The Sun 08.19.2020 by The Sun

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2020

Serving Polk County’s St. Croix Valley since 1897

VOL. 123 NO. 03 www.osceolasun.com $1.00

SPORTS: Help track Wisconsin’s deer populations. PAGE 12

Village Board announces steps to replace Anderson BY JASON SCHULTE EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM

ta University in Storm Lake, Iowa. She then received her Master’s Degree in English from Minnesota State University Mankato. After college, she taught for seven years in Iowa. Kaitlyn Joyce: Osceola High School English teacher. Joyce recently graduated from Hamline University and earned her Masters of Art in Teaching. She received her undergraduate from the University of Minnesota in Communications and Global Studies. While

The Osceola Village Board approved the process on replacing Tim Anderson, who resigned as Village trustee Aug. 4 during its Aug. 12 monthly meeting. In his letter, Anderson said the resignation, which was effective immediately, wished his former Trustees the best of luck in their future endeavors, thanked the staff for all the work they’ve done and he was proud to call Osceola home. For those interested, they have until 4 p.m., Aug. 31, to submit their application. For a detailed description of the job, check out the village’s website and Employment Opportunities under the Government link. A candidate forum and interviews with the Village Board will be Sept. 8 with the candidate being sworn in on Oct. 13. Anderson’s replacement will serve out the rest of his term, which will expire in April 2021. “You have to be willing to put in the time,” said trustee Bruce Gilliland, when trustees were discussing the process. “Some months could be one meeting, other months could be four.” Approvals The Board approved an emergency River Street storm main repair contract with A-1 Construction for $11,282.50. In his introduction explaining the request, Todd Waters, Public Works Coordinator, stressed the sewer pipe “has been deteriorating rapidly since 2014 and has suffered catastrophic failure.” Approval was also granted for developing a new Tax Increment District. Titled TID 3, Village staff were seeking approval to help fund new growth projects including Ridge Road realignment, River Road reconstruction, potential private development incentives, trail and parking improvements as well as enhancements along Depot Road. With Anderson’s resignation, Deb Rose was approved to fill his spot on the Planning Commission. In addition, President Jeromy Buberl was named to the Library Board to replace Rose. Kennel licenses were granted to Joe and Allana Clymer, Robert and M. Catherine Stangroom and Arlo and Julie Ann Kehren. Department updates Police Chief Ron Pedrys reported for the month of July, seven arrests were made and

SEE FACULTY, PAGE 18

SEE VILLAGE, PAGE 10

DAN JOHNSON | THE SUN

Osceola Village president Jeromy Buberl accepts the ‘keys’ to the new ﬁre truck from Jessie Cory of Custom Fire.

Osceola Fire & Rescue replaces 48-year old ﬁre truck BY DAN JOHNSON STAFF WRITER

The Osceola Fire Department officially received a brand-new fire truck August 12, during the ceremonial “passing of the keys.” Since fire engines rarely use keys

anymore, Jessie Cory from Custom Fire and Village President Jeromy Buberl posed in front of the department staff and the new truck. The truck will be replacing an older engine built in 1972. The old truck has required extensive main-

tenance, and over the past 10 years, the department pushed to buy a new one. Within the last three years, annual purchases were made to perfect the design. The first purchase was a 65-foot ladder with overhead floodlights, and a year later, the chassis

was bought. This year, the rest of the truck was purchased and put together. The department is excited about the new fire engine and its considerable upgrades. They hope it will serve them for at least the next 35 years.

New faculty at Osceola School District New faculty at the Osceola School district for the 2020-2021 includes: Caroline (Carrie) Jundt: Sixth grade Social Studies teacher. Jundt graduated from UW – Eau Claire in 2020 in with a major in Broadfield Social Studies Secondary Education with a history emphasis. Dylan Ringer: Osceola High School Phy Ed teacher. Ringer graduated from Northland Pines High School in Eagle River. While in high school he played football, basketball, & track. After high school Dylan served in the United States Navy as a Construction Mechanic

for three years and volunteered as a Command Fitness Leader. He had two deployments in his three years of service; one in Rota, Spain and one in Dili, Timor-Leste. Dylan then enrolled at UW-Oshkosh to pursue his degree in Physical Education. Janna Lundein: Osceola Middle and High School as a Spanish teacher. Lundein grew up in Duluth, Minn., and is still her favorite place to visit as her parents live along the shore of Lake Superior. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in English & Spanish from Buena Vis-

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AUGUST 19, 2020

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Best Of voting underway It’s decision time. Readers of the Osceola Sun and the community will decide the best in six categories: eating and dining; arts and entertainment; health and fitness; local; services; shopping and sports and recreation. Voting takes place online August 19 – September 10 at www.osceolasun.com/bestof Winners will be announced October 22.

Stafsholt defeats Link; will face Schachtner in the general election BY JASON SCHULTE EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM

Rob Stafsholt easily defeated Cherie Link in the Republican primary Aug. 11 for the Wisconsin State Senate 10 District seat. Stafsholt finished with 12,563 votes (65%) to Link’s 6,828 (35), according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Stafsholt will face the Democratic incumbent Patty Schachtner in the Nov. 3 general election. In Polk County, Stafsholt earned 3,273 votes compared to Link’s 1,674. Locally, Stafsholt won the Village of Osceola (136-103), the town of Osceola (246-102), the Village of Dresser (81-45) and the town of Farmington (152-103). Both Stafsholt and Link live in St. Croix County. Stafsholt dominated the county as well, as he finished with

6,801 votes to Link’s 3,733. In a press release announcing the victory, Stafsholt said the following: “As I’ve met with voters across the district over the last several months, one thing is clear: Patty Schachtner represents Madison’s agenda, not Northwest Wisconsin’s interests, and she has consistently failed to lead. We must return a proven conservative leader to the Senate who knows how to get things done. I’m proud of my track record of delivering results, including 15 bills signed into law, by governors of both parties, which protect our liberties and put taxpayers first. I will continue that fight in the State Senate.” Within the Village of Osceola, 229 people SEE ELECTION, PAGE 14

Changes to Farmington Mining Ordinance to be approved BY DAN JOHNSON STAFF WRITER

The Farmington Town Board held a special meeting Aug. 12 to respond to concerns voiced at the recent mining ordinance public hearing. Six major concerns were noted and addressed: License transfer The first concern surrounded issues already covered in the ordinance about mining license transference. These regulations can be found in Section 4 of the ordinance. Water testing Concerns were raised about how water testing will be conducted and who will conduct such tests. The Board decided to add clarification to the ordinance so that all readings from water tests will be sent to the town’s hydrologists. The town’s hydrologist will subsequently create a report from the findings. Another clarification under the water testing section of the ordinance concerned disposing of hazardous waste. The ordinance states, “The Operator shall not dispose of waste materials containing any hazardous chemicals in toxic amounts.” The Board’s proposed alteration would be to simplify this regulation to not permit dumping any sort of materials on-site or in the town unless approved by the Board.

Decibel rating of the site The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s recommended decibel rating for an eight-hour per day worksite is 90 dBA. The ordinance requires that the mining site should not exceed 95 dB. After some deliberation, the Board changed the ordinance so that the maximum noise from the site wouldn’t exceed 90 dB, and noise studies may be implemented. There were concerns from the Board about responding to unreasonable noise complaints, as it may set a precedent for many unresolvable noise complaints in the future. The consensus was that noise is an inevitable part of life, and some complaints will simply not be able to be resolved. Penalties and ﬁnes Another change to the ordinance was an increase in potential fines issued to violators of procedures. In the ordinance, the range for fines was “not less than $500.00 per violation nor more than $2500.00 per violation.” The change would be to raise the maximum fine amount to $250,000 instead of 2,500. The increased maximum fine amount would give the Town Board freedom to penalize violators as they see fit. Impact statement Chairman Dennis Cottor discussed the impact the mine has on the town, noting that the mining

operation cannot be brought to a halt. He considered the negative impact the mine may have on the town, but also the impact the mine has had on Farmington’s financial stability. Seismograph readings After blasting in the mine, the seismic rating of each blast should be recorded and available to the public. The Board decided to add additional wording to explain that after blasting, the seismic results should be given to the Town Board, and in turn, posted to the town website. That way, any consistent complaints about blasting that come up can be traced back to the town records. Other concerns The Board agreed that a table of contents or an index should be added for easy accessibility. Cottor also noted that after the current mining operation wraps up; there could be a possibility of reworking zoning regulations to prevent other mining operations in the future. The Town Board decided to take all these ordinance changes to their lawyer the following morning for recommendations and approval. Clerk/Treasurer Debbie Swanson said Saturday those changes have been made and the Board will meet 7 a.m., Aug. 19 to adopt the ordinance.

Osceola Town Board discuss ethical conduct and election recommendations BY MATT ANDERSON CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Due to a tense July board meeting in the town of Osceola, a request for a public apology to staff was made prompting the Aug. 4 monthly meeting to withhold public comment. This has been a culmination of several months of contention between the board, town staff and residents causing the board to address and mitigate the issues involved in hopes of quelling tensions between the town and its constituents. “There were things said that should not have been said in public,” said Chairman Doug

Schmidt. “They should have been said under closed session and they didn’t. There were a lot of feelings and contempt, and I would like to ask the board if they could possibly meet in closed session to discuss some of those issues.” A five-minute recess was called to address public outbursts made against the no-public comment mandate for the August meeting. Once back in session, the board scheduled a closed session meeting Aug. 13 to address apologies to staff, staffing in general, and other issues that arose at the July meeting. Internet A letter was drafted to be

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sent to CenturyLink in the hopes of upgrading or improving the general Internet connection in the town of Osceola. Due to COVID-19, many residents are working from home, and with the upcoming school year in question, the need for quality Internet connection is crucial. Because of this, the board motioned to create a resolution to make a finalized letter to send to CenturyLink. Election Also in concern of COVID-19, the board discussed the guidelines that may be placed during the November election. One recommendation was to move the voting to the garage in accordance with social distancing guidelines. However, election official for the town, Jo Everson, expressed her thoughts that it may be unnecessary to move the voting

Champion Aircraft annual reunion is CANCELLED for Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020, because of COVID-19.

to the garage due to the number of absentee, in-house voting and cold-temperatures as well. No action was taken on this matter, but it will likely be a continued topic coming closer to the November election. Before the meeting adjourned, supervisor Brandon Whittaker requested that public comment be returned to the September board meeting along with other agenda items that were left off the August meeting including Concentrated Animal Farming Operations (CAFOs), Eagle Bluff Ridge, town social media policies, and school board attendance at town of Osceola meetings. Other business: • Due to $2000 total in checks that were issued to the Sand Lake Cemetery, Whittaker requested that the board request explanations and/or official requests from Sand Lake and any other future cemeteries that may receive funding from the Town of Osceola. This may include the presence of personnel involved at town board meetings, information as to why the money is needed, and their personSEE TOWN, PAGE 13

AUGUST 19, 2020

THE SUN

www.osceolasun.com

A love letter to local journalism

BY DAN JOHNSON

Following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, all gatherings of 10 or more are being curtailed. If there is an event you were attending, please call to see if it is occurring. The Out & About page will return when this restriction is lifted.

ST. CROIX VALLEY SENIOR CENTER

ugust is slipping away and Labor Day is nearly here. We still arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t able to celebrate much, but it is a day off. Of course most people our age have every day off, but that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean we are just lounging around you know! Who works more, the man in the house or someone else? Is it a contest? Just kidding, so far getting old hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been all that bad. I find laughing at myself better than giving up on myself! Life is good! Sure would be nice if we could play cards again Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons, the center looks lonely on those days. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t realize how much I looked forward to those days. It was really nice to visit and see everyone once or twice a week, and get caught up on everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s news. If you have something you would like to sell, you are welcome to bring it to the center to sell. There is a fee to Columnist rent a table. For a single large item, we would appreciate a donation if it Pat Willits is sold here. If your item doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sell please remove it after a reasonable ti W have h time. We firewood for sale now, call for information or stop in. New things every week be sure to stop by and check things out. Looking ahead this is our plan: Tuesdays we are open 10 a.m.-12 p.m. or so Thursdays and Fridays open 8 to 12 or whenever the OPEN flag is flying. Aug. 20 we will be serving BLTs. Aug. 21 Polish sausage. Aug. 27 we will be serving burgers. Aug. 28 Brats . Sept. 3 BLT or Pork chop on a stick. All meals are served from 5-7 p.m. You can eat in or take out. If you take your supper out on Fridays, you can take it to the overlook and listen to wonderful music while eating picnic style. We are located downtown St. Croix Falls at 140 N. Washington. Phone: 715-483-1901.

Free food distribution August 22 A freed food distribution will be held 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 22, behind the Osceola Fire Department building, 657 State Highway 35.

Regardless of family size, each household will receive a meal for a family of four, plus beverages. No income restrictions.

