Afp 01 02 18

Of Regular Education Students

FREE PRESS MESSENGER 93.7%

AMERY

Graduate in 4 years at AHS, vs.

Of Special Education Students

78%

TUESDAY, JANUARY33, 2,2222 2018 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER

VOL. 131 121 NO. 33 19 www.theameryfreepress.com www.moraminn.com $1.00 $1.00

'We're not going to play the game to make our numbers look better. We're going to do what's right for kids.'

2017: Your year in photos PAGE 14 Shawn Doerfler, AHS Principal

School pitches buyout of Jorgenson Field

93.7% COUNTRY District Performance Trend

BY JESSICA DE LA CRUZ EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

83 82 81 80 79 78 77 76 75 74 73

Of Regular Education Students

Graduate in 4 years at AHS, vs.

78%

Of Special Education Students

Serving Marine-on-St. Croix, Scandia, May Township

“At this time I’d like to request permission from the board to pursue acquisition of the property at Jorgenson Park,” Superintendent Kuchta announced at the December meeting of the Amery School Board.

The purchase had been discussed at a buildings and grounds committee meeting, according to President Darren Van Blaricom.

Kuchta added that he’d already pitched the idea to city officials privately.

“We discussed a number of items,” added Kuchta, “One being the potential acquisition of the property and the maintenance. We already manage all the property adjoining it to the north and east. We pay

2012-13

2013-14

2015-16

2016-17

Report Scores 'We're not going toAmery play DIstrict the game toCard make our numbers look better. We're going to do what's right for kids.'

While each of DPI's four most recent rankings of Amery School District have been in the 'Exceeds Expectations' category, district scores spiked to 82.6 in Shawn Doerfler, AHS 2015-16, only to dip back down to 75.6 forPrincipal 2016-17.

SENTINEL

SEE JORGENSON PAGE TWO

FREE

Trend by Amery School Building* DistrictCOUNTY Performance Trend BURNETT 83 82 81 80 79 78 77 76 75 74 73

2012-13

2013-14

2015-16

2016-17

Amery DIstrict Report Card Scores While each of DPI's four most recent rankings of Amery School District have *Lien Elementary statistics not included because of different measurement standards. been in the 'Exceeds Expectations' category, district scores spiked to 82.6 in 2015-16, only to dip back down to 75.6 for 2016-17.

Amery’s school report cards take a concerning dip specialized education.

That gap was emphasized in the area of graduation rates. Amery High School The excitement around last THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 33, 2222Shawn Doerfler Principal year’s school district report 131 NO. 19 www.moraminn.com $1.00 explained that states were card was shortVOL. lived after given a mandate to measure administrators presented the graduation rates based on a most recent 2016-2017 scores four-year window in order this month. Although overto measure ‘apples to apples.’ all results still place Amery Anything beyond four years above the state average, is not considered a graduate. the state’s latest ranking of “I’m not excited about this the district left much to be number,” Doerfler explained, desired. as he reported a (four year) Because Wisconsin’s Degraduation rate of just 78 perpartment of Public Instruccent for Amery’s special-ed tion has continually tweaked students. Contrast that to 93.7 its own measurement and testing practices over the last percent of Amery’s regular-ed population. decade, the complexities and “Special-ed kids and regutrends in local school perforTHURSDAY, 33,kids 2222are not apples to lar-ed mance are more difficult SEPTEMBER to VOL.consensus 131 NO. 19 www.moraminn.com apples,” $1.00 said Doerfler. analyze. But the Although the practice is among Amery administranot consistent among high tors is that the most-recent schools across the state, dip can be blamed in large Amery will retain students part on a widening gap up until their 21st birthday as between Amery’s regular-ed students and those requiring SEE SCHOOL PAGE TWO

BY JESSICA DE LA CRUZ EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

COUNTY ST FREE

FREE

Trend by Amery School Building*

ISANTI-CHISAGO

Clayton PD—what’s next?

BY JESSICA DE LA CRUZ EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

With no clear direction for the future of its small Village police department, Clayton’s police coverage will continue to be provided by the Village of Clear Lake, at least for the first three months of 2018.

That’s according to Clayton Village Clerk, Dave Fall.

The three-month contract originally signed by the Village in September will be extended through March, offering hourly, on-call coverage to Clayton during Clear Lake’s staffed hours, with supplemental coverage provided by the Polk County Sheriff’s Department.

The contract became necessary

THE SUN

Icy Plunge

throughout the week.

SEE CLAYTON PAGE TWO

Serving Polk County’s St. Croix Valley since 1897

WD The Law Firm of Williams and Davis

R

when Clayton’s Police Chief, Grant Pickard, was arrested and charged with alleged misconduct in office and sexual contact with a subordinate employee in September.

Pickard and his employee were immediately placed on paid administrative leave. Pickard resigned *Lien Elementary statistics not included because of different measurement standards. from the department in November.

The second officer remains on paid leave status.

Fall says that the five members of the Village’s ‘Police Commission’ will meet sometime mid January JESSICA DE LA CRUZ | AMERY FREE PRESS to come up with a recommendation for the future of the department, and make that recommendation to the village board. That has been Temps around the midwest plummetted below zero just in time for the holidays, and Amery the status since shortly after the was no exception. Geese could be seen huddling in the icy, but relatively warm Apple River

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 33, 2222

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'We're not going to play the game to make our numbers look better. We're going to do what's right for kids. ' 2, , 2018 JANUARY

2 AMERY FREE PRESS

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SCHOOL: State testing mandates make little sense for some of student population Shawn Doerfler, AHS Principal

FROM PAGE ONE

necessary. Of Amery’s ten special-ed graduates in 2017, eight had been at the school for more than four years and therefore not considered graduates in the scorecard measurement.

“This is way below what we’ve seen in the last four years. And when I saw this I was appalled and disappointed,” commented Board member Chelsea Whitley.

“I share your disappointment, because basically what has occurred is we took the 21st best ACT performance in the state and cancelled it by kids not graduating in four years. When in fact, they shouldn’t gradute in four years, they should be staying. Because it’s the right thing for kids.”

Amery’s combined graduation rate of 91.5 percent is still higher than the state average of 88.2.

But Doerfler expressed concern over measuring all students to the same set of standards, particularly with the now mandated ACT test. All high school juniors are now required to take the ACTs regardless of ability. According to Doerfler, 14.7 percent of students taking the test last year fell into

District Performance Trend the special-ed category, and many were not reading at grade level.

83 Board member Keith Anderson inquired 82 81 about what the board could do to offer more 80 support to the administrative team. Doerfler 79 immediately responded with the need to 78 77 expand reading curriculum to grades 6-12, 76 rather than ending it after fi fth grade. And 75 74 the entire administrative team has a list of 73 goals to work on.

2012-13 2013-14 2015-16 2016-17 “One way is to graduate students based on competencies rather than credits,” Doerfler Amery DIstrict Report Card Scores explained. We have to be able to figure out a way for them to succeed in a different way, While each of DPI's four most recent rankings of Amery School District have been in the 'Exceeds Expectations' category, district scores spiked to 82.6 in because it isn’t working for some of them 2015-16, only to dip back down to 75.6 for 2016-17. right now.”

Doerfler asked an obviously disappointed board if they would prefer to end the school’s Trend by age Amery dents beyond 18. School Building* policy of retaining students beyond age 18, a ques“Our scorecard will never be any higher than it is tion that Superintendent Kuchta said was obviously if we continue to keep kids beyond four years,” he rhetorical. explained, but acquiesced. “We’re not going to play With little influence over this portion of the the game to make our numbers look better. We’re report-card score, Doerfler asked the board if they going to do what’s right for kids.” would prefer to end the practice of retaining stu-

CLAYTON: Five-member police commission will make a recommendation FROM PAGE ONE

board took action in October. Options could include a long-term contract with Clear Lake, some type of merger with an adjacent department, recruiting a new police chief, or dissolving the department altogether.

County coverage would only provide emergency coverage and leave municipal ordinances unenforced, but such laws could be handled by a constable-type position.

Village President Joe Berghammer did not respond to a request for comment as to what direction the Village may be heading.

Clayton is one of the smallest municipalities in Wisconsin to have its own police department, and one of the few villages in the state to have a police commission. By Wisconsin statute, only cities with a population greater than 4,000, or those adopting an ordinance to such effect, have one.

Clayton’s five-member police commission includes Brenda Ketz, Jim Kuntz, Randy Slack, Angela Grosskreutz, and Leif Ringstad— some of whom appear to reside outside of the Village’s police jurisdiction.

A new Warrior mascot? and can give us a competitive edge on social media.”

Superintendent Jim Kuchta offered to form *Lien Elementary statistics not included because of different measurement standards. a committee outside the purview of the school Piggybacking on a new initiative to reinvigboard to look at the matter further. orate ‘The Warrior Way’ throughout Amery, “I can coordinate a committee and have the School Board member Chelsea Whitley proright representation,” he said. “Otherwise if posed breathing new life into yet another idea it’s a board committee, every meeting has to this December—a Warrior mascot. be posted.”

“After revealing the supplemental school The board agreed to defer the matter to logo, it generated a lot of viewpoints and disKuchta, although Whitley expressed interest cussion. But one complaint was that Amery in remaining involved. It’s unclear how public doesn’t have a mascot,” she said. involvement in the project would be solicited “There are a lot of schools and colleges that going forward. have mascots and they are politically correct.

Whitley also proposed bringing back the I think it would bring a lot of school spirit if idea of renaming Minneapolis Ave. to ‘Warrior we created some type of committee [to begin Way,’ or something similar. Kuchta agreed to looking at the idea]. Coaches, public and sturevisit the idea with the new city administradents should all be involved,” she suggested, tor, Kim Moore-Sykes. adding, “Mascots add personality, they’re a powerful marketing tool. They make people happy at games and get the crowd engaged,

BY JESSICA DE LA CRUZ EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

JORGENSON: Proposal met with opposition from Softball Assoc. members FROM PAGE ONE

rent for softball to use it every year.

So with the board’s blessing I would put together a letter of request for the city to consider Jorgenson Park becoming school property.”

Board Vice President, Keith Anderson, discussed a number of hurdles, mostly having to do with maintaining the softball association’s current use of the facility.

“We don’t want to shut the door on them, and we want to make sure its use stays the same.”

According to Kuchta, School Board lawyers agree that if the property were to be taken over by the school, alcohol could be served on the grounds with his permission. But tobacco would be off limits entirely.

Van Blaricom clarified that the proposal was being considered because of the school’s current rental of the facility, and improvements like lights and increased parking that they would like to see made.

“It would be a wash this way. I don’t

think anybody would notice much of a difference,” he said.

It’s not clear how such an acquisition would impact the school’s overall property wealth or equalized value, which increased this year by roughly five percent.

Eric Wojchik of the Amery Softball Association, who was involved in fundraising efforts throughout the facilities long history, is less enthusiastic about the proposal.

“We are deeply concerned about this request for many reasons,” he said, speaking on behalf of the association.

“Mostly because the planning committee and the community who made this facility possible intended it to be a City facility for all in the community.”

The project was originally funded by an extensive list of local donors, and continues to be supported through the Amery Community Foundation.

Wojchik, along with members of the association and the school, will meet with the City’s Finance Committee to discuss the matter further on Tuesday, Jan. 2 at 5 p.m.

Unemployment rate rises in November

The unemployment rate in Polk County rose in November to 2.9 percent, up from October’s rate of 2.6 percent.

According to Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development 24,768 people were working in the county in November.

There were 747 unemployed in the county in November.

The county’s workforce is 25,515.

Unemployment varied in neighboring counties as well. In St. Croix County, the rate remained steady at 2.5 percent. Barron County’s unem-

ployment rate rose to 4.0 percent, up from October’s level of 2.6 percent.

In Pierce County, the jobless rate remained unchanged at 2.6 percent.

Burnett County’s unemployment rate rose to 4.0 percent from was 3.7 percent in October.

Lafayette and Green Counties retained bragging rights for the lowest unemployment rate at 2.0 percent. Iron County has the highest unemployment rate in the state at 5.3 percent. Wisconsin’s non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.2 percent.

Some snowmobile trails open Polk County officials announced a partial opening of the Polk County snowmobile trail system on Friday, Dec. 29.

As of 9 a.m. Friday, the Cattail, Clayton/Clear Lake, and Gandy

Dancer Polk County sections opened to snowmobiles and frozen ground ATV/UTV’s use. Side trails remain closed as a courtesy to landowners do to the Deer/Holiday Hunt in Polk County.

JANUARY 2, 2018

OUT&ABOUT

AMERY FREE PRESS

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JANUARY 2, 9, 23

AMERY FREE PRESS

Healthy Weight for Life 3-part series to teach you what really works for long-term weight loss 4:30-6 p.m. Registration required, call Katy at Amery Hospital & Clinic 715268-0290.

HOW TO REACH US: Our offices are located at 215 Keller Ave. S. We are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every weekday. Call: (715) 268-8101 or fax at (715) 268-5300, or visit www.theameryfreepress.com.

TO SUBSCRIBE: dstangl@theameryfreepress.com The Free Press is mailed to the homes of subscribers for delivery every Wednesday. One year subscription in Polk, Burnett, St. Croix and Barron Counties is available for $30, two years is $58.

A subscription in Wisconsin and Minnesota is available for $35, two years is $68. Other states: $40, two years $78. Students: $20 for nine months, $25 one year. Service persons $25 per year.

Online subscriptions are available starting at $5 per month.

JANUARY 8 Auditions for Peter Pan Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre, sponsored by Amery Community Education, will present “Peter Pan”. Auditions will be held from 3:30-5:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 8 in the Amery HS Auditorium for Amery youth in grades 3-8.

Up to 81 local children are needed to play the roles of Peter Pan, Wendy, John, Michael, Nana, Tinkerbelle, The Crocodile, The Pirates, The Lost Kids, and the other inhabitants of Neverland.

Performances are scheduled for Jan. 12 at 7 p.m. and Jan. 13 at 10:30 a.m.

CONTRIBUTED

Team effort Amery’s 3rd, 4th and 5th graders spent their recesses assembling this snow fort before their holiday break. The team effort led to some spectacular cooperation, and lots of old-fashioned winter fun.

JANUARY 10 Challenges of teaching technology in rural America Cafe Wren in Luck will host David Demattia, a Southern Californian with an impressive Hollywood background who now lives in St. Croix Falls. David will speak from 8-8:45 a.m. about potential technical topics, costs, and what the general interest is in this area.

JANUARY 12 Art Exhibit An art exhibit features the works of Amery students will open at Northern Lakes Center for the Arts

JANUARY 13 A writer’s forum Local writers reading their orginal stories, poems, and essays as published in Northern Lakes’ ‘Soundings.’

JANUARY 17 Rise Together Amery Police Department invites you to a special presentaiton of ‘Rise Together,’ a presentaiton that encourages students to stand up and speak out on the issues they care most about; breaking the silence around suicide, bullying, mental illness, drugs & alcohol..

Event will be held at the Amery Classic Theatre on January 17 at 6 p.m. Program is free and open to the public but seating is limited. Reserve your seat by visiting eventbrite.com and searching for Amery, Wis.

JANUARY 18 Scandinavian Hygge The Farm Table Foundation invites you to experience the concept of Hygge, a complete absense of annoyance or any-

3

thing overwhelming! Celebrate the idea of taking pleasure from the presence of gentle, soothing things. Terry Kelzer will cook a variety of Scandinavian dishes.

All ages and abilities are welcome to attend this demonstration only class. Tickets are $30.

Reserve at eventbrite.com.

JANUARY 27 Youth in Harmony Grades 6 through college are invited to a one-day singing event where they will learn about close harmony and enjoy the music of some top notch teaching quartets. A free public concert will be held at 4:30 that afternoon at the Amery High School Auditorium. More information and registration at youthinharmonyfestival.org.

JANUARY 28 St. Josephs Ice Fishing Contest North Twin Lake, Amery, is the site for the 54th Annual St. Joseph Church Ice Fishing Contest on Sunday, Jan. 28. Fishing is from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.

There will be Kids’ Fishing Contest, On-Ice Raffle Prizes, Fishing Contest prizes and raffle ticket prizes.

A Chicken Dinner will be held at the church from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

FEBRUARY 10 Love poems A reading of love poems for St. Valentine’s Day will take place at Northern Lakes Center for the Arts. Poems will be read by members of the Northern Lakes Theatre Guild.

FEBRUARY 14

ONGOING

Italian Date Night

Ruby’s Pantry

Looking for something special to do with your love for Valentine’s Day? Ditch the reservations and join Terry Kelzer at the Farm Table Foundation for an Italian Date Night in the kitchen! While you sit back and enjoy some wine, Terry will demonstrate handmade ravioli, agnolotti, and tortellini along with delicious fillings and sauces for each. Add a slice or two of fresh Italian bread, and finish the night with Tiramisu for dessert! Wine by the glass will be available for purchase.

Event takes place 6 to 8 p.m.

Tickets are $40 and available at eventbrite.com.

Held the 2nd Saturday of each month at the Congregational Church in Amery. Doors open at 7:30, food distribution from 9-10:30.

FEBRUARY 17

Power Up Open Gym for Families on Sundays Amery School District and PowerUp are partnering to offer a fun and free way to PowerUp regardless of the weather. Open gyms are a chance to bounce a ball, shoot some hoops, play catch or just run around and be active. The Amery Intermediate School will have equipment available, or you can bring your own. Sundays 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Jan. 7, Jan. 21, Feb. 4, Feb. 18 and March 4.

Herbal Tinctures

Pickleball Indoors

Learn to take a more active role in your health and well being, in addition to serving as drinkable herbal delight, tinctures can also be effective remedies for a variety of health issues, from anemia to an immune boost. Join Carolyn Smith in the classroom at the Farm Table Foundation and learn more about medicinal tinctures and how you can make your own at home. Each participant will make their own tinctures to take home. 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 and available at eventbrite.com.

Play pickleball on Wednesday evenings in the Amery High School gym from 5:45-8 pm.

Just show up. Bring paddles if you have them. Bring a friend!

November through March.

APRIL 19 Amery Empty Bowls Empty Bowls will take place Thursday April 19th from 5-7pm at Amery High School.

Cost is $10 for soup and a homemade ceramic bowl. Proceeds will benefit local backpack program and hungry families.

Preschoolers Open Gym Do you need a place for your toddlers and preschoolers to run, burn energy, and have fun? Bring them to Rumble Jumble Open Gym in the Intermediate School from 1111:45. Balls, scooters, mats, and other fun gym equipment will be available for play. Parents/ Guardians are expected to stay in the gym with the children and are encouraged to play as well.

More events online at theameryfreepress.com

NEWS ITEMS: editor@theameryfreepress.com Send by Monday at 12 p.m. to be considered for publication.

PLACING AN AD: phumpal@theameryfreepress.com Display advertising must be in the Free Press office by 12 p.m. Monday.

An advertising representative will gladly assist you in preparing your message. The Tab ads must be in the office by 12 p.m. Friday.

EVENTS: Send to editor@theameryfreepress.com or submit online at www. theameryfreepress.com.

Tom Stangl, Publisher Jessica de la Cruz, Editor Pam Humpal, Advertising Manager Bette Elmer, Graphic Design Diane Stangl, Circulation/Office Jamie Stewart, Classifieds The Amery Free Press (ISSN 107486898) is published weekly by Sentinel Publications, 215 Keller Ave. S., Amery, WI 54001. Periodicals postage paid at Amery, WI 54001. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Amery Free Press, P.O. Box 424, Amery, WI 54001 Contents copyright. No reproduction without permission of publisher.

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Share your event Mail your events to: Amery Free Press P.O. Box 424 Amery, WI 54001 You may also email items to editor@theameryfreepress. com, FAX items to 715-268-5300, deliver them in person to our office at 215 Keller Ave. S. in Amery, or submit the event online at www.theameryfreepress. com.

4 AMERY FREE PRESS

Still a bad idea

OPINION

JANUARY 2, 2018

www.theameryfreepress.com

BY TOM STANGL FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

Happy New Year to you!

I never cease to be amazed at how our elected officials present solutions desperately in search of a problem. Every now and then, issues that come up at every level of government provide “fixes” for “problems” that don’t really need fixing.

Nearly a year ago, Gov. Walker included in his budget a measure that would allow government entities to post official documents and minutes of their proceedings to their website, rather than publish these items in the local newspaper.

A measure was introduced in 2016 that suggested this change.

Publisher It didn’t make it out of either Tom Stangl chamber.

Last year, in addition to the budget language, bills were introduced into the assembly and the senate that also removed the publishing requirement. After newspapers brought these measures to the attention of readers, the outcry from the public was sufficient to get the budget language dropped and it appeared that the bills were in limbo.

We were wrong. A vote on Assembly Bill 70 (AB70) is scheduled for Jan. 16, 2018.

Here’s the deal. Governments from town to villages to cities to schools and counties (and many others as well) are required by law to publish certain items. Newspapers get paid to publish these notices. The rates, font and point size of the type are all set by the state.

In addition to publishing the notices in the newspaper, Wisconsin newspapers publish all notices on a statewide website www.wisconsinpublicnotices.org. This newspaper publishes its public notices on its website as well. These additional postings are done at no charge to the governmental entity.

Studies indicate that two out of three adults read a newspaper in print or online every week.

The system isn’t broken.

The press and government have a rather complicated relationship in a free society. Our readers entrust us with keeping them informed of how their elected officials are being stewards of their tax dollars.

The more important issue, in my opinion, is having a third-party host and archive the documents. Allowing even the most honest and transparent village, school or county to be able to post their minutes and financial documents on their own websites where changes can be made is an open invitation to problems. Changing a few things, deleting a controversial topic or not mentioning it at all would be accomplished with no one the wiser.

Then there’s the issue of making taxpayers search for official documents online. Some people don’t have internet access, others want nothing to do with the internet. Newspapers provide a one stop location, in print or online, for readers to see what their elected officials are doing.

Our democracy is built on the idea that government needs to be accountable to its citizens.

Taking a shortcut like AB70 is a bad idea that will eventually lead to problems.

If you are concerned about another layer of accountability being stripped away, I urge you to contact Adam Jarchow, our assembly representative, at 608-267-2365 or Rep.Jarchow@legis. wisconsin.gov 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.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Small-town health care didn’t disappoint To the Editor, I feel the need to share my recent experience at the Amery Regional Medical Center.

On Dec. 20th I went the emergency room to get checked out for some a health issue that needed immediate attention. I was admitted very early morning on the 21st, to a room for further observation and likely surgery.

I don’t have much history with the ARMC, other than some very minor appointments in the past, so when the dreaded word “surgery” reared its ugly head, I must admit, I had my reservations about having it done here in town. I’ve always thought that if I need surgery or any major medical attention, Minnesota would probably be my best option.

I put those feelings aside, and my faith in ARMC to take care of

my surgery. It was a pretty major surgery (aren’t they all) so this was not an easy decision. But, with the Christmas Holiday upon us, I wanted to be close to home.

I knew the facility was nice, and the rooms were awesome, because I have visited people there in the past.

My surgery took place on Dec. 21st and I was in the hospital until Dec. 26th.

My surgeon was Dr. Ulland.

First & foremost I need to make clear that this Dr. has earned my total respect and trust! Dr. Ulland was there EVERY day to check in with me. Yes, even Christmas day. He was of course very professional, personable, knowledgeable and even funny at times. The kind of attention I received from Dr. Ulland, would be hard to come by in a larger hospital. This I know to be true. So, my hat is off to you Dr. Ulland!

Next, I need to comment on the rest of the care staff at ARMC.

It’s time for a change To the Editor, On January 16 voters will determine who will represent this part of the state as our State Senator, Republican Adam Jarchow or Democrat Patty Schachtner.

Jarchow, a practicing attorney from Balsam Lake, claims to represent citizen’s property rights. He has sponsored and cosponsored legislation that has negatively affected the rights of local government to control land rights. Polk County citizens had worked for a considerable time to develop locally-based zoning to prevent damage of the county lakes and streams.

