The sun 12 28 16

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2016

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

VOL. 119 NO. 22 www.osceolasun.com $1.00

SPORTS: Osceola girls lose to St. Croix Falls. PAGE 10

Top 10 stories of 2016

BY SUZANNE LINDGREN EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM

2016 brought high waters and detours to the St. Croix Valley.

Polk County continued to struggle with methamphetamine use

and related crimes — though it was burdened relatively little with heroin, an epidemic growing in Wisconsin and across the country. In happier news, two Osceola powerlifters earned national championship titles, and the

Osceola Public Library joined the international cat video craze with its first Cat Video Festival.

These and other top stories, in no particular order, below.

SUBMITTED

Alex Bouthilet, Standing Cedars board member; Steve Rassler, Standing Cedars president; Caitlin Smith, USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program; Clayton Lenk, Wisconsin DNR. Not pictured: Peter Ziegler, Wisconsin Waterfowl Association.

Detour puts Osceola on the map Major road construction to the north brought increased traffic through Osceola last spring and summer as the Minnesota Department of Transportation completed roadwork from Taylors Falls to Franconia.

When motorists intending to cross the St. Croix via Highway 8 found themselves rerouted through Osceola, they were greeted with signs reading, “Welcome, detourists: Hate the detour, love Osceola,” and “Detours can lead to amazing places.”

A favorite of passersby read, “Detours suck but Osceola doesn’t,” according to Gwen Wright of The Looking Glass.

“The detour was fabulous for downtown,” said Wright. “People came who’d never been here and continued to come back.”

Led by the Osceola Area Chamber of Commerce, the Detourism Campaign was featured in a Kare 11 news spot by Osceola native turned newscaster Alicia Lewis. Downtown businesses such as The Looking Glass and Watershed Café reported boosts in sales — a silver lining to the weekend traffic jams.

Wright believes the detour benefitted downtown businesses into November, when Highway 8 officially opened to all traffic.

Partnership at Standing Cedars a win for wildlife SUZANNE LINDGREN | PTHE SUN

In 2013, the volunteers running Standing Cedars Community Land Conservancy near Osceola faced a quandary. A widening trench had cut off access to part of the property, and they didn’t have the resources to fix it.

The channel first

“Welcome, detourists” sign remained on display at The Looking Glass in December. The campaign encouraged travelers to “hate the detour, love Osceola.”

County struggles with meth use Local filmmaker searches for resolution Data from 2015 showed Polk County leading Wisconsin in methamphetamine cases submitted to the state crime laboratory, according to reports from the Wisconsin Department of Justice and Department of Criminal Investigation.

Polk County has been among the most active meth counties in Wisconsin for many years, but Douglas County often led the state. Reports of use in Douglas County dropped after 2012, but have been inclining in Polk County since 2009.

Sheriff Pete Johnson and Drug Investigator Anthony Grimm suggested that the county’s high reports of meth use were attributable, in part, to local law enforcement’s aggressive pursuit of the drug.

Local documentary filmmaker Jordan Mederich examined the problem of addiction in Polk County in a film released in 2016, “Church of Felons.” In it, four men reflect on the consequences of their drug and alcohol use.

formed when heavy snowmelt overran an earthen dike between two wetland pools. The dike had been built by a previous owner, decades earlier, using PVC pipe to move water between the pools.

SEE CEDARS, PAGE 19

‘The BFG’ to screen at Osceola Public Library Watch the movie and make art based on the book and movie

Dream catching, witching hours and a friendly giant: For decades Roald Dahl’s “The BFG” (Big Friendly Giant) captured the imagination of children as a novel. In 2016, Walt Disney Studios released the film, and staff at the Osceola Public Library invite area patrons to watch the movie and make their very own BFG crafts to bring home with them at a BFG Party Fri., Dec. 30, at 1 p.m.

The OPL is a gathering spot for community memSEE SCREENING, PAGE 7

SEE TOP 10, PAGE 8

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DECEMBER 28, 2016 www.osceolasun.com

County moves to upgrade 911 system

BY SUZANNE LINDGREN EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM

Polk County approved a $1.5 million upgrade of its 911 system last week, fast-tracking a purchase that was originally part of next year’s budget.

The purchase includes $1.1 million in equipment and $464,000 for ongoing services. The early

approval will save the county almost $200,000.

“Motorolla would only guarantee our prices through the end of the year,” County Administrator Dana Frey told the Polk County Board Dec. 20. “We don’t know exactly what they would have charged us if we’d gone past January 1, but they told us that the increased

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Christian Community Home of Osceola 2650 65th Ave., Osceola, WI 54020 • 715-294-1100 www.cchosceola.org

cost would be $182,000.”

What is the county getting?

New radio dispatch equipment, a microwave network upgrade and E911 (enhanced 911) equipment, which links wireless callers with the closest 911 service.

Although the county’s 911 system still works, the E911 software and equipment installed in 2009 have become obsolete, which would complicate any necessary future repairs.

“If you go to the 911 center,” Frey explained, “the consoles that they sit behind, the computers, all that equipment, that’s what has become obsolete. That’s what’s passed end of life.”

Chisago County reportedly waited six months for a switch replacement, putting a console out of service, Frey reported.

The new system is expected to last about a decade.

The value of the E911 system was reinforced this fall, when a software issue left the location sys-

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The county’s 911 control room. Although the system still works, the E911 software and equipment installed in 2009 have become obsolete, which would complicate any necessary future repairs.

tem compromised.

“There was a weekend where 911 didn’t work,” said Frey. “They got no more information than they got over a regular telephone — you couldn’t locate (callers).”

Fortunately, the system was restored by the time the county really needed it.

“They had a 911 call from someone who couldn’t talk,” Frey con-

tinued. “A car had fallen on him. Our system was back up in time to locate him.”

“Definitely saved a life,” said Vice-Chairman Jay Luke.

Other business • The grandstand at the Polk County Fairgrounds needs repair, likely to cost $250,000, according to Administrator Frey.

• The board approved

the 2017 work plan for the county forest.

• Polk County received a certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting in 2015 from the Government Finance Officers Association. Polk County is the smallest county in the 12-state Midwest to earn accolades from the GFOA for both financial reporting and budget presentation.

River people: St. Croix’s human side

BY GREG SEITZ REPRINTED FROM STCROIX360.COM

It can take a whole lifetime to get to know a river. The St. Croix is no different – from its wild headwaters in northern Wisconsin to the broad reaches below Stillwater – except it’s probably not even possible to become acquainted with its full personality in the course of an average lifespan.

The river has its own parallels to the people who love it. In fact, if the river is defined by its water (and it’s much more than that), the average life of the river is about the same as a human’s.

In work studying Valley Creek, a spring-fed St. Croix tributary in Afton, Minn., research station senior scientist Jim Almendinger has learned a lot about how water moves from rain to the river.

One of his findings was about how long it takes for a drop of rainwater to reach the mouth of the St. Croix at Prescott. Ask anybody how long they think it would take, and you’ll get guesses from one week to one millennium. In fact, there is truth in these guesses: some water in the St. Croix fell a week ago, and some may have come from glacial meltwaters 10,000 years ago.

However, Almendinger found that on average it takes 50-100 years, about the same as a human lifespan.

“No matter what your age, there is a parcel of water passing by Prescott at this moment that fell as rain or snow within a few days of your birth,” Almendinger says. “Every day of your life, a little water the same age as you SEE RIVER, PAGE 3

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The sounds of laughter and expressions of goodwill we hear are music to our ears. We’re so grateful to be a part of this neighborhood, and we wish all of our friends and customers here in the community good health and good fortune in the coming year.

Happy New Year!

Hwy. 8., St. Croix Falls • 715-483-5178

&

DECEMBER 28, 2016

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MONTHLY RiverBucks program Osceola Youth Basketball has been chosen as the December recipient of the RiverBucks program at MidwestOne Bank. All donations for RiverBucks fare support a different Osceola youth organization each month.

DECEMBER 30 Open swim The Osceola Aquatic Center will have a family swim/open swim from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

or enjoy the trail at your leisure. Free, but a Wis. Tail Pass is needed to ski or bike. FFI: http://fwspstowerlaks.blogspot.com.

brary. FFI: (715) 755-2944.

Author Alphabet Soup last Monday of every month, 6:30 p.m. at the Dresser Library.

JANUARY 3

• St. Croix Valley MOPS - Moms group meets the third Tuesday, St. Croix Falls High School.

Optional free meal, 5:30 p.m., meeting at 6:15 p.m. Free childcare. FFI: mopsscv@ hotmail.com.

• The Voices of the Valley meets every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the St. Croix ArtBarn in Osceola. This group is for adults with special needs who enjoy singing.

FFI: (715) 494-0385.

Your skin and bones Osceola Medical Center will be having an interactive “gross science workshop” to help children learn more about scabs, stiches and breaks, 6 p.m. in the Acorn Grill. Call (715) 294-4936 or MyOMC. org/registration to register.

DECEMBER 31 Ice Cream Social with a purpose Stop by Valley Sweets in St. Croix Falls and buy an ice cream cone. All funds raised will go to the Sara and Jim Swanson family from Osceola who lost their home to fire on Dec. 15.

JANUARY 1 First hike and bike The Friends of Stower Seven Lakes State Trail will hike, bike and ski the trail. Participants go as far as they want, a mile or to Amery and back (22 miles). Meet in the Nye Trail parking lot at 10 a.m.

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

• The Dresser and St. Croix Falls Area VFW and Auxiliary meets every third Monday at 2 p.m. at the Dresser VFW Hall.

• Second and fourth Monday, Big Fun Playdates with the Imagination Playground, 10:30 a.m. to noon.

• Every third Monday, Adult’s Coloring Group, 6 p.m., Dresser Village Li-

Tuesday

Wednesday • Friends of Osceola Library meets the second Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at the library. FFI: 715-2942657.

• Book club for adults at Osceola Public Library the fourth Wednesday of the month. Books available at the library. FFI: Anne Miller, (715) 294-2310.

• A caregiver/family support group meets the third Wednesday, 2 to 3 p.m. at the Christian Community Home of Osceola chapel.

FFI: Kim Bauer, 715-2941103.

• Adult basic education

classes. Brush up on basic skills or prepare for the GED/HSED exams through basic education classes at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (WITC). Enroll any time.

FFI: Call 800-243-9482 ext.

4257 or visit witc.edu/ adu lt/basicedprog ra m. htm.

Thursday • Tot-Time at Peace Lutheran Church, Dresser, first and third Thursdays at 10 a.m. For infants and preschool children and their parents/grandparents. An hour filled with craft, Bible story, snack and play time. Call (715) 755-2515 to register.

Sunday • Times in Which We Live meets the first and third Sunday of each month at the Dresser Library at 6:30 p.m. DVDs are shown about current events. FFI: 715-755-3473. or email Steve at: cen53926@centurytel.net.

• 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 of the month.

Everyone welcome to join and sing. FFI: 715-501-4487 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.

THURSDAY • Free Baby & Me classes from 5 to 6 p.m. at Osceola Medical Center. To register, (715) 684-4440.

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

FFI: (715) 557-1431.

• Dual Recovery Anonymous, 7:15 p.m. at the St. Croix Falls Alano. FFI: (715) 7553639.

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

SATURDAY • Weight Watchers meets at Hope E. Free Church, Osceola.

Weigh-in, 7:30 a.m.

Meeting, 8:15 a.m. FFI: Kim, 715-417-0683.

MONDAY

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

FFI: 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.

• Little’s Story Time, 10 a.m. at the Dresser Village Library.

• Preschool storytime, St. Croix Falls Public Library, 10:30 a.m.

TUESDAY

• Seniors on the Go, 12:30-4 p.m. at Osceola United Methodist Church.

• Storytime, Osceola Public Library, 10:30 a.m. FFI: 715-294-2310.

• Overeaters Anonymous, 10 a.m., St Croix Falls Alano Club. FFI; (715) 825-3416.

RIVER: The St. Croix’s human side FROM PAGE 2

passes by Prescott.”

That also means some rain or snow has fallen recently that will not complete its journey through the St. Croix until after you are gone. What we do now has long-lasting effects on future generations.

This concept came up at an event this fall that featured Research Station scientists, a former Pine Needles artist-in-residence, and the premiere of a new piece of music dedicated to the St. Croix River. This “River Salon,” organized by Karen Hannah and hosted by Jay and Gail Lund in Hudson, sought to connect human experience and scientific knowledge in fostering a greater sense of stewardship for the river.

“Those attending took time to deepen an emotional and intellectual attach-

ment to this very special river in our very special valley,” Hannah says. “By being together we mutually concluded that we shared some responsibility for the care and the life of the river going forward.”

Speaking to the assembled St. Croix lovers, Almendinger shared the finding about the time of a drop of water’s travels, and other interesting human dimensions of this natural system.

When Almendinger passed out an odd assortment of objects to the crowd, it was anybody’s guess what they meant. There was a mousetrap, ice cube tray, toy tractor, and a mussel shell with holes drilled out of it. There was also a bottle of laundry detergent, and a Magic 8 Ball.

Each item made a particular point.

The mousetrap alluded to the arrival of European fur traders in the 17th cen-

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predict the future of water bodies, simulating potential positive and negative actions and how they would affect the health of the river ecosystem.

Those models can be very useful to government agencies, environmental groups, and anyone who wants to be a good steward of the St. Croix. It’s part of getting to know the river intimately – necessary to repair past damage and protect it in the future. Like the great Senegalese conservationist Baba Dioum wrote in 1968, “In the end we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught.”

— Originally published in Field Notes, the St. Croix Watershed Research Station’s email newsletter: smm.org/scwrs/ fieldnotes.

Enjoy the Sun at home!

Dr. Thomas Dr. Joe Hauge Tembreull

Help build Osceola’s Skate Park!

Donations can be sent to: Osceola Mainstreet Skate Park, c/o RCU, P.O. Box 578, Osceola, WI 54020.

tury. The ice cube tray referred to the glaciers which filled the valley down to about Hudson, only receding 18,000 years ago. The toy tractor symbolized the arrival of modern mechanized agriculture in the 1950s, and the mussel shell represented another human use of the river – pearl button factories which operated in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

All the objects represented past changes in the St. Croix, which the research station studies by analyzing tubes of mud from the bottom of Lake St. Croix.

But the Magic 8 Ball, a novelty toy that answers questions about the future with vague answers of questionable reliability, represented the other end of time travel, and much of Almendinger’s expertise. He works with complicated computer models to

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DECEMBER 28, 2016

Down kitty, bad kitty!

I

hope you had a wonderful Christmas.

Since the holiday fell on a weekend this year, some people took off work early on Friday, others on Monday. We took Monday off, which meant everyone worked harder before Christmas and had a very busy day on Tuesday as well.

This was our first Christmas season with a new cat in the house, so we were bracing for all sorts of trouble with the Christmas tree.

Cats have an inherent need to climb, and a tree in the house often triggers a basic need to go exPublisher ploring.

Adorn the tree with lights and Tom Stangl shiny items and you have a nearly irresistible toy for your cat.

My wife and I have been cat owners all our lives, and we have had our fair share of felines who simply couldn’t resist climbing the Christmas tree.

In nearly every instance, it didn’t end well.

A few broken ornaments as well as an angry wife who has spent hours decorating the tree were usually the end result of a feline adventure in the tree.

In doing some research, I learned that there are several reasons why cats climb trees, mostly to do with predatory or defensive tactics. Cats, as predators, like to understand their environment well.

As they are small animals, their scope of vision is considerably smaller than the outdoor environment of their yards or neighborhoods. Cats often climb trees to get a better view of their surroundings, to help them see any potential dangers or potential prey.

While cats are predators, they are also vulnerable to attacks from larger animals, such as dogs or even other cats. A tree often provides a safe hiding place, particularly from any annoyed canine that happens to be passing. In the wild, cats climb up trees to give them a resting or napping place that is out of predators’ range. It also helps disguise their presence, which can prevent any prey from noticing that there is a cat in the vicinity.

These urges don’t go away when a cat is domesticated and lives its life indoors.

Macie, the cat we adopted from the Humane Society, was fascinated by the tree as soon as it was put up. She left it alone until presents began being placed under the tree. Perhaps she found the base of the tree a perfect hiding place – she enjoys hiding and pouncing on other cats and our two dogs.