Wisconsin Agriculture Youth Council application available The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) reminds interested high school seniors to apply now for the new Wisconsin Agriculture Youth Council. Applications will be accepted for one

more week, through August 21, 2020. Self-nominations include a completed onepage application, resume, 300-word essay, one-minute video, and letter of recommendation. In its SEE COUNCIL, PAGE 10

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I have vivid memories of playing on the Microsoft Word processor on our big, family computer with the cathode-ray tube monitor and feeling quite at home. After dragging Wordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s virtual assistant Clippy, the inexplicable 3D paperclip, all-around the screen, I would start in on my â&#x20AC;&#x153;writing.â&#x20AC;? Content with the several pages of keyboard-smash gibberish (and long strings of squiggly red underlines), I insisted my mom print it off and read it back to me. She gently explained that what I wrote was unintelligible, and from then on, I was intent on learning how to type. In my three-year-old mind, those unintelligible words formed a bestselling, masterpiece story. And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all I wanted â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to tell stories. As I got older, the world of journalism started appealing to me. Depictions on TV of investigative writers racing against deadlines to get the scoop, exploring every part of the world, and always learning; it sounded more like an exciting game than a job. I wanted to wear a cool fedora and a trench coat and stay up at an all-night cafĂŠ, chugging coffee to finish my next groundbreaking article. While it hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been quite as

glamorous as I imagined, my first professional journalism job at the The Sun has been eye-opening and exciting. And now that college is starting up again, it will be over soon. To me, journalism is the most desirable job because it involves itself in everything. There are always new things to investigate and research. This summer, I got a glimpse into peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives and livelihoods that I would never have had access to if I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a reporter. I was able to ask people questions freely about what they do and how they think. I had the power to let my curiosity run free. I took full advantage of my reporter title and dug deep into hearing peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stories. Then, in a wonderfully artistic shift in the process, I told their stories to others. I witnessed the worries of local business owners, the hard work of school staff members, and the passion of community residents. I wish that my readers could experience those stories themselves, rather than reading my condensed version. Of course, my first official journalism job could have come at a better time (I think I wrote three stories that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mention Coronavirus). But the peculiar happenings of this year have

helped solidify my understanding of the journalistic role. Often when I tell people Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a reporter, they say something like, â&#x20AC;&#x153;it must be strange working in the media these days.â&#x20AC;? And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s true. But what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve discovered about journalism in the age of COVID-19 and the worldwide cry for racial justice (during an election year) is that these are the times we need journalists more than ever, especially on the local level. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not my job to stir up dissension and cause mass panic, which seems to be the commonly perceived agenda of newsrooms. Rather, my job is to tell peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stories, even (and especially) if theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re frustrating or inconvenient to hear. Writing is a powerful force that brings people together, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where we can begin to understand each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perspectives. Writing is not an easy thing. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an unnaturally painful process to learn how to put words onto blank pages. And itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just as challenging a process to read them. When we read, we offer someone else the human dignity of having a voice, and ourselves become silent. Community newspapers truly are the best way to get connected SEE JOHNSON, PAGE 13

Osceola Police Department to participate in Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over The Osceola Police Department is joining law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin during the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Drive Sober or Get Pulled Overâ&#x20AC;? campaign from Friday, Aug. 21 through Labor Day (Sept. 7, 2020). â&#x20AC;&#x153;About every three hours in Wisconsin, someone is injured or killed in an alcohol-related crash,â&#x20AC;? Chief Ron Pedrys said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is not about stopping or arresting motorists. This is about saving lives and preventing needless tragedies by encouraging drivers to be safe and responsible.â&#x20AC;? Last year in Wisconsin, there were 6,058 alcohol-related crashes that injured 2,918 people and resulted in 140

deaths (about one-quarter of all traffic fatalities). While alcohol-impaired drivers remain a concern, a growing problem involves drug-impaired drivers - people whose ability to safely operate a motor vehicle is compromised by legal or illegal drugs including prescription and over-the-counter medications. To help combat impaired driving, Wisconsin has: 5,223 police officers trained in Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) to help detect and remove impaired drivers from the roadways; 310 highly-trained Drug Recognition Experts - among the most in the nation;

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23 multi-jurisdictional high-visibility enforcement task forces operating throughout the year, across the state. Citizens can help in several ways: If you plan to celebrate, identify a sober designated driver or find a safe alternative way home. Never allow someone to get behind the wheel impaired. Protect yourself and your passengers every time you travel. Ensure everyone is buckled up. Watch your speed and eliminate distractions. If you suspect a driver is impaired, call 911. Provide as much detail as possible on the driver,

vehicle and location. Download the free â&#x20AC;&#x153;Drive Soberâ&#x20AC;? mobile app from the WisDOT website. The app includes a â&#x20AC;&#x153;find a rideâ&#x20AC;? feature to help locate mass transit and taxi services; Some taverns and restaurants have programs to provide patrons a safe ride home. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Drivers impaired by alcohol or other drugs risk the safety of everyone along our roadways,â&#x20AC;? Chief Ron Pedrys said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;During the Drive Sober campaign and throughout the year, our goal is to help ensure all travelers reach their destinations safely.â&#x20AC;?

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4 THE SUN

www.osceolasun.com

AUGUST 19, 2020

Not the boss of me

elcome to the dog days of summer. Hot and humid days melting into shorter daylight. It always makes me sad when sunset time gets closer to 8 p.m. — then 7 p.m. So, are you taking advantage of the final days of freedom from the regular routines of school? I saw some kids out playing and pondered how strange this summer has been for them all. With the lock down this spring effectively ending school a month early (two if you count the lockdown itself), it should have been a real barn burner of a summer. But, like many other things this year, the coronavirus spoiled Publisher summer vacation. The coronavirus has provided Tom Stangl additional time with our families, a mixed blessing or curse, depending on how you get along with your family members. Some have grown closer, some have torn into renovation projects, others have rediscovered cooking and many have watched about anything and everything they can on television. (Binge tip: check out “Patriot” on Amazon Prime. 18 hours of wonderful dark humor.) Some are gaining weight, others are trying to lose weight. After receiving a cardiac diagnosis in 2018, I was told to walk more and lose some weight as well as monitor my heart. There are many devices on the market now that can help you do these tasks and store the information on your smart phone. I chose to get an Apple Watch. I’m a self-confessed snob when it comes to products made by Apple, I’ve loved them since 1984 when I first used a Macintosh computer. I believe they are designed to be easy to use and understand — or as easy to use and understand as any of these things can be. The watch is “wearable” technology, meaning it’s a little computer and smart phone that you wear as a watch. It communicates with my iPhone, storing all sorts of health information about me, ranging from my sleeping habits, to the number of steps I take and how many times I get up and move during the day. I can even go “Dick Tracy” and take a call on my watch. It’s the type of thing many of us dreamed about when we were kids. But, like many things we thought would be cool when we were children, as adults it isn’t nearly as cool as we imagined. Sure, I can take and record an electrocardiogram (EKG) on my watch. I can set a timer so I know when to flip the burgers on the grill at home. I can even read emails and text messages on the tiny 44mm screen. But there’s a darker side to “smart” wearables — the judgement. In order to keep you on track to your goal of standing or moving, the watch will periodically tap you on the wrist to alert you to get up and stand or tell you if you are doing well or slacking. When it gets to be after supper, I get some “encouragement” to “go for a brisk walk” to meet my exercise and move goals. “Totally worth it,” my watch tells me. Some days, I beg to differ. I understand and appreciate what the technology is trying to nudge me to do, but a nag is a nag, even if it is a bright and shiny one. Gotta go, time to stand up again… 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.

Active member of

HOW TO REACH US: Our office is located at 108 Cascade Street, Osceola, WI 54020. We are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Call: (715) 294-2314, (715) 755-3316, or fax at (715) 7553314. TO SUBSCRIBE: office@osceolasun.com The Sun is mailed to the homes of subscribers for delivery every

Good luck to all

’ve been floating this column topic in my head for over a month now, and with the deadline for it coming sooner rather than later, this is the week it needs to get to paper. I’ve seen or read four western Wisconsin school reopening plans in that time frame and unsurprisingly, a lot of them Editor share similar ideas. Jason Schulte Cohorts, bus red i i duction, assigned seating, mandatory masks, taking part in outdoor settings, are all highlights of note I’ve seen in the Osceola, Baldwin-Woodville, River Falls and St. Croix Central school districts. Parents want their kids to go back to school for obvious reasons; teachers want to teach in front of students instead of Zoom or Google Meet; and maybe not every student, but a majority want to go back because they miss seeing their friends (or God forbid, they

actually miss learning something). But, what’s going to be interesting to watch as schools start back (heck, Osceola’s first day, is a week away, Aug. 26), isn’t the 3 R’s or other core subjects taught every day, it’s patience and understanding. For all the work school districts have done this summer in preparing to resume opening up, do they have all the answers for every scenario that could come this fall or winter? No one does, because no one knows when COVID-19 is going to end. And will school districts get blamed for not having all those answers in advance? Every school in part of their reopening plan has sent out guidelines on not sending your child to school if they’re experiencing a, b, c or d. Will all parents follow that advice? Will they be unable to due to reasons beyond their control? I’m only using the following based off what I experienced with my daughters in elementary school, but after Christmas time, it was virtually guaranteed, the flu spread around their school fast-

er than Mary Poppins could say Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Are we as parents going to have the patience or understanding if schools are dealing with COVID-19 during that time frame as well? Is patience and understanding going to be shown if schools announce limited attendance for their children’s sporting events? Or even worse, band and choir concerts when Mom and Dad and Grandma and Grandpa want to see Johnny or Janey Doe play their instrument. How patient or understanding will parents is if a confirmed COVID-19 case lands within their school district this year? Will the entire school district have to shut down or can it be limited to the building? And most importantly, will the identity be withheld from the public because if there’s a case, that’s going to be question number one? Since the most recent school shootings within the last 8-10 years, additional safety and secuSEE SCHULTE, PAGE 7

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AUGUST 19, 2020

THE SUN

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The faith we place in our elections

â&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve lost track of the times over the years Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve heard a politician say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the most important election of my lifetime.â&#x20AC;? In fact, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve said it myself. And Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure we all believed it at the time. But in my case, at least, I know I was wrong in the past. Because this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s election is the most important of my lifetime. Elections are the crown jewel of a representative democracy. We do at least three things when we vote. First, and Columnist most obviously, we vote for our Lee Hamilton preferred candidates. Second, by doing so we vote to direct policy and to give the party we favor more control over the levers of power. Third, and possibly most important, by voting we place our stamp of approval on the systemâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; we participate in it, reinforce it, and trust it to carry our voice. Then, whatever the result, we

accept it. This is actually one of the remarkable things about the American political systemâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the degree to which Americans over the centuries have placed their faith in election results, win or lose. Occasionally there are charges of voter fraud, but overwhelmingly we accept the results and express confidence in the fairness, transparency, and integrity of the election process. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a vitally important part of our system that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve taken too much for granted. This allegiance to the idea that the process matters more than personal conviction has come even from politicians who had a right to object. The most obvious recent example is Al Gore in 2000, after votes left uncounted because of the Supreme Court cost him the election. Bitter supporters urged him not to accept the result and to challenge the legitimacy of the process. Instead, in his concession speech, Gore said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Other disputes have dragged on for weeks before reaching resolution. And each time, both the victor and

the vanquished have accepted the result peacefully and in the spirit of reconciliationâ&#x20AC;Ś. [O]ur disappointment must be overcome by our love of country. That was a bare 20 years ago and look how far weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve strayed. This year, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fair to say, Americansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; trust in the election process is at best unsettled. Many are worried about foreign meddling. But thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing compared to the undermining coming from the very top: A sitting president who refuses, so far at least, to say whether he will accept the results of the election, who floats the idea of postponing it, who questions the validity of the venerable absentee ballot, and who talks constantly about â&#x20AC;&#x153;corruptâ&#x20AC;? elections. In fact, Susan Glasser writes in The New Yorker, since 2012 Donald Trump has â&#x20AC;&#x153;questioned voting or suggested that an election would be rigged, unfair, or otherwise compromisedâ&#x20AC;? 712 times. This year alone he was closing in on 100 times when her article was SEE HAMILTON, PAGE 6

THE POSTSCRIPT More dog stories

t seems I have acquired a reputation. I have been handing out dog treats for three months. Every day, I take the same trail, and every day, I meet many of the same customers. Dogs have an amazing memory when it comes to getting a treatâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;particularly from a stranger. One dog is not allowed treats. â&#x20AC;&#x153;No treats!â&#x20AC;? his owner says. Before I knew Columnist her better, I suggested, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maybe Carrie Classon heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like a treat?â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t we all?â&#x20AC;? she said. (That lady sounded like she could really use a treat.) But she is the only one. There is a Bernese Mountain dog, appropriately named Bernie, who always gets a treat. He does not even stop to greet me. He does a drive-by, taking the treat from my hand, and then hurrying on to his important dog appointments. There are two runner dogs, Fergus and Luna, who I see twice a day because their owner runs roughly the same route I walk in the opposite direction. I decided two treats every day was a bit much, so I only give them a treat on the second leg. Then one day,

they took a different route home. When I saw Fergus the next day he looked at me like Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d cheated him out of a treat. Usually, the last dogs I see are two border collies, Ray and Cruiser. But yesterday, there was a big change. There were no longer two-border colliesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;there were three. And the third was a puppy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A puppy!â&#x20AC;? I more or less squealed. The border colliesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; owner, Ruthanne, was out with them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not ours!â&#x20AC;? Ruthanne told me. The puppy, another border collie, was their daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. The daughter was training to be a physical therapist and had a sixweek rotation where her accommodations would not permit dogs. So, the puppy, whose name was Scout, was staying with Ruthanne. Scout was only nine weeks old, which means she was nothing more than a black and white puffball of cuteness. Scout had been through a lot in the last twenty-four hours. She was scared of the new surroundings, scared of the new dogs, scared of the new people. At the moment, she was scared of me, offering her a treat. I waited. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Come on, Scout,â&#x20AC;? Ruthanne coaxed. Scout got close to my hand and then scampered away. We spent five minutes this way: Ruthanne holding Ray and Cruiser while I sat on my haunches with

10 years ago Aug. 18, 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ Phil and Ann Steffen were chosen as this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Osceola Community Fair parade grand marshals. â&#x20AC;˘ One hundred and thirty-ďŹ ve guests of the Osceola Community Health Foundation attended a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wild on the Riverâ&#x20AC;? cruise. The cruise raised more than $9,000 to support the Wild Kats summer youth program at Wild River Fitness Center. â&#x20AC;˘ Jerry and Arlene Reardon were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 20. â&#x20AC;˘ The Osceola Braves earned a berth into the Wisconsin Baseball Association State Tournament last weekend after defeating the Cumberland Islanders, 6-1, on Friday night and Hallie, 2-0. â&#x20AC;˘ Michelle Miller of Osceola won the annual club womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s championship at Krooked Kreek Golf Course. Dave Webb of Wyoming, Minn., won the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s championship. 20 years ago Aug. 16, 2000 â&#x20AC;˘ The Osceola Braves were headed to state after beating Hallie, 12-4, and Bangor, 15 to 8, at the state semi-ďŹ nals. â&#x20AC;˘ A nine-person detachment of the U.S. Armyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Green Berets will drop in to Osceola on Sept. 9 during Wheels & Wings. â&#x20AC;˘ Paul W. Sletten MD, a family physician from Osceola, was recently honored for 15 years of membership in the American Academy of Family Physicians. â&#x20AC;˘ Eighteen teams participated in the Osceola DARE outing on June 30. The winning team included Chad Selzler, Lee Parish, Jared Selzler and Dan Sampson. â&#x20AC;˘ The musical, The Chocolate Milk Cow, based on the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book by Hannah Johnson, was being performed at the St. Croix ArtBarn in Osceola. â&#x20AC;˘ Army Pvt. Tonya Dill graduated from basic military training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri.

30 years ago Aug. 15, 1990 â&#x20AC;˘ Candidates vying for Miss Osceola this year include Keri Montgomery, Michelle Schneider, Michelle Minnichsoffer, Dawn Measner, Stephanie Tomforde, Kelly Tietz, Nanette Nelson, Jenny Morgan, Nichole Phaneuf, Monica Viebrock and Darcy Schmidt. â&#x20AC;˘ Police officers will be spending more time in schools throughout Polk County this coming year as part of the DARE program. DARE is a nationwide effort to keep youngsters away from drugs, alcohol and related problems. â&#x20AC;˘ Theresa Nordby and Robert Kinne announced their engagement. An Oct. 20 wedding was planned. â&#x20AC;˘ A retirement party was planned Aug. 18 for LaVerne Renspe. â&#x20AC;˘ Jason Vitalis of Osceola earned the Eagle Scout Award. For his service project he mapped, measured and tagged downed fences along the St. Croix River from Osceola to Stillwater.

