Tyler and Hauschild honored by SBA

Mark Tyler, left, and Jim Hauschild were named 2009 Wisconsin Small Business Persons of the Year Honorable Mention award winners by the Wisconsin SBA.

Craig Faust, President and CEO of HGI Company, LLC in Burlington has been named the Wisconsin Small Business Person of the Year for 2009 by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
HGI Company is comprised of four operating divisions, Hi-Liter Graphics, LLC, Inland Graphics, Plus Digital Print and All American Graphics. The first of the four divisions, Hi-Liter Graphics, was a family owned and operated web printing and finishing business founded in 1952. They specialized in the production of books, catalogs and directories.
Faust is among 53 top small business persons-one from each state, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands, and Guam-who will be honored at SBA’s National Small Business Week events May 18-20, in Washington, D.C. As the winner of the Wisconsin Small Business Person of the Year Award, Craig could be named National Small Business Person of the Year during the national event.
The 2009 Wisconsin Small Business Persons of the Year Honorable Mention award winners are S. Mark Tyler, President and Jim Hauschild, Vice President of OEM Fabricators in Woodville. Three hundred twenty team members of OEM Fabricators fabricate, machine, weld, finish and assemble products for over twenty industries. The “team” also assists in engineering, supply and management, developing test equipment and design and construction of research facilities for academic institutions.
Tyler, a data analyst/tool designer and Hauschild, a welder by trade, began employment together in 1977 working at American Hoist and Derrick in Minneapolis. Eventually, the pair found the opportunity to take the entrepreneurial leap and formed OEM Fabricators, Inc. in 1986. A major achievement of OEM was an expansion in 2007 to a second manufacturing facility in Neillsville. Over 200 employees had lost their jobs in Neillsville when a major employer closed its doors. OEM specifically chose this community as the site to access this pool of skilled talent and re-hired many of the displaced workers. OEM’s employment jumped from 192 in 2006 to 290 in 2007 following the expansion. This expansion project included funding from SBA along with several other funding sources and the rural community in Clark County was profoundly impacted.
The Wisconsin SBA celebration of our Small Business winners will be June 5 at SBA and SCORE’s Awards Presentation Breakfast at Country Springs Inn and Resort in Waukesha.
The Small Business Administration congratulates and thanks Faust of HGI Company and Tyler and Hauschild of OEM Fabricators for their continued commitment and contributions to Wisconsin’s small business communities.

Mike Findlay promoted to Major

Major Mike Findlay, formerly from Baldwin, was promoted March 1, 2009 to the rank of Major, US Army.
Major Findlay and his wife CPT Kathleen Findlay, MD, US Army are posted at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. Mike works with the Ft. Sill PRA research sector, creating mathematical models for the Army. Katie presently is the Medical Officer in Charge for the Ft. Sill Medical Clinic, and is slated for a tour of duty in Baghdad, Iraq this August 2009.
Mike graduated from St. Croix Central in 1995. Katie (Usiak) Findlay graduated from St. Croix Central in 1996. Mike and Katie reside with their two children in rural Cache, Oklahoma.
Mike’s parents are Ann and Bill Findlay of Baldwin. Katie’s parents are Bob and Helen Usiak of Hudson.

Bill Gilles died unexpectedly March 17

Shock, disbelief and sorrow spread through these communities after the news of the unexpected death of Baldwin-Woodville ag teacher Bill Gilles was related last Wednesday.
Gilles, 48, died Tuesday, March 17 at United Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Gilles had been the ag teacher and FFA advisor at B-W since the 1984-85 school year. Last fall he was seriously injured in a head-on traffic accident with a semi truck and had only returned to work in the past few weeks.
In addition to teaching and advisor as FFA, Gilles was involved in civic activities. He was a former member of the Pierce County Board of Supervisors and had been the Chairman of the Town of Martell.
Mr. Gilles is survived by his wife Amy and three children as well as other relatives and a host of friends, co-workers and present and former students. Visitation was held on Sunday, March 22. Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Plum City on Monday.

From the Exchanges
    Interesting News Items from
        Surrounding Communities

MONDOVI HERALD NEWS: A criminal charge has been filed against a Strum woman after police say she posted a profile of her former boyfriend on Craigslist under "Casual Encounters" without his knowledge or consent. Kari Heath, 20, was charged last week in Eau Claire County Court with causing harm through identity theft. According to police, the ad on Craigslist indicated the man wanted other men to call him at work and "talk dirty to him." According to the criminal complaint, the former boyfriend received a call at work from an unknown male saying he was calling in reference to the ad on Craigslist. When the former boyfriend said he didn't know what the caller was talking about, the caller hung up. The former boyfriend called Altoona police, and then went online and found the profile that included several photos of him. The former boyfriend didn't know who would have those photos besides Heath. He said Heath later sent him a text message in which she admitted to posting the ad on Craigslist. Heath told police that she placed the ad after getting into an argument with her former boyfriend on Feb. 2. If convicted, Heath could face up to three years in prison.

AMERY FREE PRESS: Opened only since June, the Wound Healing Center at Amery Regional Medical Center is already becoming a leader in care and has been awarded the New Center of the Year Award by National Healing Corporation (NHC), a leader in disease management accounting for more than 30 percent of the nation's managed and outsourced wound healing centers. The Wound Healing Center specializes in the treatment of chronic wounds and non-responsive conditions and offers hospital-based outpatient wound care as well as disease management and diabetes care. Likely candidates for treatment are those suffering from diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections, compromised skin grafts and flaps, and wounds that haven't healed within 30 days. One of the highly specialized treatments offered at the center is hyperbaric oxygen therapy which works by surrounding the patient with 100 percent oxygen at higher than normal atmospheric pressure to increase the amount of oxygen in the patient's blood and promote healing from the inside out.

THE SUN (Osceola): An 18-year-old Hudson man perhaps learned a valuable lesson last Saturday night: drinking alcohol and playing with knives shouldn't mix. According to police Benjamin Yuengst suffered a 3-centimeter deep stab wound to his buttocks while he and two friends had been drinking in a Village of Osceola residence. In a brief e-mail about the incident, Polk County Sheriff Tim Moore said that Nicholas Knoll, 19, of Hudson had jokingly poked Yuengst in the buttocks with a knife, but the "knife penetrated deeper than either male had anticipated" and they noticed blood on the floor, coming from Yuengst's leg. Thinking that bringing Yuengst to the Osceola Medical Center would be too suspicious and would likely raise questions about underage drinking, Yuengst, Knoll and Christopher Crawford, 18, also of Hudson, made a make-shift bandage out of a towel and duct tape, and then drove Yuengst to the hospital and dropped him off. "It does not appear that there is any criminal intent in this matter," wrote Moore. The three men were charged with underage consumption.

RIVER FALLS JOURNAL: Many details are still to be worked out, but local civic and church leaders say they're determined to open a River Falls shelter for the homeless at the start of next year. "I'm thankful for the response. It's been wonderful," said the Rev. Jerry Harris of St. Bridget Catholic Church. "We've run into a few bumps but will handle them If we're going to do this, we need to do it right. Our focus is simple: to have a clean, safe place to stay the night and to provide food." A core group of 35 people has been meeting to set up a traveling homeless shelter among the city's larger churches. "We're still doing the research, but another possibility we're toying with is finding some kind of house that could be used instead," Harris said. More than 20 mattresses were donated by the university to St. Bridget's to use for the shelter.

B-W Class of 2009 honor students

Honor students at Baldwin-Woodville High School in the class of 2009 have been announced and are pictured above. In the front row, from left to right, are: Derek Boldt, Valedictorian Alexander Buechter, Hunter Campbell, Jessica Curtis, William Doornink, Briana Fleming, Elisa Folden, Kya Grafenstein, Trevor Hadley, Ellen Hawley, Jordan Hampton and Jennifer Holle. In the third row are, from left: Marin Holle, Logan Jacobson, Seth Kersten, Tyler Klund, Stephanie Larson, Amy Lund, Bryce Lunzer, Christopher Lynum, Kylee Momchilovich, Daniel Peterson and Daniel Ramberg. In the third row, from left, are: Jesse Rose, Wade Schlichting, Ian Schoenke, Jordan Simons, Karlyn Sturtevant, Leanne Terpstra, Brett Tiffany, Lucas Trickle, Kayla Wagner and Kelsey. Missing from the picture are: Alexandra Dumond, Jessica Johnson, Jamie Knotz, Shaunna Veenendall and Salutatorian RachelleVeenstra.

