W A S H B U R N C O U N T Y
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INSIDE
July 15, 2015
Wednesday, July 15, 2015 Vol. 126, No. 48 • Shell Lake, Wis.
We e ke nd w atch Fishing Day Camp @ Sarona Cakes at the Lake @ Sarona See calendar on page 6 for details
75¢
It’s all in the wrist
Spooner Rodeo highlights Pages 11-13
Behind the byline ... Judy Pieper Page 7
Local Lions tour Wisconsin Lions Camp Page 9
BREAKERS
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STATEWIDE - Gov. Scott Walker vowed to fight for America’s interests abroad and for his conservative policies in Washington, D.C., in his announcement on Monday afternoon, July 13, that he was seeking the Republican nomination for president. The governor launched his 2016 Republican presidential bid by highlighting his clashes with labor unions as his campaign taunted his Democratic critics. The 47-year-old Walker embraced his “fighter” reputation as he formally declared his candidacy in Waukesha with his family at his side. “We are running to serve as your president of the United States of America,” Walker told the cheering crowd. Walker becomes the 15th high-profile Republican to enter the GOP presidential contest, but claims to occupy a unique space in the congested field. Walker said he not only fights for conservative principles, but also wins elections and policy debates in a state that typically supports Democrats. Through five years in office, Walker has enacted policies weakening organized labor’s political power and became the first governor in U.S. history to defeat a recall election. Protesters were gathered outside the convention hall as Walker made his announcement. Earlier on Monday, Walker released a video about
See Breakers, page 3
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Greg Hewitt helps Laura Iverson in the steer-roping event during the Exceptional Rodeo held Thursday, July 9, before the start of the 62nd-annual Spooner Heart of the North Rodeo held at the Washburn County Fairgrounds in Spooner. See more photos on page 11.- Photo by Larry Samson
Spooner School Board announces complaint investigation findings Danielle Danford | Staff writer SPOONER — The Spooner School Board announced in a news release Friday, July 10, that on Tuesday, July 7, the board of education personnel committee concluded their review of complaints that had been submitted about alleged harassment and found that the claims did not meet the standard of harassment and the district considers the matter closed. The following is the unedited news release from the Spooner School District on their finding: On Tuesday, July 7, the board of education personnel committee concluded their review of complaints that had been submitted about alleged harassment. With more than 15 hours of interviewing personnel, reviewing artifacts, and taking time for follow-up questions, the board took each claim seriously. Though most of the submitted claims were stated as bullying, the district’s 411 bullying policy is only related to students. The board’s 511 harassment policy was used as the criteria for evaluating whether any actions constituted harassment. After careful review of all the information, the personnel committee came to the conclusion that the claims did not constitute evidence of harassment. The personnel committee held meetings on June 23, 25 and 30. Members of the committee heard from the individuals that submitted complaints, reviewed pertinent documents or statements from witnesses, and interviewed the administration. The comprehensive process concluded with the claims not meeting the stan-
dard of harassment and the district considers the matter closed. “After many conversations, I am confident in our review of the facts,” said Randy McQuade, board personnel committee chair. “The 511 process is in place to protect all of our employees. Harassment is a serious claim and our review did not show evidence to support such mistreatment.” “We respect those who have used the 511 process,” said board member Christina Martin. “Now that the review is over, we look forward to once again focusing on growing the educational opportunities for our students while addressing our local fiscal challenges.” “After review, I can see where disagreements in approach have led to these claims,” said board member Clay Halverson. “However, I do not believe that any of the claims met the criteria of harassment. Through this process, we received a lot of information that will be very helpful moving forward.” “After completion of this process, the board recognizes a need for helping staff understand the guidelines and process regarding alleged harassment,” said board President John Hedlund. “There was confusion between “bullying” under Policy 411 and “harassment” under Policy 511. The board will find ways to ensure employees have more clarity about board policies in the future.” This story was published on Friday, July 10, on the Washburn County Register’s website , wcregisteronline.com.
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