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

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

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

Mike Soergel is 2007 Wildlife Technician of the Year for DNR

Mike Soergel of Baldwin has been recognized as the 2007 Wildlife Technician of the Year at the annual statewide Wildlife meeting of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources held in Madison two weeks ago.

According to John Dunn, Area Wildlife Supervisor with the Wisconsin DNR in Eau Claire, "Mike beat out some stiff competition from other Wildlife Technicians from around the state" who had also been nominated by their superiors.

Dunn said Soergel has been the Wildlife Technician in Baldwin for the past 14 years and "over that period has continuously shown a positive 'can do' attitude in his job responsibilities. Specifically, Mike was recognized for his leading role in warm season grass plantings, his top notch prescribed burning program, his aggressive approach towards exotic and invasive plant control, his wetland restoration activities and his ability to partner with other organizations and agencies."

Soergel said after the award that "I was very surprised and honored," to be nominated and to receive it.

Soergel has been Wildlife Technician in Baldwin for 14 years, and before that he was a limited time employee of the DNR for five years in the Janesville area.

During his time as Wildlife Technician Soergel has been involved with Pheasant Forever Chapters, securing land, often with funds from Knowles/Nelson Stewardship Grants which is then donated to the Wisconsin DNR as public land and carrying out prairie plantings.

"I'd like to brag we're the reason there are so many pheasants around," commented Soergel, but the recent mild winters probably has as much to do with it, he said.

In a tribute given to Soergel when his award was presented, it was noted that "following his passion and commitment for his wife and family, is his love of grasslands and the wildlife they produce. He has played a lead role in planning and carrying out prairie plantings on our public
lands. Plus, the two counties in which he works have some of the highest acreages of CRP grass, thanks in part to his efforts with the private lands program to get the grass planted and burned."

In the burning of grassland lands Soergel "has played a leading role improving communications with the local county dispatch and fire departments that minimize unnecessary fire calls. He's worked with local fire departments giving advice on custom-building burn rigs and encouraging them to conduct prescribed burns on private lands. For several years he's been the primary burn boss and has carried out those duties conscientiously, safely and efficiently. The limited time employees claim he's the best burn boss they've ever worked with."

The tribute went on to note that Soergel's love for grasslands "is equaled by his dislike for invasive and exotic plants. His mantra against invasives is 'better living through chemicals.' He has tried various techniques on his own and has also developed good working relationships with other experts to try to fine-tune his invasives strategies. In 2006, he organized an invasives workshop attended by DNR, US Fish and Wildlife, and Pheasants Forever staff from several counties.

Soergel's tribute concluded that "there are strong indicators of a person possessed with the wildlife passion. This person is Mike Soergel, our 2007 Wildlife Technician of the Year. We fully anticipate his continued excellence in our beloved profession. Not only is he a dedicated professional, he's an all-around great guy. Mike's dedication to the resource is unquestioned and he is deserving of this special recognition from the Wildlife Management program and from his colleagues."

Baldwin Set for "Tree City" Status

Dead of Winter. A foot of snow or more on the ground. The shortest days of the year. Temperatures rarely or never above freezing and more likely closer to zero.

No one thinks about trees and the greenery of summer in winter? Well, almost no one.

The Baldwin Village Board, under the prompting of Village Public Works Director John Traxler, has taken action that will hopefully result in Baldwin being designated as a "Tree City USA" under a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources program.

What is an "urban forest"?

According to the DNR, "It is all of the trees and other vegetation in and around a town, village or city. Traditionally it has referred to tree-lined streets, but an urban forest also includes trees in home landscapes, school yards, parks, riverbanks, cemeteries, vacant lots, utility rights-of-way, adjacent woodlands and anywhere else trees can grow in and around a community of any size. [Emphasis in original.] Shrubs, flowers, vines, ground covers, grass, and a variety of wild plants and animals are also part of the urban forest. Streets, sidewalks, buildings, utilities soil, topography and, most importantly, people are an integral part of the urban forest. The urban forest is, in fact, an ecosystem."

According to Traxler, all the groundwork has been laid for Baldwin's designation by the DNR as a "Tree City USA. "We have met the criteria and need to finish filling out the paperwork and send it in," said Traxler. "It's just a formality."

At the Board's December meeting, Trustees agreed to amendments to an earlier draft of a village ordinance titled "Trees and Shrubs" and passed the provision. That ordinance states its purpose as "to establish policy for the control of planting, removal, maintenance and protection of trees and shrubs in or upon all public areas and boulevard areas of the Village to eliminate and guard against dangerous conditions which may result in injury to persons using the streets, alleys, sidewalks or other public areas; to promote an enhance the beauty and general welfare of the Village; to prohibit the undesirable and unsafe planting, removal, treatment and maintenance of trees and shrubs located in public areas; and to guard all trees and shrubs both public and private within the Village against the spread of disease, insects or pests."

The ordinance and designation as a "Tree City" "is just saying that the community is trying to green up and beautify and to take care of trees," said Traxler.