The Baldwin-Woodville High School recently announced the Class of 2009 honor students. Alexander Buechter, son of Gerard and Sheryl Buechter, was named Valedictorian. He plans to attend UW-Madison this fall. Salutatorian was Rachelle Veenstra, daughter of Anson and Sylvia Veenstra.
Other honor students include (in alphabetical order) Derek Boldt, son of Gary and Sherry Boldt, who plans to attend UW-Eau Claire; Hunter Campbell, son of Jeff and Wendy Campbell, St. Cloud; Jessica Curtis, daughter of Michael and Tammie Curtis, Northwestern Technical Institute; William Doornink, son of Phil and Joan Doornink, North Dakota State; Alexandra Dumond, daughter of Heidi and Greg Dumond, University of Minnesota; Briana Fleming, daughter of Bruce and Julie Fleming, St. Cloud State; Elisa Folden, daughter of Bob and Kim Hei and Mike Folden, UW-Madison.
Kya Grafenstein, daughter of Jay and Marna Grafenstein, plans to attend the University of St. Thomas; Trevor Hadley, son of Craig and Lori Hadley, Dakota County Technical College; Ellen Hawley, daughter of Tom and Rita Hawley, St. Olaf College; Jordan Hampton, son of Jim Hampton, is undecided; Jennifer Holle, daughter of Steven and Janet Holle, UW-Madison; Marin Holle, daughter of Dan and Julie Holle, UW-Eau Claire; Logan Jacobson, son of Greg and Mary Jacobson, UW-Stout; Jessica Johnson, daughter of Bob and Nancy Johnson, is undecided.
Seth Kersten, son of Brian Kersten and Karen Hollabaugh, plans to attend University of Minnesota - Twin Cities; Tyler Klund, son of Darcy and Jamie Klund, UW-Eau Claire; Jamie Knotz, daughter of Daniel and Katie Knotz, UW-Stevens Point; Stephanie Larson, daughter of Kevin and Barbara Larson, Carthage College; Amy Lund, daughter of Art and Lynette Lund, UW-Stout; Bryce Lunzer, son of Barry and Mary Lunzer, UW-Stout.
Christopher Lynum, son of Toby and Marla Lynum, plans to attend UW-LaCrosse; Kylee Momchilovich, daughter of Paul and Annette Momchilovich, WITC; Daniel Peterson, son of Karen Peterson and Larry Peterson, UW-Madison; Daniel Ramberg, son of Tim and Jody Ramberg, Wisconsin Lutheran; Jesse Rose, son of Pam and Jerry Rose, UW-Eau Claire; Wade Schlichting, son of Pete and Sue Schlichting, UW-River Falls; Ian Schoenke, son of Richard and Lori Schoenke, UW-Milwaukee.
Jordan Simons, son of Lisa Bowman and Jeff Simons, UM - Duluth; Karlyn Sturtevant, daughter of Mark and Linda Sturtevant, St. Benedict; Leanne Terpstra, daughter of Darryl and Julie Terpstra, UW-River Falls; Brett Tiffany, son of Scott and Jelaine Tiffany, UW-Stout; Lucas Trickle, son of Barb Lindstrom and Jim Trickle, Minnesota State Moorhead; Shaunna Veenendall, daughter of Jerry and Deanna Veendall, WITC; Kayla Wagner, daughter of Mike and Linda Wagner, University of Minnesota; and Kelsey Wahlquist, daughter of Bill and Bonnie Wahlquist, UW-Eau Claire.

Candidates sound off

Candidates for various offices in the surrounding communities responded to the following questions:
1. Name, age (if willing to provide it), address.
2. Position sought.
3. Education or experience that you believe will help you in the position.
3. What do you believe are your strengths that would help you fulfill your duties in the position?
4. What are the primary issues facing the municipality or entity for which you are seeking a position? Do you have some potential solutions?

Village of Baldwin

Trustee (3)

1. Duane Russett, age 56, Baldwin
2. Trustee Village of Baldwin
Education, Associates Degree from CVTC plus classes in Real Estate (Licensed Sales Person) Supervision Management and other miscellaneous college credits which gives me a broad knowledge on many different issues.
3. Experience - currently serving on the Public Safety/Personnel and Water Sewer Committees as a village Trustee. My wife and I both work in the Village of Baldwin which gives me a closer connection to our local issues.
What are my strengths - I believe I am a good listener. I may not agree but will try and understand the concerns others may have. I will admit if I was wrong and work toward resolving problems.
4. What are the primary issues facing the Village of Baldwin - Fiscal responsibility is a major concern I believe we need to take advantage of grants when applicable and make use of other resources when or if available. I support the expansion and promotion of our Industrial Parks which the Village is currently involved with. I am concerned about safety along US 63 through the Village and supported the installation of the two lighted crosswalks installed last summer during the road construction. I would also like to see radar speed signs on both ends of town and additional sidewalks. The Village of Baldwin will have many challenging issues facing us in the next couple of years and it will take a Village Board with members who can work together and listen to each other to be successful. I believe I can fulfill those needs.

1. Doug Newton, 52, 1170 9th Ave., Baldwin.
2. Village of Baldwin Trustee
3. 12 years experience on the Baldwin Village Board as a Village Trustee. Some strengths that I possess are leadership and communication skills and the ability to be creative.
4. One primary issue that the Village of Baldwin is facing are the continuous budget cuts. I think we should continue being conservative on how we spend our money.

1. Kevin Brathol, 43, 990 11th Ave., Baldwin.
2. Re-election as Village Trustee
3. I am just completing my 12th year as a trustee and seeking re-election for two more years. I believe there can be no better experience for the position of Village Trustee than having had served on the Board for that length of time. Experience is the strength and bond that makes us the board we are. The current Village board has many years of experience and works together very well. We have a lot of projects and tasks started that I’d like to help see completed, such as the new Industrial Park, Sewer plant expansion, re-construction of Main Street, to name a few. I have lived in the Baldwin area my entire life. I am very familiar with the surroundings and the people.
4. We have a lot of issues as does every Village. Budget has been an expected problem with the state taking big cuts in state aid. It is looking at least for now that the aid from the state will not be cut as bad as predicted. The numbers the state is saying is less than a two percent decrease or just over $4,000. This could have been a huge problem at the local level had the numbers been where they first thought they would be.
The economy is a concern for everyone now, and the area growth has slowed a lot. Jobs are being cut everywhere, and we all are feeling it. We have tried to maintain as little budget increases as possible. We also did not want to let things like street maintenance slide either. Taxes at the village level have had very little increase in the last decade due to budget increases. We did have a revaluation increases and a school bond issue that we all noticed on our taxes in recent years, but remember the village portion of your taxes is about 38 percent of the total amount you pay.
Business and industrial growth should benefit Baldwin greatly. The benefit of forming of a T.I.F. district for the new Industrial park is huge. We can work with and offer benefits to buyers that a private owners could never do. This is a win, win situation for the village and the buyer. The location of Baldwin with I-94, US 63, and our close proximity to the Twin Cities should make this area very attactable.

1. Todd Daniel Welch, 27, 1050 Curtis St., Baldwin, WI 54002. 2. Baldwin Village Board Trustee.
3. I currently have two associate degrees and one bachelors degree in the Information Technologies field, using my education and experience I am co-owner of TC-TEKS Computes LLC (www.TCTEKS.com) in Eau Claire, which has been in business since July, 2006. Running my own business has given me the experience of balancing a budget and not spending more than we bring in. It has also given me the leadership experience that I will need when helping to run the Village of Baldwin in the most efficient and effective way possible. I believe that government needs to be run more like a private business, taking every dollar into account and making sure that they are stretched as far as possible. By doing this we can make sure that the citizens of Baldwin will be able to keep as much of their money in their pockets as possible.
4. I am very ambitious and motivated, when I set my mind to something I make sure that I see it through to the end. Because of this when I have a goal, or a task, or whatever it may be, I do everything that is necessary to accomplish it. My ambition and motivation in addition to being a leader in business will allow me to help run the Village of Baldwin as efficiently as possible. Government has forgotten over the years that the money they are spending is not their money. The money comes from hard working citizens and it should be spent in the most effective way possible.
Currently the Baldwin Village board enforces a $3 mandatory permit fee on all fireworks sales in the Village of Baldwin which took nearly $40,000 out of the local economy last year. They also mandated that such businesses come before the board each year to beg that they be allowed to stay in business. Businesses should not have to fear that they may not be allowed to continue to operate each year; employees should not have to worry during the holidays that they may not have a job each year; and citizens should not have unnecessary dollars taken out of their pockets every year. I will work to eliminate unnecessary fees as tax programs in the village so more money can stay in the citizens pockets and the local economy.
Also, currently the Village of Baldwin owns property called the Oak Ridge Tech Park- part of the Industrial Park. This property is to be sold for $50,000/acre for businesses to develop and create jobs. Instead of trying to profit on this land, the Village of Baldwin should sell this land at cost or even a loss. The goal is to get businesses to develop the land and create employment here in the village. Any barrier preventing that should be lifted, especially in this economic downturn. The Village of Baldwin would make its return when businesses purchase the land and start paying property taxes. In the long run it would be a major win-win for the Village.
For more information on the issues I feel are important for the Village of Baldwin please visit www.ToddWelch2009.com.

VILLAGE OF WOODVILLE

President

1. Tom Vandeberg, 66 years old, 116 Division St. S., Woodville.
2. Village of Woodville President.
3. Have been on the Village Board about ten years. Have been Village President four years, attended the Ehlers Public Finance Seminar; was Church Council president.
4. The primary issue before the Village is not just the village’s but is everyones and that is the economy. The hard part is for the village board to stay within the budget and still be able to provide the best service possible.

1. Barry Ketchum, 29, 400 Birch St., Woodville.
2. Village President - Woodville
3. My education and experience for this position are that I have been a Village Trustee for the last three years and I have chaired committees such as Parks, Public Safety and Buildings and Equipment. I had also spent the last year on Budget and Finance learning where the money comes in and where it goes out for the village.
I also feel my youth, being 29 years old, provides a different look at things, than perhaps traditionally in the past. I have a great sense of responsibility which I have achieved from being active on the Baldwin EMS as and EMT in Woodville as well as a firefighter.
4. Some issues that face Woodville are future budget concerns. I think we should lean back spending as much as very possible until times are better to do the extras! And also times are not that much better for the residents so I also would like to see all fees and charges that the village uses to be reviewed to see if they serve a purpose as well as if the charges are necessary or not. I also want to review our building permit system to see if we require them for right situation and also to see if we require them for the not so necessary situations - let’s do things that make sense.

Town of Eau Galle

Chairman

1. James Lund, age 49, 390 Co. Rd. BB, Woodville.
2. Chairman, Town of Eau Galle
3. I have just served two terms as a supervisor. I am a lifelong township resident, and have owned my business for 30 years. I am a graduate of WITC-New Richmond and Baldwin-Woodville High School.
4. I will listen to residents and property owners, and seek answers to their questions and concerns, within the limits of the ordinances and laws of our township, county, and state.
5. Some issues we’re facing include: 1) exploring any and all alternatives to the high costs of maintaining town roads, and 2) increasing the knowledge basis of all board members regarding existing ordinances and laws, so that when questions arise, correct answers can be given promptly.

