Storm dropped up to five inches of rain on Baldwin

The intersection of Newton Street and USH 6 was one area inundated by the heavy rainfall that took place Tuesday, June 15. Motorists had to carefully travel though the intersection where water was well over one foot deep.

An afternoon storm that hovered over Baldwin for more than an hour on Tuesday, June 15 dropped various amounts of rain on the village that may have ranged up to five inches.
The heaviest rainfall reports came from the northeast side of the Village, causing huge rushing rivers of water on streets and over grass ways that overwhelmed in some cases the Village’s storm sewers.
The huge amount of water also created havoc with some basements, as both rainwater came into houses through window wells and the failure of sump pumps to keep pace with seeping groundwater, and in some cases through sanitary sewer backups.
Amounts of rain varied greatly, even over short distances. From reports of up to five inches in Baldwin, mostly in the northeast and east side, other reports were up to four inches, three inches and at the village’s wastewater treatment plant, 2.85 inches.
Regardless of location in the village and the rainfall total, “that was a lot of rain at one time,” said Gary Newton, operator of Baldwin’s wastewater treatment plant, “and the most flooding.” He recalled a rainfall of six inches years before, but it was over a longer period of time and didn’t cause as much flooding.
Although there were areas flooded, the damage would have been worse in past years before completion of the major storm sewer pipe that diverts rainwater from the east and north side of town west of town along a large cement pipe along the railroad tracks. That project took place in 2002 and was funded with a Community Development Block Grant.

School board discusses senior volunteer program

Senior citizens have the opportunity to reduce their state tax obligations by volunteering at school districts, according to Superintendent Rusty Helland during the regular monthly meeting of the Baldwin-Woodville Board of Education Monday night.
The STEP Program (Senior Tax Exempt Program) was brought to the attention of Helland by district resident Carolyn Krieger, who requested that the school board consider offering the program at Baldwin-Woodville. Senior citizens who volunteer at the local schools earn five dollars of credit an hour toward tax reductions. An individual can earn up to $400 per year in tax reductions, according to Helland.
“I’ve spoken to a couple of districts that offer STEP,” commented Helland, “and they are positive about the program. Rice Lake has 60 volunteers who earn about $25,000 in tax reductions a year,” he added.
Currently at Baldwin-Woodville there are volunteers at Greenfield Elementary in the mentoring program, according to Principal Gary Hoffman.
Helland said that administrative costs would be funded through the community service fund.
The board decided to place STEP on the July agenda.
Supt. Helland informed the board that board policy requires that credits must be completed at Baldwin-Woodville in order for a student to be awarded a B-W diploma. He said that the State indicates that a school district can chose to a award diploma for an alternative program. The discussion came on the heels of last month’s denial of a request by a student to be awarded a B-W diploma for course work completed through an HSCD program at WITC. Students completing such a program are awarded high school diplomas upon completion of exams.
“I think a Baldwin-Woodville diploma should be earned by attending class at our school,” commented Board President Jeff Campbell.
The diploma policy was sent to the Policy Committee for review.
There was the first reading of three policies regarding student bullying or harassment.
Board member Jody Lindquist informed the board that one teacher has been hired for four-year-old kindergarten, which will begin September 1. More candidates are scheduled for interviews, she said. An open house will be held in the fall.
Principal Gary Hoffman said that 346 students are currently enrolled in Summer School with 21 teachers.
Athletic Director J.R. Dachel announced the Annual Athletic Fund Raiser which will be a golf tournament at Pheasant Hills on July 23. More teams are welcome.

Poetry Group meets every month

Members of the Poetry Group met on Tuesday evening, June 15. From left are Marilyn Lear, Pastor Carmen Peterson, Marie Bosman and Nancy Hable.

A local group of poetry lovers and poets meets every month under the auspices of Baldwin-Woodville Community Education.
Most of the regular members of the group come equipped with a poem or poems they enjoy sharing with other members of the group. But one member doesn’t bring poems written by others. She is a poet who has written poetry for decades and has volumes of poetry she has bound up in scrapbooks along with illustrations that match the poem’s topics.
The poet is Marie Bosman of Baldwin. She said of her poems: “Some of them are good and some are not. I’ve written a lot of them.”
On Tuesday, June 15—meeting at a private residence to benefit from air conditioning—instead of at B-W High School as is normal for the rest of the year, the topic for the poets was “animals.” Other members of the group brought with them poems by authors they enjoy and admire. Marie brought poems to read that she had written over the years. One was called “Kleptomania” and was about a bluebird. Another was “Then I Saw Jesus.”
Mrs. Bosman said she believes that she has a gift of writing poetry, that was given to her by God. “I try to write them with a meaning that represents something,” she said. Many of her poems have a religious theme. Mrs. Bosman also is part of a prison ministry and uses her poetry to communicate with prisoners. Prisoners also take lessons from her, and they send her their work which she then corrects.
Another member of the poetry group is Pastor Carmen Peterson who said Mrs. Bosman “has the ability to describe a feeling, a mood. She has the gift.”
Nancy Hable, another member of the group and a neighbor and friend of Mrs. Bosman’s, said she underwent surgery three years ago and Marie “brought me a poem. It was one of the nicest gifts—very special.”
And Nancy, a member of the Baldwin-Woodville Community Education Advisory Council, and Pastor Peterson, another member, believed a poetry group would have an appeal to some members of the community and would be a vehicle for Mrs. Bosman to showcase some of her poetry.
Mrs. Bosman has had a number of her poems published, some of them in her church denomination’s newspaper, “The Banner.”
Marie grew up north of Baldwin near Pine Lake. She was the daughter of Chris and Angeline TeGrootenhuis. She started writing poetry when she was a teenager and has continued over the decades.
Typically, there are six or seven members of the poetry group who are present. But on Tuesday, June 15 only four showed up, perhaps because of the big rain earlier in the day or just as likely because there are many opportunities for activities during the summer.
In addition to Pastor Peterson, Nancy Hable and Marie Bosman, other members of the group include Marilyn Lear, who was present Tuesday evening, as well as Mark Roycraft, Director of Community Education Jill Goodrich and a UW-River Falls student.

News from the Exchanges
Interesting items from
surrounding communities

PIERCE COUNTY HERALD: A River Falls teenager was charged earlier this month in Pierce County Circuit Court with felony second-degree reckless endangerment. Joseph T. Kobs, 17, is looking at a maximum penalty of $25,000 and/or ten years prison if found guilty. He was scheduled to make his first court appearance on the charge Monday of this week. According to court records, River Falls police and a Pierce County child protection worker went to interview the victim, a 13-year-old girl, in March. The victim explained that, three days earlier, she smelled marijuana coming from his room. She knew Kobs, who was 16 at the time, wasn’t supposed to be smoking pot and confronted him about it. She said Kobs became angry and threw a butcher knife at her. The knife flew past her head and hit the recliner behind her. She also said he was holding another knife with a shorter blade. The victim also said that, last November, Kobs became angry at her and held a knife approximately one inch from her neck. When police interviewed Kobs, he admitted to having an altercation with the victim and grabbing some knives. He said one of the knives slipped out of his hand and accidentally flew in the direction of the victim.

THE COURIER-WEDGE (DURAND): The Durand Junior and Senior High School were among the 145 Wisconsin schools that failed to show progress in reading in the 2009-10 school year. Under the No Child Left Behind Act, schools that receive Title 1 funding are evaluated on test results, graduation rates, test participation rates. The School must make yearly progress toward the government’s goal or face punishments that include letting parents transfer their children to another school district that has better performance, offer tutoring for students from low-income families and restructuring the way the schools operate. Schools that miss the bar face increasing stiff sanctions, including the potential loss of federal money. But due to the fact that this is the first year Durand has appeared on the list, they will not face any federal funding cutbacks. Even though Durand will not be facing cutbacks for not meeting standards, 89 Wisconsin schools were unable to make progress. 71 of those schools receive federal funding for students in poverty and makes them eligible for sanctions.

BURNETT COUNTY SENTINEL: “Rural Development (USDA) has indicated they could fill the $300,000 gap in financing for the library,” MSA engineer Dave Rasmussen told the Webster Village Board at its meeting last week. Between grants, donations and the donation of the building, the village is about $300,000 short on funding for the projected cost of the library renovation. That’s where the USDA comes in. “It was a very positive meeting,” Rasmussen indicated. “With a $150,000 loan and a $150,000 grant, it fills that gap,” he said. “I’m fairly confident, through our fundraising efforts, we aren’t going to need that $150,000 loan.” Trustee Tim Malone said. “But perhaps we could use it as a ‘bridge’ loan until the dedicated donations come in.” Rasmussen said bidding could take place in July with bids to be opened in early August.

Kylee Kulow crowned new “Miss Baldwin”

Pictured above is the new Court for the Miss Baldwin Royalty. Queen Kylee Kulow is seated, center, standing from left to right are Gabby Liston, 4th Princess and Miss Congeniality; Tiana Ferrick, 2nd Princess; Zyanya Arce, 3rd Princess; and Tori Klingler, 1st Princess.

Good news, bad news at board meeting

The good news is that Baldwin’s wastewater treatment plant is operating as efficiently as possible.
In his annual report to the Village Board, Baldwin’s Plant Operator Gary Newton said the compliance/maintenance report of the plant got all As. “The plant’s working very well,” said Newton. “Everything is okay. It got straight As—the best grades possible.”
Newton gave his report at the monthly Village of Baldwin trustee meeting last Wednesday, June 9.
The bad news is that the Wisconsin DNR is proposing new rules for phosphorus discharge from municipal treatment plants, Newton said. The proposed rules, if adopted, “could cost Baldwin $3,000,000. It’s a hot discussion out there. All towns and villages are opposed to the rule.”
In addition, Newton said another proposed new rule would require chlorination of all municipal water sources. “It’s expensive and would take a new well house. Daily testing would also be necessary,” Newton said.
After the meeting Newton provided additional information. He said the west central area of Wisconsin generally has good water quality. So a general rule regarding chlorination that may be necessary in other parts of the state is not necessarily applicable here.
Newton also noted that there are trade-offs with chlorinating the water because although it may be necessary in some places where water quality is less than pristine, chlorine is also a known carcinogen which should be avoided if possible. Since our water quality is good it would be easy to avoid chlorinating water unless it is mandated by the state.
Also after the meeting, Newton said a new phosphorus rule would be expensive and “it would change the whole way we would run the [wastewater treatment] plant. Already the state has spent billions on phosphorus removal and it hasn’t changed anything.” Effluent from wastewater treatment plants is only a tiny part of the phosphorus problem and “until they go after every entity that emits phosphorus it won’t make a difference,” because treatment plant effluent is such a small part of the problem. At the state level “it’s a very big issue.”
In other action at the meeting:
—The board accepted the retirement of police officer Brad Copland with regret and thanks for his years of service to Baldwin.
—The board approved the purchase agreement for 3.517 acres of land in the village’s I-94 industrial park to J and C Trucking with closing on or before July 15. The board also approved a developer’s agreement that called for J and C Trucking to erect a building with an assessed value of at least $430,000 which will generate the taxes necessary to fund the tax incremental financing that generated the credits for the land purchase.
—The board approved annual liquor license renewals in the village.
—Village engineer Mike Stoffel reported that work on the two block stretch of Curtis Street from USH 63 to 12th Avenue begins Monday (June 14). He said boulevard trees had been cut down in anticipation of the work.

Fire destroyed shed, barn saved

Firefighters from United Fire and Rescue were called out about 11:30 p.m. Saturday to a fire on a farm is Hersey. The fire destroyed a shed containing baled hay and another shed attached to the barn will have to razed. However, the barn was saved and no animals were lost in the blaze.
The farm is owned by Bradley and Tina Midtling. Brad’s grandfather, Duane Midtling who was at the farm at the time, said a passerby spotted the fire and pounded on the door about 11:20 Saturday evening. Midtling then called the fire department.
Mutual aid was provided by Glenwood City and Spring Valley departments for both manpower and hauling water. The Menomonie Fire Department also provided manpower.
Firefighters were on the scene until about 6:00 a.m. Sunday.
Midtling said the suspected cause of the fire is spontaneous combustion in the stored hay. He added the shed had been rebuilt after being destroyed in a storm three years ago.

New from the Exchanges
Interesting items from
surrounding communities

CENTRAL ST. CROIX NEWS: Doug Doll recently did something he hadn’t done in nearly 30 years - and was hoping never to do again. He filled out an employment application. It’s been four weeks now since the final customer was served at the Doll House in Hammond under its namesake’s watch. Tuesday, May 11 was his final day running the bar and grill he’d owned for more than 20 years. Ten years ago business was good and the economy - both local and national - was strong. Doll then completed his dream - he quadrupled the size of his building, taking it from 1,000 square feet to the 50x80 feet it is now. During the days of Hammond’s housing boom, Doll served up to 40 lunches a day, many to construction workers in town for jobs. Happy Hour business was strong and both them and locals and the Doll House often featured live entertainment on the stage built for that purpose. When the recession hit, it hit Doll hard. “There’s been a lot of great years,” said Doll, who celebrated his 52nd birthday May 14. “Everybody knows what the recession has done. That’s killed a lot of things. That’s pretty much put me down. When Doll first bought the bar in 1990 (then called Norma’s) he was working at Andersen Windows. He held on to that job for two years before committing to the bar full-time. He also did snowplowing during the winter and at some point over the years acquired some tents he now rents out to others - both jobs he plans to continue. “I want to say thanks to all the community and all the customers over the years. The people in the community are wonderful. The schools have been great. They’ve helped out on different things."

RIVER FALLS JOURNAL: Rescuers used kayaks and a helicopter to find a 16-year-old kayaker, missing on the Kinnickinnic River for several hours overnight. Searchers reached Corey Pottebaum shortly after 3 a.m. Tuesday morning after Minnesota State Patrol officers in a helicopter spotted a campfire along the river southwest of River Falls at about 2:40 a.m. About half an hour later members of the River Falls Fire Department walked in and found the missing teen. Pottebaum was uninjured and was reunited with his parents, according to a press release from the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department. “We had four people floating the river,” said River Falls Fire Chief Chris Cernohous. He said firefighters went out in four privately owned kayaks while other teams walked both sides of the river. At 11:26 p.m. Monday the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department received a call from the father of the 16-year-old Robert boy who had left Glen Park in a kayak, planning to travel the Kinnickinnic. The father had last spoken to his son shortly after 6 p.m. The boy intended to kayak for a while, then get off the river and call his dad for a ride home but the teen never called.

THE SUN (OSCEOLA): A 64-year-old man who allegedly exposed himself to a teenaged girl during a busy night in downtown Osceola has been arrested for misdemeanor lewd and lascivious behavior and indecent exposure. Thomas William Ledo of Lake Elmo, Minn., is accused of standing naked in front of an office window at the corner of First Ave. and Cascade St./Hwy. 35. On Friday night while Osceola’s Mill Pond Park was populated by the Movies Under the Stars event and downtown bars and streets were busy with foot and vehicle traffic According to the probable cause arrest report, the juvenile girl who saw Ledo told police officers that he was completely naked and was masturbating. She described Ledo to police officers and told them he was looking back and forth, left to right, out the street level windows. She was fearful that he “saw her and would exit the building to ‘get her,’” the arrest report stated.

Richard and Genny Range are Parade Marshals

When you see Richard and Genny Range in Saturday’s June Bug Days parade, be sure to give them a vigorous wave. You see, after they told their children they were the Parade Marshals for this year’s parade, their children made them practice “wrist, wrist, elbow, elbow, pearls.” So you’ll be able to see if practice helps.
Richard and Genny are not native Baldwinites. But they have made the village their home for the past 21 years and have made important contributions to our community.
Richard was the administrator at the Madison, Minnesota Hospital in 1989 when the Hospital and nursing home there decided to consolidate and at the same time have only one administrator serve both institutions. So he interviewed for the Baldwin Community Memorial Hospital job and was hired here. Genny had worked at the Madison Hospital at the time too, and after the couple relocated to Baldwin she worked first at the Spring Valley Care Center and later as a surgical nurse at Baldwin Area Medical Center as our hospital was later named.
Richard related that it was a good move for them. Madison, Minnesota was shrinking in population, but Baldwin, as part of the Twin Cities metropolitian area, was a growing area.
Genny was born and raised in Story City, Iowa and lived there until the third grade when her family relocated to Fairmont, Minn. where she graduated from high school. She attended nursing school at Abbott Hospital in Minneapolis and worked there for a year after she received her RN degree.
Richard was raised in Fairmont, and then attended Augustana College, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota where he received his teaching degree. The two were married after Genny graduated from nursing school and moved to Madison where Richard got a job teaching seventh grade life sciences, seventh, eighth and ninth grade phy ed and ninth grade health. Genny worked first at Madison Lutheran Home and then at Madison Hospital from 1966 to 1989.
While Richard was teaching, the administrator at Madison Hospital told him that he should take up hospital administration and he went to graduate school at the University of Minnesota where he received his degree in 1971. He was at the Madison Hospital until he came to Baldwin in 1989.
While the administrator of BAMC, there were two additions to the facility. The clinic-hospital relationship was changed. Originally, the clinic was run by Ramsey Medical Center, now Regions Medical Center. Now Regions doesn’t run the clinic but many of the same providers are still present.
The Ranges both retired from Baldwin Area Medical Center in 2007 and since then have spent three to four months each winter in Arizona with seven or eight other couples they knew in Madison and not far from where a number of Baldwin couples spend the winter.
In the summertime the Ranges enjoy spending time in their motorhome at a campground at Clear Lake, Minnesota.
Genny enjoys reading, antiquing and going to garage sales, quilting and of course seeing her grandchildren. Richard likes to tinker in his shop with wood projects but says he needs more equipment for serious work. He refinishes furniture, assembles model planes and boats and likes to travel. He also enjoys attending athletic events. Richard also serves as the Economic Development Director for Baldwin.
The Ranges have three children, only one of which, their youngest, Pete went to school at B-W. He graduated with the class of 1991. He is married to Sara and lives at St. Michael, Minn. where he is a stay at home dad to their twin boys Jacob and Jackson, four, and daughter Madison, three. Sara is employed by Travelers Insurance.
Dawn is their eldest child. She is married to Claire Austin and they live in Red Wing, Minn. and both teach. They have three children: Daniel 20, Mike 18 and Aaron 12.
Daughter Pamela is married to Paul Traina who is a lawyer. They live in Stevenson Ranch, Calif. and enjoy following their daughters in their gymnastic pursuits. Their daughters are Morgan 17, Kacie 15 and Samantha 11. Morgan participated in the National Junior Olympics competition in Texas.
Richard’s parents Melvin and Rosemary Range live in Burnsville, Minn. Genny’s mother Ethel Omvig, who is 94, lives in Fairmont.
So loosen up those elbows and practice your wave and join with Richard and Genny’s relatives in giving them a hearty wave on Saturday.

