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FREE PRESS MESSENGER AMERY

TUESDAY, DECEMBER33,19,2222 2017 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER

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SPORTS: Hockey team earns second shutout PAGE 23A

Win-Win

City passes 2018 budget

COUNTRY

Local girls redefine success in historic match up

BY JESSICA DE LA CRUZ EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

A balanced 2018 budget was approved

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 33,meeting 2222 of the Amery at the November

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

VOL. 131 NO.City 19 www.moraminn.com Council, albeit$1.00 by a much smaller margin than last year. Of the roughly $5.1 million being spent, $26,823 was left on the table, along with a list of projects that will have to wait for now.

BY JESSICA DE LA CRUZ EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

A little-known non-conference game between two c-level girls basketball teams garnered a lot of attention this week. Not for the score, or the skill. But for the way it brought out the best in everyone involved. The Passage Pioneers are the first-ever girls basketball team of Northwest Passage, a Frederic-based residential treatment facility for teens. For the variety of adverse life experiences that Northwest Passage becomes a part of their lives, teens might spend anywhere from a few months to a year at the facility. But coach Taylor Mathias wanted to make that time as meaningful as possible and provide an outlet not found at most residential treatment facilities. Basketball is proving to be a valuable part of their experience. “Most of the girls have never played before,” said Mathias of his team. “And not just basketball, any sports. So this is a big step up for them. Most residential treatment centers don’t have this as an opportunity.”

Revenue

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The city’s overall assessed value is down by $536,400 in 2018 due to an assessment appeal by Cardinal LG. The change in value resulted in $6,045 in lost revenue to the city and $15,341 to jurisdictions city wide according to Clerk/ Treasurer Fran Duncanson. However, state transportation aid is up more than THURSDAY, 2222 the loss for a $10kSEPTEMBER from 2017, 33, offsetting VOL. 131 NO.net 19 revenue www.moraminn.com $1.00 increase of $4,078, and total anticipated revenue of $5,171,719.

BURNETT COUNTY

New Spending JESSICA DE LA CRUZ | AMERY FREE PRESS

Thursday’s match up between the Amery girls C-team and the Passage Pioneers was uncharted territory for the unlikely pairing. Ultimately the experience proved worthwhile for girls on both sides, in more ways than one.

COUNTY ST FREE

conference have c-teams, so we ISANTI-CHISAGOour don’t have as many teams for these

When Matthias put out an email to local athletic directors asking for lower level high school teams to play, Athletic Director Josh Gould didn’t shy away from the challenge. “Only five of the eight teams in

girls to play,” Gould said of Amery’s C squad. Amery’s mostly freshman C-team

Cemetery Using summer help through the street department, the City has agreed to take on maintenance and mowing of the Amery Cemetery in 2018, minus the Cemetery Association’s long-standing perpetual care program. Details of any cemetery transitioning to the responsibility of the city have yet to be settled, but the perpetual care will continue to

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SEE PIONEERS PAGE 9A

The Christmas Story, St. Luke 2: 1-20 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and lineage of David.

SEE BUDGET PAGE 2A

To be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they went there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds

THE SUN SEE CHRISTMAS PAGE 2A

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2A AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 19, 2017 www.theameryfreepress.com

Lost car story has happy ending BY TOM STANGL TSTANGL@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

It’s everyone’s worst nightmare: forgetting where you parked your car. For 80-year-old retired minister Chuck Yoak of Amery what began as that nightmare ended happily, thanks to the “providential” help of complete strangers. Yoak was in St. Paul, Minn. for a business appointment Dec. 4 and parked his car in a parking ramp. After his appointment, he went to where he believed he had parked and could not find his car. Yoak spent approximately five hours searching parking ramps in the vicinity, to no avail. Exhausted, frustrated and exasperated, Yoak checked into a motel for the night, hoping that the next day he would be able to find his car. The search didn’t go any better the next day and exhausted from walking downtown, Chuck was resigned to spend another night in St. Paul. But he made a decision that would end up making everything right: he decided to go home. He asked the person at the motel desk to call him a cab. That cab was from All City Cab LLC, owned by Kay Hanson of Minneapolis, Minn. The cab driver was Kay’s daughter, Sheryl Hanson. Sheryl would later explain that she knew right away the man was in need of some help. She did provide him that ride home, and spoke to him at great length during the trip. He provided her details of where he believed his car to be, and asked her if she could keep an eye out for it. She stated she would do better, and would actively search for it during her travels. He provid-

ed her the key for the car, and asked her to bring it to him if she found it. “We talked at length about religion,” Yoak recalls. “After the experience of the previous day, I was ready to enter a monastery and give up all worldly possession,” he quipped. “I knew I could trust her with my keys and that she would find my car.” Safely home, Yoak thought he should report his car as stolen. He knew that he would have to return to St. Paul to make the report in person, something that he was dreading. Chuck called the sheriff instead. Deputy Jeff Hahn of the Polk County Sheriff’s Department took the call and was able to make the stolen vehicle report. “Deputy Hahn was a great help,” Yoak said. It turns out that the report wasn’t needed after all. On Tuesday morning Dec. 5 at 1:00 a.m., Sheryl Hanson was making a second trip through one of at least twelve parking ramps downtown she had already searched…when she spotted the vehicle. She called Yoak right away, and told him she would return it that same afternoon. At 3:00 p.m., Sheryl and Kay Hanson delivered the car to him at his home. The Hansons both identify themselves as Christian women who know God works in our lives at all times. Sheryl stated she prayed for God to use her to help this man in his time of need…and although she had already been in that particular ramp, she made a second trip. Sheryl was as pleased to return the car, as Yoak was to get it back. Yoak’s story was shared by the Polk County Sheriff’s Department and took on a life of its own. Through social and conventional media outlets,

BUDGET: Sidewalks among tabled projects FROM PAGE 1A

be managed by the Association for the time being. Parks Projects Bathrooms at North Park are slated for replacing this year at a cost of $30,000. The project was considered largely to accommodate handicap access and to provide better services to the new campground. Boat Landing The city budgeted $90,000 for its portion of the new boat landing at North Twin Lake. The Lakes District is also contributing funds toward the project, along with grants from the state. Fire Department Equipment Council members approved the $7,500 purchase of two additional Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus units to add to the twelve purchased in 2017 for $93,060. Fire Chief Dale Koehler sold the old units to neighboring departments, recovering $200 each, much less than he originally anticipated. Council members also approved borrowing up to $104,000 for a new wildland fire vehicle for the department. TIF #8 The City’s yet unoccupied industrial park property south of Slumberland has yet to generate any revenue for the city. City officials are working toward

developing a road for the property to make it more attractive to prospective occupants, and have slated $50,000 for engineering on the project. The project is in its preliminary planning stages and any funds needed for construction will need to be borrowed in their entirety. Public Works $65,000 is budgeted for a new bucket truck to replace the one gifted by the phone company. The old truck has several issues including gas tanks that are a safety concern. Snow street will be rebuilt at an estimated cost of $35,280, and a project to extend sewer onto Center Street is expected to cost $42,902. Airport Improvements Federal grant funding will pay for the lion’s share of improvements planned at the Amery Airport, but the city will need to make some contributions. This includes $5,000 of $100k in snow removal equipment, $4,250 of a $85,000 beacon, and $750 of a $15,000 upgrade for a credit card terminal to purchase fuel.

No for now Sidewalks At the Nov. 8 budget work session, council members reviewed a list of roughly $400,000 in citywide curb and sidewalk work needing to be done, some if which does not meet disability

access standards. Despite the council’s focus on walkability, no projects were selected for funding. Council members discussed a long-standing yet unenforced city ordinance that places the responsibility for sidewalk upkeep and repair on the property owner, but agreed that suddenly enforcing the ordinance would be met with considerable pushback. Council members may revisit the issue for 2020 when the Department of Transportation plans work along Keller Ave. Additional Fire Dept. dollars No action was taken on Fire Chief Dale Koehler’s request for additional funds for training and electricity. Koehler estimated that it costs his department $250 per month to have the Amery Economic Dev. (AEDC) Office within the fire hall. Clerk/Treasurer Fran Duncanson later noted that the AEDC leases the space, which in turn goes back into the general fund and finances his department. Water Recreation Despite developing a water recreation study and concluding that water recreation was of interest to a large percentage of community members, consideration of any such venture did not get discussed in any 2018 budget work session.

the story of Yoak’s plight and the help of strangers spread last week, something that Yoak was unaware of happening until he began getting calls from reporters. “I believe my story shows that we all are mortal and dependent on others,” Yoak said. “Losing my car was the worst experience of my lifetime,” Yoak said. “I believe it was divine providence that brought Sheryl and Dept. Hahn into my life at my moment of need. I will be forever grateful for their help.”

POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

From left: Cab driver Sheryl Hanson, Chuck Yoak and cab owner Kay Hanson. Sheryl Hanson located Yoak’s car in a St. Paul parking ramp after giving him a ride home after he gave up searching for his lost car.

CHRISTMAS: Angels herald the birth of Jesus abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, Iying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them in heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now

go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. ~~ -John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

City changes procedure for delinquent water/sewer bills City of Amery residents recently received a notice of a change in how late utility bills would be handled beginning January 1. The notice indicates that anyone who is unable to pay their city water/sewer bills will henceforth be required to pay one third of the bill, and set up a payment plan for the balance. That balance must be paid in full before the next bill is due. Those unable to pay their bills

or abide by the policy will be subject to disconnection. City Clerk Treasurer Fran Duncanson says that the change was recommended during recent training conducted by the Public Service Commission. Duncanson adds that arrangements may be made for individuals who have a doctor’s order requiring water in their home.


DECEMBER 19, 2017

OUT&ABOUT

AMERY FREE PRESS

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DECEMBER 21

AMERY FREE PRESS

Student Ballet Company presents “A Christmas Carol” Karar Academy’s Student Ballet Company will present “A Christmas Carol” at the Amery Classic Theatre on Thursday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. A cast of 14 ballet students tell a timeless story with Christmas carols, dancing, laughter and tears. Tickets are available at the Amery Classic Theatre 1-3 p.m. Monday-Thursday or at WPCA Radio 7-11 a.m. Monday-Friday.

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.

DECEMBER 23 John Legut Memorial Cup Enjoy a great hockey game with Amery Alumni and help raise the funds to award educational scholarships at the 25th Annual John Legut Memorial Cup on Saturday, Dec. 23, at 3 p.m. Hockey alumni interested in playing should contact Andrea Legut andrealegut@yahoo.com or phone 715-781-0710 or Annette Elken 715-268-9126.

DECEMBER 26 Winter Break Scavenger Hunt Come to the Amery Public Library anytime between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. for a kids scavenger hunt. Small prizes will be awarded while supplies last.

JANUARY 1, 2018 First Day Hike, ski, and bike Start the year off on the right foot by hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, or fat tire biking on the Stower Seven Lakes State Trail near Soo Line Park in Amery from 10 a.m.-12 noon. Amery Boy Scout Troop 146 will be teaching campfire building. Create and enjoy a free and delicious PowerUp campfire treat. Free snowshoes will be available for kids and adults to use on a first come, first serve basis. You can choose your own distance between 1 and 22 miles. There are no entry fees but a 2018 State Trail Pass is required to bike or cross-country ski for ages 16+. Passes will be available and are valid for the calendar year on all state trails. Call 715-268-0290 with questions.

JANUARY 2, 9, 23 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.

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

3A

CONTRIBUTED

Big delivery Students from the Amery Intermediate School helped make a big delivery to the Amery Area Food Pantry this week. The school worked together to collect items throughout the week of Dec. 4 through 8, and gathered a total of 589 items to donate.

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 anything 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.

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.

FEBRUARY 17

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.

Group Crosswords

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,

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

Power Up Open Gym for Families on Sundays

For events online at theameryfreepress.com

ONGOING

Amery School District and

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.

Active member

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.

Riverbend Assisted Living and Willow Ridge Healthcare along with the Amery Public Library invite you to an hour of fun. Come challenge your mind with a crossword puzzle. They meet in the Burman Room at at the Amery Public Library at 10:30 a.m. on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays. 50 and older are welcome with refreshments provided. Call Amanda at Riverbend 715-268-9949 with questions.

FEBRUARY 14

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

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.


4A AMERY FREE PRESS

Christmas is for children of all ages

OPINION

DECEMBER 19, 2017

www.theameryfreepress.com

BY TOM STANGL FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

Well, Christmas is knocking on our doors. I hope you are ready and are able to spend time with friends and family, which is the best gift one can receive. Throughout my newspaper career, I have run the following editorial, the most famous newspaper editorial of all time, reprinted here because it fits the season. As children grow older and wiser, parents inevitably are faced with the question, “Is there a Santa Claus?” When Virginia O’Hanlon asked that of her parents in 1897, Publisher question they suggested she write the Tom Stangl New York Sun for an answer. She did, and Francis P. Church, a Civil War correspondent, wrote an editorial response which has become an American literary classic. Mr. Church died in 1906. The New York Sun closed its doors in 1950. Virginia O’Hanlon Douglas died in 1971 after a distinguished career as a teacher and administrator in the New York City school system. However, the letter from Virginia, and Mr. Church’s response, will live forever as a part of our Christmas heritage. It is still a wonderful answer to a very difficult question. Dear Editor: I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in The Sun it’s so.” Please tell me the truth: is there a Santa Claus? Virginia O’Hanlon Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished. Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. No Santa Claus! Thank God, he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now. Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the hearts of childhood. From The New York Sun, September 21,1897 To our valued friends, subscribers and advertisers, best wishes for a happy holiday season - Merry Christmas! 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.

Good news—Building Commission approves project for Northern Wisconsin As we get ready to make the turn into 2018, I wanted to take a minute and share some good news. More often than I would like, I have to tell local officials and residents I meet with that rural and Northern Wisconsin were overlooked by a state agency or weren’t given the same consideration by the legislature that was shown to Southeastern Sen. Janet Wisconsin. So I’m Bewley excited to let you know about some good things on the horizon. This week the state’s Building Commission signed off a vital project to preserve and protect the historic and natural wonder of Pattison State Park. Thanks to a victory in the budget and the Commission’s support, a new 300 foot communication tower will be constructed in the park to improve spotty-at-best communications -especially vital for fire protection. Early residents of the part of Wisconsin we are so lucky to call home settled near the plunging waters of Big Manitou Falls and the rapids below. It has been said

the Ojibwa believed they could hear the voice of a great spirit in the roar of the falls. Martin Pattison, an early lumberman, miner and Mayor of Superior, made his fortune here and in the mines of Minnesota. He so treasured the falls and the surrounding woodlands he acted to purchase and protect much of the area we know today as Pattison State Park. When Conservation Corps 3663 encamped here to build the structures and improve the lands we enjoy today, they joined Forest Ranger Carl Anderson, posted there for fire protection and wildlife enforcement. Protecting these lands from destructive fire has been a priority from the very beginning. We don’t have a company encamped on site for fire suppression anymore and unfortunately the wild expanses we treasure in this park and throughout the North pose real challenges to the modern communications we need. When DNR Forestry resources respond to these fires they routinely lose radio coverage with dispatch and are frequently left short of resources, creating unsafe situations for firefighters. The new communications tower in the park will protect the park and our firefighters.

We’ve seen the devastating impact of fires in California this year and I am glad to see our area benefit from the foresight of a project to aid the detection and ability to fight fires. Perhaps even more important than the new tower’s role in protecting the park and river valley, emergency services across Douglas County will be able to piggyback on this infrastructure and fill communication gaps that hamper law enforcement, fire and rescue services in our area. And in another piece of good news, the renovation and expansion of the Telemark property might ready in time for the 2019 American Birkebeiner cross-country ski races. I am working on legislation to give the Town of Cable the ability to use an economic development tool that larger municipalities routinely use. The bill is making its way through the legislature and I’m hopeful that we can pass it soon. Both of these developments are the result of bi-partisan support, which is another bit of good news. Let’s all hope for more of that in the New Year. Wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday season filled with peace and joy.

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.


VIEWPOINTS

DECEMBER 19, 2017

AMERY FREE PRESS

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5A

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Less transparency at the school To the Editor: The members of the Amery Board of Education are elected by the community they serve. Past practice has afforded as much transparency of District actions and initiatives as legally possible. Amery residents were able to review meeting agendas and supporting documents on the District’s website at least two days prior to the meeting. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case and I believe recent actions taken by the Board are concerning for District employees and Amery community members. The September revision to policy #154 paved the way for the contested change to the Support Staff Handbook at the November meeting. The Handbook now specifically limits access to the Board members by Support Staff who have concerns regarding their employment conditions. The Board had previously approved the Support Staff Handbook in June, which makes the need for this most recent action even more questionable. Protections seem to have been afforded, but not to current employees. Amery staff and the community were not able to learn of the proposed action until the meeting was underway because according to another revised policy, documents that support agenda items now only need to be provided to the Board “prior to the meeting”. Board members and interested taxpayers deserve to have adequate time to review and consider upcoming agenda items as in the past. I believe other policy changes this school year also follow a theme of reduced transparency. According to one recently revised policy, the District Administrator may now make single purchases of up to $50,000 without Board consideration or pre-approval. The policy provides that the Board reserves the right to reject any and all bids. But without Board review prior to the purchase, this could be moot, and the bill will ultimately be paid by taxpayers unprotected by those they have elected. In the spirit of the season, I wish someone could justify this new path being followed by the majority of the Board. I wish current school staff could enjoy a positive working environment. I wish the Board members would make an effort to take a closer look at what’s taking place and keep the best interests of

our schools and taxpayers above all else. Perhaps the New Year will help them return to a more transparent, staff- and community-minded approach to school district governance. Sincerely, Kori Nelson Amery, Wis.

Together again, and thankful To the Editor, On October 22 I had a fall off the roof of my house. While suffering traumatic injuries I was conscious and very aware of my condition, 4 broken ribs, broken femur, cracked pelvis and sacrum, and dislocated shoulder. During this holiday season there is a lot to be thankful for in my life. Amery Fire - for their immediate response and especially Ed White for putting up with my poor humor (my way of handling the shock). Regions Hospital- for their care and sensitivity toward my serious injuries, they were able to put Humpty back together. Willow Ridge- ALL STAFF MEMBERS for setting the direction for my recovery and especially Kristen for knocking on my door at 6:30am and motivating me to start my therapies. And additional thank you out to Dennis and his staff at Arrow Building, all the team members at Robbie’s Auction Service and the congregation at Little Falls Lutheran Church for all of their assistance for my family during this difficult time. And most importantly, thank you to my good friends and family! You stuck by me all the way and I could not be more grateful! THANK YOU ALL! God bless everyone this holiday season. Damon Tyman Little Falls, Wis.

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.

Send your letters to: editor@theameryfreepress.com

Letters must be submitted by Monday at noon.

New group seeks to bridge gap between alternative energy, conservative ideology BY WISPOLITICS.COM THE CAPITOL REPORT

Scott Coenen, executive director for the newly formed Wisconsin Conservative Energy Forum, says the group will target Republican lawmakers with educational outreach on the benefits of renewable and alternative energy sources. “I envision us putting on conferences here in Madison, going into legislators’ districts, as well, as this technology and these things spread a little bit more,” he said Dec. 12. “There’s going to be an opportunity for us to show this directly to legislators, to decision makers here in the Capitol, and show them exactly how it impacts their district directly.” As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, WISCEF won’t be lobbying on any specific policy issues, Coenen says – at least not at first. “I think our initial challenge is just to reframe this issue,” he said. And though issue ads could be a part of the group’s strategy “in the distant future,” for now it will focus on handson education and advocacy, Coenen said. Coenen has been involved in Republi-

can politics for about a decade, working as a staff member in the Capitol for five years. He argues that clean, alternative energy sources fit with elements of the conservative ideology: cost effectiveness, jobs, economic development, national security and stewardship of natural resources. “Massive and unprecedented cost declines in the price of solar and wind generation are shaking up energy markets,” Coenen said. He noted the cost of solar generation has dropped 80 percent in the past 10 years, while the price of wind generation has dropped 66 percent in the past seven. “Put plainly, solar and wind generation already are, or soon will be, cost competitive with fossil fuels,” he said. The group will be funded by the national Conservative Energy Network, making Wisconsin the 19th state in its system, Coenen says. This network was launched in 2016, and is funded by various foundations, grants, tech companies and others from around the country. The leadership council for this new group includes: former Gov. Tommy Thompson; former state Rep. Mark

Honadel; Matt Neuman, president of Neumann Companies and co-owner of SunVest Solar; Wisconsin Counties Association Outreach Manager Jon Hochkammer; Wisconsin Young Republicans Chairman Jake Margis; Ryan Owens, a UW-Madison professor of political science; and Debbie Crave, vice president of Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese in Waterloo. Crave, vice president of Waterloo-based Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese and member of the leadership council for WISCEF, says more support for renewable energy is needed in Wisconsin. Her family farm operates two anaerobic digesters, which use waste products to generate electricity. Each digester tank is 750,000 gallons, and together they produce 663 kilowatts of electricity per hour from the waste of 2,000 cows. That’s enough electricity to power the farm, the cheese factory, and over 300 area homes, she says. “We need to work towards more support for that kind of renewable energy, and to be able to be paid for it,” Crave said yesterday at the news conference for the Wisconsin Conservative Energy Forum. “Know that in the countryside

– especially in Wisconsin – farmers are moving to these kinds of things.” She says they’re doing so because of economic viability, but also because it’s the right thing to do. “The heat, the fuel, and the electricity we produce – if we were going to buy diesel fuel for that, it’s 1,200 gallons of diesel fuel per day that we don’t have to buy,” she said. Ryan Owen, a professor of political science at UW-Madison and another member of the WISCEF leadership council, says right-wing public leaders and private interests can collaborate for economic benefit while preserving the environment from damage caused by fossil fuels. “We’re part of a contract,” he said. “A contract that includes the living, the dead, and those yet to be born. We have to be good stewards for them.” He sees this as a nonpartisan issue that people on both sides of the aisle can get behind. “As the parties take on ideologies that make them drift to one side or to the other, I think there’s an excellent opportunity there for us to bring the conversation back to a common-sense position,” Owen said.


6A AMERY FREE PRESS

RECORDS

DECEMBER 19, 2017

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Alleged drunk driver steers onto Pike Lake, falls through ice BY JESSICA DE LA CRUZ EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

A New Richmond man may have gotten away with Operating While Intoxicated on Pike Lake near Amery Saturday night, had his Ford Ranger not fallen through the ice. Officers responded to the boat landing at Wolter’s Shoreview Supper Club at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Patrow Sunday. A Ford Ranger driven by 50-yearold Allen Patrow had traveled roughly 300 feet from the landing along the shoreline before crashing through the ice. As officers arrived they noted Patrow in the front seat attempted to drive the vehicle out as a tow truck pulled on the vehicle.

Officers noted that Patrow was not only on probation, but also smelled heavily of alcohol and had bloodshot and watery eyes. Patrow reportedly refused to submit to standard field sobriety tests. He was placed under arrest and transported to the Polk County Jail. Further charges in the matter are pending. At the time, Pike Lake’s ice depth was roughly four inches. Witnesses state that initial attempts to remove the truck were unsuccessful, and crews recovering the truck the following day had significant difficulty. NOTE: Experts say that roughly one foot of clear, solid ice is necessary to hold any type small car or pickup, but caution should always be used. As of the publication of this article there are no local lakes that are yet frozen to this depth.

Amery man charged with soliciting middle school girl BY JESSICA DE LA CRUZ EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

An Amery man is facing felony charges this week after allegedly texting suggestive and inappropriate messages to a 12-year-old female acquaintance. The Amery Police Department responded to the Amery Middle School on Dec. 7 to investigate reports of the incident involving 42-year-old Shawn P. Binkley. According to a criminal complaint fi led Dec. 8 and transcripts of text messages taken from the victim’s phone, Binkley texted the girl that he would tell her something if she promised not to tell anyone. Binkley: “I think your (sic) Binkley really sexy” Victim: “Really” Binkley: “Yes really sexy” Victim: “Okay” Binkley: “So now what” “Hello” “Now what you don’t think that of me” “Nothing to say” Victim: “Sure” Binkley: “Sure what’s that mean” Victim: “Idk” Binkley: “I c when you know you tell me cause you damn you fine” (sic) “We could really have some fun” “What you think want to have some fun”(sic) “Why u stop talking to me” In other exchanges Binkley referenced the girl’s physical features, but later asked her to forget about the exchange. The victim reportedly told guidance counselors that Binkley also verbally told her not to tell anyone or he would hurt her. Binkley was arrested and charged with use of a computer to facilitate a sex crime, and two counts of child enticement—all felony charges punishable by a maximum total of 90 years imprisonment and $300,000 in fines. Judge Jeffery Anderson found sufficient evidence in the case to bind Binkley over for further proceedings. Binkley has yet to post the required $1,500 cash bond imposed by Anderson, and remains in custody. He is expected to enter a plea on the matter during an arraignment scheduled for Dec. 27. Should he post bond, Binkley can have no contact with the victim, or unsupervised contact with females under 16. He is also prohibited from internet use, or leaving the state without the court’s permission.

JESSICA DE LA CRUZ | AMERY FREE PRESS

A Ford Ranger driven by 50-year-old Allen Patrow of New Richmond fell through the ice on Pike Lake early Sunday morning. Patrow was arrested on scene for allegedly operating while intoxicated.

