The Sun 12.18.19

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2019

Serving Polk County’s St. t Croix C i Valley V ll since i 1897

VOL. 122 NO. 20 www.osceolasun.com $1.00

SPORTS: Wrestlers look to get back to full strength. PAGE 13

Wisconsin women win national 4-H Dairy Bowl Championship CONTRIBUTED

Seventeen teams from Washington to Massachusetts competed in the 40th annual North American 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Contest, held at the famous North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Ky., on Saturday, November 9. Wisconsin’s Polk County four-person dairy quiz bowl team was undefeated when they faced New York in their third round of the

day. Wisconsin won this semi-finals matchup and sent the Empire State to the consolation bracket.

New York worked their way back to the finals to face Wisconsin again.

This time, the result was different. Wisconsin lost, forcing a winner-take-all match for the championship.

After the last question was answered, the Wisconsin team set its buzzers down, relaxed SUBMITTED

SEE QUIZ BOWL, PAGE 21

Courtney Stream, Katherine Elwood, Grace Haase, and Courtney Glenna.

More than one got away, registrations down after gun season

BY APRIL ZIEMER EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

There are probably quite a few people who will have a story to tell about “the one that got away” after the 2019 gun deer season. Another deer season has come and gone and overall it looks like both license sales and registration totals are down.

According to the Wisconsin DNR, in 2019, 564,664 gun deer licenses were sold through the end of the nine-day gun deer season, compared to 576,277 in 2018. This is a 2.02% decrease.

In total, 792,548 gun, archery and crossbow licenses (not including upgrades) have been sold through the end of the nine-day gun deer season, compared to 803,772 in 2018, a 1.40% decrease. Of the licenses sold to date, 54% were sold in person through transactions at DNR license agents, including through DNR offices and agents.

The remaining 46% of licenses were purchased online. Deer hunting license and harvest authorization sales will continue throughout the remaining deer SEE REGISTRATIONS, PAGE 17

MATT ANDERSON | THE SUN

Little carolers bring cheer to Osceola Osceola Elementary Schoolers braved the cold and snow Dec. 12 to sing Christmas carols to visitors and shop owners in downtown Osceola. A few lucky storefronts were treated to the special performance.

Hefty road projects anticipated in Farmington

BY MARA MARTINSON CONTRIBUTING WRITER

SUBMITTED

Hunters may still use any unfilled antlerless harvest authorization during upcoming hunts, but they must be used in the correct zone.

NEWS 715-294-2314 editor@osceolasun.com

ADVERTISING 715-294-2314 ads@osceolasun.com

The Farmington Town Board met December 2 to prepare their bidding list for many expensive road projects beginning in January 2020.

PUBLIC NOTICES 715-294-2314 office@osceolasun.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS 715-294-2314 office@osceolasun.com

Most important on their list of repairs are parts of the following roads: 245, 220, 35, 10, which will be fixed with gravel, spray patching and cement.

The Board anticipates these SEE FARMINGTON, PAGE 17

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A number one spot Town of Osceola works to fill clerk and treasurer positions to not be proud of

BY MATT ANDERSON EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM

BY JASON SCHULTE EDITOR@BALDWINBULLETIN.COM

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines binge drinking as five-plus drinks per occasion for men and four-plus drinks per occasion for women.

In a report released by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute in October, titled “The Burden of Binge Drinking in Wisconsin,” six years of data were collected (2013-18) throughout the state.

The results are harrowing.

• The average binge drinking rate nationally in 2018 was 16 percent. Wisconsin’s rate was 24 percent.

• There were over four binge drinking episodes per month among adults who binge drink in Wisconsin.

• The estimated annual economic cost of binge drinking is $3.9 billion, with counties like Polk estimated at $24.3 million alone.

In 2018, excessive alcohol consumption, which includes binge drinking, 15+ drinks/week for men; 8+ drinks/ week for women and any alcohol consumption by youth under 21 or pregnant women, contributed to the following in Wisconsin: • 2,485 alcohol-related deaths • 79,285 alcohol-related hospitalizations • 6,151 alcohol-related crashes • 24,651 driving under the influence arrests The report also details binge drinking rates by county over those six years. Polk and 26 other counties

average 17 to 21 percent, but ten counties had a rate between 27 and 31 percent, the highest amount. St. Croix was one of those 10.

It should come as no surprise when Healthier Together Pierce and St. Croix County officials collecting data for the 2020-22 Community Health Needs Assessment, substance abuse disorders, which includes alcohol, was at the top of the list.

Data gathering and community input collected over the last 15 months led to those results. Members included farmers, youth, mental health providers, youth service providers, and those 60 and over.

The findings showed “alcohol continuing to be a health, law enforcement, and economic issues in both counties.”

The members also told Healthier Together officials: “Not being appreciated or cared for contributes to substance use issues. Farmers don’t feel appreciated because they aren’t paid a decent wage for their work. Seniors can feel forgotten. Youth can feel overlooked and under-appreciated.”

Which leads to binge drinking, and ultimately arrests. “There were more alcohol-related arrests in Pierce County compared to St. Croix County, despite Pierce having half the population of St. Croix County,” findings were found.

With all this information in mind, the focus among Healthier Together officials was to go with the prevenSEE DRINKING, PAGE 7

Christmas deadlines Christmas is Dec. 25, 2019

The Sun will have special publication deadlines during the Christmas/New Year holidays.

Wednesday, Dec. 25 issue Deadline is Dec. 19, at noon.

Wednesday, Jan. 1 issue Deadline is Dec. 26, at noon.

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THE SUN Servi Servin Serving rvin i g Polk County’s County’s St. County SSt Croix Croix i Valley V Valley since since 189 18977

108 Cascade Street Osceola, WI 54020 715-294-2314

The Town Board of Osceola has struggled to find a solution to their need for a steady clerk and treasurer. After an ordinance was passed to separate the clerk and treasurer positions at the December 3 board of supervisors meeting, the board will now be looking to fill two positions that have recently been kept afloat by volunteers.

Following the resignation of Lorraine Rugroden in the fall of this year, Jo Everson, experienced with over 20 years in the Town of Osceola and Taylors Falls as clerk-treasurer, volunteered to serve as interim clerk-treasurer while the board found a permanent solution.

However, Everson submitted her resignation effective December 1, stating that she would be willing to help organize the office for the incoming clerk and treasurer posi-

tions, but did not wish to continue to participate in the public portion of board meetings, take minutes, or collect property taxes.

As a quick remedy to the situation, the board accepted the swearing in of Neil Gustafson as Interim Clerk-Treasurer. Gustafson sat on the Osceola planning commission and is familiar with the processes to serve as interim clerk-treasurer.

“I want to thank Neil for volunteering,” said supervisor Brandon Whittaker. “He’s not being paid to do this, and it takes a lot of bravery to do this. I also want to give a huge thank you and applaud Jo Everson for all of her help.” “I have to second that,” said Chairman Doug Schmidt. “Jo, you’ve done a tremendous job. We wouldn’t have survived without your assistance.”

The board continued to discuss the job descriptions of both clerk and treasurer deciding that the clerk be a .6 position and the

treasurer be a .3 position, both with flexible hours. The board had differing opinions, but ultimately decided that both positions would report back to the entire board rather than just the chairperson.

“Obviously, the chair will have a different interaction with the clerk than Brandon or I would,” said supervisor Mike Wallis. “But, I think what this eventually comes down to is that, at the end of the year, the three of us have to do performance reviews…I think the intent of having them report back to the town board is legitimate.”

The board then made a motion to approve the job descriptions for the clerk and treasurer positions.

The clerk would be heavily involved in public contact, attending meetings, and completing administrative work including minutes, elections, license and permits, etc.

SEE TOWN, PAGE 6

The National Guard marks 383rd birthday Emerged after World War I as Army’s primary combat reserve

BY MAJ. BRIAN FALTINSON

MADISON, Wis. — The National Guard celebrated its 383rd birthday Dec. 13 as a vibrant organization of Citizen-Soldiers who shoulder dual missions as the combat reserve to the U.S. Army and Air Force and as the first military responder at home in times of local and state emergency.

The General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony on Dec. 13, 1636 formed militia units from all able-bodied men in order to conduct their own defense in a new world 3,000 miles from the protection of England. Today, the Massachusetts National Guard carries the lineage of these earliest units. Wisconsin’s origin in the National Guard dates to 1837 when the Green Bay Rangers became the Wisconsin Territorial Militia’s first unit.

As the National Guard marked its birthday a century ago, the nation’s oldest military branch proudly touted its World War I record. The National Guard provided 18 divisions to the war effort with many of those organizations — such as Wisconsin and Michigan’s 32nd “Red Arrow” Division — emerging as some of the Army’s top fighting units. However, the Army in 1919 had disbanded all of these divisions and discharged most of their soldiers. The Guard’s future role in the nation’s defense was uncertain.

A fierce debate in 1919 raged in Washington, D.C. about the National Guard’s role in national defense.

Initial plans called for a large standing army augmented by a vast pool of citizens trained under the concept of universal military training. The plan made no mention of the National Guard. Competing plans emphasized a federal reserve instead of a state-controlled National Guard. Meanwhile, the states lacked clarity on how to reorganize their National Guard.

Wisconsin did not wait for events in Washington and took proactive steps in 1919 to rebuild a force capable of responding to emergencies at home and augmenting the U.S. Army.

Adjutant General Orlando Holway in June 1919

Peace Lutheran Church, ELCA

invited Wisconsin cities with previous Wisconsin National Guard units to organize new ones. The governor offered officer commissions in the Wisconsin National Guard to any discharged World War I Army officer.

“A re-organized Wisconsin National Guard, maintained at the strength required by Federal statute, is the State’s appointed part in the military preparation in peace time which has been decreed as essential for national safety,” said Holway in an Aug. 7, 1919 message published in newspapers statewide.

“The Guard is an organization to bring as near as may be, to the home of every young American, the opportunity to gain that military training which will make him a competent soldier in his country’s defense,” Holway added.

By October, Milwaukee’s Troop A, First Wisconsin Cavalry had organized as the Wisconsin National Guard’s first post-World War I unit. Tomah followed on Dec. 15 when it mustered a company of infantry.

The Tomah unit was the first to meet the War Department’s standard of troop strength and equipment.

Other communities across the state initiated recruiting drives for their emerging units.

“We are going to keep Company C in Sheboygan,” said Capt. Eitel Meyer in a Feb. 10, 1920 edition of the Sheboygan Press. “It is certain that Company C will be reorganized and perpetuated in military annals as one of the best organizations the Wisconsin National Guard has ever turned out.” Meyer was Company C’s first sergeant during the war.

Wisconsin had formed 43 units before Congress in June finally clarified the Guard’s role when it passed the National Defense Act of 1920. The act solidified the National Guard as the Army’s primary combat reserve — a role it maintains to this day.

By the end of 1920, the Wisconsin National Guard numbered 68 units located in communities in every corner of the state. According to the Militia Bureau in Washington, D.C., the Wisconsin National Guard at that time consisted of just over 5,600 Soldiers, trailing only the much larger population states of New York, Texas and Pennsylvania.

It would take a few more years for Wisconsin to finishing reorganizing its National Guard. But Wisconsin’s communities in a single year had established a strong foundation for the Wisconsin National Guard to build a century of service to state and nation.

2355 Clark Road, Dresser 715-755-2515 Pastor Melissa Carmack • Pastor Dwaine Sutherland

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services 2:00 & 10:00 p.m.

Traditional Candlelight services 4:00 p.m. Traditional Candlelight service with a focus on children and families Sundays, December 22 and 29 9:00 a.m. service

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DECEMBER 19 A Christmas Carol A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play will be presented by Festival Theatre at the Franklin Square Black Box Theatre in St. Croix Falls at 7:30 p.m. For tickets go to www.festivaltheatre.org.

DECEMBER 20 OIS holiday concert The Osceola Intermediate School holiday concerts are planned at the intermediate school at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Community Coffee The Osceola Police Department will be having Community Coffee at Caribou Coffee from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Stop in and talk with local police officers.

A Christmas Carol A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play will be presented by Festival Theatre at the Franklin Square Black Box Theatre in St. Croix Falls at 7:30 p.m. For tickets go to www.festivaltheatre.org.

DECEMBER 21 A Christmas Carol A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play will be presented by Festival Theatre at the Franklin Square Black Box Theatre in St. Croix Falls at 7:30 p.m. For tickets go to www.festivaltheatre.org.

DECEMBER 22 A Christmas Carol A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play will be presented by Festival Theatre at the Franklin Square Black Box Theatre in St. Croix Falls at 2 p.m.

For tickets go to www. festivaltheatre.org.

DECEMBER 23

traveling or otherwise unable to attend such a service Christmas Eve. This simple service of Carols and Lessons ends with everyone singing “Silent Night” while standing in a circle around the sanctuary holding a lighted candle.

Everyone is invited and welcome.

DECEMBER 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Services Peace Lutheran Church in Dresser will be having Christmas Eve Candlelight Services at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. Everyone welcome.

DECEMBER 27 Community Coffee The Osceola Police Department will be having Community Coffee at Caribou Coffee from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Stop in and talk with local police officers.

JANUARY 5 Non-denominational Bible study What in the world is going on by Chris Quintana.

St. Croix Falls Library, 6:30-8 p.m. Free, all ages, no collection taken. FFI: Alan Walker, 515.708.2120, or thekinzers@me.com.

JANUARY 15 Gender/Identity/Sexuality event Dr. Todd Savage, Professor at University of Wisconsin River Falls, will be speaking at the Osceola High School auditorium from 6 to 8 p.m about gender, identity, sexuality and the LGBT community. The event is open to all and is free to attend.

how long will it last by Andy Woods. St. Croix Falls Library, 6:30-8 p.m.

Free, all ages, no collection taken. FFI: Alan Walker, 515.708.2120, or thekinzers@me.com.

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

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

• Read & Review Book Group meets the last Monday at Dresser Library, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• The St. Croix Valley Camera Club meets the third Monday, 7 p.m. at the Chisago County Government Center in Center City. All abilities are welcome.

• The American Legion Post 221 meets the second Monday at 7 p.m. at the Senior Center in the Osceola Discovery Center.

715-294-3822.

• KC Robert F. Kennedy Council 6567 meets the third Monday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Osceola, 7 p.m.

Tuesday • Tot Time will meet the second Tuesday at 10 a.m.

This is for tots, birth to PreK, and a parent. Contact Stephanie Lechman, 715-755-2515.

• St. Croix Valley MOPS - Moms group meets the first and third Tuesday at New Life Christian Community in Dresser.

FFI: stcroixvalleymops@ gmail.com.

Christmas candlelight service

JANUARY 18 Community Coffee

Wednesday

The public is invited to Taylors Falls 1861 United Methodist Church for its Christmas Candle Light Service at 7 p.m. The church is located at 290 W. Government Street next to the Folsom House Historic Site. The e has become a tradition for many families who are

The Osceola Police Department will be having Community Coffee at Caribou Coffee from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Stop in and talk with local police officers.

• Book club for adults at Osceola Public Library the fourth Wednesday.

Books available at the library. FFI: Anne Miller, 715-294-2310.

• Get Lit Book Club, second Wednesday, 6 p.m. at PY’s in Osceola. Stop at the Osceola Public Library for a copy of each

Delivering Your Community Serving Polk County’s St. Croix Valley since 1897 108 Cascade street Osceola, Wisconsin 715-294-2314 715-755-3316

JANUARY 19 Non-denominational Bible study The U.S. Constitution,

Dr. Thomas Hauge

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month’s book.

• Open Mic Night at PY’s Bar & Grill in Osceola, every third Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Bring your instrument and participate in an open jam or feature your own music.

Call 715-294-3314 for more details.

• Osceola Senior Citizens Club meets the first Wednesday of every month at noon in the Senior Center at the Osceola Discovery Center.

Thursday • Polk County Democrats meet the second Thursday at the Village Pizzeria in Dresser at 5:30 p.m.

• Osceola Writers Group meets the second Thursday, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Osceola Senior Center.

Friday • River Valley Stitchers meet the fourth Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Senior Center, in the Discovery Center building. (They also meet Saturdays, see below).

Quilters, sewers, knitters, and crocheters of all ages and skill levels are invited. Bring your own project to work on.

Saturday • Friends of the Osceola Library meet the second Saturday at the library at 10:30 a.m. 715-294-2657.

• Friends of the Osceola Library Book Sale, first Saturday, at the Discovery Center in Osceola, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• River Valley Stitchers, second Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Senior Center, in the Discovery Center. (They also meet Fridays, see above).

Sunday • Times in Which We Live meets the first and third Sunday at the St. Croix Falls Library at 6:30 p.m.

DVDs are shown about current events. 715-7553473. or email Steve at thekinzers@me.com.

• An open song circle meets at the St. Croix Falls Public Library from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the second Sunday. 715-5014487. or liabeing@gmail. com.

MEETINGS THIS WEEK

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

FFI: 715-755-3123.

• Lego Lab, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Dresser Library.

• Non-denominational men’s prayer breakfast, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Osceola Community Church, 651329-9535.

• Tai Chi, 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the Osceola Senior Center.

• St. Croix Falls Rotary Club meets in the French Room at the Dalles House Restaurant, noon. Lunch, business meeting and speaker. Warren White, 715-483-3010 or website at http://scfrotary.org/ • Adult basic education classes at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (WITC). Call 800-243-9482 ext. 4257 or visit witc.edu/adult/basicedprogram.htm.

THURSDAY • Free Baby & Me classes from 5 to 6 p.m. at Osceola Medical Center.

To register, 715-684-4440.

• Dual Recovery Anonymous, 7:15 p.m. at the St. Croix Falls Alano.

715-755-3639.

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

• Family Game Night at Dresser Library, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• Osceola Seniors 500 card group, 12:30 p.m.-4 p.m. at the Osceola Senior Center.

• Adult GriefShare, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the New Life Christian Community, Dresser.

New group. FFI: (715) 5571431. Youth Grief Share: 715-566-1945.

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

• Qigong, 9 a.m. at the Osceola Senior Center.

Tate is a 10 month old Lab-Pit Bull Terrier Mix. He wears a short, Black and White coat, cute fold over ears and a handsome physique. He looks like a 60 pound Boston Terrier. Tate is friendly to everyone and likes to play rough and tumble with other dogs his size.

He is the perfect sidekick dog because he likes to be a part of everything. Tate will do well with someone who his h will ill continue ti hi training t i i to t restrain his puppy playfulness. He works well for treats and has learned Sit, Down, Leave It and Stay at the shelter. His energy level and play style make him a great candidate for a home with adults. He can be seen showing off his smarts in a video under his name and description on the website. Tate is looking for a home for the holidays.

There is a large cast of available dogs at Arnell, waiting for the gift of a home. Beckett is a two year old Greyhound-Australian Shepherd mix with a Black and Cream Tan coat. He has the streamlined build of a Greyhound, long legs, deep chest and expressive eyes. His Greyhound really comes out during playtime when he can stretch his legs. Beckett plays well with other dogs and is in love with toys to chase and run with, especially a tennis ball. His sheer happiness with the game is a joy to watch.

Beckett has the temperament of a Greyhound, shy with

SATURDAY • Weight Watchers meets at Hope E. Free Church, Osceola. Weighin, 7:30 a.m. Meeting, 8:15 a.m. Kim, 715-417-0683.

• Osceola Running Club meets at Mill Pond Park in Osceola at 7 a.m. Saturdays. Go to www.runosceola.org, Paul Smith at 715-4106047.

SUNDAY

• Pleasant Lake 4-H Club meets the first Sunday of each month at 4 pm at the Dresser Community Hall. Teri Wallis at 715-566-0802.

MONDAY

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

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

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

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

• Music and Movement storytime, St. Croix Falls Public Library, 10:15 a.m.

• Little’s Storytime at Dresser Library, 10:30 a.m.

• Qigong, 9 a.m. at the Osceola Senior Center.

TUESDAY

• Storytime every Tuesday at Osceola Public Library, 10:30 a.m.

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

• Seniors on the Go card group, 12:30-4 p.m an the Osceola Senior Center.

• Storytime, Osceola Public Library, 10:30 a.m.

715-294-2310.

• Osceola Seniors Duplicate Bridge, 6 to 9 p.m. at the Osceola Senior Center. Jeff, 715-781-6080.

strangers, never aggressive, and submissive to other dogs. Visitors don’t see his Happy Side in his kennel so he is consistently overlooked for adoption. He has been waiting for a home since October 21 when he came to the shelter as a stray.

Sparks is a six month old Blonde and White Border Collie Mix, maybe Yellow Lab-Border Collie Mix. He is an active, outgoing boy, very smart and trains like a champ. He too has a video showing off his skills online. Sparks plays great with other dogs and is respectful of cats. He is still very much a puppy and will do well with continued training and attention. Sparks is ready to become a beloved member of your household.

Luke is a one year old Australian Shepherd-Lab Mix with a gorgeous Blue Merle and White coat with tan cheeks. Luke is Lab size. He is a leaner and a cuddler, looking to bond with you for his safety. His submissive nature makes him wary of strangers at first. Luke walks very nice on leash, is housetrained and has learned Sit and Down. He loves playing with other dogs and will make a great puppy buddy. Luke is beyond beautiful, into the dashing category. As you can see, we are smitten with him.

There are more wonderful dogs to choose from, just waiting to make your acquaintance. View them online at our website: ARNELLHUMANE.ORGand then stop in to meet them at the shelter. In addition to these mentioned you will find a Fetching Lab Mix, a Black and Tan Rottie-Aussie Mix, a young Yellow Lab Mix and a goofball Heinz 57.

Arnell Memorial Humane Society 715 268-7387: ARNELLHUMANE.ORG and Facebook

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DECEMBER 18, 2019

Calendar confusion?

W

e are in the home stretch for the holidays now. Less than a week until we get to spend time with family and friends. After that it’s a hop, skip and a jump to the new year 2020 and the new decade.

But is it the new decade?

It depends on who you ask.

I came across an interesting article written by Joe Rao of the Farmers’ Almanac, who says the new decade should begin a year from now on Jan. 1, 2021.

Rao says Jan. 1, 2001 opened the 21st century and the start of the new millennium “just as the year 1 A.D. marked the beginning of Christian era.” The author Publisher the believes the wild parties of Dec. 31, 1999 were a year too soon.

Tom Stangl Sorry, Prince, I guess you were wrong too in your hit song, “1999.”

In the article, Rao places the blame on two men: Dionysius Exiguus, also known in some reference works as “Dennis the Short,” and the Northumbrian monk Bede, also known as the “Venerable Bede.”

Dionysius was born in what we now call Romania around the year 470 and was the first to suggest counting the passage of the years from the date of the birth of Jesus Christ; the beginning of the anno Domini (which means “Year of Our Lord” in Latin) era, or A.D. “According to the contemporary historians of the time, Jesus was born during the 28th year of the reign of the Roman Emperor, Caesar Augustus, Rao writes. “There is, however, considerable confusion about exactly when Augustus’ reign began, so the year Dionysius called 1 A.D. was not accurately placed in history; in fact, most religious scholars now think that Jesus might actually have been born several years earlier.

“When Dionysius finished his computations, he figured that the year Christ was living in was 525 A.D. But he never bothered to number the years prior to Christ’s birth.

“We would have to wait until 731 A.D. when the Venerable Bede popularized the anno Domini era in Anglo-Saxon England and extended the counting of years before the birth of Christ – the “B.C. era.”

Most unfortunately, however, Bede did not account for the year zero in his calculations. So 1 A.D. was immediately preceded not by a 0, but by 1 B.C.” Rao looks to an elevator to make his case. “As an analogy, think of going into a building in which the ground floor is listed not as the first floor, but as the lobby. So the first floor is actually one flight above you.

“So if you were to go into an elevator located in the lobby and wanted to go 10-flights up, you would actually end up on the ninth floor (if you were to assume that the lobby as the “zero” floor).

“But if you assume the lobby as the ‘first’ floor and went 10 flights up, you would end up on the tenth floor.

“In essence, on our calendars, 2021 is the equivalent of a “first-floor lobby,” and after going up ten flights (or years), we’ll arrive at the tenth floor.

Or in this case, the year 2030—when that decade ends.”

I’m still confused, how about you?

I hope the holiday season isn’t confusing for you.

Make the time to spend with friends and family. It’s the best gift of all.

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

Ignorance is bliss, isn’t it?

I

find that being an introvert often turns out to be an advantage when it comes to politics. I don’t hang out in the bars, I don’t go to parties, or events (unless they pertain to the paper of course), and even when I’m fishing, I go it alone most of the time. Because if this, I seldom hear about the goings-on of our political climate Editor on a day-to-day basis, and I can’t Matt Anderson tell you how great it feels.

Let me just say it so we’re all on the same page: I’m an admitted politically illiterate millennial. I couldn’t tell you the significance of what’s going on in our governmental system. That being said, I do recognize that there is significance and that it is better left to the minds capable of understanding it – much unlike my own.

As I look around, I see people driving themselves insane with

the things they dislike about their own government. “I can’t stand Donald Trump,” they say, all the while watching endless content about what he’s doing every minute of every day. “These liberal snowflakes are ruining this country!” they say, continuing to watch whatever news conglomerate perpetuates that kind of ideology.

It’s bizarre to me that anyone would give something they feel so strongly negative about so much of their time and attention. If you really can’t stand country music, why would you listen to it every day? If you hate The Bachelor, why would you watch it every night?

That being said, I’m not totally naïve. I realize that there are policies in place in the United States that should be addressed and even amended, but I just don’t believe that I’m the one to do it. Are you?

If so, great! Keep paying attention and act on those policies you wish to see changed rather than just talking about them. If you’re like me, leave it to the political “go-getters” and stop driving yourself

crazy listening to the polarizing political climate.

I’m sure some of you reading this will think that I am apathetic to what’s going on in our country, but nothing could be further from the truth. I am always aware and concerned about what is going on, but I just don’t think that worrying myself with the politics I dislike every day is really helping anybody.

I’m sure you are getting mentally prepared for the holidays. There’s a whole lot of decorating, cooking, gift giving and meeting with friends and family. My suggestion would be to focus on that instead of the politics. I think you’ll find that things aren’t as chaotic as they are made out to be.

I always welcome your comments, questions and concerns.

Please feel free to reach out at any time.

Matt Anderson editor@osceolasun.com 715-294-2314

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Tom Stangl, Publisher Matt Anderson, Editor Carrie Larson, Production Manager Eric Buelow, Graphic Design Elise Bourne, Advertising Barb Wetzel, Office Assistant Rick Brandt, Delivery

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TO THE EDITOR

YEARS AGO

Public hearing 2020 Village budget So pleased to see the Village Board of Trustees take the proactive step of sharing the proposed budget for 2020 with all taxpayers in the SUN last week. What a refreshing display of transparency in local government.

Last nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Public Hearing was the opportunity for questions and discussion regarding the planned increase in the Village Mill Rate. The meeting was not well attended by citizens and or taxpayers. However, the Village Board along with our new Administrator, Ben K. did a wonderful job of listening and commenting on the current

financial situation. The fact is additional tax dollars are needed to pay debt incurred in the construction of the Discovery Center â&#x20AC;&#x201D; beyond the previously approved public financing of and private donations for the project.

Tax increases are never an enjoyable topic, but the interaction between the Board of Trustees

and those in attendance was mutually respectful and hopeful for a brighter future â&#x20AC;&#x201D; by working together.

We are Osceola! Happy New Year!

Bernie Desmarais Town of Osceola Pitch Blue Studio

What it takes to hold power accountable

BY REED ANFINSON, PUBLISHER SWIFT COUNTY MONITOR-NEWS

Good government depends on a system of checks and balances.

Those who govern and those who administer the government know they are answerable to the citizenry of the community.

Citizens hold government

accountable through the information they are provided by the watchdogs who make up the Fourth Estate â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the press.

Often in our small communities we elect good people who then hire competent and good-intentioned civil servants.

Our governments run smoothly, taxes are rea-

sonable, and services are provided cost-effectively.

However, too frequently we hear the stories of trust abused and violated. That is why we need a strong, attentive and respected press that provides a common source of trusted information to citizens.

Today that vital link

between the governors and the citizens is threatened as Facebook, Google, Craigslist, and other web sites drain the advertising revenue from newspapers. They could care less about good government or informed citizens â&#x20AC;&#x201C; particularly in SEE POWER, PAGE 17

THE POSTSCRIPT Ch i t Christmas att th the Greenhouse

I

t is the tender cusp of Christmas.

It is that time when emotions run close to the overfill point, when sentimentality and anger and depression and euphoria mix freely together, with not enough space between them to tell the difference from one moment to the next.

I am visiting my parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and of Columnist course this does not help.

Carrie Classon My parents are doing well (thank you for asking). They are in their eighties now, still living in their dream cabin in the woods and, although I know they are growing older, the signs are so incremental and their attitude so upbeat, it is easy to deny the passage of time when I am with them and imagine I am a much younger person than I actually am.

Yesterday, we stopped at the local greenhouse in the small town near their cabin. It was unbelievably cold. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know why I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe it; I grew up in the cold and was raised with the idea that extreme cold was a signpost of Christmas and a litmus test for

true Christmas spirit. But the truth is, I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lived in a very cold place for a while and the cold stole the breath out of me.

The greenhouse was a bit out of our way, but my mother explained, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like to support them, they put up such nice floral arrangements in the summer!â&#x20AC;?

The shop was surrounded by welcoming signs and Christmas trees propped up against giant bags of earth, waiting for spring. Inside it was warm and smelled of soil and cinnamon.

As my parents were in the greenhouse, bundling up the poinsettia for the drive home, I warmed the car and looked across the street at a mobile home that was a little worse for wear. The yard was piled high with stuff, now half buried in the snow. As I waited, the door flew open, accompanied by a string of expletives.

A man about my age was following a younger man out of the house, screaming at him, yelling terrible things. I watched as the young manâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;who was wearing the beginning of a thin beard and a winter jacketâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;was chased out of the house and began walking down the country road alone.

Minutes later, my parents in the car, we were driving home on the road that leads to the greenhouse when we saw the young man, walking. It was several miles to town.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Should we stop, dad?â&#x20AC;? I asked.

My dad was silent. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to know what to do,â&#x20AC;? my mom said, quietly.

The young man seems appropriately dressed for the weather. He is walking down the road in a deliberate fashion, as though he knows where he was goingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;I say all this to myself because I know I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop. I know I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take a chance and put this stranger in the car with my eighty-year-old parents and get involved in something that I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know the first thing about.

We drive by.

Snug inside the car, my mother holds the small poinsettia in her lap. I wonder what that young manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas will be like and I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what to do. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what to do, in this crowded time of year, with all the emotions that bump against each other. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how to sort out the tangled strands of joy and sorrow that run through me.

Sitting with my happy, healthy parents, I am quiet as I watch the young man, walking alone down the road on this bright cold day.

Till next time, Carrie

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10 years ago Dec. 16, 2009 â&#x20AC;˘ Dave Dobosenski was recently named the new CEO of the St. Croix Regional Medical Center. â&#x20AC;˘ Osceola Middle School students competed in the Wisconsin Thinking Cap Quiz Bowl.

Sixth graders included Emily Carlson, Anna Uzpen, Jessica Cormican, Laurel Wright, Erik Rosik, Emma Dressel and Mickey Gearin. Seventh graders included Gabe Feldt, Sophia Davies, Sarah Elmer, Tate Johnson, Amanda Becker, Michael Murphy and Karly Schadt. Eighth graders included Bailey Ethier, McKenzie Fortier, Thomas Rosik, Sam Wolfe, Hannah Hazzard and Trevor Pauley. â&#x20AC;˘ Students from the Osceola Middle School Daily Living class including Alex Hansen, Patrick Manestar-Jensen, Amanda Mohawk and Makinzie Miller made and sold cookies to earn money to go shopping for the Toys for Kids program. â&#x20AC;˘ The Falls Chamber of Commerce has hired Cindy Stimmler to serve as its new executive director. â&#x20AC;˘ After winning their ďŹ rst two games the Osceola girls basketball team evened its record to 2-2 with back to back loses against Rice Lake and Hayward.

20 years ago Dec. 9, 1999 â&#x20AC;˘ Eight years after he ďŹ nished his 20-year tenure as the head wrestling coach at Osceola High School, Don Hartman will be inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. â&#x20AC;˘ Expansion construction is continuing at Osceola Medical Center with clinic expansion slated for completion by June.

