B-W class of 2008 honor students announced

The 2008 Honor graduates at Baldwin-Woodville High School have been announced. Honor students are those who have achieved a 10.25 grade point average which is a B+ average.

Tara Kimberly earned the highest average in the class which earns her the title of Valedictorian. She plans to attend UW-Superior and major in biology with a minor in chemistry for a secondary education degree. Tara is the daughter of Jim and Colleen Kimberly.

Carrie Vanasse achieved the second highest average to earn the title of Salutatorian. She plans to attend UW-River Falls and at present is considering an accounting major. Carrie is the daughter of Tom and Cindy Vanasse.

Other honor graduates this year are: Reid Anderson, son of Keith and Mary Anderson; Raphaela Baumann, exchange student living with Robert and Julia Lyberg; Queezarwoe Borh, daughter of Dahn and Marilee Borh; Kalena Doffing, daughter of Jane Evin; Sara Donahoe, daughter of Bob and Rosemary Donahoe. Jordan Doornink, son of Douglas and Kelly Doornink; Kristopher Eggen, son of Richard and Vickie Eggen; Grant Gausman, son of Stanley and Susan Gausman; Kyle Hines, son of Keith and Beckie Hines; Kirsten Hoffman, daughter of Gary and Randi Hoffman; Aaron Hovde, son of Jerry and Marilyn Hovde; Mary Hovde, daughter of Robert and Kay Hovde; Morgan Jacobson, daughter of Dean and Jean Jacobson. Michelle Johnson, daughter of Donovan and Mariana Johnson; Richelle Kenow, daughter of Stephen and Julie Kenow; Angela Kusilek, daughter of Joseph and Anna Kusilek; Jason LaFavor, son of Tim and Eileen LaFavor; Amanda Larson, daughter of Scott and Barb Larson; Toni Lynum, daughter of Tobias and Marla Lynum; Samuel Mattison, son of David and Deborah Mattison; Heather Molenaar, daughter of Larry and Lori Molenaar. Joshua Morrissey, son of Albert and Rebecca Morrissey; Zachary Paul, son of Vicki Paul; David Ring, son of Ralph and Kathleen Ring; Joleen Schwellenbach, daughter of Kat and Nordby Schwellenbach; Cassie Standaert, daughter of James Standaert and Penny Pierson; Candace Standaert, daughter of James Standaert and Penny Pierson; Alex Stene, daughter of Susan Stene; Karen Warner, daughter of Duane and Joanne Warner; Alaina Werner, daughter of Kenneth and Alison Werner.

Baldwin-Woodville Class of 2008 Honor Students are pictured above. In the front row, left to right, are: Kalena Doffing, Michelle Johnson, Amanda Larson, Tara Kimberly, Mary Hovde, Richelle Kenow, Toni Lynum, Alaina Werner and Morgan Jacobson.

In the second row, from left, are: Raphaela Baumann, Heather Molenaar, Jason LaFavor, Justin Morrissey, Zachary Paul, Angela Kusilek, Sara Donahoe, Karen Warner, Alex Stene and Joleen Schwellenbach.

In the third row, from left, are: Kristopher Eggen, Reid Anderson, Aaron Hovde, Jordan Doornink, David Ring, Grant Gausman, Kyle Hines, Queezarwoe Borh and Carrie Vanasse.

Missing when the photo was taken were: Sam Mattison, Candace Standaert, Cassie Standaert and Kirsten Hoffman.

	Tara Kimberly 2008 B-W Valedictorian
	Carrie Vanasse 2008 B-W Salutatorian

Fire destroys former Baldwin Feed and Seed Building

Before firefighters even arrived on the scene of a tremendous blaze at the former Baldwin Feed and Seed in downtown Baldwin, it was apparent that little could be done to save the structure, which was completely engulfed in flames shortly after the start of the fire.

A spectacular blaze in the former Baldwin Feed and Seed grain elevator in downtown Baldwin totally destroyed the structure Thursday, April 3.

The fire started around 4:00 p.m. and firefighters from United Fire and Rescue and six other area departments called for mutual aid, remained on the site until about 11:30 Thursday evening.

