Fire struck Stan and Sue Gausman’s home

Although the home of Stan and Sue Gausman in the Town of Hammond, north of Baldwin along USH 63, is still standing, it remains to be seen whether it can be salvaged.
Sue Gausman said on Monday of this week that the insurance adjuster hasn’t given a verdict whether the home is totalled, or not.
The fire is still under investigation, Sue added, but it’s obvious that the fire started at the fuel oil burning furnace in the basement of the home.
In the meantime, soot covers everything in the house. Sue said the house was filled with smoke and although most of the burning was in walls and ceilings, there is also some outward evidence of burning.
Sue said the house can be stripped down to the wooden studs and everything can be cleaned of soot. But all the woodwork will have to be cleaned, sanded, restained and varnished if the house is deemed not destroyed by the fire and smoke.
Sue said the house is 70 years old and was well-built. Before Sue and Stan raised their family there it was occupied by Stan’s parents and before that by the Bernard Donkersgoeds.
While awaiting a decision on what will happen to their house, the Gausmans have been able to rent a nearby house.
Sue said she isn’t sure what the future holds and for now it is one day at a time.
“I am so overwhelmed,” said Sue, but not by the fire that may lead to the razing of their house, but “by people’s kindness. When I sit down and cry at night it’s because I’m overwhelmed by all the kindness. We live in such a kind community.”

NSP substation planned for August completion

The new NSP-Wisconsin electric substation taking shape on Woodville’s western edge is planned for an August completion, according to Brad Nelson, Project Manager.
Nelson said the new distribution substation is being build to replace the existing “east Baldwin” substation. The new substation is necessary because this area of western Wisconsin has experienced substantial population increases and the current substation is inadequate for the load, Nelson said.
According to Brian Elwood, Manager of Corporate Communication for NSP-Wisconsin, the substation is designed to take high voltage electricity and transform it to a lower voltage, although not necessarily to a low enough voltage for consumer use.
The work at the site west of Woodville first required substantial fill to make a level site for the substation, said Nelson. A temporary road was also built across some wetlands to the west of the substation to build some new distribution facilities and re-build some others. The temporary road was used in an effort to preserve and prevent damage to the wetlands.
The company worked with the Public Service Commission, the Department of Natural Resources and St. Croix County in planning the new substation, Nelson said. As a result of county input, there will be a 12 foot berm constructed on the north side of the new substation on which trees will be planted as a buffer from the road.
The electricity coming into the new substation is 161,000 volts and is part of a transmission grid served by several sources of electricity which are interconnected with each other, Nelson said.
During the transfer to the new substation there should be no significant electrical outages, Nelson said. There could be minor outages but NSP will work with customers to minimize the effects.
The effect of the new substation will probably not be noticeable, Nelson said, other than enhancing the electrical distribution system to make it more reliable.

Sheriff Hillstead announces he will not seek re-election

Sheriff Dennis Hillstead announced last Friday that this will be his last term as St. Croix County Sheriff. Hillstead said he made this notice early enough so those interested in seeking the Office of Sheriff will have sufficient time to make an informed decision and to gear up for a run for the office this year.
Hillstead expressed his deep appreciation to the people of St. Croix County who have allowed him to serve these past 12 years as Sheriff. Many changes have taken place since he began his law enforcement career in 1970. When he started in the Sheriff’s Office in 1972 the department consisted of Sheriff Charlie Grant, five patrol deputies and six jailer/dispatchers and a budget of around $400,000. There are now 86 full time employees, 14 part time and a 172 bed jail according to Hillstead. The county population has doubled in size to over 80,000 and the number of calls for service has gone from 3,000 a year to 13,000 with a budget in excess of nine million dollars. St. Croix County is unique in that three quarters of the population live in unincorporated portions of the county that the Sheriff has total responsibility for, along with assisting the Village and City Police Departments.
There have been many accomplishments, said Hillstead, along with a few pit falls since he assumed the Office of Sheriff. St. Croix County Sheriff’s Department consists of highly trained and dedicated men and women. Hillstead believes the greatest success would be in the response to the meth problem during the first seven years of this decade. It is one of the few times that law enforcement, courts, prosecutors, treatment and the state legislature came together in a joint effort and were successful in those efforts. During the early part of this decade meth was at epidemic proportions in St. Croix County. At one point the jail reached a population of 168 inmates with roughly 60 percent in jail for meth related crimes. St. Croix County jail population is currently half of that number with an estimate of 20 percent meth related. This is an example of how when organizations work together it can result in a positive outcome, said Hillstead.
The position of Sheriff as the Chief Law Enforcement Officer in the County is one of extreme importance. It is one that requires experience, education, training, patience and a heart for the people that he/she serves. It is not a job for the faint hearted, nor for those who seek power or authority according to Hillstead. It is Hillstead’s hope that the person selected to fill this office will possess those attributes.
“Although this is a difficult decision for me, I believe that it is time, along with my wife Kristine, who has stood by me for 40 years, to seek a new path to walk. It has been a time of blessing for me to have served you,” Sheriff Hillstead said.

