to press us at the start of the game, and we passed the ball up the court for two early lay-ups. They settled into a half-court defense. We showed great composure on offense and worked to get high-percentage shots.”

The Chieftains held a slim 29-25 lead at halftime, fueled by a strong first-half offensive effort. Izzy Ellefson and Josie Mork led the team with points, scoring 14 and 13, respectively. Osceola capitalized on its rebounding efforts, finishing with 31 rebounds, which helped it maintain its edge throughout the game.

St. Croix Falls stayed competitive behind the steady play of Catherine Williams, who tallied a team-high 17 points, and Amber Bateman, who added 10 points, including a three-pointer. Despite their contributions, the Saints struggled to find consistency from beyond the arc, converting just one of seven attempts.

In the second half, Osceola’s defense stepped up. They forced 23 turnovers on the night while

TRAILS

maintaining their composure on the offensive end. Maddie Newton added 12 points for the Chieftains, including two three-pointers that helped fend off a late Saints rally.

“Senior Kya Krenz played one of her best

Putting the 2024 deer season to bed

It wasn’t that long ago I was asked to write the History of Deer Hunting in Wisconsin. What an undertaking that would be! How far back do you go? Just think about all of the changes. It was 1961 when I was placed on a deer stand, my very first deer hunt. I was all alone on the corner of a fence line, the worst stand on that opening morning Pierce County family deer hunt. There weren’t many deer around. I remember the first time we actually saw a deer track on our property south of River Falls, near an old country school we walked to, Clay Corner School. I heard shooting after a quiet early morning sunrise. I love going out

games so far. She has done a great job as a point guard. She has had just one turnover in our last two games, and when she can add eight points on top of that, she helps us win,”

Haase added.

St. Croix Falls had

their chances but struggled with turnovers.

Olivia Shimon led the Saints on the boards with 10 rebounds, but their effort fell short in the closing minutes. With the win, Osceola improves to 2-3 overall.

into the deer woods when it’s dark. “Darktime” is what my son Josh coined it. Being in the deer woods as it wakes up and watch the sunrise, nothing knowing you are there!

That year less than 70,000 whitetails were killed statewide. That was a hunt I’ll always remember, but opening day the following year was one I’d like to forget. Once again “The Kid” was stuck on a fence line. That opener was VERY COLD AND VERY WINDY. It was also back in the days when poor dirt farmers/deer hunters had no idea of what warm clothes were. I had on a pair of cotton long johns and hand me down jeans. With two older sisters I can’t remember if the zipper was on the front or side, my sisters pants! Cotton gloves seemed to make hands colder and rubber non-insulated pac boots made your toes freeze when the temperature

SAM NIEBELING

Hunter Bradway scored 13 points againt St. Croix Central.

SAM NIEBELING

Maddie Newton leaps toward the basket.

Stars fall short in overtime against Fusion

Last week, the Western Wisconsin Stars girls hockey team faced two intense challenges. First, they hosted St. Croix Valley Fusion in a conference clash Dec. 10, then took on Hayward in a non-conference matchup Dec. 12 at Amery.

The Stars emerged with mixed results, falling 3-2 in double overtime to the Fusion and skating to a 1-1 draw against the Hurricanes.

FUSION 3, STARS 2

The matchup against St. Croix Valley proved to be a thrilling and exhausting encounter. Both teams displayed relentless effort, with the Stars opening the

scoring less than a minute into the game as Lily Alberts capitalized on an even-strength opportunity. The Fusion responded midway through the first period, and the teams went into the intermission tied at one goal apiece. In the second period, the Stars showcased their resilience, with Izzy Johnson scoring a stunning short-handed goal at the 4:36 mark to equalize after the Fusion had taken the lead. The defensive units and goaltenders stole the spotlight in the third and the first overtime periods, allowing no goals from either team.

The deciding moment

came in the second overtime when Jane Volgren of the Fusion notched her second goal of the game, assisted by Morgan Kivel and Lily Mittl. Despite outshooting the Fusion 28-25 and strong play by goaltender Maggie Alberts, who recorded 22 saves, the Stars fell just short.