50 years ago Aug. 20, 1970 â&#x20AC;˘ A squad of 88 boys reported Aug. 10 for Osceola High School football workouts leading to the opening game with Somerset, Aug. 28. â&#x20AC;˘ Members of the Osceola Fair Board have been busy organizing this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event for Sept. 11-13. â&#x20AC;˘ The Bank of Osceola purchased Kenneth Fehlenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lamb at the Polk County Fair Auction at $.57 a pound. â&#x20AC;˘ Many family members helped Penny Everson celebrate her 5th birthday Thursday at the Art Everson home. â&#x20AC;˘ Roger Neumann took ďŹ rst place in the 6500 weight class and Allen Engelhardt took third place in the annual New Richmond Jaycees tractor pull contest Aug. 16. â&#x20AC;˘ Mrs .Lorraine Pruno and Doug vacationed at Wisconsin Dells touring the upper and lower Dells.

GOVERNMENT NUMBERS WHO TO CALL... President Donald Trump 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.â&#x20AC;˘ Washington, D.C. 20500 Comments: (202) 456-1111 or http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ Switchboard: (202) 456-1414 â&#x20AC;˘ Fax: (202) 456-2461

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the treat extended. Finally, Scout took the treat. She looked surprised. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now, that was worth it, wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it, Scout?â&#x20AC;? I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see the border collies every day so I thought it would be a lot to hope for to see them again today. But when I came through the woods, there were Ray and Cruiser. They ran up to me and sat looking at me, with that intensity peculiar to border collies. Then Scout saw me. She came running, on her little fluffy legs. She scrambled through the woods until she got to the two dogs, sitting at attention. She stood on her tiny back legs and squeezed herself between the two big dogs, which did not budge until she was wedged in the middle. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not sure when I have seen anything so adorable. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Scout! You have to sit!â&#x20AC;? Ruthanne told her. I gave a treat to Ray, I gave a treat to Scout, and I gave a treat to Cruiser. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Well, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only nine weeks old,â&#x20AC;? I reminded Ruthanne. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The rules donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t kick in until sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ten weeks old.â&#x20AC;? Somehow, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m pretty sure Scout will have it down before then. Till next time, Carrie Carrie Classonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s memoir is called, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Blue Yarn.â&#x20AC;? Learn more at CarrieClasson.com.

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Governor Tony Evers 115 East, State Capitol Bldg. Mailing address: P.O. Box 7863, Madison, WI 53707 â&#x20AC;˘ (608) 266-1212 EversInfo@wisconsin.gov â&#x20AC;˘ www.evers.wis.gov

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Clariﬁcation

Incorrect information was in last week’s School Board story regarding a potential referendum. The earliest date the District could hold a referendum regarding Elementary School projects is April 2022. It doesn’t necessarily mean a referendum will be held at all or in that month. Interviewing selected architects is one of the first steps, District officials said, if they wanted to go down the road to improve the Elementary school as they would help with a facility study, community engagement, focus group and communication.

HAMILTON: Faith in elections FROM PAGE 5

published. No wonder a lot of Americans of both parties worry about the legitimacy of the results in November. Now, it’s not uncommon to hear charges of voter fraud, but study after study has found that actual voter fraud in the US is rare. It’s possible in a city or town, but if you think about how our national elections are run—in 50 states, each with its own rules, and each locality controlling the electoral process—it’s hard to see how fraud could take place on any sizable scale. Which is not to say there aren’t problems. Chicanery from politicians bent on disenfranchising voters whose politics they don’t like and decades of underfunding the actual machinery of elections give us plenty to be concerned about. But here’s the thing. We have over 200 years of success at transferring power peacefully, often between political leaders who disagreed vehemently with one another. That has been one of the keys to American success. I’m not alone in thinking of this year’s vote as the most important of my lifetime, and woe betide us if our confidence in the result—which will play a big part in our willingness to accept the result—is betrayed by politicians seeking to game the system or by elections officials who don’t live up to the trust Americans place in them to get it right. Lee Hamilton is a Senior Advisor for the Indiana University Center on Representative Government; a Distinguished Scholar at the IU Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies; and a Professor of Practice at the IU O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.

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TO THE EDITOR HHNHH is a virus Having a ‘Hate Has No Home Here’ (HHNHH) sign might seem like a nice idea. However, is there something behind all this? Why is there an HHNHH sign in our Osceola Public Library across from our voting place? If you have the time, please read these two articles: “Why No Hate Here Signs are Actually Pretty Hateful’ https://nypost. com/2018/12/09/why-no-hate-heresigns-are-actually-pretty-hateful/ and ‘Hate, You Say?’ https:// www.nationalreview.com/magazine/2020/08/10/hate-you-say/. We live in an age of Virtue Signaling meant to start social action in directions not obvious to the casual observer. For example, politically ‘Woke” Target Stores and others jumped on the Black Lives Matter (BLM) team only to find Target stores in Minneapolis looted and vandalized after the BLM protests and riots. Defunding police departments, large increases in murders and others crime rates also ensued. Progressives’ burning American flags, taking knees during the Star Spangled Banner and regarding racism as systemic in our country stem from all this. Hardly any of their huge donations go to improving the lives of Black Americans; 71 percent goes to fatten BLM founders’ purses. Careful scrutiny of BLM founders by contributors would have discovered BLM’s Marxist roots. Is it too late? Living in a sound-byte age might ruin us. Will this degenerate into something very much against our free speech principles? Before you label HHNHH as unrelated, consider that this has already happened in Canada where Christian churches cannot proclaim Christ Jesus as the only way to eternal life because saying so is Hate Speech. Nor are they allowed to promote the Biblical one-woman, one man nuclear family as God’s preferred way.

BY MATT ANDERSON CONTRIBUTING WRITER

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The Village of Dresser board of trustees began their Aug. 3 meeting with a recommendation from attorney Tim Laux to reject bids from Waste Management and Olson Sanitation in an effort to provide some clarification as to the details of the bids presented. Dress-

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More Fabrications - The Farmington North 40 Sand Mine Mr. Utne, who recently retreated back to Minnesota, from a short stint in the Town of Osceola, made some sand mine comments in the past that are at best misstatements. Perhaps just ignorant fabrication. Or conceivably, well-versed lies about mines. Let’s start with his statement; “… no other mine in MN or WI is located (less than ½ mile) from existing residences”. Ok, that’s false. Consider Dresser Trap Rock: Located within the Village of Dresser. Owns property 200 yards from a school, has 100 homes within ½ mile, borders on Interstate Park, and is 100 yards from Poplar Lake, and 1 mile to the St. Croix River. Yet after 100 years, there has been no calamity. Also, look at aerials in Racine, Burnsville and St. Cloud, etc. You will see long time mining operations with recent housing built right up to and often surrounding mine boundaries. Second statement, “The mine is simply out of place.” If you want to challenge this false statement, look at an aerial in San Antonio, Tex., where $500,000+ homes have been built surrounding an existing mine, with all the Utne quoted “dust,” “noise” and “truck traffic” commentary. Amazingly, open

er’s current contract is with Waste Management and could be subject to change depending on the updated bids and decision from the board on how to move forward. “The spring and fall cleanup is a big deal for Dresser residents,” said Laux. “There are a lot of items that they otherwise could not dispose of on their own. The Olson bid-

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lots right on the mine boundary in Phoenix sell for more than lots farther away. (Read that again.) Lots sell for more, close to the mine? Why? Because mines offer trees and wildlife buffer areas. Would you rather look at trees or the neighbor’s messy yard? I guess they pick natural buffer. Utne goes on to say, “The homes on Ridge Road were there decades before the Rybak mine was sold to North 40 just last year.” So, you challenge a legal sale of private property? No law uses the premise of “I was here first” as a legitimate argument in the courts. If you build next to a business, expect some changes. Finally, Mr. Utne states, “It (the mine) provides no material benefit to the citizens of Osceola and Farmington…” Ask the local employees and contractors who rely on North 40, look at the price you are paying for gasoline for that car of yours and ask if you want higher heating bills for that natural gas furnace. The lower prices are a result of frac sand that accounts for 50% of our gasoline and 60% of our natural gas. North 40 is a welcomed contributor to our oil independence and is thanked for both jobs and assisting in low gasoline and home heating costs. Contrary to the Osceola Chamber of Commerce, North 40 should be regarded as a valued economic resource just like Polaris or North Wire. Mr. Utne, you enjoy the benefits that our fracture sand energy suppliers provide yet demonize the people and industries who provide it. Enjoy your regained Minnesota residency. For the rest of us, thank you North 40 for your contributions as a regulated industry right here in Farmington. (Thanks Tom for some great factual information.)

Glyn Thorman Town of Osceola

Elections, disposal and water tower discussions continue in Dresser

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See https://answersingenesis.org/ religious-freedom/canada-forces-government-speech-and-bans-bible-verses/. There is a new breed of Pharisees aloft. These self-righteous HHNHH people are already attacking our Constitution’s Bill of Rights. Ask yourself, why instead do we not have ‘Love Has a Home Here’ (LHHH) signs?

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ders sent an attachment to their bid, but it really isn’t explained. There are charges listed for various additional items, but it’s not tied in any way to the spring/fall cleanup. The other bidder, Waste Management, also does not give any explanation. “But, in the past according to contract, the spring/fall cleanup program allows residents to gather up their items that they otherwise couldn’t get rid of and bring them directly to the transport station in the Town of Osceola. As a rural resident of Polk County, I know that transport station is closed to everyone else. So, it’s not clear to us that the other bidder would be allowed to offer that kind of service for the spring/ fall cleanup.” In order to provide time for clarified bids, the board motioned to reject the current bids and allow bidders to submit new ones by September 3 at 3 p.m. and will be reviewed and decided at the September village board meeting. The current bid with Waste Management

will be effective until December 31 of this year. The board also discussed an update on the current Dresser water tower project including progress and loan funding options for the project. Village president Bryan Raddattz called the project a “welloiled machine” stating that only one half-day of work was missed due to weather and that overall progress was moving forward. Regarding a Bonds issue from 2018 that provided a currently unused $150,000 for in the village’s state investment account, the board explored four options as to where the money should be used in regards to the current water tower project. The first option would apply the full $150,000 to the current water tower project and draw down $500,000, not the $650,000 maximum on the state trust fund loan. The second option would reserve the $150,000 in investments for future capital SEE DRESSER, PAGE 13

AUGUST 19, 2020

THE SUN

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WEEKLY MEDITATION

OBITUARIES

First things ﬁrst BY DAVE ROSENOW TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH

Matthew 6:33-34 - “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Ted had a saying for just about everything. His friends thought of him as a modern-day Benjamin Franklin. What impressed them the most was the common sense Ted used before offering one of his sayings. His friends also noted that although he had many common sense gems to share, his favorite was, “First things first.” Like Ted, most people have some gems of wisdom they regularly use and enjoy sharing with others. I think it would be pretty safe to say that, “First things first,” is one of the more common ones. The thinking behind that saying recognizes our need to first of all set our priorities, and then to address each of them according to its importance.

Setting priorities for ourselves is very important. When we remember to put “first things first,” it brings a sense of order and balance into our lives. That’s especially important when it comes to making daily decisions that influence our spiritual lives. We need the reminder which Jesus offers because as we set our priorities, it’s so easy to overlook, or even omit spiritual priorities. We may be great on figuring out how to prioritize our time between work and home. We may be very good at keeping our priorities straight between our spouse and children. We can look at almost every aspect of our lives and say with a degree of certainty, “We have our priorities straight.” But unfortunately, that’s not always true in our relationship with the Lord Jesus. There is great danger in excluding the Lord Jesus from the number one position of importance which He deserves in our lives. It leads to many of the problems which we see in our world today - frustration, disappointment, discouragement, and if left unchecked even despair.

That’s why we need to remember Jesus’ simple words, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” He doesn’t say that we should ignore everything else, but He does say that we are to put “first things first.” That means having the right relationship with Him. The first step in developing that relationship is to have a solid foundation in God’s Word, the Bible - reading it daily, studying it diligently, and faithfully applying it to our daily lives. The second step is to a live a life of repentance and forgiveness - daily coming before the cross of Jesus to receive the benefits of His suffering and death. And the third step is to recognize and appreciate the peace which Jesus offers, as we daily put our trust in His neverfailing promises. When we put the Lord first and seek what He offers as our top priority, we’ll be able to meet every challenge which confronts us, and we’ll also be able to find comfort and peace when everything around us seems to be out of control.

Seeking students for public health youth leadership opportunity PowerUp, a community-wide initiative to make it easy and fun for families and kids to eat better and move more, is seeking youth leaders who want to create a culture of health and wellness in their school or community. There are two opportunities for students to get involved with PowerUp youth leadership: Teen Leadership Council and the Student Ambassador program. Teen Leadership Council members and student ambassadors will gain

leadership development skills in areas such as public health, marketing and communications, project management, consulting and public speaking. One member of the Teen Leadership Council wrote in their end-of-year survey, “The Teen Leadership Council allowed me to take leadership less as a title or position and live it more as a lifestyle. I learned how to live the life of someone in public health, who has the opportunity to make

change.” Another Teen Leadership Council representative, said: “I’ve been able to share advice with adults by sharing my perspective as a teenager in a number of different ways.” “I feel like I have more of a voice than I did before when it comes to speaking to adults,” another student shared after her experience with the Teen Leadership SEE STUDENTS, PAGE 19

Connie Mae Buelow Constance “Connie” Buelow of Taylors Falls, Minn., died Aug. 13, 2020. She was 80 years old. Full obituary in next week’s issue.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN – EAU CLAIRE Rachel Swanson of Dresser has received the Willard and Carol Korn Nursing Scholarship for the 2020-2021 academic year.

ola: Brittany Newman, Biochemistry. St. Croix Falls: Mitchel Berg, Industrial Engineering; Nicholas Graves, Actuarial Science; Taylor Orton, Pharmacy; Eddie Wondra, Theatre and Drama.

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN – MADISON The following area students received degrees on May 9. Dresser: Emma Dressel, Botany. Osce-

PURCHASE COLLEGE Solomon Falls of Dresser has been named to the spring semester Dean’s List.

SCHULTE: Good luck to all FROM PAGE 4

rity measures have been increased throughout schools to make sure their names doesn’t join that elite list and understandably so. Now, making sure schools are clean is at or even higher of importance than safety and security. Will patience and understanding be shown for that? Finally, how will kindergarten teachers show

patient and understanding when they have to explain for the 80th time to little Stevie or Susie they have to their mask on at all times when inside the classroom or following the other proper guidelines. Being a kindergarten teacher will have to be one of the hardest jobs inside a school building this year. In the next couple of weeks, this will all begin. Good luck to all involved.

Delivering Your Community

<www.osceolasun.com>

CHURCH LISTINGS Following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, all gatherings of 10 or more are being curtailed. Please call to see if church services are being held in some capacity. ALLIANCE CHURCH OF THE VALLEY 1259 Hwy. 35 South, St. Croix Falls 715-483-1100 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 110th 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. at Osceola High School Auditorium. 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 715-755-3113 ———————— 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 – OSCEOLA Pastor Mark Barlow 722 Seminole Ave. Osceola 715-417-0752 ————————

GRACE BEREAN FELLOWSHIP 421 4th Street, Centuria Duane Gallentine, Pastor 715-755-2523 FRIDAY and SUNDAY KJV Bible Study/Fellowship ———————— GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Nye Area/Wisconsin Synod 2098 70th Avenue Pastor Nile Merseth ———————— 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 Nate Roschen 715-294-2112 • 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: 715-417-0945 ———————— OSCEOLA COMMUNITY CHURCH 2492 Education Drive, Osceola Larry Mederich www.occnow.org ———————— OSCEOLA MEDICAL CENTER SPIRITUAL CARE 2600 65th Avenue, Osceola https: myomc.org/wellness/ spiritual-care 715-294-2111 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 Pastor Melissa Carmack Find us on Facebook! peace@centurytel.net ———————— 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 ———————— RIVER VALLEY CHRISTIAN CHURCH LIGHTHOUSE 1289 160th Street St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin 715-483-5378 Pastor Jonah Fetzer ———————— 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 Ran Yoo Pastor Kooko Kim ———————— ST. CROIX UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP 201 N. Adams, St. Croix Falls www.scuuf.org Rev. Kelli Clement ———————— ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH Franconia, MN 651-465-7345 www.stfrancisfranconia.org Fr. John Drees

———————— ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC Osceola Rev. Joseph Madanu 715-294-2243 ———————— ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC 490 Bench Street Taylors Falls, Minnesota 651-465-7345 www.stjosephtaylorsfalls.org Fr. John Drees ———————— SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH MISSOURI SYNOD 140 Madison Street St. Croix Falls Pastor Mark Schoen 715-483-1186 ———————— TRINITY EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH (WELS) 300 Seminole Ave., (Ct H M) Osceola 715-294-2828 • www.trinityosceola.com Pastor David Rosenow (920-645-7526) ———————— TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH OF GARFIELD 1578 85th Ave., Amery Pastor Lori Peper 715-268-9577 ———————— WEST IMMANUEL LUTHERAN (ELCA), 447 180th St., Osceola www.westimmanuel.org Interim Pastor Matt Saarem SUNDAY: ———————— WORD OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP Cliff Bjork, (651) 465-7373 366 Bench St., Taylors Falls, Minn. ————————

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THE SUN

AUGUST 19, 2020 www.osceolasun.com

YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW Let public see COVID-19 data

I JO JASPERSON

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church president Jake Hoverman presents two checks to Rosanne Anderson for the Osceola Open Cupboard. One check is for $4,450 to be used for the ‘backpack program’ and the other check was for $1,400 and will be used to support the continuous needs of the Open Cupboard.

Trinity partners with Open Cupboard for backpack program The Open Cupboard’s Back Pack Program is open to all families with children from Kindergarten to eighth grade that qualify for free or reduced lunches. Once qualified by the School District of Osceola each family receives a green Chieftain backpack. In these backpacks on a weekly basis there are six or seven food items to take home, plus a gallon milk coupon and added on a monthly basis there are meat and vegetable coupons also. The backpacks are normally sent home on Friday and returned to the Open Cupboard at the beginning of the next week to be repacked. This happens generally from the first week in October until the end of May. Over the last seven years the program has been in existence an average of 40 families are served yearly. There is a cost to this program of between $4,000 and $4,500 annually. Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Osceola, is a “mission-mind-

ed” church reaching out to its neighbors whether they reside one block away or as far away as Siberia. In observance of the 100th Anniversary of the founding of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church has adopted the “2020 Back Pack” program and will fund the program due to the grace God has shown over the years. Many other events had originally been planned for the 100th Anniversary celebration, but have now been postponed until 2021 due to the Covid pandemic. Lutheran church services had been held in Osceola for more than 30 years before a Wisconsin Synod Lutheran Church was officially organized in the Village of Osceola. The small group of German Lutheran Christians that banded together in 1920 to form Trinity Lutheran Church were committed to the truth that people are saved by grace through faith alone in Jesus Christ. The pioneers

of the congregation worshipped and grew together in that faith. Their eyes did not focus on their small numbers but on the promise that God’s Word would not return unto Him void, but would accomplish the purpose for which He had sent it. Adopting the “Back Pack Program” for 2020 is just a small way to honor the church’s beliefs. Funding in part for this donation was received from the Thrivent Financial Action Teams program. The program states: Where they make it easy to live generously. It starts with the simple question. “Who can I help and how?” Trinity answered the question and choose to help the Osceola Back Pack Program. If you would like to learn more about Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church go to http:// www.trinityosceola. com/ or attend Sunday morning services at 8:30 or 10:00 a.m.

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Serving Polk County’s St. Croix Valley since 1897

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n a scene from the movie “A Few Good Men,” the character played by Tom Cruise spars with Jack Nicholson’s Colonel Jessup over a hazing that killed a soldier. Cruise demands, “I want the truth!,” to which Nicholson famously responds, “You can’t handle the truth!” Wisconsin citizens are getting the “You can’t handle the truth” treatment from some officials over information related to the Columnist COVID-19 pandemic. this summer, Christa Westerberg Earlier the Wisconsin Department of Health Services planned to post online the names of businesses and other establishments connected to two or more coronavirus cases. But business groups and Republican lawmakers pushed back on those plans. In a letter sent to Gov. Tony Evers, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce CEO Kurt Bauer warned that releasing business names may spread “false information that will damage the consumer brands of Wisconsin employers, causing them to incur a significant amount of financial losses and reputational damage.” Such arguments disrespect the public’s ability to make informed, reasoned choices. And, in a time of pandemic, there are valid public health reasons to allow members of the public to make these choices. A customer who learns of potential cases at a business may decide to get more information or take precautions when visiting, rather than avoid the business entirely. A high-risk person may decide to stay home and order from the business online or by phone. Yet citizens can’t make these calls without appropriate information. The hysterical reactions envisioned by Bauer and others have not happened in La Crosse County, which maintains a webpage for local COVID-19 outbreaks and investigations. It identifies establishments as low, medium or high risk based on an infected person’s activities and the nature of the busi-

ness he or she visited. La Crosse County’s information lets people who may have visited an establishment during a high-risk period know they should get tested or quarantine for 14 days. Or it lets them know their risk for exposure was low, providing peace of mind. The website takes pains to say that “an establishment appearing on this page does not necessarily mean they did something wrong.” The county notifies businesses before this information is shared and provides guidance on “reducing future risk to staff and customers.” Public disclosure might also help protect workers and incentivize businesses to do better. Consider the large outbreaks at Wisconsin meat-packing plants this spring, which are linked to at least 1,527 coronavirus cases and eight worker deaths in the state. As the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel recently reported, some plants were slow to alert workers about outbreaks or adopt protective measures even after employees began getting ill. Public reporting of this information could have helped alert workers that they were at risk, and allowed workers, their families, and the general public to take precautions. The Department of Health Services pulled back on its plans to post business information and is now facing multiple public records requests for similar information. At least one county is being sued for withholding the records of businesses associated with coronavirus cases. This legal wrangling shouldn’t be necessary. The department and more counties should follow La Crosse’s lead and affirmatively post information about potential outbreaks in public places, with appropriate explanations to address concerns like Bauer’s. Wisconsin citizens can handle the truth. Your Right to Know is a monthly column distributed by the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council (wisfoic. org), a group dedicated to open government. Christa Westerberg, an attorney at Pines Bach law firm in Madison, is the group’s co-vice president.

Welcome home

his week marks one year since Erin and I bought our first home. We live on Old Cemetery Road, spitting distance from the Kinnickinnic River and about equidistance between Baldwin and River Falls. The house was built Columnist in 1902, and our C.L. Sill three acres is sandwiched in the middle of a small neighborhood of much newer

and Denny’s Auto

for their support for their continued even without a Polk support for Polk County’s County Quality Meats youth with the purchase Auction this year. They of Matthew Germain’s purchased Matthew 280 lb. market barrow Germain’s 260 lb who was the Northwest market gilt who was the Livestock Virtual Show Northwest Livestock Grand Champion Barrow Virtual Show Reserve and Supreme Grand Grand Champion Gilt. Champion Hog.

PICKER’S PARADISE!

Saturday, September 12 • 9 am - 6 pm The St. Croix ArtBarn Basement 1040 OakRidge Drive • Osceola

and more impressive homes. It’s not a true fixer upper, as I’m not a true do-it-your-selfer, but we’ve managed to spruce the place up as

much as possible in the last 12 months. The windows are in bad need of replacing, the roof’s been SEE SILL, PAGE 19

AUGUST 19, 2020

4 REASON NO.

WEEK 4 OF 4 LOCAL SHOPPING

STATS

$137 million

IN ECONOMIC IMPACT CREATED BY MORE LOCAL SHOPPING A 2008 study in Grand Rapids, Mich., concluded that just a 10 percent shift in spending toward local businesses would add $137 million and 1,600 jobs to the local economy. Spending more money at small, locally owned businesses is a great way to help grow your city’s economy and help it thrive financially.

THE SUN

You Matter More Shop where you’re truly valued T www.osceolasun.com

here’s one final reason to spend your money locally: you matter more — a lot more — to local businesses than you do to those out-of-town stores.

When you do your shopping closer to home, you’re not just buying stuff. You’re interacting with your friends, your neighbors and your co-workers — the very people who make up the fabric of your community. You’re also something special. By supporting local businesses, you’re not just a tiny number on a profit-and-loss sheet, but someone who plays an integral role in the success of your city and your local economy. Whatever you purchase locally, no matter how small, can make a big difference to mom-and-pop merchants who are trying to succeed in business, pay their employees and improve their community.

DEALING WITH ‘THE BOSS’

Instead of being ambushed by a pushy salesperson, the shopper at a small, local store is instead greeted by the jovial owner and sometimes by their friendly dog or cat, as well. The shopping experience itself can be a lot of fun. You get to interact more with the “boss” at small mom-and-pop shops, so you’re treated like a real per-

gossip. The store owners get to know their customers, as well. It is a family atmosphere. In other words, you’re not just a nameless customer. You matter. You’re someone from church, someone from the school PTA, or someone who works in the office down the street. To encourage shoppers to patronize the local stores, many towns will make street parking free and put on events that are sure to draw a crowd. It’s part of this unique feeling that makes shopping so enjoyable when you spend your time and money close to home.

son, rather than cattle herded through a chute. They encourage the shopper to take their time and meander through the store. While they are in business to earn money, they generally will not pressure the shopper to buy a lot of extra stuff or try to force them to sign up for a store credit card. Local shops also frequently go that extra mile for their customers by doing things like gift wrapping and providing coffee or donuts at no additional charge.

HOMETOWN FEELING

Shopping in the local stores often provides an opportunity for people to run into old friends or neighbors that they have not seen in a while. They can mingle on the streets and catch up on the local

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PAGE 9 SPORTS: Osceola High School Scholar Athletes.

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‘All the world’s a stage’ All the world’s a stage, players; And all the men and women merely entrances, They have their exits and their many parts. And one man in his time plays - William Shakespeare

Carlson to retire from Osceola High School BY C.L. SILL EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM

C.L. SILL | THE SUN

Open Cupboard food pantry in Osceola.

Open Cupboard flush with product, ready to supply those in need dition to local donations, BY C.L. SILL but Anderson also has to EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM do a lot of shopping herself. As stores continue The Open Cupboard to run out of staples and food pantry in Osceola put limits on what is in has not let COVID-19 afstock, she’s had to bounce fect their inventory and market to market is urging those in need to from in order to find enough use their services. product. Canned vegetaThe 27-year-old orgables and soup have been nization wasn’t taken the when by surprise pandemic hit and has continued to receive adequate supplies while many stores and businesses across the country have run dry of essentials. That’s all thanks to community support, according to Open Cupboard’s director Rosanne Anderson. “We’re so blessed to live in a community like this,” Anderson said. “The community has supported this food shelf all these years and I’ve never had to ask for anyRosanne Anderson thing, but I know I can go Open Cupboard to them if we ever get in trouble.” to fi particularly difficult Local residents and find, as have eggs. fi businesses alike have “I have to constantly helped keep the shelf store and get a the to go float during supply afl pack (of eggs),” shortages with food dona- 5-dozen “And I have to she said. financial tions as well as fi selective. One week I be selective assistance. assistance nd a p three places went to three p “When this whole panoutra two of them were outraved received ed, I recei started demic start priced. l priced.” geously h donations and checks it’ss part Even though it red never re from people II’d of her job, traveling so Anderson before, Anderson ceived before,” p places lic p pub in uch much has pp aid “The support said. ner nderson nerAnderson oes make A does wonderful. been wonderful.” person herr own personvous for he donations, Even with donations, health al health. get hass had to get Anderson ha me,” ncern me, concern It does co “It with how she creative with said she said. full shelves full. keeps the shelves avenues various avenues All the various receives food from She receives combined donation of various government d fo f od l d larger programs and SEE CUPBOARD, PAGE 2 banks in the area, in ad-

‘I think people feel that there’s other people that need it more and at this point in time that’s not the case. We have enough food for whoever needs it.’

NEWS 715-294-2314 editor@osceolasun.com

It takes a special kind of passion to get high school students to actually enjoy Shakespeare. Kevin Carlson has taught drama and English at Osceola High School for the better part of 35 years. He began running the drama club in 1983, before transitioning to teaching full-time in the late 1990s. He’s spent his career sharing his own personal love of Shakespeare and literature to his students. But the 2019-20 school year will be his last in the district. Carlson is set to retire at the end of the current term, and will leave behind a lifetime of memories at Osceola. Carlson graduated from Osceola High School in 1977. He earned his college degree in 1987 and worked for a small manufacturing company in Minneapolis before transitioning to teaching. “I really wanted to teach from the beginning,” he said. Carlson began as a substitute teacher in Osceola in 1998, before taking over the English position in 2000. He said he never had any apprehension about working at the same high

SUBMITTED

students Kevin Carlson poses with drama club Osceola High School English Teacher Kendall Nord, Jamison ﬁ to right: Unidentiﬁed, following a performance. From left Heyer, Gavin (obscured), Grace Stewart, Sophie Bystrom Walstead, Morgan Vetter Travis PeterJason Rapp. Directly above Mr. C.: Dahl, Chloe Terpstra, Brecken Styles, son.

SEE CARLSON, PAGE 2

Polk County Sheriff speaks out against ‘Safer at Home’ order BY C.L. SILL EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM

Polk County Sheriff Brent statement on the Waak issued a statement Facebook department Facebook ficial department official offi Gov criticizing Gov. April 21 criticizing page on April f at safer-ati off the safer Evers’ extension Evers order me order. home is currently set to The order is 26. y 26 ce until May place in pl m remain taken place protests have taken Small protests well as in across the state, as well and Michigan, callMinnesota and forego ficials to forego offi elected officials ing on elected quarantine orders and reopen Although the economies. Although local economies. economy began as the driving t t protests, th d these f t behind factor many now see any shelter-inADVERTISING 715-294-2314 ads@osceolasun.com

if you have a highly dense popuplace order as an affront to their lation you have a bigger problem civil liberties. Waak’s stance is with this pandemic than we do slightly more nuanced, and he in a rural area,” he said. “I just said for him it’s about balance. paint the state ntp an’t you can think y g of this eginning beg “From the beginning ” brush.” with one brush alance balance pandemic II’ve had to b p nt said he believes statement His stateme reedoms f freedoms constitutional one’s constitutional the county can reopen, with d , he said. order,” f ing an order d enforci and a place. precautions in place some pr d the ﬁnd to ﬁnd tr really tried I d I’ve “And Polk County “II believe that most Polk that. balance in that.” p safely operate can b inesses businesses calling to ’ not calling a said he’s Waak measures protective measures with some protective completely open up the county statement. place, read the statement. with in place,” e-for-all with free-for-all and turn it into a fre distancing and social distancing “Such as social said but , guidelines no pandemic or staff/ protective equipment ffor criticism is that more his major criticism ” patrons patrons. to over ed hand should be handed control should lation population lack of popu While the lack government, levels of government, the local levels density may put areas like Polk especially in an area as rural as ty P lk county. Polk SEE SHERIFF, PAGE 2 “Every county is not the same,

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THE SUN

AUGUST 19, 2020 www.osceolasun.com

VILLAGE: New Trustee sought

COUNCIL: Applications available for Ag Youth Council

purposes. Other items Discussion was held on the style and size for Discovery Center donor appreciation signs, but no action was taken. The Board spent the first 35-40 minutes of the meeting hearing from citizens expressing their displeasure about the Board’s vote not to approve extraterritorial zoning regarding North 40’s proposed mine expansion and other mine topics.

FROM PAGE 1

21 traffic citations were issued. Todd Waters Public Works Coordinator reported 5 miles of right of way were cleared within the Village of trees and overgrowth along with street sign maintenance and new signage continuing to go up weekly. Fire Chief Paul Elfstrom said for July there were 10 runs total, seven in the Village. Six of those 10 were for Fire Alarm

FROM PAGE 3

first year, the Wisconsin Agriculture Youth Council will have 15 members. Students will serve a one-year term and receive a certificate at the completion of their year. The four goals of the Wisconsin Agriculture Youth Council are: • Highlight the agricultural-related career opportuni-

ties available in state government • Share the state tools available to support Wisconsin farmers • Provide insight on how to effectively engage in state agricultural policy development • Increase networking opportunities for participants across the agricultural industry The Council will meet each month beginning in Septem-

OSCEOLA AUTO SALES AND SERVICE Thanks for the Nominations - Please VOTE FOR US!

Nominated for: • Best Mechanic • Best Auto Repair • Best Customer Service

of the Valley The Sun Country Messenger

of the Valley Country Messenger The Sun

2392 State Road 35 Osceola, WI 54020 (715) 294-4700

www.osceolasun.com/bestof VOTE FOR US!

Nominated for Best Gift Shop

Large Selection

Please VOTE for us in the 2020 Best of The Valley!

of Outdoor Garden Décor, Home Furnishings, Wild Bird Feeders and Custom Bird Seed.

Nominated for

Best Auto Repair

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VOTE NOW!

Vote for your favorites Aug. 19 through Sept. 10 at:

Our Very Own Samantha Olson was also nominated for Best Vocalist & Best Musician!

ber. These virtual sessions will be approximately 90 minutes long and feature presentations by DATCP staff on a variety of topics. Each session will include opportunities for interaction, and members will have opportunities to rotate through leadership positions within the group. The application and more information is available at AgYouthCouncil.wi.gov.

We Would LOVE to have your votes!

Thank you for nominating us! Vote Aug. 19-Sept. 10 for your favorites!

Best Wine Selection Best Appetizer Best Outdoor Dining Best Bloody Mary Best Cup of Coffee Best Soup

e nd Loung a t n a r u a Rest NOMINATED FOR of the Country Valle y Me ss The Su enger n

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Vote for us for 2020 BEST OF THE VALLEY “Best Place to Get Married!”

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AUGUST 19, 2020

THE SUN

www.osceolasun.com

VOTE NOW! Vote for your favorites Aug. 19 through Sept. 10 at:

of the Valley The Sun Country Messenger

www.osceolasun.com/bestof VOTE FOR US! Best of the Valley Nominated for Best heating/air conditioning company

Nominated for Best Flooring/Carpet Store

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Help track Wisconsin’s deer populations by reporting deer sightings The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is asking the public to participate in Operation Deer Watch, an annual citizen-science survey that collects information on Wisconsin’s whitetailed deer and gives residents an engaging opportunity to assist with deer herd management efforts. Participants can report their deer sightings, https://dnr.wisconsin. gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/summerdeer.html, through an easy-to-use online form. The data collected provide insights into the reproductive status of Wisconsin’s deer herd and help shape deer management for the state. Now through Sept. 30, participants are asked to record all bucks, does and fawns seen during the day. A printable tally sheet is available to help citizen-scientists record sightings and enter their results online at a later

LINDA FRESHWATERS ARNDT

time. For safety, participants should not record sightings while driving a vehicle. Instead, wait until the vehicle is stopped to take note of your sightings. Go to https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/documents/summerdeertally.pdf. Any deer sightings can be counted, whether

you spot deer while in the woods, on a drive or while out for an evening walk. “This is a fun and useful opportunity for everyone to enjoy Wisconsin’s plentiful wildlife while participating in citizen science,” said Brian Dhuey, DNR wildlife population and harvest assessment

specialist. “The DNR encourages anyone interested in deer to take part.” Data from the survey is also used by County Deer Advisory Councils to develop deer season framework, harvest quotas and permit level recommendations.

Wait until dark

was half asleep listening to the Brewers catch up and pull ahead of the Twins on the radio as the game approached the last inning. It had been a long day with lots of projects for an old retired guy but I wanted to stay awake for a while before going outside to watch the meteor shower at midnight. Eye lids weregetting heavy; I didn’t think I would make it. It was time set the alarm on my phone. Drifting in and out of consciousness my attention shifted from Bob Uecker to a little more alert when I heard an odd noise. Grogginess was in charge Wild River so it took me a while to focus and when I did I realized the odd noise Trails was coming from outside our ruJim Bennett ral home. We had a night visitor that waited until dark to arrive. Now fully awake I tried to focus but the sound seemed muffled. Another sound, a bit higher pitch tickled my tympanic nervefrom a different direction. A minute later the first caller sounded off again with the deeper call, now much closer. It was immediately answered by the higher pitched intruder with the same exact call from the previous sounder. I had a pair of owls outside my bedroom window. One in the big ash tree and I’m guessing the other one was in a line of tall Norwegian Spruce. I listened until Josh Hader took the mound striking out the side to give the Brewers the win in this crazy Covid baseball season.I’m glad to have baseball back in our troubled time. That’s when I realized my night visitors had flown the coop.

As cool as their calls it’s their silent flight that amazes me the most. I had one fly right over my head some time ago and although I expected sound I heard barely anything as the huge Great Horned Owl nearly took off my cap. Owls fly in almost absolute silence due to their wide wings that allow them to soar without flapping as much. According to howstuffworks.com , researcher/author Sarah Winkler, the main reason they fly silently is the uniquely designed leading edge of their primary feathers that eliminate turbulence in flight. The flight feathers are serrated like a comb that breaks down turbulence into microturbulances that allow the wind to travel between the feathers silently. I thought about calling back to my night visitors but decided not to and awaken my wife and have her think I had completely lost my nature focused mind. I thought being quiet as an owl’s flight would me a much wiser choice. I have talked to owls once before with great success answering a couple of Barred Owls. They’re “who cooks for you, who cooks for you ... alllllll,” call brought one from a couple hundred yards in seconds to just above the tent my son and I were sleeping in on a past turkey hunt. Whatever I said made the owl now perched above our tent mad as Helsinki as evident in his now hostile hoots. Again silence was the key to keeping this creature from crashing through nylon tent walls. Every once in a while Arctic food shortages, lack of Lemmings,for Arctic owls sends the big birds down to the lower 48 to find food and ensure survivSEE BENNETT, PAGE 15

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Water safety always starts with a life jacket With over 15,000 lakes and 84,000 miles of rivers and streams, thousands of Wisconsinites and visitors flock to shorelines for a chance to get on the water. What makes for a fun activity can also quickly turn dangerous. In Wisconsin, 89% of the 2019 boat fatalities were not wearing life jackets. Nationwide, that statistic from national groups is more than 90%. So far this year, the Department of Natural Resources has documented 14 deaths related to boating activity. Four remain under investigation. The 10 confirmed incidents involved capsized vessels, falling overboard or the individual voluntarily leaving the boat. Nine of the 10 individuals were not wearing life jackets. In one case, the victim had a jacket on – but it was incorrectly secured. “Our hearts break for the families and friends of those who don’t make it home,” said DNR Chief Conservation Warden Casey Krueger. “These are painful reminders to remember your safety when you plan an outing that involves any Wisconsin waterbody.” The DNR reminds the public to include safety measures when planning activities near and in bodies of water. Water safety tips stem from a foundational belief of having respect for the rivers and lakes and their shores. Be smart and stay aware because potential danger is often not visible to the human eye. “When on, or even near, the water, always have an eye on safety. A life jacket can be the assurance your loved ones will make it home,” Krueger said. “Put on your life jacket before you get in the boat, or your canoe, or your kayak or paddleboard or wade along the shoreline. Keep it on until you get back to land. Once your life jacket is on, you can focus on the fun.” 14 BOAT-RELATED DROWNING DEATHS SO FAR IN 2020 Most drowning victims on Wisconsin waterbodies were not wearing life jackets. Wisconsin rivers and lakes can be relaxing and family-friendly places to spend a summer day when you put safety first and respect for the water. The DNR does not track all drownings – only those fatalities linked to the use of a recreational

activity item, such as a boat, kayak or canoe. Boating incident reports to date for 2020 and previous years, as well as the annual overall recreational incidents, can be found here by clicking on “Annual Reports.” Life jackets will keep you on top of the water if you walk off an unexpected drop-off, a current overpowers you or you fall out of a boat. Putting on a life jacket before wading, playing along shores or getting in a boat gets you ready to focus on the fun. “There are jackets designed for various sports. I wear one that is so comfortable that I can forget I have it on. The notion that you can put it on as an emergency is happening is unrealistic. Things can go wrong in an instant,” said DNR Recreation Warden Jason Roberts. “Wardens have responded to numerous drowning deaths only to find a life jacket stuffed inside a kayak or floating near the capsized canoe. Or in some cases, the person voluntarily leaves the vessel without a jacket, and fails to make it back.” WATER SAFETY TIPS Enjoy the waters sober and know your limits: Alcohol blurs a person’s judgment, reaction time and abilities. If you are a poor swimmer sober, you are worse with alcohol in your system. River shorelines and sandbars pose unseen dangers. Higher, fast-moving water also can tax an individual’s boating, paddling and swimming skills. What may look like a flat, inviting river or stream, may disguise a fast-moving current pulling debris out of your sight and under the surface – and could put you in danger without a lot of warning. Rivers present continually changing conditions – most often choreographed by the ever-changing currents. Currents are powerful forces that can reconfigure shorelines, carry and hide debris, and construct or destroy sandbars that otherwise look solid. Wear a life jacket as you explore any shoreline. Life jackets will keep you on top of the water if you walk off an unexpected drop off, or a wave or current overpowers you or you fall out of a boat. Waves and currents SEE JACKET, PAGE 14

AUGUST 19, 2020

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The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Votes for Womenâ&#x20AC;? Teapot BY BARB WETZEL

SUBMITTED

Germain wins awards Matthew Germain of Osceola raised show pigs over the summer in hopes of participating in the Polk County Fair but it was cancelled this year. However he was able to participate in the Northwest Livestock Virtual Show sponsored by the Amery FFA . He won Reserve Grand Champion Gilt Grand Champion Barrow and also the overall Supreme Champion Hog.

When friends come to visit and we share tea and treats, I like to serve tea in a teapot from my collection. A recent addition is the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Votes for Womenâ&#x20AC;? teapot, a gift from my daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family, Christmas 2019. Just in time for the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment! I inaugurated the teapot in early February, when my friend Cheryl visited on a damp winter day. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oh, the Votes for Women teapot!â&#x20AC;? Cheryl almost didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem surprised to see it, perhaps because she knows Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m active in LWV. Then she explained what she learned on a recent trip to Washington, D.C. Cheryl and her friends visited the Belmont-Paul House, which is unit of the National Park System. The historic home was dedicated by President Obama and renamed the Belmont-Paul Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Equality National Monument. (See the NPS website at: https:// www.nps.gov/bepa) The home was purchased by Alva Vanderbilt Belmont to be used

FROM PAGE 2

al budgets. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re hard on money right now â&#x20AC;&#x201C; everyone knows that,â&#x20AC;? Whittaker said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to grant someone money, we should know what kind of money they have.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;˘ Due to public request, the board and Osceola residents heard the first monthly treasurerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s progress report. The request for these updates was made by the town electorate after the hiring of former clerk/treasurer Lorraine Rugro-

den, to help train in and help current treasurer, Chris Stevens. According to the treasurerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s report, Rugroden and Stevens entered deposits and auto-pays into QuickBooks to get caught up, submitted a Q2 report to the state, and submitted municipal dog licenses to residents for last month. â&#x20AC;˘ Two members of the Osceola planning commission are leaving; Schmidt commented that the board would need to find and approve new members.

JOHNSON: Farewell FROM PAGE 3

with whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening in your area and to take action on issues that are important to you and your neighbors. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where people can look at all sides of the story and respect each other. Before I started this internship, I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t realize how important small, quiet newspapers were. Now I know that they are the through line of their communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story. So, years later, here I am, soon graduating college with a degree in Communication, taking my first steps toward a career in writing. I wish my childhood self could see me know, clacking away on a Word document and forming coherent sentences all on my own. And best of all, telling meaningful stories.

SUBMITTED

The League of Women Voters of Upper St. Croix Valley (LWVUSCV) will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the adoption of the 19th Amendment on Aug. 26. Barb Wetzel is a member of the local league and she owns a special teapot. Although the teapot is a reproduction, the original pot has a history tied to the 19th Amendment and votes for women.

That is how the souvenir teapot came to be, and appropriate for sale in the Alcott House gift shop. The National Park Service has an interactive virtual tour of the house. Go to: https://www. nps.gov/articles/belmont-paul-virtual-tour. htm The Belmont-Paul house has its own history. This website delineates that and the development of National American Woman Suffrage Association (N.A.W.S.A.), which be-

came the League of Women Voters after the passage of 19th Amendment. Go to: https://npsgallery. nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NHLS/72001432_text Join in celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Adoption of the 19th Amendment and Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Equality Day on Aug. 26, 2020 at noon. Ring bells, blow whistles and wear white. Learn more at: https:// my.lwv.org/wisconsin/event/bell-ringing-statewide-celebrate-19th-amendment-centennial.

DRESSER: Elections, disposal, water tower discussed FROM PAGE 6

TOWN: Ethical conduct discussed

as headquarters for the National Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Party. She and Alice Paul, along with thousands of other women in Great Britain, other European countries and the USA, had been pushing for womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rights. In the USA the aim was an amendment to the U.S. Constitution, giving women voting rights. This effort was launched in 1848 at the Seneca Falls, New York, and convention by Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony and other leaders in womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suffrage. A socialite in Washington, D.C., Alva Belmont entertained and invited congressmen (in those days only men) and other influential people to her home. Her goal was to influence them to write legislation supportive of women. She enjoyed discussions on political issues. Apparently, some guests did not and told Belmont so. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We enjoy your parties, Alva, but give us a break from politics.â&#x20AC;? Her solution was to commission a set of dinner china decorated with the slogan, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Votes for Women.â&#x20AC;? Her guests were made well aware of her position!

water projects, which would include interest. The third option would address the refurbishment and addition of new equipment for the water pump on well #3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; if it would not fail before the estimated repairs estimated due in 2023. The fourth option was to draw down $100,000 for the water tower project, reserving

$50,000 for the well #3 pump or other future water projects. In a roll call vote, the board approved the fourth option presented. Other Business - The board approved the purchase of the ImageCast Evolution (ICE) all-in-one ballot tabulator device for the upcoming election for an overall cost $6,600 $5600 of which would be purchased through the

Annual Backpack Fundraiser goes virtual due to COVID-19 The Polk County Salvation Army announced late in the spring that their annual Backpack fundraiser would not be held in person this year due to COVID-19. The organization did say that they would still need to raise substantial funds to help support this program in Polk County. The Backpack Program in Polk County helps to feed families in need over the weekends when children are not in school receiving a free or reduced lunch. Each family signs up to participate in the program and each week volunteers from The Salvation Army pack the backpacks and ensure that the bags get to the school on Fridays to go home over the weekend. Each bag includes: a dinner, breakfast, fruit, vegetable and a snack and twice a month, a milk coupon. Last school year, the organization did not stop delivering backpacks despite school closures due to SEE BACKPACKS, PAGE 19

county, and the remaining $1000 to be paid by the Village of Dresser for delivery, installation and training. The ICE Tabulator was spoken of with high regard at the July board meeting due to its relative cost, all encompassing system, ability

to count absentee ballots, and that all ballots are counted by the machine eliminating the need for hand counting of ballots. The ICE Tabulator is not connected to Internet making it incapable of tampering or hacking as well.

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JACKET: Life jackets and water safety

ELECTION: Stafsholt defeats Link

FROM PAGE 12

FROM PAGE 2

can overpower a person of any size. Currents not easily noticeable standing on the shore can be strong enough to overpower a person and make even the strongest of swimmers unable to swim against it. Keep an eye on the weather and let someone know where you are going. Paddleboarders should be competent swimmers and need to wear a life jacket. Wisconsin and U.S. Coast Guard law treats paddleboards the same as kayaks and canoes. This means there must be a personal flotation device for each person on board. However, the best way to obey this law and to ensure your safety is to just wear the life jacket. More boat safety tips can be found here.

voted absentee, with 446 total voters. Tricia Zunker garnered 177 votes in the Democratic primary for District 7 in the U.S. House of Representatives. Patty Schachtner finished with 175 votes for the Democratic State Senate District 10 seat and Kim Butler had 171 votes for the Democratic District 28 Assembly primary. On the county level, Amanda Nissen had 170 votes in the Polk County

WISCONSIN DNR

A life jacket is the ﬁrst step to enjoying a day on the water.

TAKE A SAFETY CLASS It is easy to complete a safety class. They’re fun, quick and online – and more than worth your time. FIND THE RIGHT LIFE JACKET Get your life jacket and plan

Minutes of Osceola

School Board Proceedings The Regular Meeting of the Board of Education for the School District of Osceola was held in the Middle School Library on July 15, 2020. The meeting was called to order by President Brooke Kulzer at 6:30 P.M. with roll call taken: Pete Kammerud – yes; Kysa Marten –yes, Brian Meyer – yes; Lanette Johnson-yes-(via conference call); and Brooke Kulzer –yes. Superintendent Mark Luebker, Business Manager Lynette Edwards, Director of Instruction Dr. Becky Styles, Susan Mayer, Food Service Director, Steve Leslie, Transportation Director, Michelle McManamy, Kids Klub Director, Rachael Robinson, School Nurse and Building Principals Adam Spiegel, Scott Newton, Amanda Meyer, Lindsay Thomas and Julie Bender attended the meeting. Person (s) who requested an audience before the Board: Jeff Hahn, teacher at OHS. Expressed his concern that the district should require face coverings for all staff and students as we plan for reopening in the fall. Does not feel we are in a safe place to fully re-open in the fall without the requirement of face coverings. Will Oliphant, teacher at OMS & OHS. Expressed his concerns about the emotional distress of reopening will play on both students and staff. Peg Medcraft, teacher at OHS. Expressed her concerns about fully reopening in the fall. Darla Traynor, teacher at OES. Expressed her concern that face coverings should be required for both staff and students. Megan Melcher; teacher at OHS. Expressed her concerns about the shortage of subs and the risks subs may be for the district as they are subbing in other districts. Olivia Willett, teacher at OMS and OHS. Expressed her concerns about reopening in the fall. Chris Willett, teacher at OHS. Expressed his concerns about reopening in the fall, believes face coverings should be required. Stacey Baier, teacher at OES. Expressed her concerns the lack of substitute teachers and the ventilation at OES. Rick Stewart, teacher at OHS and parent. Expressed his concern about class sizes and passing times. Trisha Carslon, parent. Thanked the Board and Administrative team for their hard work in developing a plan. Expressed her concerns about the struggles her family faced in the spring with distance learning in a rural community. Internet services are not reliable. A Pete Kammerud/Brian Meyer motion was made to approve the consent without the request to pull any items out for discussion. Motion Carried. Adopt the agenda Approved minutes of the Regular Meeting held on June 24, 2020 Hires, Resignations, and Recognitions. Resignation: Jordan Hansen, OHS Phy Ed, Crystal Rachick, OMS Phy Ed Recognition(s): Lisa Mangelsen, OIS Certified Aide Hire (s): Caroline Jundt, OMS Social Studies, Ryan Sauve, OHS Social Studies, Amy Gillespie, Girls Assistant Tennis Coach. Motion Carried. A Kysa Marten/Brian Meyer motion was made to approve the payment of bills from General Fund with ACH numbered 201900271-202000015 and computerized checks numbered 180399-180517 for a total of $825,051.44. Motion Carried. School Board Committee Report presented by Brian Mey-

your summer fun with recreational boating, paddling and swimming. More information about portable flotation devices can be found here.

er. Mark Luebker reviewed building projects, phase one, phase two and completed projects were discussed. Mark Luebker and the administrative team review reopening school for fall. This will be communicated out to families and the community soon. The District is currently looking to offer an online option for families. Information about Osceola Virtual Academy (OVA) was presented by Dr. Becky Styles. Mission is to provide Osceola resident students with flexible and rigorous online learning opportunities that will help them acquire the knowledge, skills and characteristics necessary for college and career readiness. Goals would include to provide alternatives to the traditional setting for students who will be successful in an independent learning environment and to provide an option for homeschooled families to get state aligned content at no cost to them. At this time, OVA will be offered to residents and currently open enrolled in students. A motion was made by Kysa Marten to approve Osceola Virtual Academy. With no second, the motion did not carry. The Board further discussed OVA. A Kysa Marten/Pete Kammerud motion was made to approve Osceola Virtual Academy. Roll call vote: Lanette Johnson, no; Pete Kammerud, yes; Kysa Marten, yes; Brian Meyer, no; Brooke Kulzer, yes. Motion Carried. A Brian Meyer/Kysa Marten motion was made to approve Wisconsin Academic Standards for 2020-2021 School Year. The District chooses to use the Wisconsin Academic Standards instead of creating our own. Motion Carried. A Lanette Johnson/Brian Meyer motion was made to table the agenda item to hire Health Aide(s) until the August 5, 2020 School Board Meeting. Mark Luebker discussed the District’s interest in hiring up to 4 Health Aides to assist the School Nurse. The Health Aide would assist in the health and isolation rooms. This position would be up to 7.5 hours a day for the 2020-2021 school year. Motion Carried. Administrator Report: Amanda Meyer: Thank you to Jim, Bruce and Jeremy working hard to get our building ready for the beginning of the school year and also completing referendum projects. Thank you to Bonnie and Julie, our two administrative assistants in completing scheduling, ordering and organizing for the start of the school year. We recently completed the Train the Trainer training for Schoology. The five OMS Trainers have recently met to create a plan for flexible in service sessions to meet the needs of our staff. Scott Newton: Link Crew training has been going on virtually, thank you to Ms. Campeau for doing a great job preparing our juniors & seniors to be positive leaders for our incoming freshman. July activities are under way in the athletic department. As of today 255 students have completed the waiver for participation for open tennis, open gym, strength training, running, dance, cheerleading, etc. Thank you to all the coaches for providing these opportunities. Most of the activities happen outside but we do have an inside rotation as well. WIAA has held many meetings and the plan for fall sports is still not finalized. Adam Spiegel: Senior Graduation is tomorrow, July 16 at 7:00 p.m. on the football field. Than you to our custodian/maintenance team for their help setting this up. Another thank you to Holli Haase and our senior advisors; Ms. Demulling, Ms. Wicklund and Ms. Friedrichsen for all their help with graduation planning. The event will be streamed through We Are Osceola Facebook page. In May, OHS received an Advanced Placement Pacesetter award. This was based on our test participation and excellence from the previous year. AP test scores are now coming in, this was done online due to school closure. Dr. Becky Styles: Huge thanks to Bryan Marks and the Technology Department for all their hard work behind the scenes. Staff required annual training will be run through SafeSchools Module again this year. We have 12 new teachers starting this fall, all of whom have mentors. We are in the process of making changes to the mentoring program to accommodate for less group face-to-face meetings. The

Treasurer race, while Sally Spanel finished with 169 votes for the Polk County Register of Deeds. Meanwhile on the Republican side, Tom Tiffany earned 237 votes in the Republican primary for District 7 in the U.S. House of Representatives. Gae Magnafici had 223 votes in the District 28 assembly primary. Jeffrey Kemp recorded 219 votes in the Polk County district attorney and Lisa R. Ross had 221 votes for Polk County clerk.

Delivering Your Community

<www.osceolasun.com> flexible in-service plan will be released to staff at the end of this week. LMS learning is the primary focus but other items are also included. Lindsay Thomas: Our Seesaw Leaders met on Tuesday with Brian Marks and Dr Becky Styles to start our Train the Trainer experience. We had great conversations. We will have additional opportunities for staff to learn more about Seesaw in the coming weeks. Thank you to the group of ten teachers that came in on June 25th to give feedback and input on the back-to-school plan. A big thanks goes out to Bruce, David, Scott, and Jeremy for working so hard on getting the elementary school ready for the upcoming school year. A special thanks to Bruce for dealing with my crazy ideas, helping to brainstorm COVID solutions, and for communicating so well with staff that are itching to get into the building. Another big thanks goes out to Rachael Robinson, School Nurse, for all of her work. This is an unprecedented situation and she has been calm, helpful, and proactive. OES has three support staff positions posted. Interviews will be happening late July or early August. We have selected our theme for the 2020-21 school year. Stronger Together at OES. We will focus on wellness and diversity appreciation! Julie Bender: We completed Train the Trainer for Schoology. Thank you to our OIS trainers. We have 6 OIS teachers working hard developing the framework for OIS so we can deliver a universal approach to students and families. Thank you Randy, Michael and Jeremy for your hard work! The polished concrete floors are looking great, with only 5 rooms left to go, the polished concrete is close to being complete. Kids Klub is off to a great start. It is nice seeing so many smiling faces on the students as they socialize and play. Michelle and her staff have created a safe, fun environment. Thank you to all OIS teachers. As they have been amazing, flexible and excited to learn and grow together. Lynette Edwards: The District Office set goals for the 20192020 school year both as a department and individually. We recently reviewed those goals and started planning our goals for the 2020-2021 school year. Next week is our 2019-2020 School Year Audit. The next Committee Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. in the Osceola Middle School Library. A public audience will be allowed for this meeting and the room will be set up to follow social distancing guidelines. All visitors will be required to fill out a COVID-19 Visitor Screening. The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. in the Osceola Middle School Library. A public audience will be allowed for this meeting and the room will be set up to follow social distancing guidelines. All visitors will be required to fill out a COVID-19 Visitor Screening. Pete Kammerud: For my years as a School Board Member, the COVID-19 pandemic has been the hardest time I have been a part of. Brian Meyer: Thank you to all the staff that came this evening to express their questions and concerns. A Pete Kammerud/Brian Meyer motion was made to adjourn to Executive Session pursuant to WI Statute 19.85(1) (c) and (f) to consider the employment and compensation of any employee and for preliminary consideration of a specific matter which, if discussed in public, could have an adverse impact on the reputation of those involved. Roll call taken: Pete Kammerud – yes; Kysa Marten-yes; and Brooke Kulzer -yes; Brian Meyer - yes; Lanette Johnson- no. In addition, Superintendent Mark Luebker and Business Manager Lynette Edwards attended the meeting. Motion Carried. A Kysa Marten/Pete Kammerud motion was made to adjourn out of the Executive Session. Motion carried. Brooke Kulzer announced no official action was taken. A /Brian Meyer/Kysa Marten motion was made to adjourn. Motion Carried. Pete Kammerud, Clerk WNAXLP

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Perfectly peachy summer dessert

BENNETT: Wait until dark FROM PAGE 12

al. Snowy owls stand out flying over melting plowed crop fields or setting on telephone poles as they search for voles and mice to replace lemmings. But the owls that bring the most attention are the Great Grey Owls when they too venture south in hard times when food is scarce in the far north. The Great Grey Owl is a stylish bird dressed up in neat grey suitwith a feathered bow tie across its neck. Living so far north they seldom, if ever come in

contact with humans and have no fear of people. That means you can walk right up to them and practically touch them, although I strongly suggest not doing soto keep fingers and hands intact. I remember a time when I was able to get within 6 feet of perching great grey owls as a result of lack of lemmings. Being that close to such a giant bird was amazing. But most of this huge bird is made of feathers making the Great Horned Owl and Snowy Owl weigh more than the Great Grey. So which owl waited until dark

to visit that night? It was pretty easy to figure out that it was a Great Horned Owl pair. Their unique hoot pattern makes them very easy to identify. There are many owl sites online that anyone can access to figure out the night visitors calls, the only sound you here as they fly silently through the darkness. Jim Bennett is an outdoorsman who lives and worked in the St. Croix River Valley and can be reached at jamesbennett24@gmail. com

HOROSCOPES

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, you feel a desire to be of service to others. Humanitarian tendencies are a trait that you should be proud to display. Keep up all of the good work. TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, if you have been seeking a romantic partner you may fall in love over the next few days. For those who are in relationships, the bonds of love only grow stronger. GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Several powerful events have the potential to improve the positive energy surrounding you, Gemini. Bask in this warmth and the good news it is likely to bring. CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, you may meet some new people who can introduce you to some other new and

influential people. It is always beneficial to expand your network. LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Some exciting experiences are coming your way this week, Leo. You may discover a talent you didn’t know you had, or you may involve yourself in a creative endeavor. VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, you usually approach situations rationally and scientifically, but sometimes you need to throw caution to the wind. You might be surprised with the results. LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, this week you may be feeling more intuitive than ever before. It may seem like you have psychic abilities. Pick up on the feelings and bits of information coming. SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, now is the right time to be more idealistic. Embrace that mood. Put your energy toward being sensitive to social and political conditions and get your voice heard. SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Business and money are going well for you, Sagittarius. You might be thinking in terms of making a big career change or even starting your own business. CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 You may be inclined to be more spiritual or metaphysical in the days to come, Capricorn. Explore all avenues of higher thinking, especially if you ﬁnd it calming. AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, you tend to be sensitive to the feelings of others, and this is a good approach that will serve you and others

in various ways. Maintain this sense of compassion. PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 You tend to see those people closest to you in their best light, Pisces. Encourage them to do the same if a situation arises that requires it. FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS AUGUST 16 Steve Carell, Actor (58) AUGUST 17 Lil Pump, Rapper (20) AUGUST 18 Christian Slater, Actor (51) AUGUST 19 Christina Perri, Singer (34) AUGUST 20 Demi Lovato, Singer (28) AUGUST 21 Jade Chynoweth, Dancer (22) AUGUST 22 Richard Armitage, Actor (49)

CLUES ACROSS 1. Popular musical awards show 5. Speech in one’s honor 11. A state of poor nutrition 14. Not ingested 15. More lacking in taste 18. “Popeye” cartoonist 19. Helps to reduce speed 21. January 1 greeting (abbr.) 23. Georgian currency 24. Proverb expressing a truth 28. Jewish calendar month 29. Volume measurement 30. Fair-skinned 32. Patti Hearst’s captors 33. Have already done 35. Touch lightly 36. Autonomic nervous system 39. Plant part 41. College degree 42. Military alliance 44. Tokyo’s former name 46. Carpenter’s tool 47. Before 49. Consent to receive 52. Passages 56. The Duke of Edinburgh 58. Utter repeatedly 60. Linked together in a chain 62. Quality that evokes pity 63. Maintained possession of

CLUES DOWN 1. U.S. military school 2. Controls 3. Away from wind 4. Grab quickly 5. Being everlasting 6. Vase 7. Atomic #3 8. Type of medication 9. Encircle with a belt

eaches are my favorite fruit to cook with. They don’t lose their flavor like some fruit when cooked. The flavor is more pronounced when peaches are cooked. Peaches are lovely to eat fresh. My dad loved peaches and would bring home a case each year from someone at work when I was young. Each peach was as big as my head. I remember wiping peach juice off my chin, cheeks, and elbows. We’d eat peaches for breakfast lunch and dinner. When they were gone, I’d beg him to buy more the next year. Grilling peaches is a quick dessert that can be pulled together in minutes. I usually plan on grilled peaches for dessert when I’m already grilling dinner. It’s easy to Wild Chow grill the peaches after I’ve finished grilling dinner, or better yet, grill Lisa Erickson them first so you don’t end up with charred bits of meat or marinade on your peaches. Which peaches are best for grilling? Some peaches grill better than others. Super ripe peaches are likely to fall apart or drip all the juice out down into your grill. The best peaches to grill are the ones that are still somewhat firm. When shopping, look for firm peaches that will be ripe in a day or two. When lightly pressed they are firm. Save the ripest peaches for eating fresh. How to cut a peach: Use a sharp paring knife to follow the natural line that sometimes forms on peaches that run from stem to core. Cut the peach all the way around. Then, with gentle pressure, twist both halves in opposite directions. Carefully, with the knife, remove the pit. What if I don’t have a grill? No, problem. Preheat your oven broiler to high. Place peaches cut side up on an oven safe baking-sheet. Broil about 2 inches from the heating element or flame. Cook until dark brown spots appear on peaches; about 5 minutes. Remove from oven and cool. Proceed with the recipe. Spiced Grilled Peaches with Ice Cream and Honey Serves 4 2 firm peaches 4 scoops of premium vanilla ice cream 2 tablespoons of wildflower honey ½ tsp. apple pie spice 2 cups heavy whipped cream ¼ cup powdered sugar Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Carefully scrape grill clean and free of all charred food bits. Brush the peach halves with avocado oil. Place cut side down on the hot grill with tongs. Cook for 3 minutes and rotate 90 degrees to continue to cook for 3 more minutes. Grill marks should be crisscross. Remove from the grill; cool. Peaches can be grilled ahead of time. In a large bowl, with an electric mixer, beat heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar on high until stiff peaks form. Plate peach halves for serving and place a scoop of the ice cream in the center of each half. Drizzle with honey and a sprinkle of apple pie spice. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Serve immediately. Lisa Erickson is a food columnist who loves adventure and food. You can find more recipes by emailing her at wildchowrecipes@gmail.com.

10. Belonging to you 12. American state 13. City in Zambia 16. Good Gosh! 17. Of the country 20. Helsinki district 22. 36 inches 25. Reporters’ group

26. The voice of Olaf 27. Explains in detail 29. Tooth caregiver 31. One point south of due east 34. Scottish river 36. Elsa’s sister 37. Civil Rights group 38. Line of poetry 40. Doctor 43. Fatty acid 45. Avatar (abbr.)

48. Awe-inspiring garden 50. Fall down 51. Rock icon Turner 53. Asian country (alt. sp.) 54. UK museum network 55. Stairs have at least one 57. Part of (abbr.) 58. Simpson trial judge 59. Sun up in New York 61. Exclamation of surprise

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Sentinel Publications, publishers of the Amery Free Press, Baldwin Bulletin, Burnett County Sentinel, Country Messenger and Osceola Sun is seeking a Classiﬁed Advertising representative. The position will work cooperatively with other members of the sales team to serve existing customers, create new customers and meet monthly sales goals. Duties include: • Working with customers and ad designers to develop and place ads in print and online • Actively seeking new print, digital and niche product advertising revenue The ideal candidate will have a passion for customer service, the ability to meet deadlines and a real attention to detail. Prior sales experience preferred. Microsoft Office and basic math skills required. Position pays base plus commission.

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FACULTY: New teachers at Osceola School District FROM PAGE 1

in school, she worked as a long term and short term substitute teacher in several districts in the Twin C Cities metro. She also t taught a short time in M Melbourne, Australia. Markell Ramich: O Osceola Elementary S School Special Educat tion teacher. Markell graduatJundt e from University ed o WI-Stout with a of d dual degree in Early C Childhood Educat tion and Special E Education. She was a t teaching assistant for f four years at Stoutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s c campus childcare Ringer c center. She also was a substitute paraprof fessional in her free t time, serving children w with special needs. S had the opportuShe n to student teach nity a Unity Elementary at S School, Boyceville Lundein E Elementary, Barron E Elementary, Hudson P Prairie Elementary, a most recently at and F Flynn Elementary in t Eau Claire School the D District. Ryan Sauve: Osceo High School Social ola Joyce S Studies teacher. Sauve is originally from Cameron, and attended college at St. Scholastica in Duluth. He just finished the 2019-20 school year teaching 6-8th grade at Prairie Winds Middle School in Mankato. Tracie Gillund: Osceola Intermediate School fifth grade teacher. Gillund graduated from the University of WIisconsin â&#x20AC;&#x201C; River

Falls with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Mathematics. The past five years she has taught at two different charter schools in Minneapolis. At Cedar R Riverside Communit School she taught ty 5 5-8th grade math. O year she was a One M Math Specialist where s was in charge of she t math program the f the school. She for Ramich t then taught at KIPP M Minnesota where she h a variety of roles had i including teaching a 5/6 resource room m math & English. She a also taught 6th grade m math and co taught a a special education as Sauve t teacher. Stephanie Tokar: O Osceola Intermediate S School Special Educ cation teacher. Tokar h B.S. Elementahas r Education from ry U UW-Superior, 2017; M M.S.E. Special EducaGillund t tion from UW-Super rior, 2020; 5th grade t teacher-Barnum, MN 2 2017-2018; 4th & 5th G Grade Cross Categoric Special Education cal T Teacher-Superior, WI 2 2018-2019; One-on-One P Paraprofessional for Tokar a 4th grade student with Autism-Baldwin, 2019-2020 Ryan Wood: Osceola High School Business & Marketing teacher. Ryan graduated from Unity High School. He then received his Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degree in Management from University of WI â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Green Bay and his teaching license through edUCATE-WI.

Anja Lake: Osceola Intermediate School third grade teacher. Lake received her Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s & Masters in English and Biology from Goethe University, FrankGerman She then received furt, Germany. h Elementary her E Education Certificate f from the American B Board for Certific cation of Teacher E Excellence. She was t then an ELA Teacher Wood f from grades 5 and 6 in Germany, 2nd, 3rd a 4th grade aide at and L Luck School District a along with being a 4K t teacher at Luck. Jessica Olson: O Osceola Elementary a a 4K teacher. Olson as Lake r received her Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degree in Early C Childhood Education i 2014 from the Uniin v versity of Wisconsin R River Falls. She comes w with six years of e experience in working w with children. She Olson m most recently taught 3 year olds at New 3-4 R Richmond Head Start. David Eichler: O Osceola Middle School P Physical Education t teacher. Eichler gradu uated from Ecclesia C College in 2015 with Ellison a BS in Business Administration and then in 2020 graduated from UW- River Falls with a BS in Health and Human Performance. Megan Ellison: Osceola Elementary School as a first grade teacher. Ellison graduated from UW- Eau Claire in 2019 and her first year teaching was as a fourth grade teacher in Stillwater.

Thorman, Morris and Gullickson reelected

Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative announced the results of its 2020 board election at the coopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 82nd annual meeting July 8, which was held online this year to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Three incumbent directors were reelected in Coop Districts 1, 2 and 3. The election was conducted by mail and web ballot by an independent election contractor. Election results were tabulated from ballots received on or before May 27, 2020. Voter participation was 17.4%, with 1,188 ballots received (1,045 paper and 143 online) from 6,827 eligible voters. In Co-op District 1, incumbent Cindy Thorman of Osceola ran unopposed and was reelected with 345 votes. District 1 includes parts of Osceola, Alden and Garfield townships, and Farmington and Somerset townships. In Co-op District 2, incumbent Mike Morris of Luck was reelected with 308 votes. Also on the ballot was Erick Vitalis of St. Croix Falls, who received 155 votes. District 2 includes part of Osceola Township, and St. Croix Falls, Eureka, Sterling, Laketown and Milltown townships. In Co-op District 3,

incumbent Ed Gullickson of Amery ran unopposed and was reelected with 339 votes. District 3 includes part of Garfield and Alden townships, and Lincoln, Blackbrook, Clear Lake, Vance Creek, Star Prairie, Forest and New Haven townships Thorman, Morris and Gullickson will serve three-year terms on the co-op board, beginning with the July 27 regular board meeting. Directors meet monthly to make policy and budget decisions. They are elected by members and each represents a district in the co-opâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s service territory. Overall, nine co-op directors serve on the Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative board. Other Polk-Burnett board directors are: Joe Metro, Balsam Lake, District 4; Jeff Traynor, Balsam Lake, District 5;

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Wilfred Owens, Frederic, District 6; Jerry Okonek, Spooner, District 7; Chuck Brookshaw, Webster, District 8 and Tom Swenson, Webster, District 9. Polk-Burnett is a notfor-profit, member-owned cooperative that provides reliable electricity with efficiency and extraordinary service to 20,000+ homes, farms and businesses across 2,000 square miles. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Electric cooperatives are unique because we

are owned and governed by the members we serve. Co-op directors are local members who live and work here. They understand and listen to our local community. Local board governance is one of the greatest advantages of our co-op business model,â&#x20AC;? said General Manager Steve Stroshane. For more information about the co-op board, visit polkburnett.com or call 800-421-0283.

IMMEDIATE POSITION AVAILABLE IN THE TOWN OF OSCEOLA The Town of Osceola, population 2,906, in Polk County, Wisconsin, is seeking to ďŹ ll a part-time position of Town Clerk, whose responsibilities are deďŹ ned in detail in Wisconsin Statutes Â§60.33. The Clerk is expected to have strong organization skills and experience in a variety of administrative work including, but not limited to, meetings and minutes, elections, licenses and permits. The position involves extensive public contact, providing services to citizens, elected Town ofďŹ cials, and other departments within the Town government. Experience in municipal government is desired, with strong oral and written communication skills, ability to work under deadlines, and the ability to manage multiple projects. The individual must have proďŹ ciency in MS Word, Excel, and basic accounting skills, and will be required to work occasional evenings each month due to board meetings. Pay is DOQ, but is expected to be in the $18.00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; $20.00 range. Application packets and information are available on the Townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website at www.townofosceola.com, or by calling 715.755.3060. Submit your cover letter, resume, and employment application as soon as possible to the Town of Osceola, 516 East Avenue North, PO Box 216, Dresser, WI 54009 or by e-mail to townofosceola@yahoo.com. Position is open until ďŹ lled. EOE.

