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.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
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.
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