THE
SUN
Serving Polk County’s St. Croix Valley since 1897
SPORTS: Osceola boys basketball in first place. PAGE 12
Public invited to Cascade Falls Phase One Open House
The Village of Osceola is hosting a public open house to discuss Phase 1 of the Cascade Falls Park revitalization project. Community members are invited to attend the event Feb. 6, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Village Board Room, 310 Chieftain St, Osceola.
The primary focus of the project is to enhance and
revitalize the Upper Falls area of Cascade Falls Park (Gristmill Park) by improving accessibility, updating aging infrastructure, and optimizing visitor experiences.
A key aspect of the plan involves relocating and realigning the stairway system to provide better flow and accessibility to park features,
including the pathway to the proposed entrance to the stairs. The goal is to create a more sustainable and enjoyable environment for all visitors.
The following events will be on the agenda:
Welcome & Registration (4 –4:15 p.m.)
Opening Remarks (4:15 – 4:20
Pamoja Project is bringing
p.m.)
Project Presentation (4:20 –4:30 p.m.)
Q&A Session (4:30 – 4:50 p.m.)
Feedback & Closing Remarks (4:50 – 6 p.m.)
Attendees will have the opportunity to provide input on key design elements such as the layout, stairway colors,
Ugandan culture to St. Croix Falls
BY MATT ANDERSON EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM
St. Croix Falls will soon be celebrating Ugandan culture and music in a unique way. In collaboration with the Pamoja Project, an initiative started by St. Croix Falls Music Teacher Shawn Gudmunsen and Okello Kelo Sam from Uganda, the St. Croix Falls High School is welcoming the Mzizi Ensemble to perform alongside musicians from University of Wisconsin-River Falls, UW Superior, and St. Croix Falls students February 22 where the public is invited to experience a special musical experience.
The Pamoja Project sparked 30 years ago when Gudmunsen met Sam by chance when a winter storm rerouted Sam’s flight from New York to the MSP International Airport. When he and the N’dere Dance Troup needed a place to
stay, a TSA agent who happened to be a student at University of Wisconsin River Falls in music education reached out to provide them housing. It was there that Gudmensen and Sam met. Little did they know the Pamoja Project they would create would take off, allowing them to share indigenous music and help those in need in Uganda.
This past year, Gudmunsen and a group of
university professors from UW-Superior and a music education student traveled to Uganda to study their indigenous music. They traveled to various regions of the country gathering footage and learning how music and its roots are so important in the daily life of Ugandans.
“It’s always been a lifelong dream for me to get over there and study music with Sam,” said Gudmunsen. “My mas-
ter’s degree was based on the interactions of Ugandan culture. The biggest thing that I learned when I was over there was that indigenous music of cultures is dying. And not just in Uganda, but all over the world. What’s happening is technology and electronic music. It’s becoming easier to compose, and it really has started to affect cultures and preserving of their
and additional park features. Community feedback will play an essential role in shaping the final design. If you are unable to make the open house, you can provide feedback online https://arcg.is/19fijj The public is encouraged to be part of shaping the future of Cascade Falls Park.
Wellness Night aims to spread positivity at Intermediate School
BY MATT ANDERSON EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM
In the winter months, many often struggle with their mental and physical wellness. To bring awareness to that issue, the Osceola Intermediate School is hosting their second annual Wellness Night. The event is intended to bring the community together, educate them on how to better their overall well-being, and help those in need within the Osceola community.
“I think it came from all of us working together and finding different ways of opening up our doors for more than just parents,” said Osceola Intermediate School Principal Julie Bender. “The whole community is welcome. We really just wanted to try to show how our specialist team was able to work together and bring so many things forward.
“We were aiming to really look at the whole well-being and reinforce that importance of not only physical wellness but the mental and emotional wellness for students and families as well and bringing in the community. I love opening our building doors and inviting people in. It’s exciting. I think that it’s super positive for the community and I think it’s really important.”
Last year’s inaugural Wellness Night was a hit with the community and local businesses coming together to provide food, education, prizes and plenty of fun activities. This year, the Osceola School District hopes to provide those same opportunities for those who attend, and the community has once again rallied around them to create another positive experience for everyone.
“The outcome was very positive,” said Bender. “We definitely had more families than we expected… This year we intend to
CONTRIBUTED
The Pamoja Project will soon bring Ugandan music to St. Croix Falls (left to right: Dr. Brett Jones, Dr. David Potter, Dr. Michael Fuchs, Sam Okello, Seth Gudmunsen and Shawn Gudmunsen.)
Last year’s first Wellness Night was a success, bringing the community and local businesses together to educate and help those who attend feel better about their physical and mental health. This year’s event has the same goal and will be held at the Osceola Intermediate School Feb. 13 4 to 6 p.m. where the public is invited to a wide range of fun activities.
WELLNESS: upcoming event at OIS aims to spread positivity
do the same thing. We’ve been working hard reaching out to different community vendors and doing all the things to have them lined up in the commons. Every place we’ve contacted tell us how many tables they need and they can bring samples of things and just be present to answer questions. And that’s everything from the Osceola Open Cupboard who will have a whole list of what’s needed there right now, and then that will go out ahead of time as well. We have OMC and
Wild River Fitness, Cascade Nutrition, Trollhaugen, Dick’s Grocery Store and therapy services which will be huge for community education. It’s very exciting how the community really wants to partner with us, and we want to partner with them. This is a cool thing that we’re trying for the second time and we’re hoping to make it even bigger and better.”
This year’s Wellness Night will have a wide variety of games and activities to take part in including guided relaxation and mindfulness sessions, interactive
physical activities, resource booths with local businesses, prizes, protein balls, Chieftain gear and more. Most importantly, the event will bring the community together to enjoy each other’s’ company all while focusing on mental and physical health in a time where it is most needed.
“I think the benefit of this event all around is the overall well-being of all of us,” said Bender. “In the schools, there’s always a Wellness Week in February and I think this is tying it all in and reminding everyone to
keep the positivity going. Mark your calendars and come check it out. And we’re always looking for feedback if people have even more ideas and how we can keep this event going or other ideas of who else could possibly join.”
Wellness Night will be held Thursday, Feb. 13 from 4 – 6p.m. at the Osceola Intermediate School. The event is open to the public and free to attend but donations will be accepted that will be given to the Osceola Open Cupboard for families in need.
Wolter honored
The Osceola Valley Sno-Goers snowmobile club recently honored Duane Wolter of Osceola with a plaque in recognition of his 45 years of volunteering to teach the snowmobile safety class in Osceola.
FEBRUARY 5, 2025
ONGOING
The Gathering Meets the first and third Friday at 1 p.m. in the Osceola Senior Center. Discuss topics, exchange ideas, share life experiences. For more info: jimihnye@gmail.com
Tai Chi, Qi Gong Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 9-10 a.m., in the Osceola Senior Center. Available on Zoom, email rmussell@att.net. 312524-3934.
River Valley Stitchers
River Valley Stitchers meet the second Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the second Saturday, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Osceola Senior Center. Participants bring their own projects to work on. For more info contact mkmcelrath@hotmail. com.
American Legion meeting
American Legion Post 0221 meets every third Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Ken’s Keyboard. For more info: Matt Goldman 952-465-5922.
LEGO Club
LEGO Club at the Wilberg Memorial Public Library of Osceola meets the first and third Thursday of the month at 4 p.m. to build with LEGOs.
Used book sale
The Friends of the Osceola Library used book sale and lots of puzzles, is the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the lower level of the Wilberg Memorial Public Library.
Friends of the Library
The Friends of the Osceola Library meets on the fourth Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in the lower level of the Wilberg Memorial Library (Third St. entrance). New members welcome.
Widow Connect
The St. Croix Valley Widow Connect, a subgroup of Widow Might, meets the third Sunday of each month at Trinity Lutheran Church, 300 Seminole Ave, Osceola. The meeting is from 1-4
OUT ABOUT&
pm. https://www.widowmight.org/
MONDAYS
Indianhead Barbershop
The Indianhead Barbershop Chorus meets Mondays at 7 p.m. at the Justice Center in Balsam Lake. 715-475-7666.
Alcoholics Anonymous Mondays, 7 p.m., at Osceola United Methodist Church.
TUESDAYS
Seniors on the Go Seniors on the Go meet Tuesdays from 12:30 to 4 p.m. for 3-13 cards at the Osceola Senior Center.
Exercise classes
Free exercise classes for seniors at Osceola Community Church, 2492 Education Ave., 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. For more information: 612751-9151. Learn the Bible
Every Tuesday Osceola Elementary School and Intermediate School students have the opportunity to learn the Bible during specials. An Osceola Community Church van will pick them up and return them on time. Contact the church for van schedule, 715-2944332.
WEDNESDAYS
TOPS meeting
Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets every Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Osceola. For more information: Nancy, 715-553-3998.
AA meetings
AA meets at the St. Croix Falls Alanon Club, 221 S. Adams St., St. Croix Falls, at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. NA meets at 6 p.m.
THURSDAYS
Adult grief group
St. Croix Chaplaincy offers a free, online grief support group on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. Find the link to the Zoom meetings at Facebook. com/stcroixchaplaincy. For more information: 651-239-8441 or email St-
PUBLIC NOTICE
TESTING OF ELECTRONIC VOTING EQUIPMENT FOR THE FEBRUARY 18, 2025 GENERAL ELECTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Village of Dresser, Polk County WI according to Wis. Stats. 5.84(1) Testing Equipment, the electronic voting equipment must be tested at an open public meeting. The ImageCast Evolution (ICE) electronic voting system which utilizes automatic tabulating equipment will be tested at the Village of Dresser on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Dresser Community Hall, 115 W Main Street, Dresser.
Jodi A Gilbert, Clerk/Treasurer
www.osceolasun.com
CroixChaplaincy@gmail. com.
Alanon meeting
An Alanon meeting is held at 6 p.m. at the St. Croix Falls Alanon Club, 221 S. Adams St., St. Croix Falls.
Exercise classes
Free exercise classes for seniors at Osceola Community Church, 2492 Education Ave., 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. For more information: 612751-9151.
500 Cards
Seniors meet Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m. for 500 cards at the Osceola Senior Center.
AA meeting
AA meets at Peace Lutheran Church in Dresser every Thursday at 7 p.m.
FRIDAYS
AA meeting
AA meets at the St. Croix Falls Alanon Club, 221 S. Adams St., St. Croix Falls, at 7 p.m.
Soma Yoga
Soma Yoga meets at 11 a.m. to noon in the Osceola Senior Center. Gentle mindful practice focusing on breathwork, alignment, & finding individual pose variations. Seated in a chair and standing. Bring a mat and water bottle. For more information, 715-417-2765.
SATURDAYS
AA meeting
AA meets at the St. Croix Falls Alanon Club, 221 S. Adams St., St. Croix Falls, at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
SUNDAYS
AA meeting
AA meets at the St. Croix Falls Alanon Club, 221 S. Adams St., St. Croix Falls, at 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.
FEBRUARY 5
Bloodmobile
The American Red Cross will be at St. Croix Falls High School, 740 Maple Dr., from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. To donate blood simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800733-2767.
Osceola Seniors meet Osceola Senior Citizens Club will meet at noon at the Senior Center for a potluck, program, and meeting. Everyone 55 years of age or older is welcome to attend. For a ride or more info call (651) 319-7985.
FEBRUARY 6
Cascade Falls meeting
The Village of Osceola is hosting a public open house to discuss Phase 1 of the Cascade Falls Park revitalization project. Community members are invited to attend from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Village Board Room, 310 Chieftain St, Osceola.
FEBRUARY 10
Drive Thru Dinner
Peace Lutheran Church in Dresser will be having a drive thru dinner fundraiser from 4 to 6 p.m. Ziti, salad, breadstick and brownie will be available. Proceeds go towards a mission trip to Robin’s Nest Children’s Home in Jamaica.
FEBRUARY 11
Bloodmobile
The American Red Cross will be at The Acreage at Osceola, 2585 WI-35, Osceola, from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. To donate blood simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call
TOWN OF FARMINGTON Electronic Voting Equipment Testing Notice
Notice is hereby given that a public test of the electronic voting equipment to be used at the February 18, 2025 Election will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday February 8, 2025 at 2647 30th Avenue, Osceola Wisconsin at the Farmington Town Hall.