June Bug Days celebration is June 10 - 13

June Bug Days is here! The festivities start off Thursday when the Blackhawk Hockey Brat Stand opens at 10 a.m. each day Thursday through Sunday. Spectrum Carnival opens at 5 p.m. as well as a Community BBQ at the American Legion (free will donations will be accepted). The Fire Departments Kickball tournament starts at 6. Tokyo Bushmen play from 5 to 6 and TC Cats from 7 to 10:30.
Friday is full of events. Pick up some bargains at the community garage sales from 8 to 4 p.m. The BAMC Hospital Auxiliary Luncheon is 11 to 1 at the American Legion. The carnival opens at 3 p.m. Baldwin Ambulance will host a Spaghetti Feed at the American Legion from 4 to 7 (free will donation). The Chamber Burger stand is open 4 to 8 p.m. and throughout the weekend. Kid’s Night by Pure Energy Entertainment begins at 5 p.m. at Mill Pond Park. There will also be pony and train rides. The Tractor Pull starts at 5:30 p.m. Business Team Dodgeball is 6 to 9 at the United Civic Center. Sweet Siren will play from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Saturday’s events start early with the 10K run at 7 a.m. and the 5K run/walk at 8:15 and the slow pitch softball tournament begins. The carnival opens at 11 a.m. Fantasy Coral Petting Zoo and Pony Rides will run from noon to 5 p.m. The ATV/Mini Rod Pull starts at 5.
The Miss Baldwin Queen’s Pageant will be held at 7 p.m. at the High School Auditorium Fireworks start at dusk, sponsored and displayed by Fireworks Outlet, Fireworks City and the Village of Baldwin, and Pop Rocks will perform from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Sunday features a Pancake Breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. at the American Legion (Free will offering). The Slow Pitch tournament continues. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wynveen Auto Body is sponsoring at Car Show as well as Rockman DJ Music.

June Bibeau to retire

After a total of 34 years working at First Bank of Baldwin (formerly First National Bank of Baldwin) June Bibeau is calling it quits and is planning to retire.
In her 32 years of full time employment and two years of part time work at the bank, “I worked for Louie, I worked for Dale and I worked for Jon,” said Bibeau. “That’s a really long time.”
In her retirement, she said “I get to quilt, I get to volunteer and work in the church up there.” The Bibeaus have moved to Birchwood and she has been communting to work recently. She added that she hopes to stay involved with some aspects of the Bank.
“We didn’t have computers when I started,” said June. “We had to balance the bank by hand. We still do somewhat but it’s easier now.”
Bibeau is a personal banker which involves consumer loans, student loans, opening accounts and planning trips. “Pretty much anything for individual customers,” she said . Prior to being a personal banker she did consumer lending and marketing for about 20 years. She started her bank career in bookkeeping and even did a stint as a teller for awhile.
“I like my job,” said June. “I enjoy people. That’s why I’ll stay involved.”
She will be honored for her years of service on Thursday, June 10 with an open house including refreshments at the Bank.

St. Croix Valley PRCA Rodeo June 18-19

The 2010 St. Croix Valley PRCA Rodeo will be held June 18 and 19.
The Rodeo will be held at the Fairplex in Glenwood City, home of the St. Croix County Fair. Bob Barnes, a member of the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, and the Barnes family are the rodeo producers. They have been entertaining Rodeo fans across America for 60 years. Many of their broncs and bulls have competed at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Professional cowboys and cowgirls will compete in seven timed and rough stock rodeo events including tiedown roping, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, bareback bronc riding, bull riding, barrel racing and team roping.
As one of the earliest sports in America, Rodeo relies on a person’s athletic ability to ride a bucking animal as well as roping and horsemanship skills. Local professional bull riders, Dean “Brunky” Brunkhorst and Jesse Krier sum up Rodeo as a great way for people to experience western lifestyle, and a unique sport that has remained unchanged for generations. For these two experienced cowboys the Rodeo has given them the opportunity to pursue their dream.
Meet the 2010 St. Croix Valley Rodeo Queen, Alexa Hoffman who along with Amanda Breitenfeldt, Miss Rodeo Wisconsin, will be attending both Friday and Saturday performances. These young women have a passion for Rodeo, and are dedicated to promoting and representing the sport. According to Alexa “ watching top caliber cowboys and cow girls compete on high quality stock makes Rodeo an exciting sport for spectators and contenders alike”.
Sign your junior wrangler up for Muttin Bustin’ both Friday and Saturday evenings. Children age 5 as of January 1st, and weighing less than 55 pounds can sign up at the rodeo, entries close at 6:30 p.m. Ten lucky riders will be drawn by lot to get the opportunity to ride sheep as part of the Rodeo. According to Rebecca Peterson, Glenwood City & Nicolas Cork New Richmond, 2009 winners, “Muttin Bustin is an awesome experience” – Becca summed up her ride “the sheep bucked and I stayed on” as being a truly memorable experience! Thanks to Bernard’s Chrysler Dodge Jeep and other local sponsors, all participants are winners!!
New this year, try your luck riding Cletus the Mechanical Bull and sign up to win a fabulous hand made, rodeo theme quilt, one to be given away each evening.
Friday, June 18 is Military Night as we recognize all past and present members of the armed forces. Individuals with a military ID or a membership card from the American Legion or VFW will receive a $2.00 discount on gate admission. Friday at 7 p.m., American Legion Post 80 Honor Guard of New Richmond Wisconsin will open the Rodeo in an Honor Ceremony that includes presenting and posting the colors, paying tribute to fallen soldiers, and acknowledging veterans from each branch of the military. Stay for the Hillbilly Mafia band immediately following Friday’s rodeo, and dance to your favorite classic and current county music. The Hillbilly Mafia is an experienced five-member band that has performed with national acts across the United States and abroad.
Saturday, June 19 is Family Night with activities beginning at 4 p.m. Attractions include Fantasy Corral along with Nickel, Boot & Calf Scrambles. The Corral will be an educational and engaging experience featuring a petting zoo of 15 different species of exotic animals ranging from buffaloes to camels depending on availability as well as pony rides provided for a charge. The Scrambles, great fun for junior wranglers, start at 4:30 p.m. Be sure to stay for the awesome professional fireworks display at 10 p.m., immediately following the rodeo performance.
Save $3 per rodeo ticket by purchasing in advance at Ormson’s Super Valu, Countryside Cooperative, and Hiawatha National Bank in Glenwood City, Angel’s Pet World in Hudson, Herdsman Feeds in Connorsville, Farm and Home in New Richmond, Mix 105 in Amery and at your local Dodge Chrysler Jeep Dealers: Bernards – New Richmond, Gilberts – Sand Creek: Luther – Hudson, Trail -Menomonie, or online at www.stcroixcofair.com. Adult admission at the gate is $13.00, $9.00 for children (5-12) and free for children under five years of age.

June Bug Days June 10-13

WOW! What a creation. The June Bug Jammer. Pictured is the new advertising vehicle of Baldwin June Bug Days. Now, before we get carried away - a little background information. Ronald Husby, in an effort to clean up around his property, spoke to Randy Myer about a camper he had on his property that he was looking to get rid of. Randy, in a fun sort of way, joked about it at last year’s wrap up meeting after June Bug Days - "Hey, we could drive it thru the parades."
The June Bug committee agreed it would be fun, but must be refurbished at no cost to the event. Randy and Jake, his son, went out with fellow committee member Rick Coltrain to investigate further. They installed a new battery, got it started, and brought it back to Value Implement. It sat there until this spring. The next stop of the Jammer was to Dan's Auto. The shop performed a tune up, fully donated. Next up, Wynveen Auto.
Randy and Rick gave Jeff full authority to do whatever he could create. As you can see - he did an awesome job. Amazing really. Again at no cost to the event.
So what will it be used for? It will be used to advertise the event - anything to keep everyone talking about our town celebration. It will be driven through the local parades for this purpose as well. Randy is looking forward to going through Roberts next month. During the event it will be a meeting place for the committee, a drop off point for all information as needed.
A couple big THANK YOUs need to go out to the following people: Ronald Husby for the Jammer - one man’s castoff is another man’s treasure! Dans Auto - making it run the way it should. Wynveen Auto - your imagination ran wild - it turned out AWESOME!
Look for the Jammer around town over the coming weeks. The posters should be out around town as well. Check out the candidates for this year’s Miss Baldwin. Fifteen are running, the largest group ever.
Lots of preparation for Baldwin’s big weekend. Watch here for more information.