In any case, in the run up to Christmas, we had a cat in the tree.

Not good.

During a recent visit, our two-year-old granddaughter, Seraphina, witnessed Macie on the small child size card table we have for the girls to play, color or draw on.

Sera pointed at the cat and said in her most stern voice “DOWN KITTY – BAAD KITTY!” I couldn’t help but smile and remember the admonishment as my wife and I tried to get Macie out of the Christmas tree before any ornaments were broken.

Yelling and a yard stick were deployed and eventually Macie ended up in time out, confined to a bedroom.

The tree remained intact until Christmas with a few time outs for the cat along the way.

It certainly wasn’t dull the evenings she went climbing!

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

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Dark, and the light in it

I

’m always surprised by the dark this time of year.

It comes so early and stays so long, bringing with it a strong signal: sleep.

Sometimes, amid the bustle of Christmas and the New Year, I wonder if I’m the only one detecting this signal. I inevitably find myself trying to do the impossible: slow down, rest more.

But here I am, a new mother on an early deadline with a family gathering to attend as soon as the paper is out the door.

Not the best plan for a restful Yule season, I’ll be the first to admit it.

Editor And I know I’m not the only guilty Suzanne Lindgren party.

Sometimes I wonder if we’re all doing the same thing, rushing to get it all done even though we’re exhausted, secretly wishing we could crawl into a cave with a nice fur coat and hibernate.

As much as I envy bears this time of year, I also understand the timeworn tradition of gathering together. The long nights and cold can leave one with an overwhelming sense of desolation. It’s important to have social warmth on the calendar. A nice fire doesn’t hurt either.

And then there are the lights, still up even after Christmas is over, another tradition that seems to have evolved from our need to counterbalance the

dark and cold. If I were a true optimist, I’d be happy to be surrounded by darkness as I stepped out the office door each evening: the better to see the lights, which are genuinely lovely.

Add to it the tradition of hauling into our homes whatever plant life we can find that’s still green or red — fir trees, wreaths of spruce or pine, and of course the famous boughs of holly — and you have a recipe for getting through the solstice season. (And into January, where that overwhelming feeling of desolation waits patiently. But hold fast, the days are getting longer.)

The point: It really is amazing that humankind has created a “season to be jolly,” out of the least jolly season.

Now songs proclaim this “the most wonderful time of the year.” And even if they’re not wholly fooling anyone (I’ll feel more like singing “It’s the most wonderful time of the year come June, thank you very much), it’s still a pretty incredible effort to make the best of what would otherwise be a difficult time.

So cheers to the New Year, and I hope you were able to find the humor in any (inevitably dysfunctional) family gatherings.

At the very least, know that you’ve made it through the solstice. The days are already getting longer.

But there are still a few dark nights ahead: a chance to get some rest.

I welcome your response to this editorial column at editor@osceolasun.com.

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DECEMBER 28, 2016

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR Standing Cedars is treasured asset As a Farmington town resident and member of the Standing Cedars board, I was surprised to read in last week’s issue of the Sun that town chairman, Dennis Cottor, attacked Standing Cedars as a large tract of undeveloped land that should be on the tax roles. Standing Cedars was permanently protected in 1995 and is now considered by many local residents as one of the most treasured assets in our township.

What our current town chair is unwilling to recognize is that this large tract of land is a valuable community resource that is used by hundreds of local residents for hiking, skiing, and hunting.

This undeveloped land has also been used by local school groups, Walk with a Doc nature hikes, Boy Scout groups and countless other individuals. The work of protecting and restoring this land has been accomplished through the dedication and hard work of hundreds of volunteers, many of whom are local hunters, at no expense to the township.

I live across from one of the main Standing Cedars parking lots and in the past few months I have met visitors from Hudson, St. Paul, New Richmond and Amery.

Farmington is now considered a destination for many people looking for places to visit and explore. One couple, asked about land for sale in the immediate area, because they were actively looking for a place to retire and build a house. They were drawn to the Farmington area because of assets like Standing Cedars.

What Dennis Cottor doesn’t seem to notice is what local residents love about living in Farmington is the natural beauty of this rural community.

Standing Cedars is making a significant contribution toward maintaining and preserving the natural beauty of our rural landscape. A larger, development-driven tax base comes at a cost. Just

YEARS AGO ask municipal officials in Woodbury or North Branch.

Dan Guenthner Farmington Standing Cedars board member

Standing Cedars is a community resource I read in the December 21 edition of the Sun a story about budgetary problems in the Town of Farmington, in which Town Board Chairman Dennis Cottor seemed to be blaming those problems on the tax-exempt status of Standing Cedars Community Land Conservancy. Mr. Cottor’s comments were misleading and unfair for several reasons.

First, our property tax exemption is conferred to us under the law of the State of Wisconsin, because of our nonprofit status and the benefits we confer to the public.

Our 1,500 acres are open to the public for pedestrian recreation, for which we do not charge admission. We are a community resource, and our tax-exempt status is warranted under the law.

Second, we are not the only such organization in the Town of Farmington. There are other nonprofit organizations in the Town, many of which also own property for which they do not pay taxes, but Mr. Cottor does not mention them.

His singling out Standing Cedars as the source of the Town’s difficulty is clearly discriminatory.

Third, like the Town, Standing Cedars also operates with a limited budget, but we are responsible enough to see to it that we operate within that budget, and do not blame others for our inability to do more.

We are an all-volunteer organization, with zero paid staff, and managing 1,500 acres of publicly-accessible land is no small task. But we do what we can, and when things get tight, we tighten our belts and deal with it, without trying to hold anyone else responsible for our difficulty.

The story also refers to our parking “policy”, implying that we rely exclusively on public roadsides for our visitors to park on. This ignores the fact that we have five parking lots on our various land units, two of which were built within the last three years. A sixth lot is planned for 2017. The large majority of our visitors use these lots rather than parking on the roadside. Where visitors do park on the roadside, it is usually because the access point which they are using into our land is too small, or the terrain is too difficult, to enable a lot to be built. And I believe that parking along the roadside is legal so long as the vehicle is completely off the roadway, and I believe that Standing Cedars visitors are not the only people who use this method of parking along Town roads. Here, too, the Town’s complaint is misleading and discriminatory.

Finally, the story mentions that the Town plans to contact me to express their “disappointment” with Standing Cedars.

When they do, I will welcome it as an opportunity to express Standing Cedars’ disappointment with the quality of the maintenance of Drawbridge Road, the westth ward extension of 55 Avenue, which is a Town road that runs into one of our land units. Anyone familiar with the condition of that road will know what I’m talking about.

We at Standing Cedars are open to constructive discussion with anyone in the community about how we run our organi-

zation. We strive to be an integral part of the community, conferring benefits to the community that justify our tax-exempt status. But Mr. Cottor’s comments are not constructive, and his dissatisfaction with our tax-exempt status should be directed at the law which authorizes it, and at all organizations which hold that status, and not just at Standing Cedars.

Steven Rassler President, Standing Cedars Community Land Conservancy

Puzzled by attack on Standing Cedars I was a little puzzled by the article about “Large Tract of Land Tax Exempt”, published in the Dec. 21 edition of the Sun. I can sympathize with the Farmington Town Board’s continuing issue of funding problems which are primarily addressed through taxes, however I am confused

by Dennis Cottor targeting tax exempt status or a community organization to make up for this.

Standing Cedars is truly a non-profit organization based on protecting local land issues. There are no paid employees; donations are solely used for maintenance, restoration, purchase and protection of land; and the land is open to the public for most uses.

There is a large volunteer base of diverse individuals that continually donate time for land management projects SEE LETTERS, PAGE 6

Delivering Your Community

10 years ago Dec. 20, 2006 • Osceola received the Crown Communities Award from the American City & County Magazine.

• The Town of Osceola approved changing the speed limit on 240th Avenue to 45 mph.

• More than 250 baby caps were made by knitters and crocheters in the area and delivered to Mrs. I’s Yarn Parlor in Osceola for the “Caps to the Capital” program. The program sends newborn caps to poor countries of the world.

• Mike Maloney and Kim Miles were elected to the Osceola Mainstreet/Chamber board.

• Osceola Middle School special ed students raised $605 for the Toys for Kids program.

Jackson Bean, Cody Petersen, Travis Hansen, Jason Neidermire, Braddley Blanchard and Nik Schrant sold cookies to raise the funds.

• Oscela eighth graders competing in the Quiz Bowl were Brandon Hunt, Ben Riehle, Leah Germain, Ashley Johnson, Wynter Burvill, Michelle Graf, Lisa Rydeen, Nicole Peck, Lauren Pauley, Carolyn Willis, Annie Guenthner, Mary Willis, Heather Rixmann, Rachel Mortel, Kate Grahek, Ariel Johnson, Lucas Sletten, Alex Anderson and Amanda Schumann.

20 years ago Dec. 18, 1996 • Osceola Middle School Students of the Month were Erin Jasperson, Kyle McMartin, Nicole Heggernes, Tony Aubart, Chris Jordahl, Laura Steege, Belinda Rutledge and Charlie Beck.

• Becky Bystrom, daughter of Dianne and Steve Bystrom of Osceola, will be departing for Costa Rica Dec. 23 along with 19 other Wisconsin and Minnesota area Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.

• Twins clinic coordinator Ken Staples may lend the Osceola Braves a hand if he can find the time.

• Members of the Osceola Fire Department spent their training evening last Monday fixing up bicycles for the Osceola Toys for Kids program.

• Osceola Medical Center, St. Croix Valley Memorial Hospital and Apple River Hospital partnered with Lakeview Hospital in Stillwater to begin offering a home care program in February.

• Festival Theatre is negotiating a lease with the city of St. Croix Falls for the Auditorium Theatre and may soon move out of the Schillberg Barn.

• Eric Flattum, son of Charlotte Bottolfson, recently received his Ph.D. in Physics from Michigan State.

30 years ago Dec. 23, 1986 • At the request of the Osceola Industrial Corporation the Osceola Village Board authorized the spending of $2500 for the industrial park to be established as a TIF district.

• Melissa Olesen and Charles Thiel were united in marriage on Oct. 18, 1986 at Zion Lutheran Church in East Farmington.

• It came down to a drive by Caren Engelhardt in the closing seconds of the Osceola girls basketball game on Friday night. Andrea Greene pulled down the offensive rebound and was fouled going to the bucket. Hitting only four of 12 foul shots previously, Greene shot one of two with five seconds left and gave Osceola their first conference win this season, 32-31.

• St. Croix Falls will go into the Christmas break undefeated in conference wrestling after beating Osceola.

• The Osceola boys basketball team gave up a 19-point lead and lost to Unity, 49-46.

GOVERNMENT NUMBERS WHO TO CALL...

President Barack Obama 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.• Washington, D.C. 20500 Comments: (202) 456-1111 or http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ Switchboard: (202) 456-1414 • Fax: (202) 456-2461

Congressman Sean Duffy 7th Congressional District

<www.osceolasun.com>

1208 Longworth HOB, Washington, DC 20515 • (202) 225-3365 or 502 2nd St., Suite 202, Hudson, WI 54016 • (715) 808-8160 duffy.house.gov/

U.S. Senator Ronald H. Johnson 328 Hart Senate Office Building • Washington, DC 20515 • (202) 224-5323 www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin

Grandstrand Funeral & Cremation Services

717 Hart Senate Office Biulding • Washington, D.C. 20510 • (202) 224-5653 www.baldwin.senate.gov/contact

Governor Scott Walker 115 East, State Capitol Bldg. Mailing address: P.O. Box 7863, Madison, WI 53707 • (608) 266-1212 • (608) 267-6790 (TTY) govgeneral@wisconsin.gov • www.wisgov.state.wi.us/

We feel it is an honor to be called upon to serve families and we consider every family that we serve, part of our family.

Rep. Adam Jarchow 28th Assembly District

941 State Road 35 • Osceola, WI • 715-294-3111

Senator Sheila Harsdorf 10th Senate District

201 N. Adams St. St. Croix Falls, WI • 715-483-3141

www.grandstrandfh.com

Room 19 North, State Capitol, P.O. Box 8952 • Madison, WI 53708 (608) 267-2365 or 1-888-529-0028 • Fax (608) 282-3628 Rep.Jarchow@legis.wisconsin.gov State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882 • Madison, WI 53707 (608) 266-7745 • Toll-free: 1-800-862-1092 Sen.Harsdorf@legis.wisconsin.gov

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

6

THE SUN

DECEMBER 28, 2016 www.osceolasun.com

Want to govern effectively, Mr. Trump?

A

s Mario Cuomo said, politicians campaign in poetry but have to govern in prose. Now we have a president-elect who campaigned in tweets...but still will have to govern in prose.

Donald Trump showed great skill as a campaigner, steering his campaign past a slew of professional politicians who underestimated him at every turn. Now the test is whether he can govern — that is, whether he can run the United States government, conduct foreign policy in treacherous times, and reshape doColumnist mestic policy to fit his goals. This requires a very different set of skills Lee Hamilton from those he showed before the election.

So, like a few thousand other Americans, I’d like to give him some advice. Not on the substance of policy itself — that he’ll handle himself — but on how to be effective at achieving what he’d like to achieve.

First, he has to set priorities. During the course of the campaign, according to The Washington Post, Donald Trump made 282 promises. He is not going to be able to deliver on them all.

So he’ll need to set out his priorities with clarity and force. As the head of a vast federal establishment, clarity of objectives is crucially important in policy implementation. He cannot afford to sow confusion. Though this president-elect prides himself on unpredictability, conducting policy in an unpredictable way is the mark of a rogue state.

Unpredictability creates doubt about what he

LETTERS: Standing Cedars FROM PAGE 5

such as trail development, construction of parking lots, restoration of native prairie, reduction of exotic species and wildlife management.

This is basically a large local park that does not drain any governmental agencies’ coffers and offers to the community something that rarely exists anywhere else.

There has been essentially little to no need for fire, rescue or law enforcement services and in fact has been used as a training area for both police and fire.

Standing Cedars is better than most at ad-

dressing any issues that arise concerning the property and has traditionally been a good neighbor such as the recent establishment of additional developed parking areas (five at last count) and supplying material and expertise for the newly developed Simonstad Trail in Osceola. Standing Cedars Community Land Conservancy should be applauded and encouraged to continue instead of being attacked.

Robert Whaley Osceola

wants to achieve — both on Capitol Hill and among the vast number of people and agencies charged with carrying out his policies — which in turn produces a race by elected officials to fill the clarity vacuum with their own agendas and prevents frontline agencies from planning. Many Americans and foreign governments have already been unnerved by the unexpected Twitter messages coming from President-Elect Trump; this will only make his job harder once he takes office.

Second, the president-elect must fix his conflict-of-interest challenge. Because of the extraordinary extent of his business interests, he has an unprecedented number of potential conflicts for a U.S. president. He will be negotiating policy with many people, agencies and countries where he or his business partners have a bottom-line stake in what happens.

If he does not fix this before he takes office, conflict-of-interest charges will dog him throughout his presidency and weaken, if not cripple, his effectiveness. He has to protect himself from charges that his actions as president are influenced by his personal financial interests. It won’t be enough to put everything in a blind trust controlled by his children. As Newsweek recently pointed out, “every nation on Earth will know that doing business with the Trump Organization will one day benefit the family.”

Third, President Trump will need to keep his majorities united. Given Republican dominance of Capitol Hill, he’s in a strong position to get things done.

But he’ll have to keep his fellow Republicans on his side. Some Republican leaders are already separating themselves from his attack on the CIA analysis of

Russian interference in the election. Showing respect for, and reaching out to, GOP lawmakers will matter.

So will considering a variety of different views and treating them with respect — which is how a pluralist democracy works. Knowing how to work cooperatively and accessibly with potential allies on Capitol Hill and throughout the D.C. power structure will be crucial to making his priorities a reality.

Finally, in order to do this, it’s not enough simply to say “I want this.” He has to take seriously the role of facts in the deliberative process. Members of Congress and others need to be able to defend their support for politically difficult proposals — and they cannot do this without factually based arguments.