1. Name: Joel Kraemer, age 48, 131 Hwy 63, Baldwin.
2. Chairperson of Eau Galle Township.
3. Education: UW – River Falls, Agricultural Economics Degree. Employment History: Current - Office manager/Controller at Albrightson Excavating, Inc.; Previous - Multi-line Lender and Office Manager with Citizens State Bank – Woodville
Governmental Experience: Chairperson of the White Ash Lake Rehabilitation District in Polk County. Community Involvement: St. Croix County Representative Board Member of 9 County Regional Loan Fund; Past Board Member and President of St. Croix Economic Development Corp.; Board Member of Woodville Economic Development Corp.; Member of Woodville Visions Committee, Past Trustee and Chairperson at Peace Lutheran Church; Member of Local Snowmobile, ATV and Trail Grooming Associations; Woodville Lions Club – Membership Chairperson, Past President and Treasurer; Youth Mentor for Viking Middle School Mentor Program. Strengths: My community involvement and employment paths have allowed me to create a diverse background and demonstrate leadership skills. I have a strong financial background and understanding of local, county and regional needs. I have had the opportunity to be on committees that plan toward the future.
4. A current and ongoing issue with all governmental entities is the budget. It is the responsibility of the town board to make fiscally responsible decisions based upon the needs of the township constituents and melding them with the needs of the township as it relates to, County and State regulations. As the Township Chairperson, I believe, I have the ability to develop short-term and long-term solutions by gathering information at all levels, while keeping an unbiased opinion; to meet the overall needs of the township.

Supervisor (2)

1. David North, age 61 years, address: 504-233rd St., Baldwin WI.
2. I am seeking reelection to the position of Supervisor in the Town of Eau Galle. I have held this position for the past six years and have resided in the Town of Eau Galle for over 35 years.
3. I received a Bachelors and Masters degree in Technology Education from the University of Wisconsin Stout. I moved to the Baldwin area in 1970 to teach Metals, Small Engines, Auto Mechanics, Drafting and Design (shop classes) at the Baldwin-Woodville High School. After 32 years, I retired from teaching. This has given me the time necessary to effectively serve on the Town Board.
4. My roots began while growing up on a 200-acre dairy farm in northern Chippewa County. As well as farming, my dad owned an excavating business both of which I helped operate for many years. We had the normal equipment: dump trucks, bulldozers, road grader, backhoe, and rock crusher. We did a lot of road repair work for the Town of Sampson.
5. I feel the variety of experiences I received in the Baldwin-Woodville educational system working with students, parents, staff, administration, and community people has provided me with a realization that people have a wide variety of opinions. An elected official must listen to different viewpoints to be able to make an informed decision.
The major expenditures in a Town are for roads. With rising costs, it has been a challenge to maintain and rebuild our roads while keeping the Towns share of the resident’s taxes the same. I believe keeping taxes “in check” is extremely important and worth the challenge.
The choices made by the Town Board now will have an impact on what our Town looks like long after I am gone. My desire is to keep the Town of Eau Galle a great place to live.
I would appreciate your vote on April 7.

1. Dennis Duckworth, age 59, 2428 32nd Ave., Woodville.
2. Supervisor, Town of Eau Galle.
3. Majoring in Foreign Service required studying economics, government and history. That education is helpful if used along with commons sense and experience. My experience includes 31 years of road and bridge work, 22 years on a small farm in Eau Galle, and work on the Eau Galle Land Use Plan.
4. The ability to research issues, listen and respond to concerns of others and offer logical persuasion or compromises are my strengths. Also I’m familiar with the duties of the Town Board.
5. The major issues immediately facing the Town Board are the coexistence of in place and expanding farming and residential development and the need to provide road maintenance and other services without increased taxes. The best potential solutions require citizen input, following county and state laws and applying fair and equal treatment to all residents.
My name is Barry Serier, and I am seeking a position as Supervisor for the Town of Eau Galle.
I have been a lifelong resident of the Town of Eau Galle, and I currently reside at 2150 33rd Avenue.
As a land owner, employer and partner in a dairy/crop operation, and member of Professional Nutrient Applicators of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Custom Operators, I have been involved in groups that address responsible land use and management, D.O.T issues, road, and township concerns across the state. The issues that are addressed within these organizations have given me experience that would be beneficial in my role as a township supervisor.
In our township, our primary issues will involve keeping the items that are brought before the board focused on what is best for the entire township and its citizens, and keeping taxes to a minimum during this very tough economy.

1. Jackie Mathison, 388 County Road B, Woodville,WI 54028.
2. I am seeking an Eau Galle town board supervisor position in the April 7, 2009 election. I am a thoughtful, fair minded individual, and my ability to see both sides of issues are my strengths and will be useful tools if elected to that position
3. I have worked in the medical profession as a Radiologic Technologist for 35 years and for the past 20 years I have worked at the Hudson Hospital and Clinics in the Imaging Center as Lead Mammographer. This work experience gives me daily opportunities to deal with patients and department issues that take careful consideration and require thoughtful resolve. If I am elected; this work experience will be useful, in my approach to issues that may arise in our township.
My husband Doug and I have lived in Eau Galle township for 35 years on the family farm that was homesteaded by Doug’s grandfather in the late 1800’s and we continue to farm it still. Eau Galle township has seen a large increase in residents in those 35 years and with that growth comes issues and concerns. I will, if elected be fair, sensitive, thoughtful, and open minded in my response to issues that will come before the Eau Galle town board; so equitable solutions can be reached .
Again April 7th is election day and I would appreciate your consideration of me for; Eau Galle town board supervisor.

From the Exchanges
    Interesting News Items from
        Surrounding Communities

AMERY FREE PRESS: Jeremiah Paquin, 22, formerly of Amery and Baldwin, was sentenced to five years in prison for second degree sexual assault in Barron county. Five other counts of sexual assault involving two Turtle Lake girls were dropped. Also involved in the case was Jeremy D. Falz, 20, New Richmond. On May 31, 2008, the two threw pine cones and sticks at the window of a home in Turtle Lake. A 12-year-old girl recognized the men and went outside. She and Paquin had sex in a playhouse. Later the two men entered the home and engaged in sex with the girl and a 14-year-old girl.

NEW RICHMOND NEWS: A resident on the 600 block of Ron Drive was hit with a surprise when he answered his door early in the morning on March 6. According to the police report, James Stauffacher was struck in the face with a pipe at approximately 4:50 a.m. on March 6 after opening his door when the bell rang. The attempted robber, who was wearing a ski mask, tried to push past Stauffacher to gain entry into the home after striking him, but Stauffacher was able to shove him away, according to the police report. New Richmond police officers were able to get footprints from the snow. The suspect ran to a waiting older, dark colored, beat up car. According to the report, Stauffacher suffered injuries to his face and jaw. Nothing like this has happened to him or in the neighborhood, he said. Additionally, he’s not positive what the robbers were after, Stauffacher said.

BURNETT COUNTY SENTINEL: Two days before a 32 year-old Minneapolis firefighter was to go on trial for second degree intentional homicide in the shooting death of John Peach in Janunary 2008, defense attorney Craig Mastantuono filed a motion to dismiss the entire case against his client. Kyle L. Huggett allegedly shot and killed John Peach after Peach attempted to confront Huggett over the content of some text messages the two had exchanged over the previous week, including the day of the shooting. The motion was made on the grounds law enforcement personnel investigating the incident failed to preserve evidence possessing exculpatory value thereby violating Huggett's Constitutional rights. The exact basis for the motion is a cell phone call Huggett received from the decedent the night of the incident. Huggett has described that message as "threatening and screaming." "The primary issue in this case is whether Huggett acted as a reasonably prudent person would have under the circumstances he faced at the time," Mastantuono wrote in his motion. For the purpose of establishing self-defense, the defense may present evidence concerning specific conduct of the decedent within the defendant's knowledge in order to demonstrate the defendant's state of mind.

HUDSON STAR-OBSERVER: It’s fortunate that stray voltage from a downtown Hudson electrical junction box didn't cause any more injury than it did. A 13-year-old Hudson girl also got a shock at the corner of Second and Locust streets while watching the Hudson Hot Air Affair parade on the night of Feb. 6. Roger Parenteau said his daughter Anna was standing on the sidewalk next to Wells Fargo Bank when her legs went numb and felt as if they were frozen in place. Later the same evening, a dog sustained serious injuries as it was crossing Second Street with its owner following the parade. The city hired B & B Electric to do an inspection of all of the in-ground electrical junction boxes on Second Street in the downtown after the Feb. 6 stray voltage incidents. An electrician from B & B was seen pulling wires from a junction box near the corner of Walnut and Second streets on Tuesday, March 3. He told a reporter that some of the junction boxes weren’t properly grounded and that he was putting in new ones that were.

Fusion bring home state title

The St. Croix Valley Fusion gathered after Hailey Rock scored the winning goal in double overtime against Mosinee the WIAA state semifinal game on Friday. The Fusion went on to beat Fond du Lac 10-4 in the title game on Saturday to win the title and end the season with an undefeated record.