This test is open to the general public.
Steven Swanson, Deputy Clerk
PUBLIC NOTICES
STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
(Informal Administration)
Case No. 25 PR 12
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF Mary Jane Leschisin PLEASE TAKE NOTICE:
1. An application for informal administration was filed.
2. The decedent, with date of birth August 9, 1936, and date of death Dec. 4, 2024, was domiciled in Polk County, State of Wisconsin, with a mailing address of 201 99th Avenue, Clayton, Wisconsin 54004.
3. All interested persons waived notice.
1-800-RED CROSS (1-800733-2767.
Bloodmobile
The American Red Cross will be at Wild River Fitness, 2630 65th Ave., Osceola, from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. To donate blood simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800733-2767.
FEBRUARY 13
St. Croix Health lunch
Quarterly Lunch: Alumni and current employees and volunteers of St. Croix Health, 11 a.m. at The Pizzeria in
THE OPEN CUPBOARD
Dresser. Wellness Night
The second annual Wellness Night will be at Osceola Intermediate School, from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
FEBRUARY 15
Spread the Love 5K
The Osceola High School Mental Health Matters Club will be sponsoring the Spread the Love 5K at the Osceola High School at 6 p.m. Race will be inside. For more information email pattersonc@osceolak12. org.
Items needed at Osceola’s food pantry: Butter and eggs
Items can be
ST. CROIX FALLS SENIOR CENTER
BY WANDA BROWN
Cards and games each week: Small fee. Mahjong: Wednesdays at noon. Bridge: Fridays at 10 a.m.
500: Saturdays at 12:30 p.m.
500 tournament at Unity VFW, Feb. 8, March 8 and April 12.
Zumba: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:30 a.m. Core and More: Tuesday and Thursday at 8:30 a.m. Butts and Gutts: Tuesday and Thursday at 4:30 p.m. Challenge yourself with a great strength and toning workout. Bring a mat to class for floor exercise. Small fee for exercise classes. Sunday morning Church: Living Waters Church All Welcome. 10 a.m. Information or reservation of the Center, call Brad Moore 906-396-2481.
PUBLIC NOTICES
STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY
NOTICE TO CREDITORS (Informal Administration)
Case No. 25 PR 04
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF Charlene M. Berg
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE:
1. An application for informal administration was filed.
2. The decedent, with date of birth Nov. 19, 1948, and date of death Dec. 12, 2024, was domiciled in Polk County, State of Wisconsin, with a mailing address of 596 224th Street, Osceola, WI 54020.
4. The deadline for filing a claim against the decedent’s estate is May 13, 2025.
5. A claim may be filed at the Polk County Courthouse, 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, Room 500. By the court: Cheryl Winberg Probate Registrar January 28, 2025
Robert L. Loberg Loberg Law Office, LLP
359 W. Main St. Ellsworth, WI 54011
715-273-5072
Bar #1017505
STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY NOTICE AND ORDER FOR NAME CHANGE HEARING Case No. 25CV13 IN THE MATTER OF THE NAME CHANGE OF Renesmae Rose Muzquiz By (Petitioner) Isaac James Hendrickson By (Co-Petitioner) Alexis Marie Fuller
NOTICE IS GIVEN: A petition was filed asking to change the name of the person listed above:
From: Renesmae Rose Muzquiz
To: Renesmae Rose Hendrickson
Birth certificate: Renesmae Rose Muzquiz
IT IS ORDERED: This petition will be heard in the Circuit Court of Polk County, State of Wisconsin: Jeffery L.
3. All interested persons waived notice.
4. The deadline for filing a claim against the decedent’s estate is May 1, 2025.
5. A claim may be filed at the Polk County Courthouse, 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, Room 500. By the court:
Cheryl Winberg Probate Registrar January 16, 2025 Jeanine M. Sandberg 2251 60th Avenue Osceola, WI 54020 612-590-2656
25-27Sc WNAXLP
Anderson, 1005 W. Main St.,
Branch 2, Balsam Lake, WI, on Feb. 14, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.
If you require reasonable accommodations due to a disability to participate in the court process, please call 715-4859299 prior to the scheduled court date. Please note that the court does not provide transportation.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED: Notice of this hearing shall be given by publication as a Class 3 notice for three (3) weeks in a row prior to the date of the hearing in The Sun, a newspaper published in Polk County, State of Wisconsin. BY THE COURT: Jeffery L. Anderson Circuit Court Judge Jan. 10, 2025 25-27Sp WNAXLP
OPINION
www.osceolasun.com
Will I be fed?
Congratulations, we are on the downhill slope of winter.
The folks at the weather service divvy up the year into three-month seasons. December, January and February are meteorological winter. March, April and May are spring; June, July and August are summer; September, October and November are fall.
February is often called one of the cruelest months because it can be mild one moment and snowy and cold seemingly the next. February is the month my wife and I celebrate our birthdays. The weather is, more often than not, lousy when we have our celebrations. But that’s OK, there are lots of people who don’t get to celebrate birthdays.
I am marking my 64th birthday this year. I have reached the age 16-year-old Paul McCartney theorized about when he wrote one of his first songs, “When I’m 64.”
The song was on Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Band album that came out in 1967. You know it, clarinets and all. The singer is describing how he is looking forward to growing old with the woman he loves.
“When I get older losing my hair/Many years from now/Will you still be sending me a Valentine/Birthday greetings bottle of wine
“If I’d been out till quarter to three/Would you lock the door/Will you still need me, will you still feed me/When I’m sixty-four
“You’ll be older too/And if you say the word/I could stay with you”
It’s a catchy little ditty that will get you tapping your toes. Sir Paul McCartney is now 82 and seems to be still going strong. I should be so active when I’m 82.
I realize as a Baby Boomer, I am obsessed with The Beatles and have the opinion that the state of pop music never really recovered from the disco craze of the late 1970s. Yes, guilty on all counts. I do think there was and is good music being made after 1979. You need to look a bit harder to find it, but with the Internet and streaming audio services, it’s your fault if you aren’t enjoying music. Aging is a strange experience. In your mind, your body is still that of a teenager, but the reality is very different. When I was six years old in 1967, listening to my older siblings play their Beatles records, turning 64 years old was amusing. I wondered what would happen to the old guy: would he still be needed? Would he still get fed? What would happen to the grandchildren: Vera, Chuck and Dave?
Tom Stangl Editor Matt Anderson
It’s called ‘fishing,’ not ‘catching’
I’ve written several times about fishing with my dad. Any time I get the chance to take him out on the water, whether open water or hard water it means a lot to me. But fishing is called just that for a reason. Sometimes things don’t go the way you’d hope.
It’s all very funny until the offers for Medicare supplements, hearing aids and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) solicitations arrive in the mailbox. My dog, Winnie, doesn’t like to get startled. If I step on or stumble on one of the dog or cat toys, he barks. When I get up from the couch and stumble a bit, my own dog yells at me. Not cool.
I’ve never been particularly graceful. Aging doesn’t help.
I do believe that being as active as you are able will help. Getting out and taking a walk helps me unwind from the stress of the day and think about different things. I know I need to find more ways to be active, but the longest journey begins with a single step.
Here’s hoping that I will still be needed and still be fed in the coming years.
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.
THE SUN
office is located at 108 Cascade
Osceola, WI 54020. We are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Call: (715) 294-2314, (715) 755-3316, or fax at (715) 7553314. To subscribe: office@osceolasun.com
The last time I took my dad ice fishing, we had a phenomenal day. I set up on an offshore hump with a mix of bluegills and crappies that were nearly jumping out of the hole at will. I don’t know what got into them that day, but we couldn’t keep them off the hook if we wanted to. And my dad was even brave enough to drive out onto the ice to meet me there. All in all, it was a great day.
During my parents’ visit last weekend, I planned to bring my dad out on the ice again. I knew we were spoiled by our fist ice fishing outing together, but I figured we would probably be able to get on a decent number of fish. Unfortu-
Letters to the Editor are published with priority given to letters that are concise (400 words or less) and exclusive to our newspaper, from readers in our general distribution area. All letters are subject to editing for grammar and clarity and must contain the undersigned’s full name and their address and daytime telephone number for verification. (Addresses and phone numbers will not be printed.)
nately, that didn’t really happen. We tried two lakes and fished a variety of different areas like cribs, basins and the same offshore hump we hammered them on two years ago. Don’t get me wrong, we caught some fish, but nothing close to our stellar day a couple of years ago. But again, it’s called “fishing” not “catching.”
Like life, there is more to fishing than the end result. We always want to catch fish, but we do it for more than that. For me, it’s meditative passion. It’s something I do to let go of the stress, and get outside – something I feel everyone could benefit from.
I also think some of the best conversations I’ve had with my friends and family have been on the water. There’s something about fishing that allows you to let go and drop your guard enough that honesty and transparency come through. My dad and I have talked about a lot of things that either hadn’t come up when I was younger, or deeper thoughts about life in general. It’s a good time to talk about anything and everything. Sure, I’m a little disappointed
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that our second trip on the ice didn’t quite pan out like we’d hoped. But I’m still grateful for the opportunity. You have to take stock of the important things in life. I could’ve stayed at home, cleaned up the toys and clutter that our son Graydon had strewn all over our house rather than step out in the snow and cold and chance a decent fishing outing, but who knows how many more opportunities I’ll have to get on the water with my dad. That’s why it’s always a priority for me any time I get the chance when he visits. Quality time is the most important thing to me now. My parents got to spend time with Graydon, and I got to spent time with them too. I’ve learned that the end result in a lot of things in life are not what’s most important. You just need to enjoy the process and take every opportunity to spend time with the ones you love while you still can.
Feel free to reach out at any time. I always welcome your thoughts and opinions. You can reach me at 715-294-2314, or send me an email at editor@osceolasun.com
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Publisher
YEARS AGO
Meet Blizzard, our adorable seven-monthold Aussie/Border Collie mix—a handsome, social butterfly ready for his next adventure! This sweet boy weighs 40 pounds and sports a long, fluffy white coat with striking brindle coloring on his back that will make you do a double-take. Blizzard is incredibly intelligent—almost too smart for his own good—which means training will be a breeze, especially if treats are involved (he loves food).
Blizzard is an energetic and playful pup who enjoys socializing with other dogs. With the proper introduction, we’re confident he’ll be great with cats, too. If you’re looking for a dog with brains, charm, and a great attitude, Blizzard just might be your perfect match!
Balsam Lake Brewery hosted a fantastic meat raffle on Jan. 29 to benefit AMHS. Thanks to their generosity and the support of our
Not my cake
My father and my niece have a wonderful tradition.
Born just 69 years and one week apart, they have celebrated their birthdays together for as long as my niece has had a birthday. Last night, we all went out to eat and then went to my sister’s house to open presents and have birthday cake. I live just a few blocks from a wonderful Italian bakery. They make the best chocolate cake ever, so I offered to bring the cake.
Last year, my father turned 90 and my niece turned 21, and so I bought a single candle that said “21” on it and put in nine candles, and they blew them out together. But this year, with my father turning 91 and my niece 22, I could think of no simple means of representing these ages in candles—without burning my sister’s house down.
I thought, as long as the bakery was writing “Happy Birthday” on the cake, they could just as easily write “Happy BirthdayS!” followed by “22 & 91.” Then I could put a single candle by each age and simplify the whole complicat-
ed (but mandatory) candle-blowing-out procedure.
So that’s what I did. A nice young woman repeated the message back to me on the phone, and I headed out the next day to pick up the cake.
“Right here!” a young man who I had not seen working there before said.
“Could I have a quick look at it?”
I asked.
I only asked because they put their cakes in sturdy boxes tied up with two lengths of strong ribbon and knot the ribbon at the top. It makes it easy to carry the heavy cake home, but there is no way of opening the box without scissors.
“Sure!” the young man said.
The cake said, “Happy Birthday.”
I knew the young woman had understood me, so I suspected this was not my cake. I told the young man that the ages should be on the cake, and he took the first cake back and went looking for my cake.