Jarchow’s legislation removed the rights of local citizens and transferred them to Madison control.

Apparently he either doesn’t know about the concept of “the common good” or chooses to ignore it in favor of pleasing some of his legal customers.

What would be your reaction if you owned a cabin on a lake and someone bought the adjoining property and proceeded to tear down the existing cabin and revamping the landscape (including the lake

Never have I ever felt more genuinely cared for than I did during my stay. The nursing staff was top notch. Everyone was so pleasant and attentive even during the holiday. I can’t thank you all enough for working on Christmas, and making the stay for people like me, as pleasant as you did.

Even the people that were working the nutrition department seemed like they enjoyed being there. You people rock!

So, to sum this up, I will take back all the feelings I’ve had in the past about getting good care at small town hospitals, and always remember the way I was treated at ARMC. There isn’t any way to thank you all for helping me get through Christmas this year, and allowing me the comfort of being close to home.

THANK YOU!!!!!

Kris Jaastad Amery, Wis.

shore) with a bulldozer to build a ‘trophy’ home and attending structures? In this process, the lakeshore could be exposed to the weather and raw soil washed into the lake, destroying water quality and wildlife habitat. What about local rules about septic systems, wells and other development? This is a situation where the common good outweighs private property rights.

Jarchow was also involved in legislation to reduce the ability of conservation wardens to enforce laws and regulations pertaining to deer hunting. He admitted his source of information for the new regulations were gathered from ‘experts’ in a local bar!

Some of Jarchow’s ‘legislation’ was buried in the Wisconsin Budget Bill where there were no opportunities by citizens to express their positions about the proposed regulations as is customary in the normal law-making process.

I’m a retired wildlife biologist who has lived in Grantsburg for 45 years and am sickened by the assault on our natural resources by power- and CONTINUED ON PAGE FIVE

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JANUARY 2, 2018

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5

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR FROM PAGE FOUR

money-hungry politicians who claim to represent us.

Little by little we are losing our abilities to control our own future. This is now happening in Wisconsin and throughout America at the present time.

Who would you trust to represent you and the environment in Madison? An attorney with a poor political conservation record or a county medical examiner trained locally as an emergency medical technician and raised on a farm (like Sheila Harsdorf) who is one of us? Vote for Schachtner on January 16th.

Jim Evrard Grantsburg, Wis.

The consequences of selling out To the Editor, This letter is to the Republican Representatives and Senators who thought it was more important to give massive tax breaks to the millionaires, billionaires and giant corporations than to fund the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

Shame. On. You. Your constituents elected you but it appears lobbyists, special interests and your campaign donors “bought” you . . . lock, stock and barrel. Soon, they will be reaping the rewards of their investment.

There is, however, some good news in all of this. The same people who voted to put you in office can vote to take you out of office.

See you at the ballot box.

istration and I thank her for her service and wish her well. The 28th Assembly Representative Adam Jarchow is attempting to move into the Senate in this election.

Jarchow has legislated for and represented a narrow band of special interests in his term and a half.

If you are a bear hunter, great; Adam has authored numerous bills for you. If you are a builder, developer, trade group or PAC, Jarchow has created many new exemptions and weakened protections so you can make more money. But if you are in the majority of voters, I don’t see much he has done for you.

Under the cloak of buzz words like “liberty” and “freedom”, Jarchow has weakened local government control. You and the local people you elect can’t decide how to protect your lakes, waterways, and property. The majority’s voice is now trumped by an individual’s right to do or build almost whatever he wants. Your property value could decrease, and your water could be harmed by what your neighbor is now able to do. Thanks to Jarchow, Madison makes the rules now, not your neighbors from Milltown or Menomonie. Thankfully, Patty Schachtner, the St Croix County Medical Examiner, and former town and school board member, is stepping up to give you real representation. Patty’s been on the front lines of the addiction epidemic and the mental healthcare crisis. Patty understands how schools have been affected under Walker’s budget cuts, and Patty knows the work that locals put in to decide land usage, clean water protections and zoning for their towns. Vote for someone who actually listens and will represent the entire district. Vote for Patty Schachtner.

Respectfully, Kim Butler Balsam Lake

John Salwei Amery, Wis.

Jarchow mailers are dishonest Stable Service ‘thank you’ To the Editor, Our thanks to Bonnie Corcoran for organizing the wonderful and meaningful stable service for Balsam Lutheran Church this year. Thanks to Karalyn Littlefield for leading the service. Finally, a big thank you to Mark and Deb for again hosting the service. May God bless all of you.

Mike and Lila Christensen Amery, Wis.

Jarchow understands rural issues To the Editor, I am writing this regarding the upcoming 10th District Senate race. Over the years Sheila Harsdorf has done a great job in representing the 10th. Dist. She has now moved on to a new challenge, Good Luck Sheila!

It’s time to select a new 10th. Dist. Senator, I am voting for Adam Jarchow who has proven that he stands behind our district and for its continued improvement of our communities and heritage.

He has been instrumental in helping to create new jobs, bringing reality back to budgeting for the future, education, as well as tackling waste & fraud. He is a sportsman and has many friends in the sportsman community as well as being a great family man who loves his community. His experience in law as well as the assembly only add to his depth of understanding rural issues and how to get things done.

Thank You, and please join me in voting this January 16th. for Adam Jarchow.

Bill Blair Osceola, WI.

Jarchow represents the few To the Editor, Voters in the 10th State Senate District have a big choice in January 16th’s Special Election. Sheila Harsdorf accepted a position in the Walker admin-

To the Editor, Adam Jarchow recently mailed a campaign piece claiming our rights to fly the American flag were at risk. This is similar to how he conducted himself in the primary campaign against Shannon Zimmerman. The mailer is not just over the top, it’s insulting to voters. I’m sure he’ll be flooding our mailboxes with similar ridiculous claims in his quest for office. I think we’re all tired of that kind of rhetoric.

We need responsible, serious people representing us in the state Senate. Someone who won’t use the flag and false patriotism to gin up votes. Someone who respects the people of Senate District 10, no matter their party. Someone who is thoughtful about the issues and how decisions made by our state representatives will affect the lives of the people in western Wisconsin. Patty Schachtner will get my vote for all these reasons and more.

We have real and serious issues that need to be addressed, and we should send a message to politicians like Jarchow who run a campaign by spending seemingly unlimited money on dishonest and outrageous mailers and messages. Please vote for Patty Schachtner on January 16th. She’s the adult in the room.

Kristi Grimm Village of Somerset

Jarchow gets things done To the Editor, In a recent survey from business leaders across the state, 61 percent plan to hire in the next six months, 89 percent predict their business will grow in the next six months, and nearly 90 percent say Wisconsin is headed in the right direction.

Wisconsin’s economy is strong and continues to grow. More people are working in Wisconsin than ever before and our unemployment rate hit a 17-year low in 2017. On top of this, since 2011, taxes have gone down by roughly $8 billion. On average, both property taxes and income taxes will be lower in 2018 than they were in 2010.

We need to give some credit to Governor Walker and the Republicans in the legislature for their focus

on helping to get people back to work and letting us keep more of our money. It is also why we need to elect Adam Jarchow to the State Senate to keep our economy strong.

Adam is a small business owner himself and knows the importance of keeping taxes low and government regulations reasonable. He supported the WI REINS Act which establishes new legislative oversight on government agencies looking to implement new regulations. It also increases opportunities for public input into the rulemaking process. This bill helps prevent state agencies from passing harmful regulations that can cost Wisconsin businesses and citizens tens of millions of dollars without proper transparency.

I am voting for Adam Jarchow on January 16th because he is the only candidate who knows what it will take to keep Wisconsin moving forward. He can get things done in Madison and will deliver for Western Wisconsin.

Philip Mattison President/ Owner Core Products International, Inc. Osceola, Wis.

Duped on school tax increase To the Editor, There is an old joke about the two lies that you will be told, one is, “the check is in the mail” and the other is, “I’m from the government and here to help.”

Well you can add a third, “this 1.9 million dollar school referendum will not raise your taxes.” WRONG. I received my tax statement and guess what? My taxes paid to Amery School District went up 7.4 %. Now I know I’ll be told that the reason my taxes went up was that my assessed valuation went up. WRONG. My assessedvaluationwentdown. SomyquestiontotheSuperintendent and the School Board is who do I talk to about getting a refund on my increased taxes. I would love to hear their spin on this but I doubt if I will. Transparency is not something this Superintendent and School Board are noted for.

Fritz Coulter Amery, Wis.

Letters for the Jan. 9 issue that are in reference to the Jan. 16 election will be considered advertising, and as such, will require payment.

Letters must be submitted by Monday at noon.

Send your letters to: editor@theameryfreepress.com

LETTER GUIDELINES The Amery Free Press encourages readers to share their viewpoints of community issues by writing Letters to the Editor.

Submit your letters via email to editor@theameryfreepress. com, by mail to the Amery Free Press, P.O. Box 424 Amery, WI 54001, or by fax to 715-268-5300.

We reserve the right to edit for accuracy, clarity, libel, and civility.

General letters to the editor are limited to 400 words or less.

Readers may submit one letter for consideration every 30 days.

Letters must include the writer’s full name, address, and phone number (address and phone number will not be printed).

Anonymous letters will not be published.

Only letters originating from writers who live, have lived or work in the Amery Free Press circulation area or have some other relevance to the community area will be published. The Free Press reserves the right to withhold publication of any submitted content for discretionary or space concerns. Special rules apply to election-related letters.

For questions about policies on letters contact the editor at 715-268-8101 or editor@theameryfreepress.com.

6 AMERY FREE PRESS

RECORDS

JANUARY 2, 2018

www.theameryfreepress.com

Alcohol and icy roads contribute to three-car crash

BY JESSICA DE LA CRUZ EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

Ramis

A 19-year-old Clear Lake man was arrested on OWI-related charges after causing a three-car accident Thursday evening on Highway 8 near Range.

A day-long snow-

storm contributed to slick roads subsequent crash, which occurred just before 5 p.m.

According to information released by the Polk County Sheriff’s Department, 19-year-old Jordan Ramis of Clear Lake was eastbound on Highway 8 driving a 2009 Chevy Impala when he began to lose control of his vehicle, and drifted in front of and then struck a westbound Honda CRV driven by Cheryl Woehl, 49 of Dresser.

Woehl’s vehicle came to rest in the ditch. Meanwhile Ramis’s Impala continued eastbound and struck another westbound vehicle, a Ford Focus driven by 37-year-old Crystal Dexter of Askow, Minn. who was also carrying a 13-year-old female passenger.

Highway 8 was shut down for several hours while crews cleared the scene.

All three drivers were wearing seatbelts. Woehl and Dexter were trans-

ported to the hospital by ambulance, Woehl with minor injuries and Dexter with a suspected more serious injury.

Ramis was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated and causing injury by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle.

Official charges are pending with the Polk County District Attorney’s office.

Polk County Arrest Reports Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017 Jennifer A. Michaelson, 36, Lindstrom, MN, was arrested on Dec. 21 for a Barron county warrant.

Jonathon J. Dean, 43, Clear Lake, was arrested on Dec. 22 for failure to appear.

Brandi R. Hawkins, 34, Luick, was arrested on Dec. 22 on a warrant for failure to appear.

Cynthia A. Forster, 46, Milltown, was arrested on Dec. 18 for (OMVWI) operating motor vehicle while intoxicated (1st), and PAC <.15.

Nickolas T. Bergum, 22, Wyoming, MN, was arrested on Dec. 19 for OWI (2nd) and possession of marijuana.

Denean M. Smith, 51, Centuria, was arrested on Dec. 24 for OWI (1st) and PAC 1st >.15.

Lucas S. Hanson, 19, Osceola, was arrested on Dec. 19 for possession of meth and drug paraphernalia and felony bail jumping.

Jesse R. Campbell, 33, Forest Lake, MN, was ar-

Amery Police Report 12/22/17-12/28/17 12/22/17, 01:48 a.m., Suspicious activity 12/22/17, 09:55 a.m., Animal control call 12/22/17, 11:28 a.m., Harassment complaint 12/22/17, 04:30 p.m., Vehicle lockout 12/22/17, 08:15 p.m., Assist citizen 12/23/17, 03:06 a.m., Theft report 12/23/17, 05:47 a.m., Suspicious activity 12/23/17, 11:08 a.m., Minor motor vehicle accident 12/23/17, 08:40 p.m., Assist citizen 12/24/17, 12:51 a.m., Disturbance 12/24/17, 01:55 a.m., Disturbance 12/24/17, 09:10 a.m., Suspicious activity 12/24/17, 09:44 a.m., Assist other agency 12/24/17, 07:25 p.m., Assist EMS 12/25/17, 03:48 p.m., Assist citizen 12/26/17, 01:08 a.m., Suspicious activity 12/26/17, 09:35 a.m., Assist citizen 12/26/17, 03:52 p.m., Animal control call 12/27/17, 02:35 a.m., Assist citizen 12/27/17, 04:43 a.m., Suspicious activity 12/27/17, 05:15 p.m., Assist other agency 12/27/17, 06:27 p.m., Assist citizen 12/28/17, 06:12 a.m., School alarm 12/28/17, 07:32 a.m., Suspicious activity 12/28/17, 07:49 a.m., Assist other agency 12/28/17, 10:41 a.m., Assist citizen 12/28/17, 12:16 p.m., Assist other agency 12/28/17, 12:59 p.m., Assist citizen 12/28/17, 02:32 p.m., Theft report 12/28/17, 09:51 p.m., Mental health call Arrests: SARAH CLEAR, (alias: Paula Ann Marie Caron, alias: Chrissy L. O’Leary), 35 of Turtle Lake. Obstructing an Officer; Possession of Cocaine; and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia TERRY JAY SLYVESTER 39 of Turtle Lake. Obstructing an Officer

rested on Dec. 19 for possession of marijuana (2nd), drug paraphernalia, child pornography and sexual exploitation of a child.

Elizabeth M. Vevang, 32, New Richmond, was arrested on Dec. 20 for disorderly conduct.

Johnnie M. Morris, 33, Amery, was arrested on Dec. 20 for disorderly conduct.

Devin L. Connor, 37, Osceola, was arrested on Dec. 21 for false imprisonment, battery, domestic and a probation hold.

Arianna R. Lein, 17, Centuria, was arrested on Dec. 22 for domestic battery and disorderly conduct.

Kyle E. Bos, 33, Hollandale, MN, was arrested on Dec. 22 for disorderly conduct.

Paul A. M. Caron, 35, Turtle Lake, was arrested on Dec. 23 for obstructing an officer, and possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia.

Terry J. Sylvester, 39, Turtle Lake, was arrested on Dec. 23 for obstructing an officer.

Tyler S. Merrill, 21, Balsam Lake, was arrested on Dec. 24 for misdemeanor bail jumping and disorderly conduct.

Savannah J. Sande, 22, St. Croix Falls, was arrested on Dec. 22 for misdemeanor theft, felony bail jumping x3 and misdemeanor bail jumping x3.

Shari L. Gimien, 26, Dresser, was arrested on Dec. 25 for resisting an officer and disorderly conduct.

Michael W. Kaul, 46, Balsam Lake, was arrested on Dec. 24 for battery (simple) and disorderly conduct.

These entries are based on information provided in a Probable Cause Report (facts reported by the officer at time of arrest). These alleged incidents are not a reflection of the information brought forth in a formal criminal complaint. As always, an arrested person is presumed innocent until convicted by a judge or jury.

Polk County Circuit Court Appearance date: Dec. 19, 2017 Savonne S. Bearheart, 19, Luck, speeding in 55 mph zone (20-24 mph), $225.70.

William M. Beeves, 42, Osceola, speeding in 55 mph zone (11-15 mph), $175.30.

Andrew J.M. Case-Allen, 31, Luck, dog at large, $263.50.

Gregg R. Goudy, 55, Woodbury, MN, speeding in 55 mph zone (11-15 mph), $175.30.

Tom P. Johnson, 43, Luck, operating while suspended, $200.50.

Joshua D. Lowery, 38, Cumberland, operating while suspended, $200.50.

Calvin A. Mcoullough, 42, Milltown, non-registration of vehicle – auto <10,000 lbs., $175.30; operating a

Polk County Marriage Licenses Joseph J. Clymer and Allana H.B. Anderson were issued a marriage license on Dec. 18, 2017.

Kodi S. Drinken and Amanda E. Drinkman were issued a marriage license on Dec. 21, 2017.

William D. Libansky and Vanessa M. Koprek were issued a marriage license on Dec. 21, 2017.

Cory W. Lehman and Margaret A. Strzelecki were issued a marriage license on Dec. 18, 2017.

motor vehicle without insurance, $200.50; operating while revoked (forfeiture 1st), $200.50.

Anthony C. Nelson, 25, Balsam Lake, operating while suspended, $200.50.

Jonathon D. Peper, 25, Milltown, operating without required lamps lighted, $162.70.

Jason A. Tacheny, 24, Grantsburg, operate without valid license (1st violation), $200.50; non-registration of vehicle – auto <10,000 lbs., $175.30.

Lucas T. Wood, 20, Balsam Lake, disorderly conduct with motor vehicle, $263.50.

Denise L. Zelinski, 25, Clayton, speeding in 55 mph zone (11-15 mph), $175.30; operating a motor vehicle without insurance, $200.50.

Amery Area Municipal Court Amery Area Municipal Court was held in Amery on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. The following cases were heard: City of Amery— Brandon W. Anderson, 24, Amery, license restriction violation – Class D or M, $124; operating while revoked (forfeiture), $124.

Kory D. Bourdaghs, 28, New Richmond, operate motor vehicle without insurance, $124.

Michael A. Denucci, 25, Clear Lake, operate motor vehicle without proof of insurance, $10.

Ronald J. Emerson, 64, Amery, barking dogs or crying cats, $92.50.

Jacob S. Hanacek, 30, Amery, operate motor vehicle without proof of insurance, $10.

Jessica L. Manderfeld, 36, Osceola, exceeding speed zones (1-10 mph), $98.80.

Brandon C. Paulson, 30, Amery, operate without valid license, $124.

Warren A. Sexson, 19, Mahtomedi, MN, exceeding speed zones (1-10 mph), $98.80.

Jenna L. Smith, 27, Amery, ride in vehicle without wearing seat belt, $10.

Melyssa K. Tromberg, 27, Clear Lake, fail to stop at stop sign, $98.80.

Village of Clear Lake— Amy L. Coulson, 39, Clear Lake, disorderly conduct, $250.

Jose A. Guinto Jr., 20, Cameron, exceeding speed zones (20-24 mph), $149.20.

YESTERDAY’S NEWS

JANUARY 2, 2018

AMERY FREE PRESS

www.theameryfreepress.com

105 Years Ago December 25, 1913

though it is believed to have started in the upper portion of the building – possibly near the chimney.

Housed in the building were the Cliff Paulson plumbing and heating shop, Nordley new and used furniture store and the Walter Monson Surge milker store. The Surge equipment was all that was saved.

The adjacent piano store removed its stock as the blaze threatened, but no damage was done. Pete’s paint and real estate office also escaped serious damage. A. N. Peterson, owner of the building, was working in the Surge milker store, unaware o the blaze until Orville Emerson, of the Clear Lake creamery, told him that the store was burning.

Near White Slavery As a result of a story told the police last night by Rose Chouinard, who said that for two weeks she had been prisoner in a room in Ninth street south, three men, Frank Zas, George Daras and Thomas Borndous were arrested and Captain Merrick said charges of a serious nature will be placed against them today.

Miss Chouinard, who is 21 years old, said that she left her home in Amery three weeks ago and came to Minneapolis to seek work. Unacquainted here, she said that while in a shoe shining parlor Frank Zas told her of a place where she could find cheap lodging and volunteered to take her to a lodging house in Ninth street south.

When shown a room in the house, Miss Chouinard says that Zas told her to make herself at home, that he would see to renting the room for her.

That night Zas brought several friends to the room, Miss Chouinard said, and when she told them to leave he threatened to injure her should she cry out or make a disturbance.

For two weeks following she was kept a prisoner, Miss Chouinard told the police.

Last Friday, Yesterday’s Miss ChouNews inard said, she made her Diane Stangl escape from the room and went to a hotel at 212 Fourth street south. She said that two men came to the hotel and upon being told by M. A. Young, proprietor of the hotel, that she was not there, they assaulted him. Mr. Young last night identified both Zas and Borndous as the men.

Miss Chouinard is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Chouinard of Range and well known here, having worked in Amery at various times, and her friends regret to hear of her unfortunate experience.

Elaborate Improvements Messers Burman & Dalberg have recently completed a thorough renovation of their hall and now have one of the finest show houses and dance halls in this locality. Among other improvements is a new ventilating system, two attractive coats of paint over the entire interior and a swell new sanitary drinking fountain.

100 Years Ago January 10, 1918 Board Corrects Teacher In the issue of the Free Press of Dec. 20th our teacher had an item stating that the school board would not allow holiday exercises in the schoolhouse.

This is entirely erroneous as all meetings for the good of the community will be allowed but the board of course reserves the right to all such meeting.

Deer Park in the Early Days The first white settler to come to the village was Otto Neitge, who built a cabin on the east side of what is now Deer Park in 1853. In 1858, Neitge built a “deer park” that was constructed by settling rows of 12 foot oak posts as close together as they could be placed in a 3-foot deep trench enclosing 160 acres of land. Along the outside of the fence, he built several jumping off places, where the deer could jump into the stockade. Once inside, they could not jump out. Mr. Neitge shot the deer and sold the meat to the small military post in St. Paul known as Fort Snelling.

In the early days, there was a general store, the State Bank of Deer Park, a feed mill, a meat market, a hardware store, a hotel, a restaurant and an opera house.

No dances or such like gatherings will be allowed.

Nels Waterman, Oscar Erickson and Lars Selvig – School Board

Thos. Jones Kills Lynx Thos. Jones of the town of Lincoln killed a large and beautifully developed lynx last Friday near the Geo. Armstrong farm. These animals are very scarce in Northern Wisconsin and the killing of one so near the thickly settled communities was a surprise.

The animal was the center of attraction here when Mr. Jones brought it to town.

90 Years Ago January 5, 1928 Do You Know 1. How many out of every 10,000 Americans are in colleges and universities?

2. Why do some soaps float?

3. How many glasses of water does the average normal adult drink each day?

4. What eight common vegetables are of American origin?

It’s This Way

1. 60 2. During the manufacturing process, air is blown into the soap forming tiny bubbles, which make the soap so light that it floats.

3. Six to eight.

4. Beans, corn, peppers, pumpkins, squash, tomato, potato, and sweet potato.

70 Years Ago January 1, 1948 Meanest Man Still at Large in Amery A candidate for the title of the meanest man is lurking in this community. His undisputed title was earned when he broke into the Ervin Nelson home on Christmas day and stole a sum of money and a set of books.

While the sum of money was not as large as it might have been, it still totaled some $50,

which is hard to lose any time.

The intruder molested the refrigerator and stole a book containing the year’s business for Ervin and the money. Nothing else was touched.

The prowl occurred between about 11 a.m. Christmas and 7:30 p.m. while the Nelsons enjoyed Christmas dinner at the Otis Olson home. Even this dark cloud has a silver lining for a good lead has been furnished as to the identity of the party and unless the money and book are returned, steps will be taken to apprehend him.

Warned to Watch for Check Men Businessmen should be careful these days whose checks they honor. Except for the alertness of the Union State Bank, one man could have secured $250 for a worthless check.

The man in question stopped into the bank with a check for $250 written on a New Richmond bank. When asked whether they could call the bank to find out if the funds were available, the man consented. By the time the phone call cleared and the fact that he had no funds on deposit at that bank determined, the man had disappeared.

65 Years Ago January 1, 1953 Five Youngsters Picked up by Police Five teenagers were picked up by Police Chief Burt Millermon about 2 p.m. last Wednesday on orders of the New Brighton police department after the youngsters ran away from their homes in that city.

Including two brothers 14 and 15, one girl, 13, and two sisters, 13 and 15, from three different families, the group was found in an abandoned log house on the Selvig homestead in Black Brook.

They offered no resistance to their being taken into custody

7

despite the warning issued by the New Brighton department that they had a gun with them.

The weapon turned out to be a .22 rifle they planned to use hunting around this area.

The two brothers were familiar with this area and had left a note for their parents telling them that they were coming this way when they left their homes Tuesday evening about 7 p.m. They rode the bus near their destination south of Amery.

Information leading to their whereabouts was derived from conversation with the bus driver who noted their appearance and departure. While the original group numbered six, only five were found by local police.

All the girls involved in the incident are on parole from the state of Minnesota.

Taken into custody early in the afternoon, the youngsters spent much of their Christmas Eve in the local city hall waiting the arrival of their parents.

All youngsters expressed disappointing home life and skipped “just for a lark.” They even were looking forward to spending their Christmas Eve here, hoping that their parents would not show up for they apparently were enjoying the hospitality of the local authorities.

60 Years Ago January 3, 1958 Fire Guts Clear Lake Store Damage in excess of $20,000 was the estimated loss in a main street Clear Lake building that housed three firms following a raging blaze Monday morning. Clear Lake volunteer firemen brought the fire under control as it threatened to destroy adjacent business buildings.

The Clear Lake Mercantile building, believed to be over 90 years old, burst into flame shortly after 10 a.m., Monday.

Origin of the blaze is unknown

55 Years Ago January 10, 1963 Youth Scrambles to Safety in Apple River Richard, eight-year-old son of Dr. and Mrs. Richard Schutte, narrowly missed becoming a thin ice casualty Monday afternoon. Thanks to his quick thinking, he survived with only a drenching to show for his experience.

Returning home from the first day of school after the holidays, Richard and two companions ventured onto the river near the Les Gullickson home, where Richard broke through the ice.

Scrambling and grabbing, he managed to pull himself up onto the ice as it first appeared to crumble away from him. His two companions, Jeff Paulson and Steve Haselhorst watched as he made it back to safe ice and shore.

Drenched to the bone, young Richard dashed for home, one upset young man. Just how deep it was, no one knows…

Richard reported that he couldn’t touch bottom when he was submerged up to his chin.

Super Valu Safe Nets Yeggs Little Ambitious burglars found little reward for their efforts when they chiseled the safe at Anderson’s Super Valu.

Using the “armstrong” method (hammer and chisel), the yeggs peeled the side of the safe sometime during the Sunday evening - Monday morning period. Debris was discovered by Oscar Anderson shortly after 7 a.m. Monday morning.

An undetermined sum of small change was taken from two cash drawers kept in the lower portion of the safe with no other losses reported. A steel compartment in the safe was still intact when the yeggs gave it up as a bad job.

Entry was made by wedging the front door. A light snow in the tracks indicated that the burglary probably occurred early during the evening.

After entering the front door and working on the back side of the safe, which stands in the window area of the store, the yeggs left via the back door, making their way southerly towards the Baptist church.

8 AMERY FREE PRESS

JANUARY 2, 1018 www.theameryfreepress.com

Locals left jobless amid Pharmasan/Neuroscience shutdown Owner faces deportation after exhausting all appeals

BY JESSICA DE LA CRUZ EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

A pre-Christmas shutdown at one local employer left many Osceola residents without a job this holiday season, all thanks to the legal troubles of the company’s owner, Gottfried Kellerman.

Kellerman laid off an unknown number of laboratory employees at Pharmasan Labs and Neuroscience, Inc. in mid-December, according to sources close to the company.

The German-born Kellerman pled guilty and was sentenced in March of 2017 to six-months home confineKellerman ment and five-years proba tion for criminal admissions that he and his companies intentionally skirted the oversight of Department of Health and Human Services programs. In an earlier separate suit, Kellerman and his wife Mieke agreed to pay $8.5 million in a federal lawsuit that alleged Medicare and Tricare billing fraud. But these recent findings are only the latest in a string of federal legal entanglements dating back to 1992.

In December’s shutdown, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a revocation of Pharmasan Labs’ compliance certificate effective December 26, 2017, one day after Christmas.

The reasons for the revocation were not included in the notice, but an open-records request was placed with the agency for more information.

The revocation stipulates that the company is required to cease all patient laboratory testing, regardless of whether or not the laboratory charges for the testing. It also prohibits the owner, listed as Kellerman’s wife Mieke, Director Bruce E. Hyde, & Dr. Gottfried Kellerman from owning, operating, or directing any laboratory for two years.

Under the conditions of Gottfried Kellerman’s probation from March, Kellerman was already prohibited from working at both Pharmasan and Neuroscience for the next five years. His six-month period of home confinement expired in October.

An individual with knowledge of company op-

erations confirmed that lab employees were sent home before Christmas, while some administrative staff remain. Prior to the shutdown the companies employed roughly 150 individuals, but it’s not clear how many were left jobless this December.

Another individual asserted that the Kellerman’s were in the process of selling the business, however, all calls to the company were referred to Kellerman’s lawyer, Henry Helgen III. Helgen refused to answer how many individuals were impacted by the layoff, or comment on the future of the business, or why the layoff occurred prior to Christmas, despite CMS’s implementation date of Dec. 26.

In calls to the company this spring, a spokesperson insisted that Kellerman remained in the

and he will be put in jail. Neudauer says that given his age and health, it would be in Kellerman’s own best interest to turn himself in.

“He has a deportation order dated Dec. of 2006, and as a federal law-enforcement agency we are bound to uphold that order,” said Neudauer. He’s run out of options at this point. He’ll be deported,

‘He’s run out of options at this point.

He’ll be deported, and he’s known this since 2011.’

Shawn Neudauer U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security Immigration and Custome Enforcement (ICE) country legally despite an active deportation order that had been in place since 2006 for his 1992 conviction of making false statements to the government and conspiracy to defraud the U.S. Government.

As an alien within the U.S., those convictions were enough to enact a Final Order of Removal for Kellerman.

From 2006 to 2011 Kellerman exhausted all possible appeals to the order, including his request for a Presidential pardon, which was not ignored, but instead flatly denied.

According the Shawn Neudauer, Public Affairs Officer from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with his six-month home confinement now complete, Kellerman’s deportation from the country is only a matter of time. ICE does not disclose when such judicial orders will be enforced, but Neudauer explains that failure to comply with the deportation order classifies Kellerman as a fugitive,

JESSICA DE LA CRUZ | AMERY FREE PRESS

The Kellermans’ businesses, NeuroScience and Pharmasan, are based in rural Farmington Township at the end of a private gravel road where the Kellermans also reside. Although no signs for either company are displayed, a no-trespassing sign is visible to the public.

and he’s known this since 2011.”

When asked whether or not Kellerman planned to surrender himself to immigration authorities, Kellerman’s lawyer, Henry Helgen III, called the question ‘nonsensical,’ insisting that he is fully in compliance with immigration authorities and the matter is wholly unrelated to company operations.

In regards to the employment status of roughly 150 employees, Helgen declined to offer much in the way of reassurance. “We do not discuss business dealings with the media,” he said. “However I can relate that preserving the company’s employee base is paramount to any structure going forward.”

Foxconn, explosion, budget, misconduct top statewide stories of 2017

BY TODD RICHMOND ASSOCIATED PRESS

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Foxconn’s arrival. A fatal explosion. A late state budget. Sexual misconduct in the Legislature.

Wisconsin saw another tumultuous year in 2017.

Here’s a look at the biggest stories in the state over the last 12 months: ——— WELCOME TO WISCONSIN, FOXCONN Gov. Scott Walker announced in July that Foxconn Technology Group was considering building a massive, $10 billion flat-screen plant in southeastern Wisconsin that could employ as many as 13,000 people. Republican lawmakers in September approved spending up to $3 billion to lure the Taiwanese electronics giant to the state. The legislation was the biggest incentive package ever from any state to a foreign company and was 10 times bigger than anything Wisconsin has extended to a business.

——— MILL BLAST Late in the evening of May 31, Didion Milling Company’s corn processing plant in Cambria exploded, killing five workers and injuring 12 more. Federal labor officials announced in November that an accumulation of highly combustible grain dust probably caused the explosion and slapped the company with 19 safety citations.

——— THE WISCONSIN BUDGET — BETTER LATE THAN NEVER Republican infighting over how to pay for road work delayed the 2017-19 state budget for more than two months. The spending plan was supposed to be

finished by July 1 but Walker didn’t sign it until Sept.

21. The budget pays for roads by authorizing $400 million in additional borrowing and delaying ongoing projects. It increased public school aid by nearly 6 percent, froze University of Wisconsin tuition and eliminated the state property tax.

——— (hash)MeToo IN WISCONSIN Two anonymous women accused Democratic state Rep. Josh Zepnick in December of kissing them without permission in 2011 and 2015. Lawmakers called for Zepnick to resign. He refused; Democrats rescinded his committee assignments and barred him from caucus meetings. Also in December, word broke that the state paid a former legislative aide $75,000 in 2015 to settle her claims that then-state Sen. Spencer Coggs sexually harassed her eight years ago. Coggs, who is now Milwaukee treasurer, has denied the allegations.

——— PRISON PROBLEMS A federal judge ruled in July that Wisconsin’s juvenile prison guards had to reduce their use of pepper spray, solitary confinement and restraints.

There were a series of violent episodes at the Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake prisons following the order. In October, an inmate punched teacher Pandora Lobacz and knocked her out. Later that month the prison was locked down after five prison workers ended up in the hospital following clashes with inmates.

——— SILVER AND GOLD Walker signed a bill in December lifting the state’s nearly 20-year moratorium on gold and silver mining. Conservationists warned lifting the prohibition would lead to devastating pollution. Republican legislators said mining could help northern Wisconsin’s

economy.

——— WALKER GOES FOR 3, AND FOES CROWD IN Touting Foxconn’s jobs promises and the elimination of the state property tax, Walker launched his bid for a third term. More than a dozen Democrats are running or considering a run against him, setting up a crowded partisan primary next summer.

——— SLENDER MAN RESOLVED Two teenage girls who attacked their classmate in a Waukesha County park in 2014 to please online horror character Slender Man pleaded guilty to attempted homicide charges. Anissa Weier entered her plea in August and was sentenced to 25 years in a mental hospital in December. Morgan Geyser entered her plea in October and will be sentenced in February. Prosecutors have asked that she spend at least 40 years in a mental hospital.

——— JOHN DOE RETURNS Republican Attorney General Brad Schimel released a report in December summarizing his investigation into the leak of documents from a secret John Doe investigation into whether Walker’s campaign illegally coordinated with outside groups. The state Supreme Court ended the investigation in 2015 without any charges being filed.

Schimel couldn’t determine who leaked the documents but blamed the now-defunct Government Accountability Board for not securing them. He recommended nine people be held in contempt for violating judicial secrecy orders. The state Senate’s Republican leaders then authorized Schimel to investigate former GAB employees.

JANUARY 2, 2018

AMERY FREE PRESS

9

Amery PD welcomes new part-time officer Eau Claire, WI – An internship at the Amery Police Department has turned into a position as a part-time patrol officer for Damien DeRosier.

DeRosier, a 2015 graduate of Somerset High School, was among 17 graduates of the Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) Law Enforcement Academy honored at a Dec. 20 ceremony in Eau Claire.

“I always wanted to serve the community and give back in some way – to protect and serve, as they say,” DeRosier said of his decision to pursue a law enforcement career.

Being a law enforcement officer in Wisconsin takes a great deal of training. The Academy graduates needed to complete 60 hours of college credits to qualify for admission. Many go through CVTC’s two-year Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement program, or through a university or other technical college.

DeRosier completed the Criminal Justice program at Wisconsin

Indianhead Technical College (WITC).

CVTC Associate Dean of Emergency Services Eric Anderson said the 720-hour academy instructs the recruits in six areas: policing in America, tactical skills, patrol procedures, legal context, relational skills and investigations. Anderson noted the Academy is unforgiving by state law.

A student who fails a test has one chance to retake it. A second failure means dismissal from the academy.

Completion of training at a Law Enforcement Academy is required to become certified as a law enforcement officer in Wisconsin. However, officers can start work with a department before completing the training.

While most graduates attend on their own, some, like DeRosier, are sponsored by departments that have already hired them.

At the Academy graduation ceremony, DeRosier won the Disciplined Driver award for his

proficiency in operating a squad car in different scenarios.

“I had an internship through WITC at the Amery Police Department, and they sponsored me to the Academy,” DeRosier said. “I was shadowing officers during the internship.”

So far, his impressions of Amery are positive.

“It’s a good community that seems very supportive of the police department. The department is like a family there.”

DeRosier will go through a field training program at the department in the coming weeks. He hopes to eventually become a full-time officer in Amery.

The guest speaker for the Academy graduation was David H. Perlman, an assistant attorney general with the Wisconsin Department of Justice, who congratulated the graduates on their achievement.

“You will be called upon to make quick and dramatic decisions,” Perlman said. “The academy

January is National Radon Action Month The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has designated January 2018 as National Radon Action Month. The purpose of the designation is to remind everyone of the serious danger that radon gas poses to us in our homes.

According to Brian Hobbs, Environmental Health Sanitarian, Polk County Health Department, it is estimated that radon causes about 21,000 deaths from lung cancer annually in the United States. About 2,900 of these deaths occur among people who have never smoked. The U.S. Surgeon General warns that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking and the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.

Radon is a natural radioactive gas that is released in rock, soil, and water from the natural decay of uranium.

One of the problems with radon is that it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless.

The only way to tell if you have radon gas in your home is to test for it with a test kit. About one in three homes tested in Polk, Burnett, Douglas and Washburn Counties have high radon levels. The recommended action level to fix your home is 4 Picocurie per liter (pCi/L). If your test result is at 2 pCi/L you should consider fixing your home.

So what is the risk of having radon in a home? At level 4 pCi/L, the radon one inhales is the same as smoking eight cigarettes per day or having 200 chest X-rays per year. One’s risk at 2 pCi/L is the same as smoking four cigarettes per day or having 100 chest X-rays per year.

As the radon number doubles so does one’s risk. So at 10 pCi/L the risk is like smoking more than a pack a day.

The Polk County Health Department urges residents to take action during this year’s National Radon Action Month by testing their homes for radon. During January, the Polk County Health Department, serving as the Radon Information Center (RIC) for Burnett, Douglas, Polk and Washburn Counties, is providing radon test kits at a reduced price of $5.00 ($7.00 by mail).

To obtain a radon test kit send your name and mailing address along with $7.00 to Polk County Health Dept., Attn: Patty, 100 Polk County Plaza, Ste. 180, Balsam Lake, WI 54810 You can also stop at the Polk County Health Department in Balsam Lake and pick up a kit for $5.00.

For more information call the Health Department at 715-485-8500 or visit our website at www.polkcountyhealthdept. org.

New Amery Police Officer Damin DeRosier right, is joined by Chief of Police Tom Marson prior to the CVTC Law Enforcement Academy graduation Dec. 20.

you finished was intense and demanding because what you are called upon to do is intense and demanding.”

With over 90 programs and both online and on-campus classes, Chippewa Valley Technical

College delivers superior, progressive technical education which improves the lives of students, meets the workforce needs of the region, and strengthens the community. CVTC programs are designed with input

of business and industry to prepare graduates for today’s jobs, with 94 percent employed within six months of graduation and associate degree graduates earning an average annual salary of $43,000.

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10 AMERY FREE PRESS

SPIRITUAL

JANUARY 2, 2018

www.theameryfreepress.com

AREA CHURCHES AMERY FREE LUTHERAN, 1 mile west of golf course on CTH F, Eric Christenson, pastor www.ameryflc.org Every Sunday: 9 a.m. Sunday School for ages 3-103; 10:15 a.m. Worship Service.

Many small group Bible Studies are held during the week.

Call the church office for details 715-268-9218 APPLE RIVER COMMUNITY, 942 Hwy. 8, Amery Justin Hosking, pastor Sunday: 9:30 a.m. Sunday school for all ages; 10:15 a.m.

Coffee and Fellowship; 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship.

Wednesday: 10 a.m. Men’s Bible Study; 530 p.m. Kids One-Way Club.

BALSAM LUTHERAN, 1115 Mains Crossing, Amery Wednesday, Jan. 3: 9 a.m. Bible Study.

Sunday, Jan. 7: 10:15 a.m. Holy Worship.

Tuesday, Jan. 9: 8:30 a.m. Quilting.

CENTERPOINT, 740 Maple Drive, St. Croix Falls (High school) Dick Enerson, pastor Sunday: 10-11:15 a.m. Worship celebration; Children’s church (SuperKidz) age 4-5th grade; Nursery (KidzKorner) birth-3 years.

Cell Groups (small group Bible studies) offered throughout the week.

CHURCH OF CHRIST, St. Croix Falls Jack Philips, evangelist Sunday: 9:30 a.m. Bible Study; 10:45 a.m. Worship.

Wednesday: 7 p.m. Bible Study and Devotions.

CLEAR LAKE UNITED METHODIST, John Hazen, pastor Sunday: 9:45 a.m. Worship.

Wednesday: 5:30 p.m. Meal for all; 6 p.m. Church school.

CONGREGATIONAL, 201 N. Harriman Ave., Amery Barry Schaefer, pastor Wednesday, Jan. 3: 3:30 p.m. Homework & Hangout; 5:45 p.m. Family Dinner; 6:30 p.m. WOW/Youth Service; 7 p.m.

Money Management.

Thursday, Jan. 4: 9:30 a.m. Local Communions; 9:30 a.m.

Senior Dining Hall opens; 5:30 p.m. Women’s Bible Study.

Friday, Jan. 5: 8:30 a.m. Distant Communions; 9:30 a.m.

Senior Dining.

Sunday, Jan. 7: 10 a.m. Worship Service/Communion/Installation of New Committee Members; 11:15 a.m. Diaconate Meeting; 11:15 a.m. Christian Education meeting; 11:15 a.m.

Trustee meeting.

Tuesday, Jan. 9: 6:30 a.m. Men’s Bible Study; 9:30 a.m.

Senior Dining Hall opens.

DEER PARK UNITED METHODIST, John Hazen, pastor Sunday: 8:30 a.m. Worship.

DERONDA LUTHERAN, 1239 65th Ave., Amery Lori Peper, pastor 715-268-9577 Wednesday, Jan. 3: 6 p.m. JAM (Jesus & Me) Fun Day at Trinity; 6 p.m. Confirmation at Trinity.

Thursday, Jan. 4: 9 a.m. Deronda Quilting.

Sunday, Jan. 7: 9:30 a.m. Deronda Worship.

Tuesday, Jan. 9: 7 p.m. Church Councils at Deronda.

See our website for up-to-date scheduling www.deronda church.net EAST BALSAM BAPTIST, 1816 108th St./CTH I, Balsam Lake, Gabriel Brennan, pastor www.eastbalsam.org 715-857-5411 Sunday: 9 a.m. Worship service; 10:30 a.m. Sunday school.

Tuesday: Women’s Ministry; 9 a.m. Bible Study.

EAST IMMANUEL LUTHERAN, south of Amery on Hwy. 46 then west on 20th Ave., Kathy Pennington, pastor Saturday, Jan. 6: 8 a.m. Men of East Immanuel.

Sunday, Jan. 7: 9:30 a.m. GIFT; 10:30 a.m. Worship.

EAST LINCOLN ALLIANCE, 735 70th Ave., Amery 715-268-2350 www.eastlincolnalliance.com Eric Danielson and Randy Schussman, pastors Sunday: 8:45 a.m. Prayer Meeting; 9 a.m. Coffee and Fellowship; 9:30 a.m. Worship service. Child Care and Discovery Land for children are provided during Worship service.

Small groups meet throughout the week. Contact the church office for further details.

Recharge for Middle and High School students, 6 p.m. every Wednesday.

EL SALEM BAPTIST/TWIN FALLS CHRISTIAN CENTER, Dresser, Darryl R. Olson, pastor Sunday 9:30 a.m. Sunday school; 10:35 a.m. Worship; 6 p.m. Sunday evening.

Wednesday: 7 p.m. Bible Study.

ELIM LUTHERAN, Range Sunday: 8:30 a.m. Worship.

Holy Communion 1st and 3rd Sundays.

FAITH LUTHERAN (ELCA), 301 1st Ave. East (across from public beach on Co. Rd. I)Balsam Lake, 715-4853800, Diane Norstad, pastor Sunday: 9:30 a.m. Sunday worship; Communion first and last Sunday.

Sunday school has changed to J.A.M. (Jesus & Me) Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m.

These weekly church messages are contributed by the following:

Resolve to Be Kinder This Year

E

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

—Ephesians 4:32 NIV

very new year inevitably brings with it the desire to improve our lives. Health and fitness centers and diet plans take advantage of this by offering deals this time of year, and one can only wonder how many people make it to February with their diet or exercise plan intact. While it is always good to turn over a new leaf and to improve our lives, I’d like to suggest that a better New Year’s resolution would be to resolve to treat people with more love and kindness.

This is not an easy thing to do. Family, friends and co-workers can all be difficult, and it can be especially hard to be kind to those who aren’t treating us well, but treating others kindly is often the only thing that will turn an angry person around, and even if it doesn’t soften the other’s wrath, you will have maintained your own composure by treating them kindly and won’t have anything to regret later. Resolve to be kinder and more civil this year. What the world needs is surely more love and kindness and this resolution, besides improving your own life, has a good chance to spread kindness and love to those who really need it.

– Christopher Simon

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FAITH LUTHERAN (ELCA), 134 Prentice St. S, Clayton Margaret Grant, pastor Sunday: 9 a.m. Sunday school; 9:45 a.m. Worship; 10:45 a.m. Fellowship.

Men’s Bible Study 2nd Sunday 6 p.m.

Mission Quilting Tuesdays 9 a.m.

FIRST LUTHERAN, 240 Elm St., Amery Tim Bjorge, pastor Wednesday, Jan. 3: 6 p.m. Men in Mission Dinner.

Thursday, Jan. 4: 8 a.m. Bible Study; 8:30 a.m. Quilters; 7 p.m. Al Anon.

Sunday, Jan. 7: 9 a.m. Worship; 10:15 a.m. Sunday School, Choir.

Tuesday, Jan. 9: 7:30 a.m. Women’s Bible Study; 8:30 a.m.

Property Committee; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. WIC Clinic; 6:30 p.m.

Worship committee.

FIRST LUTHERAN (LCMC), 811 South Ave. W, Clear Lake www.firstluthclearlake.com Bryan S. Anderson, pastor Wednesday, Jan. 3: 6:15 p.m. 7th and 8th Grade Confirmation; 7:30 p.m. 9th Grade Confirmation.

Jan. 5-6: Confirmation Retreat.

Saturday, Jan. 6: 7 a.m. Men’s Bible Study.

Sunday, Jan. 7: 8:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship with Communion; 9:30 a.m. Fellowship; 9:40 a.m. Sunday school; 10 a.m. Traditional worship with communion; 11 a.m.

Fellowship; 11 a.m. Centennial Committee meeting.

Monday, Jan. 8: 2 p.m. Evergreen Manor; 3 p.m. Service at Golden Age Manor.

Tuesday, Jan. 9: 9 a.m. Quilting; 9 a.m. Pastor at Clergy meeting.

FIRST PRESYTERIAN, 719 Nevada St., St. Croix Falls Barbara Anne Keely, pastor Sunday: 10:15 a.m. Coffee and Fellowship; 11 a.m. Worship.

FOREST UNITED METHODIST, John Hazen, pastor Sunday: 11 a.m. Worship.

FULL GOSPEL LIGHTHOUSE, Graytown Merlin Burton, pastor Sunday: 10:30 a.m. Sunday school; 11 a.m. Worship.

GEORGETOWN LUTHERAN-ELCA, 877 190th Ave. Co. Rd. G, Balsam Lake (Fox Creek) 715-857-5580 serving@georgetownlutheran.net Pastor Diane House Sunday: 9:15 a.m. Sunday school; 10:30 a.m. Worship; Communion 1st and 3rd Sunday.

GRACE LUTHERAN - WELS, 460 4th St., Clear Lake, Ellery W. Groth, pastor 715-491-4330 Sunday service 10:15 a.m.

Bible Class Thursday morning 10 a.m.

Ladies Aid 2nd Thursday of month 2:30 p.m.

HOLY TRINITY ORTHODOX, 511 1st St., Clayton, 715-948-2493 htoc@amerytel.net Chris Wojcik, pastor Sundays: 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy.

HOLY TRINITY UNITED METHODIST, 1606 165th Ave., Centuria, on CTH I between Balsam Lake and Centuria Freddie Kirk, pastor Sunday: 8:30 a.m. Worship.

IMMANUEL EV. LUTHERAN (LCMS), 124 E. Church St., Clayton ImmLCLCMS@centurytel.net 715-541-2955 Gregory Becker, pastor Sunday: 9 a.m. Divine Worship.

Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. Family Christian Education.

IMMANUEL LUTHERAN, 65th Ave., rural Clayton Margaret Grant, pastor Immanuel: 8:30 a.m. Worship.

JOURNEY CHURCH, 131 Broadway St., Amery 715-268-2223 www.journeychurch.city Sunday: Worship service 9-10:15 a.m.; SS for all ages from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Monday: 1:30-2:30 p.m. Moms in Prayer.

Wednesday night programs; free family dinner begins at 5:45 p.m.; Kids Club (ages pre K-5th grade) and DW Youth Group (grades 6th-12th) follow from 6:15-7:30 p.m.

Saturday: 7-8 a.m. Men’s Bible Study at the Journey Church Teen Center.

LITTLE FALLS LUTHERAN, 1272 44th Ave., Amery Lori Peper, pastor 715-268-9577 Wednesday, Jan. 3: 6 p.m. JAM (Jesus & Me) at Trinity; 6 p.m. Confirmation at Trinity.

Thursday, Jan. 4: 9 am. Little Falls Quilting.

Sunday, Jan. 7: 11 a.m. Little Falls Worship.

Tuesday, Jan. 9: 7 p.m. Church Councils at Deronda.

See our website for up-to-date scheduling www.little fallschurch.net LIVING WORD CHAPEL, Hwy 64 at Forest Randy Dean, pastor Sunday: 8:45-9:45 a.m. Sunday school; 10 am. Main service.

Wednesday: 7:30 pm. Adults and Teen Ministry.

SPIRITUAL

JANUARY 2, 2018

AMERY FREE PRESS

www.theameryfreepress.com

AREA CHURCHES CONTINUED . . .

MENNONITE CHURCH, 1681 6 1/2 St., Co. Hwy. P North, Almena, 715-357-3321 Sunday: 10 a.m. Sunday school, all ages; 10:45 a.m. Sunday worship service; 7:45 p.m. Sunday evening service.

MOE LUTHERAN (ELCA), 451 30th St., Clear Lake Sunday: 10 a.m. Fellowship; 11 a.m. Worship; Potluck lunch 2nd Sunday.

Men’s Bible Study 2nd Sunday 6 p.m.

Women’s Bible Study 2nd Thursday 1:30 p.m.

NEW LIFE COMMUNITY, Amery Craig Jorgenson, pastor Sunday: 10 a.m. Worship.

Tuesday: 6:30 p.m. Prayer.

Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. Youth; 7 p.m. Adult Bible.

OTTERCREEK CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP, Glenwood City Civic Center, Jason Taylor, pastor Sunday: 10:30 a.m. Worship; Children’s church, childcare provided.

Wednesday Night Prayer.

OUR LADY OF THE LAKES CATHOLIC, Balsam Lake Father Eugene Murphy, pastor Masses: Saturday 6 p.m., Sunday 8:30 a.m.

OUR SAVIOR’S LUTHERAN, 217 Deronda St., Amery Keith Ruehlow, pastor Wednesday, Jan. 3: 12 p.m. Table Talk Men; 5 p.m. Confirmation Cafe; 5:30 p.m. Confirmation Class 7 & 8; 6:15 p.m.

Evening Prayer; 6:30 p.m. Youth BRB; 7 p.m. Choir practice.

Thursday, Jan. 4: 8:30 a.m. Bible Study; 8:30 a.m. Life Line Screening.

Sunday, Jan. 7: 9 am. Worship with Holy Communion; 10:15 a.m. Sunday school.

Tuesday, Jan. 9: 1 p.m. Quilting; .

PRAIRIEVIEW COVENANT, 1396 210th Ave. (2 miles north of New Richmond on 65) Joe Sir, pastor www.prairieviewchurch.net Sunday: 9 a.m. Sunday school, nursery care; 10 a.m. Worship service, nursery care.

REDEEMER LUTHERAN, 600 S. Keller Ave., Amery Tom Hahn, pastor Wednesday, Jan. 3: 9:30 a.m. Ladies Aid; 1 p.m. Stewardship; 5:30 p.m. Confirmation.

Sunday, Jan. 7: 8:30 a.m. Lay Ministers; 9:30 a.m. Worship w/HC; 9:30 a.m. Sunday school; 10:30 a.m. Fellowship.

Monday, Jan. 8: 10 a.m. Ladies Bible Study.

Tuesday, Jan. 9: 6 p.m. Constutitonal bylaws; 7 p.m. Parish Planning.

REEVE EVANGELICAL FREE, Jct. Barron CTH K & A, Clear Lake, www.reevechurch.org Sunday: 9 am. Worship service; 10:15 a.m. Fellowship Time.

Wednesday nights: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Adult Bible Study and Prayer; Kids Club, Jr. & Sr. High Youth Group (Sept.-May).

A variety of small groups (AA, men’s & women’s) are also held throughout the week.

ST. BARNABAS EPISCOPAL, 365 5th St., Clear Lake, Rev. Geri E. Sola Sunday: 9:15 a.m. Sunday school; 10:15 a.m. Worship.

Holy Communion 1st and 3rd Sunday at 10:15 a.m.

Morning Prayer 2nd and 4th Sunday at 10:15 ST. CROIX UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP, 201 N. Adams, St. Croix Falls 715-483-1113 Sunday: 10 a.m. First, second and third Sunday, 715-5533386.

Call Bette at the Amery Free Press 715-268-8101 with corrections or additions to the church listings belmer@theameryfreepress.com CENTRAL AUTO & Towing, LLC

ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC, Clear Lake, Fr. John Long, pastor Mass: 8 a.m. Wednesday.

Mass: 8 a.m. Thursday.

Mass: 8:30 a.m. Sunday.

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC, 1050 Keller Ave. N, Amery Father Eugene Murphy 715-268-7717 www.stjosephamery.org Weekly Mass, Communion service schedule: Saturday 4 p.m. Mass.

Sunday 10:30 a.m. Mass.

Tuesday 9 a.m. Communion Service.

Wednesday 9 a.m. Mass.

Thursday: 1st, 2nd and 3rd Thursdays, Communion Service is held at local nursing homes.

Friday 9 a.m. Communion Service.

Special events: Wednesday, Jan. 3: Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, 6:45 p.m. Pivotal Players Video Series; Thursday, Jan. 4: 6:30 p.m. FF Committee meeting; Monday, Jan. 8: 12 p.m. Ladies Lunch at Village Pizzeria.

ST. JOHN LUTHERAN, Forest, John Wilman, pastor Thursday, Jan. 4: 1 p.m. Bible Study.

Sunday, Jan. 7: 8 a.m. Worship with Holy Communion; 9 a.m. Fellowship.

ST. PAUL LUTHERAN, Deer Park, John Wilman, pastor Sunday, Jan. 7: 9 a.m. Sunday school; 9 a.m. Fellowship; 9:30 a.m. Worship with Holy Communion; 10:30 a.m. Ladies meet; 10:30 a.m. Confirmation.

Monday, Jan. 8: Pastor visiting shut-ins.

Tuesday, Jan. 9: 6:30 p.m.Bible Study; Pastor visiting shut-ins.

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST, 76 20th Ave., Clear Lake John Redlich, pastor Saturday: 9:30 a.m. Bible Study; 11 a.m. Worship service; Head Elder David Scott 715-263-3367.

Mid-week service: Wednesday 7 p.m.

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS (Mormons), 644 S. 6th St., Barron Chapel 715-537-3679 Bishop Kenneth Konesky 715-7190283 Sunday: Sacrament 10 a.m.; Sunday School/Primary 11:20 a.m.; Priesthood/Relief Society 12:10 p.m.

TRINITY LUTHERAN of Garfield, 1578 85th Ave., Amery Lori Peper, pastor 715-268-9577 Sunday, Dec. 31: 9:30 a.m. Combined worship at Deronda.

See our website for up-to-date scheduling www.trinity lutheranchurchofamery.com UNITED COVENANT, 348 5th St. NW, Clear Lake Dan Pearson, pastor Wednesday, Jan. 3: 6 p.m. Worship Team 1 practice; 6 p.m. CREW. Thursday, Jan. 4: 9:30 a.m. Mission Stitchers at Ridgeview; 3:15 p.m. Good News Club Party at Clear Lake Elementary.

Sunday, Jan. 7: Communion Sunday; 8:45 a.m. Sunday school/Confirmation; 9:30 a.m. Worship Team 1; 10 a.m Worship Service; Annual Meeting information due.

Tuesday, Jan. 9: 8 a.m. Sweet Hour of Prayer.

UNITED METHODIST, GLENHILLS PARISH Marybeth Scow, pastor Emerald UMC: 8:30 a.m. Worship with Sunday school.

Glenwood City UMC: 9:45 a.m. Worship with Sunday school.

Downing UMC: 11 a.m. Worship with Sunday school.

WEST IMMANUEL LUTHERAN, ELCA, 447 180th St., Osceola, Rexford D. Brandt, pastor Wednesday, Dec. 27: 9 a.m. Men’s Work Group; No Confirmation.

Sunday, Dec. 31: 8 a.m. Worship; 9 a.m Coffee Hour; 10:30 a.m. Worship; No Sunday Spark.

WORD OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP, Clear Lake Patricia and Harlen Wienke, pastors Sunday: 10 a.m. Worship.

Tuesday: 9 a.m. Healing Rooms by appointment.

Wednesday: 7 p.m. Adult Bible Study.

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Lighthouse Center, Rice Lake, presents weekly entertainment Appearing at the Lighthouse Center, 315 S. Main St., Rice Lake on Saturday, January 6th from 7-9 p.m. will be Kayla Olson, originally from Washburn, now living locally. She will be sharing Christian folk music along with some songs she has written herself.

The Lighthouse Center is a place friends and family can have fellowship while listening to Christian music. Admission is free and snacks available for a donation.

Anyone interested in performing at the Lighthouse Center call 715-790-3665.

Christian Women’s Connection Jan. 15 Women of all ages are invited to “New Year – New Sparkle!” Luncheon on Monday, January 15 at 11:30 AM. The luncheon will be held at the Alliance Church of the Valley, 1259 State Road 35, St. Croix Falls, WI 54024. The cost is $12, payable at the door.

The special feature will be a Jewelry Exchange. You bring a piece of costume jewelry you don’t wear any more, place it on a table, then you select a different piece of jewelry brought by someone else. It’s a lot of fun. Key note speaker, Marilyn Wolkowski’s topic is “Strength in Weakness”. Music will be by Tami Vukonich.

You are encouraged to tell and invite a woman who likes jewelry, would like to make changes in their life or is newly retired before you make a reservation.

Reservations and cancellations are necessary. Please call Shirley at 715-755-2656 to make reservations by Wednesday noon January 10. First timers are welcome and expected. Start the New Year off by meeting a new friend. The once-a-month luncheons move to different sites in Minnesota and Wisconsin, so be sure to look for the article in this newspaper. This is not a club, but an occasion to meet other women at a luncheon, so come as often as your schedule allows.

For specific questions or considerations, Barb can be reached prior to the luncheon at 651-465-6635.

Bible Study on The Christmas Story & Early Life of Jesus with Pastor Paul Oman Dates: Wednesdays, Jan. 10, 17, 25, 31 & Feb. 7, 2018 Time: 9:15am - 10:30am Location: Anderson Hall Conference Room , Lake Wapogasset Lutheran Bible Camp, 738 Hickory Point Lane, Amery, WI, (Easy access, no steps) Join Pastor Paul Oman for this 5-week study in the context of the Middle East. We will look at the Birth of Jesus, Joseph, Mary, the Savior/Messiah, the visit of the Magi, the Vision of Isaiah, Herod’s Atrocities, Simeon and Anna, Jesus as a boy, the baptism of Jesus, the early teachings of Jesus in the Beatitudes, and look at what Jesus does with the concept of “blessing” in these teachings. You will gain insights otherwise overlooked in our Western culture, and better understand the meaning and message of Jesus as a result. Paul will incorporate his artistic abilities into this study. Everyone is welcome. No Bible experience necessary. Paul will not “put you on the spot” but will allow you to participate at your own comfort level. Bring a Bible, or one will be provided for you.

No cost. No registration. Just come and enjoy! The coffee pot will be on! Any questions, call Paul at 715790-2029.

12 AMERY FREE PRESS

SPIRITUAL

JANUARY 2, 2018

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Carlton “Carl” J. Cress

OBITUARIES

Ken Keppers

James E. Williams

Ken Keppers died December 19, 2017. After scans in July indicated cancer, he sought alternative health care. He died as he wished - at home.

Born November 15, 1952 in St. Paul to parents Ralph and Patricia (Billy) Keppers, Ken grew up in White Bear Lake and Shoreview, Minnesota, and he attended St. John’s and St. Odilia’s elementary schools and Totino-Grace High School. He graduated from Bemidji State University with a B.S. in art.

In 1976 Ken purchased land in Turtle Lake, Wisconsin. There he built a home, pottery studio, wood kiln, and garden. In 1990 he met Judith Gravel while folk dancing; they married in 1993. Ken and Judith went to Miharu, Japan through Rice Lake’s sister city program. Upon return home they added market gardening to their pottery business. Ken believed and practiced biodynamic, permaculture, and organic farming methods. He made Pottery from local clay, mixed his own glazes, and cut wood from his property to fire pots.

Ken had many interests and skills: pottery, farming, wood cutting, sawing lumber, construction, wood working, cooking, baking, blacksmithing, bee keeping, growing mushrooms, making maple syrup, draft horses, hand drumming, music, and folk dancing.

Ken leaves behind his parents Ralph and Pat Keppers; sisters, Debbie (Tony) Sanders, MaryLynn Riesch, Kathy (Pat) Kelly, Paula Gallagher, Anna Lund; his brother, Andy Keppers; several nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and his wife, Judith.

Ken’s wish was that memorials go to Cornucopia Institute of Cornucopia, Wisconsin. A service and celebration is being planned for spring.

Arrangements were entrusted to the WilliamsonWhite Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 222 Harriman Avenue North, Amery, Wisconsin 54001.

James Ellis Williams age 73, of Amery, Wisconsin passed away on Monday, December 25, 2017 at his home.

Jim was born on October 8, 1944 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to A. Clyde and Marianne (Johnston) Williams. Jim graduated from Amery High School.

On July 19, 1964 he married Carol Hardina and to this union 4 children were born. Jim enjoyed fishing and going camping with his family. In his free time after his retirement from the Polk County Highway Department he enjoyed volunteering at the Cumberland Senior Center preparing Meals on Wheels. After his retirement from Polk County he also worked at the Turkey Store and GDSI in Amery.

Willie as his grandkids called him is survived by his loving wife, Carol; a daughter Julie (Steve) Cross of Cornell, Wisconsin; 3 sons, Todd (Deb) Williams of New Richmond, Wisconsin, David (Kimberly) Williams of Amery, Wisconsin and Donn of Barron, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Jessica (Matt) Greene, Jennifer Edmond, Caleb and Joshua Williams; a great-grand child, Waylon; a brother Guy (Shari) Williams.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 4, 2018 at the First Lutheran Church in Clear Lake, Wisconsin with Pastor Bryan Anderson officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Williamson-White Funeral Home in Amery and for one hour prior to the service Thursday at the Church. Burial will take place following the service at the Mount Hope Cemetery in Turtle Lake, Wisconsin.

To sign an online guest book and view a video tribute please visit www.williamsonwhite.com Arrangements were entrusted to the WilliamsonWhite Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 222 Harriman Avenue North Amery, Wisconsin 54001.

Donald L. Cone Donald Leslie Cone age 67, of Amery, Wisconsin passed away on Saturday, December 23, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family.

Donald was born on November 11, 1950 in Keene, New Hampshire. He attended High School in Stillwater, Minnesota. After graduation he married Roxanne M. Harvieux on October 17, 1970 in Stillwater, Minnesota and to this union 3 children were born, Tina, Tim and Todd Cone.

Donald started his career in carpentry and went onto work at Windman manufactured and later went on to work for Andersen Windows where he retired after 28 years of service. Don always enjoyed old cars. He also enjoyed carpentry, working outside and spending time with his loving family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Lucille. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Roxanne Cone; a daughter, Tina Cone; 2 sons, Tim and Todd Cone; Grandchildren Brendon Schultz, Summer Schultz, Blake Cone, Gavin Cone, Dylan Cone and Gage Cone; a brother, Raymond Cone; sisters, Sandy Reichow and Terrie Redd.

Donald was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Funeral Services were on Friday, December 29, 2017 at the Williamson-White Funeral Home in Amery, Wisconsin. Visitation was Friday at the funeral. A private family burial will be held at later date.

To sign an online guest book and video tribute please visit www.williamsonwhite.com Arrangements were entrusted to the WilliamsonWhite Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 222 Harriman Avenue North Amery, Wisconsin 54001.

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Carlton “Carl” J. Cress, age 71 of Emerald, WI, died unexpectedly on Thursday, December 28, 2017 surrounded by his family, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, MN. Carlton “Carl” Joseph Cress was born on October 12, 1946, in Amery, WI, the son of James and Wilma (Humpal) Cress. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Catholic Church in Clear Lake, WI and graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1964. After graduation, he attended Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis, MN and went on to work at Minneapolis Sheet Metal Works for 30 years, retiring in 1997.

Carl was married to Dawn Tellijohn on September 30, 1972 at St. John’s Catholic Church and together they raised 3 children, Melanie, Michael, and Stephanie.

During his retirement, Carl worked as a handyman until the time of his death. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time at his cabin near Spooner. Carl was also active in snowmobiling and was president of the Forest Brush Beaters Snowmobile Club for 30+ years. He also loved trap shooting, where he and Dawn were members of the Amery Gun Club. Carl also served on the Forest town board for 24 years and on the Clear Lake Ambulance Board.

He was currently a member of the United Methodist Church in Clear Lake. Carl will be missed greatly by his family and many friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Wilma Cress; grandson, Levi John Cress; father-inlaw, Gordon Tellijohn; sisters-in-law, Danette Tellijohn and Venie Cress.

Survived by wife, Dawn Cress of Emerald; daughters and son, Melanie (Bryan) Kofal of Hammond, Michael (Jodi) Cress of Clear Lake and Stephanie (Arnold) Talatala of Maple Grove, MN; grandchildren, Tyler Cress, Addison Kofal, Torii Talatala, Carli Cress, Brynn Kofal and Cameron Talatala; brothers, James (Sandy) Cress of Emerald and Jerry Cress of Clear Lake; mother-in-law, Charlotte Tellijohn of Amery; aunt, Phyllis Humpal of Deer Park; many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Funeral Service at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at St. John the United Covenant Church in Clear Lake with Pastor John Hazen officiating. Music was provided by John and Sarah Bingea and Mark Anderson.

Visitation was on Monday, January 1, 2018 from 3 - 6 p.m. at the United Covenant Church in Clear Lake.

Casket Bearers were Jim Witthoft, Jim White, Brad Paulson, Mark Tellijohn, Jerry Steinberger, and Bill Cress with interment in the Cylon Cemetery, Cylon Township.

Scheuermann Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Clear Lake handled the arrangements. www.clearlakefuneralhome.com

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13

OBITUARIES

Derek D. Berrier Derek D. Berrier, age 23 of Clear Lake, WI, died suddenly and unexpectedly on Monday, December 25, 2017 at his home in Clear Lake.

Derek David Berrier was born on March 8, 1994 in Amery, WI the son of David and Denise (Lindner) Berrier. He grew up in Clear Lake, WI and graduated from Clear Lake High School in 2012.

Derek lettered in football and in wrestling and went to state for wrestling his senior year. He worked in construction for Olympic Company in the twin cities for the past few years.

In his spare time, Derek enjoyed hunting, fishing, music, bon fires, playing bean bags, and taking care of his dog. He especially loved spending time with his daughters Braelynn and Brooklynn. He will be sorely missed by his family and many friends.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Albert Lindner; great grandmother, Ruby Faye Green; and his dog, Shay.

Survived by daughters, Braelynn and Brooklynn Berrier and their mother Haley Tiberg of Clayton; parents, David and Denise Berrier of Trego; sisters and brothers, Stacy Wagner of Hudson, Sasha Rondeau (Chad Vandrin) of Clear Lake, Jenny Berrier (Jesse Holmers) of Waverly, MN, Kaleh (Justin) Sapp of Golden Valley, MN, Courtney (Matt) Scott of Trego, Benjamin Berrier-Anderson of Milwaukee, Cody Berrier of Eau Claire and Mitchell Berrier of Rice Lake; Grandparents, Deborah Berrier of Amery, Roseann Lindner of Amery and Dorwin Berrier of Madero Beach, FL; Great Grandparents, Bud and Carol Green of Clear Lake; aunt, Donna Berrier of St. Paul, MN; and his dog, Buddy; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, family and friends.

Memorial Service was on Saturday, December 30, 2017 at the Congregational Church in Amery with Rev. Barry Schaefer officiating.

Scheuermann Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements. www.clearlakefuneralhome.com

Wayne L. Larson

From the time he was a little boy, Derek had a special connection with nature. He loved playing in the mud and getting dirty, and during the summer, he Wayne L. Larson, age 87 of Clear Lake, WI died wanted to go fishing practically every day. One sumpeacefully on Thursday, December 28, 2017 at the mer, when Derek was 5 or 6, we filled up the kiddie Golden Age Manor Nursing Home in Amery, WI, pool in the backyard with close to 3 dozen sunnies. I where he had been a resident for the past four years. remember because Dad told us to stop fishing until Wayne Lloyd Larson was born on December 12, he had a chance to clean them all. He loved biking 1930, in Clear Lake, WI around town, playing with his friends and sisters, and the son Lloyd and Esther coming home after school to make two peanut butter (Emerson) Larson. He and jelly sandwiches with milk. The Berrier family grew up in Clear Lake probably makes the best PB and J’s ever thanks to and graduated from Clear having so much practice making them for Derek.

Lake High School in 1949.

He spent countless wonderful days with his family Wayne farmed with his swimming and enjoying the sun at Polk County Park dad and took care of his and Clear Lake Beach. Derek loved the water and mother who was in poor was always a great swimmer. Camping trips on the health.

Namekagon with Derek are memories we will hold On February 3, 1961, he forever in our hearts, and no one will ever match his married Marcia (Haim) bean bag skills.

Cogbill, and together they Derek was so giving with his love and was able to worked their own dairy farm in Clear Lake for many touch so many others with it in his short life. His years. During this time, they also owned and operatfriends and teammates from Clear Lake High School ed the Corner Bar and later purchased and operated will remember him as a dear friend who was always the Way-Mar Bar & Restaurant and bowling alley there for them. He was active at school, lettering in in Clear Lake. They later moved to Albert Lea, MN football and wrestling before graduating in 2012. His where they owned and operated The Half-Price store transformation from that chubby little boy to the for several years before returning to Clear Lake. handsome strong man we all knew made all of us so Wayne and Marcia continued to farm and operate proud. No matter what happened, Derek was always the restaurant and Downstairs Bar. When Marcia’s true to himself, keeping a tight bond with his family health started to fail, they moved to the Maple apartand never losing his smile or silly personality. He ments in Clear Lake where Wayne took care of Marworked hard at his job, where his energy and endless cia until the time of her death in 2003. pranks kept his coworkers laughing every day.

In his spare time, Wayne loved and was very skilled No one felt Derek’s love more than his girls. With at playing poker in the various casinos around the his big heart, he fell hard for Haley, and before long, area. they had two little princesses. Anybody knows it isn’t He will be sorely missed by his family and friends. easy being in your early twenties and trying to figure His family would like to thank the staff at Golden Age out your own life and relationship, much less when Manor for the wonderful care they provided to Wayne you’re raising two kids. But through all of the ups and while he lived there. downs, Derek was always there for his girls and was Wayne is preceded in death by his wife, Marcia; so proud of them. He loved being daddy and brushand his parents Lloyd and Esther Larson. ing their hair, cuddling and spending time with his Survived by step-sons, Pete (Brenda) Cogbill of babies. Braelynn and Brooklynn are Derek’s spitting Clear Lake and Terry (Susan) Cogbill of Hudson; images and he lives on through them.

Grandchildren, Andrea (Bryan) Cress of Glenwood Derek would drop anything to sit and talk with City, Shannon Cogbill of Amery, Krista (Bryan) someone who was struggling, and spent many late Rubendall of Amery, Cheryl Christensen of Amery, nights around the bonfire or on the phone with his Jeff Cogbill of Hudson, T.J. (Kandice) Cogbill of friends and family, talking about life and making Cottage Grove, MN; Great Grandchildren and Great, jokes. That’s what makes it so hard to say goodbye – Great Grandchildren. there are so many people who love Derek and would Funeral Service at the Scheuermann-Hammer Fuhave been there in a second to wrap into one of those neral Home in Clear Lake, on Wednesday, January 3, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 33, 2222 amazing bear hugs and talk to him. Derek’s spirit 2018 at $1.00 6 p.m. with Pastor Dan Pearson officiating.

VOL. 131 NO. 19 www.moraminn.com is carried on by his parents, daughters, sisters and Visitation is from 4-6 p.m. at the funeral home on brothers, grandparents, nieces and nephews, aunts Wednesday. and uncles, cousins, family and friends. He has taken Interment will be in the Clear Lake Cemetery. a piece of all of our hearts with him.

Scheuermann Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements. www.clearlakefuneralhome.com

KANABEC COUNTY

TIMES

Our dear sweet Derek David left this world on Christmas Eve. He was 23 years old.

Derek was the light in all of our lives, from the moment he was born – on March 8, 1994. We’d been waiting for you, Derek. After five girls, a boy. Daddy’s boy, he took his father’s name and carried the same big heart and way with words.

PGiftIONEER Idea!

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14 AMERY FREE PRESS

JANUARY 2, 2018 www.theameryfreepress.com

2017—Your year in pictures For better or worse, these are the moments and topics that dominated Amery Free Press headlines in 2017:

‘Dreams on tap: Amery Ale Works becomes labor of love for local entrepreneur’ —Feb. 1, 2017

‘11.5 million awarded in first of Christensen civil suits— Jail administration ruled ‘deliberately indifferent’ toward past sexual complaints’ —Feb. 6, 2017

‘Amery City squad target of weekend vandalism’ —May 1, 2017

‘WCCO visits the City of Lakes’ —Aug. 22, 2017

‘Act two for the Amery Theater’ —May 22, 2017

‘Motors on the Stower Seven Lakes State Trail?’ —ongoing

‘Warrior tennis earns first ever team state qualifier’ —Oct. 12, 2017

‘Amery mourns loss of beloved teacher and wrestling coach’ –Feb. 27, 2017

‘Green light for school refendum’ —ongoing

‘Clayton police chief arrested on sexual allegations’ —Sep. 8, 2017

‘State bound! Amery soccer earns first-ever Sectional Title’ —Nov. 1, 2017

‘Amery parts ways with City Administrator Darcy Long’ —Mar. 8, 2017

‘Former ALCO building tumbles to make way for Kwik Trip’ —Sep. 13, 2017

‘Clayton wins State Volleyball Title’ —Nov. 8, 2017

SPORTS AND OUTDOORS

JANUARY 2, 2018

AMERY FREE PRESS

www.theameryfreepress.com

15

Warrior hockey outlasts River Falls

BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Amery’s boys’ ice hockey program took a big step forward on Dec. 21 when it defeated the River Falls Wildcats, 4-3, in a game where the Warriors never trailed.

“This was a great win for our program,” said Amery Coach Tim Henningsgard.

Amery (5-5) struck first 4:13 into the game when Bauer Panek netted his first career goal off a Parker Griffin assist.

River Falls (2-7) responded with a goal of its own 11 minutes later to knot the score at 1-1 at the end of the first period.

The Warriors caught fire in the second period, scoring three unanswered goals. Grady Martin got things rolling by taking advantage of a Jackson Henningsgard assist during a power play at the 5:13 mark of the period. Martin then added another goal 2 1/2 minutes later off assists from Mac Smith and Jackson Henningsard.

PAM HUMPAL|AMERY FREE PRESS

Jackson Henningsgard (right) and Isaac Hanson keep the River Falls goalie on his toes.

Panek extended the lead to 4-1 just over nine minutes into the second period while Pake Brown tallied an assist.

“The second period was our best period in a few years,” Coach Hennings-

gard said. “We asked the boys to do a few different things throughout the week, and they executed them perfectly. ... I was so proud for Bauer Panek getting his first and second career goals

tonight. He has done an outstanding job since we

moved him into our third line center.”

River Falls attempted a comeback with a pair of third period goals by Jake Bergmanis, but was unable to overcome Amery’s huge second period.

Just three minor penalties were called in the game, and Amery was able to convert on its lone power play opportunity.

Although River Falls held a 39-17 advantage in shots on goal, Amery was clearly more efficient and received solid backup from goalkeeper Ethan Mork, who tallied 36 saves.

“Ethan Mork stood on his head in the last few minutes when you could see we were just trying to hang on,” Coach Henningsgard said. “When he plays like that, we will have a chance every night out.”

River Falls 1 0 2 - 3 Amery 1 3 0 - 4

Youth wrestling tournament in Clear Lake Jan. 20 The Clear Lake wrestling club is hosting a youth wrestling tournament Saturday, Jan. 20.

The tournament will be held at the Clear Lake High School and wrestlers will compete in five grade brackets: Pre-K-K, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 and 7-8.

The brackets will be four or five round robin brackets. Medals will be

given to individuals, trophies to teams.

Weigh-ins will begin a 7:30 a.m. and the tournament is estimated to begin at 10 a.m.

An entry fee and parent permission slip is required. For more information, contact Nikki Sunday, snsunday@ gmail.com.

They’re at it again The Legislature is trying to take away your right to know.

Under Assembly Bill 70, school boards, city councils, village boards and county boards would no longer be required to print a summary of their actions in your local newspaper and on the statewide public notice website, www.WisconsinPublicNotices.org.

The Assembly is scheduled to vote on AB70 on Jan. 16, 2018.

Call your state Representative now and tell them you want your local government’s business to remain in your local newspaper and on the statewide public notice website, www.WisconsinPublicNotices.org.

(Your newspaper’s logo here)

16 AMERY FREE PRESS

SPORTS

JANUARY 2, 2018

www.theameryfreepress.com

This week’s sports Amery Boys Basketball 1-2 @ Unity 1-5 vs. New Richmond 1-8 vs. Cumberland

Amery Girls Basketball 1-2 @ Boyceville 1-4 @ New Richmond 1-9 vs. Somerset

Amery Hockey 1-4 @ Somerset 1-6 vs. Tomah 1-9 @ Eau Claire Regis

Amery Wrestling 1-4 @ St. Croix Central 1-6 @ New Richmond Invite

Clayton Boys Basketball

1-5 vs. Northwood PAM HUMPAL|AMERY FREE PRESS

Front left to right. Fredrik Henningsgard (Pee Wee A), Bauer Panek (High School), Ethan Panek (Florida Everblades in Estero, Florida), Jackson Henningsgard (High School and also Squirt Assistant Coach), Simon Henningsgard (Bantam A). Middle row left to right. James Henningsgard (Mites), Wyatt Henningsgard (Squirt A), Owen Henningsgard (Mite four), Sam Panek (Mites), Sue Henningsgard (best Nama ever). Back row left to right. Grandpa Jim Henningsgard (aka Gaga), Erik Henningsgard (Mite Coach), Luke Panek (Bantam Coach), Tim Henningsgard (High School and Pee Wee A Coach), Scott Henningsgard (Squirt and Mite coach).

Hockey – it’s a family thing Jim and Sue Henningsgard have a hockey family. They currently have at least one grandchild play-

ing at every level in Amery hockey.

Members of the family are currently coaching at every level. The

Clayton Girls Basketball 1-5 vs. Northwood 1-9 @ Prairie Farm

Clear Lake Girls Basketball 1-2 vs. Bruce 1-5 vs. Glenwood City 1-9 vs. Cameron

Clear Lake Wrestling

family started in Amery hockey in 1984.

1-4 vs. Turtle Lake/Clayton 1-6 @ New Richmond Invite

YouthSquirt Hockey 12/28/17 Amery 1 Hudson Squirt B 9

Goal: Jackson Dzuik Assist: Ryan Shortess Saves: Carter Meyer 32

12/30/17 Amery 4 Spooner 4 Goals: Jackson Dzuik 2, Oscar Troff 1, Nolan Babcock 1 Assists: Ethan Koch 1, Jackson Dzuik 1 Saves: Carter Meyer 18

12/30/17 Amery 7 River Valley 1

NICOLE ANDERSON

Goals: Jackson Dzuik 4, Oscar Troff 3 Assists: Wyatt Henningsgard 1, Nolan Babcock 1 Saves: Carter Meyer 3

Ryan Anderson works for position.

12/31/17 Amery 6 Baldwin 0 Goals: Jackson Dzuik 2, Oscar Troff 2, Levi Tylee 1, Ethan Koch 1 Assists: Levi Tylee 1, Nolan Babcock 1, Oscar Troff 1, Jackson Dzuik 1, Brian Bantz 1 Saves: Carter Meyer 3

NICOLE ANDERSON

Noah Wieczorek (left) and Ryan Anderson each won their weight class at the tournament.

Clear Lake wrestlers place first at Northern Badger The Clear Lake Warrior Wrestling Team placed 1st in Division 3 at the Northern Badger 43 team Tournament held December 28th & 29th in River Falls.

Congrats to the seven Warrior wrestlers that

Pee Wee B 12/30/17 Amery 8 vs. Burnett/Siren 9 Goals: E. Greene, 3, M. Kelly 4, L. Babcock Assists: Viebrock 2, I. Hoffman, E. Greene, N. Martinson Saves: A. Mork, 37

placed!

Shane Larson - 12th Ryan Anderson - 1st Nick Elmer - 7th Nick Sempf - 6th Gabe Colbeth - 7th Noah Wieczorek - 1st Samuel Dusek - 9th

12/30/17 Amery 3 vs. Rice Lake 0

NICOLE ANDERSON

Noah Wieczorek headed for a takedown.

Goal: N. Martinson, E. Greene, M. Kelly Assist: L. Babcock Saves: A. Mork, 31

PUBLIC NOTICES LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

JANUARY 2, 2018

AMERY FREE PRESS

www.theameryfreepress.com

PUBLIC NOTICE

Electronic Ballot Tabulation

Under Wisconsin State Statute 5.84(1), public tests of the electronic ballot tabulation system will be held to ascertain that the equipment will correctly count the January 16, 2018 Special Election votes cast for all offices and on all measures. All tests are open to the public.

City of Amery - Thursday, Jan. 11 at 2 p.m.

City Municipal Council Room, 118 Center St. W, Amery Fran Duncanson, Clerk, 715-268-7486

Village of Clayton - Wednesday, Jan. 10 at 4 p.m.

Clayton Village Office, 111 Clayton Ave. W, Clayton Dave Fall, Clerk, 715-948-2460

Town of Apple River - Thursday, Jan. 11 at 3 p.m.

Town Hall, 612 US Highway 8 (Range), Amery Lisa Carlson, Clerk, 715-768-5002

Town of Beaver - Wednesday, Jan. 10 at 6 p.m.

Town Hall, 1541 Cty. Hwy. T, Turtle Lake Wendy Coleman, Clerk, 715-986-4725

Town of Black Brook - Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 8:30 a.m.

Town Hall, 99 75th St., Clear Lake Sally Pickard, Clerk, 715-268-2926

Town of Clayton - Tuesday, Jan. 9, at 6 p.m.

Town Hall, 462 105th Ave./Cty. Rd. D, Clayton Tracy LaBlanc, Clerk, 715-948-2036

Town of Garfield - Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 9 a.m.

Town Hall, 690 Minneapolis St., Wanderoos Sue Knutson, Clerk, 715-268-4414

Town of Lincoln - Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 10:30 a.m.

Town Hall, 661 85th St., Amery Stephanie Marciniak, Clerk, 715-268-4747

WNAXLP

Copies made and Faxes sent and received at the Amery Free Press DENTAL ARTS, S.C. Family Dentistry Members American Dental Association

Lake Wapogasset & Bear Trap Lake Sanitary District

MONTHLY MEETING

To be held January 8, 2018, at 7 p.m. at the District Office located at 777 South Shore Drive.

AGENDA 1. Monthly officers report 2. Old business 3. New business 4. Any other business that may be brought before the board.

Paul Elbing, Secretary WNAXLP

PUBLIC NOTICE Town of Clear Lake Plan Commission

The next public meeting of the Plan Commission will be held at the Town Hall on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at 7:00 PM. AGENDA: 1. Call meeting to order.

2. Approve last meeting’s minutes.

3. Stephen Monson Zoning request.

4. Update Comprehensive Plan.

5. Set future meeting date and agenda.

6. Adjourn.

Chairman Lawrence Thelen

REGULAR MEETING Town of Clear Lake

The Regular meeting of the Town of Clear Lake will be held at the Town Shop on Monday, January 8, 2018, at 7 p.m.

AGENDA: 1. Meeting called to order 2. Reading and approval of last meeting’s minutes 3. Treasurer’s Report 4. Chairman’s Report 5. Approve payment of monthly bills 6. Ordinance Commission Report 7. Old Business: 8. New Business: 9. Road Maintenance 10. Adjourned Janelle Johnson, Town Clerk

215 S. Keller Ave. 715-268-8101 www.theameryfreepress.com

AMERY FREE PRESS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The PLANNING COMMISSION of the Village of Clear Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin, having before it for consideration, a request for rezoning for the following parcels owned by AFP Advanced Food Products, 600 1st Avenue West, Clear Lake, WI: Parcel one – Lot 105 of the Assessor’s Plat of the Village of Clear Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin, now being part of Lot 2 of CSM #6749 recorded in Vol 30 Pg. 203. Rezone from R-2 Single Family Residential to I-1 Industrial.

Parcel two – Lots 1 & 2 of CSM #6584 recorded in Vol 30 Pg. 38. Rezoning from R-4 2 Family Residential to I-1 Industrial.

Parcel three – Lot 3, westerly 44 feet Lot 4, NE 18 feet of Lots 11 & 12 and the vacated alley adjacent to said lots in Block 4 of the original plat of the Village of Clear Lake. Rezoning from R-3 Single Family Residential to I-1 Industrial.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held before the Planning Commission on Thursday January 4, 2018, at 5:30 p.m. at the Clear Lake Municipal Building, 350 4th Avenue, Clear Lake, Wisconsin, where opportunity will be afforded to all interested parties to be heard. A detailed description of the rezoning request and property in question is available for public inspection at the office of the Village Clerk, 350 4th Avenue, Clear Lake, Wisconsin.

THEREFORE THE PLANNING COMMISSION will consider this rezoning request on Thursday January 4, 2018, at 5:30 p.m. at the Clear Lake Municipal Building, 350 4th Avenue, Clear Lake, Wisconsin.

Dated this December 21, 2017.

Albert L. Bannink Village Clerk - Treasurer Village of Clear Lake WNAXLP

BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

River Place Dental

FAMILY DENTISTRY Rollyn P. Lee, D.D.S. Heather Marks, D.D.S.

1030 River Place Drive, Amery Ph. 715-268-2103

Christopherson BYRNES LAW OFFICE Eye Clinic 123 Keller Ave. N, Amery, WI 54001 Certified Public Accountant Accounting • Tax • Retirement Services rd

433 3 Ave, Clear Lake, WI • (715) 263-4111 • www.OverbyFinancial.com

Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

341 Keller Ave. N Amery, Wis. 54001 Phone 715-268-2020

Whitley and Bergmanis FAMILY EYE Novitzke, Gust, Sempf, Attorneys-at-Law CLINIC DON PAUL NOVITZKE JASON W. WHITLEY Amery, WI 54001

We can fax your documents

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D. P. Doroff, D.D.S. J. J. Lampi, D.D.S. A. G. Ott, D.D.S. T. P. VanSomeren, D.D.S. 404 Wisconsin Ave. Amery, Wis. Phone 715-268-7177

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17

Dr. Daniel C. Satterlund 120 N. Keller Ave. Amery, WI 54001 Call 715-268-9010

(1937-2004)

GERALD N. GUST *ERIK M. BERGMANIS *TIMOTHY T. SEMPF 314 Keller Ave. N., Ste. 200, Amery, Wisconsin 54001 Phone 715-268-6130 *Licensed in Minnesota and Wisconsin

715-268-5000

Brian D. Byrnes

Richard A. Davis, CPA Randy A. Paulson, CPA Dirk A. Prindle, CPA Margo A. Rosen, CPA Roger Van Someren, CPA Abby L. Williamson, CPA Cathy A. Gille, CPA, MN 301 Keller Ave. S, Amery WI Business: (715) 268-7999 Fax (715) 268-4161 www.carlsonhighlandcpa.com

18 AMERY FREE PRESS

JANUARY 2, 2018 www.theameryfreepress.com

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF WISCONSIN, CIRCUIT COURT, POLK COUNTY NOTICE SETTING TIME TO HEAR APPLICATION AND DEADLINE FOR FILING CLAIMS (Informal Administration) Case No. 17 PR 89

STATE OF WISCONSIN, CIRCUIT COURT, POLK COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS (Informal Administration) Case No. 17 PR 88 In the Matter of the Estate of STANLEY E. JOHNSON DOD: October 23, 2017

In the Matter of the Estate of DOROTHY LORRAINE SCHMID PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: 1. An application for informal administration was filed.

2. The decedent, with date of birth January 12, 1940, and date of death November 6, 2017 was domiciled in Polk County, State of Wisconsin, with a mailing address of 1262 56th Street, Amery, WI 54001.

3. The application will be heard at the Polk County Courthouse, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, Room 500, before Jenell Anderson, Probate Registrar, on January 23, 2018 at 9:00 a.m.

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

4. The deadline for filing a claim against the decedent’s estate is March 30, 2018.

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

6. This publication is notice to any persons whose names or addresses are unknown.

The names or addresses of the following interested persons are not known or reasonably ascertainable: Kimberly Scott, Constance Schneider, or Snider, and Stephanie Haider.

If you require reasonable accommodations due to a disability to participate in the court process, please call 715485-9238 at least 10 working days prior to the scheduled court date.

Please notice that the court does not provide transportation.

Jenell L. Anderson Probate Registrar December 18, 2017 Brian B. Schmid 18131 Pilot Knob Road Farmington, MN 55024 651-500-0150 (Dec. 26, Jan. 2 & 9)

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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: 1. An application for informal administration was filed.

2. The decedent, with date of birth November 9, 1930, and date of death October 23, 2017, was domiciled in Polk County, State of Wisconsin, with a mailing address of 220 Scholl Court, Amery, WI 54001.

3. All interested persons waived notice.

4. The deadline for filing a claim against the decedent’s estate is March 30, 2018.

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

Jenell L. Anderson Probate Registrar December 20, 2017 Brian D. Byrnes Byrnes Law Office, LLC 123 Keller Avenue North Amery, WI 54001 715-268-5000 Bar Number 1032419 (Dec. 26, Jan. 2 & 9)

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J&S Heating & Cooling

Quality Service and Installation on Forced Air & AC units Gas piping FREE ESTIMATES

Jeff Young, Amery 715-529-1419 cell 715-948-2229 fax

Five hearings scheduled on proposed educator licensing rules MADISON — The Department of Public Instruction will conduct five hearings in January to accept public testimony on proposed changes to educator licensing rules (PI 34).

In addition to the hearings, a public comment period is open until Jan. 31 with written comments on the proposed permanent rules given the same consideration as public testimony. The hearing dates, times, and locations are as follows: •January 16, 4 to 6 p.m.

— St. Norbert College, Mulva Library, Room 101, 400 Third Street, De Pere; •January 17, 2:30 to 4 p.m. — DPI Headquarters, GEF 3, Room P41, 125 South Webster Street, Madison; •January 19, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. — Milwaukee Public Schools, Auditorium, 5225 West Vliet Street, Milwaukee; •January 25, 3 to 5 p.m.

— CESA 10, Conference Center, 725 West Park Avenue, Chippewa Falls; and •January 29, 4 to 6 p.m.

— University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Centennial Hall, 3212 Centennial Hall, La Crosse.

The proposed permanent rules will make changes in educator licensing to address teacher shortages and implement new statutory language as a result of the 2017-19 biennial budget (2017 Wisconsin Act 59). The proposed permanent rules: •Update, clarify, and make consistent the program approval process for both traditional and alternative route

programs. The new rules create a standard, streamlined approach to approving educator preparation programs, while ensuring these programs provide educators with high-quality, rigorous training. (Subchapters II-IV).

•Simplify the licensing process. The new rules create a tiered approach to educator licensing, which will allow educators to obtain a license fitting their unique training and experience.

(Subchapter V). Under this approach: —Tier I licenses are of limited duration and authorization, allowing school districts to meet short-term or specialized needs.

—Tier II licenses are provisional licenses that allow new educators, out-of-state license holders, and other highly qualified individuals to start the progression to a life license.

—Tier III licenses are life licenses for longterm educators.

—Tier IV licenses are optional master educator life licenses for educators who meet additional rigorous

requirements for quality and effectiveness.

•Consolidate subject areas. The new rules will provide districts more flexibility in staffing their schools by preparing and licensing educators to teach entire subject areas rather than just specialized subjects (e.g., science, social studies, music – Subchapter VI) • Add flexibility. The new rules allow highly qualified license holders to add license areas, giving them access to new opportunities and helping school districts fill high demand assignments. (Subchapter IX) • Make the educator misconduct process fairer and more efficient, effective, and transparent.

The new rules provide the DPI with additional tools to address educator misconduct, including license suspensions and reprimands. The new rules also add transparency by requiring the department to post final decisions in all misconduct cases, giving schools and parents additional information.

(Subchapter X) • Create clarity. The

new rules use standardized, simplified language and structure to make the rules clearer, more understandable, and shorter. As a result, the new rules are approximately two-thirds as long as the old rules.

Written comments may be submitted via the department’s form for submitting public comment, https://goo. gl/forms/DnTvOXf6LW3vMAVt2. Questions or additional testimony may be sent to Carl Bryan, Budget and Policy Analyst and Administrative Rules Coordinator, (608) 267-9127, adminrules@ dpi.wi.gov, 125 South Webster Street, P.O. Box 7841, Madison, WI 53707-7841. The proposed administrative rules and supporting documents are available for review on the department’s Proposed PI 34 Licensure Rules webpage, http://dpi.wi.gov/policy-budget/administrative-rules/pi-34, or the Wisconsin Legislature’s Clearinghouse Rules site, http://docs.legis. wisconsin.gov/code/ chr/all/cr_17_093.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING ABSENTEE VOTING TO BE ADMINISTERED

Absentee voting will be administered at the following facilities on the below listed dates and times: January 11th, 2018 9:30 a.m. at Riverbend 475 Golfview Lane January 11th, 2018 at 10:45 a.m. at Willow Ridge 400 Deronda Street January 11th, 2018 at 1:15 p.m.at Amery Memory Care 215 Birch Street January 11th, 2018 at 2:15 p.m. at Golden Age Manor 220 Scholl Court

Special Voting Deputies appointed by the City of Amery will be administering absentee voting for the residents of City Nursing homes and Community Based Residential Facilities on the above dates, times, and place. Should subsequent visits be necessary they shall be the following day. Any qualified elector who is unable or unwilling to appear at the polling place on Election Day may request to vote an absentee ballot. A qualified elector is any US citizen, who will be 18 years of age or older on Election Day, who has resided in the ward or municipality where he or she wishes to vote for at least ten (10) consecutive days before the election. The elector must also be registered in order to receive an absentee ballot.

Only observers from each of the two recognized political parties whose candidates for governor or president received the greatest number of votes in the municipality at the most recent general election may accompany the deputies to each facility where absentee voting will take place. The observers may observe the process of absentee ballot distribution in the common areas of the home, facility, or complex. Each party wishing to have an observer present shall submit the name of the observer to the City Clerk not later than the close of business on the last business day prior to the visit.

Family members of residents may be present at the time of voting.

If you have further questions, please contact: Frances Duncanson, Clerk City of Amery 118 Center St W Amery, WI 54001 715-­‐268-­‐3411 Fran.duncanson@amerywi.gov

WNAXLP

JANUARY 2, 2018

AMERY FREE PRESS

19

COOKING WORLD This pork chop meal includes the chops, potatoes, and Brussels Sprouts.

I hope all of you had a very Merry Christmas and your New Year ahead will be a happy and healthy Carolyn Lumsden one with lots of good things to eat along the way.

715-483-9738 Tidbit: Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. (Mark Twain) This Cornish hen recipe will be a good meal for your family or invite friends to share it with you.

ROASTED CORNISH HEN Put a 2# Cornish hen into a baking dish that is at least 2” deep.

Stuff hen with: 1 orange, thinly sliced 1 garlic clove, finely chopped 1/2 tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme 1/2 tsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary Combine and gently slide beneath the skin of the hen on both sides: 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 1/2 tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme 1/2 tsp. finely chopped rosemary 3/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper Bake at 375° for about 35-45 minutes or until hen reaches at least 160°. Remove from oven. Cover with foil for about 10-15 minutes. The hen will continue to cook and should reach 165°. (If you like your fowl to be more done, add roasting time for the desired results.) After the resting time, cut in half and then into quarters. Serves 2-4. If you’d like to bake two Cornish hens, double the ingredients and roast as above. Hint: Remember to cover it when resting so it won’t dry out.

It doesn’t have to be a holiday to enjoy candy.

This fudge recipe is easy and tastes delicious. It’s a great candy to share, too.

DELUXE FUDGE Grease bottom and sides of a 9x9” square baking pan with butter (or line with foil).

Heat together in saucepan, stirring constantly until melted and smooth: 2 c. mini marshmallows (or 16 large marshmallows, cut in half) 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk 1-1/2 pkgs. (12 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate chips (3 c.)

Stir in: 1 tsp. vanilla 1 c. chopped nuts 1/2 c. dried cherries (or chopped dried apricots or raisins) Immediately put into the prepared pan. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm. Cut into 1” squares. Hint: If using foil, peel off the foil before cutting into pieces so no pieces of foil are stuck to the candy.

Microwave until melted: 1/4 c. white baking chips Drizzle on top of the cut fudge.

Hints: You don’t have to drizzle with white baking chips, if you don’t want to.

If you’d prefer, instead of using a saucepan, you can microwave the chocolate chips, marshmallows and milk in an 8 c. microwave safe bowl. Melt and stir until all is smooth. Then continue the second step and continue until done.

PORK CHOP, POTATOES AND BRUSSELS SPROUT MEAL Spray a larger baking pan with sides with cooking spray.

Combine in small bowl: 1-1/2 tsp. chopped thyme 1-1/2 tsp. chopped rosemary Combine in another small bowl: 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. pepper Combine in a larger bowl: 1 lb. potatoes, smaller size or cut into smaller pieces 1 T. olive oil 2 tsp. thyme and rosemary combination Put into another bowl and toss to coat: 2 c. Brussels sprouts (fresh or frozen) 1 T. olive oil 1/2 tsp. of the garlic powder mixture Combine the remaining herbs and sprinkle onto both sides of the pork chops: 4 pork chops (about 3/4” thick) Put the pork chops onto the baking sheet.

Arrange the potatoes and Brussels sprouts around them. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes. Turn over chops and bake another 20 minutes or more until chops and vegetables are done. Serves 4.

This is a simple casserole to make and tasty to serve.

BBQ BEEF CASSEROLE Brown in 10” skillet, stirring occasionally: 2 pounds lean ground beef (turkey or venison) slat and pepper to taste 1/2 medium onion, chopped Cook until done, add, and combine: 1 jar (18 oz.) barbeque sauce 2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese (8 oz.)

Spoon mixture into a 2 quart rectangular baking dish.

Unroll and place sheet of dough over the beef mixture to cover, tucking in sides of dough: 1 can (8 oz.) refrigerated crescent dinner rolls Place the baking dish on a cookie sheet or sheet

of foil to keep oven clean if mixture bubbles over or spills.

Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until top is golden brown. Cool a bit before serving. Serves 6-8. Hint: Press any dough seams together before putting on top of the casserole.

This recipe converts the humble burger into a good-tasting Salisbury Steak.

SIMPLE AND EASY SALISBURY STEAK Combine in large bowl: 1 pound ground beef (turkey or venison) 1/2 c. finely chopped onion 3 T. plain bread crumbs 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. pepper Shape the above mixture into 4 patties.

In large skillet, cook over medium heat for 5 minutes on each side. Remove from the skillet drain and set aside the patties, reserving 1 T. drippings in the skillet.

In the skillet. with the drippings and over medium high heat, cook 5 minutes or until tender, stirring constantly: 1 pkg. (8 oz.) sliced fresh mushrooms 1 small onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings Add and stir: 1-1/4 c. beef broth 2 T. Worcestershire sauce Return the cooked patties to the skillet, bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Remove the patties from the skillet with a slotted spoon and put onto dish and keep warm.

Combine in small bowl or glass: 2 T. water 1 T. cornstarch Drizzle into the beef broth, stirring constantly.

Bring to a boil, and boil 1 minute, stirring constantly until thickened.

Spoon the beef gravy over the patties and serve.

Makes 4 patties. This recipe doubles easily to serve more people. Hint: You can serve this over cooked potatoes, rice or noodles for a tasty main dish.

Tip: To save time, prepare salad ingredients before you need them and refrigerate. Assemble and toss with dressing just before serving.

WEDNESDAY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

7 -

MONDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

3

4

5

6

10

11

12

13

Community Center: 8 am Coffee Club, 9 am Low Impact Aerobics, 10 am Alzheimers Support, 12:30 pm Bridge, 7 pm AA

January 3 - 13

SUNDAY

THURSDAY

Community Center: 8 am Coffee Club, 9 am Pool, 12:30 pm Hand & Foot, 7 p AA 6:30 p.m. Bingo at the Amery VFW 7 pm HS Hockey at Somerset 7 pm HS Wrestling at.

St. Croix Central 7:15 pm HS Girls Basketball at New Richmond

Community Center: 8 am Coffee Club, 9 am Low Impact Aerobics, 9 am Mah Jong, 6 pm Lee Elmer, 6:30 pm AA 7:15 pm HS Boys Basketball vs. New Richmond, here

9:30 am HS Wrestling at New Richmond 10 am Golden Age Manor Family Council in the Sun Porch 2 pm HS Hockey vs.

Tomah, here

TUESDAY

8

9

Community Center: 8 a.m. Coffee Club 7:15 pm HS Boys Basketball at Cumberland

Community Center: 8 am Coffee Club, 9 am Pool, 9:30 am Quilting, 1 pm Wii games 7 pm HS Hockey at Hobbs Ice Arena in Altoona vs. Eau Claire Regis 7:15 pm HS Girls Basketball vs. Somerset, here

Community Center: 8 am Coffee Club, 9 am Low Impact Aerobics, 10 am AA, 12:30 pm Bridge, 1 pm Cribbage, 7 pm AA

FREE! On-line version to all Amery Free Press Subscribers!

To subscribe just call 715-268-8101

Community Center: 8 am Coffee Club, 9 am Pool, 12:30 pm Hand & Foot, 7 p AA 8:15 am Amery Housing Authority monthly board meeting in the AHA office 6:30 pm Bingo at Amery VFW 7 pm HS Hockey vs.

New Richmond, here 7 pm HS Wrestling vs.

Somerset, here

Community Center: 9 am HS Wrestling 8 am Coffee Club, Invitational at Lady9 am Low Impact smith Aerobics, 6:30 pm AA 7:15 pm HS Boys Basketball vs. Osceola, here

SPONSORED BY:

Amery • 715-268-7161 Member FDIC

www.theameryfreepress.com Amery2.25x1.indd 1

For All Your Communications Needs 715-268-7101 3/10/15 11:31 AM

265 Griffin St. E, Amery Phone (715) 268-8000 www.amerymedicalcenter.org

20

AMERY FREE PRESS

JANUARY 2, 2018

For the Month of January, artZ Gallery presents: “Celebrating Hygge” “Hygge” is a Danish and Norwegian term which can be described as a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being. artZ Gallery Members and invited guest artists creatively express their interpretation of this feeling, each in their own individual artistic medium.

Guest artists will include: Marjorie Lindemann silk art; Barb Tanner jewelry; Edna Grotjahn Early jewelry; Amy Luesbrink photography; Naomi Salgodo oil painting; Barbara Erickson textile art; Teri Power mixed media; Carole Fure art quilts, Kristan Martin hooked wool, Patricia Hamm watercolors, and Nancy Viebrock mixed media.

Warm up and chill out as you experience the art and visit with the artists of artZ: painting of all mediums, photography, assemblage, pottery, glass, metalwork, jewelry, textiles, wood burning and woodworking.

Cozy up with handspun yarns, wraps, scarves, hats, mitts, and handwoven rugs. Enjoy the natural beauty of handcrafted wooden serving boards, reclaimed wood furniture, as you contemplate calming images of regional landscapes & wildlife.

December Memories What a richness I remember, before the harsh blast hit December, when Mama departed to Heaven's home.

Before that, in "Let's Pretend," we'd roam.

When on the landing, by lamplight, brothers shared stories, image bright.

Mama would say, "Sh, it's night; sleep awhile, now don't cause fright."

To Grandpa and Auntie's house we'd go; upstairs steps, "Careful, don't track snow."

Electric lights outdid our lamps' glow.

On their windowsill, blue lights would show.

Tall pine stumps dotted the pasture land, where forestry had reduced the stand, but, pillar-like, they land-marked the home, where Mama grew up neath sky's blue dome.

The shanty, in winter, only stored wood, where summer cooking and canning food, and laundry, Auntie did with care.

An electric washing machine stood there.

At Christmas, to Grandpa's and Auntie's place, her crippled body but shining face, embroider with yarn, hands too stiff for lace, arthritis, took deftness, but not her grace.

And, Grandpa, from wood containers, made, toy furniture, the pretend sword's blade.

From an apple box, a doll cradle built, and, Auntie, a lullaby would lilt.

December's greenery, gifts of love, bright yarn embroidered jersey glove, Grandpa's and Auntie's love would show, and, still, in my memory, dwells blue lights' glow.

Carol Morfitt Welch

Relax as you sip a hot beverage from a handmade pottery mug, as you sample Cincotta Family Farm Foods pickles, jams, salsas and sauces.

Explore the scents and comforts of Gypsy Moon Botanical Body Products and None of Your Beeswax

Balms, Auntie B’s Candles and Soapy Sisters’ Soap. artZ Gallery is an artist owned and operated gallery, with changing monthly exhibits featuring member and guest artists. Artists who are interested in exhibiting can pick up application information at: www.artzgallery.org artZ Gallery is located at 208 North Keller Ave. in Amery, Wisconsin. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 –5:00

Wizarding Academy returns to UW-BC Harry Potter fans in grades 4-9 are invited to a one-day Wizarding Academy: A Day at Hogsbreath at the University of Wisconsin-Barron County (UW-BC). Apprenticing wizards will be sorted into Houses, play muggle Quidditch, test their Harry Potter knowledge with trivia and quizzes, receive OWL post from favorite Harry Potter characters, and compete for the House Cup when they earn points by completing tasks that will test their wits, creativity, teamwork and skill.

Wizarding Academy is led by Holly Hassel, Ph.D., Professor of English at UW-Marathon County and co-author of the book Critical Companion to J.K. Rowling. Hassel developed and has been leading Wizarding Academy at UW-Marathon County since 2008. Co-leader is Troy Kozma, Ph.D., Professor of Philosophy at UW-Barron County.

Wizarding Academy: A Day at Hogsbreath will be held Monday, January 22 (a RLASD no-school day) from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The registration fee is $49 and includes lunch and snacks, t-shirt and wizarding supplies. Space is limited to the first 36 registrations, so early enrollment is encouraged.

For more information or to register, call Barb Ritzinger at 715-234-8176 Ext. 5503, email barbara. ritzinger@uwc.edu or visit http://ce.uwc.edu/barron.

This event is not sponsored by nor endorsed by J.K. Rowling, Scholastic or Warner Brothers.

AMERY COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Watch for the new Winter/Spring catalog coming in January!

SCHOOL OF ROCK at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis.

Broadway Tickets make great holiday gifts! This high-octane smash features 14 new songs from ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER, all the original songs from the movie and musical theater’s first-ever kids rock band playing their instruments live on stage. Seats on main floor sections 2, 3 & 4 in rows Z-BB. Sunday, Mar 11, 1 pm show. Fee $94 per ticket includes all fees, main floor seating and motor coach transportation. Drop-off and pick-up at the front doors to the theatre!! No need to search for and pay for parking. Register early QUILTER’S BUS TOUR to the Missouri Star Quilt Co. Meet-andgreet Jenny Doan, ‘the most famous quilter in the world,’ and visit the Missouri Star as well as a number of other amazing quilt shops. The trip will also include a Mark Twain Riverboat Dinner cruise in Hannibal, MO. Full trip details available through Community Ed. April 5-7; fee $295 includes motor coach, all activities, hotel and all meals except lunch on Thursday. Register soon.

Pickleball - Open Gym on Wed nights in the High School from 5:45-8 pm. No fee. Just show up. (closed Dec 27) Rumble Jumble Open Gym: Do you need a place for your toddlers and preschoolers to run, burn energy, and have fun? Bring them to the Intermediate School on Tuesdays from 11-11:45 am through March for “tire-them-out” fun!

No fee and no need to pre-register. Open when school is in session.

Basketball Open Gym for Youth and Families on Sundays in the Middle School gym from 1:30-3:30 p until March 11. Use north doors.

Bring your own BB. For boys and girls grades 4-12; younger welcome

with an adult. (closed Dec 24 & 31) Open Gym for Families sponsored by PowerUp for kids and families to bounce a ball, shoot some hoops, play catch or just run around and be active together.

Parents/Guardians must stay in the gym with the children. Sundays; Dec 17, Jan 7 & 21, Feb 4 & 18 and March 4 from 1:30-3:30 p in the Intermediate Gym. Use the doors facing the NORTH parking lot.

Peter Pan: Save the date for 81 local youth along with Prairie Fire Theatre for a performance of Peter Pan. Auditions for children in grades 3-8 on Monday, Jan 8 at 3:30 in the AHS Auditorium. Performances: Jan 12 at 7 pm and Jan 13 at 10:30 am.

Play and Learn Parent-Child Group is for children to interact with their parents and other children their age.

Parents are led by a Parent Educator to discuss parenting strategies, dilemmas, and everyday happenings with other parents in similar situations. 10 Mondays, Jan 8 - Mar 12 from 10-11:30 a.

Free. Registration opens Dec 18 and is required by calling 715-684-4440.

Do not register through Amery Community Ed. Playground is to help children improve their fundamental motor skills through group activities and parent participation.

It is hosted by youth soccer, but is not limited to soccer players. Skills will benefit all children.

Adult participation is required. For ages 3, 4, or 5 as of Jan 16 and their parents. Fee $35 per child includes 6 sessions and a T-shirt. Parent meeting Jan 9 at 6 p. Sessions on Tues, Jan 16-Feb 20 from 6-7 p.m. To register, visit www.ayso1236. org (click on “Register”) Questions? Click the “Playground” tab or call 715-268-6892.

Faxes sent and received at the Amery Free Press

JANUARY 2, 2018

AMERY FREE PRESS

AMERY AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY Storytime Join us for 30 minutes of interactive stories, songs, and more on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Each storytime is followed by engaging early learning activities at 10:30 a.m.

1,000 books before kindergarten and Baby book bees These ongoing early literacy initiatives encourage families to establish a strong foundation of reading in young children. Visit the library to sign up for the program that is right for your child.

Teen advisory board Open to 12-18 year olds, the Teen Advisory Board meets on the first Friday of each month, 3:30 p.m.—4:30 p.m., to plan events, talk about books and more.

Book discussion group The Friends of the Library Book Discussion Group meets on the third Monday of the month at 1:30 p.m. The title for January is A Man Called Ove

by Fredrik Backman.

Book sales

The Friends of the Library Book Sale is held on the first Saturday of the month, 9 a.m.—2 p.m., and on the Thursday evening prior to the Saturday sale, 4 p.m.—7 p.m.

Friends The Friends of the Amery Area Public Library Foundation meets on the third Monday of the month at 4:30 p.m.

Meetings are open to all members and to the public.

E-books, e-audiobooks and digital magazines Your MORE library card gives you access to the Overdrive collection of e-books, e-audiobooks, and streaming videos; the Freading collection of e-books; and the Flipster downloadable magazine collection.

Check out the website Check out the library website at www.amerylibrary.org, or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/amerylibrary.

Hours Library hours are Monday through Thursday 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

21

Wisconsin teams invited to play in Pacesetter basketball playoffs All Wisconsin youth basketball teams in grades 4-9 are invited to play in the Pacesetter Great Five-State Playoffs, sponsored by the Minnesota Lynx and Timberwolves and culminating with a championship on the main Target Center floor.

Over 1,000 boys and girls teams will be playing from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, No. Dakota, and So. Dakota.

Wisconsin teams will play off in a state championship tournament at Ripon College: Sunday, March 11, for girls in grades 4, 6, 8, and boys in grades 5, 7, 9, and Sunday, March 18, for girls in grades 5, 7, 9 and boys in grades 4, 6, and 8. All teams will play 3-4 games. The state tournament is limited to the first 16 teams to enter.

The Wisconsin state champion, and possibly the runner-up, at each level will be invited to Minneapolis to play at the Target Center in an 8-team championship.

Schools are not divided by class. Every player must attend the same school, or live or attend school in the same school district, city or tribal community. Teams from neighboring smaller schools may combine if the enrollment of the combined schools for grades 9-12 is 400 or fewer.

Further information and registration are available on the Pacesetter Sports website at www.pacesettersports.net, where Pacesetter will also be providing Wisconsin Basketball News highlights this season in a free monthly newsletter.

Pacesetter began in 1980 as a provider of summer basketball and volleyball camps and added basketball tournaments and basketball newsmagazines to the services it provides to hometown-based schools, coaches, players and fans in the 5-state area.

SELF HELP GROUPS Advance Directive Workshop. Who would make your healthcare decisions in the event you are unable to? How would this person know what decisions you would want made? Learn more about Advance Directives and how to complete them. Free Advance Directive Workshop will be held the first Wednesday of the month from 10-11 a.m. Wisconsin and Minnesota Advance Directives will be available. Call St. Croix Regional Medical Education Services at 715-483-0431 or 800-642-1336 ext. 2431 to register.

Alanon/Alateen (for family and friends of alcoholics) meets Thursday nights 7-8 p.m. at First Lutheran church, Amery. 715-268-8362.

Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Monday 7 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m., 7 p.m., Thursday 7 p.m., Friday 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m., Sunday 7 p.m. at Amery Community Center, 608 Harriman Ave. S. 715-781-4380 Jason.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Tuesdays 7 p.m. at Clear Lake Community Center, VFW Room 123. Richard 715-554-7277, Teresa 612-636-3244.

Alcoholics Anonymous meets Thursdays 10 a.m. at Parkview Methodist church, Turtle Lake. Contact Mike 715-986-2457.

Alzheimer’s Support Group. First Wednesday of the month 10 a.m. at Amery Senior Center. Last Tuesday of month 1 p.m. at Good Sam Nursing Home. Sharlene Bellefaille 715-635-6601.

Baby & Me. Weekly play and discussion hour for parents and their infants (birth to 12 months).

Wednesdays 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Amery Hospital & Clinic, BirthDay Suites Waiting Room. Join at any time.

No charge.

The Baby Bistro: Breastfeeding Support Group.

This free support group encourages, helps and supports women before, during and after breastfeeding. Led by a certified breastfeeding counselor, who is also a registered nurse and a mother of four, attendees learn from, share with, and support other mothers who are breastfeeding. Pregnant women who are considering breastfeeding are strongly encouraged to attend. Every Wednesday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Amery Hospital & Clinic, Boardroom, 2nd floor. No fee, no registration required, just stop by.

Breast Feeding Support Group. All nursing mothers and babies are invited to participate. Group meets the second Thursday of the month from 10-11:30 a.m. and the fourth Thursday of the month from 6:30-8 p.m. at St. Croix Regional Medical Center. An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant will facilitate the group. Call 715-483-0431 or 800-642-1336 ext. 2431.

No charge.

C.H.A.D.D. (Children with Attention Deficit Disorder). Parent support group meets the fourth Monday of each month at Firstar Bank board room, Cumberland, 7 p.m. For info. call Pat Skinner at 715-822-8422 and leave message.

Cancer, Grief & Depression Support Group. A support group to allow people to talk about their experiences with cancer, grief and depression as well as share mutual support to one another. Second Tuesday of every month at Amery Area Community Center at 1 p.m. You can join at any time and it is free and open to the public.

Caregiver Support Group meets the third Tuesday of every month from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Peace Lutheran Church in Dresser. Contact Barb at ADRC of NW WI at 877-485-2372 for more information.

Compassionate Friends, Tri- County Chapter meets the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. First Lutheran church, Clear Lake. This group offers support and understanding to families who are grieving the death of a child of any age, from any cause. For more information call 715-263-2739 Domestic Violence (DV) and Sexual Assault (SA) Support Groups and Services. Polk County - domestic violence (DV), sexual assault (SA) and the children’s group are every Monday (DV) and Tuesday (SA) beginning at 6 p.m. Call CRA to find out more info and for the location. Burnett County call CRA for info (the day and time will be changing). For more information call CRA 715-825-4414 or the 24 hour crisis line 1-800-261-7233. All groups and services are free of charge.

Early Stage Alzheimer Support Group. For the diagnosed person and their caregiver. Challenges in early-stage dementia will be discussed, along with therapeutic benefits of family involvement. Sponsored in part by the American Alzheimer’s Association. Meetings are free of charge and open to the public, held at the Amery Centennial Hall the first Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. Call 715-268-6605 to register.

Epilepsy Foundation of Western Wisconsin. Call 1-800-924-2105.