The St. Croix Valley Fusion, a cooperative of Baldwin-Woodville, River Falls, St. Croix Central and Spring Valley, set out on a mission at the beginning of the hockey season. And that mission was accomplished last weekend at the WIAA state girls hockey tournament in Madison.
The Fusion had been eliminated in the sectional final the last three seasons. This year their goal was to not only get to the state tournament, but to bring home the title. They did just that by beating Mosinee (Central Wisconsin Storm) 2-1 in double overtime in the state semifinal and Fond du Lac 10-4 in the state championship.
And they are the first team in Wisconsin girls hockey to go through the entire season without a loss. There only blemish was a 3-3 tie with North St. Paul the fourth game into the season.
“I had no idea we were the first team to do that,” said Coach Matt Cranston. “You can’t go a whole year without having a bad game, so that’s a credit to (assistant coaches) Karl Erickson and and Ann Rock.”
Cranston said another key to the season was “everyone on the team has respect for each other.”
At the state tournament, Cranston said one of the biggest obstacles was the “hot” rink.
“We’re used a cold rink with hard ice,” Cranston explained. “We did a skate around in the morning to get used to bounces and everything, but the heat was something we had to deal with.”
The Fusion also had to deal with the Storm. “We knew they were the returning state champions,” Cranstonsaid. “They have one of the best goalies in the entire WIAA. But we knew if we kept pounding, one would go in. We dominated the third period and overtimes.”
The Fusion got on a the scoreboard first when Tara Frey slid the puck under Mosinee’s Hillary Drake six and a half minutes into the game while the Fusion were on the power play. Frey was assisted by Tori Klingler and Hailey Rock.
That ended the scoring until just over four minutes into the third period when the Storm also scored on a power play.
No goals were scored for the remainder of regulation or in the first overtime, although the Fusion had plenty of good opportunities.
The Fusion out shot the Storm 18-9 in third period and overtimes, but couldn’t get the puck past Drake until Rock carried the puck in on the right side and shot the puck on the ice through five hole, catching the far post, all while being pulled to the ice.
“That was the championship game for us,” Cranston noted. “We changed the way we conditioned this year and I think it worked. We out-lasted both teams.”
Although the championship game turned out to be a rout, it didn’t start that way. Fond du Lac scored first, just a minute and half into the game, on a power play. The Fusion tied the score four minutes later on a goal by Frey, assisted by Rock to end the first period scoring.
The Fusion took the lead just 32 seconds into the second period on a power play goal by Lily Cranston, assisted by Nikki Plunkett. But Fondy came back less than a minute later to tie the score 2-2.
“I don’t know why we started out so slow,” Cranston said. “We didn’t change anything and then we settled down and got back into our game.”
Then the flood gates opened.
The Fusion scored the next seven goals to take a 9-2 lead before Fond du Lac answered with a couple of meaningless goals.
Adding goals in the second period were Karlyn Sturtevant on a power play, assisted by Tanis Klingler; Lily Cranston got the next two goals to complete her hat trick, assisted by Plunkett (2) and Tanis Klingler; and Rock closed out the scoring by going top shelf after taking outlet pass from Tanis Klinger while the team played short handed.
In the third period Frey had her second goal of the game, with assists from Klingler and Alice Cranston. Alice got the next two goals, assisted by Rock and Tori Klingler on the first and Tanis Klingler on the second, which was the fifth assist of the game for Klingler.
Rock closed out the scoring for the Fusion after picking off a pass while forechecking and again going upstairs.
“We set a bunch of scoring records in the tournament,” Cranston noted.
The Fusion will be losing four seniors to graduation, Cranston noted. “We’re going to miss the seniors. They are all on the honor and all made it a lot of fun.”
The seniors on the team are Karlyn Sturtevant, Erin Thornton, Gail Popelka and Devin Roen.
As a final note, Cranston said the team wishes to thank the First Bank of Baldwin for the donation making the charter bus to and from Madison possible.

Karen Niccum, R.N. retires from BAMC after over 42 years of service

It was with mixed emotions that Karen Niccum retired last week from her position as a nurse at the Baldwin Area Medical Center. "It feels really strange," states Niccum. "Nursing has been such a large part of my life, I can't imagine what it will be like not taking care of patients on a regular basis anymore."
Niccum started working as a nursing assistant at BAMC when she was a senior in high school. She attended Lutheran Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing, graduated in 1968 and began her career as a Registered Nurse at BAMC that same year. She began working as a nurse on the medical floor and within six months became the supervisor of the operating room, a new department that was forming at the hospital. She held that position until just three years ago, when she felt it was time to start orienting someone else to the position. During her time as OR Supervisor, she worked concurrently as Director of Nursing for three years. "I've always loved working in the OR. There is so much satisfaction in seeing people through the surgical process. I have found great joy in witnessing the improvement in people's lives after surgery." Over the years, Niccum has had the opportunity to work with many long-time, dedicated doctors, physician's assistants, nurses and ancillary staff members from the community.
There have been many changes at the hospital in the over 40 years that Niccum has been employed there. "I have been a part of three building projects, observed changes in patient care and witnessed countless medical advancements."
BAMC has played an important role in the personal life of Niccum as well. In 1968, she was caring for a patient named David Niccum who was hospitalized for several days. Before he was discharged David gathered the courage to ask her for a date. Six months later they were saying their wedding vows and will celebrate 40 wonderful years of marriage this April. BAMC was also the birth place of not only Karen, but of her children and grandchildren as well.
"I am grateful that God has blessed me with a meaningful career of caring for my family, friends and community all of these years. I think I will always be a nurse in some way. It is just part of who I am," states Niccum.
The Niccums invite their family, friends and community to an open house at the Coachman Supper to help celebrate Karen's retirement and David and Karen's 40th Wedding Anniversary on March 29 from 1 to 5 p.m.

Rev. Janet Ruark is Interim Pastor at Presbyterian Church

Rev. Janet Ruark has accepted the position of Interim Pastor at First United Presbyterian Church in Baldwin. Pastor Ruark started in the position March 1.
Pastor Ruark said that as an interim pastor, she sees herself as helping the church's session and congregation form a plan for the future of the church and what they need for a pastor and what type of skills are needed. She said that an interim pastor, she is "working yourself out of a job by helping the congregation prepare for a new person."
Other than that, Pastor Ruark said she will have the normal pastoral duties, including holding the Sunday service, attending meetings, visitation and teaching. She will be engaged in her duties on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and of course on Sundays.
Pastor Ruark grew up in Sioux City, Iowa where her father was a biology professor at Morningside College. She attended Marquette for one year before enrolling in seminary at Louisville, Kentucky, where she met her husband who was also attending seminary. She and her husband Chaz graduated in 1982. Since then they have served churches in Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma. They have always served separate churches.
The Ruarks have two children: Mike who is studying architecture at the University of Oklahoma and will graduate in May; and daughter Courtney who attends the University of Central Oklahoma studying political science and hopes to teach. She was married last May and her husband Phil is a graduate student studying chemical engineering and is interested in medical research.
Since last October Pastor Ruark and her husband have been in Minneapolis where Chaz is Executive Presbyter of the Twin Cities Area Presbytery. Pastor Ruark explained his job is like a district superintendent in an administrative and supervisory role and he also serves as pastor of the pastors.
After Chaz secured the Executive Presbyter job, Janet looked for a job and interviewed for the Baldwin position, for which she then received a call.

From the Exchanges
    Interesting News Items from
         Surrounding Communities

TRIBUNE PRESS REPORTER (GLENWOOD CITY): Charges have been filed against Michael C. Graff of West Fargo, North Dakota for shooting a 700-pound black bear in its den on the morning of November 25. Graff has been charged with hunting bear during a closed season, shooting or harming a hibernating bear, and shooting a bear without a license. Though the charges are misdemeanors, Graff could face up to 27 months in jail and $30,000 in fines. But Graff has stirred up a mess that goes beyond his poaching attempt. Graff left the bear in the field and a day and a half later, the monster bear was struck by Neil Schlough in the evening while combining the field. Believing the collision killed the bear at the time with darkness concealing the bear's stature, a game warden sold the Schloughs a possession tag. After discovering the bear had been shot, DNR authorities confiscated the bear. The Schloughs contend that the combine dealt the final deathblow to the bear and that the bear was legally sold to them while DNR authorities are certain the bear died from the gunshots and prefer to have the bear remain in the possession of the state and be displayed locally. What will happen to the remains of the bear has yet to be determined and will have to wait until the case has been closed. Graff is due in court March 22.

THE SUN (OSCEOLA): More than a year ago, teacher Abby Brown envisioned a classroom full of activity, where instead of fidgeting in uncomfortable desks and chairs, students can stand, stretch and wiggle and move about while they learn. With the help of some grant monies and a little innovation from a company based in nearby Centuria, Brown has not only seen that vision come to fruition, she's seen it on display in newspapers and television stations across the nation. "The word is out now," said Brown excitedly during an interview last week. Brown, a sixth grade teacher at Marine on St. Croix (Minn.) Elementary School, has, in the past year been interviewed by ABC News, the New York Times and most of the major Twin Cities media outlets about her "Standing Up for Learning" project. The project is simple and logical, really. Instead of possibly encouraging a sedentary lifestyle by having children sit in one spot all day, let the students choose between sitting on a stool, or leaning or standing at a waist-high desk, to keep their bodies active, and, hopefully, their minds engaged.

RIVER FALLS JOURNAL: A state commissioner was justified in denying parole to a man who shot his wife to death 22 years ago, ruled Pierce County Judge Robert Wing last week. In May 1987, Wing sentenced Richard John Kusch, now 65, to life in prison. A jury had found Kusch guilty of first-degree murder for shooting his wife in front of their son and an employee of Turningpoint for Victims of Domestic and Sexual Abuse. In a single-page ruling filed Feb. 24, Wing affirmed the state commission decision that delayed any further parole consideration for 18 months. Last June Kusch, a prisoner at Racine Correctional Institution, Sturtevant, filed a civil complaint, claiming his conduct during two decades as an inmate has been exemplary and that parole would be appropriate. In his ruling, Wing says Parole Commissioner Steven Landreman's decision was neither arbitrary nor capricious. "Kusch planned and committed the murder, the murder was committed in the presence of a social worker and one of Kusch's children and he shot his wife multiple times," summarized Wing. Based on those facts, wrote the judge, the commissioner was justified in finding that Kusch hasn't served enough prison time. Kusch claimed Landreman's decision was "nebulous" because it says "more time is warranted" and suggests "eventual transition through reduced security" but doesn't give guidance or explain what those phrases mean.