â&#x20AC;˘ The Osceola Medical Center Love Lights honored John and Martha Schillberg this year. â&#x20AC;˘ An extra week of practice was just what the Osceola girls basketball team needed to post its ďŹ rst win of the season beating Cumberland, 41-37. â&#x20AC;˘ A quick start by the Chieftain boys basketball team evened their season record to 1-1. They beat the Beavers, 6049. â&#x20AC;˘ Osceola Middle School Students of the Month included Ryan Carlson, Audra Haas, Cassandra Fairbannks, Matt Kurtz, Ross Benitz, Stephanie Ellwanger, Jessie Nelson and Brian Davis.

30 years ago Dec. 13, 1989 â&#x20AC;˘ Britani Selzler, daughter of Dale and Roxanne Selzler, received an award presented by the Somerset American Legion for her efforts in entering an essay contest on the topic of â&#x20AC;&#x153;My Flag - What It Means To Me.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;˘ Osceola Aid Association for Lutherans Branch 368 held a drawing for a quilt and Donna Schletty was the winner. â&#x20AC;˘ State Representative Harvey Stower donated a book to the Osceola Public Library called, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Old Abe: The War Eagle.â&#x20AC;? The book is about Wisconsinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s involvement in the Civil War. â&#x20AC;˘ Russ McCallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family lighted the second annual Love Light Christmas tree on Dec. 3 in his memory. â&#x20AC;˘ SR INSHALLA, a ďŹ ve year old Arabian stallion was shown by Becky Berhow at the MN Arabian Breeders Association annual Fall Festival Horse Show in St. Paul. Inshalla was shown in Western Pleasure and received Top 5 and Reserve Champion honors.

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

Congressman Sean Duffy 7th Congressional District 1208 Longworth HOB, Washington, DC 20515 â&#x20AC;˘ (202) 225-3365 or 502 2nd St., Suite 202, Hudson, WI 54016 â&#x20AC;˘ (715) 808-8160 duffy.house.gov/

U.S. Senator Ronald H. Johnson 328 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20515 â&#x20AC;˘ (202) 224-5323 www.ronjohnson.senate.gov

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin 709 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 â&#x20AC;˘ (202) 224-5653 â&#x20AC;˘ (715) 832-8424 www.baldwin.senate.gov/contact

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

Rep. Gae Magnafici 28th Assembly District P.O. Box 8952 â&#x20AC;˘ Madison, WI 53708 (608) 267-2365 or 1-888-534-0028 â&#x20AC;˘ Fax (608) 282-3628 Rep.Magnafici@legis.wisconsin.gov

Senator Patty Schachtner 10th Senate District State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882 â&#x20AC;˘ Madison, WI 53707 (608) 266-7745 Sen.Schachtner@legis.wisconsin.gov

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

6

THE SUN

DECEMBER 18, 2019 www.osceolasun.com

MOVIE REVIEW A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is a must-see movie for this holiday season

D

uring the holiday season so many good movies are released making it hard to get to all the movies that I want to see. Luckily, whenever there is a major holiday during a particular week, the studios tend not to release multiple movies so that folks can go watch the movies that are already in theaters. I appreciated this gift because I really wanted to see A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, which, unfortunately, came out the same week as Frozen II. After viewing the film, I was happy for the opportunity to see it in the theaters. Tom Hanks should get an Oscar nod for his Columnist performance as Mister Rogers.

His performance was worth the Paul Backstrom price of admission alone. However, I am getting ahead of myself.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is not a biographical story. Instead, it is a character film.

Believe it or not, Tom Hanks only agreed to do the movie if the film was character film. Screenwriters, Micah Fitzerman-Blue and Noah Harpster, do a good job of taking a real life incident, where Mister Rogers developed a friendship with a reporter from Esquire in the late 1990s, and turning it into a heartwarming movie. I admit I was disappointed that Mister Rogers wasn’t in as much of the film as I would have liked. Tom Hanks does such a great job of copying Mister Rogers’ mannerisms and his pattern of speech it was uncanny. In fact, Tom Hanks commented that for this particular role he had to be so intentional about slowing his speech down.

The film centers on Lloyd Vogel, played by Matthew Rhys, who is having issues with his father Jerry Vogel, played by Chris Cooper. We have all seen this type of plot before, but what makes it unique is Mister Rogers’ interaction on screen with all the other characters. After viewing this movie, I am thinking of picking up some books about Mister Rogers. The other thing that I appreciated was its theme of forgiveness. I think the screenwriters did a good job of showing how hard it is to forgive someone but why it is important in the long run to be able to forgive other people. I also appreciated that it was not done in some sappy Hallmark way, but in more of down to earth real life style, which I think enhanced the film.

If you are in the mood to see a film that fits this season of Christmas, I would definitely go to this movie.

Overall I give this movie a B+ (A Good Movie).

I was very pleased with the plot, characters, and themes. The theme of forgiveness is appropriate for this time of year when families are getting together and there can be family tension or conflict. If you enjoyed Mister Rogers in your youth, I would definitely check this film out. You won’t be disappointed.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is rated PG for some strong thematic material, a brief fight, and some mild language. Marielle Heller was the director. The writing team of Micah Fitzerman-Blue and Noah Harpster produced this heart-warming script. This film stars Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys, and Chris Cooper.

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5 easy ways to keep the pounds off during the holidays

T

he weeks between the winter holidays are some of the most challenging ones for anyone hoping to avoid extra weight gain. Family gatherings and office parties can lead to indulgent meals filled with numerous calories.

Fortunately, you can enjoy holiday treats without any extra Columnist adding pounds to your Chelsea O’Brien waistline simply by using the folRegistered lowing tips.

Skimp on dressings, Dietitian gravies, and condiments Did you know that the average tablespoon of gravy contains about twelve calories, while the same amount of cream sauce offers forty calories? Even more shocking is the fact that a mere tablespoon of Hollandaise sauce adds another sixty-seven calories to your meal.

Who stops at just one tablespoon though? If you cut back on these add-ons, you can minimize your caloric intake during each holiday meal.

Drink water to eliminate salt Eating salty foods can easily add

pounds to your waistline, particularly if you do so frequently.

Drinking water helps your body eliminate excess salt, allowing you to avoid unnecessary weight gain during the holiday Take the stairs whenever possible Elevators and escalators provide quick and easy transportation from one floor of a building to the next. However, if you take the stairs instead, you can burn between two and ten calories for each flight of twelve steps that you take. How many calories you burn depends on your weight, the number of stairs, and how quickly you move. While the number of calories you burn may seem small, they add up and help you minimize the damage done by indulgent eating.

Pick one but not both of these Choose either alcoholic beverages or desserts. Both of these choices contain large amounts of empty calories. This strategy isn’t as difficult as it sounds either.

You can alternate between your choices as long as you remember to skip one or the other of these two high-calorie options.

Add five minutes to your exercise routine If you know that you are going to eat more than you usually do, why

not add an extra five minutes into your exercise routine? Doing so helps to minimize any weight gain associated with holiday eating.

Weight gain can occur rapidly or slowly. It all depends on what you eat as well as how much you eat.

If you want to avoid the holiday bulge that so many people experience between Thanksgiving day and Christmas day, you need to make a conscious effort to do so.

Use a few simple strategies to help minimize how many calories you eat or burn each day to help you with your goals.

Do you want more help after the holidays?

Wild River Fitness is hosting the 6-week challenge, Get Fit for Life, starting Jan. 9. The program promotes healthy eating, increased physical activity, and tools to assist you on your journey to making healthy lifestyle changes. This program will not promote unhealthy fads. Whether your goal is to lose weight, maintain weight or build muscle, this program can help accommodate a variety of needs.

Registration deadline is Jan. 2. Space is limited so sign up by visiting MyWRF.org or call 715294-2164.

Christian, Melvin Koehnk and Luella Adams.

Cunningham’s description of the sinking of the Miss Thriller is absolutely haunting.

“Miss Thriller hung at the surface for only a few minutes, and then the launch slipped out from under her passengers and sank to the bottom. Her headlights still burned, illuminating the passengers from below as they thrashed and screamed in an attempt to save themselves amid a fading cone of green-yellow light. Then they flashed out, leaving the floundering passengers in the dark.”

While blame was initially placed on the owners and operators of the Zipper, it was the Miss Thriller, capable of speeds of up to 70 miles an hour, that crossed into the path of the Zipper pilots who tried to steer to the right of the oncoming boat. As the Zipper tried to swerve to miss the Miss Thriller, it struck the other boat, sinking it in minutes. The boat came to rest one-half mile south of Dixon Beach.

At the heart of Cunningham’s narrative is the almost manic competition between the owners of the Zipper and the Miss Thriller, a competition that figured directly into manslaughter and murder charges against the boat operators.

The charges were later dismissed, to the dismay of the bereaved survivors of the victims.

John Steinke, father of Arnold Steinke, found a small bit of solace when he bought the Miss Thriller.

“On Tuesday, January 24, 1933, Steinke soaked the hollow, rotting hull with five gallons of gasoline and put a match to her. Miss Thriller was burned to ashes. The fastest passenger boat in the country drifted away in smoke.”

This is a wonderful book for anyone interested in northwest Iowa history, and a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the Iowa Great Lakes or inland maritime disasters.

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

WRITERS AND WRITINGS The Death Boat a story of tragedy and loss

T

he Death Boat is a gripping account of a tragic boating accident the night of July 28, 1929, that claimed nine lives of West Lake Okoboji in northwest Iowa. Author Lloyd B. Cunningham lives in Lakeland, Fla., and summers at West Lake Okoboji.

Cunningham, a photographer for Writers nearly 40 years & Writing for the Sioux Falls, S.D., Argus Michael Tidemann Leader, offers an exhaustively h d hi t researched history of what led up to the fatal crash between the Zipper and the Miss Thriller, once billed as the fastest passenger boat in the world. Killed were Esther Rehnstrom, Henry Hintz, Arnold Steinke, Neal Gelino, Lloyd Cummings, Milo Nelson, Thomas

TOWN: Seek to fill positions FROM PAGE 2

Sunday, December 15 9:30 a.m. Children/Youth present “Symbols of the Season” Christmas Worship Service 4 p.m. Service of Remembrance

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Sunday, December 22

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Under New Management

9:30 a.m. Advent Worship

4 & 10 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship with Holy Communion

The treasurer’s position will be responsible for financial management including payroll, accounts payable, financial reports, budgets, tax collection, etc.

Those interested in the these positions can contact the Town of Osceola on their website, www. townofosceola.com, or email townofosceola@yahoo.com for application information.

Delivering Your Community

West Immanuel Lutheran Church Matt Saarem, Interim Pastor 447 180th St., Osceola 715-294-2936 westimmanuel.org

<www.osceolasun.com>

DECEMBER 18, 2019

THE SUN

7

www.osceolasun.com

OBITUARIES

WEEKLY MEDITATION

Hazel M. Kromrey

Hazel Mary Kromrey of St. Croix Falls, died peacefully Dec. 7, 2019, sitting in her favorite chair and enjoying her beautiful Christmas tree. She was 88.

She was born Sept. 6, 1931, iin Amery to Peter and Mary F Fredrickson, the youngest of sseven loving older brothers w whom she adored.

Hazel attended Polk C County Normal after high sschool where she received h her teaching certificate. She sstarted teaching in a two rroom school in Cedar Lake at 119 years of age. After having c children of her own, she b began teaching at Osceola Ele ementary School while also completing her education at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls. She retired after 25 years of teaching in Osceola.

Hazel marveled in God’s creation; she loved to sit and be in the wildlife teeming around her modest home in St. Croix Falls. She could often be found in her rocking chair gazing at the abundance of birds out her picture window, never far from her bird book in case some species unbeknownst to her flew down and graced her many bird feeders. This peace was only disturbed by the occasional presence of a black bear, which Hazel would chase away with a broom despite her small frame and to her children’s dismay. She loved to garden, read and dance. Her flowers were her pride and joy. She also enjoyed spending time with her family, especially playing cards with her brothers.

Hazel joined her late husband, John Kromrey, as well as her parents, brothers and sister in heaven.

She is survived by her son, Jim Lund and his children, Jeff and Brandon; her daughter, Margie (Scott) Roush and their children, Melissa and Brody; her daughter, Julie Lund; her daughter, Diane (Mike) Tinney and their children, Joseph, Cory and Breanna; and her four beautiful great-grandchildren, Jacob, John, Justin, Abby, Emma, Hawkins and Nash.

A Memorial Service was held Dec. 14 at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Dresser. Interment was in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Garfield Township. Donations may be made to Bethesda Lutheran Church Youth Fund.

“Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” – Isaiah 40:31

BY MELISSA CARMACK PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

Deck the Halls…O’ Christmas Tree…O Come, O Come, Emmanuel! These are some of the songs that are on contestant repeat in my car with my 3 children in the back signing their little hearts out. These songs remind me to prepare. To Wait. To calm my heart and mind during this very busy time of the year.

Advent, the time

before Christmas, is what this is about. We wait and we prepare for the birth of Jesus. We wait and prepare for the festivities and the get together and the celebrations that are sure to come.

But does your waiting have purpose? The theme, command, and call to “wait” is one that recurs over and over throughout the Old and New Testaments in the Bible. Waiting on the Lord is not intended to

be a passive part of life.

Rather, biblical waiting is meant to be done with active engagement.

How are you actively engaging this year as you “wait” and “prepare” during these last few days before Christmas? How are you bringing meaning into your waiting? How are you living out the person God intended you to be? And what happens when it all seems to be too much and our “waiting” is overshadowed by

our anxiety, our worry, our thoughts of what’s to come?

Behold and have peace. During your waiting and during your preparing, God goes with you. Just as God was with Jesus when he was born into this world…God goes with you and promises to never leave you…wherever you go and whatever you do. May you find peace in that Truth while you wait. You are not alone.

DRINKING: Alcohol is not the only issue to face in Wisconsin FROM PAGE 2

makes it easy and accessible,” said Natasha Ward, Director of Community Health Improvement for Western Wisconsin Health.”It needs to be addressed.” Yet, Ward acknowledge this issue isn’t going to go away completely in the next three years.

“It takes time to move needles.”

Initial strategies planned to deal with prevention include: — Identify opportunities to change alcohol ordinances — Educating the community on proper drug use storage and disposal — Conducting a scan of substance use screenings being used in the community — Implementing the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration’s “Talk. They Hear You.” Campaign, which helps kids learn about the dangers of alcohol.

Alcohol isn’t the only hurdle Healthier Together officials are dealing with when it comes to substance abuse.

Vaping has risen dramatically within the last few years. Ward said plans are in the works to market the DITCHJUUL text service to teens and adults who vape.

There’s also methamphetamine, heroin and opioids.

“They take a hold quickly and just destroy people,” she said.

Methamphetamine crime lab submissions peaked in 2014 and 2015, but about 45 cases were still submitted in St. Croix in 2018, the report states. Opioid dispensing rates per 100 persons remain well below the state average in both counties.

All those substance abuses correlate to the other issue at the top of the list and a repeat from the previous three years: mental health.

Services over the last three years they plan on extending include: Make It OK, Mental Health First Aid and school-based programming; continuing youth mental health collaboration meetings.

‘When done right, prevention is powerful: improving community conditions improves the health of populations, not just individuals,” the summary states. “Tackling such big issues requires partners from different sectors to come together to create community conditions that support the health of all people.”

Ward added a difference between the upcoming three years to the last three years is that strategies will be looked at on a year-by-year basis in case changes need to be made.

CHURCH LISTINGS 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 SUNDAY: Worship 10 a.m.

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

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

Contemporary Worship 9:30 a.m.

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

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

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

Evening service 6 p.m.

————————

EUREKA BAPTIST CHURCH 2393 210th Ave., St. Croix Falls Pastor Seth Brickley 715-483-9464 SUNDAY: Worship Service 10 a.m.

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

———————— FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN 561 Chestnut St. Taylors Falls, Minn.

SUNDAY: Worship 9 a.m.

———————— FIRST PRESBYTERIAN 719 Nevada St. St. Croix Falls Reverend David Maghakian 715-483-3550 (office) SUNDAY: Church Service 10 a.m.

———————— GRACE CHURCH – OSCEOLA Pastor Mark Barlow 722 Seminole Ave. Osceola 715-417-0752 SUNDAY: Worship Service, 10 a.m.

———————— GRACE BEREAN FELLOWSHIP 421 4th Street, Centuria Duane Gallentine, Pastor 715-755-2523 FRIDAY and SUNDAY KJV Bible Study/Fellowship ———————— GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Nye Area/Wisconsin Synod 2098 70th Avenue Pastor Nile Merseth SUNDAY: Worship 9 a.m.