He said another important aspect of designation as a "Tree City" is public awareness involving care for trees, removal and pruning.

The benefits of trees are more than just aesthetic. According to information from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the presence of trees may increase property values, if strategically placed can cut summer air conditioning costs and can intercept storm sewer runoff.

A large portion of the village's new ordinance is devoted to types of trees that will be required in "public places," particularly by developers for a new subdivision. "The ordinance specifies what we expect from developers," said Traxler. He noted that two trees of the same genus are prohibited from being planted next to each other. Among the genus of trees that are allowed for in the ordinance are: maples, oaks, birches, honey locusts, elms and miscellaneous trees of other genus.

One aspect of the "Tree City" designation is an inventory of existing trees that are considered "public", or in parks or along a boulevard. The count reached 1,522 public trees in the village.

Traxler said a Tree Board has been created consisting of himself, Trustee Claire Stein, Village Engineer Mike Stoffel and Chris Ruch a certified arborist with St. Croix Tree Service. Traxler said there is an opportunity for volunteers to serve on the tree board in several capacities and persons interested in serving can contact him at 684-2535.

The Tree Board will also plan for tree removal of trees that are hazardous. Many of the silver maples planted on boulevards are in that category, said Traxler, and removal in the winter is sometimes best because it results in the least amount of damage to lawns and boulevards.

Bell Ringers Raising Money for Salvation Army

Baldwin Medical Center employees Carol Rens, left, and Ruth Fick served as bell ringers for the Salvation Army Friday afternoon at Nilssen's SuperValu.

Gun Club Ordered Closed

May be reopened if renovated and supervision and operation improve

A St. Croix County Judge has determined that "The use of firearms at the [Central St. Croix Rod and] Gun Club[, Inc.] Property have repeatedly trespassed on the property of the individual plaintiffs" and has "unreasonably interfered with the individual Plaintiffs' use and enjoyment
of their property."

Moreover, the order by Judge Eric Lundell states that "the continued use of firearms at the Gun Club Property as currently configured and operated is sufficiently probable, indeed likely, to result in future trespass and nuisance causing Plaintiffs irreparable harm."

Therefore, Judge Lundell ordered "All use of firearms at the Gun Club Property is prohibited until further Order of this Court," and added conditions to insure that Gun Club members are aware of the order.

The Gun Club is located in the Town of Eau Galle along USH 63 about one-half mile south of CTH N.

According to Barry Serier, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the Gun Club, he testified about numerous bullets and shot that was leaving the Gun Club property. He said one of his great uncles had bullets in the walls of his house. Another great uncle also had bullets in outbuildings and was chased off his own property by trespassers. He said trespassers on his land chased his kids off his land.

The Gun Club "was shut down by the court," said Serier. "It can be reopened if they can prove that it can be done safely to the court and plaintiff's satisfaction. We knew there would be a lot of talk and we don't want to be labeled as anti-gun people, but we do want to use our property as we see fit-without fear of being hit by projectiles from a neighboring facility.

"It's just disheartening for us to have to go through this, but we had to do it to protect our families," said Serier.

At the court hearing Serier said he brought many recovered bullets from his field northeast of the Gun Club.

Serier said the lawsuit filed by himself and others, including the organization Citizens for a Safe and Peaceful Eau Galle and Rush River Township, Inc., was their last resort. They had been to the County Zoning Department, which had issued a permit for a trap range at the site. "I really think they had good intentions," said Serier about the individuals who wanted the trap range. "But there were no restrictions placed on them." He added that they next went to the Town Board and the Sheriff's Department because of trespassers, night time shooting and unsupervised shooting, but received no satisfaction. "So we had exhausted our options.

"People started to converse and found out they were not the only ones: neighbors had bullets in their buildings, bullets whistling by them," said Pastor John Hanson who lives about three-quarters of a mile from the range. "Individuals were told to restrict their actions on their own property."

In total, about 12 people in the area had near-misses from direct bullet fire, said Serier, six properties were struck by projectiles, several homesites, and one home. A quick discovery survey by the Citizens found over six hundred projectiles that had left the Range.

Serier said there was alcohol used at the site, and on one occasion he was there, garbage cans were overflowing with garbage and beer cans. In one instance there was a person with an automatic weapon spraying bullets at a hillside.

Pastor Hanson said Citizens for a Safe and Peaceful Eau Galle and Rush River Township, Inc. was formed by more than a dozen neighbors of the shooting range, most of whom are close neighbors. He said there are also many other supporters of the group's efforts, although they are not members.

"I got involved when an elderly lady called one day and reported that there was a lot of activity going on and I feel unsafe," said Pastor Hanson. "Another part of that was due to bullet strikes at their homes."

Among the efforts the plaintiffs in the lawsuit took was to hire a ballistics expert and arrange for an on-site visit.