NEW RICHMOND NEWS: Charges have been dismissed against a New Richmond School bus driver who allegedly had alcohol in her bloodstream at the time of a minor accident December 11. A motion and order to dismiss charges against Billie Jeanne O'Keefe of New Richmond was signed Feb. 25 by St. Croix County Court officials. According to police reports, preliminary breath tests indicated O'Keefe recorded a .046 blood alcohol level at the time of the accident. O'Keefe allegedly told officers she was out celebrating her birthday the night before. A test conducted later on O'Keefe registered a .026 alcohol level. The bus driver, who was placed on administrative leave, eventually pleaded not guilty to the charge that she was operating a commercial vehicle with a prohibited alcohol concentration of .04 or more. "Upon further testing and clarifying, she did not have a prohibited concentration (of alcohol in her blood)," said O'Keefe's attorney Shirlene Perrin. "Clearly the PBT (portable breath test) was inaccurate. Perrin said it's important for the public to know that charges have been dismissed in the case. "There has been a lot of on-line discussion about this case and Ms. O'Keefe has been judged by some," she said. "Now we can see she is innocent." New Richmond school District Administrator Morrie Veilleux said O'Keefe has apparently returned to work as a bus monitor. She has not been driving a bus since the incident. Veilleux said the district will invoke a portion of its bus contract that allows the school to ask the contractor, New Richmond Bus Service to replace any school bus drivers who maybe "detrimental to the best interest" of the district and its students. "We're going to insist that this person not be allowed to operate a bus," Veilluex said.

Orchard Restaurant & Banquet facility taking shape

Richard Pearson, owner of the Orchard Restaurant and Banquet Facility, stands before the huge fireplace at the former New Leaf Nursery, flanked by Dave Lunde, left, owner of Valley Custom Homes, Inc. which is doing the remodeling work at the facility, and Dave Johnson, the foreman/job supervisor.

Richard Pearson, owner of the Orchard Restaurant & Banquet facility, says he wants to do the make-over of the former New Leaf Nursery into a restaurant/bar/banquet facility the right way. There's no doubt he's accomplishing his goal with the complete transformation of the facility into a new use.
Mr. Pearson says he hopes the new establishment can be opened in July of this year but already the outlines of the new rooms in the business are clear.
"We want to do it right," said Mr. Pearson. "We won't open until we're ready for a first class professional operation. We expect to be reasonably priced—for banquets and the restaurant—so families can bring their children in here to eat and not be gouged."
The general contractor for the project is Dave Lunde of Valley Custom Homes, Inc. "This has been one of the most unique projects we've worked on," said Lunde. "Remodels are challenges and older buildings pose unique challenges" with wiring and water lines and still keeping the character of the building.
The new restaurant and banquet facility will keep the great character that is given to it by the massive beams in the former display/showroom, the huge fireplace and silo that was incorporated into the structure.
Simply, the new business will have three main public areas: the restaurant in the former display room featuring the large stone fireplace and a circular bar around the silo; a bar and game room located in the leanto on the northeast side of the facility (bar) and original barn (game room); and banquet facility in existing and new space on the west side of the building.
A new entry way from the south has been constructed. Upon entering the building, the banquet facility will be to the left, or west, with the main dining room to the right.
The former display room of the New Leaf, dominated by the silo and huge fireplace, will be the main dining room.
The banquet room on the west side of the building, which includes some new space, will have a separate covered entry to the west. A small stage will be on the north end of the large room, with a gigantic TV for projecting pictures at events held there.
The banquet space will be adjacent to a "bride's changing room." Restrooms will be between the banquet facility and restaurant.
The barn and leanto have been completely insulated and resided. There will be a new, separate entrance to the bar from the east. New, large windows will allow natural lighting in the bar. The circular stairway in the silo will be used to reach the loft in the barn which will be part of the game room.
Between the banquet area and restaurant, on the north side of the building, will be the new kitchen as well as an office for the manager of the business, who Mr. Pearson has already hired, has 25 years experience in the hospitality industry and is consulting on the remodeling project. A 34 foot long by 12 foot wide walk-in cooler/freezer combination built by Nor-Lake will be placed by a crane on a foundation that has been constructed on the north side of the building.
According to Lunde, after the construction of the building is finished sometime in May, the interior build-out will take place, which will take four or five weeks and involves placing all the tables, chairs, cash registers, kitchen equipment and other furnishings in the building.
Outside, the grounds need to be landscaped, the parking lot completed and lighting installed. Mr. Pearson said the pond will remain. Eventually, the possibility exists for volleyball courts.
In addition, said Mr. Pearson, a wedding chapel will be built on the grounds and with the extensive grounds he owns around the facility, the possibility exists for a bride and groom to take a carriage ride around the property as part of their wedding festivities and their entire celebration can be on-site.

Village receives grant to level building

The Village of Baldwin's application to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for a Brownfield Site Assessment Grant to raze the Thompson building on Main Street has been approved for $56,600. The Thompson building is located at 705 Main Street, which is at the corner of Seventh Avenue.
According to a letter sent to Village President Don McGee, Baldwin's application scored 97 points and all applications receiving more than 55 points were funded.
The building has been purchased by the village at a price of $20,000. The $56,600 grant received from the DNR is for two phases: Phase I for assessment of the site; and Phase II for further assessment, demolishing of the building and asbestos abatement.
Following the demolishing on the building and clean-up of the site, the lot will probably be put up for sale by the village, in which case some or perhaps all of the village's cost to purchase the property could be recouped.

Baldwin man charged with sex offender registry violation

A 28-year-old Baldwin man has been charged with felony sex offender registry violation.
Timothy J. Denzine is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, March 17.
According to the criminal complaint, Denzine failed to return a confirmation letter confirming his registry status and address. He is also accused of failing to notify the registry of an address change within 10 days and did not report for a photo to be taken in August.
He was convicted in August 2001 in Dunn County of third-degree sexual assault.

St. Croix County records 1st traffic fatality of 2009

On Wednesday, February 18 at 4:42 p.m. the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office responded to a two-vehicle crash on STH 29 one tenth of a mile east of STH 128 in the Town of Cady.
The report said Carrie A. Lehmann, age 24, of Menomonie was traveling eastbound on STH 29 in a 2007 Ford Taurus when she lost control going around a curve on the snow covered road. The car slid sideways into the westbound lane and was struck by a 1999 Isuzu truck driven by Ricky DeMotts, age 45, Woodville. DeMotts was driving a truck owned by Advanced Dairy Systems Inc. of Spring Valley. Ms. Lehmann was pronounced dead at the scene by the St. Croix County Medical Examiner. Mr. DeMotts was transported to Baldwin Hospital following the crash, his condition remains unknown.
Both Mr. DeMotts and Ms. Lehman were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash. Spring Valley Fire and Ambulance assisted at the scene.
This is the first traffic fatality of 2009. The crash remains under investigation by the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office.

From the Exchanges
    Interesting News Items from
        Surrounding Communities

CENTRAL ST. CROIX NEWS (Hammond): Incumbent Hammond Village President Vince Trudell and his predecessor, Tom Kinney, won spots on the April 7 ballot when they came out as the top two vote-getters in Tuesday's primary. Unofficial results showed Trudell with 42 votes and Kinney with 30 versus incumbent first-term trustee Eric Arthur's 13. Two years ago, Kinney announced he would not be seeking re-election as president at the end of his third term, but shortly before the 2007 April election declared himself as a write-in candidate. Trudell overwhelmingly won the election. Arthur will appear on the April ballot seeking one of three trustee spots, along with incumbents, Mary Rivard and Tony Bibeau (who was recently appointed to fill out the term of the seat resigned by Mike Artiaga) and newcomers Erin McComb and Jack Herbert. The top three vote getters on April 7 will sit on the board. The Village of Roberts voters will be in a situation similar to Hammond's former Roberts Village President Willard Moeri is running against Eric Fisher for the seat he lost two years ago. Peter Tharp will be on the ballot challenging incumbent trustees Chuck Pizzi, Kathy Kapaun and Scott Gehardt.

PIERCE COUNTY HERALD (Ellsworth): After reviewing policy language and a timeline, a judge found a Pierce County house destroyed by fire after being hit by a pickup was not insured. St. Croix County Judge Scott Neeham ruled Randall and Sue Hendrickson's house insurance had legitimately been canceled nearly two months before the home was hit by a GMC Sierra driven by Lisa Villigan, 39. The accident occurred Feb. 17, 2007. The vehicle Villigan was driving struck the Hendricksons' house and hit a gas meter, triggering a natural gas explosion. Villigan died in the incident. Prescott Police Officer Ben Henrich was injured as he attempted to help the woman and was thrown an estimated 15 feet by the explosion. Villigan's pickup and the Hendricksons' house were destroyed. In an order signed Feb. 3, Needham denied the Hendricksons' motion for a summary judgment against Foremost Insurance Company. According to background in the decision, the Hendricksons bought an insurance policy for their property at 1010 Pearl St., Prescott, in October 2006. On Dec. 8, 2006, Foremost sent a notice of cancellation saying coverage would expire Dec. 22, 2006. The reason given for the cancellation was missing and damaged shingles on the house's roof increased the likelihood of loss. According to court records, Randall Hendrickson signed and cashed the refund check Dec. 18, 2006. Although the judge found the cancellation language to be ambiguous and read a 30-day notice of cancellation in favor of the Hendricksons, he determined the fire occurred 71 days after the couple received the cancellation notice.