From the Exchanges
Interesting items from
surrounding communities

TRIBUNE PRESS REPORTER (GLENWOOD CITY): One of the Glenwood City School Districts wish list items was checked off at Monday night’s school board meeting with the donation of an electronic roadside events sign from Hiawatha National Bank. Bank representatives Jim and Jeanene Meisser and Cindy Tuttle attended a meeting with Jim Meisser, president and CEO, giving an oral presentation. Meisser said they had decided to donate the sign for several reasons. These included that many of their clients have children attending the school, many of their local directors are involved with the school, many of their employees attended and graduated from the school, and the bank acknowledges the importance of the school’s job in educating the children in this community. The external electronic events sign will display the time and temperature and messages that can be viewed from the road. Meisser said they would be purchasing the sign in the second quarter.

PIERCE COUNTY HERALD (ELLSWORTH): A Pierce County employee was charged in circuit court Wednesday with falsifying records and theft. Roger L. Billeter, 51, of Beldenville, who works for the highway department is looking at two Class I felonies, which each carry a maximum penalty of $10,000 and/or 42 months in prison , if found guilty. His first court appearance is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, April 19. According to the criminal complaint, sheriff’s department investigators were first notified of the alleged incident in November when Chad Johnson, highway commissioner and Jim Harris, highway superintendent came to them with information Billeter was involved in the theft of diesel fuel. Harris old investigators there was documentation Billeter, a highway employee for 12 years, has had a pattern of inconsistent fuel shortages and record keeping since April 2008. The continued that, in his job as foreman, Billeter is to transport diesel fuel in his assigned truck to the job site and fuel equipment unable tot be driven back to Ellsworth to be fueled at the central pumps located at the highway. Harris said that from his review of the documents involving Billeter’s hand receipts he has identified approximately 145 incidents of fuel receipts/records as being either filled out incorrectly or falsely altered to hide the theft of fuel from the highway department.

RIVER FALLS JOURNAL: School board members expressed frustration and regret Monday night but unanimously passed a $366,600 reduction package to balance next year’s budget. The savings will come from all grade levels and the central administrative office. Other savings will come from buying one less school bus and raising music instrument rental and high school activity fees. And there will be fewer paraprofessionals, middle school band lessons, math and reading specialists and high school electives, including an end to Japanese foreign language after next year. School board member Manny Kenney, running unopposed in the April 6 spring election called the 2010-11 budget reduction package part of a “long and painful process for all of us.” The reduction package was crafted over several months by administrators and principals with input from teachers and staff. A large crowd at a March 8 public hearing spoke for preserving the level of paraprofessionals, middle school band lessons and Japanese program.

HUDSON STAR OBSERVER: An accident Wednesday morning, March 17, at the intersection of Crest View Drive and Industrial Street took the life of 19-year-old Kevin W. Johnson of Hudson. Johnson was struck by a heavy-duty truck and trailer as he was attempting to cross Industrial St. at the traffic signals. The truck was operated by Steven W. Sherman, 51, of Brooklyn Center, Minn., a driver for Northern Metal Recycling of Minneapolis. Sherman was northbound on Industrial Street and had stopped for a red light at Crest View Drive before beginning a right turn onto Crest Vie, according to a press release from the Hudson Police Department. The press release said Johnson was attempting to cross Industrial Street from east to west and entered the crosswalk area at about the same time that Sherman began to turn onto Crest View. Johnson died at the scene. He had a bicycle with him, but the police weren’t certain immediately following the accident if Johnson was riding it or walking with it when he was struck. Hudson Police Lt. Paul Larson said that the Wisconsin State Patrol was called in to reconstruct the accident because it involved a commercial vehicle. He said four state troopers had inspected the scene and would be issuing a detailed report. He said a witness who was in a vehicle on Crest View Drive approaching the intersection from the west saw the truck stopped at the red light. The witness also saw Johnson on the east side of Industrial just before the accident, but didn’t notice if he was on or off his bicycle. The triple-axle truck used to haul metal for recycling was pulling a double-axle trailer.

THE SUN (OSCEOLA): Polk County will sell or dispose of nearly $40,000 worth of new tables, chairs and other items ordered without authorization “by whatever means necessary.” A Wonderland-like twist to the county’s furniture fiasco is that the county board last week rejected a proposed resolution that would have given the county ownership of the merchandise, corporate counsel Jeff Fuge said, and then passed a motion by a 12-10 vote to proceed with the disposal of the property by whatever means necessary. Human Services Director Sherry Gjonnes ordered the furniture in late December without authorization from the Human Services Board and in violation of the county’s purchasing policy. While Human Services Board chair Diane Stoneking favors trying to return the merchandise to Staples, Fuge has said at several meetings that Staples representatives have indicated to him the furniture is non-returnable because the finish on the tables and chairs made them custom-order items. The order included 40 tables, 80 chairs, five lecterns, a table cart and three projection screens. It was intended for use in four conference rooms in the Polk County Government Center to allow those rooms to be used for more in-house training of county employees. The resolution at issue at the county board meeting called for some accounting adjustments to void the 2009 purchase and transfer the necessary money into the Parks, Buildings & Solid Waste Department to allow for the purchase as part of that department 2010 budget. “To me this should be soundly voted down,” Finance Committee chairman Gary Bergstrom said. “It’s unfortunate that it was purchased but nevertheless: it’s not budgeted. We should not approve this.” The Human Services board will deal with the disciplinary element related to the purchase Gjonnes made.