He was gone a very long time.
“Got it!” he finally said when he returned with another cake.
“Can I have a look at it?” I asked again. At this point, I was starting to feel like a bit of a nuisance, but the staff was as friendly as always, so I went around the counter and looked at the cake.
It said, “Happy Birthday 55.”
“This is not my cake,” I told the
community, they raised $411 for our furry friends!
Mark your calendars for our next meat raffle on Feb.15 at The Cascade Bar & Grill, located at 110 N Cascade Street in Osceola. The fun kicks off at 6 p.m., and you won’t want to miss your chance to win delicious prizes while supporting our mission. We hope to see you there!
Bunnycup Winery in Luck launched a Give Back Program in 2025, and we are honored to be the first recipients! They’re donating $500, plus 1% of all sales every quarter, to local nonprofits— how amazing is that?
You can visit the shelter Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. or Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. We’re located at 185 Griffin St E in Amery. You can also reach us by phone during business hours at (715) 2687387 or visit our website at arnellhumane.org.
young man.
By now, the manager—or at least a more senior member of the staff—had taken an interest.
“Aren’t you Karen Carlson?” the manager asked.
“No. I’m Carrie Classon.”
The two bakery employees looked at the cake.
“We gave someone the wrong cake,” the young man announced.
By now, a young woman (I believe the one who took the order) was involved. She confirmed what the cake should have said, and the manager wrote it down on a piece of paper, and the young man disappeared into the back again.
“So sorry for the delay!” the manager said. After a long wait, a new cake appeared. “Happy BirthdayS! 22 & 91” it read.
They tied up the cake with very strong ribbon, and I walked home with my cake. And at least twice every block, I stopped to laugh out loud.
Because I knew Karen did not check her cake.
She had already taken that cake to someone who was going to get the most confusing birthday message they have had in all their 55 years.
Till next time,
Carrie
To see photos, check out CarrieClassonAuthor on Facebook or visit CarrieClasson.com.
Oral Surgery (implants)
20 years ago Feb. 2, 2005
• Bakke-Norman added a sixth branch of legal services in Osceola in the Foundations in Health building on Cascade Street.
• Students with perfect attendance at Osceola Middle School for the first semester were April Millermon, Heather Sevelin, Elise Strobach, Kyle Strout, Jennifer Tjardes, Amber Zipperer, Samantha Sevelin, Elvis Lowney, Brad Chandler, Bailey Wick, Stephanie Bertram, Tyler Cloutier, Sarah Dressel, Kristine Gustafson, Matt Hobbs, Amber Hogen, Ricky Hoverman, Tyler Berquist, Brandi Bierbrauer, Alisha Kasparec and Lucas Kroells.
• Osceola Middle School students achieving Level Four in the Reading Counts program were Mackenzie Young, Amber Ballard, Cesa Nelson and Alex Bussewitz.
• Osceola FFA members who competed at the District One speaking events in St. Croix Falls were Lindsay Danielson, Heather Byl, Ryan Burkhamer, Brian Bartley, Katie Rydeen, Michaela Toth, Danielle Gorka, Kaitlinn Bader, Scott Cook and Race Rolling.
• Deputy Charlie Everson was appointed undersheriff for Mineral County, Montana.
• Osceola girls basketball continued to dominate conference competition by winning easily at Amery and at home versus Somerset.
30 years ago Feb. 1, 1995
• An upcoming bond referendum asked voters to okay a $1.56 million swimming pool facility that would be constructed along with the new high school.
• Rev. Gerald Mundfrom published a book on how to cope with depression called, “Depression And What To Do About It.”
• Osceola students held a bowl-a-thon Feb. 11 to earn pledges to benefit one of their classmates, Jody Mullen, who had been diagnosed with leukemia.
• Barb Beskar and Troy DeRosier announced their engagement. A July wedding was planned.
• The Osceola High School Student Council held a food drive during Friday’s basketball game and gathered more than 600 pounds of food and also collected monetary donations.
• Osceola boys basketball lost two games to Baldwin-Woodville, 74-66, and New Richmond, 51-48. Dan Grimsrud scored 22 and 28 points respectively.
• Dustin DeRosier, an Osceola High School graduate and a student at St. Cloud State, placed first in the pole vault at the Iowa State Track Open on Jan. 28. He vaulted 16’6”.
• Adam Hafdahl, a member of the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire forensics team won the Duo Interpretation with Thomas Pen at the Concordia-Moorhead Swing Tournament.
40 years ago Feb 5, 1985
• The Osceola Business Association presented flowers to Doug and Marlene Nykanen at their grand opening celebration at Osceola Pharmacy.
• Asbestos was to be removed from the 1957 addition of the Osceola High School and at the elementary school.
• The 1984 Osceola Community Drive totaled $12,453.15.
• A benefit was planned Feb. 11 for Ed Selzler who was paralyzed Oct. 18 when a tree limb fell and struck him in the back.
• Dale Morrill was elected President of the Bank of Osceola at the board of directors meeting in January.
• Osceola boys basketball beat Ellsworth, 72-62. Brian Thompson scored 24 points. Ted Bents had 18 and Todd Ellingson and Brad Momchilovich each had 11.
• The Osceola girls basketball team lost to Grantsburg, 46-40. Sherry Baillargeon scored 11 points.
• Osceola wrestlers were ranked eighth in the Class “C” State rankings and would be competing at the regional in Luck Feb. 9.
GOVERNMENT NUMBERS WHO TO CALL...
President Donald Trump 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW • Washington, D.C. 20500
Comments: (202) 456-1111 or comments@whitehouse.gov http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ Switchboard: (202) 456-1414
Congressman Tom Tiffany 7th Congressional District 1714 Longworth HOB, Washington, DC 20515 • (202) 225-3365
U.S. Senator Ronald H. Johnson 328 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20515 • (202) 224-5323 www.ronjohnson.senate.gov
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin 7 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 • (202) 224-5653 • (715) 832-8424 www.baldwin.senate.gov/contact
Governor Tony Evers 5 East, State Capitol Bldg. Mailing address: P.O. Box 7863, Madison, WI 53707 EversInfo@wisconsin.gov • www.evers.wis.gov
Rep. Duke Tucker 75th Assembly District P.O. Box 8953 • Madison, WI 53708-8953 (608) 237-9175 or 1-888-534-0075
Rep.Tucker@legis.wisconsin.gov
Senator Rob Stafsholt 10th Senate District Room 15 So., State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882 • Madison, WI 53708 (608) 266-7745
Sen.Stafsholt@legis.wisconsin.gov
NO CALL LIST 1-888-382-22 or website: datcp.wi.gov
Dr. Carla Hauge
Dr. Thomas Hauge
Dr. Jordan Dittberner
Dr. Taylor Lundquist
Dr. Janae Momchilovich
Wisconsin Legislature puts photo ID on spring ballot
BY SCOTT BAUER ASSOCIATED PRESS
MADISON, Wis. (AP)
— Wisconsin’s photo ID requirement for voting would be elevated from a state law to a constitutional amendment under a proposal approved Jan. 14 in the Republican-controlled Assembly with no support from Democrats.
The proposed constitutional amendment will appear on the April 1 ballot for voter consideration. It would need to be approved by voters before the constitution would be amended. Even if voters reject it, the voter ID requirement that has been in state law since 2011 will remain in place.
Republicans, citing Wisconsin polls that showed broad support for voter ID requirements, hailed the measure as a way to bolster election security and protect the law from being overturned in court.
But Democrats said photo ID requirements are often enforced unfairly, making it more difficult for people of color, the disabled and poor people to vote. Democrats argued that lawmakers should focus instead on other issues such as gun control, clean water, affordable housing, and expanding access to child care.
If voters agree to place the photo ID requirement in the constitution, it would make it more difficult for a future Legislature controlled by Democrats to change a law they’ve long opposed.
Any constitutional amendment must be approved in two consecutive legislative sessions and by a statewide vote of the people.
Wisconsin is one of nine states where voters must present a photo ID to cast a ballot, and its requirement is the strictest in the country, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Thirty-six states have laws requiring or requesting that voters
show some sort of identification at the polls, according to NCSL.
Other states have taken similar steps in recent years to put voter ID requirements in their constitutions, with mixed success. Voters approved it in Mississippi in 2011 and North Carolina voters in 2018, while Minnesota voters rejected it in 2012.
The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature first passed the state’s voter ID law in 2011. It took effect briefly in 2012, but courts that year put it on hold until 2016 after state and federal courts allowed it to take effect.
The Legislature last session approved the voter ID constitutional amendment for the first time. The measure was the first proposal considered by the Legislature in 2025. The state Senate passed it on Jan. 8 along a party line vote, with all Republicans in support and Democrats against.
The Assembly on Jan. 14 gave it the final approval needed, also on a party line vote, sending it to the ballot for voter consideration. It will be the sixth ballot measure the Legislature has placed on the ballot over the past year. Amending the constitution puts questions before voters and avoids potential vetoes by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers.
Evers in January proposed giving citizens the ability to put measures on the ballot through a referendum process. Evers on Tuesday renewed that call, which Republicans oppose.
“If Republican lawmakers are going to continue ignoring the will of the people and legislating by constitutional amendment, then they should give the people of Wisconsin the power to pass the policies they want to see at the ballot box,” Evers said in a statement.
Lawmakers moved
Celebrate National Library Lovers Month!
“When you absolutely positively have to know, ask a librarian.” ~ American Library Association February is National Library Lovers Month—a time to celebrate the joy, knowledge, and community that libraries bring into our lives! While Valentine’s Day may take center stage, this month is also for those who love everything about libraries— the books, the programs, and the welcoming spaces that bring people together.
Libraries are more than just books on shelves. They are vibrant community hubs offering access to magazines, DVDs, digital resources, and educational opportunities. Whether you visit to browse new reads, study in a quiet corner, conduct research, or explore job-seeking resources, the library is here for you. Many libraries also host book clubs, story times, craft groups, STEAM learning programs, and summer reading activities, making them a place for people of all ages to learn and connect. Beyond resources and programs, libraries provide a vital space for conversation and collaboration. They serve as meeting spots for local groups, creative minds, and lifelong learners. They are places where
friendships are formed, ideas are sparked, and communities thrive. What makes your library special to you? We want to hear your Library Love Story! Share how the library has impacted your life— whether it’s a favorite program, a helpful librarian, or a book that changed your perspective. Stop by, call, or submit your story online.
Let’s show our libraries some love this February—they’ll love you right back!
“The most important asset of any library goes home at night – the library staff.” ~ Timothy Healy, (1923-1992. Former President, New York Public Library)
Geraldine E. Anderson Village Library, Dresser Phone: 715-755-2944, email: dresserpl@ dresserpubliclibrary.org, web: https://dresserpubliclibrary.org, or find us on Facebook.
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 10-7, Tuesday and Friday 10-5, Saturday 10-1.
Outdoor book return open 24/7 at the blue box. Wi-Fi: Free 24/7 near the library. Computers, printing, copies, etc. Call or email for special needs or assistance.
Small meeting room for your Zoom calls, etc. —Check-in with your library card. Call us with any special assistance needs.
Family Story Time: Every second Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m.
at the Library. Suitable for a wide range of ages. Preschool -Kindergarten will most benefit. Check our website, Facebook, or call for more information on programming.
St. Croix Falls Public Library Phone: 715-483-1777, email: scflibrary@scfpl. org, web: https://www. scfpl.org, Facebook too.
Hours/Services: M-F 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. 24/7 After Hours Locker Pick-up - To schedule –call 715-483-1777 or email scflibrary@scfpl.org
Book Return: 24/7 through the return slot near the main entrance. Free Wi-Fi 24/7 near the library.
Computers, printing, faxing, copies, etc. Call or email for special needs or assistance.
Knit and Crochet Group, every second Monday of each month from 6-8 p.m. Come and stitch with us. Bring your project or start a new one. Winter Storytime, every Wednesday, through Feb. 19 at 10:15 a.m. Workshop Series from January-June 2025 - free! Workshops include a variety of activities. Feb. 6, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Feb. 22, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Feb. 23, 1 p.m. to 2 :30 p.m. The last Wednesday of each month will be story time yoga with Yogilee and Elham. Check our website, Face Book, or call for more information on programming.