HUDSON STAR OBSERVER: It has been nearly 16 years since William S. “Junior” Clapp was killed in his rural Roberts home, and while the case has gone cold it is not closed. “We have two investigators, Cary Rose or Jim Mikla, assigned to it. When anything comes up in connection to the case, they look into it. The case remains open,” said Sheriff Dennis Hillstead. Clapp, 76, was found with a gunshot wound to the back of his head, slumped over the kitchen table in his Roberts farmhouse late on April 25, 1993. The case is one of four and possibly five unsolved homicides that occurred in the county. “There is at least one person out there, and possibly two, who know what really happened,” Hillstead said. “It’s a long time to keep a secret.” Star-Observer reports in the April 29, 1993, edition said Clapp called the home of Jack Larsen, his neighbor, the night of the homicide. He got Larsen’s mother on the phone and asked for her son. When Jack got to the phone the line was dead. Larsen said he phoned Clapp back three times, but couldn’t get through. It took him about 10 minutes to get to his neighbor’s house. He found Clapp semi-conscious at the kitchen table bleeding from a head wound. Larsen tried to talk to him but Clapp couldn’t communicate – all he could do was moan, the reports said. The St. Croix County medical examiner said Clapp died at the scene from a single gunshot wound.

RIVER FALLS JOURNAL: A 25-year-old Town of Troy woman was charged with locking her three-year-old son in a room so that he couldn't eat or go to the bathroom and instead had to use a diaper. Danielle K. Quinn, 533 County Road M. #39 in the Hilltop trailer court was charged with a felony for child neglect resulting in bodily harm. If convicted, maximum sentence for this crime is six years in prison and a $10,000 fine. A child protection social worker was tipped off about the case because Quinn's older son attends Westside Elementary School. The boy often missed classes and reportedly said he had to feed and get himself ready for school. He also mentioned the situation at home with his younger brother. A St. Croix County Sheriff's deputy and the social worker finally went to the boy's trailer home at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4. According to the criminal complaint, the older boy answered the door. The mother was in bed but woke up. The three-year old was heard screaming and kicking a wall in another room. At one point the boy shouted, "Mom, let me out of here." The room was locked from the outside by a latch hook. It was later found that this boy had been confined in the room for over 14 hours with nothing to eat or drink. Though either totally or partially potty trained, he was wearing a soiled diaper that left him with a "very bad rash." Quinn's 55-year-old mother also lived in the home. She was not charged. In the complaint Quinn's mother said her daughter was very depressed, didn't take care of her kids and wouldn't get help for her problems. The grandmother added that the door locks were first used to keep the cats from getting into rooms. Quinn's mother said Quinn has no job, but expects her to care for and feed the children when she gets home from work. The grandmother also said that Quinn asked her to watch the children in 2006 for a weekend visit. Quinn then disappeared for several months before returning home.

BURNETT COUNTY SENTINEL (Grantsburg): When the votes were finally tallied Tuesday night the referendum the Siren School District was asking its voters to approve was narrowly defeated by 167-156 margin. The district was asking its taxpayers to again support a 5-year non-recurring exemption to the revenue limit, a move which would bring the district an additional $250,000 for each year for the next five. "I'm obviously disappointed," district administrator Scott Johnson said after the votes were returned Tuesday night. "What it means to me is the school board will be talking to people to see if there's a way we can come back at this thing in April," he said. I don't want to give up on this thing," he continued. Another vote in April would mean trying to rally public support for that vote. "I believe most people in this community support public education - we just need to get them to the polls," Johnson added. He said the poor attendance at the district sponsored informational meetings about the referendum was reflected in the low turnout for Tuesday's vote. "I think it's a shame," he declared. "The school is the heart and soul of the community." "I have a difficult time believing people of our community want us to cut our programs," Johnson added.

OSCEOLA SUN: An impartial third party will evaluate the operational components of Osceola’s wastewater treatment plant to try to determine why the three-and-a-half-year-old facility has performed poorly during winter months. The Osceola Village Board last week authorized spending up to $5,500 for MSA Professional Services to conduct an operational review. “What we propose here is to first come in, meet with the operators, get some of your existing data (and) look at how the plant is being operated,” an MSA wastewater engineer explained. “. . . We’ve designed similar plants, so we have experience with these kind of wastewater treatment plants.” For the past two winters the treatment plant’s effluent has exceeded Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources standards for several substances, including phosphorus. As a result, the DNR has placed a moratorium on the extension of the village’s sewer system. Village administrator Neil Soltis said there is some question as to whether the problem is operational in nature or a flaw in the plant design. According to Soltis, though, 79 treatment plants in Wisconsin use the same system, and the 78 others are running fine.

Rachelle Veenstra named National Merit Scholarship Finalist

Baldwin-Woodville High School senior Rachelle Veenstra, pictured above with her parents Sylvia and Anson, has advanced to finalist standing in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Finalists will be considered for National Merit Scholarships offered in 2009.
As a finalist, Rachelle has been awarded a Certificate of Merit, presented by Baldwin-Woodville High School Principal Eric Russell. The selection of 8,200 Merit Scholarships winners from the group of more than 15,000 finalists is now in progress. In March, National Merit Scholarship Corporation will begin mailing scholarship offers to winners. News media announcements of Merit Scholar designees will be made in April, May and July.

School board reviews land transfer petitions
 The Baldwin-Woodville Board of Education followed past practices at Monday night's meeting by approving a land transfer into the district and denying a request to transfer property out of the district.
Both landowners present at the meeting had similar reasons for their petitions. They live on the edges of the districts involved and want their children to attend the nearest schools. Busing is usually provided only to district residents.
Superintendent Rusty Helland asked if the petitioners were aware of open enrollment, which they were. He said that many districts, including B-W, will provide student transportation if the district has a bus driving by the residence or the students might be picked up at a nearby district stop.
Neither petitioner was able to find a property of comparable value to swap districts with.
The board approved the petition to transfer property from the Glenwood City School District to the Baldwin-Woodville Area School District. The 2008 value of the property is $121,800. Glenwood City needs to approve the transfer for it to go through. The board denied the petition to transfer property from Baldwin-Woodville to the Spring Valley School District valued at $354,000.
School counselor Carol Lebo introduced the Comprehensive School Counseling Program, the new model being followed by district counselors. The counseling staff received training this past year and explained that it is for all students kindergarten through twelfth grade, not just at-risk students.
"The idea is to be pro-active with students before problems arise," said Viking Middle School counselor Duane Jourdeans, "We're not just crisis-driven anymore."
"The new model has academic standards, based on state and national standards and the program is developed by counselors, teachers and community members," commented Lebo.
The curriculum components include counseling, responsive services, individual planning, and system support. Counseling includes support groups, which Lebo leads at Greenfield Elementary. This year 180 students have participated in various support groups. Responsive services includes one-on-one counseling, and working with community groups, the Ministerial Association for instance, during a crisis situation. The individual planning component is started in seventh grade and continues through high school to assist students in planning for their futures.
"The individual planning helps students choose classes that are best for them and what they are interested in, instead of just picking classes willy-nilly," said High School counselor Kit Smestad.
Board member Mike Bondarenko asked the counselors how they measure the success of the program.
Student surveys, pre-unit and post-unit tests, student grades, graduation rates and post-secondary placement of students measure the success of the program according the school counselors.
In other business, the board approved a 2010 Spanish Club trip to Costa Rica. The estimated cost of the trip is $2,000 per person, which is paid by the participants, who have the opportunity to do fundraising through the club.
Director of Pupil Services Patti Phillipps reported that the Four-year-old Kindergarten advisory board has determined that the program will wait until the 2010-2011 school year to start. The board is still working on sites for the program.
The board approved establishing an Employee Benefit Trust, also known as Fund 73. The purpose of Fund 73 is to cover the district's unfunded liability, which is employee retirement benefits.
Board member Tom Schumacher explained that currently the district funds retirement benefits on a pay-as-you-go basis, meaning just enough for current retirees. The unfunded liability is for future retirees.
During the open forum, district resident Leanne Rice asked if the unfunded liability shows on the district's balance sheet.
Supt. Helland responded that it does.
Budget Committee Chairman John Hinz said the committee met with an advisor who explained that the district would be eligible for state categorical aides is such a fund is established. The state aide is to assist districts in getting started on a Fund 73.
Supt. Helland presented the 2009 Second Friday enrollment figures. As of January 9, 2009 the district has 38 more resident students than on January 11, 2008.
Administrators' reports:
Wade Labecki announced that Roxy Wakeen has been awarded a State Speech Award.
Gary Hoffman announced that Spirit Days are happining at Greenfield Elementary this week.
Eric Russell reported that final exams taken last month challenged students and got them talking about studying. The open campus offered the students added responsibilty, which they handled well, he said.

