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WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 2017

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SMALL TOWN, BIG WIN : St. Croix eighth graders win state baseball title. PAGE 9

Ground broken on Discovery Center building project

BY SUZANNE LINDGREN EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM

Under bright sunshine and before a large and enthusiastic crowd of supporters and contributors, the first shovels broke ground at the site of the forthcoming Discovery Center at Fourth Avenue and Kent Street in the heart of downtown Osceola. The ceremony took place June 27, on land that just a few weeks earlier had been cleared to make way for the new multi-faceted building.

Key donors who stepped up early and contributed generously to the Inspire capital campaign were the first to grasp the gold shovels, followed by village officials and community leaders. State Senator Sheila Harsdorf was also

on hand to participate.

Fittingly, a future generation of community leaders, the Osceola High School Marching Band, got the celebration off to a rousing start as they marched down Chieftain Street to Fourth Avenue.

Emcee Robert Bullard welcomed the crowd and the program officially began as the band played “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

The program, designed to include all aspects of community life, recognized past and present achievements and visions for the future. Retired teacher and longtime Osceola resident Robert Bullard, Village President Gary Beckmann and Mark Kravik, SEE CENTER, PAGE 13

MARCIA DRESSEL

The groundbreaking of the new Discovery Center in Osceola, Wisconsin took place on June 27, 2017. The Osceola Village Board along with Federal and State Senate officers were represented. Pictured: Wally Piszczek, former village trustee; Rod Turner, village trustee; Carol Otto, village trustee; Deb Rose, village trustee; Gary Beckmann, village president, Stephen Bjork, village trustee; Van Burch, village trustee; Kelly Westlund, regional representative for Tammy Baldwin United States senator – Wisconsin; Sheila Harsdorf, state senator – Wisconsin. Not pictured: Roger Kumlien, village trustee

Watershed stewards act to protect beauty of the river

New building planned for Osceola Community Fair

BY SADIE WOLLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

BY MARA MARTINSON CONTRIBUTING WRITER

A river’s beauty and vitality are intimately connected to its watershed, or the water working its way through the broader drainage basin at any given time. Although the St. Croix River has been protected for nearly 50 years under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the health of its watershed is slowly diminishing.

The federal Environmental Protection Agency has declared the lower St. Croix an impaired water body due to its phosphorus levels — phosphorus that comes from human SEE RIVER, PAGE 6

The Osceola Community Fair board is making plans for a new headquarters on the fairgrounds. Although the current building that houses the fair office and all of the displays is widely admired, it has become outdated since it was built in 1962. The fair board believes it must be rebuilt to accommodate the current needs of the community.

Still in the early stages of planning and fundraising, the board hopes to remove the current structure and rebuild, reusing original materials when possible and remaining true to the pole barn structure, explained Community Fair Secretary Philip Points.

“We are going to attempt to recycle and repurpose as much of the old building as possible,” he said.

In addition, the new building will be upgraded and finished. Growing a little larger width-wise than the

SADIE WOLLER | THE SUN

Sarah Shock, a St. Croix Master Watershed Steward, gives a presentation on the St. Croix River at Minnesota’s Interstate Park during Wannigan Days.

SEE FAIR PAGE 8

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Harley driver remains in critical condition

BY SUZANNE LINDGREN EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM

The 86-year-old Harley driver injured in a crash near Osceola last week remains in critical condition at Regions Hospital, based on a report from a family member.

Although the Minnesota State Patrol reported the injuries as non life-threatening, the driver has not regained consciousness since the incident a week ago. He sustained multiple lacerations on his face and head, and multiple broken bones in his chest and body. The family is worried that previous heart surgeries may compound the effects of those injuries.

Based on reports given to the family and corroborated by a witness to the accident, an ambulance was nearby when the motortrike driver was injured. According to the family member, he might not have survived if emergency responders had been farther away.

Contrary to the state patrol’s report, the 14-year-old passenger

on the Harley motortrike was transported by ambulance to Regions hospital, said the family member, who wished to remain unnamed. Doctors and family are watching for a concussion. Neither the driver nor passenger were wearing helmets or seatbelts. The teen also sustained scrapes, bruises and abrasions on his body.

He was wearing shorts and tennis shoes.

Based on the Minnesota State Patrol report, the Harley Davidson was stopped at the stop sign on Highway 243 facing northwest. After stopping, he proceeded across Highway 95 and was struck by a southbound Honda.

“He has been an avid bike rider since he was a young man,” said the family member, noting that he was a longtime customer of the St. Croix Harley-Davidson dealership in New Richmond and belonged to the local Harley Owners Group. “He had moved to the trike begrudgingly because of his age, but was still sharp as a tack.”

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Sport Court enthusiasm causing unforeseen repairs When the Royal Credit Union Sport Court opened next to Wild River Fitness a year ago, it was hoped people would gravitate to it by the end of summer. Not so.

“The Sport Court saw almost instant use, and the excitement hasn’t abated,” according to fitness center manager Renee Amundson.

Although exact numbers aren’t tallied, fitness center staff have seen people using the multi-purpose court virtually every hour of the day, and even into late evenings. Nearly right away, WRF set up Pickleball nets for league play.

From individuals and groups playing basketball to couples playing tennis or shuffleboard, the court has been busy.

“The court has been such a nice addition to the Jeff Meyer Fitness Trail,” according to Mike Colaizy, personal trainer at WRF. “I’ve

seen people walking on the trail early in the morning and then coming back to play tennis on the court in the afternoon.”

With all of the excitement the court has generated, however, “what we didn’t expect to see was the amount of repairs this ‘excitement’ has generated.” Amundson said. “We expected some level of wear and tear, but we did not expect this much. It’s like the court is being loved to death.”

Much of the equipment in the sport court is adjustable, which seems to have factored into the repairs as most of the damage has been occurring to the adjusting mechanisms. The enthusiasm and possible lack of understanding on how to adjust the mechanisms without creating damage is taking its toll.

The sport court was developed,

in part, by a grant from the Royal Credit Union to offer wellness opportunities to the community. To make it more appealing, the court includes a multi-use surface, a tennis net and adjustable basketball hoops. Sports equipment is available at the fitness center.

To help with the wear and tear, however, the basketball hoops will be set at the regulation height of 10 feet and the tennis net will be available for check out until a permanent solution for the damage is developed.

“We like having the sport court available for our free leagues, and open to the public. We hope those people that use the court will help us keep it in good shape.”

More information about the sport court and its leagues is available on the Wild River Fitness web site, MyWRF.org.

Summer-long exhibit invites you explore all things ‘bee’ Bees, please!

BY BEN LOCKWOOD GUEST COLUMNIST

Friday, June 9, celebrated the start of the Natural Heritage Project’s first sensory exhibit held at Amery’s Hungry Turtle Institute.

Free and open to the public, hundreds of visitors to the “Much Ado About Bees” were encouraged to explore the human relationship to the honey and bumble bee while engaging all five senses and building awareness of bees, their purpose in nature and benefits to society and mankind as a whole.

Jessica Turtle, the creative director and featured artist of the exhibit stated, “I started the sensory exhibit hoping to make people more comfortable in an art gallery environment and to make it more of a focus based on learning, experience and fun as opposed to going piece by piece, feeling uncomfortable and abruptly leaving.”

“Much Ado About Bees,” on display

SUBMITTED

Visitors to the “Much Ado About Bees” are encouraged to explore the human relationship to honey and bumble bees, their purpose in nature and benefits to society.

through August at the Hungry Turtle Institute, provides a much more interactive and intimate function for onlookers, strategically broken up into smaller exhibits in order for participants to feel free to wander without insecurities.

During the Friday opening, attendees could aesthetically gorge all five of their senses, whether it be through being visually transfixed by Turtle’s majestic paintings, enjoying the

THANK YOU for the many cards, Җowers, food, and memories to honor the life of Ronald Wittstock Thank you to the musicians who added beautiful music to the service. Special thanks to Pastor Jeremy Deaner for the service at his burial.

We enjoyed the good food served by the ladies of United Methodist Church. Your kindness is appreciated. May God bless each one of you.

Mrs. Ronald Wittstock

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Wisconsin and Minnesota bred honeys and mead tasting from primary contributors Winehaven and White Winter Winery, as well as honey based d’oeuvres, and learning about the array of products made with 100% natural beeswax and the tools used in the beekeeping process.

The artwork in the gallery was based off of a list called the Natural Heritage Project, a huge list of species that are disappearing in Wisconsin.

Turtle found a series of bees through the project to be the center of her gallery for this particular event and stated that other artists would be lined up in the future at the gallery to showcase other endangered species of Wisconsin.

“The mission out of the Farm Table Foundation gave us [and other artists] the skeletal structure of the Natural

Heritage Project to artistically showcase specific species who are in harm’s way of current agricultural practices and to promote ag[riculture] support,” said Turtle. “By educating people about their environments, where they live, why they are important, we are hoping that they will start to learn to be a little more cautious and change up their practices a bit and be more aware.”

After putting together this exhibit, Turtle stated that she is more fond of the bumble and honey bee and has a new love for them, perhaps even an obsession.

All of Turtle’s art on display can be purchased in both original and print form and all of the artists aligned with the Natural Heritage Project will eventually have SEE BEES, PAGE 5

Farmington ATV Club

MEETING

Sunday, July 23 • 5:00 p.m. • Sue’s Bar & Grill New members welcome!!! $10 single/$20 family Agenda: Elect New Officers • Fundraisers • Complaints New trail opening up in surrounding areas

&

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MONTHLY RiverBucks program Osceola Public Library Summer Reading has been chosen as the July recipient of the RiverBucks program at MidwestOne Bank. All donations for RiverBucks fare support a different Osceola youth organization each month.

Club, Inc., will hold its July noon potluck and meeting (one week later than usual) at the 3rd Avenue Apartments community room. Mark Peacock is the guest speaker. Everyone 55 or older is invited to attend. Please bring a dish to share. For more information or to arrange a ride, call 715294-4566.

Ice Cream Social

The Osceola Farmers Market is held every Friday at Mill Pond Park from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Osceola United Methodist Church will be having their annual BBQ sandwiches, homemade pie and ice cream social from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Music provided by Terry Rader at 5:30 p.m.

JULY 7

JULY 15

Bloodmobile

Sparkle Night

The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be at Market Place Foods in St. Croix Falls from noon to 6 p.m. To make an appointment call 1-800-7332767.

Join the Osceola Royalty at the Osceola Braves game for Sparkle Night, 7:30 p.m. Door prizes, 50/50 drawing. Past and present royalty members from any town are encouraged to wear their crown and sash.

THROUGH OCTOBER Farmers Market

Video games at library Super Smash Brothers Brawl will be the featured video game at the Osceola Public Library, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Everyone who enjoys gaming and some friendly competition is invited.

JULY 8 Video games at library Mario Kart Wii will be the featured video game at the Osceola Public Library, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Everyone who enjoys gaming and some friendly competition is invited.

JULY 11 Doc & Dog Walk Meet Tim Johnson, DVW, on the Brown Trail at 5:30 p.m. near the L.O. Simenstad Municipal Airport, Osceola, 2474 60th Ave. Degenerative joint disease in dogs will be discussed. Leashed dogs welcome. Mostly flat but uneven ground. myosceolachamber. org/osceola-doc-walk.

JULY 12 Osceola Senior Citizens to meet The Osceola Senior Citizens

Summer festival St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in Frederic will be having their annual summer festival beginning at 10:30 a.m. Cash prizes every 20 minutes, silent auction, noon to 2 p.m. and quilt raffle ends at 2 p.m.

ONGOING

Bloodmobile The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be at the Osceola High School from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. To make an appointment call 1-800-7332767.

JULY 20-22 Suessical the Musical The St. Croix ArtBarn in Osceola presents Seussical, a musical starring Horton, The Grinch, and other beloved Seuss characters.

Tickets are available online, www. stcroixartbarn.org, or at the door, 7 p.m.

JULY 28-29 Suessical the Musical The St. Croix ArtBarn in Osceola presents Seussical, a musical starring Horton, The Grinch, and other beloved Seuss characters.

Tickets are available online, www. stcroixartbarn.org, or at the door, 7 p.m.

• The Dresser & St. Croix Falls Area VFW Post #4186 meets the third Monday of every month at 2 p.m. at the Dresser VFW Hall.

• The Valley Chess Masters Club meets on the second and fourth Monday, 4:30 to 6 p.m., St. Croix Falls Public Library. FFI: scflibrary@stcroixfallslibrary. org.

• The Dresser and St. Croix Falls Area VFW and Auxiliary meets every third Monday at 2 p.m. at the Dresser VFW Hall.

• Second and fourth Monday, Big Fun Playdates with the Imagination Playground, Osceola Public Library, 10:30 a.m. to noon.

• Author Alphabet Soup last Monday of every month, 6:30 p.m. at the Dresser Library.

Tuesday • St. Croix Valley MOPS Moms group meets the third Tuesday, St. Croix Falls High School. Optional free meal, 5:30 p.m., meeting at 6:15 p.m. Free childcare. FFI: mopsscv@hotmail.com.

• The Voices of the Valley meets every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the St. Croix ArtBarn in Osceola. This group is for adults with special needs who enjoy singing. FFI: (715) 494-0385.

Wednesday • Book club for adults at Osceola Public Library the fourth Wednesday of the month. Books available at the library. FFI:

Osceola Mainstreet Skate Park

IF YOU HAVE A TOOTACHE QUESTION: What should

Help build Osceola’s Skate Park!

Donations can be sent to: Osceola Mainstreet Skate Park, c/o RCU, P.O. Box 578, Osceola, WI 54020.

GOAL $120,000

$14,097.24

I do when a toothache strikes?

ANSWER: Toothache can be one of the three or four most unbearable pains suffered by man.

The problem is often decay reaching the pulp or nerve of the tooth.

True toothache is an intense pain in the tooth or jaw. A swollen jaw and and some fever accompanying the toothache usually means an abscess has formed.

In an abscess, decay has eaten into the pulp and has infected the gums and hard tissues below. When you have a toothache, call our

ofÀce as soon as possible.

We’ll advise you what to do next. Let’s look at how NOT to treat a toothache.

Do not ignore a toothache.

Even if the pain stops suddenly, it does not mean the tooth has cured itself.

Do not place aspirin directly on the aching tooth or dissolve it in your mouth.

It will only irritate your gums and can actually burn oral tissue. Aspirin must enter your bloodstream to work.

Hauge Dental Care 108 Chieftain Street Osceola, Wisconsin 715-294-2202

Anne Miller, (715) 294-2310.

• Adult basic education classes. Brush up on basic skills or prepare for the GED/HSED exams through basic education classes at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (WITC). Enroll any time. FFI: Call 800-243-9482 ext. 4257 or visit witc.edu/adult/basicedprogram.htm.

• Open Mic Night, hosted by Jules at PY’s Bar & Grill in Osceola, every third Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.. Bring your instrument and participate in an open jam or feature your own music. Call (715) 2943314 for more details.

Thursday

Monday

JULY 19

JULY 30

Suessical the Musical The St. Croix ArtBarn in Osceola presents Seussical, a musical starring Horton, The Grinch, and other beloved Seuss characters.

Tickets are available online, www. stcroixartbarn.org, or at the door, 2 p.m.

• Tot-Time at Peace Lutheran Church, Dresser, first and third Thursdays at 10 a.m. For infants and preschool children and their parents/grandparents. An hour filled with craft, Bible story, snack and play time. Call (715) 755-2515 to register.

Saturday • Osceola Running Club meets at Mill Pond Park in downtown Osceola at 7 a.m.

Saturdays. Anyone interested in running for fitness and fun is welcome. The “Lap around Osceola” is a “no drop” jog of about 3 miles. If you need to walk for a time, we will walk it with you. Before or after the first lap, some of our runners will run more, as they train for more mileage. FFI: “like” the Osceola Running Club group on Facebook, go to www.runosceola.org, text or call Paul Smith at (715) 4106047.

Sunday • Times in Which We Live meets the first and third Sunday of each month at the Dresser Library at 6:30 p.m. DVDs are shown about current events.

FFI: 715-755-3473. or email Steve at: cen53926@centurytel.net.

• An open song circle meets at the St. Croix Falls Public Library from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the second Sunday of the month. Everyone welcome to join and sing. FFI: 715-501-4487

MEETINGS THIS WEEK

WEDNESDAY

• Osceola TOPS meets at Trinity Lutheran Church. Weigh-in, 7-8:20 a.m., meeting, 8:30-9:30.

FFI: 715-755-3123.

THURSDAY

• Free Baby & Me classes from 5 to 6 p.m. at Osceola Medical Center. To register, (715) 684-4440.

• GriefShare, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the New Life Christian Community, Dresser. FFI: (715) 557-1431.

• Dual Recovery Anonymous, 7:15 p.m. at the St. Croix Falls Alano. FFI: (715) 755-3639.

• AA meets at Trinity Lutheran Church, Osceola at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, Dresser.

FRIDAY

• AA meets at Trinity Lutheran Church, Osceola at 7 p.m. Topic meeting.

SATURDAY

• Weight Watchers meets at Hope E. Free Church, Osceola.

Weigh-in, 7:30 a.m. Meeting, 8:15 a.m. FFI: Kim, 715-417-0683.

MONDAY

• The Indianhead Barbershop Chorus meets at 7:30 p.m. in the government building in Balsam Lake. FFI: 715-483-9202.

• Divorce Care Support Group, Grace Church of Osceola, 6:30 p.m.

• AA meets at Trinity Lutheran Church in Osceola at 7 p.m. and Osceola United Methodist Church at 7 p.m.

• Preschool storytime, St. Croix Falls Public Library, 10:30 a.m.

TUESDAY

• AA for women at Trinity Lutheran Church in Osceola, 7 p.m.

• Seniors on the Go, 12:30-4 p.m. at Osceola United Methodist Church.

• Storytime, Osceola Public Library, 10:30 a.m. FFI: 715-2942310.

• Overeaters Anonymous, 10 a.m., St Croix Falls Alano Club.

FFI; (715) 825-3416.

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JULY 5, 2017

Winter in 11 days

I

know what you are thinking – he’s finally lost it.

I’m well aware that we have 169 days until the first day of winter. For us, winter is literally half a year away.

For fans of the Home Box Office (HBO) series, “Game of Thrones” winter is just 11 days away.

The seventh season of the epic fantasy series based on George R. R. Martin’s novels returns on July 16, and in the fictional land of Westeros, winter has arrived.

Martin’s novels are set in a world where seasons last for years, even Publisher decades. Dragons, magic and a struggle for control of the seven Tom Stangl kingdoms are central themes for the series. i h Martin has said that he took inspiration for the families (or Houses as they are known in the series) from England’s War of the Roses. The War of the Roses took place from 1455 to 1487 as rival branches of England’s royal family fought for the right to the throne.

The House of Lancaster and the House of York fought for years. It was the last war fought for the crown of England.

In Martin’s world, the Lannisters have seized control of the throne while the ill-fated but noble Stark family struggles to regain their power.

There have been six novels in the series. Martin is working on the seventh book and has said that there will be an eighth novel. He has written an estimated 1,770,000 words in the tale so far, and the HBO series surpassed the completed novels after the fifth season.

I saw the first season of the show and was hooked.

I quickly devoured the novels and was among the group of viewers who were quite smug because we knew what was coming.

Last season was a great equalizer, because no one knows what will happen.

If you are a fan of well developed, complex characters, I would highly recommend the novels or the well done television adaptation. I would caution against getting too attached to any character, Martin is notorious for killing off people that you would normally associate with being the hero of the story.

I have been frustrated with the author when some of my favorites met their bitter end.

The HBO series will only be seven episodes this season, three less than the 10 episodes that seem to be the new normal for episodic television dramas.

The producers needed to be coaxed into an eighth season, which will be only six episodes.

HBO, concerned with losing a cash cow series like “Game of Thrones,” has ordered five different series set in the same “universe” as the series.

Martin has written other novels and short stories, as well as a “history” of the seven kingdoms, so there is a great deal of material to draw from for new programs.

I have my doubts that the network will see the same amount of success a second time.

My daughters were kind enough to buy me the flag of House Stark, which now flies in my front yard. It goes nicely with my House Stark coffee mug.

Yes, I am a nerd.

In the meantime, I will enjoy the next seven Sunday nights as winter and war play out on my television set.

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.

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HOW TO REACH US: Our office is located at 108 Cascade Street, Osceola, WI 54020. We are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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When vision creates reality

T

he Minnesota Department of Transportation has announced that the St. Croix Crossing will open in the first days of August. After that, we’ll begin to discover the specifics of how the bridge will affect growth in the valley.

For now we can speculate, but we’re still sort of clueless.

I’m thinking of the internet, and how they told us in the ‘90s that we’d “do everything” online. It was really hard to imagine at the time. Why go online when you could find anything you needed in the world of tangible objects right in front of you?

But slowly, the World Wide Web has indeed become an essential part Editor of business and social life. We watch and listen to music online.

Suzanne Lindgren movies We talk to friends, share photos and even spark romances online. And if Amazon’s $13.7 billion bid to buy Whole Foods is any indication, people are buying books, food and everything in between online.

A few things Amazon doesn’t sell: green spaces, wild places, forests and open fields. Still, such respites are becoming more and more valuable as development spreads.

Looking at the project map for the St. Croix Crossing (www.dot.state.mn.us/stcroixcrossing/pdf/projectmap.pdf), Wisconsin’s side of the almost-finished bridge is a patchwork of green — corn, soybeans and forests — with a bit of development in Houlton right

across from the Stillwater Lift Bridge.

Across the river along Highway 36, which is where the bridge will extend from, the aerial view is mostly gray, a grid of buildings and pavement.

Some have likened the crossing to a bridge to nowhere, and there is some merit to that. But as the commute from Wisconsin to the Twin Cities becomes faster, it’s easy to believe that growth will follow.

Those fields will give way to housing developments and commercial districts.

Will that growth reach Farmington, Osceola, Dresser and St. Croix Falls? Many think so.

Although there’s no way to know for sure what will happen, we shouldn’t forget that we can affect what happens.

Back in the era of dial-up modems, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg were unknown. Now their respective visions have shaped the internet as we know it, extending into the business world and our social lives.

Our vision for the St. Croix Valley may be different, but our need for vision isn’t.

I’m curious about the resources available to us to help shape development. How can we preserve farming as a livelihood, protect ecologically or culturally sensitive areas and otherwise encourage “smart” development while welcoming prosperity and newcomers to this place we love so dearly?

Land trusts? Farming legacy programs? Let me know what regional or nationwide institutions are already doing these things, and how effectively: editor@osceolasun.com.

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Drama peaks as June ‘98 winds down in the Valley When thinking back to childhood memories, people have a tendency to remember summer as a restful, peaceful time of life. In my hometown of Lennox Valley, summer was anything but restful as June of 1998 neared its end.

May and June were brimming with drama worthy of front-page mention in The Lennox Valley Hometown News. Just when it looked like life had gotten as bizarre as it could get, something even wackier would take center stage of Valley attention.

Just a year earlier, life in our quaint community was downright placid compared to the curious drama played out in front of us seemingly every day this summer. Sure, Raymond Cooper had sparked a mistrust of local politicians in his rantings concerning the Federal Reserve System, but

by June of ‘98 momentum had built to the point that those flames seemed intent on overtaking the good folks of the Valley and driving Cooper directly into the mayor’s chair.

And while life at the Baptist and Catholic churches remained relatively unscathed, the same couldn’t be said about the town Lutherans and Methodists. Who would have guessed, just a year earlier, when word that the famous TV evangelist Todd Cecil would be visiting Lennox Valley sometime in 1998, that Cecil’s visit would be wiped off the front page and

nearly forgotten as a result of an announcement by the district superintendent that the good Methodists of Lennox Valley would be the recipients of the town’s first female pastor?

Many Methodists secretly pined for the “good life” they had enjoyed, listening to Pastor Vickers pronounce his benediction, almost always with a quote from his favorite book (besides the Bible, of course), “Celebrity Quotes.” No one in the congregation was aware that the pastor’s parting words each week were actually quotes from famous celebrities. Most just thought their shepherd had a gift usually reserved for poets and composers of ballads.

Some were as simple as, “And whichsoever way thou goest, may fortune follow,” taken directly from “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” by Jules Verne.

Other times, like when he borrowed a line written in 1954 by J.R.R. Tolkien, they were a bit more poetic: “Farewell, and may the blessing of Elves and Men and all Free Folk go with you. May the stars shine upon your faces.”

Then, there were the benedictions that caused congregants to wonder if the good reverend had possibly stopped by the Hoffbrau for a Miller Lite – a habit generally frowned upon by many small town Methodists – while preparing for the next day’s service. For example, he would sometimes use lines

from popular songs of the 1960s: “As you part from this place, whisper words of wisdom.” Then, instead of “Amen,” he dismissed the congregation with, “Let it be.”

The first time I remember hearing townsfolk whisper that it might be time for Pastor Vickers to consider retirement was after his most memorable benediction, in late 1997, “May the force be with you,” to which they instinctively responded, “And also with you.”

There were some who appreciated the summer drama of 1998.

Maxine Miller’s column in Hometown News, “Rumor Has It,” had never been more popular. Between spinning tales about Sarah HydenSmith’s marital status, battles between Vera Pinrod, president of the Lennox Valley Auburn Hat Society, and Father O’Reilly, or guessing at the amount of money spent by Sherilyn Bordewyck on purchases from QVC, Maxine was thrilled with the crescendo that seemed to be building in Lennox Valley in June of ‘98.

Was my hometown bizarre?

Sometimes. Was it boring? Never.

And as June ended, one citizen of the Valley was deep in contemplation. Because this decision could determine if he would be the next mayor of our town.

Learn more about the good folks online at lennoxvalley.com or on “The Good Folks of Lennox Valley” Facebook page.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR S.O.S. The three letters are commonly known for save our ship, but in today’s world I believe that it needs to stand for Save Our Seniors.

Not too long ago the people who held the position of being an elected Congressman or Senator took the time and resources available to protect and serve our elders.

Programs were put into place for senior citizens

so they would have the necessary funding to ensure that they were safe and comfortable in their aging years. Then greed and corruption became part of government.

Money once available to supplement seniors such as food stamps, health care, affordable nursing homes, has long been cut.

Monies readily available has now been replaced with long waiting periods or not at all.

Corporate tax cuts and special interest groups have caused an incredible amount of harm to the wellbeing of the very people that have earned our respect and deserve dignity. We, as a nation, need to hold our officials responsible for the gutting of these programs.

If you are reading this, contact Local Congressman Sean Duffy and demand that no cuts be made to programs that

help seniors. Let him know that even with his multiple votes against senior needs, you will give him a chance to redeem himself for all of the tragic things happening because of his misguided agenda. Let it be known he is running out of chances to honor the elders.

Mark Struble Star Prairie

BEES: Summer-long exhibit invites you to explore all things ‘bee’ FROM PAGE 2

their work compiled and featured in a book series.

Friday’s event also featured Jeff Dankey, owner and operator of Minnetonka Gold based out of Navarre, Minn. Dankey is a very enthusiastic beekeeper who provided much of the equipment for the collection of beekeeping tools presented at the exhibit, as well as plenty of insight into the profession and hobby of beekeeping and two of the honeys on display for tasting.

“Sustainable beekeeping or apiary models is using small hives to support your big hives, and vice versa, in order to take from really strong and healthy hives and giving it to weaker ones,” said Dankey of his beekeeping methods.

Dankey, in tune with the localized ideology of the Farm Table Foundation, raises his own localized queens by buying from a local beekeeper in Burnsville, Minn. The queens are then able to adapt and

evolve to the area’s environment at a much quicker rate, making them able to sustain longer winters.

‘Much Ado About Bees’ will be open to the public during normal business hours for the remainder of the summer and continue to feature Turtle’s 2-D bee-centric paintings, the menagerie of beekeeper’s tools and products made with 100% beeswax, as well as the complete kit bee boxes hand painted

by Christy Swartz of St. Paul and a beautifully woven ‘Sun Hive’ by Kelsey Bee of Heirloomista.

A follow-up showcase to the ‘Much Ado About Bees’ exhibit will be held on August 26th during the honey fair and will again feature Dankey as the “Ask the Keeper” beekeeping expert, who will be providing two new original honeys to taste.

“At the end of September we will be having a beekeeper workshop with another beekeeping expert, Mike Bush,” added Program Director Brandie Anderson. “With a purchase of one of the bee boxes

by Swartz you will receive a free ticket to the beekeeper workshop in September.”

IF YOU GO What: ‘Much Ado About Bees’ Cost: Free Where: The Hungry Turtle Institute, 110 Keller Avenue North, Amery, Wis. When: (Same business hours at The Farm Table) Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday 9a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Closed Tuesdays.

YEARS AGO 10 years ago July 4, 2007 • The “Hogwart’s Express” train ride in Osceola will still happen, but because of a ruling regarding copyrights, it will be called something else, “The Wizard’s Express.”

• The Osceola Medical Center ceremonially broke ground on the new hospital campus last week.

• Avery Bundgaard led a group of Boy Scouts and other volunteers in landscaping the area beneath the Steve Rixmann sign at the Osceola ballfield. The project will help him achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.

• Roughly 50 motorcyclists from Milwaukee visited Osceola on a tour of the state called The Executive Ride.

• Bethesda Lutheran Church celebrated 135 years with an anniversary worship celebration on Sunday.

• The Osceola Braves bats came alive in Menomonie in a 10-4 league win. The Braves pounded out 12 hits.

• Osceola High School students Kelly Wassberg, Jordan Clausen and Hanna Anderson attended the University of Wisconsin – Stout Advanced STEPS for Girls. Campers built robots using LEGO Mindstorm robotics kits.

20 years ago July 9, 1997 • U.S. Congressman Ron Kind canoed the St. Croix River with National Park Service oficials and toured Polaris’ plant in Osceola.

• A group from Osceola recently returned from Grand Forks, N.D., where they helped with flood clean up.

• Gary and Carolyn Lumsden lost their home to fire after lightning struck their porch and engulfed their home in flames.

• The City of St. Croix Falls received a $200,000 check

from Polk-Burnett Electric. The money was an interest-free loan to the city to pay for the water tower in the industrial park.

• Osceola baseball was trailing Baldwin-Woodville by three runs when lightning forced the umpire to call the game last Tuesday.

• The Osceola Braves dropped two one-run games at the Ellsworth Tournament.

They were shorthanded because of the holiday and manager Ken Staples filled in at second base for the final game.

• Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church planned a dedication and open house at their new location in St. Croix Falls.

30 years ago July 7, 1987 • Governor Tommy Thompson will be in Osceola June 15 to speak to representatives of CESA 11 at Osceola Middle School and at the Holstein Twilight Meeting at the Timm Johnson farm.

• Gloria and Gary Roohr-Hyzer of Osceola have opened a bulk natural food store called The Grainary next to the Peppermill.

• Rachel Mundfrom from Osceola is studying French at a university in Grenoble in preparation for work as a Bible translator in Cameroon, West Africa.

• Named to the University of Wisconsin – River Falls Dean’s List were Deanna Getschel and David Worrell.

• The Chieftains baseball team got an early leg up in the conference race with a 10-8 win over St. Croix Falls, then lost to Grantsburg 10-4 and then rebounded against Frederic with a 12-7 win.

• The United States Achievement Academy announced that Leanne Johnson of Osceola has been named a Collegiate All-American.

GOVERNMENT NUMBERS WHO TO CALL...

President Donald Trump

1600 Pennsylvania Ave.• Washington, D.C. 20500 Comments: (202) 456-1111 or http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ Switchboard: (202) 456-1414 • Fax: (202) 456-2461

Congressman Sean Duffy 7th Congressional District 1208 Longworth HOB, Washington, DC 20515 • (202) 225-3365 or 502 2nd St., Suite 202, Hudson, WI 54016 • (715) 808-8160 duffy.house.gov/

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

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin 717 Hart Senate Office Biulding Washington, D.C. 20510 • (202) 224-5653 www.baldwin.senate.gov/contact

Governor Scott Walker 115 East, State Capitol Bldg. Mailing address: P.O. Box 7863, Madison, WI 53707 • (608) 266-1212 • (608) 267-6790 (TTY) govgeneral@wisconsin.gov • www.wisgov.state.wi.us/

Rep. Adam Jarchow 28th Assembly District Room 19 North, State Capitol, P.O. Box 8952 • Madison, WI 53708 (608) 267-2365 or 1-888-529-0028 • Fax (608) 282-3628 Rep.Jarchow@legis.wisconsin.gov

Senator Sheila Harsdorf 10th Senate District State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882 • Madison, WI 53707 (608) 266-7745 • Toll-free: 1-800-862-1092 Sen.Harsdorf@legis.wisconsin.gov

www.osceolasun.com

NO CALL LIST 1-888-382-1222 or website: datcp.wi.gov

6

THE SUN

JULY 5, 2017 www.osceolasun.com

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Western duo a trail of adventure

T

he classic western seems alive and well, thanks to writers like Peter Brandvold, author of “To hell on a fast horse: a western duo.”

A North Dakota native now living in western Minnesota, Brandvold has actually penned two novels: “The Devil’s ambush” and “Bring me the head of Chaz Savidge,” both featuring legendary bounty hunters Lou Prophet and Louisa Bonaventure.

The first novel, “The Devil’s ambush,” draws intermittent trail partners “and sometimes lovers” Prophet and Bonaventure together through anonymous letters both received, causing them concern for each other.

When they walk into an ambush at an abandoned cavalry outpost in eastWriters ern Colorado Territory, Bonaventure & Writing is nearly killed, sending Prophet into a frantic mission to save her life and Michael Tidemann seek revenge, turning a small town of on its head.

In the second novel, “Bring me the head of Chaz Savidge,” Prophet and Bonaventure hunt down and capture the outlaw Chaz Savidge. That isn’t the end of the trail for the two bounty hunters who encounter bounty jumpers along the way as Lou and Louisa

try to right the wrongs done to the outlaw’s innocent victims.

Since he’s originally from North Dakota, one is tempted to draw similarities between Brandvold, who also writes under the penname Frank Leslie, and Louis L’Amour, one of the greatest western writers of the twentieth century, originally from Jamestown, North Dakota.

There are some significant differences between the two writers, though. If you were compare the heat level of the romantic scenes, L’Amour would be a banana pepper while Brandvold would be closer to a Scotch bonnet. And, while L’Amour’s descriptions are welldrawn, Brandvold’s settings are nothing short of poetic: “He glanced over his right shoulder and saw the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains jutting against the horizon like a badly uneven saw blade, a couple of the longest teeth touched with wax.”

It’s probably no coincidence that Brandvold has given his two main characters such similar names – Lou and Louisa. As Prophet tells Doc Whitfield who’s caring for Louisa, “I reckon we’re cut too much alike to not get along like gators of the same swamp.”

If you’re a western genre fan and love lots of action with accurate historic detail, this book’s for you.

Michael Tidemann writes from Estherville, Iowa. His author page is amazon.com/author/michaeltidemann.

RIVER: Watershed stewards act to protect beauty of the river FROM PAGE 1

pollution, chemical runoff from fertilizers and pesticides, and invasive species.

In an attempt to restore health, or at least to stop further degradation, the St. Croix Master Watershed Stewards

program is training “a cadre of citizen stewards well-versed in hydrology, storm water and waste water issues and solutions.” The two-yearold pilot program is for adults ages 18 and older living in the St. Croix River’s watershed.

The program contains

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three cohorts: Minnesota, Wisconsin, and BiState. Ten stewards are selected from each state — 20 total for the Bi-State Cohort — to promote the St. Croix Watershed and act against threats to the system during and after the six-month program.

Stewards are required to complete a capstone project demonstrating their understanding of protecting the St. Croix Watershed.

Sarah Shock and Tony Minnichsoffer are a part of the Bi-State Cohort in the St. Croix Master Watershed Program.

They live in Minnesota, but Shock was raised in St. Croix Falls. During Wannigan Days, the pair completed their capstone project at their host site, Minnesota Interstate Park.

The project began with world-renowned artist Kami Mendlik, who was recently asked to be a

UPCOMING July 15 - Braves vs. St. Paul Capitals, 7:00 p.m.

Fan night with grilled chicken and Osceola Royalty Party July 19 - Braves vs. Metro Knights, 7:30 p.m.

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part of the Artists for the New Century at the Bennington Center for the Arts in Vermont. Demonstrating “plein air” painting, a centuries-old technique in which the painter steps inside the landscape and paints their way out, Mendlik painted the St. Croix River from 9 to 11 a.m., with an audience of about 40.

After Mendlik’s performance, Shock and Minnichsoffer set up a station next to the trail entrance, where they had several activities ready for children and adults. Participants stenciled images of Wisconsin or Minnesota and the text, “St. Croix Watershed,” onto bandanas and wooden medallions. They also wrote postcards to the river, including memories, favorite things about the river and hopes for the river’s future.

Finally, Shock and Minnichsoffer displayed a Watershed Pledge on a poster board. People were invited to sign on as a vow to take better care of the watershed system.

Shock and Minnichsoffer considered the capstone project a success in promoting the St. Croix Watershed System, their interpretation of its beauty and how to protect it.

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THE SUN

7

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MEDITATION

BIRTHS

True freedom

BY PASTOR D.D. ROSENOW TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH

Revelation 1:5-6 – “To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father – to him be glory and power for ever and ever!”

John Adams once wrote that Independence Day “ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty … from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore.”

On July 4th, Americans will take time out to reflect on the birth of our great nation. Christian Americans will take time to thank the

Ruler of all for the many advantages that we are privileged to enjoy as the citizens of a free country.

But it’s also fitting to take time out to ponder the spiritual freedom that we have as citizens of God’s kingdom.

A Sunday School class had been discussing God’s forgiving love for an entire class period. By way of review, the teacher asked her students, “Who can tell me how we receive God’s forgiveness for our sins?” One child’s hand went up without hesitation. He answered.

“First you have to sin!”

God has had to deal with our sin, because we have used our God-given freedom to rebel from the very beginning of life. It’s an original and universal tragedy we all share. We all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. We don’t

even have to think for a moment before we are capable of sinning.

We sin without thinking and we sin because we do not think.

But God loves us more than we could ever comprehend. And He has sent us Christ to restore our lost freedom through His own death and resurrection. Jesus “has freed us from our sins by his blood.” In Christ we have true freedom – we have forgiveness.

In light of that, the Christian’s life is really a celebration of freedom. We are no longer slaves to sin. We are set free to serve God with our lives, giving Him glory for His powerful love in all that we do. No matter how you spend “the 4th,” spend your life in the service of a loving God. Celebrate your Christian freedom!

about the life and patterns of Monarch butterflies, how to plant your garden to support Monarch eggs and larvae and other pollinators. Register by July 12. Call 715-294-4601 or e-mail prattd@osceolak12.org. To learn more about Lupine Gardens, a chemical free nursery, visit lupinegardens.com.

p.m., Osceola High School room 304 There is a fee. Learn to create a fiesta in your own home while learning cooking fundamentals.

There is more to Mexican cuisine than just tacos and burritos. Come learn how to make your own pico de gallo, guacamole, salsa, Spanish rice, beef fajitas pollo diabolo and more! Don’t bother with expensive takeout food when you can make your own tasty versions in your own kitchen!

COMMUNITY EDUCATION Osceola Community Education is offering summer learning opportunities. Classes are open to all who live in and near the Osceola community. Register by calling 715-294-4601 or e-mail prattd@osceolak12.org

Vinyasa Yoga with Krista Lindquist: Wednesdays, July 12 -August 16, 4:45 -5:35 p.m. Osceola Intermediate School Gym, Small fee. Synchronize movement with breath in a restorative and energizing practice to increase strength, flexibility and balance. All are welcome, modifications are available for every experience level. Wear comfortable clothing, bring a yoga mat and water bottle.

Raising Monarch Butterflies - with Lupine Gardens, LLC: July 19 or 26, 6:30 p.m. There is a fee.

Join Matt Swank and Monica Swank of Lupine Gardens. Learn

Chinese Cooking with Peter Kwong: July 20, 6–9 p.m., Osceola High School room 304. There is a fee. Join us as we explore the cuisines of different regions: Singapore Curried Chicken, Coconut Rice, Pork Chop Peking Style, and Vietnamese Egg Roll, just to name a few! Learn how to use local ingredients instead of hunting for expensive ingredients and how to use different cooking methods to create the best tasting cuisine in your own home.

Cucina Italiana: July 27, 2017 6–9 p.m., Osceola High School room 304. There is a fee. In Italy they say “Ti Amo” but here in the United States “I love you” is said with Italian food! Show your love by serving authentic ‘Cucina Italiana’ (Italian Cuisine). Make bruschetta, fettucine alfredo, chicken piccata, eggplant parmigiana and homemade garlic toast.

Mexican Fiesta: July 25, 6–9

OSCEOLA MEDICAL CENTER Osceola, Wisconsin June 21, 2017: A boy, Xander Michael McCa-

rty-Stream, weighing 8 pounds 15 ounces, to Rhiannon McCarty and Tristian Stream, Osceola.

Writer to read for Osceola Seniors

Local author Mark Hayes Peacock will read to the Osceola Seniors group from his book, “The First Gathering of The Break Time Stories,” at noon on July 12, in the party room of the Third Avenue Apartments. The book, available through Amazon.com, is a collection of three short story books Peacock published on Amazon Kindle.

On Saturday, July 15, Peacock will join fellow writers Amery Poet Laureate LaMoine MacLaughlin, Jane Yunker and Julie E. Smith at Amery’s Northern Lakes Center for the Arts for an evening of reading poems, essays and short stories. The program begins at 7:30 p.m.

Peacock was published regularly by the St. Paul Pioneer Press and is a semi-retired pastor and current chaplain at Good Samaritan Care Center, St. Croix Falls.

Delivering Your Community

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CHURCH LISTINGS ALLIANCE CHURCH OF THE VALLEY 1259 Hwy. 35 South, St. Croix Falls 715-483-1100 www.stcroixalliance.com Senior Pastor, Gary Russell Associate Pastor Jeff Naegelen Youth Pastor Chris Folkestad SUNDAY: Worship 10 a.m.

———————— ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH East Farmington Rev. Andy Anderson SUNDAY: Mass at 9 a.m.

———————— BETHANY LUTHERAN Star Prairie Pastor Dan Pennington (715) 248-3730 blcsp@frontiernet.net SUNDAY: Traditional Worship 8 a.m.

Contemporary Worship 9:30 a.m.

———————— BETHESDA LUTHERAN LCMC 1947 110th Ave. Dresser Sand Lake 715-755-2562 www.bethesdalutheran.ws Pastor Peter Rimmereid SUNDAY: Contemporary/Traditional worship, 9 a.m ———————— CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH 150 Fifth Street Marine on St. Croix, Minn.

Pastor Joel Martin 651-433-3222 SUNDAY: Worship 8:15 & 9:45 a.m.

———————— EL SALEM/TWIN FALLS CHRISTIAN CENTER Six miles east of Dresser on Co. Rd. F, 1751 100th Ave. Pastor Darryl R. Olson 715-755-3113 SUNDAY: Morning worship 10:30 a.m.

Evening service 6 p.m.

———————— EUREKA BAPTIST CHURCH 2393 210th Ave., St. Croix Falls

Pastor Seth Brickley 715-483-9464 SUNDAY: Worship Service 10 a.m.

———————— FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 661A West Street Taylors Falls, MN 55084 651-465-6792 www.firstbaptisttaylorsfalls.com Dr. Kevin Schumann, Pastor SUNDAY: Worship 10.15 a.m.

———————— FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN 5561 Chestnut St. Taylors Falls, Minn.

SUNDAY: Worship 8:30 a.m.

Contemporary Worship 11 a.m.

———————— FIRST PRESBYTERIAN 719 Nevada St. St. Croix Falls Pastor Barbara Anne Keely 715-483-3550 (office) SUNDAY: Church Service 11 a.m.

———————— GRACE CHURCH – OSCEOLA Pastor Mark Barlow Amy Germain, Day Care 722 Seminole Ave. Osceola info@gracechurchosceola.com 715-417-0752 Day Care: 715-294-4222 SUNDAY: Worship Service, 9:00 a.m.

———————— 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 2098 70th Avenue Pastor Nile Merseth SUNDAY: Worship 9 a.m.

———————— HOLY CROSS ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH Meeting at Zion Lutheran Church 28005 Old Towne Road

Chisago Lakes Lakes, Minn Minn.

651-260-5100 www.holyx.net Fr. Bill Neumann, pastor SUNDAY: Worship 9:30 a.m.

———————— HOLY TRINITY ORTHODOX CHURCH 523 First Street, Clayton 715-948-2203 Father Christopher Wojcik SUNDAY: Liturgy 9:30 a.m.

———————— HOPE EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH 933 248th Street, one mile north of Osceola on Highway 35 Pastor Kevin McLouth 715-294-2112 • www.hefc.org SUNDAY: Worship 10 a.m.

———————— JOURNEY CHURCH 131 Broadway, Amery www.fbcamery.org churchoffice@fbcamery.org 715-268-2223 SUNDAY: Worship Service 9 a.m.

———————— NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY Non-denominational 201 State Hwy. 35, Dresser Pastor Tony Minell, 715-417-1982 galatiansii20@yahoo.com Church office: 715-417-0945 SUNDAY: Worship Service 9:30 a.m.

———————— NEW WINE COMMUNITY CHURCH 309 5th Street, Centuria Pastor Scott Petznick (715) 338-8912 Worship 10 a.m.

———————— OSCEOLA COMMUNITY CHURCH 2492 Education Drive, Osceola Larry Mederich www.occconnect.org SUNDAY: Worship 10 a.m.

————————

OSCEOLA MEDICAL CENTER SPIRITUAL CARE 2600 65th Avenue, Osceola www.myomc.org/specialtyserv_1chapel.php Chaplain Thomas Reaume 715-294-5645 fax: 715-294-5712 Chapel open daily for meditation.

———————— OSCEOLA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 306 River Street, Osceola P.O. Box 447 715-755-2275 osceolaunitedmethodistchurch@gmail.com SUNDAY: Worship 10 a.m.

Fellowship 11 a.m.

———————— PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH (ELCA), 2355 Clark Rd., Dresser 715-755-2515 plcdresser.org peace@centurytel.net Pastor Alan Buresh SUNDAY: Worship Services, 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 SUNDAY: Worship 10 a.m.

———————— REDEEMER EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH Wisconsin Synod Corner of Adams & Louisiana St. Croix Falls Rev. Timothy Blauert 715-483-3401 SUNDAY: Worship 9:15 a.m.

———————— RIVER VALLEY CHRISTIAN CHURCH LIGHTHOUSE 1289 160th Street St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin 715-483-5378 Pastor Jonah Fetzer

m SUNDAY: Worship 10 a a.m.

———————— ST. ANNE PARISH 139 Church Hill Road Somerset, WI 54025 715-247-3310 Rev. Andy Anderson SATURDAY: Mass 5 p.m.

SUNDAY: Mass 8 and 10 a.m.

———————— 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 Ran Yoo Pastor Kooko Kim Sunday services 10 a.m.

———————— ST. CROIX UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP 201 N. Adams, St. Croix Falls www.scuuf.org 715-483-1113 SUNDAY: 1st, 2nd and 3rd Sunday 10 a.m.

———————— ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH Franconia, MN 651-465-7345 www.stfrancisfranconia.org Fr. Frank Wampach SUNDAY: Mass 9:30 a.m.

———————— ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC Osceola Rev. Andy Anderson 715-294-2243 SATURDAY: Mass at 4 p.m.

SUNDAY: Latin Mass, 8:30 a.m.

Mass at 11a.m.

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

Fr Frank Wampach Fr. SATURDAY: 5:30 p.m.

SUNDAY: Mass 7:30 a.m.

———————— SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH MISSOURI SYNOD 140 Madison Street St. Croix Falls Pastor Mark Schoen 715-483-1186 SUNDAY: Worship Services 9 a.m.

———————— TRINITY EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH (WELS) 300 Seminole Ave., (Ct H M) Osceola 715-294-2828 • www.trinityosceola.com Pastor David Rosenow (920-645-7526) SUNDAY: Worship 9 a.m. • Wed. 7 p.m.

Bible Class, Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

———————— TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH OF GARFIELD 1578 85th Ave., Amery Pastor Lori Peper 715-268-9577 SUNDAY: Worship Service 9:30 a.m.

———————— WEST IMMANUEL LUTHERAN (ELCA), 447 180th St., Osceola www.westimmanuel.org Rev. Rexford D. Brandt SUNDAY: Worship Services, 8 and 10:30 a.m.

———————— WORD OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP Cliff Bjork, (651) 465-7373 366 Bench St., Taylors Falls, Minn.

SUNDAY: Worship Service 10 a.m.

———————— ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH (Wisconsin Synod) East Farmington Pastor William Brassow (715) 294-3489 THURSDAY: Worship, 4:30 p.m.

SUNDAY: Worship, 8 & 10 a.m.

These Church listings are sponsored by the following concerned and responsible businesses and industries. They deserve your continued support and patronage!

108 Cascade Osceola www osceolasun com www.osceolasun.com

715-294-2314

304 Cascade St • Osceola, WI

715.294.2183 MidWestOne.com

GRANDSTRAND FUNERAL HOME Osceola 294-3111

Osceola, WI 294-2158

8

THE SUN

JULY 5, 2017 www.osceolasun.com

Polk County FSA to host county committee election open house Polk County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Executive Director CED Aaron Moore, announced that the nomination period for local FSA county committees has begun. Nomination forms must be postmarked or received in the Polk County FSA Office by close of business on Aug. 1, 2017.

“County Committees are unique to FSA and allow producers to have a voice on federal farm program implementation at the local level,” said CED Moore.

To be eligible to serve on the FSA county committee, a person must participate or cooperate in an agency administered program, be eligible to vote in a county committee election and reside in the Local Administrative Area (LAA) where they are nominated.

This year, nominations and the election will be held in LAA#2. The following townships are in in LAA#2: Apple River, Beaver, Lincoln, Clayton, Black Brook, and Clear

Lake.

An open house will be held on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m at the Polk County FSA office located at 941 Mallard Lane, Room 101, Balsam Lake, WI 54810. Persons with disabilities who require accommodations to attend or participate in this meeting/event/function should contact Aaron Moore at (715) 485-3138 extension 2 or Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339

by July 10, 2017 Producers may nominate themselves or others as candidates. Organizations representing minority and women farmers and ranchers may also nominate candidates. To become a nominee, eligible individuals must sign form FSA-669A. The form and more information about county committee elections is available online at: www.fsa.usda. gov/elections.

Elected county committee members serve a three-year term and are responsible for making decisions on FSA disas-

ter, conservation, commodity and price support programs, as well as other important federal farm program issues.

“It is important that county committees are comprised of members who fairly represent the diverse demographics of production agriculture for their community,” said CED Moore. “All producers, including women, minority and beginning farmers and ranchers are encouraged to participate in the nomination and election process.”

FSA will mail election ballots to eligible voters beginning Nov. 6, 2017.

Ballots are due back in the Polk County Office by mail or in person no later than Dec. 4, 2017.

All newly elected county committee members and alternates will take office January 1, 2018.

For more information about county committees, please contact the Polk County FSA office at 715485-3138 or visit www.fsa. usda.gov/elections.

SUBMITTED

State Special Olympics

Polk County Special Olympic atheltes participated at State in Stevens Point. Results: Crystal Fougner, shot put-first, 400m run-second, 100m run-first; Dawn Hughes, mini jav-fifth; Steven Kicker, long jump-second, 100m-first, shot put-first; Makinzie Miller, shot put-first; Jason Neidermire, 100m run-third, 200m run-third; Devin Orton, softball throw-fifth; Amy Pickard, mini jav-fifth, 200m walk-fourth. Pictured, back row: Makinzie Miller, Assistant Coach Barb Friese, Coach Scott Miller, Steven Kicker, Osceola. Front: Jason Neidermire, East Farmington; Devin Orton, Eureka; Crystal Fougner, Amery; Dawn Hughes, Amery; Amy Pickard, Deer Park.

FAIR: New building planned for community fair FROM PAGE 1

Growing a little larger width-wise than the current structure, the aim is to use concrete for the floors instead of asphalt, include handicap accessible restrooms, add running water and install roll-up doors on the side facing the ballpark for vendors during the fair. These improvements will provide better accessibility and comfort for fair goers.

The new building will offer a space for boat storage in the off season. Nevertheless, a new expectation for the updated building is to rent it out for private and civic events.

Fat Boy Contractors has been a major contributor to the building’s design, according to Points. When construction begins, the company will take on general contracting duties.

The tear down of the current building and construction of the new building is

estimated to occur in May 2018. However, Points stressed that the timeline is contingent on funding.

“Right now we have about $50,000 of the estimated $225,000 project. Until now all of the funds have been raised by the fair board,” he said.

The fair board does not intend to borrow the rest of the money.

They have applied for grants and many corporate and private parties have promised donations, but the building will not be built until all of the funds have been raised.

The goal is to have the new building completed by the 100th anniversary of the fair in seven years.

While seven years may seem like a long time, there are many things to accomplish in that time. Updates of the funding, design renderings and a more detailed construction schedule are still to come.

Minutes of Osceola

School Board Proceedings OSCEOLA SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES June 7, 2017 The Regular Meeting of the Board of Education for the School District of Osceola was held in the district office on June 7, 2017. The meeting was called to order by President Timm Johnson at 6:30 P.M. with roll call taken: Pete Kammerud – yes; Rosanne Anderson-no; Timm Johnson-yes; and Craig Brunclik -yes; Brooke Kulzer - yes. In addition, Superintendent Mark Luebker and Business Manager Jenifer Frank attended the meeting along with CNS Director Bernadette Strobach.

A Craig Brunclik/Pete Kammerud motion was made to approve the complete consent agenda as follows without any item removed for discussion: Adopt the agenda Approve minutes of the Regular Meeting held Wednesday May 24, 2017.

Approve minutes of the Special Meeting held Wednesday May 31, 2017.

SUBMITTED

Results for the aquatics team: Carolyn Hopkins, 25m-backstroke seventh, 25m freestyle-third; Anna Schwendeman, 25m backstroke-fifth, 50m freestyle-third; Bethany Schwendeman, 25m backstroke-fifth; Adrianna Taylor, 25m backstroke-second. Pictured are Carolyn Hopkins, Anna Schwendeman, Bethany Schwendeman and Adrianna Taylor.

Approve 2nd Reading of policies: 5460, 7540, 7540.02, 8330, 8531 Hires, resignations and retirements · Resignation(s): Cathy Dunham, OES Aide; Brianna Lewis, Spanish Teacher; Emily Schueller, OES Aide; Al Kromrey, Bus Driver; Michael Plaster, Bus Driver · Recognition(s): Errin Carlson, OMS Aide · Hire(s): Motion carried.

A Brooke Kulzer/Craig Brunclik motion was made to approve the payment of bills from the General Fund with hand payables checks numbered 93847 through 93867 and computerized checks numbered 1090 through 1092 and 170447 through 170579 for a total of $989,216.37. Motion carried.

School Board Committee reports: Craig Brunclik gave an overview of the 5:00 p.m. Committee Meeting.

Handbook updates were reviewed, the School Forest Harvest Plan was reviewed and there was discussion as to what benefits the land could have. Director of Instruction Jane Maki gave a review of 2017-2018 Professional Development and Business Manager Jenifer Frank reviewed the 201718 Co-Curricular assignments and 2016/17 Budget. There was a discussion in regards to the resignation of a Spanish Teacher and the best way to move forward with the possibility of reinstating the French program.

A Brooke Kulzer/Pete Kammerud motion was made to approve the 2017-18 Employee Handbook. Motion carried.

A Craig Brunclik/Pete Kammerud motion was made to

Delivering Your Community

<www.osceolasun.com> approve the 2017-18 Co-curricular Assignments with a recommendation to update the Handbook accordingly with the number of class advisors: 2 for 9th 2 for 10th 3 for 11th 3 for 12th.

Motion carried.

Administrative Reports: None at this time.

The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday June 28, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. in the Boardroom.

A Pete Kammerud/Brooke Kulzer motion was made to adjourn to Executive Session pursuant to WI Statute 19.85 (1) (c) and (f) to consider the employment, promotion, compensation or performance-evaluation data of any employee and for consideration of a specific matter which, if discussed in public, could have an adverse impact on the reputation of those involved. Roll call was taken: Rosanne Anderson – yes; Pete Kammerud – yes; Craig Brunclik – yes; and Timm Johnson – yes; Brooke Kulzer - yes. Motion carried.

A Rosanne Anderson/Pete Kammerud motion was made to reconvene into open session. Motion Carried.

Timm Johnson announced a Brooke Kulzer/Pete Kammerud motion was made to approve the reinstatement of our French Program and a 2017/2018 contract to Will Oliphant as French Instructor. Motion carried.

A Brooke Kulzer/Craig Brunclik motion was made to adjourn. Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned.

WNAXLP

AND OUTDOORS JULY 5, 2017

THE SUN

9

www.osceolasun.com

St. Croix Falls eighth graders win Smalltown State baseball title

BY SADIE WOLLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

For the past 25 years the St. Croix Falls Middle School Baseball Team has been on the back burner for community gossip. But over the past four years the heat has slowly turned up and the team officially graduated to the front burner with a win at Smalltown State at the end of June.

Taylor Woller, who has coached the team since the summer before fifth grade, has been a big part of the team’s success.

A 2013 graduate of St. Croix Falls, Woller has played baseball for most of his life. He started a traveling league for the St. Croix Falls team in third grade, and continued to play through middle and high school.

After graduating, his baseball career was far from over.

Woller began to look for a summertime job and, considering his passion for baseball, he decided to ask the St. Croix Falls Middle School if a coaching position was available. A position opened to coach the fi fth grade team and Woller accepted without hesitation.

Summer baseball schedule Home games at Osceola Varisty Field July 6: Osceola at Ellsworth, 6:30 p.m.

July 11: Osceola at Roseville, 6:30 p.m.

July 12: Osceola vs. Cottage Grove, 6:30 p.m.

July 14: Osceola vs. Centennial at Oakey Park, 6 p.m.

BRAVES BASEBALL July 5: Menomonie Eagles, 7:30 p.m.

July 8: Elmwood Expos, 5 p.m.

Craft beer tasting Adoray donation night July 9: at Bay City Bombers, 1 p.m.

July 14: at New Richmond Millers, 7:30

p.m.

July 15: St. Paul Capitals, 7 p.m.

Osceola Royalty night Fan appreciaion night, grilled chicken July 19: Metro Knights, 7:30 p.m.

July 21: Minneapolis Angels, 7:30 p.m.

Library night, Youth baseball night July 23: at Ellsworth Hubbers, 1 p.m.

July 26: at River Falls Fish, 7:30 p.m.

July 29: at Hudson Rats, 1 p.m.

July 30: at Plum City Blues, 1 p.m.

Aug. 5: Osceola Owls, 7 p.m.

Aug. 11-13: Semi finals Aug. 18-20: State at Chaseburg/ Coon Valley

NATURALIST PROGRAMS

JEUNAI A. BOCHE

St. Croix Falls eighth graders after a home run. The team won this year’s Smalltown State baseball title. Taylor Woller, who has coached the team since the summer before their fifth grade year, has been a big part of the team’s success.

He quickly realized that coaching baseball was also a “mode to help teach the kids to become good quality young men … (who) exhibit good character and sportsmanship … (and) represent their community well.”

Before long, Woller decided to pursue a career in elementary education.

After a successful first year of coaching, the

school and team parents asked Woller to coach the same group of kids the following year.

After the second season, Woller set goals for himself and the team.

He wanted the kids to be “ready for the varsity field … (and) to be quality young men when they leave middle school.”

Woller also stated he “wanted to have a fun time, but also one that

was going to push my kids to be the best they can in both baseball and life.”

For four years, Woller was asked to come back and coach the same kids.

He believes that the opportunity to continue with the same team each year helps him and his team immensely.

“It really allows a SEE CHAMPS, PAGE 10

Can wolves help control CWD?

M

SCOREBOARD BASEBALL B ASEBALL

y recent columns regarding Chronic Wasting Disease have resulted in several letters and comments to my in-box. One was from Nancy Warren, Executive Director of the National Wolfwatcher Coalition. NWC is a nonprofit organization whose major role is to educate, advocate and participate as a voice for wolves.

In her email Warren mentioned that I had “overlooked a critical component in the management of CWD. Research suggests that wolves may limit the spread of CWD. It is no coincidence that CWD is rampant in areas with few or no wolves. Wolves are adept at killing deer that show any sign of weakness, including age and disease. A deer with early signs Wild River of CWD can be detected by wolves simply because that deer will be comTrails promised in some way. Removing Jim Bennett that deer in the early stages prevents the disease from spreading.”

I strongly agree with Warren. Wolves do prey on the sick and weak and could hold a key to help con-

trol CWD. Wolves have always been a part of the landscape until early settlers wiped them out. For those early American’s I’m sure the battle for survival in a hostile land against any predator gave frontier travelers, settlers, trappers and explorers cause to kill wolves. Many who have lost livestock and animals still feel that way.

Warren lives in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and has been involved with wolf education for over 20 years. She wrote, “ I have seen many wolves up close and have found their tracks, and scent marking many times on top of my snowshoe tracks and have never felt threatened or believed they were following me.”

Warren was also a volunteer tracker for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI-DNR) for 19 seasons and would often be alone, examining tracks, without fear.

Chris LeMay, an experienced outdoor enthusiast and a member of our deer camp, had a completely different story to tell about wolves. Coming down from his tree stand he spotted and heard wolves close to his stand. Once on the ground he said the wolves actually

Naturalist programs at Wisconsin Interstate Park, St. Croix Falls.

FFI: dnr.wi.gov/topic/ parks/interstate or 715483-3747.

July 5, 6 to 7 p.m. Echo Canyon Marvels. Walk into the “Ice Box” , spot the “New Old Man of the Dalles” and discover the remnants of a beach and shelter from days gone by. Meet at the Beach House.

July 6-7, 1 - 3 p.m. and July 8-9, noon - 4 p.m.

Beach House Nature Center is open! DropIn activities: borrow a fishing rod, play with your child, create critters. Activities offered at the Beach House.

July 6, 10 to 11 a.m.

Nature’s Story Time.

Preschoolers and their caregivers join us for a nature story, activity and snack. Bring your own water. Meet at the Beach House.

July 7, 9 p.m. Universe in the Park. An outreach program of the Space Astronomy Lab and the Department of Astronomy, UWMadison. This special Universe in the Park presentation will be followed by a star-gazing session outdoors with the aid of a telescope (weather permitting).

The indoor program

will be held rain or shine. Learn about the latest discoveries of our universe! Meet at the Ice Age Center.

July 8, 10 to 11 a.m.

Pondering the Potholes.

Walk the beginning of the Ice Age Trail and discover the natural wonders that make this area sooo… great! Meet at the Pothole Trail sign.

July 8, 2 to 3 p.m. How Birds Make a Living.

Birds have developed amazing adaptations to survive. This hands-on presentation will leave you with a great admiration of our feathered friends! Meet at the North Campground shelter overhang.

July 9, 10 to 11 a.m.

Buzz Birds. Families and Friends! Come and challenge yourselves learning fun bird facts and using fast fingers!

Meet at the Beach House.

July 9, 1 to 2 p.m. Secrets of Eagle Peak Discover many secrets of the Peak and enjoy a beautiful view of the St. Croix River Valley. See the nest of our resident pair of bald eagles and perhaps glimpse this year’s eaglets. Meet at the Eagle Peak Trailhead in the Pines Group Camp.

We make it easy to Use Your Time Wisely Whether you’re catching up on current events, reading in-depth analysis or local issues, clipping coupons or planning your weekend, the time you spend reading the newspaper is quality time that enriches your life with knowledge, news, humor, value, insights, fresh perspectives and much, much more.

Break Time

SEE BENNETT, PAGE 11

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10 THE SUN

RECORDS

JULY 5, 2017

www.osceolasun.com

June 24 saw crashes in Luck, Clear Lake

On the evening of Saturday, June 24, two separate serious-injury motor vehicle accidents occurred within Polk County. These accidents resulted in multiple injuries and two air ambulance flights to trauma centers in the Twin Cities.

The first accident occurred at approximately 8:05 p.m. at the intersection of State Highway 35 and 280th Avenue in Luck Township. A Honda passenger car driven

by Rajkumar More of Plymouth, Minn. was traveling east on 280th Avenue and crossed onto State Highway 35 when it was struck on the passenger side by a northbound Chrysler passenger car driven by Donna Herzfeld of Stillwater, Minn. More and his two juvenile children passengers sustained suspected minor injuries; however, his wife Manisha, sustained major injuries and was transported to the St. Croix Regional Medical center. From there, Manisha was transferred to Region’s Hospital by Life Link III air ambulance. Herzfeld sustained suspected minor injuries. Seat belts and child safety restraints were used, and airbags were deployed in both vehicles. More was cited for Failure to Yield Right of Way. Emergency services responding to this crash included the Luck Fire Department and First Responders, Luck Ambulance Service, Frederic Ambulance Service, North Ambulance Service, the Luck Police Department, Life Link III, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

The second accident occurred at approximately 8:40 p.m. near the intersection of County Highway A and County Highway P in Clear Lake Township. A Honda pas-

senger car driven by Kyle Vadner, 18, of Almena was traveling north on County Highway P and lost control after passing through the intersection with County Highway A. The vehicle left the east side of the roadway and rolled several times, ejecting Vadner’s passenger, Isaiah Lane, 19, from Balsam Lake.

Vadner was transported to the Amery Hospital and Lane was flown to North Memorial Hospital with serious injuries.

Vadner was wearing his seat belt, Lane was not.

Vadner admitted to deputies that he had recently smoked marijuana and was cited for Operating a Motor Vehicle While Under the Influence and Failure to Keep Vehicle Under Control.

Due to his injuries, Vadner was not transported to jail; however, further charges may be filed pending blood test results.

Emergency services responding to this crash included the Clear Lake Fire Department and First Responders, Clear Lake Ambulance Service, the Clear Lake Police Department, North Air Care, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Senior fails to outsmart fourth OWI charge

BY JESSICA DE LA CRUZ EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

A Frederic man’s strange behavior sparked the interest of a aut hor ities o on June 23, a and led to his e eventual arrrest.

According tto police rep ports, Roy Ericksen E i k M M. Ericksen, 62 of Frederic, approached a home where an active search warrant was taking place. When he saw the emergency lights, Ericksen reportedly backed up and turned around in a neighboring driveway.

Police pursued Ericksen to pull him over, but he did not immediately stop. Ericksen was evasive in answering questions, and eventually reported his name as Roy Ericksen, adding a wink and a smile according to reports.

As police searched Erickson for weapons they recovered a pipe with alleged marijuana residue, along with two shotgun shells that contained a green leafy substance.

Erickson appeared to find the field sobriety tests entertaining, responding to a request to recite the alphabet with, “alphabet, there I did it.”

Preliminary breath tests collected at the scene reportedly registered a blood alcohol content of .23 percent.

Erickson was arrested and subsequently charged with OWI 4, possession of THC, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

had just come from New Richmond, and drank two small bottles at the four corners. Dufresne reportedly failed much of the field sobriety testing.

But as the officer handcuffed her and informed her that she was being placed under arrest, she began to pull away and refused to get into the squad car.

According to the police reports, Dufresne was warned several times to get into the squad car or she would be tazed.

The officer placed the tazer on Dufresne’s abdomen and gave her to the count of three, at which point she still refused, prompting the officer to activate the tazer. Dufresne then did get into the squad. She was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated (first offense) and transported to Amery Medical Center and then to the Polk County Jail.

Formal charges are pending with the Polk County District Attorney’s office.

Amery woman tazed during drunk-driving Misdemeanor stop charge could

BY JESSICA DE LA CRUZ EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM mean deportation for Clear A 57-year-old Amery woman, Rebecca J. DuLake man fresne, had to be tazed a after failing tto cooperate w with law enforcement d during a ttraffic stop J June 23.

Local auDufresne thorities were notified just after 8 p.m. about a possible intoxicated driver who would soon be heading northbound into Amery on Highway 46. Officers reportedly watched Dufresne cross the yellow centerline several times before pulling her over near Cherry Street.

As Dufresne was asked to exit her vehicle she reportedly used her door for support, and appeared unsteady with poor balance. Dufresne told the officer that she

BY JESSICA DE LA CRUZ EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

A verbal altercation that escalated to one man striking another w with a stick m may end up g getting the aggressor deported, according tto police rep ports filed Briones last week.