The structure was owned by Lee Seim of the Town of Springfield. He said the structure contained about 2,500 bushels of corn, 1,500 bushels of oats, some soybeans and some minerals that were used as feed ingredients. He said the structure was not insured. Seim said he he's not sure about what he is going to do for storage in the future, but he will have to buy grain to make up for what was lost.

Gary Newton, Baldwin Station Chief of United Fire and Rescue, said that determining a cause of the fire is impossible because the structure was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived on the scene and the intense heat generated by the fire. He said reports of explosions or pops coming from the fire could perhaps be explained by the presence of a large amount of feed dust in the structure that explodes in a fire.

Firefighters were hampered fighting the fire by the size of water mains in the area of Baldwin Feed and Seed. Newton said that in the older portion of town the mains are only four inches in diameter and United Fire and the mutual aid departments had the capacity to pump much more water than could be derived from the three hydrants that were tapped. For that reason several tanker truck loads of water were hauled in from other locations.

Approximately 160,000 gallons of water was poured on the fire from hydrants and additional water hauled in from Hammond and Woodville amounted to another 20,000 gallons, said Newton.

Mutual aid was supplied by the fire departments of Glenwood City, Spring Valley, Roberts, River Falls, New Richmond and Hudson.

Newton said that when initially on the scene firefighters sprayed water on gas lines to cool them and then ensured that the natural gas supply to the structure was halted. The St. Croix County Emergency Communications Center also notified the railroad to halt all rail traffic through Baldwin. When the fire was controlled, a train master was sent out to inspect the tracks before trains were allowed to travel on them.

The pleasant spring weather, combined with the spectacular nature of the blaze, brought out hundreds of walkers who watched the progress of the fire.

Many observers said the intensity of the fire hadn't been seen locally since the fire on December 26, 1980 that destroyed Heebink's Millwork when it was located in downtown Baldwin.

A firm has been hired to remove the metal from the debris remaining from the fire, said Seim. He said a determination of what to do with the wood and grain remnants has not been made.

Seim said he bought the elevator in 2004 from the family of Dennis Eggen.

According to Don Makuch, a former owner of Baldwin Feed and Seed, the original elevator was built in 1895 by Ben Nibblink. He sold the business to Chris Johnson and George Nyeggen. Later Nyeggen became sole owner of the business and then in the late 1950s he sold it to his son-in-law Milt Lane.

Makuch said he bought the business from Milt Lane in 1978 and ran it until September of 1984 when he sold it to Dennis Eggen. Another fire a day earlier forced a Baldwin family from their home. The fire was at the David and Sarah Weiske residence southeast of Baldwin on 55th Avenue.

The residence is owned by Gerald and Mary Ann Peterson.

The fire was reported Wednesday morning by David Weiske. It started in a closet under a stairway, according to Newton.

Sarah Weiske said the fire was contained but the home suffered from extensive heat and smoke damage. The family has moved in with relatives while the home is being completely cleaned down to the studs, which she said may take up to three months.

B-W VAC team advances to state

Baldwin-Woodville VAC students include, back row from left to right, Tanis Klingler, Michelle Hinz, Kylee Momchilovich, Ashley Casperson, Morgan Trunkel, Briana Fleming. Middle row, Heather Molenaar, Rachelle Veenstra, Miranda Nelson, Sam Basques. Front row, Reid Anderson, Mrs. Kamm and Ethan Palmer. Missing from the picture is Emalie Tison.

Reid Anderson's colored pencil portrait composed of junk food is pictured.

The Visual Arts Classic (VAC) regional was held recently at UW-Stout. The regional consisted of six teams: Menomonie, Clayton, Amery, Washburn, Granton, and Baldwin-Woodville. B-W High School had a twelve member team compete.

This year's theme was "Food and Art." The competition includes individual competition as well as team competition. Individuals from each team compete in one of twelve categories with a long range assignment (project created before hand and judged the day of competition) and an on-site project. The on-site problem was read to the group and the students have three hours to complete the problem.

Baldwin-Woodville students competed in the following categories: Reid Anderson and Heather Molenaar in drawing; Rachelle Veenstra and Tanis Klinger in painting; Kylee Momchilovich and Briana Fleming in sculpture; Machelle Hinz and Emalie Tison in art history; Miranda Nelson and Ethan Palmer in printmaking; Sam Basques in digital photography; and Ashley Casperson in personal adornment.



Individuals advancing to state are Reid Anderson for his long term and on-site projects, Kylee Momchilovich for her long term and on-site projects, and Ethan Palmer for his on-site project.

As a team the students competed in a critical thinking category, and quiz bowl category. Critical thinking involves the entire team working together to find a solution to a question. This year's problem involved pitching a restaurant to a group of investors. The restaurant was to be based on one of the twelve artists they had to research.

In quiz bowl the teams are asked thirty-five questions based on the artists as well. B-W took a third place finish in the critical thinking category and a first place finish in quiz bowl. The first place finish in quiz bowl qualified the entire team for the state quiz bowl competition. B-W placed third overall combining the totals for all of the long term and on-site projects, critical thinking, and quiz bowl. State is held at the UW-Madison on April 11.

This is only the second year Baldwin-Woodville has competed in the VAC. Last year's team finished third in critical thinking, tied for third in quiz bowl, and placed second overall.

"Qualifying for state as a team is a really big deal. It's comparative to state forensics, state band, and state choir," stated Mrs. Kamm. "First place individuals and first place teams from across the state will go head to head in Madison. The energy and creativity at state is electric. Knowing that they are competing against the best artists and best teams in the state gets the students charged up for the competition. The art work is amazing!

It is so exciting because we're starting to set a precedent. It will hopefully get students encouraged and excited about next year. This is a great group of students whom all have special qualities," Kamm continued.

"Getting to work with the students on a daily basis keeps me challenged and energized. It's one of the many reasons why I love my job! I am really proud of the students for their individual accomplishments and team accomplishments."

USH 63 upgrade starts May 5

The schedule for the upgrade of USH 63 through Baldwin has been moved up. The contract for the project is slated to begin May 5 with traffic control work and grinding of the road surface. The contract is scheduled to be completed in 75 days.

According to Baldwin Village Engineer Mike Stoffel of Ayres Associates, the contracts for the work have been let. He said that some traffic signal work may even begin before May 5.

The project will start at the south side of Baldwin where the four lane USH 63 ends. Included in the work will be installation of new pavement and center turn lanes in some locations. In addition, a new traffic light will be installed at 60th Avenue and Fern Drive and new traffic lights will be installed at Cedar Street and Main Street.

The village's outside lanes of USH 63 through Baldwin will be taken up as part of the project, and will eliminate all parking along the highway. North of Main Street there will be a two way left turn lane to Hillcrest. The bridge over the Baldwin Creek will be replaced with a box
culvert.

The prime contractor is Mathy Construction and its subsidiary Monarch. Other contractors include: excavating: Hoffman Construction; grinding and placement of crushed aggregate base: Kraemer Co.; concrete work: Curb Masters; and traffic signals: NEI.

Web site provides Baldwin-Woodville Referendum Information

Pages have been added to the Baldwin-Woodville School District web site that provide information about the building referendum scheduled for Tuesday, June 3.

The pages were created by B-W Athletic Director and Transportation Supervisor Wade Labecki.

To access the web pages, start at the Baldwin-Woodville home page (www.bwsd.k12.wi.us). Near the top is information about the referendum and to the right is "Click here for more information."

The referendum election will have two questions. The first is whether a new 90,000 square foot intermediate school for grades three, four and five should be built on district owned property, and should Greenfield Elementary School be renovated. The total cost of the two is pegged at
$16,775,000.

The second question is whether an indoor swimming pool should be constructed and equipped for a cost not to exceed $3,500,000.

The web side provides the complete texts of the two resolutions. The members of the committee who studied the district's space needs are provided so individuals who have questions may ask any of them. Their meeting minutes are also provided as a further source of information.

The web site lists and dates and times of the four informational meetings that have been scheduled in May to provide information on the referendum projects.

The web site provides B-W enrollment history and future enrollment projections.

Designs for You by Erika makes a move

Designs for You by Erika, a beauty and hair care salon, has made a move one block west on Main Street in Baldwin. The business, owned by Erika Jordahl, moved from its former address when the building was put up for sale to its new location at 810 Main Street. Pictured above are Erika Jordahl, front, and employees Kahla Ash, left and Megan McCracken.