Sauve fired for “gross misconduct”

Long-time Spring Valley school District educator, coach and athletic director Brad Sauve was fired in April from his positions for what the district in a report labeled “gross misconduct.”
A report prepared by the district, which was released on Friday, May 21 in response to an open records request by the Eau Claire-based Leader-Telegram, said Sauve and school nurse Traci Lien engaged in sexual relations in Sauve’s office in the summe rof 2009, according to the report.
The Leader-Telegram reported that Sauve was placed on suspension earlier this year and then fired in April. Lien resigned from her position on March 8.
According to the records prepared by the district, Sauve and Lien met with Middle and High School Principal Gretchen Cipriano on January 18 and told her of their affair. They provided more information in a later meeting.
Sauve said he disarmed the security codes at the Middle/High School and met with Lien two times in the summer of 2009. According to the report, school was not in session at the time and school officials believe the two were the only ones in the building at the time.
Sauve had been employed by the district since 1980. Lien since 2006.

Friday morning crash kills one in Pierce County

A 24 year old man was killed in a two vehicle crash in Pierce County early Friday Morning, May 21.
Andrew J. Lindberg, of River Falls, was driving north on STH 65 between Ellsworth and River Falls when the 1998 Plymouth Neon he was driving crossed the center line and struck an on-coming vehicle. The crash happened just past 4:00 a.m. Lindberg was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two other persons were transported from the scene by ambulance with injuries: Kimberly G. Lindberg, 24, of River Falls, was a passenger in the Neon; Gretchen J. Lange, 44, of Ellsworth was the driver of the second vehicle involved in the crash.

Memorial Day Program

~ May 31~

9 a.m. Short Service, Rifle Salute, and Taps at Woodside Cemetery
9:15 a.m. Short Service, Rifle Salute, and Taps at Peace Lutheran Cemetery
9:30 a.m. Memorial Day Service at Baldwin Cemetery
• Posting of the Colors
• Commander Scott Husby Opening Remarks
• Chaplain’s Prayer by Aage Duch
• National Anthem sung by Kris Hoffman and daughter Aaby Wellens
• History of Memorial Day - Jodi Wolski
• Poem “Freedoms Colors” by the Jr. Auxiliary
• Laying of the Wreath, Legion Auxiliary
• Guest Speaker, Milford Simonds, Vietnam Veteran
• Poem “In Flanders Field” - Mary Simonds
• “God Bless America” sung by Kris and Aaby
• Salute to the Dead by Post 240 Honor Guard
• Taps by Greg Loock
Refreshments will be served at the Legion Hall afterward along with Military Displays by Tom Vandeberg, D-day dioramas by Don Nelson and Gary Hoffman.

News from the Exchanges
Interesting items from
surrounding communities

MONDOVI HERALD-NEWS: A Mondovi Middle School student has been named one of the best wheelchair basketball athletes in his age group in the nation. Mondovi sixth grader Collin Evans was recently named a First Team All-Tournament player on his wheelchair basketball team after the team competed in Denver, Colo., last month. This marks the fourth year Evans has played on the team. Evans is the son of Rob and Dawn Evans of Mondovi, is a member of the Courage Center’s 2009-2010 Rolling Rowdie’s Wheelchair basketball team that participated in the National Wheelchair Basketball Association’s (NWBA) annual basketball tournament April 10-11.

BURNETT COUNTY SENTINEL: Burnett County Sheriff Dean Roland traveled to Washington last week to ask Congress to increase investments in early childhood care and education as an effective approach to reducing crime. Sheriff Roland testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, the panel with spending authority over the major federally-funded early childhood development programs. Wisconsin Congressman David Obey chairs the committee. “Working in the criminal justice profession has taught me that it’s much easier to teach a boy than to change a man,” Sheriff Roland said. “The research shows that getting kids involved in early learning can cut the risk that they’ll commit crimes as adults and make our communities safer in the long run.”

TRIBUNE PRESS REPORTER (GLENWOOD CITY): One 18-year-old and one 17-year-old accused of shooting and killing three horses in Dunn County last November have waived their right to a preliminary hearing. Brock Flatland, Wheeler, and Trenton Hollister, Dallas, appeared in Dunn County Circuit Court May 11. Judge Rod Smeltzer questioned both young men individually about their desire to waive the preliminary hearing. When Flatland and Hollister said they were willing to do so, Judge Smeltzer said he would use the facts from the criminal complaint to establish probable cause and scheduled an arraignment in the matter on June 29. Both young men face three felony counts of mistreatment of animals and causing death along with one misdemeanor count of intentional mistreating animals. Flatland and Hollister also were charged with five misdemeanor counts of mistreating animals in Barron County in connection with the same incident when five cows were shot.

THE SUN (OSCEOLA): If One Companies developer Scott Goltz has his way, a 10,000 square foot public library will be the centerpiece of a fully reinvigorated block of commercial properties on River Street. In recent months, Goltz and his company, which is currently negotiating with the Osceola Medical Center on a potential purchase of the 70,000 square foot former hospital and L.O. Simenstand Nursing Care Unit building, has met with Osceola Public Library officials to try to entice the library to relocate into the facility. To make that happen, Goltz has floated the idea of selling the easternmost 10,000 square feet of space to the Osceola Public Library for $1. Goltz said the library would be an excellent fit for the type of businesses the company is hoping to attract as tenants in the refurbished building.

Schumacher elected president of EDC

Patti Robertson received a memento from Tom Schumacher for her service as president of St. Croix EDC from May 2009 to May 2010. She also served on t he board of directors from 2004 – 2010.

St. Croix Economic Development Corporation (EDC) held its annual meeting on Tuesday, May 11, 2010. Baldwin resident Tom Schumacher was elected to a one-year term as president. Schumacher is a business attorney with Bakke Norman S.C. He replaces Patti Robertson who completed her term as president. She will continue to serve on the executive committee.
Ryan Sicard (Somerset) was elected first vice president. He is employed by the Somerset School District and serves on the Somerset village board and the St. Croix County board of supervisors.
Roger Humphrey was elected second vice president. He resides in Woodville and owns Humphrey Engineering and MarketGraphics, both located in Hudson.
Marian Furlong was elected corporate secretary-treasurer. She is the president and chief operating officer of Hudson Hospital and Clinics.
Three directors completed their final terms on the board – Patti Robertson, Willard Moeri, and Jerry Brown.
Three incumbent directors were re-elected – Dawn Hukai, Ryan Sicard, and Tom Schumacher. All will serve a 3-year term. Hukai is an Associate Dean of the College of Business and Economics (CBE) at UW-River Falls. She is also an accounting professor at CBE.
Four new directors were elected to the board. They include Michelle Erdman, Greg Gerard, Paul Schwebach, and Scott Wagner. Michelle resides in Baldwin and is a paralegal at Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing. Gerard is a business consultant. Both Schwebach and Wagner are bankers – Paul is employed as the branch manager at AnchorBank in River Falls and Scott is a business banking manager with Bremer Bank.
At the conclusion of the annual meeting the departing directors were presented with plaques as a token of appreciation for their service to St. Croix EDC. Patti Robertson also received a memento for her service as EDC president from May 2009 to May 2010.

$30,000 donated to band programs
Community Ed going strong since 1995

The Baldwin-Woodville School District is the beneficiary of a $30,000 anonymous donation, which was announced at the board meeting Monday night. Viking Middle School Principal Jon Hinzman said the donation is in memory of Clifford Solstad. $15,000 of the donation is designated for the middle school band and another $15,000 is for the high school band, he said.
Community Education
For the past fifteen years, community education has been a partnership between the Baldwin-Woodville school district and the community it serves. Since 1995 the advisory council of Community Education has been offering a wide variety of classes for everyone in the district, according to Jill Goodrich in her report to the school board. Goodrich has been the director of Community Ed for the past four years.
The mission of Community Ed states in part, “A community school is a place used freely and informally for all aspects of living and learning, maximizing the use of publicly owned facilities.”
“We view community ed as a bridge between the community and the schools,” she said. “The programs allow for residents of all ages to utilize the school facilities.”
Goodrich explained that she puts together the class listing booklet each fall and spring. Typically there are 40 to 50 classes offered each session, she said.
“My rough formula for each session is one-third new classes, one-third requests from past sessions, and one-third on-going classes,” said Goodrich.
For the summer session, classes are listed on the new Community Ed web site, which can be accessed through the district’s web site she said. “That’s something new for us,” Goodrich added.
Some businesses and organizations run classes through the program, according to Goodrich. For instance, the EMT classes and Happy Feet Dance Studio classes are offered through Community Ed. Community Ed is a non-profit organization according to the mission statement.
All contracts were approved at the meeting. Administrative contracts increased 3.8 percent total package, teacher contracts increased 3.9 percent total package for 2009-2010 and 4 percent for 2010-2011 school year, and support contracts for 2010-2011 were approved.
Superintendent Rusty Helland explained that all employees are now on the same health insurance. As part of the administrative contract, all insurance costs are paid by the district. For the teacher and support staff, 93 percent of the insurance costs are paid by the district and the employee pays seven percent.
Board President Jeff Campbell said that the negotiations committee tried to take into account the increase in health insurance costs for support staff and adjust wages accordingly.
Campbell commented that a goal of the board to include Health Reimbursement Accounts in the teacher contracts was achieved. Helland agreed, explaining that all teachers hired after July 1, 2010 will be included in this benefit and any hired since 2006 may opt in at this time. Currently, teachers have two options: an annual stipend or regular health insurance. The new employee benefit is $2,000 annually toward the HRA for the first 15 years of service and $2,500 a year after that. The HRA will phase in over time to cover all teachers. The fixed cost of long-term debt to the district is beneficial and decreases its post-employment liability by nearly one-third, said Campbell.
Following a closed session the board approved an agreement with the teachers’ union regarding the new 4-year-old kindergarten program. Helland explained that due to the high numbers of students and only two community sites, part of the Jr. Hawks facility located at Greenfield Elementary may be used for 4-K. The agreement stipulates that a certified 4-K teacher at the Jr. Hawks facility would not be included in the BW teacher master contract. That teacher would be considered part of the community-based program and compensated as such, Helland said.
A motion to approve courses in agriculture which would qualify as science credits was approved.
A motion to increase school breakfast by ten cents and lunch by fifteen cents was approved.
High School Principal Eric Russell announced that scholarships to seniors were awarded last week. $30,000 of local money and $120,000 in national money was awarded to Baldwin-Woodville seniors.
Russell also announced that Adam Christianson and Evan Lebo won Exemplary Solo at state competition, which is the highest award at the state level.

Village Board approves contract for trash pick-up with Murtha Sanitation

The Baldwin Village Board at their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 12 approved a five year contract for residential refuse and recycling with Murtha Sanitation.
Two other bidders for the contract were Waste Management, which has had the contract for the previous five years, and Veolia, which services some commercial accounts locally.
The Board reviewed a comparison sheet prepared by a review team that looked at the three bids. There were point totals listed, with Veolia scoring 59 points, Waste Management 58 and Murtha Sanitation 42. However, John Murtha of Murtha Sanitation noted that although his firm received less points in several areas it was only because he assumed the village would be familiar with his company and he didn’t go into detail. For instance, the bid asked for a contact person and Murtha said he or his son are the contact persons.
After Murtha’s presentation and discussion, Village President Don McGee commented that “they’re all really comparable.” He added that the village hasn’t had any problems with Waste Management and “it’s not an easy decision.” The prices are nearly identical, within a couple dollars per quarter.
A motion was made and seconded to award the contract to Murtha Sanitation and that passed. Trustee Claire Stein voted no because, he said, Waste Management did a good job and he was concerned about problems during the change over.

Laura Kerr is new Syttende Mai Queen

Laura Kerr was crowned Syttende Mai Queen at the Queen’s Coronation held Saturday night in Woodville. She is the daughter of Carey and Brenda Kerr. Samantha Albrightson, daughter of Doug and Andrea Albrightson, was crowned 1st Princess. Princesses were Brandi Escoe, daughter of Joseph and Theresa Escoe; Maggie Gadbois, daughter of Greg and Liz Gadbois; and Kelsey Lyons, daughter of Ed and Barb Lyons.

Restaurant adds Indian cuisine to menu

Surinder Manak displays a plate of Indian food, Tandoor Murg, which is a spring chicken marinated in a special sauce, blended with garlic and herbs.

It’s still known as Ray’s and retains a truck stop atmosphere, but since April of this year, the restaurant now offers a variety of Indian foods.
Owners Surinder and Parminder Manak bought Ray’s Southside Restaurant and service station in October 2004. Originally the Manaks leased the the restaurant while operating the service station. In October of 2009 the Manaks also took over operation of the restaurant.
Surinder is originally from Punjab State in northern India. He emigrated to the U.S. in 1981 and moved to Minneapolis in 1982, where he worked as a chef. He eventually opened three different restaurants in Minneapolis, Fair Oaks in 1990, Bombay Palace in 1992 and Sher-e-Punjab in 1995.
In October of 2004 the Manaks sold the restaurants and moved to New Richmond and purchased Rays.
“We have a variety of American and Indian food,” Surinder noted. “The American food is most popular. We do serve 10-12 orders of Indian food each day. Indian vegetarian is our specialty.”
Ray’s Indian Mini Restaurant is located at 501 Highway 63, at the southeast intersection with I-94.

News from the Exchanges

Interesting items from

surrounding communities

AMERY FREE PRESS: Polk County Sheriff Tim Moore shocked his weekly press conference on Monday, May 10 by announcing that he would not seek re-election to the post of sheriff of Polk County. In making the announcement Moore’s press release states, “I announce today that I will not seek re-election for the Office of Sheriff of Polk County. I have enjoyed serving the citizens of Polk county for the last five years as Sheriff and have spent the last 29 years in the law enforcement field in many different capacities. It has been said that if you love what you do, it is never really a job. I agree with that.” The sheriff went on to say, “While I have enjoyed this position I have never liked the political side or the negativity of campaigns. Everything is considered fair in political races and that is unfortunate. Campaigns should focus on a candidate’s qualifications and professional achievements in their career, not on unconfirmed accusations, mistruths, rumors and blatant lies. In these difficult economic times, much scrutiny has been placed on budgets and financial stability of departments and offices. I am proud to say that the Polk County sheriff’s office has always respected the budget process and the fundamental concept that we operate with your money and I have been under-budgeted expenses for the past four years to a combined total of $1.2 million.” In speaking with Moore informally, the sheriff told reporters that personal health played a part in his decision noting that the job is at least a 60 hour a week job and over.

TRIBUNE PRESS REPORTER (GLENWOOD CITY): At the Village Board Monday Police Chief Dan Wellumson informed the board that another couple from Boyceville lost money to internet forgery. The couple, whom he did not identify, lost $4,270 by sending money grams to a Las Vegas address. Wellumson said that the couple did receive checks from whoever got the money but, as he said before, the checks were no good. Wellumson told the village board that the couple had to take money from their retirement fund to cover the loss. Wellumson noted that this is not the first time local residents have been swindled and said that Boyceville residents have lost $15,000 in fraud. “We have been warning people about this type of thing,” Wellumson told the board. Board member Bill Sempf indicated to the meeting that he had heard about a scam that is going around where a person receives a call that they have an arrest warrant out on them because they did not appear for jury duty. The call then requests personal information about the person.

NEW RICHMOND NEWS: A New Richmond High School graduate is working to clean up the Gulf of Mexico after the recent oil spill disaster. Patrick Keilen who graduated in 1987, is part of the crew on an anti-pollution ship which is dispatched to environmental disasters in the region. According to Keilen’s father Don Keilen, of rural Deer Park, the environmental responder has been stationed along the California coast for years. “He’s been on the water all his life,” Don Keilen said noting that his son worked on Mississippi River barges for a number of years prior to getting into the environmental responder business. Keilen, who lives on a sailboat in California, was dispatched to the Gulf on Sunday, May 2, to help deal with the British Petroleum leak that threatens to wreak havoc on the region for months and years to come. Keilen’s brother Dan said Patrick is the captain of a smaller boat that is launched off a larger ship. The smaller vessel helps to lay oil clean-up booms in the water.

BURNETT COUNTY SENTINEL: A committee organized last October to raise funds to keep the Grantsburg swimming pool operating has raised more than $25,000 to pay for current repairs and help fund maintenance. Grantsburg area individuals and businesses have provided more than $20,000 in donations and pledges. Adding the approximately $8,000 in labor donated by an anonymous Grantsburg contractor, and the first donation of $5,00 from the Grantsburg School District brings total contributions in cash, pledges and labor to $33,000. The school uses the pool and lifeguards to teach swimming lessons during its annual summer school program.

Spring beauty

Despite the cool weather of late, the flowering crab trees around the village have been in full bloom, as well as the many early flowers and lilac bushes. The two trees pictured above can be found at Windmill Park.

Syttende Mai in Woodville is May 13 - 15

The first celebration of the spring will be this Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Woodville for the annual Syttende Mai celebration.
This year’s event features a multitude of activities starting Wednesday with the 4th annual Citizens State Bank Community Appreciation Dinner.
Highlights of the festival will be the Grande Parade on Saturday starting at 12:30 p.m. and the Queen Coronation starting at 7 p.m. at Viking Middle School.
The Stipes Shows Carnival will be operating all three days, as well as a number of food stands located throughout Woodville. Live music will be held each evening at the Lion’s Tent. Thursday night features Round Two from 7 to 11 p.m., the Eagle River Band will play from 8 to Midnight on Friday and Saturday Trigger Happy will perform from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Carol Roland retires at the end of the school year

Carol Roland has been teaching pre-school at the Baldwin Community Nursery School for the past 23 years. At the end of this school year she will be retiring.
It was time to retire, Carol said. “My husband’s been retired for awhile,” she noted. They will be doing some traveling. Carol enjoys reading, playing golf and skiing. Carol said her son has recently moved to California and that may provide the opportunity to do some skiing there.
“You just never know what the kids are going to come up with,” Carol said reflecting on her 23 years at Baldwin Community Nursery School. “I’ve enjoyed my years with the kids. That’s what I’m going to miss the most—the kids.”
An Open House in Carol’s honor will be held Friday, May 22 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Coachman Supper Club. Members of the public are invited to attend.


Village negotiating sale of 3.5 acre parcel in I-94 Industrial Park

The Village of Baldwin is close to closing a deal to sell a 3.5 acre parcel in the I-94 Industrial Park. The proposed sale is on the Village Board’s agenda for Wednesday evening.
According to Village President Don McGee, the prospective buyer of the 3.5 acre parcel is a trucking firm that would use the property both for a terminal and a repair facility. He declined to identify the company by name because the owners requested that their identity not be revealed until the deal was finalized.
McGee said the prospective company currently has two other locations.
The village owns 120 acres as the I-94 Industrial Park. The Village Board has already made the decision to install infrastructure to a portion of the park, which would be necessary for the new firm to locate there.

From the Exchanges
Interesting items from
surrounding communities

AMERY FREE PRESS: Amery police were advised of a male subject leaving Dick’s Fresh Market in Amery, with a cart of groceries without paying on Sunday, May 2. The male suspect, Matthew O. Hoff, 32, Amery, apparently pulled a knife on a store clerk who attempted to stop him. Upon the officer’s arrival, Hoff was at the rear entrance of a residence on Apple Ave. trying to get in the back door. Officers attempted to get Hoff to comply with commands, but a scuffle ensued with the cart of groceries being dumped on the grass. Hoff went into the building, ran through the hallway and out the front entrance, heading north and then back west. An officer was behind him the entire way, warning him that he would be tazed if he did not stop. Hoff did not comply and the taser was fired. Hoff went to the ground. Another officer arrived and found Hoff lying on the ground. He smelled strongly of intoxicants. Hoff was transported to Amery Regional Medical Center and a blood draw found an alcohol level of .16. He was transported to the Polk County Jail, charged with armed robbery, resisting arrest and theft. All groceries in the stolen cart were picked up and returned to Dick’s Fresh Market with a value placed at $500.

TRIBUNE PRESS REPORTER: A pre-trial hearing originally scheduled in Dunn County Circuit Court on April 30 for a Boyceville school board member accused of battery and disorderly conduct has been rescheduled for June 25. Harry A. Joles, 57, has been charged with one misdemeanor count of battery and one count of disorderly conduct in connection with an incident at a Boyceville Youth Football event at the Boyceville High School football field on September 19 during which he allegedly punched Drew Anderson, one of the youth football coaches in the ribs. A trial originally scheduled for May 11 has now been set for July 6. According to the criminal complaint, Robert Bodsberg, president of the Boyceville Youth Football League and his wife, Shelly, met with Boyceville Police Chief Dan Wellumson on October 5 to report the incident. The criminal complaint notes that Chief Wellumson asked why the incident had not been reported earlier. Bodsberg, who was at the football field that day but had not personally witnessed the altercation, said he and the other coaches had been concerned that if the incident had been reported before the season ended on October 4 it would affect the youngsters, including the defendant’s two boys and did not want to jeopardize the rest of the season.

PIERCE COUNTY HERALD (ELLSWORTH): Pierce County Sheriff’s deputies and investigators assisted the Ellsworth Police Department in breaking up a fight Wednesday afternoon at Summit Park. Fifteen juveniles from Ellsworth and the area were reportedly involved. The fight started outside the old junior/senior high school building on Chestnut Street and carried over to the park. The first report of an incident was received at 12:51 p.m. and the fight at the park was reported at 1:05 p.m. A sizeable crowd was said to have been at the scene. Four county squad cars plus investigators’ cars responded, along with Ellsworth police vehicles. There are reports such staged fights have taken place before among juveniles in Pierce County. Ellsworth School Superintendent Barry Crain said he has never heard of such fights, but Police Chief Greg Place said interviews with witnesses at the scene indicated this. Place said such incidents may have taken place throughout the county. “I’m unaware of staged fights or ultimate fights taking place in Ellsworth or at least one that drew a crowd like there was at Summit Park,” Place said.

RIVER FALLS JOURNAL: When Pierce County bought two houses and land in April it paid over ten times the amount the seller paid for the same parcel a month earlier. The board voted 16 to 1 April 20 to buy the parcel - which included houses at both 388 and 420 W. Grove St., Ellsworth - for $360,000. According to a property transfer recorded with the register of deeds, Doug and Lori Dodge bought the same parcel from T. Gregory Amann for $35,000. The assessed value of the property is $169,100. Still said County Board Chairman Paul Barkla, the purchase was an opportunity that was too good to pass up. With this purchase the county now owns contiguous property from the Courthouse north to the County Office Building to the new property to the fairgrounds. In the last seven years, the county bought three other parcels along Grove Street and now owns that whole area next to the fairgrounds, said Barkla. That, he said, gives a future county board space to enlarge the fairgrounds or for a new government building.

Liz Doornink named World Dairy Expo’s Dairy Woman of the Year

Local dairy farmer Liz Doornink has been named the World Dairy Expo’s Dairy Woman of the Year Award for 2010. The actual award ceremony will be held September 29 at the 2010 World Dairy Expo Dinner with the Stars at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison.
Doornink was nominated for the award by a fellow producer. A nominating/voting group makes the final decision on the award based on what a nominee has accomplished in the dairy industry.
“Most of the application focused on how I educate consumers about who farmers are, how we farm and why we chose to farm,” noted Doornink. “It mentioned the numerous tours I have given, the activity books I helped design, my affiliation with AFACT (www.itisafact.org) and other ways I have helped the youth in and around our community.
“I have spoken about our need to tell our story nationwide and in Europe,” she continued. “I have given many interviews for the media as well as worked with Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board to create videos that are used on television and given to schools throughout the state to help educate about our industry.”
The application also noted Doornink is a leader in the industry, taking the initiative to help producers continue to utilize safe and proven technology.
“I have most recently started a consulting firm called “Legacy of Excellence Consulting, LLC,” which provides people involved in production agriculture the tools needed to assure their business can continue,” Doornink said. “This includes, but is not limited to, employee relations, documents, personality styles training, communication, public relations, use of social media, environmental management systems and animal care protocols and training.”
The World Dairy Expo is a five day event showcasing the finest in dairy genetics and the newest technologies available to the dairy industy. The 2010 Expo will be held September 28 through October 2. More information is available on the website www.world-dairy-expo.com.

Town of Baldwin to build new town hall

Breaking ground Monday morning for a new town hall for the Town of Baldwin were present and former officials of the town as well as contractors. On hand for the ground breaking Cheryl Puppe, Town Treasurer; Reuben Doornink, former Treasurer; Dave Paulson of Auth Consulting and Associates; Joe Hurtgen, Town Chairman; Jim Dobrzynski, of West Central Buildings, Inc.; Ellen Hurtgen, a member of the Town’s Planning Commission; Dave Niccum, of the Planning Commission; Barb Zimmerman, Supervisor and member of the Planning Commission; Gerry Strobush, member of the Planning Commission, Dennis Gunderson, Planning Commission member, Don Johnson, Supervisor; and Ken Klanderman, former Town Clerk.

Reach for the Stars fundraiser tops $28,000

The Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley’s fifth annual fundraiser, Reach for the Stars “Under the Bella Luna,” brought in over $28,000 to help provide free parent education and support for local families in Pierce, St. Croix, and Polk Counties.
Held the evening of Sunday, April 25 at Kilkarney Hills Golf Club in River Falls, Reach for the Stars “Under the Bella Luna” was organized with an Italian theme and featured an Italian sit-down dinner; raffles, live, silent, and dessert auctions; music; and stories from parents who participate in our programs. Over 230 people attended.
“I believe children are the products of their environment,” said parent Tatiana Volin of Hudson, who receives monthly FRCSCV home visits. She spoke at Reach for the Stars about why she values the FRCSCV’s parent education programs. She added that the FRCSCV had helped her with her parenting challenges when no other resource could.
Teen parent Brenna Delaney of New Richmond also shared her story as a speaker at the event.
“We couldn’t be more pleased with Reach for the Stars this year,” said Patty Draxler, FRCSCV’s Executive Director. “We are grateful to all the people who made this possible—our business sponsors, our attendees, our board, and our staff were all instrumental to this year’s success.”
All funds raised at Reach for the Stars support the FRCSCV’s mission to strengthen children, families, and communities by offering education, resources, and support.
The FRCSCV offers free hospital visits, Baby and Me classes, Play and Learn groups, screenings, a teen parent program, and a resource referral network available to any family with children from birth to age six in Pierce, St. Croix, and Polk Counties.
For more information about the Center’s programs and services, or to learn more about donating or volunteering, contact the Family Resource Center at 715-684-4440, www.frcscv.org, or info@frcscv.org.

News from the Exchanges
Interesting items from
surrounding communities

SUN-ARGUS (SPRING VALLEY): Thanks to the curious nature of Josh Schlosser who just happens to climb rocks and adventure into caves, the long lost brass plaque of Elmwood’s American Legion Post 207 has been returned to its rightful home. The plaque once hung proudly on the outside of Elmwood’s Auditorium, which is also the headquarters of the American Legion. Many years ago (no one is sure exactly when) the plaque was stolen from the building. Fearing it had been sold to some scrap yard, the Legion members give up all hope of ever finding it. Enter Josh Schlosser, teenage son of Rusty and Laurie Schlosser of rural Spring Valley. The story goes that Josh was exploring in their woods one day when he climbed into an old cave and he saw the plaque lying on the ground. At first he feared it might be a grave marker of some kind so Josh asked his dad to come over and take a look. Rusty needed a ladder to reach the cave’s entrance and upon further investigation he was just shocked when he brought it out into the daylight and discovered what it really was. Rusty knew of the missing plaque from Legion member Merlin Place. Josh and his brother Corey carried the not so shiny plaque into the April 13 Legion meeting. After they unveiled their surprise total silence fell in the room, then a gasp or two, and a huge round of applause for the young spelunkers.