Child porn offender sentenced to three years behind bars

BY JESSICA DE LA CRUZ EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

Another Polk County man has been sentenced this week for his admission to possessing child pornography. Brandon Thompson, 30 of Centuria pled guilty in September to one of 19 counts leveled Thompson against him. And for that admission he’ll spend the next three years in prison. The sentence of three years incarceration followed by an

additional five years of extended supervision falls in line with Wisconsin’s minimum sentencing guidelines, which outline a minimum three years of incarceration per charge. Deej Snider, 31 of Frederic was similarly sentenced on Nov. 29 for his plea of guilty to possessing one image. The complaint fi led in the case alleged that Thompson downloaded at least nineteen images using two briefly opened email accounts between 2014 and 2015. The download activity was flagged by Google, and reported to Polk County by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). All

nineteen of the images were known to be real children from the Ukraine and Belgium. A former roommate reported to authorities that Thompson would routinely show him images of girls on his cell phone that Thompson said he was going to ‘hook up’ with, and that one of the images the girl looked to be approximately twelve years old. The complaint also indicated that Thompson’s cloud photo storage included more than 2500 images spanning a time frame from 2003 to 2015, the majority of which were consistent with child pornography.

Polk County Divorces Filed Ronald L. Parkin II, 40, Clear Lake and Melissa S. Parkin, 38, Paris, Tenn. fi led for divorce on Dec. 1, 2017. Tracy D. Kindt-Likes, 54, Amery and Randy W. Likes, 64, Amery fi led for divorce on Dec. 5, 2017. Andrea G. Daniels, 52, Dresser and Bryan D. Allen, 47, Dresser fi led for divorce on Dec. 6, 2017.

Kaitlin R. Berg, 26, Milltown and Logan D. Berg, 30, Centuria fi led for divorce on Dec. 8, 2017. Christina Beck, 52, Osceola and Carter D. Beck, 57, Osceola fi led for divorce on Dec. 11, 2017. Nicole L. Regan, 48, Osceola and Richard R. Regan, 45, New Richmond fi led for divorce on Dec. 12, 2017.

Marijuana, cocaine seized at motel drug house BY JESSICA DE LA CRUZ EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

A search warrant served Nov. 30 at an apartment at the Apple River Motel led to the arrest of both tenants at the address. According to criminal complaints fi led Dec. 7 against Terek L. Union and Keshia M. Lundgren, the occupants of the oneUnion room apartment had been under investigation and known to be selling marijuana from the Motel as well as a previous address. Union was at the residence at the time the warrant was served, and reportedly complained of a ‘set up,’ saying that he didn’t want to

be hurt by law enforcement. Lundgren arrived a short time later. Authorities recovered dozens of Ziploc bags and nearly 18 grams total of marijuana from the small apartment, along with several pipes and smoking devices. A dresser drawer also contained multiple gem bags of a substance that tested positive for cocaine. Lundgren Union and Lundgren were both arrested and charged with possession of cocaine, THC, and paraphernalia, as well as possession with intent, and maintaining a drug trafficking place.


RECORDS

DECEMBER 19, 2017

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Polk County Circuit Court Appearance date: Dec. 5, 2017 Allen J. Hubert, 30, Amery, fail to maintain equipment/lamps/reflectors, $175.30. James E. Johnson, 38, Luck, operating while suspended, $200.50. Donna M. Kasper, 64, Balsam Lake, operating motor vehicle without proof of insurance, $10. Willie D. Lehman, 18, Cushing, non-registration of vehicle – auto <10,000 lbs., $175.30. Taylor M. Lehner, 16, Centuria, operate without valid license (1st violation),

$200.50. Ricky A. Long, 61, Somerset, vehicle operator fail to wear seat belt, $10. Tracy R. Longhenry, 47, Luck, fail to stop for unloading school bus, $326.50. Thomas V. Meadows, 31, Milltown, fail to stop for unloading school bus, $326.50. Crystal L. Mooney, 35, Luck, operate without valid license (1st violation), $200.50. Jordan B. Olson, 18, Osceola, exceeding speed zones (1-10 mph), $175.30. Cory R. Osen, 27, North Branch, MN,

speeding in 55 mph zone (16-19 mph), $200.50. Michell T. Ostlund, 17, Forest Lake, MN, speeding in 55 mph zone (1-10 mph), $175.30. Chad E. Poirer, 41, Shell Lake, operating while suspended, $200.50. Angela J. Riemer, 64, Colfax, operating motor vehicle without proof of insurance, $10. Micah L. Simon, 28, Balsam Lake, fail to stop at stop sign, $175.30. Donald j. Tessier, 52, Hugo, MN, operating motor vehicle without proof of

insurance, $10. Margaret E. Tompsett, 44, St. Croix Falls, exceeding speed zones (1-10 mph), $175.30. Wyatt L. Wasvick, 18, Osceola, fail to stop at stop sign, $175.30. Dustin L. Westveer, 32, Balsam Lake, speeding in 55 mph zone (1-10 mph), $175.30. Tristan R. Zieman, 32, New Brighton, MN, exceeding speed zones (11-15 mph), $175.30.

Polk County Arrest Reports Barry L. Fellows, 47, Luck, was arrested on Dec. 10 for OWI (1st) and possession of drug paraphernalia. Alicia E. Thunder, 28, Argonne, was arrested on Dec. 11 for OMVWI felony 4th offense and probation hold. Trenton B. Harris, 22, Amery, was arrested on Dec. 4 for possession of THC and drug paraphernalia. Jamie L. Ganley, 41, Cushing, was arrested on Dec. 4 for possession of child pornography. Joshua A. Secouler, 35, Luck, was arrested on Dec. 4 for felony bond violation. Andrea G. Daniels, 52, Dresser, was arrested on Dec. 5 for domestic disorderly conduct. Keshia M. Lundgren, 36, Amery, was

arrested on Dec. 6 for possession of THC with intent, possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia, and maintaining a drug house. Terek L. Union, 35, Amery, was arrested on Dec. 6 for possession of THC with intent, possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia and maintaining a drug house. Robin R. Anderson, 44, Centuria, was arrested on Dec. 6 for possession of a counterfeit substance with intent. Cindy L. Austin, 51, Centuria, was arrested on Dec. 6 for possession of drug paraphernalia. Shawn P. Binkley, 42, Amery, was arrested on Dec. 7 for two counts of child enticement and use of computer to facilitate child sex crime.

Steven S. Swanson, 29, St. Croix Falls, was arrested on Dec. 8 for domestic battery. Andrew J. Lehman, 39, Milltown, was arrested on Dec. 8 for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, disorderly conduct and felony bail jumping. Mitchell A. Krueger, 25, Rhinelander, was arrested on Dec. 9 for obstructing. Eric K. Post, 40, Osceola, was arrested on Dec. 9 for domestic disorderly conduct and battery misdemeanor. Tadd B. Ryan, 34, Frederic, was arrested on Dec. 10 for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Shaquill A. Robinson, 24, Amery, was arrested on Dec. 4 for two Polk county warrants.

Brad L. Sternaman, 46, Amery, was arrested on Dec. 5 for a probation hold. Corbin J. Nord, 21, Taylors Falls, MN, was arrested on Dec. 7 on a warrant. Billy J. Daniels, 41, Almena, was arrested on Dec. 7 on a Polk county warrant. 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.

Amery Area Municipal Court Amery Area Municipal Court was held in Amery on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017. The following cases were heard: City of Amery— Nicole M. Bauer, 32, Amery, operate without carrying license, $73.60. Jeremiah J. Bonse, 31, Grantsburg, operate vehicle/ fail to prevent leaking load, $992.64. Sawyer W. Cain, 21, Clayton , exceeding speed zones (11-15 mph), $98.80. Sarah J. Dunham, 53, Amery, fail to yield to pedestrian, bicyclist or EPAMD, $155.50. 16, Amery, violate GDL restrictions – passenger, $124. 16, Amery, operate without valid license, $124. Travis J. Hubred, 29, Amery, unlawful U/Y turn on highway midblock, $98.80. Jennifer L. Jones, 37, Amery, disorderly conduct, $250. Gabriel R. Lee, 23, Osceola, operating while under influence (1st), $924. Joseph P. Lobert, 23, Milltown, possess open intoxicants in MV – passenger, $124. 17, Amery, underage drinking, $187. Tyler R. McKenzie, 18, Amery, possession of controlled substance, $376. Alexandra R. Mullen, 24, Amery, operate without valid license, $124. 17, Amery, truancy, $92.50. Karen R. Schwarz, 30, St. Paul, exceeding speed zones (1-10 mph), $98.80. Angela M. Stanisz, 30, Amery, exceeding speed zones (11-15 mph), $98.80. Ayla M. Swanson, 22, Amery, exceeding speed zones (1-10 mph), $98.80. Fredrick D. Tourville, 54, Amery, operating after suspension, $124. Kristian P. Weaver-Brooks, 24, Houston, TX, possession of controlled substance, $376. Pamela S. Young, 57, Hayward, passing vehicle stopped for pedistrian/bike/EPAMD, $250. Village of Clayton— Dusten A. Jasperson, 19, River Falls, underage

drinking – possess 17-20, $187. Natasha M. Johnson, 33, Clayton, possession of controlled substance, $376. Samantha D. Krahling, 19, River Falls, underage drinking – possess 17-20, $187; underage drinking – possess 17-20, $187. Desirae J. Slayton, 23, Comstock, display unauthorized vehicle registration plate, $161.80; operating while revoked (forfeiture), $124. Village of Clear Lake— Brenda L. Armstrong, 56, Frisco, TX, exceeding speed zones (11-15 mph), $98.80. William J. Bieganek, 58, St. Paul, MN, exceeding speed zones (16-19 mph), $124. Michael C. Blossom, 77, St. Paul, MN, exceeding speed zones (11-15 mph), $98.80. Grace K. Boarman, 23, Shell Lake, exceeding speed zones (11-15 mph), $98.80. Rufus C. Botzow, 72, Corzet, VA, exceeding speed zones (11-15 mph), $98.80. David R. Bracht, 60, Somerset, exceeding speed zones (16-19 mph), $124. Bradly A. Christensen, 46, Burnsville, MN, exceeding speed zones (11-15 mph), $98.80. Devin A. Christopherson, 22, River Falls, exceeding speed zones (16-19 mph), $124. Cody N. Clemmens, 39, Clear Lake, possess drug paraphernalia, $250. Ethan S. Colman, 23, Rice Lake, permit unauthorized person to drive, $124. Joshuah A. Eastman, 18, Clear Lake, improper registration of auto, $124. Matthew P. Fiega, 31, Rice Lake, exceeding speed zones (16-19 mph), $124. Max W. Freuler, 19, Prior Lake, MN, exceeding speed zones (16-19 mph), $124. Donald A. Georgia Jr., 60, Florence, exceeding speed zones (11-15 mph), $98.80. Stacy A. Jardine, 48, Port Wing, exceeding speed zones (11-15 mph), $98.80. Lucas R. Jepperson, 26, Hudson, exceeding speed zones (16-19 mph), $124. 17, Baldwin, violate GDL restrictions – passenger, $124.

Adrienne M. Lacey, 25, Plymouth, MN, exceeding speed zones (20-24 mph), $149.20. Peter J. Lecuyer, 27, Stillwater, MN, exceeding speed zones (16-19 mph), $124. Ryan J. Linder, 32, Hudson, exceeding speed zones (20-24 mph), $149.20. Hannah J. Matson, 20, Clayton, inattentive driving, $111.40. Aubrey R. Mcalear, 27, Hayward, exceeding speed zones (16-19 mph), $124. Benjamin C. Moe, 18, New Richmond, exceeding speed zones (16-19 mph), $124. Greg A. Ogren, 52, Iron River, exceeding speed zones (16-19 mph), $124. Julie E. Oxley Scott, 43, Mason, exceeding speed zones (16-19 mph), $124. Kimberlee A. Quarders, 29, Cameron, exceeding speed zones (11-15 mph), $98.80; operate motor vehicle without insurance, $124. Larrie R. Rudeen, 57, Clear Lake, possess open intoxicants in MV-driver, $187. Timothy J. Shannon, 61, Stillwater, MN, exceeding speed zones (11-15 mph), $98.80. James M. Williams II, Clear Lake, disturbance of the peace with motor vehicle, $114.

Polk County Marriage Licenses Gregory A. Dahn and Jennifer A. Baker were issued a marriage license on Dec. 7, 2017. Ethan D. Harms and Leah E. Germain were issued a marriage license on Dec. 13, 2017. Dennis J. Meyer and Kristi L. Zappa were issued a marriage license on Dec. 14, 2017.


8A AMERY FREE PRESS

YESTERDAY’S NEWS

DECEMBER 19, 2017

www.theameryfreepress.com

105 Years Ago December 12, 1912

unanimously electing him captain. “Gordy” has another year of competition, so he will be back next fall to worry River Falls’ gridiron foes.

Here’s a sampling of the income tax levied against these Amery men for 1911: Burman & Dalberg, $60.15; F. E. Yates, $1.35; Northern Supply Co., $246.96; Dr. H. B. Crommett, $13.76; George Ogden, 38¢; Amery Lumber Co., $1.92; and Farmers and Merchants State Bank, $151.38. (Editor’s Note: Ah, for the good ol’ days when men were men and income taxes weren’t worthy of the name. But perhaps incomes weren’t either). Two 16-year-old youths were arrested by Marshal F. G. Bernier and brought before Judge B. Winchell and charged with stealing about $20 worth of fur from the Soo depot. They were released on $500 bond. We are sorry for the boys and their parents, but this last act is merely what could have been expected from boys who would not go to school and were too tired to work. “The devil finds work for idle hands to do.” Over 90 percent of the boys who fail in the grammar in high school are smokers, according to Prof. M. V. O’Shea of the University of Wisconsin. The tobacco evil, he declares, is Yesterday’s the most serious one that News the public schools have Diane Stangl to contend with. What a hold the smoking evil has gained on the pupils in the schools is indicated by the statements made by a number of high school principals who declare that from 80 to 86 percent of the boys are now using cigarettes. Unruly boys are almost always addicted to the cigarette habit.

90 Years Ago December 1, 1927 Noise Disturbs the Sick The officers of the Polk County Hospital as well as the doctors and patients have real cause to complain of the excessive and unnecessary noises within the hospital “Quite Zone”. The laws governing this matter are being continually disregarded. Tooting automobile horns, driving with cut-out open, yelling by children and other unnecessary noises and disturbance in the restricted zone, should not be tolerated and peace officers should see that it is immediately stopped.

Physicians Install New Machinery Dr. W. B. Cornwall and Dr. J. W. Prentice have joined in purchasing a Basal Metabolic Determinator, which is the only accurate agent in determining when a goiter is really of a toxic character. These machines are high priced affairs but both Amery physicians are sparing no

Eddie’s Lunch Now Open Here This week marked the opening of Eddie’s Lunch in Amery, formerly operated by the Amery Café. Eddie and Kay Dorgan are the operators of the new venture here, which opened to the public Monday. They will be open from 7 a.m. to 12 midnight and will close all day Sundays. They are contemplating a 24-hour schedule come the summer months.

65 Years Ago December 4, 1952

Amery Volunteer Fire Department – 1895 This is Amery’s volunteer fire department back in 1895, resplendent in brass button uniforms. Seated in front row are from left: Charles Johnson, Manley Kennedy, A. Hutu, E. M. Fay, Bill Kennedy, Bill Wood and John G. Burman. Second row from left: Joe Germain, Nels Benson, W. W. Winchester, Lou Field, Bill Holliday and John York. Back row from left: ?Ward, George Griffin, Frank Barney, Allen Gabriel, Charles Hawkinson and Tom Proux.

expense to equip both their private offices and the hospital with the very latest and reliable devices for service to the public. There are few cities many times Amery’s population that can compare in hospital equipment and the ability and progressiveness of our physicians.

December 15, 1927 Bring the children to Amery Christmas Eve. Arrangements are being rushed to have a mammoth community Christmas tree, with Santa Claus in attendance to take immediate charge of affairs. The affair will be handled along the same lines as last year only on a much larger scale. Candy and peanuts without limit will be given to the little folks and baskets by Santa Claus’ helpers. All persons wishing to give toward the baskets are requested to leave all articles at the Thompson Garage where the Woman’s Club will make up the baskets ready for delivery. The streets will be decorated and the tree will be dressed with an astounding brilliance. The tree is for all the Amery community and our neighbors living adjacent to this city are requested to bring the little folks to meet Santa on the evening of December 24th.

Caught in Blizzard Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Rounsavell drove to St. Paul on business last week Tuesday and on their return were caught in the blizzard. They made fair time from St. Paul to Somerset, but it took three hours to go the seven miles from Somerset to New Richmond where they were forced to stay for the night. Then they took a train for St. Paul and did not get home until two o’clock the next morning. And the wind she blow, blow,

blow.

75 Years Ago December 17, 1942 No More Rope If there are any horse thieves around these here parts, they’re in luck! Yep, for there isn’t any good strong rope hereabouts any more, no how. Seriously speaking, the government has recalled the stock of rope that the hardware stores had on hand and have purchased it from the stores at cost price. This week rolls of rope were on their way to government supply stations as the local stores complied with the government order.

Calendar Repeats Itself in 25 Years Something that happens in every 25 years occurred the other day at the Burman Hardware. Hanging on the wall in the store for a good many years is a picture of a soldier going to war and telling his dog to stay at home. This picture originally came from a calendar made in 1917, and the picture was adjudged of value because of the artistry involved. This week through the mails came another calendar from a different concern with the identical picture as its center of interest. It was an exact duplication of the calendar from 1917. And if one looks back, conditions were somewhat in the same state of affairs as they are today. Twenty-five years of peace and then another war.

70 Years Ago December 11, 1947 -21 Recorded by Government Observer It didn’t take a thermometer to convince anyone that it was cold Sunday evening and Monday forenoon.

Officially though, the temperature as recorded at the government weather station operated by Howard Vassau was 21 below the zero mark. Incidentally, just in case you weren’t aware of the fact, winter officially starts Dec. 22. (What do they call this?)

For Santa Claus’ Notebook, Dec. 25 Old St. Nicholas has a lot of little friends around the countryside this time of year. A few of them are able to write letters to him. Below are some received this week. “Dear Santa: Want 2 guns and 2 holster to play cowboy. Dickie Mitchell.” “Dear Santa: I want a doll house for Christmas. A doll with clothes for it. Candy in the stocking and a color book and colors or paints. Thank you, Santa. Donna Mae Mitchell. “P.S. Also a sled.” “Dear Santa Claus: I am Bo Bo Nuccum from Amery, Wis. I am a good boy. We will be a Grandma’s at Hakins. “Would you please give me these things. A fire engine, gun, airplane, candy, nuts. Bo Bo Niccum.”

Gordon Schock Named Honorary Captain The distinction of being chosen honorary captain of the 1947 conference champions, River Falls Teachers College football team, was accorded Gordon Schock of Amery who starred in this sport during high school days here. Following is an excerpt from the college paper concerning this fact: Gordon Schock, fancy-stepping Falcon halfback, was elected honorary captain of the 1947 conference football champions. Falcon opponents have felt the shock of Shock’s power for three seasons. The football lettermen honored him by

Old Man Winter Terminates Unusual Fall Weather “Old Man Winter” forged to the forefront of the news last week when he meted out a taste of the customary cold and snow for this section of the country. Breaking the unprecedented mild weather enjoyed during most of November. Tuesday and Wednesday’s storm caused many blocked roads and the cancellation of school in many quarters on Wednesday. While only 6.5 inches of snow fell, the “white rain” was accompanied with sufficient wind to drift many roads closed. Friday, the mild temperatures of the storm were turned to 8 below zero, which was followed by 14 below on Sunday morning.

60 Years Ago December 9, 1958 Find Molester Sane; Will be Sentenced Arnold H. Christensen, 37, has been adjudged sane by state hospital authorities, at Waupun, where he was taken for sanity observation after pleading guilty to a charge of attempted rape on August 17. Attempted rape carries a penalty of from 15-20 years in the state prison. Christensen was arrested by Amery Police Officers Bert Millermon and Art Phillipson, after he had tried to force his attentions on Mrs. George Sigsworth in her north Amery home. The officers became suspicious while making their routine rounds when they saw a strange car parked near the Sigsworth home. At the time of his arrest, Christensen was a parolee from Minnesota State Prison, Stillwater. After serving whatever prison term he is given from this present offense, Christensen will be returned to Stillwater to serve out a 40year term. Christensen had spent 17 years in Leavenworth, St. Cloud and Stillwater prisons for these charges: auto theft, grand larceny and previous sex offenses.


DECEMBER 19, 2017

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PIONEERS: Very few residential facilities offer the chance to play team sports

JESSICA DE LA CRUZ | AMERY FREE PRESS

A halftime pep talk helped the pioneers step up their offense, and take more shots. FROM PAGE 1A

has had a strong season thus far, even with two rookie exchange students on the team. Would a match up of the Warriors and the Pioneers prove to be as deadly as the wild west? Only time would tell. The Warrior girls knew very little about their opponents beforehand, or about Northwest Passage for that matter. Not only had they never played them before, neither had anyone else. In fact, it would be only the third game ever for the Pioneers, who had lost to both Webster and Frederic thus far. A larger-than-usual crowd gathered

for the 3:45 game at Amery’s Intermediate School gym. No surprise, Amery took control of the board rather quickly. But the Pioneers weren’t giving it away. Still, by the half, with Amery up 23-0, frustration began to take hold. Coach Mathias took the girls into a quiet room during the half. And one strong pep talk later they returned to the court in full force. They stepped up their defense; they took more shots. And they had a lot of fun in the process. “We talked about just playing the game, just having fun,” said Mathias. “Going out there with a smile on their faces no matter what the score is.

legendary match up? 44-0, but it didn’t Don’t look at the scoreboard, just go matter, really. With the pressure off, out there have fun”. many of Amery’s C players got to And they did. make their first basket of the season The girls discovered that despite that day, including both exchange stutheir differences in background and dents. And that’s a moment they may experience, the Warriors and the Pioneers are actually far more alike than never have had otherwise. “It was fun, a lot of fun,” remarked they are different. “I just wanted them to score so bad,” the Amery girls at the end of the game. said Amery junior Essie Whitehead. “Our girls are still talking about And those sentiments were echoed it,” said Josh Gould a few days latby her teammates. er. “There were a lot of positives all Smiles from both teams said it all. around.” Everyone was rooting for the Pioneers, including their own in-house cheering section. Mathias admits Amery was tough. “They played great offense and defense all across the board. This was our toughest game yet. But our girls never gave up.” The Pioneers left everything on the court that day, never letting their circumstances get the best of them, and earning a lot of respect in the process. Mathias complimented Amery on being great sports, and for being supportive of the fledgling Pioneer team. “I think they were cheering as much as we were,” he said, admitting that sometimes it’s fun to be the underdog. Watch for the Pioneers as they take on St. Croix Falls on January 18 and 30. The Pioneers will have a few fans from Amery cheering them on, to be sure. JESSICA DE LA CRUZ | AMERY FREE PRESS The final score in the Amery played strong defense against the rookie Pioneers.

No injuries reported in Friday school bus crash BY JESSICA DE LA CRUZ EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

A bus load of Amery students had a slight delay on their way to school Friday morning, when the bus they were in collided with another vehicle at the intersection of County Rd. C and 50th Ave. in Little Falls. The Polk County Sheriff’s Department reports that the bus, driven by 72-year-old John Oman, was northbound on County Road C when he attempted to turn east onto 50th Ave. While negotiating the turn, Oman struck a 2017 Toyota Tacoma driven by Jonathon Bratt, 57 of Amery. Bratt was stopped at the stop sign on 50th Ave. The 21 students on the bus were transferred to another bus and taken to school. There were no injuries to report from either vehicle.

Left: An Amery school bus (top) sustained only minor scrapes in the accident, while the 2017 Toyota Tacoma wasn’t so lucky. The pickup sustained heavy front end damage when the bus struck it while rounding the corner. Photos courtesy of the Polk County Sheriff’s Department.


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Donations down, demand up at area shelters BY SUZANNE LINDGREN EDITOR@OSCEOLASUN.COM

Staff at the local Salvation Army, which operates shelters in in Polk, St. Croix and Burnett counties, announced concern last week about the future of area shelter programs, saying the organization needed to raise about $100,000. “Our housing programs are at risk,” said local Salvation Army Director Duana Bremer. “Donations are down and demand is up.” The Salvation Army has offered housing for the homeless in Polk, St. Croix and Burnett counties for over 15 years, the agency said in a press release, adding that “thousands of people have been served through our shelter doors at Grace Place, Serenity Home and Faith House.” Those services are needed now more than ever, according to Bremer. “We have been serving record numbers of people in need and quite simply, donations have not kept up with the demand for our services and our budget is at a serious shortfall,” she said. Serenity Home Shelter in Balsam Lake Wisconsin served 95 homeless men and women in 2014. In 2017, they will have served at least 112 homeless individuals, an increase of over 15 percent. Grace Place Shelter in New Richmond served 169 in 2014 and then

expanded based on need. In 2017, the organization has served over 354 individuals, more than doubling the amount served. While donations to Grace Place have increased, according to the organization, they have not increased enough to cover the demand for services.