Polk-Burnettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Operation Round Up awards $34,753 to 35 local nonproďŹ ts Polk-Burnettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Operation Round Up awarded $34,753 to 35 nonprofits serving our community, including $1,500 each to five local food shelves. Spring and summer grants were combined due to COVID-19, making the total amount larger than normal this quarter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We know that charitable donations are vital for many of our local nonprofits right now. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re grateful we can do our part of to help during this time of uncertainty and as the need is high for many families and community services,â&#x20AC;? said Joan Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Fallon, communications director, Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative. Funding for Operation Round Up is donated by members of Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative who round their monthly electric bill up to the next even dollar amount. Grant recipients are selected quarterly by a committee of co-op members, with financial donations awarded to nonprofit organizations

that improve our local quality of life. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Polk-Burnett is pleased to support our community through Operation Round Up, and we thank our members for their participation and generosity. Operation Round Up aligns with our co-op values and enables us to power our community with more than electricity,â&#x20AC;? said Polk-Burnett General Manager Steve Stroshane. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Together, we are making a difference.â&#x20AC;? Grant recipients for spring and summer 2020 are: Amery Area Food Pantry, $1,500, food and personal care items for local families Amery Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club, $1,000, books for Amery second graders Aspen Guardian Services, $1,000, new computer Burnett Area Arts Group, $795, community art shows and events Clear Lake Museum, $1,000, signage and materials for historical walking tour SEE ROUND UP, PAGE 19

Public Announcement

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AUGUST 19, 2020

THE SUN

www.osceolasun.com

SILL: Welcome home FROM PAGE 8

around since the Gettysburg Address and I find the basement to be generally creepy and unwelcoming. Even so, it makes me proud to sit in the living room and feel the warmth of a home where only a foreign, slightly bad smelling, hundred year old house stood a year ago. I cried the day we closed on the house. It wasn’t at the signing, or the first time we pulled into the driveway, but that night before we went to bed. We sat silently on a bare mattress, saddled with a pile of new debt and a mountain of cardboard boxes containing what used to be our well-organized lives. We both felt like we’d made a terrible mistake. Buying a home changed my outlook on life more than anything I’ve ever done. I suddenly realized what my parents were yelling at me about all those years when I walked through the kitchen with my boots on or dumped toys all over the floor of my room. I remember watching my mom spray an ant pile on the sidewalk in a fit of Irish rage when I was in my late teens. She seemed quite glad to kill the poor bastards and it struck me as unnecessarily cold-blooded. I sat squarely in my hippy, ‘don’t harm the animals’ phase at the time and said something like “they’re not bothering you out here, why do you need to kill them.” The second I bought my own home and started noticing bugs in my kitchen, I thought of that

moment. Now if an ant gets within a quarter mile of my house, it dies. Mom and Dad preached pride of ownership from the time they gave me my first pacifier, but almost none of it sunk in until we signed the papers on this house. I ‘ve been proud of where I lived before, but in a different way. In college I rented a house owned by my aunt. I kept it clean, but only compared to the other degenerates I lived with. I shared the place with a childhood friend who was unbearably annoying and an exchange student from Siberia, to whom personal hygiene was a completely foreign concept. If the dishes got done once a week I considered myself a great success. I often think of that house now, as well as the places Erin and I lived in before buying our home. We shared a house with roommates in Woodbury before moving into our first place together, a frighteningly run down apartment in East St. Paul. Then there was a yearlong stint at my parent’s house in Nebraska and another year in a townhome in Hudson. We moved every year for four years, and to hit that mark now and not have to think about packing up again makes all the headache of owning a home worth it. So I’ll take the busted windows and the creepy basement. I still don’t shed tears of joy at the sight of our starter home, but when I pull in the driveway at night and see a light on in the living room, I know I’ve found the place I want to stay.

Full Gandy Relay now virtual The Friends of Gandy is excited to announce a Full Gandy Relay, which is likely the most unique people powered event to ever take place on the trail. Participants were scheduled to complete the entire 47.7 miles of trail between St. Croix Falls and Danbury, on Aug. 29. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the relay has gone virtual. Relay participants now have a greater window of time in which to complete the Full Gandy Relay between August 15 and September 13. Teams of two to four (or solo) will cover 47.7 miles in sections pre-designated for running, biking and hiking. The relay features 7 segments: 3 sections are for running with distances ranging from 5-6.2 miles, 3 segments for biking with a range of 8-11.1 miles, and

one segment is a 2.1 mile hike. Your team decides which segments each member will take. Team members ages 16 and older must have a state trail pass, available at several different locations, found on our website. Participants are asked to document photos of their adventure during the relay. Once times and photos are submitted, race shirts and certificates of completion will be sent. For more information and to register visit: GandyDancerTrail. org. The Friends of Gandy suggests a donation per person to register. The Friends of Gandy Dancer’s mission is to promote, maintain and enhance the Gandy Dancer State Trail for people-powered activities. See you on the Gandy!

STUDENTS: Students sought for public health youth leadership FROM PAGE 7

Council. Examples of projects by previous years by PowerUp Teen Leadership Council members and student ambassadors include: Instagram campaign to share key messages about how teens can eat better, move more and feel good – in spite of social distancing during coronavirus; Consulting on promotional materials for the

PowerUp School Challenge Surveying peers to understand barriers to eating better, moving more and feeling good; Stillwater Area High School students used marketing tactics to highlight the importance of breakfast and promote the school’s “Second chance breakfast” for those who hadn’t eaten before school; High school students in New Richmond grew

lettuce using hydroponics and aquaponics; the lettuce was then used to prepare school lunches; Middle school students in Osceola developed a physical activity challenge for the elementary students and tracked steps using pedometers. Students can find out more at powerup4kids. org/youthleadership. The application deadlines are August 31 (Teen Leadership Council) and October 31 (student ambassadors).

PowerUp is the HealthPartners community-wide campaign to improve the health of members, patients, employees and communities. It’s an invitation to everyone to eat better, move more and create healthy communities to live our best lives possible. It does this important work through programs, partnerships and useful resources. Find out more at powerup4kids.org.

BACKPACKS: Annual backpack fundraiser goes virtual FROM PAGE 13

COVID-19. Instead, The Salvation Army partnered with the school districts to ensure the families who still depended on the backpacks could keep on receiving them when they got their meals for the week from the school. Despite the pandemic, the service did not stop and organizers plan to continue with the program as long as it is needed and as long as there is funding to support it. In the 2019-2020 school year, the program supported over 300 families each and every week. Each backpack costs approximately $7 to fill. This year, with the annual backpack fundraiser having to be cancelled due to COVID-19, the organization is asking the community for its help. Fundraising Manager, Angela Moulton said, “Our annual fundraiser at the Amery Fire Hall has raised close

to $30,000 in the past. Because of the limitations on hosting an in-person event, we are hoping the community will hear the plea for help and still plan to give.” Moulton said, “Many of the event sponsors from previous years are coming alongside and still planning to give to support the program. I am amazed at how generous our community is. At last count, I believe we have had over $5,000 in sponsors come in to help us reach that $30,000 mark.” During the month of August, The Polk County Salvation Army will be hosting a virtual fundraiser to help raise funds specifically to help the Backpack Program. This program supports kids in the following school districts: Amery, Clear Lake, Clayton, Turtle Lake, Unity, Polk County Head Start, Luck and Frederic. Moulton said, “It will take a community-wide effort to help us

continue this important service.” The organization is still accepting sponsorships of the program from businesses. Interested business sponsors should call 715-497-4438 to learn more. Individuals wanting to give to support the program can do so by mailing a donation in to: Polk County Salvation Army MEMO: Backpacks, PO BOX 129, Clear Lake, WI 54005. As an added benefit, there will be a texting (Online Giving) option too. Those wanting to support can text the word “Backpack” to 24365. You will then be routed to an online giving form that will count toward the effort. Follow the Polk County Salvation Army on Facebook to keep aware of the total progress for this fundraiser. They plan to keep it updated as they go throughout the month of August.

ROUND UP: Polk-Burnett Round up awards local nonproﬁts FROM PAGE 18

Clear Lake Schools, $1,000, mental health awareness week Clear Lake Veterans Memorial, $500, museum and community displays Coats for Kids, $1,000, coat distribution for kids Domestic Animal Wellness Center & Wildlife Rescue, $1,000, supplies Family Pathways Food Shelves, Frederic and St. Croix Falls, $3,000, $1,500 to each FFA Alumni, $1,000, Amery FFA team to international competition Frederic Arts Inc., $500, art classes for assisted living residents Frederic Elementary School, $500, Asian Adventure unit Grantsburg Area Historical Society, $1,000, paint historic Emma’s House Grantsburg Community Education, $1,000, STAR mentor program Humane Society of Burnett County, $800, electrical wiring for

indoor dog area Kinship of Polk County, $1,000, mentoring program for Polk County children League of Women Voters Upper St. Croix Valley, $1,000, voter registration events and materials Luck FFA, $600, pig project Luck School District Family and Consumer Science, $500, stove replacement Mental Health Task Force of Burnett County, $800, mental health chalk art program for schools Mental Health Task Force of Polk County, $1,000, mental health education for community groups Moms & Dads Against Meth, $1,000, sober residence for women Osceola Intermediate School, $1,000, $500 each for school garden and writing kits Polk County Behavioral Health, $1,000, gas cards to help people with transportation Quarter Moon Acres Equine Therapy, $858, laptop and printer Scott Volunteer Fire Dept., $1,000, replace self-contained

breathing apparatus Siren High School Track & Field, $500, two iPads St. Croix Falls Food Shelf, $1,500, food for local families St. Croix Falls Police K9 Association, $1,000, equipment for K9 vehicle St. Croix Falls School District, School Nurse, $400, wheelchair St. Croix Valley Sexual Assault Response Team, $1,000, camera to record examination Washburn County Sheriff’s Dept., $1,000, enclosed trailer for emergency supplies and generator Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity, $1,500, home rehab in Burnett County Yellow Lake Food Distribution, $1,500, food for distribution to local families 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 September 1.

Virtual Dementia Education summer series Join the ADRC of Northwest Wisconsin and the Alzheimer’s Association for a monthly virtual dementia education program, 6-7 p.m. on the last Monday of each month through September. Join us while

sipping iced tea on your deck or patio or while nestled in on the couch. They are open to anyone who wants to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and brain health. The next dementia

education program Monday, Aug. 31 will feature Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia. In the United States alone, more than 5 million individuals are living with Alzheimer’s disease and 16 million are serving as

their unpaid caregivers. This disease is a global crisis that impacts numerous families right here in our community. No one has to face this disease alone or without SEE SERIES, PAGE 20

THE SUN

AUGUST 19, 2020 www.osceolasun.com

Xcel Energy Foundation provides grants The Xcel Energy Foundation has awarded nearly $320,000 to 63 nonprofits in Wisconsin and Michigan to help provide funding for critical programs in their communities. This represents an increase in giving by the Xcel Energy Foundation to support existing nonprofit partners that are facing difficulties during the pandemic. Earlier this year, in response to Covid-19, the Foundation also provided funds to organizations that address food insecurity. “At Xcel Energy we’re doing our part to support our customers and communities during this very challenging time,” said Mark Stoering, president, Xcel Energy-Wisconsin and Michigan.

“Our mission is to provide our customers safe, clean, reliable energy services, but we also know that the quality of life in our communities is equally important to their continued success.” Some of the recipients this year included: Aptiv Family Services of La Crosse, Family Support Center in Chippewa Falls, Chippewa Valley Museum in Eau Claire, Mabel Tainter Literary, Library and Educational Society in Menomonie, Barron County Historical Society, St. Croix River Association in St. Croix Falls, and the Gogebic Community College in Ironwood, Mich. Applications for all focus area grants are invitation only and are accepted online once a year.

SERIES: VDE SUBMITTED

Ice rescue suit donated to Allied The Norsemen Motorcycle Club and the owners of Trollhaugen donated a Mustang Ice Commander™ Rescue Suit to Allied Emergency Service in recognition of their time and services toward keeping the riders safe. The Mustang Ice Commander™ is the suit of choice for search and rescue teams, ﬁre departments and ice rescue professionals.

Virtual Lung Force Walk planned The American Lung Association has announced that the first-ever Virtual LUNG FORCE Walk – Wisconsin will take place from September 21 - 27. Previously, the event was held at the Milwaukee Zoo, but was re-imagined as an exciting virtual experience to promote social distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic. UnitedHealthcare joins the Lung Association as Presenting Sponsor of this first-ever Virtual Walk. Participants can run or walk one mile, a 5K, 10K, or a half marathon in one trip or can spread out their chosen distance over the week. At the same time the Lung Association will be transforming the popular LUNG FORCE Action Passport activities from the Walk day into virtual

passport challenges. Money raised at the Virtual LUNG FORCE Walk will fund the Lung Association’s efforts to end lung cancer and lung disease, as well as support he Lung Association’s COVID-19 Action Initiative. The COVID-19 Action Initiative is a $25 million investment to address COVID-19 and protect against future respiratory virus pandemics. The initiative works with public and private entities to increase research collaboration and develop new vaccines, detection tests and treatment therapies. “Lung disease doesn’t stop, and neither can we,” said Megan Cordova, Executive Director for the Lung Association in Wisconsin. “During this challenging time, it’s important for all

those living with lung cancer and lung disease, including COVID-19, to feel hope, optimism, and support. While his year’s Walk will be different, we’re excited to see our participants get moving and get creative with how they support lung health. Whether it’s by walking, running, or biking– we’ll be there with you raising critical funds and awareness.” The Virtual LUNG FORCE Walk – Wisconsin brings together a healthy activity with a greater purpose. Register today at https://action. lung.org/site/TR?fr_ id=20716&pg=entry and post your pictures and videos on social media using #LUNGFORCE #ONEBreathONEFORCE #WalkAgainstCOVID.

FROM PAGE 19

information. This program covers the basics of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Registration is required in order to get the call in/login information for the virtual session. To register contact the Alzheimer’s Association at 800-272-3900. Not tech savvy? No worries! You can just call in on a normal telephone or you can login online to watch, listen and interact. Whatever YOU prefer! Presentation topics for July-September can found at www.adrcnwwi.org and click News/ Events or by calling the ADRC of Northwest Wisconsin at 877-485-2372.

1945 - World War II Ends - 2020 To mark the 75th Anniversary of the end of World War II, we are putting together a special section about the men and women from our area who served.

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We need the community’s help in ﬁnding and giving credit to these veterans, living and dead. We have a page on our website, https://www.osceolasun.com/site/forms/online_ services/wwii_submissions/, where you can share details and a photo of your veteran. We plan to release the section the week of September 7th coinciding with the 75th Anniversary of the end of the war. SARAH FRENCH

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