Family Child Care Professonals Network. Meets the third Thursday of each month. Contact Beth Neely at 715-483-1482 for more information. All family child care providers are welcome.

Farm Crisis. Information on financial, mental health, legal, job retraining resources. Call 1-800-942-2474.

Golden Age Manor Family Council meets the first Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. in the east wing sunporch. GAM is Polk County’s longest operating longterm healthcare facility. The Family Council’s goal is to enhance the lives of the residents beyond what the staff normally does.

Grief Share. Have you lost someone close? Grief Share is a Christian based, non-denominational seminar/support group program that will be meeting at Centennial Hall in Amery every Monday at 1 p.m. For information call Bruce 715-268-2176 or 715-268-8360.

Head Injury Support Group. Closed head injury, stroke, aneurism or traumatic brain injury which affects your daily living? Learn to cope with your disabilities, provide insight and camaraderie. Second Friday of each month 2-3:30 p.m. Frederic Public Library. Contact Julie Martin 715-327-4474.

Moms in Prayer International. •Two or more women who meet regularly to pray for their children, their schools, their teachers and administrators. •Mothers, grandmothers or anyone who is willing to pray for a specific child and school. •We meet at the Journey Church, 131 Broadway St., Amery, Mondays from 1:302:30 p.m. Contact Jen at 715-268-2223 with questions.

•New MIP for women with college aged children meets Tuesdays at 11 a.m. Contact Lanni Meagher 715-2685270.

MOPS and MOMsnext (Mothers of Preschoolers) is a group for moms and their kids. Every mom who is pregnant or has a childat home is welcome, accepted, and challenged to meet her potential.

Better moms make a better world! For more info go to clmops@hotmail.com.

NA meetings. There’s hope. Every Saturday 6 p.m. St. Croix Casino & Hotel, Turtle Lake. Room 121. Everyone welcome to attend. Info call Pat at 715-553-2859.

Overeaters Anonymous Group. Monday evening 5:30 p.m. at the St. Croix Alano Club across from the clinic on Adams Street in St. Croix Falls. Questions call 715-825-3416.

PEPTalk - P(arents)E(ncouraging)P(arents)... exists to encourage, support, and build up a community of homeschool families in Polk County, Wisconsin. We welcome all types of homeschooling families to check us out! PEPTalk activities happen throughout the month. For more information contact Jenn Dueholm, jenndueholm@yahoo.com or Wendy Dietrich, thedietrichs@amerytel.net. Like us on Facebook under PEPTalk.

Polk County Parent-To-Parent Coaliton, a network for parents of children from birth through adulthood who have disabilities or other special needs.

For more information about meetings and advocacy support, contact Lynne 715-472-2002.

PREGNANT. Need help? Our tests and help are free and confidential. 715-755-BABY (2229). Osceola Life Care Center.

Student Assistance Program is for students in the Amery school district who may be having personal or family problems. Strict confidentiality is followed except in cases of danger to self or others. Call 715-2680303 for middle school S.A.P. members or 715-2680214 for high school S.A.P. members.

TEENS—Talk before you run. Trained counselors will listen. 1-800-491-8336 or 715-235-8882.

TEENCARE. Where teens get help fast. 1-800-4918336.

TOPS Club meets Tuesdays 3:30-5 p.m. at the Balsam Lake Municipal Building (under the water tower), Balsam Lake. Contact Sheila 715-857-5892 or just come to a meeting. TOP’s mission is to support our members as they take off and keep off pounds sensibly.

Tutors: Free tutors are available to anyone who would like help studying for GED, English as a Second Language (ESL), or with basic skills in reading or math. Call 715-405-7323 to be matched with a local tutor.

Veteran’s Support Group. 1st Tuesday monthly 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Amery VFW, 130 Wisconsin Ave. Spouses/significant other also welcome and encouraged to attend. Contact Dan 715-768-0679, Amanda 715-429-0467 or Dianna 715-607-1898. Sponsored by Amery VFW Post 7929 and American Legion Post 169.

Weight Loss Club meets Thursdays 8-9 a.m. Our Savior’s Lutheran church, 217 Deronda St., Amery. Bonnie Timm 715-268-2980.

Western Wisconsin LYME Education and Support Group meets: fourth Thursday of the month (April through October) at 7 p.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran church, 217 Deronda St., Amery. (No meetings November through March). Meetings are free of charge and open to the public. For info call Ann 715-268-2856, Paula 715-268-2035, Bonnie 715-268-9557, Sue 715268-6687.

Women’s Spiritual Growth Group meets each Thursday from 7-8 p.m. at 931 Pine St., St. Croix Falls.

Yoga for Addiction Recovery group on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at Anderson Hall Chapel at the Wapogasset Lutheran Bible Camp. The class combines the somatic approach of yoga with the cognitive approach of the 12-steps. Y12SR is open to anyone and everyone dealing with their own addictive behavior or affected by the addictive behavior of others.

22

AMERY FREE PRESS

JANUARY 2, 2018

SCHOOL LUNCH MENUS

AMERY SCHOOLS Thursday, Jan. 4— Breakfast in all buildings: Waffle or Warrior sandwich or cereal & cheese stick, fruit choices, fruit juice.

Lien elementary lunch: Tater tot hotdish w/dinner roll, mixed vegetables, garden bar, fruit choices.

Intermediate & Middle school lunch: Tater tot hotdish w/dinner roll or Pork Carnita sandwich, mixed vegetables.

High school lunch: Tater tot hotdish w/dinner roll or Pork Carnita sandwich, mixed vegetables.

Friday, Jan. 5— Breakfast in all buildings: Ultimate breakfast round or yogurt parfait or cereal & graham, fruit choices, fruit juice.

Lien elementary lunch: Pizza, broccoli, garden bar, fruit choices.

Intermediate & Middle school

CLEAR LAKE SCHOOLS Thursday, Jan. 4— Elementary breakfast: Breakfast cereal and graham crackers or pancakes with syrup.

Elementary lunch: Turkey and gravy with biscuit or PB&J “uncrustable,” mashed potatoes, steamed corn, craisins, sliced apples.

High school breakfast: Entree options: Cereal, cheese omelet, oatmeal bar, cinnamon roll, cereal bar, yogurt parfait.

High school lunch: Turkey and gravy with biscuit or Peanut butter sandwich, mashed potatoes, steamed carrots, sliced pears, Craisins.

Friday, Jan. 5— Elementary breakfast: Breakfast cereal or cinnamon roll, scrambled eggs.

Elementary lunch: Stromboli or Calzone or “Goldfish Bowl,” spaghetti sauce, vegetables with dip, grapes, pudding cup.

lunch: Pizza or Fish sandwich, broccoli.

High school lunch: Pizza or Fish sandwich, broccoli.

Monday, Jan. 8— Breakfast in all buildings: Mini Cinnis or breakfast pizza or cereal & graham, fruit choices, fruit juice.

Lien elementary lunch: Warrior burger, sidewinders, baked beans, garden bar, fruit choices.

Intermediate & Middle school lunch: Warrior burger or Hot dog, sidewinders, baked beans.

High school lunch: Warrior burger or Hot dog, sidewinders, baked beans.

Tuesday, Jan. 9— Breakfast in all buildings: Bagel and cream cheese or Lumberjack or cereal & cheese stick, fruit choices, fruit juice.

Lien elementary lunch: Sweet & sour chicken, brown rice, steamed carrots, garden bar, fruit choices.

Intermediate & Middle school lunch: Mandarin chicken or Teriyaki chicken, brown rice, steamed carrots.

High school lunch: Mandarin chicken or Teriyaki chicken, brown rice, egg roll, steamed carrots.

Wednesday, Jan. 10— Breakfast in all buildings: Breakfast egg wrap or assorted bread or cereal & graham, fruit choices, fruit juice.

Lien elementary lunch: Chili w/crackers, broccoli/cauliflower blend, garden bar, fruit choices.

Intermediate & Middle school lunch: Chili w/crackers or Hot ham & cheese, broccoli/cauliflower blend.

High school lunch: Chili w/ crackers or Hot ham & cheese, broccoli/cauliflower blend.

High school breakfast: Entree options: Cereal, cheese stick, cereal bar, Pop Tart, yogurt, pancake sausage stick, banana bread.

High school lunch: Stromboli or garlic cheese french bread, garden salad bar, sliced peaches, sliced apples, pudding cup.

Monday, Jan. 8— Elementary breakfast: Breakfast cereal or oatmeal, chocolate chip “UBR”.

Elementary lunch: Cheese pizza or turkey & cheese wrap, garden salad bar, steamed corn, sliced apples.

High school breakfast: Entree options: Cereal, yogurt, “Gripz” graham crackers, donut holes, cereal bar, sausage links.

High school lunch: Cheese pizza or Club wrap, steamed corn, garden salad bar, pears, sliced apples.

Tuesday, Jan. 9— Elementary breakfast: Breakfast cereal or sausage pizza, graham crackers.

Elementary lunch: Hot dog on a bun or Meatball sandwich, tator

tots, baked beans, orange smiles.

High school breakfast: Entree options: Cereal, muffin, cheese stick, Pop Tart, bagel with jelly, ham & cheese sandwich.

High school lunch: Hot dog or Meatballs on a bun, tator tots, baked beans, applesauce, orange wedges.

Wednesday, Jan. 10— Elementary breakfast: Breakfast cereal and Nutri Grain bar or ham & cheese bagel.

Elementary lunch: Taco in a bag or Soft-shell taco, fixings, refried beans, mandarin oranges, Slushie fruit cup.

High school breakfast: Entree options: Cereal, “Gripz” graham crackers, yogurt, Pop Tart, sausage pizza, banana bread.

High school lunch: Tacos or ham & cheese sandwich, fixings, refried beans, pineapple, Clementines, sherbet.

Happy New Year, VOLUNTEER?

BY TAMMY BERG, INTERFAITH CAREGIVERS PROGRAM ASSISTANT

If you’ve ever thought about being a volunteer, now’s the time to take the plunge! Make volunteering for Interfaith Caregivers (or any other local non-profit) one of your New Year’s resolutions! We’d love to talk to you about all the ways that you can contribute to making Polk County a better place for seniors and disabled adults.

We’re always in need of drivers who will drive within Polk County. And sometimes we need drivers to drive a bit farther; to Stillwater or Maplewood.

But you only have to go as far as you are comfortable driving.

If you don’t want to drive people, you could make phone calls to lonely seniors every week. Or visit with them in their homes.

Maybe you want to help by shopping or running errands for someone who is homebound. Or help deliver food shelf or commodities boxes or library books.

We also need volunteers that will give a 24/7 caregiver a little break. You need to be okay sitting or visiting someone with dementia while their caregiver does errands or goes to an appointment.

If you don’t mind doing a little light housekeeping, we need volunteers who will help. Often the clients have condition that prevents them from bending or pushing. Sometimes the requests come from someone that has just returned home from the hospital or nursing home rehab.

If you feel passionate about helping seniors or adults with disabilities in Polk County, we can find something fulfilling for you to do.

A volunteer recently sent us a note that said “Thank you for allowing me to be (one) of your volunteers.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed each visit I have with these special people.”

She thanked us for ‘letting’ her volunteer! Wow! I hope that we always acknowledge how much we truly appreciate our volunteers! Without our volunteers we couldn’t offer any of our services.

For more about volunteer opportunities, call Tammy at 715-825-9500 now for a volunteer application or go to http://interfaithpolk.org/volunteers/ to download a volunteer application.

“Our 61st Year... Find Out Why”

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Mon-Fri 8:30 to 5:30 Saturday 8:30 to 4:00

Family Owned For 61 Years Main Street, Luck • 715-472-2487 Visit or website: www.jensenfurnitureluck.com

JANUARY 2, 2018

AMERY FREE PRESS

23

Tis’ the season…for heart attacks?

What you can do to keep your heart healthy this winter

We all get excited when we wake up to a fresh blanket of new snow on the Health ground. It is beautiMatters ful and seMargie Peterson, MD rene and then the Family Medicine reality of Physician, Amery shoveling snow sets Hospital & Clinic in. That’s where danger looms as winter is the most common season for heart attacks.

Americans are 30 percent more likely to have a heart attack during the winter months.

We probably all know at least one person who developed chest pain, or tightness, while shoveling who ended up having a heart attack. The heavy,

early snows are particularly dangerous as it takes more energy to lift and push that snow.

Even healthy individuals are at risk!

Working as a family medicine physician at Amery Hospital & Clinic and taking care of patients of all ages, I have seen this all too often. Older patients are particularly vulnerable, but younger patients who are more sedentary are also at increased risk.

The cold can cause a person’s blood pressure to rise and this can increase the risk for heart attack and even strokes. Exercising with caution and dressing for cold weather conditions is very important.

Cold and winter activities such as skating or skiing, as well as shoveling snow, can put additional strain on the heart.

By preparing yourself for winter in advance, your body will be ready for that first day

of shoveling cold, wet snow.

Regular aerobic exercise for 30 minutes a day, five days a week will help prepare you for winter activities.

Here are some additional tips to help protect your heart during the winter months.

•Ease in to exercising. Even if you’re in shape, start exercising slowly in the winter. The cold means the heart has to work harder to keep the body warm, so don’t expect the same level of performance as other seasons. Allow time for your body to adjust to operating in the cold.

•Dress in layers. If you go outdoors, make sure you dress for the weather and the activity you are doing. Dressing in layers allows you to remove layers as you increase your level of activity.

•Take water breaks. Take frequent breaks when you are exercising, and make sure that

ARNELL MEMORIAL HUMANE SOCIETY With 2017 on its way out, why not start the new year with a new feline friend. Curl up on the couch with a lap warming kitty to help with the long winter cold snap. Ms. Ellie has been at our shelter for three months. She is ready to start her forever home life with the New Year.

Ellie started her stay at Arnell with kittens. That delayed her adoptability for a month. Ellie has a soft and silky short Black coat with amber eyes. She is playful and loving. As a stray, she was okay with a Golden Retriever and is friendly with other cats at our shelter. This lovely gal will fit in with most any household. She is easy going and happy to be included in your day. One bat of those large round eyes and you will be hooked.

Ms. Sylvia has been waiting for her new home for three and a half months.

She is a gorgeous beauty with a long Tabby and White coat and Bette Davis eyes. Her eye liner is always perfect.

Sylvia enjoys the finer things and quiet time. She is quirky and curious.

Pearl has a Calico coat with white mittens and belly and large green eyes.

Quite the combination. Pearl loves to curl up in your lap; she is friendly with everyone. Twinkle has that extra something. She has a Brown Tabby

coat with auburn highlights. She is good with dogs and cats. A happy cat, Twinkle will chase the mice away and settle in for a long winter nap.

Sam and Russ are four month old brothers. Sam is Orange Tabby and White; Russ is Orange with White mittens and bib. They are both cute as can be with soft bunny fur and purring motors to fill the room. They have fat round cheeks. Their brother Marble is equal parts Black and White. Marble is also soft and has a gentle, quiet nature.

He likes to be held, rewarding with a purr of pleasure.

If you have small dogs you want entertained, Monica is your gal. She lived with two Dachshunds in her previous home and had them running in circles.

Monica can stir up a party but also likes to watch the entertainment. She has a Classic Tuxedo coat, Black with White mittens and tuxedo bib. Monica’s counterpart is Elijah. He is also Black and White but carries a decidedly mellow demeanor. Elijah promises to be a large, fat cat. At two years of age, he is handsome as he saunters across the room, always at a respectable pace.

None of these cat companions will require a walk outdoors to relieve themselves. Set them up with a clean litter box and you are golden. Enjoy the winter with a new friend, indoors. All of the cats at Arnell are anxious to meet you. Adopting one is great. Adopting two at the same time is perfect timing.

Happy New Year to everyone. It has been an eventful year at Arnell; so many happy rescues and adoptions.

Whether they are lost pets being reclaimed by their worried owner or an adopter offering a new life, it is always a reward to watch them go home.

Here’s to 2018, bringing you many more Happy Tails from Arnell Memorial Humane Society. 715 268-7387 (PETS) and online: ARNELLHUMANE.ORG and Facebook

you are staying hydrated. Dehydration makes it harder for the body to stay warm, which also makes it easier for blood to clot.

•Stay active. Don’t let the cold prevent you from exercising.

Exercise is an important part of heart health.

Lookout for warning signs It’s also important to watch for warning symptoms of cardiovascular problems, including chest discomfort or unusual shortness of breath.

The chest discomfort, called angina, is often described by the patients as central chest pain, heaviness, burning or heartburn which may radiate to the neck, left or both arms, back of the chest or upper central stomach area. It may be associated with shortness of breath, sweating or feeling

sick.

Remember, heart attack symptoms are different for everyone. Typical heart attack symptoms include: •Squeezing, heavy chest pain •Pain in the left shoulder, left arm or jaw •Shortness of breath •Sweating, clammy skin •Nausea •Weakness •Loss of consciousness •Anxiety, especially feeling panic without reason The key thing to remember is that if you think something is wrong, get help immediately!

Talk with your doctor or provider about your heart health.

If you don’t have a doctor or provider, make an appointment with one of Amery Hospital & Clinic’s providers on our care team.

Musical opportunities at UW-Barron County Three different musical ensembles will gather and rehearse during the spring semester at the University of Wisconsin-Barron County in Rice Lake giving adult, college-level and advanced high school instrumentalists and vocalists the opportunity to develop and share their talents.

The Communiversity Symphonic Band will hold its first rehearsal of the spring semester on January 23. Band members from the community and university will rehearse on Tuesdays from 7-9 p.m. in preparation for their spring concert scheduled for April 3.

Director Mike Joosten has a bachelor’s degree from UW-La Crosse and master’s degree from Southern Oregon University. He has retired from teaching instrumental music in the Cameron School District, where he directed the high school and

middle school concert bands, marching band, and jazz ensembles.

Joosten has been directing the Communiversity Symphonic Band since 2001.

Area vocalists are invited to join the Red Cedar Choir, which will begin rehearsals on January 25. The choir will rehearse Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. in preparation for their spring concert.

The Red Cedar Choir is a partnership with the UW-BC Music Department and vocalists from throughout the region. It is open to all community members, high school age and older. An audition may be required for new members. The choir is under the direction of Beth Joosten, Assistant Director of Choral Activities at UW-Eau Claire. Joosten has been the director of the Red Cedar Choir since 2012.

Brass instrumentalists and percussionists are invited to join the

Northwinds British Brass Band. Instrumentation includes cornet, French horn, flugel horn, trombone, baritone, euphonium, tuba and percussion. This ensemble will practice on Sundays from 6-8 p.m. beginning on February 11. An audition may be required for new members.

Brass band director Anastasia Traicoff is a graduate of UW-Eau Claire with degrees in instrumental and choral education; she currently teaches at Cameron Elementary and UW-BC. All music ensembles will rehearse in the music room of the Fine Arts building at UW-BC, 1800 College Dr, Rice Lake. Cost to participate in each ensemble is $10 per semester. Pre-registration is encouraged at https://ce.uwc.edu/ barron or contact Barb Ritzinger at 715-234-8176 Ext. 5503. Registrations will also be accepted at rehearsals.

24

AMERY FREE PRESS

JANUARY 2, 2018

Time to sign up for “Meet Your Amery Business” page and Amery Spring Show Happy New Year!

Hopefully everyone had a great long weekend, and a good start to 2018!

I’m sure today (Tuesday) was pretty rough for many households the kids start back Pounding as to school, and everythe one tries to figure out day it really is.

Pavement what Did you make any Pam Humpal resolutions for the new year? Some years I have made resolutions but then they have been lost along the way, so I don’t even bother.

Good Luck to you as you work on your resolutions!

The Full Moon was so beautiful and bright the last couple of nights, but the clear skies made it that much colder.

We can definitely say that we are having Winter. Let’s hope the forecast is right and we will feel some relief in the bitter temperatures.

With the start of a new year, it also means it is time for Amery businesses to sign up to be featured on our special “Meet Your Amery Business” page. The page will run about 20-26 times during the year, with each participating business having an ad around the page with their information. Each business will be featured during the year with a picture and story. Amery businesses interested on signing up for the “Meet Your Amery Business” page, or has any questions about the promotion, please let me know today at 715-268-8101. The first page of the new year is planned to run on January 23.

The 15th Annual Amery Spring Show sponsored by the Amery Free Press is set for Saturday, April 7. The annual event is held at the Amery Ice Arena

from 9am to 4pm. Area businesses will be on hand with information on home, garden and recreation. For more details on registering your business for the Amery Spring Show please give me a call at 715-268-8101 or email phumpal@ theameryfreepress.com.

Happy Birthday to my brother, John, on January 9…enjoy your day!

Also, Happy Birthday wishes to my amazing mother-inlaw, Phyllis, on January 6. She will be 96 years young, and has even been called the “Energizer Bunny”. Have a wonderful birthday!

This past Sunday in church, we were treated to a very special Choir Cantata.

The choir finished up the service with the song “The Light of Christmas”. It has a wonderful message for all of us to live by not only at Christmas time but throughout the whole year…

“When the light from the last Christmas candle grows dim, when the last Christmas bell has been rung, when the darkness of night brings a cold winter chill, when the last Christmas carol has been sung, keep the light of Christmas a-glow, sharing hope and goodwill as you go, spreading peace on earth in all that you do, let the light of Christmas shine in you.”

Individual Piano Lessons available at UW-Barron County Individual piano lessons are available through the University of Wisconsin-Barron County (UW-BC) Continuing Education beginning Thursday, January 18. All ages, from pre-schoolers through retirees, and all ability levels are welcome to schedule a weekly Thursday time slot from 2:30 – 6:30 p.m. for personal instruction on music theory, ear training, technique and performance. The fee for eight 30-minute lessons is $139 plus the cost of the appropriate lesson book, which may be purchased from the instructor at the first lesson.

Piano instructor Cathy Jacobs is a certified Kindermusik instructor and gained licensing as a Community Expert from the Minnesota Department of Education to teach music classes. Jacobs currently teaches classes and piano lessons for the Spooner School District.

Lessons are held on the UW-BC campus at 1800 College Dr, Rice Lake. Preregistration is required and time slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information or to register, call Barb Ritzinger at 715-234-8176 Ext. 5503, email barbara. ritzinger@uwc.edu or visit http://ce.uwc.edu/barron.

Wisconsin apprenticeship program teaches dairy farmers MADISON, Wis. (AP) — An agricultural apprenticeship program that began in Wisconsin in 2010 has spread to 10 states and is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor.

The Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship partners experienced farmers with beginners, Wisconsin Public Radio reported.

More than half of today’s farmers are over the age of 55, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Census of Agriculture. The mentorship program aims to encourage more young people to enter the industry as older farmers retire.

The program requires new farmers to complete a certain number of on-the-job training hours while checking off certain lessons in a

Now is the time to sign up to be a vendor at the Amery Spring Show April 7

Michelle

by: Larry Phillipson ©12-21-2017 Michelle is head of activities in here, She is very important, that is clear.

She leads exercises several times a week, It will not allow us to get wan and weak.

She got married about three years ago, Still a newly wed as far as I know.

They have years to stroll down life's road, A lifetime ahead until they grow old.

They will weather the turmoils that prevail, With flying colors they will not fail.

She reads current events from newspapers, All about the news and other capers.

She seems happy and content with life, Although it is not all smooth without strife.

We are glad to have her around, A better person could not be found.

We are pleased that we have Michelle on the set, She is the best that we can get.

Michelle is always there when we need her most, Here’s to her, we'll give her a toast!

Larry Phillipson is a poet laureate of Amery, Wsconsin

workbook. The experienced farmers pay their students a salary and some offer bonus incentives, such as offering equity in the farm or a future transfer of the farm’s ownership.

Joe Tomandl founded the program and said it’s based on classic guild apprenticeships.

“We’re trying to figure out, how can we bring more farms back onto the landscape?” Tomandl said. “How can we create more opportunities for independent business people to fulfill their dreams and aspirations and get on a dairy?”