Dan's Auto Center moving to Buster's location

Dan and Cindy VanSomeren have purchased the former Buster's All-Star Rental building and plan to have Dan's Auto Center up and running there by March 31.

According to Cindy, the new location will be more convenient for customers. She said that before opening in the new location the building will undergo remodeling, adding lifts and a portion of the building will be resided.

When the weather improves a portion of the exterior of the building will be painted, Cindy said.

"If people want to see what we've done, they should feel free to stop in and we'll give them a tour," Cindy said. She noted that the building provides a nice location and space for Dan's Auto Center and it was originally built as a service station. She added that some type of open house will be held in the near future.

Dan's Auto Service has vehicle service, tires, exhaust systems and major and minor vehicle repair. The U-Haul business will be continued at the new location.

Buster's rental business has moved to the rural Baldwin location where he has his car crushing business.

Spring election features few races

The spring election on Tuesday, April 1 will feature few local contests.

In the Village of Baldwin there is only one contest where incumbent Municipal Judge Howard Ott is being challenged by Tammi Hovde. The three incumbent Village Trustees are running for re-election unchallenged. They are: Claire Stein, Greg Larson and Willard Zevenbergen.

In the Village of Hammond three individuals are running for three trustee positions: Christopher Buckel, Wally Graf and Steven Peterson. Sandra Nelson is running unopposed for Municipal Judge. In the Village of Woodville only two candidates are running for three Village Trustee positions. They are Barry Ketchum and Steve Gossel. Linda Duval is running unopposed for Municipal Judge.

For the Baldwin Woodville School District incumbents Dustin Klanderman and Todd Graf are running unchallenged.

Likewise for St. Croix Central School District where incumbents John Hueg and David Olsen are running unchallenged.

At the county level, Mark Gherty and Howard Cameron are facing off for the new Branch 4 judgeship in St. Croix County. Statewide, Mike Gableman and Louis Butler are vying for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

For additional details on voting procedures, voting locations and candidates, see the insert in this week's issue.

Scam alert issued by Sheriff Hillstead

Over the past several weeks the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office has received a number of complaints concerning an ongoing scam, according to a press release from Sheriff Dennis Hillstead. There are several different variations by which the scam artists are attempting to deceive victims. The basic situation involves the victim receiving a letter from a company or organization that states it represents a lottery and that the person receiving the letter is a winner in that contest. Included in the notification is a check made out to the victim, usually the amount of this check is between $4000.00 and $5000.00. The check on first view appears legitimate.

The letter instructs the victim to deposit the check, then send the company back $3000.000 dollars to cover taxes and costs, and that once the company receives the $3000.00 the remaining winnings will be sent.

Phone calls to the number given are answered and what seems like appropriate information given. If the victim checks the company on the internet, it will also appear to be a legitimate company.

Unfortunately for the victim, approximately one to two weeks after depositing the check and returning the $3000.00, plus whatever of the amount over the $3000.0 that they spent, plus whatever bank costs may be charged to them, are lost when the check is stopped.

Many of these types of scams originate from out of the country and are almost impossible to track. The old adage, "If it seems too good to be true," it probably is. In most legitimate lotteries, the taxes are deducted before the winnings are paid out.

If you have been victimized by this scam, please contact your local police department or the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office, 715-386-4320.

Boyceville man arrested for threats

A Boyceville man who wanted to get away and do a little ice fishing didn't get the relaxation he wanted.

According to St. Croix County Sheriff Dennis Hillstead, the man received a traffic citation and failed to appear at his court date. The court then entered a guilty plea for the traffic violation and his license was revoked. Sheriff Hillstead said the revoked license may have had further repercussions and he may have lost his job because of his loss of license.

That caused the man to call the St. Croix County courthouse and threaten to blow it up and also threaten the judge who heard his case.

When the threats were reported to the Sheriff's Department, deputies went to the man's residence in Boyceville where it was learned that he was ice fishing on Pine Lake. Then two investigators and three deputy sheriffs from the St. Croix County Sheriff's Department converged on Pine Lake where the man was located, arrested and taken into custody, said
Sheriff Hillstead.