———————— HOLY CROSS ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH Meeting at Zion Lutheran Church 28005 Old Towne Road Chisago Lakes, Minn.

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

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

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

———————— JOURNEY CHURCH 131 Broadway, Amery www.journeychurch.city office@journeychurch.city 715-268-2223 THURSDAY: Latino Bible Study 5 p.m.

SUNDAY: Worship Service 9 a.m.

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

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

———————— OSCEOLA COMMUNITY CHURCH 2492 Education Drive, Osceola Larry Mederich www.osceolacommunitychurch.org SATURDAY: 6 p.m.

SUNDAY: Worship 9 a.m.

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 SUNDAY: Worship 10 a.m.

Coffee Fellowship, 11 a.m.

———————— PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH (ELCA), 2355 Clark Rd., Dresser 715-755-2515• plcdresser.org Pastor Melissa Carmack Find us on Facebook! peace@centurytel.net SUNDAY: Worship, 8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

———————— PRAIRIEVIEW COVENANT CHURCH OF NEW RICHMOND 1396 210th Ave. 2 miles north of New Richmond on Hwy. 65 Pastor Rudy King 715-248-0600 SUNDAY: Worship 10 a.m.

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

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

Pastor Jonah Fetzer SUNDAY: Worship 10 a.m.

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

SUNDAY: Mass 8 and 10 a.m.

———————— ST. CROIX FALLS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Upper St. Croix Parish 300 North Adams Street St. Croix Falls 715-483-9494 churches@centurytel.net umstcroixfallswolfcreek.org Pastor Ran Yoo Pastor Kooko Kim Sunday services 10 a.m.

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

———————— ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH Franconia, MN 651-465-7345 www.stfrancisfranconia.org Fr. John Drees SUNDAY: Mass 9:15 a.m.

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

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

Mass at 11a.m.

———————— ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC 490 Bench Street Taylors Falls, Minnesota

651-465-7345 www.stjosephtaylorsfalls.org Fr. John Drees SATURDAY: 5:30 p.m. Vigil SUNDAY: Mass 7:30 and 11 a.m.

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

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

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

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

———————— WEST IMMANUEL LUTHERAN (ELCA), 447 180th St., Osceola www.westimmanuel.org SUNDAY: Worship Services, 9:30 a.m.

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

SUNDAY: Worship Service 10 a.m.

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

SUNDAY: Worship, 10:30 a.m.

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Letters to Santa This year we asked students to tell Santa in their letters what they would like for Christmas this year.

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WFU executive director addresses Polk-Burnett annual meeting SUBMITTED

The annual meeting of the Polk-Burnett chapter of the Wisconsin Farmers Union was visited by Julie Bomar, Executive Director of the WFU last Thursday at the Cafe Wren in Luck. The Polk-Burnett chapter

is emerging as a vital example of the changing face of agriculture in Wisconsin.

Most of the almost 30 members present were farmers under 40 years old, mostly women, who are doing retail sales of the products they raise on their farms. Bomar

said she was encouraged by the diversity of the types of farms represented and the enthusiasm of the crowd that was gathered considering the fact that Wisconsin has seen more farm bankruptcies in 2019 than any other state.

In her update of

Welcome Dr. Amanda Spitz is board certified, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry with over 16 years of experience treating children!

SUBMITTED

Julie Bomar, Executive Director of WFU, addressing the members of the Polk-Burnett Chapter in the community room of Cafe Wren on Dec. 12.

statewide activities, she observed that in 2020 the WFU is going to be focusing on issues of corporate monopolies and antitrust

legislation to give smaller farms a more level playing field. “When four corporations control 54% of chicken, 74% of pork,

Dr. Spitz

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Serving individuals 60+ and adults of all ages living with a disability.

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation

oTransportation to and errands and attending from, local and out of area social events medical appts. provided by oMost trips just $1/person volunteer drivers oSchedule is published in oRiders must be able to get The Voice and on our in and out of a vehicle with website at minimal assistance www.adrcnwwi.org oCost: $0.29/mile; 5 or oCustom group trips more trips in a month accepted on a case by case $0.14/mile; travel pay basis. We ask that you call received or $30 roundtrip in advance, invite friends for veterans to any VA and be flexible with dates Medical Center

and 85% of beef processing it is difficult to compete unless one embraces a completely different model of production and marketing,” said Bomar.

“Your event in October that was attended by well over 100 people shows that consumers are looking for other options when it comes to making food choices.”

On the business end of the meeting new officers were elected including Jason Montgomery-Riess -president, Josh Bryson -vice president, Emily Hanson-secretary, and Mike Miles-treasurer.

Three other positions were filled by Rama Hoffpauir -membership director, Kristy Allenevents coordinator, and Tamara Johnson- communications director.

State convention delegates were also appointed including Emily Hanson, Dan Guenthner, Barb Kass, and Kristy Allen.

Montgomery-Riess was impressed by the willingness of members to step forward and form a “robust leadership team as we work together for a better future for family farms. Markets are changing,” he said.

“Consumers are increasingly interested in knowing where their food comes from and how it is being raised. We are in a great position to meet their expectations.”

Merry Christmas!

Osceola • 715-294-4000 Member FDIC NMLS #673297

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815 US Hwy 8 • St. Croix Falls, WI • 715-483-7177 Call or stop in today to see current openings or apply online at www.mastersonstaѝng.com

AND OUTDOORS DECEMBER 18, 2019

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Osceola looks to get back to full strength

BY RON JASPERSON SPORTS WRITER

The Osceola Chieftain wrestling team has slowly improved several years in a row but just can’t quite seem to get over the hump. One of the common threads preventing Osceola from winning close matches is that they have been giving up forfeits. The Chieftains just need to get healthy. Currently OHS has at least four would-be varsity wrestlers unable to compete due to an assortment of injuries.

The injury bug bit Osceola once again in their second Middle Border contest of the season when they hosted the Amery Warriors. Amery took the contest 49-27 with the Chieftains giving up 18 points due to forfeits “We won five out of 11 varsity matches wrestled,” Osceola coach Nate Demulling said. “Spotting them 18 points through three forfeits is a tough deficit, but we could have wrestled better. We’ll get there.”

Osceola got four pins in the five matches that they won with Noah French getting the first Chieftain pin in the 182 point weight division. Tommy Oswald (113), Lucas Sedivy (126) and Drew Willeman (132) also got pins for Osceola. Logan Johnson (160) won a decision for the Chieftains.

Osceola completed their week at the Barron Invitational where they placed fourth as a team among the 14 entries.

River Falls was the team champion with West Salem/Bangor placing second and Ashland third.

“We still gave up three forfeits but we wrestled more aggressively,” Demulling noted. “One of the keys to finding success in wrestling is make things happen. You can’t wait for the action and be reactive. You have to make things happen, like setting up shots and putting yourself in position to score.”

Johnson completed his great week by claiming the top spot in the 160 pound SEE WRESTLING, PAGE 16

Chieftain girls struggle during busy week

BY RON JASPERSON SPORTS WRITER

The young Osceola Chieftain girls basketball team has just one senior on the roster and the rest of the squad is quite inexperienced. Osceola needs game experience and they got just that last week with three contests. The Chieftains opened their week with a pair of games against D2 opponents (Osceola is D3) and fell first to River Falls in a non-conference game and then to New Richmond in a Middle Border contest. Both games were on the road.

OHS finished their week with a close loss to the Somerset Spartans in another MBC game.

New Richmond is undefeated in conference play and leads the pack at 4-0.

Prescott is next in line with a 2-0 mark. Osceola is tied with Ellsworth for fifth place in the conference with a 1-2 record and is 2-3 overall.

Osceola and Somerset stayed neck and neck well into the second half of the contest before the Spartans finally took control. In the first half the largest Chieftain lead was four points when freshman Hattie Fox hit her second trey in just over a minute to give Osceola a 6-2 lead. Somerset led by five twice, first at 19-14 and later and 26-21 but the Chieftains got a pair of free throws from Fox just before the buzzer to pull Osceola to within 26-23 at the break.

JO JASPERSON | THE SUN

Freshman Hattie Fox is off to a great start for OHS scoring 19 points in an MBC contest against Somerset.

Osceola lost three games last week and look to get back on the winning track this Thursday with a home game against Baldwin-Woodville.

Somerset was nursing a 33-32 lead with 13:20 left to play when they went on a 13-2 run to build a cushion at 46-34.

Later, with the Spartans leading 48-36 Osceola made its last mini-run of the game when Emily Fox hit a deep three and Hattie Fox followed with

a deuce to make it 48-41.

The Spartans responded with a seven point run to gain control 55-41 with 4:47 to play.

“The Somerset game is definitely one that we can build off of this season,” Osceola coach SEE OHS GBB, PAGE 16

JO JASPERSON | THE SUN

Senior Logan Johnson had a big week for Osceola starting with a win over Amery in an MBC dual. Johnson then placed first at 160 pounds in the 14 team tournament in Barron. The Chieftains finished fourth as a team.

Osceola drops road contest to SCC

BY RON JASPERSON SPORTS WRITER

True, the Osceola Chieftain basketball team lost to a St. Croix Central Panther squad by 26 points in a game played in Hammond. Osceola coach Jacob Meyer, like most coaches, probably isn’t too into moral victories but if there is such a thing, the Chieftains could probably claim one in their most recent Middle Border conference game.

Osceola and St. Croix Central fought basket for basket for the entire first half and into the second stanza. The Panthers nursed a slim 35-32 lead at intermission and the young Chieftain squad appeared to be set for the upset.

“Last week’s game was the tale of two halves,” Osceola coach Jacob Meyer said. “For most of the first half we had the lead. I thought our boys played our best half of the season so far. We handled their pressure, made our shots and found ways to get to the free throw line. I thought Josh Schultz had his best game both offensively and defensively.

Josh also shot very well from the free throw line.”

Was there an upset on the horizon as the teams matched up for the second half? Unfortunately for Osceola fans the second half did not go nearly as well. SCC got hot on offense and their defense shut down the Osceola efforts and they ran away from the Chieftains.

The Panthers outscored OHS 39-13 after the break and kept their record perfect with a 74-48 decision.

“The second half is when their pressure got to us and we did not make the easy shots we made in the first half,” Meyer noted. “Early on in the first part of the second half we did a good job of surviving their little run but without making some of the easy scoring opportunities we had we were unable to keep up with them. SCC is a team that we are looking forward to playing a second time.”

St. Croix Central now sits atop the Middle Border conference standings along with Somerset. Both teams are 2-0 in MBC play. SCC is 3-0 overall. Osceola fell to 0-2 in conference play and is 1-2 overall.

Schultz was the leading scorer for the Chieftains with 18 points with 10 of those come from the charity stripe where he shot 10-for-10. Logan Maxon

JO JASPERSON FILE PHOTO | THE SUN

Colin Krentz netted seven points for Osceola in the MBC game at St. Croix Central.

The Chieftains trailed by just three points at half but fell to the SCC pressure after the break.

added 10 points to the Osceola cause on a pair of treys and the same number of deuces. Colin Krentz added seven points to the Chieftain point bucket.

“I do not think that Central did anything different,” Krentz said in explaining how things got away from Osceola in the second half. “They continued to hustle and capitalize on our mistakes, and we made more mistakes in the second half than in the first. We will be working on mitigating our mistakes in practice and come the next time we play the outcome (could) be different.”

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SCOREBOARD BOWLING FRIENDLY VALLEY WOMEN’S LEAGUE Dec. 11, 2019 Cascade BP 144.5 The Golden Girls 140 Hauge Dental 129 Osceola Lanes 129 Truhlsen Chiropractic 123 PY’s Lil Devils 123 Osceola Cleaners 121 Horse Creek Store 118.5 Friendly Bar 116.5 Sue’s Bar & Grill 111 Scott’s Tire 108.5 200: Heidi Schrock, 204; Meghan Tinney, 201, 201.

500: Megan Tinney, 574, Sheryl Swagger, 516; Louise Hinz, 504.

High game: Hauge Dental, 689.

High series: Horse Creek Store, 1740.

OHS BOYS BASKETBALL

SHARON WAMPFLER | THE SUN

Senior Kullan Parks jumps to grab the rebound during the game against Grantsburg Friday night. Saints won 76-46.

SHARON WAMPFLER | THE SUN

Senior Azalea Edwards gets a shot off in the game against Grantsburg on Dec. 13. Saints won 63-20.

Saints stumble against Unity, Saints continue domination of comeback for win against Grantsburg West Lakeland teams

BY COACH CHAD HALL

When and Where: Dec. 10 at Unity Outcome: Unity 49, St. Croix Falls 32 Summary: The Unity Eagles took a one point lead into the locker room at halftime and then broke the game open by outscoring St. Croix Falls 27-11 after the break.

Highlights: Kullan Parks led the Saints’ scoring with 16 points.

No other SCF player was able to reach double figures against a tough Eagle defense.

Comments: “We struggled shooting the ball and to find any offensive rhythm,” St. Croix Falls coach Chad Hall said. “We shot around 20 percent from the field which makes it tough to win. We also struggled from the free throw line. Credit Unity with playing very good defense.”

When and where: Dec. 13 at St. Croix Falls Outcome: St. Croix Falls 76, Grantsburg 46 Summary: The Saints quickly rebounded from their disappointment against Unity with a 30 point win over the Grantsburg Pirates. The SCF offense was clicking, especially in the second half of the game when they dropped in 42 points.

When and Where: Dec. 10 at Unity Outcome: St. Croix Falls 75, Unity 48 Summary: St. Croix Falls poured in 44 points before halftime on their way to an impressive 75-48 win over the Unity Eagles in a West Lakeland conference game.

Highlights: SCF hit 22 deuces and seven treys as a team to come away with the 27 point victory margin. Lucia Neuman led the way with 23 points including four 3-pointers. Olivia Miron added 6 points and Emily McCurdy had 11.

Comments: “We had a great night of shooting as a team,” St. Croix Falls coach Angie Maternowsky said. “We were running the floor extremely well and finishing our shots. We played an excellent team game.”

When and where: Dec. 13 at St. Croix Falls Outcome: St. Croix Falls 63, Grantsburg 20 Summary: The Saints had 10 different players hit the scoring column and played great defense all night long to stymie the visiting Grantsburg Pirates. SCF scored 40 points before halftime.

Highlights: Miron led the team in scoring with 20 points.

Kaylee Miron, Emily McCurdy and Brianna McCurdy each had

SEE SCF BBB, PAGE 17

SEE SCF GBB, PAGE 17

Stranger in the night

I

have a favorite little window in my house I always look out of on my way upstairs. It’s a story and a half and allows me a nice view of nearly 5 prairie acres we own. With the recent full moon everything outside was lit up with the arrival of fresh snow as I meandered up the stairs about 2 a.m. But on this night I had a surprise waiting for me that, at first glance fooled me, and then awakened my somewhat sleepy mind.

Something was standing at the end of the little sidewalk I put in a few years ago. At first I thought it was one of my seven dogs that had somehow Wild River gotten free from the kennel. But in a moment I realized it was a coyote.

Trails Fully mature and on super alert staJim Bennett tus it was looking around, somewhat

nervous, ears cocked at full attention with its nose taking in every scent floating through the crisp, cold night air. It must have stood there for over a minute and in that short time my mind raced with questions.

Grab a camera? Grab a gun? Awaken other family members to see what was in the yard? The camera would have taken an amazing photo and the gun would have removed competition as we both hunt some of the same things. The family has heard coyotes howling on summer nights that both amazed and frightened them but I don’t think any of them have ever seen a coyote up close and personal. The last one I saw so close was in Lino Lakes around 5 p.m. I was stopped at a red light when a large coyote came trotting through the crosswalk carrying a housecat in its jaws. Not the typical picture we think of when SEE BENNETT, PAGE 19

The Outdoorsman’s Journal is brought to you by:

THE SUN Newspaper Office Supply 108 Cascade • Osceola

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Dec. 19 at Grantsburg.

Dec. 27 at Rice Lake.

Jan. 3 vs. Prescott.

Jan. 6 at Cameron.

Jan. 14 vs. Amery.

Jan. 21 at Baldwin-Woodville.

Jan. 24 vs. Ellsworth.

Jan. 31 at New Richmond.

Feb. 3 vs. St. Croix Falls.

Feb. 4 vs. Somerset.