The Gun Club is on an 11.54 acre parcel, said Serier, which when land is subtracted for the driveway and right-of-way gives about 10 acres and about four acres are actually used for shooting. The lineal dimensions, as per the gun club's own testifying expert, are too short to contain their shotfall zones and safety zones. This expert stated under oath that this physical limitation is a safety issue.

Pastor Hanson explained that the berm is not properly constructed and allows for bullets to skip out of the range since there is no overhead baffling in addition to the berm.

In addition to ordering that all use of firearms at the Gun Club property is prohibited, Judge Lundell said signs shall be posted at the property stating the prohibition, that written notice will be provided to all Gun Club members and that the lock be changed on the gate.

The Court's order provides that the Gun Club may move to lift the injunction "by presenting a plan to physically renovate the Gun Club property and make all other necessary changes, including changes to the operation and supervision of the Gun Club property, to ensure that all shot, bullets, and other projectiles are maintained on the Gun Club property." The plan, wrote Judge Lundell, must include: "(1) drawings by a professional engineer or its equivalent with firearms range design experience, (2) cost estimates, by range; and (3) three-dimensional (CAD) renderings of the plans."

The plans must include "(1) physical design, including perimeter control; and (2) operational controls, including on-site supervision."

"Gun Club shall not be permitted to resume use of firearms until the Court approves the plan and the physical renovations are complete and the Court inspects and verifies that the plan is fully implemented."

The order by Judge Lundell also contains a schedule for presenting the Gun Club's plans to plaintiffs and to the Court, and a schedule for evidentiary hearings "regarding whether the Gun Club's plan ensures that all shot, bullets, and other projectiles are maintained on the Gun Club
property.

The order says that if the Gun Club does not present a plan to the Court and plaintiffs by April 15, 2008 or does not prevail at the evidentiary hearing, "this injunction shall become permanent."

The Gun Club was ordered to provide the plaintiffs' attorney with proof of insurance.

The "plaintiffs are entitled to an award of statutory costs and disbursement," the order states. Serier estimates that amount may be in the range of $20,000, which is but a small fraction of the costs that have been incurred to bring the lawsuit, he said.

BW-School Board Reviews Building Recommendation

The Baldwin-Woodville School Board spent the lion's share of Monday night's meeting discussing last month's recommendation from the Community Facility Needs Exploratory Committee. In November the committee presented the recommendation that an intermediate school for grades three through five be built to alleviate crowding at the elementary and middle schools.

The committee was formed by the board last April with community members who responded to advertising for volunteers. Also serving on the committee are Superintendent Rusty Helland, school board member Jeff Campbell and school employees. John Huenink, construction manager from Kraus-Anderson, and architect Brad Simonson of HSR provided technical assistance to the committee.

Committee member Jane Erickson commented that the group represents a wide range of ages and occupations.

Over the past eight months, the committee met ten times to research, analyze data and brainstorm. In the end, their recommendation is that an intermediate school for grades three through five with six sections at each level should be built. The recommended location for the 90,000 square foot building is north of Greenfield Elementary, just west of the parking lot that currently serves the High School. Estimated price tagis $16,494,000 according to preliminary cost figures provided by Kraus-Anderson.

Steve Apfelbacher of Ehlers and Associates explained the financial impact of the project using the preliminary figure of $16.495 million construction cost, with that debt issued over 20 years. The financing assumptions include bonds being issued in June of 2008 following an April referendum.

Apfelbacher said the district's present debt is $22,061,837. State Aid to the district for debt service is at 69.65 percent annually. As the district's debt increases, the State Aid formula changes and Apfelbacher estimated the new debt would be reimbursed at 63.8 percent.

Current debt capacity of the district is $45,524,792, which is the difference between the $67,586,629 debt limit less the $22,061,837 outstanding, according to Apfelbacher. Board members Tom Schumacher and John Hinz both cautioned against borrowing to the upper debt limit.

The projected interest rate for the project is 4.25 percent said Apfelbacher. That translates into $121.76 yearly tax increase on a $200,000 home, $182.64 for a $300,000 home and $243.51 for a $400,000 home.

"This last year, our growth didn't increase that much," commented Hinz, "What happens if it stays flat?"

If there is no growth in property values the mill rate would go up, said Apfelbacher. He explained that in doing the cost analysis for the district he used a conservative growth estimate of 75 percent of the average of the last five year's growth.

Apfelbacher said the two most important factors for the district to consider from a financial standpoint are how fast is the equalized valuation of the district growing and how much will the state contribute. Both of these can only be estimated.

John Huenink of Kraus-Anderson Construction Company explained the construction manager at risk services, which Kraus-Anderson could provide for the district. Construction manager at risk services assume all responsibility for pre-construction and construction phases of the project.
The district assumes no risk, any problems are the responsibility of the CM, he said.

In addition, the CM at risk charges a fixed fee which is negotiated up front based on estimated cost of the work. There is no mark up for change orders, said Huenink. Checks and balances between the architect and construction manager are built into the process and any savings revert 100 percent to the district, he said.