Review board clears deputies in shooting

St. Croix County Sheriff Dennis Hillstead announced that a shooting review board, which included law officers from New Richmond and Polk County, determined that deputies Ryan Kelly and Kristopher Stewart followed all policies and procedures in the fatal shooting incident of a man in rural Hammond Feb. 23.

Stewart is an 11-year veteran of the sheriff's department, including eight years as a patrol officer. Kelly joined the jail staff in May 2006 and has been in training as a patrol officer since January.

"Each of the officers has been provided with counseling services," said Hillstead. "It's a tragic incident, tragic for the victim and his family and tragic for the deputies and their families," he said. "It's very stressful and will continue to be."

Jacob Lee Sperl, 22, died as a result of gunshot wounds following a confrontation with the deputies. Sperl, who had reportedly made suicidal threats, pointed a loaded shotgun at the two officers outside his rural Hammond home when the deputies confronted him.

Water main replacement scheduled for spring

After last Monday morning's water pipe blow-out along USH 63 near Snap Fitness that dumped more than 200,000 gallons of water out of the village's north water tower, it was apropos that the Baldwin Village Board dealt with several water issues at their regular monthly meeting last
Wednesday.

In addition to approving rebuilding part of Main Street, along with utility work in the street, the Board dealt with a block-long stretch of the main that dispersed its contents last week.

Public Works Director John Traxler noted at the meeting that the hole in the pipe that produced the large volume of water was about fist sized. He said that seven or eight feet of water main was replaced, but the entire main was pitted and is a continuation of the main done last year about a block south.

Traxler questioned whether replacing the block-long stretch of water main should be done in conjunction with the Department of Transportation project rebuilding USH 63 through Baldwin that will begin this spring and continue into the summer.

Village Engineer Mike Stoffel said the stretch of water main along USH 63 from Lokhorst to Summit is 370 to 380 feet and estimated the cost to replace it from $27,000 to $28,000 with new hydrants and valves. He said it is possible that it could be done in conjunction with the DOT project.

The board, after discussion, agreed that it makes sense to do the work when the road is torn up anyway, and approved the work if a price can be negotiated.

The other work along USH 63 that will be performed in conjunction with the DOT project is replacement of water main from the First Bank of Baldwin to the railroad tracks and replacement of sanitary sewer from Newton Street to Curtis Street. The board reviewed bids for the projects and accepted the low bid from Albrightson Excavating, Inc. in the amount of $78,376.

Finally, the board approved a project for the two block stretch of Main Street between 11th and 13th Avenues. That project includes replacing the water main and sanitary sewer, new water and sewer laterals and a new storm sewer drain at 13th and Main, said Engineer Stoffel.

Stoffel said the entire street will be lowered somewhat to improve drainage to and off the street.

Most of the existing sidewalk along the two block stretch will be replaced, with the exception of a short stretch of new sidewalk. New driveway aprons will be installed and the first lift of asphalt will be laid with the final lift going on in 2008, Stoffel said.

The board approved levying special assessments for laterals, sidewalks and driveways aprons to the property owners. Property owners can pay in installments over three years for new sidewalks, but aprons and laterals must be paid for in the year in which they are installed.

The Board approved advertising for bids on the project. Prices for paving the fire hall parking lot and installing curb and gutter and paving the Ambulance Service lot will also be included when bids are asked for the Main Street project.

In other action at the meeting:

-Candidates for the fourth judge position in St. Croix County who advanced to the general election after the primary gave presentations to the board. They are: Howard Cameron and Mark Gherty.
-Spring clean up days for village residents (not businesses) was set for Friday, April 25 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 26 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
-A number of June Bug Days requests were approved at the meeting. The annual celebration will be held June 12, 13, 14 and 15 this year. The village will made an $8,000 contribution to the celebration, from the tourism fund.

The parade will be Saturday at noon, starting at the High School and proceeding east to 6th Avenue, then south and past Maple Street.

Dance licenses were granted for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights; picnic licenses were approved (allowing sale of beer); fireworks were approved for Saturday night; and a temporary operator's license was granted to Rick Coltrain.