Village approves employment contracts
 After a closed session at the end of last Wednesday’s regular monthly Village of Baldwin Board meeting, the Board approved employment contracts for the next three years with members of the Department of Public Works union and non-union employees and non-union administrative office employees.
According to Village President Don McGee, the contract calls of increased wages and salaries of three percent for each of the next three years. In return for what McGee termed generous terms, the new contract requires more of a contribution from employees toward health insurance costs in each year of the contract.
McGee said the only employee contracts for village employees left to settle are the police and police clerical.
In other action at the meeting:
-The board approved write-offs of water and sewer bills due to two bankruptcies and because a bill was uncollectable when a former resident moved to another state.
-The board approved a lease of 120 acres to Victor Harris at a price of $50 an acre for 2009. The land is in the village’s new industrial park.
-The board raised the parking ticket fine for parking on village streets overnight during the winter to $20 from $5.
Village Engineer Mike Stoffel of Ayres Associates told the board that the Wisconsin Department of Transportation is soliciting projects that are ready to go in March for federal stimulus projects. He said there are only 16 or 17 in the state that will be eligible and that Baldwin doesn’t have one.
-Police Chief Jim Widiker said the Baldwin Police Department applied for an Alcohol Coalition Grant and will receive $8,000. Of that amount, half will be used for labor and half for equipment. Digital recording equipment that will be used for interviews and interrogations will be purchased.
-Department of Public Works Director John Traxler said an insurance company representing the motorist who knocked down a Main Street light pole will depreciate that pole 17% when paying the claim. Traxler said that used replacement poles are non-existent and no labor is figured into the insurance company’s figures. Board members said it would cost more to fight the company’s determination than the extra money that would be received if the village prevailed.

From the Exchanges
    Interesting News Items from
        Surrounding Communities

HUDSON STAR OBSERVER: A Hudson school bus driver remains in the intensive care unit at Regions Hospital in St. Paul following an accident Thursday morning, Feb. 5, at the MR Convenience station store in the town of Hudson. Cheryl Moilanen, 57, was returning to her bus after visiting the convenience store when she was struck by a sport utility vehicle driven by Ann Pierce, 44, of River Falls. The collision knocked Moilanen to the pavement and she struck her head on it, according to Patrol Captain Scott Knudson of the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Department. St. Croix Emergency Medical Services was called to the scene and took Moilanen by ambulance to Hudson Hospital. A medical helicopter met her there and flew her to Regions. According to a www.caringbridge.org site established to keep loved ones and friends informed about her condition, Moilanen has undergone surgery to lessen pressure from the swelling of her brain.

RIVER FALLS JOURNAL: A wood-burning stove triggered a false alarm Tuesday evening last week after a passerby noticed smoke coming from behind Melgard Monument, 266 Radio Rd. just before 6 p.m. The driver became concerned and called 911, reporting the smoke as a possible structure fire. The River Falls Fire Department responded but found that it was Melgard's outdoor wood-burning stove that raised the driver's suspicions. Smoke but no fire will still cost the company $600, the fee charged to rural fire customers each time the fire department responds. Korey Knott, co-owner with his father of Melgard, said they break up wooden crates to use as fuel in the wood-burning stove. He said it isn't unusual for people to see the smoke and think it's a fire, especially when the wood first goes into the stove. "We usually have one a year," Knott said about the false-alarm fire calls. He said the business appreciates people's concern. He considers it a good year if his company pays for only one false-alarm call. Assistant Fire Chief Mike Moody says false-alarm calls happen more easily with the proliferation of cell phones. He said faulty or oversensitive smoke and carbon monoxide detectors also trigger many false alarms.

AMERY FREE PRESS: Matthew Owen Hoff, 30, Amery, was arrested Saturday, Feb. 7, after St. Croix Falls police were dispatched to MarketPlace Foods for a theft of meat that had just occurred. Dispatch advised that the vehicle was traveling east on USH 8 and the vehicle was located and stopped. Inside, within plain view were several packages of meat with MarketPlace Foods labels on them. Other packages in the vehicle were determined to have belonged to Dick's Fresh Market of Amery. The four occupants in the vehicle all told the officer that Hoff came running out of MarketPlace Foods with his arms full of food, entered the vehicle and told the driver to hurry and leave. A witness to the theft from MarketPlace Foods came to the traffic stop and identified Hoff as the person who ran from the store with the food. Other occupants in the vehicle told the officer that Hoff had also stolen meat and alcohol from Dick's Fresh Market in Amery prior to traveling to St. Croix Falls. Hoff was charged with shoplifting and on a Wisconsin department of corrections warrant.

Wagner signs with University of Minnesota

Baldwin-Woodville's standout senior runner Kayla Wagner signed to accept a scholarship to run for the University of Minnesota next year. While the scholarship is for track, Wagner will also be expected to run cross country in the fall. She is pictured above at the conference room at B-W High School with her mother Linda, brother Zac and father Mike. Also present for the signing were her cross country coach Jen Cimino, track Coach Darren Peterson, Athletic Director Wade Labecki and High School Prinicipal Eric Russell.

Anderson and Perkins sentenced for unlicensed butter processing operation in Woodville

Erik C. Peterson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Mark Anderson, 38, Long Lake, Minn., and Steven Perkins, 48, Spicer, Minn., were each sentenced last week by U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephen L. Crocker to one year of probation and 300 hours of community service for introducing adulterated butter into interstate commerce. Anderson and Perkins each pleaded guilty to that misdemeanor charge on August 29, 2008.
The evidence showed that in April 2003, Anderson and Perkins embarked on a project to process butter at a food plant in Iowa. An inspector with the Iowa Department of Agriculture inspected the butter and the process on April 23, 2003, and deemed it unfit for human consumption and refused to approve the process.
Anderson and Perkins disagreed with the inspector's conclusions and moved the project, including the butter, to Woodville Warehousing and Distribution in Woodville where the process continued until May 16, 2003, when a Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Inspector went to Woodville following an anonymous tip of unlicensed food processing.
The inspector found that Woodville was engaging in an unlicensed butter processing operation. The inspector specifically noted that the primary, secondary and tertiary butter packaging was exposed to environmental contamination and that dark particles appeared in the butter itself. In addition, the inspector found that some of the boxes containing butter had stickers on them indicating the butter was "inedible" and therefore not fit for human consumption. Finally, the inspector noted that there were no hand washing stations and that the equipment being used was not approved for dairy processing.
At that time, approximately 86,000 pounds of butter had already been shipped from Woodville to Minnesota. The inspector put a hold on approximately 200,000 pounds of butter that remained at Woodville in connection with this operation.
In sentencing Perkins and Anderson, Magistrate Judge Crocker said that the process appeared doomed from the start and that when "the wheels came off the truck" at the plant in Cresco, Iowa, Anderson and Perkins should have stopped it and never moved it to Woodville. The Magistrate Judge found that Anderson and Perkins lacked the common sense to cut their losses and mislead their partners at North Central Companies.
Woodville Warehousing and Distributing, LLC, was previously sentenced in connection with this case to one year of probation and ordered to pay a $4,000 fine for its role in contaminating and adulterating butter that was processed and held for sale at the warehouse, and later shipped in interstate commerce. During his plea hearing, Ronald Reik, owner of Woodville, admitted that during an approximate three-week period in May 2003, Woodville engaged in the above-described butter processing
operation on behalf of Anderson and Perkins.

From the Exchanges
    Interesting News Items from
        Surrounding Communities

CENTRAL ST. CROIX NEWS: According to St. Croix County Circuit Court records, Judge Edward Vlack on Monday filed a decision on a case filed by former Roberts Police Chief Ricci Prein against the Village of Roberts and the Roberts Police Review Board. Vlack denied Prein's appeal to reverse the decision of the Roberts Police Review Board to support the village board's request to fire Prein in August. Vlack determined there was just cause to sustain the charges brought against Prein by the Village of Roberts. The Police Review Board's August decision was reached after two days of testimony regarding a complaint alleging several charges of misconduct against Prein, including his conduct to his subordinated police officers; his conduct toward members of the public; being at L&M's Bar after closing time; and using the internet for personal use in the course of his work.

PIERCE COUNTY HERALD: There's been no January thaw to speak of, but that hasn't kept vehicles from crashing through Mississippi River ice. Goodhue County (Minn.) Sheriff's deputies said Wilson resident Wayne Schmitt was driving his 2008 Dodge truck loaded with three passengers early last week when the incident occurred. He was driving from the Wisconsin side to Methodist Point, just north of Florence Beach in Minnesota. The truck came to rest in about five feet of water. Ice fisherman came to the group's rescue, according to reports. All four occupants - plus a dog - escaped safely, same as the previous weekend when a Dennison, Iowa man's pickup truck plunged through the ice in the same area. Goodhue County deputies who know the waters said that's not a coincidence. Sgt. Kris Johnson said the current runs directly into a sandbar extending off the point. When frozen, the effect creates a pressure ridge that is dangerous, no matter how cold the air temperature gets.

HUDSON STAR-OBSERVER: A community is hoping and praying that a 20-year-old Stillwater, Minn., woman will recover from the serious head trauma she suffered when her small pickup truck plunged from a freeway overpass in Hudson. Marissa Ann Saad was eastbound on Interstate 94 Wednesday morning, Jan. 28 when she came upon another pickup truck that had slid into the center median all at Exit 1. Saad lost control of her 2000 Ford Ranger when attempting to avoid hitting the other truck. Her vehicle vaulted over a guardrail, sailed through the air and plunged nose-first onto Front Street, which passes beneath the freeway. Dan Krusell, who lives just south of the accident scene was driving north on Front Street when he saw Saad's truck spinning out of control on the freeway above. He stopped his vehicle and along with his 10-year-old son, Kevin, witnessed the crash 80 feet in front of him. Krusell said the Ranger landed on its hood and came to rest on its wheels. "I mean, she was flying. It was just a terrible crash," said Krusell, who hours later was still shaken by what he had seen. I can't get that image out of my head, really," he said. Krusell was the first to reach Saad's vehicle. He said he opened the door and turned off the vehicle's engine, which amazingly, was still running. Saad was unconscious and she didn't respond to his voice when he tried to awaken her, he said. She was alone in the vehicle and wearing a seatbelt. Tyler Westphal of Hudson, Saad's boyfriend, said from the hospital Tuesday morning that he had just been told that Saad was going to be put into a chemically induced coma to relieve swelling of her brain. "They don't say too much," Westphal said of what he had learned about Saad's condition from the hospital staff. "She's still hanging in there strong. She's made it this far. She's going to pull through this, I hope," he said, then added, "she will." Westphal said Saad's loved ones were told immediately after the accident that she wouldn't live.

