WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2019
Serving Polk County’s St. Croix Valley since 1897
VOL. 122 NO. 07 www.osceolasun.com $1.00
SPORTS: Osceola football wins close game. PAGE 15
‘Face and voice of Osceola’ for 22 years, clerk takes new step BY SUZANNE LINDGREN EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM
Kari Zegarski, longtime clerk for the Village of Osceola, has accepted a position with the City of Oak Park Heights. Her last day with the village will be September 18. Village board members thanked Zegarski for her decades of commitment last week, at the board’s September 10 meeting. “I’m sorry to see you go but I totally understand,” Zegarski said Village President Jeromy Buberl. “Years ago, before I was on the board and before I knew you, I heard multiple people say that you were Osceola. You were part of all the important functions. Thank you very much for all your hard work.” “Kari has been the face and the voice, through
River Valley Potters announce 2019 fall pottery tour, sale CONTRIBUTED RIVER VALLEY POTTERS
River Valley Potters has announced its fall pottery sale, September 27, 28 and 29. The group of eight ceramic artists and potters with six independent studios in Minnesota and Wisconsin works collectively to promote their studio sales and foster enthusiasm for ceramics in the region. The Wisconsin group is also known as the Western Wisconsin Pottery Tour. Each studio sale features ceramics made by the eight River Valley Potters and numerous guest artists as well. Visitors are invited to drop in over the course of the weekend, meet SUBMITTED
SEE VILLAGE, PAGE 23
SEE TOUR, PAGE 8
Curious chickens with a bowl made by Peter Jadoonath.
Electric co-op announces public electric vehicle charging station in St. Croix Falls Electric vehicle (EV) drivers can now charge their cars at Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative’s charging station in St. Croix Falls, between Midwest One Bank and Marketplace Foods off Hwy. 8. The charging station is free to the public. “EVs are becoming more popular and widely available, with many manufacturers offering at least one model. Improved versions are on the horizon, and for good reason,” said Todd Schulte, member services manager, Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative. “EVs provide environmental advantages and lower operating costs that balance out the initial investment.” “We have an opportunity to help change the future of transportation by providing a charger in our service territory where our members and the public can readily access it,” Schulte continued. “Offering convenient access to charging will help
Polk County Health urges caution with vaping CONTRIBUTED POLK COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
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Todd Schulte, member services manager, Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative, charges the co-op’s Chevy Volt at the Level 2 charging station in St. Croix Falls. The 240-volt EV charger provides about 20 to 25 miles of battery range for every hour the vehicle is plugged in.
members transition to EVs.” Installing chargers on major highways helps alleviate range anxiety. The distance between destinations in rural areas is a common reason why some co-op members hesitate to own an EV. Polk-Burnett is collaborating with its NEWS 715-294-2314 editor@osceolasun.com
wholesale power provider, Dairyland Power Cooperative, to ensure EV technology is not limited to more densely populated metropolitan areas. Moving from gas to electricity reduces pollution, and the gap improves as the electric grid gets greener. When ADVERTISING 715-294-2314 ads@osceolasun.com
EVs are powered by wind or solar, they have zero emissions. Level 2 charging station The Level 2, 240volt charging station provides about 20 to 25 miles of battery range for every hour the vehiSEE CHARGING, PAGE 8
PUBLIC NOTICES 715-294-2314 office@osceolasun.com
In response to severe lung problems reported across the nation by people who have used electronic cigarettes, the Polk County Health Department is urging area residents not to vape or use e-cigarettes. In the United States: As of Sept. 6, there were more than 450 possible cases of lung illness associated with e-cigarette products. There have been five confirmed deaths, with the closest being reported in Minnesota. In Wisconsin: As of Sept. 5, Wisconsin Department of Health Services was aware of 34 cases, with 12 patients whose cases need further investigation. These cases have been reported in multiple counties throughout Wisconsin. Most of the affected individuals have been SUBSCRIPTIONS 715-294-2314 office@osceolasun.com
adolescents and young adults, but older adults have been affected too. “It is important that not using e-cigarettes is discussed with youth and anyone that is currently using or considering use,” said Brian Kaczmarski, Polk County health officer. Symptoms could include: • cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain • nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea • fatigue, fever, or weight loss If you experience any of these symptoms please see a health care provider. Many patients experiencing these symptoms have developed severe respiratory illnesses requiring hospitalization, and in some cases, had to be put on ventilators in order to breathe. For additional information: https://www. dhs.wisconsin.gov/outbreaks/index.htm
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