Wilberg Memorial Public Library of Osceola
Phone: 715-294-2310, email: osceolapl@osceolapubliclibrary.org, web: www.osceolapubliclibrary.org, or find us on Facebook.
Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m-1 p.m. Please call us if you need special assistance to pick up your holds.
Book Return: 24/7 at drop box near drive thru window.
Free Wi-Fi 24/7. Follow our Facebook page or website for details.
Join us for the magic of story time – where books come alive! Storytime Tuesdays at 10:30 am. LEGO Club – first and third Thursdays of the month at 4 p.m.
Get Lit - The Library Book Club that meets at the Cascade Bar & Grill - first Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. Pick up a copy of the book from the library.
Lunch with a Librarian. Bring your lunch to the library to chat about books, movies, or anything else library related. first and third Monday of the month at 12:30 p.m. Adult Winter Reading Program through March 31. Read, watch, or participate to earn entries into the prize drawing. Stop into the library for more details.
WMPL Book Discussion - fourth Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. at the library. Get a copy of the book from the library.
Library receives grant money
Miriam Flysjo, president of the Friends of the Osceola Library, presented Anne Miller, director of the Wilberg Memorial Public Library, a check from the Hugh J. Andersen Foundation. The $2000 grant
BY JACK STARR OSCEOLA UNITED METHODIST
There is a lot to grieve the soul in our world today. There is sorrow, heartbreak and loss just about everywhere we turn.
Storms and fires, droughts and floods disrupt lives, destroying property and taking loved ones. Violence seems to rage unchecked in far too many places across the globe, and it threatens at home.
Public discourse and private conversations both are polarized with little hope of common ground. Fuses are short, relationships are tense, and open conflict seems inevitable. And in the free-for-all of our media landscape there doesn’t seem to be a safe place for truth. We are all beset by uncertainty.
A new administration has taken power in Washington DC. They had promised changes and they have delivered. Most of us were surprised at how far-reaching and sweeping those changes turned out to be. Some of them are bringing a host of unforeseen consequences. And it makes us uncertain.
Uncertain about what to expect tomorrow. Uncertain about new governmental policies and what they’ll mean for us and our loved ones. And it makes us uncertain about how to respond, especially
when we realize how enacting certain of those policies can harm many innocent people.
Central to our faith as Christians is Jesus’ call to welcome the stranger and care for those in need. Many of the new administration’s immigration policies raise troubling ethical concerns that challenge our core values of compassion, love and welcome. Other policies target other marginalized and vulnerable populations. In addition to that, the rhetoric often accompanying these policies runs counter to the belief that all people are created in the image of God and deserve dignity and honor and is a complete violation of Christ’s commandment to love our neighbors in the same way we love ourselves. “Love your enemies; Pray for those who persecute you.” (Matt. 5) “Love your neighbor as yourself” Luke 10) and when challenged about who qualified as a neighbor, Jesus told a story that named the most despised outsider anyone could imagine –a Samaritan.
Those of us who count ourselves as followers of Jesus Christ have to be ready to speak up when our neighbors in the wider community don’t understand what it means to live in a way that reflects his grace and mercy. Or when they openly reject it. But we must do so with the same grace and mercy that
Christ showed to us in the first place. This isn’t easy because often our own impulses aren’t toward grace and mercy. But we cannot call for respect, honesty and humility if we are not willing to embody it ourselves.
Following a long honored tradition, there was a prayer service at Washington’s National Cathedral to begin the new president’s term the day after the inaguration. Episcopal Bishop Marianne Budde’s sermon on that day was an example of how to issue an invitation and a challenge in a way that reflected the grace and mercy she sought. “Let me make one final plea. Mr. President, millions have put their trust in you,... In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared. It was a good sermon. She used scripture to remind us about the Kingdom of God and the teachings of Jesus. She reminded us that our world doesn’t often measure up, and she appealed to her congregation to do whatever was in their power to show grace and mercy to those who are vulnerable. She left the rest up to the Holy Spirit.
We might do well to keep that in mind. If we seek some real hope and resiliency in this time of uncertainty, let’s keep close to Jesus Christ and trust in the power of the Spirit.
BALLOT: Wisconsin Legislature puts photo ID on spring ballot
FROM PAGE 6
quickly because of a Jan. 21 deadline to get the issue on the April 1 ballot.
Control of the state Supreme Court also hangs in the balance in that April election. The race for an open seat will determine whether liberals maintain control for at least the next three years. The Democratic-backed candidate, Dane County Circuit Judge Susan Crawford, was the lead attorney in a 2011 lawsuit challenging the voter ID law. There are no pending legal challenges to voter ID.
ALLIANCE CHURCH OF THE VALLEY
59 Hwy. 35 South, St. Croix Falls 715-483-00
www.stcroixalliance.com
Lead Pastor Jeff Naegelen
Co-Lead Pastor Chris Folkestad
ASSUMPTION OF THE
BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
CATHOLIC CHURCH
East Farmington
Rev. Joseph Madanu
BETHANY LUTHERAN Star Prairie
Pastor Dan Pennington (715) 248-3730
blcsp@frontiernet.net
BETHESDA LUTHERAN LCMC
1947 0th Ave. Dresser Sand Lake 715-755-2562
www.bethesdalutheran.ws
Pastor Peter Rimmereid
Associate Pastor Scott Adkins
CEDARBEND CHURCH
P.O. BOX 414, Osceola Matt Hayton
connect@cedarbendchurch.com
SUNDAY: Worship, 10:30 a.m., 373
280th St., Osceola, (old Neuroscience building).
CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH
150 Fifth Street
Marine on St. Croix, Minn.
Pastor Joel Martin 651-433-3222
EL SALEM/TWIN FALLS
CHRISTIAN CENTER
Six miles east of Dresser on
Co. Rd. F, 1751 100th Ave. Pastor Darryl R. Olson 715-755-33
EUREKA BAPTIST CHURCH 2393 210th Ave., St. Croix Falls Pastor Seth Brickley 715-483-9464
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 661A West Street Taylors Falls, MN 55084 651-465-6792 www.firstbaptisttaylorsfalls.com
Dr. Kevin Schumann, Pastor
FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN 561 Chestnut St. Taylors Falls, Minn.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN 719 Nevada St. St. Croix Falls Reverend David Maghakian 715-483-3550 (office)
GRACE CHURCH Pastor Mark Barlow 722 Seminole Ave. Osceola 715-417-8594 gracechurchosceola.com
GRACE BEREAN FELLOWSHIP 421 4th Street, Centuria Duane Gallentine, Pastor 715-755-2523
FRIDAY and SUNDAY KJV Bible Study/Fellowship
GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Nye Area/Wisconsin Synod 28 70th Avenue Pastor Jim Bourman
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN – OSHKOSH
The following students were named to the fall semester Dean’s List. Osceola: Anna Willeman. St. Croix Falls: Paige Haaf.
WESTERN TECHNICAL COLLEGE
The following students were named to the fall semester President’s List. Dresser: Eli Prokop. Osceola: Peighton Carlson.
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN – LA CROSSE
The following students were named to the fall semester Dean’s List. Dresser: Brianna Lee. Osceola: Ellie Gillespie, Isabelle Measner. St. Croix Falls: Ayla Schmidt, Amelia Svardahl, Ashlin Waltz. Star Prairie: Amanda Fogelberg, Claire Fogelberg.
BIRTHS
OSCEOLA
MEDICAL CENTER
Osceola, Wisconsin
Jan. 30, 2025: A boy, Riggs Ronald Steinberg-
ST. CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY
MerriAnna Johnson of Osceola was named to the fall semester Dean’s List.
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN – EAU CLAIRE
The following students were named to the fall semester Dean’s List. Dresser; Michelle Hiatt, Joseph, Kelling, Trevor LaMirande, Mei Rose. Osceola: Evelyn Juneski, John Klugow, Emma Mahler, Jenna Rondeau. St. Croix Falls: Maya Kazmierski, Katelyn Knapp, Beth Wittman.
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA – LINCOLN
Megan Hall of Dresser was named to the fall semester Dean’s List.
BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY
Alexis See of Osceola was named to the fall semester Dean’s List.
er, weighing 8 pounds 5 ounces, to Jillian Dretzka and Christopher Steinberger, Osceola.
Even if the amendment is approved, lawmakers could still decide what types of photo IDs are acceptable. Voters without a photo ID could still cast a provisional ballot, as they can now. The ballot is counted if the voter returns later with a photo ID.
HOLY CROSS ORTHODOX
CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Meeting at Zion Lutheran Church 28005 Old Towne Road Chisago Lakes, Minn. 651-260-5100 www.holyx.net
Fr. Bill Neumann, pastor
HOLY TRINITY
ORTHODOX CHURCH 523 First Street, Clayton 715-948-2203 Father Christopher Wojcik
HOPE EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH 933 248th Street, one mile north of Osceola on Highway 35 Pastor Neil Schindler 715-294-21 • www.hefc.org
JOURNEY CHURCH 131 Broadway, Amery www.journeychurch.city office@journeychurch.city 715-268-2223
NEW LIFE
CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
Non-denominational 201 State Hwy. 35, Dresser Pastor Tony Minell, 715-417-1982 galatiansii20@yahoo.com Church office: 715-417-45
OSCEOLA
COMMUNITY CHURCH 2492 Education Drive, Osceola Pastor Josiah Williams www.occnow.org
OSCEOLA MEDICAL CENTER SPIRITUAL CARE 2600 65th Avenue, Osceola https: myomc.org/wellness/ spiritual-care 715-294-21 Chapel open daily for meditation.
OSCEOLA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 306 River Street, Osceola P.O. Box 447 Pastor Jack Starr 715-755-2275 osceolaunitedmethodistchurch@gmail.com
PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH (ELCA), 2355 Clark Rd., Dresser 715-755-2515 • plcdresser.org plcdresseroffice@gmail.com
Pastor Melissa Carmack Find us on Facebook. Live steam YouTube. Sundays 9 a.m.
PRAIRIEVIEW COVENANT CHURCH OF NEW RICHMOND 1396 210th Ave. 2 miles north of New Richmond on Hwy. 65 Pastor Rudy King 715-248-0600
REDEEMER EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH Wisconsin Synod Corner of Adams & Louisiana St. Croix Falls Rev. Timothy Blauert 715-483-3401
ST. ANNE PARISH 139 Church Hill Road Somerset, WI 54025 715-247-3310 Rev. Joseph Madanu
ST. CROIX FALLS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Upper St. Croix Parish 300 North Adams Street St. Croix Falls 715-483-9494 churches@centurytel.net umstcroixfallswolfcreek.org
Pastor Jenny Lee
ST. CROIX UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP 201 N. Adams, St. Croix Falls www.scuuf.org Rev. Terri Burnor
ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH Franconia, MN 651-465-7345 www.stfrancisfranconia.org Fr. John Drees
ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC Osceola Rev. Joseph Madanu 715-294-2243
ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC 490 Bench Street Taylors Falls, Minnesota 651-465-7345 www.stjosephtaylorsfalls.org Fr. John Drees
RIVER VALLEY CHRISTIAN CHURCH LIGHTHOUSE 89 160th Street St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin 715-483-5378 Pastor Jonah Fetzer
SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH MISSOURI SYNOD 140 Madison Street St. Croix Falls Pastor Mark Schoen 715-483-86
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH TAYLORS FALLS Rev. Tom Ervasti 651-242-6046 Sunday services at 10 a.m. TRINITY EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH (WELS) 300 Seminole Ave., (Ct H M) Osceola 715-294-2828
PROJECT: Project brings Ugandan culture
cultural music. So, the challenging part is how do we preserve them? How do we make awareness of it?”
To help spread awareness of indigenous Ugandan music, The Pamoja Project decided to bring the music they experienced in their travels home to St. Croix Falls. Gudmunsen and Sam are in preparation to put on the upcoming concert alongside the Mzizi Ensemble, an organization that originated from Hope North that aims to protect children affected by war in Northern Uganda. Both the Mzizi Ensemble and Hope North were founded by Sam and they now work together with Gudmunsen and the Pamoja Project to provide safety for those children and share Ugandan indigenous music with everyone.