HUDSON STAR~OBSERVER: Two men were charged in St. Croix County Court Thursday afternoon for a machete attack in the home of a Hudson couple Tuesday night. Charged were Shane M. Johnson, 24, of Roberts, and Andrew A. Watson, 24, of Hudson. According to Hudson Police Department Chief Marty Jensen, officers were called to the home at 1920 Brookstone Circle just after midnight Tuesday night. The residents, a 25-year-old woman and her 24-year-old boyfriend, had been attacked with a machete by two males who broke into their home. One of the attackers was allegedly an ex-boyfriend of the female victim.

RIVER FALLS JOURNAL: St. Croix County Sheriff deputies arrested a Town of Kinnickinnic man at his home last Thursday afternoon for a holdup at a Great Clips hair salon in Hastings, Minn. Guy Weeks, 49, was taken to county jail in Hudson. He later waived extradition rights and was moved to Dakota County Jail in Minnesota. Weeks, who has worked at UW-River Falls since 2006 as a facilities maintenance specialist, was charged with a felony for attempted aggravated robbery. He allegedly called in sick for his job last Thursday. According to authorities, Weeks walked into Great Clips about 12:30 p.m. asked for money and appeared to be holding a gun inside his pocket. The on-duty manager said her shop had no cash to give out. She told a hair stylist to call police. Soon after, nearby Kennedy Elementary School took precautions by going into emergency lockdown - doors locked shades pulled and lights turned off. Apparently panicking, Weeks fled Great Clips without taking money. Hastings police were setting up a secure perimeter. A UPS driver saw Weeks run to a black Ford pickup and got his license plate number that was traced to a town of Kinnickinnic address.

McNamara and Anderson crowned

Riley Anderson and Brook McNamara were crowned as King and Queen at the B-W Junior Prom “Parisian Escape” held Saturday evening.

Photo courtesy of Suzanne Wynveen

Former BAMC physician’s license surrendered

A physician who formerly practiced medicine at Baldwin Area Medical Center has surrendered his license to practice medicine and surgery in Wisconsin after he was discovered “impaired by alcohol” while “providing professional services to patients.”
According to a Final Decision and Order of the Wisconsin Medical Examining Board dated January 20, Gregory J. Estlund, M.D., of River Falls, has surrendered his license to practice medicine.
According to the Order, on November 4, 2009 Estlund “was at [BAMC] providing professional services to patients, while he was impaired by alcohol. Nursing staff reported that he smelled of alcohol and was stumbling.” An alcohol test “revealed [Dr. Estlund] had a blood alcohol level of 0.11. When he was confronted, Respondent did not deny the use of alcohol and said, ‘This is a terrible disease.’”
The order said Dr. Estlund’s privileges at BAMC “were summarily suspended.”
Alison Page, Chief Executive Officer at Baldwin Area Medical Center commented that “the safety of our patients is our highest priority. Policies and procedures are in place to address rare events such as this. We appreciate the prompt action taken by our staff to deal with the situation appropriately.”
The decision and order of the Medical Examining Board accepting the surrender of Dr. Estlund’s license provides that if Dr. Estlund “ever seeks to regain this or any other credential from the Board: Respondent shall provide sufficient evidence to the Board that he does not have any psychiatric or chemical abuse or dependency condition that could interfere with his safely providing professional services to patients or the public.”

Foundation makes annual grant awards

The Baldwin-Woodville Area Community Foundation held its annual grant award presentation on Monday, April 19th at First Bank Of Baldwin. A total of seven non-profit organizations were awarded money for programs and projects that benefit the communities of Baldwin and Woodville.
Grant recipients for 2010 are: Baldwin Public Library, $400, Teen Book Club; Baldwin Senior Center, $800, Social Opportunities; B-W High School, $2,500, T-Shirts for Service Learning Day; Family Resource Center, $1,500, Play and Learn Programs; Food Resource Collaborative, $500, Protein; St. Croix Area Volunteer League, $600, Public Holiday Events; and Woodville Senior Center, $800, Social Opportunities
Total grant awards for this year was $7,100.
The Baldwin-Woodville Area Community Foundation (BWACF) was established to stimulate and facilitate the current and future needs of the Baldwin-Woodville area by attracting, managing and distributing charitable contributions. As a community foundation, the BWACF is a publicly supported institution organized and operated primarily as a permanent collection of endowed funds. Individual contributions to the fund are returned to the community for specific projects and programs managed by non-profit organizations.
For more information on the BWACF, contact the Baldwin-Woodville Area Community Foundation at P.O. Box 352, Baldwin, WI 54002 or http://www.baldwinareafoundation.com.

News from the exchanges
Interesting items from
surrounding communities

HUDSON STAR~OBSERVER: With enrollment continuing to climb at the Hudson Middle School the district’s administration is recommending a plan that would call for a $2 million addition and using three classrooms at the adjacent Hudson Prairie Elementary School. Superintendent Mary Bowen-Eggebraaten made the recommendation at last week’s school board meeting. She pointed out that HMS is the largest single middle school in the state. Currently it has an enrollment of 1,211, 86 students over the building’s capacity of 1,125. Enrollment projections show that number growing to more than 280 students over capacity by the 2013-2014 school year.

RIVER FALLS JOURNAL: For the first time in its 81-year history, the River Falls Golf Club will have a new owner beginning next month. The club’s board of directors has agreed to sell the course for $1.5 million to Hanson Bros. Golf Holdings LLC of Hammond, the same group that bought the Hudson Golf Course earlier this month. Bredahl said the key factor in deciding to accept the officer was the Hansons’ commitment to maintaining the property as a public golf course. Under the agreement, the Hansons will continue to run the course for at least ten years, but Bredahl believes it will be around a lot longer than that. Club vice president Tim Bredahl said increasing competition coupled with growing interest on loans and service charges and a downturn in membership finally caught up with the club. He said this year’s membership of 141 is about half of what it was in 2004. The Hanson family previously owned and operated Douglas-Hanson Co. of Hammond, a family business that was sold to Loparex USA in June 2006. Hanson Bros. LLC paid a reported $3.5 million for the 141-acre Hudson Golf Club earlier this month. As part of the agreement to buy the River Falls Golf Club, the Hansons have committed to investing up to $500,000 in the 125 acre course, which will go toward a new irrigation system and other improvements to the facility and equipment.

AMERY FREE PRESS: On Saturday, April 17 at about 6 p.m. the Polk County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call in reference to numerous shots fired and a large explosion and subsequent fire on 80th St. in the Town of Apple River at the residence of Dale and Lori Smith. The fire resulting from the explosion had spread to a building and a large field was on fire. Fire departments from Apple River, Balsam Lake and Milltown all responded. When deputies arrived they found a shed on the property fully engulfed in flames. When speaking with persons on the scene it appeared that the Smith family, along with two friends, were shooting firearms at a tannerite container and purposely detonated the substance along with paint cans placed nearby for added effect. Tannerite is a legally obtained substance which may be purchased locally. It consisted of tannerite and a catalyst, which is stored in a separate container. The two substances are mixed together and then detonated from the distance with a large caliber weapon. The resulting explosion gives the resemblance of an illegal explosive. Billowing smoke could be seen as far as 12 miles from the scene and flames as far away as four miles. The fire also damaged a utility pole in the area. It is unknown the total extent of damages or cost to local residents for the fire department response.

PIERCE COUNTY HERALD (ELLSWORTH): The El Paso Community Club has gotten established because of the town’s annual celebration. Or maybe it was the other way around. As Nate Place succeeds Merlin Blaisdell as president of the organization, the pair reviewed its past and future last week. “El Paso’s in the center of the county and, if it wasn’t for that, there may not be one at all,” Blaisdell said Tuesday. Which came first - the club or the celebration - depends on one’s perspective. The modern-day version of the club followed four annual celebrations occurring from 1986 to 1989, the outgoing president said. It was a desire in 1991 to see those festivities continue that prompted a group including himself, Ivan Shafer, Larry Traynor and Rich Anderson to each put up $20 toward keeping it going. “Why can’t we do it again?” Blaisdell remembered asking, mindful he’d never been to the temporarily interrupted event, having just moved back to his native area. They had the will, but the way wasn’t exactly certain. He said a deal was struck with Walters Beer to supply beverages, linked to 40 cases of root beer through the Baldwin grocery store where he then worked. The store’s owner generously donated the latter from which celebration volunteers made floats that first year of revival and Traynor took the leftovers to sell at another gathering in the county - Spring Valley Dam Days. The club’s origins were informal. Blaisdell credited Traynor for encouraging the members to incorporate in the mid-90s, reasoning they shouldn’t jeopardize their personal liability. With incorporation came an officer structure and the organization was official.

Fire destroys barn in Town of Hammond

United Fire and Rescue was called to a barn fire at the Joni and Charles VanDusartz property in the Town of Hammond about 10:15 a.m. April 13. The barn was largely destroyed by the fire, which apparently was started by lightning.
Some personal property was destroyed by the fire but there were no animals injured. The family has horses which were out to pasture and a calf was freed from a pen before it was injured.
United Fire and Rescue personnel were aided by the Roberts-Warren Fire Department and a water tanker from the New Richmond Fire Department.

