WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 2018
Serving Polk County’s St. Croix Valley since 1897
VOL. 120 NO. 49 www.osceolasun.com $1.00
DRESSER: Police review committee hears case. PAGE 2
With plans at standstill, old hospital raises concerns BY SUZANNE LINDGREN EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM
Redevelopment plans for Osceola’s old hospital seem to have reached an impasse, even as public anxiety mounts over the safety of youth sneaking into the abandoned building. A group of concerned citizens, after learning that minors have been frequenting the old hospital, is working to increase surveillance at the site as they seek a longer-term solution. Roughly 40 people attended a meeting last week planned by Gwen Wright to talk about what’s going on inside the building and what to do about it. Wright, owner of downtown shop The Looking Glass, said her concerns about the building are more as a mother than a business owner. “I knew of [kids sneaking in],” she said, “but not to the extent of what’s going on there. And the building has
gotten worse.” Aside from worries that youth could hurt themselves on broken glass or other hazards in the building, which has been empty for a decade, Wright and others are concerned about mold and asbestos. Osceola Police Chief Ron Pedrys confirmed there is evidence of youth going into the building. “We’re trying to keep it secure the best we can,” Pedrys said. “Kids are finding ways in periodically.” Windows have been broken at the site and, since last fall, graffiti has been spray painted on the building. Some of it serves to indicate where others have gained entry. However, according to Pedrys, tales that someone has been staying in the abandoned building and that hypodermic needles are used for drug use at the SEE PLANS, PAGE 16
SUZANNE LINDGREN | THE SUN
Since last fall, graffiti has been spray painted on the old hospital building. Some of it serves to indicate locked entrances, or where others have gained entry.
OES principal retires after 23 years BY MARA MARTINSON REPORTER
SUBMITTED
Choir sings at Brewers game
On June 23, Osceola’s High School Chamber Choir sang the National Anthem for the Milwaukee Brewers. The group paused for a photo right before their performance in Miller Park. Back row: Colin Clabo, Ryan Rogers, Chris Foss, Daniel Scottum, Steven Smith, Matt Koprek, Devon Sundt, Sean Rogers, and Josh Elmer. Front: Angelique Tretsven, Emily Robinson, Izzy Osterbauer, Rachel Tourville, Mikayla Peper, Kayla Hoffman, Katie Fouks, Sydney Dobrzynski, Kayla Rondeau, and Julia Sandberg.
DigniCare project now Good Life Senior Living BY SUZANNE LINDGREN EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM
Plans for a senior living facility that have been in the works since 2015 appear to be moving forward again. The Osceola Village Board approved the sale of 16 acres for the facility in August 2015, effectively a land trade for the former trailer court. And in May 2016 the board approved a site plan for the senior housing project, then planned as a DigniCare site. But all has been quiet in “Osceola Heights,” the intended site, south of Ridge Road. SEE SENIOR LIVING, PAGE 15
SUZANNE LINDGREN | THE SUN
Little did Peggy Weber know when accepting her position at the Osceola Elementary School that she would be waving goodbye 23 years later with a successful career and cherished memories under her belt. Weber exclaims that these years have “flown by in a blink,” and is delighted with her time spent at OES and the lives she has enriched. Superintendent Mark Luebker, who worked with Peggy Weber Weber for the past seven years, spoke to Weber’s contributions to the district. “Her ability to build relationships and lead boldly helped build the foundation of our youngest learners. She understood the balance of taking each individual where they currently are and helping them move forward with their goals both socially and academically.” It is this talent and dedication that shows with the smiles, hugs, and happy faces Weber receives just walking into classrooms. She relished her job and said she’ll miss the steady hum of activity in the building after the start of day, learning from teachers and students, the buildup of energy and excitement during school morning meetings, and of course, “the giggles of kids as I play one of my numerous ‘tricks’ on them at breakfast, in the hallways, or at dismissal on the sidewalk.” Luebker noted that Weber is not only dedicated to students but also able “to see the ‘big picture,’ which is critical in short-term and long-term planning and decision making.” Weber retired June 30, following the last day of summer school. She will soon venture to a rented home in Ireland. She has planned a long vacation, with friends and family visiting when they can. Ireland has been
Steve Seidl of Construction Management — Building Resources shows the Osceola Village Board a concept drawing for Good Life Senior Living, June 12.
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