Architect Brad Simonson explained that the proposed building would add one classroom per grade level. The district has been increasing by an average of 24 students per year according to enrollment figures.

"We're not growing like we were, who knows how far out we can predict," said Hinz. "You can over-build."

"The committee talked about projected enrollment a lot," said Simonson. "At first the recommendation was for seven sections for each grade level, but they didn't want to over-build."

A few board members said the community had been misled in the last building project which assured that Viking Middle School could be added onto in the future.

Simonson said classrooms could be added on at Viking to the various wings and the core areas could handle the added students, but an additional entire grade level wouldn't fit. And that doesn't alleviate the problems at Greenfield Elementary. Classrooms could be added at Viking and the proposed new school in the future as needed Simonson said.

"What happens to the classrooms at Greenfield (that would be vacated by the move of third and fourth grades)," asked board member Dustin Klanderman.

Many programs that have been crowded would now have adequate space including special ed, library and computers, said Simonson. There would also be classrooms for additional grade level
sections.

Board member Todd Graf asked what would happen to the new garage next to Greenfield. Simonson said there are several options of where to move the building. He explained that the proposed building is planned for that spot due to the location of the bus loop and main entrance of Greenfield.

Board member Deb Rasmussen noted that the committee was very concerned with the leaking roofs in the district and thought these should be fixed before any new building begins.

Huenink said it's actually the exterior walls that are leaking in places where the flashing was improperly installed. According to Maintenance Supervisor Mike Timm, the district plans to test two sealant products in the spring to see which work or not.

"We're looking at $50,000 at the low end to $350,000 at the high end to replace the flashing," said Supt. Rusty Helland. "We all agree this needs to be fixed as soon as possible."

Rasmussen also asked if the committee addressed the swimming pool issue.

Simonson and Huenink said they estimated $4 million for an indoor pool and $10,000 to $12,000 annual operating costs. They said the committee decided that if the board wants to include the pool on the referendum, it should be a separate question from the proposed school building question.

District resident Ken Rundhaug asked what new administrative staff would be needed for a new building and if operating costs were included or would another referendum question be needed for that.

Simonson said the committee noted there would be additional maintenance staff, serving kitchen staff, as well as teachers. He said there would be a savings on busing costs. Operating costs are not figured into the preliminary building cost estimates, he said.

"These are all good questions," commented Huenink. "Your committee discussed them at length over a period of months and we'll review them with the board if you like."

"I don't think we need to re-invent the wheel," commented board member Mike Bondarenko as he made a motion to pursue the recommendation with further discussion at the next regular board meeting scheduled for Jan. 14.

Motion carried.

Village Applies for Grant for New Treatment Plant

After a presentation by Paul Gont of SEH Engineering, about a proposed upgrade to the village's wastewater treatment plant, the Baldwin Village Board agreed to apply for a grant from the state's clean water fund to help pay for it and to proceed with preparing plans and specifications
for the new treatment plant.

The action came at the board's regular monthly meeting last Wednesday.

Gont told board members that the estimate for construction of the new plant is about $4,500,000, plus engineering fees. Of that amount, the village has about $1,100,000 in funds from user fees and impact fees. The projected impact of the new plant on existing homeowners is about a 30% increase, said Gont.

Among the points discussed by Gont were the need for a generator at the plant; and the possibility of a storage garage being constructed as part of the project.

Gont said the process to prepare the specifications and plans for the plant takes about six months, or approximately to June of 2008.

Following that is an approximately two month approval process and then the Village Board will have to make a decision on whether to go ahead with building the project.

Board members questioned Gont on the amount of engineering fees, which are just short of a million dollars. He noted that as a percentage of the project it is about normal. Trustee Duane Russett said the amount seemed extremely high but Village President Don McGee said the percentage seemed the same as the last treatment plant project.

The motion to proceed with preparing the plans and specifications carried on a voice vote with no one voting no.

In other business at the meeting:
-The board voted for final acceptance of the fourth addition to Berkseth Heights and to reduce the developer's letter of credit.

-With the upgrade of USH 63 through Baldwin, the Department of Transportation is taking over the outside lanes of the highway through the village and they will be used as travel lanes. At present they are parking lanes through most of the village. In preparation for that action, the
board voted to end parking on USH 63 in the village effective April 1.

Village Engineer Mike Stoffel noted that the bid to do the work has been awarded to Monarchfor $3,800,000 but the start date has not been firmly set.

-Stoffel said the village's newly formed Urban Forest Board has met and made some changes in a proposed ordinance, mainly increasing the species acceptable for planting in the village. The board approved the ordinance.

-Two candidates for the newly created fourth judicial branch for St. Croix County spoke to board members. They were: Howard Cameron and Mark Gherty.

Star Prairie Man Charged with Second Degree Reckless Homicide

On December 2 at approximately 10:38 p.m. St. Croix County Sheriff's Deputies were contacted by Children's Hospital in St. Paul regarding a possible child abuse victim. Initial information obtained was that the child, London Sherwood, 13 weeks old, had a serious head injury, eye bleeding and a possible rib fracture.

An investigation revealed that the New Richmond ambulance had responded to 110 Jewel St. in Star Prairie at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 2 for a report of a baby that had stopped breathing. The child was taken to Westfield Hospital in New Richmond and then transferred to Children's Hospital in St. Paul.

The child's father, Joshua Alan Schaak, age 22, was the primary and only care giver for the last three weeks. The child's mother, after determining through DNA tests that Schaak was the father, took the child there and left her in his care. Schaak initially stated that the child had bumped her head in the bathtub.

On December 4 the child was taken off life support and died at 2:30 a.m. as a result of her injuries. An autopsy conducted by the Ramsey County Medical Examiners Office revealed external soft tissue contusions and an internal examination revealed evidence of closed head trauma and multiple rib fractures.

Investigators re-interviewed Joshua Schaak on December 5. Schaak stated that he had become frustrated, shaken the baby and then forcefully directed her to the bed where she struck her head on the wall.

The St. Croix County District Attorney's office has filed second degree reckless homicide charges against Schaak. He is currently being held in the St. Croix County Jail, bail has been set at $200,000.

St. Croix Ranks 9th in Annual Health Study

The 5th annual Wisconsin County Health Rankings says St. Croix County is the 9th healthiest county of the 73 areas (72 counties plus the city of Milwaukee) examined by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute.

The rankings are designed to summarize the current health of the counties as well as the distribution of key factors that determine health. Those factors include health care, health behaviors, socio-economic factors, and the physical environment.

Ozaukee County is the state's healthiest county according to the study. The city of Milwaukee ranked 72nd and Menominee County ranked 73rd.

The study ranked the 73 areas according to their summary measures of health outcomes and health determinants. The health outcomes are based on an equal weighting of two measures - mortality (years of potential life lost) and general health status (self-reported fair or poor). Health determinants are based on weighted scores of four major components - health care (access to care and quality outpatient care), physical behaviors (tobacco, diet-exercise, alcohol use, high risk sexual behavior, and violence), socio-economic factors (education, income, and social disruption), and physical environment (air quality, water quality, and built environment).

The Top 10 counties are (1) Ozaukee, (2) Waukesha, (3) Eau Claire, (4) Iowa, (5) Dane, (6) Portage, (7) Outagamie, (8) Washington, (9) St. Croix, and (10) Kewaunee.

The nine counties of west central Wisconsin are ranked: (3) Eau Claire, (9) St. Croix, (12) Pierce, (18) Dunn, (33) Clark, (41) Polk, (44) Chippewa, (45) Pepin, and (52) Barron.

Fire Causes Smoke Damage

A fire at the Jamie McCracken residence in Woodville late Monday afternoon resulted in extensive smoke damage to the house, according to United Fire and Rescue-Baldwin Station Chief Gary Newton.

Newton said the fire started in a wood pile next to a wood stove in the basement of the residence. He said there was little structural damage as a result of the fire.

Kortney Cleveland T-Shirt Drawing Contest Winner

The 8th Annual Polar Bear Plunge for Angel On My Shoulder distributes a commemorative Plunge T-Shirt to anyone brave enough to jump in the lake each January. This is the true "badge of courage" worn proudly by the many particpants. Penguins and Polar Bears depict the chilling antics of the "Dare to Care" plungers.

This year the front logo was designed by Caitlyn Hook of St. Germain, an employee at Fibber's, and the back design was selected from the entries submitted by the Camp Teen Angel participants. Fourteen year old Camp Teen Angel camper, Kortney Cleveland from Woodville, was selected as this year's Polar Bear Plunge T-shirt design winner.

Each year campers are encouraged to submit their entries for the design selection on the back of the commemorative Polar Bear Plunge T-shirts which highlights the many sponsors of the event sponsored by WRJO Radio and Fibber's Bar and Restaurant in St. Germain. This year's event will be held on Saturday, Jan. 5 on Big St. Germain Lake when over 100 dedicated plungers will collect pledges and take to the icy waters to benefit Angel On My Shoulder.

Kortney and her family will be treated to a weekend getaway at the St. Germain Lodge and Resort where she will be the guest of honor on the day of the Plunge and each family member will receive a T-shirt boasting Kortney's creative signature piece.

Robin Cleveland, Kortney's mother said she first learned of Camp Angel when her middle son Josh was diagnosed with an optic gloom at the age of nine. He underwent surgery and chemo and still lives with the tumor today, though it has shrunk some and does not show signs of change. Josh turns 18 this month and will be graduating from high school in the spring.

Robin saw a pamphlet at a doctor's office for Camp Angel and decided to send her oldest son Cyle who was 13 at the time. Cyle is now 20 and in the Army stationed in Germany.

"When I saw first hand what magic Lolly and the crew at Camp Teen Angel perform, I didn't even think twice when Kortney reached 13. So thanks to all the angels at Camp Angel," Cleveland said.

Kortney attends Viking Middle School in Woodville.

"When my parents found out that my brother had cancer it was hard on the whole family. My parents were always having to go the hospital frequently and didn't have much time for me and my brother Cyle. So when my Mom found this camp it was really exciting," Kortney said.

Kortney was a little hesitant at first because she didn't know anyone at camp, but that soon changed when she was approached by another teen, Liana, who turned out to be a very special friend throughout her camp experience. Special moments Kortney will not forget include a pirate ship ride, a treasure hunt, the bonfires, and the climbing wall.

"I was very sad when it was time to go home and say good-bye to all the wonderful people I had met and I'll never forget them. I was just so loved there and that feeling of knowing that you are OK being you," Kortney said. "At Camp Teen Angel you can be yourself and no one will judge you, not a single soul because people there are your friends for life, no matter what".

Camp Angel/Camp Teen Angel are camps for kids experiencing cancer through a loved one. These unique weekend retreats for young people affected by cancer through parents, siblings, or grandparents or who have experienced the loss of a loved one through cancer are presented through the co-sponsorship of Angel On My Shoulder and Marshfield Clinic. The camp experience is designed to provide young people the opportunity to meet others like themselves in a well-supervised atmosphere of love and acceptance knowing that their pain is understood.
There is a spirit of bonding and camaraderie as campers create special friendships and participate in a variety of fun-filled activities.

Counselors provide support and guidance in a gentle, yet strengthening way. These camps are cost-free to the campers. If you would like more information about the camps and other cancer support programs go to www.angelonmyshoulder.org For more information on the Polar Bear Plunge go to www.WRJO.com or call 715-542-3433.

Fire Leaves One Dead

A tragic fire in a mobile home, caused perhaps by a wood burning furnace, resulted in the death of a New Richmond man early last Thursday morning, November 29.

According to St. Croix County Sheriff Dennis Hillstead, Jeff Geurkink, 49, of New Richmond, died as a result of the fire. His mobile home was located at 1722 CTH G, or about three quarters of a mile west of the intersection of G with CTH T, in the Town of Erin Prairie. Geurkink was a dairy farmer.

Sheriff Hillstead said the fire call for the mobile home in which Geurkink lived came in about 4:09 a.m. on November 29. He said two men who typically travel CTH G every morning on the way to work and are familiar with the road and many residences along it, saw the fire in the mobile home and pulled into the driveway. One left the vehicle and banged on the door of the mobile home trying to rouse any residents who might be inside, but without success. Sheriff Hillstead said the other man in the vehicle called 911 on his cell phone.

Sheriff Hillstead said that preliminary autopsy results indicate carbon monoxide poisioning due to smoke inhalation was the cause of Geurkink's death.

After the investigation into the cause of the blaze, it appears that a wood stove may be the culprit, said Sheriff Hillstead. He noted that there was an addition attached to the mobile home and the majority of the fire appears to have ocurred there.

A memorial service for Geurkink was held Tuesday at the United Methodist Church in New Richmond. He is survived by two children, Burt and Hailey Geurkink, both of Somerset; two sisters; five brothers and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceeded in death by his parents, Wes and Amy (Snoyenbos) Geurkink. His parents were both graduates of Baldwin High School with the class of 1938 and Jeff has many other, more distant, relatives in the Baldwin area.

Tragic Accident Takes Life of Six-Year-Old

A six year old Hudson girl has died apparently as the result of elecctrocution after a hair dryer fell into the tub in which she was bathing.

According to the Hudson Police Department, Chelsea Jo Helland was unresponsive when Hudson Police Officers responded to her residence about 7:00 p.m. Sunday night, November 25. Officers immediately started CPR and the girl was transported to Hudson Hospital by St. Croix EMS. She was pronounced dead in the emergency room.

The girl was a kindergarten student at Rock Elementary in Hudson. She was the daughter of Nicole Overturf of Hudson.

Chelsea's funeral was held Friday in White Bear Lake, Minn.

Baldwin has a New Celebrity - Phyllis Willink Wins Recipe Contest

Ever since winning the grand prize in the dessert category of the American Profile Hometown Holidays recipe contest announced in the November 11-17 issue, Phyllis Willink says she has received phone calls, cards and letters from all over.

Phyllis submitted her recipe for Cranberry Cake with Hot Butter Sauce the first part of this year and learned in February she was the winner of the dessert category.

"It's the first time I've ever entered a contest," Phyllis said. "You had to include a story about the recipe, so I almost didn't enter. But I did have a story about this recipe so I sent it in."

As the grand prize winner, Phyllis received a monetary award, an American Profile apron and a copy of the recipe book of selected recipes, including her Cranberry Cake recipe.

"Over 1500 recipes were sent in and they test every one of them," Phyllis said. "About 250 made it into the book."

Phyllis noted the company added "Tips From Our Test Kitchen" with her recipe. The tip for her recipe noted "this recipe can be used any time of the year by substituting blueberries, blackberries or raspberries in place of the cranberries."