Feb. 7 at Prescott.

Feb. 10 at Barron.

Feb. 13 vs. St. Croix Central.

Feb. 18 at Amery.

Feb. 20 vs. Baldwin-Woodville.

Feb. 27. at Ellsworth.

Feb. 28 vs. Unity.

Chieftain Boys Basketball Osceola at St. Croix Central (unofficial) December 12, 2019 Osceola Individuals 2’s 3’s FTM FTA F TP Hall 0 0 1 2 4 1 Boissy 1 1 0 1 3 5 G Slater 0 1 0 0 0 3 Schultz 1 2 10 10 2 18 Maxon 2 2 0 0 3 10 De Roeck 0 0 0 0 1 0 Krentz 3 0 1 2 1 7 Measner 2 0 0 1 0 4 Totals 9 6 12 16 14 48 St. Croix Central Individuals 2’s 3’s FTM FTA F TP Kopacz 1 2 0 0 2 8 Pettit 5 0 0 0 2 10 Hackbarth 2 2 0 0 4 10 Trainor 1 0 0 0 2 2 Mousel 0 0 3 4 0 3 Siler 3 1 3 6 0 12 Klin 9 0 3 5 2 21 Harney 0 0 0 0 1 0 Nilssen 2 0 0 0 1 4 Hinzman 2 0 0 0 3 4 Totals 25 5 9 15 17 74 Score by Halves 1 2 Final OHS 32 13 48 SCCHS 35 39 74 Middle Border Conference Boys Basketball Standings December 14, 2019 Team Conf. Overall St. Croix Central 2-0 3-0 Somerset 2-0 3-1 Prescott 1-0 4-0 New Richmond 1-0 2-1 Ellsworth 0-1 1-2 Amery 0-1 0-4 Osceola 0-2 1-2 Baldwin-Woodville 0-2 1-3 Scores December 9 New Richmond 71, Chippewa Falls 62, (non-conference) December 10 Prescott 87, Ellsworth 68 St. Croix Central 57, Baldwin-Woodville 50 December 12 St. Croix Central 74, Osceola 48 Somerset 71, Baldwin-Woodville 60 December 13 Cameron 92, Amery 49 (non-conference) Prescott 84, Glenwood City 34 (non-conference)

SCF BOYS BASKETBALL Jan. 3 vs. Prescott.

Jan. 6 at Cameron.

Jan. 14 vs. Amery.

Jan. 21 at Baldwin-Woodville.

Jan. 24 vs. Ellsworth.

Jan. 31 at New Richmond.

Feb. 3 vs. St. Croix Falls.

Feb. 4 vs. Somerset.

Feb. 7 at Prescott.

Feb. 10 at Barron.

Feb. 13 vs. St. Croix Central.

Feb. 18 at Amery.

Feb. 20 vs. Baldwin-Woodville.

Feb. 27. at Ellsworth.

Feb. 28 vs. Unity.

Saints Boys Basketball St. Croix Falls at Unity (unofficial) December 10, 2019 St. Croix Falls Individuals 2’s 3’s FTM FTA F TP Oye 0 1 0 0 0 3 Greenquist 0 0 0 0 2 0 VanBuskirk 0 0 1 2 4 1 Chrstnson 0 0 2 4 2 2 Lessman 1 1 2 1 3 7 Mysicka 1 0 1 2 2 3 Parks 2 3 3 6 3 16 Totals 4 5 9 15 16 32 Unity Individuals 2’s 3’s FTM FTA F TP

J Flaherty 5 0 8 9 0 18 L Flaherty 2 0 2 2 4 6 Paulsen 1 0 0 0 1 2 Bloom 3 0 1 4 4 7 Peterson 1 0 0 0 3 2 Collins 1 0 0 2 2 2 Feist 3 0 0 0 3 6 Sorensen 2 0 2 4 0 6 Totals 18 0 13 21 17 49 Score by Halves 1 2 Final SCFHS 21 11 32 UHS 22 27 49 Saints Boys Basketball Grantsburg at St. Croix Falls (unofficial) December 13, 2019 Grantsburg Individuals 2’s 3’s FTM FTA F TP McKinley 2 1 0 0 3 7 Johnson 0 0 0 0 1 0 Knutson 0 0 0 0 2 0 Lindau 0 0 2 2 0 2 Lee 1 0 0 0 2 2 Bergman 1 0 2 2 3 4 Wedin 2 1 0 0 1 7 Phillips 0 1 0 0 0 3 Miller 1 0 3 4 5 5 VnWtrmln 6 0 4 5 3 16 Totals 13 3 11 13 20 46 St. Croix Falls Individuals 2’s 3’s FTM FTA F TP Oye 0 4 1 2 1 13 Schmidt 0 0 0 0 1 0 Greenquist 5 0 1 2 2 11 LaMirande 1 1 1 2 1 6 Stelton 1 0 0 0 1 2 VanBuskirk 2 0 0 0 1 4 Chrstnson 7 0 4 6 4 18 Lessman 0 1 2 2 0 5 Mysicka 1 0 0 0 1 2 Parks 1 1 7 8 2 12 Becker 1 0 1 3 0 3 Totals 19 7 17 25 14 76 Score by Halves 1 2 Final GHS 24 22 46 SCFHS 42 34 76 West Lakeland Boys Basketball Standings December 14, 2019 Team Conf.

Overall Luck 2-0 3-1 St. Croix Falls 2-1 3-1 Unity 2-1 3-2 Grantsburg 1-1 3-1 Webster 1-1 1-3 Frederic 1-2 2-3 Siren 0-3 0-4 Scores December 10 Unity 49, St. Croix Falls 32 Frederic 66, Siren 60 Grantsburg 68, Webster 62 December 12 Turtle Lake 62, Webster 57 (non-conference) December 13 St. Croix Falls 76, Grantsburg 46 Luck 72, Frederic 47 Unity 38, Siren 24

OHS GIRLS BASKETBALL Dec. 19 vs. Baldwin-Woodville.

Dec. 28 at Glenwood City.

Jan. 2 vs. Northwestern.

Jan. 7 at St. Croix Falls.

Jan. 16 vs. Amery.

Jan. 21 vs. Ellsworth.

Jan. 23 vs. Prescott.

Jan. 27 vs. Unity.

Jan. 28 vs. St. Croix Central.

Jan. 31 at Somerset.

Feb. 4 at Clayton.

Feb. 6 at Baldwin-Woodville.

Feb. 11 at Ellsworth.

Feb. 14 vs. New Richmond.

Feb. 18 at Prescott.

Feb. 20 at Amery.

Chieftain Girls Basketball Osceola at River Falls (unofficial) December 9, 2019 Osceola Individuals 2’s 3’s FTM FTA F TP Wright 1 0 0 0 0 2 Bradway 2 0 1 3 3 5 Gillespie 0 0 1 2 4 1 E Fox 2 0 0 0 0 4 H Fox 3 0 4 5 2 10 Kremer 0 0 0 1 2 0 Johnson 0 1 0 3 0 3 Totals 8 1 6 14 11 25 River Falls Individuals 2’s 3’s FTM FTA F TP Weick 1 3 0 0 2 11 LSzymnski 0 0 1 4 0 1 Strop 9 0 1 1 3 19 JSzymnski 0 0 0 0 2 0 M Doerre 2 0 0 1 2 4 Randelman3 2 0 0 1 12 A Doerre 2 0 1 2 3 5 Nesbitt 0 1 0 0 1 3 Kasten 3 0 4 4 1 10 Totals 20 6 7 12 15 65 Score by Halves 1 2 Final OHS 8 17 25 RFHS 29 36 35 Chieftain Girls Basketball Osceola at New Richmond (unofficial) December 10, 2019 Osceola Individuals 2’s 3’s FTM FTA F TP Wright 0 0 0 0 1 0 Bradway 0 0 0 0 2 0 Gillespie 2 0 0 0 2 4 E Fox 0 0 5 7 3 5 H Fox 1 1 1 2 1 6 Johnson 1 0 0 1 5 2 Totals 4 1 6 10 14 17 New Richmond Individuals 2’s 3’s FTM FTA F TP

SEE SCOREBOARD, PAGE 23

DECEMBER 18, 2019

THE SUN

15

www.osceolasun.com

Tape complaints lead to new restraints for Amery police

BY TOM STANGL TSTANGL@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

New restraints to restrain out of control juveniles have been ordered by the Amery Police after an investigation by the city’s law firm into allegations of improper use of force involving two incidents with students.

In both incidents, minors were restrained using duct tape.

Records obtained by the Amery Free Press under Wisconsin’s open records law show Amery police officer John Carlson was involved in both incidents. Carlson responded on his own to one call and was assisted

by Police Chief Tom Marson on a second incident.

One incident occurred in Dec. 2018 and the second in Feb. 2019.

One of the incidents occurred at Northwest Journey in Amery, the second at Lien Elementary.

Assistant Police Chief Joe Vierkandt filed a complaint Feb. 6, 2019, about the use of duct tape as a restraint. At a closed session during the March 6, 2019, Amery City Council meeting, the city agreed to hire City Attorney Paul Mahler to investigate the allegations.

Mahler hired Dan Breymeier, a former law enforcement officer, to conduct the investigation. Mahler and Breymeier gave their report and recommendations to the council during a closed session June 5.

The Free Press requested all records related to the investigation June 6, including bodycam footage. Mahler’s report, police and incident reports and statements from witnesses were received Nov. 19.

Mahler was unable to provide bodycam footage because he was unable to blur the face of minors in the footage.

The city declined to give notes from the investigation, citing the balancing test where “disclosure of investigation notes and witness interviews would create a chilling effect on officers, department staff, and members of the public from speaking candidly not only in respect to the current investigation but any future investigations of the department and deprive the City, the department and the public from the benefit of accurate and complete investigations involving officers and the department.”

Mahler’s report, obtained in the open records request, states the scope of the investigation “was meant to be complete while still considering cost to the City.”

MADDY STENSVEN

SCF crowned 4 individual champions this weekend in a tough 27 team tournament. Luke Thaemert 106 (above), Kole Marko 145, McKinley Erickson 195, and Tanner Gaffey 285.

Overall the team took second place at the Eau Claire North Husky Invite.

SUBMITTEED

New soft restraints have been ordered by the Amery Police Department following incidents where duct tape was used to restrain minors.

St. Croix wrestlers open Heart O’North action, place second in big Eau Claire tournament

BY COACH JOE RAYGOR

Breymeier was “not asked to draw conclusion as to the allegations made by Mr. Vierkandt.”

Mahler’s report states “the use of force essentially comes down to whether the force was reasonable as judged in light of the circumstances as they appeared to the officer at the time they acted. Stated another way, 20/20 hindsight should not be used in the evaluation. The purpose of the use of force is to control the situation and thus protect the safety of the officer, the subject and other individuals.

“Clearly the use of duct tape should not be viewed as standard operating procedure,” Mahler continues. “However the investigation did not find documentation that it is prohibited. It is our understanding that the department has since purchased restraints that could be used in the case of juveniles.”

Mahler tells the Council that “per state law, (the council) is not empowered to discipline police officers. That power would be held by a committee or single individual that the Council would appoint.”

During a closed session at the end of the May 6 council meeting, the council discussed a law enforcement disciplinary committee, but took no action.

The council took no action on Vierkandt’s complaints after hearing Mahler and Breymeier’s report in June.

According to records obtained from the Polk County Sheriff, police were called to Northwest Journey to restrain out of control students 89 times in the past five years.

During the same time period, police were summoned to Lien Elementary 12 times, Amery Intermediate School 9 times, Amery Middle School 34 times and Amery High School 12 times for out of control students.

Incidents Carlson and Marson responded to a call of an out of control juvenile at Northwest Journey Dec. 6, 2018. After trying to

calm the juvenile, who had been hitting and biting staff members, Carlson “used duct tape to restrain (name) by wrapping his wrists and forearms together in front of him. I also wrapped his lower legs together.” Carlson states the juvenile removed the tape from his wrists with his teeth and the tape from his legs with his hands. Eventually, the juvenile calmed down before becoming agitated again. The juvenile was restrained with a bean bag chair the second time.

Carlson responds to call from Lien Elementary Feb. 1, 2019, for an out of control student. Staff members are attempting to restrain the student as Carlson arrives on scene.

The student is kicking and Carlson uses duct tape around the child’s calves to keep them from kicking.

After the student is distracted by a smartphone app, they calm down enough for Carlson to remove the duct tape with school safety scissors.

Carlson notes redness on the student’s skin in the area where the tape had been wrapped over his pants.

In his statement, Vierkandt notes that after raising concerns about these incidents with Marson and then City Administrator Kim Moore, Mayor Paul Isakson and city council member Tim Strohbusch, the city agrees to investigate the actions, only if a formal complaint is filed.

Vierkandt files a complaint with Moore.

“In the end of this, the police department, City of Amery, the Community, and the child have all lost by the actions of two officers who acted unprofessionally and did not place the mission of the organization first,” Vierkandt says in the complaint.

City Attorney Mahler notes in his May report to the council that Carlson and Marson have each hired employment attorneys. Carlson and Marson each had the SEE RESTRAINTS, PAGE 18

When and where: Dec. 12 at Cameron Outcome: St. Croix Falls 62, Cameron 12 Summary: St. Croix Falls wrestled for the first time in their new conference, the Heart O’North and quickly gave the other teams notice that they will be hard to stop this season with a 50 point decision.

When and Where: December 14 at Eau Claire Husky Invitational.

Outcome: St. Croix Falls finished in second place in a 27 team field in an individual tournament at Eau Claire North High School. The Saints had four champions crowned in their respective weight classes: Luke Theamert (106), Kole Marko (145), McKinley Erickson (195) and Tanner Gaffey (285). Other noteworthy place winners were Mason Will (fourth), Zack Clark (fourth) and Kaden Clark (fifth).

Comments: “I was impressed by freshman Kegan Koshiol’s level of fight he brought to the tournament,” Saints coach Joe Raygor said. “Another freshman, Kaden Clark, showed immense grit winning his last match in triple overtime. Overall, I thought the team wrestled well. We didn’t reach our goal of winning the tournament but I was proud of the hustle and effort the team displayed. Our starting 160 pounder, Bennett Bergmann, came down with influenza the night before competition so the team really rallied behind each other and everyone picked up the extra slack.”

Upcoming: This Thursday (Dec. 19) the Saints host Ladysmith in a conference match beginning at 7:00 pm. The next day SCF will travel to Chisago Lakes for an individual tournament featuring some top Minnesota teams. “We’re going to go back and really hammer bottom wrestling,” Raygor said. “I take pride in the fact nobody can keep SCF wrestlers down. To win the big matches in February you must be able to earn that escape point.”

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16

THE SUN

DECEMBER 18, 2019 www.osceolasun.com

OHS GBB: Girls struggle during busy week FROM PAGE 13

Mike Haase said. “It wasn’t a ‘W’ but there was growth from where we were at (even against River Falls and New Richmond). Over the course of the game we traded baskets and short runs with Somerset at an even rate, except for a three minute stretch in the second half. In that stretch we had two turnovers, missed a few shots from close range, and also missed some free throws.”

Hattie Fox led Osceola in scoring with 19 points followed by sister Emily’s 17. Emily ended the game with a trio of connections from behind the arc and Hattie added a pair of long range missiles. The Chieftains shot 46 % from the floor but converted just 5-of-13 free throw attempts.

Hattie Fox led the team with 11 rebounds and Kaili Bradway had

six assists and four steals.

“I have been very fortunate this year with getting the chance to play varsity basketball,” Hattie Fox said about her quick transition from middle school ball to high school. “High school ball is definitely faster paced and the overall intensity is greater.

My teammates have made me feel welcomed to the team, which has helped with the adjustment.

Playing as a team is certainly going to be the key to success. I am looking forward to see what we can accomplish the remainder of the year.”

CORRECTION Last week the player in the Osceola girls basketball photo was identified as Hattie Fox. It actually was Emily Fox.

Minutes of Osceola

School Board Proceedings The Regular Meeting of the Board of Education for the School District of Osceola was held in the Boardroom on November 20, 2019. The meeting was called to order by President Craig Brunclik at 6:00 P.M. with roll call taken: Pete Kammerud – yes; Craig Brunclik –yes, Brian Meyer – yes; Rosanne Anderson-yes; and Brooke Kulzer -yes. Superintendent Mark Luebker, Business Manager Lynette Edwards, Director of Instruction Dr. Rebecca Styles, Director of Pupil Services Leah Voelker along with Building Principals Amanda Meyer, Julie Bender and Lindsay Thomas attended the meeting.

Person (s) who requested an audience before the Board: a. Osceola PTA provided the Osceola PTA-Teacher Grant in the amount of $11,191.91. They were able to support just under 30 grants total including ones they were able to support with Scholastic Dollars. The Board and Administration thanked them for their generous gift and support. b. Ron Cormican inquired about recording/streaming School Board meetings for the community. The Board will look into this option.

A Brooke Kulzer/Pete Kammerud motion was made to approve the consent agenda without any items removed for further discussion. Motion Carried.

Adopt the agenda Approve minutes of the Regular Meeting held on October 30, 2019 Approve minutes of the School Board Workshop held on November 13, 2019 Hires, Resignations, and Recognitions.

Resignation(s): Alisha Olson, Special Ed Aide Recognition(s): Hire(s): Ron Jasperson, 8th grade Girls Basketball, Brock Luehman, Asst Girls Basketball, Greg Kumlien Boys Asst Coach, Tianna French, OES Certified Aide, Zachary Lauridsen, OIS Certified Aide, Jamie Viebrock, OHS Certified Aide, Shanda Leko, Bus Driver Motion Carried.

A Rosanne Anderson/Brian Meyer motion was made to approve the payment of bills from General Fund with ACH108766, 201900069-201900076, hand payable 9457094571, computerized checks numbered 178552-178700 for a total of $823,180.70. Motion Carried.

School Board Committee Report was presented by Pete Kammerud. During the November 20th Committee meeting Lynette Edwards presented an updated/year to date budget for the 2019-2020 school year along with options for teacher salary schedule/compensation. Dr. Rebecca Styles gave an update on our District State Report Card. Overall we have a lot of celebrations across the District. At the School Board Workshop that was held on November 13, 2019 there was approval of the Early College Credit Program and Start College Now applications. Other topics discussed during the Workshop was Capital Improvements, Operational Referendum, Safe Routes to School Grant, Wisconsin State Education Convention, Fund Balance, Short-Term Borrowing, Salary Schedules, sale of School Farm and Forest, school mascot, and school related activities and events on non-school days including inclement weather days.

A Rosanne Anderson/Pete Kammerud motion was made to approve Kinship of Polk County Program. In the 2018-2019 they service an average of 257 elementary students in school mentoring. Motion Carried.

A Rosanne Anderson/Brian Meyer motion was made to approve Limited Healthcare Flex 2018-2019 Adjustments.

Motion Carried.

WRESTLING: Injury bug hits FROM PAGE 13

division in Barron.

“The match against Amery did not go the way we wanted it to even with giving up a few weight classes due to injury,” Johnson said about the week for the Chieftains. “We came back from (the Amery match) and battled in Barron and earned fourth out of 14 teams. This team has a lot of potential. We just need to continue to push ourselves and each other.”

Oswald, Willeman and Nick Carlson all took home second place in their respective weight class at Barron. The road doesn’t get any easier for Osceola as they take on another high octane MBC team this week.

“This week we look forward to a tough match at Baldwin-Woodville on Thursday and host our annual Chieftain Duals on Saturday with Boyceville, Cumberland, River Falls, St. Croix Central, Clear Lake, Luck/Frederic/Grantsburg/Siren, and Barron coming,” Demulling said. “We will have six tough duals to see if we’ve improved and are looking forward to get a few of our injured wrestlers back in the line-up.”

A Rosanne Anderson/Pete Kammerud motion was made to approve a one-time $1,250 stipend to each staff member who did not receive a salary increase for the 2019-2020 school year. Roll call vote- Rosanne Anderson-yes, Pete Kammerud-yes, Brooke Kulzer-yes, Brian Meyer-no, Craig Brunclik-yes. Motion Carried.

A Pete Kammerud/Rosanne Anderson motion was made to approve the OIS bumpout project, technology purchases and teacher compensations to be used for Fund Balance Expenditures. A total of $ 51,750.00. Motion Carried.

CESA 11 for Strategic Planning was tabled at this time.

A Brooke Kulzer/ Brian Meyer motion was made to approve bid process for School Forest and Farm. There are two options to be bided on. Option 1: Parcel #042-00828-0000 (20.12 acres) will be sold alone. Option 2: Parcel #022-008100000 and #022-00804-0000 (73.280 acres) will be sold together. The deadline for sealed bids is February 28, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. All bid must be delivered to the District Office at 331 Middle School Drive. Bids will be opened and review at the March 11, 2020 School Board Meeting. Motion Carried.

Administrative Reports: Mrs. Voelker: The Indicator 14 of the Wisconsin State Performance Plan is a Post School Outcomes Survey that tracks the further education and/or competitive employment experiences of youth with disabilities as they transition from high school to adult life. We had 7 out 11 students who graduated in 17/18 completed the survey. Of those 7 -3 reported to be attending a 2-year technical program and 0 are currently attending a 4 year college. This is well above the state average.

And the other 4 reported Competitive employment.

Mrs. Meyer: Thank you to Mr. Bergman for again hosting a fabulous Veteran’s Day program! The middle school gym was packed with community members. Our band and choirs performed, three students spoke, and veterans and their families enjoyed donuts and coffee before the presentation. Thank you also to Ms. McLain, Ms. Willett, and Mrs. Mayer for helping pull this all together. Thank you to our 6th grade teachers, especially Mr. Marincel, for working so hard organizing the cookie dough fundraiser. We appreciate having a local business, The Cookie Cottage, to partner with. We are currently having a competition between advisories for food shelf donations. Donations will be delivered to the Open Cupboard on Friday. Trimester 1 ends on Monday, Nov. 25th. We have a busy in-service planned for next Tuesday and I’m looking forward to professional conversations about how we can continue to grow to meet the needs of our students. Our student council started a project called Save Our Snacks (SOS) where students put non-perishable food items into a basket after breakfast. These snacks are organized and tracked by students and then available if students need a snack later in the day.

Mr. Spiegel (presented by Mrs. Meyer): Our first trimester ends on Monday. We are working hard to ensure all students are finishing strong. We are in the early stages of registration.

This year we are completely revamping our course guide. Our Blessing Basket kickoff on December 2. Ms. Willett is doing a great job with OSCAR crew and all the planning that goes with it. The OHS drama club did an excellent job with the musical the last few weekends. Thanks to Mr. Carlson for his work. We are looking forward to our staff Thanksgiving meal on our in-service day!

Mr. Newton (Presented by Dr. Styles): 10 out of 10 kids completed our piloted social-emotional program-Purpose Prep. A great accomplishment to our kids and Ms. Morrison for her assistance. 10 students will be attending the leadership/sportsmanship summit at the St. Croix Central High School on Monday. All Middle Border schools will be represented at the summit. Winter sports are now in progress-Girls Basketball, Boys Basketball, Wrestling, and Powerlifting. We have great participation numbers! We have a new group called “Mock Trial.” Where students get to participate in a trial type experience. Dr. Styles is leading the program with a local lawyer.

Dr. Styles: The State Accountability Report Cards have been released and there is much to celebrate in our results. 19 new staff and 10 year-two staff are being supported

PROGRAMS AT INTERSTATE First Day Hike, January 1, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Join park staff and the Friends of Interstate Park in welcoming the New Year with snowshoeing or hiking at the park.

Warming fire and light refreshments provided by the Friends of Interstate Park. 2020 vehicle admission stickers will be available for purchase. Meet at the Ice Age Center.

Candlelight Night, February 15, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Stop in at the Ice Age Visitor Center to find out which of our trails will be illuminated by hundreds of candles—a beautiful sight to see! You can also learn which trails are groomed for skiing, which are open to snowshoeing… and even sign in to borrow some free snowshoes for the evening (if there is enough snow for it). Visitors are also welcome to gather in the Visitor Center for some live music provided by The Geezers. Fun for the whole family!

by their mentors. The mentors are amazing support to these new people. In-service next Tuesday is jam packed with PLC time for our teachers to collaborate and grow together. Each building looks a little different and amazing work is happening in all the buildings. Support staff can choose to work their contracted hours on in-service days. Last in-service they were invited to the Acreage for an “Unplug Experience”. This in-service Mr. Tilkens, our 6-12 school psychologist, will be hosting an initial training in nonviolent crisis intervention training (NVCI) and those who aren’t there can work in the building or on the SafeSchools online program. Modules range from Human Resources, Health, Emergency Management, Social and Behavioral, etc. Some of the specific modules are bullying, communication styles, cultural competencies and racial bias, making school inclusive, etc.

Mrs. Bender: Thank you Bob, Randy and Adam for installing our new clocks. For Veterans Day one of our teachers, Clint Strom presented to our students. Clint served in Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004-2005 in a Scout/Sniper Platoon. He spoke to our students about LDRSHIP (Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage) and how it relates to their role as an OIS student.

Thank you Clint! Students are busy and working hard preparing for our Holiday Concert- Snowflakes Fall, December 20th (9:30 and 1:30). As an OIS team, we continue to learn, grow and implement the EMLSS process to get all students what they need- to help add excitement to this process we produced a song. Thank Brent Bundgaard, Emma Cruciani and Clint Strom for making this happen. Thank you Karlee Pitt (and OIS Student Council) for the management and communication about the OIS Giving Tree. We have many donations coming in to help support families in the community. We welcome back Abby Rodke and Patricia Kramer- both returning from maternity leave. Thank you Peggy Rydeen and Michelle Denney for helping us while they were out.

Ms. Thomas: The businesses that had their rocks taken now have new replacement rocks either delivered or they will be delivered soon! This project got a lot of positive feedback and a nice write up in the Sun. Today is National Education Support Professionals Day. OES has the best and most talented support staff. The certified staff provided treats as a way to say thanks for being the glue that holds the school together. After a staff survey supported the change, we tried costumes for Halloween this year. The students LOVED being able to show off their costumes and celebrate Halloween with friends. Many staff dressed up, too. We held a flag themed Veterans Day program on November 11th. Students were the stars of the show. A special thanks to Miranda Haack and Angie McVitty for helping to plan and to the OHS Chamber Choir for singing the National Anthem.

Mark Luebker- This week is American Education Week, thank you to all of our educators!

The next scheduled Committee Meeting is Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. in the Boardroom The next regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 11 2019 at 6:00 p.m. in the Boardroom A Pete Kammerud/Brian Meyer motion was made to adjourn to Executive Session pursuant to WI Statute 19.85(1) (c)(f) to consider the employment, promotion, compensation, or performance-evaluation data 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; Craig Brunclik -yes; and Brooke Kulzer -yes; Brian Meyer - yes; Rosanne Anderson- yes. In addition, Superintendent Mark Luebker attended the meeting.

A Rosanne Anderson/Pete Kammerud motion was made to adjourn Executive Session. Motion Carried.

Craig Brunclik announced no official action was taken.

A Brian Meyer/Brooke Kulzer motion was made to adjourn.

Motion carried Adjourn Pete Kammerud, Clerk WNAXLP

DECEMBER 18, 2019

THE SUN

17

www.osceolasun.com

POWER: It takes power and influence to hold those in power accountable; newspapers have that power FROM PAGE 5

small town, rural America.

As we lose community newspapers, we face a very real threat to the future of citizen knowledge and the ability to keep a watchful check on government. It takes power and influence to hold those in power accountable. If you don’t meet them on equal footing, your chances of getting responses to questions evaporates.

Newspapers have influence in their communities and with government for five primary reasons: Community-wide reach Newspapers have a deep reach among citizens in their communities. Elected leaders know that a story printed in the newspaper will circulate throughout the towns and rural areas. Subscribers will share stories with friends and family.

But the newspaper can also be found in the library, the restaurant, the tavern, and on the park bench. The photos and stories are there at a glance at

counters in stores throughout the community. People who don’t subscribe still get to find out what is happening in their community at no charge and with no electronic device required.

We also have our online presence, but print’s reach is deeper, more inclusive and more visible in a community.

This reach goes far beyond what your circle of friends on Facebook, or other social media, provide.

Trusted source of information Survey after survey has found that local, small town newspapers are the most trusted source of information in their communities. Local newspapers are seen as a fair, reasoned voice, especially in this internet and social media age of vitriolic divisiveness.

One of the reasons we are trusted is because people in the community know us and feel they can give us direct feedback if they think we are being unfair or slanted in the news we write.

Financial strength

When a newspaper is financially healthy, it has the ability to challenge power when it would frustrate the public’s right to know.

When government officials refuse to hand over public documents or illegally close a public meeting, we will take them to court. Citizens often aren’t willing to, or are unable to, muster the finances to challenge government actions in court. We do. Through the Minnesota Newspaper Association, the state’s newspapers have access to the state’s top expert in laws that demand an open and transparent government.

Through our years of reporting we have seen public officials who have tried to hide information because of financial mistakes, self-serving enrichment, embarrassment, or fear of public reaction. We have seen public officials who act as if the public information in their care is theirs to decide who can see it and who can’t.

We’re always on duty We show up – day after day,

REGISTRATIONS: More than one got away FROM PAGE 1

hunting seasons.

Overall, preliminary figures show that 160,769 deer were registered during the nine-day gun deer hunt, compared to 213,972 in 2018. Of the deer harvested in the 2019 nine-day season, 75,236 were antlered compared to 105,315 in 2018. The nine-day hunt also provided successful hunters with 85,533 antlerless deer, a decrease from 108,657 in 2018.

Even though opening weekend saw mild temperatures throughout the state with a little snow in the north, hunting conditions deteriorated throughout the remainder of the season. Conditions including drastic winds, snow and rain bombarded most of the state. The largest declines in antlered harvest occurred in the northern forest zone, where blizzard-like conditions and significant snow accumulation made it difficult for hunters to access hunting areas.

The Wisconsin DNR said reports from hunters around Wisconsin

Delivering Your Community

indicated low daytime deer activity throughout the gun deer season.

Hunters afield within even a few miles of each other reported varying levels of deer sightings, confirming that deer are not evenly distributed on the landscape.

The DNR also feels standing corn proved to be an additional factor that likely influenced success in the field. At the conclusion of the nineday season, harvest was 66% complete, 22 days behind the 2018 harvest.

Wisconsin held the earliest possible deer season in 2018 followed this year by the latest possible season opener. When this occurred between the 2012-13 and 2007-07 seasons, there were similar declines in year-to-year registration totals.

Additional hunting opportunities are available. Dec. 2-11 was the statewide muzzleloader hunt; Dec. 12-15 was the statewide four-day antlerless-only hunt; Dec. 24 to Jan. 1, 2020 is a nine-day antlerless-only holiday hunt in select Farmland Zone counties; Presently to Jan. 5, 2020

are the remaining archery and crossbow seasons; and Jan. 5-31, 2020 is the extended archery and crossbow seasons in select Farmland Zone counties.

Hunters may use any unfilled antlerless harvest authorization during any of these hunts, but they must be used in the zone, county and land type designated on the harvest authorization.

For more information regarding hunts offered in each county, check out the interactive deer map at dnr.wi.gov, keyword “DMU.” The Deer Hunter Wildlife Survey remains open through remaining seasons.

The Deer Hunter Wildlife Survey will remain active until all deer seasons have ended, and wildlife managers ask that hunters submit a report of what they observe during their time in the field. This information provides valuable data to improve population estimates for Wisconsin’s deer herd and other species. For additional information, search keywords “deer hunter wildlife.”

ernment documents ensures transparency and accountability. The average citizen can easily be told by public officials that government has the right to keep documents private, or that meetings can be closed for “executive sessions.” We know better.

Through our years of reporting we’ve seen public bodies try to meet in private to discuss sensitive topics. Often, these sensitive topics involve something that is going to cost the taxpayer money. Public officials want to have the discussion outside of the public light to avoid the expected nonso-pleasant feedback they are going to get from some of their constituents. We cover these meetings to represent our community’s citizens and keep them informed.

Reed Anfinson is the publisher of the Swift County Monitor-News and past president of the Minnesota and National Newspaper Association

FARMINGTON: Three percent employee raises FROM PAGE 1

repairs at $604,000 but clerk Debbie Swanson explained that, “we have the money to do it.”

Chairman, Dennis Cotter reiterated the grant the board is applying for so they may receive a 90/10 grant from the state, which certifies that Farmington will only be obligated to pay 10 percent of road repair expenses. Cotter declared, “We are hoping to get this grant so that we can fix more roads in Farmington.”

While it is early in the bidding process, Cotter hopes to “get this nailed down in January.”

The board moved to approve three house building permits and meet and sign a new building and electrical inspector, beginning his new position with the town in January 2020.

As the year comes to a close, the board then turned their attention to employee raises. Town employees will be receiving a three percent raise.

The next Town Board meeting will take place Jan. 6 at 7 p.m.

SCF BBB: Baldwin-Woodville January 3 FROM PAGE 14

Highlights: St. Croix Falls had four players in double figures led by Payton Christenson with 18. Sophomore Dayo Oye ripped the nets for 13 points including four treys.

Parks added a dozen points and Declan Greenquist chipped in with 11.

Comments: “We had a great team win by playing well on both ends of the floor,” Hall remarked. “We continued to get consistent minutes from everyone in our rotation. We worked on the boards and on creating turnovers. It was a good win after our Unity showing.”

What this Means: St.

Croix Falls moved their Lakeland conference record to 2-1 (3-1 overall) good for second place. Luck currently sits atop the conference standings at 2-0.

Upcoming: St. Croix Falls is now on a holiday break before action picks up again Jan. 3 with a non-conference game at Baldwin-Woodville.

SCF GBB: St. Croix Falls continued undefeated FROM PAGE 14

eight points for the Saints.

Comments: “We are working hard as a team to continue to improve our

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defense,” Maternowsky said.

What this Means: St. Croix Falls continued its undefeated season with the pair of wins and is now at 3-0 in the conference and 6-0

overall.

Upcoming: St. Croix Falls is now on the holiday break and will play again on Jan. 3 in a non-conference game at Baldwin-Woodville.

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month after month, year after year. The public officials know that we will be at every meeting writing stories about what is discussed. We will follow up, reminding citizens of past successes as well as misdeeds.

On Facebook, your circle of friends may get fired up about some action the city council or school district takes, but it isn’t long before the daily grind of life distracts them and the issue fades with no one held accountable. The newspaper is always on duty; we remind citizens that their attention and action is required. Through our years of reporting we’ve missed many of the high school games and social events our friends have attended because we have a meeting to attend that night. Keeping you informed is a mission we take to heart. It is one that demands sacrifice.

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THE SUN

DECEMBER 18, 2019 www.osceolasun.com

RESTRAINTS: Amery police buy new restraints after incidents FROM PAGE 15

block the release of the records, but neither did so.

Mahler states near the end of this report “This is and has been a difficult time for the Amery police department. Questions of motivation and credibility have arisen on all sides during the investigation. While not the focus of the investigation it became clear that personnel issues within the department remain an issue to be resolved to allow the department to move forward.”

Drive sober or get pulled over To discourage impaired driving and support public safety, law enforcement agencies across Wisconsin will patrol in greater numbers for longer hours during the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” holiday campaign that begins Friday and continues through New Year’s Day. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is utilizing federal funds to support the stepped-up law enforcement efforts, public education and outreach.

Last year in Wisconsin, alco-

hol-related crashes resulted in 169 deaths and more than 3,000 injuries. Also last year, there were over 24,200 OWI convictions in Wisconsin. While alcohol-impaired driving remains a concern, Wisconsin and many other states see a growing challenge with drugged drivers people whose ability to safely operate a motor vehicle is compromised by drugs including prescription or over-the-counter medications and illegal narcotics.

How citizens can help: If you suspect a driver of being

impaired, call 911. Be prepared to provide as much detail as possible about the driver, vehicle and location.

If you plan to celebrate, identify a sober designated driver.

Download the free “Drive Sober” mobile app from the WisDOT website. It includes a “find a ride” feature to help locate transportation alternatives.

Some taverns and restaurants have programs to provide patrons a safe ride home. Visit www.tlw.org/ and click on “Safe Ride.”

It’s a Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!

Newspaper Fun! www.readingclubfun.com

Kids: color stuff in!

Annimills LLC © 2019 V15-49

Christmas!

! ne Do

Merry

Almost No t Ye t

18

2 red suit sack Read the sundae cookies 4 clues to fill 1 3 wish in the puzzle 7 es 10 with things 6 9 8 you may see 5 in Santa’s 13 workshop: tinsel reindeer 12 1. soft, white blanket of this, frosting the top of buildings 11 2. elves making upgrades to this in the garage wrapp milk Rudo ing lph 3. a huge scroll of paper listing these of every girl and boy 14 4. station overflowing with ice cream and every topping stockings Pole 5. elves hang up their own on the special night North 18 17 chim 6. wrapped toys tossed into a magic ____ for delivery snow n e y 16 7. elves travel by this and magic ll be gh ei sl 8. elf checking each ______ to make sure its jingle is ready to jangle 15 sleigh 9. elves using ______ to make hand-crafted wooden toys 10. haywire ______– making machine, covering shop with silvery strands an tools ogg b o t 11. dispensers mounted on the walls, complete with marshmallows hot choc olate lace 12. a massive stone ______, but Santa enters through the front door 19 firep 20 13. Mrs. Claus’ special kitchen always has a batch of ______ in the oven 14. the ______ is a chilly place, but the workshop is always toasty 15. each room has a working ______ that never runs out of firewood 16. each of the ______ cared for by at least 3 animal-loving elves 17. a special closet just for Santa’s ______ ______ – with a tailor elf on hand...just in case 18. ______ eating big meals to have energy to power his nose through that special night 19. giant rolls of ______ paper hanging from walls – every color and design!

20. every refrigerator has at least 2 gallons of ______ – Santa’s favorite drink 6$17$·6 WORKSHOP

Holiday Wishes!

Here is our greeting card for you. Connect the ornaments to spell out our secret message.

Tree Maze - Help Mama bird find her way to the nest to feed the babies.

Uh ! oh

Start with ornament number 1 and draw a 2 line to ornament number 2 and so on to make the first letter.

1 Then, follow the nearby alphabet to make 2 the next letter.

There are 1 16 letters in all!

3

A

A

B

2

2

B 4

1

D

C B

1

D

3

1 2

C

D

A

1

B

4

4

3 A

2

C

3 5

3 A B

4

D

C

C 1

2

4

3

A

B

3

C

1

2

A

D

4

3

B

C

A C

B D

SEE ANSWERS, PAGE 23

DECEMBER 18, 2019

THE SUN

19

www.osceolasun.com

BENNETT: Coyotes are quick, cunning, and clever animals FROM PAGE 14

the word coyote comes to mind, but it showed the resourcefulness of this wild prey animal.

Like a wolf they hunt meat and they are very good at it. Many of us grew up watching Wile E. Coyote bumble and stumble his way after the Roadrunner of Warner Brother Cartoons fame. But ACME does not supply a wild coyote with what it needs to survive and what a successful survivor they are in a growing world of humanity

encroaching on their world. Still hunted, trapped, dodging cars, trucks and wolves, coyotes are thriving. You seldom see a road kill coyote because of their cunning nature but one crossed the road in front of my vehicle just a couple days ago on a dead run flying across an open field hell bent for election.

After scanning the yard my nighttime visitor continued up the driveway toward my kennel. All the dogs were sound asleep and the six puppies safe and warm under

heat lamps. Nary a sound came from them as the silent coyote passed 30 feet from the outdoor runs before disappearing into the wooded cover and vanishing into the night. Where it had come from and where it was going I had not a clue, but I truly enjoyed our brief encounter.

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, a chance encounter with an old acquaintance drums up feelings you didn’t know you had. Even if these feelings are muted, you can still acknowledge them.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, it is up to you to initiate action over the next several days. The situation may be uncomfortable, but you will be able to handle it.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, a difference of opinion with a professional colleague surfaces in the coming days. Recognize that you both have the same goal and work together.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 The next few days will be all about having a good time, Cancer. Others may try to steer you elsewhere, but you are set

CLUES ACROSS 1. No longer on the market 5. W. African language 9. A way to open 11. A type of pigeon 13. Japanese warrior 15. Pelvic areas 16. No seats available 17. Not working 19. In a way, soaks 21. Growing outward 22. Ritzy local __ Air 23. Telegraphic signals 25. Metric units 26. Large wine cask 27. Fiber from the husk of a coconut 29. Gets up 31. French river 33. Witnesses 34. They make great neighbors 36. The sun does it 38. Used to store ashes 39. First Chinese dynasty 41. Network of nerves 43. Word element meaning ear 44. Metric unit of length (Brit.)

46. Tributary of the Danube 48. Off-limits 52. Appeal earnestly 53. It’s good to have them 54. Commercial flying company 56. Acted out in protest 57. Took to the sea 58. Cuckoos 59. Drove fast

CLUES DOWN 1. Trapped 2. About osmosis 3. Romanian monetary unit 4. Form of Persian 5. Cold wind 6. Leave out

on enjoying yourself.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, many things are beyond your control. However, one place where you can take action concerns your personal health. Schedule a well visit soon.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, close friends will keep you very busy for the next few days. That will come in handy because you could use a distraction from what’s currently on your plate.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Do not allow impulsive behavior to rule your week, Libra.

You need to exercise caution when making decisions over the next several days because they can have a large impact.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Others cannot quite figure you out lately, Scorpio. It is

good to have an air of mystery about you. Keeping everyone guessing may give you a slight advantage.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Sagittarius, you may resist a social engagement initially because it has been such a busy season. Soon you may come around and be open to a few more parties.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, if you are thinking about a career change, take a step back and give this decision considerable thought. Look for hints as to the direction you should go.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, do not surround yourself with negative thought patterns, which could hinder your success. Better to stay positive and embrace those who share your outlook.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 With eyes on the future and resolutions, now might be the perfect time to go back to school or gain extra skills applicable to your career, Pisces.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS DECEMBER 15 Charlie Cox, Actor (37) DECEMBER 16 William Perry, Athlete (57) DECEMBER 17 Pope Francis, Religious leader (83) DECEMBER 18 Ronald Acuña, Athlete (22) DECEMBER 19 Jennifer Beals, Actress (56) DECEMBER 20 Jonah Hill, Actor (36) DECEMBER 21 Ray Romano, Comic (62)

Too worn out to cook for the holidays?

Make a Koldtbord

F

or some odd reason, I’m more excited about Christmas this year. I can’t figure out why. I’m as busy as I usually am. In the past, I have to give myself a pep talk, saying, “It’s almost over and you can do this. And, Christmas is fun!”

This year, I’m caught off guard when I hear Christmas carols in stores or when someone wishes me a Merry Christmas or tells me to have a Happy New Year. My heart swells and I’m filled with gratitude.

Maybe, I was a Grinch or a Scrooge without even knowing it. I hope no one noticed.

Day to day living and trying to Wild Chow raise a family and/or work is hard enough. Then, add all the added Lisa Erickson pressure of finding the perfect gift for everyone you love, entertaining with the relatives, and baking massive amounts put one over the edge.

This year I’ve been baking for other people and selling cookies. I guess it’s my way of giving back for all the years I didn’t have the energy myself.

There is nothing wrong with buying premade treats and goodies for the holidays or letting someone else do the baking for you.

There are some easy ways to serve store-bought products and make them appealing. Cheeseboards and dessert trays are easy to make, and everyone likes them.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or tired this year, be kind to yourself. It will get better. And, maybe some year, you’ll even enjoy it.

Koldtbords There are at least a thousand different ways to make a cheeseboard. I like the Koldtbord Scandinavian tradition. It’s a smorgasbord of only cold foods that are put on a table and guests serve themselves.

Ask everyone to bring something. That makes it fun for everyone and simple for you.

How to make and serve a Scandinavian Koldtbord: Breads: Prepare a basket of crackers and breads.

Have an assortment of various grains. Rye bread and crunchy crackers are traditional options, but lefsa and dinner rolls work well, too.

Cheese: Choose your favorite cheeses. Have a variety of hard and soft and sharp and mild. Buying locally made cheese will give you something interesting to tell your family about.

Meat and proteins: Summer sausage or spreadable meat like Braunschweiger pairs well with cheese and bread, but don’t stop there. Most traditional Koldtbords also have smoked fish and hard-boiled eggs.

Vegetables: Pickled veggies are the perfect addition to the heavier meats and cheeses. The vinegar helps cut through the fats and cleanses your mouth, getting you ready for the next bite.

Spicy radishes and sauerkraut are also interesting additions.

Condiments: Mustards and horseradish add a little zip. Cranberry chutney or apple butter is an easy way to balance out the saltiness. Plain and simple butter is also a nice spread to include.

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

7. Small vehicle 8. A little off 9. Soviet Union 10. A narrow path or road 11. Contrary beliefs 12. One who speaks Gaelic 14. Private school in New York 15. Jackson and Townshend are two

18. Soldier in an airborne unit 20. Taken illegally 24. Capital of Valais 26. Male reproductive organs 28. State capital 30. One with supernatural insight 32. Starts all over again 34. Jai alai arena 35. Star Wars antagonist 37. Freestanding structure

38. The ideal place 40. The extended location of something 42. Made level 43. Distinctive smell 45. Greek goddess of discord 47. Got older 49. Type of monkey 50. Travels to 51. Geological times 55. Edge

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QUIZ BOWL: Stream, Elwood, Haase and Glenna, members of Polk County Quiz Bowl, win national contest FROM PAGE 1

their arms, and joined hands behind the skirted table as the results were read. After team questions, toss-up questions, and written test scores were added, Wisconsin emerged as national champions. Cheers and a few moist eyes erupted from the four ladies dressed in matching purple dresses.

This victory halted New York’s championship run of five consecutive wins and keeps their total at 15 total national championships.

This was Polk County’s second national win. They also won in 2011. Wisconsin has only won this national contest three times in the 40-year history of the contest. New York placed second, followed

by Iowa, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania and Georgia earned honorable mention.

The Dairy Bowl program encourages youth to increase their dairy knowledge as they prepare for the contest. They learn life skills - critical thinking, decision-making, problem solving, communication skills, and independent thinking – when preparing for competition. They also gain knowledge in dairy nutrition, milk quality, herd health, breeding and genetics, marketing, dairy foods, and calf raising. Dairy bowl competitions are held throughout the U.S. Polk County’s senior Dairy Bowl team topped the state 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Contest in February, earning the right to represent Wisconsin at the national contest. They outperformed other senior teams, consisting of youth between the ages of 15 and 19. The sources and materials used to form questions are nearly endless, as new information and dairy information is generated nearly daily.

The Polk County team members are Katherine Elwood,

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Courtney Glenna, Courtney Stream of Amery, and Grace Haase of Osceola. Sending the winning county team makes Wisconsin unique. Most states select their top four 4-Hers as their representatives. Wisconsin, and Polk County had an advantage this year. Team members aren’t just acquaintances, they are friends and teammates. It is hard to create a new “team” each year with youth from across a state who may have never even met each other. They might be a team in name, but not necessarily in spirit.

The national 4-H contest is different than many breed dairy bowl contests. A 50 question short-answer written test is taken the night before the contest and counts the next day. Scores from five questions from each team member are tallied for each round, for a possible 100 points per round.

However, the actual scores that the team earned on the test are not known. Only the two scorekeepers are privy to those numbers until they are revealed after the team and toss-up questions have been answered. Another set of points is earned when answering the discussion questions.

During this time, team members can discuss their answers to five questions and the team captain provides the group’s collaborative answers to the panel of three judges. The 20 toss-up questions are when the individual team members can buzz in and showcase their areas of knowledge. After three different team members correctly answer a question, a four-part bonus question is offered to that team only. If all parts are correct a maximum of 20 points are rewarded. If segments are correct, partial credit it given. The judges are all university professors or dairy extension specialists.

The deciding factor: Wiscon-

sin’s balance. It was the team’s balance that earned them bonus questions in the headto-head match and also high written test scores which were added to the overall score.

Glenna had the 3rd highest test score, Elwood was 4th, and Haase was 10th. No other state had three individuals in the top 10.

Polk juniors have been actively participating in Dairy Bowl since 2004. Nearly 50 different Polk county youth have participated in this dairy knowledge competition over the past fifteen years. Teams didn’t win a single match the first two years they competed, but their dedication to improve and learn more about Wisconsin’s dairy industry persisted.

Those initial years were difficult, but it laid a foundation that has enabled current teams to thrive.

Three of the Polk County team members started practicing weekly in the fall of 2017. They were also part of Osceola and Amery FFA’s dairy judging teams and would rotate study material between the two contests. Last fall they began practicing twice a week, including early Sunday mornings and one week night.

Katherine Elwood is a junior at Amery High School. She was raised on a dairy farm and raises market hogs. Katherine was the 2nd place High Individual at the All-American Dairy Judging Contest and 5th in the Junior Dairy Management Contest in Harrisburg this fall.

Katherine is vice president of Amery FFA and president of Eagle View 4-H. She also played soccer and was in the Amery Band.

Courtney Glenna is a sophomore. She lives on a dairy farm just north of Amery. She was the 9th place individual at the National FFA Dairy Judging and Management Event a few weeks ago and had the highest

score on the written test of over 160 competitors. She competes in state FFA speaking contest and was the Intermediate Dairy Jeopardy Winner at the National Holstein Convention in 2019.

Serving as team captain, Grace Haase is a senior at Osceola High School. She will be attending University of Wisconsin – River Falls and majoring in Dairy Science with a goal of working as a calf specialist upon graduation.

Grace is active in Osceola FFA, serving as president. She also competed in powerlifting and track. At the National Junior Dairy Management Contest in Harrisburg in September, Grace placed 4th overall and won the Calf Care Section.

Last year, Grace’s Osceola FFA placed 3rd at the National FFA contest (in dairy cattle evaluation) and she competed in two contests in Europe, placing 2nd and 4th as teams. Haase’s family operates a Holstein and Jersey dairy in Osceola.

Ella Williamson was on the team that won the state contest, but was not able to compete in Louisville as she had a role in the school musical. Ella is active in gymnastics, cross country, and is 1st Princess Miss Amery and Miss Congeniality. She was on the 3rd place National FFA team with Elwood, Glenna, and Hailey Clausen in October and those four will be traveling to Europe to participate in the International Dairy Judging Tour next summer.

In Ella’s absence, the team needed a new member. And Courtney Stream answered the call. Courtney is a junior at Amery High School. She is an avid livestock judge, and raises beef, sheep, and hogs, as well as working on a local dairy.

She had been studying with the team since the spring and made up years of practice in a few months.

The team is coached by Patti Hurtgen and Gwen Dado.

Hurtgen does not live in Polk County; she resides in Fort Atkinson, 300 miles away. Gwen Dado handles the majority of the face-to-face practices.

Hurtgen provides material to the team via email, Facebook, and article links, along with a few full-day weekend practices prior to competitions. “I know this team would not be as prepared without Gwen’s regular practices” commented Hurtgen.

“These young people are so enjoyable to work with. They want to learn, so they put the time into studying on their own and in groups, and that makes a huge difference,” shared Hurtgen. They read material, watch videos, take quizzes, and listen to recorded questions. When they can see what they learned applied on actual dairy farms, they connect the book knowledge to the hands-on learning. This is when the information really takes root and the material is truly learned, and not just memorized.

Dr. Donna M. Amaral-Phillips, Extension Professor and Extension Dairy Nutritionist at the University of Kentucky, has been the contest superintendent for 28 years. She is assisted by Warren Gilson, retired, University of Georgia.

The Dairy Quiz Bowl started in 1980 and has always been held in conjunction with the North American International.

That exposition is the largest purebred livestock exposition in the world. Sponsors of this contest include the American Dairy Science Association, National Dairy Shrine, North American International Livestock Exposition, Perdue Agribusiness, Select Sires, and Hoard’s Dairyman.

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THE SUN HAS YOUR office supplies – File folders, labels, register and other tapes, envelopes of many sizes, copy paper by ream or sheet and much more. Let us help you today, 108 Cascade, Osceola.

715-294-2314.

Farmington Mini Storage: For all your storage needs. Now offering climate controlled units. 10x10, 10x15, 10x20, 10x25. Now accommodating 5th wheelers, boats and campers.

715-2943078 or 1-800-2828103.

Notices

Services

Services

Thank you St. Jude for prayers answered.

Problems with your car insurance? Tickets? Accidents? Been canceled? Call Noah Insurance for help at 715-294-2017.

Erickson piano service. Bryan Erickson Tuning-RegulationRepair 715-463-5958 \ 507-475-2584

RESUMES copied for free if you have been laid off and looking for work. Stop in at The Sun, 108 Cascade, Osceola.

300

23 Free Items FREE: Desk, maple, refinished, dovetailed, 7 drawers. 715294-2796.

HAVE SOMETHING TO give away? Run three weeks, nonbusiness related for FREE. Must be from the area. To place an ad call 715-294-2314.

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

For Sale

454

NEW BUILDING SITE For Sale - 1 and 105 acres. Country lots – Osceola Dresser area.

715-755-3377

Delivering Your Community

Serving Polk County’s St. Croix Valley since 1897

<www.osceolasun.com>

GOT LAND? Our Hunters will Pay Top $$$ To hunt your land.

Call for a FREE info packet & Quote. 1-866309-1507 www.BaseCampLeasing.com S E E D T R E ATMENT for soybean White Mold and SDS! Ask your seed dealer for Heads Up Seed

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Call Mad City Windows 608-338-1170.

REPORTER

Enjoy the Sun at home!

Subscribe today by calling 715-294-2314 or send $29 (Polk & St. Croix Counties) or $34 (elsewhere) for one year to:

The Sun is seeking a freelance reporter to help report the news of our community.

If you have a knack for seeing beyond the obvious and a well-developed sense of curiosity and enjoy sharing stories, this might be a great fit for you.

Send resume and writing clips to Matt Anderson, Editor, The Sun P.O. Box 248, Osceola, WI 54020 Email: editor@osceolasun.com

Mark-it Graphics, a leading commercial print provider in Osceola, is looking to add experienced people to it’s staff immediately. We offer good working conditions, vacation pay and other benefits.

Open positions are:

108 Cascade Street Osceola, WI 54020

Customer Service Representative / Estimator Pre-Press Artist Finishing / Packaging Assistant Interested parties can reply via email to: Mike.Hock@mark-itgraphics.com with your resume, availability and salary requirements, or you can stop in and fill out an application. Please No Phone Calls.

NOW ACCEPTING 2019-2020 SNOW REMOVAL CONTRACTS

Residential & Commercial • Driveways, Walkways & Roofs

715-781-1696

www.allexteriorswi.com HOME IMPROVEMENTS & OUTDOOR LIVING

WI: 1165705 MN: BC677225

2018 Polk County Platbooks Available!

$40

full color

stationery available at:

Cash or check only $

Now available at:

THE SUN Servi Serv Serving rving ng Polk Polk County’s Coun Co unty ty’s y’s St. S . Croix Cr Cro oix Valley Valley ey since since sin nce 1897 1897

108 Cascade Street Osceola

108 Cascade Street, Osceola 715-294-2314

4.25 pack or 2 for $8.00 Variety of styles to choose from.

Red and green envelopes available.

DECEMBER 18, 2019

THE SUN

23

www.osceolasun.com

SCOREBOARD: Scores, stats and standings for Osceola and St. Croix Falls sporting events E Fox H Fox Johnson Branum Totals

3 3 2 3 3 17 5 2 3 8 2 19 2 1 0 0 4 7 2 0 0 0 2 4 15 6 5 13 18 53 1 2 Final OHS 23 30 53 SHS 26 38 64 Middle Border Conference Standings December 14, 2019 Team Conf.

Overall New Richmond 4-0 5-1 Prescott 2-0 5-0 Somerset 2-1 3-3 Amery 1-1 3-1 Osceola 1-2 2-3 Ellsworth 1-2 2-3 Baldwin-Woodville 0-2 1-4 St. Croix Central 0-3 0-5 Scores December 9 River Falls 65, Osceola 25 (non-conference) December 10 New Richmond 61, Osceola 17 December 13 Somerset 64, Osceola 53 Amery 57, Ellsworth 43 New Richmond 61, Baldwin-Woodville 35 Prescott 67, St. Croix Central 31 December 14 La Crosse Central 46, New Richmond 43 (non-conference)

FROM PAGE 14 Blaszczyk Aune Kling Brown Hagman Montreal Ballard DeYoung Feuerer Barlw-Sgr Totals

3 0 0 0 1 6 1 0 0 0 1 2 3 1 1 1 0 10 0 1 0 0 1 3 2 4 3 4 2 19 3 0 0 1 0 6 1 0 0 1 1 2 4 0 2 5 1 10 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 2 0 1 18 6 7 14 8 61 1 2 Final OHS 10 7 17 NRHS 26 35 61 Somerset at Osceola (unofficial) December 13, 2019 Somerset Individuals 2’s 3’s FTM FTA F TP RGaikwski 0 1 0 0 3 3 Hoff 1 1 2 2 0 7 Leccia 2 0 1 2 2 5 Paulson 2 3 7 8 1 20 HGaikwski 3 0 2 7 3 8 Schactner 10 0 0 0 2 20 Goldstein 0 0 0 0 1 0 Rivard 0 0 1 2 1 1 Totals 18 5 13 21 13 64 Osceola Individuals 2’s 3’s FTM FTA F TP Bradway 1 0 0 0 3 2 Gillespie 2 0 0 2 4 4

Crowe Lowe Totals

0 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 0 14 4 8 13 14 48 1 2 Final SCFHS 44 31 75 UHS 31 17 48 Grantsburg at St. Croix Falls (unofficial) December 13, 2019 Grantsburg Individuals 2’s 3’s FTM FTA F TP Lee 1 0 1 2 2 3 Slater 0 0 0 0 2 0 Tooze 3 0 0 0 1 6 Ohnstad 1 0 0 2 2 2 Gronski 0 0 0 0 1 0 Quimby 3 1 0 0 2 9 Totals 8 1 1 4 10 20 St. Croix Falls Individuals 2’s 3’s FTM FTA F TP K Miron 4 0 0 0 3 8 Neuman 1 0 0 0 1 2 S Edwards 1 0 0 0 1 2 Larson 1 0 0 0 0 2 Lee 2 0 0 0 0 4 E McCurdy 4 0 0 0 1 8 B McCurdy 1 2 0 0 2 8 O Miron 9 0 2 2 1 20 A Edwards 2 0 1 2 0 5 Cooper 1 0 2 2 3 4 Totals 26 2 5 6 12 63 1 2 Final GHS 7 13 20 SCFHS 40 23 63 West Lakeland Standings

Prescott 59, Cochrane-Fountain City 33 (non-conference)

SCF GIRLS BASKETBALL Jan. 3 at Barron.

Jan. 7 vs. Osceola.

Jan. 14 vs. Siren.

Jan. 17 at Luck.

St. Croix Falls at Unity (unofficial) December 10, 2019 St. Croix Falls Individuals 2’s 3’s FTM FTA F TP K Miron 4 0 1 2 4 9 Neuman 5 4 1 2 2 23 S Edwards 0 0 0 0 1 0 Larson 1 0 0 0 3 2 E McCurdy 2 2 1 2 2 11 B McCurdy 2 1 0 1 1 7 O Miron 5 0 6 9 2 16 A Edwards 2 0 0 0 1 4 Cooper 1 0 1 2 0 3 Totals 22 7 10 18 16 75 Unity Individuals 2’s 3’s FTM FTA F TP Reed 1 0 0 0 1 2 Clauder 1 0 0 0 0 2 Sorensen 5 1 6 8 2 19 Swanson 6 1 1 2 3 16 Tilton 0 2 0 0 2 6 Smith 0 0 0 0 2 0 Stryker 1 0 0 0 0 2 Bowers 0 0 0 1 0 0

Trade River Ski trail open Viking Ski Club were ready when the snow fell and immediately began rolling a base that set up nicely with the following cooler weather.

The Trade River Ski Trail, one and a half miles south of Frederic on 150th Ave, has grown to about 10 kilometers, and is groomed for classic and skate skiing.

There is no charge to ski or park, but donations are appreciated to help with the cost of grooming and

SUBMITTED BY THE VIKING SKI CLUB

The snow that arrived last week has set the stage for a great Nordic skiing season in western Wisconsin.

The early December snowfall has provided enough base to open the Trade River Ski Trail just south of Frederic.

There is plenty of coverage, no bare spots, use your best skis.

Volunteers from the

maintaining the trails.

Volunteers put in many hours during the year to clear brush, mow, grub out exposed roots, plus the grooming.

For more information on our local cross country trails, call 800-222-POLK or visit www.polkcountytourism.com For information on area or regional cross-county skiing trails, events, and the latest trail conditions, visit www.skinnyski.com.

COLOR COPIES available at

The Sun 108 Cascade

Osceola Merry Christmas!

6$17$·6 WORKSHOP

Holiday Wishes for You: 3

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December 14, 2019 Team Conf. Overall St. Croix Falls 3-0 6-0 Luck 2-0 2-2 Unity 1-1 3-2 Webster 1-1 1-5 Frederic 1-2 1-3 Siren 0-2 2-2 Grantsburg 0-2 1-3 December 10 St. Croix Falls 75, Unity 48 Frederic 53, Siren 49 Webster 45, Grantsburg 28 December 12 Turtle Lake 39, Webster 37 (non-conference) December 13 St. Croix Falls 63, Grantsburg 20 Luck 36, Frederic 29

BOYS HOCKEY Dec. 19 vs. Baldwin-Woodville.

Dec. 27 at River Falls.

Dec. 28 at River Falls.

GIRLS HOCKEY Dec. 19 at Blaine.

Dec. 30 at Blaine.

Dec. 31 at Blaine.

OHS WRESTLING Dec. 19 at Baldwin-Woodville.

Dec. 21 Osceola Invitational.

Dec. 27 at River Falls.

Dec. 28 at River Falls.

Chieftain Wrestling December 12, 2019 at Osceola Amery (A) 47, Osceola (O) 29 Wgt Summary 138 Jordan Penard (A) def. Jacob Sedivy (O), (Fall 2:00) 145 Mason Tylee (A) def. Chris Fugate (O), (Fall 2:18) 152 Walker Ingham (A) def. Isaac Campeau (O), (MD 13-3) 160 Logan Johnson (O) def. Grant Cook (A), (Dec 6-3) 170 Oscar Brickel (A) def. Ryan Leidle (O), (Fall 0:52) 182 Noah French (O) def. Maverick Goulet (A), (Fall 1:26) 195 Kale Hopke (A) def. Nick Carlson (O), (Dec 6-3) 220 Robert Beese (A) def. (O), (Forfeit) 28 Carter Neilsen (A) def. (O), (Forfeit) 106 Brendan Burke (A) def. Mason Rud (O), (Fall 3:38) 113 Thomas Oswald (O) def. John Lorsung (A), (Fall 3:01) 120 Hunter Beese (A) def. (O), (Forfeit) 126 Lucas Sedivy (O) def. Dylan Anderson (A), (Fall 1:31) 132 Drew Willeman (O) def. Joseph Wentz (A), (Fall 4:53)

SCF WRESTLING Dec. 20 at Chisago Lakes.

24

THE SUN

DECEMBER 18, 2019 www.osceolasun.com

A Wish Wrapped in Gratitude Goodhearted folks like you make every day special, and we’d like to thank you for making 2019 everything we wished it would be and more.

The gift of your friendship is a blessing we value beyond measure.

WOODHILL WEEKLY SPECIALS MONDAY

FRIDAY

50% OFF Burger Basket

$11.95 Fish Fry Hand Battered Cod Starts at 5 p.m.

TUESDAY • $1.99 Tacos • $6.99 Taco Salad

SATURDAY

WEDNESDAY

1/2 OFF Appetizers 6-8 p.m.

59¢ Wings

THURSDAY $1.99 BBQ Pork Sandwich

SUNDAY 99¢ Cheeseburger Sliders

WOODHILL’S GIFT TO YOU MONDAYS

TUESDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

THURSDSAYS

FRIDAYS

SATURDAYS

SUNDAYS

1 Free Drink

2 Free Tacos

6 Free Wings

1 Free BBQ Sandwich

$3 OFF Fish Fry

1 Free Appetizer

2 Free Sliders

Exp. 01/ Exp 01/31/2020 1/31 3 /2020

Exp. 01/31/2 Exp 01/31/2020 /2020

Exp. 01/31/2 Exp 01/31/2020 202 020

Exp. 01/31/2020 Exp

EExp. xp 01/31/2020

Exp. 001/31/2020 Exp 1/31/2020

Exp. 01/ Exp 01/31/2020 /31 31//2020

The Area’s Biggest

New Years Eve

PARTY (open until at least 6:00am)

VIP Wristbands On Sale Soon!

2394 State Road 35 • Osceola, WI • 715-294-2131