“3 Day Walk” team formed

Brooke Campbell, left, and Linda Sturtevant, are members of the “Uff Da Crew” 3 Day Walk team.

When Mark Sturtevant and his daughter Karlyn did the American Cancer Society Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk for the Cure two and a half years ago, they did it to raise money for the fight against breast cancer and for the challenge of a 60-mile walk.
When Mark’s wife Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer in the summer 2008, the event became much more personal.
This year Mark and Linda joined Brooke Campbell - who’s family has also been affected by breast cancer - to form the “Uff Da Crew,” which will be walking the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk for the Cure this August.
Net profits from the event will be invested in breast cancer research and community. Each participant in the walk is responsible for raising a minimum of $2,300 in donations and pledges.
Toward that end, the “Uff Da Crew” will be hosting a homemade spaghetti and meatballs dinner at the newly remodeled Lion’s Den in Woodville on Saturday, April 24 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. In addition to the full menu, the group will be selling handmade breast cancer awareness jewelry and hand-painted glassware. In May the group will be holding a garage sale on Friday during Syttende Mai. All proceeds from both events will go toward the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk for the Cure.
Another way to contribute to the cause is to visit the website of any of the three individuals to make a pledge. The websites are: http://www.the3day.org/goto/Booke.Campbell; http://www.the3day.org/goto/Linda.Sturtevant; or http://www.the3day.org/goto/Mark.Sturtevant.
Since her diagnosis, Linda has gone through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
“I had no family history of breast cancer, so the diagnosis was a complete surprise,” Linda said. “Everything is good for me now, but it brings home how breast cancer touches nearly every family in some way.”

Board approves BAMC branch clinic

The Baldwin Village Board at their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, April 14 discussed two important health care initiatives and approved one.
The Board gave its approval to Baldwin Area Medical Center to establish a branch clinic in Roberts. The Village Board must approve any expenditures over $100,000 in return for the village issuing bonds for past hospital expansion projects.
The second project is an addition/remodel at Baldwin Care Center. The facility plan hasn’t been finalized but the village board passed a motion giving the BCC board the authority to continue investigating options for upgrading the facility.
Alison Page, CEO of Baldwin Area Medical Center told the village board that the intent of BAMC is to open a basic clinic in Roberts in 2,500 square feet in a strip mall. “We think a medical clinic would fit very well,” she noted. She said BAMC has a physician interested in the position.
“This is something we feel we must do to maintain market share,” Page told the board. “We are excited about the fact that we have a physician interested in being there.” It is anticipated that there would be three support staff working with the physician.
In supplemental material handed out at the meeting, Page noted that “Western Wisconsin is the fastest growing area in the state. Roberts is growing rapidly (22% growth in population from 2004-09). Roberts is on the western edge of BAMC’s primary service area. … A feasibility study has been completed that support the opening of a clinic in the Roberts community. Financial analysis projects a positive cash flow in year two of operation and production of positive cumulative net income in year five.
The village board passed a motion that approved the expenditure of the funds that will allow the capital expenditure to open the branch clinic.

Baldwin Care Center

Eileen LaFavor, administrator of Baldwin Care Center, which is owned by the Village of Baldwin, told the board the original facility was built in 1971. Birch Street Apartments were added to the building in 1984 and additional apartments were built in 1993. Currently, BCC has 55 nursing home beds and 21 apartments.
Recently, the Baldwin Care Center board decided to complete a master facility plan including feasibility study and engineering study.
During a “visioning” session board members talked as a group about what they wanted for the facility in an effort to begin the process. They also toured other area facilities.
A company called Community Living Solutions, that specializes in long-term care solutions, was hired and did a market analysis. With the information gathered the board determined that one and two bedroom independent housing was needed and that there is an excess of skilled nursing home beds.
Two options were developed as a result. The first option is for replacement of Baldwin Care Center with an addition on the south side of the building of 55 new nursing beds and remodeling the existing nursing home space for assisted living.
Option B is to build new independent living congregate housing and build new nursing home rooms and remodel existing nursing home space.
Option A is the most financially feasible, LaFavor said. Various financing options have been investigated. There is also a state program for funding but the time frame for that is limited.
LaFavor asked whether the village board is supportive of continuing the process. “I think it makes a lot of sense,” replied Village President Don McGee. A motion directing the Baldwin Care Center to continue the process was made and passed.

New school board members take oath of office

Newly elected Baldwin-Woodville board of education members Deb Rasmussen and Brian Bedford were sworn in at the board’s regular meeting Monday night. They replace Mike Bonadarenko and John Hinz, who both declined to seek re-election. Rasmussen has served prior terms, including time as president of the board. Rasmussen and Bedford begin their terms on April 26.
Superintendent Rusty Helland presented certificates of appreciation to the out-going board members and thanked them for their years of service. Hinz has served six years and Bondarenko has a combined total of 17 years of service to the district.
During the open forum, district resident Robert Jones explained his request that his son be awarded a diploma from Baldwin-Woodville. His son withdrew from BW and finished his high school equivalency at WITC, fulfilling the requirements with excellent grades, according to Jones. Now, his son wants to join the military service. His lack of a high school diploma puts him on the waiting list for the military and eliminates any signing bonus. “If we’d known this would happen, we wouldn’t have taken him out of school,” said Jones. He added that BW guidance counselor Robin Pagel has written a letter of support for his son’s request.
“We have checked with the Wisconsin Association of School Boards on this,” responded Supt. Helland, “state statute says high school diplomas are not awarded for equivalency programs.” The district used to have a policy allowing the board to decide on a case by case basis, but that is no longer valid.
“Unfortunately state law does not allow us to do anything here,” commented Board President Jeff Campbell.
After further discussion, Supt. Helland said he would contact the WASB again to inquire about any alternatives for the student.
Third grade teacher Megan Redmond and her team of fourth graders presented a skit to the board. Redmond is the director of Destination Imagination for the district, which is a national problem solving competition. The skit was entered in the competition this year. She explained that the district has five teams each year and this year the fifth grade team placed fourth at state.
High School Media Specialist Jim Perkins reported to the board that he recently led a committee which worked to update the BW Information and Technology Plan. “The state requires that the plan be renewed every three years,” said Perkins. “Many grants are contingent upon an approved plan,” he added. The committee surveyed the community and school staff for suggestions on improving the plan, and they had good response, he said.
“Are we using the technology we currently have to the fullest?” asked Hinz.
Perkins responded that the technology is widely used, and there is always room for improved access and usage.
A motion to approve the nursing services contract between the district and Baldwin Area Medical Center passed. The new contract for $67,805.28 is a 5.2 percent increase over last year. “This has been and continues to be an excellent example of a school/community partnership,” commented Bondarenko.

From the Exchanges
Interesting items from
surrounding communities

HUDSON STAR OBSERVER: A recount began Wednesday morning to determine the winner of the race for the Hudson Board of Education. The recount was requested by incumbent board candidate Cindy Crimmins who lost to Patricia German by three votes. In the election held Tuesday, April 6, two of four candidates were elected. The final vote totals were Mark Kaisersatt - 960; Pat German - 929; Cindy Crimmins - 926; Jim Bartlein - 920. In a petition filed with the school district before the 5 p.m. Monday deadline, Crimmins alleges that she “believes that a mistake has been committed in one of the wards or municipalities in the counting…” or “…that errors could have been made in the counting…” The district includes votes form the city of Hudson, village of North Hudson and towns of Hudson, Troy and St. Joseph. Because of the small margin of victory, by state statute, challenger Crimmins will not be required to pay for the recount. In an even closer race in the Town of St. Joseph, challenger Kevin Adkins was declared the winner over incumbent Dan Gavin by the flip of a coin Wednesday, the morning after the election. The race ended in a 226-226 tie. After the official canvass, the tie still stood. At the coin flip, Lloyd Dahlke represented Adkins and Donna Rosentreter represented Gavin. The two were called heads or tails. Dahlke called “heads; Rosentreter called “tails.” The coin was tossed by town clerk/treasurer Marie Schmit. The coin came up heads which was verified by Dahlke, Rosentreter, Schmit and Jim Traeger. Adkins was then determined to be the successful candidate for the First Supervisor position. Gavin chose not to request a recount.

THE SUN (OSCEOLA): There is a campaign under way to honor the late Harvey Stower and his wife, Marilyn, by renaming the Amery to Dresser Trail the Stower Seven Lakes Trail. Stower, who died of a heart attack in late September of last year, served both as a state representative and a mayor of Amery. He and Marilyn, a nurse who preceded him in death, were beloved by many people for their community work and promotion.

PIERCE COUNTY HEARLD (ELLSWORTH): Lucas Danielson is spending the next six-plus years in prison for possession of child pornography and auto theft. After his release the 20-year-old Spring Valley native will spend the next 14 years on combined extended supervision/probation as a result of pleading guilty to second-degree sexual assault of a child Friday in Pierce County Circuit Court. According the criminal complaint in the sexual assault case, the victim was a patient in an area hospital last August when, during her stay she confided in hospital staff that she was having sexual relations with an unidentified male age 17-24. Spring Valley police targeted Danielson, as he was a registered sex offender and lived near the victim. Their suspicion was confirmed when the victim confided in a relative a week later.