SUN-ARGUS (PIERCE COUNTY): There’s a lot going on in the media concerning the Village Board of Elmwood and a former employee. It appears the split was not as easy as it was hoped to be. Jodi Pulk resigned her position as the clerk and treasurer of the Village in January after being suspended in November from her duties. When she resigned there were some unanswered questions, but in the end it seemed that the parting of ways was in the best interest of both parties. According to Village Trustee Bob Rupakus, Pulk resigned but likely would have been fired had she not resigned. “She certainly followed improper procedures, Rupakus said. At one point we had even considered filing criminal charges but decided not to. According to Rupakus, the Personnel Committee met with Pulk in January of 2009 and discussed some of the accusations that had arisen. The committee then met again in November of 2009 and discussed more accusations that had come to light. There were quite a few issues brought up in that time, something Pulk had a problem with. “The night that I was suspended they brought up any problem, large or small, going back years,” Pulk said. “This board chooses not to deal with an issue when it occurs but to save up many small items to make a mountain out of a mole hill.”

New piano donated to Christian Reformed Church

In honor of the memory of her parents, who both had a love of music and were musicians at the Christian Reformed Church many years ago, Doris Bakker donated a Boston baby grand piano to the church. The piano was officially “dedicated to the Glory of God,” at the Sunday morning service March 21.
According to Pastor Anson Veenstra, pictured above with Doris, both Doris’ parents, Elva and Arnold, were at one time organists at the church, back in the days when pump organs were in use. Alva Bakker died last November at the age of 101.
Photo courtesy of James Lokker.


Catch the Comedy March 25


Laughter is often the best medicine. So get your health back without a prescription this Thursday, March 25 at the Orchard. Our own Trevor Anderson is bringing his award winning team of comedians to entertain us in a family friendly venue. Be prepared to laugh often and hard.
Your ticket includes a chicken and beef meal, beverage and a show all for twenty-five dollars. Remember this is a Baldwin-Woodville Area Foundation fundraiser. We need your help to provide grants and scholarships for our communities. We need your support.

New equipment at United Fire and Rescue

A new piece of rescue equipment has been puchased by United Fire and Rescue Department. The rescue tube is manufactured by an Iowa company and can be used to rescue someone stuck in corn in a corn bin. The tube is lowered into the corn bin in four pieces and then assembled and pushed down around a victim stuck in corn. Then a vaccum is used to suck the corn out from inside the tube to free the victim.
According to United Fire Secretary-treasurer Bill Peavey, the rescue tube can be used in other situations involving a cave-in, such as mud or sand. The approximate price of the potentially life-saving piece of equipment is $2,400.

News from the Exchanges
Interesting items from
Surrounding communities

CENTRAL ST. CROIX NEWS: Known by many at St. Croix Central simply as “Senor” high school Spanish teacher Tom Martin has long been a favorite teacher and now he has received statewide recognition being selected as one of 100 recipients of the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Fellowship Program. Fellowship recipients are chosen for their superior ability to inspire a love of learning in their students, their ability to motivate others and for their leadership and service within and outside the classroom. Each Fellow’s school also receives a $1000 grant. “It is an honor to earn a Kohl’s Fellowship,” Martin said. “It is very much a recognition of the entire school district, as many of the teaching ideas and strategies I have implemented in my classes which led to the Fellowship have been the result of many conversations with staff members.

SUN-ARGUS (SPRING VALLEY): Talk about coming full circle. Dennis Sorenson began his career in law enforcement in Spring Valley as a part-time police officer in 1983. He worked three years for the department before being hired as a full time deputy for the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department in 1986. Flash forward 24 years. Sorenson is now back as a part-timer with the Spring Valley Police Department, this time in the capacity as the Chief. The Pierce County Sheriff’s Department lieutenant was approved as the new Spring Valley Chief of Police last week and began his duties this past Monday on a part-time basis.

NEW RICHMOND NEWS: This was not the news supporters of the new river crossing at Stillwater wanted to hear. U.S. District Judge Michael Davis on Thursday issued an opinion to stop the proposed new bridge over the St. Croix River, after considering the matter since September 14, 2009. On Monday, John Soderberg, a New Richmond banker who has worked on the bridge proposal for years said he hasn’t been able to sleep since hearing the news. “But we’re not going to stop,” he vowed. “We’re going to move ahead until we get this thing done. You haven’t heard the end of it.” Soderberg said he’d been talking with national and area leaders about what the next step will be. Whether or not there will be a legal appeal is uncertain at this time point, he added. “Everybody knows the bridge has to be replaced at some point,” he said. “And the longer we wait, the more it’s going to cost.” Elected officials representing the region also voiced their displeasure over the new developments. “I think it’s a very disappointing decision,” said U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-Third District) on Thursday afternoon. “This is a setback in the progress of the bridge, but hopefully only one that is minor.”

HUDSON STAR~OBSERVER: Glen Hartman, a paramedic with St. Croix EMS, has been named 2010 recipient of the Dan O’Connell Outstanding Performer Award. The honor is bestowed annually by the Hudson Noon Rotary Club to a member of the local ambulance and rescue service selected by his or her peers. “His dedication is second to none in the organization.” St. Croix EMS Chief Eric Christensen said of Hartman in presenting the award at last Thursday’s meeting of the Noon Rotary. Christensen said Hartman played a leading role in St. Croix EMS’s move to full -time paramedic level service six years ago.

PIERCE COUNTY HERALD (ELLSWORTH): A Maiden Rock man faces three felony charges for allegedly assaulting a man outside a Pierce County bar then threatening witnesses who tried to help the victim. Kevin D. Fisher, 48, was charged earlier this month in Pierce County Circuit Court with substantial battery, two counts of intimidating a victim and disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor. The charges stem from a March 2 incident in Elmwood, when Fisher allegedly attacked a man, kicking and punching him in the head at The Sandbar, according to the criminal complaint. Authorities at the scene said the man likely needed stitches to fix his cut lip. The victim told police his sister is married to Fisher’s brother and there was some arguing about children, though it is unclear why Fisher became upset and the argument became physical.

Behind the scenes at the Olympics

Baldwin-Woodville graduate Matt Leaf, front row, far right, was among the IIHF Referee Superivors for women’s tournament at the Olympics in Vancouver.

Matt Leaf, a1983 graduate of Baldwin-Woodville High School, has long had an interest in hockey. Progressing from a player in the Blackhawk Hockey Association, to a local USA Hockey referee to the Director of Officiating on USA Hockey, headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Leaf became Director of Officiating of USA Hockey in 1994. As part of that role he works with the International Ice Hockey Federation on global issues pertaining to officiating. He began as an Instructor and Supervisor back in 1997 and was recently (2008) appointed as a member of the IIHF Officiating Committee.
The IIHF Officiating Committee is made up of five others from various countries (Finland, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Sweden and Slovakia) and is charged with overseeing officiating at IIHF World Championships, development camps and other events. Leaf’s role in Vancouver was working on behalf of the IIHF as a Referee Supervisor for the Women’s Tournament. There were four members of IIHF working on the women’s side of the Olympic hockey tournament.
“I essentially work with the officials as one of their ‘coaches’ in assigning and preparing them to work games and evaluate,” Leaf said. “In addition, we take turns serving as the Video Goal Judge for the women’s games.”
Leaf fulfilled the same role at the Olympics in Torino in 2006.

Fusion players receive numerous honors

After winning the second straight WIAA girls hockey championship, members of the St. Croix Valley Fusion were accorded numerous honors.
Selected to the WIAA Girls Hockey State Tournament Team were:
First Team: Forwards: Alice Cranston (junior), and Lily Cranston (senior); Defense: Tanis Klingler (senior); Honorable Mention: Hailey Rock (sophomore), Tara Frey (junior), and Nikki Plunkett (junior).
Selected to the Wisconsin Hockey Coaches Association All-State Teams from the Fusion were:
First Team: Forwards: Alice Cranston; Defense: Tanis Klingler; Honorable Mention: Tara Frey. Matt Cranston was named Coach of the Year.
Receiving Big Rivers All-Conference Honors were:
First Team: Tanis Klingler (defense) and Alice Cranston (forward); Second Team: Nikki Plunkett (defense) and Lily Cranston (forward); and Honorable Mention: Tara Frey and Hailey Rock.
In addition, Alice Cranston was named Player of the Year in the Big Rivers Conference. Cranston led the team with 64 points on 44 goals and and 20 assists.
Finally Tanis Klingler was named Ms. Hockey of Wisconsin by the Wisconsin Hockey Coaches. Criteria for the title includes: outstanding performance on the ice, academic performance, community role model and must be a senior hockey player.

Dr. Jonas to retire second time

Dr. Eugene Jonas, an urgent care physician at Baldwin Area Medical Center for two days a week, will retire for the second time at the end of this month.
Dr. Jonas, who started his medical career in 1961 in Ellsworth, remained there until 1994 when he retired from his practice. But after that he worked as an emergency room doctor in hospitals around Wisconsin, until he cut his time to two days a week at BAMC.
Born and raised in Red Wing, Minn., Dr. Jonas said he gained an early interest in medicine from two of his teachers: Edward Powderly, who taught social science and Albert Voltmann, a physics teacher. After graduation from high school he first was an x-ray technician for a few years, working in South Dakota. Then he joined the National Guard and war broke out in Korea, which led to him having a choice of serving in either Alaska or Korea. He chose Alaska but to do so he had to walk a 875 mile route to his post.
It was after his National Guard stint that Dr. Jonas attended the University of Minnesota for both pre-med and medical school. He interned at Hennepin County General Hospital and on July 3, 1961 he went to Ellsworth, where he practiced for 34 years. “I couldn’t get out of the Twin Cities fast enough,” Dr. Jonas said. “At 3:15 in the afternoon I saw my first patient,” he added.
The next 34 years, both in solo practice and with a partner for a time, Dr. F.B. Klass, Dr. Jonas stayed in Ellsworth. “I was in solo practice for 27 years and then got together with my competitor for seven or eight years,” Dr. Jonas said.
During his time in Ellsworth, Dr. Jonas figures he delivered about 1,100 babies, including “several sets of twins but no triplets.” As you might expect, Dr. Jonas did deliver some second generation babies.
Dr. Jonas who recently celebrated his 80th birthday at a party which was attended by 382 people, will finish his medical career on March 30. Dr. Jonas said he remembered the name of every person who came to his birthday party, except one, who he knew but whose name he couldn’t remember.
During his years practicing medicine, Dr. Jonas has enjoyed other interests. He is a Mason and Past Master of Ellsworth Lodge. He is also a Shriner and for many years was liaison between the St. Croix Valley Shrine Club and the Shriners Hospital. “I have helped a few kids with medical care at Shrine Hospitals,” he said.
Other interests of Dr. Jonas over the years include being a member of the American Cancer Society, of which he was named an honorary life member in the late 1970s, a member of the Pierce County Riders Saddle Club since it was formed in the 1960s, Pierce County coroner for 24 years and member of the Pierce County Highway Safety Committee for 24 years.
In retirement Dr. Jonas said he will have plenty to do. He and his wife Theresa have four house dogs. Dr. Jonas is the father of five children and grandfather of 10. He continues to enjoy photography. He formerly printed both black and white and color photos, but now owns a digital camera.
In addition “I’ve got a garbage can full of agates that need to be polished,” Dr. Jonas said. “I’ve always wanted to play the banjo and now I can take lessons.”

June Bug Days approvals given

Even though it’s a couple months off, the planning for 2010 June Bug Days is well underway and the Baldwin village board granted approvals necessary for holding the celebration at their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 10.
At the request of June Bug Days chairman Rick Coltrain, the Board granted the use of Mill Pond Park for the celebration and approved a $5,000 contribution from the village toward the cost. In the past the village’s contribution has been designated for fireworks.
Coltrain noted that with all the activities taking place during June Bug Days “we’re about as big as we can be because of space limits.” However, one new feature that will be added this year is a “battle of the bands.”

From the Exchanges
Interesting items from
surrounding communities

RIVER FALLS JOURNAL: A public hearing on a proposed $366,000 budget reduction package for the 2010-11 school year drew lots of feedback at the high school library. Among the nearly 30 people who took the microphone was former high school teacher Bob Gustafson. He argued against cuts to elementary school paraprofessionals, saying kids will lose out on “individualized instruction” and be the “real losers.” Gustafson also said River Falls is pro-education and that a special referendum should be considered to raise money to protect valuable programs. Among the many cuts: Phasing out the Japanese language course after next year; fewer grade school paraprofessionals, math and reading specialists and reduced middle school band lessons and the elimination of FACE (family education). Superintendent Tom Westerhaus has also volunteered to cut $5,000 from his pay/benefits package.

SUN-ARGUS (THE GATEWAY TO PIERCE COUNTY): The Monday morning Spring Valley coffee drinkers were in a bit of a quandary. They needed a place to sit down, chat and have a cup of coffee, and two local restaurants which they usually frequent were closed. “We have to have our morning coffee and our talk,” said a disappointed Marlene Aamodt who meets regularly with friends on Monday and Friday mornings. Deb’s Country Inn a popular restaurant in Spring Valley is temporarily closed while owners, John and Deb Zimmerman take a well-earned vacation. No problem. The Red Barn Country Café provides plenty of coffee and a spacious but cozy dining room - a perfect place for good friends to get together . Correction: It did provide coffee and coziness. As of Monday, March 8 the Café is indefinitely closed. The blinds were closed, the doors were locked and a sign was posted. It read, “The diner will be closed until further notice.” Jenny Langer, manager of the Red Barn Convenience Store had lots of company on Monday morning as 15 coffee drinkers crowded around the only available table in the store or simply leaned up against the counter or the walls. “It’s a shame the Café was closed this way,” said Langer. “Neither my boss Pat Crownhart nor I knew anything about this.” Dianna Fiergola, part time waitress at the Café, was also surprised. “We just learned about this last night,” she said. “All the employees got a text message on our cell phones.” The message read, “Effective immediately, the diner will be closed until further notice. Sorry for such short notice.”

THE SUN (OSCEOLA): A 69-year-old woman suffered a broken leg and a concussion last Tuesday morning when she was struck by a vehicle in downtown Osceola. Judith A. Jensen, of Osceola, was crossing State Highway 35 at the stoplight intersection with Second Avenue when a pick-up driven by Steve G. Danielowski, 55, of Farmington township, struck her. According to an accident report, Danielowski was turning right onto southbound 35 and told police that he was looking directly into the morning sun and that Jensen “just appeared out of the shade from the building.” Danielowski said he couldn’t remember whether the intersection light was red or green but believes it may have been red. Witnesses likewise couldn’t recall the color of the light. Jensen told police that she remembered pushing the crosswalk button, but didn’t remember if the light turned red while she was crossing. Jensen was transported to the Osceola Medical Center via ambulance and was treated for a broken femur. She also had an injury to her arm.

HUDSON STAR-OBSERVER: The city has found a buyer for the Hudson Municipal Building at 911 Fourth St., current home of the Hudson Area Joint Library. In a special meeting Monday night, the City Council accepted a $475,000 purchase offer for the building from Steven Rorem, an Eden Prairie, Minn., real estate investor. The deal is contingent on the property being rezoned from single family residential use to office use. Mayor Dean Knudson in a phone call Tuesday morning indicated that he didn’t think zoning issue was a threat to the deal. The building has been used for offices since St. Croix County built it in the mid-1960s. “We’re very happy to have found a buyer. I think it’s a very fair offer. And it’s a good building,” Knudson said. The city put the building up for sale after buying the former Nuclear Management Co. headquarters at 700 First St. at the beginning of the year. The library and the city’s police department will be moving into the First Street building in a few months.

MONDOVI HERALD NEWS: A chicken coop and 53,000 chickens were lost in a fire occurring five miles east of Mondovi on Hwy. 10 Sunday morning. The Mondovi Fire Department received the call at 5 a.m. Firefighters were on the scene for three hours and received tanker support from Eleva, Strum, and Eau Claire Townships. Mondovi Fire Chief Dennis Brion says the 60x640 foot building is a complete loss. He estimates the damage may total almost $500,000 including the cost of the birds and machinery. The fire is believed to have started in the office/equipment room. The cause remains under investigation. No one was hurt in the blaze. The building is owned by Tom Forthun.

Fusion repeat at WIAA girls state hockey champions

Kalli Armagost is surrounded by teammates as she hoists the 2010 girls state championship trophy following the 5-2 win over Green Bay co-op last Saturday in Madison. It is the second consecutive state championship for the team made up off girls from Baldwin-Woodville, St. Croix Central, River Falls and Spring Valley. On Friday the Fusion beat University School co-op 2-0 in the seminfinal game.
In addition, Baldwin-Woodville senior Tanis Klingler, a Fusion defenseman, was named the 2009-10 Ms. Hockey of Wisconsin at a banquet on Thursday in Madison. Ms. Hockey is voted on by the Girls Wisconsin Hockey Coaches Association members.
Another highpoint in local sports action was the Baldwin-Woodville boys basketball team advancing to sectional play with a 65-64 overtime win over Rice Lake in the regional final last Saturday.

Kohl Educational Foundation Scholarship recipients announced

The selection committee for the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Scholarship and Fellowship Program has announced the recipients of the 2010 Herb Kohl Foundation awards for students and teachers. The $1,000 awards are being made to 100 teachers, their schools, and 200 graduating high school students.
Letters notifying recipients of the award were mailed by the Herb Kohl Foundation on February 26. Regional recognition luncheons honoring the recipients will be held in a few weeks. Senator Kohl will attend all luncheons and present awards to recipients. Included on the list of Initiative Scholars were: Edward Rumpel of Baldwin and April Finke of Spring Valley.
Initiative Scholarship recipients, chosen by their schools, have demonstrated exceptional initiative in the classroom and have shown strong promise for succeeding in college and beyond, but have not yet received other academic-based scholarships. “I think it is significant that Wisconsin students, teachers and schools are recognized for their devotion to education and learning,” said Michael Lancaster, WCRIS president.
The Kohl Foundation Scholarship and Fellowship program was established by U.S. Senator Herb Kohl in 1990. To date the foundation has awarded $7.1 million to Wisconsin educators, students and schools. “Education is the key to the future of Wisconsin and our nation. I am very proud of the accomplishments of these students and teachers and look forward to the great contributions they will make in the future,” Kohl said.

Andrew Ring selected to perform with the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps

Andrew Ring of Baldwin has been selected to perform as a member of the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps of Dubuque, Iowa. Approximately 350 young people audition for one of the 150 positions.
Andrew is the son of Ralph and Kathleen Ring of Baldwin and is a junior at Baldwin-Woodville High School and is a member of the high school band.
The Colts are named “Iowa’s Ambassadors of Music” by the Governor of Iowa and are an elite competitive drum and bugle corps, currently ranked in the top 14 in world class competition.
He will be a member of the tuba section in the Colts. Members are selected through a competitive audition process. Young people from 33 states and overseas have auditioned this year.
This is Andrew’s first year with the Colts.
The Colts membership experience is an intensive, challenging and high achievement environment where life and leadership skills are taught. The Colts attract highly successful young people. The average GPA in the Colts is over 3.5 and more than 95% of members in an average year are in college or college bound, compared to the national average of college attendance after high school of 43%. Members of the Colts are between the ages of 16 and 21 years old, and the average age is approximately 19.
The Colts travel and perform throughout the summer, beginning Memorial Day weekend, and concluding the second weekend of August. The group will tour more than 65 days and perform over 40 times for an audience estimated to number over 200,000 people. The group lives ‘on the road’ the entire time, sleeping in gymnasiums and eating meals prepared in a semi-turned kitchen truck.
The Drum Corps International finals will be held at the new Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana August 12-14, 2010. The 2010 Colts will compete in major shows in Denver, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Allentown, PA, among many other locations.

News from the Exchanges
Interesting Items from
Surrounding Communities

NEW RICHMOND NEWS: New Richmond High School’s new gymnasium didn’t meet expectations and it cracked under the pressure - literally. “They were unloading pallets of wood for the floor and actually broke through the concrete,” said Morrie Veilleux, district administrator. “Well, they didn’t actually break through…it cracked and crumbled.” It turns out the concrete slab that was supposed to be anywhere from four to six inches was 1-1/2 inches thick in some areas. “It wasn’t poured to specs so they’re going to have to take it out and replace it,” Veilleux said. According to specs, the 19,000 square-foot concrete floor was supposed to be six inches thick under the bleachers and four inches thick on the playing floor. After testing, engineers found the floor was actually five inches thick under the bleachers and 1-2/3 inches thick on the playing floor. “We’re sure not happy by any means,” Veilleux said. “But they’re going to make it right. If anything we still have some of their money from the contract and we have their bonds. That’s why you have that sort of thing.” While replacing the floor is certainly a hiccup in the construction of the new gymnasium, it won’t push the project behind, Veilleux said. “They’re going to use a special mix…it’s actually the same concrete mix they used at Williams Arena (University of Minnesota) when that floor was replaced,” Veilleux said. “It should be dry and ready to go in 30,31,32 days.” The gym floors must be completed by July 2, he said.

MONDOVI HERALD-NEWS: A civil lawsuit has been filed by a rural Eleva couple in connection with the death of their daughter who died after exiting a moving vehicle in 2007. Roger and Claudia Wampole filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Eau Claire County Court last week against Brian J. Kelly, who was driving the car in which his girlfriend, Nancy L. Wampole, was a passenger on June 27, 2007. Authorities say Wampole was dropped off at the Sacred Heart Hospital emergency room in Eau Claire that night with life-threatening injuries. An investigation showed Wampole was injured after exiting a motor vehicle while traveling at highway speeds in Dunn County. The manner in which she left the vehicle was unknown. Kelly told authorities that Wampole fell from his moving vehicle on 810th St. in Dunn county. He drove Wampole to the hospital, dropped her off at about 2:45 a.m. and left. Wampole was unconscious when she was left at the hospital and did not have her purse or any identification with her. The police were later contacted by hospital workers who had noted the license plate of the vehicle that left her.

AMERY FREE PRESS: Codie Erickson, 18, Amery, was arrested by Amery police last week accused of bullying. According to the report, an Amery high school female discovered a problem with her vehicle when she could not stop it at an intersection and another student had to come to her aid. The discovery was made that the gas line, brake lines and tires had been cut. The student then drove the truck to the Amery police department, where she was asked if she had any idea who the suspect could be. The student indicated she had been having problems with Erickson and his girlfriend for a few months. Erickson and his mother were interviewed by police and Codie was arrested and charged with first degree reckless endangering safety.

THE SUN (OSCEOLA): If a committee formed last week agrees, the Osceola School District could ask voters to approve a multi-million dollar referendum that would fund energy conservation improvements and renewable energy generation in the district. During its February 24 meeting, the Osceola School Board voted to appoint a ten-member citizens committee to study the feasibility of a list of energy projects identified recently by the Osceola Energy Independence Team. The committee is tasked to make a recommendation to the full school board by early September as to which projects to pursue, so that the board could organize a referendum for the November mid-term election. District Administrator Roger Kumlien noted that the energy team’s list of projects was so extensive that examining all the potential costs and paybacks will be a sizable chore for the committee.

St. Croix EDC Banquet honors top businesses for 2009

2009 Business of the Year winners from left to right include Brent Niccum, NCCM Company; Chetan Patel, SMC Ltd.; Larry Knegendorf, Baldwin Telecom, Inc.; and Ken Heiser, Associated Bank.

On February 25, St. Croix EDC honored its 2009 business of the year winners during a banquet at the University Center, on the campus of UW-River Falls, River Falls. NCCM Company (River Falls, Emerging Business of the Year), Baldwin Telecom, Inc. (Baldwin, Small Business of the Year), and SMC Ltd. (Somerset, Business of the Year) are the 2009 winners.
Ken Heiser, a Hudson banker, received the inaugural EDC Directors Award. The EDC's board of directors created this award to honor an individual or organization that has championed economic development through innovative actions, making St. Croix County a better place to live, work, play, and learn.
Each of the winners received a plaque from the EDC as well as a Legislative Citation from Madison and congratulatory letters from U.S. Rep. Ron Kind and U.S. Senators Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold.
EDC president Patti Robertson presided over the banquet, which included a special recognition of previous winners going back to 1994. Certificates were awarded to members in appreciation of their financial support over the last ten consecutive years.
The 16th annual awards banquet was sponsored by First Bank of Baldwin, First National Community Bank, WESTconsin Credit Union, and Wisconsin Business Development Finance Corporation. It was attended by just over 210 people.
Entertainment was provided by comedian C. Willi Myles, billed as ‘America’s everyday comedian.’ During his 45-minute set, Myles took everyday life challenges and applied humor to them. Banquet attendees were treated to many laughs from Myles and his unique observations of midwest living compared to his native Mobile, Alabama.

New Baptist church under construction in Woodville

A new structure for First Baptist Church of Woodville is under construction and is expected to be completed by the third week in June, according to Bill Wahlquist, a member of the church’s building committee. Construction of the new church was started on November 1.
The church is being built on seven and one-half acres of land just south of Viking Middle School. The land was purchased from Alan and Anita Justen.
The general contractor for the church project is Pahl and Kay Construction of Pine Island, Minn. Pastor Tapp said the intent is to use local contractors for other aspects of the project, if possible.
According to Pastor Dennis Tapp of First Baptist, the new structure is needed both because “we’ve outgrown our old building,” and because of accessibility issues with the downstairs of the present church. He noted that a ramp serves for handicapped accessibility for the main level.
Pastor Tapp said about half the funds necessary for construction of the new church have been raised. He added that a loan will be secured for about one-third of the cost and the proceeds from sale of the old church structure will also help fund construction.
From the front of the building, there are offices on both the right and left after entering. Further down the hallway the Sunday school rooms are on the left and on the right is a fellowship hall. The Sunday school rooms will not be immediately finished. The Sanctuary is at the end of the hall on the back of the building. The building size is approximately 12,000 square feet.
Pastor Tapp said a gymnasium for church and community activities is phase two of the project, although there is not time frame for that at present.

Weyer fourth at state

Baldwin-Woodville junior Zac Weyer finished in fourth place at the WIAA state wrestling tournament in Division 2 at 135 pounds last weekend. The fourth place finish is a step up from his 2008 appearance as a freshman when he did not win the qualifying match at state.
This year Weyer won his qualifying match with a 16-4 major decision over Nick Davis of Adams-Frienship to meet Tristan Rowley of New Holstein in the quarterfinals. Rowley scored on a last second reversal to win 4-2 to advance to the semifinals while Weyer moved to the consolation bracket.
“Zac knows the matches he lost were not his best,” said Coach Jake Cimino. “But after his first loss, it was pretty impressive the way he came back.”
Weyer won his first consolation match 9-5 over Dillon Schnieder of Cuba City and then beat Jordan Ciachino of Luxemburg-Casco 10-4 to reach the third place match.
In the third place match Rudy Chagoya of Tomahawk eked out a 7-6 decision, leaving Weyer in fourth place. Weyer had Chagoya on his back at several times during the match, including at the end of the match.
“Zac had his arm in real tight in the first period, but the match was stopped (by the ref) because of a lost contact,” Cimino said. “At the end of the match Zac just needed two more seconds and he would have had back points.”
And two more points would have moved Weyer into third place.
As it was, Rowley, Weyer’s quarterfinal opponent, advanced into the state finals to face Dustin McKinney of Unity. McKinney claimed the state title with an 8-2 decision.
“This year was a great experience for Zac, to win three matches at state,” Cimino said. “It would have been nice to get to experience the finals with the march of champions, but to get to state is quite an accomplishment.”
Cimino said Zac’s younger Tyler was at the tournament “and saw some of the wrestlers he beat in the past down there. It’s a good incentive for him and hopefully more (from B-W) to step up and get the opportunity to wrestle at state.”

Gillis, Smith both finish sixth

The St. Croix Central wrestlers had a terrific start at the WIAA State Wrestling Tournament, but both senior Zach Gillis and sophomore Matt Smith finished in sixth place.
“We had a little bit of everything down there,” said Coach Brad Holzer. “Both guys had convincing wins in the first matches. Both of them were wrestling to win and not holding back.”
Gillis, wrestling at 140 pounds, scored a third period pin over Spencer Lemens of Kenosha St. Joseph, while Smith, at 152 pounds, won by a 7-0 decision over Blake Welu of Iowa-Grant.
In the quarterfinal matches Gillis won a 10-8 decision and Smith beat Lucas Copp of Oostburg 3-2.
“Zach’s score was closer than it should have been. He controlled the match,” Holzer noted. “Matt wrestled a real tough kid and did what he needed to do. They were really pumped up to get into the semifinal.”
But in the semifinals things changed for the Panthers. Gillis got behind against Tucker Pitz of Mineral Point and was trailing heading into the final seconds of the third period. Pitz chopped at Gillis’ elbow to attempt a break-down, but instead ended up dislocating the elbow.
“The semis did not go the way we planned,” Holzer said. “The match got out of hand early. At that point (of the injury), it was meaningless.
“It was a heartbreaker, after all Zach’s had to deal with this year (knee injury). He’s bummed he didn’t get a chance to wrestle back to third, but he took everything in stride.
“He got down here twice and medaled both times,” Holzer noted. Gillis finished in sixth place last year at 135 pounds.
Pitz did finish as D3 140 pound champion with a 6-2 decision over Jake Dean of Laconia.
Smith also ran into trouble in the semifinal, losing to Chad Heise of Lena/St. Thomas Aquinas Academy 11-0. In the Saturday morning consolation match Smith lost to Alex Spatchek of Reedsville 10-1 and finished with a 6-4 loss to Scott Snyder of Lancaster in the fifth place match.
“Matt gave up the first takedown in the fifth place match, but after that it was pretty even,” said Holzer. “One thing about Matt is he goes the full six minutes. He battled back into it and that’s a good sign for next year. Hopefully he can lead some more down to state next year.
“It was a three day roller coaster,” