Cubby Hole leased to Ben Jung

Ben Jung is the new operator and chef at the Cubby Hole in Woodville. He is pictured in his kitchen.

The Cubby Hole in Woodville has been leased to Ben and Kelli Jung and they have opened a restaurant at the location. They will continue to operate the bar.

Ben Jung is the former chef at Cafe Tango in Baldwin. He said his new venture in Woodville is going well. He started operating the Cubby Hole April 1, opened the restaurant last week and will hold a Grand Opening celebration Friday and Saturday, April 25 and 26.

The Cubby Hole will feature a selection of American food, said Ben, and fresh meats from Olson's Woodville Meats. The restaurant also features locally roasted Apple River Coffee from Star Prairie.

Ben said he grew up in the small town of Randolph, Wis., which has a population of about 1,800 people and is about 45 minutes northeast of Madison.

Ben attended Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Minneapolis. His food preparation experience in addition to Cafe Tango, includes working at Bon Appetit food service at Macalester College, including working with an Italian Chef. Most recently, Ben has worked for Cisco Foods and with many local establishments.

The restaurant at the Cubby Hole features seating for about 75, with space available for 150 at special events. The establishment is smoke-free. In the future the restaurant will feature entertainment and cater to meetings.

Kelli and Ben have two children, Joey, seven, who is in kindergarten and Mikey, two and one-half.

School referendum update - First public informational meeting set for May 5

An update concerning the June 3, 2008 school building referendum was presented at the school board meeting Monday night.

Superintendent Rusty Helland displayed the informational flyer that has been distributed throughout the district. He said a direct mail packet is ready to go and will be mailed next week to all district residents. The information from the packet will also be posted on the district web site, he said.

Monday, May 5 is the first of four scheduled public informational meetings regarding the referendum.

"Our goal is to have informed voters," Helland said.

The district web site's referendum page has been receiving a high volume of visits, according to Athletic Director/Transportation Supervisor Wade Labecki, who developed the site. "There is now a new video on the site," he added.

Since March 24, the first day the referendum page was available, there were 600 visits to the page during the last week of that month. Labecki said the traffic continues to be high during April, averaging 300 visits a day during the week and 200 visits per day on the weekend.

"The facilities study group power point is particularly popular," commented Labecki.

During the open forum, district resident LeAnn Rice identified herself as a representative of Citizens for Responsible Government, a fiscally conservative political action committee based in Milwaukee. She said there are 30 affiliates across the state, one being in St. Croix County. The group has reviewed the Baldwin-Woodville referendum information she said. Rice submitted a document of questions for board members regarding the referendum, requesting answers within a week.

"I certainly appreciate the hard work of the board," Rice said.

Eric Becker, Viking Middle School band director, delivered a presentation of music department happenings in the district. The entire music department was present: Becker, Adam Bassak, high school band director; Chandra Lamb, elementary music; Janet Hanson, high school choral
director; and Jane Thompson, Viking general music and choir director.

Students start playing instruments, singing, reading music, and composing at the elementary level, Becker said. At middle school each grade level has a choir and band he added.

At the high school level the various choirs and bands not only perform, they compete throughout the season, Becker said, and have been very successful.

Presently, three of the music department staff are over-scheduled due tolarge numbers of participants Becker concluded.

High School teacher Jason Sell informed the board of a pilot program for block classes next year. He said block classes (longer class periods, usually two periods) will be offered for sophomores in geometry, English, speech and physics. The block classes will be completed in a semester instead of running the entire year. Regular classes will also be offered, and the results of the two will be compared and evaluated at the end of the year, Sell said.

Advantages of block classes for certain disciplines include more cooperative learning, research opportunities, collaboration, and more teacher time with students. "Block classes make sense for some areas," said Principal Eric Russell, "but areas like foreign language or band, for instance, need to run the entire year."

Sell also informed the board that next year there will be two days of final exams scheduled at the high school. "We want to prepare each grade level for what comes next," he said. Sophomores need to be ready to take the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Exam, and seniors attending college need to have experience taking final exams, for example, said Sell.

A motion to approve year-end expenditures totaling $517,335 was approved by the board. Included in the expenditures are water proofing at Viking, $192,000, and high school, $149,000.

The board approved a ten cent increase in lunch prices, including adult lunches.

The board approved a $50.00 increase in the Drivers Education fee, which will be $200.00.

The board approved support staff 2008-2010 compensation/contracts.

The board approved the resolution authorizing adoption of 403(b) plan. The plan fulfills IRS requirements regarding tax sheltered annuities.

Board member Mike Bondarenko was appointed the board's representative to the 2008 CESA #11 Annual Convention.