Reports indicate that Javier D. Briones, 34 of Clear Lake, allegedly struck another man with a stick during an altercation that occurred shortly before 7 a.m. June 25 at a Clear Lake residence. The victim sustained superficial injuries to his back and hand during the scuffle.

Briones denied strik-

ing the victim, but was arrested nonetheless.

Briones reportedly became very uncooperative inside the squad car, and allegedly threatened to kill the officer and the officer’s family, while kicking at the squad car windows and spitting all over the back seat.

For the stick strike, Briones could face charges of misdemeanor simple battery and disorderly conduct. Those charges have not yet been filed.

Briones has no other criminal history in Wisconsin.

Repercussions from the incident could be much more serious, however. Authorities contacted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to check Briones’ legal status, and were advised that they would be placing a hold on him. Briones remains in custody at the Polk County Jail.

Polk County Arrest Reports Monday, June 26, 2017 David J. Anderson, 42, Luck was arrested on June 20 for OWI 3 and fleeing.

Roy M. Ericksen, 62, Frederic was arrested on June 23 for OWI 4, possession of THC and drug paraphernalia.

Rebecca J. Dufresne, 57, Amery was arrested on June 23 for resisting arrest and operating while intoxicated (first offense).

Shontel M. Morrison, 31, Osceola was arrested

on June 21 for OWI (first offense).

Trevor D. Demarre, 32, Grantsburg was arrested on June 19 for a warrant.

Kyle R. Boege, 27, Dresser was arrested on June 20 for a Polk County Warrant.

James D. Janovec, 29, St. Croix Falls was arrested on June 22 for failure to appear.

Bryan D. Hansen, 51, St. Croix Falls was arrested on June 22 for a child support warrant.

Tammy R. Wells, 41, Osceola was arrested on June 23 for a warrant.

Gale A. Greenley, 44, Webster was arrested on June 23 for a Polk County warrant.

Adam J. Reed, 45, St. Croix Falls was arrested on June 23 for a probation hold.

Travis W. Dahl, 33, no current address was arrested on June 23 for a felony Polk County warrant.

Joseph P. Calhoun, 58, Centuria was arrested on June 23 for a failure-to-appear warrant.

Ryan P. Johnson, 31, Deer Park was arrested on June 24 for a probation hold.

Alexia Buskirk, 27, Luck was arrested on June 26 for two counts of failure to appear.

Jakub W. Nord, 23, New Richmond was arrested on June 25 for domestic disorderly conduct, and an out-of-county warrant.

About the crime stories

The crime stories on this page are based on the probable cause reports from different law enforcement agencies.

Probable cause reports (PCs) are simply a report stating the “probable cause” that the arresting officer had at the time of arrest. It is used by the District Attorney, Defense Attorney, and Judges in the court’s “Initial Appearance” to assist them in determining, first, to confirm whether or not there was enough “probable cause” for the arrest, second, if the charge stated by the officer is appropriate and supported by the information contained therein, and third to assist the judge in setting bond. The District Attorney also uses the probable cause report as a basis (but not exclusively) to complete the criminal complaint, which is the official charging document.

A Probable Cause Report is NOT the same as a Criminal Complaint. While the PC shows why the person was arrested, they are not officially charged until the Criminal Complaint is filed. Those charges may differ from the charge(s) listed on the PC based upon what charges the District Attorney believes he can prove.

Charges may be amended up or down during the charging process as information becomes available.

As always, an arrested person is presumed to be innocent until convicted by a judge or jury. Not all arrested people are convicted of the crimes alleged.

CHAMPS: St. Croix Falls eighth grade team wins Smalltown State baseball title under coach Taylor Woller FROM PAGE 9

coach to understand their team in a much more connected way,” he said. “ It allows for tremendous team chemistry. … Everyone knows what one of their teammates is going to do in almost any given situation.”

This opportunity also allowed Woller to get to know the kids and their families on a personal level.

“Each of these kids come from great families who have helped and supported them immensely which has correlated to their success on and off the field,” Woller said.

Coach Woller took his team to Smalltown State three years in a row, beginning in 2015. For the first two years they took third place.

This year was their last chance to win the middle school division, and the team finally took the title.

It was “our last time down to State, and when the last out was made, it was

very surreal experience that I am very glad my kids got to experience first hand due to their time and effort,” commented Woller on the win. “It was very exciting to win Smalltown State because no St. Croix Falls middle school or high school team has won a state title since 1992.”

The team celebrated with humble handshakes against the opposing team, receiving their medals, and enjoying a long but happy car ride home.

For one player the victory was more than just a win. Nate Murtaugh is an eighth grader who has been playing on Coach Woller’s team since fifth grade.

He normally plays right or left field and once in a while he covers third base.

In 2015 and 2016 Murtaugh and his family returned early from their vacation in Rhode Island to attend the state game. This year his family decided they were going to skip State and stay in Rhode Island — but they changed

their minds before the tournament.

“Thanks to my mom this year I got to make it again.” Murtaugh commented.

“I am very glad that we came back. ….

Winning state was great. The feeling you get when you got the last out of the game was awesome.”

He believes his team did well this year because “we were there with a purpose.

The purpose was to win state and take home first place. Our other coach, Mr. Wilson, made it abundantly clear that we were there for the win. Not the experience. The last two years had been for the experience and now this year was for the win.”

Murtaugh added, “I’m very glad we have a great coach like Taylor.”

Murtaugh plans on playing baseball through high school and hopes he’ll have the same teammates he’s had for the past four years. He said he can’t wait to win another title.

Even after winning State, the season continues. Coach Woller and his team

are in full swing to finish out their season in the Metro Baseball League.

They have some tough games ahead in the playoffs, and are hoping to improve their streak over previous years.

Woller is unsure if he will be able to coach the kids in high school. He graduates from the University of Wisconsin - River Falls this year and plans to diversify, extend and explore his abilities as an elementary school teacher before returning to the St. Croix Falls area.

However, Woller said he plans on continuing his coaching career.

“Coaching has become part of me and I thoroughly enjoy the experiences it has brought me to this point,” he said.

“I love my team to death and these kids, and the ones below them have a lot to look forward to in the next couple of years. I just hope I did enough for them to be ready on the field as players and off the field as good young men.”

(Editor’s note: Author Sadie Woller is related to coach Taylor Woller.)

JULY 5, 2017

THE SUN

11

www.osceolasun.com

BENNETT: Can wolves help control Chronic Wasting Disease?

FROM PAGE 9

escorted him out of the woods.

Even with a gun LeMay felt uneasy being followed by wolves.

Warren wrote, “I do agree, wolves can be a problem for some individual livestock producers.

Wisconsin has over 1.5 million head of beef/dairy livestock. I believe it is important to put losses caused by wolves in perspective.

Last year 38 cows/calves were

killed by wolves. Although Warren paints this picture on the wolves’ behalf, her perspective does not hold water for the farmer who loses some livestock that they are relying on for food or enhancing the herd, even if just one or two head are killed. According to the Michigan DNR wolf attacks had doubled in Northern Michigan in 2014, when 43 animals were killed.

In conclusion, although wolves may help control CWD that simple

logic does not mesh with everyone’s experience.

This week’s Wild Walk – If you see a big doe run across the road lookout for the one following. That fawn following the doe could be the one you hit with your car.

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

HOROSCOPES

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, you might be ready to take the next step on a project at work, but others aren’t in line just yet. Give them time to catch up to speed, encouraging them along the way.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 You are not one to take “no” for an answer when you have made up your mind, Taurus. If that occurs this week, continue to stand your ground on an important issue.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Incomplete tasks will slow you down, Gemini. Before you take on any more projects, finish up ones that are thus far incomplete. Otherwise, you may find it difficult to focus.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, even if your goals are set you must let others know of your intentions and how you

CLUES ACROSS 1. Plays 7. Hymn 13. Larval frog 14. A member of the British order 16. Stomach muscle 17. Helper 19. East of NYC 20. Influential Norwegian playwright 22. School for healing 23. Of the cheekbone 25. Disco rockers The Bee ___ 26. Gorged 28. Khoikhoin people 29. Payroll firm 30. A hiding place 31. Georgia rockers 33. Spanish soldier El ___ 34. Deerlike water buffalo 36. Second epoch of the Tertiary period 38. Frocks 40. Nostrils 41. Spoke 43. Information 44. Where wrestlers work 45. Dash 47. Cool!

48. Tiny child 51. People of northern Assam 53. Austrian spa town 55. Written reminder 56. Italian monetary units 58. Tell on 59. More abject 60. Farm state 61. Cleveland’s hoopsters 64. Famed NY Giant’s nickname 65. Los __, big city 67. Rechristens 69. Shopping trips 70. Values self-interest CLUES DOWN 1. Pressed against lightly 2. Rural delivery

plan to spend your time. This way they will know the general time frame.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, your leadership skills are top notch generally, and this week you won’t allow a little disorganization to throw you off your game. It’s only temporary.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Conflicted emotions are sending out mixed signals to everyone who crosses your path, Virgo. As long as you don’t let them get in the way of work, you should be fine.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, close friends may be just the medicine you need right now. Clear your schedule and prioritize catching up with friends in the days ahead. You will be glad you did.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, look to the future

rather than spend time dwelling on the past. There is much to be excited by with regard to the future, so start planning now.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, focus on your immediate surroundings and what needs to get done right away.

Let future plans take a back seat for the moment. You will get to them soon enough.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, your notion of success today may be different tomorrow. So maintain an open mind in all situations. New experiences may sway your opinion.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 A new relationship is taking off, Aquarius. Allow things to unfold organically and make the most of opportunities to try new things outside of your comfort zone.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, others look to you for guidance and you do not disappooint. Make time for yourself and put some of your own advice to good use.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS JULY 2 Richard Petty, Race Car Driver (80) JULY 3 Elle King, Singer (28) JULY 4 Alyssa Miller, Model (27) JULY 5 Richie Incognito, Athlete (34) JULY 6 Kevin Hart, Comic Actor (38) JULY 7 Jim Gaffigan, Comic (51) JULY 8 Milo Ventimiglia, Actor (40)

Humble Pie on the 4th of July

T

he older I get the more patriotic I become.

Every time I return from traveling outside the USA, I have to resist the urge to kiss the ground at the airport.

Not only am I glad to be home, but also I love this country and all it stands for—especially after traveling to some countries where the liberties are not the same as ours, which have come at a price.

I recently told my son, who is going off to college in the fall, “Don’t believe anyone who tells you, you can have it all, because we can’t— someone has or had to sacrifice— nothing is truly free.” Maybe these Wild Chow things are on my mind because my older son is serving in the Air Lisa Erickson Force. Both my brother and my dad also served—as did so many other men and women I know. I am very grateful they did and for the others who will in the future.

For me the 4th of July is no longer “just” a party with fireworks and friends. I am humbled when I think of the lives that were lost so mine could be free.

Considering the sacrifice, the menu at my house has taken a back seat. I really don’t care what we eat or drink—it really doesn’t matter. I used to fret over the menu and wanted to make sure the food I chose represented the colors of the American flag.

Now, when I make foods that are red white and blue, they remind me of the sacrifice that was made and of how much I love the USA.

Humble Pie (Blueberry pie) Serves 8 2 cups blueberries 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup minute tapioca 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice 1 sheet piecrust dough 1 cup flour 1/2 brown sugar 1/2 cup cold butter 1/4 tsp. salt Whipped cream 8 large red strawberries Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Roll out piecrust to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Place crust in pie plate and press into place. Crimp edge by pinching thumb and forefinger together around the edge of the crust. Set aside.

In a large bowl, mix blueberries, sugar, tapioca and lemon juice. Press down on some of the berries to break them open. Let the mixture rest for 10-15 minutes. Pour into prepared crust.

For the topping: mix flour, butter, brown sugar, salt with a mixer or fork until mixture resembles coarse sand. Squeeze into clumps. Crumble evenly over the blueberries. Bake pie at 400 for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until pie is cooked throughout and bubbling slightly in the center. Cool pie and serve with whipped cream on each slice and top with a strawberry. Serve immediately.

Lisa Erickson is a food columnist who loves adventure and food. You can find more recipes at www. wild-chow.com or email her at wildchowrecipes@ gmail.com.

3. Semicircular recesses 4. Groan 5. Donation 6. Mariner 7. One who accepts 8. __ King Cole, musician 9. Streetcar 10. Silk fabric 11. __ route 12. Used to make plastics 13. Swampy coniferous forest 15. Angry speeches

18. A way to soak 21. One who divides 24. Deeply cuts 26. A very large body of water 27. “Raisin in the Sun” actress Ruby 30. Medicated 32. Single unit 35. Parasitic insect’s egg 37. House pet 38. African nation 39. Saddle horses 42. Press lightly 43. One of 12 sons of Jacob 46. Cause to suffer

47. Hang ‘em up 49. Breakfast dish 50. Wrongful acts 52. NASCAR driver 54. Indian dish 55. Type of giraffe 57. Selling at specially reduced prices 59. Czech city 62. “Orange is the New Black” character 63. Records electric currents 66. Country doctor 68. Chronic, progressive disease (abbr.)

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Accounting

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ST. CROIX TIRE & AUTO SERVICES: TIRES, BRAKES ALIGNMENTS, STEERING & SUSPENSION, ENGINES AND TRANSMISSIONS Jim Campeau, Owner ASE CERTIFIED AUTO TECHNICIAN 2145 U.S. Highway 8 St. Croix Falls, WI 54024

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NMLS# 518248

Dry Cleaning Osceola leaners ONE HOUR SERVICE AVAILABLE ALTERATIONS OF ALL KINDS • ZIPPER REPAIR/REPLACEMENT Drycleaning • Shirt Laundry • Leather Cleaned • Wedding Dresses USE OUR DROP BOX 24 HOURS A DAY! Drop locations at Laundry Village in New Richmond, Nilssen’s in Clear Lake, Balsam Lake Hardware in Balsam Lake, Camelot’s in Amery, Austad’s in Turtle Lake, Laundry Basket in Luck, St. Croix Falls Laundry in St. Croix Falls and Horse Creek Store.

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Auto Repair

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Backhoe, dozer & skidsteer work, hauling and trucking available, frost footings, trenches, lawn seeding (Brillion), vault digging, retaining walls, pavers, basements, driveways & black dirt.

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Advertise in the Business Directory 715-294-2314

JULY 5, 2017

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CENTER: Ground broken on Discovery Center building project in Osceola FROM PAGE 1

business leader and chair of the Inspire capital campaign, spoke to each of the topics, respectively.

When looking toward the future, Kravik said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are celebrating the start of construction of a Discovery Center that will be the soul of the Osceola area well into the future. It will touch and inspire our entire community â&#x20AC;Ś as well as surrounding communities.â&#x20AC;?

It was four years ago that the Village of Osceola and Mill Pond Learning Foundation came together with a vision for a multi-purpose facility that would be a unique gathering place where people have access to information, technology, shared common spaces, and tools and equipment for 21st century needs. The village hall, complete with its police department and municipal court, a new and larger public library, and a business hub and videoconference center would all be combined in the new Discovery Center. An innovative Fab Lab was rolled into the plan, to function as a hands-on training facility for the technical skills sorely needed in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business environment.

The groundbreaking ceremony was a culmination of that vision. Community residents spanning all

generations gathered together and took part in the celebration, adding their voices to the balloon launch countdown and cheering as the balloons rose overhead. It was uplifting in every way.

PROJECT UPDATE July 5: Roadwork begins on Fourth Avenue and Kent Street. New sewer and water will be installed, Fourth will be widened and parking will be added.

August 15: Fire Department is expected to move into the new fire hall as work on the building continues. The current hall, built in 1946 with additions in 1970 and 2000, will be demolished.

Late August: Site work begins for the Discovery Center. The current library was built in 1958 and acquired for use as a library in 1989.

October 31, 2018: Discovery Center expected to be finished.

Fundraising: In the first quarter of 2017, the capital campaign raised more than $269,000. In the second quarter they raised more than $259,000, bringing the yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total to more than $528,000.

SUZANNE LINDGREN | THE SUN

Gary Beckmann gives an update on the Discovery Center project.

SUZANNE LINDGREN | THE SUN

Band teacher Art Atay directs the Osceola High School Marching Band in playing â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Star-Spangled Banner.â&#x20AC;?

To place an ad call: 715-294-2314

SUZANNE LINDGREN | THE SUN

Girls held balloons on the hill near the intersection of Fourth and Chieftain, waiting to let them go as a rendering of plans for the Discovery Center were unveiled.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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Services

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Want to Buy

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Custom Furniture refinishing, stripping and repair. Do it right, reasonably. The Cellar Door, Taylors Falls, 651-465-5551.

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CHRISTIAN Community Home of Osceola.

Make a difference in the lives of others.

Full-time line cook.

Variety of shifts throughout the week and every other weekend. Cooking experience preferred, but not necessary. Willing to train. If interested please contact: Karleen Wallen, Dietary Manager, karleen.wallin@cchosceola.org, 715-2941108.

Application available online at www.cchosceola.org.

CHRISTIAN Community Homes of Osceola. Make a difference in the lives of others.

Looking for Wis. Cert.

CNAs. New Wage Scale.

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Competitive wage and benefits. If interested contact Sue Demenege, HR Assistant, susan.demenge@cchosceola.org, 715-294-1118, Deb Barty DON 715294-1113, Julie Ludwig, Administrator, 715-294-1119. Application available online at www.cchosceola.org.

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102

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LAKESIDE FOODS IS LOOKING TO FILL:

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CNC Programmer/Operator/ Equipment Assembler Linemods is a “High Performance” vacuum conveyor manufacturer located in a clean and air conditioned facility. We will be moving to our new location in Balsam Lake on August 1st. We have immediate opening for PT and FT CNC programmers, operators and machinery assemblers. Will adapt to the right candidate. Paid schooling/training with compensation. Guaranteed wage increase after graduation.

This is an excellent opportunity for motivated individuals that are able to multitask and learn new skills. We have all HAAS CNC’s and use SolidCAM for core programming.

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JULY 5, 2017

THE SUN

15

www.osceolasun.com

Supreme Court upholds scenic protections for Lower St. Croix River

BY GREG SEITZ REPRINTED FROM STCROIX360.COM

The highest court in the United States in June ruled 5-3 in favor of St. Croix County, Wisconsin’s ability to restrict development on the St. Croix River. The decision means there will be one less lot available for construction on the river south of Hudson — with implications for other scenic areas around the nation.

The ruling came three months after the court heard oral arguments in Washington, D.C. The justices agreed with lower courts that the county’s regulations intended to limit development on the lower river did not illegally deprive landowners of its value.

The case hinged on a parcel of property that had been owned and used by the Murr family for the past 50 years. The owners now wished to divide the property and sell one part. Zoning ordinances passed in 1976 prohibited dividing parcels that didn’t have an acre of buildable land.

The court wrote that the Murr family should not have been surprised that they could not sell off part of the land. “Their terrain and shape make it reasonable to expect their range of potential uses might be limited,” Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote in the opinion. “Petitioners could have anticipated regulation of the property due to its

location along the river, which was regulated by federal, state, and local law long before they acquired the land.”

The family and the property-rights organization that had represented them expressed disappointment after the ruling.

“Notwithstanding this disap-

pointing decision, we are confident our case will still make a difference for other Americans,” Donna Murr said in a statement.

“It is our hope that property owners across the country will learn from our experience and not take their property rights for granted.”

In an article previewing the case

GARAGE SALE

in March, University of Wisconsin law professor Miriam Seifter explained that because the property was held in common ownership, and was conveyed from the original owners to their children after the 1976 ordinance went into efSEE DECISION, PAGE 16

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16 THE SUN

JULY 5, 2017 www.osceolasun.com

MARA MARTINSON |THE SUN

Bird City celebration

Osceola Village President, Gary Beckmann, graciously accepts the award establishing Osceola as a Wisconsin Bird City.

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<www.osceolasun.com>

SUZANNE LINDGREN | THE SUN

Thea Wetzel-Curtis and Nadine Wetzel-Curtis of Barron, Wis., string Cheerios on pipe cleaners in a craft activity “for the birds” during the Bird City celebration at the St. Croix ArtBarn in Osceola last week.

Wisconsin varsity basketball teams to go on shot clock STEVENS POINT, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin high school basketball teams will soon be on the clock.

The WIAA’s Board of Control has voted to implement a 35-second shot clock for varsity basketball games only beginning with the 2019-20 season.

The WIAA says the board reached the decision following a lengthy discussion at a meeting on Thursday.

The shot clock vote was among a

number of issues ruled on by the board.

They included support for an amended recommendation for a two-year experiment to create two divisions in boys hockey starting with the 2020 state tournament.

The tourney format would feature four teams in Division 1 and four in Division 2. The smallest 32 programs by enrollment would be assigned to Division 2.

Stores unsure about impact of Minnesota’s new liquor law NELSON, Wis. (AP) — Retailers on both sides of the Wisconsin-Minnesota border are on the fence about how Minnesota’s new Sunday liquor sales law will affect businesses.

The law taking effect this weekend allows packaged liquor in Minnesota to be sold from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays, The Eau Claire Leader-Telegram reported. Liquor sales on Sundays were previously banned in the state.

Some residents near the border have been purchasing liquor in Wisconsin on Sundays.

Mandy Davis, manager of Nelson Discount Liquor in Wisconsin, doesn’t expect any big changes.

“Honestly, I don’t think it’s going to mean too much for us here because we’re so close to the Minnesota border and customers from Minnesota come in here Monday through Saturday now,” she said. “I just don’t see it having a big impact on our Sunday sales. I could be wrong.”

Some Minnesota store owners say they’re concerned that customers are used to going to Wisconsin to buy liquor and that the new law won’t generate enough business to cover the costs of staying open.

“There definitely will be more expense to be open, and I hope the sales will be enough to justify having employees here,” said Rich Jacobson, owner of Jake’s Discount Liquors & Wine in Hastings, Minn. “You wonder if it’s simply going to spread out the same amount of drinking over seven days instead of six.”

Another concern is the sales tax difference. Minnesota has a 9.7 percent alcohol tax while Wisconsin has a 5.5 percent tax.

“It’s a little cheaper in Nelson, and I’m used to going over there on Sundays if I need something,” said Andy Bartholomew of Wabasha, Minn. “Sure, if I run out and need something quick, it’s nice to have it available here.”

DECISION: Court upholds scenic protections FROM PAGE 15

fect, it was legally considered one parcel.

The Wisconsin Court of Appeals had ruled that such a decision did not deprive the landowners of its value. “[T]he Murrs could still make plenty of use of their land. The siblings could keep both lots and locate their cabin on either lot, or they could sell the two lots together. They just could not treat the land as two separately developable parcels,” Seifter wrote.

Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor, and Elena Kagan joined Kennedy in the ruling. Chief Justice John Roberts, and Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented. Justice Neil Gorsuch did not join the court until after the arguments and was not involved in the decision.

This article originally appeared on StCroix360.com and was reprinted with permission.