‘The community needs to know about the increase in the homeless population.’ Duana Bremer Area Salvation Army Director

Faith House, the smallest of the three shelters, served 29 individuals in 2014 and 32 in 2017, a 10 percent increase. With a growing homeless population, the shelters have incurred a significant deficit and are asking the public for help with additional donations. “We are down about $100,000 across all three counties right now,” Bremer said. “We need donations to come in to get us caught back up and then going forward, the community needs to know about the increase in the homeless population in our counties

and that the concern for housing isn’t going away. We will stay and serve our homeless as long as we are financially able to keep doing so.” In addition to food and housing, the shelters offer programs to help residents improve their health and find jobs, toward the goal of finding permanent housing. And shelter residents accomplish that goal most of the time, according to Director Bremer. “Our program is based on the principles of Salvation Army founder William Booth,” Bremer said, “soup, soap and salvation. We meet the physical needs first and then concentrate on lifting them up. Through education and encouragement 82 percent of our residents will leave our program and go into permanent housing.” When Serenity Home’s lease renewal came under scrutiny last spring hundreds came forward in a show of support for the shelter. The county ultimately renewed the lease, but added a provision that the shelter should seek a permanent location. Bremer said budget concerns could hamper those efforts. “This spring your support fi lled our hearts and provided much needed encouragement,” Bremer said. “But now, your financial support is needed.” The Salvation Army also hopes to raise funds during its seasonal Red Kettle Campaign, currently underway. The dollars raised in those campaigns are used to help people in need

of rent, heat or utility assistance locally. Some dollars trickle over to shelter expenses but they are not significant enough to make a big impact. “We need to have a great kettle campaign and we need people to give to our shelters,” said Bremer. “We know we are asking for a lot but we also know our community and have seen the generosity before.”

HOW TO GIVE Donations for local shelters are accepted at the addresses and websites below. Funds from the Red Kettle bell ringing campaign are needed badly. Sign up to volunteer at: St. Croix County Salvation Army Grace Place 505 W. 8th Street New Richmond, WI 54017 www.sagraceplace.org Polk County Salvation Army Serenity Home 200 Polk County Plaza Balsam Lake, WI 54810 www.saserenityhome.org Burnett County Salvation Army Faith House PO BOX 67 Siren, WI 54872 www.safaithhouse.org

Homicide charged in overdose death of Osceola woman BY JESSICA DE LA CRUZ EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM

A lengthy investigation into the March overdose death of 21-year-old Gabrielle A. Gates of Osceola has resulted in a first degree reckless homicide charge against her alleged drug dealer, Travis A. Sicard, 39 of Somerset. The charges were fi led Dec. 12 in Polk County. Gates died on March 17, 2017 after using cocaine that was allegedly supplied by Sicard. According to the complaint, Gates Sicard became ill while at work and was sent home where she was later found by first responders to be pulseless. Gates was resuscitated several times and eventually airlifted to a trauma center in the Twin Cities where she passed away. Laboratory results of Ziploc bags collected from

CONTRIBUTED

Gabrielle Gates, 21 of Osceola, died March 17 after overdosing on cocaine. After a lengthy investigation, her alleged dealer, 39-year-old Travis A. Sicard of Somerset is charged with reckless homicide in her death.

the scene confirmed plant material as THC, and pink and white residue that tested positive as cocaine. The white residue also contained a cutting agent (fi ller) identified as Levamisole, a medication used to treat parasitic worm infections. Autopsy results confirmed that Gates died as a result of brain injury due to acute cocaine toxicity. Analysis of Gates’ cell phone messages led investigators to Sicard. In the course of the investigation, witnesses told investigators that Sicard planned to get rid of his cell phone because it had evidence on it. The witness said that the phone seized by law enforcement during a search of his home was a second phone that Sicard had acquired. Sicard turned himself in Dec. 13 after a Polk Co. warrant was issued for his arrest. At an initial appearance that same day, Polk County District Attorney Jeff Kemp argued for a JESSICA DE LA CRUZ | AMERY FREE PRESS $10,000 cash bond in the case, citing Sicard’s 39-year-old Travis A. Sicard of Somerset sits alone at the defense recent history of not showing up for court ap- table of an empty courtroom during his Dec. 13 initial appearance on pearances and the seriousness of the first-dereckless homicide charges. Attorney Nick Davis appeared by phone on gree reckless homicide charge. his behalf. Attorney Nick Davis, who made a special appearance by phone on Sicard’s behalf, argued County, and presumed innocent on charges of posthat a signature bond was more appropriate. session of THC, cocaine, and drug paraphernalia The defense felt that Sicard’s strong ties to the fi led in July, strangulation, false imprisonment and community, including parents from New Richmond battery fi led in October, and several additional bail and formerly Lake Wapogasset made him less of a jumping charges. Records indicate that even recentflight risk. ly Sicard has not been consistent in appearing for “During the investigation my client was up front court. and surrendered his phone,” said Davis, who also For a charge that brings a maximum sentence noted Sicard’s willingness to surrender himself of up to 40 years imprisonment and/or $100,000 in when a warrant had been issued. fines, Tolan ordered that Sicard would need to pay When Sicard told Judge Daniel Tolan that he had $1,000 that he could use for bond purposes, Attorney $2,500 cash of a $10,000 signature bond in order to be released from custody. Sicard posted the amount Nick Davis asked Sicard if his parents might be and is free on conditions he not use or possess willing to help with more. drugs, and is still subject to bond conditions in his “St. Croix County has $4,000 of my cash bail right St. Croix County cases. He scheduled to make a Dec. now, I don’t think [my parents] would post any 21 court appearance in Polk County Circuit Court. more,” said Sicard. Sicard is currently out on bond from St. Croix


DECEMBER 19, 2017

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18 ideas for making holiday memories Counting down to Christmas Day means many different things to people across the globe. Although families likely have several different traditions they anticipate each year, it can be fun to incorporate some new merrymakers into the festivities. Here are some festive ideas to include in the days leading up to Christmas — a special family calendar of fun finds. 1. Annual memento: Have the kids or adults make one new handmade ornament each year. This way the tree is always evolving, and everyone can track milestones. 2. Cookie day: Devote one day to making Christmas cookies. Invite friends or family members over. Distribute some cookies to elderly neighbors. 3. Holiday classic: Spend a night in and watch a classic Christmas flick you’ve never seen before. Streaming movie services often put classics and obscure titles into rotation during the holiday season. 4. Christmas concert: Host a gathering of children where they can sing or perform their favorite tunes for an audience. Take it on the road to a nearby nursing home. 5. Dine out: Take a break from cooking, shopping and hosting and stop into a restaurant you’ve been meaning to try. Keep it local to support nearby businesses.

6. Adopt a child/family: Volunteer with a charitable organization that provides for less fortunate families. Answer the Christmas desires of a needy child or family by purchasing an item on their wish lists. 7. See the sights: Pack the children into the family car to tour nearby areas and look at Christmas lights displays. Bring along cookies and hot chocolate. 8. Trim a tree: Get together with adult friends at a tree-trimming party. Rotate the hosting house each year. 9. Play dress-up: A gentleman can dress up as the man in red and pop into a friend’s holiday gathering. 10. Wilderness walk: Enjoy the crisp air and snow and see a local park from a winter perspective.

11. Acts of kindness: Choose any act of kindness and make it happen this Christmas. It can include feeding the hungry or helping a disabled person shop for the season. 12. Kids’ Secret Santa: Spread the joy of giving by having the kids choose a sibling or friend’s name from a hat and purchasing or making a gift for that person. 13. Hand out hot chocolate: Make a big thermos of hot chocolate and give it out to shoppers or workers who have been out in the cold. 14. Read religious stories: Understand the true meaning of the season by reading Biblical passages. 15. Camp-in: The first night the tree is decorated, allow the kids to sleep beside it under the glow of Christmas lights. 16. Scavenger hunt: Plan holiday-themed trivia questions and hide small trinkets for children to find. 17. Surprise box: Put a gender and age nonspecific gift into a box. On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, the person who finds a hidden gift tag under their chair at dinner gets to open the box. 18. Family portrait: Wear your holiday finery and pose for a portrait that actually will be printed and framed.

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Amery comeback falls short BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

LISA MCBRAYER

Noah Rademaker comes down with the rebound

Urgent care

Open 7 days a week

When care can’t wait, urgent care offers treatment with or without an appointment. Open 7 days a week. 715-268-8000 | amerymedicalcenter.org

After a thrilling conference opening win over Somerset, Amery’s boys basketball team found itself on the opposite side of another thriller on Tuesday when it fell 48-50 to Baldwin-Woodville. “The difference in the game was turnovers, we had eight more turnovers than they did, and that led to eight more points off of the turnovers than us,” said Amery Coach Mark Luehman. “We were a little sluggish in the first half but turned it around in the second half and played very well. It gave us a chance to tie or win at the buzzer.” Overall, Amery turned the ball over 18 times, leading to 16 Blackhawk points. The Warriors (2-2) did, however, shoot better than B-W, hitting 44 percent of their shots from the field and 73 percent from the free throw line. B-W was 44 percent from the field and missed its one and only free throw attempt. Mason Spafford led the Warriors with 15 points (including three 3-pointers), and six rebounds. He also added two assists. Tyler Peterson pitched in nine points, four rebounds, a steal and a block. Ryan McBrayer tallied eight points to go along with team bests in rebounds (six) and steals (two). Galen Coy scored seven points and racked up a team high six assists to go with his five rebounds and a steal. Noah Rademacher joined Spafford and McBrayer with a team high six rebounds and added five points. Zach Swensen contributing four points, four rebounds and a blocked shot. B-W’s Jared Lantz led all scorers with 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting that Galen Coy scores a layup. included three 3-pointers.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Holiday Season

LISA MC BRAYER

Darren, Nichole, Dena, Jen, and Ben HOURS: Tuesday-Friday 9-5 Saturday 10-1

1060 Riverplace Mall Amery, WI 54001 715-268-HOME (4663)

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Closed Dec. 23, 25, 26 & 30, and Jan. 1


DECEMBER 19, 2017

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Rough first half dooms Amery girls BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

PAM HUMPAL|AMERY FREE PRESS

Jackson Henningsgard brings the puck around for a shot. Grady Martin stands by for offensive help.

Amery Hockey blows past Blizzard BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Amery’s boy’s ice hockey team was on a mission Dec. 14 when it destroyed the WSFLG Blizzard 12-1 at Amery Ice Arena. “After losing to the Blizzard in our place last year, I think the boys took this one a little personal and played well right from the drop of the puck,” said Amery Coach Tim Henningsgard. In fact, the Warriors offered a steady attack throughout the game, scoring three goals in each of the three periods and built an 8-0 lead over the Blizzard before finally allowing a power play goal early in the third period. Ryan Van Blaricom, Grady Martin and Parker Griffin were a dominant trio in the early going with both Martin and Griffin recording hat tricks in the first two periods and Van Blaricom tallying two goals, accounting for all eight of the goals scored in those first two periods. “These young men have worked hard

and were rewarded for their efforts,” Henningsgard said. Martin added another goal to his tally in the third period to bring his total to four goals (and one assist) while Jackson Henningsgard, Fetcher Kjeseth and Brett Forrest each added a goal of their own. As has been the case all season, the Warriors kept their play clean as they were charged with just three minor penalties. Meanwhile, the Blizzard were flagged with nine penalties for 26 minutes in the box, allowing Amery to score four power play goals. “In the game, twelve different players scored points,” Coach Henningsgard said. “This was a nice team effort.” Van Blaricom finished with six points (2 goals, 4 assists) as did Jackson Henningsgard (1 goal, 5 assists). Pake Brown tallied two assists and Kjeseth, one goal and one assist. Guarding the net was Ethan Mork, who tallied 12 saves. WSFLG goalkeeper Thorne Carter finished with 29 saves.

Hockey team earns second shutout BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Feeding off the energy of an 11-goal victory two days earlier, the Amery boys’ ice hockey team returned to Amery Ice Arena on Saturday, Dec. 16 and shutout the Medford Raiders, 8-0. The win marked Amery’s (4-5) second shutout victory of the season and just its fifth shutout since Jan. 22, 2013. Grady Martin scored just before the 10 minute mark of the first period, opening the flood gates for a five-goal second period that included goals by Ryan Van Blaricom, Cam Smith, Parker Griffin (two) and Fletcher Kjeseth. Martin added his second goal 13 seconds into the third period and Isaac Hanson finished off the scoring 11 minutes later. “This is the best we have moved the puck in a game since I can remember,” said Amery Coach Tim Henningsgard. “Of our eight goals, all but one had two assists included.”

While Amery’s offense kept Medford (0-9) on its heels trying to fend off 61 shots on goal, goalkeeper Adam Doroff took care of business in the Amery net, saving all 11 shots faced. “I was so proud of Adam on collecting his first shutout,” Coach Henningsgard said. “He has put in the extra time this season, and you can really tell it is paying off.” Van Blaricom (one goal, two assists) and Griffin (two goals, one assist) each finished with three points to lead the Amery attack. Cam Smith (one goal, one assist), Jackson Henningsgard (two assists), Mac Smith (two assists) and Miles Troff (two assists) were also major contributors to the relentless onslaught of shots. “We really played with confidence in a game we knew we should win,” Coach Henningsgard said. “My hope is we continue to do this when we play teams that are our same compete level.” Medford 0 0 0 - 0 Amery 1 5 2 - 8

Tripling its score in the second half wasn’t enough for Amery’s girls’ basketball team to overcome a sloppy start to its Dec. 15 game against St. Croix Central as the Panthers topped the Warriors 51-37 “The girls struggled with turnovers and shooting in the first half,” said Amery Coach Gabe Brotzel. “We dug ourselves a hole we couldn’t overcome. They played a good second half and shot the ball a lot better.” Even with the improvement, Amery shot just 33 percent from the field and 50 percent from the free throw line for the game. Meanwhile, SCC had a decided advantage in both shooting percentage and number of shots taken. Amery turned the ball over a total of 18 times. Madelyn Granica scored a team high 19 points for Amery on 8-for-16 shooting and tallied nine rebounds, three steals, two assists and two blocked shots before fouling out. Also scoring for the Warriors were Morgan Brotzel (nine points), Ashley Van Someren (two points), Cheyenne Edwards (two points), Ella Schmidt (two points), Abby Schmidt (two points) and Lydia Monson (one point). Monson contributed five rebounds, Edwards, two assists, and Van Someren, one block to help lead the

team in those areas. SCC had three players score in double figures - Mia Krogseng (20 points), Kalli Cress (14 points) and Claire Frankiewicz (11 points). Amery 8 29 - 37 SCC 23 28 - 51

HEATHER GRANICA

Madelyn Granica shoots for three.

TO G E TH ER , WE C A R E FO R YO U

Your new partner in care Patrick Hedlund, MD Family Medicine with Obstretrics “ Throughout my 30-year career, I’ve enjoyed interacting with and learning from patients of all ages, from infants to elderly. I truly appreciate the diversity and variety of practicing in a rural setting. I also feel privileged to be a member of Amery Hospital & Clinic and the Amery community.”

Amery Hospital & Clinic 265 Griffin Street East, Amery

amerymedicalcenter.org

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Clear Lake Boys Basketball off to 5-0 start The Clear Lake Boys basketball team has begun the 2017-18 season in winning fashion. The Warriors are currently 5-0 and have outscored their opponents 346 to 200. The first four victories came over Spring Valley (61-42), Frederic (72-32), Shell Lake (79-11), and Luck (70-54). Although the Warriors had little difficulty dispatching their first four opponents, victory number five was much harder to come by. On Friday, Dec. 15 the Warriors hosted Central Lakeland Conference rival Turtle Lake. The game remained close for most of the first half; however, an offensive surge in the last three minutes gave the Warriors a 12-point halftime lead, 30-18. The Warriors came out strong in the second half and extended their lead to 17 points, 37-20. But, the Lakers refused to concede and continued to fight back. They picked away at the Warriors’ lead thanks to strong shooting by seniors Jonah Kahl and Carson Schneider. Although the Lakers pulled within two points, 63-61, with about a minute remaining in the game, the Warriors’ defense staved off the comeback. The final score was Warriors 64 and Turtle Lake 61. The Warriors had three players score in double figures. Senior Daymond Bad Horse led Clear Lake with 17 points including five 3-pointers. Junior Bryce Hacker added 16 and senior Austin Anderson tallied 14. Hacker and junior Bailey Blanchard each pulled down 10 rebounds for the Warriors. In addition, Hacker, Blanchard and Bad Horse recorded four assists each. The Warriors currently lead the Central Lakeland with a 2-0 conference record. Cameron and Northwood are tied for second. Each is 1-0 in the conference. Head Coach Jason Sargent reflected after the victory, “Although the team is off to good start, there are many areas we need to work and improve on. We also need to understand that every team wants to come out and play their best basketball against us and be the team to knock us off. This was the case Friday night when Turtle Lake came to town. Turtle Lake played a very solid game and their players did not fold even when we had a 17-point lead. I was very impressed with Turtle Lake’s effort, but also very happy that our players kept their composure and finished the game. We are hoping to get better

Squirt A 12/16/17 Amery 9 River Valley 0 Goals: Oscar Troff 3, Jackson Dzuik 2, Brian Bantz 1, Ethan Koch 1, Wyatt Henningsgard 1, Ryan Shortess 1. Assists: Brian Bantz 3, Levi Tylee 1, Oscar Troff 1. Saves: Carter Meyer 4. 12/17/17 Rice Lake A- 3 Amery 1 Goals: Jackson Dzuik 1. Saves: Carter Meyer 34. 12/17/17 Rice Lake B 0 - Amery 9 Goals: Jackson Dzuik 3, Nolan Babcock 2, Oscar Troff 1, Ethan Koch 1, Tavis Phillips 1, Wyatt Henningsgard 1. Assists: Wyatt Henningsgard 1, Levi Tylee 1, Jackson Dzuik 1, Kemper Lundgren 1. Saves: Carter Meyer 1. 12/17/17 Cumberland 0 Amery 5 Goals: Brian Bantz 2, Jackson Dzuik 2, Nolan Babcock 1. Assists: Jackson Dzuik 1. Saves: Carter Meyer 6.

PeeWee A 12/13/17 New Richmond 6 – Amery 4 Goals: Cayden Meyer 3, Vincent Green 1 Assists: Cayden Meyer 1 , Vincent Green 2, Jacob Maxon 1, Kruse Yuhas 1, Stuart Hellie 1 Saves: Avery Starzecki 40 12/16/17 Bloomington Jefferson 8 – Amery 4 Goals: Vincent Green 2, Cayden Meyer 1, Leif Anderson 1 Assists: Stuart Hellie 1, Fredrik Henningsgard 1, Jacob Maxon 1, Daniel Kock 1 Saves: Avery Starzecki 45 12/17/17 Amery 4- Tomah 2 Goals: Vincent Green 2, Kruse Yuhas 1, Stuart Hellie 1 Saves: Avery Starzecki 25

PeeWee B KENT HUGHES

Senior Austin Anderson puts up a shot. Anderson finished with 14 points on the night.

each day and hit our stride later in the season as we get ready for tournament play.” The Warriors play Clayton on Tuesday, Dec. 19 and will travel to Chippewa Falls on Friday, Dec. 22 to take on McDonell Central.

The game will be a rematch of last year’s sectional semi-final; a game that saw the Macks defeat the Warriors 81-74.

This week’s sports Amery Boys Basketball 12-21 vs. St. Croix Falls

Amery Girls Basketball 12-19 vs. Spooner 12-21 @ Osceola

Amery Hockey 12-21 vs. River Falls

Amery Wrestling 12-21 Quad@ Bloomer

Youth Hockey

Clayton Boys Basketball 12-19 @ Clear Lake 12-21 @ Glenwood City

Clayton Girls Basketball 12-19 @ Clear Lake 12-21 vs. Unity

Clear Lake Boys Basketball 12-19 vs. Clayton 12-22 @ McDonell Central Catholic

Clear Lake Girls Basketball 12-19 vs. Clayton 12-22 @ McDonell Central Catholic

Clear Lake Wrestling 12-19 @ Spring Valley

12/16/17 Amery 6 - River Valley 2 Goals: J. Welu, 2, E. Greene, 2, N. Martinson, 1, M. Kelly, 1. Assist: L. Curran, J. Welu, N. Martinson, M. Kelly Saves: A. Mork, 16 12/17/17 Amery 3 - Chippewa Falls C 9 Goals: E. Greene, J. Welu, K. Stinson Assist: M. Kelly, K. Stinson, E. Greene Saves: A. Mork, 31


SPORTS

DECEMBER 19, 2017

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15A

Shorthanded Warriors step up, hobbled by Ellsworth rebounding BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

LISA MCBRAYER

Luke Kjeseth shoots in traffic.

Warrior wrestlers edged by Osceola BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Amery’s wrestling team produced its highest point total of the season to have resulted in a loss on Dec. 14 when it took on Osceola and fell, 33-46. While 12 of those points came in the form of forfeits, the Warriors managed to win four other matches three of them by pins. With Jordan Penard winning the 126-pound match over Austin Guns by a 1:08 fall, and Austin Deleon and Mike Smith taking the next two matches by forfeits, the Warriors held an 18-6 advantage. James Baillargeon preserved that 12-point lead two matches later when he pinned Ezekiel Lowney in 5:18 in the 152-pound match. Osceola, however, surged to the front with five consecutive falls, leaving Amery facing a 24-40 deficit with just three matches remaining. Knowing they needed to win all of their remaining matches, the Warriors kept the excitement in the air as heavyweight Soloman Fredric pinned Tyler Johnson in 3:38. 106-pounder Walker Ingam topped Drew Willeman, 4-0, but needed at least a major decision to keep the Warriors in the hunt. Then Osceola’s Thomas Oswald put the exclamation point on the Chieftains’ victory as he finished the final match of the night with a 34-second pin.

Although Amery and Ellsworth each posted 42 points in the second half of Friday’s showdown, a slow start by the Warriors boys’ basketball team proved to be the difference as Ellsworth emerged with a 71-57 victory. “The kids gave a good effort in the game despite having two players out,” said Amery Coach Mark Luehman. “Other players stepped up to the challenge.” Four Warriors scored in double figures, led by Galen Coy with 16 points on 7-for-20 shooting. Coy also led the team in steals and assists, with three each. Ryan McBrayer, Mason Spafford and Zach Swenson each scored 10 points. McBrayer matched Coy’s steal number while Spafford did the same in the assist department. Spafford also paced the squad in rebounds with eight, while Swenson and Chris McLeod each added six. “We kept our turnovers down this game but gave up too many offensive rebounds that led to second chance points,” Coach Luehman said. Overall Amery committed just nine turnovers and snagged eight steals, compared to 16 turnovers and four steals for Ellsworth. The Warriors also made 23 of 51 two-point shot attempts, but were just 3-for-17 from three-point land and 2-for-5 from the free throw line. Ellsworth dominated the boards, collecting 49 rebounds, compared to just 33 for Amery Brett Swanson, Mason Bosley, McLeod, Tyler Peterson and Jeremiah Stillman each scored two points for the Warriors while Luke Kjeseth added one.. “The first half we didn’t shoot well but turned it around and shot much better the second half,” Luehman said. “Overall a good effort from the kids.”

LISA MCBRAYER

Ryan McBrayer blocks a shot.

Tigers overpower Warriors on the ice BY BRETT HART CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Amery’s boys hockey team ran into a tough, and highly penalized, New Richmond Tigers team on Dec. 12 in New Richmond and dropped a 10-3 contest. New Richmond wasted little time getting on the board as Nick Johnson scored an even strength goal 1:20 into the game to give the Tigers the early lead. However, Johnson was called for a major penalty around the 4 minute mark for checking from behind, which opened the door for the Warriors. Mac Smith took advantage of the power play with help from Parker Griffin and Fletcher Kjeseth to score at the 5:28 mark. “We capitalized on the major penalty early in the game to tie it up,” said Amery Coach Tim Henningsgard. “I thought that may give our boys some confidence for the rest of the period.” New Richmond, however, had other plans and scored twice more in the opening period, starting a string of eight unanswered

even strength goals that spanned until 3 1/2 minutes into the third period. With the game well out of reach, Amery’s Jackson Henningsgard assisted both Grady Martin and Ryan Van Blaricom for goals at the 5:06 and 8:11 marks, respectively. The Tigers put a close to the scoring at 15:17 with a goal by Noah Towberman. “This game was played at a whole different level,” Coach Henningsgard said. “We need to figure out how to match New Richmond’s intensity if we want to compete with them next time out.” New Richmond was charged with five penalties, resulting in 21 minutes in the box. Amery was flagged for one 2-minute penalty. The Tigers made up for being shorthanded with an aggressive attack the posted 39 shots, compared to just 18 by the Warriors. New Richmond’s Erig Langer scored four goals while his teammate Cole Thomas posted two goals and two assists. Adam Doroff and Ethan Mork

shared the Amery goalkeeper duties. Doroff saved seven of nine shots faced while Mork saved 22 of 30 shots. The Warriors scored one goal against Jake Erickson and two against Max Davis. “As a positive, playing a team like New Richmond 2-2 in the third period should give us some momentum going forward,” Coach Henningsgard said.

PAM HUMPAL|AMERY FREE PRESS

Goalie Ethan Mork keeps the puck in play


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AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 19, 2017

Christmas music origins Scores of artists have released Christmas albums or holiday-infused singles during their careers. Christmas music can be broken down into two distinct categories: traditional hymns and carols and popular secular songs. Some believe that the religious standards have been passed down since the earliest days of Christianity. However, that is not so. Before the 12th century, music wasn’t typically included in religious services, and even then music was included only sporadically. In present day, religious tunes identified as Christmas music typically are not sung until Christmas Eve and

The subsequent version was more catchy, and the faster-paced accompaniment was courtesy of Felix Mendelssohn, added 100 years after the poem was written. “Jingle Bells,” a nonreligious tune that has become synonymous with Christmas, was not originally written as a Christmas tune. In fact, the song was intended to celebrate Thanksgiving. Christmas music is diverse, with lively tunes, modern interpretations and religious classics enjoyed through the years.

thereafter until the Epiphany. Many of the oldest Christmas songs are not old at all. Many popular carols sung today are less than 200 years old. The world’s most popular Christmas carol was originally a poem penned in 1816 by Austrian Catholic priest Josef Mohr. Two years later, Mohr asked Franz Xaver Gruber, an organist and local schoolteacher, to put his words to music. The resulting song, “Silent Night,” was not translated into English for 40 years. “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” also originated from a poem and had the original opening line of, “Hark how all the welkin rings.”

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DECEMBER 19, 2017

AMERY FREE PRESS

17A

The history of Christmas stockings Dutch heritage One tradition says that, in 16th century Holland, children kept their clogs filled with straw in front of the hearth for Santa’s reindeer to find. They also left treats for Santa Claus. In return, Santa would leave gifts in the clogs. Over time, stockings were swapped out for clogs.

Just when the excitement of opening presents abates after the last of the packages under the Christmas tree have been torn open, children and adults alike may discover that there are more treats to be had nestled inside of stockings hung on the mantle. The hanging of Christmas stockings is a tradition with an extensive history. Several legends attribute the hanging of stockings to different people or events. Here is a look at some of the stories that have made Christmas stockings so popular. St. Nicholas Day Rather than hanging stockings on Christmas, many countries celebrate Saint Nicholas Day on December 6, and this is when stockings are proudly left out for treats. The small, inexpensive trinkets are later unwrapped and enjoyed on Christmas Day.

Merchant’s family story A popular tale tells the story of a merchant, his wife and three daughters. After the wife falls ill and dies, the man becomes devastated and squanders all of his wealth on frivolous things to mask his sadness. When it comes time for the daughters to marry, the man does not have money for a dowry. St. Nicholas hears of the plight and knows the man would be too proud to accept charity. Therefore, St. Nicholas anonymously tosses three bags of gold coins down the chimney. The man’s daughters had done the laundry prior and left their stockings hanging by the fireplace to dry. The gold landed in the stockings, thus starting the Christmas stocking tradition. Italian good witch One stocking story does not attribute the tradition to Santa, but to a kind-hearted Italian witch named “La Befana.” La Befana arrives on a broomstick the night of January 5 and fills the stockings of good children with sweet treats and toys. Bad children are awarded lumps of coal. La Befana is also credited with being the old woman who the wise men ask for directions to Christ’s manger in the Christ child’s story. After turning down an offer to accompany them, La Befana later carried gifts in search of Christ. Christmas stockings have become part of holiday traditions, and this beloved tradition has its own unique history.

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AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 19, 2017

Elf on the Shelf Stick to Simple Shenanigans Elf should be able to get into her position easily, and she shouldn’t raise the expectation too much, too soon. If she gets up to very complicated hijinks early in the season, she might run out of mischievous and creative ideas before Christmas. Pinterest is a great tool for finding out what kind of shenanigans other families’ Elves have gotten into.

An Elf is an Elf is an Elf Elf on the Shelf has transformed into a 21st Century Christmas tradition with “The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition” — a children’s picture book written by Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell, and illustrated by Coe Steinwart. While forms of this tradition have existed around the world for centuries, this Christmas-themed story of an elf who keeps Santa informed about who is naughty and who is nice exponentially increased the popularity of the tradition.

While the commercialism of Elf is deep-seated, you don’t have to have the advertised Elf. Anything can be an Elf. Any small figurine or stuffed animal will do, with a dose of Christmas magic, of course.

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer Adults and children alike are familiar with the tale of “Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer.” As the lyrics of the song illustrate: Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer had a very shiny nose / And if you ever saw it, you would even say it glows. Popularized by the song written by Johnny Marks and sung by Gene Autry, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer dates back to 1939. A copywriter named Robert L. May created the story of the misfit reindeer in 1939 when working for Montgomery Ward. The retail giant was producing marketing holiday coloring books for children and wanted to come up with a clever character. Although Rudolph is now beloved,

May’s original ideas included Rollo and Reginald. Also, Rudolph’s famed red nose almost didn’t come to be. Because a red nose at the time was viewed as a sign of alcoholism, Montgomery Ward was hesitant to be on board with the bulbous, red snoot. A blue nose was considered, but later changed. In its first year of publication, Montgomery Ward had distributed 2.4 million copies of Rudolph’s story. Today, Rudolph is known across the globe as the reindeer responsible for navigating Santa’s sleigh through tricky weather on Christmas Eve. He continues to be loved by many, young and old.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Carson Marciniak Grade 1

Set a Reminder This is especially important if you’ve set the expectation that Elf is up to something different each night. Don’t let Elf forget to adventure around the house, so you won’t have disappointed or confused little faces in the morning.

Introducing Elf

Make it Your Own

While Elf starts off a wonderful Christmas season with a bang, be sure not to introduce him too soon. You don’t want him to run out of ideas or let time steal the novelty out of the activity for your children. It is customary for Elf to appear no earlier than December 1. Many people also see their Elf for the first time the night the family decorates the Christmas tree.

Remember, there is no official rule book. Maybe your elf appears in a different spot each morning, or maybe he only appears when the kids have been good. Maybe he brings treats or small notes with him. There is no right or wrong way to start an Elf tradition. He is just there to add another dash of magic to the season.

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DECEMBER 19, 2017

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Season’s Greetings

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AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 19, 2017

Wisconsin’s Architectural Journey – 10 Stops Along the Frank Lloyd Wright Trail BY JENNIFERY INGISH DISCOVER WISCONSIN

Frank Lloyd Wright is one of the world’s most celebrated architects, but did you know he spent much of his life right here in Wisconsin? Wright was born in Richland Center in 1867 and designed a number of buildings across the state throughout his lifetime. The Frank Lloyd Wright Trail takes visitors on a self-guided driving tour to nine stops across southern Wisconsin, tracing Wright’s steps from his birthplace to some of his most famous buildings. Check out the places you’ll see along this architectural journey. 1) Great Workroom at SC Johnson – You’ll have major workplace envy after visiting the crown jewel of SC Johnson’s administration building in Racine. H.F. Johnson Jr. commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to build the company’s headquarters in the 1930s. With large, tree-like columns, birdcage elevators and windows made of Pyrex tubing, it’s far from your average workspace. 2) Research Tower at SC Johnson – Also found on SC Johnson’s campus, the research tower is the birthplace of some of SC Johnson’s most iconic household brands, including Raid, Glade, Pledge and Off! The tower was built with alternating mezzanine levels, which allowed the scientists to easily communicate by shouting back and forth – talk about a collaborative workspace!

3) Wingspread – Frank Lloyd Wright’s work with the Johnson family didn’t end upon completion of SC Johnson’s headquarters. H.F. Johnson Jr. later commissioned Wright to design his own home, a stunning, prairie-style house he called Wingspread. On your visit, be sure to notice the home’s Juliet balcony and crow’s nest – unique features specifically requested by Johnson’s two young children. 4) Burnham (American System-Built Homes) – While Frank Lloyd Wright is famous for his grand, organic designs, he was also passionate about designing homes aimed at moderate and low-income families. Examples of these homes are scattered throughout the Midwest, but a handful can be found in Milwaukee, including one on Burnham Street, which is open for tours. 5) Monona Terrace – Set on the shores of Lake Monona in Madison, Frank Lloyd Wright originally designed his “dream civic center” back in the 1930s. While Wright died before the building was ever created, a handful of people who had worked with him and shared his vision for the lakefront masterpiece oversaw the project. 6) First Unitarian Society Meeting House –Completed in 1951, just a few years before Wright’s death, the First Unitarian Society Meeting House is considered one of the world’s most innovative examples of church architecture. Wright’s parents were founding members of the First Unitarian Society, and Wright himself was a member of the congregation.

7) Wyoming Valley – One of the last buildings Frank Lloyd Wright designed before he died, the Wyoming Valley School Cultural Arts Center in Spring Green is the only public elementary school Wright ever designed. Wright donated the design and many of the materials used in building the school in honor of his mother, who was a schoolteacher. 8) Hillside Home School – Built in 1902, Wright designed the Hillside Home School for his aunts, who ran a boarding school here until 1915. Today, the building is home to the School of Architecture at Taliesin, where Wright’s unique style and legacy continue to influence and educate students. 9) Taliesin – Nestled amongst the rolling hills of the Spring Green area, Taliesin was Frank Lloyd Wright’s primary residence from 1911 to 1959. Its 800-acre campus includes the main house, where Wright lived and worked, as well as Hillside Home School and a number of other buildings Wright designed throughout his lifetime. 10) AD German Warehouse – Located in Frank Lloyd Wright’s hometown of Richland Center, the AD German Warehouse is the only warehouse Wright designed in his career. The building exhibits a number of features similar to other buildings he designed during this time in his career, including the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo and Midway Gardens in Chicago.

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DECEMBER 19, 2017

AMERY FREE PRESS

AREA BOWLING SCORES Club 53 Bar & Lanes, Amery MONDAY NIGHT MEN Division 1 Gary’s Electric.................................. 181.5 Tac Two .............................................173.5 Division 2 Dick’s Fresh Market ...................... 154.5 Shoreview ....................................... 130.5 High games: Robert Albee 207, Gary Nottom 201, Bob Gillis 213-223, Mark Carlson 214. High series: Gary Nottom 560, Bob Gillis 635, Todd Zemke 590, Mark Carlson 557. TUESDAY NIGHT MEN Division 1 Waterside .........................................133.5 Northwest Communications ..... 127.5 Division 2 Club 53 ..............................................150.0 Chet Johnson Drug .......................149.0 High games: Chuck Wellman 215, Bill Peterson 202, Tryst Dodge 200, Wade Prindle 249-267, Scott Sorenson 224, Randy Olson 202, Will Schaffer 244. High series: Chuck Wellman 568, Bill Peterson 557, Wade Prindle 713, Scott Sorenson 590, Will Schaffer 622. WEDNESDAY NIGHT MEN Division 1 Preferred Lawn.............................. 128.5 Lamperts .........................................109.0 Division 2 Amery Fire Dept. ............................167.5 Club 43..............................................150.0

High games: Jerod Wollan 209, Lyle Kaehler 201-215, Beau Gorres 215-278-246. High series: Lyle Kaehler 573, Beau Gorres 739. THURSDAY-FRIDAY NIGHT WOMEN Division 1 Club 53 ................................................151.5 Amery Fire Dept. ..........................145.0 Bremer .............................................. 124.0 Division 2 Chet’s .................................................161.0 Northwest Communications ..... 141.0 Amery Hospital & Clinic ................ 117.5 High games: Jodi Chelberg 191, Katie Lauterbach 178-161-154, Gail Peterson 175-161, Pam Humpal 170, Lori Kopacz 166, Linda Mullendore 161-156, Bette Elmer 159, Jeri Cook 154, Kelsey Monteith 152. High series: Katie Lauterbach 493, Gail Peterson 482, Linda Mullendore 453, Bette Elmer 427, Jodi Chelberg 427. PREP LEAGUE Games over 65: Travis Vierkandt 66-73-73, Rawquelle Albee 100, Issabelle Schaffer 66. Series over 200: Travis Vierkandt 212, Rawquelle Albee 212. YOUTH LEAGUE Games over 110: Jake Mahoney 148-158, Ryan Karpenske 118-136, Charlie Flanum 122-134-136. Series over 350: Jake Mahoney 408, Ryan Karpenske 362, Charlie Flanum 392.

Spare Time Bowling, Turtle Lake M0NDAY NIGHT LADIES Becker’s Trucking ............................ 18.0 Austad’s Super Valu........................14.0 No Wicks Moravitz ...........................13.5 Spare Time Bowl..............................12.0 Countyline Dairy................................9.0 Bowlin Buddies...................................7.5 Clear Lake Auto ..................................7.0 Little Debbie’s .................................... 3.0 High games: Kathy Eggers 180, Connie Graber 189, Gwen Johannsen 216, Deanne Moravitz 213. High series: Deanne Moravitz 503, Connie Graber 505.

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on select Hunter Douglas window fashions.* 1 LuminetteWe Privacy Sheers or Modern Draperies Window Specialize asure & &way way or Skyline GlidingWe Window Panels In Hard hat a wonderful to fill your home with Art theOfand Comfort Joy, Of1and Window Specialize Measure or 1 Skyline Gliding Window Panels In Hard What a wonderful to fill your with Art the Comfort Joy, SEPTEMBER 16 home – DECEMBER 16, 2014 beauty and warmth of the season. Ideas16,Ideas Book 16Dressing –at DECEMBER 2014Book To To REACH Windows tallation Now aatSavings. beauty and warmthSEPTEMBER of the season. Dressing REACH Windows nstallation Now a Savings. ®

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INTEREST-FREE 100100 REBATE INTEREST-FREE REBATE FREE FREE FREE FREE Why FINANCING on any of the following purchases: HOLIDAY HOURS: Since 1956...Find Out Why INTEREST-FREE FINANCING Op n 4 Duette Honeycomb Shades time to decorate INTEREST-FREE Since 1956...Find Out Why Closed Christmas Day New eIt’s INTEREST-FREE 4 Duette Honeycomb Shades Since 1956...Find Out Why or 4 Solera Soft Shades AVAILABLE* Year It’s time to decorate FINANCING INTEREST-FREE Open Dec. 26 or 4 Solera Soft Shades FINANCING ’s AVAILABLE* FINANCING D OUR rebate each additional unit) ay 11 OUROUR Open NewFINANCING Year’s Day OUR(plus $25 windows forfor thethe holidays. *With Approved Credit. -your (plus $25 rebate each additional unit) AVAILABLE* 4 your AVAILABLE* windows holidays. *With Approved Credit. AR th YEAR AVAILABLE* AVAILABLE* Shadings 2 Pirouette Window EAR th YEAR th YEAR 56 *With Approved Credit. Window Shadings 2 Pirouette th YEAR *With Approved Credit. Shadings or 2 Silhouette Window56 Save with mail-in rebates on a selection of stylish Hunter Douglas Hours: Shadings or 2 Silhouette Window ON Shades Save with mail-in rebates on a selection of stylish Hunter Douglas Hours: or 2 Vignette Modern Roman ON Shades window fashions, September 16–December 16, 2014. Ask for details. Modern Roman or 2101 Vignette Monday -Monday Friday 8:30Hours: a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; Hours: STREET MAIN rebateMAIN each additional unit) window fashions, September 16–December 16, 2014. Ask for details. ONON (plus $50 Monday -Monday Friday a.m. 5:30 p.m.; - Friday8:30 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; STREET MAIN (plus $50 101 rebateMAIN each additional unit) STREET 101 MAIN - Friday 8:30p.m. a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; LUCK LUCK, WI •WI 715-472-2487 101 MAIN STREET Saturday 8:30 8:30 a.m. -a.m. 4:00 LUCK, WI • 715-472-2487 Honeycomb Shade 1 Duette Vertiglide Saturday 8:30 4:00 p.m. LUCK LUCK, • 715-472-2487 Saturday a.m. 4:00 p.m. EET Shade WI • 715-472-2487 1 Duette Vertiglide HoneycombLUCK, Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. MAIN STREET or 1 Luminette Privacy Sheer REET MAIN STREET Privacy Sheer or 1 Luminette www.jensenfurnitureluck.com www.jensenfurnitureluck.com or 1 Skyline Gliding Window Panels www.jensenfurnitureluck.com www.jensenfurnitureluck.com or 1 Skyline Gliding Window Panels LUCK Custom Draperies • Floor Covering Complete unit) Home Furnishings (plus $100 rebate each •additional LUCK Custom Draperies • Floor Covering Complete unit) Home Furnishings K (plus $100 rebate each •additional * $ Measure & Measure & on any of the following purchases: Installation on any ofSince the following purchases: Installation Out 1956...Find ®

100-mileInradius Art Of Window $ We Specialize Hard * Of Window $ To REACH We Specialize In Hard Dressing IdeasArtBook Windows purchases: Dressingon Ideasany Book of the Tofollowing REACH Windows

4 Duette® Honeycomb Shades ® 4 Duette Shades ® Soft Honeycomb Shades or 4 Solera ® Softadditional Shades unit) or 4rebate Soleraeach (plus $25 (plus $25 rebate each additional unit) ® Approved Credit. ® Window Shadings 2 Pirouette*With ® *With Approved Credit. ® Window Shadings 2 Pirouette ® ® Hours: Shadings Window or 2 Silhouette ® ® Hours: Shadings or 2 Silhouette Monday a.m. - 5:30Shades p.m.; ® - Friday 8:30Window ® 101 MAIN STREET Modern Roman or 2 Vignette Monday Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:30Shades p.m.; ® - a.m. ® 101• MAIN STREET LUCK, WI 715-472-2487 Saturday 8:30 4:00 p.m. Modern Roman or 2rebate Vignette (plus $50 each additional unit) LUCK, WI • 715-472-2487 Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. www.jensenfurnitureluck.com (plus $50 rebate each additional unit) www.jensenfurnitureluck.com Custom Draperies • Floor Covering • Complete Home Furnishings ® ® Shade 1 Duette Vertiglide Honeycomb Custom Draperies • Floor Covering • Complete Home Furnishings ® ® Honeycomb Shade 1 Duette® Vertiglide *Manufacturer’s rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 9/15/12 - 12/15/12. A qualifying purchase is defined as a purchase of any of the product set forth above in the quantities set forth above. If you purchase less than Privacy Sheer ormodels 1 Luminette ® ® any other Hunter Douglas offer or the specified quantity, will not be entitled to a for rebate. All rebates will bemade issued in U.S.- 12/15/12. dollars, in Athequalifying form of an American Express® Reward Card. This rebatemodels not be combined with *Manufacturer’s rebate offer valid qualifying purchases 9/15/12 purchase is defined as Prepaid a purchase of any of the product set set forth above. If you purchase less than Privacy Sheer oroffer 1 may Luminette ® youDouglas. ® forth above in the quantities Allyou rights All trademarks used theirdollars, respective owners. Gliding Panels 1Reward Skyline HD theHunter specified quantity, willreserved. not be entitled to a rebate. Allherein rebatesarewillthebeproperty issued inofU.S. in the form of an American Express® or Prepaid Card. This rebate offer may notWindow be combined Spec with any other Hunter Douglas offer or ® promotion. ©2012 ® Gliding Window or 1 rebate Skylineeach SpecPanels HD ® promotion. ©2012 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners. (plus $100 additional unit) Custom Draperies • Floor Covering • Complete Home Furnishings (plus $100 rebate each additional unit) Custom Draperies • Floor Covering • Complete Home Furnishings ® ®

now through now through Nov. 4, 2014 Nov. 4, 2014

®

®

56 56

Duette Architella Honeycomb Shades Duette Architella® Honeycomb Shades

*On approved creditless than nufacturer’s rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 9/15/12 - 12/15/12. A qualifying purchase is defined as a purchase of any of the product models set forth above in the quantities set forth above. If you purchase *Manufacturer’s offer valid forto made - 12/15/12. A qualifying is defined as amodels purchase ofReward any of the product models set forth above in theabove. quantities set forth above. Douglas If you pecified quantity,9/15/12 you rebate will not be entitled aqualifying rebate. purchases All rebates will be issued in U.S. in the form of anofAmerican Express® Prepaid Card. This offer may not combined with Ifany other Hunter offer or less than hases made - 12/15/12. Aqualifying purchase is9/15/12 defined as dollars, a purchase ofpurchase any the product set forth above in rebate the quantities setbeforth you purchase lesspurchase than the specified quantity, you willrights not be entitled to rebate. All form rebates will be issued in U.S. inPrepaid the form of anofAmerican Express® Prepaid Reward Card. This offer may not beforth combined with Ifany other Hunter offer or motion. ©2012 Hunter Douglas. All reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property respective ng purchases made 9/15/12 - 12/15/12. A aqualifying purchase is defined asofdollars, atheir purchase of owners. any theCard. product models set forth above in rebate the quantities set above. you purchase bate. All rebates will be issued in U.S. dollars, in the of an American Express® Reward This rebate offer may not be combined with any other Hunter Douglas offerDouglas orless than Spec HD Hunter will Douglas. All rightsinreserved. All trademarks used herein the property of their respective d to apromotion. rebate. ©2012 All rebates be issued U.S. dollars, in the form of anare American Express® Prepaidowners. Reward Card. This rebate offer may not be combined with any other Hunter Spec Douglas HDoffer or

ed. All trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners. reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners.

Duette Architella® Honeycomb Shades Duette Architella® Honeycomb Shades

It’sIt’s time to to decorate time decorate It’sIt’s time to to decorate time decorate your windows for the holidays. Spec HD Spec HD

*Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases *Manufacturer’s made 9/16/14 - 12/16/14 from participating purchases 9/16/14 from participating dealers in the U.S. only.made Rebate will be- 12/16/14 issued in the form dealers in the U.S. only. Rebate will 6beweeks issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within of a prepaid rewarddo card mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim receipt. Funds notand expire. Subject rebate claimmonthly receipt.fee Funds expire. Subject to applicableoflaw, a $2.00 will do be not assessed applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will against cardtobalance 7 months after card issuance andbe assessed against card 7 months after card each month thereaft er.balance Additional limitations apply.issuance and each month er. Additional apply. Ask participating dealerthereaft for details and rebatelimitations form. AskDouglas. participating dealer for details rebate form. ©2014 Hunter All rights reserved. Alland tradeDouglas. of AllHunter rights reserved. marks used ©2014 herein Hunter are the property Douglas. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas.

21A


CLASSIFIEDS PHONE: 715-268-8101 | FAX: 715-268-5300

22A AMERY FREE PRESS

Affordable 1 BR in Clear Lake RENT BASED ON 30% OF INCOME On-site laundry, storage lockers, updated units and microwaves. For those 62+ or disabled of any age

1-800-944-4866 Ext. 1122 Equal Housing Opportunity

DECEMBER 19, 2017 www.theameryfreepress.com

“Newly Revamped”

FOR RENT

2 & 3 BR, 1 bath apartment

in Clear Lake Utilities included No pets Available NOW

715-643-6404 EHO

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

Pharmacy Technician Instructor/Program Director Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College New Richmond OR Superior Campus WITC is seeking a learning-focused, creative and dynamic individual for a full-time Pharmacy Technician Instructor/Program Director at either the Superior or New Richmond Campus. The ideal candidates will demonstrate interest in and potential for excellence in facilitating student learning and development. This position would ideally start March 1, 2018. For a complete job description, list of qualifications, and to apply visit our website at: http://witc.edu/employ Deadline to apply: January 5, 2018 WITC is an Equal Opportunity/ Access/Affirmative Action/Veterans/ Disability Employer and Educator TTY 711

Polk County offers careers that Matter Join us to make a difference, together we will strengthen our community! We cannot function without great employees - talented, caring professionals are rewarded with a great, competitive total rewards package.

Meal Site Aide Substitute - Amery Casual/Non-Exempt Position Wage: Depends on Quali ications This position assists with preparing and providing meals and activities at local Nutrition Program at the Senior Dining Sites. Our meal sites offer meals on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Ideal part-time work for someone interested in only mornings (7:30am-12:30pm) Requires Wisconsin Food Manager Certification, we will provide training to be certified within 6 months of hire. Deadline to apply: December 27, 2017 YOU MUST COMPLETE AN ON-LINE APPLICATION TO BE ELIGIBLE. For complete job description, position requirements, application, and details please visit our website at www.co.polk.wi.us, Employment Opportunities. AA/EEOC

Golden Age Manor in Amery, WI would like you on our team!

LPN - DAY SHIFT

6:30am-2:45pm Part Time, including every other weekend 5 shifts every two weeks

We welcome new graduates! Deadline to apply online: 12/31/17 You must complete an on-line application to be eligible. For complete job description, position requirements, application, and details please visit our website at www.co.polk.wi.us, Employment Opportunities. AA/EEOC

DIETARY AIDES Part Time Positions & High School Positions PLEASE join us for WALK IN Interviews on Tuesday, December 19 & Wednesday, December 20th 3:00pm-7:00pm at Golden Age Manor You do not need to schedule a time, simply show up between the times listed above.

Now Hiring

All Shifts Available!!

$1.50 night shift differential! 1.5x pay on Sunday Work FT in just 3-4 days per week!! Work is physical and involves lifting of 25lbs continuously throughout the shift. Must be dependable and work well in a team environment.

Why work for us?

—Be part of a team that makes some of th best cheese in the world! —Comprehensive benefit package —Great vacation plan —Retirement plan with company contribution —Opportunities for growth —A history of stability and security – no layoffs or downsizing! Stop by and fill out an application today! Resumes may also be emailed to sbryan@lakecountrydairy.com

Lake Country Dairy Attn: Human Resources 458 Western Boulevard Turtle Lake, WI 54889

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Secretary/File Clerk

Looking for a Full-Time

Machine Technician JOB DESCRIPTION: The employee will be trained in the inner workings of our company's tube plasma cutting machines (2) along with our software and will be traveling to our customer's metal shop locations to diagnose and x problems on their machines. Duties will also include explanation of moving parts, replacements, and/or administering on the spot training to ensure customer competency with the machinery and accompanying software. (Duties may be subject to change according to the needs of the employer). IDEAL CANDIDATES SHOULD HAVE THE FOLLOWING ATTRIBUTES: - Critical thinking and problem-solving skills - Ability to retain information and repeat/relay to customers - Willingness to travel for work often - Ability to diagnose mechanical problems (previous auto mechanic or robotics experience a plus) - Ability to work independently or with a team - Ability to think of solutions to problems on the spot - Courteous and condent attitude - Ability to work professionally with our customers - Asks for help when needed

RATE OF PAY: Based upon experience. Contact us if you feel like you would be a good t for this position. We look forward to hearing from you.

Bend-Tech Software, LLC

(715) 294-2000 • support@bend-tech.com

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

Doar, Drill & Skow law firm in New Richmond, WI seeks a part time secretary/file clerk to work primarily with our personal injury and general litigation team. 20-30 hours per week, flexible workday hours. Experience preferred but not necessary. Pay commensurate with experience. Send resume to: Secretary/File Clerk Position PO Box 388 New Richmond, WI 54017 or via email to: KOlson@doardrill.com

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

Deadline to apply: January 19, 2018 WITC is an Equal Opportunity/ Access/Affirmative Action/Veterans/ Disability Employer and Educator TTY 711

Read the

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DECEMBER 19, 2017

Deadline for the Classified Page is Friday at 10 a.m. FREE! On-line version to all Amery Free Press Subscribers! To subscribe just call 715-268-8101

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

AMERY FREE PRESS

Join Our Team!

Amery Memory Care is looking for

PT & FT Resident Care Assistants (2nd & 3rd Shifts)

FT & PT Cook/ Dietary Aide

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

(All shifts)

FT & PT Activity Assistant (All shifts)

Please stop in and speak with Kristin or Michelle for more details

215 Birch St. W, Amery

www.theameryfreepress.com

23A

HELP WANTED

Waitresses/Waiters and Dishwashers APPLY IN PERSON

Wolter’s Shoreview Supper Club on Pike Lake, Amery

Wednesday-Saturday after 4 p.m.

We send and receive faxes at the Amery Free Press

ThermalPlastic Plastic Design, Inc. Inc. Thermal Design, A Precision Custom Injection Molding A Company Precision Custom InjectionPolymers Molding Specializing in Engineering Company Specializing in Engineering Seeking qualified candidate for position of:Polymers

Seeking qualified candidate for position of:

We’re Growing!

Molding Technician Molding Technician 2 shift Hours 3:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M. 3rd shift Hours 11:00 P.M. to 7:00 A.M. nd

Check us out at www.isomicro.com We’ve added 3 new positions and are looking for dedicated fessionals to join our team in the following areas.

pro-1. 2.

Project Engineer 1st Shift Mon-Fri

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with min 3 years exp. with injection molded plastics • Min 3 years project management and validation exp. 3. • Working knowledge of 3D CAD software • Understanding and analysis of DOE and ISO 13485 requirements.

Mold Set Up Technician 2nd Shift: 4-10 hr days Mon – Thurs

4.

1st shift Hours 7:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

Job Description: Set up, start, operate, trouble shootP.M. and tear plastic injection molding machin 2nd shift Hours 3:00 todown 11:00 P.M.

3rd shift General Responsibilities:

Hours 11:00 P.M. to 7:00 A.M.

1. Job Description: Set up, start, operate, trouble shoot and tear

Set up and tear down molding machines, Start and trouble shoot molding machines, Set up and tear d down plastic injection molding machines. auxiliary equipment (drill press, air press welder etc). Work with quality and engineering as needed, General Responsibilities: Set up and tearKeep down molding ma- work are Perform 2. equipment safety checks, Assist in training of operators, a clean and organized Participate chines, in corrective action and lean activities, process improvements activities Start and trouble shootSuggest molding machines, Set up and to supervis Perform work responsibilities in a safe manner tear down auxiliary equipment (drill press, air press welder

etc). Work with quality and engineering as needed, Perform

Physical Requirements: While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to equipment checks, in their training and hear. The employee issafety often required to Assist sit and use hands of andoperators. fingers, to handle or feel. The employee3.isPhysical frequently required to stand, walk, reach performing with arms and hands occasionally climb or balan Requirements: While the responsibiliand to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Vision abilities required by to thistalk job include close vision. ties of the job, the employee is required and hear. The

employee is often required to sit and use their hands and fin-

Competencies: Able to properly operate basic hand tools (wrench, screw driver, hammer, etc). Knowl toIQMS, handle orcontrols feel. The employee is frequently to English. Ba of or abilitygers, to learn press and auxiliary equipment. Ability to required read and write stand, walk, reach with arms and hands occasionally climb or shop math. Must become fork truck operator certified. Items on this list will be verified or demonstra balance,completion and to stoop, kneel,probationary crouch orperiod crawl. abilities through satisfactory of the defined (ref:Vision TDI Company Policy Manual AP-01 Section 205) required by this job include close vision.

• Min 2 yrs. exp. with Plastic Injection set up, start up, and mold change over • Min 2 yrs. exp. troubleshooting plastic injection molds and machines 4. Competencies: Ableexperience, to properly operate basic hand tools 5. Other desired traits: Material handling familiar with Lean manufacturing, experience in a • Proficiency with plastic resins and resin drying systems (wrench, screw driver, hammer, etc). Knowledge of or ability injection molding environment, supervisory experience. • Exp. training injection mold operators and ensuring quality systems to learn IQMS, press controls and auxiliary equipment. Abil• Ability to make mechanical decisions and judgments with minimal ity to read and write English. Basic shop math. Must become T.D.I. offers Competitive wages and excellent benefits. Qualified can apply in per supervision fork truck operator certified. Items on this listapplicants will be verified

Molding Operator 1st Shift: Mon-Fri 7:00a-4:00p 2nd Shift Mon-Thurs 3:00p – 1:30a

or by sending a resume to: or demonstrated through satisfactory completion of the deThermal Plastic Design, Inc. fined probationary period. 1116 East Pine Street 5. Other desired traits: Material handling St Croix Falls WI. 54024 experience, familiar with Lean manufacturing, experience Attn: H.R. Manager in an plastic injection molding environment, supervisory experience. View us on line: www.tdimolding.com

• Min 1 yr plastic injection molding machine operation exp preferred • Operate plastic injection molding equipment safely and efficiently • Ability to use measuring instruments and read blueprints

Located in New Richmond, WI Isometric Micro Molding, Inc. is a contract manufacturer supplying micro injection molded components and sub-assemblies to medical and drug delivery device OEMs. To Apply: send resume and cover letter to cjohnson@isotool.com EOE

T.D.I. offers Competitive wages and excellent benefits. Qualified applicants can apply in person or by sending a resume to:

Thermal Plastic Design, Inc. 1116 East Pine Street St Croix Falls WI. 54024 Attn: H.R. Manager

Email: hr@tdimolding.com View us on line: www.tdimolding.com


24A AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 19, 2017 www.theameryfreepress.com

Holiday Tunes A large crowd gathered in the Amery High School Auditorium Thursday night for the Amery Middle School’s Holiday Concert. The Middle School Jazz band and choir performed for the event. Photos by Bob Johnson.

Merry Christmas & Many Happy Returns! Wishing you a holiday season rich in joy, friendship, peace and prosperity.

Thanks for banking on us! We appreciate your trust and support, and we will continue to put our customers first in 2018 and beyond.

DRESSER

Highway 35 North

SOMERSET West Main Street

HUDSON

just North of Exit 4

NEW RICHMOND in the heart of downtown

800-514-3412

www.fn-cb.com NMLS #412555


DECEMBER 19, 2017

AMERY FREE PRESS

To our readers and advertisers We love delivering news from around the area and we couldn’t do it without the support of our loyal readers and advertisers. Thank you for making us your newspaper of choice. We look forward to reporting to you in the new year!

From all of us to all of you . . . Merry Christmas! Tom Stangl, Jessica de la Cruz, Diane Stangl, Pam Humpal, Bette Elmer, Jamie Stewart

Enjoy viewing the children’s cards from grades Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 4 in this Christmas issue of the Amery Free Press

Gavin Humpal Grade 2

Bentley Humpal Kindergarten

Avah Elmer Grade 3

1B


2B AMERY FREE PRESS

SPIRITUAL

DECEMBER 19, 2017

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; 5 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. Wednesday: 10 a.m. Men’s Bible Study. BALSAM LUTHERAN, 1115 Mains Crossing, Amery Wednesday, Dec. 20: 9 a.m. Bible Study; 6 p.m. Confirmation class. Sunday, Dec. 24: 9 a.m. Holy Worship; 2 p.m. Barn Service; 5 p.m. Candlelight Service. Tuesday, Dec. 26: 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, Dec. 20: 11:30 a.m. Family Table Dinner; 3:30 p.m. Homework & Hangout; 4:30 pm. Confirmation Level 2 class; 5:45 p.m. Family Dinner; 6:30 p.m. WOW/Youth Group; 7 p.m. Money Management. Thursday, Dec. 21: 8:15 am. Ministerium; 9:30 a.m. Senior Dining Hall opens; 5:30 p.m. Women’s Bible Study. Friday, Dec. 22: 9 a.m. Pastoral Leaders; 9:30 a.m. Senior Dining. Sunday, Dec. 24: 10 a.m. Worship Service; 2 p.m. Barn Service; 4:30 p.m Christmas Eve Family Service; 9:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. Monday, Dec. 25: Office closed for Christmas. Tuesday, Dec. 26: 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, Dec. 20: 7:15 NUIC Choir practice at Trinity. Thursday, Dec. 21: 9 a.m. Deronda Quilting. Sunday, Dec. 24: 9:30 a.m. Combined Worship at Trinity; 4:30 p.m. Combined Christmas Eve Worship at Trinity. Monday, Dec. 25: 9:30 a.m. Combined Christmas Day Worship at Little Falls. 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 Sunday, Dec. 24: 10:30 a.m. Christmas Eve Worship; 7 p.m. Candlelight Service. 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.

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, Dec. 20: 5:30 p.m. Hymn Sing and Potluck. Thursday, Dec. 21: 8 a.m. Bible Study here; 8:30 a.m. Quilters; 9:30 a.m. Ruth Circle, Mary Lou Wold hostess; 7 p.m. Al Anon. Sunday, Dec. 24: 9 a.m. Worship; 4 and 9 p.m. Worship. FIRST LUTHERAN (LCMC), 811 South Ave. W, Clear Lake www.firstluthclearlake.com Bryan S. Anderson, pastor Wednesday, Dec. 20: 7:30 pm. Christmas Concert; No Confirmation. Thursday, Dec. 21: 11 a.m. CLAMA; 1 p.m. Women of the Word Christmas Potluck luncheon. Sunday, Dec. 24: Christmas Eve, 10 a.m Morning Advent worship; 4 p.m. Candlelight Service with Holy Communion; No Sunday school, Fellowship or Choir. Monday, Dec. 25: 10 a.m. Christmas Day service with Holy Communion. Tuesday, Dec. 26: No Quilting; 1 p.m. Prayer Shawl 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.

Please join us for the Holidays!

Sunday, Dec. 24 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Amery Free Lutheran Church Hwy. F west of Amery

Christmas “As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ Jesus replied, ‘Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.’” —Luke 9:57-58 NIV

C

hristianity is a religion of paradoxes, and one of the most paradoxical elements of Christianity is the incarnation, the idea that God became man, being born as a helpless child in the humblest of circumstances. Nativity scenes memorialize this event, showing a baby lying in a manger, which is nothing more than a feeding trough for domesticated animals. But Jesus’s birth is only the first of many paradoxes. At the other end of Jesus’s life is the paradox of the almighty God letting himself be taunted and tortured, and ultimately letting himself die an ignominious death by hanging on a cross. We do well to remember that Christianity turns many virtues on their head. Strength, pride and wisdom are replaced by weakness, humility and a kind of naivete or simple-mindedness. At this time of year when we celebrate Christ’s birth with lavish spending and gift-giving, we do well to remember that material things are golden fetters and that poverty makes us free to live a simpler, more spiritual life. The Son of God was born in a manger, and as He himself told a potential follower, he still had nowhere to lay his head. Jesus appears to be telling this man to count the cost of becoming his follower. Christmas might make us think that Christianity is nothing but sweetness and light when in fact it’s incredibly difficult to be a good Christian.– Christopher Simon

These weekly church messages are contributed by the following:

715-268-9218

AmTec

241 Venture Dr., Amery Phone 715-268-8146

Carlson SV

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS 301 Keller Ave. S., Amery 715-268-7999

Amery Free Press Your Comunity Newspaper for over 125 years 215 S. Keller Ave., Amery Phone 715-268-8101

Christmas Eve Worship Sunday, Dec. 24 9 am. Worship with Holy Communion 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. Candlelight Service with Holy Communion

First Lutheran Church 240 W. Elm St. Amery


SPIRITUAL

DECEMBER 19, 2017

AMERY FREE PRESS

www.theameryfreepress.com

AREA CHURCHES CONTINUED . . . 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. Advent Service Dec. 20, Supper 5 p.m., Church service at 6 p.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 Wednesday Advent Services 5 p.m. Sunday: 9 a.m. Divine Worship. Sunday, Dec. 24, Worship with Children’s Program 9 a.m. 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, Dec. 20: 7:15 NUIC Choir practice at Trinity. Sunday, Dec. 24: 9:30 a.m. Combined Worship at Trinity; 4:30 p.m. Combined Christmas Eve worship at Trinity. Monday, Dec. 25: 9:30 a.m. Combined Christmas Day worship at Little Falls. 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. 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, Dec. 20: 12 p.m. Table Talk Men; 3:30 p.m. Holy Bash; 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 0.m. Celebrate The Child Drama; 7 p.m. Choir practice at Our Savior’s. Thursday, Dec. 21: 8:30 a.m. Bible Study. Sunday, Dec. 24: Christmas Eve, 9 a.m. Worship with Holy Communion; 5 p.m. Worship with Holy Communion; 10 p.m. Worship with Holy Communion. Monday, Dec. 25: 9 a.m. Christmas worship with Holy Communion. 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, Dec. 20: 5:30 p.m. Soup Supper; 7 p.m. Advent Worship; 7:45 p.m. Choir. Thursday, Dec. 21: 5:30 p.m. Confirmation. Sunday, Dec. 24: 9:30 a.m. Worship; 10:30 a.m. Fellowship; 7 p.m Christmas Eve worship with Holy Communion. Monday, Dec. 25: 9:30 a.m. Christmas Day worship with Holy Communion. 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.

A warm Christmas welcome is extended to the entire community to attend

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH Hwy. 46 North, Amery

CHRISTMAS EVE Sunday, Dec. 24, 9 a.m. Worship at Balsam Lutheran 5 p.m. Candlelight Service at Balsam Lutheran 9 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at Elim Lutheran Church

Balsam Lutheran Elim Church Lutheran 1115 Mains Crossing, Amery Church (5 miles north of Amery off CTH H) 715-268-9291

Range

Sunday, Dec. 24 - CHRISTMAS EVE 4 p.m. Mass Monday, Dec. 25 - CHRISTMAS DAY Nativity of the Lord 10:30 a.m. Christmas Day Mass

OUR LADY OF THE LAKES CATHOLIC CHURCH Balsam Lake

Sunday, Dec. 24 - CHRISTMAS EVE 6 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass Monday, Dec. 25 - CHRISTMAS DAY 8:30 a.m. Christmas Day Mass The Reverend Gene Murphy and the staffs at St. Joseph and Our Lady of the Lakes extend to all a Blessed Christmas and a Joy-filled New Year!

3B

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. 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, Dec. 20: 9:30 a.m. Staff meeting; 2 p.m. Prayer Shawl Meeting; 6:45 p.m. Pivotal Players Video Series; Saturday, Dec. 23: 4 p.m. Word & Communion Service at SJ, 6 p.m. Word & Communion S ervice at OLL; Sunday, Dec. 24: 8:30 a.m. Word & Communion Service at OLL, 10:30 a.m. Word & Communion Service at SJ, 4 pm Christmas Eve Mass at SJ, 6 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass at OLL; Monday, Dec. 25: 8:30 a.m. Christmas Mass at OLL, 10:30 a.m. Christmas Mass at SJ; Dec. 25-26: Office closed. ST. JOHN LUTHERAN, Forest, John Wilman, pastor Wednesday, Dec. 20: 7 p.m. 3rd Midweek Advent Service. Thursday, Dec. 21: 1 p.m. Bible Study. Sunday, Dec. 24: 8 a.m. Worship; 9 a.m. Fellowship; 7 p.m Christmas Eve Candlelight service with Holy Communion. Monday, Dec. 25: 8 a.m. Christmas Day worship with Holy Communion. ST. PAUL LUTHERAN, Deer Park, John Wilman, pastor Wednesday, Dec. 20: 7 p.m. 3rd Midweek Advent service at St. John’s. Sunday, Dec. 24: 9 a.m. Fellowship; 9:30 a.m. Worship; 8:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service with Holy Communion. Monday, Dec. 25: 9 a.m. Fellowship; 9:30 a.m. Christmas Day worship service with Holy Communion. Tuesday, Dec. 26: 6:30 p.m. Bible Study. 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.

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church

217 Deronda St. on CTH F in Amery

Wednesday, Dec. 20 7 p.m. Celebrate The Child Drama

Sunday, Dec. 24 Christmas Eve 9 a.m. Worship with Holy Communion 5 p.m. Worship with Holy Communion 10 p.m. Worship with Holy Communion Monday, Dec. 25 9 a.m. Christmas Day service with Holy Communion We invite the public to come worship with us during the year 2018!


4B AMERY FREE PRESS

SPIRITUAL

DECEMBER 19, 2017

www.theameryfreepress.com

AREA CHURCHES CONTINUED . . . THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS (Mormons), 644 S. 6th St., Barron Chapel 715-537-3679 Bishop Kenneth Konesky 715-719-0283 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 715268-9577 Wednesday, Dec. 20: 7:15 NUIC Choir practice at Trinity. Sunday, Dec. 24: 9:30 a.m. Combined worship at Trinity; 4:30 p.m. Combined Christmas Eve Worship at Trinity. Monday, Dec. 25: 9:30 a.m. Christmas Day Worship at Little Falls. See our website for up-to-date scheduling www.trinity lutheranchurchofamery. com UNITED COVENANT, 348 5th St. NW, Clear Lake Dan Pearson, pastor Wednesday, Dec. 20: 6 p.m. CREW Christmas Party. Sunday, Dec. 24: 10 a.m. Worship service; 4 p.m. Christmas Eve service. Tuesday, Dec. 26: 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. 20: 9 a.m. Men’s Work Group; 6:15 p.m. Confirmation meal; 6:30 p.m. Choir practice; 7 p.m. Confirmation. Sunday, Dec. 24: 9 a.m. Worship; 4 and 11 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight service with Holy Communion. 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.

Please join us for the Christmas Season! December 24: 9:30 a.m. Combined Worship at Trinity 4:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Combined Worship at Trinity with Holy Communion December 25: 9:30 a.m. Christmas Day Combined Worship at Little Falls with Holy Communion December 31: 9:30 a.m. Combined Worship at Deronda

SUNDAY, DEC. 24 CHRISTMAS EVE 10:30 a.m. Christmas Eve Service 7 p.m. Candlelight Service SUNDAY, DEC. 31 10:30 a.m. Christmas Lessons and Carols

East Immanuel Lutheran Church

NEIGHBORS UNITED IN CHRIST Deronda Little Falls Trinity Lutheran Lutheran Lutheran

Co. Rd. F west of Amery

Just off Co. Rd. C west of Amery

www.eastimmanuel-lutheran.org

1578 85th Ave./Cty. Rd. F, Amery (east of Hwy. 65)

Join us for these special holiday services

Enjoy the Sounds of the Season!

SUNDAY, DEC. 24 CHRISTMAS EVE 10 a.m. Advent Worship 4 p.m. Candlelight Service with Holy Communion

CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE

Monday, Dec. 25, 10 a.m. with Holy Communion

First Lutheran Church 811 South Ave. W, Clear Lake

207 120th Street Amery, WI 54001 715-268-2143

Everyone Welcome!

Celebrate with us! Sunday, Dec. 24 CHRISTMAS EVE 10 a.m. Advent Service 2 p.m. Barn Service at home Strodthoff-Kopp Farm 1364 105th Ave./CTH C, Amery 4:30 p.m. Children & Family Worship Service 9:30 p.m. Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols

Congregational Church 201 N. Harriman Ave., Amery 715-268-7390 ameryucc.org

Worship Service Sunday, Dec. 24 9:30 a.m.

Christmas Eve - Sunday, Dec. 24

7 p.m. Candlelight Service w/communion

Christmas Day - Monday, Dec. 25 9:30 a.m. Worship w/communion

Choir Cantata - Sunday, Dec. 31 9:30 a.m.

REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH 600 Keller Ave. S, Amery 715-268-7283


DECEMER 19, 2017

SPIRITUAL

AMERY FREE PRESS

www.theameryfreepress.com

5B

The tradition of the Epiphany While some may think the holiday season ends once New Year’s Day comes and goes, for Christians, the season continues into January with the feast of the Epiphany. The Epiphany occurs 12 days after Christmas, which falls on January 6 (or January 19 for some Orthodox churches that celebrate Christmas on January 7). The Epiphany celebrates the Three Kings, also known as the Three Wise Men, who visited Jesus shortly after his birth. The Epiphany is celebrated by Catholics and Orthodox Christians. Among Hispanics, the day is known as El Día de los Reyes. Many traditions are included in Epiphany celebrations. According to the Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, three historical traditions of the Epiphany include baking a “Kings’ Cake,” marking a door lintel with the Magi’s blessing, and participating in worship with lighted candles. Some families also exchange gifts on the Epiphany to commemorate the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh that the Three Wise Men presented to Jesus upon arriving at the manger.

Chalking doors Celebrants of the Epiphany can mark their own doors, also called “chalking the doors.” This tradition is a centuries-old practice that serves as a request of Christ to bless the homes marked so that all those who dwell inside remain blessed throughout the year. The marking includes the first digits of the year, followed by the initials of the Magi — Caspar, Malchior and Balthazar — followed by the last digits of the year. For 2018 the formula should read: 20+C+M+B+18. Others believe the letters represent the abbreviation of the Latin phrase “Christus mansionem benedicat,” or “May Christ bless the house.

St. Nicholas at St. Joseph Catholic Church St. Joseph Catholic Church in Amery celebrated St. Nicholas by hosting a family evening. Youth wore pajamas and enjoyed an evening of fun activities, a story with St. Nick, cookies and hot chocolate.

Christmas Eve Sunday, Dec. 24

King cakes King cakes vary by region. In Spain, local bakers make a special ring-shaped roll. In France, it is a flat almond cake with a toy crown cooked inside. In Mexico, bakers put a figure of Baby Jesus inside a cake. The person who finds the figure is awarded the honor of baking or providing the cake for the following year and hosting the Epiphany celebration.

Lighting candles Individuals are urged to keep candles lit on the Epiphany. This is to symbolize how Jesus’ presence on Earth was comparable to light entering a darkened world. The arrival of the New Year beckons an important religious celebration that extends the magic of the Christmas season.

In a religion that was born in a barn, open doors go without saying . . . The Willow River United Methodist Parish invites you to join us this Christmas season as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ SUNDAY WORSHIP:

8:30 a.m. Deer Park United Methodist Church 9:45 a.m. Clear Lake United Methodist Church 11 a.m. Forest United Methodist Church

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES SUNDAY, DEC. 24

Call Bette at the Amery Free Press 715-268-8101 with corrections or additions to the church listings belmer@theameryfreepress.com

9:45 a.m. Combined Worship at Clear Lake United Methodist 4 p.m. at the Deer Park United Methodist 5:30 p.m. at the Clear Lake United Methodist 7 p.m. at the Forest United Methodist

Clear Lake U.M.C. - 420 4th Ave. Trinity-Deer Park U.M.C. - 221 2nd St. W Forest U.M.C. - 1893 Co. Rd. D & Hwy. 64

9 a.m. Worship 4 and 11 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Services with Holy Communion

West Immanuel Lutheran Church Pastor Rexford Brandt 447 180th St., Osceola 715-294-2936

And we’ll call him Immanuel . . . meaning “God with us.”

Sunday, Dec. 24

10 a.m. Worship Service 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Nursery care is provided for small children Handicap accessible

United Covenant Church 348 5th St. NW, (Jct. Hwy. 63 & Cty. JJ) CLEAR LAKE Phone 715-263-2665


6B AMERY FREE PRESS OBITUARIES

Dennis Losness Dennis Losness, who started a 50-year newspaper career working at the Free Press, died Saturday, Dec. 16, in Hudson, WI, after a battle with cancer. Jerald Dennis Losness was born on Oct. 26, 1932, to Oscar and Solveig (Fause) Losness. His family moved to Amery, WI, in 1940 and he graduated from Amery High School in 1950. He married Sandra Fraipont at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Feb. 13, 1958. He said, “The smartest thing I ever did was to marry Sandra.” His 50-year newspaper career included tours with the Amery Free Press, Cornell (Wis.) Courier, Duluth Herald and News-Tribune, Wausau Daily Herald, Wisconsin State Journal and St. Paul Dispatch and Pioneer Press. His career spanned the last days of hand-set and Linotype-generated type to the modern computer and pagination era. Losness began his newspaper career as a high school freshman at the Free Press, learning to set movable type and gaining essential journalistic skills. He later served as sports writer, sports editor and then editor of the weekly. In November 1958, Losness became editor and publisher of the Cornell (WI) Courier, a weekly paper he owned with Palmer Sondreal, who was the owner of the Free Press for decades. Following five years in Cornell, he began his daily newspaper career at the Duluth newspaper, where he worked as a reporter and copy editor. His next stop was the St. Paul newspapers, where he had a 20-year career. He had several editing positions in St. Paul, including wire editor, assistant city editor, copy desk chief and assistant managing editor. He ended work there as the last managing editor of the evening Dispatch. While in St. Paul, he also served as assistant director of Ridder News Service for two years. In 1976 he covered the Republican National Convention in Kansas City and the Democratic National Convention in New York City. He went on to work as a copy editor at the Wausau (WI) Daily Herald and the Wisconsin State Journal in Madison. He retired in 1996. He retired to his hometown of Amery, WI, where spent his retirement years researching, writing and editing histories of his family and Amery High School sports.His histories of Amery High School sports merited a 2011 Distinguished Service Award from the Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association. Seven children were born to this union, all of whom survive. They are: Jon (Susan) Losness of Rochester, MN, Julie (Kevin) Prax of Cottage Grove, MN, Ann (Jim) Hogan of Plymouth, IA, Paula (Dan) McDonald of Hudson, Wis., Peter, of Denver, CO, Katie (Evan) Larson of Austin, MN, and Tom (Mary) Losness of Maplewood, MN. Also surviving is his sister, Bonita Morse (Bob Overman) of Savage, MN; and 20 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Oscar, and mother, Solveig; wife Sandra; brother, Ronald; and grandson, Michael Hogan. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Amery, with visitation one hour prior.

There is still time to get an Amery Free Press Gift Subsciption

SPIRITUAL

DEATH NOTICES

Calvin Kurtzhals Grade 2

Valdemar “Val” S. Hansen age 87 of New Richmond, formerly of Amery, passed away at his home in New Richmond on Tuesday morning, December 19, 2017. Funeral arrangements are pending with the Williamson -White Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Amery. For further information please visit www.williamsonwhite.com

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 715-790-2029.

Third Place winner in Grade 2 in the Amery Community Club Christmas Card Contest Owen Harris Grade 1

The holiday season is the perfect time to say

thank you

to our members and friends. We wish you a warm and bright New Year.

Obituaries can also be found at theameryfreepress. com

800-421-0283

Remaining December issues of the Amery Free Press are as follows ...

KANABEC COUNTY

TIMES

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 33, 2222

Tuesday, Dec. 26 • After Christmas Sales, New Year’s Greetings and Activities

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Deadlines are The Tab and Amery Free Press, news and advertising, PINE CITY Thursday, Dec. 21, at 4 p.m.

The Amery Free Press office will be closed Monday, December 25 and Monday, January 1.

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PUBLIC NOTICES LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

DECEMBER 19, 2017

AMERY FREE PRESS

www.theameryfreepress.com

Elections commissioner criticizes UW professor over ID study MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A Republican member of the Wisconsin Elections Commission wants to see all the data that went into a University of Wisconsin professor's survey that found nearly 17,000 people didn't cast a ballot because of the state's voter identification law. Political science profes-

MERRY CHRISTMAS

the survey was flawed and said he wanted to see all of the results that were collected. Mayer says he is working on that, but can't release anything that would identify who took part. The $55,000 study was paid for by property-tax payers in Dane County.

sor Ken Mayer presented results of his study for the commission Tuesday. His study examined only how the law affected voting in Milwaukee and Dane counties, the state's two largest that are both heavily Democratic. Commission member and former Republican state Rep. Dean Knudson told Mayer he thought

7B

Zoe Bymark Grade 3

Happy Holidays!

Alma Montgomery-Riess Kindergarten

The Law Firm of Williams and Davis

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An Amery Free Press Subscription makes a wonderful stocking stuffer!

Third Place winner in Kindergarten in the Amery Community Club Christmas Card Contest

Erspamer Law Office Amery • 715-268-2550

DENTAL ARTS, S.C. Family Dentistry Members American Dental Association

BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

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

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

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

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

River Place Dental

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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


8B AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 19, 2017 www.theameryfreepress.com

LEGAL NOTICE

IN MEMORIAM

STATE OF WISCONSIN, CIRCUIT COURT, POLK COUNTY Troy Riley and Tina Riley 771 Baker Street Amery, WI 54001 Plaintiffs, v. Apple River Associates, a partnership c/o Earl Alden 2414 West University Drive, 125b Mckinney, TX 75071 and All Unborn and Unknown Persons Generally No known address Defendants. Case No. 2017 CV 131 Case Code: 30404 SUMMONS THE STATE OF WISCONSIN To each person named above as a defendant: You are hereby notified that the plaintiff named above has filed a lawsuit or other legal action against you. Within 40 days after the date of first publication of December 12, 2017, you must respond with a written demand for a copy of the complaint. The demand must be sent or delivered to the court and to plaintiff’s attorney, whose respective addresses are: Polk County Clerk of Court, 1005 W Main St., Suite 300, Balsam Lake, WI 54810 Brian D. Byrnes, Byrnes Law Office, LLC, 123 Keller Avenue North, Amery WI 54001 You may have an attorney help or represent you. If you do not demand a copy of the complaint within 40 days, the court may grant judgment against you for the award of money or other legal action requested in the complaint, and you may lose your right to object to anything that is or may be incorrect in the complaint. A judgment may be enforced as provided by law. A judgment awarding money may become a lien against any real estate you own now or in the future and also may be enforced by

garnishment or seizure of property. Dated: December 5, 2017 Brian D. Byrnes, State Bar No. 1032419 Attorney for the Plaintiff BYRNES LAW OFFICE, LLC 123 Keller Avenue North Amery, WI 54001 715-268-5000 NOTICE OF OBJECT OF ACTION The object of this action is to establish the interest of the Plaintiffs as the owner in fee of the real estate described as follows: Commencing at the southeast corner of the SE 1/4 - NW 1/4 of Section Thirty-Two (32), Township Thirty-three (33) North of Range Sixteen (16) West; thence west along the south line of the SE 1/4 NW 1/4 to the right-of-way of 105th Street; thence northeasterly along the right-ofway of 105th Street to the intersection with the east line of the SE 1/4 - NE 1/4; thence south along the east line of the SE 1/4 - NE 1/4 to the south line of said SE 1/4 - NE 1/4 to the point of beginning; a distance of 326.40 feet, more or less. All in the Town of Lincoln, Polk County, Wisconsin. Parcel contains 0.30 acres, more or less. No personal claim is being made against any of the defendants listed above. A copy of the Complaint will be mailed to any defendant requesting the same within forty (40) days from the date of the first publication of this notice. Dated: December 5, 2017 Brian D. Byrnes, State Bar No. 1032419 Attorney for the Plaintiff BYRNES LAW OFFICE, LLC 123 Keller Avenue North Amery, WI 54001 715-268-5000 Date of first Publication: December 12, 2017

In Loving Memory Ashley Severson John Severson Sending Christmas love! From your family

Michael Morrissey November 13, 1959 - December 22, 2009 Life is measured by more than just years, It’s measured by living, by laughter, and tears . . . By good times, contentment, and dreams that come true . . . And also by hard times that love brings you through. It’s the people whose lives you have touched in some way, By lesson’s you’ve taught, examples you’ve set, and love all combined. This life given us is short, but the memory of a life is eternal, For nothing loved is ever lost — And Michael you are loved so very much. Merry Christmas Michael

In Loving Memory

Al Humpal Born May 18, 1918 Died Dec. 22, 2004

Love always, Mom, Dad, Sue, Bonnie and Cindy

THANK YOU We, the family of Gary Zauft, would like to sincerely thank everyone who attended the Clear Lake High School Wrestling Room Dedication Ceremony on December 2. Thank you to those responsible for initiating the dedication of the wrestling room in his honor. Nothing would please him more than knowing that the Clear Lake wrestling program is not only alive and well, but instilling the pride and self-discipline he felt was so important. In addition, we would like to express our gratitude to the Clear Lake Wrestling Club for organizing and hosting this event and purchasing the plaques, Gene Burns for making the State Champions sign, Coach Darin Anderson for his kind words about Dad, and especially the Clear Lake wrestling community for a lifetime of love and support. You have always treated us like family, and we are forever grateful. This honor would have meant more to Dad than all the championship moments combined. He was so proud to be a Warrior and so very proud to be your coach. Sincerely, The Zauft family

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Adam Greenberg Pre-Kindergarten

(Dec. 12-19-26)

Zackary Greenberg Montessori

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Evan Greenberg Grade 2

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LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

DECEMBER 19, 2017

AMERY FREE PRESS

www.theameryfreepress.com

Deadline for the Dec. 26 issue of the Amery Free Press is Thursday, Dec. 21

Merry Christmas

NOTICE TOWN OF ALDEN

TOWN OF ALDEN DECEMBER YEAR END BOARD MEETING WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28TH, 2017 8:00 A.M. AT THE ALDEN TOWN HALL Agenda will be posted at the Horsecreek Store, Big Lake Store and Alden Town Hall www.townofalden.com WNAXLP

Delilah Byrnes Kindergarten

9B

NOTICE TOWN OF BLACK BROOK

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING 99 75TH STREET – CLEAR LAKE WI December 21, 2017 7:00 P.M. Call meeting to Order; Proof of Meeting Notice; Approve Agenda; Approve Vouchers & Pay bills, Reading of Reports; Public Comments; OLD BUSINESS: Discussion and decision as to how to proceed regarding unpaid NW Communication fire call; NEW BUSINESS: Approval of Election Workers for 2018-2019. Submitted and posted by Charlie Barney, Chairman This notice is for informational purposes only. Final agenda will be posted on the Town Hall door, NexGen Motors in Clear Lake and The Country Store in Amery.

Website: townofblackbrook.com WNAXLP

VOTING BY ABSENTEE BALLOT Special Election January 16, 2018

Joey Byrnes Grade 3

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 U.S. 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 28 consecutive days before the election. The elector must also be registered in order to receive an absentee ballot. Proof of identification must be provided before an absentee ballot may be issued. You must make a request for an absentee ballot in writing. Contact your municipal clerk and request that an application for an absentee ballot be sent to you for the primary or election or both. You may also submit a written request in the form of a letter. Your written request must list your voting address within the municipality where you wish to vote, the address where the absentee ballot should be sent, if different, and your signature. You may make application for an absentee ballot by mail, email or in person.

Mia Byrnes Grade 3

Making application to receive an absentee ballot by mail The deadline for making application to receive an absentee by mail is: 5 pm on the fifth day before the election, January 11, 2018. Note: Special absentee voting application provisions apply to electors who are indefinitely confined to home or a care facility, in the military, hospitalized, or serving as a sequestered juror. If this applies to you, contact the municipal clerk regarding deadlines for requesting and submitting an absentee ballot. Voting an absentee ballot in person

Byrnes Law Office BRIAN D. BYRNES

314 Keller Ave. North, Amery, WI 54001

715-268-5000

TOWN OF LINCOLN Plan Commission

December 26, 2017 Meeting Agenda A quorum of the Town Board may be present The Plan Commission for the Town of Lincoln will hold their monthly meeting on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at the Lincoln Town Hall -661 85th Street. 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Verify Meeting Notice 4. Approve Agenda 5. Approve Previous Minutes 6. Public Comments 7. Reports of Chair/Commission Members 8. Certified Survey Map for Gary Roberts (Estate of Lillian Roberts) & Dale Koehler. 9. Comprehensive Plan Discussion 10. Zoning Map Discussion 11. Municipal Court Discussion 12. Set Date & Agenda for Next Meeting 13. Adjourn Note: Agenda items may not be taken up in this order. Stephanie Marciniak, Town Clerk – 715-268-4747 Published December 19, 2017 – Amery Free Press

WNAXLP

You may also request and vote an absentee ballot in the clerk's office or other specified location during the days and hours specified for casting an absentee ballot in person.

CITY OF AMERY Fran Duncanson, Clerk 120 Center St. Amery, WI 54001 Phone 715-268-7486 In person absentee voting by appointment during specified hours Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. TOWN OF ALDEN Wanda Heffron, Clerk 183 155th St. Star Prairie, WI 54026 Phone 715-248-7859 715-755-3140 In person absentee voting by appointment during specified hours Mon. & Thurs. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. TOWN OF APPLE RIVER Arlen Peterson, Clerk 612 US Hwy. 8 Amery, WI 54001 Phone 715-554-0441 In person absentee voting by appointment

TOWN OF BEAVER Wendy Coleman, Clerk 1541 Cty. Hwy. T Turtle Lake, WI 54889 Phone 715-986-4725 In person absentee voting by appointment TOWN OF BLACK BROOK Sally Pickard, Clerk 858 60th Ave. Amery, WI 54001 Phone 715-268-2926 In person absentee voting by appointment during specified hours Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. TOWN OF CLAYTON Tracy LaBlanc, Clerk 164 70th Ave. Clayton, WI 54004 Phone 715-948-2564 In person absentee voting by appointment during specified hours Mon.-Thurs. 8:15 a.m.-2 p.m.

TOWN OF GARFIELD Sue Knutson, Clerk 690 Minneapolis St. Amery, WI 54001 Phone 715-268-4414 In person absentee voting by appointment during specified hours Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. TOWN OF LINCOLN Stephanie Marciniak, Clerk 661 85th St. Amery, WI 54001 Phone 715-268-4747 In-person absentee voting will take place Tuesdays & Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and by appointment Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. VILLAGE OF CLAYTON Dave Fall, Clerk PO Box 63 Clayton, WI 54004 Phone 715-948-2460 In person absentee voting during all office hours Mon.-Thurs. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Fri. 8:30 a.m.-Noon or by appointment

The first day to vote an absentee ballot in the clerk’s office is: December 29 2017 The last day to vote an absentee ballot in the clerk's office: January 12, 2018 No in-person absentee voting may occur on the day before the election. The municipal clerk will deliver voted ballots returned on or before Election Day to the proper polling place or counting location before the polls close on January 16, 2018. Any ballots received after the polls close will not be counted. WNAXLP


10B

AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 19, 2017

Enjoy viewing the children’s Christmas Cards in this issue of the Amery Free Press Merry Christmas! ‘Tis the week of Christmas and all through the town and countryside everyone is hustling around with last minute shopping, decorating, baking, Pounding writing Christmas cards, entertaining, the attending programs/ Pavement concerts and sporting events. This time of Pam Humpal year there is a million things to accomplish, and not enough time to do it all in. But don’t feel alone, almost everyone is in the same boat…or I guess at this time of year I should say “Sleigh”. Included in this issue are Christmas greetings from area businesses with the assistance from kids in Pre-K through 4th Grade. The drawings that the kids did are all masterpieces in their own way. Thank you to all of the boys and girls for sharing them with us. I know our readers will enjoy viewing the drawings. CONGRATULATIONS to the final winners in this year’s Amery Christmas Punch promotion sponsored by the Amery Community Club… *Bonnie Pierson *Haley Anderson *Rita Bennett *Brad Anderson *Shauna Feyen

*Marian Fryer *Lucille Clark *Cheryl Siemsen *Lois Olson *Shelley Gaetz Thank you to everyone for supporting our local businesses by shopping in Amery!

-Carrie Cunnien, 809 Hawthorne St On our many travels around town and in the country, we have seen some wonderful light/decoration displays… thanks for taking the time to decorate, we love it! Please give us a call today to have your home added to the “Showcase” list on our website.

The Amery Community Club and the Amery Free Press has organized “A Small Town Christmas” House Decorating Showcase. The following homes have agreed to be part of the “Showcase” welcoming everyone to come by and see their Christmas lights and decorations…Thank you for signing up. Elsewhere in this issue, and also on our website, you will find a map with the homes located for your viewing convenience… -Dale & Kate Koehler, 1074 65th Ave/ Co Rd F -LaBathe Family, 1207 110th St -Deronda Farms Tom & Sandy Morris, 1393 60th Ave/Cty Rd K -Ed & Anne White, 1141 Little Falls Circle -Dave & Pam Humpal, 931 75th St -Duane & Michelle Stone, 1281 70th St -Rick & Gwen Johannsen, 703 70th Ave/Co Rd J -Marv & Kathy Maxon, 805 Hawthorne St -Tim & Holly Waterman, 805 Melrose Ave -Les & Sharon Peterson, 695 70th Ave/ Co Rd J -Betty Tomasek, 808 Hawthorne St

The 25th Annual John Legut Memorial Cup will be held this Saturday, December 23, at 3pm at the Amery Ice Arena. Each year, the hockey alumni get together to skate in a fun game plus also raise money for a scholarship awarded to a graduating hockey player. If you are an Amery hockey alumni and would like to be on a team for the Legut Memorial please give Andrea a call at 715-781-0710. The annual game is always fun to watch the “oldsters” hit the ice again…hopefully I do not really mean “hit the ice”. Admission is only $3 for adults, $2 for students, 6 and under free. Come join the fun at the hockey rink this Saturday! The Amery Free Press office will be closed Christmas Day, December 25, but will publish our paper as usual on Tuesday, December 26. That issue will contain After-Christmas sales, New Year’s greetings from area businesses with hours and activities. The kids cards that were drawn at school can also be used for New Year’s greetings. Please give me a call today if you are interested in a child’s drawing. Deadlines for that issue are at 4pm on Thurs-

day, December 21, for The Tab and the Amery Free Press. Winter officially begins on Thursday, December 21. And lo and behold,

the forecast is calling for a snowstorm to hit our area. Maybe it will go right around us so we just get a little taste of the storm. At least, we are assured to have a white Christmas. Like I have said many times, life is so hectic but we need to slow down and really enjoy the meaning of Christmas, count our many blessings, and share those precious moments with family and friends. Dave & I are truly blessed, and we wish a warm, fuzzy Merry Christmas from our home to yours!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Austin Hanson Grade 3

from all of us at CarlsonSV Chase Prindle Grade 2

Third Place winner in Grade 3 in the Amery Community Club Christmas Card Contest

Nilssen’s Market Has All Your Holiday Needs From our Smokehouse we have our Famous Smoked Hams and Turkeys

ALSO FOR THE HOLIDAY WE HAVE: Lutefisk, Herring, Smoked Fish & Swedish Potato Sausage, Made to Order Fruit Baskets, Cheese and Meat Trays, Veggie Trays and Cheese & Sausage Gift Boxes! Don’t forget we have Gift Cards too!

Closed Dec. 24 25 and Jan. 1

CALL TO RESERVE ONE TODAY!

We will be closing at 4 p.m. Christmas Eve and will be closed on Christmas Day

Nilssen’s Market 265 NW 5th St., Clear Lake • Phone 715-263-2513 Family Owned Since 1903

•ATM Inside •Postage Stamps •Kemps Dairy Products

Check out our weekly ad at: nilssensfoods.com

STORE HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

301 Keller Ave. S, Amery, WI 54001 Phone 715-268-7999 www.carlsonhighlandcpa.com


DECEMBER 19, 2017

AMERY FREE PRESS

11B

Behind the scenes of two beloved holiday films • The movie was not well received upon its release in 1946. The film received mixed reviews, which might surprise those who consider it a cinematic classic.

Holiday movies have a way of making audiences laugh and cry while inspiring those warm and fuzzy feelings that perfectly complement the season of family and giving. Depending on the individual, favorite movies may include old classics or new releases. A lot of work goes into making movies, and holiday films are no exception. Fans may be surprised by some of the events that went on behind the scenes of their favorite holiday films, as well as background information about the actors and settings of the movies. Get into the festive spirit by learning about the following beloved holiday films.

“A Christmas Story”

“It’s a Wonderful Life” Anyone who has ever wondered what life would be like if they took a different path or made different decisions can relate to this classic Christmas film. It’s difficult to make it through the holiday season without seeing “It’s a Wonderful Life,” and many people make it a point of to view it every year. The following are some interesting tidbits about George Bailey and the film that put savings-and-loan managers on the map. • The movie began as a short story titled “The Greatest Gift.” Writer Philip Van Dornen Stern was unsuccessful at shopping the story and turned it into a Christmas card for 200 friends and family. A producer at RKO pictures got a copy and purchased the movie rights for $10,000. • Many now agree that Jimmy Stewart was the perfect choice to play lead character George Bailey, but studio heads originally had Carey Grant in mind for the lead. The role went to Stewart when Frank Capra signed on to the film and named Stewart his leading man. • Although Donna Reed was a seasoned actress prior to the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life” marked her first starring role.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

• Bedford Falls, the fictional town in the movie, is reportedly based on upstate New York towns Bedford Hills and Seneca Falls. Nearby cities like Rochester and Buffalo are referenced in the movie. However, the movie was not filmed on location. It was filmed in the summertime on a back lot in the San Fernando Valley section of Los Angeles. • The movie received a technical Academy Award for the snow effects, which were created by using a “snow” mixture of water, soap and a fire-fighting chemical called Foamite.

An equally beloved holiday film and a cult favorite, “A Christmas Story” follows a 1940’s Indiana family anchored by Ralphie, the cynical but lovable schoolboy played by actor Peter Billingsley. The movie was based on autobiographical tales penned by author and radio personality Jean Shepherd, who narrates the film. • The movie was a low-budget film that used virtually no special effects. It also used tracking shots instead of Steadicam. • The setting for the movie is based on Shepherd’s hometown of Hammond, Indiana. Shepherd grew up on Cleveland Street and went to Warren G. Harding Elementary School. However, the movie was filmed in Cleveland, Ohio, and Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The house from the movie still stands in Cleveland. Part of the decision to film in Cleveland stems from the willingness of Higbee’s department store to allow crews to film inside the store. • Darren McGavin played Ralphie’s father, a role he won over Jack Nicholson. McGavin might have won the role because of Nicholson’s typically large salary demands. • For the scene in which “Flick’s” tongue sticks to the flagpole, a hidden suction tube was used to safely create the illusion that his tongue had frozen to the metal. • Three leg lamps were made for the movie, and all three broke during filming.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Bremer Bank

Audrina Toombs Kindergarten

Cole Doerfler, Kindergarten

Ryder Doerfler, Kindergarten

Emma Olson, 2nd Grade

Toombs Septic Services Clear Lake, WI 715-263-4333

Toombs Truck Repair

Amery • 715-268-7161 Bremer.com Member FDIC. © 2017 Bremer Financial Corporation. All rights reserved.

Clear Lake, WI 715-263-2194

HolidayAmery.indd 1

12/14/17 12:03 PM


12B

AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 19, 2017

COOKING WORLD Tidbit: The weak person can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. (Mahatma Gandhi) Carolyn Lumsden Cookies are especially welcome 715-483-9738

during the holidays. There are so many varieties and flavors. They make wonderful gifts and for cookie exchanges, etc. Here is a favorite of many. RUSSIAN TEA CAKES Mix together in large bowl: 1 c. softened butter 1/2 c. powdered sugar 1 tsp. vanilla Stir in and mix until dough holds together: 2-1/4 c. flour 3/4 c. finely chopped nuts 1/4 tsp. salt Shape the dough into 1” balls. Place 1” apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 375° for 12-14 minutes or until set but not browned. Remove from cookie sheet and put onto wire racks to cool slightly. Put into bowl: Powdered sugar Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar, cool on wire racks. Roll in powdered sugar again when cooled. Makes about 4 dozen cookies. Snickerdoodles are another favorite. This makes 4 dozen cookies also. SNICKERDOODLES Mix in large bowl: 1-1/2 c. sugar 1/2 c. butter, softened 1/2 c. shortening 2 eggs Combine and stir in: 2-3/4 c. flour 2 tsp. cream of tartar 1 tsp. soda 1/4 tsp. salt Shape dough into 1-1/4” balls. Mix together in bowl: 1/4 c. sugar 2 tsp. cinnamon Roll the balls into the cinnamon/sugar mixture and put onto ungreased cookie sheets about 2” apart. Bake at 375° for about 10-12 minutes or until set. Remove cookies from cookie sheets to wire rack to cool. Store in air-tight containers. Makes about 48 cookies.

Candy is fun to make and fun to give. Almost everyone likes to receive candy during the holidays. This makes an attractive candy everyone will want to try. With the green, red and white, it makes lovely Christmas candy. TRI-COLOR SWIRL FUDGE Line a 8” square baking pan with foil, making it longer so it will hang over the edges of the pan for ‘handles’. Spray the foil with cooking spray or used melted butter so the bottom and sides of the lined pan are coated. In a larger microwave pan, melt on High 1 minute: 1 bag (12 oz.) white vanilla baking chips (2 c.) Spoon over the chips: 1 container of Rich and Creamy vanilla frosting Put back into microwave and MW on High for 30 seconds, then stir. If not combining well, microwave in 15 second increments, then stir, until well combined and smooth. Put 3/4 c. into 2 bowls each. Tint 1 bowl green and 1 bowl red. Leave the one bowl white. Stir well to combine in each bowl, adding color until you have the color you want. You will have 1 bowl of green, 1 of red and 1 of white. Drop heaping Tablespoonfuls of green, red and the white mixture in random order in the bottom of the lined pan. Use a spatula or table knife to pull thru the mixture for a marbled design. Refrigerate, uncovered, until set, about an hour. Remove the mixture from the pan by lifting the foil ‘handles’ and put onto a cutting board. Remove the foil and cut into pieces. Cover and store the candy in the refrigerator until ready to serve or give. Makes up to 64 pieces, less if the pieces are larger. Hint: For other occasions and color combinations, do the same as above but use the colors you want to have.