“Mzizi stands for ‘Roots,’” said Gudmunsen. “They are all about performing music. They’re the premier performing ensemble in Uganda. They travel all over Uganda, mostly in the populated areas; Kampala, Mayuge, Gulu and all parts in between and they perform all different songs from each community or tribe. Some of it is a little bit modernized, but the
melodies are still intact, and the dances are still intact. So, if they’re in Mayuge, they’re doing that style of music with the same lyrics and some dancing. So, they’re more pop culture, but they’re more of an advanced ensemble made up of the top musicians from the country, most of which are Hope North survivors.”
To further spread awareness about indigenous music in Uganda, the Pamoja Project also hired a film crew to document their travels from the last year to create a documentary which is planned to be finished within the next couple of weeks. The hope is to reach more people who may be interested to learn about Ugandan music, their struggles, and how they can get involved to help those in need.
“To preserve that indigenous music, we could write an article about it,” said Gudmunsen. “We can write a book about it. But that’s not the way the world works now. They want to go on Netflix and say, ‘Oh, this looks interesting,’ and watch an hour documentary on it. I think people might want to know a little bit more about music in Uganda. We’ll see.”
Overall, the goal of the Pamoja Project and
the upcoming concert is to connect cultures from across the world while raising awareness around the decline of indigenous music and provide for those facing hardships in Uganda. For Gudmunsen and Sam, sharing their music and playing together with students from St. Croix Falls, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, and UW Superior is a way to invite people to learn more about Ugandan culture and bring the community together using music as the bridge between them.
“The exciting thing is that we’re making music with two different cultures coming together in peace and harmony,” said Gudmunsen. “When we understand cultures, we understand people. When we understand people, we can live in a more peaceful situation versus just jumping to conclusions with a misunderstanding of what is happening.”
The upcoming concert with the Mzizi Ensemble will be held at St. Croix Falls High School Fine Arts Center Feb. 22. at 7 p.m. The event is free to attend, but free will donations will be accepted to help foster the Ugandan performers’ work and raise funds for the continued work of the Pamoja Project.
March for Life
Options on 8 in St. Croix Falls sponsored the Walk for Life at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Osceola on Jan. 26. Walkers from all over Polk County and St. Croix County attend to actively demonstrate their support for the value of human life. An estimate of nearly 200 people marched. The walk began at St. Joseph Catholic Church south to downtown Osceola and back to the church.
Operation Round Up awards money
14 local nonprofits receive $14,300 from Polk-Burnett Operation Round Up
Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round Up program awarded $14,300 to 14 local nonprofits in January.
“We are proud to support these vital organizations that
improve our local quality of life,” said Polk-Burnett General Manager Steve Stroshane. “We’re grateful to our members for their participation in Operation Round Up; your generosity makes a difference to many programs and families throughout our community.”
Winter Operation Round Up grant recipients are:
1. Clear Lake Area
Community Center, $1,000, commercial garbage disposal
2. St. Croix Falls High School, $1,500, Veterans Honor Wall
3. Clear Lake Historical Museum, $1,000, lighting and display cases
4. Natural Alternative Food Co-op, $1,000, new signage
5. Clear Lake Public Library, $1,000, sum-
SEE ROUND UP, PAGE 19
Now that we have your attention - SMC Ltd in Amery has immediate openings for Production workers. Our crews work 12 hour shifts on 2-2-3 schedule and night crews now have a new increased shift differential of 20%! That’s right - 20% of your hourly wage just for working a night shift. SMC Ltd offers an excellent benefits package, competitive wages, 401k match, generous PTO and much more.
OPEN POSITION
Production/Assembly Operator
Key Accountabilities/ Essential Functions:
• Assembly of medical devices or sub-assemblies
• Responsible for reading, understanding, and precisely following work instructions
Use hand and power assembly tools and fixtures
• Load, unload, or organize materials and product
• Inspect parts and report defective materials to supervisor
• Regular attendance Qualifications:
High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Read, write, and communicate in English
• Ability to follow and understand GMP - Good Manufacturing Practices
• Good counting skills and must be very accurate with all documentation
• Well groomed and able to work in a Clean Room Environment
• Must work well in a team environment
Submit your application at hr@smcltd.com or www.smcltd.com/careers
Home Sweet Home
SPORTS AND OUTDOORS
Chiefs in first thanks to two wins
Scoring the first 16 points of a basketball game always helps your team’s chances of winning.
This is especially true when you are the road team playing at your biggest rival, with first place in the conference on the line.
That’s what the Osceola boys basketball team did at Prescott Jan. 28 as both teams came into the game with 6-1 conference records.
The Chieftains scored the game’s first 16 points and then held on for the 58-52 win, moving into solo first.
“Focus and energy helped us to a great start, and we played poised enough after they cut our lead to pull this one out,” OHS coach Tyler Olson said.
Caleb Irlbeck continued his torrid offensive streak with 32 points, the second most he has scored this season. He was 9-for-13 from the field, including 3-for-5 from threepoint range. Irlbeck was nearly automatic at the free-throw line, going 11-for-12.
“Caleb has been playing decisive and aggressive in recent games,” Olson said, as he also added eight rebounds.
Waylon Cole added seven points, nine rebounds, three assists, and
five steals.
“He has done a great job of organizing the offense and being a disrupter on defense at the points of attack,” Olson continued.
Jonah Race finished with six points, seven rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
“He has been a consistent source of production and energy for us on both ends of the court,” Olson added.
Hunter Bradway contributed five points, seven rebounds, and five steals.
“Hunter has also established himself as a top scorer in our conference, and he and Caleb are putting defenses in tough spots and creating opportunities for each other on the court,” Olson explained.
Prescott finished with five more rebounds, while Osceola had three more steals.
Osceola went 18-for-25 from the free throw line, while Prescott was 8-for-14.
“Anytime you can go on the road and get a win against a team like Prescott, it’s impressive,” Olson concluded.
Max Monteith led Prescott with 13 points, followed by Kobe Russell’s 11 points and nine rebounds.
OSCEOLA 60, CENTRAL 45
The Chieftains recorded its seventh straight win over Central Jan. 31.
“I thought this was another great game of bench production,” Olson explained. “Kasey Williamson and Carter Marincel provided a spark of energy when they entered the game.
“Markus Gilbertson had outstanding minutes defensively, and his ability to help our offense gain flow with his cutting, passing, and quickness was critical.”
Hunter Bradway led the OHS offense with 20 points, while Caleb Irlbeck finished with 15. Jonah Race added nine as Marincel scored seven.
The Chieftains shot 50 percent from the field overall and went 10-for-14 from the free-throw line. Bradway and Irlbeck each added eight rebounds, while Waylon Cole and Race finished with six each. Bradway also dished out six assists.
Osceola improved to 8-1 in the conference and 9-6 overall. The Chieftains have now won eight of its last nine games.
Statistical recap aided by AI.
Saints boys stumble in conference clashes
The St. Croix Falls boys basketball team faced a tough stretch in conference play, dropping back-to-back games against Cameron and Northwestern.
On Jan. 27, the Saints traveled to Cameron and fell 49-34 after a sluggish first half. Cameron jumped out to a commanding 30-11 halftime lead, and while the Saints picked up the scoring in the second
half, outscoring the Comets 23-19, it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback. Anders Waterworth led St. Croix Falls with 14 points, including three three-pointers, while Caden Folkestad added 13 points and five free throws. Elliot Wilson controlled the boards with a team-high 12 rebounds. Carter Cherney led the Comets with 22 points, 12 rebounds, and five steals, while Treye Zim-
merman scored 13 points and five rebounds.
The Saints outrebounded Cameron by seven, while the Comets had eight more steals.
Three days later, the Saints returned home but faced another tough challenge against Northwestern. St. Croix Falls struggled to slow down Northwestern’s balanced attack, ultimately falling 63-37.
Boden Teal led the Tigers with 16 points,
followed by Tysen Teal with 14. Kamden Kroll recorded 11.
There were no individual stats for St. Croix Falls online before this issue of the Sun went to press.
With these losses, the Saints are now 2-9 in the Heart of the North Conference and 4-11 overall.
Statistical recap aided by AI.
Saints girls basketball snaps losing streak
The St. Croix Falls girls basketball team snapped a five-game losing streak by defeating Chetek-Weyerhaeuser 47-18 Jan. 28.
“The girls had a fantastic night on defense,” SCF coach Angie Maternowsky said, as the 18 points were the fewest the Saints had given up this season. “We keep improving every night.”
Amber Bateman led the Saints with 13 points along with nine rebounds. Catherine Williams posted nine points, eight rebounds, six assists, and four steals. Lexi Arenson recorded eight points, five rebounds, and four steals. Lucy Braund tallied six points and five rebounds.
SCF finished with 40 rebounds and 17 steals. Out of the 19 total field goals, the Saints had 12 assists.
“The entire team was playing solid offense
and looking for their shots,” Maternowsky stated.
That momentum didn’t carry over to its next game, a 48-22 defeat to Hayward on the road Jan. 31.
Hayward had only 20 points at halftime, but the Saints scored eight. SCF shot 0-for-10 from three-point range and finished at 20 percent from the field overall.
Olivia Shimon led SCF with 12 points. Madi Johnson pulled down 11 rebounds, while Amber Bateman added eight.
“Lexi Arenson did a nice job as our point guard,” Maternowsky said. “Olivia Shimon had a great shooting night, and Madi Johnson owned the defensive boards.”
The Saints are now 4-9 in the conference and 4-15 overall.
Statistical recap aided by AI.
Somerset boys hockey posts two shutouts
BY JASON SCHULTE SENTINELSPORTS48@GMAIL.COM
Jett Reilly notched a hat trick as the Tomahawk boys hockey team defeated Somerset 5-2 Jan. 31.
minutes later. Tomahawk then scored its final goal in the final minute.
What’s the best state to live in?
After all of those freezing 25 below days, and wind chills pushing minus 50, my good friend Eric Duffy started a conversation I shared with you last week asking, “Why do we live here?” I didn’t take a swim like Eric did running his trap line in that frigid cold but I felt the bone chilling cold more this year. Many people my age spend their winters in places like Florida or Arizona. My thought was why not just figure out the best place to live year round? My question to you is, “Where is that perfect state to live in?”
you’re in the red its not good. My idea was to come up with categories for the outdoors type; Which states have the best hunting, fishing, best weather or are the most outdoorsy, dog friendly and so on.
To find that answer I created a Red List and a Black List. When you’re in the black things are good. When
The red list shows which states have the worst weather, most bugs, pests, disasters, tornadoes, crime and more. I found ratings for all 50 states in each black and red category. I made a score of 10 as the top score for both the best and worst online category continuing down from nine to one point.
Alaska scored 10 points each for best fishing, hunting, trout fishing, and the most hunter friendly state. That’s 40 points total. Other categories in the black list included best housing, best whitetail hunting and happiest people overall. California followed with 39, Colorado 36, Hawaii surprised me with 32, Florida
The Hatchets (17-3 overall), the No. 1 team in the latest Division 2 rankings, jumped out to a 3-1 lead after two periods as Reilly scored two of those goals.
Wyatt Olson scored Somerset’s second goal at 5 minutes, 16 seconds into the third period. Reilly then tallied his third goal three
While Somerset’s power play had two great games earlier in the week, against the Hatchets, it went 1-for-6. Micaiah Schuld scored that goal at 14:15 in the first period, thanks to Phillip Williams and Breck Richardson assisting. Both teams finished with 27 shots on goal, as Gunnar Anderson stopped 22 shots.
SEE HOCKEY, PAGE 14
Saints defeat Cumberland in battle of ranked teams
It was a battle of two ranked wrestling teams Jan. 30 in Cumberland, as St. Croix Falls, the No. 2 team in Division 2, visited the Beavers, the No. 7 team in Division 3, for the honor of dual champions in the Heart of the North.
“Cumberland has a pile of really good individuals, so we knew there were a few weights we had to have to win as a team,” SCF coach Joe Raygor said. “The kids all knew their job as executed pretty well.”
The Saints prevailed 44-33.
“Up top, we got on a roll winning by Drake Petersen, Griffin Mar-
ko, Joe Petherbrdige, and Logan Bockman,” Raygor said. “We have a powerful upper weight showing that continues to give other teams fits with their bonus point victories.”
St. Croix Falls won eight matches, six of them by pins. Petersen (175), Petherbridge (215), Bockman (285), Kaiden Hahn (113), Miles Kelly (120) and Jack Ryan (138).
“Jack Ryan had the match of the night, mentally breaking his opponent (Nathan Swint) with his gas tank and signature single leg,” Raygor explained. “Jack is one of the most skilled
second-year wrestlers I’ve ever seen, and it’s fun to see him grow daily.
“Miles looked really tough at 120, pinning his opponent (Rock West) in the first period. He’s having a nice freshman year, and being a kid, we are counting on in big moments.”
Griffin Marko (190) won via technical fall, while Isaac Briggs (144) earned a 15-10 decision over Onesimus West to complete the Saints’ wins.
GIRLS HUSKY
WRESTLING CHALLENGE
The Saints finished fifth out of 27 schools
at the Husky Challenge Feb. 1 with 227 points.
“They did a nice job battling adversity and having some strong individual performances,” Raygor explained. “This was our last big tournament before the postseason run, so I was happy each girl got some extra push.”
Nevaeh Nwachukwu claimed the Saints’ lone title, winning at 138 pounds. She recorded three points before advancing to the final, defeating Forest Lake’s Jamie Peterson 12-3. She is now 26-6 overall.
“She’s competing well right now,” Raygor said.
Julianna Johnson took
Osceola girls basketball faces tough competition
The Osceola girls basketball team encountered a challenging slate of games last week, facing conference rivals Altoona and St. Croix Central at home before taking on Northwestern at the Northwest Girls Basketball Challenge in Somerset. Despite battling hard, the Chieftains fell short in all three matchups, bringing their conference record to 3-6 and their overall record to 8-9.
ALTOONA 53, OSCEOLA 21
Osceola opened the stretch Jan. 27, struggling offensively against the Rails. It shot less than 13 percent from the field overall, including 0-for-12 from three-point range.
“Our team got hit with some illness this week, and we played without starters Madide Newton and Lauren Ulrich,” OHS coach Mike Haase said. “The rest of the team gave their best effort and worked as a team without them.”
Izzy Ellefson led the scoring with 11 points. Josie Mork added four rebounds and three steals, while Lily Macknick added four rebounds.
“I was impressed we only had three turnovers in the first half and 12 for the entire game,” Haase added.
Addi Siverling recorded 22 points for Altoona, along with seven rebounds. Amber Bresina chipped in with eight points.
The Rails outrebounded OHS by 30, 14 more points in the paint and nine more assists.
SCC 49, OSCEOLA 35
Central jumped out to a 19-6 lead after the game’s first 12 minutes and rolled from there to earn the Jan. 30 win.
“That was the first time we had our starting five together all week,” Haase added. “Wednesday, we had only five varsity players practice. It wasn’t surprising SCC jumped out to an early lead.
“We kept battling, and I thought we outplayed them in the second half.”
Both teams shot 40 percent from the field overall. A significant difference was SCC went 9-for-12 from the free-throw line, compared to Osceola’s 1-for-11. Central also outscored OHS by 10 points in the paint.
“Central has a solid team right now, so we are not going to get hung up on this game,” Haase stated.
Sophie Hook led the Panthers with a game-high 15 points, three rebounds, and four assists. Elsah
Minutes of Osceola School Board Proceedings
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Education for the School District of Osceola was held in the District Office Conference Room on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. The meeting was called to order by Board President Brooke Kulzer at 6:48 P.M. with roll call taken: Brooke Oye- present, Jan Carlson-present; Cory Schmidt-present, Kysa Marten- present. Superintendent Dr. Becky Styles, Business Manager Shannon Grindell and student representative Addy Neumann also attended the meeting.
Person(s) who requested an audience with the Board. Mark Skjerven addressed the board regarding the elementary school.
Denise Skjerven addressed the board regarding the school referendum options. Teresa Utke addressed the board regarding the budget and academics.
Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Brooke Oye and seconded by Kysa Marten to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Minutes of the regular meeting held on December 11, 2024 Second Reading of Policies: 0164, 0174.1, 3120.08, 8601,
5200, 5505
Payment of the bills
Rubis posted 14 points and 10 rebounds. Lili Klinkhamer recorded eight.
Josie Mork finished with eight points for OHS, and Ayla Krenz, Maddie Newton, and Izzy Ellefson each scored six. Newton and Ellefson also pulled down six rebounds each.
NORTHWESTERN 53, OSCEOLA 29
Osceola shot 2-for-32 from twopoint range, the difference in the Feb. 1 game at Somerset.
“In the second half, we had a 12-0 run to cut the deficit from 22 down to 10 points,” Haase added. “We just couldn’t outplay our shooting struggles.”
Abby Johnson led all scorers with a game-high 34 points. She was 13-for-21 from the field, along with 15 rebounds. Shelby Hessel added 10 points.
“We had a hard time with Northwestern’s size on both ends of the court,” Haase explained as Northwestern outscored OHS by 28 points in the paint.
Maddie Newton finished with 11 points and seven rebounds. Josie Mork had nine points, seven rebounds, and six steals. Kya Krenz chipped in with six points.
Statistical recap aided by AI.
Separations: Destiny Bolling OHS Special Ed Paraprofessional, Russell Jensen Custodian Hires: Taylor Mallin Custodian. Motion carried.
School Board Reports
The School Board Committee Report from January 8, 2025 was provided by Brooke Oye. The Board reviewed and discussed operational planning and consideration of an operational referendum. The board will not pursue an operational referendum at this time. The board reviewed and discussed facility planning and consideration of capital project referendum. The board will not pursue a facilities referendum at this time.
Administrative reports including Curriculum Coordinators Report provided by Julie Bender (4K-4) and Amanda Meyer (5-12) and the Special Education Department Report provided by Ruth Rautio (4K-4 Special Education Coordinator) and Patrick Vavra (5-12 Special Education Coordinator). Superintendent Dr. Becky Styles along with the Board reviewed the WASB Delegate Assembly resolutions. Dr. Becky Styles gave an update on the school board candidates for the April 1 election- in the order they will be on the ballot- Jan Carlson, Brooke Oye, and James Davis. She also reviewed the school resource officer proposal for the 2025-26 school year.
The Student Representative Report was provided by Addy Neumann.
Improving our instructional strategies supporting students learning
Reviewed and approved OHS course request. A motion was made by Brooke Kulzer and seconded by Cory Schmidt to
third at 114 pounds, winning all four matches by pins, including over Eau Claire North’s Mariah Hull for third place. She is now 25-8 overall.
“She continues to show extreme toughness on the mat,” Raygor added.
Kylie Miller was fifth at 145 pounds, as all four of her wins were by pins.
“She battled and came back after losing to Mondovi’s Layla Risler in the early rounds,” Raygor
STANDINGS
stated. “She continues to lead by example with her effort.”
Piper Ray (107 pounds, sixth), Lily Kne (126), and Larissa Chapman (165) each took seventh for the Saints.
Forest Lake won the Challenge with 374.5 points, followed by Apple Valley’s 281.5. Tomahawk took third at 274. Statistical recap aided by AI.
Next Meeting Information
approve the OHS Course Request for the 2025-26 school year. Motion carried.
A school board workshop is scheduled for Wednesday January 15, 2025 at 5:00pm in District Office Conference Room.
The School Board will be attending the Wisconsin State Education Convention January 21 - 24, 2025 in Milwaukee WI.
The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 6:30 P.M in the District Office Conference Room.
A motion was made by Kysa Marten and seconded by Jan Carlson to adjourn into Executive Session pursuant to WI Statute 19.85(1)(c) Considering employment, promotion, compensation, or performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility. -Individual Contracts, Superintendent Annual Evaluation.
Roll Call Vote: Brooke Oye-yes; Jan Carlson-yes; Cory Schmidt-yes; Kysa Marten-yes; and Brooke Kulzer-yes. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Cory Schmidt and seconded by Kysa Marten to adjourn out of Executive Session. Motion carried. Board President Brooke Kulzer announced no official action was taken.
A motion was made by Jan Carlson and seconded by Brooke Oye to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.
Adjourned.
HOCKEY: Two shutouts posted
FROM PAGE 13
Somerset has now won eight of its last 11 games.
The Spartans are now 14-6 overall.
SOMERSET 6, ASHLAND 0
The Spartans recorded its second shutout in three days and fifth of the season against the Oredockers Jan. 30.
Six different Spartans a goal – Phillip Williams, Layne Pinska, Braden Steines, Breck Richardson, Blake Thiel, and Broden Thiel. Ryland Lathe and Devin Richardson collected two assists each, with Pinska, Brock Thiel, Blake Thiel, Breck Richardson, Josh Albert, and Broden Thiel earning one each.
The Spartans finished with 47 shots on goal while Ashland had 14. Gunnar Anderson stopped all 14 shots he faced.
Somerset took advantage of Ashland’s penalties, going 4-for-8 on the power play, while the Oredockers went 0-for-2.
SOMERSET 11, BLOOMINGTON KENNEDY 0
Josh Albert recorded his first hat trick of the season as six different Spartans scored a goal in the Jan. 27 win.
Wyatt Olson, Devin Richardson, and Ryland Lathe each scored two goals, while Micaiah Schuld and Broden Thiel scored the other two.
Devin and Breck Richardson, and Phillip Williams had three assists each, giving Devin the rare five-point night. Lathe and Schuld had two assists, while Gunnar Anderson, Braden Steines, Michael Linder, Blake Thiel, and Broden Thiel each had one.
Somerset finished with 50 shots on goal compared to Kennedy’s 12.
The Spartans also went 2-for-2 on the power play, with Broden Thiel and Schuld scoring those goals
Anderson stopped all 12 shots he faced for his first shutout of the season.
Stars girls hockey see winning streak end
The Western Wisconsin Stars girls hockey team lost two games last week to St. Croix Valley Fusion and Park of Cottage Grove, ending its winning streak.
FUSION 2, STARS 1
The Fusion scored both goals within the first eight minutes of the Jan. 28 game with goals from Morgan Kivel and Jane Volgren, as they outshot Western Wisconsin 12-1 in the first period.
The Stars responded over the final two periods, outshooting St. Croix Valley 26-8.
However, they could get only one across, as Gabby Thomsen scored on the power play 8 minutes, 46
seconds into the second period, with Ashley Jensen and Izzy Johnson assisting.
The Stars went 1-for-5 on the power play, while the Fusion didn’t have a power play opportunity.
Sierra Andert stood tall, making 18 saves on 20 shots.
PARK OF COTTAGE GROVE 5, STARS 1
The Wolfpack scored three times in the second period in the Jan. 31 game to turn a one-goal lead into a four-goal lead.
Park finished with 40 shots on goal, compared to Western Wisconsin’s 13. Over the final two periods, the difference was 32-9.
Taryn O’Hara gave the Stars an
early lead with a first-period goal assisted by Chloe Julson, but Park responded quickly with two goals in two minutes.
Special teams played a pivotal role, with Park converting two of three power-play opportunities, while the Stars went 0-for-2 on the man advantage.
Alaina Post tallied a goal and two assists for the Wolfpack, while Maleah McMorrow added two assists.
Sierra Andert stopped 35 saves on 40 shots for the Stars, who dropped to 3-2 in conference play and 8-11-1 overall.
Statistical recap aided by AI.
OHS claims first place in Whitetail Shootout
The Osceola wrestling team won the Whitetail Shootout Jan. 31 in Menomonie, winning four duals over Chippewa Falls, Glenwood City, River Falls, and Shiocton.
OSCEOLA 45, CHIPPEWA FALLS 34
The Chieftains won eight matches, six by pins against the Cardinals.
Those were by Landon Peterson (106), Malakai Barker (113), Hunter Kromrey (126), Talon Berg (132), Logan Meyer (138) and Elliot Havlish (215). Havlish’s pin over Lucas Swope came in 32 seconds, while Berg won in 44 seconds against Uriyah Bowe.
Wyatt Hastings earned a 16-1 technical fall at 157 pounds versus Collin Clary, as Cody Meyer posted a 12-1 major decision over Chase Fredrick at 144 pounds.
OSCEOLA 44, GLENWOOD CITY 33
Osceola won eight matches against the Hilltoppers, five by
pins.
Hunter Kromrey (126), Cody Meyer (144), Isaac Dunnom (150), Elliot Havlish (215), and Malakai Barker (106) recorded those pins. Havlish had the fastest pin at 1:13, followed by Cody Meyer at 2:47.
Talon Berg posted a 16-1 technical fall at 132 pounds, along with Wyatt Hastings, who registered a 22-3 technical fall at 165 pounds. Tristan Campeau rounded out the scoring with a 24-12 major decision at 175 pounds.
OSCEOLA 51, RIVER FALLS 25
The Chieftains used pins (six) and technical falls (three) to defeat the Wildcats.
Logan Meyer (138), Cody Meyer (150), Isaac Dunnom (157), Tristan Campeau (175), Elliot Havlish (215) and Landon Peterson (106) won via pins. Havlish’s pin over Tyler Hastings came in 30 seconds, while Landon Peterson pinned
Jens Brown in 67 seconds. Cody Meyer pinned Declan Breadon in 92 seconds.
Talon Berg (132) earned a 20-4 technical fall versus Rieder Loomis, along with Wyatt Hastings’ 19-1 at 165 pounds and Malakai Barker’s 18-3 win over Isaiah Black at 113 pounds.
OSCEOLA 47, SHIOCTON 30
The Chieftains won the first six matches against the Chiefs in the championship match.
Logan Meyer (138), Wyatt Hastings (157), Elliot Havlish (215), and Malakai Barker (106) won via pins. Havlish needed only 25 seconds to defeat Tristan Mueller. Hunter Kromrey (126) and Talon Berg (132) won via decisions, while Isaac Dunnom won via technical fall at 150. Keagan Berg (120) and Cody Meyer (144) won via forfeits.
Operating with PAC
• Ryan T. Broch, 43, Comstock, pled no contest and had DOT license revoked for 7 months, ignition interlock device for 1 year and was fined $1,062.50.
OWI
• Ryan T. Broch, 43, Comstock, the charge was dismissed on court’s own motion.
• Emilio D. Rodriguez, Jr., pled no contest and had DOT license revoked for 6 months and was fined $953.50.
Place material- feed/attract wild animals
• Joseph E. Kelly, 53, St. Croix Falls, pled no contest and was fined $343.50.
Place, use, hunt wild animals with bait
• Stanley G. Dale, 73, Cumberland, pled no contest and was fined $387.25.
• Jonathan L. Deloye, 47, Roberts, pled no contest and was fined $343.50.
• Michael E. Dwire, 65, Frederic, pled no contest and was fined $343.50.
• Anthony W. Elfers, 38, Rice Lake, pled no contest and was fined $387.25.
• Benji L. Fehren-
bacher, 48, Centerville, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $343.50.
• Mitchell S. Haslup, 59, Hudson, pled no contest and was fined $343.50.
• Andrew C. Hess, 40, Grantsburg, pled no contest and was fined $343.50.
• Parker R. Quist, 23, Osceola, pled no contest and was fined $343.50.
• Gregory D. Schewe, 65, Luck, pled no contest and was fined $343.50.
• Robert G. Smith, 64, Coon Rapids, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $343.50.
• Douglas B. Smith, 66, Coon Rapids, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $343.50.
• Brandon D. Steffensen, 28, Dresser, pled no contest and was fined $343.50. Possess/loan/borrow another’s license
• Kenneth Maish, 87, Amery, pled no contest and was fined $303.30. Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Maddox J. Belisle, 18, Osceola, pled no contest and was fined $169.
• Kayden A. Belisle, 20, Osceola, pled no contest and was fined $169. Purchase improper license
POLK COUNTY LAND TRANSFERS
St. Croix Falls
Affiant Marcus S. Loden and Joel and Maureen Yunker to Trustees Joel and Maureen Yunker, the Joel Yunker Revocable Trust, the Maureen Yunker Revocable Trust, and the Joel and Maureen Yunker Revocable Trust, 2171 Fairgrounds Rd., in the Town of St. Croix Falls.
Jami L. Wallace to Kristofer K. Wallace, 764 Sandrock Rd., in the City of St. Croix Falls. West Sweden
Kenneth H. Erickson to Mitchell Stage, 3026 180th St., in the Town of West Sweden.
Steven J. Hoffman to Daniel L. Hoffman, 1 Parcel, in the Town of West Sweden. Alden
Jonna Marie Z. Klucas Living Trust, Trustee
Jonna M. Klucas and Trustee Jonna M. Zehm to Jonna Marie Zehm Living Trust and Trustee Jonna M. Zehm, 305 190th St., in the Town of Alden.
Corey W. Andersen and Karen B. Weber to Donna and Harry Andersen, 1773 43rd Ave., in the Town of Alden. Lower Pine Lake Partnership and Partners
Dee Mcardle, Thomas Mcardle and Darlene Myers to Darlene Myers, 242 W Lower Pine Lake Ct., in the Town of Alden.
Surveyor Daniel P. Kugel and Ogden Engineering Company to Cedar Lake Holdings LLC, 144 192nd St., in the Town of Alden.
Affiant Kirk Pederson to the public, 1893 W Church Rd., in the Town
• Maxwell J. Dauer, 18, Grantsburg, pled no contest and was fined $246.90.
• Luke J. Harris, 30, Amery, pled no contest and was fined $222.90. Refuse to take test for intoxication after arrest
• Deven K. Dowd, St. Croix Falls, pled no contest and had DOT license revoked for 2 years, ignition interlock device for 2 years and was fined $67.
• Joseph K. Hubbell, 44, Centuria, refusal found not reasonable and had DOT license revoked for 3 years, ignition interlock device for 12 months and was fined $67.
• Kevin D. Westerlund, 50, Dresser, pled no contest and had DOT license revoked for 3 years, ignition interlock device for 1 year and was fined $50.
• Zachary A. Moltzer, Turtle Lake, pled no contest and had DOT license revoked for 2 years, ignition interlock device for 2 years and was fined $73. Shoreland zoning violation
• Scott M. Matula, Sheboygan, pled no contest and was fined $452.50. Speeding in 55 MPH zone
of Alden.
Eydie and John Boor to Eydie Boor Joint Trust, John F. Boor Joint Trust and the John F. Boor and Eydie Boor Joint Trust, 215 E Lower Pine Lake Ln., in the Town of Alden.
Closing Coordinator Jodi Fedie, Sr., Laurie M. Neumann Survivor’s Trust, Neu-View Acres LLC, Roger J. Neumann Family Trust, Laurie M. Neumann Family Trust, Roger J. Neumann Survivor’s Trust and The Roger J. Neumann and Laurie M. Neumann Family Trust, 5 parcels, in the Town of Alden. Kirk Pederson to the public, 310 Swede Lake Ct., 1893 W Church Rd., 1875 A W Church Rd., and 1875 W Church Rd., in the Town of Alden. Brandon King Land Surveying LLC and Surveyor Brandon W. King to Orris Family, 2151 50th Ave., in the Town of Alden.
Amery
FKA Anjanette E. Osero and William Osero-Wilson to Alex and Jenna Strohbeen, 636 Sundance St., in the City of Amery.
Sandra J. Gordon to Cris G. Casarez and Cris Gordon Casarez, 145 Maple St. E, in the City of Amery.
Emerald Investments Group LLC and Polk County Sheriff to Bremer Bank National Association, 118 Keller Ave. N, in the City of Amery.
Apple River Rick and Valerie Ellingworth to Gary Prince, 1078 163rd Ave., in the Town of Apple
• Jacob L. Collova, 36, Osceola, pled no contest and was fined $200.50.
• Mitchell H. Etlicher, 33, Chippewa Falls, pled no contest and was fined $200.50.
• Richard D. Hicks, 64, Luck, pled no contest and was fined $225.70.
• Karen A. Lundquist, 55, Turtle Lake, pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
• Agustin Penaloza Reyes, 44, Crystal, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $200.50.
• Carol J. Rossiter, 76, Coon Rapids, Minn., pled guilty and was fined $175.30.
• Jessica R. Sardas, 41, Marine St. Croix, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
• Brian M. Smith, 29, Somerset, pled no contest and was fined $183.30.
• Lucas T. Swager, 18, Stillwater, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $225.70.
• Stephanie J. Teske, 32, Lindstrom, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $225.70.
• Isaac M. Vad, 17, Osceola, pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
• Matthew B. Warren,
River.
Balsam Lake
Dennis Krenz, S&K Rentals, S&K Enterprises and Thomas Salewski to Village of Osceola, 801 Park Dr., in the Village of Balsam Lake.
G&S Land Solutions LLC and Surveyor Joshua Granberg to Anthony Cronick, 1294 150th Ave. and 1 other parcel, in the Town of Balsam Lake.
Nicolas L. Blomstrand and Rosalie J. Wolff to Jonathon Johnson and Deborah and Jeffrey Rohr, 1780 180th St., in the Town of Balsam Lake.
Surveyor Mark E. Krause and Wagner Surveying Associates Inc. to the Jason Wirka Trust, 1754 123rd St., in the Town of Balsam Lake.
Black Brook
Jeffrey P. Wolf to Michael and Paula Hunt, 1099 3rd Ave., in the Town of Black Brook.
Cynthia and Mark Hansen to Scott Edwards, 5 parcels, in the Town of Black Brook.
Bone Lake
Chadwin B. Thomas to Rylee R. O’Brien, 2794 80th St., in the Town of Bone Lake.
Centuria
Joann M. Thaemert to Joy E. McVey, Charlene T. Ostgard, Dawn M. Swanepoel, and Dean and Leroy Thaemert, 3 parcels, in the Village of Centuria.
Trustees Kay and Stanley Swiontek, Kay L. Swiontek Revocable Trust, Stankley R. Swiontek Revocable Trust and the Stankley R. Swiontek and Kay L. Swiontek Revocable Trust to 700 State Hwy
25, Ogilvie, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
• Michael A. Allison, 59, Deer Park, pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
• Hailie K. Balluf-Huntley, 21, Balsam Lake, pled no contest and was fined $225.70.
• Alexander A. Behrendt, 40, Mendota Heights, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
• Don J. Buda, Jr., 18, Emerald, pled no contest and was fined $200.50.
• Tiffany L. Fesenmaier, 58, Danbury, pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
• Tyler J. Fladebo, 24, Coon Rapids, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
• Kelsey J. Glaser, 34, Grantsburg, pled no contest and was fined $225.70.
• Garrett L. Johnson, 41, Wyoming, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $200.50.
• Nicole B. Johnson, 36, Cushing, pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
• Thomas L. Kreutzian, 57, New Prague, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
35, in the Village of Centuria.
Clam Falls
Chadwin B. Thomas to Rylee R. O’Brien, 1055 350th Ave. and 1 other parcel, in the Town of Clam Falls.
Clayton
Anne and Todd Schilling to Red Mountain Munitions LLC, 145 Caudy Dr. N, in the Village of Clayton.
Tyler Amaya, NCP SSNS I LLC and Pemco Capital to Brandon and Melanie Beckstrom, 18 115th Ave., in the Town of Clayton.
Michael D. Pelc to Barh LLC, 123 Prentice St. N and 1 other parcel, in the Village of Clayton.
Clear Lake
Thomas P. Raisbeck to Eric and Kristine Anderson, 1 parcel, in the Town of Clear Lake.
Camilla Pietz, Barbara Roy and Village Plaza to Member Angela Harris, Member Meaghan Plath and Studio 510 LLC, 510 3rd Ave. NW, in the Village of Clear Lake.
Partner Camilla Pietz, Partner Barbara Roy and Village Plaza to Camilla Pietz and Barbara Roy, 510 3rd Ave. NW, in the Village of Clear Lake.
POA Melanie Lee Ryttie Downie and Virginia L. Ryttie to Brent M. Marg, 235 5th Pl. NW, in the Village of Clear Lake.
Farmington
Estate of Gottfried Heinrich Kellermann to Mieke Kellermann, 325 280th St., in the Town of Farmington.
Affiant Henry M. Helgen III and Mieke Kellermann to the public, 325
• Brentan J. Miller, 36, Chippewa Falls, pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
• Brandy L. Miller, 31, Almena, pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
• Gerald A. Morgenstern, 64, North Branch, pled no contest and was fined $200.50.
• James E. Olson, 59, Minneapolis, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
• Tucker J. Riemenschneider, 20, St. Croix Falls, pled no contest and was fined $225.70.
• Jessica E. Robinson, 42, Osceola, pled no contest and was fined $200.50.
• Wendy J. Schroeder, 66, Grasston, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
• Charisse M.I. Smith, 33, St. Paul, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
• James J. Wergin, 40, Hazelhurst, pled no contest and was fined $200.50.
• Jamey S. Westman, 51, Cedar, Minn., pled no contest and was fined $175.30.
• Kathy E. Williams, 60, Amery, pled no contest and was fined $200.50.
280th St., in the Town of Farmington.
Mieke Kellermann to MJR Homes LLC and New Age Properties LLC, 325 280th St., in the Town of Farmington.
Closing Coordinator Jodi Fedie, Sr., Laurie M. Neumann Survivor’s Trust, Neu-View Acres LLC, Roger J. Neumann Family Trust, Laurie M. Neumann Family Trust, Roger J. Neumann Survivor’s Trust and The Roger J. Neumann and Laurie M. Neumann Family Trust, 12 parcels, in the Town of Farmington.
Frederic
Doris and Larry Stotz to Kathlee Story and Alan and Larry Stotz, 203 2nd Ave S, in the Village of Frederic.
Georgetown
Bethany and Kirk Larson to Bethany K. Larson Trust, Kirk C. Larson Trust and the Kirk C. Larson and Bethany K. Larson Trust, 2156 W Bone Lake Dr. and 3 other parcels, in the Town of Georgetown.
Dale and Rita Frandsen to Trustees Karyl and Mary Godfrey and the Karyl J. Kraft Living Trust, 1 parcel, in the Town of Georgetown. Johnstown
Susan and Thomas Perzichilli to the Thomas A. Persichilli Jr. Revocable Trust and Trustee
Thomas A. Persichilli, Jr., 2062 Pipe Lake Ln., in the Town of Johnstown.
Lincoln
Joseph Goldsmith to Joseph and Sandra Goldsmith, 873 100th St. County Rd. H and 3 other parcels, in the Town of Lincoln.
Daryl and John Marschall to RWM Farm Holdings LLC, 5 parcels, in the Town of Lincoln. Renee J. Gilles and James S. Kariesch to Mikayla Durham and John and Ryan Kariesch, 1208 72nd Ave., in the Town of Lincoln.
Luck
Scott Nielsen to Denise and Scott Carlson, 1722 270th Ave. County Rd. B, in the Town of Luck. Milltown
President/CEO John Klatt and Lakeland Communications Properties LLC to Lakeland Communications Group LLC, 825 Innovation Ave. and 1 other parcel, in the Village of Milltown.
Dawn Anderson and Scott and Dawn Larson to Dawn and Scott Larson, 1427 185th Ave., in the Town of Milltown.
Harold and Marty Fjorden to Marty M. Fjorden and Roy M. Nelson, 2378 170th St. and 1 other parcel, in the Town of Milltown.
Trustees Carrie and Matthew Leisch, Dorothy Leisch Revocable Trust Under Agreement, Louis R. Leisch Revocable Trust Under Agreement and the Louis R. Leisch and Dorothy Leisch Revocable Trust Under Agreement to Carrie A. Leisch and David W. Ryan, 1825 Pine Island Park Ct. and 3 other parcels, in the Town of Milltown.
Steven D. Williamson to Jeremy and Lisa Bengtson, 1 parcel, in the Town of Milltown.
Lisa Johnson/Nagel to Lisa Nagel, 2362 State Hwy 35, in the Town of Milltown.
BENNETT: What’s the best state to live in?
FROM PAGE 12
had 31. Montana 26, Utah 23, Texas only 19, Wyoming 15, Maine 11, South Dakota 8, Tennessee 2. Wisconsin had 13, Minnesota 15. States with zero black points were Oklahoma, Virginia, North Dakato, Rhode Island, West Virginia and Alabama. That indicates that those states might be great states to nap in.
Texas led the red list with a red score of 46. They had a score of nine for worst bugs, hurricanes
HOROSCOPES
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
You’re in the mood to get things done this week, Aries. Your ambition is fueled and it is the perfect time to take charge and tackle overdue projects. Be careful not to rush things.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
Taurus, your focus shifts to personal growth and intellectual exploration this week. You might find yourself investigating travel plans or diving into new hobbies.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
Money and other resources take center stage this week, Gemini. Whether you are reevaluating your investments or getting your finances in order, you may need to make a few tweaks.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, you may find you’re a bit more introspective than usual. Your emotions are
1. “The Las Vegas of the East”
Manning and Wallach are
Chameleon
15. A way to fill up
17. What MLBers hope to play in 19. Unhappy 20. Indefinite period of time 21. Excites
Males
Mongol leader Genghis
Turfs
Soda comes in them
Not nice 31. Professional organization
32. Part of a play
34. Sea eagle
35. Emily Blunt’s character in “Sicario”
37. Beige
38. Mental sharpness
39. Valley
40. Alcyone’s husband
41. A place to gamble
43. Flightless Australian birds
45. Call out somebody’s name
Disfigure
2,000 lbs.
61. Siskel and __, critics CLUES DOWN 1. Mouths 2. Buffalo
3. You plug it in
Each
5. Largest English dictionary (abbr.)
6. King of Thebes
and natural disasters. Alabama was next with a red score of 45 with 10 in declared disasters, nine in tornadoes and eight in crime to name a few. Other categories included worst weather, worst humidity, pests and highest cost of living. Louisiana had 41 red points, California had 39 red points negating 39 black points. Other high red scores were Florida’s 34, they had a 31 black score, Mississippi 28, South Dakota and Iowa 26, New Mexico 25 New York 23, Tennessee 22, Worst wood tick
running deep, and it is a key time for some self-reflection. Be mindful of insights coming your way.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
Leo, it is a week of transitions for you. Something in your life may seem like it will come to an end soon, but this closing of one chapter is necessary for personal growth.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
Work and your career take center stage right now, Virgo. Since you’re in a productive phase, you will make great headway on projects that can really boost your resume.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
Think big this week, Libra. Try to see how your efforts can have an effect in the future and not just right now. There is an opportunity to expand your horizons.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
state was Virginia. States earning no points in the red list were Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Indiana, Nevada, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Utah which is a great thing! Wisconsin had six red points. and Minnesota had 14 red points. So which state is the best to live in? To be continued...
Jim Bennett is an outdoorsman who lived and worked in the St. Croix River Valley and can be reached at jamesbennett24@ gmail.com for comments.
Scorpio, your financial world is looking quite favorable this week. You might have an opportunity to solidify your position on a project or embark on a completely new path.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
The focus is on you this week, Sagittarius. If you have been feeling stuck or unsure, now is a great time to put new intentions into action. People will be drawn to your energy.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
The quiet side of life takes over for the week, Capricorn. You might feel the need to reflect on recent experiences or recharge at home alone. Don’t hesitate to take a step back.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
Your social life is booming right now, Aquarius. Networking events, group activities or spontaneous meet-ups are ways to connect with some
like-minded individuals.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
Pisces, this week you are all about setting goals and following through with your plans. The universe is on your side right now, and you will find it is quite easy to succeed.
FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS
FEBRUARY 2
Shakira, Singer (48)
FEBRUARY 3
Warwick Davis, Actor (55)
FEBRUARY 4
Alice Cooper, Singer (77)
FEBRUARY 5
Cristiano Ronaldo, Athlete (40)
FEBRUARY 6
Axl Rose, Singer (63)
FEBRUARY 7
Brooks Nader, Model (28)
FEBRUARY 8
Seth Green, Actor (51)
RECIPES
Treat your Valentine to gluten-free sweets
Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to lavish love and attention on a special person in your life. Exchanging gifts, enjoying dinner out and snuggling with your sweetheart are commomplace on this mid-February holiday devoted to love. It is equally common to enjoy a sweet dessert to cap off this romantic day. Food allergies and intolerances do not take a holiday when Valentine’s Day rolls around. For those who live gluten-free, finding a dessert that suits their diet might prove a tad challenging. Luckily it is relatively easy to whip up a gluten-free dessert and ensure that Valentine’s treats can be enjoyed by all. This recipe for “Snickerdoodles” from “Cozy Kitchen Allergy-Friendly Cooking” (Umbrella Sky) by Jeanette Smerina, is gluten-, soy- and dairy-free, but certainly not free of delicious flavor. What’s fun about these cookies is cooks can use colored sugar to customize them for any occasion. Use red and pink for Valentine’s Day.
Snickerdoodles
Makes 25 to 30
2 1⁄2 cups gluten-free flour, 1-1 blend
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1⁄2 cup olive oil
2 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons almond milk
For rolling and coating:
1⁄4 cup granulated sugar (or colored sugar) 2 tablespoons cinnamon
1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Mix on low just to combine.
2. In a small bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together oil, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until thickened.
3. Add the egg and sugar mixture to the dry ingredients, and mix until just combined. Then add the almond milk and blend once more.
4. Cover and chill dough for 30 minutes or more. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or use silicone baking mats.
5. In a shallow bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon. Scoop small balls of the cookie dough (about an inch in diameter) and roll in the cinnamon and sugar mixture. Place each ball 2 inches apart on the cookie sheets. Repeat until all dough is used. The cookies will puff and enlarge while cooking.
6. Press down slightly on all cookie balls to flatten a bit. Bake cookies 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges of cookies are looking set up.
7. Cool cookies on racks. Store in covered containers for up to one week.
Dishonest individual
Systems, doctrines, theories
The woman
The whole of one’s holdings
Witnesses
Doctor
Paul __, Swiss painter
Kids look for him on Decem-
7. English name meaning “mythical hunter” 8. Indicates near 9. More herbaceous 10. Gas-powered cars need one
Provisions
Book parts
Partner to “Pa”
Republic of Ireland
Sammy __, songwriter
Dutch colonist
Clare Booth __, American writer
Solar disk in Egyptian mythology
Minute arachnid
From a distance
Monthly apartment cost
53. Young women’s association
Tourist destination
“Woman” in Ojibwe language
Pointed end of a pen
ROUND UP: Operation Rounds up awards money
6. Siren School
$1,000, original “To
7. Burnett County Family Resource
diaper pantry
8. Luck Area Historical Society, $1,000, LED lighting upgrade
9. Clear Lake Track & Field, $500, discus throwing cage
10. Clayton FFA, $1,500, hydroponic growing
11. Interfaith Caregivers of Polk County, $1,500, medical transportation assistance
12. Deronda Diplomats 4-H Club, $800, supplies to make tie blankets for Amery Dialysis Center
13. Frederic Community Education, $500, Slinger Bag pickleball machine
14. Turtle Lake Track Committee, $500, high jump and discus equipment
Operation Round Up grants are donated by
members of Polk-Burnett who round their monthly electric bill up to the next even dollar amount. Operation Round Up grant recipients are selected quarterly by a board of co-op members. Nonprofit organizations interested in applying for a grant or co-op members who’d like to round their bill up in support of Operation Round Up may contact 800-421-0283 or polkburnett.com. The next application deadline is March 1.
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-888355-6955 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. Donate your car, truck, boat, RV and more to support our
veterans! Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction! Call Veteran Car Donations at 1-888-425-2108 today! Consumer Cellular - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, start-
ing at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-833-518-2155 GUN SHOW: February 7-8, 2025, Badger Military Collectible & Military Firearms Show Waukesha Expo, 1000 Northview RD. Waukesha, WI. Fri 3-8pm, Sat 9am-4pm, $10 (Under 14 FREE) Buy/ Sell, 608-752-6677 www.bobandrocco.com
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