-The annual lease for the Fire Hall was approved. The building of about 13,000 square feet rents for 50¢ per square foot.
-The board finalized a fireworks possession permit system with a charge of $3 per permit.
-The Board agreed that the village will participate in two loan programs using the proceeds from federal revolving loans. They are the Downtown Facade Program and the MicroLoan Program. The committee members for each program were approved as: Dale Jensen, Larry Knegendorf, Dale Fern, Dave Mattison and Willie Zevenbergen.
-Discussion was held regarding parking on 60th Avenue and whether it should be prohibited. Included in the discussion was whether a parking area could be created on the south side of 60th on village owned property commonly called "Wintergreen."
-The village approved purchase of playground equipment, mulch and trees for "Wood Duck Park" in Berkseth Heights. Cost of the playground equipment is approximately $15,000.
-Police Chief Jim Widiker noted that the kennel to which strays in the village have been taken has been closed and asked members of the board for help in finding an alternative.

Referendum information sessions set

When the referendum asking Baldwin-Woodville School District electors is held on Tuesday, June 3, members of the B-W Board of Education, a newly formed School Public Relations Committee and Superintendent Rusty Helland want voters to have as much information about the two questions as possible-the why, where, how and how much it will cost.

Toward that end, the newly formed committee-made up largely of members of the committee who studied school facilities needs and recommended that a new "intermediate" school be built on existing school property in Baldwin-are making themselves available to answer questions from the public and have planned a public information campaign.

As part of the public information campaign four public information meetings have been scheduled for different days of the week in order to accommodate as large an audience as possible. The dates and places of the meetings are:
-Monday, May 5 at the Viking Middle School gym in Woodville;
-Tuesday, May 13 at the Greenfield Elementary School gym in Baldwin;
-Wednesday, May 21 at the Viking Middle School gym in Woodville; and
-Thursday, May 29 at the Baldwin-Woodville High School Performing Arts Center.

All of the public information meetings will begin at 7:00 p.m.

In addition to holding informational meetings, members of the committee have divided into sub-committees. The "hard copy" committee will be producing flyers or brochures that will be available to district residents; the "electronic" committee plans to produce a web site and use
the B-W TV station, channel 18 on Baldwin Telecom cable, to present information about the referendum.

Also, said Superintendent Helland, all members of the "New School Public Relations Committee," including himself, have agreed to make themselves available to voters who have questions regarding the referendum questions.

Helland emphasized that the process that led to the referendum questions has been in the works for more than two years. Starting in 2006 a population study of the district was done by a company hired for that purpose and the B-W Board's long-range committee had discussed facility needs. A committee of district residents was formed to study facility needs, they met several times over a period of months, and their recommendations were presented last November.

Those recommendations, which were forwarded to the B-W Board which is expected to submit them to referendum on Monday night, March 17, calls for a new 90,000 square foot "intermediate" school to be built somewhere near present Greenfield (perhaps north or west of Greenfield) and some remodeling of Greenfield Elementary. It would house grades three through five. The cost of the new school is estimated at $16,494,500. The cost of Greenfield remodeling is estimated at $324,600. A separate question on the referendum is whether a new indoor swimming pool at a cost of approximately $3,500,000 should be built. If the pool and an intermediate school are approved, the pool would likely be attached to the intermediate school
since building a pool as part of a building project would be cheaper than adding it to an existing building, said Helland.

In upcoming informational pieces, district enrollment trends and projections will be presented and the effect of the referendum and bond issuance wo uld have on property taxes will be detailed.

Members of the committee who have agreed to be available to the public to answer questions regarding the referendum questions are: Jackie Benson, Jane Erickson, Beth Meyers, Denise Monicken, Dennis Paquette, Ken Peterson, Ken Rundhaug, Amy Wicker, Todd Graf, Dustin Klanderman, Tom Schumacher, Mike Timm, John Huenink - Construction manager with Kraus-Anderson, Brad Simonson - Architect with HSR Associates, Steve Apfelbacher - of Ehlers and Associates, the district's financial advisor, and Helland.

Referendum motions approved by school board

The Baldwin-Woodville Board of Education took the first formal steps in the building referendum process at the regular meeting Monday night. At last month's meeting, the board agreed upon June 3, 2008 for the date of the referendum; now two initial resolutions authorizing general obligation bonds and a resolution approving the form of notices and the official referendum ballot have been approved as required by law.

The two bond resolutions, one for a new intermediate school not to exceed $16,775,000, and another for an indoor swimming pool not to exceed $3,500,000 carried on a six to one vote. Voting yes were board members Mike Bondarenko, Todd Graf, Dustin Klanderman, Deb Rasmussen, Tom Schumacher and Jeff Campbell. Voting no was John Hinz.

The resolution approving the form of referendum notices and official referendum ballot was approved unanimously.

In discussion prior to the vote, Hinz asked if the increased borrowing affects the percentage of the school district's state aid, which is currently 68 percent. District financial advisor Steve Apfelbacher of Ehlers and Associates explained that there are no guarantees of state aid percentages from year to year regardless of debt. Each year the state figures state aid based upon all districts in the state. For the purposes of this project, Apfelbacher said he figured 63 percent state aid.

"What if the district's valuation goes down?" asked district resident Ken Rundhaug. "How does that affect our state aid?"

Apfelbacher said that's one of numerous variables that can affect a district's state aid percentage, either up or down. He said Ehlers and Associates bases their estimates on past and present information and past experience.

Rundhaug also suggested that school districts could re-align to spread students out to prevent over-crowding.

Superintendent Rusty Helland informed the board the new School Public Relations Committee met last week and the turnout was good. He said the group divided into two subcommittees: the hard copy committee and the electronic committee. Both will work to get referendum information out to the public. Helland said that four public informational meetings have also been scheduled. (Please see related story on this page.)

Sixth grade teaching team members Jarod Dachel, DeAnn Ashlin and Scott Benoy delivered a presentation to the board regarding gender specific classes. According to the team, having gender specific classes allows teachers to structure classes differently for boys and girls. Research has shown improved achievement at this age level in gender specific classes, Dachel said.

Benoy visited gender specific classes in Somerset, and met with teachers and students there. Although it's too early to measure the results with hard data, the staff and students were pleased with the situation there, he said.

The district's WCKE test results have shown statistically significant gender differences in academic achievement at the middle school and the team hopes to improve this through gender specific classes.

"We all know that boys and girls are different," said Benoy. "With these classes, the curriculum content stays the same, the way it is presented is different," he said.

The team said that research shows that grades four, five and six are the optimal time for gender specific classes.

Enrollment in gender specific classes will be voluntary, and the number of sections will depend upon how many students sign up this spring, according to the team.

A motion to approve open enrollment applications for the 2008-09 school year with one exception passed with a six to one vote. Voting yes were Bondarenko, Graf, Klanderman, Rasmussen, Schumacher and Campbell. Voting no was Hinz.

"Why are we accepting open enrollment students when we are crowded already?" asked Hinz.

"I look at it as a positive thing if students want to go to school here," responded Helland. "We would rather have increasing enrollment than declining and have to be cutting programs, like many districts around the state," he added.

The net number of open enrollment students is 20, according to Helland.

Following a closed session, the board approved re-admitting a student who had been expelled. The student has fulfilled the board's requirements for re-admittance. The student will be re-admitted April 1, the first day of the fourth quarter, said Helland.

Fitting tribute at final farwell

Bantam and varisty players of the Blackhawk Hockey Association paid a fitting tribute to Rose Schultz last Saturday at the conclusion of her funeral at Immaculate Conception Church in Hammond. The team members formed a canopy with their sticks during the recessional from the church and saluted with three raps on the ground. Rose, along with her husband Russ, has been a supporter of amateur hockey in the area since the inception of Blackhawk Hockey.

Primary election moves Gherty and Cameron on

Mark J. Gherty with 4,593 votes and Howard Cameron with 3,077 votes were the top vote-getters in last Tuesday's primary election. Those two will move on to the general election in April.

Other candidates for the new judicial position for St. Croix County, and their vote totals, were: Carol L. Law 2,395; Charles B. Harris 2,107; and Ken Sortedahl 1,502. There were 45 write-in votes.

In the presidential preference primary, St. Croix County mirrored Wisconsin as a whole. On the Democratic side, Barak Obama received 5,467 votes in the county to top Hillary Clinton's 4,930 votes. Other candidates who have withdrawn from the race received a scattering of votes. On the Republican side, John McCain was the winner with 2,459 votes while Mike Huckabee was second with 1,597. Ron Paul received 381 votes and other candidates no longer in the running received a scattering of votes.

Man shot by sheriff's deputy after threat

A standoff in the Town of Hammond late Saturday night with an allegedly suicidal man has left the man dead.

According to a news release from St. Croix County Sheriff Dennis Hillstead, at approximately 11:02 p.m. on Saturday, the Sheriff's Office was notified of a 9-1-1 call stating that Jacob Lee Sperl, 22, of 1848 60th Avenue in the Town of Hammond had made suicidal threats and was armed with a shotgun.

The caller said that in phone contact with Jacob, Jacob had indicated he had shells for the shotgun and was going to take his own life and "if the cops come up the driveway it will be too late."

The caller also said that Jacob's parents were in the residence and Jacob was outside the home.

At 11:16 p.m. St. Croix County Sheriff's Deputies arrived at the scene and parked on the road. The Deputies approached the residence on foot and as they were crossing the yard from the west, an unknown vehicle pulled into the driveway and stopped in front of the home. Two individuals got out of the vehicle and made contact with Jacob who was on the east side of the
residence's attached garage.

The two deputies continued to approach Jacob and the other two individuals. Jacob moved quickly away from the other two people and then reached down and picked up a shotgun laying on the ground.

A deputy yelled that "he has a gun," then ordered Jacob several times to put the gun down.

Jacob ignored the verbal commands, raised the shotgun and pointed it at one of the deputies. At that time both deputies discharged their weapons at Jacob, striking him.

Emergency medical personnel arrived at the scene and determined that Jacob was dead.

A examination of the shotgun determined that there was one round in the chamber. Nineteen additional shotgun rounds were found on Jacob's person.

Both the Sheriff's Deputies have been placed on administrative leave in accordance with Department policy, said the release from Sheriff Hillstead. The release said the incident remains under investigation by the Pierce County Sheriff's Department and the St. Croix County Sheriff's
Department.

BTI and B-W partner to launch school channel

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

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

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

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

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

Chamber Annual meeting held Monday

Outgoing Baldwin Area Chamber of Commerce President Allene Eggen, left, and incoming President Sonya Jansma participated in the traditional "passing of the wooden shoes" ritual at the Chamber's annual meeting held Monday evening, February 25 at Kilkarney Hills Golf Club.

Fire destroys barn, 40 head of stock in sub-zero cold

Billowing clouds of smoke combined with steam emanated from a barn fire east of Baldwin last Wednesday morning at the Mike Haller farm. Firefighters fought the fire and then remained on the scene for cleanup well into the evening hours.

Mike Haller, engaged in the terrible work of removing animal carcasses Monday morning, took a brief time out to talk about his plans for the future. He mentioned beef or raising heifers as possibilities.

Whatever the future holds for Haller, it won't be dairying, he said. "The dairy industry is too tough for the small farmer," he said.

United Fire and Rescue and other emergency agencies were called to the Haller farm with the barn on fire about 5:50 Wednesday morning when the temperature hovered between -15° and -20° F. The farm is about two miles east of Baldwin on 230th Street.

Mike has spent his whole life on that farm and in 2001 he bought it from his grandfather, Galen Anderson. His grandparents still live with him on the farm.

The fire appears to have started in a light switch, Mike said he was told by an insurance adjuster. The adjuster said the barn is a total loss because even though the lower part of it is intact, water that has gotten into the cement blocks will freeze and crack and make it unusable.

Lost with the barn were close to 40 head of cows and calves, Mike said. He said he still has two dry cows and heifers that weren't inside the barn. Also lost in the fire were 800 bales of hay, 1,000 bales of straw and chopped straw.

The barn was metal sheathed, said Mike, and that metal probably is the reason that a close-by shed and a feed bin weren't also destroyed by the heat of the fire, although a beam did fall on an auger and damage that.

Baldwin Station Chief of United Fire and Rescue Gary Newton said there were apparently three injuries suffered by firefighters, although hopefully none will prove to be serious or permanent. One injury was to a knee, another to a back and a third firefighter suffered frostbite to his
face.

A total of about 185,000 gallons of water was poured on the fire and one of the firetrucks suffered a frozen line during the fight against the fire. Also responding to a mutual aid call were Roberts-Warren and Spring Valley.