COWBOY SOUP Cook in skillet until it begins to brown: 8 slices bacon, chopped Add and cook until no longer pink: 1 pound ground beef (turkey, venison) Remove the mixture, with a slotted spoon, to your sprayed 5 qt. slow cooker or soup pot. Remove all except 1 T. fat from the skillet and add and cook for 5 minutes or until softened: 1 medium onion, chopped Add and stir: 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 pkg. (1 oz.) taco seasoning mix 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper Add (optional or use less if you wish) and stir: 1 tsp. cumin 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper Put into slow cooker or your soup pot. Add to your slow cooker or soup pot: 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2" cubes 2 cans (15 oz. ea.) pinto beans, rinsed and drained 1 can (28 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained 1 c. frozen sweet corn 1 can (4.3 oz.) chopped green chilies (optional or amount you want) 3 c. beef broth (from 32 oz. container) If using slow cooker, cover and cook on Low 5-7 hours or until potatoes are tender. If using stove top, bring all to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until potatoes are done. Serve with baked cornbread, either your own recipe or a prepared mix. Cut baked cornbread into cubes and put on top of soup, when serving, if desired. Serves 6-8. Tips: When mincing garlic, sprinkle a little salt on the pieces and they won’t stick to your knife. If your cake recipe calls for nuts, heat nuts in oven, dust with flour and then add them to the cake. They will not settle to the bottom of the cake. To prevent whipped cream from separating, put in one quarter tsp. of gelatin to every cup of whipping cream. Beat as usual and use as you usually do.

WEDNESDAY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

These are popular and look so festive. It is a large recipe just right for giving or for that cookie exchange. PEANUT BLOSSOMS You will need 7 dozen chocolate kisses for this large recipe. Take off the foil so you’re ready when the cookies are baked. Combine in large bowl: 1/2 c. sugar 1 c. brown sugar 1 c. creamy peanut butter 1 c. butter, softened 2 eggs Combine and stir in: 3 c. flour 1-1/2 tsp. soda 1 tsp. baking powder Roll dough into 1” balls. Put some (about 2 T.) sugar into a shallow bowl and roll the balls around to coat them with sugar. Place 2” apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 375° for 8-10 minutes or until edges are light brown. Remove cookie sheet from oven and press an unwrapped chocolate kiss in the middle of each cookie. Remove the cookies to wire rack to cool. Continue baking the same way for the rest of the dough balls. Makes 84 cookies.

Even though it is the Holiday season, you’ll still have meals to prepare. Make the following soup recipe in your slow cooker or make it on your stove top.

24 9

MONDAY

26

Christmas Community Center: Center Closed 2 pm Christmas Day Dinner at Amery Community Center

Community Center: 8 am Coffee Club, 9 am Pool, 9:30 am Quilting, 1 pm Wii games, 6:30 pm Wii games, 6:30 pm 500 Cards

SATURDAY

21

22

23

27

28

29

30

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

TUESDAY

25

FRIDAY

20

December 20 - 30

SUNDAY

THURSDAY

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

Community Center: 8 am Coffee Club, 9 am Pool, 12:30 pm Hand & Foot, 1 pm Amery Memory Cafe, 7 p AA 6:30 p.m. Bingo at the Amery VFW 6 pm HS Wrestling at Bloomer 7 pm Karar Academy’s Student Ballet Company presenting “A Christmas Carol” at Amery Classic Theatre 7 pm HS Hockey vs. River Falls, here 7:15 pm HS Girls Basketball at Osceola 7:15 pm HS Boys Basketball vs. St. Croix Falls, here

Community Center: 8 am Coffee Club, 9 am Pool, 12:30 pm Hand & Foot, 7 p AA 6:30 pm Bingo at Amery VFW 8 am HS Wrestling Invitational at River Falls

Community Center: 3 pm John Legut Memorial Cup at Center Closed Amery Ice Arena

Community Center: -HS Hockey at Barron 8 am Coffee Club, 9 am Low Impact Aerobics, 6:30 pm AA 11 am HS Hockey at Barron

SPONSORED BY:

Amery • 715-268-7161 Member FDIC

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


DECEMBER 19, 2017

5 Reasons To Clean Out Your Financial Garage It’s amazing how much stuff piles up in a family garage over the years. The stacks get higher every year because, presumably, the items within them hold value. It becomes harder to throw anything away. While ignoring all those old bicycles, cleaning supplies, and other odds and ends in your garage may not change your life, the same cannot be said for ignoring all the financial clutter accumulating in your bank accounts, 401(k)s, IRAs and other investment storage units. Eventually, your money, your investments and your financial plans need a good cleaning and reorganizing. “Financial products, investments and plans have a shelf life,” says Mark Fried, president of TFG Wealth Management (www. tfgwealth.com) and author of Road Rules for Retirement. “You have to be aware of that and focus on it. The reason they have a shelf life is because your life changes – you have kids, lose jobs, have parents to take care of, or you make a lot more money. Like items in an overstuffed garage, some things in your financial garage might be outdated – or need to be found and updated.”

Fried lists five areas to reorganize in your financial garage: •Your basic financial plan. When younger, some people purchase a plan but put it aside. “For folks who have actually done one, they had it done probably because the person was trying to sell them something,” Fried says. “Now it’s sitting in the back of the garage under the car wax they don’t use anymore. If you have a retirement plan, you‘ve got to re-evaluate it and make sure it’s something you can use and depend on.” •Old investments. Investments that seemed to make sense years before should be re-evaluated. “You need to know why your money is where it is,’ Fried says. “Why did you buy that partnership, or why did you buy this stock or this mutual fund? Now you’re at a different stage of life, and the reason you had for buying it then isn’t valid now.” •Missing money. As in a garage, things go missing. The workforce of the 21st century is highly mobile, changing jobs on a regular basis. Every time you change a job there is a 401(k) or pension that has to be tracked. “Now there’s an evolution of software packages where you can put in all of your

information so you don’t lose track of your investments or retirement accounts,” Fried says. “You can easily track your old employer plans.” •All insurance. Policies for life insurance, health, auto and homeowners all are worth a careful review. Fried points out that these reviews can lead to money savings. For example: empty nesters may want to restructure their auto policy since the kids aren’t driving the parents’ cars anymore; or a whole life insurance policy could be tweaked to bring more value. “A good insurance agent is reviewing your policies every year,” Fried says. •Estate Plan. Wills may need updating. “A lot of people have a will, but they did it when their kids were very young, and now the kids are 27 and 31,” Fried says. “The estate laws change. The power of attorney language could be out of date, or maybe you have gotten divorced and not changed the beneficiary. It’s got to all be coordinated.” “You’ve collected all this stuff over the years,” Fried says, “and you need to see what serves a purpose and what does not.”

AMERY FREE PRESS

13B

Caring for animals at Christmas Don’t forget about our less-fortunate animal friends during the holidays. Offering your help this holiday season is a great tradition to start. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters each year. While it is estimated that 3.2 million shelter animals are adopted every year and another 700,000 sheltered strays are returned to their owners, this still leaves many animals in need of care — especially during the holidays. Needed Donations • Pet food and treats • Puppy and Kitten formula and nursing bottles • Collars and leashes • Towels and blankets • Grooming supplies • Kitty litter • Newspapers • Paper towels • Cleaning supplies • Crates and carriers • Food bowls

• And don’t forget something to play with. Donating Your Time and Talents If you would like to do more than drop items off, shelters can always use extra hands. Walking animals, cleaning kennels and doing laundry are all never-ending tasks with which shelter staff constantly struggle to keep up. Even volunteering one Saturday could make a big impact on your local shelter. If you are looking to volunteer more long term, consider volunteering to transport animals — a duty needed in order to get animals to vet appointments and adoption fairs. And don’t forget any talents or skills you could donate. For example, if you have decent photography skills, offer to update the animal photos on the shelter’s website. Research shows that the way shelter animals are photographed directly impact how many inquiries they receive.

Hayden Leonard Grade 2

Warm Wishes from . . . Park Lakes & Land Realty Here’s hoping this Christmas finds you surrounded by your loved ones and the warmth of home and health

Carter Meyer Grade 4

Merry Christmas Closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1

Christopherson Eye Clinic 341 Keller Ave. N, Amery Phone 715-268-2020

Amelia Whall Kindergarten

Mark Kopp

Cary Dean

Joel Sunde

Mike Bump

Alycia Anderson

Donna Maier

First Place winner in Kindergarten in the Amery Community Club Christmas Card Contest Closing Christmas Eve 6 p.m. Christmas Day open 6 a.m.-10 p.m.

North of Amery on Hwy. 46 715-268-7654

Thanks for a great year! 638 Keller Ave., Amery

715-268-9442


14B AMERY FREE PRESS

CHRISTMAS/WINTER CARD WINNERS

DECEMBER 19, 2017

www.theameryfreepress.com

Community Club announces Christmas/ Winter Card winners

PAM HUMPAL|AMERY FREE PRESS

Community Club President Shari Overby and Amery Art Teacher Renee Anderson pose with the Pre-K/Montessori winners. From left: First place – Hans Johnson, Second place – Kortney Hart and Third place – Evelyn Danielson.

PAM HUMPAL|AMERY FREE PRESS

Community Club President Shari Overby and Amery Art Teacher Renee Anderson pose with the Kindergarten winners. From left: First place – Amelia Whall, Second place – Ellie Wojchik and Third place – Alma Montgomery.

PAM HUMPAL|AMERY FREE PRESS PAM HUMPAL|AMERY FREE PRESS

Community Club President Shari Overby and Amery Art Teacher Renee Anderson pose with the First Grade winners. From left: First place – Taylor Fredrickson, Second place – Lilly Hanacek and Third place – Olivia Siebenaler.

PAM HUMPAL|AMERY FREE PRESS

Amery Art Teacher Kevin Olson and Community Club President Shari Overby pose with the Third grade winners. From left: First place – Ryann Mizejewski, Second place – Ethan Wojchik and Third place – Austin Hanson.

Community Club President Shari Overby and Amery Art Teacher Renee Anderson pose with the Second Grade winners. From left: First place – Isaac Thayer, Second place –Matthew Danielson and Third place (not pictured)– Calvin Kurtzhals.

PAM HUMPAL|AMERY FREE PRESS

Amery Art Teacher Kevin Olson and Community Club President Shari Overby pose with the Fourth grade winners. From left: First place – Gavin Anderson, Second place – Jenna Van Someren and Third place – Violet Larson.


DECEMBER 19, 2017

AMERY AREA HOUSE DECORATING SHOWCASE

AMERY FREE PRESS

www.theameryfreepress.com

15B

A Small Town Christmas Decorating Showcase Instead of holding a Christmas light home decorating contest, the Amery Community Club has invited area residents to participate in a home decorating showcase. There are no awards, the lights are simply on to give holiday enjoyment to passers by. The following persons have signed up to participate, with numbers corresponding to the maps: 1. Dale & Kate Koehler, 1074 65th Ave./CTH F 2. Tom & Sandy Morris, 1393 60th Ave./CTH K 3. Ed & Anne White, 1141 Little Falls Circle 4. Dave & Pam Humpal, 931 75th St. 5. Bob LaBathe, 1207 100th St. 6. Duane & Michelle Stone, 1281 70th St. 7. Rick & Gwen Johannsen, 703 70th Ave./CTHJ 8. Les & Sharon Peterson, 695 70th Ave./CTHJ 9. Marv & Kathy Maxon, 805 Hawthorne St. 10. Tim & Holly Waterman, 805 Melrose Ave. 11. Betty Tomasek, 808 Hawthorne St. 12. Carrie Cunnien, 809 Hawthorne St. An interactive map of the locations is online at www.theameryfreepress.com. If you would like to be added to the online map, call the Free Press at 2688101 1. Dale & Kate Koehler, 1074 65th Ave./CTH F; 2. Tom & Sandy Morris, 1393 60th Ave./CTH K; 3. Ed & Anne White, 1141 Little Falls Circle

9. Marv & Kathy Maxon, 805 Hawthorne St.; 10. Tim & Holly Waterman, 805 Melrose Ave.; 11. Betty Tomasek, 808 Hawthorne St.; 12. Carrie Cunnien, 809 Hawthorne St.

4. Dave & Pam Humpal, 931 75th St.; 7. Rick & Gwen Johannsen, 703 70th Ave./CTHJ; 8. Les & Sharon Peterson, 695 70th Ave./CTHJ

5. Bob LaBathe, 1207 100th St.; 6. Duane & Michelle Stone, 1281 70th St.


16B

AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 19, 2017

The Perfect Christmas Tree if a live tree were to burn in your home.

The “perfect tree” means different things to different people, and the merits of a fir versus a pine, tall and slim versus short and wide, are argued at length each year. But one aspect of Christmas trees on which people tend to hold a strong stance is material: Are you a “real” Christmas tree believer? Or do you prefer an artificial tree? To help you decide (or sway you in a different direction), consider the following pros and cons of both Christmas tree types.

ornamented with pine cones, for example), it is a cost that is only incurred once, rather than every year.

ARTIFICIAL TREES Benefits Convenience: Each year, this tree is simply taken out of storage and assembled. Its shape is always “perfect,” it won’t molt its needles, and it never needs to be watered. Cost: While the initial investment might be pricey depending on the size and style you choose (pre-lit, dusted with fake snow, or

Drawbacks Non-biodegradable: This means when you throw it out, it will be in the landfill forever. Sizable carbon footprint: More than 85 percent of artificial trees are made in China and shipped to the United States. Fire hazard: They not only burn easily but act as an accelerant — causing much more damage than

LIVE TREES Benefits Made in the U.S.A.: According to the USDA, almost all of the 25 to 30 million real Christmas trees sold in the U.S. every year are grown in the U.S. Eco-friendly: Live trees are recyclable. Smell great: A natural deodorizer, there is really nothing like the scent of fresh pine or balsam fir. Drawbacks Cost: Your cost will depend on the size of tree you choose as well as where you live, but most trees run anywhere from $20 to $200 — a reoccurring cost as one tree will only last the current holiday season. High maintenance: Needles will begin to litter the floor almost immediately, and live trees must be watered heavily every day.

Merry Christmas

Elliot Greene Grade 4

CLOSED DEC. 25 CLOSED JAN. 1

128 Keller Ave. Amery Phone 715-268-7052

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.


DECEMBER 19, 2017

AMERY FREE PRESS

Tension Peaks as Election Looms With just three days remaining until the “Election of the Century,” the stress amongst the good folks of the Valley was considerable. During a matter of weeks, the source of the egg inflation became public knowledge; Juliet Stoughton, previously known as “Claire” to her only friend, launched a last-minute campaign for mayor; and the leading candidate, Raymond Cooper, was tricked into agreeing to participate in the town’s first public debate since the “Red Menace Debate” back in 1958. Valley old-timers remembered that spectacle as “Better Dead Than Red” Barry Jarrell faced incumbent mayor, “Friendly” Wiley Roark. Both Jarrell and Roark vowed to keep the debate cordial, and it almost worked out that way until Jarrell called the mayor “a Stalin-loving communist from California” 20 seconds into the proceedings. It was at that moment “Friendly” Wiley picked up a metal stand, on loan from the Baptist Church choir, and smacked it squarely across the jaw of his opponent. The 1958 debate lasted all of four minutes until fights broke out in the audience after Jarrell roared, “Anyone who would vote for this Red-loving Bolshevik should go on back to Moscow right now!” No one anticipated as many fireworks in this debate, taking place 40 years later, but it wasn’t outside the realm of possibility. Raymond Cooper began the Monday installment of “Renderings with Raymond” with a quote from Adlai Stevenson, who ran for president against Dwight Eisenhower in 1952. “I offer my opponents a

bargain,” quoted Cooper. “If they will stop telling lies about me, I will stop telling the truth about them.” The phone rang immediately with restless callers, anxious to chime in during the broadcast. “Who is this so-called ‘Juliet Stoughton?’” Marvin Walsh almost screamed into his phone. “And what makes her think she deserves to share the same stage

as Raymond Cooper?” The next caller, Boyd Sanders, was even more adamant. “Tell her to come by after the debate and clean up,” Sanders jeered. “It seems to me that she should be home cooking dinner for her husband, instead of wasting our time.” Cooper, as always, played the role of peacemaker. “Now listen,” he told his audience. “This is America. And every American has the right to run for office, no matter how misguided their efforts might be.” The next caller, Vera Ingram, took a different tone. “It seems to me,” she said, “that we should hear this young woman out. After all, isn’t that what America is all about?” Raymond, not wanting to show disrespect to a potential voter, chimed in. “You’re right, Vera,” he said in a charming tone. “Perhaps this is the perfect time to show this

young woman, who is new to our community, what Lennox Valley hospitality is all about.” Cooper, skillful at manipulating the emotions of his audience, knew this would move the discussion to Juliet’s lack of experience in important Valley matters. What happened next took Raymond by surprise, and that didn’t happen very often. “Hi, Raymond. This is Myrtle Paxley.” “What’s on your mind today, Myrtle?” answered the gentle voice of Cooper. “I just received the strangest call from Springfield. It was somebody taking a poll. They wanted to know who I was going to vote for in the mayor’s race. Of course, I told them I was voting for you.” Raymond searched for the right words before saying, “Myrtle, are you sure about that?” “Yes, I’m sure. They asked if I supported Mayor Bland, you or that new woman. I told them that any real American would vote for you.” Raymond played a commercial for Pucket’s Hardware Store while he composed himself. Following the commercial, Cooper calmly beseeched his listeners, “It is obvious we are facing more than two opponents in the election.” After a pause, he continued, “We are facing the mobilized forces of the elite media and the federal government, who will stop at nothing to see this humble American fall.” Great Gift Idea! Order your copy of Lennox Valley: The Book at Amazon.com.

17B

It’s Coming It’s coming; now the signs we see. An extra smile, the colored lights, The cutting, trimming of a tree, Posters tell of special nights, Children anticipate delights. And so it comes. It’s coming, though some are away With duty on a far-off shore Who think of coming Christmas Day. And some at home yearn all the more. Some hearts ache; some hearts soar. Still it comes. Relentlessly, as ages roll, Confirmed again a promise kept, Who came here to redeem the soul In glory while the people slept. Hope into hearts longing crept. Though king oppose and killing chose, Still He came A baby? How God chose to save A fickle and rebellious world, In the night, the gift He gave While shepherds shook and star unfurled. Though evil all its might had hurled And God’s will flaunted, yet undaunted, Still He came. Men of honesty face strife While those who cheat ,unchecked, succeed. Some who live an easy life Ignore the stricken, abject need, To the promise give no heed. Good spurned and hated, but unabated, Still it comes. So pass the days as we prepare To celebrate with song and gift, With dear ones and some needy share. The celebration our hearts lift, And pray the world to goodness shift Merriment uproarious, honoring the glorious, And Christmas comes. © Carol Morfitt Welch

Merry Christmas

Jaxson Cran Grade 2

Kayli Peterson Grade 1

HOLIDAY HOURS: Dec. 22 (1/2 day) 8 a.m.-Noon Dec. 29 (1/2 day) 8 a.m.-noon Dec. 23 Closed Dec. 30 Closed Dec. 25 Closed Jan. 1 Closed

Closed Dec. 25th and Jan. 1st

Family Eye Clinic 216 North Keller Ave., Amery, WI 54001 Phone 715-268-8159 Fax 715-268-2064

Reg. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Dr. Daniel Satterlund OPTOMETRIST 120 Keller Ave. N, Amery 715-268-9010


18B

AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 19, 2017

Luck Museum to Add Hanne Ravnholt Dairy Exhibit Thanks to a generous grant from the Albert Victor Ravenholt Foundation, the Luck Museum is making plans to add the Hanne Ravnholt Dairy Exhibit to the museum. Luck has a rich history in dairying and the Ravenholt family was in at the very beginning. The Ravenholt Family has a website with stories written by various family members. The information here is taken from one by Reimert and his father Ansgar at www.ravenholt.com . “In 1885 a group of Danes banded together and started Wisconsin’s first cooperative creamery. Having studied buttermaking in Denmark, Johanne Ravnholt was chosen to run the creamery and her husband Anders was employed to gather the cream and do other hauling.” Inger Johanne Thestrup Ravnholt -- known as Hanne Ravnholt in West Denmark -- was born April 9, 1852, the youngest of eight children of Jens and Kirstine Thestrup, Vranum, Almind Sogn, near Viborg, Denmark. "As a young woman, she decided to learn buttermaking. Everything from the milking of the cows to the finished product was done by women in those days. She chose to go to Gedser Gaard on the south end of Falster Island -- an early experiment station and model farm with a three-year course in Farm Management for men and in buttermaking for women. During the first year she had to milk 20 cows three times daily and keep all utensils clean. These were nearly all of wood, as were most floors, so it was well that she was strong and healthy. But the first years were a difficult trial. After completing two years at Gedser Gaard, she was offered a position on a large estate on Fyn, where she remained until the spring of 1878 when she took the summer course for girls at Askov Folkschool. Subsequently she returned to her parental home near Viborg for a few months until her marriage to Anders Christian Ravnholt on October 12,1878, following which they moved to Ravnholt Gaard where they farmed for five years and where two children, Kirsten and Kristen, were born.”

Johanne “Hanne” Ravnholt and her husband Anders came to Luck in 1884. Their initial experience in America was very bad. “Their first destination in the United States was Ashland, Michigan. But the opportunities there appeared so meager that they decided to go to Elkhorn, Iowa. Unhappily for them, they stopped over in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where a fair was in progress. Here Anders cashed the bank draft he carried representing their worldly possessions, somewhat above a thousand dollars. While he boarded a street car, someone dislodged his suitcases, and as he stooped to recover the suitcases, someone snatched his billfold from him, and disappeared in the crowd. The police were notified at once but all efforts proved fruitless. Destitute indeed were the straits of the young couple as they stood alone in an unknown world with all their worldly belongings lost. Luckily they held tickets to, Iowa.” The exhibit, still in the planning stages, will include a small barn-like building with dairying and creamery exhibits inside. The centerpiece for the exhibit is a large wooden churn from an early local creamery, acquired by museum founding member, Edwin Pedersen from the Ott/Tretsven family and currently stored in Robert Peterson’s machine shed, adjacent to the location of the very first creamery on Little Butternut Lake. The Luck Area Historical Society is working with the Sterling Eureka and Laketown Historical Society to create the exhibit. The group is forming a committee of local folks interested in dairying to do the project. If you have items to donate, photos, documents, etc., or would enjoy working on a history of dairying in NW Wisconsin, please volunteer to help make the project successful. For more information contact the Luck Museum 715 472 2030; email lahsmuseum@gmail.com.

SCHOOL LUNCH MENUS

AMERY SCHOOLS Thursday, Dec. 21— Breakfast in all buildings: Bacon egg scramble or yogurt parfait or cereal & cheese stick, fruit choices, fruit juice. Lien elementary lunch: Macaroni & cheese, breadstick, steamed broccoli, garden bar, fruit choices. Intermediate & Middle

CLEAR LAKE SCHOOLS Thursday, Dec. 21— Elementary breakfast: Breakfast cereal or oatmeal, blueberry or chocolate muffin. Elementary lunch: Mini corn dogs or peanut butter sandwich, potato wedges, steamed broccoli, cheese sauce, peaches. High school breakfast: Entree options: Cereal, sausage links, cereal bar, muffin, yogurt,

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school lunch: Macaroni & cheese or chicken alfredo, breadstick, steamed broccoli. High school lunch: Macaroni & cheese or chicken alfredo, breadstick, steamed broccoli. Friday, Dec. 22— Breakfast in all buildings: Mini pancakes or Warrior sandwich or cereal & graham, fruit choices, fruit juice. Lien elementary

lunch: Pizza, garden vegetables, garden bar, fruit choices. Intermediate & Middle school lunch: Pizza or fish sandwich, mixed vegetables. High school lunch: Pizza or fish sandwich, mixed vegetables. Christmas Vacation— Monday, Dec. 25 through Monday, Jan. 1, 2018.

PB&J “uncrustable,” blueberry lemon bites. High school lunch: “Brunch Lunch,” cheese omelet, donut, sausage links, hash browns, salsa, orange wedges, (grilled chicken salad option). Friday, Dec. 22— Elementary breakfast: Breakfast cereal or donut holes, yogurt. Elementary lunch: Ham & cheese sub or PB&J “uncrustable,” fresh vegetables, chips, craisins, mandarin

oranges. High school breakfast: Entree options: Cereal, cheese stick, “Gripz” graham crackers, cinnamon roll, cheese omelet, Nutri Grain bar. High school lunch: Ham & cheese or grilled chicken sub, fresh vegetables, tangy broccoli salad, chips, craisins, strawberries. Christmas Vacation— Monday, Dec. 25 through Monday, Jan. 1, 2018.

Violin Lessons

ALL AGES Beginning to Advanced Teacher in Amery since 1988 Graduate of American Conservatory of Music, Chicago. Member of American String Teachers Association

Janette Cysewski 715-268-6610

STEAM TEAM Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Carpet Cleaning Furniture Cleaning Tile & Grout Cleaning Pet Stains JOHN A. HUMPAL

Certified Master Textile Cleaner

30 years experience

800-553-3677 or 715-632-2109

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COMMERCIALCONTRACTORS CONTRACTORS COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL CONTRACTORS Design & Build Design & Build Design Build Supervision &&Management Supervision & & Management Supervision Management www.berghammerbuilders.com

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Jenna Van Someren Grade4

For over 30 years, For over 30 years, from concept to completion. from concept to completion.