STARS 1, HAYWARD 1

This non-conference matchup was another tight defensive battle, with the Stars drawing first blood late in the opening period. Sophia Johnson converted on a power-play opportunity, assisted by Izzy Johnson and Ashley Jensen, to give the Stars a 1-0 lead.

The Hurricanes

evened the score early in the second period with Olivia Webster’s goal, assisted by Abby Elliott and Mikayla Bigo. Both teams had chances to break the tie, but stellar goaltending from the Stars’ Sierra Andert, who made 28 saves on 29 shots, ensured the game remained deadlocked through regulation and two overtime periods.

The Stars’ power play found some rhythm, going 1-for-4, but Hayward’s defense, led by goaltender Greta Woelber with 26 saves, proved too difficult to break.

The Stars are now 1-1 in the conference and 2-3-1 overall.

Four Tigers score in double figures to defeat Saints

The St. Croix Falls boys basketball team encountered another challenging week in conference play, dropping back-to-back games against Northwestern on Dec. 10 and Chetek-Weyerhaeuser on Dec. 13. Despite moments of promise, the Saint fell to 0-3 in conference and 1-3 overall.

NORTHWESTERN 65, ST. CROIX FALLS 46

St. Croix Falls faced an uphill battle from the opening tip as the Tigers came out firing, building a commanding 35-19 halftime lead behind sharp three-point shooting and relentless rebounding. Northwestern’s Boden Teal led

the charge with 19 points, including three shots from beyond the arc. Oscar Danz and Austin Lahti scored 12 points each, followed by Luke Hanna’s 10.

The Saints showed resilience in the second half, improving their offensive execution. Caden Folkestad delivered a standout performance, leading St. Croix Falls with 15 points. Carson Marks contributed 11 points and five assists. Elliot Wilson tallied a double-double with 10 points and 15 rebounds.

Despite these efforts, the Saints couldn’t overcome Northwestern’s size and rebounding advantage. The Tigers controlled the boards,

grabbing 41 rebounds compared to the Saints’ 29. Ethan Harms and Tysen Teal finished with 10 each. Harms also dished out six assists, while Teal chipped in with nine steals.

CHETEK-WEYERHAEUSER 51, ST. CROIX FALLS 35

Returning to their home court, the Saints hoped to bounce back against Chetek-Weyerhaeuser, but offensive woes again plagued the team in the Dec. 13 game.

Individual player statistics were not available for this match-up by press time.

OHS wrestling claim two titles at Barron

The Osceola wrestling team faced tough competition at the St. Peter Quad Dec. 10 and delivered an impressive showing at the Barron Invitational Dec. 14.

St. Peter Quad

At the St. Peter Quad, the Chieftains faced Minnesota squads Albert Lea Area and St. Peter. Though the team lost both duals, individual wrestlers shone on the mat.

Against Albert Lea, Landon Peterson (107), Malakai Barker (114), Logan Meyer (145), and Elliot Havlish (215) all secured wins by fall, while Keagan Berg (121) battled valiantly but lost a close decision. The dual ended with a 48-24 team score in favor of Albert Lea.

In the matchup against St. Peter, Osceola had a better overall performance but still came up short, losing 44-28. Notable victories included pins by Keagan Berg (121), Travis Sicard (127), Hunter Kromrey (133), and Elliot Havlish

(215). Talon Berg (139) also earned a major decision.

Barron Invitational

Eight Chieftains placed in the top three at the Barron Invitational Dec. 14.

Hunter Kromrey (10-1) dominated his 132-pound weight class, earning first place over Glenwood City’s Landon Obermuller 14-11 in the final. His three other wins were by two pins and a technical fall.

Isaac Dunnom delivered a standout performance at 157 pounds, pinning all four of his opponents, including Hayward/Northwood’s James Buckholtz, in the finals.

Landon Peterson advanced to the championship round at 106 pounds with an 18-0 technical fall in the semifinals before being pinned in the final by Hayward/ Northwood’s Ransom Housel.

Keagan Berg powered through to the 120-pound final with a decisive pin in the semifinals before losing to Glenwood City’s Preston

OHS BBB: Boys split two

FRIN OAGE 21

is just on continued growth and improvement from game to game.

LADYSMITH 79, OSCEOLA 72

The Chieftains battled valiantly but ultimately came up short against a sharp-shooting Ladysmith squad Dec. 9.