Farming knowledge used to be passed on through families over generations, no more, Tomandl said.

“I mean, we just are not seeing the sons and daughters that are

interested in coming back to the dairy. So, much of that transition of knowledge is not happening,” Tomandl said.

“But there are enough people outside family looking at coming into dairy someday. So that’s where this formal process is important.”

Scott Mericka, co-owner of Grass Dairy and Uplands Cheese Company, is mentoring Matt Nielsen through the program. Nielsen will undergo 4,000 hours of training during the twoyear program.

“I am a person who asks a ton of questions, like 400 questions a day,” said Nielsen. “But Scott is so patient with me. He almost rarely says, `I don’t know,’ which is something I appreciate with his vast bank of knowledge.”

Wisconsin farmers hope new techniques will slow soil erosion MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Students at a working farm and hands-on classroom in Wisconsin are learning about the benefits of stopping soil erosion.

Northcentral Technical College’s Agriculture Center for Excellence is working with the National Corn Growers Association’s Soil Health Partnership to preserve and improve topsoil, Wisconsin Public Radio reported.

The center is teaching farmers to practice no-till and cover crop agriculture as ways to preserve root structure and stop erosion.

“I can’t control climate change, but we can control erosion just through our farming practices,” said Steve Krueger, a crop science instructor the agriculture center.

No-till farming requires farmers to use special tools to plant seeds in order to avoid disturbing the soil’s ecosystems.

“You don’t dig up the ground before you plant,” said Don Radtke, farm operations manager at the center.

“We have special planters that have a disc on the front that will open the soil, put the seed in place, and pack it in place without disturbing the rest of the soil.”

Scientists say climate change is threatening strides made in soil conservation since the Dust Bowl years of the 1930s. The warming trend in Wisconsin is producing more frequent heavy rain that is washing away soil, according to a report from the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts.

More than 30,000 tons of soil has eroded in the state since 2003, the report said.

“Three tons is a pretty big pile of soil, correct? It takes a long time to replace it,” Krueger said. “So what we’re really trying to do is not ship all of our dirt down the Mississippi River and put it in the delta, because that’s where it ends up.”

JANUARY 2, 2018

AMERY FREE PRESS

“Peter Pan” comes to Amery Auditions for Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre ‘Peter Pan’ will be held on Monday, January 8 in the Amery HS Auditorium for Amery youth in grades 3-8. Up to 81 local children are needed to play the roles of Peter Pan, Wendy, John, Michael, Nana, Tinkerbelle, The Crocodile, The Pirates, The Lost Kids, and the other inhabitants of Neverland.

Auditions will be from 3:30 - 5:30 pm. Parents may watch auditions.

Some of the cast will be required to stay later than 5:30 on Monday depending on the roles assigned.

There is no charge for children to participate. Prairie Fire will furnish all props and costumes; everything else is funded through ticket

sales and Community Education.

Students coming from the Intermediate School should board the last bus in the lineup to take them directly to the high school.

Students coming from the Middle School should walk to the Intermediate immediately after school and board the final bus in the lineup to take them to the high school.

Rehearsals will be held from 3:257:45 pm the remainder of the week, with performances scheduled for January 12 at 7 pm and January 13 at 10:30 am. Exact practice times will depend upon role assigned. A practice schedule will be provided on Monday after auditions. Youth should NOT audition if they are not available to practice for the

You are invited to celebrate with Theoline Isaacson for her 103rd Birthday in the Riverbend Dining Room 475 Golfview Lane, Amery on Sunday, Jan. 7, from 2-4 p.m.

YOUR PRESENCE IS YOUR PRESENT!

Please join us to celebrate

Jay Luke’s

80th Birthday

OPEN HOUSE Saturday, Jan. 6, 3-5 p.m.

Shoreview Supper Club, Amery

Hors d’oeuvres, cake and coffee served

full week and attend BOTH performances.

Two professional actor/directors from Prairie Fire Theatre will direct the production and play the roles of Tiger Lil and Captain Hook.

Tickets for the performance will be $6 in advance and $7 at the door.

Advance tickets will be available at Chet Johnson Drug and the Intermediate and Middle School offices.

This week-long Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre residency is sponsored by Amery Community Education.

For more information, call 715.268.9771 x220 or email commed@amerysd.k12.wi.us.

MONTHLY BOOK SALE Thursday Jan. 4, 4-7 Saturday Jan. 6, 9-2

25

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Have a question?

Call 715-268-8101 or email dstangl@theameryfreepress.com

Amery Area Public Library

225 Scholl Ct. (lower level) Your donations of clean, good quality books, DVDs, CDs, gratefully accepted. (No musty books, text books, Readers Digest, encyclopedias, VHS please)

Also check the Out & About page for area events

AREA BOWLING SCORES Club 53 Bar & Lanes, Amery MONDAY NIGHT MEN Division 1 Gary’s Electric....................................13.0 Tac Two .................................................7.0 Division 2 Dick’s Fresh Market ..........................11.0 Shoreview ...........................................9.0 High games: Gary Nottom 203209, Rod Gehrman 203-245, Brian Peterson 215-207-232, Todd Zemke 217, Bruce Hammer 225, Curt Wears 210, Jim Swanson 233-222, Steve Bryant 208.

High series: Rod Gehrman 620, Brian Peterson 654, Todd Zemke 568, Curt Wears 551, Jim Swanson 649, Steve Bryant 567.

TUESDAY NIGHT MEN Week 15 Division 1 Waterside ........................................ 136.5 Northwest Communications .... 129.5 Division 2 Club 53 ..............................................168.0 Chet Johnson Drug .......................166.0 High games: Frank Oulette 200, Bob Oulette 222, Will Schaffer 226238-233, Chad Elmer 225, Bill Peterson 213, Erik Wojchik 215-219, Randy olson 201.

High series: Frank Oulette 575, Bob Oulette 616, Will Schaffer 697, Erik Wojchik 585.

TUESDAY NIGHT MEN Week 16 Division 1 Waterside .........................................153.5 Northwest Communications .... 134.5 Division 2 Chet Johnson Drug ........................181.0 Club 53 ............................................... 171.0 High games: Scott Sorenson 211, Bill Peterson 234-223, Kelly Fitzgerald 232, Wade Prindle 237-265-220.

High series: Bill Peterson 648, Kelly Fitzgerald 571, Wade Prindle 722.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT MEN Week 15 Division 1 Preferred Lawn.............................. 138.5 Lamperts ..........................................110.0 Division 2 Amery Fire Dept. ............................ 181.5 Club 53 ..............................................165.0 High games: Beau Gorres 226, Lee Jones 235, Denis Carteron 204201-225, Nick Lauterbach 205, Nate Webb 234, Jerod Wollan 220-236, Dave Fox 203.

High series: Beau Gorres 593, Lee Jones 620, Denis Carteron 630, Nate Webb 621, Jerod Wollan 625.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT MEN Week 16 Division 1 Preferred Lawn.............................. 152.0 Lamperts .......................................... 127.5

Division 2 Amery Fire Dept. ............................187.5 Club 53 ...............................................173.0 High games: Beau Gorres 204297-235, Jerod Wollan 209-214, Jim Knutson 225.

High series: Beau Gorres 736, Jerod Wollan 597, Jim Knutson 588.

THURSDAY-FRIDAY NIGHT WOMEN Division 1 Club 53 ...............................................176.5 Amery Fire Dept. ..........................158.0 Bremer ..............................................140.5 Division 2 Chet’s ................................................182.0 Northwest Communications ..... 161.5 Amery Hospital & Clinic ................141.5 High games: Jodi Chelberg 186164, Bev Gorres 178-167, Marcia Clark 177, Patty Talbot 176-161, Lacey Kammerud 172, Karen Gorres 167, Bette Elmer 166, Anne Wollan 163-159, Deb Hougdahl 159, Gail Peterson 158, Sherry Martin 157, Katie Lauterbach 156-151, Laurie Harris 154, Diane Lewis 151, Leslie Hessler 150.

High series: Jodi Chelberg 498, Bev Gorres 482, Anne Wollan 462, Patty Talbot 454, Marcia Clark 447, Karen Gorres 436, Diane Lewis 433, Gail Peterson 430, Katie Lauterbach 428, Sherry Martin 426.

JAN. 5-6 @ 7:30 p.m.

XCEL ENERGY CENTER BOX OFFICE, XCELENERGYCENTER.COM, TICKETMASTER.COM, CHARGE-BY-PHONE 800.745.3000, GROUPS 651.312.3486, TDD/TTY 800.359.2525

26

AMERY FREE PRESS

Runners invited to “Frigid & Frozen” 5k Series

New Richmond, WI, December 20, 2017 – Decide. Commit. Succeed. Don’t let your training suffer in the off months, train all year! This series will allow you to keep running all year long.

The course will be adjusted for each race to provide some variety in the runs. Each leg of the series will be a 5K run/walk and themed according to the season with January’s theme “Frigid & Frozen.” Dress as your favorite Disney Frozen Character! Cost: $30.00 for Centre Members and Community Participants for entire 5K Racing Series, includes a long sleeved T-shirts and refreshments. Ages: 10+ The next race is scheduled for Saturday, January 13 at the New Richmond Area Centre. 8:30 am Registration, 9:00 AM Race.

DATES: Saturday, January 13 - Frigid & Frozen (Dress as your favorite Frozen Character)

Saturday, February 10- All You Need is Love (Wear Your Red) Saturday, March 24 – Bunny Run (Don’t forget your rabbit ears) Saturday, April 21 - Superhero Sprint (Wear Your Superhero Costume) Volunteers needed: registration, corner marshals, finish line.

For more information or if interested in volunteering, please contact Kristi Pupak, Community Outreach Manager, at kpupak@nracentre.com or 715-2430854.

The Centre provides a number of health and wellness related events including: Centre Snowshoe/Ski Club, 60 free group fitness classes each week, and specialized small group training classes to promote the health, fitness and fun.

Information about these events are available on the Centre’s website at www.nracentre.com.

‘Resilience’ documentary will show in Turtle Lake NorthLakes Community Clinic will partner with Barron County Health and Human Services, along with its Brighter Futures Initiative, to screen the highly acclaimed documentary about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) titled Resilience at the Turtle Lake High School on Wednesday January 10th.

The doors open at 6:00 pm with treats and the movie starts at 6:30 pm followed by a panel discussion.

Multiple northern Wisconsin health departments, state agencies and private agency partners are working on advancing ACE prevention efforts and policy recommendation to support children’s wellbeing and family functioning.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are negative life events or experiences which occur during childhood: a time when the brain is building the foundation for future learning, emotional regulation and social interaction; as well as immune,

hormonal and other systems of the human body.

The movie contains information about childhood development and how developing bodies and brains respond to stress.

ACEs correlate to poor social, mental and physical health outcomes in adulthood which results in higher health care expenses for future generations and lost productivity and satisfaction in many adults’ livelihoods.

Resilience is the ability to thrive, adapt and cope despite hardships. It is a natural counter weight to ACEs. Therefore, the more resilient a child is, the more likely they are to deal with negative situations in ways that won’t have prolonged and unfavorable outcomes. Resilience is not just an innate characteristic, it is a skill that needs to be taught, learned and practiced.

The movie is being presented to create awareness, which is one of the most powerful tools both for preventing and addressing ACEs. Through

education and a heightened awareness of ACEs, trauma-informed approaches can be explored by individuals, families, businesses, organizations and communities allowing them to mobilize prevention and mitigate the negative effects of ACEs on childhood and later adulthood.

Following the movie, Ashley Weinert of The Brighter Futures Initiative will be facilitating a panel discussion. The Brighter Futures Initiative educates people working with youth such as foster and biological parents, community stakeholders, law enforcement, youth-serving organizations, daycare centers, school districts and more in trauma-informed care and works to create a trauma-informed community.

The event is free, however free will donations are accepted towards the work of NorthLakes Community Clinic’s Turtle Lake Outreach Programs.

JANUARY 2, 2018

CLASSIFIEDS PHONE: 715-268-8101 | FAX: 715-268-5300

JANUARY 2, 2018

AMERY FREE PRESS

HELP WANTED

Health Care Products Production Core Products International, Inc. in Osceola, WI is looking for GREAT people to be a part of our progressive company. We are a leading manufacturer of health care, orthopedic and comfort care products with sales worldwide.

We have immediate opportunities for full-time day shift production employees. Pay starts at $12.00 per hour with the opportunity to earn incentive pay after 30 days of employment. We offer our employees: Fun Working Environment Incentive Program Advancement Opportunities We also offer tuition reimbursement; life, health & dental insurance, 401k, vacation/holiday pay and more. We take pride in our employees and our customers. If you are interested in working with us, apply in person or send resume to Core Products Int’l, Inc., Attn: Human Resources, 808 Prospect Ave. Osceola, WI 54020. You may also email your resume to cchute@coreproducts.com

Great People. Great Company

Certified Nursing Assistant Instructors Adjunct Faculty Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College New Richmond Campus & Ladysmith, WI WITC is seeking qualified candidates for part-time Certified Nursing Assistant Instructors at clinical sites in and around New Richmond and Ladysmith, WI. Teaching assignments will be on an as-needed basis and include both classroom and clinical hours.

For a complete job description, list of qualifications, and to apply visit our website at: http://witc.edu/employ Deadline to apply: January 19, 2018 WITC is an Equal Opportunity/ Access/Affirmative Action/Veterans/ Disability Employer and Educator TTY 711

WELDERS-- FITTERS FITTERS WELDER 1st or 2nd Shift • $16.50 - $25 per hour

Excellent Benefits Apply or find out more at: www.nmfinc.com/jobs 715-684-7430 • jobs@nmfinc.com

An ESOP Company

Call Jamie at the Amery Free Press to place your Classified Ads 715-268-8101 First National Community Bank is seeking a part-time teller in our Dresser Office working about 20 hours a week. If you would like to be a part of our dynamic front line team this would be the job for you.

Interested individuals please email your resume to ggreen@ fn-cb.com.

First National Community Bank 109 E. 2nd St. New Richmond, WI 54017 First National Community Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

FOR RENT Large 1 BR upstairs apt. downtown Amery

Washer, dryer, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, air conditioned. Includes heat, water, sewer, garbage removal, parking.

Very clean. No pets. $650/month

Call 715-554-1280

Affordable 1 BR in Clear Lake

Now Hiring!!!

Cheese Cleaning, Post Brine, Cure Room, and Make Room!!!

Work FT in just 3-4 days per week!! $14.00-$16.00/hour starting wage!!

Day and Night Shift Available $1.50 Night Shift Differential!!

Stop by and fill out an application today!

Lake Country Dairy 458 Western Boulevard Turtle Lake, WI 54889

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

NOW HIRING!

We are now hiring experienced cooks!

Fast-paced, high energy work environment! Fun and friendly staff! Must be available nights and weekends.

APPLY WITHIN: ASK FOR NICKI OR LORI

1-800-944-4866 Ext. 1122 Equal Housing Opportunity

We send and receive faxes at the Amery Free Press

HELP WANTED

Part-time Maintenance

for 20 elderly apartments in Clear Lake, WI Contact Laurie at Clear Lake Housing Authority, 283 Golf Drive, Clear Lake, WI 54005 715-263-3370 Fax 715-263-2619 clha54005@yahoo.com Equal Opportunity Provider

Join Our Team!

Amery Memory Care is looking for

(2nd & 3rd Shifts)

FT & PT Cook/ Dietary Aide (All shifts)

FT & PT Activity Assistant

2 evening shifts 11:30 am-8 pm, 2 day shifts 8:30 am-5 pm and every other weekend 9 am5:30 pm. Can be flexible with hours. Must be able to organize and lead events to enrich our residents lives.

Please speak with Julie for more information

Please stop in and speak with Kristin or Michelle for more details

215 Birch St. W, Amery

COACH AND SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS NEEDED Turtle Lake Terminal Join an industry leader that offers competitive wages, great flexible hours, paid training for permit/CDL.

SIGN ON BONUS

After you are licensed CDL driver.

NO Experience necessary.

Route, substitute, activity/sports, charter trip drivers.

Coach routes are specific to Eau Claire and Twin Cities area.

For more information, call: Turtle Lake Terminal: 715-986-2888, Or email

RENT BASED ON 30% OF INCOME On-site laundry, storage lockers, updated units and microwaves.

For those 62+ or disabled of any age

PT & FT Resident Care Assistants 671037 46-48d,ep

27

Amy Williamson –

amy.williamson@kobussen.com “Equal Opportunity Employer”

Employment Opportunities Cumberland Healthcare is anisindependent, community-based healthcare Cumberland Healthcare an independent, community-based healthcare facility that serves northwest Wisconsin through avacationland, clinic, facility serving Northwest Wisconsin.

Located in Wisconsin’s 25 bedour critical access get hospital, attached 50worlds bed skilled nursing facility employees the best of both in work and play. and senior living apartments. over 50 Cumberland We20 have an exceptional schoolFor system andyears, an active community.

Healthcare has provided general family practice prevention and We are also located just 90 minutes from the Minneapolis/St. Paul treatment services, lifesaving emergency care, and access to metro area and everything the “big city” has to offer. Join our team today! specialists, along with full service inpatient and outpatient care. _____________________________________________

Wound Care Clinical Coordinator RNe Occupational Therapist, Full-tim Full-time. Wound care/ostomy certification preferred.

1 year experience.

Qualifications:Minimum Licensed OTclinical in the State of Wisconsin, or eligibleEnvironmental for licensure, with interests acute care, neurologic Servicesin Supervisor Full-time.

Housekeeping experience required. rehab, hand, cognitive, vision and LSVT BIG therapy.

Nutritional Services Cook/Aide MLT/MT, Full-time 7 nights on/7 nights off Full-time. Food service experience preferred.

Qualifications:_____________________ Licensed MLT or MT in the State of For more information, please contact: Wisconsin or eligible for licensure upon successful Hilary Butzler, Director of Human Resources of7th accredited program.WI 54829 Cumberlandcompletion Healthcare, 1110 Avenue, Cumberland, Phone: 715-822-6197 Fax: 715-822-6299 $1000 Sign-on Bonus!!

Employment Opportunities RN, Medical/Surgical and ER, Email: hbutzler@cumberlandhealthcare.com

An Equal Opportunity Employer functioning under an Affirmative Action Plan We do not discriminate based on gender, minority status, individuals with disabilities or veterans.

Full-time Day/Night Combination

Cumberland Healthcare is an independent, community-based 1110Qualifications: Seventh Avenue in theWisconsin State of through Wisconsin and healthcare facilityLicensed that servesRN northwest a clinic, Cumberland, WI 54829 Emergency Department experienced preferred.

25 bed critical access hospital, attached 50 bed skilled nursing facility (715) 822-2741 and 20 senior living apartments. For over 50 years, Cumberland www.CumberlandHealthcare.com Healthcare has provided general family practice prevention and treatment services, lifesaving emergency care, and access to specialists, along with full service inpatient and outpatient care. _____________________________________________

RN, OB or ER and Medical/Surgical, Full-time Day/Night Combination every Friday/Saturday/Sunday

Wound Care Clinical Coordinator RN

Qualifications: RN in the State preferred. of Wisconsin and Full-time.Licensed Wound care/ostomy certification Minimum 1 year or clinical Emergency Department OBexperience. experience preferred. $2000 Bonus/year forServices every weekend schedule!

Environmental Supervisor Full-time. Housekeeping experience required.

For more information, contact: Nutritional Services Cook/Aide Hilary Butzler, Director of Human Resources Full-time. Food service experience preferred. _____________________ Cumberland Healthcare For more information, please contact: 1110 Seventh Avenue, Cumberland, WI 54829 Hilary Butzler, Director of Human Resources (715) 822-7260 Cumberland Healthcare, 1110 7th Avenue, Cumberland, WI 54829 hbutzler@cumberlandhealthcare.com Phone: 715-822-6197 Fax: 715-822-6299 Email: hbutzler@cumberlandhealthcare.com An Equal Opportunity Employer functioning under an Affirmative Action Plan We do not discriminate based on gender, minority status, individuals with disabilities or veterans.

1110 Seventh Avenue 1110 Seventh Avenue Cumberland, WI 54829 Cumberland, WI 54829 (715) 822-2741 (715) 822-7500 www.CumberlandHealthcare.com www.CumberlandHealthcare.com

28 AMERY FREE PRESS

JANUARY 2, 2018

www.theameryfreepress.com

Deadline for the Classified Page is Friday at 10 a.m.

FOR RENT

The Amery Housing Authority is accepting applications for a variety of subsidized apartments and townhomes located in Amery.

Immediate openings in our 2-bedroom units.

Rent is based on 30% of your adjusted gross income.

Multiple Openings for: Machine Operators General Laborers Manufacturing and Assembly All Shifts Available

663931 27d

PEOPLE READY

(715) 483-1760 1928 US-8 St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 www.peopleready.com

Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Public Safety Equipment Technician Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College New Richmond Campus

EMS & Fire Professionals!

The Public Safety Equipment Technician position provides support toward delivery of Emergency Services coursework in EMS and Fire. The Technician will have a direct line relationship to the Fire/EMS Specialist in the region, and may also take direction from other emergency service managers for special projects or work orders.

For a complete job description, list of qualifications, and to apply visit our website at: http://witc.edu/employ Deadline to apply: January 19, 2018 WITC is an Equal Opportunity/ Access/Affirmative Action/Veterans/ Disability Employer and Educator TTY 711

Call 715-268-2500 for an application or visit the website: www.ameryhousing authority.org.

All apartments are non-smoking.

“Newly Revamped”

FOR RENT

2 & 3 BR, 1 bath apartment

in Clear Lake Utilities included No pets Available NOW

715-643-6404 EHO

Camping, parks could cost more; hybrid fees to increase

BY TODD RICHMOND ASSOCIATED PRESS

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Campers and hikers might have to dig a little deeper to get into their favorite state parks in 2018.

And if they’re packing their tents and boots into a hybrid vehicle they’ll have to pay even more.

Provisions in the Republican state budget that go into effect Monday allow Department of Natural Resources Secretary Dan Meyer to raise vehicle entry fees at state parks of his choosing by as much as $5 per day for both Wisconsin residents and non-residents.

Other budget changes that go into effect on New Year’s Day allow Meyer to begin raising camping fees at sites of his choosing by as much as $15 per night for residents and $16 per night for out-ofstaters.

DNR spokesman Jim Dick said Thursday that Meyer and agency officials were still finalizing fee changes and hoped to have something ready by “early in the new year.”

DNR officials will present the new fees to the agency’s board as an informational item but can implement them without the panel’s approval, he said.

Campers who want electricity at Devil’s Lake, High Cliff, Kohler-Andrae, Peninsula and Willow River state parks will have to pay an extra $15 under budget language that goes into effect on Monday as well. That’s up from the standard $10 electricity surcharge the DNR imposes at other campgrounds and parks.

Hybrid and electric vehicle owners, meanwhile, will have to grapple with higher registration fees in 2018. The budget calls for imposing a $75 surcharge on hybrid registrations and a $100 surcharge on electric vehicle registrations beginning Monday.

That’s on top of the standard $75 passenger vehicle registration fees.

The surcharges are part of Republican lawmakers’ plan to fund road work over the next biennium as revenue from the state’s gas tax continues to dwindle. The budget also calls for borrowing an additional $400 million and delaying projects to make ends meet.

Other new laws that go into effect Monday include: — A budget provision that restricts school districts from holding referendums on exceeding revenue limits more than twice a year. Districts will have to schedule such elections on state primary or general election dates.

— A budget provision that ends health insurance coverage and other benefits for government employees’ domestic partners. The budget also closes off the state’s same-sex domestic partner registry, which grants domestic partners a host of legal rights similar to marriage, to new registrants on April 1.

— Statutes that require farmers who plant at least 5 acres of potatoes to use seeds certified by the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

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www.theameryfreepress.com

Want to subscribe? Have a question?

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