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.

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.

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.

King and Queen crowned at B-W Prom

Alice Stone was crowned Queen and Brett Tiffany as King at the B-W Junior Prom Grand March Saturday afternoon at B-W High School.

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.

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

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."

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.

BTI and B-W partner to launch school channel

Baldwin Telecom presented a donation last Friday to Baldwin-Woodville Schools to help with programming costs for the new school channel. Pictured from left to right are Wade Labecki, athletic director, Eric Russell, B-W High School Principal, Pat Beierman, B-W High School teacher, Larry Knegendorf, BTI general manager, and Matt Sparks, BTI operations manager.

Local telephone and cable company, Baldwin Telecom, has partnered with the Baldwin-Woodville School District to produce a school television channel on the local cable system. The programming can be found on Channel 18 on the BTI cable system. It will include schedules, announcements, menus, drama and music production and high school sports.

"Our company is very proud to be a part of working with Pat Beierman of the B-W schools to bring access to a school channel," said BTI manager Larry Knegendorf. "I would like to thank our team of employees at BTI for making this happen and the B-W school staff."

Baldwin Telecom presented a donation for $2000 on Friday to the school to help with costs associated with programming for the school channel.

"The school channel has been on the air for about three months and continues to get better and better," Knegendorf noted. "The school is responsible for the programming on the channel and many students are involved with making that happen."

SnoDays royalty crowned

Mary Hovde was crowned Queen and Dan Barnes was crowned King at the conclusion of SnoDays Friday evening at B-W High School.

SnoDays at B-W this Week

Senior candidates for Queen and King of B-W's SnoDays celebration from left are Michelle Johnson, Dan Barnes, Carrie Vanasse, Nathan Zacharias, Dannel Kielmeyer, Tyler Howard, Mary Hovde and Eric Dorwin.

Underclass attendants from left are juniors Dylan DeMotts and Morgan Trunkel; sophomores Tanner Bee and Laci Moe; and freshmen Jake Keefer and Megan Smith.

Throughout the week a "Where's Cupid?" hunt will be held for class points. Class valentines will be judged.

During the week B-W High School will hold dress up days. Monday was Pajama Day; Tuesday is Ugly Sweater Day; Wednesday will be Cops, Robbers, and Cowboy Day; Thursday is Valentine Day; and Friday is Spirit Day.

A pep fest will be held Friday at 2:15. Activities included will be a Lip sync contest; male cheerleading; coaches/club advisors speeches, mattress races, saran wrap relay and balloon popping activity.

Following the boys basketball game Friday night against Somerset, a dance will be held beginning at 9:00 p.m. Coronation will begin at 9:30.

The entry fee for students is $3 and for adults it is $2.

New National Honor Society Members Inducted at Baldwin-Woodville High School

At an induction ceremony held Wednesday, December 19, new members were inducted into the Baldwin-Woodville Chapter of the National Honor Society.

The new members are pictured above. In the front row, left to right, are: Ellen Hawley, Kya Grafenstein, Elisa Folden, William Doornink, David Ring, Alex Buechter, Michelle Johnson, Morgan Jacobson, Kris Eggen and Pella Borh. In the back row, left to right, are: Leanne Terpstra, Rachelle Veenstra, Kayla Wagner, Ian Schoenke, Dan Ramberg, Jennifer Holle, Daniel Peterson and Tyler Klund.

B-W Students in Honors Choir

Baldwin-Woodville students who participated in honors choirs at Madison on October 27 are, left to right, Reid Anderson, Rachel Hanson and Kirsten Hoffman.

B-W students Rachel Hanson, Reid Anderson and Kirsten Hoffman recently performed in Madison with the Wisconsin State Honors Choir.

Rachel Hanson was accepted into the Wisconsin Middle Level State Honors Choir! This choir is comprised of 100 seventh, eighth and ninth grade students from across the state. Rachel auditioned last spring and was invited to be a part of this choir in June. Rachel traveled to Madison October 25 to rehearse and then performed on Saturday, October 27 at the WI State Music Conference. In total, 1,459 students auditioned for the Middle Level State Honors Music Project. 305 students were selected for the three ensembles - choir, band and orchestra. Rachel is the daughter of John and Julie Hanson.

Reid Anderson and Kirsten Hoffman were accepted into the Wisconsin High School State Honors Mixed Choir. This 100 voice choir is comprised of students in grades ten, eleven and twelve. Reid and Kirsten both auditioned last February and were notified in April that they were selected. In June they attended a three day music camp held on the UW-Green Bay campus. On Wednesday, Oct. 24 they traveled to Madison to put the finishing touches on their music. Their Honors Concert was Thursday evening, October 25 at the Overture Center in Madison as part of the WI State Music Conference. 1,695 students auditioned for the High School State Honors Music Project. 419 students were selected for the five ensembles - mixed choir, treble choir, jazz ensemble, orchestra and concert band. Reid is the son of Keith and Mary Anderson. Kirsten is the daughter of Gary and Randi Hoffman.

B-W choral directors Janet Hanson and Jane Thompson also extend their congratulations to these outstanding musicians. These students were excellent representatives of our music program, our schools and our communities.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Kayla Wagner, Reid Anderson, Kya Grafenstein, Ian Schoenke, Jason LaFavor and Kirsten Hoffman (missing from picture) would love to see you at the musical!!

Why was The Wizard of Oz chosen for the all-school play this year? Often our directors are asked who picks the all school play. It has been nineteen years since Mrs. Hanson delivered a baby on opening night of Wizard of Oz. Because of the number of people in last year's all school play, consideration was given to a large, flexible cast. We also had to identify the number of sports teams which did well this year and would take many of our hours of rehearsal time away from us. After reviewing multiple shows, we decided that the song that was voted the most influential of the twentieth century should be our mantra this year: "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" has captured our hearts.

The play is actually based on Frank Baum's novel which was written in 1905 with political satire to enlighten teenagers of the ironies within society. Baum writes his main characters to criticize the public's view of teens, agricultural, industrial, and natural resource practices in our country. The Scarecrow satires farming, the Tin Man: manufacturing, and the Cowardly Lion: natural resource abuse. Everyone always believes the green stuff (money) will be able to fix everything, so our characters travel to Oz expecting amazing things. When Dorothy encounters little people and a good witch as well as a bad witch, she realizes that all sorts of qualities are found right in the people in her own back yard.

We hope to educate our youth and entertain all with this year's all-school play, The Wizard of Oz.

Performances are on November 1, 2, 3, 9, and 10 at 7 p.m. and November 4 at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $6 for adults, $3 for students, and $1.50 for children five and under. Tickets are on sale now by calling 684-3321, ext. 118. We hope you are able to join us.

B-W Marching Blackhawks are State Champs!

They did it!

After hours and hours, days and days, weeks and weeks, months and months and it's not a stretch to say years of preparation and practice, members of the Baldwin-Woodville Marching Blackhawks have achieved their goal.

Saturday, October 20 at UW-Whitewater the Marching Blackhawks hit on all cylinders and came away as winners in Class A competition of the Wisconsin School Music Association State Marching Band Championships.

The Marching Blackhawks participated against six other marching bands in Class A Competition.

In addition to winning the overall trophy, the Blackhawks won best Musical Presentation and Best Percussion.

The Marching Blackhawks left Friday for a stay in a elementary school near Whitewater. On Saturday night after the competition they returned to the same school for another night. They arrived home mid-afternoon Sunday to a tumultuous greeting. They were met at the Woodville I-94 interchange by a boisterous group of supporters, including a United Fire and Rescue truck, which accompanied them through Woodville and then to Baldwin to B-W High where they were feted as the champions they are.

Director of the Marching Blackhawks is Adam Bassak. Eric Becker is assistant director/percussion. Drum major is Karen Warner. Assistant drum majors are Brittany Lofgren and Jason LaFavor.

"It's incredible to see what a group of students is capable of," said Mr. Bassak Monday morning after an assembly at B-W where the Marching Blackhawks performed their program, "The Rise and Fall of Rome." He said his and Mr. Becker's goal was "to push the students to new levels and see what they're capable of and they went above and beyond anything we expected. They did whatever we asked them to do and did it better and stronger every time."
\
Bassak said B-W's show on Saturday at Whitewater in the competition "was by far our most musical performance of the year." He said there was great balance and blending of music "and you could hear all the parts.

Everyone worked as one and played as one group.

"You don't know what to expect when you start the year, but the levels we've reached and the excitement and enthusiasm is what makes teaching worthwhile. It's incredible."

One of the reasons the Baldwin-Woodville Marching Blackhawks were successful is "we had so much help," said Bassak. Other staff included Amber Hahn, Sarah Bassak, Virginia Bagan and Sarah Holmes who all work with the color guard; Aaron Kittelson, Ryan Wilson and Andrew Sazama who work with percussion; and Trevor Anderson, brass.

Other bands in Class A competition at Whitewater included: Palmyra-Eagle High School Marching Panthers; Columbus High School Marching Cardinals; St. Croix Falls High School Marching Band; Lancaster High School Marching Band; Whitewater High School Marching Band; and Marathon High School Red Raider Marching Band.

Point total for B-W in the competition was 74.35. Second place went to Columbus High School with 73.25 points. Third place band was from Marathon High School with 66.0 points.

Also in competition were nine bands in Class AA competition; seven bands in AAAcompetition; and seven bands in AAAA competition. Winning in AA was Greendale High School. Class AAA winner was River Falls. And in Class AAAA the winner was Waukesha North.

Judging criteria includes: Visual Performance/Ensemble for a possible 20 points; Music Performance/Ensemble for a possible 20 points; Percussion Performance/Ensemble for a possible 10 points; Music General Effect for a possible 20 points; Visual General Effect for a possible 20 points; and Auxiliary/Color Guard for a possible 10 points; for a total of 100 possible points. There were a total of eight judges for the Class A competition, with some categories receiving scrutiny by more than one judge.

Director Adam Bassak displayed the championship trophy at the welcoming home celebration Sunday afternoon at B-W High School with many members of the Marching Blackhawks behind him.

Baldwin-Woodville Cable Station Planned; Budget and Levy Postponed

The long-standing collaboration between Baldwin Telecom, Inc., and the Baldwin-Woodville Area School District has produced another technological advancement for the district. Starting in November, Baldwin-Woodville will broadcast over its own cable television station.
High School teacher Patrick Beierman explained that the local broadcast will include all school related activities: sports, extra-curricular, meetings, celebrations, concerts, guest speakers, and other school related programming.

Beierman's presentation was at the regular monthly meeting of the Baldwin-Woodville Board of Education meeting held Monday night. B-W High School students enrolled in Dynamic Media, Blackhawk TV and Marketing classes taught by Beierman will produce and market the programming.

Beierman will oversee and approve all contents of the broadcasts, he said.

Beierman and Athletic Director/Transportation Supervisor Wade Labecki (who formerly held Beierman's teaching position) have been working together with Baldwin Telecom to get the station off the ground, they said.

Baldwin Telecom has provided the district with the channel and training as well as $2,000 to use for the purchase of an editing station.

"Baldwin Telecom continues to work with the school district and has provided many technological services for us," said Supt. Rusty Helland. "They deserve our thanks," he said.

"Our channel will be broadcast over the Baldwin Telecom cable service area," said Labecki. "It will be a great way to connect with the community. In the near future, we hope to stream online so people outside the area will have access too," he added.

In other action at the meeting:

The board tabled two motions concerning the 2007-08 district budget until a special meeting scheduled for Nov. 1. Finalizing the budget is difficult due to the delayed state budget said Supt. Helland. "We have come up with three budget scenarios," he said, "the original budget which was due July 1, a budget without $71,500 in swimming pool repairs, and a budget with $71,500 in swimming pool repairs."

The repairs to the swimming pool were approved by the board after last year's budget was approved. Public donations now total $32,158 said Helland and the expenditures totaled $103,680 leaving a difference of $71,500.

District bookkeeper Pam Rose explained that pool expenditures come out of the community fund (Fund 80). Since the pool expenses were unknown at the time and not budgeted for, Fund 80 finished the year in the red.

Rose said that according to the Department of Public Instruction, funds from the general fund (Fund 10) cannot be transferred to Fund 80 to balance it, the district must levy for the dollars.

Complicating matters, the district has received approximately $283,000 from the Village of Baldwin from excess funds remaining from closed TIF accounts. The money was put in Fund 10 in the building and grounds and technology accounts, and those accounts can be changed said Supt. Helland.

"It's taxpayer money, why don't we just reduce the levy?" suggested board member John Hinz.

Board member Tom Schumacher said he would prefer to keep the options open for the time being. "I would like to wait and see what comes up. Maybe we could do something we thought we never could," he said. "I don't think we should use it for ongoing expenses that we levy for every year. Let's think about it."

"I think we should use the money to offset debt instead of finding a way to spend it," commented board member Todd Graf.

In the end, the board tabled setting the levy and adopting the budget because they are awaiting the state budget which iss in the process of being finalized. A special meeting to adopt the 2007-08 budget and tax levy is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m.

In other business, the board approved the teachers' contract for 2007-09. The total package increase is 4.3% the first year and 4.7% the second year and the union agreed to pay an additional 1% of the health care in the second year. Board member Mike Bondarenko complimented all those involved in the contract negotiations. "Everyone came to the table ready to work together. Thanks to all," he said.

Pupil Services Director Patti Phillipps announced the recent receipt of two grants for the district. Guidance counselor Robin Pagels wrote an Ann Marie Grant and received $735 which will be used for the Festival of Nations at the High School and the Knights of Columbus presented the district with $845 to be used for students with disabilities.

Labecki announced Bus Safety Week Oct. 22 through 26, and recognized all the bus drivers for the district.

Cody Olson Benefit is Thursday

Prior to Thursday's B-W football game, a benefit for Cody Olson will be held at B-W High School from 4 until 7 featuring a dinner and silent auction with many items donated by local merchants.

Cody is a 17 year old senior at B-W and the son of Roger and Jody Olson. He has a brother Tyler who is a junior at B-W.

In April Cody had a mole under his arm that turned out to be melanoma. It was removed along with lymph glands. Later another melanoma was removed from his forehead.

According to Cody's mother, the family has health insurance but has incurred additional expenses relating to Cody's treatment.

The treatment in addition to surgery has included some IV treatment in August at Region's Medical Center one day a week and at Baldwin Medical Center for four days a week. At present Cody has had self injections at home for three nights a week which will last through next July.

Cody is a former cross country runner on the B-W team and is an avid hunter and fisherman.

The benefit has been planned by members of a committee from Cody's church, Gethsemane Lutheran.

B-W Marching Blackhawks at Whitewater Saturday

Head drum major Karen Warner, center, and assistant drum majors Brittany Hetfeld, left, and Jason LaFavor, were presented with the first place trophy in Class A competition at the Chippewa Falls Marching Cardinals "Music Along the Chippewa" marching band field show Saturday evening.

The Baldwin-Woodville Marching Blackhawks will conclude a successful season of marching competition on Saturday at UW-Whitewater at the Wisconsin State Music Association's Marching Band Championships.

This is the fifth year B-W has participated in marching band competition, including the second under the direction of Adam Bassak.

The B-W band will perform at 1:15 on Saturday, October 20 in Class A competition. There are a total of 36 bands that will perform at UW-Whitewater, including seven in Class A.

B-W's program is "The Rise and Fall of Rome," an original marching band composition by Key Poulan. They have performed the piece in several previous competitions and at halftime of B-W football games. This Thursday evening, weather permitting, the band will perform the entire piece at halftime at the B-W/Somerset football game.

The State Marching Band competition at UW-Whitewater will be divided into four classes. Last year more than 8,000 people attended.

In addition to the high school bands performing at the competition, the UW-Whitewater Marching Band will perform two times-before intermission and at 10:00 p.m.

At Whitewater, as at other marching band competitions, each band has 15 minutes to set up, perform and take down. At Whitewater the bands are judged by a panel of nine judges, who evaluate each band in five areas: music performance; marching ability; general effect and audience appeal; percussion; and color guard.

Tickets for the competition at Whitewater are $11 for adults; and $6 for seniors and school children ages 6-17.

The B-W Band will leave Friday evening for southeastern Wisconsin and will return Sunday, staying two nights in an area high school.

The B-W Marching Blackhawks placed first in Class A on Saturday at the Chippewa Falls High School's competition "Music over the Chippewa."

Their point total was 65.8. They also received awards for top color guard and top percussion.

In previous competitions the Blackhawk performers have also done well. On Saturday, September 29 at Irondale High School in New Brighton, Minn. the Blackhawks marched to a second place finish. On Saturday, October 6 at DC Everest High School the Blackhawks received first place and won caption awards for top color guard, percussion, music and visual. On Sunday, October 7 the B-W Band was first with top color guard and top percussion.