The Lumberjacks surged to a 47-35 lead at halftime, and while Osceola outscored them 37-32 in the second half, it wasn’t enough to complete the comeback.

Caleb Irlbeck was unstoppable, pouring in 36 points, including six three-pointers, to lead all scorers. Hunter Bradway added 17 points and dominated the glass with 10 rebounds, while Jonah Race chipped in 14 points and matched Bradway with 10 rebounds.

A LOOK AHEAD

“We were able to put up points, but a combination of their hot shooting and our inability to put enough resistance to make them uncomfortable offensively contributed to the outcome,” Olson added.

Ladysmith countered with a balanced attack. Timmy Meltz led the Lumberjacks with 29 points. Andrew Lehman added 19 points, including five three-pointers, keeping Osceola at arm’s length. Braeden Little finished with 15 points as Ashton Clark dished out 10.

“We would have liked to have had a better start to the game, and we learned how important closing the first half and starting the second half is to the game’s momentum,” Olson added.

BOWLING

Arvey via pin.

Wyatt Hastings stormed into the 165-pound final thanks to two pins before losing to Glenwood City’s Mitchell McGee in the final.

Elliot Havlish reached the 215-pound final with three consecutive pins before losing to Cornell/Gilman/Lake Holcombe’s Taydyn Angell in the final. Havlish is now 10-1 overall.

Malakai Barker took third place at 113 pounds, capping his day with a 16-7 major decision over Turtle Lake/Clayton’s Luke Moen.

Logan Meyer rebounded from a semifinal loss to secure third place at 144 pounds with a pin over Clear Lake’s Magnum Moggo.

Osceola finished third in the team standings with 141 points. Glenwood City won the 17-team event with 162 points. Hayward/ Northwood was second at 153.

Spartans score three third period goals to beat Hayward

BY JASON SCHULTE SENTINELSPORTS48@GMAIL.COM

The Somerset boys hockey team scored three third period goals within a span of six minutes to defeat Hayward 5-3 Dec. 12. Devin Richardson

scored two of them, the game-tying goal at 9:04 and the final goal at 15:42 on an empty netter. Marshall Haukom assisted on both of them while Brock Thiel assisted on the second. Broden Thiel scored the goal between those two with Layne Pinska

and Haukom assisting. Pinska scored Somerset’s first goal with Richardson and Haukom assisting. Haukom scored 36 seconds into the second period with asissts from Pinska and Richardson. Somerset finished with 31 shots on goal com-

pared to Haywward’s 29. Carson Belisle finsiehd with 26 saves.

Two of Hayward’s goals were scored on the power play, whiel the Spartans went 0-for-2. Somerset is now 1-1 in the conference and 4-2 overall.

Chetek-Weyerhaeuser keeps St. Croix Falls winless

The Chetek-Weyerhaeuser girls basketball team kept St. Croix Falls winless by defeating the Saints 4940 on Dec. 12.

The Saints (0-3 conference, 0-5 overall) came out strong in the opening half, using their defensive intensity to disrupt Chetek-Weyerhaeuser’s rhythm and led 20-17 at the break.

“In the first half of the game, we took smart shots,” SCF coach Angie Maternowsky said. In the second half, however, Chetek-Weyerhaeuser found their footing, outscoring the Saints 32-20. St. Croix Falls struggled to contain Chetek-Weyerhaeuser’s offensive push while encountering their own scoring woes, shooting just 13-for-52 from the field. The Saints’ perimeter

game was icy, with only two three-pointers on 16 attempts. Offensively, Olivia Shimon led the Saints with 12 points. Madi Johnson contributed 10 points and six rebounds. Catherine Williams, who finished with 10 points, showcased her versatility on both ends of the court, grabbing a team-high nine rebounds and swiping seven steals. Turnovers also hampered St. Croix Falls’ chances, as the team committed 15 on the night. While the Saints worked hard to generate second-chance opportunities with 32 rebounds, they struggled to capitalize on them.

“I’m looking forward to watching this young team grow every game,” Maternowsky concluded.

Saints girls wrestlers defeat Eau Claire

The St. Croix Falls wrestling team demonstrated determination in a busy week of competition, hosting the SCF Girls Quad on Dec. 10 and traveling to Minnesota for the Hopkins Athena Invitational on Dec. 14.

SCF Girls Quad

The Saints opened their week with the SCF Girls Quad, hosting Eau Claire North, Hudson, and Tomahawk. While the Saints came away with a 1-2 team record, individual matches revealed significant moments of success.

In the opener against Eau Claire North, St. Croix Falls edged out a narrow 24-18 victory. Notable wins included Lily Kne’s fall at 126 pounds, Nevaeh Nwachukwu’s pin at 138 pounds, and Autumn Steffen’s commanding performance at 165 pounds. Larissa Chapman secured an additional win in an extra match, defeating Scarlett Schultz by decision (10-4).

Against Hudson, the Saints fell short, unable to overcome Hudson’s depth in contested weights, with the team score ending 21-0. However, bright spots included a pin by Piper Ray in an extra match and two victories at 120 pounds in extra matches,

with Leah Whatley and Lily Kne both recording falls.

The final dual against Tomahawk saw the Saints lose 30-15 but showcased standout efforts from Lauryn Vee, who pinned her opponent at 132 pounds, and Autumn Steffen, who added another fall at 165 pounds.

Larissa Chapman secured a hard-fought 2-0 decision at 185 pounds, and Morgan Hooverman added a decisive 12-9 victory in an extra match.

Hopkins Athena Invitational

The Saints shifted focus to individual competition at the Hopkins Athena Invitational, where they faced top-tier talent from Minnesota.

Several Saints wrestlers advanced deep into their brackets, earning podium finishes and valuable experience.

“Anybody serious about women’s wrestling was there for that event,” SCF coach Joe Raygor added.

“Our girls handled their own and found some success. Many of our girls are only first year or two to three year old wrestlers because women’s wrestling is relatively new.”

Juliana Johnson recorded two wins at 112B before

losing in the championship match.

“She is a gifted athlete and is improving daily in her wrestling maneuvers and skill sets,” Raygor said. “It was great to see her get a taste of the finals and what her future entails.”

Nevaeh Nwachukwu also took second at 142A, winning by technical fall and fall before losing to Apple Valley’s Cassandra Gonzales in the final.

“Nevaeh is close to cracking the code and beating these girls that are giving her issues right now,” Raygor said.

Lily Kne added a third at 124B, winning three matches, thanks to a pin over Hastings’ Leighton Robinson. Kylie Miller grabbed a third at 142B, pinning Stillwater’s Merci Kent to clinch the spot. Larissa Chapman used four wins to take third at 170C, with the final being over Simley’s Madison LaChapelle.

“Freshman Hailey Dozios recorded her first and second wins of the season,” Raygor noted at 130CC. “She’s been working hard, and it’s great to see her get some success.

COUNTY: Public safety/public works

FROM PAGE 1

complaints about the project.

“Recycling is slowly continuing. We’re working through some issues with doors and heat – getting temporary heat into the building for the clients, as well as the staff … setting up a meeting this week with engineers to discuss some of those issues … and to find out what the remedy is to speed it up it to and get us temporary heat … [the center] is supposed to remain open and operational, which it is, however, it’s 40 degrees in the space …,” Polk said.

DD Kennedy walking bridge replacement … This has been a project that is five-plus years in the making. Recent correspondence from the DNR is promising and that project should be kicked off in the spring.

Atlas Dam … repairs need to be done … “We’re waiting for a response from the DNR, which is supposed to arrive by end of year.”

A meeting between the county, Cedar Corp staff, and a representative from the Fair Society is supposed to being scheduled to work out issues surrounding the construction of a new grandstand at the fairgrounds. One of the issues is the placement of a new grandstand. Indications from Cedar Corp and the City of St. Croix Falls are that any new grandstand needs to be built upon the previous grandstand’s footprint.

There was some discussion among committee members about preferred materials for the grandstand, with one option

requiring that the foot decking be made of metal, which the seating be made of aluminum.

Highway – presented by Polk County Highway Commissioner Josh Kelch

Snowplow Driver Appreciation Day was recognized last week, and Highway Commissioner Josh Kelch said, “I certainly appreciate what our drivers do here … working all hours of the day and night during very adverse conditions – they are driving very complex and expensive equipment out into some of the worst driving conditions that you can encounter in the winter … we have a bunch of good guys down there …

The equipment is calibrated and ready for winter.,” Kelch said. Some of the newer equipment has already been out on the roads … “One of the gentlemen with one of the newer trucks assigned to him is figuring out some of the newer controls and updated equipment he’s running now, but he’s getting it figured out,” Kelch said.

Department staff are currently focused on mixing salt/ sand materials, and completing materials sales to towns and municipalities.

“The ground really stiffened up during that little cold snap, so we’re able to get back out with the mowers and we’re continuing to push back some brush along areas … to get widened out now that the tractors can maneuver without tearing up the ditches. We’re pothole patching and cutting brush back.”

At this time of the year many of us look forward to feasting on an abundance of seasonal goodies & traditional dishes...while others wait.

me of year many rward to on an e of seasonal & aldisheswhileotherswait

Their Table is Waiting

Please help others less fortunate enjoy the holidays by supporting our local food shelves.

The advertisers supporting this page show tremendous community spirit and concern for the less fortunate among us. Their support in this ad has provided $79.50 in direct Food Shelf funding. Thank you!

BENNETT: Putting the 2024 deer season to bed

FROM PAGE 21

dropped below 70. The wind was howling. That five strand barb wire fence and steel fence posts weren’t much of a wind break. Even laying down on frozen ground to get below the wind didn’t help. Luckily someone came and found me while I was still alive and took me home to thaw out. Looking at today’s clothes with heating systems built into them and the ability to place hand, toe and body warmers in any

HOROSCOPES

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, a special person in your life deserves all of your attention. Romance might be on your mind, and you’ll look forward to all of the time you can spend together.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

You may feel artistically inspired this week, Taurus. Explore projects like home improvements or crafting. There are many things to try.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Your attendance at a wedding or another special event could have your thoughts moving in a romantic direction, Gemini. Maybe you’re thinking of taking your relationship to another level?

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, forge ahead in your efforts if you aspire to learn a new skill or take on a different

CLUES ACROSS

1. Miller beer variety

4. Member of people inhabiting Bering Sea islands

9. Stomach 14. Investment vehicle

15. Fictional soccer coach Ted 16. Irregular in botanical parlance

17. Cease standing 18. “American Horror Story” actress 20. Grow milk teeth

22. Plant parts

23. Snow house

24. Most contemptuous

28. Note to repay

29. Old English

30. Wings

31. Financial institutions

33. Parks and Lopez are two

37. Mr. T’s “The A-Team” character

38. Relative biological effectiveness (abbr.)

39. Give off

41. Semitic alphabet letter

42. Farm state

43. Actress Sarandon

44. Back parts

46. Zoroastrian concept of holy fire

49. Touchdown

50. One point north of due east

51. Refurbishes

55. Silver and Dogg are two

58. Former Tigers catcher Alex

59. Type of envelope

60. Seriously considered

64. Unhappy

65. Past (archaic)

66. Asian wild dog

67. Old English letter

68. Young domestic sheep

69. Football players need to gain them

70. Witness

CLUES DOWN

1. Dormant Peruvian volcano

Indicates location

place that might get a mild chill is such a wonderful option.

I’m normally not one to complain but last year Burnett County logged off half of Deer Mountain, the name we gave the big hill we call home for the deer season.

Over the years I’ve seen and shot a lot of deer from the stand my son Josh named “The Fortress”.

Last year I spotted one tiny fawn running on top of Deer Mountain. Being an optimist I thought

project. This might involve meeting new and interesting people. Expand your social network.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, it is important to put others first this week, particularly your spouse or romantic partner. You don’t want any hurt feelings circulating right now.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

An unexpected visitor might come your way in the next few days, Virgo. This could require overhauling your schedule and even space in your home to make room.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Family and friends will have a difficult time changing your mind once you have taken a stance, Libra. You have dug in your heels on this topic.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Unable to walk easily

Electronic warfare-support measures

World leader

Midsection

Jewish calendar month

Urological condition

A small quantity of anything

one year of regrowth would bring some deer back. Scouting produced some decent deer sign. I was optimistic on top of the Mountain for the 2024 opener. I couldn’t believe that I could see less deer than the one I saw last year. Zero is less than one! To be continued...

Jim Bennett is an outdoorsman who lived and worked in the St. Croix River Valley and can be reached at jamesbennett24@gmail. com for comments.

Scorpio, new work assignments or additional business may complicate matters in the days ahead. That can be great during times of year when spending can get out of control.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

As you prepare for the colder temperatures, holistic arts, acupuncture, herbs, and therapies might be on your mind, Sagittarius. You don’t want to be sick this go-around.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, you will try to meet the demands of your need for information this week. Chances are you’ll be reading the newspaper and news outlets as much as you can.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

You cannot gain traction right now, Aquarius. Perhaps you haven’t met the right people yet? Keep your eyes and ears

open for new opportunities. PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, if a career change has been on your mind, the new year might be a chance to get those gears moving in the right direction.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

DECEMBER 15

Adam Brody, Actor (45)

DECEMBER 16

Krysten Ritter, Actress (43) DECEMBER 17

Pope Francis, Religious Leader (88) DECEMBER 18

Christina Aguilera, Singer (44) DECEMBER 19

Alyssa Milano, Actress (52) DECEMBER 20

Jonah Hill, Actor (41) DECEMBER 21

Ray Romano, Comic/Actor (67)

RECIPES

Add a new offering to your Christmas cookie lineup

The holiday season doubles as cookie season. Indeed, there’s no shortage of baking opportunities in December. Various cookies make the rounds, and if you are tasked with bringing cookies to a function, you might be interested in something a little different.

“Santa’s Whiskers” likely get their name from the coconut on these cookies, which resemble Santa’s beard. Maraschino cherries add some jolly red to the cookies as well, making them perfect for Christmas. Try this recipe from “Butter, Flour, Sugar, Joy” (Sourcebooks) by Danielle Kartes.

Santa’s Whiskers 20 to 24 cookies

1 1⁄2 cups confectioner’s sugar

1 cup butter, softened

1 12-ounce jar pitted maraschino cherries, strained and stemmed

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1⁄2 teaspoon almond extract

1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups sweetened shredded coconut

In a stand mixer, with a hand mixer, or by hand, cream the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.

Add the cherries, vanilla, almond extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly. Fold into the flour and mix until it forms a crumbly but moist dough.

Lay a 16-inch sheet of parchment paper onto the counter. Sprinkle 1 cup of the coconut on the center in a loose rectangle, making sure it does not reach the edge of the parchment. Place the cookie dough on top, flattening a bit with your fingers, and sprinkle the remaining coconut over the top of the dough.

Form the dough into a 12- to 14-inch log, about 3 inches thick. Evenly press the coconut around the log and roll to make the log an even cylinder. Roll the parchment up with the dough inside and twist the ends. Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice cookies in 1⁄4- to 1⁄2-inch rounds, place on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart, and bake 12 to 15 minutes. Allow to cool before serving. Store in an airtight container.

So, if you’re also dividing up the FROM

holidays like the Anderson family does, take a little more time to appreciate those holiday visits. Stay an extra day or two if you can. Find more ways to enjoy each other’s company. Any time we spend with our families, no matter the time between visits is a gift, and that’s what the holidays are all about.

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

HAVE SOMETHING TO give away? Run three weeks, nonbusiness related for FREE 15 words or less Must be from the area

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, November 13, 2024. The meeting was called to order by Board President Brooke Kulzer at 6:30 P.M. with roll call taken: Brooke Oye- present, Jan Carlson-present; Cory Schmidt-absent, Kysa Marten- present; Brooke Kulzer-present. Superintendent Dr. Becky Styles and Business Manager Shannon Grindell also attended the meeting. Consent Agenda

A motion was made by Kysa Marten and seconded by Jan Carlson to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.

Minutes of the regular meeting held on October 23, 2024

Payment of the bills

Separations: April Yetter, Executive Assistant/Communications Coordinator

Recognitions: Danielle Peterson, OMS School Nutrition Asst.

Hires: Thomas Hau 8th grade Girls Basketball Coach, Stephanie Lauridsen Diagnostic Specialist, Derrick Schaaf Custodian, Errin Carlson OMS Girls Basketball Coach Motion carried.

School Board Reports

The Board started their Board Development Workshops with Teamworks International.

Student Representative, Addy Neumann provided the student representative report.

Aligning and developing our facilities to best meet educational, safety, and security goals

Superintendent, Dr. Becky Styles reviewed the community survey that is landing in mailboxes this week, the community survey with the frequently asked questions.

Next Meeting Information

The next Committee Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 5:00 P.M. in the District Office Conference Room.

The next Regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 6:30 P.M. in the District Office Conference Room.

A motion was made by Brooke Oye and seconded by Kysa Marten to adjourn the meeting. Motion Carried. Adjourned.

Brooke Oye, Board Clerk

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TREASURER

The City of Scandia is accepting applications for a part-time Treasurer. The position will be under the direction of the City Administrator. The treasurer will be responsible for accounting functions for City financial systems and investments and reporting financial status to the Council. Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent education and two years of accounting or bookkeeping experience. Preferred qualifications include a two or four-year degree in accounting or a related field, government accounting experience, and/or experience with Banyon accounting software.

The pay range is $20.00 - $26.00 per hour plus benefits. A city application is required. For a copy of the application materials, contact the city at 651 433-2274 or visit the city website at www.cityofscandia.com/jobs. Submit the completed application packet to the City of Scandia, 14727 209th St. N., Scandia, MN, 55073, or mail@ci.scandia. mn.us. The position is open until filled. The expected start date is early January 2025.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Kelly Jo Buffington’s stored possessions Unit appears to contain: Mattress/box springs, washer/dryer,

The Congregational UCC Church of Amery OFFICE MANAGER

Amery Congregational Church UCC is seeking an Office Manager with people skills for 20 hrs per week. Duties include greeting visitors, answering incoming communications, providing administrative assistance to staff and committees, assisting the Financial Director in managing financial information, and monitoring/ordering supplies. Proficiency required in Microsoft Office 365, web maintenance, social media communication skills. Knowledge in Church Windows is helpful. Apply at office.ameryucc@gmail.com. Subject line "office manager”. Resume’ appreciated. 201 Harriman Ave. N, Amery, 715-268- 7390

The Village of Dresser is seeking applications for a full time Public Works Position. The position performs repair and maintenance related to Village streets, public works, water, and sanitary sewer utilities. Ideal candidates should ex hibit excellent communication skills, a comprehensive understanding of the methods, materials, equipment, and tools utilized in the repair and maintenance of streets, sanitary and storm sewers,

Many people have their own favorite holiday films, and the following are some that can engage viewers who are young or simply young at heart.

“A Christmas Story”

This film follows the story of Ralphie, who has his heart set on a very specific Christmas

Classic holiday films the whole family can enjoy

present: a Red Rider BB gun.

“Little Women”

This film follows the March sisters, who confront financial difficulties, romance and family tragedies in mid-nineteenth century Massachusetts.

“Klaus”

Postman Jesper, who is not making the grade

at the postal academy, is sent to work in a frozen town in the North, where he discovers a reclusive toy maker named Klaus.

“Meet Me In St. Louis”

This movie musical focuses on four sisters who are awaiting the 1904 World’s Fair in their hometown, but learn that their father has accepted a new job and

the family must move to New York beforehand.

“The Santa Clause”

When divorced dad Scott (Tim Allen) accidentally kills a man in a Santa suit, he magically becomes the next Santa. “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band

Christmas”

Though this 1977 Jim Henson production is a television special and not a full-length feature film, it’s heartfelt tale of a poor otter family who sacrifice prized possessions to have what’s needed to enter a talent contest. The goal is to win the prize money to buy special Christmas presents.

Films are a popular component that help to make the holiday season so special.

SCF dance team finishes third

The St. Croix Falls Dance team placed third in both Hip Hop and Pom at the UWEC dance invite Dec. 14.Back row: Chloe Brunclik, Sohpia Haaf, Emilie Glenna, Josie Dye,

Adams. Front row: Morgan Appel, Makenna Lunzer, Kiera Kemp, Isabella Knutson.

Jazmyn