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.