Family Resource Center's auction features renowned totem pole

Apryl Mullvain, one of Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley's parent educators, shows the totem pole donated by world-renowned carvers Carl and Linda Muggli, to children from a Play & Learn Group. The traditional totem will be auctioned at the Reach for the Stars, Family Resource Center's annual gala on Sunday, April 27.

If you have seen the television show Grey's Anatomy or the movie Hoot, you may be familiar with the productions' featured totem poles created by world renowned carvers Carl and Linda Muggli.

Celebrities in the totem pole carving ranks, the Mugglis have donated a seven foot example of their work to the Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley for the organization's Reach for the Stars benefit auction that will be held Sunday, April 27 at 5:00 p.m. at the R & D Banquet
Facility in New Richmond.

The Northwest Coast native-inspired totem pole is hand carved, features traditional symbolism and is valued at over $1,400. Along with the totem pole, some novelty items that will be auctioned by auctioneer Tom Morris at the western-themed gala include: a trip to an authentic western town in Montana, a handmade cowboy quilt, pottery, gourmet cakes and more.

People gathering at this year's Reach for the Stars gala will be helping FRCSCV celebrate its tenth year of service to children and families. Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley is an early childhood development, family support and parent education organization serving all families in Pierce, Polk and St. Croix Counties.

Featuring music by Stampede, dancing, a western-themed buffet, keepsake photos, calf roping and prizes for the best western costume, this year's Reach for the Starts is a not-to-be-missed event. Door prizes will be awarded throughout the evening. You should call 715-684-4440 for a
chance to bid on the world class, one-of-a-kind totem pole and to reserve your spot at the benefit Sunday.

Major sponsors of Reach for the Stars include: Donaldson Company, OEM Fabricators, First Bank of Baldwin, Northern Metal Fabricators, Xcel Energy, Bremer Bank, Nilssen's Super Valu, Behavior Solutions Plus and Durand Builders.

B-W Junior Prom is Saturday

Junior candidates for Prom King and Queen are pictured above. In the front row are, from left: Alice Stone, Morgan Trunkel, Amy Lund, Jessica Curtis and Karlyn Sturtevant. In back, from left, are: Brett Tiffany, Dillon Anderson, Alex Buechter, Jason Geurkink and Logan Jacobson.

Sick and tired of this nasty April weather? How does a trip to Hawaii sound? Well look no further: the Junior Class Prom "Tropical Nights" will be held Saturday, April 26, with the Grand March and Coronation at 2:00 pm in the South Gym.

Prom 2007 Queen Angela Kusilek and King Grant Gausman will be on hand to crown a lucky pair of juniors. Those on the 2008 prom court include: Dillon Anderson, Alex Buechter, Jason Geurkink, Logan Jacobson, Brett Tiffany, Jessica Curtis, Amy Lund, Alice Stone, Karlyn Sturtevant and Morgan Trunkel.

This year's prom committee would love to have any junior class members who would like to get involved help decorate, Wednesday, April 23 after school, Thursday, April 24 six to ten p.m. and Friday, April 25 after school.

Tickets to the Grand March will be $3.00 for students and adults and $1.50 for kids under 10. Doors open at 1:30.

Spring is Coming

For those of you tired of the long, dreary winter and drawn out cold weather, Baldwin Greenhouse owner James Karlson assures us that spring is indeed coming. And James has the flowers and vegetables already growing to prove it.

Already, said James, there are hundreds of thousands-too many to count-flowers in colorful bloom at Baldwin Greenhouse. He also has vegetables, trees and climbing vines growing.

It's still too early for flowers and other plants to go outside, said James, and gardeners need to wait until there is some warmth in the ground-Mother's Day at least. But there are some annuals as well as some varieties of vegetables that can be planted early.

James said that by this coming weekend he hopes to have the Baldwin Greenhouse retail area in operation-at least in a limited way for those who can't wait for spring's blooms and may be bringing their plants inside each evening.

USH 63 Reconstruction Meeting Held

A meeting was held Monday morning in Baldwin featuring Wisconsin Department of Transportation officials and representatives of the firm that will be doing the work on USH 63.

According to Neil Bakke of Monarch Paving, the tentative start date is May 5. In general, Bakke said, the project will be done in halves, with the east half of the highway undergoing reconstruction first and traffic re-routed to the west half of the highway. The construction will also proceed generally from south to north.

The 63 improvement project will stretch from where 63 north of I-94 goes from four lanes to two lanes to the intersection where USH 12 goes to the west.

The project will include a new stop light at Fern Drive/60th Avenue. On the village's south side, there will be turn lanes and a lane for straight-ahead traffic to travel. In the village's "urban area" (roughly from north of the creek to Hillcrest) there will be two-way left turn lanes installed. Following the project there will be no parking on USH 63 in the village.

A large part of the project, and a factor in the timing of aspects of the construction, will be replacement of the bridge over the Baldwin Creek by a box culvert which will be built in phases.