Phyllis said she doesn't remember where she got the original recipe. "It been so long that I've had it, but I know it's not from any one from around the area," she added.

In her accompanying story with the recipe, Phyllis wrote "This recipe is our Christmas cake-our three daughters, their husbands and their children say the holidays wouldn't be the same without it."

Phyllis said the cranberrys taste is not that strong "it's the sauce that makes it so good."

The Hometown Recipes Holidays book came be purchased by visiting AmericanProfile.com/store or by calling 800-715-6248 or sending a check for $18.95 plus $4.97 shipping and handling to: American Profile, Dept. HOBKA725, P.O. Box 344, Louisiana, MO 63353.

Cranberry Cake with Hot Butter Sauce
Phyllis Willink, Baldwin, Wisconsin

Cake
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup milk
2 cups fresh cranberries
Sauce
1 cup (2 sticks) butter
2 cups sugar
1 cup cream or half-and-half
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 13x9 glass baking pan.
2. To prepare the cake, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Combine the butter and sugar and beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended. Add the beaten eggs. Add the milk alternately with the sifted dry ingredients, starting and ending with the dry ingredients; mix well. Stir in the cranberries. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.

3. To prepare the sauce, combine the butter, sugar, cream, and vanilla in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar melts, about 10 minutes. Serve hot over the cake.

Santa Visited with Children Saturday

Mia Evans was among the children who visited with Santa Claus at the Baldwin Municipal Center Saturday afternoon following the Christmas Spirit Horse Parade in Baldwin.

Shelley Wynveen Buys Coachman Supper Club

Shelley Wynveen, an 11 year employee at the Coachman Supper Club, including nearly two years as co-owner, became sole owner of the establishment on October 25.

Shelley Wynveen, a co-owner with Jim Reich of the Coachman Supper Club for nearly the past two years, became sole owner of the establishment on October 25.

Wynveen has worked at the Coachman for the past 11 years, and since March of 2006 has been a co-owner with Jim Reich. Prior to that she was an employee there. She said that the transition has gone well and "we had a nice crowd for Thanksgiving. I'd like to see a few more people out for Sunday buffets and Friday buffets, but hopefully that will pick up," said Wynveen.

There will be no big changes at the Coachman, said Wynveen. However, new menus are in the works. "Otherwise it's pretty much the same. It's been working as is and if we change anything it will be minor."

As owner Wynveen said she will be involved in all aspects of the business, "I do about everything-wherever I need to be including waitressing."

Prior to her employment at the Coachman, Wynveen worked for her aunt and uncle at Mel's Northside Cafe where she was a waitress and cook.

Mattison was One-for-One Deer Hunting

Not many people go one-for-one deer hunting. But that's what Michael Mattison did.

Mattison bagged an 11 point buck with the first shot he ever took while deer hunting. "I'm addicted to hunting now, I think," he said. "It wasn't the biggest deer I've ever seen, but it was nice," he added. He estimated that the deer weighed 185 lbs. field dressed.

Mattison was hunting north of Baldwin with friends. He had hunted last year for the first time, but never got a shot. This year on opening day the buck was in his sights and he bagged it with the first shot he took.

Mattison said he'll be out in the woods again next deer season. And oh, yes, Mattison shot again at a deer later in the season and missed. So the one-for-one claim can no longer be made.

Mattison is a 2000 B-W grad. He served four years in the service and is now pursuing his degree in business at UW-Stout in Menomonie where he lives with his wife Nadine. He will graduate in May. He is the son of Dave and Deb Mattison of Baldwin.

Christmas Spirit Parade and Santa Visit is Saturday

Although nationally the unofficial start of the Christmas season is the day after Thanksgiving with the shopping frenzy, in Baldwin, the Christmas season is kicked off with a less commercial emphasis.

Saturday at 1:00 the 18th annual Christmas Spirit Horse and Wagon Parade will reach Main Street. Following the parade, Santa Claus will pay a visit to the Baldwin Municipal Center where he will visit with youngsters and everyone will receive a treat.

The Christmas Spirit Parade has attracted between 55 and 65 entries in recent years and there is no reason to think this year will be different.

According to Mike Smith, proprietor of the Lumber Company Brew Pub and Eatery and one of the organizers of the parade, the entries come from all over the upper mid-west, with a heavy emphasis, of course, on this region. He noted that many of the entries are decked out in fancy decorations and costumes in keeping with the Christmas season. The expenses for decorations may be substantial despite the meagerness of the $25 decoration prize, Smith said.

Each entry also receives a gift bag and door prizes and is treated to a pig roast with fixings at Bol's Lanes and Lounge. The meal is free to the parade entrants. Other may partake for a $4 charge.

Because there is no pre-registration for the parade, all entries are registered Saturday morning. The area in the vicinity of Cedar Street and 8th Avenue, is alive with activity as horses are unloaded from trailers and hitched to wagons. The parade leaves Bol's Lanes about 12:30 and reaches Main Street by 1:00.