Second Place Winner in Grade 4 in the Amery Community Club Christmas Card Contest

Masonry Masonry Concrete For years, Forover over4030 years, Concrete Post Frame from concept to to completion. concept completion. Postfrom Frame For over 30 years, Steel Buildings Steel Buildings from concept to completion.

Masonry ExperienceThe TheBerghammer BerghammerDifference Difference Experience Masonry Concrete Building Licensed Concrete Building 715-948-2811 Licensed for over Post Frame Insured 715-948-2811 for over Insured Post Frame 30 years Clayton,WI WI Bonded 30 years Clayton, Steel Steel Buildings Bonded Buildings Experience TheBerghammer Berghammer Difference Experience The Difference

Licensed Licensed Insured Insured Bonded

Bonded

715-948-2811 715-948-2811 Clayton, WI Clayton, WI

Building Building for over for over 30 years

30 years

Dental Arts Holiday Hours

Closed Monday, Dec. 25 and Monday, Jan. 1

Dental Arts 404 Wisconsin Ave., Amery 715-268-7177


DECEMBER 19, 2017

AMERY FREE PRESS

19B

Cardinal LG and its employees donate $10,000 to Salvation Army Employees of Cardinal LG of Amery recently raised $10,000 for the Polk County Salvation Army as part of their annual Holiday Party held on December 2nd. Employees and staff donated $5,000 and the Company matched those contributions for a total

of $10,000. “We are just so proud of our team here at Cardinal LG. Every year, they show tremendous generosity and willingness to help our local communities. I always say that we have the best employees, and this is just one example of why I believe

that to be true.” Joey Monson-Lilly - Human Resources Manager Cardinal LG – Amery currently employs 250 people. The Amery facility produces laminated safety glass & hurricane impact glass for a multitude of residential window manufacturers.

Employees of Cardinal LG in Amery present a $10,000 check to the Polk County Salvation Army.

HAPPY WINTER!

Merry Christmas!

Ian Bursik Grade 1 Krista Markee Grade 2

THINK SPRING!

Gardener Gift Certificates PLEASE CALL 715-268-7660

1 mile south of Amery on Hwy. 46 715-268-7660

Olivia Siebenaler Grade 1 Taylor Fredrickson Grade 1 First Place winner in Grade 1 in the Amery Community Club Christmas Card Contest

1356 80th St., CTH E Amery, WI 54001 715-268-8720

Sawyer Madsen Grade 1

Closing Dec. 24 at 3 p.m. Closed Dec. 25

Third Place winner in Grade 1 in the Amery Community Club Christmas Card Contest

215 Birch St. W, Amery, WI 54001 715-268-4800

ELM Self Storage

Seasons Greetings from . . .

Hayden McGrane Kindergarten

309 Keller Ave. S, Amery 715-268-9966


20B

AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 19, 2017

Couple wed in ceremony at Marsh Lake Church Lindsey Zemke and Thomas Klingelhoets were married August 26, 2017 at Marsh Lake Church in Clayton with Pastor Margaret Grant officiating. Music for the ceremony was provided by Warren “Putz” Shortess. Serving as attendants for the bride were Deana Zemke and Rochele Winger with flower girls Gretchyn Sanders and Harper Klingelhoets. Attending the groom were David and Nic Klingelhoets and usher was Tristan Wendt. Ring bearer was Wyatt Klingelhoets. Parents of the bride are David and Bonnie Zemke and parents of the groom are Gordon and Gina Klingelhoets. Lindsey graduated from Clayton high school and is a dental assistant in Hudson. Thomas is a graduate of Turtle Lake high school

Christmas Memories By: Larry Phillipson C-12-3-2017

Christmas and December go together, That's the way it will be forever. I remember when I was three years old, Grandma said," George, get some wood for the fire, its cold". Ho, Ho, in three minutes Santa came about, He knelt down by the tree to give presents out. I looked at Santa's rubbers with soles of white, How come Santa has George's rubbers, that's not right. I remember when I was four or five, Around the tree I told the story of how Christ came alive. Then I got a toy Fordson tractor with a plow, That was the greatest gift up to now. In 1929 the depression hit and it all fell through, Times were hard and tough, no joy that we knew. One year no Christmas presents or candy around, There was no money for gifts to be found. That was almost ninety years ago, Ma had a garden and we made it grow. Forty below zero, potatoes froze and went bad, We ate them anyway, it was all we had. People lost their homes and moved away, Couldn't pay the bills so did not stay. Dust storms and no rain, It looked like the end, no gain. People stood in lines for food to eat, No money, nothing for a treat. Things did get better as time went by, Now we can forget the bad times if we try.

and is a heavy equipment operator in Stillwater,

MN. Larry Phillipson is a poet laureate of Amery, Wisconsin

Season’s Greetings! 320 Keller Ave., Amery • 715-268-5626

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“I moved here July 2015 when I could no longer manage on my own. My family was relieved that I was safe. CCH is a friendly, homey atmosphere and the staff is excellent.” Ramona was involved with the formation of CCH she said “the dream was to connect the Ramo na Paulso on, hospital, nursing home, assisted 91 Ye ars Young living and exercise facility to create a complete wellness environment” she takes pride in her involvement to see the dream fullled.

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

Our Campus includes:

24-Hour Skilled Nursing • Assisted Living Apartments Transitional / Short-term Rehabilitation Call today to learn more or to schedule a tour!

Norman Springett Grade 4 Sam Streich Grade 4

Gavin Anderson Grade 4

First Place winner in Grade 4 in the Amery Community Club Christmas Card Contest

Rollyn P. Lee, DDS Heather Marks, DDS 1030 River Place Drive Amery 715-268-2103 Mon.-Thurs. 8-5 Fri. 7-4


DECEMBER 19, 2017

AMERY FREE PRESS

21B

Let’s Speak Watch for the new Winter/Spring catalog Spanish! offered coming in January! at UW-BC

AMERY COMMUNITY EDUCATION

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 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 1:303:30 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.

50% off Sale!!

December 21st & 22nd, 9 am to 3 pm December 23rd, 9 am to noon

113 N. Keller Ave.

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

Amery Free Press Subscription is a gift that gives 52 weeks a year!

Let’s Speak Spanish, a basic conversational Spanish course for those interested in learning the language for travel, business or personal enrichment, will be offered at UW-Barron County on Mondays and Wednesdays, January 15-February 21 from 6-7:30 pm (no class Feb 19). This introduction into the Spanish language will include basic vocabulary and expressions used in everyday situations. The foundational grammar lessons cover how to ask and respond to simple questions, engage in simple conversations, interact in everyday situations,

read a variety of basic written materials, and write simple sentences. No previous foreign language experience is required. Instructor Shahla Brown holds degrees in Spanish and social work, and has lived and studied in Venezuela and Mexico. She currently teaches Spanish at Cumberland High School and Middle School. Cost to enroll is $119 until January 6, $129 afterwards. For more information or to register, contact Barb Ritzinger at 715-234-8176 X 5503 or visit http://ce.uwc.edu/ barron.

Tori Ellefson Grade 2

Suburban . Commercial . Agricultural Horse Barns & Arenas

Quality Buildings Since 1958 For More Information Call

Ed Beese 715. 768. 5299 Toll TollFree Free800.558.7800 800. 225. 2591 waltersbuildings.com

Jim’s Auto Repair Jim and Pat Ellefson Wanderoos • 715-268-2917

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Levi Thayer Grade 4

Michael Elmer Kindergarten

Jacob Stauner Grade 3

Merry Christmas from . . .

Isaac Thayer Grade 2

First Place winner in Grade 2 in the Amery Community Club Christmas Card Contest

1101 Cornwall Ave., Amery 715-268-7676 www.amerychevrolet.com

Closed Monays Dec. 25 and Jan. 1

Maggie Elmer Grade 2

Pickard Trucking AMERY


AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 19, 2017

Free Alzheimer’s Education Classes at Westfields Hospital Announced for January New Richmond, Wisconsin – December 14, 2017 – Each month, the Alzheimer’s Association offers family education programs across Wisconsin. These classes are designed to assist anyone with questions about Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. All programs are freeof-charge and open to families, caregivers and the general community. Each program is presented by an Alzheimer’s Association staff member or trained community volunteer. The Association’s family education programs have earned evidence-based citations demonstrating the benefits of patient education and outcomes through programming. This month’s free

course is titled ‘Effective Communication Strategies.’ This program helps families facing Alzheimer’s explore effective communication strategies and learn how to decode messages through attitude, tone of voice, facial expressions and body language. The class will be held Wednesday, January 24, from 1:00 pm – 2:30 p.m. at Westfield Hospital & Clinic – Drury Conference Ctr., 353 Hospital Road, New Richmond. These programs are made possible, in part, by funds raised through the Walk to End Alzheimer’s®. Please call 1.800.272.3900 to register. More information can be found on our website www.alz.org/gwwi.

Merry Christmas! Peyton Sweeney Grade 1

AMERY AREA COMMUNITY CENTER We are excited to announce that Mrs. Amans 5th grade class will be returning to the Center on Thursday, December 21st from 9:50am-10:50am. We encourage our members to attend and enjoy some fun activities with the kids. Thanks to some wonderful volunteers, the Community Center will once again hold our annual Christmas Day Dinner on December 25th at 2pm. If you’re looking for somewhere to spend the day with great company and a delicious meal, this will be the place. All we ask for is a free will donation. We are looking for donations of desserts for this meal so please call 715-268-6605 to make your reservations and let us know if you can donate some “goodies.” If you attended one of our past “Paint & Sip” parties, you know how much fun they were! Kayleen Jakes will be back at the Center again on Friday January 26th at 6pm to show us how to do a snowman painting. The cost is $25 which will include free snacks and there will be adult beverages for purchase. Call 715-268-6605 to register and make checks out to Brush Strokes Paint Party. Amery Area Community Center has a new Facebook page! Find us at https://www.facebook. com/amery communitycenter. We also have a new website at www. amerycommunitycenter.com. Check it out and let us know what

you think. Join us for our monthly Potluck and Bingo on the 2nd Friday of the month at noon. Lunch is at 12 and Bingo starts at 1pm. Bring a dish to pass! The Center will provide the plates, cups, coffee, and utensils. Bingo costs $2 for 2 cards and you do need to be a member. Are you interested in eating healthier and perhaps losing some inches in 2018? If so contact Amanda at acc.director.amanda@gmail.com or call 715-2686605. Once we have 18 people signed up we can determine a start date and meeting schedule. Just a reminder that dues are due January 1st! Amery Area Community Center offers numerous benefits to its members from activities to programs to a variety of exercise opportunities. Regular membership is only $20 per year which equals less than $2 per month! We really do need and appreciate your support! Do you want to get a complete workout, work all your major muscle groups, and get a cardio workout in just 30 minutes? Get all of that for just $10 a month if you are a member of the Community Center. You only have to be 21 or older to join. The hours are 7am-4:30pm Monday through Thursday and 7am-2pm on Fridays. Tuesday pool winners on December 5th were Gary Snelling

in first, Stinger in second, Paul Seidel in third, and Les Peterson took home the consolation prize. Tuesday pool players on December 12th were Gary Snelling in first place, Stinger in second, Wendell Anderson came in third, Mary Fisher placed fourth, and Loren Bavin won the consolation prize. Thursday pool player winners on December 7th were Gary Snelling in first place, Paul Seidel in second place, Wendell Anderson took third, and Les Peterson took home the coveted consolation prize. Thursday pool player winners on Thursday December 14th were Gary Snelling in first, Paul Seidel in second, Mary Fisher took third, Jerry Fisher placed fourth and Gene Pribnow won the consolation prize. Wii bowling winners on December 5th were Mary Fisher in first and Sandy White in second. Wednesday bridge winners on December 6th were Sue Saarem in first, Evie Porter in second, and Sydney Lund in third and Pat Carlson took fourth. December 13th winners were Paula Schmid in first, Steve Berstka in second, Sydney Lund in third and Roxie Moltzer in fourth. Congratulations to all!

Merry Christmas

from all of us at . . .

Stella Gould Kindergarten

Sydnee Sweeney Grade 4

Owen Gould Grade 3

Open Christmas Eve 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Open Christmas Day 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Cenex/Countryside Cooperative 319 Keller Ave. S, Amery

L

22B

L

Closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1

LEADHOLM & LAMErE INSurANCE AgENCy

INSURANCE AGENCY

212 N. Keller Ave. • Amery, Wis. JAMES A. LEADHOLM Phone 715-268-7188 Certified Insurance Counselor 212 Keller Avenue North, P.O. Box 138 Amery, WI 54001


DECEMBER 19, 2017

AMERY FREE PRESS

23B

ARNELL MEMORIAL HUMANE SOCIETY

Humane Society Animals found Forever Homes It is a busy time of year for everyone. It was especially busy for us at the shelter last week, with 14 adoptions, 3 strays and 11 surrendered pets. We count on the adoption of pets to make room for those in need of our care. Luckily adopters came out in force to take home a furry friend for the Holidays.

Polly, featured in this column last week, found her forever home. Polly had given us six kittens and waited patiently two months for her own adoption. She met her perfect family on Saturday. They knew they didn’t want a “curtain climbing kitten” and came to check out Polly. She purred for the young son, brushed up against Mom and romanced Dad. They were wowed and it didn’t take long before they said, “We want to adopt her.” Australian Shepherd Mix Clive, had been meeting potential adopters for one month. Clive caught the eye of his new family when he showed up on Facebook in a Santa Suit. He met their shy Pit Bull-Border Collie Mix Finn and hit it off right away. Playtime shenanigans ensued, chasing, jumping and sharing toys. Clive’s new family have reported that he has adapt-

ed to his new life like he has always belonged there. He has a new partner in cat harassment duties in his new brother Finn. It’s all in good fun and we couldn’t be happier for our dear boy Clive. Ten kittens were adopted in three days. Mattie’s litter of eight were preceded in adoption by their mother, who will be a comfort cat for her adopter. Tiny Tabby Katie was the first kitten to leave, quickly followed by her siblings Bob, Phil, Paula, Lisa, Alex, Rachel and Cindy. They were the largest litter of kittens we have ever seen at the shelter; kittens of many colors, orange, grey, blue, calico and torti. Four kittens are available this week. They are 10 weeks old and two of them have extra toes. Kinko is Long Hair Blue Grey male and his brother Rambo is

a Short Hair Grey Tabby. They both have extra toes. Sisters Lydia and Betsy are Short Hair Grey Tabbies; Betsy has mittens and a bib. These youngsters are anxious to be part of your Christmas celebration and forever beyond. Arnell Humane Society takes in 500 stray, abandoned and surrendered pets each year. They count on us to be there when they have nowhere else to go. Our shelter relies on donations to meet a budget that covers stray animal care, offering low cost spay and neuter to low income families, obedience training for dogs and a warm, clean, safe place for lost animals to be reunited with anxious owners. Please consider a donation to the animals in your yearend giving. Arnell Memorial Humane Society is a 501c 3 non-profit organization; your financial donation to Arnell is tax-deductible. Your gift will support the happy ending stories we are able to provide to those most in need. Arnell Memorial Humane Society, 185 Griffin St East, Amery, WI 54001 or online: ARNELLHUMANE.ORG and Facebook

Merry Christmas Kortney Hart Pre-Kindergarten

Emmy White Grade 2

Closed Dec. 24 & 25 and Dec. 31 & Jan. 1

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Open Dec. 24, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Christmas Day, Dec. 25 Open Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

1062 RiverPlace Mall, Amery Phone 715-268-9000 www.stemsfromtheheart.com

Fresh Flowers, Plants & Gifts for all occasions HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Second Place Winner in Pre-Kindergarten in the Amery Community Club Christmas Card Contest

“Western Wisconsin’s Largest Variety of Fine Wines and Spirits at Discount Prices!”

Chuck Williamson and Ed White www.williamsonwhite.com

715-268-7111

222 Harriman Ave. N. • Amery, WI

Amery Discount Liquor 1015 Cornwall Ave., Amery OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 9 A.M.-9 P.M.


24B

AMERY FREE PRESS

Local Ski Trail Report: Trade River Trail Open—Coon Lake waiting for more snow FREDERIC, Wis. - The snow that arrived last week has set the stage for a great Nordic skiing season in western Wisconsin. The December snowfall has provided enough base to open the Trade River Ski Trail and the Coon Lake Ski Trail will open following a few more inches of snow. Until there is more of a base, rock or “B” skis are recommended. With more snow predicted for late in the week, skiing should be good for the upcoming long Christmas and New Years weekends. Volunteers from the Viking Ski Club are rested and ready when the snow falls and immediately begin rolling a base that will set up nicely with the following cooler weather. The Coon Lake Trail, just east of Coon Lake on Ash Street, has a little over four kilometers of groomed trail and the Trade River Trail, one and a half miles south of Frederic on 150th Ave, has grown to about 10 kilometers. Both trails are groomed for classic and

DECEMBER 19, 2017

Miles Hartmann Grade 1

skating, with tracks set when a sufficient base is present. Grooming is done by local volunteers, and donation boxes are provided at both locations. There is no charge to ski or park, but donations are appreciated to help with the cost of grooming and maintaining the trails. Volunteers put in many hours during the year to clear brush, mow, grub out exposed roots and rocks from the trails, plus the grooming to maintain a smooth and safe skiing surface that needs to be redone often to compact new snow, and remove wear patterns from skiers. Winter street access to Coon Lake is provided on the north side from Elm Street. For more information on local cross country trails, call 800-222-POLK or visit www.polkcountytourism.com For information on area or regional cross-county skiing trails, events, and the latest trail conditions, visit www. skinnyski.com.

from

Season’s Greetings and Good Wishes for the New Year from all of us at Northwest Communications!

Dr. Tamara Smith Dr. Doug Podoll Dr. Catherine Choi and staff

Leo Jensen Grade 2

Elizabeth Hill Kindergarten Violet Webb Pre-Kindergarten

Lola Gorres Kindergarten

Griffin Wilcox Grade 2

Norah Gorres Grade 3

Marcus Zacharius Grade 4

Northwest Communications www.nwcomm.net

116 Harriman Ave. N., Amery, WI 54001 715-268-7101

Offices in Amery 715-268-8109 Baldwin 715-684-5858 New Richmond 715-246-5165

If you have repair problems please report to our service department 715-268-7100 Our business office will be closed Dec. 25, 26 and Jan. 1


DECEMBER 19, 2017

AMERY FREE PRESS

Holiday hunt for select Farmland Zone units begins Dec. 24 MADISON - Hunters can look forward to additional deer hunting opportunities during late archery and crossbow seasons, as well as the antlerless-only "holiday hunt" in select deer management units. The antlerless-only holiday hunt will be offered in 17 Farmland Zone units from Dec. 24, 2017 through Jan. 1, 2018. The holiday hunt is offered in these units based on recommendations from County Deer Advisory Councils where added opportunity to harvest antlerless deer is offered to help reach antlerless harvest goals and the county deer population objective. Hunters may fill any unused antlerless tags in the designated deer

management zone, unit and land type (public or private) printed on each tag. Only antlerless deer may be harvested in holiday hunt units with any legal firearm, crossbow or archery equipment. Units where the holiday hunt is not offered are open for archery and crossbow hunting. Bucks may be harvested only in non-Holiday Hunt units. Successful hunters are reminded to register their deer by 5 p.m. on the day after harvest. Registration can be completed online by searching "GameReg" on the DNR web page or calling 1-844426-3734. For more information on units offering the holiday hunt, check out the interactive deer map at keyword "DMU.”

Reagan Thompson Grade 4

Alex Arana Kindergarten

We Wish You A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! From all of us at Chet Johnson Drug, Johnson Drug at Amery Hospital and Ellie’s Ice Cream & Coffee Closed Christmas Day

Visit our website for holiday hours chetjohnsondrug.com

204 Keller Avenue N. • P.O. Box 17 Amery, WI 54001 Phone 715-268-8121

265 East Griffin St. Amery, WI 54001

Specializing in Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Treats and Coffee Downtown Amery next to Chet’s

25B


26B

AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 19, 2017

Two HealthPartners hospitals recognized for sustainability commitment Amery Hospital & Clinic and Westfields Hospital & Clinic have been recognized with a Green Masters Award from the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council. Every year, the Wisconsin Business Council recognizes businesses that have actively demonstrated their commitment to sustainability. The Masters honor is their highest level of recognition for this award. Amery and Westfields were recognized for a wide range of sustainability initiatives, including: •Energy efficient lighting improvements •Water conservation planning •Enhanced waste management programming •On-site community

garden plots •Hosting community events including Earth Day celebrations, electronics recycling, shoe recycling, and fall festivals •Reducing water usage irrigation by selecting low-maintenance and native plants for landscaping •Other sustainability excellence recognition, such as Amery’s designation as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary •Reusable to-go meal containers •Solar panels at Westfields “Our commitment to sustainability goes hand in hand with our mission,” said Dana Slade, Director of Sustainability at HealthPartners. “To improve the health and

well-being of our members, patients and community, we have to take care of the places where they live and work.” This is Amery’s first time receiving the recognition and Westfields second time. With this recognition, all of three of HealthPartners Wisconsin hospitals have received the Green Masters honor. Hudson Hospital & Clinic won the Green Masters Award in 2016. Amery Hospital & Clinic and Westfields Hospital & Clinic were recognized at the 10th Annual Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council Conference on December 13th in Kohler at the American Club.

The Polk County Homemakers Club recently brought a little Christmas Cheer to the residents of Amery Memory Care. The group hosted a Christmas party with Christmas carols, treats, and more.

NOW HIRING PRODUCTION Merry Christmas & All Shifts Nate Griepentrog Grade 1

Macie Boe Grade 2

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

A&E

Lawn Care Services LLC Servicing Amery, Balsam Lake, Turtle Lake, Clear Lake, Clayton, Deer Park and Surrounding Areas Eleanore Amans Grade 1

AMERY, WI

715-554-7343

Happy New Year! We offer:

• Competitive Starting Wage •Ben Health Insurance Griepentrog Grade 3 Savings Account • Health • 401K • Possibility of earning up to 52% of your monthly earnings in Prot Sharing • Attendance & Safety Incentives Earn $100 extra per month • A great, safe place to work!

APPLY IN PERSON AT: 250 Griffin St. E East 250 Grif n Street Amery, WI Amery, WI 54001 (No phone calls, please.)


DECEMBER 19, 2017

AMERY FREE PRESS

27B

Deronda Diplomats 4-H The December meeting of the Deronda Dipolmats 4H club was called to order at 1:12PM. Pledges were said and roll call was taken. Allyson and Tiana made a motion to approve the secretary’s report. Allyson and Riley made a motion to approve the treasurers report. Riley reported on Bell Ringing and Sydney talked about Beef weigh in results. Clara talked about the ME evening and there was a reminder to cash in fair checks. Avery and Allyson made a motion to purchase Insurance for snow tubing. Snow Tubing is on Febuary 11th from noon to three. It costs 13 dollars per person. Marge read the newsletter. Lunch and clean up was parent advisory and officers. Next meeting is Sunday, January 7th we will make tie blankets from 4-6 with the meeting at 6. Lunch and clean up will be Schultz family and Riley will give his talk. We will also set our goals for projects. The meeting was adjourned.

Merry Christmas! Thank You for shopping and supporting Amery Community Club businesses!

Happy Holidays! Ethan Wojchik Grade 3

Congratulations to the final week’s winners of the Amery Christmas Punch promotion.

Hans Johnson Pre-Kindergarten

Each will receive $50 Amery Scrip Money

First Place Winner in Pre-Kindergarten in the Amery Community Club Christmas Card Contest

Second Place Winner in Grade 3 in the Amery Community Club Christmas Card Contest Dec. 23 open 7-11 a.m. Closed Dec. 24 & 25 and Jan. 1

Amery Country Store Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 7 a.m.-1 p.m.

554 St. Rd. 46, Amery 715-268-7482

HOLIDAY HOURS: Dec. 24, 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 25, 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Dec. 31, 6 a.m.-11 p.m. Jan. 1, 7 a.m.-11 p.m.

FREEDOM VALU CENTERS

237 Keller Ave. S., Amery 715-268-8957

Bonnie Pierson Shelley Gaetz Lois Olson Cheryl Siemsen Lucille Clark Marian Fryer Shauna Feyen Brad Anderson Rita Bennett Haley Anderson

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Happy Holidays to all of our families, friends, staff and volunteers from the residents of

Golden Age Manor


28B AMERY FREE PRESS

DECEMBER 19, 2017 www.theameryfreepress.com

Hospital hosts annual Love Light Tree lighting Amery Hospital and Clinic hosted the annual Love Light Tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 14. The Love Light Tree allows community members to purchase lights on the tree in memory of loved ones. Funds raised are used for scholarships. Joyce Schaefer flipped the switch this year to light the tree.

Hospital Auxiliary President Patti Johnson welcomed the crowd and explained the Love Light Tree. Hospital Administrator Deb Rudquist greeted the crowd and thanked the auxiliary for their work. Pastor Tim Bjorge gave the prayer and blessing. Students of Jeanette Cysewski performed Christmas carols before the crowed enjoyed refreshments.

Jeanette Cysewski conducts members of the string ensemble in Christmas carols.

Auxiliary President Patti Johnson, Hospital Administrator Deb Rudquist, Joyce Schaefer and Pastor Tim Bjorge.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Auxiliary President Patti Johnson

Miley Brotzel Grade 3 CLOSED DEC. 24 & 25 Open Dec. 31, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Open Jan. 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

900 S. Keller Ave., Amery (across from River Place Mall) Phone 715-268-8149

CLEARANCE CENTER 201 N. Keller Ave., Amery Phone 715-268-2131


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