On either side of the railroad tracks there will be short concrete islands built to direct traffic.

At no time will USH 63 be closed to through traffic, although there may be some delays of several minutes at various times.

Appointments made by Village Board

In addition to annual appointments, the Baldwin Village Board reviewed results of a compliance investigation by the St. Croix Underage Drinking Coalition, presented by Baldwin Police Chief Jim Widiker.

In the latest check, done by an underage person at each establishment licensed to sell alcoholic beverages in the village, six establishments passed and six failed. Failing the check were: Kwik Trip #747 (at I-94); Liquor Haus; Klinker's Korner; Kwik Trip #696; Kum & Go; and Freedom Value Center. Passing the check were: Eggen's Super Market; Nilssen's Super Valu; Bol's Lanes & Lounge; Citgo/Super Truck Stop; Coachman Supper Club; and Lumber Company.

According to the information presented by Widiker, in the September 2007 Compliance check, failing were: Kum & Go; Bol's Lanes; Citgo; and the Coachman. In the April 2007 Check, all the establishments checked in Baldwin passed; however, four establishments weren't checked at that time.

*In other action at the meeting, board members held an extensive discussion with Steve Olson, a pastor and president of non-profit Impact Ministries, Inc. Olson said he intends to rent, initially, four rooms at the Bradshaw Motel (Baldwin Manor) at 640 Main Street and house eight men who have had trouble with the law and substance abuse problems. According to Olson's proposal: "The intent is to provide an environment of restoration and accountability that will counter the effects of drugs and alcohol."

Olson said participants in the program would be referred by St. Croix County Courts and would be required to be sober, employed, attend meetings nightly and become active members of a local church.

Olson noted that the program will be limited to men, and will not accept anyone with a violent or sex offender background.

The concerns of board members dealt mainly with placing tenants in a environment that currently generates many police calls. Olson said participants will have a separate block of rooms with a separate entrance and there will be stringent guidelines for keeping Olson's clients away from others who live there. He said that if the program works out he will require more rooms, leading to "a slow regeneration of the building."

On a voice vote the board passed a motion in support of the program on a five to two margin.

*The Board passed an Arbor Day proclamation. It will be celebrated in Baldwin with planting trees with the assistance of children in the Community Preschool.

*Board of review was set for May 14, at which time the Board will adjourn until Wednesday, July 23.

*The Board passed a motion allowing Fireworks and More to hold a customer appreciation event at which there will be a fireworks demonstration. The event will be held May 17.

*Bids were accepted for the Main Street from 11th Avenue to 13th Avenue reconstruction work. The low bid was by Albrightson Excavating of $211,000, which is under the budgeted amount. A second project for parking lot and curb and gutter at both the Fire Hall and EMS garage was tabled because the bids were over the estimates.

Annual Village Appointments

Village Board Committees: Streets & Municipal Buildings: Trustees Kevin Brathol and Claire Stein; Water & Sewer: Trustees Brathol and Duane Russett; Budget & Finance: Trustees Greg Larson and Willie Zevenbergen; Parks & Recreation: Trustees Larson and Stein; Public Safety & Personnel: Trustees Doug Newton and Russett; United Fire and Rescue: Trustee Russett
(alternate Trustee Brathol); Care Center: Trustee Newton; Hospital Board: Village President Don McGee; Ambulance Committee: Trustees Zevenbergen and Larson (along with EMS Department Chief Craig Nelson and Sandy Reed).

Board of Review: President McGee, Village Administrator Cindy Deringer and Trustees Newton and Larson.

Citizen and Board Appointments: Zoning Board of Appeals: Jon Veenendaal (chair), Don Timmerman, Harold Grotenhuis, Randy Myer and Josh Keeney. Labor Management Committee (To study health insurance issues): Ron Phernetton (union member) and Trustee Newton.

John Traxler was appointed Director of Public Works as well as: Weed Commissioner and Forester.

Planning Commission: President McGee (chair), Jon Eggen, Scott Husby, John Walker, Jamie Klund, Willie Zevenbergen and Nancy Hable.

United Civic Center: Trustee Larson, Jay Monson, Russ Schultz, Dale Fern and Rollie Rieck.

Cemetery Advisory Board: Trustees Larson and Stein and Steve Boldt, Sextant, Bernard Lewis, Assistant Sextant, Mona Vande Berg and Dixie Chermack.

Urban Forestry Board: Public Works Director Traxler, Mike Stoffel, Chris Ruch and Trustee Stein.

Downtown Facade Loan Program/Micro Loan Program Committee: Dale Jensen, Larry Knegendorf, Dale Fern, Dave Mattison, Trustee Zevenbergen.

Police Discipline Committee: Gerry Neeley, Bob Niccum and Steve Boldt.

Library Board: Dave Phernetton, Kathy Meyer, Joni Wernlund, Trudy Klanderman, Joan Heebink and Library Director Rebecca Dixon.

Village Employees: Cynthia Deringer-Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer; Kay Suckow-Deputy Treasurer; Sue Brathol-Deputy Clerk; John Traxler-Director of Public Works; Gary Newton-Waste Water Treatment Operator; Jim Widiker-Chief of Police; Connie Juen-Police Department Administrative Assistant; Alicia Widiker-Police Clerical; Shelly Lansing-Clerk of Court; Steve Boldt-Cemetery Sextant; Craig Nelson-EMS Department Chief; Brandon Whitmer-Office manager/EMS specialist.

Professional services: Auditor-Wipfli Ullrich Bertelson; Attorney-Bakke Norman; Consulting Engineer Ayres Associates-Mike Stoffel; Building Inspector/Zoning Administrator-Brian Wert.

Local Students Compete in National Science Fair

Pictured from left to right in the front row are Kristin Cuta (MNSA Science Teacher), Ali Porter, Minneapolis and Brienna Herold, Spring Valley. In the back row are Sveta Anderson, Forest Lake, Scott Symes, Baldwin, Jessica Oldfather, Savage, and Jared Treichel, Cottage Grove.

Minnesota North Star Academy, a charter school that serves deaf, hard-of-hearing, and deaf/blind high school students, announced that six students competed in the National Science Fair the weekend of March 14th. The fair took place at the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York

Competing in the event were Baldwin resident Scott Symes and Brienna Herold of Spring Valley. Other North Star students participating were Sveta Anderson, Jessica Oldfather, Allison Porter, and Jared Treichel.

Jared Treichel's science fair project, Testing the Magnitic Field and Plasma Interactions," placed third in the High Schgool Individual Competition. Scott Symes and Brienna Herold received an Honorable Mention for their science fair project, "Perceptive vs. Reality."

Minnesota North Star Academy focuses on bilingual education, teaching in both American Sign Language and English.

B-W class of 2008 honor students announced

The 2008 Honor graduates at Baldwin-Woodville High School have been announced. Honor students are those who have achieved a 10.25 grade point average which is a B+ average.

Tara Kimberly earned the highest average in the class which earns her the title of Valedictorian. She plans to attend UW-Superior and major in biology with a minor in chemistry for a secondary education degree. Tara is the daughter of Jim and Colleen Kimberly.

Carrie Vanasse achieved the second highest average to earn the title of Salutatorian. She plans to attend UW-River Falls and at present is considering an accounting major. Carrie is the daughter of Tom and Cindy Vanasse.

Other honor graduates this year are: Reid Anderson, son of Keith and Mary Anderson; Raphaela Baumann, exchange student living with Robert and Julia Lyberg; Queezarwoe Borh, daughter of Dahn and Marilee Borh; Kalena Doffing, daughter of Jane Evin; Sara Donahoe, daughter of Bob and Rosemary Donahoe. Jordan Doornink, son of Douglas and Kelly Doornink; Kristopher Eggen, son of Richard and Vickie Eggen; Grant Gausman, son of Stanley and Susan Gausman; Kyle Hines, son of Keith and Beckie Hines; Kirsten Hoffman, daughter of Gary and Randi Hoffman; Aaron Hovde, son of Jerry and Marilyn Hovde; Mary Hovde, daughter of Robert and Kay Hovde; Morgan Jacobson, daughter of Dean and Jean Jacobson. Michelle Johnson, daughter of Donovan and Mariana Johnson; Richelle Kenow, daughter of Stephen and Julie Kenow; Angela Kusilek, daughter of Joseph and Anna Kusilek; Jason LaFavor, son of Tim and Eileen LaFavor; Amanda Larson, daughter of Scott and Barb Larson; Toni Lynum, daughter of Tobias and Marla Lynum; Samuel Mattison, son of David and Deborah Mattison; Heather Molenaar, daughter of Larry and Lori Molenaar. Joshua Morrissey, son of Albert and Rebecca Morrissey; Zachary Paul, son of Vicki Paul; David Ring, son of Ralph and Kathleen Ring; Joleen Schwellenbach, daughter of Kat and Nordby Schwellenbach; Cassie Standaert, daughter of James Standaert and Penny Pierson; Candace Standaert, daughter of James Standaert and Penny Pierson; Alex Stene, daughter of Susan Stene; Karen Warner, daughter of Duane and Joanne Warner; Alaina Werner, daughter of Kenneth and Alison Werner.

Baldwin-Woodville Class of 2008 Honor Students are pictured above. In the front row, left to right, are: Kalena Doffing, Michelle Johnson, Amanda Larson, Tara Kimberly, Mary Hovde, Richelle Kenow, Toni Lynum, Alaina Werner and Morgan Jacobson.

In the second row, from left, are: Raphaela Baumann, Heather Molenaar, Jason LaFavor, Justin Morrissey, Zachary Paul, Angela Kusilek, Sara Donahoe, Karen Warner, Alex Stene and Joleen Schwellenbach.

In the third row, from left, are: Kristopher Eggen, Reid Anderson, Aaron Hovde, Jordan Doornink, David Ring, Grant Gausman, Kyle Hines, Queezarwoe Borh and Carrie Vanasse.

Missing when the photo was taken were: Sam Mattison, Candace Standaert, Cassie Standaert and Kirsten Hoffman.

	Tara Kimberly 2008 B-W Valedictorian
	Carrie Vanasse 2008 B-W Salutatorian

Fire destroys former Baldwin Feed and Seed Building

Before firefighters even arrived on the scene of a tremendous blaze at the former Baldwin Feed and Seed in downtown Baldwin, it was apparent that little could be done to save the structure, which was completely engulfed in flames shortly after the start of the fire.

A spectacular blaze in the former Baldwin Feed and Seed grain elevator in downtown Baldwin totally destroyed the structure Thursday, April 3.

The fire started around 4:00 p.m. and firefighters from United Fire and Rescue and six other area departments called for mutual aid, remained on the site until about 11:30 Thursday evening.

The structure was owned by Lee Seim of the Town of Springfield. He said the structure contained about 2,500 bushels of corn, 1,500 bushels of oats, some soybeans and some minerals that were used as feed ingredients. He said the structure was not insured. Seim said he he's not sure about what he is going to do for storage in the future, but he will have to buy grain to make up for what was lost.

Gary Newton, Baldwin Station Chief of United Fire and Rescue, said that determining a cause of the fire is impossible because the structure was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived on the scene and the intense heat generated by the fire. He said reports of explosions or pops coming from the fire could perhaps be explained by the presence of a large amount of feed dust in the structure that explodes in a fire.

Firefighters were hampered fighting the fire by the size of water mains in the area of Baldwin Feed and Seed. Newton said that in the older portion of town the mains are only four inches in diameter and United Fire and the mutual aid departments had the capacity to pump much more water than could be derived from the three hydrants that were tapped. For that reason several tanker truck loads of water were hauled in from other locations.

Approximately 160,000 gallons of water was poured on the fire from hydrants and additional water hauled in from Hammond and Woodville amounted to another 20,000 gallons, said Newton.

Mutual aid was supplied by the fire departments of Glenwood City, Spring Valley, Roberts, River Falls, New Richmond and Hudson.

Newton said that when initially on the scene firefighters sprayed water on gas lines to cool them and then ensured that the natural gas supply to the structure was halted. The St. Croix County Emergency Communications Center also notified the railroad to halt all rail traffic through Baldwin. When the fire was controlled, a train master was sent out to inspect the tracks before trains were allowed to travel on them.

The pleasant spring weather, combined with the spectacular nature of the blaze, brought out hundreds of walkers who watched the progress of the fire.

Many observers said the intensity of the fire hadn't been seen locally since the fire on December 26, 1980 that destroyed Heebink's Millwork when it was located in downtown Baldwin.

A firm has been hired to remove the metal from the debris remaining from the fire, said Seim. He said a determination of what to do with the wood and grain remnants has not been made.

Seim said he bought the elevator in 2004 from the family of Dennis Eggen.

According to Don Makuch, a former owner of Baldwin Feed and Seed, the original elevator was built in 1895 by Ben Nibblink. He sold the business to Chris Johnson and George Nyeggen. Later Nyeggen became sole owner of the business and then in the late 1950s he sold it to his son-in-law Milt Lane.

Makuch said he bought the business from Milt Lane in 1978 and ran it until September of 1984 when he sold it to Dennis Eggen. Another fire a day earlier forced a Baldwin family from their home. The fire was at the David and Sarah Weiske residence southeast of Baldwin on 55th Avenue.

The residence is owned by Gerald and Mary Ann Peterson.

The fire was reported Wednesday morning by David Weiske. It started in a closet under a stairway, according to Newton.

Sarah Weiske said the fire was contained but the home suffered from extensive heat and smoke damage. The family has moved in with relatives while the home is being completely cleaned down to the studs, which she said may take up to three months.

B-W VAC team advances to state

Baldwin-Woodville VAC students include, back row from left to right, Tanis Klingler, Michelle Hinz, Kylee Momchilovich, Ashley Casperson, Morgan Trunkel, Briana Fleming. Middle row, Heather Molenaar, Rachelle Veenstra, Miranda Nelson, Sam Basques. Front row, Reid Anderson, Mrs. Kamm and Ethan Palmer. Missing from the picture is Emalie Tison.

Reid Anderson's colored pencil portrait composed of junk food is pictured.

The Visual Arts Classic (VAC) regional was held recently at UW-Stout. The regional consisted of six teams: Menomonie, Clayton, Amery, Washburn, Granton, and Baldwin-Woodville. B-W High School had a twelve member team compete.

This year's theme was "Food and Art." The competition includes individual competition as well as team competition. Individuals from each team compete in one of twelve categories with a long range assignment (project created before hand and judged the day of competition) and an on-site project. The on-site problem was read to the group and the students have three hours to complete the problem.

Baldwin-Woodville students competed in the following categories: Reid Anderson and Heather Molenaar in drawing; Rachelle Veenstra and Tanis Klinger in painting; Kylee Momchilovich and Briana Fleming in sculpture; Machelle Hinz and Emalie Tison in art history; Miranda Nelson and Ethan Palmer in printmaking; Sam Basques in digital photography; and Ashley Casperson in personal adornment.



Individuals advancing to state are Reid Anderson for his long term and on-site projects, Kylee Momchilovich for her long term and on-site projects, and Ethan Palmer for his on-site project.

As a team the students competed in a critical thinking category, and quiz bowl category. Critical thinking involves the entire team working together to find a solution to a question. This year's problem involved pitching a restaurant to a group of investors. The restaurant was to be based on one of the twelve artists they had to research.

In quiz bowl the teams are asked thirty-five questions based on the artists as well. B-W took a third place finish in the critical thinking category and a first place finish in quiz bowl. The first place finish in quiz bowl qualified the entire team for the state quiz bowl competition. B-W placed third overall combining the totals for all of the long term and on-site projects, critical thinking, and quiz bowl. State is held at the UW-Madison on April 11.

This is only the second year Baldwin-Woodville has competed in the VAC. Last year's team finished third in critical thinking, tied for third in quiz bowl, and placed second overall.

"Qualifying for state as a team is a really big deal. It's comparative to state forensics, state band, and state choir," stated Mrs. Kamm. "First place individuals and first place teams from across the state will go head to head in Madison. The energy and creativity at state is electric. Knowing that they are competing against the best artists and best teams in the state gets the students charged up for the competition. The art work is amazing!

It is so exciting because we're starting to set a precedent. It will hopefully get students encouraged and excited about next year. This is a great group of students whom all have special qualities," Kamm continued.

"Getting to work with the students on a daily basis keeps me challenged and energized. It's one of the many reasons why I love my job! I am really proud of the students for their individual accomplishments and team accomplishments."

USH 63 upgrade starts May 5

The schedule for the upgrade of USH 63 through Baldwin has been moved up. The contract for the project is slated to begin May 5 with traffic control work and grinding of the road surface. The contract is scheduled to be completed in 75 days.

According to Baldwin Village Engineer Mike Stoffel of Ayres Associates, the contracts for the work have been let. He said that some traffic signal work may even begin before May 5.

The project will start at the south side of Baldwin where the four lane USH 63 ends. Included in the work will be installation of new pavement and center turn lanes in some locations. In addition, a new traffic light will be installed at 60th Avenue and Fern Drive and new traffic lights will be installed at Cedar Street and Main Street.

The village's outside lanes of USH 63 through Baldwin will be taken up as part of the project, and will eliminate all parking along the highway. North of Main Street there will be a two way left turn lane to Hillcrest. The bridge over the Baldwin Creek will be replaced with a box
culvert.

The prime contractor is Mathy Construction and its subsidiary Monarch. Other contractors include: excavating: Hoffman Construction; grinding and placement of crushed aggregate base: Kraemer Co.; concrete work: Curb Masters; and traffic signals: NEI.

Web site provides Baldwin-Woodville Referendum Information

Pages have been added to the Baldwin-Woodville School District web site that provide information about the building referendum scheduled for Tuesday, June 3.

The pages were created by B-W Athletic Director and Transportation Supervisor Wade Labecki.

To access the web pages, start at the Baldwin-Woodville home page (www.bwsd.k12.wi.us). Near the top is information about the referendum and to the right is "Click here for more information."

The referendum election will have two questions. The first is whether a new 90,000 square foot intermediate school for grades three, four and five should be built on district owned property, and should Greenfield Elementary School be renovated. The total cost of the two is pegged at
$16,775,000.

The second question is whether an indoor swimming pool should be constructed and equipped for a cost not to exceed $3,500,000.

The web side provides the complete texts of the two resolutions. The members of the committee who studied the district's space needs are provided so individuals who have questions may ask any of them. Their meeting minutes are also provided as a further source of information.

The web site lists and dates and times of the four informational meetings that have been scheduled in May to provide information on the referendum projects.

The web site provides B-W enrollment history and future enrollment projections.

Designs for You by Erika makes a move

Designs for You by Erika, a beauty and hair care salon, has made a move one block west on Main Street in Baldwin. The business, owned by Erika Jordahl, moved from its former address when the building was put up for sale to its new location at 810 Main Street. Pictured above are Erika Jordahl, front, and employees Kahla Ash, left and Megan McCracken.

Dan's Auto Center moving to Buster's location

Dan and Cindy VanSomeren have purchased the former Buster's All-Star Rental building and plan to have Dan's Auto Center up and running there by March 31.

According to Cindy, the new location will be more convenient for customers. She said that before opening in the new location the building will undergo remodeling, adding lifts and a portion of the building will be resided.

When the weather improves a portion of the exterior of the building will be painted, Cindy said.

"If people want to see what we've done, they should feel free to stop in and we'll give them a tour," Cindy said. She noted that the building provides a nice location and space for Dan's Auto Center and it was originally built as a service station. She added that some type of open house will be held in the near future.

Dan's Auto Service has vehicle service, tires, exhaust systems and major and minor vehicle repair. The U-Haul business will be continued at the new location.

Buster's rental business has moved to the rural Baldwin location where he has his car crushing business.

Spring election features few races

The spring election on Tuesday, April 1 will feature few local contests.

In the Village of Baldwin there is only one contest where incumbent Municipal Judge Howard Ott is being challenged by Tammi Hovde. The three incumbent Village Trustees are running for re-election unchallenged. They are: Claire Stein, Greg Larson and Willard Zevenbergen.

In the Village of Hammond three individuals are running for three trustee positions: Christopher Buckel, Wally Graf and Steven Peterson. Sandra Nelson is running unopposed for Municipal Judge. In the Village of Woodville only two candidates are running for three Village Trustee positions. They are Barry Ketchum and Steve Gossel. Linda Duval is running unopposed for Municipal Judge.

For the Baldwin Woodville School District incumbents Dustin Klanderman and Todd Graf are running unchallenged.

Likewise for St. Croix Central School District where incumbents John Hueg and David Olsen are running unchallenged.

At the county level, Mark Gherty and Howard Cameron are facing off for the new Branch 4 judgeship in St. Croix County. Statewide, Mike Gableman and Louis Butler are vying for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

For additional details on voting procedures, voting locations and candidates, see the insert in this week's issue.

Scam alert issued by Sheriff Hillstead

Over the past several weeks the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office has received a number of complaints concerning an ongoing scam, according to a press release from Sheriff Dennis Hillstead. There are several different variations by which the scam artists are attempting to deceive victims. The basic situation involves the victim receiving a letter from a company or organization that states it represents a lottery and that the person receiving the letter is a winner in that contest. Included in the notification is a check made out to the victim, usually the amount of this check is between $4000.00 and $5000.00. The check on first view appears legitimate.

The letter instructs the victim to deposit the check, then send the company back $3000.000 dollars to cover taxes and costs, and that once the company receives the $3000.00 the remaining winnings will be sent.

Phone calls to the number given are answered and what seems like appropriate information given. If the victim checks the company on the internet, it will also appear to be a legitimate company.

Unfortunately for the victim, approximately one to two weeks after depositing the check and returning the $3000.00, plus whatever of the amount over the $3000.0 that they spent, plus whatever bank costs may be charged to them, are lost when the check is stopped.

Many of these types of scams originate from out of the country and are almost impossible to track. The old adage, "If it seems too good to be true," it probably is. In most legitimate lotteries, the taxes are deducted before the winnings are paid out.

If you have been victimized by this scam, please contact your local police department or the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office, 715-386-4320.

Boyceville man arrested for threats

A Boyceville man who wanted to get away and do a little ice fishing didn't get the relaxation he wanted.

According to St. Croix County Sheriff Dennis Hillstead, the man received a traffic citation and failed to appear at his court date. The court then entered a guilty plea for the traffic violation and his license was revoked. Sheriff Hillstead said the revoked license may have had further repercussions and he may have lost his job because of his loss of license.

That caused the man to call the St. Croix County courthouse and threaten to blow it up and also threaten the judge who heard his case.

When the threats were reported to the Sheriff's Department, deputies went to the man's residence in Boyceville where it was learned that he was ice fishing on Pine Lake. Then two investigators and three deputy sheriffs from the St. Croix County Sheriff's Department converged on Pine Lake where the man was located, arrested and taken into custody, said
Sheriff Hillstead.

Review board clears deputies in shooting

St. Croix County Sheriff Dennis Hillstead announced that a shooting review board, which included law officers from New Richmond and Polk County, determined that deputies Ryan Kelly and Kristopher Stewart followed all policies and procedures in the fatal shooting incident of a man in rural Hammond Feb. 23.

Stewart is an 11-year veteran of the sheriff's department, including eight years as a patrol officer. Kelly joined the jail staff in May 2006 and has been in training as a patrol officer since January.

"Each of the officers has been provided with counseling services," said Hillstead. "It's a tragic incident, tragic for the victim and his family and tragic for the deputies and their families," he said. "It's very stressful and will continue to be."

Jacob Lee Sperl, 22, died as a result of gunshot wounds following a confrontation with the deputies. Sperl, who had reportedly made suicidal threats, pointed a loaded shotgun at the two officers outside his rural Hammond home when the deputies confronted him.

Water main replacement scheduled for spring

After last Monday morning's water pipe blow-out along USH 63 near Snap Fitness that dumped more than 200,000 gallons of water out of the village's north water tower, it was apropos that the Baldwin Village Board dealt with several water issues at their regular monthly meeting last
Wednesday.

In addition to approving rebuilding part of Main Street, along with utility work in the street, the Board dealt with a block-long stretch of the main that dispersed its contents last week.

Public Works Director John Traxler noted at the meeting that the hole in the pipe that produced the large volume of water was about fist sized. He said that seven or eight feet of water main was replaced, but the entire main was pitted and is a continuation of the main done last year about a block south.

Traxler questioned whether replacing the block-long stretch of water main should be done in conjunction with the Department of Transportation project rebuilding USH 63 through Baldwin that will begin this spring and continue into the summer.

Village Engineer Mike Stoffel said the stretch of water main along USH 63 from Lokhorst to Summit is 370 to 380 feet and estimated the cost to replace it from $27,000 to $28,000 with new hydrants and valves. He said it is possible that it could be done in conjunction with the DOT project.

The board, after discussion, agreed that it makes sense to do the work when the road is torn up anyway, and approved the work if a price can be negotiated.

The other work along USH 63 that will be performed in conjunction with the DOT project is replacement of water main from the First Bank of Baldwin to the railroad tracks and replacement of sanitary sewer from Newton Street to Curtis Street. The board reviewed bids for the projects and accepted the low bid from Albrightson Excavating, Inc. in the amount of $78,376.

Finally, the board approved a project for the two block stretch of Main Street between 11th and 13th Avenues. That project includes replacing the water main and sanitary sewer, new water and sewer laterals and a new storm sewer drain at 13th and Main, said Engineer Stoffel.

Stoffel said the entire street will be lowered somewhat to improve drainage to and off the street.

Most of the existing sidewalk along the two block stretch will be replaced, with the exception of a short stretch of new sidewalk. New driveway aprons will be installed and the first lift of asphalt will be laid with the final lift going on in 2008, Stoffel said.

The board approved levying special assessments for laterals, sidewalks and driveways aprons to the property owners. Property owners can pay in installments over three years for new sidewalks, but aprons and laterals must be paid for in the year in which they are installed.

The Board approved advertising for bids on the project. Prices for paving the fire hall parking lot and installing curb and gutter and paving the Ambulance Service lot will also be included when bids are asked for the Main Street project.

In other action at the meeting:

-Candidates for the fourth judge position in St. Croix County who advanced to the general election after the primary gave presentations to the board. They are: Howard Cameron and Mark Gherty.
-Spring clean up days for village residents (not businesses) was set for Friday, April 25 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 26 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
-A number of June Bug Days requests were approved at the meeting. The annual celebration will be held June 12, 13, 14 and 15 this year. The village will made an $8,000 contribution to the celebration, from the tourism fund.

The parade will be Saturday at noon, starting at the High School and proceeding east to 6th Avenue, then south and past Maple Street.

Dance licenses were granted for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights; picnic licenses were approved (allowing sale of beer); fireworks were approved for Saturday night; and a temporary operator's license was granted to Rick Coltrain.

-The annual lease for the Fire Hall was approved. The building of about 13,000 square feet rents for 50¢ per square foot.
-The board finalized a fireworks possession permit system with a charge of $3 per permit.
-The Board agreed that the village will participate in two loan programs using the proceeds from federal revolving loans. They are the Downtown Facade Program and the MicroLoan Program. The committee members for each program were approved as: Dale Jensen, Larry Knegendorf, Dale Fern, Dave Mattison and Willie Zevenbergen.
-Discussion was held regarding parking on 60th Avenue and whether it should be prohibited. Included in the discussion was whether a parking area could be created on the south side of 60th on village owned property commonly called "Wintergreen."
-The village approved purchase of playground equipment, mulch and trees for "Wood Duck Park" in Berkseth Heights. Cost of the playground equipment is approximately $15,000.
-Police Chief Jim Widiker noted that the kennel to which strays in the village have been taken has been closed and asked members of the board for help in finding an alternative.