Accurate information is necessary to make sound judgments about policy. Trump’s decision not to regularly hear information from intelligence officials is worrisome. For a president to succeed, he needs to interact in a measured, sensible, reassuring way, and supply his allies with solid analysis and information, not guesses, instincts, opinions, and debunk-able theories.

A president who sets clear priorities, removes all doubt about potential conflicts of interest, and works responsibly with his allies on fact-driven policies can make good progress and achieve his goals.

Lee Hamilton is a Senior Advisor for the Indiana University Center on Representative Government; a Distinguished Scholar, IU School of Global and International Studies; and a Professor of Practice, IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.

Searching for solutions—A message to farmers “Water quality is a top priority for us.” That’s what Gov. Scott Walker said in November when he directed the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, and the Department of Natural Resources to coordinate resources and draft a Request for Proposals that aligns anaerobic digester technology to all sizes of dairy farms in environmentally sensitive areas of Wisconsin. As leaders of those agencies, we take that priority seriously.

This administration has always faced challenges and sought out solutions. This is not just an agricultural issue. Contaminated water can come from several sources but an anaerobic digester that includes a water treatment system is another tool that can

go a long way to ensure clean, safe water for all.

Our three agencies have come up with a Request for Proposals that will be released in early January. This RFP, as it’s called, will bring together business consortiums and farmers interested in utilizing anaerobic digester technology to build, operate and maintain a system to treat manure from dairy farms to produce renewable energy in the form of biogas and incorporate a system for treating wastewater that will capture nutrients and reduce pathogens.

We envision a “hub and spoke” model that could use pipelines, or trucks or tractors and manure tanks to transport manure from a number of farms to a central location that houses the digester. This system will allow dairy farms - big and small - the opportu-

nity to participate in this venture. It can assist in manure management at smaller farms by providing an opportunity to cooperate with larger farms. We are pleased with the interest we have already received from digester, water treatment, and fertilizer businesses as well as businesses interested in utilizing the biogas the digester produces.

To make this public/ private project possible, the Public Service Commission authorized Focus on Energy to spend up to $20 million for Integrated Anaerobic Digester projects that meet Focus on Energy eligibility requirements but also meet certain water treatment standards. The RFP will outline other possible funding sources for that part of the project.

When this project was first proposed, critics

were quick to claim that manure digesters do nothing for water quality. That’s why this RFP requires proposals that include technologies that cannot only produce renewable energy, but can also provide water treatment, pathogen reduction and a way to transport manure to and from a centralized location.

There are many pluses in this project but we understand there will also be many questions that will need answers when undertaking the all-encompassing project that is being proposed.

DATCP, DNR and the PSC stand ready to assist interested businesses and farmers in answering their questions as best we can as they put their proposals together.

The dairy industry in Wisconsin has a long history of directly addressSEE FARMERS, PAGE 7

Complete Accounting Services for individuals and businesses

HAPPY NEW YEAR! HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A BLESSED 2017!

Thank you for your support!

OSCEOLA FAMILY EYECARE

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107 East Oak Street, Frederic, WI

DECEMBER 28, 2016

THE SUN

7

www.osceolasun.com

WEEKLY MEDITATION The Story of John 3:16

BY PASTOR MIKE FISK BONE LAKE LUTHERAN

Having grown up in the church, one of the first Bible verses I learned was John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” It’s a verse that anyone with any church background has at least heard, if not memorized. Even if you’re not a church goer, you’ve no doubt seen the signs in sports stadiums and along roadsides.

One of the dangers of the familiarity with this verse is that we often forget to focus on what it really means to all of us. But John 3:16 is really the Christmas story in a nutshell. You may ask, “If that’s so, where are the shepherds, the angels, or the manger scene?” While society has made those icons the symbols of Christmas from a Christian viewpoint, the true meaning of Christmas is wrapped up in John 3:16. Take a closer look at this verse.

“For God” – The Creator, sustainer of the universe; all-powerful, All-knowing, never changing, always faithful to do what he says he’ll do. Faithful when we are faithless, loyal when we are rebellious, forgiving when we’d rather seek revenge.

“So loved” – Unconditionally.

Knowing in detail my every failure, my rebellion and my selfish pride. Loved in spite of my demands to have my own way.

Loved, knowing full well I could never return that love.

“The world” -- Every race. Every ethnic group. Every person that struggles with addiction, mental illness and an abusive past. Regardless of sexual orientation, or

religious beliefs. And most of all, he loved me.

“That he gave” – Willingly. Without coercion. Without any expectation of return. Giving while being fully aware that his gift would be rejected, abused, misused and misunderstood. Giving the full amount of his love, never holding back.

“His one and only Son” -- His pride and joy. His first love. God in every way so that we can see what our heavenly Father is like. Man in every way so we can know he understands our weaknesses.

“That whoever” -- Regardless of our intellectual ability, financial stability or past.

“Believes in Him” -- Nothing more is required. Only believe.

To believe in His love and forgiveness. To believe, acknowledge and accept our need for a Savior.

“Shall not perish” -- Will never die. The fear of death is removed.

The uncertainty of our destiny abolished. The Bible says, “Oh death where is your victory? Oh death where is your sting? It is defeated once and for all by his love.

“But have eternal life” -- No more sickness. No more cancer.

No more death. No more sleepless nights or times of hopeless loneliness. The light that shines begins when we first accept his gift, extends throughout the wilderness of this earthly existence, into and beyond the grave until we rest in his arms for all of eternity!

This Christmas season, take some time to meditate on the story of Christmas as found in John 3:16. If you haven’t claimed this free gift, do so as a gift to yourself. Spend some time in a house of worship where his name is proclaimed and His gift is celebrated.

Merry CHRISTmas!

FARMERS: Solutions sought FROM PAGE 6

ing the challenges in front of it through the adoption of improved farming practices and technology. The state is stepping up to partner in efforts to address manure management and water quality. This joint initiative which “is not just another digester program” will be a key step in our many efforts to make sure Wisconsin’s water resources are safe and healthy for the citizens of the state. It is our hope that farmers and businesses will also find tangible economic benefits and seriously consider this venture.

By Ben Brancel, Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection; Cathy Stepp, Secretary, Department of Natural Resources and Ellen Nowak, Chairperson, Public Service Commission.

SUBMITTED

“The BFG” film poster. Staff at the Osceola Public Library invite area patrons to watch the movie and make BFG-inspired crafts Fri., Dec. 30, at 1 p.m.

LIBRARY: The BFG screening

Delivering Your Community

FROM PAGE 1

bers to enjoy a variety of programs and events. As the excitement of the holiday season begins to wane, but school is still out, come to the library for this free event.

Moviegoers can relax in the loft and enjoy the film, then let their creativity and imagination take over while they make their own dream jars, dream catchers, and works of art to inspire Golden Phizzwizards--the very, best dreams!

The OPL staff looks forward to seeing you on December 30 for this fun event.

Check out the library’s website at www.osceolapubliclibrary.org for more Schools Out events throughout the winter.

Serving Polk County’s St. Croix Valley since 1897

<www.osceolasun.com>

CHURCH LISTINGS ALLIANCE CHURCH OF THE VALLEY 1259 Hwy. 35 South, St. Croix Falls 715-483-1100 www.stcroixalliance.com Senior Pastor, Gary Russell Associate Pastor Jeff Naegelen Youth Pastor Chris Folkestad SUNDAY: Worship 8:30 & 11 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 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 Willis Christenson 715-268-4838

715 483 9464 715-483-9464 SUNDAY: Worship Service 11 a.m.

———————— FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 131 Broadway, Amery www.fbcamery.org churchoffice@fbcamery.org Pastor Charlie Butt, Jr. 715-268-2223 SUNDAY: Worship Service 9 a.m.

———————— FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 661A West Street Taylors Falls, MN 55084 651-465-7171 www.firstbaptisttaylorsfalls.com Dr. Kevin Schumann, Pastor SUNDAY: Worship 10.15 a.m.

———————— FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN 5561 Chestnut St. Taylors Falls, Minn.

SUNDAY: Worship 8:30 a.m.

Contemporary Worship 11 a.m.

———————— FIRST PRESBYTERIAN 719 Nevada St. St. Croix Falls Pastor Barbara Anne Keely 715-483-3550 (office) SUNDAY: Church Service 11 a.m.

———————— GRACE CHURCH – OSCEOLA Pastor Mark Barlow Amy Germain, Day Care 722 Seminole Ave. Osceola info@gracechurchosceola.com Grace Church - Osceola, WI - Home Facebook: Grace Church Osceola 715-755-3982 Day Care: 715-294-4222 SUNDAY: Worship Service, 9:00 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

P t Nile Nil Merseth M th Pastor 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 Kevin McLouth 715-294-2112 • www.hefc.org SUNDAY: Worship 10 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.occconnect.org SUNDAY: Worship 10 a.m.

———————— OSCEOLA MEDICAL CENTER SPIRITUAL CARE 2600 65th Avenue, Osceola

/ i lt www.myomc.org/specialtyserv_1chapel.php Chaplain Thomas Reaume 715-294-5645 fax: 715-294-5712 Chapel open daily for meditation.

———————— OSCEOLA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 306 River Street, Osceola P.O. Box 447 715-755-2275 osceolaunitedmethodistchurch@gmail.com SUNDAY: Worship 10 a.m.

Fellowship 11 a.m.

———————— PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH (ELCA), 2355 Clark Rd., Dresser 715-755-2515 plcdresser.org peace@centurytel.net Pastor Alan Buresh SUNDAY: Worship Services, 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

Ch h Hill Road R d 139 Church 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 715-483-1113 SUNDAY: 1st, 2nd and 3rd Sunday 10 a.m.

———————— ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH Franconia, MN 651-465-7345 www.stfrancisfranconia.org Fr. Frank Wampach SUNDAY: Mass 9:30 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. Frank Wampach SATURDAY: 5:30 p.m.

SUNDAY: Mass 7:30 a.m.

———————— ST. PETER’S

COMMUNITY CHURCH Cty. Rd. F, Dresser 715-483-2911 www.faithonpurpose.org Don Guttormson, Pastor Sunday Worship 10 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 Rev. Rexford D. Brandt SUNDAY: Worship Services, 8 and 10:30 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.

These Church listings are sponsored by the following concerned and responsible businesses and industries. They deserve your continued support and patronage!

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GRANDSTRAND FUNERAL HOME Osceola 294-3111

Osceola, WI 294-2158

8

THE SUN

DECEMBER 28, 2016 www.osceolasun.com

TOP 10: Detour, county meth use, powerlifters, smelly water and more top stories in 2016 Osceola company pleads guilty to manipulation of test data

FROM PAGE 1

Newman, Gildersleeve win at national powerlifting meet Four Osceola powerlifters qualified for the national meet in Orlando, Fla. Two of them, Kaija Newman and Teddy Gildersleeve, returned as champions.

Gildersleeve, lifting in the 165-pound class, claimed the top spot with a 551-pound squat, 314-pound bench press and a 656-pound deadlift.

Newman, competing in the 182-pound class, lifted SUBMITTED 419 pounds in the squat, bench pressed 215 pounds Coach Hahn (center) with Osceola High School powerlifters and deadlifted 386 pounds.

McKenzie Boerboom placed seventh at the meet Tom Schell, Teddy Gildersleeve, Kaija Newman and McKenzie Boerboom. and Tom Schell placed fourth.

Osceola man challenges attempted murder charge After a late-night brawl in February between two Osceola men left one in the hospital with rumors circulating of his death, the other, Paul Krueger, was charged with attempted homicide.

Krueger fought the charge, saying the evidence cited did not support it. Namely, a paper towel reportedly lodged in the victim’s airway was later revealed to have been taken from the “mouth/ cheek” area.

A four-day jury trial scheduled for January was postponed until further notice after his attorney, Kate Murtaugh, withdrew as his counsel in late October, citing a breakdown in the attorney/client relationship.

Krueger, 35, and now living in Grantsburg, faces charges of aggravated battery, dealing marijuana and obstruction of an officer, stemming from the same incident. The charges could add up to nearly 50 years in prison if he is convicted on all counts.

SUZANNE LINDGREN | THE SUN

Paul Krueger consults with defense attorney Kate Murtaugh prior to his preliminary hearing in February. Krueger is fighting an attempted homicide charge, saying the evidence does not support the charge. Murtaugh withdrew as his counsel in October.

Minnesota man vanishes in powerful waters A 10-13-inch rainfall that ranged from north of St. Cloud to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan July 11 and 12 resulted in widespread flooding on the Namekagon, Kettle and Snake rivers, tributaries of the St. Croix River.

By Sunday, July 17, the high water crests on the St. Croix had moved through Stillwater.

The National Park Service on July 13 closed all landings on the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers through the weekend.

The increased flow of the Kettle and Snake rivers in Minnesota and the Namekagon caused numerous high water marks and dangerously swift flows. In St. Croix Falls, the river rose from 3.9 feet to 22.7 feet. The record high water mark at St. Croix Falls is 25.9 feet.

SUZANNE LINDGREN | THE SUN A 26-year-old Chisago City man, Andrew Remley, fell into the river in Taylors Falls Friday, July 15, after slipping on a rock while trying to take St. Croix River struggles to handle a picture. The search for Remley was called off twice over the weekend the heavy rains. due to unsafe conditions on the water. His body was recovered July 22.

Mailbox thief sentenced to five years A string of reports of mailbox theft in the Osceola area reached some resolution in late January when a tip led police to a vehicle belonging to Marlaina Tibbetts, a 30-year-old mother from Dresser.

In the surveillance that followed, Tibbetts was observed discarding mail near a storage unit parking lot in Frederic. After recovering a bill from the scene, officers questioned to the addressee, who confirmed that the mail had been taken from his mailbox without permission.

Tibbetts admitted to authorities that she had taken mail from that area and dumped it in the Milltown area. She explained that she hoped to find loose cash because she and her family were struggling financially.

Tibbetts was linked to a number of other thefts and eventually taken into custody in an effort to stop the crime spree.

After spending six months at the Polk County Jail and at one time facing more than 100 years in prison, in late November Tibbetts was sentenced to five years, followed by three years of extended supervision. During her extended supervision, Tibbetts must participate in an addiction treatment program, take regular drug screens and refrain from committing any further crimes.

JESSICA DE LA CRUZ | THE SUN

Marlaina Tibbetts was taken into custody in May in association with a string of thefts. In November, she was sentenced to five years in prison.

Osceola library joins cat video craze In July, Osceola joined a growing list of cities to host an Internet Cat Video Festival. The trend began at Minneapolis’ Walker Art Center in 2012 and went international before arriving in Osceola.

Kelly McBride, director of the Osceola Public Library, folded the event into the library’s summer film series.

“We already have a great venue with Movies Under the Stars,” said McBride. “The whole internet cat video thing is popular right now … and we were looking for something fun to mix up Movies Under the Stars this year, something quirky.”

She contacted the Walker, which culls its selection of cat videos from thousands, about hosting a screening. Because the arts inSUBMITTED stitution charges a $500 licensing fee to use their reel, McBride partnered with the Arnell Memorial Humane Society to host the OPL employees Emma and Lindsey posing with a giant cat toy. Lindsey is dressed as the event.

“A lot of times the (Cat Video Festival) works with a shelter, hu- Cat in the Hat. mane society or vets to raise awareness,” McBride said.

A settlement was reached in the case of Osceola-based NeuroScience, Inc. and Pharmasan Labs, along with the businesses’ 75-year-old founder, Gottfried Kellermann.

The settlement stemmed from allegations by the U.S. Attorney’s office that Kellermann and his companies violated laboratory testing requirements and manipulated test data.

The agreement came less than a year after the companies reached a separate civil settlement with the U.S. Attorney’s office regarding Medicare billing fraud.

The businesses of Pharmasan and NeuroScience operate under two different names and serve two different functions, but work together in their day-today operation. Both companies have been based out of the same rural Osceola location since 2002, employing approximately 150 people.

“This has been a long saga which we are glad to put behind us and move forward,” said Gottfried Kellermann in a statement to the press. “NeuroScience and Pharmasan Labs have worked hard since this matter surfaced to implement procedures to ensure we are in regulatory compliance.”

The validity of the group’s practices came under scrutiny in 2013, when the U.S. Attorney’s office alleged that the companies obstructed governmental oversight when they created an unapproved and unvalidated ‘normal’ range for their tests, and also failed to disclose that fact to Health Department inspectors.

The company said there was no allegation of any patient or provider complaints, and no finding or admission that any patient was adversely impacted.

Enough is enough

Residents of Dresser and Osceola Township continued to report odors coming from F&A Dairy’s waste treatment ponds, and grew more vocal about the need to put a stop to the stench.

“Families cannot enjoy picnics outdoors,” Linc Duncanson, Dresser, told the board in March. “Children cannot go outside to play. Local diners and tourists have complained of the smell while eating. Churchgoers are offended as they worship on Sundays.”

The stench has damaged the reputation of the community, he continued, and diminished the value of homes and businesses. Citing Dresser’s Public Nuisance ordinance, which includes noxious odors, Duncanson asked why the board had not taken action to solve the problem and who authorized several more weeks of violation while the company tried new repairs.

Dan Burch, a member of the Town of Osceola’s board, reported additional complaints in March.

In August, Dresser residents Brian and Katie Raddatz begged for action, saying the stench kept returning. “[A]t what point will someone take a stand against them?” They wrote in an email to government representatives and local press. “Why won’t the DNR do anything about this? They regulate it, our Village and the Town of Osceola, tell us it’s not their problem and won’t do anything. Our representatives won’t do anything either. Something needs to be done, our quality of life is being greatly hampered.

“It just finally quit stinking from the last break down a couple weeks ago [after putting up with the stench for 3-4 weeks].

“I beg someone to do something.”

In early December, a petition began circulating via a new Facebook group, the Citizens’ Coalition for Dresser’s Quality of Life.

However, biological oxygen demand (BOD) levels have fallen since F&A made changes to its system late last winter. According to data submitted to the DNR, the business has been under its BOD limit since mid March.

Polk elects new DA, county clerk and register of deeds

Polk County residents elected a new district attorney, Jeff Kemp, who defeated incumbent Dan Steffen 13,410 to 8,748.

Steffen did, however, win the race in his hometown, the Village of Osceola.

Voters also elected a new county clerk and register of deeds after Carole Wondra and Laurie Anderson announced their plans to retire after 2016.

In the race to replace Clerk Wondra, Sharon Jorgenson defeated Mary Jo Hacker 13,287 to 8,713. Running unopposed, Sally Spanel received 18,089 votes to replace Anderson as register of deeds. Polk County Treasurer Amanda Nissen, running unopposed, received 18,396 votes.

9

RECORDS

THE SUN

DECEMBER 28, 2016

www.osceolasun.com

Polk County Circuit Court Polk County Circuit Court was held on Dec. 13, 2016. The following cases were heard: Lori Ann Dow Akers, 50, Blaine, MN, speeding in 55 mph zone (20-24 mph), $225.70.

Brian L. Alden, 48, Frederic, non-registration of vehicle â&#x20AC;&#x201C; auto <10,000 lbs., $175.30.

Adarus A. Ali, 32, Columbia Heights, MN, vehicle equipment violations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Groups 3, $175.30.

Yahye I. Ali, 26, Barron, speeding in 55 mph zone (25-29 mph), $250.90.

Patrick W. Altwasser, 34, Chicago, IL, place/ possess/transport loaded firearm in vehicle, $258.10.

Brian R. Anderson, 31, Big Lake, MN, speeding in 55 mph zone (30-34 mph), $295.

Claudia J. Balcom, 66, Cushing, vehicle operator fail to wear seat belt, $10.

Christopher M. Becker, 17, St. Croix Falls, operate motor vehicle without adequate muffler, $175.30; vehicle operator fail to wear seat belt, $10.

Gary A. Beckmann, 63, Osceola, vehicle passenger fail to wear seat belt, $10.

Michelle L. Belisle, 45, Somerset, speeding in 55 mph zone (11-15 mph), $175.30.

Jacob T. Bevens, 33, Centuria, place, use, hunt wild animals with bait (<5 gallons), $343.50.

Kerry M. Bryan, 49, Balsam Lake, place, use, hunt wild animals with bait (<5 gallons), $343.50.

Jeffrey D. Burch, 42, St. Croix Falls, load/discharge firearm/bow in/ from a vehicle, $258.10.

Michael R. Carpenter,

23, Osceola, non-registration of vehicle â&#x20AC;&#x201C; auto <10,000 lbs., $175.30.

Karen M. Caruso, 59, Dresser, speeding in 55 mph zone (11-15 mph), $175.30.

Michael T. Chevrier, 31, New Richmond, speeding in 55 mph zone (11-15 mph), $175.30.

Theodore J. Cook, 74, Amery, speeding in 55 mph zone (11-15 mph), $175.30.

Brianna M. Cran, 20, Eau Claire, speeding in 55 mph zone (11-15 mph), $175.30.

Dakota Transport, Hampton, MN, violate Class A hwy. weight limits, $321.90.

Denucci Sons Affordable Tree Services, non-registration of other vehicle, $263.50.

Madisyn I. Donald, 16, Luck, vehicle passenger fail to wear seat belt, $10.

Coryt W. Doten, 26, New Richmond, speeding in 55 mph zone (25-29 mph), $250.90.

Douglas J. Dreger, 63, New Richmond, place, use, hunt wild animals with bait (<5 gallons, $343.50.

David D. Dumke, 60, St. Croix Falls, place/ possess/transport loaded firewarm in vehicle, $258.10.

Timothy A. Elkin, 35, St. Paul, MN, provide incorrect information and obtain approval otherwise not entitled to, $343.50.

Lisa M. Erickson, 48, Osceola, illegally operate ATV or UTV on/in vicinity of highway, $200.50.

Mitchell D. Everson, 26, Hugo, MN, exceeding speed zones (11-15 mph), $175.30.

Joshua A. Flug, 30, Osceola, place/possess/

NOTICE OF TOWN CAUCUS TOWN OF FARMINGTON A caucus will be held on Monday, January 2, 2017 at the Town Hall in Farmington, beginning at 6:30 p.m. prior to the regular board meeting, to nominate candidates for all Town Board positions to be voted upon on Tuesday, April 4, 2017.

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Debbie Swanson, Clerk/Treasurer

transport loaded firearm in vehicle, $258.10.

Dana W. Frank, 63, Luck, speeding in 55 mph zone (11-15 mph), $175.30.

Shilo d. Gall, 36, Osceola, operating a motor vehicle without insurance, $200.50.

Caleb D. Gearhart, 17, St. Croix Falls, harvest reporting requirements, $182.70.

Riley L. Gehrman, 16, Osceola, exceeding speed zones (11-15 mph), $175.30.

Richard L. Gilkerson, 58, Clear Lake, place, use, hunt wild animals with bait (<5 gallons), $343.50.

Bobbi A. Gilpin, 35, Grantsburg, vehicle passenger fail to wear seat belt, $10.

Josh A. Goglin, 20, Amery, speeding in 55 mph zone (20-24 mph), $225.70.

Maximillion L.A. Goulet, 18, Amery, speeding in 55 mph zone (11-15 mph), $175.30.

Victoria L. Graff, 46, New Richmond, speeding in 55 mph zone (11-15 mph), $175.30.

Jessica L. Grove, 39, North Branch, MN, exceeding speed zones (2024 mph), $225.70.

Steven R. Hall, 17, Frederic, operate motor vehicle without adequate muffler, $175.30.

Newton J. Handy, 33, Amery, speeding in 55 mph zone (11-15 mph), $175.30.

Scott C. Herold, 59, Minneapolis, MN, operating motor vehicle without proof of insurance, $10.

Jason J. Hill, 38, Luck,

possess/transport carcass without validated carcass tag, $343.50.

Daniel E. Hillukka, 34, Willernie, MN, vehicle passenger fail to wear seat belt, $10.

Trevor D. Hintz, 34, Balsam Lake, place, use, hunt wild animals with bait (<5 gallons, $343.50.

Doan M. Hoang, 41, Rice Lake, speeding in 55 mph zone (16-19 mph), $200.50.

James R. Ideker, 28, Taylor, speeding in 55 mph zone (11-15 mph), $175.30.

Bilal E. Isse, 30, Barron, speeding in 55 mph zone (16-19 mph), $200.50.

Warren H. Johnson, 45, Harris, MN, violate regulations for unified carrier registration system, $200.50.

Sheldon K. Johnson, 65, Clear Lake, speeding in 55 mph zone (20-24 mph), $225.70.

Felicia M. King, 29, Grantsburg, vehicle passenger fail to wear seat belt, $10.

Mariette J. Knegendorf, 71, Osceola, exceeding speed zones (11-15 mph), $175.30.

Albert V. Lacroix, 31, Farmington, MN, speeding in 55 mph zone (30-34 mph), $295.

Jeffery A. Lang, 40, Clam Falls, speeding in 55 mph zone (11-15 mph), $175.30.

Dean I. Laursen, 67, Houlton, operating motor vehicle without proof of insurance, $10.

Robert J. Lawson, 30, Baldwin, operating a motor vehicle without in-

NOTICE TOWN OF OSCEOLA TOWN BOARD MEETING Tuesday, January 3, 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ 7:00 P.M. Town Hall, 516 East Ave. North, Dresser, WI Meeting agenda items include the following matters for discussion and possible action by the Town Board in Open Session: â&#x20AC;˘ Resolution 17-01 Village of Dresser/Town of Osceola Boundary Agreement Cooperative Plan â&#x20AC;˘ 2017 Second-hand Dealers License Renewal â&#x20AC;˘ Part-Time OfďŹ ce Assistant Position This is a complimentary notice. A complete agenda is posted at the Town Hall, Dresser Post OfďŹ ce, First National Community Bank and on the Townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website at www.townofosceola.com.

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PUBLIC NOTICES

STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY NOTICE AND ORDER FOR NAME CHANGE HEARING Case No. 2016CV370 In the matter of the name change of RaeAnna Parmeter by (co-petitioner) Lisa Lennette Parmeter NOTICE IS GIVEN: A petition was filed asking to change the name of the person listed above: From: Parmeter. to: RaeAnna Lynette Alician Parmeter.

Birth Certificate: Parmeter.

IT IS ORDERED THAT: This petition will be heard in the Circuit Court of Polk County, State of Wisconsin: Judge Jeffery L. Aneerson, 1005 West Main Street Branch 2, Balsam Lake, WI 54810, Jan. 13, 2016, at 1:45

p.m.

IT IS FUTHER ORDERED: Notice of this hearing shall be given by publication as a Class 3 notice for three (3) weeks in a row prior to the date of the hearing in The Sun, a newspaper published in Polk County, State of Wisconsin.

BY THE COURT: Jeffery L. Anderson Circuit Cout Judge Dec. 9, 2016 21-23Sp WNAXLP STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY ORDER SETTING TIME TO HEAR PETITION FOR ADMINISTRATION AND DEADLINE FOR FILING CLAIMS (Formal Administration) Case No. 2016 PR 69

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF Darrell W. Paulson DOD: September 16, 2016 A petition for formal administration was filed.

THE COURT FINDS: The decedent, with date of birth May 29, 1939 and date of death September 16, 2016 was domiciled in Polk County, State of Wisconsin, with a mailing ddress of 2746 60th Avenue, Osceola, WI 54020.

THE COURT ORDERS: 1. The petition be heard at the Polk County Courthouse, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, Room 300, before Circuit Court Judge/Cikrcuit Court Commissioner Jeffery L. Anderson on Dec. 28, 2016 at 1 p.m.

You do not need to appear unless you object. the petition may be granted if there is no objection.

2. The deadline for filing a claim against the decedentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s estate is March 20, 2017.

3. A claim may be filed at the Polk County Courthouse, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, Room 500.

4. Heirship will be determined at the hearing on petition for final judgment.

5. Publication of this notice is notice to any persons whose names or addresses are nknown.

BY THE COURT: Jeffery L. Anderson Circuit Court Judge December 9, 2016 Brian D. Byrnes Byrnes Law Office, LLC 123 Keller Avenue N. Amery, WI 54001 715-268-5000 Bar #1032419 21-23Sc WNAXLP

surance, $200.50.

Michael A. Lindley, 38, Hudson, exceeding speed zones (11-15 mph), $175.30.

Jajmes W. Lindner, 51, Amery, speeding in 55 mph zone (1-10 mph), $175.30.

Joseph L. Locke, 54, Centuria, illegally operate ATV or UTV on/ in vicinity of highway, $200.50.

Todd J. Marino, 30, North Branch, MN, exceeding speed zones (1115 mph), $175.30.

Ryan S. McInnesa, 39, Centuria, OWI (1st), $937.50.

Terri L. McClay, 42, Turtle Lake, operating left of center line, $213.10.

Robert T. McNeill, 38, White Bear Lake, MN, operate vehicle without stopping lights, $162.70.

Todd C. Measner, 49, Amery, place, use, hunt wild animals with bait (<5 gallons), $343.50.

James W. Monson, 58, Dresser, speeding in 55 mph zone (20-24 mph), $225.70.

Justin P. Musil, 36, Newport, MN, speeding in 55 mph zone (20-24 mph), $225.70.

Chad T. Neely, 43, Luck, hunt/trap without valid carcass tag in possession, $444.

Max J. Nelson, 64, St. Croix Falls, discharge firearm from/across highway, $261.65.

Jeffery A. Niemann, 47, Turtle Lake, damage trees use for hunting on state lands, $200.50.

Alyssa M. NonemachSEE RECORDS, PAGE 17

About the crime stories

The crime stories on this page are based on the Probable Cause reports from different law enforcement agencies.

Probable Cause Reports (PCs) are simply a report stating the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Probable Causeâ&#x20AC;? that the arresting officer had at the time of arrest. It is used by the District Attorney, Defense Attorney, and Judges in the courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Initial Appearanceâ&#x20AC;? to assist them in determining, ďŹ rst, to conďŹ rm whether or not there was enough â&#x20AC;&#x153;Probable Causeâ&#x20AC;? for the arrest, second, if the charge stated by the officer is appropriate and supported by the information contained therein, and third to assist the judge in setting bond. The District Attorney also uses the Probable Cause Report as a basis (but not exclusively) to complete the Criminal Complaint, which is the official charging document.

A Probable Cause Report is NOT the same as a Criminal Complaint. While the PC shows why the person was arrested, they are not officially charged until the Criminal Complaint is ďŹ led. Those charges may differ from the charge(s) listed on the PC based upon what charges the District Attorney believes he can prove.

Charges may be amended up or down during the charging process as information becomes available.

As always, an arrested person is presumed to be innocent until convicted by a judge or jury. Not all arrested people are convicted of the crimes alleged.

PUBLIC NOTICES STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY Case Codes: 30701; 30405 Court File: 16CV360 SUMMONS Trollhaugen, Inc. d/b/a Trollhaugen Ski Area 2232 100th Avenue Dresser, WI 54009 Plaintiff, vs.

Rochford & Rochford Enterprises a/k/a Rochford & Rochford Enterprises, a partnership composed of Michael Ray Rouchford and Anne E. Rochford 2232 100th Avenue Dresser, WI 54009 James S. Rochford, Sr. 2232 100th Avenue Dresser, WI 54009 Elizabeth M. Rochford 1483 West California Avenue Falcon Heights, MN 55108 Michael R. Rochford, II 2262 90th Avenue Dresser, WI 54009 the unknown heirs of Michael Ray Rochford, deceased and unknown heirs of Anne E. Rochford, deceased, and all other persons unknown cliaming any right, title, estate, intereest, or lien in the real estate described in thecomplaint herein, Defendants.

THE STATE OF WISCONSIN, To each person named above as a Defendant: <RX DUH KHUHE\ QRWLÂżHG WKDW the Plaintiff named above KDV ÂżOHG D ODZVXLW RU RWKHU legal action against you.

Within forty (40) days after December 14, 2016, the GDWH ÂżUVW SXEOLVKHG \RX must respond with a written demand for a copy of the complaint. The demand must be sent or delivered to the court, whose address is Polk County Justice Center, 1005 West Main Street, Suite 300, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin 54810, and to Anne Greenwood Brown, Plaintiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attorney, whose address is Sjoberg & Tebelius, P.A., 2145 Woodlane Drive, Suite 101, Woodbury, Minnesota, 55125. You may have an attorney help you or represent you.

If you do not demand a copy of the complaint within 40 days, the court may grant judgment against you for the award of money or other legal action requested in the complaint, and you may lose your right to object to anything that is or may be incorrect in the complaint. A judgment may be enforced as provided by law. A judgment awarding money may become a lien against any real estate you own now or in the future, and may also be enforced by garnishment or seizure of property.

Dated: December 1, 2016 Sjoberg & Tebelius, P.A. Anne Greenwood Brown (#1068529) 2145 Woodlane Drive, Suite 101 Woodbury, MN 55125 651-738-3433 Fax: 651-738-0020 DQQH#VWODZÂżUP FRP Attorneys for Plaintiff Trollhaugen, Inc., d/b/a Trollhaugen Ski Area.

21-23Sp WNAXLP

AND OUTDOORS 10 THE SUN

DECEMBER 28, 2016 www.osceolasun.com

Chieftain drop border battle to Saints

BY RON JASPERSON SPORTS WRITER

JO JASPERSON FILE PHOTO | THE SUN

Chieftain junior Kyle Braml has been an important part of the Chieftains early season success this year. Braml scored 18 points in Osceola’s first MBC loss of the season at Prescott.

Chieftains cannot knock Prescott off

BY RON JASPERSON SPORTS WRITER

The Prescott Cardinals boys basketball team is playing ‘King of the Hill’ with the rest of the pack in the Middle Border conference. Prescott has placed first the last two seasons with 14-0 records. Last season they tied for first place in the MBC with Somerset with both teams compiling 13-1 records. So far, this season the Cardinals are 4-0, meaning Prescott has won 45 of their last 46 conference games. The last time the Cardinals suffered an MBC loss was on Feb. 4, 2014.

The Osceola Chieftains was the last team to make an attempt to knock the kings from their throne.

After some anxious moments, home-standing SEE OHS BBB, PAGE 12

It seems as though the season just started but it is already the holiday break. What better way for the Chieftains to move to break than with a game against their neighbors to the north, the St. Croix Falls Saints?

Osceola came into the non-conference matchup with a 3-3 overall record while the Saints came in 5-2 overall and on top of the Lakeland-West conference with a 3-0 record.

The game started out like most people expected, a close game with every point valuable.

Just six minutes into the game the Chieftains held an 11-10 lead and had led since the opening free throw by Katie Haase.

The Saints grabbed their first lead of the night when senior Katie Kopp hit her first of four treys giving St. Croix a 13-11 lead. The Saints got momentum from the Kopp 3-pointer and didn’t look back. In the next six and a half minutes St. Croix went on a 20-0 run to build a 30-11 lead. Osceola could not recover from the surge. Kopp netted 8 points during the run including a pair of soft bombs from behind the arc while Annalise Parks added six points, Addie McCurdy four, and Kristen Petherbridge a deuce.

Osceola took the Saints punch and fought back.

The Chieftains scored six straight points led by Sydney Steivang’s four to cut the St. Croix lead to 30-17. Osceola trailed 3221 after a basket by Ann Salewski but St. Croix scored four straight before halftime to lead 3621.

Every time Osceola came up with a minisurge in the second half

JO JASPERSON | THE SUN

Alyssa Pauley drives for the hoop against St. Croix defender Katie Kopp. Osceola has won two of their last three games despite the loss last week to the Saints.

the Saints responded. Osceola pulled to 45-32 on a pair of Mia Campeau free throws with 12:34 left to play but could get no closer.

“Going into the St. Croix Falls game, we knew we would face a very good opponent,” Osceola coach Matt Haase said. “The game was filled with opportunities to make plays for loose balls, rebounds, and steals. In order to win the game we needed to capitalize on those opportu-

nities and we did not do that often enough.”

Steivang led the Osceola scoring with 13 points. Alyssa Pauley hit for eight and Salewski seven for the Chieftains.

Kopp led all scorers, with 16 points. St. Croix’s McCurdy, Parks, Ruthie Stewart and Adrienne Stoffel earned 10 points each.

“I have been happy with the play of Alyssa Pauley and I believe she will only continue to become a bigger threat in

our offense,” Haase said.

Pauley credits focused practice on helping her and her teammates improve their game.

“During practice we’ve been picking up the intensity and making everything more game like which has improved all of our stats offensively,” Pauley said. “We all need to keep that intensity consistent throughout our games which will help us become the successful team we all know we can be.”

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SPORTS

DECEMBER 28, 2016

THE SUN

11

www.osceolasun.com

Saints wrestlers start Lakeland conference with win

BY RON JASPERSON SPORTS WRITER

The St. Croix Falls Saints opened their quest for the top spot in the Lakeland conference doing what they had to do.

The Saints defeated the Unity Eagles before a full house of excitement in St. Croix. The Saints outdistanced the Eagles 5118 and now have a small holiday break before they embark on the huge Northern Badger invitational in River Falls at the end of this month.

“We wrestled well last night,” St. Croix coach Dan Clark said. “Any-

time you win a conference match you are pleased. Unity did a nice job and wrestled very hard. There were some good matches throughout the night.”

There were forfeits in each of the four lightest weight divisions with the Saints receiving three of the four forfeits. St. Croix also received forfeits from Unity at 138 pounds, 152 and 170 resulted in a total of 36 team points for St. Croix. That left seven weight classes to be decided on the mat and those matches provided SHARON WAMPFLER| THE SUN

SEE WRESTLING, PAGE 12

Luke Clark of St. Croix Falls wrestled against Tony Carlson of Unity. Clark won a close match with a score of 5-4.

Saints boys top Lakeland

BY RON JASPERSON SPORTS WRITER

After splitting their first two games of the season the St. Croix Falls Saints boys basketball team has knocked off three straight opponents.

St. Croix and Grantsburg will share the top spot in the West Lakeland Conference over the holiday break. Both teams are 2-0 in conference play.

St. Croix ran their overall record to 4-1 with

non-conference wins over Amery, 56-41, and Glenwood City 69-59.

“Two good wins going into the break,” Saints coach Chad Hall summarized. “Versus Amery it was our defense and against Glenwood City we did a nice job on the offensive end to secure the win.”

The Saints’ defense smothered the Amery Warriors to start the game and by halftime St. Croix had opened up

a 28-9 lead. On the offensive end it was Alex Johnson leading the way with 10 first half points.

Jameson Kahl dropped in nine before intermission with Tyler Henk adding six.

“We are playing really well because we all are working hard and are playing for each other,” Kahl said. “We are a hard team to play against because we have multiple SEE SCFBBB, PAGE 13

SHARON WAMPFLER | THE SUN

Ultimate match-up

Santa and the Grinch squared off before the start of the St. Croix Falls wrestling match last week. Santa was named the victor.

happy new year!

Thank you for your friendship and support throughout the year. We wish you and your family all the very best at this joyous time of year.

Carlson Highland & Co. 304 3rd Avenue, P.O. Box 516 • Osceola, WI • 715-294-4880 825 US Hwy 8, Ste. 2B • St. Croix Falls, WI • 715-483-2799

PROUDLY SERVING MN AND WI

Osceola • Chieftain Street

12 THE SUN

DECEMBER 28, 2016 www.osceolasun.com

SCOREBOARD BOYS B OYS B BASKETBALL ASKETBALL

WRESTLING: St. Croix Falls beats Unity FROM PAGE 11

plenty of excitement with the Saints winning four of them.

Josey Wilson provided the Saints’ only pin of the night putting his Eagle adversary on his back right at the end of the first period to add six team points for St. Croix. Luke Clark who normally wrestles at 170 pounds moved up to 182 and came away with a hard fought 5-4 decision. Austin Cummings (160 pounds) hung on for an 8-7 win and Brandon Bastin (220) had a marathon match with Uni-

ty’s Patrick Tillery before gaining a 17-13 decision.

“The match at 182 was also a great matchup,” Dan Clark said.

“We moved up a weight class with Luke Clark. We knew the Unity kid at 182 was a very good wrestler as he is ranked in the state. Luke was able to give up a lot of weight and wrestled hard and came up with a close 5-4 victory. Josey Wilson at 145 also had a nice match, as he pinned a pretty good wrestler.”

Dan Clark was also impressed with one of his upcoming freshmen wrestlers.

“I thought our freshman Anthony Will did an excellent job at 132,” Clark said. “He wrestled one of their best kids and it was a great match.”

Will was defeated by Adrian Bearhart 5-3.

“All in all it was a good night,” Dan Clark concluded. “The gym was packed and we wrestled well.

We now turn our focus to the Northern Badger. With 40 teams there, it will be a great two days of wrestling.”

OHS BBB: Chieftains can’t knock Cardinals from the top spot FROM PAGE 10

the Cardinals were able to bully the Chieftains from taking the top spot, at least for now. Prescott turned back Osceola 67-52 in a game that was much closer than the final score would indicate.

“We knew going into this game that it was going to be a battle,” Osceola coach Jacob Meyer said.

“Our goal was to grab the momentum right away and keep it. I thought we did a great job of that. We found ourselves up by 8-9 points in the first half with opportunities to extend that lead.”

Just when things were looking the brightest for the Chieftains the lights went out. Chieftain Kyle Braml picked up his second foul of the game midway through the first half and Meyer decided to substitute for Braml to protect him for

the second half. About a minute later Haakon Carlson sprained his ankle and was forced to miss the rest of the game. Carlson has been a key component for the Chieftains all season long on both ends of the court. His presence was certainly missed.

“It took us a few minutes to adjust without those two on the court,” Meyer explained. “We found ourselves down five at half (time).”

Despite his foul trouble Braml accumulated a dozen points before intermission on his way to a team high 18 for the game. Carlson contributed six points before his injury pushed him to the sideline.

Prescott got things going early in the second half to build on their lead with Osceola responding to the initial second half onslaught.

“They did a good job of hitting a couple big shots early in the sec-

ond half to open up a double digit lead,” Meyer said. “We managed to get it back to about eight points but could not get any closer than that.”

Prescott eventually pulled away for a 67-52 win to maintain their role of king of the hill. Senior Jason Bents had a good night for the Chieftains with a 10-point game.

Erik Braml added eight points.

Prescott was led in scoring by 7’-1” Owen Hamilton’s 21 points. Luke Murphy added 19 and Parker Nielsen 10 to Prescott’s total.

Despite the loss the Chieftains are eager to get healthy and get back on the court.

“It was a tough loss but we’re going to move forward and keep working hard in practice,” Bents said. “We know we can beat anyone on our schedule.”

Walking on water

T

here is no opening day for ice fishing. This year we decided to walk on water December 20, since there was a good 4 to 6 inches of ice. I had a couple of fish on the ice when brother Dick Bennett of Hudson, and Jon McCorckle from North Branch arrived. The temperature was pushing 40 and there was a strong south wind.

We were fishing a small flowage and if you can find three feet of water there you are in deep. But an exceptional amount of weeds had forced us to play drill and hope--just drill enough holes and hope that you can get a lure into water and not weeds.

In spite of the weeds, we found unWild River derwater openings and when we did we found fish, but more small than Trails large.

Jim Bennett For Jon and Dick, it was just keep fishing and mixing the recipe ingredi il they h found the right stuff. Dick returned dients until to a color that had worked in the past. Jon dropped the live bait and went to tiny plastics rigged Wacky style. The fish they caught got bigger as the day moved along.

Dick and I are firm believers in the Solunar Fishing Tables while Jon is a follower of get out when you can and figure out the fish. Solunar Tables measure the moon’s affect on tides and put together fishing patterns that reflect fish activity. John Alden Knight

added full moon, other moon phases, proximity to earth and created a formula to establish fish and game patterns that show when they are more active.

I’ve monitored these times for years and have seen that they are accurate more times than not.

The tables predicted tough fishing during the day on December 20 and 21 and they were right on. Evening fishing should work, but we only had time during the day. Jon’s theory is just go fishing when you can and figure out what they want to bite. Once you figure that out and locate them you will usually catch fish. But we fisher people know there are times when you drop your lure right in their face and they just won’t bite.

One really negative aspect of ice fishing this year is that water is developing under the snow. The cold weather made good ice to start the season but the snow that followed created insulation, causing melt under the ice. Too much water makes driving on ice impossible and walking difficult. You need good waterproof boots in these conditions to stay dry and warm. Plus, when kids get wet and cold, family fun on the ice is over.

In years past we have had great ice with no snow and cars and trucks were on the lakes early. This year is going to be anyone’s guess as to what conditions the future may bring. The real diehards will be out to see what’s happening, regardless.

Jim Bennett is an outdoorsman who lives and worked in the St. Croix River Valley and can be reached at jamesbennett24@gmail.com

The Outdoorsman’s Journal is brought to you by:

THE SUN Newspaper Office Supply 108 Cascade • Osceola

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715-294-2165 Fax: 715-294-2892 401 South Cascade Osceola, Wisconsin osceolaautobody@centurytel.net

Dec. 28: Osceola at Rice Lake.

Dec. 29: Osceola at Rice Lake.

Jan. 3: Unity at Osceola; Barron at St. Croix Falls.

Jan. 5: St. Croix Falls at Cameron.

Jan. 6: Amery at Osceola.

Jan. 9: St. Croix Falls at Somerset.

Jan. 10: Frederic at St. Croix Falls.

Jan. 12: St. Croix Central at Osceola.

Jan. 16: Hayward at Osceola.

Jan. 17: Osceola at Baldwin-Woodville.; St. Croix Falls at Grantsburg.

Jan. 19: Luck at St. Croix Falls.

Jan. 20: Ellsworth at Osceola.

Jan. 24: Osceola at New Richmond; St. Croix Falls at Siren.

Jan. 27: Osceola at St. Croix Falls.

Jan. 31: Cameron at Osceola; Cumberland at St. Croix Falls.

Feb. 3: Somerset at Osceola; Unity at St. Croix Falls.

Feb. 7: Prescott at Osceola; Webster at St. Croix Falls.

Feb. 9: Osceola at Amery.

Feb. 10: St. Croix Falls at Frederic.