TRIBUNE PRESS REPORTER: After striking and believing to have killed a monster black bear with their combine, Neil and Phyllis Schlough paid $75 to keep the trophy and have it mounted. While hitting the bear was a surprise, the Schloughs got another when the bear was confiscated by the DNR. The DNR contends that the bear was dead when Neil Schlough hit it with the combine and that it had died after being illegally shot by a man from North Dakota who had been deer hunting on the property days prior. According to state statutes, wildlife that is unlawfully taken is retained by the state. But adding to the issue is the exceptional size of the bear, which may have weighed more than 700 pounds and be a contender for the record books. Bears are measured based on skull dimensions and this bear's skull will likely be measured after the required drying period. While the Schloughs are not being charged with any wildlife violations, Phyllis Scholugh said there is more to the story and that they will be fighting to get their bear back.

MONDOVI HERALD NEWS: The Wisconsin Supreme Court has ruled that a Mondovi man's auto insurance will not cover his son's accident that occurred in 2004. The court says that the auto insurance policy of Dennis Lisowski that was carried through Hastings Mutual Insurance Co., will not have to cover expenses incurred from an accident involving his son Jonathan Listowski and the family's 1996 Dodge Avenger because the vehicle was not covered by the policy. Jonathan Lisowski claimed that he should be covered under his father's insurance policy which covers his father's Mack semi and pays for accidents involving under insured motorists. In January 2004, Lisowski was involved in a two-car accident south of Gilmanton that resulted in three fatalities and critically injured three others including Lisowski. The 1996 Dodge Avenger was one of two vehicles involved in the accident.

Greg Gossel getting attention in art world

Baldwin-Woodville graduate Greg Gossel is pictured in front of one of his creations.

Greg Gossel is taking part in an art show 'Worlds on Fire," an exhibition showcasing artist portraits of Grammy-nominated artists, which opened February 2, in Los Angeles. The show is presented by Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas and curated by artist Kris Lewis and Justin Giarla of the Shooting Gallery.
Gossel was born in 1982 in Baldwin. After graduating from Baldwin-Woodville High School, he continued at the University of Wisonsin-Eau Claire, for a major in design in 2005.
After establishing his painting technique, his work began to express an interplay of many diverse words, images, and gestures. His career continues to develop, with varieties of multi-layered paintings on canvas and paper illustrating a visual history of change, in media infiltration throughout the use of commercial images. To gain his desired affect, he splatters paint, screen-prints images, photo transfers text, stencils, and lacquers building a complex and rich image surface.
Based in street art techniques, these methods depict the chaos in American society. Giving a nod to pop art and graffiti, he depicts the current events in contemporary society with a new take those periods.
"My work is about life, the struggle, and the beauty. I try to accomplish this through the interplay of many diverse words, images, and gestures," Gossel said. "I'm interested in process — building up a surface and layering a variety of mediums; spraying, printing, splashing, erasing, dripping, and writing in a very loose and spontaneous way. When a piece is finished, I want it to illustrate a visual history of change, process, and expression."
Since his first show with Shooting Gallery in 2006 he has been extremely prolific, showing from Red Dot art fair in New York in May 2008, to Red Dot art fair in London in October 2008, Los Angeles in November 2008 and Aqua Art Miami in December 2008.
He currently resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota and is represented by Justin Giarla of the Shooting Gallery in San Francisco.
A link to pieces for the show can be found at: www.greggossel.com/worldonfire/.
"I'm represented by the Shooting Gallery in San Francisco, and upcoming for 2009 I'll be showing my work at the SCOPE art fair in New York in March, a solo exhibition at the Shooting Gallery in San Francisco in June, and a three person exhibition in Toronto this July," Gossel said.
"I'm meeting with a gallery owner to talk about potentially working together on a show here in Minneapolis later this year," Gossel noted.

Fusion clinch conference title for second straight year

With wins of over Chippewa Falls and Hudson, the St. Croix Valley Fusion clinched the Big Rivers Conference title for the second straight year — the first two years of conference play for the girls.
Coach Matt Cranston noted with a win over Menomonie on Thursday the Fusion would have a perfect 16-0 record over that two year span.
The Fusion Beat Chippewa Falls 2-0 on Thursday and Hudson 1-0 on Saturday. Devin Roen added both games to her shutout collection and now has recorded 11 for the season, Cranston added.
The Fusion are now 17-0-1 overall and 7-0-0 in the Big Rivers Conference. The team has two regular season games remaining. On Thursday they are at Menomonie and on Saturday , February 14 they play at Point/Rapids.

Mikayla Doornink won speaking contest

Mikayla Doornink, a senior at B-W High School, was the winner in the prepared speech category in the district FFA speaking contest held at St. Croix Central High School on Monday, January 26. Her speech was titled "rBST/Ag Technology."
Mikayla advances to the sectional FFA speaking contest that will be held in New Richmond in March.

Cookies are Ruth TeGrootenhuis' specialty

The Christmas baking season may be long gone, but one local lady continues to churn out cookies as if it were the height of the holidays.
Ruth TeGrootenhuis, by her own account, has baked roughly 42,000 cookies since she started routinely baking cookies two or three times a week about 20 years ago. "I've got to have something to do when I'm by myself," she explained.
TeGrootenhuis, of Baldwin, bakes cookies Wednesdays and Fridays and sometimes Saturdays, too. She also works three times a week as an activity aide at Park View Nursing Home. She has worked there for the past 22 years.
Since starting her cookie baking routine, Ruth's friends, co-workers, pastors who visit at Park View and her daughter and her family and co-workers have all benefited by being supplied by fresh cookies.
When she started, Ruth used to make three or four kinds of cookies, but now makes just chocolate chip cookies. Baking all those cookies gets expensive, she said, but for Christmas she received a large bag of chips as well as flour and sugar.
Ruth and her husband Bill lived in Woodville for many years, but when he died unexpectedly in 1982 at the relatively young age of 59, Ruth and her daughter Terry moved to Baldwin to be closer to Terry's work. Terry is now married to Hans Ostergaard and teaches in the Ellsworth School District. Terry and Hans are the parents of Ruth's two grandchildren. Terry and her colleagues all benefit from Ruth's cookie baking penchant.
Recently Ruth started baking muffins with no sugar for her diabetic friends. The muffins are made with raisins, applesauce and bran cereal.

From the Exchanges
Interesting News Items from
Surrounding Communities

AMERY FREE PRESS: Amery police were dispatched to Arlington Drive on Friday, January 23, for a reported burglary in progress. Nearing the location, the officer was informed the suspects had left the area in a small vehicle, heading west on Arlington in the direction of the dead end and had not yet returned. The homeowner advised that the vehicle was still parked on the street. The victim said that three persons had just walked into his house when they realized they were in the wrong house they left. However, when they left, the victim looked out the window and saw them going through the back of his truck. He went out and caught one of his ice auger and tip-ups in his hands, they were put back, but he was missing his Vexilar fish finder. The officer then went to another residence on Arlington Drive, heard yelling in the house and the sound of doors closing and what appeared to be people running from the back of the house. The officer was met by two females that he knew. The owner came in and the officer explained what had happened. The officer observed that one or more were obviously very intoxicated. the officer learned the name of one of the individuals which is Bryan J. Church, 27, New Richmond. No one admitted knowing where the two males had gone. The officer notified other officers that there were two males on foot in the area, possibly heading for the lake. After checking the vehicle for the Vexilar fish finder, the officer heard yelling from inside the house, went in and found the owner of the house yelling at Church, who was then led outside and taken into custody. As he was placed in the squad car, the officer heard more yelling from inside and another male came out of the residence. Reports were taken and Church was arrested, charged with theft and on a Polk county warrant.

RIVER FALLS JOURNAL: She's skinny, about 50 pounds, 8-12 months old, no collar or tags. Mixed breed: Shepherd's hair, Labrador's body, Rottweiler's coloring. Last week Monday just after 12:30 p.m. the dog poked through a guardrail on the Hwy. 35/65 bypass over Division Street, darted across the road and was hit by a southbound Ellsworth pickup driver. The elderly man, who had just turned onto the bypass and hadn't reached highway speed said he clipped the dog with his bumper but didn't run her over. After the impact, the dog rolled, picked herself up and crawled up a snow bank. The Ellsworth man and a female driver stopped to look after the still-breathing dog. Her nose was bloody and she had a broken tooth, but no skin lacerations. Police were called, then KinniCroix and River Falls Veterinary Hospital.

PIERCE COUNTY HERALD: The sparky points of a taser put an end to an Eagan, Minn., man's romp on Maui at the expense of a Diamond Bluff woman he had promised to marry. James E. Jackson, 40, now sits in a Maui correctional facility awaiting extradition to Wisconsin after being taken into custody by Maui police on Jan. 9. "The judge in Hawaii wants him (Jackson) to face charges there first before sending him back to Wisconsin," said Lt. Dennis Sorenson of the Pierce County Sheriff's Department. Jackson met Kathleen Cullen, 49, in September at Prescott Days and he then moved into her home just after Thanksgiving. The two were planning a Las Vegas wedding. But on December 23, Jackson told Cullen he had a business meeting in Grand Forks, N.D., and flew away. However, the plane wasn't going to Grand Forks, he was on a one-way trip to Hawaii, all paid for by using Cullen's credit card information he allegedly had taken. Several other things were missing including her laptop, cell phone and other items totaling approximately $7,500.