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 The court then entered a guilty plea for the traffic violation and his license was revoked.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.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
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.
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.
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.
Referendum information sessions set
When the referendum asking Baldwin-Woodville School District electors is held on Tuesday, June 3, members of the B-W Board of Education, a newly formed School Public Relations Committee and Superintendent Rusty Helland want voters to have as much information about the two questions as possible-the why, where, how and how much it will cost.
Toward that end, the newly formed committee-made up largely of members of the committee who studied school facilities needs and recommended that a new "intermediate" school be built on existing school property in Baldwin-are making themselves available to answer questions from the public and have planned a public information campaign.
As part of the public information campaign four public information meetings have been scheduled for different days of the week in order to accommodate as large an audience as possible. The dates and places of the meetings are:
-Monday, May 5 at the Viking Middle School gym in Woodville;
-Tuesday, May 13 at the Greenfield Elementary School gym in Baldwin;
-Wednesday, May 21 at the Viking Middle School gym in Woodville; and
-Thursday, May 29 at the Baldwin-Woodville High School Performing Arts Center.
All of the public information meetings will begin at 7:00 p.m.
In addition to holding informational meetings, members of the committee have divided into sub-committees. The "hard copy" committee will be producing flyers or brochures that will be available to district residents; the "electronic" committee plans to produce a web site and use
the B-W TV station, channel 18 on Baldwin Telecom cable, to present information about the referendum.
Also, said Superintendent Helland, all members of the "New School Public Relations Committee," including himself, have agreed to make themselves available to voters who have questions regarding the referendum questions.
Helland emphasized that the process that led to the referendum questions has been in the works for more than two years. Starting in 2006 a population study of the district was done by a company hired for that purpose and the B-W Board's long-range committee had discussed facility needs. A committee of district residents was formed to study facility needs, they met several times over a period of months, and their recommendations were presented last November.
Those recommendations, which were forwarded to the B-W Board which is expected to submit them to referendum on Monday night, March 17, calls for a new 90,000 square foot "intermediate" school to be built somewhere near present Greenfield (perhaps north or west of Greenfield) and some remodeling of Greenfield Elementary. It would house grades three through five. The cost of the new school is estimated at $16,494,500. The cost of Greenfield remodeling is estimated at $324,600. A separate question on the referendum is whether a new indoor swimming pool at a cost of approximately $3,500,000 should be built. If the pool and an intermediate school are approved, the pool would likely be attached to the intermediate school
since building a pool as part of a building project would be cheaper than adding it to an existing building, said Helland.
In upcoming informational pieces, district enrollment trends and projections will be presented and the effect of the referendum and bond issuance wo uld have on property taxes will be detailed.
Members of the committee who have agreed to be available to the public to answer questions regarding the referendum questions are: Jackie Benson, Jane Erickson, Beth Meyers, Denise Monicken, Dennis Paquette, Ken Peterson, Ken Rundhaug, Amy Wicker, Todd Graf, Dustin Klanderman, Tom Schumacher, Mike Timm, John Huenink - Construction manager with Kraus-Anderson, Brad Simonson - Architect with HSR Associates, Steve Apfelbacher - of Ehlers and Associates, the district's financial advisor, and Helland.
Toward that end, the newly formed committee-made up largely of members of the committee who studied school facilities needs and recommended that a new "intermediate" school be built on existing school property in Baldwin-are making themselves available to answer questions from the public and have planned a public information campaign.
As part of the public information campaign four public information meetings have been scheduled for different days of the week in order to accommodate as large an audience as possible. The dates and places of the meetings are:
-Monday, May 5 at the Viking Middle School gym in Woodville;
-Tuesday, May 13 at the Greenfield Elementary School gym in Baldwin;
-Wednesday, May 21 at the Viking Middle School gym in Woodville; and
-Thursday, May 29 at the Baldwin-Woodville High School Performing Arts Center.
All of the public information meetings will begin at 7:00 p.m.
In addition to holding informational meetings, members of the committee have divided into sub-committees. The "hard copy" committee will be producing flyers or brochures that will be available to district residents; the "electronic" committee plans to produce a web site and use
the B-W TV station, channel 18 on Baldwin Telecom cable, to present information about the referendum.
Also, said Superintendent Helland, all members of the "New School Public Relations Committee," including himself, have agreed to make themselves available to voters who have questions regarding the referendum questions.
Helland emphasized that the process that led to the referendum questions has been in the works for more than two years. Starting in 2006 a population study of the district was done by a company hired for that purpose and the B-W Board's long-range committee had discussed facility needs. A committee of district residents was formed to study facility needs, they met several times over a period of months, and their recommendations were presented last November.
Those recommendations, which were forwarded to the B-W Board which is expected to submit them to referendum on Monday night, March 17, calls for a new 90,000 square foot "intermediate" school to be built somewhere near present Greenfield (perhaps north or west of Greenfield) and some remodeling of Greenfield Elementary. It would house grades three through five. The cost of the new school is estimated at $16,494,500. The cost of Greenfield remodeling is estimated at $324,600. A separate question on the referendum is whether a new indoor swimming pool at a cost of approximately $3,500,000 should be built. If the pool and an intermediate school are approved, the pool would likely be attached to the intermediate school
since building a pool as part of a building project would be cheaper than adding it to an existing building, said Helland.
In upcoming informational pieces, district enrollment trends and projections will be presented and the effect of the referendum and bond issuance wo uld have on property taxes will be detailed.
Members of the committee who have agreed to be available to the public to answer questions regarding the referendum questions are: Jackie Benson, Jane Erickson, Beth Meyers, Denise Monicken, Dennis Paquette, Ken Peterson, Ken Rundhaug, Amy Wicker, Todd Graf, Dustin Klanderman, Tom Schumacher, Mike Timm, John Huenink - Construction manager with Kraus-Anderson, Brad Simonson - Architect with HSR Associates, Steve Apfelbacher - of Ehlers and Associates, the district's financial advisor, and Helland.
Referendum motions approved by school board
The Baldwin-Woodville Board of Education took the first formal steps in the building referendum process at the regular meeting Monday night. At last month's meeting, the board agreed upon June 3, 2008 for the date of the referendum; now two initial resolutions authorizing general obligation bonds and a resolution approving the form of notices and the official referendum ballot have been approved as required by law.
The two bond resolutions, one for a new intermediate school not to exceed $16,775,000, and another for an indoor swimming pool not to exceed $3,500,000 carried on a six to one vote. Voting yes were board members Mike Bondarenko, Todd Graf, Dustin Klanderman, Deb Rasmussen, Tom Schumacher and Jeff Campbell. Voting no was John Hinz.
The resolution approving the form of referendum notices and official referendum ballot was approved unanimously.
In discussion prior to the vote, Hinz asked if the increased borrowing affects the percentage of the school district's state aid, which is currently 68 percent. District financial advisor Steve Apfelbacher of Ehlers and Associates explained that there are no guarantees of state aid percentages from year to year regardless of debt. Each year the state figures state aid based upon all districts in the state. For the purposes of this project, Apfelbacher said he figured 63 percent state aid.
"What if the district's valuation goes down?" asked district resident Ken Rundhaug. "How does that affect our state aid?"
Apfelbacher said that's one of numerous variables that can affect a district's state aid percentage, either up or down. He said Ehlers and Associates bases their estimates on past and present information and past experience.
Rundhaug also suggested that school districts could re-align to spread students out to prevent over-crowding.
Superintendent Rusty Helland informed the board the new School Public Relations Committee met last week and the turnout was good. He said the group divided into two subcommittees: the hard copy committee and the electronic committee. Both will work to get referendum information out to the public. Helland said that four public informational meetings have also been scheduled. (Please see related story on this page.)
Sixth grade teaching team members Jarod Dachel, DeAnn Ashlin and Scott Benoy delivered a presentation to the board regarding gender specific classes. According to the team, having gender specific classes allows teachers to structure classes differently for boys and girls. Research has shown improved achievement at this age level in gender specific classes, Dachel said.
Benoy visited gender specific classes in Somerset, and met with teachers and students there. Although it's too early to measure the results with hard data, the staff and students were pleased with the situation there, he said.
The district's WCKE test results have shown statistically significant gender differences in academic achievement at the middle school and the team hopes to improve this through gender specific classes.
"We all know that boys and girls are different," said Benoy. "With these classes, the curriculum content stays the same, the way it is presented is different," he said.
The team said that research shows that grades four, five and six are the optimal time for gender specific classes.
Enrollment in gender specific classes will be voluntary, and the number of sections will depend upon how many students sign up this spring, according to the team.
A motion to approve open enrollment applications for the 2008-09 school year with one exception passed with a six to one vote. Voting yes were Bondarenko, Graf, Klanderman, Rasmussen, Schumacher and Campbell. Voting no was Hinz.
"Why are we accepting open enrollment students when we are crowded already?" asked Hinz.
"I look at it as a positive thing if students want to go to school here," responded Helland. "We would rather have increasing enrollment than declining and have to be cutting programs, like many districts around the state," he added.
The net number of open enrollment students is 20, according to Helland.
Following a closed session, the board approved re-admitting a student who had been expelled. The student has fulfilled the board's requirements for re-admittance. The student will be re-admitted April 1, the first day of the fourth quarter, said Helland.
The two bond resolutions, one for a new intermediate school not to exceed $16,775,000, and another for an indoor swimming pool not to exceed $3,500,000 carried on a six to one vote. Voting yes were board members Mike Bondarenko, Todd Graf, Dustin Klanderman, Deb Rasmussen, Tom Schumacher and Jeff Campbell. Voting no was John Hinz.
The resolution approving the form of referendum notices and official referendum ballot was approved unanimously.
In discussion prior to the vote, Hinz asked if the increased borrowing affects the percentage of the school district's state aid, which is currently 68 percent. District financial advisor Steve Apfelbacher of Ehlers and Associates explained that there are no guarantees of state aid percentages from year to year regardless of debt. Each year the state figures state aid based upon all districts in the state. For the purposes of this project, Apfelbacher said he figured 63 percent state aid.
"What if the district's valuation goes down?" asked district resident Ken Rundhaug. "How does that affect our state aid?"
Apfelbacher said that's one of numerous variables that can affect a district's state aid percentage, either up or down. He said Ehlers and Associates bases their estimates on past and present information and past experience.
Rundhaug also suggested that school districts could re-align to spread students out to prevent over-crowding.
Superintendent Rusty Helland informed the board the new School Public Relations Committee met last week and the turnout was good. He said the group divided into two subcommittees: the hard copy committee and the electronic committee. Both will work to get referendum information out to the public. Helland said that four public informational meetings have also been scheduled. (Please see related story on this page.)
Sixth grade teaching team members Jarod Dachel, DeAnn Ashlin and Scott Benoy delivered a presentation to the board regarding gender specific classes. According to the team, having gender specific classes allows teachers to structure classes differently for boys and girls. Research has shown improved achievement at this age level in gender specific classes, Dachel said.
Benoy visited gender specific classes in Somerset, and met with teachers and students there. Although it's too early to measure the results with hard data, the staff and students were pleased with the situation there, he said.
The district's WCKE test results have shown statistically significant gender differences in academic achievement at the middle school and the team hopes to improve this through gender specific classes.
"We all know that boys and girls are different," said Benoy. "With these classes, the curriculum content stays the same, the way it is presented is different," he said.
The team said that research shows that grades four, five and six are the optimal time for gender specific classes.
Enrollment in gender specific classes will be voluntary, and the number of sections will depend upon how many students sign up this spring, according to the team.
A motion to approve open enrollment applications for the 2008-09 school year with one exception passed with a six to one vote. Voting yes were Bondarenko, Graf, Klanderman, Rasmussen, Schumacher and Campbell. Voting no was Hinz.
"Why are we accepting open enrollment students when we are crowded already?" asked Hinz.
"I look at it as a positive thing if students want to go to school here," responded Helland. "We would rather have increasing enrollment than declining and have to be cutting programs, like many districts around the state," he added.
The net number of open enrollment students is 20, according to Helland.
Following a closed session, the board approved re-admitting a student who had been expelled. The student has fulfilled the board's requirements for re-admittance. The student will be re-admitted April 1, the first day of the fourth quarter, said Helland.
Fitting tribute at final farwell
Bantam and varisty players of the Blackhawk Hockey Association paid a fitting tribute to Rose Schultz last Saturday at the conclusion of her funeral at Immaculate Conception Church in Hammond. The team members formed a canopy with their sticks during the recessional from the church and saluted with three raps on the ground. Rose, along with her husband Russ, has been a supporter of amateur hockey in the area since the inception of Blackhawk Hockey.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Primary election moves Gherty and Cameron on
Mark J. Gherty with 4,593 votes and Howard Cameron with 3,077 votes were the top vote-getters in last Tuesday's primary election. Those two will move on to the general election in April.
Other candidates for the new judicial position for St. Croix County, and their vote totals, were: Carol L. Law 2,395; Charles B. Harris 2,107; and Ken Sortedahl 1,502. There were 45 write-in votes.
In the presidential preference primary, St. Croix County mirrored Wisconsin as a whole. On the Democratic side, Barak Obama received 5,467 votes in the county to top Hillary Clinton's 4,930 votes. Other candidates who have withdrawn from the race received a scattering of votes. On the Republican side, John McCain was the winner with 2,459 votes while Mike Huckabee was second with 1,597. Ron Paul received 381 votes and other candidates no longer in the running received a scattering of votes.
Other candidates for the new judicial position for St. Croix County, and their vote totals, were: Carol L. Law 2,395; Charles B. Harris 2,107; and Ken Sortedahl 1,502. There were 45 write-in votes.
In the presidential preference primary, St. Croix County mirrored Wisconsin as a whole. On the Democratic side, Barak Obama received 5,467 votes in the county to top Hillary Clinton's 4,930 votes. Other candidates who have withdrawn from the race received a scattering of votes. On the Republican side, John McCain was the winner with 2,459 votes while Mike Huckabee was second with 1,597. Ron Paul received 381 votes and other candidates no longer in the running received a scattering of votes.
Man shot by sheriff's deputy after threat
A standoff in the Town of Hammond late Saturday night with an allegedly suicidal man has left the man dead.
According to a news release from St. Croix County Sheriff Dennis Hillstead, at approximately 11:02 p.m. on Saturday, the Sheriff's Office was notified of a 9-1-1 call stating that Jacob Lee Sperl, 22, of 1848 60th Avenue in the Town of Hammond had made suicidal threats and was armed with a shotgun.
The caller said that in phone contact with Jacob, Jacob had indicated he had shells for the shotgun and was going to take his own life and "if the cops come up the driveway it will be too late."
The caller also said that Jacob's parents were in the residence and Jacob was outside the home.
At 11:16 p.m. St. Croix County Sheriff's Deputies arrived at the scene and parked on the road. The Deputies approached the residence on foot and as they were crossing the yard from the west, an unknown vehicle pulled into the driveway and stopped in front of the home. Two individuals got out of the vehicle and made contact with Jacob who was on the east side of the
residence's attached garage.
The two deputies continued to approach Jacob and the other two individuals. Jacob moved quickly away from the other two people and then reached down and picked up a shotgun laying on the ground.
A deputy yelled that "he has a gun," then ordered Jacob several times to put the gun down.
Jacob ignored the verbal commands, raised the shotgun and pointed it at one of the deputies. At that time both deputies discharged their weapons at Jacob, striking him.
Emergency medical personnel arrived at the scene and determined that Jacob was dead.
A examination of the shotgun determined that there was one round in the chamber. Nineteen additional shotgun rounds were found on Jacob's person.
Both the Sheriff's Deputies have been placed on administrative leave in accordance with Department policy, said the release from Sheriff Hillstead. The release said the incident remains under investigation by the Pierce County Sheriff's Department and the St. Croix County Sheriff's
Department.
According to a news release from St. Croix County Sheriff Dennis Hillstead, at approximately 11:02 p.m. on Saturday, the Sheriff's Office was notified of a 9-1-1 call stating that Jacob Lee Sperl, 22, of 1848 60th Avenue in the Town of Hammond had made suicidal threats and was armed with a shotgun.
The caller said that in phone contact with Jacob, Jacob had indicated he had shells for the shotgun and was going to take his own life and "if the cops come up the driveway it will be too late."
The caller also said that Jacob's parents were in the residence and Jacob was outside the home.
At 11:16 p.m. St. Croix County Sheriff's Deputies arrived at the scene and parked on the road. The Deputies approached the residence on foot and as they were crossing the yard from the west, an unknown vehicle pulled into the driveway and stopped in front of the home. Two individuals got out of the vehicle and made contact with Jacob who was on the east side of the
residence's attached garage.
The two deputies continued to approach Jacob and the other two individuals. Jacob moved quickly away from the other two people and then reached down and picked up a shotgun laying on the ground.
A deputy yelled that "he has a gun," then ordered Jacob several times to put the gun down.
Jacob ignored the verbal commands, raised the shotgun and pointed it at one of the deputies. At that time both deputies discharged their weapons at Jacob, striking him.
Emergency medical personnel arrived at the scene and determined that Jacob was dead.
A examination of the shotgun determined that there was one round in the chamber. Nineteen additional shotgun rounds were found on Jacob's person.
Both the Sheriff's Deputies have been placed on administrative leave in accordance with Department policy, said the release from Sheriff Hillstead. The release said the incident remains under investigation by the Pierce County Sheriff's Department and the St. Croix County Sheriff's
Department.
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."
Chamber Annual meeting held Monday
Outgoing Baldwin Area Chamber of Commerce President Allene Eggen, left, and incoming President Sonya Jansma participated in the traditional "passing of the wooden shoes" ritual at the Chamber's annual meeting held Monday evening, February 25 at Kilkarney Hills Golf Club.
Fire destroys barn, 40 head of stock in sub-zero cold
Billowing clouds of smoke combined with steam emanated from a barn fire east of Baldwin last Wednesday morning at the Mike Haller farm. Firefighters fought the fire and then remained on the scene for cleanup well into the evening hours.Mike Haller, engaged in the terrible work of removing animal carcasses Monday morning, took a brief time out to talk about his plans for the future. He mentioned beef or raising heifers as possibilities.
Whatever the future holds for Haller, it won't be dairying, he said. "The dairy industry is too tough for the small farmer," he said.
United Fire and Rescue and other emergency agencies were called to the Haller farm with the barn on fire about 5:50 Wednesday morning when the temperature hovered between -15° and -20° F. The farm is about two miles east of Baldwin on 230th Street.
Mike has spent his whole life on that farm and in 2001 he bought it from his grandfather, Galen Anderson. His grandparents still live with him on the farm.
The fire appears to have started in a light switch, Mike said he was told by an insurance adjuster. The adjuster said the barn is a total loss because even though the lower part of it is intact, water that has gotten into the cement blocks will freeze and crack and make it unusable.
Lost with the barn were close to 40 head of cows and calves, Mike said. He said he still has two dry cows and heifers that weren't inside the barn. Also lost in the fire were 800 bales of hay, 1,000 bales of straw and chopped straw.
The barn was metal sheathed, said Mike, and that metal probably is the reason that a close-by shed and a feed bin weren't also destroyed by the heat of the fire, although a beam did fall on an auger and damage that.
Baldwin Station Chief of United Fire and Rescue Gary Newton said there were apparently three injuries suffered by firefighters, although hopefully none will prove to be serious or permanent. One injury was to a knee, another to a back and a third firefighter suffered frostbite to his
face.
A total of about 185,000 gallons of water was poured on the fire and one of the firetrucks suffered a frozen line during the fight against the fire. Also responding to a mutual aid call were Roberts-Warren and Spring Valley.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Board hears of ball field usage
The Baldwin Village Board held an extensive discussion regarding use of the village's ball field at Mill Pond Park. There are, sometimes, conflicting claims for use of the four fields with the various groups that use them, including summer recreation, traveling leagues, adult leagues and B-W High School baseball and softball teams. This is the first year of spring baseball for B-W HS.
The uses are still being sorted out but eventually scheduling of the fields will be the responsibility of Summer Recreation Director Jarod Dachel after priorities have been established, said Village Administrator Cindy Deringer.
In other action at the meeting:
-The board approved a modification to the village's subdivision ordinance raising the fee to developers to $150 from $50 in lieu of each tree a developer is required to plant in a subdivision. A brief hearing was held prior to the amendment to the ordinance and no one was present to comment. Village engineer Mike Stoffel explained that the increase is merely a reflection of the cost of trees.
-Don Somsen presented the annual report of Baldwin Hospital (Baldwin Area Medical Center) and following that the village board approved a resolution calling for the prepayment and redemption of the outstanding $1,770,000 taxable hospital mortgage revenue bond that was issued in 1998. The funds are available to the Hospital, Somsen said, and prepayment will
save the hospital over $19,000 a month in payments.
Hospital Administrator Greg Burns said "by paying it off earlier we'll save significant interest and improve our overall financial position."
On a roll call vote, all trustees and President McGee voted yes.
-The board approved installation of two flashing pedestrian cross walk beacons in the village. They will both be on USH 63 (Tenth Avenue), one at Oak Street and the other at Curtis Street. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation will do the work as part of the upcoming 63 upgrade work and the village will reimburse the approximate $15,000 cost to the DOT.
-The board was informed that Stephanie Zacharias has withdrawn her
request for a Class A Beer and Class A Liquor License.
The uses are still being sorted out but eventually scheduling of the fields will be the responsibility of Summer Recreation Director Jarod Dachel after priorities have been established, said Village Administrator Cindy Deringer.
In other action at the meeting:
-The board approved a modification to the village's subdivision ordinance raising the fee to developers to $150 from $50 in lieu of each tree a developer is required to plant in a subdivision. A brief hearing was held prior to the amendment to the ordinance and no one was present to comment. Village engineer Mike Stoffel explained that the increase is merely a reflection of the cost of trees.
-Don Somsen presented the annual report of Baldwin Hospital (Baldwin Area Medical Center) and following that the village board approved a resolution calling for the prepayment and redemption of the outstanding $1,770,000 taxable hospital mortgage revenue bond that was issued in 1998. The funds are available to the Hospital, Somsen said, and prepayment will
save the hospital over $19,000 a month in payments.
Hospital Administrator Greg Burns said "by paying it off earlier we'll save significant interest and improve our overall financial position."
On a roll call vote, all trustees and President McGee voted yes.
-The board approved installation of two flashing pedestrian cross walk beacons in the village. They will both be on USH 63 (Tenth Avenue), one at Oak Street and the other at Curtis Street. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation will do the work as part of the upcoming 63 upgrade work and the village will reimburse the approximate $15,000 cost to the DOT.
-The board was informed that Stephanie Zacharias has withdrawn her
request for a Class A Beer and Class A Liquor License.
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.
President's Day supper held
None other than the founder of our country himself, George Washington, and "Honest Abe" Abraham Lincoln were present at the Presidents' Day Patriotic Supper and Party held Saturday at the Baldwin American Legion hall.
Zac Weyer qualifies for State
Zac Weyer used an arm bar to gain back points on Jeremy Stenulson of Neillsville in the opening round of the Somerset Sectional. Weyer won an 8-4 decision and finished in third place at 130 pounds.Freshman Zac Weyer was the only wrestler from Baldwin-Woodville to qualify for the WIAA state individual tournament this year. Weyer finished in third place at 130 pounds last Saturday in the Somerset Sectional.
"Zac wrestled very well at times," Coach Jason Cimino commented. "I think he could have had a better showing in his two losses. He did beat two seniors."
Weyer opened the day with an 8-4 decision over Jeremy Stenulson of Neillsville, but was pinned by Derek Marten of Mondovi in the semifinal. In the consolation bracket Weyer pinned Bob Tahtinen of Northwestern and decisioned Mathew Hartmann of Durand 6-5 in the third place match.
Weyer had a chance to improve his finish to second when Marten won the 130 pound championship, but lost by pin to Zach Zehner of Tomahawk.
Spencer Corey, a junior, also won his first match with a pin over Jared Vroman of Barron at 189 pounds. But he lost an 8-2 decision to John Schoen (Neillsville) and a 4-1 decision to Frank Dobbs (Melrose-Mindoro/G.E.T.) to finish fourth. The top three finishers at sectional advance to the state tournament.
Junior Tyler Klund lost to Kaleb Stephens of Barron 3-0 and Chace Kinneman of Ellsworth 9-0 to be eliminated at 119 pounds.
Junior Hunter Campbell (160) and sophomore T.J. Lund (215) both lost in the opening round and did not get a chance for a wrestle back.
"If Hunter was healthy, I think he would have had a good shot at making it through," Cimino commented. "He beat one of the kids (that advanced) during the regular season before his injury.
"I look for all our sectional qualifiers to only get better. Spencer wrestled two of his best matches in his two losses."
Among the most improved wrestlers this season, Cimino named Lund, Dan Peterson and Matt Bonte.
Jason LaFavor, who had qualified for the sectional at 130 pounds, was unable to compete because of a virus.
"It was unfortunate, especially with Jason being a senior, but the rules are strict," Cimino said.
Weyer will face Ryan Baugnet, a senior from Denmark with a record of 37-8 in the preliminaries on Thursday night at the Kohl Center in Madison. Weyer brings a record of 33-7 to the state tournament.
"I don't know about the kid, but looking at his record, I would think Zac can compete with him," Cimino concluded. "The important thing is to get by that first match."
School board sets referendum date Swimming pool question to be posed
The Baldwin-Woodville Board of Education voted to schedule a building referendum for June 3, 2008 at the regular monthly meeting Monday evening. The referendum will have two questions, one for building a new intermediate school costing approximately $16.5 million, and the other for building an indoor swimming pool costing approximately $3.5 million.
The timing of the referendum was the subject of much discussion during the meeting. Board member John Hinz favored waiting until the general election in November for high voter turnout, but others expressed concern that waiting until that time would delay the project another construction season, causing inflation to increase the cost of the projects.
John Huenink of Kraus-Anderson Construction Company said construction costs increase an average of five percent a year, depending upon fuel costs, wage increases and materials. "Once a referendum is passed, the design team needs at least ten months to do the drawings," Huenink said. The bidding follows the design stage and Huenink said winter bidding is typically the most favorable time. "If the referendum is in June the bidding could be next February which is a good time," he said. Then construction could start during warmer weather, which saves on fuel
for heating, he added.
"Given the current space needs of the district, I think we need to have the referendum in June before school lets out," commented board member Deb Rasmussen.
Board member Tom Schumacher expressed concern that if the vote is scheduled for November and passes, construction wouldn't get started until 2010.
"If we do our job and get the information out to the public, people will get out and vote," added board member Todd Graf.
Superintendent Rusty Helland said the district needs facilities right now for present students. "It will be important to get the information out so the public would understand how inflation would affect the project," he said.
Hinz asked the district's financial advisor Steve Apfelbacher how the state's financial condition would affect B-W. Apfelbacher said the district is independent from the state as a far as acquiring debt.
Baldwin-Woodville has an excellent bond rating, Apfelbacher said, which is beneficial when negotiating interest rates.
"In terms of interest rates, rates are very competitive right now," Apfelbacher added.
Supt. Helland informed the board that the last special election held in December, 2000 cost $11,000. A regular election costs between $2,000 and $3,000 he said.
The board voted five to one to set the referendum date for June 3, 2008. Voting yes: Graf, Klanderman, Rasmussen, Schumacher, and Campbell. Voting no: Hinz. Board member Mike Bondarenko was absent.
A committee was established to get the information out to voters. Board members Graf, Rasmussen and Dustin Klanderman volunteered to serve on the committee. Supt. Helland said he has the names of several other volunteers from the public. The first meeting of the committee is scheduled for March 10 at 7:00 p.m.
During the open forum, district resident Larry Spoo asked the board if the purpose of the committee is to promote the referendum or to look at the pros and cons of the project.
"I think the purpose is to promote the project by getting the information out," answered board president Jeff Campbell.
"What is the plan if the enrollment goes down?" asked Spoo. "The committee needs to look at both sides," he said.
"Our job is to gather the information as it exists," said Schumacher, "and present it to the public for them to decide."
"The people's questions will be answered," added Campbell.
A motion to rescind a letter of intent to retire from Sandee Blakeley failed on a tie vote. Prior to the motion, Graf asked if her position had been advertised yet. Supt. Helland said no, the deadline for retirement notices is the end of February and the positions are then posted
in March.
After the motion there was no discussion. Voting yes: Graf, Rasmussen, and Campbell. Voting no: Hinz, Klanderman, and Schumacher. Absent: Bondarenko.
During the administrative reports, Supt. Helland thanked Baldwin Telecom for their assistance in setting up the B-W television station, channel 18. Baldwin Telecom Manager Larry Knegendorf will be presenting the district with another donation for the station this Friday at the High School, said Helland.
Director of Pupil Services Patti Phillipps commended Elementary School Counselor Carol Lebo for her work with the Department of Public Instruction on the Wisconsin Comprehensive School Counseling Model. The publication is a new resource and planning guide for school counselors.
Supt. Helland thanked Phillipps and district special education staff for their work completing exit surveys of all graduating students with IEPs (Individual Educational Plans). The surveys found that 100 percent of the students were involved in post-secondary education and/or employment one year out of school.
Viking Middle School Principal Hank Dupuis informed the board the First Bank of Baldwin recently donated $1,000 for the middle school after school study hall program.
Helland reported the second Friday enrollment figures from January 11, 2008 total 1515 students, up 26 over last year's figure of 1489.
The timing of the referendum was the subject of much discussion during the meeting. Board member John Hinz favored waiting until the general election in November for high voter turnout, but others expressed concern that waiting until that time would delay the project another construction season, causing inflation to increase the cost of the projects.
John Huenink of Kraus-Anderson Construction Company said construction costs increase an average of five percent a year, depending upon fuel costs, wage increases and materials. "Once a referendum is passed, the design team needs at least ten months to do the drawings," Huenink said. The bidding follows the design stage and Huenink said winter bidding is typically the most favorable time. "If the referendum is in June the bidding could be next February which is a good time," he said. Then construction could start during warmer weather, which saves on fuel
for heating, he added.
"Given the current space needs of the district, I think we need to have the referendum in June before school lets out," commented board member Deb Rasmussen.
Board member Tom Schumacher expressed concern that if the vote is scheduled for November and passes, construction wouldn't get started until 2010.
"If we do our job and get the information out to the public, people will get out and vote," added board member Todd Graf.
Superintendent Rusty Helland said the district needs facilities right now for present students. "It will be important to get the information out so the public would understand how inflation would affect the project," he said.
Hinz asked the district's financial advisor Steve Apfelbacher how the state's financial condition would affect B-W. Apfelbacher said the district is independent from the state as a far as acquiring debt.
Baldwin-Woodville has an excellent bond rating, Apfelbacher said, which is beneficial when negotiating interest rates.
"In terms of interest rates, rates are very competitive right now," Apfelbacher added.
Supt. Helland informed the board that the last special election held in December, 2000 cost $11,000. A regular election costs between $2,000 and $3,000 he said.
The board voted five to one to set the referendum date for June 3, 2008. Voting yes: Graf, Klanderman, Rasmussen, Schumacher, and Campbell. Voting no: Hinz. Board member Mike Bondarenko was absent.
A committee was established to get the information out to voters. Board members Graf, Rasmussen and Dustin Klanderman volunteered to serve on the committee. Supt. Helland said he has the names of several other volunteers from the public. The first meeting of the committee is scheduled for March 10 at 7:00 p.m.
During the open forum, district resident Larry Spoo asked the board if the purpose of the committee is to promote the referendum or to look at the pros and cons of the project.
"I think the purpose is to promote the project by getting the information out," answered board president Jeff Campbell.
"What is the plan if the enrollment goes down?" asked Spoo. "The committee needs to look at both sides," he said.
"Our job is to gather the information as it exists," said Schumacher, "and present it to the public for them to decide."
"The people's questions will be answered," added Campbell.
A motion to rescind a letter of intent to retire from Sandee Blakeley failed on a tie vote. Prior to the motion, Graf asked if her position had been advertised yet. Supt. Helland said no, the deadline for retirement notices is the end of February and the positions are then posted
in March.
After the motion there was no discussion. Voting yes: Graf, Rasmussen, and Campbell. Voting no: Hinz, Klanderman, and Schumacher. Absent: Bondarenko.
During the administrative reports, Supt. Helland thanked Baldwin Telecom for their assistance in setting up the B-W television station, channel 18. Baldwin Telecom Manager Larry Knegendorf will be presenting the district with another donation for the station this Friday at the High School, said Helland.
Director of Pupil Services Patti Phillipps commended Elementary School Counselor Carol Lebo for her work with the Department of Public Instruction on the Wisconsin Comprehensive School Counseling Model. The publication is a new resource and planning guide for school counselors.
Supt. Helland thanked Phillipps and district special education staff for their work completing exit surveys of all graduating students with IEPs (Individual Educational Plans). The surveys found that 100 percent of the students were involved in post-secondary education and/or employment one year out of school.
Viking Middle School Principal Hank Dupuis informed the board the First Bank of Baldwin recently donated $1,000 for the middle school after school study hall program.
Helland reported the second Friday enrollment figures from January 11, 2008 total 1515 students, up 26 over last year's figure of 1489.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Tasha Schuh Will Speak at CRC Youth Meeting
Tasha Schuh is a Christian motivational speaker who helps other Christians overcome challenges and struggles by giving a relevant message filled with humor and real life stories. Tasha grew up in Ellsworth and was a happy normal teenager. She was involved in sports, music, work and theater.Tasha's life changed dramatically when she was in an accident during a theater practice which left her paralyzed from the chest down. She now is traveling and speaking in the midwest to share her story of overcoming tragedy and living a life of purpose. Her goal is to help people know God more by inspiring, challenging, and encouraging others. She has two bachelors degrees and works part time at her church as the director of services.
Tasha will speak at a meeting of area youth groups on Wednesday, February 20 at 7:00 p.m. at the Christian Reformed Church a mile north of Baldwin on USH 63. A free will offering will be
taken to help pay for her expenses.
Fusion Finish Undefeated Season
The St. Croix Valley Fusion completed regular season play last week with three wins for finish with an undefeated 19-0-1 record.
The Fusion beat New Richmond 4-2 on Monday, Chippewa Falls 3-2 on Tuesday night and the Point-Rapids Red Panthers 5-3 on Saturday. The Fusion also wrapped up the Big Rivers Conference championship with win over Chiipewa Falls on Tuesday.
"It was quite a thrill for all of us to make it the entire year without a loss. We have a great coachable bunch of kids," said Coach Matt Cranston. "(Goalie coach) Ann Rock has done a fantastic job with Devin (Roen). We couldn't have pulled this off without assistant coach Karl Erickson, his hockey knowledge and great coaching. Karl is a student of the game."
It was all on the line to complete the undefeated season on Saturday afternoon against the fifth ranked team from Stevens Point/Wisconsin Rapids.
"We had to do it against a very good team," Cranston commented.
The Fusion got on board at the 6:59 mark when Amanda Robinson tooka pass from Tara Frey and fired a hard on-ice wrist shot from the point into the back of the Red Panther's net. The Red Panthers answered with a goal at the 12:10 mark ending the first period 1-1. Cranston scored four minutes in to the second period from Tanis Klingler. Five minutes later the Red Panthers tied it up again.
The Fusion popped in two goals in the last five minutes of the second period. Myrrhia Kleinbrook from Tara Frey and Frey from Lindquist from a 4-2 lead. Each team scored once in the third period. Nikki Plunkett scored for the Fusion.
The Fusion are the top seed in the region, so they get a bye in the first round. The Fusion will play the winner of Hudson and New Richmond on Tuesday the 19 in River Falls at 5:00 or 7:30 p.m. The winner of that game will play for the sectional championship in New Richmond Saturday, February 23.
The Fusion beat New Richmond 4-2 on Monday, Chippewa Falls 3-2 on Tuesday night and the Point-Rapids Red Panthers 5-3 on Saturday. The Fusion also wrapped up the Big Rivers Conference championship with win over Chiipewa Falls on Tuesday.
"It was quite a thrill for all of us to make it the entire year without a loss. We have a great coachable bunch of kids," said Coach Matt Cranston. "(Goalie coach) Ann Rock has done a fantastic job with Devin (Roen). We couldn't have pulled this off without assistant coach Karl Erickson, his hockey knowledge and great coaching. Karl is a student of the game."
It was all on the line to complete the undefeated season on Saturday afternoon against the fifth ranked team from Stevens Point/Wisconsin Rapids.
"We had to do it against a very good team," Cranston commented.
The Fusion got on board at the 6:59 mark when Amanda Robinson tooka pass from Tara Frey and fired a hard on-ice wrist shot from the point into the back of the Red Panther's net. The Red Panthers answered with a goal at the 12:10 mark ending the first period 1-1. Cranston scored four minutes in to the second period from Tanis Klingler. Five minutes later the Red Panthers tied it up again.
The Fusion popped in two goals in the last five minutes of the second period. Myrrhia Kleinbrook from Tara Frey and Frey from Lindquist from a 4-2 lead. Each team scored once in the third period. Nikki Plunkett scored for the Fusion.
The Fusion are the top seed in the region, so they get a bye in the first round. The Fusion will play the winner of Hudson and New Richmond on Tuesday the 19 in River Falls at 5:00 or 7:30 p.m. The winner of that game will play for the sectional championship in New Richmond Saturday, February 23.
Bus Crash Sends Passengers to Hospitals
It was as medical condition that caused a bus crash on I-94 at about milepost 21 and not a crash that caused medical problems to the driver of the bus on Thursday, February 7, according to emergency personnel at the scene.
According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, a bus that had been traveling eastward crashed into the median of I-94 at 2:18 p.m. on February 7. The bus was operated by Tourcos Northern Tours of Eau Claire.
The driver of the bus was identified as Curtis D. Prindiville, 39 of Eau Claire. He was transported by ambulance to Luther Hospital in Eau Claire for treatment of an undisclosed medial condition.
The State Patrol said there were a total of 49 passengers.
Twenty passengers on the bus complained of sore backs or necks and were transported by ambulance to Baldwin Area Medical Center and other area hospitals for evaluation.
A total of 12 patients were taken to BAMC and all were seen by Dr. Joel Stoeckeler who was the emergency room physician on duty, according to Director of Patient Care Jean Peavey. All the injured came in by ambulance.
"I'm real proud of how well the staff handled the situation," noted Peavey. She said none of the injuries to the bus passengers were serious and all were discharged.
Other patients were taken to New Richmond, River Falls and Eau Claire.
According to Baldwin Station Chief Gary Newton of United Fire and Rescue, the other passengers on the bus who didn't complain of inures were all taken by a Baldwin-Woodville school bus to the Baldwin Municipal Center. They waited there until all the passengers who were taken to hospitals were reunited with them and then a bus took them all back to Eau Claire about 9:00 p.m. where they were able to pick up their luggage from the first bus that was in the accident. Newton said a van from the bus company was dispatched initially to transport those who sought medical treatment from the hospitals to the Municipal Center. It was only when everyone was present at the Municipal Center that the second bus left to make the trip to Eau Claire.
According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, a bus that had been traveling eastward crashed into the median of I-94 at 2:18 p.m. on February 7. The bus was operated by Tourcos Northern Tours of Eau Claire.
The driver of the bus was identified as Curtis D. Prindiville, 39 of Eau Claire. He was transported by ambulance to Luther Hospital in Eau Claire for treatment of an undisclosed medial condition.
The State Patrol said there were a total of 49 passengers.
Twenty passengers on the bus complained of sore backs or necks and were transported by ambulance to Baldwin Area Medical Center and other area hospitals for evaluation.
A total of 12 patients were taken to BAMC and all were seen by Dr. Joel Stoeckeler who was the emergency room physician on duty, according to Director of Patient Care Jean Peavey. All the injured came in by ambulance.
"I'm real proud of how well the staff handled the situation," noted Peavey. She said none of the injuries to the bus passengers were serious and all were discharged.
Other patients were taken to New Richmond, River Falls and Eau Claire.
According to Baldwin Station Chief Gary Newton of United Fire and Rescue, the other passengers on the bus who didn't complain of inures were all taken by a Baldwin-Woodville school bus to the Baldwin Municipal Center. They waited there until all the passengers who were taken to hospitals were reunited with them and then a bus took them all back to Eau Claire about 9:00 p.m. where they were able to pick up their luggage from the first bus that was in the accident. Newton said a van from the bus company was dispatched initially to transport those who sought medical treatment from the hospitals to the Municipal Center. It was only when everyone was present at the Municipal Center that the second bus left to make the trip to Eau Claire.
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.
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