MBC Boys Basketball Standings December 23, 2016 Team Conf Overall Prescott 4-0 5-0 St. Croix Central 2-0 2-1 Osceola 3-1 3-2 Ellsworth 1-2 3-3 Amery 1-2 1-5 New Richmond 1-2 1-6 Baldwin-Woodville 0-2 0-5 Somerset 0-3 1-5 Scores December 19 Menomonie 57, Baldwin-Woodville 34 (non-conference) Somerset 66, Barron 47 (nonconference) December 20 Prescott 67, Osceola 52 St. Croix Falls 56, Amery 41 (nonconference) Ellsworth 67, Colfax 48 (nonconference) December 22 Clear Lake 69, Amery 52 (nonconference) Durand 55, Baldwin-Woodville 43 (non-conference) River Falls 40, New Richmond 39 (non-conference) Chieftain Boys Basketball Osceola at Prescott (unofficial) December 20, 2016 Osceola Individuals 2’s 3’s FTM FTA F TP Ingram 1 0 0 0 0 2 H Carlson 2 0 2 2 1 6 Bents 2 2 0 0 1 10 Swanson 2 0 2 3 1 6 Michel 0 1 1 2 0 4 E Braml 4 0 0 2 2 8 K Braml 8 0 2 2 2 18 Totals 19 3 7 11 7 52 Prescott Individuals 2’s 3’s FTM FTA F TP Roosen 1 1 0 0 2 5 Murphy 3 3 4 4 2 19 Nielsen 2 2 0 0 1 10 Simm 1 2 0 0 0 8 Tayson 1 0 0 0 1 2 Hamilton 9 0 3 3 4 21 Block 1 0 0 0 2 2 Totals 18 8 7 7 12 67 Score by Halves 1 2 F OHS 26 26 52 PHS 31 36 67 Saints Boys Basketball Amery at St. Croix Falls (unofficial) December 20, 2016 Amery Individuals 2’s 3’s FTM FTA F TP Coy 0 0 0 0 1 0 Chrstnsen 0 3 0 0 5 9 McBrayer 3 0 3 9 2 9 Amundson 1 2 0 0 0 8 Spafford 1 0 2 2 2 4 Rdemaker 0 0 2 2 3 2 Johnson 0 0 0 0 1 0 Gilbertson 0 0 1 2 0 1 Swenson 1 1 3 4 1 8 Totals 6 6 11 19 15 41 St. Croix Falls Individuals 2’s 3’s FTM FTA F TP GJohnson 0 0 0 0 1 0 Henk 3 1 1 3 2 10 AJohnson 4 3 3 3 1 20 Kahl 6 2 0 0 1 18 Koshiol 3 0 0 0 3 6 Kzmrski 0 0 0 0 1 0 Gorres 0 0 0 0 1 0 I Hoggatt 0 0 1 2 1 1 R Hoggatt 0 0 1 2 0 1 Cooper 0 0 0 0 5 0 Totals 16 6 6 10 16 56 Score by Halves 1 2 F AHS 9 32 41 SCFHS 28 28 56 Saints Boys Basketball St. Croix Falls at Glenwood City (unofficial) December 22, 2016 St. Croix Falls Individuals 2’s 3’s FTM FTA F TP Henk 1 0 1 3 1 3 Johnson 6 3 5 8 3 26 Kahl 3 1 3 4 2 12 LaMirande 0 1 1 2 0 4 R Hoggatt 5 0 4 6 2 14 Cooper 4 0 2 5 4 10 Totals 19 5 16 28 12 69 Glenwood City Individuals 2’s 3’s FTM FTA F TP Hierlmeier 2 1 0 1 3 7 Wagner 0 0 0 1 0 0 Hill 2 0 1 2 1 5

Desmith 1 1 Taylor 0 0 Schutz 3 6 Davis 2 2 Croes 2 0 Totals 12 10 Score by Halves 1 2 SCFHS 37 32 GCHS 25 34

0 0 0 0 2 3

0 0 0 3 4 10

5 5 1 0 5 24 1 10 2 6 18 57

F 69 59

Lakeland Boys Basketball Standings December 23, 2016 Team Conf Overall St. Croix Falls 2-0 4-1 Grantsburg 2-0 6-1 Unity 2-1 4-3 Luck 1-1 3-2 Siren 0-1 0-2 Frederic 0-2 2-4 Webster 0-2 1-4 Scores December 20 St. Croix Falls 56, Amery 41(nonconference) Unity 71, Frederic 38 Luck 68, Clayton 39 (non-conference) Grantsburg 53, Clear Lake 50 (nonconference) Northwood 60, Webster 51 (nonconference) December 22 St. Croix Falls 69, Glenwood City 59 (non-conference) Cameron 47, Cameron 43 (nonconference) Grantsburg 64, Clayton 28 (nonconference)

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Dec. 29: Osceola at Glenwood City.

Dec. 30: Osceola at Glenwood City.

Jan. 3: Osceola at Amery.

Jan. 5: Oscela at St. Croix Central.

Jan. 6: Osceola at Unity; Amery at St. Croix Falls.

Jan. 10: Baldwin-Woodville at Osceola; Frederic at St. Croix Falls.

Jan. 12: Prescott at St. Croix Falls.

Jan. 13: Osceola at Ellsworth.

Jan. 17: New Richmond at Osceola; St. Croix Falls at Grantsburg.

Jan. 19: Luck at St. Croix Falls.

Jan. 24: Osceola at Somerset; St. Croix Falls at Siren.

Jan. 27: Osceola at Prescott; St. Croix Falls at Cumberland.

Feb. 2: Amery at Osceola.

Feb. 3: Unity at St. Croix Falls.

Feb. 6: Osceola at Clayton.

Feb. 7: Webster at St. Croix Falls.

Feb. 9: Grantsburg at Osceola.

Feb. 10: St. Croix Central at Osceola; St. Croix Falls at Frederic.

MBC Girls Basketball Standings December 23, 2016 Team Conf Overall St. Croix Central 4-0 7-2 Somerset 3-1 5-2 New Richmond 3-1 3-5 Amery 2-2 7-2 Baldwin-Woodville 2-2 2-6 Prescott 1-3 3-3 Osceola 1-3 3-4 Ellsworth 0-4 0-5 Scores December 20 St. Croix Falls 62, Osceola 45 (nonconference) Ellsworth 74, HOPE 16 (nonconference) Amery 46, Glenwood City 28 (nonconference) Menomonie 71, New Richmond 44 (non-conference) Boyceville 58, St. Croix Central 53 (non-conference) Somerset 54, River Falls 49 (nonconference) Durand 62, Baldwin-Woodville 55 (non-conference) December 22 Amery 78, Spooner 50 (nonconference) St. Croix Falls 66, Ellsworth 34 (nonconference) St. Croix Central 54, Durand 45 (nonconference) Prescott 42, Spring Valley 32 (nonconference) Chieftain Girls Basketball St. Croix Falls at Osceola (unofficial) December 20, 2016 St. Croix Falls Individuals 2’s 3’s FTM FTA F TP McCurdy 3 0 4 7 4 10 Bergmann 0 0 0 0 2 0 Parks 2 1 3 4 0 10 Kopp 1 4 2 2 3 16 Pthrbrdge 2 0 0 0 4 4 Stoffel 5 0 0 0 2 10 Stewart 4 0 2 2 1 10 Chrstnsn 0 0 0 0 2 0 Hoverman 0 0 2 2 0 2 Totals 17 5 13 17 18 62 Osceola Individuals 2’s 3’s FTM FTA F TP Boissy 1 0 0 0 0 2 Campeau 1 0 4 4 1 6 Salewski 3 0 1 2 0 7 Link 0 0 3 6 2 3 Pauley 2 1 1 2 3 8 Bents 0 0 1 2 4 1 Steivang 3 1 4 6 1 13 Palmsteen 2 0 0 0 2 4 Haase 0 0 1 2 3 1 Totals 12 2 15 24 16 45 Score by Halves 1 2 F

SEE SCOREBOARD, PAGE 20

DECEMBER 28, 2016

THE SUN

13

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Producers participant in Leaders Forum

SCF BBB: Saints lead in conference FROM PAGE 11

people that can score, we play really good defense and work hard.”

Amery was able to get their feet on the ground in the second half by outscoring the Saints 32-28 but it was too little, too late as St. Croix came away with a 15 point decision. Johnson led the St. Croix point parade with 20 followed

by Kahl’s season high 18.

Henk was also in double figures with 10.

The game at Glenwood City was closer but in the end the Saints prevailed again. St. Croix was strong out of the gates and led by a dozen, 37-25, at halftime. Johnson led the way in the first half with 11 points including three treys. Kahl had nine first half points and Roderick Hoggatt had eight on his way to a 14 point night.

“We were a little shorthanded due to illness and injury against Glenwood City but we were pleased how guys stepped up and filled some different roles for us,” Hall said. “Both Roderick Hoggatt and Trevor LaMirande had their best varsity minutes to date.”

SHARON WAMPFLER | THE SUN

Tyler Henk takes a jump shot during last week’s St. Croix Falls boys basketball action.

Glenwood City was able to shave a couple of points off the St. Croix lead after intermission but it wasn’t enough with St. Croix winning 69-59. Johnson finished with a game-high

26 points followed by Hoggatt’s 14. Kahl ended the game with 12 points and Tyler Cooper added 10. Riley Schutz led Glenwood City with 24 points and Tanner Davis added 10.

Girls defeat two MBC teams

BY RON JASPERSON SPORTS WRITER

The St. Croix Falls Saints girls basketball team took a break from Lakeland-West conference play last week. The Saints, currently co-leaders of their conference with Grantsburg, challenged two Middle Border conference teams and came out as winners each time.

St. Croix defeated border rival Osceola 62-45 before finishing their week with a 66-34 win over Ellsworth.

“We are playing well heading into Christmas break,” St. Croix coach Angie Maternowsky remarked.

The game against the Ellsworth Panthers was perhaps highlighted by the St. Croix defense but the offense was pretty potent too. St. Croix held Ellsworth to just 11 first half points as the offense unloaded 37 points on the Panthers. The Saints had seven different players hit the scoring column by halftime with 10 players getting playing time before intermission. St. Croix was led by Katie Kopp who once again had a hot hand with eight first half points. Adrienne Stoffel netted seven points before the break with Sidney Hoverman adding five.

“Katie Kopp has done a great job this week,” Maternowsky said. “She has had a big week hitting key 3’s and seeing the floor well. We are feeding our post players well the last couple games. Adrienne Stoffel, Addie McCurdy,

and Ruthie Stewart have been working hard in the post.”

The Saints have been a hard team for the opposition to defend. When one player gets a hot hand for the Saints and draws special attention, another St. Croix player is able to step up and keep the offense flowing.

“The team has really connected over the past few games,” St. Croix junior Annalise Parks said.

“We are bringing all we have been working on together. On our team the scoring is balanced.

A local group of young farm producers learned how they can play a crucial role in helping agriculture and the cooperative system thrive during the CHS New Leaders Forum, hosted by CHS Inc., the nation’s leading cooperative and a global energy, grains and foods company.

Becky Deeb, Eleva, Wis.; Ross Kruger, Eleva, Wis.; and Bobbi and Colin Langan, Osceola, Wis., were among more than 100 men and women from across the U.S. and Canada nominated to participate in the program held Nov. 29- Dec. 2, 2016, in conjunction with the CHS Annual Meeting.

The participants represented Countryside Cooperative, Durand, Wis. During the event, attendees explored more about the cooperative system, cooperative board leadership and succession planning.

The group also developed advocacy skills by participating in discussions on the issues and challenges facing cooperatives, agriculture and rural America.

Participants heard from CHS leaders in-

cluding Carl Casale, CHS president and CEO; Jay Debertin, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Energy and Foods; Gary Halverson, vice president, Farm Supply, CHS Country Operations; and John Engelen, vice president, Government Affairs. David Horsager, CEO, Horsager Leadership, presented a workshop on the importance of building trust

relationships and how it plays a vital role in local cooperatives and farming operations, while Steve Hamilton of The Land as Your Legacy® program illustrated the value of early succession planning.

The New Leaders Forum featured networking events with the CHS Board of Directors, manSEE FORUM, PAGE 15

Anyone can be hot on any given night. We are all a threat. A different person is stepping up every night which makes us unpredictable and hard to defend.”

The Saints closed out Ellsworth by outscoring the Panthers 29-23 in the second half to make the trip home a happy one. After having four players in double figures against Osceola, the Saints had three reach that mark against Ellsworth. Kopp led the way with 13 followed by McCurdy with 12 and Parks with 11.

Osceola

Country Store 2634 68th Ave. 1 mile south of Osceola on 35

715-294-2789

Osceola/Scandia Propane 1-800-671-9759

2017

Wishing you and your family a joyful 2017.

Grandstrand Funeral & Cremation Services 941 State Road 35 • Osceola, WI • 715-294-3111 201 N. Adams St. St. Croix Falls, WI • 715-483-3141

14 THE SUN

DECEMBER 28, 2016 www.osceolasun.com

FIRST HIKE AND BIKE on Stower Seven Lakes State Trail. Meet at Ny Trail parking lot at 1 0 a.m.

BOYS BASKETBALL: St. Croix Falls at Somerset.

BOYS BASKETBALL: Hayward at Osceola.

BOYS BASKETBALL: Unity at Osceola; Barron at St. Croix Falls.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Osceola at Amery.

YOUR SKIN AND BONES seminar for kids at Osceola Medical Center, 6 p.m. in the Acorn Grill.

BOYS BASKETBALL: St. Croix Falls at Cameron.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Osceola at St. Croix Central.

WRESTLING: Prescott at Osceola; St. Croix Falls at Luck.

BOYS BASKETBALL: Amery at Osceola.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Osceola at Unity; Amery at St. Croix Falls.

WRESTLING: St. Croix Falls at Ogilvie.

BOYS BASKETBALL: Frederic at St. Croix Falls.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Baldwin-Woodville at Osceola; Frederic at St. Croix Falls.

BOYS BASKETBALL: St. Croix Central at Osceola.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Prescott at St. Croix Falls.

WRESTLING: Osceola at St. Croix Central.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Osceola at Ellsworth.

WRESTLING: St. Croix Falls at St. Croix Central.

WRESTLING: Osceola at Stillwater Invitational.

BOYS BASKETBALL: Luck at St. Croix Falls.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Luck at St. Croix Falls.

BOYS BASKETBALL: Ellsworth at Osceola.

BOYS BASKETBALL: Osceola at BaldwinWoodville.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: New Richmond at Osceola; St. Croix Falls at Grantsburg.

BOYS BASKETBALL: Osceola at New Richmond; St. Croix Falls at Siren.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Osceola at Somerset; St. Croix Falls at Siren.

BOYS BASKETBALL: Osceola at St. Croix Falls.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Osceola at Prescott; St. Croix Falls at Cumberland.

REGULAR MEETINGS

REGULAR MEETINGS

OSCEOLA TOPS NO. 514 - Trinity Lutheran Church.

7:30 to 9:30 a.m. every Wednesday.

SENIORS ON THE GO - Tuesdays, 12:30 p.m., Osceola United Methodist.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - 7 p.m. Mondays at Osceola United Methodist Church.

NEIGHBORHOOD BIBLE STUDY Every Monday at 1 p.m. For info. call Becky, (715) 294-4148 or Carol, (715) 294-3003.

CANDLELIGHT SKI on Stower Seven Lakes State Trail, from Amery Soo Line Park to Cty. Rd. C, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

OSCEOLA PUBLIC LIBRARY HOURS Monday - 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tuesday - 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Wednesday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Friday - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

BOYS BASKETBALL: Cameron at osceola; Cumberland at St. Croix Falls.

The Community Calendar is brought to you by these fine area businesses:

STEVEN B. SCHLETTY D.D.S. GENERAL DENTISTRY 294-3303 Osceola, Wiscosnin 755-3303

OSCEOLA LANES Open Every Day at 10 a.m.

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715.294.2183 www.centralbnkinsurance.com

Pottings Restaurant & Lounge Fine Family Dining • 715-294-9922 Hwy. 35 • 6 miles south of Osceola

DECEMBER 28, 2016

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FORUM: Local young producers participate in Leaders Forum FROM PAGE 13

agement and employees which encouraged participants to voice their opinions on how CHS should evolve to best serve farmers for the future.

Following the program attendees joined more than 2,000 CHS owners for the 2016 CHS annual meeting, which included agricultural-related educational sessions about the essential insights necessary to move forward in agriculture, the

annual meeting business session and a keynote address by Peter Zeihan, a geopolitical strategist.

CHS Inc. (http://www.chsinc. com) is a leading global agribusiness owned by farmers, ranchers and cooperatives across the United States. Diversified in energy, grains and foods, CHS is committed to helping its customers, farmer-owners and other stakeholders grow their businesses through its domestic and global operations.

CHS, a Fortune 100 company, supplies energy, crop nutrients, grain marketing services, animal feed, food and food ingredients, along with business solutions including insurance, financial and risk management services. The company operates petroleum refineries/ pipelines and manufactures, markets and distributes Cenex® brand refined fuels, lubricants, propane and renewable energy products.

HOROSCOPES

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, someone is interested in what you have to say, especially with regard to a personal issue. You’re not quite sure if you’re ready to reveal all that much to others.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, plans go well for you this week and you will follow through with the tasks you need to tackle. You may need to tweak a few things in the days to come, however.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, you may not see eyeto-eye with a few close friends this week, but you can push past this and your friendship will endure. Try to find some common ground.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 A series of new ideas might make you everyone’s best friend this week, Cancer. Your brain is

working overtime, and you may be shocked at what you can accomplish.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Try something new this week, Leo. Make it something as simple as taking a new route to work or school or trying a new recipe in the kitchen. New experiences may surprise you.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, you have a strong sense of pride and don’t like to give up on things prematurely.

But this week you have to respect another’s perspective and concede a point.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, navigate a sticky situation as carefully as possible.

Many may come to you for advice, but try not to get too involved in a conflict that has nothing to do with you.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 You will be full of energy this week and ready to handle just about anything that comes your way, Scorpio. You may gain some admirers after your evenkeeled handling of a situation.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Big plans this week does not mean you can pass up on your existing responsibilities, Sagittarius. Try to make time for everything, and delegate any tasks that you can.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Keep listening when others around you are talking, Capricorn. You can learn valuable lessons just by sitting back and listening to what others have to say.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, others’ charitable spirits prove contagious this week. Explore the volunteer op-

portunities available to you and don’t be afraid to try something new.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 You may crave change this week, Pisces. Even small changes can make a difference. Try to incorporate new experiences into your days.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS DECEMBER 25 Annie Lennox, Singer (62) DECEMBER 26 Kit Harington, Actor (30) DECEMBER 27 Emilie De Ravin, Actress (35) DECEMBER 28 Maggie Smith, Actress (82) DECEMBER 29 Ted Danson, Actor (69) DECEMBER 30 Ellie Goulding, Singer (30) DECEMBER 31 Anthony Hopkins, Actor (79)

CLUES ACROSS 1. Way to fish 4. Not us 8. “M*A*S*H” actor Alda 10. A store of valuable things 11. Bring on 12. Gave birth to horse 13. British poet Hunt 15. Swine-like 16. Asteroid 1532 __ 17. Devout 18. A boost 21. Licensed for Wall Street 22. Tooth caregiver 23. Political action committee 24. Make a soft murmuring sound 25. Porky is one 26. Taoism 27. 1950s sex symbol 34. Imprisonment 35. Small freshwater ducks 36. Happening later than it should have 37. Unit of measurement 38. Coen Bros’ “The Dude” does this 39. The destroyer (Hindu) 40. Kids take these to school 41. Flow or leak through 42. East Greenwich High School 43. Midway between south and southeast

CLUES DOWN 1. Many-colored flower 2. Strangers 3. One who is outcast 4. Transmitters 5. Theory of interconnection 6. Happening 7. Native of ancient Asian king-

Wild rice soup makes winter more enjoyable!

M

y family lived about a mile from a Byerly’s grocery store when I was growing up. In the summer, my sister and I walked there to get big ice cream cones and in the winter we trudged through the snow for the wild rice soup.

My sister and I worked there when we were teenagers. On work breaks in the winter, I would buy a cup of wild rice soup. After I grew up, I spent years trying to recreate that soup. Their version was perfect, creamy without being too thick with bits of ham and alWild Chow monds that complimented the wild rice.

Lisa Erickson One day I was sharing with a friend how much I love wild rice soup. She claimed she had the best recipe—ever. I was suspicious when I saw potatoes in the ingredients. The next day I made her version. It was good, but not the soup I remembered.

A couple years later, my family was at an ice skating party. It was perfect weather and we skated all day. Afterwards we were all invited into the house for soup and hot cocoa. It was like Byerly’s wild rice soup! The hostess willingly shared that recipe.

In the car on the way home, I exclaimed to my family, “I just got the best recipe for wild rice soup!” They agreed and I have been making it ever since! Thank you, Karen!

Perfect Wild Rice Soup Adapted from Karen Heyer

2 sticks butter 1 onion 2 carrots, grated 2 celery stalks, chopped 1 cup flour 7 cups chicken broth (low sodium) 1 cup ham, diced (or substitute cooked chicken) 4 cups, cooked wild rice 2 cups half and half 2 Tbsp. dry sherry ½ cup sliced and toasted almonds Salt and pepper to taste

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, carrots and cook until tender, 5-7 minutes. Add the flour and cook until the flour mixture is bubbling, about 1 minute.

Slowly stir in broth. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add the ham, wild rice, half and half, and sherry. Season with salt and pepper if necessary. Bring the soup’s temperature back up to very hot. Add almonds and serve.

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.

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RECORDS: Polk County Circuit Court and probable cause FROM PAGE 9

er, 28, Amery, vehicle operator fail to wear seat belt, $10.

Travis F. Norlund, 37, Amery, speeding in 55 mph zone (16-19 mph), $200.50.

Kathy S. Ohrt, 33, Osceola, exceeding speed zones (11-15 mph), $175.30.

Natalie M. Otto, 54, Balsam Lake, place, use, hunt wild animals with bait (<5 gallons), $343.50.

Gaven J. Ouellette, 19, Balsam Lake, speeding in 55 mph zone (16-19 mph), $200.50.

Toni F. Paffel, 31, Amery, operating while suspended, $200.50.

Scott A. Prent, 54, White Bear Lake, MN, speeding in 55 mph zone (16-19 mph), $200.50.

Gregory R. Peck, 41, Sidney, MT, load/discharge firearm/bow in/from a vehicle, $258.10; hunt within 50 feet of roadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s center, $222.90.

Steven P. Peterson, 50, Deer Park, place, use, hunt wild animals with bait (<5 gallons), $343.50.

Barbara A. Peterson, 54, Luck, vehicle operator fail to wear seat belt, $10.

Meaghan M. Pietz, 22, Clayton, speeding in 55 mph zone (11-15 mph), $175.30.

David J. Reimer, 57, St. Paul, MN, hunt game before/after hours (<30 minutes), $226.45.

William Robey, Woodbury, MN, shoreland zoning violation, $767.50.

Mark C. Schadt, 48, Osceola, speeding in 55 mph zone (11-15 mph), $175.30; operating motor vehicle without proof of insurance, $10.

Randol L. Schafer, 55,

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Marine St. Croix, MN, exceeding speed zones (11-15 mph), $175.30.

Daniel R. Schauer, 28, Chisago, MN, exceeding speed zones (20-24 mph), $225.70.

Courtney C. Schommer, 25, Balsam Lake, operating motor vehicle without proof of insurance, $10.

Daniel J. Scovell, 38, Cumberland, use or hunt over bait or feed, $387.25.

Michael D. Seline, 56, Minneapolis, MN, operate without valid license (1st violation), $200.50; vehicle operator fail to wear seat belt, $10.

Timothy W. Smisek, 30, Centuria, non-registration of vehicle â&#x20AC;&#x201C; auto <10,000 lbs., $175.30.

Michael G. Smith, 65, River Falls, place, use, hunt wild animals with bait (<5 gallons), $343.50.

Samuel S. St. Johnb, 37, Hinckley, MN, operating a motor vehicle without insurance, $200.50; operate without valid license (1st violation), $200.50; non-registration of vehicle â&#x20AC;&#x201C; auto <10,000 lbs., $175.30.

Debra A. Staebler, 63, Amery, failure to keep vehicle under control, $213.10.

Daniel M. Stevenson, 75, Isanti, MN, speeding in 55 mph zone (11-15 mph), $175.30.

Steven M. Stjacque, 48, Inver Grove Heights, MN, discharge firearm from/ across highway, $261.65.

Jay S. Strasser, 41, Dresser, possess/load/ borrow anotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license, $347.05.

Glenn D. Swager, 38, North Branch, MN, place, use, hunt wild animals with bait (<5 gallons), $343.50.

Scott G. Thomas, 51, Frederic, place, use, hunt wild animals with bait (<5 gallons), $387.25; place, use, hunt wild animals with bait (<5 gallons), $387.25.

Wendy A. Tollefson, 50, Maple Grove, MN, exceeding speed zones (16-19 mph), $200.50.

Joshua J. Wedrickas, 33, Red Wing, MN, speeding in 55 mph zone (20-24 mph), $225.70.

Jeremy C. West, 33, Clayton, operating while suspended, $200.50.

Kathryn F. Westby, 41, Roseville, MN, exceeding speed zones (20-24 mph), $225.70.

Nicholas C. Williams, 26, Princeton, MN, fail to immediately validate proper carcass tag (elk), $387.25.

Sara E. Wynveen, 31, Woodville, speeding in 55 mph zone (11-15 mph), $175.30.

Joshua R. Zasada, 40, Amery, vehicle operator fail to wear seat belt, $10.

James O. Zins, 54, Woodbury, MN, exceeding speed zones (35-39 mph), $358.

Luck was arrested on December 14 for bail jumping.

James D. Fulliam, 55, St. Paul was arrested on December 15 for possession of meth, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of THC. Derek J. Gustafson, 30, Amery was arrested on December 15 for probation hold warrant.

Shanon M. Peck, 35, Amery was arrested on December 16 for probation hold.

Lisa A. Allen, 49, Danbury was arrested on December 16 for probation hold.

Leroy T. Parmeter, 33, Centuria was arrested on December 14 for probation hold.

James D. Brown, 32, Almena was arrested on December 14 for probation hold.

Timothy D. Peterson, 46, Centuria was arrested on December 15 for OWI 3, OAR, and an out-ofcounty warrant.

Rebecca A. Lynch, 36, Amery was arrested on December 17 for OWI 3, prohibited BAC (3rd), and OAR (OWI related).

Reports in Support of Probable Cause Polk County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Department Monday, December 19, 2016 Philip W. Bowe, 35, Frederic was arrested on December 14 for domestic battery criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct.

Charles R. Bentley, 25, Balsam Lake was arrested on December 14 for disorderly conduct, criminal damage to property and probation hold.

Julie K. Clayton, 57,

Polk County Marriage Licenses Monday, December 19, 2016 Jeremy John Peterson and Jeanie Marie Bly were issued a marriage license on December 8, 2016.

Jared Louis Greenebaum and Emma Catherine Lightburn were issued a marriage license on December 11, 2016.

Erik William Bethell and Stephanie Lynn Walter were issued a marriage license on December 12, 2016.

Bennett Gregory Takes and Christine Campbell Bartholet were issued a marriage license on December 15, 2016.

Kyle Patrick Johnson and Jenna Margaret Waller were issued a marriage license on December 12, 2016.

Gerald Morris Olson Jr. and Melissa Ann Thompson were issued a marriage license on December 12, 2016.

Jacob Barton Walker and Kailee Addison Kazeks were issued a marriage license on December 15, 2016.

Divorces Filed Earlene M. Klatt, 80, Amery and Marlin S. Klatt, 79, Clayton filed for divorce on November 25, 2016.

Aaron R. Peters, 32, Clear Lake and Carrie A. Peters, 29, Sherburn, Minn. filed for divorce on November 29, 2016.

Kristen M. Buda, 26, Amery and Nicholas W. Buda, 30, Amery filed for divorce on November 30, 2016.

Keri L. LaFavor, 46, Baldwin and Kerry C. LaFavor, 47, Baldwin filed for divorce on December 1.

Robert M. Gunther, 40, Somerset and Jaclyn D. Gunther, 38 filed for divorce on December 2, 2016.

Michelle R. David, 45, Roberts and David J. David, 49, Coates, Minn. filed for divorce on De-

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Angela G. Goodwin, 42, New Richmod and Byron D. Goodwin, 41, St. Paul, Minn. filed for divorce on December 5, 2016.

Andrea L. Schiks, 32, River Falls and Justin M. Schiks, 34, Hudson filed for divorce on December 5, 2016.

David D. Baer, 46, Washburn and Emily B. Baer, 40, Woodville filed for divorce on December 5, 2016.

Mary M. Martell, 51, Milltown and Leo S. Martell Sr., 61, Milltown filed for divorce on December 6, 2016.

Kelly J. Larson, 35, Amery and James R. Larson, 47, Amery filed for divorce on December 6, 2016.

Emilie L. Engesether, 33, Hammond and Shay T. Engesether, 32, Roberts filed for divorce on December 8, 2016.

Marle E. Margl, 61, Somerset and Kenneth W. Margl, 61, Somerset filed for divorce on December 9, 2016.

Cheryl A. Kirk, 59, Clayton and Jerry J. Kirk, Clayton filed for divorce on December 12, 2016.

Adam J. Austin-White, 30, St. Croix Falls and Kacy J. Austin-White, 35, Osceola filed for divorce on December 12, 2016.

Amy M. Solberg, 48, Amery and Eric W. Solberg, 48, Clear Lake filed for divorce on December 13, 2016.

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Employment Opportunity GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sentinel Publications currently has an opening for a part-time Graphic Designer. The ideal candidate must be proficient with Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator.

The primary duties of the graphic designer are to create high quality, accurate and creative artwork in a timely manner to meet the needs of the clients and editorial staff. The graphic designer works closely with the sales staff to create, modify and update advertisements in time to meet advertising deadlines. The designer also works directly with the editorial staff to build the weekly newspaper. Editorial production includes laying out pages under the Sentinel’s style-guidelines.

QUALIFICATIONS: • Proficient with Adobe InDesign, Illustrator & Photoshop • Knowledge of Web design a plus • Excellent communication and time management skills • Good organizational skills, accuracy and attention to detail • Ability to perform job responsibilities in a timely manner with minimal supervision • Flexibility in performing tasks outside of basic responsibilities Send your resume to: tstangl@theameryfreepress.com or mail to Sentinel Publications Attn: Tom Stangl P.O. Box 424 • Amery, WI 54001 Employment Opportunity GRAPHIC DESIGNER

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Career Opportunity - RN– Overnight ShiŌ Hours: 10:30pm-6:45am StarƟng Night ShiŌ RN Wage: $26.86-$27.86/hr .8 posi on / 31 hours guaranteed per week with opportunity to pick up addi onal hours Deadline to apply: December 31, 2016 This posi on offers a comprehensive benefit package, including par cipa on in the Wisconsin Re rement program for government employees, Paid Time off, and op onal health, dental and vision insurance. Polk County promotes the health and well-being of their employees with opportuni es to support your level of involvement in a Worksite Wellness Program. Call today with any ques ons.

YOU MUST COMPLETE AN ON-LINE APPLICATION TO BE ELIGIBLE. For complete job descripƟon, posiƟon requirements, applicaƟon, and details please visit our website at www.co.polk.wi.us, Employment OpportuniƟes. AA/EEOC

Polk County offers careers that Ma er Join us to make a difference, together we will strengthen our community!

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Children & Family Program Supervisor — Human Services Full-Ɵme - Exempt PosiƟon StarƟng Wage: DOQ The Children and Families Program Supervisor provides administraon and program supervision, interpreta on and assessment of policies, supervision of assigned staff, and management of children and families service programs to assure compliance, efficiency and effec veness. Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in human services, social work or related field and five years of full- me experience in public assistance eligibility work or equivalent combina on of educa on and experience mee ng the knowledge, skills and ability demands of this posi on.

Deadline to apply: January 8, 2016

InformaƟon & Assistance Specialist — ADRC Benefit Eligible Part-Ɵme—Non-Exempt Wage: $23.80 Provides the general public, par cularly adults who are elderly or have a disability, with informa on and assistance to a wide range of community resources; help inform and educate people about their op ons; assist in connec ng them to programs and services, including public and privately funded op ons. Qualifica ons include a Bachelors Degree and Wisconsin Social Worker cer fica on, or eligible for cer fica on within two years.

Deadline to apply: January 10, 2016 YOU MUST COMPLETE AN ON-LINE APPLICATION TO BE ELIGIBLE. For complete job descripƟon, posiƟon requirements, applicaƟon, and details please visit our website at www.co.polk.wi.us, Employment OpportuniƟes. AA/EEOC

DECEMBER 28, 2016

THE SUN

19

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CEDARS: Partnership strengthens wildlife habitat FROM PAGE 1

The pipes had failed, causing a shallow sheet flow to cover the usually dry crossing. Gushing and overflowing water eroded a trench through the dike, which eliminated the sheet flow, causing the water level of the upper pool to drop to a concerning low.

The trench made the eastern half of the property unreachable by the Standing Cedars Land Conservancy’s land management vehicles.

Standing Cedars had only recently been bequeathed this 84-acre property.

The volunteers who run the nonprofit organization were concerned by the deepening of the trench and dropping water levels, which might alter the area hydrology and cause the resident pair of trumpeter swans to relocate and head for deeper waters. Plus, Standing Cedars could no longer drive to the bur oak woods to address a growing buckthorn problem, or the former quarry that had been colonized by a small population of native gravel prairie plants.

“We wanted to open the oak woods to a savanna, and cut invasive red ce-

dar trees and broadcast a diverse array of gravel prairie plant seeds onto the old quarry,” said Ryan Rodgers, vice president of the Standing Cedars Community Land Conservancy. “Having to walk to the site with gear while navigating the growing trench and proceeding along the trail we could no longer mow was setting back our land management goals.

For an organization with a small annual budget, no employees and 1,500 acres of land to manage, replacing the failed structure was beyond our capabilities.”

And that’s where a medley of conservation organizations stepped in. Caitlin Smith, a private lands biologist for the St. Croix Wetland Management District of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, orchestrated a partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association. The partnership designed and hired a contractor to build a new water control structure in November of 2016.

Instead of using PVC pipe, the new structure features a slightly depressed stone spillway that is shallow enough

to drive a tractor over.

Since the structure’s completion, the water level of the upper pool has regained its former level, making it more likely the swans will return, as well as reestablishing seasonal wetland habitat for ducks, shorebirds and turtles.

Standing Cedars is home to hundreds of acres of grassland, including remnant and planted prairie. Near the St. Croix River, the 1,100acre Engelwood parcel contains populations of wild lupine (Lupinus perennis), which is the only host plant of the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly caterpillar.

Standing Cedars is particularly excited that St. Croix Wetland Management District is working with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources on a recovery project for the Karner blue butterfly. Though the project is experimental, and success is far from guaranteed, this spring a number of Karner blue larvae will be taken from a site with a healthy population and transferred to Standing Cedars’ largest lupine patch.

Done in conjunction with this project, federal funds made available to restore the monarch

butterfly population, after its unprecedented collapse in recent years, allowed for the hiring of a contractor to mow brush encroaching onto the lupine patch. Left unchecked, the brush would have soon shaded out nectar-producing forbs, the food source for monarchs, Karner blues and a multitude of other pollinators. These mostly treeless grasslands are also key habitat for a number of grassland birds.

Standing Cedars is optimistic that through strategically placed habitat projects, pollinators and other prairie-dependent species will be able to live on indefinitely into the Anthropocene Age with help from the Standing Cedars habitat restoration project. Standing Cedars is proud to occupy a sixmile habitat corridor,

Serving Polk County’s St. Croix Valley since 1897

— This story has been reprinted with permission

by Standing Cedars Community Land Conservancy.

From the first day to the last of 2016, We loved serving you every day in between And as we greet the year anew,

We send our thanks and best wishes to each one of you!

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Valley spirits

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with a number of native forb seeds of species valuable to pollinators, which were broadcast over the mowed areas and burned to improve pollinator and overall prairie habitat.

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and commended the U.S. government’s prudence in making a small investment in fighting to maintain a bellwether species.

A bit of these funds provided a grant to Standing Cedars for using equipment and volunteers to mow two adjacent dry prairies of sumac and prickly ash. The Service provided Standing Cedars Land Conservancy

209 Chieftain Street • Osceola, WI • 715-294-4240

1st shift Application Engineer

Store Hours: Open Daily 9 AM - 9 PM

Here’s hoping your new year is filled with good times.

1st, 2nd,3rd, shift Tool & Die Maintenance

Apply online at http://kapcoinc.com/ careers Kapco, Inc. 805 Seminole Ave., Osceola, WI 54020 No phone calls please

Dr. Steven B. Schletty

Equal Opportunity Employer

215 Cascade, Osceola • 294-3303 • 755-3303

Sale prices good through January 8, 2017, or while supplies last.

From the of¿ce of...

FULL-TIME CLIENT SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

Martini & Rossi Asti 750ml

$9.65

Korbel Cook’s Champagnes Champagnes 750ml • 6 Varieties 750ml • 6 Varieties

$9.99

$9.99

Dr. McGillicuddy’s Cherry & Mentholmint 1.75 Liter

$19.25

Hiawatha National Bank is looking for an enthusiastic and energetic full-time employee to fill our Client Service Representative position. This would be a 40 hour/week position and will include some Saturdays.

Professional qualifications include: • Must have two years in a customer service setting • Two years cash handling experience required • Ability to multi-task, plus establish and grow client relationships • Exceptional character & team player • Banking experience preferred

Rum Chata 750ml

If you are ready to join a growing team, please contact Stephanie Lindholm at 715-294-4000, Hiawatha National Bank, 409 N Cascade St, PO Box 729, Osceola, WI 54010 or email: slindholm@hnbank.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Member FDIC

$16.45 www.hnbank.com

Fireball Cinnamon Whisky 1.75 Liter

$20.95

Check out our Facebook page for our Free Beer Offerings And Other Deals!

20 THE SUN

DECEMBER 28, 2016 www.osceolasun.com

SCOREBOARD: Osceola/St. Croix Falls sports

St.t Croi roix ro ix Vaalley Christmas Ce lebbration Carrdd

Nam N am mee ______ _____ _______ _____ __ _________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________ Add Addr A ________ ddreesss ____ ddre ________ _____ ____ __ ________ ___ _____ ________ ___________________ ________ ________ _____ ________________ Phhone____ P __ ____ ________________ _____ ____ __ ________________ ___ _ ____ ____ ________________ $500 Grand Grand P ________________ Prrizee Dr D awing oon Dec. 19, _____ 2016 • Published in the

FROM PAGE 12

We have a Thhan a k Yoou for

•1 136 36 Vinta nt ge -

Dec. 21 Sun & Count

Shopping in the St. Croix Valley P A R T I C I P A T I N G M E R C

St. S St t. C Croi Croix roix oix Fal o Falls

•A Adora doraay Treas reasu ures e - Os es Ossce a Osceol •A Abrah ahaamson son Nurs urse ur rs y - St. rser S C Croix roix Fal Fallls • Barib Ba eau Ba u Imp Implem em meeent m en - S St St. t. Croix r Falls Fal • Bi B s Ace Hard Bill’ Hardw wa e - O ce la wa • Br Brookside Ba Barr & Grill i l Ma Ma ne o S C oi •B Broth Bro Br ther’s e ’ Coun Co C un nt y Mart Martt - Nye • Casca Cas Caascade scade de BP - Os eol e laa • Co Cobbler Sho Shop p - S . C oi oix Fa Fa s • Cou Country Mess Messenge ger g err (Su (Sun un Office) - Oscceol a • Cra Crabtree’s Gaarden en n Gate a - Mar arine On St. S Croix • Dick Dick’s F Dic Fresh Marrke rket et - Ossceol et cceola • Dres Dresseer Food & Li Dre Liquor uo - Dress esser

• Expressions/U ptown n Gifts - Osceol O la • Heidi’s Paw Spaw aw - O Osceola • Ghosts In The Attic - St. Croix Falls l • The Grana G Granar y-O Osceol Osc ola la • Gullywubble - Osce la • Lamperts - St. C oix Fal s • The Th Lookin ok g Gla s - Osceo Os a • Marine Marin G n ral S ore - Ma Marine on St. ro x • Osceol O la Aut Bo y Osceol la • Osceola Auto Sales - Osceola • Osceola Cleane rs - Osceola • Osceola Interio rs - Osceola

ry Messenger

H A N T S :

• Osceola Lanes - Osceola • River Alley Shopp es - Taylors Falls • Rivertown Boutiq ue - Osceol O la • Scand Scandiaa Olde T Towne Liquor - Scandi a • Scot ’s Tire Servic Serv e - Ea t arming ton • Simp Si p e Living iving g - Osceol Stud o A - sceola • Sue’s Barr & Gri l - East Farm mington • The Sun News p per Osc O ola l • Valley Spirits Osceola • Village Pizzeria - Dresse D r • Woodh oodhil illl B ill Baar & G Grill rrill ill - O Osceo Osce sceolaa

WINNER!

*No No p purchase urc rchase rchas rch chase h hase necessary. n necessar necess ssar saary sary ryy. Limit ry Lim im mit 1 stamp st m

per p er day er da per bu b i busines

Denise Everson is our 2016 Christmas Celebration Card Winner of $500 Christmas Cash.

Thank you to everyone who paricipated and SHOPPED LOCAL this season.

Happy New Year!

SCFHS OHS

36 26 21 24

62 45

Lakeland Girls Basketball Standings December 23, 2016 Team Conf Overall St. Croix Falls 3-0 7-2 Grantsburg 3-0 5-2 Siren 1-1 2-3 Unity 2-3 3-4 Luck 1-2 2-3 Frederic 1-2 2-5 Webster 0-3 1-5 Scores December 20 St. Croix Falls 62, Osceola 45 (nonconference) Unity 44, Frederic 26 Northwood 52, Webster 26 (nonconference) Clayton 57, Luck 12 (non-conference) Grantsburg 41, Turtle Lake 27 (nonconference) December 22 St. Croix Falls 66, Ellsworth 34 (nonconference) Clayton 62, Grantsburg 29 (nonconference) Unity 53, Alma 43 (non-conference) Saints Girls Basketball St. Croix Falls at Unity (unofficial) December 13, 2016

St. Croix Falls Individuals 2’s 3’s FTM FTA F McCurdy 4 0 0 0 1 Parks 1 1 0 0 0 Kopp 1 3 2 3 0 Pthrbrdge 1 0 0 0 2 Stoffel 8 0 1 2 1 Stewart 4 0 0 0 4 Hoverman 2 0 0 0 2 Totals 21 4 3 5 10 Unity Individuals 2’s 3’s FTM FTA F Grams 1 0 0 0 1 Hovman 1 0 1 4 1 Nelson 2 0 0 0 1 Strange 1 0 0 0 1 Vallesky 3 1 0 0 2 Lowe 3 0 2 4 1 Totals 11 1 3 8 7 Score by Halves 1 2 F SCFHS 23 34 57 UHS 15 13 28

TP 8 5 13 2 17 8 4 57 TP 2 3 4 2 9 8 28

Saints Girls Basketball St. Croix Falls at Ellsworth (unofficial) December 22, 2016 St. Croix Falls Individuals 2’s 3’s FTM FTA F TP Hansen 0 0 0 2 1 0 Barstow 0 0 0 0 2 0 McCurdy 5 0 2 2 2 12 Bergmann 1 0 0 3 2 2 Parks 5 0 1 2 1 11

Kopp 2 2 3 4 2 Pthrbrdge 1 0 2 2 3 Stoffel 3 0 1 2 2 Stewart 4 0 0 1 2 Hoverman 2 0 5 8 2 Totals 23 2 14 26 19 Ellsworth Individuals 2’s 3’s FTM FTA F VnWtrmln 1 0 0 2 1 Swanson 2 0 3 4 3 Steele 2 0 0 0 2 Nuget 1 2 4 4 2 Ferhelm 0 0 0 0 3 Sigler 0 0 0 0 3 Reuvers 1 0 0 0 4 Walter 0 0 0 0 1 Richards 0 0 3 6 2 Lynner 0 0 3 4 1 Dahl 0 0 1 2 1 Totals 7 2 14 22 23 Score by Halves 1 2 F SCFHS 37 29 66 EHS 11 23 34

by John Walsh At a time of year when people are giving thanks and counting their blessings, Bob Neuman, Dresser resident and owner of Complete Automotive, and nine year old son Luke are giving thanks and praise to God after surviving a harrowing near-drowning experience on a windy, overcast and chilly Saturday in northern Minnesota.

Helping with fall chores at a family cabin on Sept. 28, 2013, Bob and Luke took a break from the work to ride their pontoon and cast fishing lines into Wakefield Lake, a small and remote wilderness setting near McGregor, Minnesota. Guiding the boat across the choppy water, Bob watched Luke, who was standing on the front open-deck of the pontoon, grip the end of a boat paddle, submersed it in water, playfully creating splashing water like the spray careening off the outboard’s propellers. As Bob watched, Luke’s fun seemed to be nothing more than a young boy’s fascination with an ordinary object and water. But as is the case with many mishaps, what happened next occurred in the blink of an eye.

Suddenly, Luke lost his grip on the paddle. As it fell into the lake, Luke leaned forward to watch it disappear underneath the craft. Alert, instinctively Bob cut the power to the engine to avoid damage to the motor’s propellers. Unfortunately, for every action there is a reaction.

The sudden change of speed altered Luke’s already compromised balance, causing him to fall into the lake following the same path under the boat as the paddle. “I was looking out the back of the boat watching for the paddle,” explained Bob. “Within a couple of seconds I

heard the paddle just a great sense hit the motor and of peace. I told saw it pop up to Luke we were okay. the surface of the Regardless of what water. Then I heard would happen we a second clunk.” were with Jesus.

Bob’s pause at this I truly believed point in the story is that…that is just my an indication of the faith.” dramatic minutes This treacherthat followed. “Inous event offers a stantaneously, I saw great case for Bob Luke struggling in and his young son’s the water without a faith. Just as mislife jacket.” Reacthaps happen suding as any father denly, God’s saving would, Bob immegrace can also diately jumped in occur in a flash. the lake to grab his And on this day, He son. Reaching his appeared in the Bob Neuman and his son, Luke son in the water, intervening form of survived a near drowning expeBob realized he a fisherman named rience on a northern Minnesota also was without a Gordy. An avid, yet lake. Their story of survival, Bob life preserver and selective outdoorssays, is a testimony to the power now well out of man, Gordy just of faith in God. reach of their craft, recently moved which was being to Aitkin County blown away from them by the wind from Iowa to experience some quiet and high-wave waters. fishing in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Instantly their clothes (weighed Early that morning, Gordy checked at 80 pounds afterward) became the weather report that indicated a soaked and began to weight them 10% chance of rain. As Bob exlike an unwelcomed anchor. Assess- plains, “We rarely see anyone else ing their predicament, Bob knew on this lake. That guy had to have they were in water depth of about driven past dozens of lakes com70 feet and at least 100 yards from ing from his place to find this one. the nearest shore line. Luke’s inOn this afternoon, it was Luke and I, ability to swim, the weight of their and by the grace of God, Gordy had clothes, and the distance away from found his way to fish this lake.” shore made it impossible for Bob Bob estimates they were in the to move. “Two different times I let cold, fall, wilderness water for apgo of Luke in an effort to remove proximately 10 minutes when Gordy my hunting jacket and yell for help. appeared from around a hidden Each time I did that, we began to nook on Wakefield Lake. Seeing sink, so I just tried to stay still and them in the water, Gordy sped to calm.” Grasping hold of his son, their rescue. At the scene, Gordy Bob recalled simple and innocent pulled Bob and Luke in to the boat, words from Luke. “Holding on to saving their lives. After the rescue, each other, Luke looked at me and Gordy said, “I should not have been said, ‘I’m sorry Dad.’ That was diffihere today. I never go fishing when cult. He felt so bad,” explained Bob. it’s raining. I misread my radar “At that moment, I knew it could report. It actually indicated a 100% be over but there was nothing but chance of rain. I thought it said 10%.

522 East N. Ave., Dresser

TP 2 7 4 12 0 0 2 0 3 3 1 34

WRESTLING

Dec. 29: Osceola/St. Croix Falls at River Falls Invite.

Jan. 5: Prescott at Osceola; St. Croix Falls at Luck.

Jan. 7: St. Croix Falls at Ogilvie.

Jan. 12: Osceola at St. Croix Central.

Jan. 13: St. Croix Falls at St. Croix Central.

Jan. 14: Osceola at Stillwater Invite.

Father and Nine -Year old Son Saved from near Drowning Experience A Testimony of Faith and Thanksgiving

13 4 7 8 9 66

I literally cannot stand it when it’s raining!” From Bob’s perspective, Gordy picked the right lake and read the weather report correctly.

“He was our Guardian Angel today,” concluded Bob. In retrospect Bob acknowledges the mistakes he made leading up to the near fatal accident. Yet with unwavering conviction, he also acknowledges God’s intervention leading Gordy to Wakefield Lake that day. Additionally, Bob knows that despite their inability to move in the water burdened with soaked fall clothing, he and Luke remained buoyant in the water long enough for Gordy to see them and reach out a hand to get them into his fishing boat.

Recalling the events creates tearful moments for Bob. “I am humbled, now that I think about it.

It was a helpless situation. Yet, we were calm. I thought of my favorite church song. We stayed afloat with our eyes fixed on Jesus and believing either way, we were okay. We were together, and, ultimately we were with Jesus.” Later Bob had complimented Luke on being able to kick well enough to stay afloat.

Luke responded, “Dad, I never kicked. I couldn’t move my legs…

God held me.”

For those who know Bob, his testimonial life of giving to others and his faith in the Lord anchors everything he does in business, with friends, and with his family. It is a true blessing that God lifted Luke and Bob from the waters that day.

Our community continues to be blessed by Bob’s presence and his enduring Faith.

May faith be your guide and may His good graces follow you wherever you go during this season of enlightenment.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas