The Preschool "Catch the Reading Bug" summer reading program at the Baldwin Public Library enjoyed listening to the Book Diary of a Worm and eating Bar-b-qued mealy worms and gummi worms.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Preschool "Catch the Reading Bug"
The Preschool "Catch the Reading Bug" summer reading program at the Baldwin Public Library enjoyed listening to the Book Diary of a Worm and eating Bar-b-qued mealy worms and gummi worms.
Brothers died of overdoses
On May 27 Jeffrey Konrad Knoll, age 38, and Gregory Allen Knoll, age 43, were found dead in their apartment at 1102 County Rd. A in Burkhardt. A subsequent investigation showed that both brothers probably died on or about May 10.
Autopsies were conducted on both brothers on May 28. The final autopsy report from the Ramsey County Minnesota Medical examiners office received on July 17 revealed that Jeffrey died of a heroin overdose and Gregory died from an overdose of prescription drugs.
These deaths remain under investigation by the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office.
Autopsies were conducted on both brothers on May 28. The final autopsy report from the Ramsey County Minnesota Medical examiners office received on July 17 revealed that Jeffrey died of a heroin overdose and Gregory died from an overdose of prescription drugs.
These deaths remain under investigation by the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office.
Survey asks businesses for input on health care benefits Results will assist regional health care cooperative
A steering committee seeks input from the region's small businesses to help determine if a health benefit purchasing cooperative should be formed. The committee is asking businesses to respond to a confidential survey on health benefits and costs. Businesses are also asked if the cost of health care prohibits their ability to offer it. A solution could be the formation of a cooperative. In the same way rural residents worked together to bring electricity to farms, members of a health care cooperative would purchase health benefits as a group. According to a guiding principle of a cooperative, more members lead to greater bargaining power.
The committee was formed last April following a 2-hour workshop on health care cooperatives. About 100 people attended the workshop. The workshop was hosted by State Senator Sheila Harsdorf and St. Croix Economic Development Corporation. In 2003 and 2005, Senator Harsdorf authored legislation that made health care cooperatives in Wisconsin a reality. Bill Oemichen, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Federation of Cooperatives, led the discussion at the workshop. He explained that an old idea like cooperatives could help small businesses obtain affordable health insurance. Oemichen said the Farmer's Health Care Cooperative, designed to help farmers and agri-businesses obtain health insurance, celebrated its first anniversary in March. Similar cooperatives are being established elsewhere in the state.
Steve Healy, a retired rural electric cooperative executive, serves as chair of the steering committee. The 13-person group meets twice a month and keeps attendees from the April workshop informed by distributing meeting notes.
The committee is reviewing by-laws for the cooperative, and has identified an 18-county region of western, west central, and northwest Wisconsin as a potential territory. Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Pepin, Polk, Rusk, St. Croix, Sawyer, Trempealeau, and Washburn counties are tentatively included in the cooperative's region. The Wisconsin Commissioner of Insurance must approve the cooperative's operating region, according to state statute.
The proposed cooperative has a working name - Cooperative Health Choices of Western Wisconsin, or CHC. A 2-page fact sheet helps explain how CHC would operate. In the mission statement, CHC says promoting wellness and healthy behaviors is its highest priority.
The committee has received assistance from a Green Bay-based cooperative known as Healthy Lifestyles. This co-op is currently enrolling small businesses into its third year of coverage, effective January 1, 2009.
Survey participants can go to www.unitedscv.com/chchealth.htm to take the confidential survey. The deadline for completion is August 8.
For more information, contact Steve Healy at (715) 425-9447 or William Rubin, St. Croix EDC at (715) 381-4383.
The committee was formed last April following a 2-hour workshop on health care cooperatives. About 100 people attended the workshop. The workshop was hosted by State Senator Sheila Harsdorf and St. Croix Economic Development Corporation. In 2003 and 2005, Senator Harsdorf authored legislation that made health care cooperatives in Wisconsin a reality. Bill Oemichen, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Federation of Cooperatives, led the discussion at the workshop. He explained that an old idea like cooperatives could help small businesses obtain affordable health insurance. Oemichen said the Farmer's Health Care Cooperative, designed to help farmers and agri-businesses obtain health insurance, celebrated its first anniversary in March. Similar cooperatives are being established elsewhere in the state.
Steve Healy, a retired rural electric cooperative executive, serves as chair of the steering committee. The 13-person group meets twice a month and keeps attendees from the April workshop informed by distributing meeting notes.
The committee is reviewing by-laws for the cooperative, and has identified an 18-county region of western, west central, and northwest Wisconsin as a potential territory. Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Pepin, Polk, Rusk, St. Croix, Sawyer, Trempealeau, and Washburn counties are tentatively included in the cooperative's region. The Wisconsin Commissioner of Insurance must approve the cooperative's operating region, according to state statute.
The proposed cooperative has a working name - Cooperative Health Choices of Western Wisconsin, or CHC. A 2-page fact sheet helps explain how CHC would operate. In the mission statement, CHC says promoting wellness and healthy behaviors is its highest priority.
The committee has received assistance from a Green Bay-based cooperative known as Healthy Lifestyles. This co-op is currently enrolling small businesses into its third year of coverage, effective January 1, 2009.
Survey participants can go to www.unitedscv.com/chchealth.htm to take the confidential survey. The deadline for completion is August 8.
For more information, contact Steve Healy at (715) 425-9447 or William Rubin, St. Croix EDC at (715) 381-4383.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Buzz has busy week; third in Cumberland tournament
After splitting a doubleheader with Grantsburg on Tuesday night, the B-W Buzz had a rough outing on Thursday night against New Richmond. What was supposed to be a doubleheader turned into a single game due to continuing rain as well as a poor playing field. "We had a rough game," said B-W Coach Grey Hush about the New Richmond game.
"They beat us pretty good. We tried to do two games but the field fell apart." But the Buzz came back strong for a weekend tournament at Cumberland, finishing third. In the first game on Saturday B-W beat Cumberland 8-3. In the second game "we lost to a very good Onalaska-Luther team 9-8 in seven innings," said Coach Hush.
B-W was ahead of Onalaska-Luther 8-3 in the bottom of the seventh but gave up six runs as O-L came back. "We had a couple of errors and before you knew it they won. We played pretty darn good baseball for six innings," said Coach Hush. Jason Geurkink was the starting pitcher for B-W and pitched a great game. Dylan DeMotts came in to relieve Geurkink and also pitched well said Coach Hush. On Sunday B-W beat Ellsworth 13-3 in five innings to take home the third place trophy. In the championship game O-L beat New Richmond by 10 runs.
"So we had a pretty good weekend but ran into a very good team," concluded Coach Hush. B-W's game scheduled for Friday at Osceola was postponed until this Wednesday, but may have to be canceled. Coach Hush said the Legion Tournament may begin Thursday. Coach Hush said he is sure there will be a tournament game or two this week, with place and times to be announced. He noted that the Legion Tournament is double elimination.
Buzz has busy week; third in Cumberland tournament
After splitting a doubleheader with Grantsburg on Tuesday night, the B-W Buzz had a rough outing on Thursday night against New Richmond. What was supposed to be a doubleheader turned into a single game due to continuing rain as well as a poor playing field. "We had a rough game," said B-W Coach Grey Hush about the New Richmond game. "They beat us pretty good. We tried to do two games but the field fell apart." But the Buzz came back strong for a weekend tournament at Cumberland, finishing third. In the first game on Saturday B-W beat Cumberland 8-3. In the second game "we lost to a very good Onalaska-Luther team 9-8 in seven innings," said Coach Hush. B-W was ahead of Onalaska-Luther 8-3 in the bottom of the seventh but gave up six runs as O-L came back. "We had a couple of errors and before you knew it they won. We played pretty darn good baseball for six innings," said Coach Hush. Jason Geurkink was the starting pitcher for B-W and pitched a great game. Dylan DeMotts came in to relieve Geurkink and also pitched well said Coach Hush. On Sunday B-W beat Ellsworth 13-3 in five innings to take home the third place trophy. In the championship game O-L beat New Richmond by 10 runs. "So we had a pretty good weekend but ran into a very good team," concluded Coach Hush. B-W's game scheduled for Friday at Osceola was postponed until this Wednesday, but may have to be canceled. Coach Hush said the Legion Tournament may begin Thursday. Coach Hush said he is sure there will be a tournament game or two this week, with place and times to be announced. He noted that the Legion Tournament is double elimination.
Flood plain shrinks with new bridge; "Safety Night Out" planned
Up to ten residences in the Village of Baldwin, all on the north side of the Baldwin Creek, will be out of the flood plain as a result of the new bridge being installed as part of the USH 63 upgrade project. In other action, the board approved the closure of Franklin Street between 6th and 8th Avenues for "Safety National Night Out," which is planned to be a part of "National Night Out" with the added element of safety incorporated. The event is planned for Saturday, August 2 from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. The individuals who requested the street closure also asked if representatives of the police, fire and EMS could be present for a time during the event. About 80 residences would be within the area of the event. The information on the flood plain status in the village as related to the Baldwin Village Board at their regular monthly meeting last Wednesday, July 9 by village engineer Mike Stoffel of Ayers Associates, the village engineering firm. He said the new USH 63 bridge—or culvert—has a much larger capacity and thus will not impede the flow of water during high flows.
County Fair is this weekend
The St. Croix County Fair kicks off at the Glenwood City fairgrounds this Thursday, July 17 and continues through Sunday. The fair starts Thursday with a flag raising and open ceremony at 10:45 a.m. in Memorial Gardens (near Croix Court). The Horse pull starts at 6:30 p.m. At 8 p.m. the Fairest of the Fair Coronation will be held and The Huet Maker's/Badger Dutchman Band will perform at 8:30 p.m. A fun-packed Friday includes Dance Explosion at noon and 2, a kiddie tractor pull in front of the barns at 1:30 p.m. The St. Croix County Outstanding Older Adult award will be presented at 1 p.m. Jason Huneke, comedian and juggler will perform at 3 and 5 p.m. The WSCA Open Game show starts at 6 p.m. 4-H/FFA meat animal auction and St. Croix Valley Pullers Tractor Pull both start at 6:30 p.m. The Battle of the Bands will start at 7 p.m. at Croix Court and The Twerps will play at 9 in the beverage tent. Saturday starts out with ATV mudraces at 11 a.m., Lake Country Cloggers at noon and 2 p.m.. The St. Croix County Canine Unit at 1 p.m. the C.A.M.L. Treble Barbershop Quartet will perform at 3 and 5:30 p.m. 4x4 Mud Races at 7 p.m. The Memories and Stampede will perform in the evening. 4-H Key Awards and Scholarships will be presented at 10 p.m. A non-denominational church service starts at 9 a.m. Sunday. 4-H music at 10:45 a.m. At 11 a.m. there will be a living memorial award presentation, mud volleyball and an antique tractor and garden tractor pull. Ole and Elmer musical comedy starts at 11:15 a.m. and a Talent Show at 1 p.m. Enjoy Walk Around Entertainment by Karen Burrell on Friday and Saturday. Pony rides and a petting zoo will run throughout the weekend.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Drowning at Pembles Beach over holiday weekend
On July 5 at approximately 1:30 p.m., the St. Croix County Sheriff's Department was called to an apparent drowning at Pembles Beach on the St. Croix River in Troy Township, approximately five miles south of the Hudson I-94 bridge. 42 year old Lona Yvonne Donahue, South St. Paul, Minn., was swimming there with her 13 year old daughter and a friend of the daughter. The daughter reported to Sheriff's deputies that they were standing on a long submerged sandbar when they were swept further into the river by large waves. The three tried to swim for shore instead of back to the sandbar, and were unable to stay afloat.
Two other beachgoers, Matthew Finley, 19 of River Falls, and Matthew Leick, 23 of Hudson, were able to rescue the juvenile females, but were not able to reach the adult female in time. The heroic efforts of Mr. Finley and Mr. Leick are credited with saving the lives of the two 13 year old girls.
An exhaustive rescue search was mounted for Ms. Donahue Saturday afternoon, followed by a recovery effort for the victim. Rescue workers worked until midnight Saturday night, and reconvened at 9:00 on Sunday morning. Ms. Donahue was recovered at 11:29 a.m. on Sunday morning.
The St. Croix County Sheriff's Department was aided by members of the Pierce County, Wis., Washington and Dakota County, Minn. Sheriff's Departments, as well as the Wisconsin DNR, River Falls, EMS, and the Hudson EMS Dive Team.
This incident remains under investigation by the St. Croix County Sheriff's Department.
Two other beachgoers, Matthew Finley, 19 of River Falls, and Matthew Leick, 23 of Hudson, were able to rescue the juvenile females, but were not able to reach the adult female in time. The heroic efforts of Mr. Finley and Mr. Leick are credited with saving the lives of the two 13 year old girls.
An exhaustive rescue search was mounted for Ms. Donahue Saturday afternoon, followed by a recovery effort for the victim. Rescue workers worked until midnight Saturday night, and reconvened at 9:00 on Sunday morning. Ms. Donahue was recovered at 11:29 a.m. on Sunday morning.
The St. Croix County Sheriff's Department was aided by members of the Pierce County, Wis., Washington and Dakota County, Minn. Sheriff's Departments, as well as the Wisconsin DNR, River Falls, EMS, and the Hudson EMS Dive Team.
This incident remains under investigation by the St. Croix County Sheriff's Department.
Fire destroys 42 round bales
A fire of undetermined origin destroyed 42 large round bales south of Baldwin in the Town of Eau Galle at the hobby farm of Jeff and Laura Kennett Saturday just before noon.
According to Jeff, the 42 bales of dry hay were stacked and ready to be tarped. He said Laura was out in the yard, but a small fire burning in the grass was first noticed by a neighbor who told his wife to call the fire department and then within a minute the entire pile of hay was in blazes. Kennett said he is sure the fire wasn't caused by fireworks because there were none in the area at the time of the fire.
Kennett said that despite the loss he is thankful that the only other damage was to two tires on a hayrake. He said the wind was favorable to blow the flames away from buildings and with the help of two Sheriff's Deputies and neighbors, all other equipment was taken from harm's way. "It went quick-the hay was dry," he said.
The bales are valued at between $50 and $80 each, Kennett said, so the loss will total between $2,100 and $3,000. He said he has insurance but isn't sure whether it covers the hay.
Kennett has 11 head of beef animals and two horses.
"We're very fortunate all it was was hay," said Kennett. "No buildings were damaged and nobody got hurt."
According to Jeff, the 42 bales of dry hay were stacked and ready to be tarped. He said Laura was out in the yard, but a small fire burning in the grass was first noticed by a neighbor who told his wife to call the fire department and then within a minute the entire pile of hay was in blazes. Kennett said he is sure the fire wasn't caused by fireworks because there were none in the area at the time of the fire.
Kennett said that despite the loss he is thankful that the only other damage was to two tires on a hayrake. He said the wind was favorable to blow the flames away from buildings and with the help of two Sheriff's Deputies and neighbors, all other equipment was taken from harm's way. "It went quick-the hay was dry," he said.
The bales are valued at between $50 and $80 each, Kennett said, so the loss will total between $2,100 and $3,000. He said he has insurance but isn't sure whether it covers the hay.
Kennett has 11 head of beef animals and two horses.
"We're very fortunate all it was was hay," said Kennett. "No buildings were damaged and nobody got hurt."
Peace Lutheran members broke ground Wednesday
Members young and old and everywhere in between were encouraged to turn a shovel full of dirt at the groundbreaking Wednesday for Peace Lutheran's new sanctuary addition.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place at the conclusion of Wednesday's outdoor church service, which followed a meal served to all who were present.
The members of the building committee and church council posed for a picture, above, following the groundbreaking ceremony. In the front, from left to right, are Steve Meyer, Louise St. Germain and Pastor John Hanson. In the middle row are Paul Ramberg, Barb Ramberg, Sharon Hauschild, Barb Fields, Tracy Carlson and Paul Gavic of Gavic and Associates, the general contractor for the project. In the back are Amy Hutchins, Kathy Miller, Stephen Clausen and Ken Rimer.
The $1.6 million addition and remodeling project was okayed by the Peace congregation at a meeting held in May. In addition to a new sanctuary, which will be built to the north of the present church structure, remodeling will result in new administrative and fellowship hall
areas.
Fund-raisers for cancer victim Jentai Otremba upcoming
A pair of fund-raisers have been planned for two and one-half year old Jentai Otremba of Baldwin. Jentai is pictured above with her parents Jake and Jo. Jentai was diagnosed in late March with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. On top of that family crisis, Jo is expecting a baby in August.
Jentai is being treated with chemotherapy at Children's Hospital in St. Paul.
Because of the demands of Jentai's treatments, Jo was unable to keep her job and also lost her medical insurance, so the family faces many expenses.
Two fund-raisers for the family have been planned. The first is a spaghetti dinner with a silent auction and door prices on Saturday, July 12 from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at St. Patrick's Church at 1500 Vine Street, Hudson. Tickets are available in advance for $15 for adults and $10 for youth by calling 715-220-0727. Or tickets at the door are $20 for adults and $10 for youth.
The second benefit is the following Saturday, July 19 at Clifton Hollows Golf Course. The cost is $65 per person with registration due by July 12. A scramble will kick off the afternoon's golfing at 1:00 p.m. followed by food, prizes and a social time. Sign up with Dan Hedstrom at 612-306-0671 or by e-mail at danhedstrom@hotmail.com
Updates on Jentai's condition and treatments can be found at www.caringbridge.com/visit/jentai
Site plan approved for new restaurant
A new restaurant in the former New Leaf Nursery building along USH 63 on Baldwin's south side received approval by the Baldwin Plan Commission Monday night. The site plan will now go to the Baldwin Village Board for final approval.
Dick Pearson, who owns the land and buildings, said he has someone lined up who will operate a restaurant, banquet and bar in the building. He also said there is considerable work remaining on the building and the site. "You're always concerned about doing it the right way. Rest assured, when it's all said and done it will be something that's very appealing. It will be done very professionally."
At Monday's meeting, the Plan Commission also heard Village Engineer Mike Stoffel tell members that there is no conditional use permit necessary for a restaurant or bar in highway commercial zoned areas. "A restaurant/banquet facility fits" highway commercial. However, a bar is a conditional use and requires a permit. A hearing will be held on the conditional use permit at the Plan Commission's August meeting.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Fiber optics being extended to rural area
Workers employed by Tjader-Highstrom used a machine to plow fiber optic cable through a wet area along 110th Avenue last week. Twenty-five miles of fiber optic will be added north of Baldwin which will allow cable TV, telephone and internet access.
Baldwin Telecom, Inc. began a plan to extend fiber optic cable to an area north of Baldwin two weeks ago where the existing copper cable had reached capacity. The project will result in installation of 25 miles of fiber optics cable.
Fiber optics cable allows transmission of phone, internet and cable TV signals over one cable on a much higher bandwidth than is possible with copper cable. The 25 miles of new cable will be mainly in the Towns of Hammond and Baldwin, but some will also serve small areas of the Towns of Emerald and Erin Prairie.
Baldwin Telecom, Inc. (BTI) General Manager Larry Knegendorf said the area that will be served by the new fiber is centered on Pine Lake and extends mostly to the west and east.
The facilities in the area where fiber will be installed needed upgrading "and we didn't want to put copper back in the ground," said Knegendorf. He said the present copper service had reached capacity and "it's not capable of handling what's coming down the pipe as far as bandwidth. We're building for future needs. The old equipment isn't capable of providing cable TV."
Other rural areas in BTI's territory that are served by copper have not reached capacity and there are currently no plans to install fiber in other rural areas.
The successful bid for the project was by Tjader-Highstrom, Inc. of New Richmond for $971,000. The project involves about 25 miles of fiber optics that will pass 180 to 190 homes. Two weeks ago that company started with the most difficult aspects of the project-boring under roads and laying cable through swampy areas. In wet areas the fiber optics cable will be contained in plastic pipe and in other areas the fiber will be within an armored cable.
Knegendorf said the project is a bit delayed from original expectations because of high demand for fiber and other telecommunications equipment from areas that have suffered natural disasters and have infrastructure that needs to be replaced.
Fiber optic cable is being encouraged by the federal government, said Knegendorf, through the agency that lends to rural communications companies.
Fiber optics is more expensive than copper because of complicated installation to the homes, Knegendorf continued, although because of escalating metal prices copper wire now costs more than fiber optic cable. The much higher bandwidth of fiber allows more services to be provided.
BTI engineer Ken Carlsrud said expectations are that the 25 miles of fiber will be installed by this fall and "hopefully be up and running on October." He added, however, that completion is dependent on supplies and the weather.
Brad Mortel of BTI said that one nice feature of fiber optics for internet is that no modem is needed in the home and that "eliminates a potential point of failure."
The bandwidth of fiber optics is much larger than with copper and that allows for cable TV transmission. Matt Knegendorf said one advantage of fiber and cable TV is that the coming digital transition will be taken care of on the Baldwin Telecom end. He added that BTI's basic digital package includes 140 plus channels including the Big 10 network and the B-W and local access channels exclusively. Cable TV also doesn't suffer from rain fade and local channels are free in high definition. Another cable TV service is digital video recording.
Shaymein Ewer of Baldwin Telecom said fiber optics allows faster internet connections, more internet sites and more interactive sites. He added that one study found that fiber optics to the home increased the average home value by about $5,000.
New barber pole donated to "Kenny the Barber"
For the past several months vandals had been taking a toll on Ken Van Someren's barber pole. And about two weeks ago it had been completely smashed and broken. But now, thanks to an anonymous donor, a new barber pole graces the front of Ken's Barber Shop.According to Ken's daughter Linda Booth, a man told her he wanted to replace the barber pole because he had been a customer of Ken's for many years and in honor of Ken being a veteran. But, he wanted to remain anonymous. So Linda ordered the new barber pole at a cost of $230. The man, upon hearing the cost, gave Linda $250, told her to keep the extra, shook her hand and offered thanks for Ken's service.
And, to make a good story better, the pole was replaced near Ken's 80th birthday, which was June 20, making a special birthday present.
Local campers aided search for autistic man
The successful and dramatic conclusion to the story of a 25-year-old autistic man who wandered from a camp and was found a week later after being lost in the woods has a local connection.
A group of seventh and eighth grade campers from Peace Lutheran was at Luther Point Bible Camp with Pastor John Hanson when the Shoreview, Minn., man wandered away on Sunday, June 15, from Trade Lake Camp, a camp for the developmentally disabled.
At Luther Point, the campers were allowed to volunteer for the search on Monday, June 16, but only if their Pastor was present and allowed the search and every two campers were required to be accompanied by a counselor or adult.
According to Shelby Weiske, daughter of Mike and Lisa Weiske who was among the campers from Peace Lutheran, about 200 campers from Luther Point helped with the search. About 15 of the searchers were from Peace Lutheran.
Keith Kennedy was found Sunday evening, June 22. He was suffering from a failing transplanted kidney, dehydration, hypothermia and was covered with ticks and bug bites. According to doctors, he was lucky to survive. His temperature was about 84 degrees when he was found.
At the height of the search hundreds of volunteers, law enforcement officers, firefighters and medics participated. He was finally found in thick brush on swampy ground next to a creek bed by a St. Paul firefighter. He was about a mile away from the camp he had wandered away from a week before.
The story of his sojourn will never be known since Kennedy can speak only four words.
A group of seventh and eighth grade campers from Peace Lutheran was at Luther Point Bible Camp with Pastor John Hanson when the Shoreview, Minn., man wandered away on Sunday, June 15, from Trade Lake Camp, a camp for the developmentally disabled.
At Luther Point, the campers were allowed to volunteer for the search on Monday, June 16, but only if their Pastor was present and allowed the search and every two campers were required to be accompanied by a counselor or adult.
According to Shelby Weiske, daughter of Mike and Lisa Weiske who was among the campers from Peace Lutheran, about 200 campers from Luther Point helped with the search. About 15 of the searchers were from Peace Lutheran.
Keith Kennedy was found Sunday evening, June 22. He was suffering from a failing transplanted kidney, dehydration, hypothermia and was covered with ticks and bug bites. According to doctors, he was lucky to survive. His temperature was about 84 degrees when he was found.
At the height of the search hundreds of volunteers, law enforcement officers, firefighters and medics participated. He was finally found in thick brush on swampy ground next to a creek bed by a St. Paul firefighter. He was about a mile away from the camp he had wandered away from a week before.
The story of his sojourn will never be known since Kennedy can speak only four words.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
USH 63 reconstruction project will take longer than expected
Mohamed Mounir, Department of Transportation Project Manager for the USH 63 project through Baldwin.There's good news and bad news about the USH 63 reconstruction project through Baldwin.
The good news is the same as always: when it's finished there will be a new, smooth roadway; left turn lanes; and new traffic signals, including a new signal at 60th Avenue.
The bad news, due largely to unforseen conditions in the roadway itself, is that the project is going to take longer than initially forecast.
Officials of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the contractors for the upgrade project thought before it started that it would be completed about July 18. Now, after a meeting Monday morning among contractors, DOT and village representatives the completion date has been pushed to August 28 according to Mohamed Mounir, Department of Transportation Project Manager.
The problem, according to Mounir, is that the original plan envisioned not having to remove any existing curb and gutter along USH 63 between Florence and Hillcrest Streets. However, when contractors got into the work, they discovered that the existing pavement was about 14 inches thick, rather than the eight inches that had been estimated. Leaving the original curb and gutter, then, would have left a grade of five percent from the center of the road to the curb line, which is too much for safety reasons, said Mounir. So the solution is to remove all the existing curb and gutter and replace it with new, which will result in a longer project.
Mounir noted that the bridge replacement project over the Baldwin Creek is progressing according to schedule.
In the end, said Mounir, correcting the plan to provide for the right slope for the road is the right thing to do, although it will draw out the project. "I believe is will be a benefit to the town-to do it right," he said.
Impact Ministries open house is July 5
Pastor Steve Olson stands at the entry to Impact Ministries, Inc. in Baldwin located at the Baldwin Residence at 640 Main Street. An open house will be held on Saturday, July 5 at the faith-based recovery program.By July 5, Pastor Steve Olson will have new flooring, fresh paint on the walls and furniture moved in to the west wing of the Baldwin Residence at 640 Main Street that will serve as Impact Ministries, Inc. faith-based recovery center.
An open house will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 5 and area residents can see the facility and ask any questions they have.
Steve Olson is the director of Impact Ministries, Inc. In a brochure explaining the recovery program he says he experienced 23 years of alcohol and chemical abuse but in 1998 he found himself at a defining moment and changed his life. "The true definition of repentance is: to turn around, or change direction. My exact words were, 'This stops now!' From that point on, through realizing the transforming Power of God in all His Goodness all things have become new."
Impact Ministries will be located in the lower, west wing of the Baldwin Residence. In addition to client rooms, there will be an entry/office; a common room for dining and group sessions. A new porch and stairs will be used to gain entry to the Impact Ministries portion of the building.
Impact Ministries will be a six to 12 month program, depending on the circumstances of the client, said Olson. When clients complete the program they will have sustained sobriety, a savings account, a work record and a faith-based background.
The program is for men 18 years and older. Although Olson does not have any clients signed up at present, he has a couple of possible clients.
Olson has training as a chemical dependency counselor, pastoral training and completed an 880 hour internship as part of his chemical dependency counselor training. Also on staff will be a certified AODA counselor.
More information about Impact Ministries can be found at its web site at www.impactrecovery.org
Fire damages rural home
United Fire and Rescue Department was called to a residence in the Town of Eau Galle on Tuesday, June 17 when a neighbor reported smoke coming from the home.
According to Baldwin Station Chief Gary Newton, a home owned by Xia Lee at 2366 50th Avenue suffered extensive damage from the fire and smoke. Newton said no one was home at the time of the fire and no cause has been determined. Firefighters remained on the scene about two hours, Newton added.
According to Baldwin Station Chief Gary Newton, a home owned by Xia Lee at 2366 50th Avenue suffered extensive damage from the fire and smoke. Newton said no one was home at the time of the fire and no cause has been determined. Firefighters remained on the scene about two hours, Newton added.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Tanis Klingler crowned "Miss Baldwin"
New Miss Baldwin Tanis Klingler, seated above, was crowned at the Queen's Pageant Saturday evening. Standing behind her, from left to right, are Third Princess Jennah Ackley, Second Princess and Miss Congeniality Mallory Precht, First Princess Morgan Benoy, and Fourth Princess Jessica
Murtha.
At right is Klingler being crowned by former Miss Baldwin Rachelle Veenstra at the conclusion of the Queen's Pageant.
Panthers eliminated in semi
Members of the St. Croix Central baseball team included, front row, left to right, bat boy Jared Tilton, Mark Shaver, Luke Brown, Caleb Peterson, Noah Bollom, Nick Nygaard, Tony Juen, Jared Fern and Michael Tilton. In the back row are manager Joe Thompson, Ben Brooks, Brian Poulin, Stefan Wood, Andrew Erickson, Mike Winkler, Brady Hartung, David Butler, Cody Olson, Jeff Fern and Brian Aldworth.Coach Mike Fern (5) had a conference with his infield in last Wednesday's state semi-final game with Marathon. From left are Michael Tilton, Luke Brown (hidden), Mike Winkler, Fern, Brady Hartung, Mark Shaver and Nick Nygaard.
The St. Croix Central baseball team was stopped on their run for the state championship in WIAA Division 3 by Marathon in the semi-final game last Wednesday.
The Red Raiders scored three runs in both the fifth and sixth innings to oust the Panthers 7-2. Marathon went on to beat Aquinas 3-2 to win the 2008 Division 3 state baseball championship.
"It was a great experience to the kids to play in the state tournament in a beautiful stadium," said Coach Mike Fern. "It was a great accomplishment and will be a life-long memory for them."
The Panthers had eight seniors in the starting line-up, Fern noted.
"It's disappointing to end with a loss, but unless you win it all that's the way it goes," Fern said. "When they look back, they'll remember they had a lot of fun."
The Panthers were held to four hits in the game, but still had opportunities.
"We left 13 on base. We just didn't have the key hits," Fern said.
"We didn't put the ball in play enough. We were not aggressive at the plate."
Fern said the 13 strike outs were one reason for leaving so many runners stranded. "I do give Marathon credit. They made some defensive plays that really hurt us," he said.
"We had our chances with runners at third or second with no outs or one out and didn't score," Fern continued. "If we could have gotten some runs early and put the pressure on them, it would have been a whole different game."
The Panthers had a chance in the first inning when Michael Tilton reached on an error and stole second. Tilton moved to third on an throwing error in a pick off attempt, but was stranded there.
In the second inning Nick Nygaard led off with a walk and Jared Fern followed with single. But the next three batters went down via the strike out.
Marathon scored the first run of the game in the top of the third inning. In the bottom of the inning Jeff Fern singled with one out and took second on a wild pitch. Noah Bollom walked with two outs and Fern went to third on a wild pitch. But again Marathon got out of the inning with a
strike out.
The fourth inning provided the Panthers with another opportunity when Jared Fern and Brady Hartung walked and Luke Brown was hit by a pitch to load the bases with no outs. But two strike outs and a fielder's choice ended the inning with the Panthers getting a runner across the plate.
The Red Raiders scored three runs in the fifth inning on three hits and two errors by the Panthers. The Panthers again left two runners on base in the bottom of the inning.
Marathon collected four hits in the sixth inning enroute to scoring three runs before the Panthers came back with two runs in the bottom of the inning.
Brown and Andrew Erickson both walked to start the inning. Cody Olson came in to pinch run for Erickson. Both runners advanced on a passed ball. Tilton drove in the first run with a sacrifice. Bollom drove in the second run with a single to center.
"Mark (Shaver) pitched a good game-well enough to win," Fern said.
"We made a few mistakes, which cost us, but we were two evenly matched teams. On a different day, I think it could have been a totally different outcome."
Shaver pitched all seven innings, giving up six earned runs on eight hits and four walks. He struck out seven batters. Bollom accounted to two of the Panthers four hits in three at-bats.
"It's something the kids have been working toward for a long time," said Fern. "Making it to the state tournament is a good way to go out."
Anthony LaFavor in serious condition after accident
A 2008 Baldwin-Woodville High School graduate who was involved in a car crash on Friday, June 6 remains in Gillette Children's Hospital in St. Paul with serious injuries.
According to the St. Croix County Sheriff's Department, vehicles driven by Anthony (Tony) J. LaFavor of Baldwin and Roger A. Bengtson of Woodville, collided at the intersection of CTH BB and 60th Avenue.
The Sheriff's Report said LaFavor's vehicle suffered severe damage and the Bengtson vehicle suffered moderate damage.
LaFavor was transported to Gillette Children's Hospital in St. Paul with serious injuries.
A CaringBridge site has been set up for friends to monitor Tony's condition. According to the site Tony suffered from swelling of the brain and pressure. The pressure, however, is fluctuating. He was in a drug-induced coma but has been able to wiggle a toe and lift his leg and squeeze his hands.
Tony had a staph infection in his lungs, which apparently is common for people on ventilators. He is taking an antibiotic for that.
According to the St. Croix County Sheriff's Department, vehicles driven by Anthony (Tony) J. LaFavor of Baldwin and Roger A. Bengtson of Woodville, collided at the intersection of CTH BB and 60th Avenue.
The Sheriff's Report said LaFavor's vehicle suffered severe damage and the Bengtson vehicle suffered moderate damage.
LaFavor was transported to Gillette Children's Hospital in St. Paul with serious injuries.
A CaringBridge site has been set up for friends to monitor Tony's condition. According to the site Tony suffered from swelling of the brain and pressure. The pressure, however, is fluctuating. He was in a drug-induced coma but has been able to wiggle a toe and lift his leg and squeeze his hands.
Tony had a staph infection in his lungs, which apparently is common for people on ventilators. He is taking an antibiotic for that.
Village Board approves "Street Festival"
The Baldwin Village Board at their regular monthly meeting Wednesday, June 11 approved closing a block of Main Street between Eight and Ninth Streets for a "Street Festival."
According to Rob Dull of Pearlygate Network, who made a presentation about the request, the festival, pegged for Saturday, August 23, would be primarily a music festival and would be a promotion for BBQ University. The festival will be called "Jim Daddies Harvest Festival 2008," and would feature a stage for bands with live music performances. Street closure was requested from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. with music from noon until 6:00 p.m.
Dull said a multi-year run is anticipated. He added that the event would raise funds for charities and children's causes.
The board agreed that the event would be beneficial to the village and gave approval. Village President Don McGee asked that Dull talk to the businesses and other neighbors which would be impacted by the street closure.
According to Rob Dull of Pearlygate Network, who made a presentation about the request, the festival, pegged for Saturday, August 23, would be primarily a music festival and would be a promotion for BBQ University. The festival will be called "Jim Daddies Harvest Festival 2008," and would feature a stage for bands with live music performances. Street closure was requested from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. with music from noon until 6:00 p.m.
Dull said a multi-year run is anticipated. He added that the event would raise funds for charities and children's causes.
The board agreed that the event would be beneficial to the village and gave approval. Village President Don McGee asked that Dull talk to the businesses and other neighbors which would be impacted by the street closure.
What now? School board discusses failed referendum; Repairs completed on leaks at Viking
The Baldwin-Woodville Board of Education pondered their next move following the failed building referendum of June 3. The referendum, which was for a new intermediate school and swimming pool, was defeated by a three to one margin.
Superintendent Rusty Helland said the need for more space is still here and he doesn't see it going away. "We need to step back and think about where we go from here," he said.
Board member Deb Rasmussen started the discussion, complimenting the advisory committee on its work, suggesting that next time, progress reports from the committee every now and then might make the public more aware of the situation before a vote is taken.
"The committee did a great job," commented board member Tom Schumacher. "When we formed the committee we asked for volunteers, and maybe that inhibited a mix of all constituencies," he said. Schumacher said we need to have representation from the whole community. "Get the nay sayers on board and deal with those opinions.
"I wish people would take a longer view of things," Schumacher continued. "I'm willing to bet two steak dinners that when this thing does pass, we will get a lot less for more money."
"Just like the auditorium," commented board member Mike Bondarenko, referring to the substantial cost increase after a referendum including the auditorium passed on a second try.
"What I heard from people was, 'What's wrong with 30 kids in a classroom? We survived.'and 'What if lots of people move back to the cities?'" said board member Todd Graf.
Schumacher asked other board members if there was any interest in temporary classrooms.
"We should find out all the costs involved," said board president Jeff Campbell, "including electrical, plumbing, etc. to show people what it would cost."
"I think they (temporary classrooms) are a money pit," said Graf.
Supt. Helland said he would not recommend temporary classrooms to the board, since they are paid for up front and are worthless in the end. "But we can get the figures."
Helland said that until something is done, class sizes will continue to rise.
Bondarenko suggested the board schedule a special meeting, possibly with the advisory committee, devoted to the district's long range facility needs. The board agreed to wait until after the school year begins in September to have such a meeting.
Title I teacher Randi Hoffman gave the board a presentation on Balanced Literacy. She explained that this past year a committee was formed to study Balanced Literacy, before new textbooks were adopted. Seventeen staff members visited other schools' reading programs including guided reading programs.
Balanced Literacy has eight components, including modeled reading and writing in which the teacher reads and writes in front of the class; shared reading and writing in which teacher and students read aloud together and the teacher records students' ideas; independent reading and
writing; and guided reading and writing in which the teacher works with small groups of similar abilities.
"Research has shown that higher level readers read three times the minutes during the school day compared to lower level readers," Hoffman said. The guided reading approach allows for teachers to differentiate students' abilities and provide appropriate materials so all level readers
will read more she said.
Currently, each grade level has a basal reader, or textbook, in which all students in the classroom read the same story, have the same spelling words, and do the same worksheets. Many lower level readers spend so much time decoding words that their comprehension suffers, said Hoffman. With guided reading, students read books they can comprehend and will spend more time reading.
"Less worksheets, more reading, better comprehension," said Hoffman.
Hoffman said after reviewing the committee's information and experience and some soul searching, she decided not to order a new basal reading series and instead pursue Balanced Literacy throughout the district. She has developed a budget to purchase more guided reading books for the library and for classroom libraries. She figures it will take five years to implement the program for K-12. The first year will be devoted to staff development, benchmark assessments and purchase of books.
"Our goal is to have a large mixture of different leveled books to get kids to read," Hoffman said.
"Already, 18 teachers have voluntarily taken a two-credit course on comprehension improvement through guided reading," said Hoffman. "There is a lot of support from staff, even though change can be hard."
District bookkeeper Pam Rose presented the tentative budget for the 2008-09 school year. She stressed the point that the numbers are preliminary and show a 9.53% increase in the levy.
"That's a worst case scenario," she said.
"We are conservative on our preliminary budget figures because of what we don't know," Rose said. "We don't know our per pupil aid, our equalized aid, or our equalized valuation figures yet."
Final numbers will be available in October she said.
Greenfield Elementary Principal Gary Hoffman reported over 400 students are enrolled in summer school. He also said the new playground equipment is being installed this week. Viking Middle School Principal Hank Dupuis reported the good news that with all the rain we've been experiencing, there have been no leaks since the flashing and blocks were repaired.
Transportation Director Wade Labecki reported he recently attended a accident planning workshop. He informed participants that B-W already has an accident plan and shared it with them.
At the end of the meeting, district IT (Information Technician) Bryan Jones delivered laptop computers to each board member and gave a brief lesson in operating the machines.
"You will now receive all district correspondence electronically," said Supt. Helland. "We will use them at meetings as well," he said.
Superintendent Rusty Helland said the need for more space is still here and he doesn't see it going away. "We need to step back and think about where we go from here," he said.
Board member Deb Rasmussen started the discussion, complimenting the advisory committee on its work, suggesting that next time, progress reports from the committee every now and then might make the public more aware of the situation before a vote is taken.
"The committee did a great job," commented board member Tom Schumacher. "When we formed the committee we asked for volunteers, and maybe that inhibited a mix of all constituencies," he said. Schumacher said we need to have representation from the whole community. "Get the nay sayers on board and deal with those opinions.
"I wish people would take a longer view of things," Schumacher continued. "I'm willing to bet two steak dinners that when this thing does pass, we will get a lot less for more money."
"Just like the auditorium," commented board member Mike Bondarenko, referring to the substantial cost increase after a referendum including the auditorium passed on a second try.
"What I heard from people was, 'What's wrong with 30 kids in a classroom? We survived.'and 'What if lots of people move back to the cities?'" said board member Todd Graf.
Schumacher asked other board members if there was any interest in temporary classrooms.
"We should find out all the costs involved," said board president Jeff Campbell, "including electrical, plumbing, etc. to show people what it would cost."
"I think they (temporary classrooms) are a money pit," said Graf.
Supt. Helland said he would not recommend temporary classrooms to the board, since they are paid for up front and are worthless in the end. "But we can get the figures."
Helland said that until something is done, class sizes will continue to rise.
Bondarenko suggested the board schedule a special meeting, possibly with the advisory committee, devoted to the district's long range facility needs. The board agreed to wait until after the school year begins in September to have such a meeting.
Title I teacher Randi Hoffman gave the board a presentation on Balanced Literacy. She explained that this past year a committee was formed to study Balanced Literacy, before new textbooks were adopted. Seventeen staff members visited other schools' reading programs including guided reading programs.
Balanced Literacy has eight components, including modeled reading and writing in which the teacher reads and writes in front of the class; shared reading and writing in which teacher and students read aloud together and the teacher records students' ideas; independent reading and
writing; and guided reading and writing in which the teacher works with small groups of similar abilities.
"Research has shown that higher level readers read three times the minutes during the school day compared to lower level readers," Hoffman said. The guided reading approach allows for teachers to differentiate students' abilities and provide appropriate materials so all level readers
will read more she said.
Currently, each grade level has a basal reader, or textbook, in which all students in the classroom read the same story, have the same spelling words, and do the same worksheets. Many lower level readers spend so much time decoding words that their comprehension suffers, said Hoffman. With guided reading, students read books they can comprehend and will spend more time reading.
"Less worksheets, more reading, better comprehension," said Hoffman.
Hoffman said after reviewing the committee's information and experience and some soul searching, she decided not to order a new basal reading series and instead pursue Balanced Literacy throughout the district. She has developed a budget to purchase more guided reading books for the library and for classroom libraries. She figures it will take five years to implement the program for K-12. The first year will be devoted to staff development, benchmark assessments and purchase of books.
"Our goal is to have a large mixture of different leveled books to get kids to read," Hoffman said.
"Already, 18 teachers have voluntarily taken a two-credit course on comprehension improvement through guided reading," said Hoffman. "There is a lot of support from staff, even though change can be hard."
District bookkeeper Pam Rose presented the tentative budget for the 2008-09 school year. She stressed the point that the numbers are preliminary and show a 9.53% increase in the levy.
"That's a worst case scenario," she said.
"We are conservative on our preliminary budget figures because of what we don't know," Rose said. "We don't know our per pupil aid, our equalized aid, or our equalized valuation figures yet."
Final numbers will be available in October she said.
Greenfield Elementary Principal Gary Hoffman reported over 400 students are enrolled in summer school. He also said the new playground equipment is being installed this week. Viking Middle School Principal Hank Dupuis reported the good news that with all the rain we've been experiencing, there have been no leaks since the flashing and blocks were repaired.
Transportation Director Wade Labecki reported he recently attended a accident planning workshop. He informed participants that B-W already has an accident plan and shared it with them.
At the end of the meeting, district IT (Information Technician) Bryan Jones delivered laptop computers to each board member and gave a brief lesson in operating the machines.
"You will now receive all district correspondence electronically," said Supt. Helland. "We will use them at meetings as well," he said.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
June Bug Days in Baldwin Thursday - Sunday
June Bug Days is here! The festivities start off on Thursday when the Blackhawk Hockey Brat Stand opens 11 a.m. A free Community BBQ at the American Legion starts at 5 p.m. The Fire Dept. Kickball Tournament at Mill Pond Park starts at 6 p.m. The Baldwin Queens will be face painting, under the tent from 5 to 7 p.m. A Dodge Ball Tourney starts 6 p.m. on tennis courts and "Rocket 88" will play (under the tent) from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Friday is full of events with food and fun being the mainstay. The BAMC Hospital Auxiliary Luncheon runs 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Gethsemane Lutheran Church. The Chamber of Commerce Food Stand is open from 4 to 8 p.m. and the Blackhawk Hockey Association will start selling brats at 11 a.m. Many more food vendors open at 5 p.m.
Kids Night will feature a Dunk Tank (sponsored by Gethsemane church youth group) and a jumping castle, 3 point shoot out, mini-golf, giant slide, obstacle course and pony rides at 5 p.m. The Bike Rodeo is at 5 p.m. in the American Legion Parking Lot, Sponsored by Baldwin Ambulance and Baldwin Area Medical Center.
Fast and Slow Pitch Softball at will be held at Mill Pond Park and the United Civic Center will have free open skating starting at 5 p.m.
The Hypnotist "Alkaytraz" will be under the tent at 6 p.m. and Live Music by "SECTION 8" starts at 9 p.m.
Saturday's events start early with the Booster Shot Run 10K at 7 a.m. and Booster Shot Run 5K at 8:15 a.m.
3-on-3 Hockey Tourney at the United Civic Center starts early. Softball continues at Mill Pond. A Horseshoe Tournament at Bols Lanes starts at noon. And Mud Volleyball starts at 2 p.m. at Mill Pond Park.
The Blackhawk Hockey Brat Stand opens at 10 a.m. and Chamber of Commerce Food Stand is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. other food vendors are open all day.
The Little June Bug Costume Contest starts at 10 am. under tent and the Grand Parade starts at noon.
The Fantasy Coral Petting Zoo at Mill Pond Park and Pony Rides run from noon to 5 p.m. and the ATV/Mini Rod Pull at Mill Pond Park is at 2 p.m.
Miss Baldwin Queen's Pageant is at 7 p.m. at the High School Auditorium.
Fireworks sponsored by Fireworks Outlet, Fireworks City and the Village of Baldwin begin at dusk.
"Round 2" plays under the tent from 5 to 7:30 and "Brat Pack Radio" plays from 9 p.m. to l a.m.
Join us Sunday for Pancake Breakfast at the American Legion from 7 to 11 a.m. (Freewill Donation).
Softball will continue throughout Sunday with championship rounds.
A Car Show at Mill Pond Park runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sponsored by Wynveen Autobody.
Rockman DJ Music will perform from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the Tractor pull will begin at 12 noon.
Friday is full of events with food and fun being the mainstay. The BAMC Hospital Auxiliary Luncheon runs 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Gethsemane Lutheran Church. The Chamber of Commerce Food Stand is open from 4 to 8 p.m. and the Blackhawk Hockey Association will start selling brats at 11 a.m. Many more food vendors open at 5 p.m.
Kids Night will feature a Dunk Tank (sponsored by Gethsemane church youth group) and a jumping castle, 3 point shoot out, mini-golf, giant slide, obstacle course and pony rides at 5 p.m. The Bike Rodeo is at 5 p.m. in the American Legion Parking Lot, Sponsored by Baldwin Ambulance and Baldwin Area Medical Center.
Fast and Slow Pitch Softball at will be held at Mill Pond Park and the United Civic Center will have free open skating starting at 5 p.m.
The Hypnotist "Alkaytraz" will be under the tent at 6 p.m. and Live Music by "SECTION 8" starts at 9 p.m.
Saturday's events start early with the Booster Shot Run 10K at 7 a.m. and Booster Shot Run 5K at 8:15 a.m.
3-on-3 Hockey Tourney at the United Civic Center starts early. Softball continues at Mill Pond. A Horseshoe Tournament at Bols Lanes starts at noon. And Mud Volleyball starts at 2 p.m. at Mill Pond Park.
The Blackhawk Hockey Brat Stand opens at 10 a.m. and Chamber of Commerce Food Stand is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. other food vendors are open all day.
The Little June Bug Costume Contest starts at 10 am. under tent and the Grand Parade starts at noon.
The Fantasy Coral Petting Zoo at Mill Pond Park and Pony Rides run from noon to 5 p.m. and the ATV/Mini Rod Pull at Mill Pond Park is at 2 p.m.
Miss Baldwin Queen's Pageant is at 7 p.m. at the High School Auditorium.
Fireworks sponsored by Fireworks Outlet, Fireworks City and the Village of Baldwin begin at dusk.
"Round 2" plays under the tent from 5 to 7:30 and "Brat Pack Radio" plays from 9 p.m. to l a.m.
Join us Sunday for Pancake Breakfast at the American Legion from 7 to 11 a.m. (Freewill Donation).
Softball will continue throughout Sunday with championship rounds.
A Car Show at Mill Pond Park runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sponsored by Wynveen Autobody.
Rockman DJ Music will perform from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the Tractor pull will begin at 12 noon.
Referendum Questions Soundly Defeated
Two referendum questions put to voters by the Baldwin-Woodville Board of Education were both soundly defeated in balloting last Tuesday, June 3.
The questions, whether B-W should borrow to build a new intermediate school on school property in Baldwin at a cost not to exceed $16,775,000; and whether B-W should borrow to build a new indoor swimming pool at a cost not to exceed $3,500,000 were defeated by margins of 1,348 to 445 and 1,163 to 631, respectively.
The reporting on the economy combined with housing news and the price of gas, everyone seems to agree, were reasons for the large defeats of both measures.
The turnout for the vote, 1,793 for the new intermediate school, and 1,794 for the indoor pool, was not low, based on previous school referendum history. B-W Superintendent of Schools Rusty Helland pointed out that for a referendum in December of 2000, although there were fewer voters in the district at that time, voter turnout was 1,451.
Neither of the measures passed in any of the municipalities that make up the B-W District. The best vote for the measures was in the Town of Erin Prairie, which includes but a very small portion of the District, where the swimming pool measure tied 5-5.
Supt. Helland said that the next step for the district will be a discussion at the B-W Board of Education meeting on Monday, June 16. "We'll discuss it at the Board meeting Monday night and see what's next. We need to take a step back and see where we go from here."
Helland noted that when the process of studying the future needs of the district was started in 2006, gas wasn't $4 a gallon and groceries hadn't increased in price. "It takes a while to move through the process," he said. "Unfortunately the timing wasn't good and even in November of 2007" the present economic news wasn't known.
"So we have to revisit it," said Helland. "I don't think the need's going to go away."
The questions, whether B-W should borrow to build a new intermediate school on school property in Baldwin at a cost not to exceed $16,775,000; and whether B-W should borrow to build a new indoor swimming pool at a cost not to exceed $3,500,000 were defeated by margins of 1,348 to 445 and 1,163 to 631, respectively.
The reporting on the economy combined with housing news and the price of gas, everyone seems to agree, were reasons for the large defeats of both measures.
The turnout for the vote, 1,793 for the new intermediate school, and 1,794 for the indoor pool, was not low, based on previous school referendum history. B-W Superintendent of Schools Rusty Helland pointed out that for a referendum in December of 2000, although there were fewer voters in the district at that time, voter turnout was 1,451.
Neither of the measures passed in any of the municipalities that make up the B-W District. The best vote for the measures was in the Town of Erin Prairie, which includes but a very small portion of the District, where the swimming pool measure tied 5-5.
Supt. Helland said that the next step for the district will be a discussion at the B-W Board of Education meeting on Monday, June 16. "We'll discuss it at the Board meeting Monday night and see what's next. We need to take a step back and see where we go from here."
Helland noted that when the process of studying the future needs of the district was started in 2006, gas wasn't $4 a gallon and groceries hadn't increased in price. "It takes a while to move through the process," he said. "Unfortunately the timing wasn't good and even in November of 2007" the present economic news wasn't known.
"So we have to revisit it," said Helland. "I don't think the need's going to go away."
Central St. Croix Rod & Gun Club Allowed to Proceed with Improvements
A St. Croix County Judge has ordered that Central St. Croix Rod and Gun Club, Inc. be allowed to proceed with plans to improve the gun club's property south of Baldwin.
According to an opinion issued on Wednesday, June 4, Judge Eric Lundell wrote "[a]fter listening carefully to the testimony of all witnesses, including the expert witnesses, and observing all of the exhibits that were presented, this Court became convinced that the best course of action was to permit the defendant to utilize the suggestions of the plaintiffs' experts in an effort to re-draft the plan for the reconstruction and reconfiguration of the Rod and Gun Club. The defendant, Rod and Gun Club, has since significantly modified its original plans and has compared them to the suggestions of the plaintiffs' experts. The new plan appears to meet the objections cited by plaintiffs at the hearing."
Judge Lundell noted that the plaintiffs have objected to the new plan because they "believe that the new plan cannot prevent the trespass of projectiles from the Rod and Gun Club."
According to an opinion issued on Wednesday, June 4, Judge Eric Lundell wrote "[a]fter listening carefully to the testimony of all witnesses, including the expert witnesses, and observing all of the exhibits that were presented, this Court became convinced that the best course of action was to permit the defendant to utilize the suggestions of the plaintiffs' experts in an effort to re-draft the plan for the reconstruction and reconfiguration of the Rod and Gun Club. The defendant, Rod and Gun Club, has since significantly modified its original plans and has compared them to the suggestions of the plaintiffs' experts. The new plan appears to meet the objections cited by plaintiffs at the hearing."
Judge Lundell noted that the plaintiffs have objected to the new plan because they "believe that the new plan cannot prevent the trespass of projectiles from the Rod and Gun Club."
Skydiver Exceeds His Goal for Parkinson's Research
Kevin Burkart reached his goal and then some in skydiving 100 times last Wednesday to raise funds for two organizations that research Parkinson's disease.
In the picture above, Burkart is making his 74th landing late afternoon Wednesday. He finished his 100th jump just after 8:30 Wednesday.
Burkart raised over $45,000, exceeding his goal of $40,000 for research into Parkinson's disease. More than $22,000 will go to both the Parkinson Association of Minnesota and the National Parkinson Foundation.
Burkart's father, Gary Burkart of Shell Lake, was diagnosed with Parkinson's nine years ago.
Prior to last Wednesday's marathon skydiving exhibition, Burkart had made about 700 jumps. He has been skydiving for about seven years.
In the fund raising event, two airplanes were used, six skydiving rigs and six to eight packers were busy, along with a host of other volunteers to assist with duties on the ground.
One of Burkart's jumps was a tribute to and in memory of Sam Nelson, a lifelong resident of Baldwin who passed away in 2000. Sam was 65 when he suffered from tremors and was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
Verlyn and Inez Newton are Parade Marshals
There is probably not a more familiar couple in Baldwin than Inez and Verlyn Newton. After growing up in the Town of Pleasant Valley and Town of Rush River, respectively, the Newtons are well known to all long-time residents of the area.So when they ride by in Saturday's parade there are sure to be plenty of greetings going their way.
Verlyn and Inez will have been married 54 years in July and have spent their married life in Baldwin where they raised three children and were a central part of the village's life. Inez' maiden name was Ramberg.
Verlyn is perhaps best known as a Department of Public Works Director until he retired. He first started working for the village in 1952 under Noel Monteith. When Monteith got a different job, Newton became Public Works Director.
Inez not only raised her three children, Doug, Gary and Susie, but also kept busy working at all three B-W schools for 27 years as a substitute cook.
The Newtons have 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren in addition to their three children.
As Public Works Director Verlyn says he dealt with all that nature had to offer. He remembers one snowstorm that left drifts so high on Eighth Avenue in the then-new Berkseth Addition that the snowplow couldn't get through. St. Croix County's four wheel drive truck was called in and was able to poke a hole through the snow.
In addition to serving as a substitute cook, Inez has been active in her church, Gethsemane Lutheran, as a Stephen Minister, in circle and teaching Sunday School.
Part-time, Inez continues to help Ruth Hurtgen with her catering business. She emphasized that she does that "a little," because she enjoys the work.
After school, Verlyn served four years in the U.S. Marines. In addition to serving as Public Works Director he was a long-time bus driver for athletic teams and has many fond memories of the teams and coaches he drove for. He also drove semi-truck for Chris Hanson over the years, often on his vacation time from the village. He has also been a member of United Fire and Rescue and its predecessor, Baldwin Fire Department for 55 years and has memories of the many firemen and chiefs he has served with. Verlyn also served on the first Baldwin Ambulance squad when it was initially formed.
Viking Middle School students donate $5,840
The top ten Syttende Mai Fun Run fundraisers present the check to United Way. In the back row from left to right are Principal Henry Dupuis, top fundraiser Wilson Gheen (with check), United Way's John Coughlin and students Mercedes Johnson, Trent Lokker, Brandon Serier, Maddie Bishop, and Kayla Iverson. In the front row are Lucas Biniek, Payge Clark, Collin Loftus and Kayla Rettner.
This was the 23rd year that Viking Middle School students have participated in the Syttende Mai Fun Run. The Fun Run kicks off the annual May celebration. The students use the run to raise money to support local charities and many, many thousands of dollars have been given to worthy causes through the years.
The 474 Viking students raised almost $13,000 this year.
"It was an incredible effort by our students during a time when many people have less to share due to high gas, energy and food prices," said Henry Dupuis, Principal.
One of the designated recipients was the United Way led Success By 6 Initiative. The students donated $5,840.48 for programs in the Baldwin/Woodville area. The vision for the local Success By 6 (SB6) Initiative is: All children with the strong support of family and community will, by age six, have the necessary physical, mental, emotional and social development to successfully grow and learn.
B-W Baseball Team Loses 3-0 to Nekoosa
It was a great run while it lasted. The B-W baseball team was Middle Border Conference champion. The team captured the regional championship.
But the run was over last Wednesday at Barron when the Hawks were unable to generate enough offense to score any runs and lost to Nekoosa 3-0 in sectional semi-final action of the WIAA Division 2 playoffs.
"We ran into a very good team," said B-W Coach Grey Hush. He noted that Nekoosa has a strong baseball tradition. In the third inning Nekoosa scored two earned runs and one unearned run and that was all it took to win the game since B-W was unable to score a run.
But the run was over last Wednesday at Barron when the Hawks were unable to generate enough offense to score any runs and lost to Nekoosa 3-0 in sectional semi-final action of the WIAA Division 2 playoffs.
"We ran into a very good team," said B-W Coach Grey Hush. He noted that Nekoosa has a strong baseball tradition. In the third inning Nekoosa scored two earned runs and one unearned run and that was all it took to win the game since B-W was unable to score a run.
Panthers are Sectional Baseball Champs
The St. Croix Central baseball team beat Osseo-Fairchild and Park Falls last Tuesday to win the WIAA Division 3 sectional last Tuesday to earn a trip to the state tournament.
"It's a nice way for all the seniors to end their career at the state tournament," said Coach Mike Fern. "It's a good group of kids."
The Panthers (18-5) will face Marathon (21-3) on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. in the semi-final game at Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute. The winner of the game will face the winner of a game between Aquinas (21-3) and St. Mary's Spring (19-4) on Thursday at noon.
The Panthers earned the right to play in the state tournament by beating Osseo-Fairchild 2-0 in the sectional semi-final and Park Falls 7-4 in the final.
"It's a nice way for all the seniors to end their career at the state tournament," said Coach Mike Fern. "It's a good group of kids."
The Panthers (18-5) will face Marathon (21-3) on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. in the semi-final game at Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute. The winner of the game will face the winner of a game between Aquinas (21-3) and St. Mary's Spring (19-4) on Thursday at noon.
The Panthers earned the right to play in the state tournament by beating Osseo-Fairchild 2-0 in the sectional semi-final and Park Falls 7-4 in the final.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Dead bodies found in Burkhardt apartment
On Tuesday, May 27 the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office was called to an apartment located at 1102 County Road A in Burkhardt for a report of a deceased person. Upon arrival deputies discovered two bodies were in the apartment.
The deceased persons were identified as brothers Gregory Allen Knoll, age 44, and Jeffrey Konrad Knoll, age 41. There were no indications of a struggle in the apartment or any visible indication of trauma to the bodies. Initial investigation indicates that death may have occurred from five to seven days prior to discovery.
An autopsy is being performed by the Ramsey County Minnesota Medical Examiners Office to determine cause of death. The Sheriff's office does not believe there is any reason for concern by other residents of the area. The incident remains under investigation by the Sheriff's Office.
The deceased persons were identified as brothers Gregory Allen Knoll, age 44, and Jeffrey Konrad Knoll, age 41. There were no indications of a struggle in the apartment or any visible indication of trauma to the bodies. Initial investigation indicates that death may have occurred from five to seven days prior to discovery.
An autopsy is being performed by the Ramsey County Minnesota Medical Examiners Office to determine cause of death. The Sheriff's office does not believe there is any reason for concern by other residents of the area. The incident remains under investigation by the Sheriff's Office.
Panthers advance to sectional
The St. Croix Central Panther baseball team beat Clayton/Turtle Lake and Grantsburg in two one-run games last week to advance to the sectional semi-finals.
The Panthers topped Clayton 7-6 on Tuesday at home and then traveled to Grantsburg on Wednesday and held on for a 4-3 win over the Pirates.
The two wins advance the Panthers to the sectional semi-final on Tuesday at 11 a.m. against Osseo-Fairchild. The winner will face the winner between McDonell Central and Park Falls in the 5:00 sectional championship game. The games will all be held at Marshfield.
"Osseo-Fairchild comes from a pretty tough conference," said Coach Mike Fern. "I'm sure they will be a very good opponent."
The Panthers didn't have an easy time reaching the sectional. On Tuesday the Clayton/Turtle Lake team jumped to a 4-0 lead in the first inning. Nick Nygaard cut the lead to 4-1 with a solo home run to start the second inning and Central tied the score in the third inning when Jeff Fern, Mark Shaver and Noah Bollom all walked and scored.
"A lot of hits found holes and we got behind early," Fern said about Turtle Lake's offense. "But they made some mistakes and helped us out."
On Wednesday the Panthers struck first when Luke Brown singled in the second inning. Brown stole second and the ball bounced through to the outfield allowing Brown to score.
The Pirates tied the score in the bottom of the third, but the Panthers came back to score three runs in the fourth for a 4-1 lead.
Jared Fern led off the inning with a single, followed by a base hit by Hartung. Erickson walked with one out to load the bases. A base hit by Michael Tilton drove in two runs, followed by a single by Jeff Fern for the third run of the inning.
The Pirates scored twice in the bottom of the fourth to pull within a run at 4-3. But Nygaard came in in relief of Erickson to get out of the inning and Shaver pitched the final three inning to preserve the win.
"Andrew did what we needed him to do," Fern said. "We got through the fourth with Nick and Mark shut them down.
"It was a tight ball game all the way. We left 11 runners on base and we're lucky that didn't come back to haunt us."
Fern noted the Panthers made some good defensive plays. "They (Grantsburg) were the number one seed and have always been a thorn in our side-in all the sports. The win takes a lot of pressure off."
The winner of the sectional on Tuesday advances to the WIAA state tournament which will be held in Appleton at Fox Cities Stadium on June 11-12.
The Panthers topped Clayton 7-6 on Tuesday at home and then traveled to Grantsburg on Wednesday and held on for a 4-3 win over the Pirates.
The two wins advance the Panthers to the sectional semi-final on Tuesday at 11 a.m. against Osseo-Fairchild. The winner will face the winner between McDonell Central and Park Falls in the 5:00 sectional championship game. The games will all be held at Marshfield.
"Osseo-Fairchild comes from a pretty tough conference," said Coach Mike Fern. "I'm sure they will be a very good opponent."
The Panthers didn't have an easy time reaching the sectional. On Tuesday the Clayton/Turtle Lake team jumped to a 4-0 lead in the first inning. Nick Nygaard cut the lead to 4-1 with a solo home run to start the second inning and Central tied the score in the third inning when Jeff Fern, Mark Shaver and Noah Bollom all walked and scored.
"A lot of hits found holes and we got behind early," Fern said about Turtle Lake's offense. "But they made some mistakes and helped us out."
On Wednesday the Panthers struck first when Luke Brown singled in the second inning. Brown stole second and the ball bounced through to the outfield allowing Brown to score.
The Pirates tied the score in the bottom of the third, but the Panthers came back to score three runs in the fourth for a 4-1 lead.
Jared Fern led off the inning with a single, followed by a base hit by Hartung. Erickson walked with one out to load the bases. A base hit by Michael Tilton drove in two runs, followed by a single by Jeff Fern for the third run of the inning.
The Pirates scored twice in the bottom of the fourth to pull within a run at 4-3. But Nygaard came in in relief of Erickson to get out of the inning and Shaver pitched the final three inning to preserve the win.
"Andrew did what we needed him to do," Fern said. "We got through the fourth with Nick and Mark shut them down.
"It was a tight ball game all the way. We left 11 runners on base and we're lucky that didn't come back to haunt us."
Fern noted the Panthers made some good defensive plays. "They (Grantsburg) were the number one seed and have always been a thorn in our side-in all the sports. The win takes a lot of pressure off."
The winner of the sectional on Tuesday advances to the WIAA state tournament which will be held in Appleton at Fox Cities Stadium on June 11-12.
Fedie and Johnson advance to the state meet
The St. Croix Central golf team will be represented by two golfers at the WIAA state tournament on Monday and Tuesday of this week.
Brad Fedie was the low score of individuals not on a qualifying team with an 81 and Austin Johnson tied for second place with an 82. Eric Christensen of Amery is the third qualifier from the Somerset Sectional.
"The kids are excited," said Coach Lindy Johnson. "They played very well."
Fedie had a 43 on the front nine at Bristol Ridge Tuesday, but came back with a 38 on the back nine. Johnson's round was just the opposite with a 38 on the front and 44 on the back.
The Panthers missed qualifying the whole team by just two strokes. Rice Lake won the sectional title with 329 and Mosinee was second at 342. The Panthers were just two strokes back at 344.
"We would have liked going to sudden death," Johnson said about a playoff for the second qualifying spot. "We had two solid rounds with a 342 at regionals and 344 at sectionals."
Other Panther scores were Jesse Krizan 90, Colin Bruesewitz 91 and Nick Revoir 101.
The Panther golfers began state tournament play at University Ridge near Madison with 18 holes on Monday. Both Central golfers shot an 87. Fedie shot 44-43 and Johnson shot 4740. Eric Christensen leads Division 2 after a first round 69. Play continues with 18 holes on Tuesday.
"The key at University Ridge is to hit the ball straight," Johnson said. "The course plays long, but both kids can play the long ball."
Brad Fedie was the low score of individuals not on a qualifying team with an 81 and Austin Johnson tied for second place with an 82. Eric Christensen of Amery is the third qualifier from the Somerset Sectional.
"The kids are excited," said Coach Lindy Johnson. "They played very well."
Fedie had a 43 on the front nine at Bristol Ridge Tuesday, but came back with a 38 on the back nine. Johnson's round was just the opposite with a 38 on the front and 44 on the back.
The Panthers missed qualifying the whole team by just two strokes. Rice Lake won the sectional title with 329 and Mosinee was second at 342. The Panthers were just two strokes back at 344.
"We would have liked going to sudden death," Johnson said about a playoff for the second qualifying spot. "We had two solid rounds with a 342 at regionals and 344 at sectionals."
Other Panther scores were Jesse Krizan 90, Colin Bruesewitz 91 and Nick Revoir 101.
The Panther golfers began state tournament play at University Ridge near Madison with 18 holes on Monday. Both Central golfers shot an 87. Fedie shot 44-43 and Johnson shot 4740. Eric Christensen leads Division 2 after a first round 69. Play continues with 18 holes on Tuesday.
"The key at University Ridge is to hit the ball straight," Johnson said. "The course plays long, but both kids can play the long ball."
Howard wins two matches at state
Tyler Howard, Baldwin-Woodville's best tennis player ever, won his first two matches at the WIAA Division 2 state tournament before falling to the defending state champion and then losing in a consolation match to the number three seed in the tournament.
"Tyler had a very good tournament," said B-W Coach Jim Rumpel. "He definitely had some tough draws along the way and still did everything we asked of him."
B-W's top doubles team of Nathan Zacharias and Ed Rumpel also "did very well against a very good team," said Coach Rumpel. Playing their first match against the team that went on to lose to the team that went on to finish third in the doubles tournament, they lost 6-2, 6-3.
Coach Rumpel said in his opinion, Howard played "one of the two toughest players he could have drawn" out of the 20 possibilities in first round competition, Matthew Bellio, a sophomore of Saint Mary's Springs with an 18-3 record, and won 6-3, 7-5. In the second round he beat the player who beat the Altoona foreign exchange student whom Howard had beaten twice during the year. By beating the Altoona player, Jimmy Leschke, a senior of Oshkosh Lourdes with a 14-7 record, "obviously was a good player," said Coach Rumpel, and Howard beat him 6-3, 6-0 and "played very solid tennis.
In the third round Howard faced the defending state champion Michael Koval of Notre Dame, with a 26-1 record, who until the final round didn't lose a game at the tournament. "Sometimes people who don't understand the game will look at a score of 6-0, 6-0 and think there's a huge difference, but it's not always a huge difference," said Coach Rumpel. "Sometimes a shot here or a shot there makes the difference."
In the consolation bracket for fifth place, "probably the biggest thing affecting Tyler was the number three seed upset" so Tyler had to play him in the first round of the consolation. "So by the luck of the draw, his consolation match was against the toughest kid he could have faced and in a tough match in which he kept fighting back, he lost 6-4, 7-6.
"Just to show how tough that player was, he went on to win fifth place match and had a much easier time than he did against Tyler," said Coach Rumpel.
"Tyler had a very good tournament," said B-W Coach Jim Rumpel. "He definitely had some tough draws along the way and still did everything we asked of him."
B-W's top doubles team of Nathan Zacharias and Ed Rumpel also "did very well against a very good team," said Coach Rumpel. Playing their first match against the team that went on to lose to the team that went on to finish third in the doubles tournament, they lost 6-2, 6-3.
Coach Rumpel said in his opinion, Howard played "one of the two toughest players he could have drawn" out of the 20 possibilities in first round competition, Matthew Bellio, a sophomore of Saint Mary's Springs with an 18-3 record, and won 6-3, 7-5. In the second round he beat the player who beat the Altoona foreign exchange student whom Howard had beaten twice during the year. By beating the Altoona player, Jimmy Leschke, a senior of Oshkosh Lourdes with a 14-7 record, "obviously was a good player," said Coach Rumpel, and Howard beat him 6-3, 6-0 and "played very solid tennis.
In the third round Howard faced the defending state champion Michael Koval of Notre Dame, with a 26-1 record, who until the final round didn't lose a game at the tournament. "Sometimes people who don't understand the game will look at a score of 6-0, 6-0 and think there's a huge difference, but it's not always a huge difference," said Coach Rumpel. "Sometimes a shot here or a shot there makes the difference."
In the consolation bracket for fifth place, "probably the biggest thing affecting Tyler was the number three seed upset" so Tyler had to play him in the first round of the consolation. "So by the luck of the draw, his consolation match was against the toughest kid he could have faced and in a tough match in which he kept fighting back, he lost 6-4, 7-6.
"Just to show how tough that player was, he went on to win fifth place match and had a much easier time than he did against Tyler," said Coach Rumpel.
Wagner second in 3200m race
Baldwin-Woodville's premier distance runner Kayla Wagner powered to a second place finish in near record-setting time in the 3200m run in Division 2 action at the WIAA state track meet Friday night in LaCrosse.
Wagner's time of 10:38.44, more than 20 seconds off her previous best, was less than two seconds shy of the previous Division 2 state record of 10:36.88 set in 1984 by Lori Wolter of Sauk Prairie. Winning the event this year, and no doubt pushed by Wagner, was Ashley Beutler of Belleville/New Glarus who set the new state record of 10:33.43.
The record-setting race was late Friday night after an one and one-half hour delay at the WIAA state track meet at LaCrosse due to a strong band of storms that caused evacuation of the stadium and grounds.
"Kayla felt a little disappointed in Saturday's finish," said B-W Coach Darren Peterson. "But she did extremely well and should be proud of running with and pushing one of the state's premier distance runners. Friday's 3200m run was extremely impressive and from where she was three or four weeks ago she has decreased her time exponentially."
Coach Peterson said Wagner has been taking 20 or so seconds off her time almost every week which is a phenomenal achievement. "The longer a race goes, the stronger she gets."
The results were not quite what Wagner wanted in the 1600m run on Saturday. She finished in seventh place, just one place from being on the podium, with a time of 5:14.25, which is not her best time of the year. "The thing that hurt Kayla, and a lot of other runners who did both the 3200m and 1600m back to back, was the short turn-around time," said Coach Peterson. The rain delay of Friday night that amounted to about two hours, pushed the 3200m run to nearly 10:00 and the 1600m run was early Saturday afternoon.
Coach Peterson noted that the Division 2 times in both the 3200m and 1600m runs were faster than the Division 1 times.
In addition to a short recovery time, Wagner was boxed in by the pack almost immediately in the 1600m run. "The start hurt," said Coach Peterson. "When you have a poor start in a shorter race you have less time to make up for it."
Coach Peterson said that Wagner and Beutler running together helped them both. He added that six of last year's place winners in the 1600m run were returning to the race this year. "Kayla learned how to compete and run in a very competitive race. She competed against elite runners and she held her own very well. It definitely puts her in the top echelon again for next
year."
Coach Peterson's notion that Wagner and Beutler helped each other in the 3200m run is borne out by each of the runners. Beutler is quoted in the Wisconsin State Journal as saying "I was just trying to beat the girl behind me, not set the record. That girl was amazing."
Wagner said she felt good during the 3200m run "except at the end when I felt like my body was breaking because I was trying to go too fast." After the race had ended "Ashley told me I better break the record next year," said Wagner. "She was really nice. It was great to run with her."
She agreed that she pushed Beutler and Beutler pulled her.
At the awards ceremony it was former New Richmond stand-out distance runner Ayla Mitchell who congratulated Wagner and put the medal around her neck. "Ayla talked to me afterwards too. It was exciting and she was so nice," said Wagner.
For the 1600m run, "I was exhausted," said Wagner. "My legs obviously didn't feel as good as they should. During the race my arms and my legs hurt. The beginning was difficult because I got boxed in. I tried to get around people but the anxiety caused me not to run as well as I could. I was a little disappointed but I was happy to be there and happy to run a good race the night before."
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Man arrested after knife attack
A man was arrested on Sunday, May 18 in Woodville at his parents' home after a Hudson man was stabbed eight times in the upper torso.
According to River Falls police, Robert D. Close, 23, formerly of River Falls, was arrested Sunday evening after a stabbing that happened about 2:00 a.m. in River Falls. The man who was knifed was Ronald J. Drexl, 27, of Hudson.
According to River Falls police, Drexl was with other people celebrating a birthday and had an argument with Close at The Library Bar in River Falls. After Drexl and others left the bar and walked to a park, they again met Close and began fighting. When it was over Close ran off.
Drexl was initially unaware he'd been stabbed and walked with the other people to their car. He started having trouble breathing and discovered he was bleeding. Ambulance personnel were called and Drexl was immediately taken to Regions Hospital in St. Paul for emergency surgery.
At Close's parents' home in Woodville, River Falls and Woodville police and a St. Croix County Sheriff's deputy arrested Close Sunday evening.
Close has recently been released on parole from state prison where he was serving a sentence for second degree sexual assault of a child and drug possession with intent to deliver. He was convicted in Pierce County. The stabbing incident violates his parole in several specifics.
River Falls police said that besides the people with Drexl, no other people witnessed the attack. However, using surveillance video from the bar, police said they were able to identify Close as the knifing suspect.
The knife used in the stabbing has not been recovered but has been described as a hunting knife with a four or five inch blade.
According to River Falls police, Robert D. Close, 23, formerly of River Falls, was arrested Sunday evening after a stabbing that happened about 2:00 a.m. in River Falls. The man who was knifed was Ronald J. Drexl, 27, of Hudson.
According to River Falls police, Drexl was with other people celebrating a birthday and had an argument with Close at The Library Bar in River Falls. After Drexl and others left the bar and walked to a park, they again met Close and began fighting. When it was over Close ran off.
Drexl was initially unaware he'd been stabbed and walked with the other people to their car. He started having trouble breathing and discovered he was bleeding. Ambulance personnel were called and Drexl was immediately taken to Regions Hospital in St. Paul for emergency surgery.
At Close's parents' home in Woodville, River Falls and Woodville police and a St. Croix County Sheriff's deputy arrested Close Sunday evening.
Close has recently been released on parole from state prison where he was serving a sentence for second degree sexual assault of a child and drug possession with intent to deliver. He was convicted in Pierce County. The stabbing incident violates his parole in several specifics.
River Falls police said that besides the people with Drexl, no other people witnessed the attack. However, using surveillance video from the bar, police said they were able to identify Close as the knifing suspect.
The knife used in the stabbing has not been recovered but has been described as a hunting knife with a four or five inch blade.
Sandee Blakeley retires after 34 years
When Sandee Blakeley first began her teaching career at Baldwin-Woodville in 1977, she was hired as a half-time reading teacher at Greenfield Elementary. She had four years of teaching experience in southern Wisconsin after earning her degree from University of Wisconsin - Whitewater in 1972. Sandee eventually taught kindergarten, third grade and will end her career at fourth grade this spring."I guess I really enjoy the fourth graders the most," Blakeley said, "you can talk to them more like an adult, and they're much more independent than the younger ones."
Blakeley was married in 1976 to the business director for the River Falls School District, so when a position became available in Baldwin in 1977, she took it.
"One of my favorite memories in teaching is the April Fool's joke we played on the fourth graders," Blakeley said. "We told them they all needed to have spring fever shots." The school nurse was in on the prank, so when the students were lined up for their "shots" the nurse presented the biggest syringe she could find.
"I don't think my mom wants me to have this shot," said several of the wide-eyed students. But the teachers assured them that the proper papers were signed and they all needed the shots.
"April Fool's!" said the teachers, much the relief of the students.
Blakeley has a lifelong interest in the arts, which she plans to actively pursue in retirement, she said. "I plan to be involved in the River Falls Theater group and I would like to take painting lessons." She is interested in pursuing work doing voice-overs for film or radio and also recording books-on-tape.
"I think I'll volunteer at the library for story-times, too," she said.
Blakeley also said she is considering working as a medical transcriptionist. "I received some training in the medical field before I got my teaching degree, so the interest has always been there."
"Of course, my husband and I will try to travel more, maybe even spending part of the year in Mexico," Blakeley said. Her husband retired six years ago from 3M.
The Blakeleys have two daughters, one of whom is being married this October and is a nurse at Children's Hospital. Their other daughter is pursuing a career as a school counselor.
Durrence and Angell win first place for third year
Hunter Angell, left, and Brandon Durrence, B-W seniors, received their third first place award for their Animation Trilogy-Park 3 "Day of Ultimatum" at the Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association Media Fair.
Two Baldwin-Woodville seniors have achieved a remarkable feat.
They have received a first place award in the Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association's annual Media Fair for "computer generated" video for three years in a row.
Hunter Angell and Brandon Durrence's submission this year was titled "Day of Ultimatum" and was part 3 of an Animation Trilogy.
"I think it's safe to say it's a Star Wars inspired animation," said B-W High School Media Specialist Jim Perkins. The third part of the trilogy by Durrence and Angell is about 20 minutes long, he added. The slides in the power point presentation pass quickly and give the effect of animation, said Perkins.
The pair of B-W seniors used about 2,000 slides in the program to create their work.
The Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association is an independent professional association made up of library media specialists, technology professionals and others who work in the areas of school-related informational media and technology. This year Wisconsin students entered about 200 informational media and technology-related projects in the areas of photography, computer-generated media, illustrated books, pop-up books, radio plays, webpage design and video.
Tennis team sends two entries to state Howard is seeded; Zacharias and Rumpel make first trip
Tyler Howard, Baldwin-Woodville's best ever tennis player and four time Middle Border Conference champion, is making his fourth trip to the WIAA Division 2 state tennis tournament.
Howard's record moved to 16-0 as he cruised through sub-sectional and sectional competitors on Monday-Tuesday and Thursday of last week. The sectional win for Howard was his second consecutive year of capturing the championship.
Nathan Zacharias and Ed Rumpel, B-W's number one doubles team, needed just one victory at sectional competition to advance to state, and they did better than that by winning two of their three matches.
B-W Coach Jim Rumpel said a lot of the credit for doubles play goes to Adam Bassak. "I try not to get too involved in doubles matches so Adam handles the coaching and does an excellent job," he said.
According to Coach Rumpel, in every round Howard "faced good, tough competition. And in every round he faced moments when he had to step up his game and he did. He has facets of his game he doesn't always have to tap into but when he had to Thursday he more than did."
Howard's record moved to 16-0 as he cruised through sub-sectional and sectional competitors on Monday-Tuesday and Thursday of last week. The sectional win for Howard was his second consecutive year of capturing the championship.
Nathan Zacharias and Ed Rumpel, B-W's number one doubles team, needed just one victory at sectional competition to advance to state, and they did better than that by winning two of their three matches.
B-W Coach Jim Rumpel said a lot of the credit for doubles play goes to Adam Bassak. "I try not to get too involved in doubles matches so Adam handles the coaching and does an excellent job," he said.
According to Coach Rumpel, in every round Howard "faced good, tough competition. And in every round he faced moments when he had to step up his game and he did. He has facets of his game he doesn't always have to tap into but when he had to Thursday he more than did."
Derrek Pedersen qualifies for state
St. Croix Central junior Derrek Pedersen qualified for the WIAA state track meet with a fourth place finish in the 800 meter run at the Division 2 sectional last Thursday at Medford.
Pedersen had finished in third place at the Amery Regional on Monday with a time of 2:05.14. On Thursday he lowered his personal best time to 2:03.15 for the fourth place finish.
Pedersen will run in Division 2 800 on Friday afternoon at the Veterans Memorial Sports Complex at UW-LaCrosse.
Pedersen had finished in third place at the Amery Regional on Monday with a time of 2:05.14. On Thursday he lowered his personal best time to 2:03.15 for the fourth place finish.
Pedersen will run in Division 2 800 on Friday afternoon at the Veterans Memorial Sports Complex at UW-LaCrosse.
Wagner qualifies for state in 1600m and 3200m
Baldwin-Woodville's record setting track star Kayla Wagner continued her string of school records while finishing first in both the 3200m and 1600m runs at the sectional meet last Thursday at Medford.
Wagner will compete at the WIAA state track meet at LaCrosse in both events, on Friday in the 3200m run and on Saturday in the 1600m run.
Unfortunately, none of the other B-W sectional competitors finished in fourth place or better to advance to the state event.
Wagner has the top time going into the state event in the 3200m run and stands in second position in the 1600m run. In both races her chief competitor is Ashley Beutler of Belleville/New Glarus, with the second fastest time in the 1600m run and the top time in the 3200m run. Beutler won the division 2 cross country race last fall in Black River Falls in which Wagner finished in seventh place.
"They were impressive races by Kayla at sectional," said B-W Coach Darren Peterson. "She's sitting pretty good. I think she can do really well at state."
Wagner's time in the 3200m run was her first time under 11 minutes at 10:59.65 and 10 seconds faster than her regional time of 11:09.74. Needless to say, both times were school and individual records for Wagner. Beutler comes into the state meet with a time of 11:00.92.
In the 1600m run at sectional, Wagner's time of 5:08.69 bested her regional time of 5:14.84. Beutler's time at sectional was 5:06.27.
Wagner will compete at the WIAA state track meet at LaCrosse in both events, on Friday in the 3200m run and on Saturday in the 1600m run.
Unfortunately, none of the other B-W sectional competitors finished in fourth place or better to advance to the state event.
Wagner has the top time going into the state event in the 3200m run and stands in second position in the 1600m run. In both races her chief competitor is Ashley Beutler of Belleville/New Glarus, with the second fastest time in the 1600m run and the top time in the 3200m run. Beutler won the division 2 cross country race last fall in Black River Falls in which Wagner finished in seventh place.
"They were impressive races by Kayla at sectional," said B-W Coach Darren Peterson. "She's sitting pretty good. I think she can do really well at state."
Wagner's time in the 3200m run was her first time under 11 minutes at 10:59.65 and 10 seconds faster than her regional time of 11:09.74. Needless to say, both times were school and individual records for Wagner. Beutler comes into the state meet with a time of 11:00.92.
In the 1600m run at sectional, Wagner's time of 5:08.69 bested her regional time of 5:14.84. Beutler's time at sectional was 5:06.27.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
BAMC recognized during National Hospital Week
Having a hospital in a small community such as Baldwin provides more benefits than the obvious one of immediate access to medical care.The benefits also include employment opportunities and a huge payroll which adds vitality to the local economy.
This week, May 11 through May 17, is National Hospital Week, and upon reflection, the benefits of having a local hospital become apparent.
Julie Herman, Chair of BAMC's Board of Trustees said the hospital is "vitally important to the community and surrounding service area." She complimented the "dedicated and loyal employees" for their personal approach to patient care.
Baldwin Village President Don McGee, who also serves on BAMC's Board of Trustees said a hospital is a major factor in business recruitment. "Businesses look at whether there's a hospital, at the schools and at the parks," he said. "So the hospital is very important" to the community in ways other than the medical care it provides to area residents.
"Our goal is that Baldwin Area Medical Center is well thought of by people in the area as providing high quality, friendly health and wellness services," said BAMC CEO Greg Burns. "What probably comes to mind less often for people is the large stimulus the Medical Center generates for the local economy. As one of the largest employers in the area, and a major purchaser of goods and services, the Medical Center's contribution to the economic vitality of the area is very significant."
The local economy is a beneficiary of having a hospital. The salaries paid to BAMC employees last year amounted to $9,970,000. The employment opportunities span a range of categories, including CNAs, RNs, MAs and LPNs.
For the first six months of this fiscal year, there have been 600 admissions to BAMC, and the average daily census is 8.6.
In addition to hospital and clinic services, BAMC provides important adjunct services and activities. Physical therapy and cardiac rehab are provided in BAMC's Wellness Center. An exercise area-the Fitness Center-open to the general public, along with a therapeutic pool, is also
part of the Wellness Center.
Pastor and Mrs. Draayer to head for retirement in California
An aspect of growing up that was denied to his children is a primary motivation for the early retirement of Rev. Leon Draayer as pastor of The First Reformed Church of Baldwin and as a "minister of word and sacrament" in the Reformed Church in America."I would have liked to stay longer [at The First Reformed Church]," said Pastor Draayer, "except for the age factor and the family factor having stayed back in California. I could have easily served until I was 65 except I have two grandchildren and I need to be the grandparent to my grandchildren that my grandparents were to me." He added that because of the five different churches he served during his ministry and the moving that entailed, his children never had the experience of growing up with their grandparents nearby.
"My main reason for quitting and going back [to California] is to be a grandpa to my grandkids," said Pastor Draayer.
Pastor Draayer and his wife, Marion, will load up a truck on May 23 and make the journey to Mira Loma, California, about 40 miles east of Los Angeles. Their last Sunday at First Reformed Church is May 18.
The Draayers are moving to Country Village, a 115 acre complex with 96 units. Each unit has four apartments on a single level.
The best feature of Country Village is its location just a few miles from each of the Draayers' daughters, Heidi, Andrea and Leah-and their grandkids.
"We're basically going back to where we came from," said Pastor Draayer, adding that they won't be able to attend the church he served there because it no longer exists. Instead, he said, the couple will probably attend a Presbyterian church in Riverside, which has a bell choir. Marion has been a member of Zion Lutheran's bell choir for the last six years and would like to continue that activity.
The Draayers' daughter, Andrea, is getting married soon after they return to California. Pastor Draayer said he will think about getting a job, perhaps with Forest Lawn Mortuaries helping people plan their services. "I feel that's somewhere within my experience and giftedness."
Pastor Draayer said that some things stand out in his mind about his service in Baldwin. "God blessed me with a great and loving congregation and I am thankful for the six and one-half years here."
As everyone who knows Pastor Draayer is aware, he is not a fan of winter. "I won't miss the cold weather and salt," he noted.
But he will fondly remember his time in Baldwin, he said. Several events stand out for him. First, the 100th year anniversary of the First Reformed Church during which the congregation met the goal of giving $100,000 over-and-above the church's budget, and it was all given away to a variety of causes. "I didn't believe it was possible, even though it was my idea," said Pastor Draayer, "but we gave $103,000-that was just amazing.
"I think what I've appreciated about this congregation is they love the preaching of the Word, and I love to preach it. They are very attentive people. I always thought they were listening and they simply love the Word. I believe that they accepted Marion and me. We have felt loved, we'll leave a lot of good friends. We'll miss them."
Pastor Draayer also noted the church's family night suppers, especially the home cooking, and the fact ("something I had nothing to do with") that First Reformed has sent 16 people into the pastoral ministry and one into mission service. "Which for a church of this size, I think is pretty amazing."
Pastor Draayer's successor has already been chosen and he will be coming into a good congregation. "For my successor this will be a great place to start and to learn how to do ministry."
Pastor Draayer said he has enjoyed his floor level, center court seat at B-W basketball games with Carley Lokken and Pete Vrieze. He enjoyed his membership in the "Table of Knowledge" men's coffee group. Also, he said, the local pastoral group is a strength. Not all churches belong, he said, "but of the six that do, there is a real sense of Christian brotherhood and collegiality. I've been a part of a ministerial association before but never to this degree where we can really work together. The pastors genuinely have a good time together. We like each other and we support each other. It's pretty special."
He also said that he has some regrets from his time in Baldwin. "I wish I could have grown the church more than what I did." He added another regret was that he did not become more involved in community events sooner and he did not volunteer for more things.
Forensics team wins excellence award
An "Excellence in Speech Award" was presented last week to Baldwin-Woodville forensics coaches Roxi Wakeen, second from left, and Angela Schmoker, second from right. The award was presented by B-W's Wade Labecki, left, who serves as District three chair on the board of the Wisconsin High School Forensic Association. Also in the picture is B-W High School Principal Eric Russell.The "Excellence in Speech Award" is given to the top five percent scoring schools that compete at the state speech festival at UW-Madison. Only 18 schools state-wide qualify for the award.
Over 4,000 students competed in Madison, representing 364 school districts. The award commendation said that Coaches Schmoker and Wakeen "have compiled enough points to be recognized as an outstanding speech program."
The B-W forensics program was also recognized as the top one in this district.
This is the fourth "Excellence in Speech Award" that has been won by the B-W program while Mrs. Wakeen has been coaching forensics.
Hovde appointed Municipal Judge
At a special Baldwin Village Board meeting last Monday, May 5, trustees named Tamora Hovde as the new municipal judge for the village.
She attended training sessions for municipal judges last week, said Village Presdent Don McGee. While she is training, municipal court sessions for Baldwin have been delayed.
She attended training sessions for municipal judges last week, said Village Presdent Don McGee. While she is training, municipal court sessions for Baldwin have been delayed.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
It's Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeere!
Road construction, that is. On Monday crews started the USH 63 upgrade project through Baldwin with the work of realigning the lanes of traffic through Baldwin.
Pam Donahue Retires This Year
Pam Donahue, a physical education, adaptive phy-ed and health teacher at Viking Middle School, will retire from her position this year. But she'll likely end her teaching career the way she started it.Right out of college-UW-River Falls-Mrs. Donahue started her teaching career by substitute teaching, first at Somerset and later mostly at St. Croix Central, B-W and Glenwood City.
After she retires, Mrs. Donahue plans to continue teaching, at least occasionally, as a substitute teacher.
But she said that "I have other things to do also." She noted that she probably can't read any more than she does now, and plans to continue that. "I'll maybe see the grandchildren more and visit my folks" who are in Illinois.
She also plans to offer her services as a volunteer.
Pam Kruse was born in Chicago, Illinois. She attended grammar school at St. Norbert's in Northbrook, Illinois. While in High School she was on the synchronized swimming club and participated in the synchronized swimming nationals at UW-River Falls. "I decided it was a nice, small school that was good in physical education which was what I was interested in," and that's what brought her to this area.
Her senior year she married Dan Donahue and they lived in Roberts where they were the caretakers at the Division Street Apartments. Later they built their house in which they still reside in the Town of Erin Prairie.
After substitute teaching, Mrs. Donahue was first hired as a long-term substitute at B-W in 1987-88. She was hired part-time in 1989 and from then until 1993 she worked between Greenfield and the High School where she taught health and phy-ed.
In 1993 Pam was hired full time and worked in all three B-W schools. In 1999 she worked only at Viking and Greenfield until 2001 and from then until this year she has only been at Viking Middle School.
In addition to her teaching duties, Mrs. Donahue coached volleyball for 19 years-three at seventh grade and 16 as JV coach. She was assistant track coach for 16 years.
The Donahues have two children. Alison lives in Verona, is married, has a son Max who is a freshman at UW-Milwaukee and is co-owner of Siren Fitness.
Darren is married and has three boys, ages four, two and two months. They live in Wasilla, Alaska and Darren is a pilot for Northern Air Cargo.
Over the years Mrs. Donahue said she has had many interesting experiences. One was this year when a pie throwing contest was about to be held and Mrs. Donahue told a girl with whom she did not see exactly eye-to-eye that the girl better get her pie to throw at me [Mrs. Donahue.] No, the girl replied, I've got a pie for "Mr. [So-and-so] because I hate him more than I hate you."
When Mrs. Donahue taught first grade PE there was a unit about folk dancing. The school used a record player with 78 rpm records. One time when Mrs. Donahue took out the record one little student blurted out "'Wow, that's a big CD.' That shows that technology and times have changed," said Mrs. Donahue.
Mrs. Donahue has gone on several Spanish Club trips over the years and has enjoyed the experiences. This summer she will join the Club on a trip to Spain.
During her years at B-W Mrs. Donahue sponsored the fundraiser that raised money for the roller blades that the school district now owns. She has been involved in a fundraiser for the food pantry. She sponsored a club at Viking that made fleece blankets that have been donated to Grace Place and St. Croix Valley Family Resource Center. Mrs. Donahue led the drive for donations that purchased the climbing wall at Viking without expense to the district. And she has held Friday Family Fun night which is held six Fridays, usually in January and February when the gym is opened to families for various activities.
Mrs. Donahue has also participated in Movin' Schools; Governor's Falls Challenge, Shape Up Wisconsin Kids and a yearly eight to 10 week Staff Wellness program as a member of the district's Wellness Policy Committee.
Mission Group Visited Kenya
A group of local people, including a native of Kenya, spent from 10 days to two weeks in March and April on a mission trip to Kenya.Members of the group are pictured above at the equator, from left: Pastor John Hanson; James Arati, a Kenyan and employee of Baldwin Dairy; John Vrieze a dairyman and entrepreneur; Joy Grognet; Lori Hetfeld; and Nancy Rowe, who was on her third mission trip to Kenya.
The group traveled to a town called Maseno, which is about 30 miles from Kusomo, and stayed at a compound with two doctors. There is also a small college there and James has family there.
According to Hetfeld, the weather was pleasant, with the temperature in the low 80s during the day and dropping to the upper 60s at night. She said the compound where they stayed was modern and had electricity and water. She also noted that although there has recently been
violence in Kenya stemming from elections which were alleged to be fraudulent, there were no flare-ups while the group was there.
According to an article that was published in a Kenyan newspaper while the group was there, the goal of the group was to help orphans at Esivalu Primary School. They assisted the children with food, school uniforms and books. In addition, they are assisting the village with a water project.
Pastor Hanson also took solar ovens on the trip, which can be operated without wood used as fuel. They are manufactured in the Twin Cities.
Attorney Ordered to Pay Woodville
The Kevin Sheridan saga in the Village of Woodville may well be over with a St. Croix County Circuit Court Judge's decision ordering Sheridan's attorney, Harry Hertel, and his law firm, Hertel & Gibbs, S.C., in his lawsuit against the Woodville Police Review Board to pay $3,262.57 to the Village of Woodville in compensation for defending what the judge determined was a frivolous claim.
Sheridan was the former Police Chief of Woodville who was terminated by the Police Review Board for misconduct in September 2006 after an evidentiary hearing.
The decision by Judge Edward F. Vlack was reached on December 21 of last year.
In his "Memorandum Decision and Order" Judge Vlack noted that "when imposing sanctions, the court shall describe the conduct determined to constitute a violation of this rule and the basis for the sanction imposed.ŠFirst, the Court finds that Mr. Hertel failed to conduct a reasonable inquiry into the facts of the claims." And that the claim that Sheridan's constitutional right of free speech was violated is frivolous.
Second of the reasons given for awarding Woodville damages from the law firm is "Mr. Hertel knew or should have known that there was no basis in the law to support his claims."
And as the third reason, "Mr. Hertel had the opportunity to withdraw or dismiss once he realized there may have been no basis in the law or facts to support his contention."
Finally, wrote Judge Vlack "[m]ost importantly, Mr. Hertel was given another opportunity to withdraw or dismiss [in January 2007] when the board's attorney served Mr. Hertel with a copy of the motion for frivolous claim and indicated that pursuant to statute, she would wait the necessary 21 days before filing the motion. In this 21-day period, Mr. Hertel did not respond to the Board's attorney, nor did he make a motion to withdraw, supply law that supported his argument or anything else that would seem reasonable, but instead stated that during this period he relied on his client alone."
Judge Vlack wrote that "Mr. Hertel's actions here rise to the level of imposing sanctions against him in the form of attorneys fees for the Board in having to defend against this frivolous claim."
According to the decision, the facts of the case include the findings by the Police Review Board that "Sheridan's removal was required and his employment must be terminated because Mr. Sheridan refused to wear a uniform on duty; his action of hand-marking the village police car in violation of department practice was police misconductŠ; Mr. Sheridan violated policies and the Village Personnel Manual by refusing to obey Village Board orders, intimidating Village Board members, and being publicly disrespectful to superior officers while on duty; Mr. Sheridan violated Village OrdinanceŠby smoking in the office of the Woodville Police Department; he violated policies and procedures by using the Woodville squad car for personal use; and he wrote "Woodville Police Department" with window wax on the village squad car.
Sheridan was the former Police Chief of Woodville who was terminated by the Police Review Board for misconduct in September 2006 after an evidentiary hearing.
The decision by Judge Edward F. Vlack was reached on December 21 of last year.
In his "Memorandum Decision and Order" Judge Vlack noted that "when imposing sanctions, the court shall describe the conduct determined to constitute a violation of this rule and the basis for the sanction imposed.ŠFirst, the Court finds that Mr. Hertel failed to conduct a reasonable inquiry into the facts of the claims." And that the claim that Sheridan's constitutional right of free speech was violated is frivolous.
Second of the reasons given for awarding Woodville damages from the law firm is "Mr. Hertel knew or should have known that there was no basis in the law to support his claims."
And as the third reason, "Mr. Hertel had the opportunity to withdraw or dismiss once he realized there may have been no basis in the law or facts to support his contention."
Finally, wrote Judge Vlack "[m]ost importantly, Mr. Hertel was given another opportunity to withdraw or dismiss [in January 2007] when the board's attorney served Mr. Hertel with a copy of the motion for frivolous claim and indicated that pursuant to statute, she would wait the necessary 21 days before filing the motion. In this 21-day period, Mr. Hertel did not respond to the Board's attorney, nor did he make a motion to withdraw, supply law that supported his argument or anything else that would seem reasonable, but instead stated that during this period he relied on his client alone."
Judge Vlack wrote that "Mr. Hertel's actions here rise to the level of imposing sanctions against him in the form of attorneys fees for the Board in having to defend against this frivolous claim."
According to the decision, the facts of the case include the findings by the Police Review Board that "Sheridan's removal was required and his employment must be terminated because Mr. Sheridan refused to wear a uniform on duty; his action of hand-marking the village police car in violation of department practice was police misconductŠ; Mr. Sheridan violated policies and the Village Personnel Manual by refusing to obey Village Board orders, intimidating Village Board members, and being publicly disrespectful to superior officers while on duty; Mr. Sheridan violated Village OrdinanceŠby smoking in the office of the Woodville Police Department; he violated policies and procedures by using the Woodville squad car for personal use; and he wrote "Woodville Police Department" with window wax on the village squad car.
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