WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 2019
Serving Polk County’s St. Croix Valley since 1897
VOL. 121 NO. 51 www.osceolasun.com $1.00
WANNIGAN DAYS: Wannigan Days this weekend in SCF and TF. PAGE 11-14
Stop signs coming to Chieftain Street at Fourth Avenue
Small increase likely for Osceola general school aids BY APRIL ZIEMER EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM
In a July 1 estimate, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction anticipated that Osceola’s general school aids would increase about $44,000 (0.43%) for the 2019-20 year. That estimate does not include per pupil categorical aid, which will be based on student enrollment from the 2019-20, 2018-19, and 2017-18 school years (third Friday in September count). Proposed budget language had set per pupil aid at $679 for the 2019-20 school year and $704 for the following year. Governor Tony Evers increased that to $742 for the next two school years, using partial-veto power before signing the budget. General aids According to information from the DPI, Osceola is
BY SUZANNE LINDGREN EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM
Drivers will soon see a four-way stop at Chieftain Street and Fourth Avenue. The intersection is currently a two-way stop along Fourth. With increased traffic at the intersection since the opening of the Discovery Center, and low visibility for westbound drivers attempting to see around the new building, reports of near misses have increased. The Public Works Committee recommended the change, which was made official by village board approval July 9. Board members suggested initially flagging the signs after installation to ensure drivers notice the change.
APRIL ZIEMER
The estimate for general school aids does not include per pupil aid, which Governor Tony Evers increased from a proposed $679 to $742 before signing the budget earlier this month.
one of 248 schools estimated to receive more general aid in 2019-20. Other area schools showing increases are Baldwin-Woodville, Barron, Cameron, Cum-
Catch blues, bluegrass at Franconia Sculpture Park CONTRIBUTED FRANCONIA SCULPTURE PARK
Now in its 23rd year, Franconia Sculpture Park has perfected the ultimate summer music series. On July 27 at Franconia’s Earthen Amphitheatre see headliner Scottie Miller Band with opening band Barbaro. This event promises to keep audiences moving and grooving during an afternoon of honky-tonk and blues. Bring a blanket, grab a bite to eat from Asase Yaa Global Foods, Lake State BBQ, or Cotton Candy Ice Cream. Visit Mary Johnson’s famous Lizard Lounge for a beverage or freezie. Music@Franconia takes place among Franconia Sculpture Park’s
interactive, cheerful, and dynamic sculpture exhibition with 120+ sculptures made on-site by Franconia artists-in-residence. Enjoy an afternoon of song, dance, and sculpture. Concert admission is free, parking is $5 per vehicle. Concerts take place between 2 and 6 p.m. Free tours of the park exhibit between sets. In the event of rain, Franconia has a large tent set up to shelter guests. All events are family and dog friendly. Please pick-up after your furry friend. 2 p.m. Barbaro https://www.barbaroband.com/ Barbaro is an SEE MUSIC, PAGE 17
NEWS 715-294-2314 editor@osceolasun.com
berland, Grantsburg, New Richmond, Amery, Prairie Farm, St. Croix Central and Unity. Of the state’s 421 school districts, 40 percent (168)
are estimated to receive less including Boyceville, Clayton, Clear Lake, Hudson, St. Croix Falls,
New administrator hired The hire of Benjamin Krumenauer is official after the board approved his employment agreement July 9. The terms of the agreement are similar to the village’s past contracts with administrators, according to Interim Administrator Frank Pascarella. Kruenauer’s annual salary will be $90,000 plus benefits.
SEE AIDS, PAGE 18
SEE STOP SIGNS, PAGE 18
First statewide native mussel survey in 40 years reveals mixed trends CONTRIBUTED WI DNR
The first statewide survey for native mussels in 40 years in Wisconsin shows the water-cleaning clams are facing mixed fortunes. Mussel populations and diversity were highest in the St. Croix River, with 24 different species found at one site and high species diversity also on the Manitowish, Chippewa and Peshtigo rivers. “On the St. Croix River, the abundance and species richness was very impressive,” says Jesse Weinzinger, a conservation biologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources coordinating the surveys. “There were times you’d be pulling up 200 to 300 mussels and 12 or so species in our 15-minute timed surveys.” Other good news is that mussel populations ADVERTISING 715-294-2314 ads@osceolasun.com
JACK SILVERBERG
Conservation biologist Jesse Weinzinger holds a native mussel with invasive zebra mussels attached.
are rebounding in the Wisconsin River as gains from clean water regulations over the last half-century pay off, and native mussels are even PUBLIC NOTICES 715-294-2314 office@osceolasun.com
starting to be found in the lower Fox River and Green Bay where a massive cleanup project is underway and improved water quality is making
SUBSCRIPTIONS 715-294-2314 office@osceolasun.com
it possible to consider reintroducing more species. At some other sites, SEE MUSSELS, PAGE 18
BREAKING NEWS, UPDATES Whenever, wherever you are! Scan me with your smartphone