Best viewing of the parade is along Main Street and cars will be prohibited from parking along the 800 block.

The parade is a chance for people with horses and wagons to show them off, said Smith.

Santa Claus' visit at the Baldwin Municipal Center will begin about 1:30 and last until about 3:00 p.m., or as long as there are children waiting to visit with him. Pictures with Santa will be available. There will be treats for all.

Santa's visit is sponsored by the Baldwin Area Chamber of Commerce, Suzanne Wynveen Photography and Vital Plastics, Inc.

Thanksgiving Morning Crash Results in Fatality

A Thanksgiving morning crash resulted in the death of a Hudson man, according to the Wisconsin State Patrol.

According to the report, Chin T. Khaw, 50, was eastbound on Crest View Drive in Hudson about 7:00 a.m. Thursday morning, November 22 when his vehicle left the roadway and broke through a fence next to the eastbound lanes of I-94. His vehicle then crashed through the fence a second time and entered the parking lot of the Wisconsin Tourist Information Center where it struck a parked car and overturned.

Facility Needs Committee Recommends New School

Brad Simonson, left, an architect with HSR Associates, points out some improvements that could be made at Greenfield Elementary School if two grades were moved out of the building. At left is construction manager (and Baldwin native) John Huenink of Kraus-Anderson Construction Company. Both have been working with a committee of Baldwin-Woodville residents on plans to relieve overcrowding especially at Greenfield and Viking Middle School.

A conceptional site plan of the intermediate school was provided by the committee.

A new school building for Baldwin-Woodville? That's the recommendation from the Community Facility Needs Exploratory Committee to the school board at Monday night's regular monthly
B-W Board of Education meeting.

The committee was formed by the board last April with community members who responded to advertising for volunteers.Also serving on the committee are school employees, Superintendent Rusty Helland, and school board member Jeff Campbell. John Huenink, construction manager from Kraus-Anderson, and architect Brad Simonson of HSR provided technical assistance to the committee.

Over the past eight months, the committee met ten times to research, analyze data and brainstorm. In the end, their recommendation is that an intermediate school for grades three through five with six sections at each level should be built. The recommended location for the 90,000 square foot building is north of Greenfield Elementary, just west of the parking lot that currently serves the High School. Estimated price tag is $16,494,000 according to preliminary cost figures provided by Kraus-Anderson.

Beth Meyers, chairman of the committee, presented a power point outlining the groups' activities to this point. "We toured all the buildings, including old Viking," she said. "Old" Viking is presently owned by Albrightson Excavating. In addition, committee members interviewed people involved in the past building project.

"Lessons learned from the past project include the need to plan further out than five years," Meyers said. The committee's goal is to plan for the next 20 years she added.

Another lesson learned was the need to hire a construction management firm that is independent of the architectural firm, said Meyers. That provides a system of checks and balances, she said.

Currently the High School has 455 students and can handle 600, so that building is in the best shape numbers-wise said Meyers.

Viking Middle School is at capacity with 472 students, using what was intended as a meeting/community room by dividing it into two classrooms, according to Principal Hank Dupuis. While classrooms were planned to be added at Viking according to the original plan, the core areas such as cafeteria and library are not large enough to handle the increased capacity said Simonson. Currently, grades five through eight are at Viking.

Greenfield Elementary Principal Gary Hoffman reported that 587 students are presently at that school and conditions are crowded. Lack of classroom space, inadequate computer labs and small library, cafeteria, art and music rooms are the main problems at Greenfield. Grades kindergarten through fourth are presently at Greenfield.

After doing the research, the committee narrowed their options to two: buying back "old" Viking and remodeling, or building a new intermediate school for grades three through five. The efficiencies of a new building prevailed.

Meyers said the committee thinks it is essential that the district fix the leaks at Viking and the High School before putting a referendum before the public in April, 2008.

The school board will devote the December meeting to further discussion of the plan.

Members of the committee are Bob Basques, Scott Benoy, Jackie Bensen, Warren Benson, Jeff Campbell, Jane Erickson, Nan Jordahl, Mark Lebo, Beth Meyers, Dennis Paquette, Ken Peterson, Larry Spoo, Jerry Strobush, Greg Wevers, Amy Wicker, Mike Timm, and Rusty Helland.

In other business at Monday's meeting, the board approved up to $9,457.50 toward new playground equipment at Greenfield Elementary. Principal Hoffman explained he is applying for a 50 percent grant from Gametime, a playground equipment company, to fund the remainder of the cost. Board President Jeff Campbell suggested that Hoffman contact the Village of Baldwin for a contribution from the parks fund.

Following a closed session, the board expelled two High School students for possession of drugs on school grounds. The buyer of the drugs was expelled until the end of the 2007-08 school year, but may be readmitted second semester if certain criteria set by the school board are met. The seller was expelled until the end of the 2008-09 school year, but may be readmitted in September of 2008 if certain criteria set by the school board are met.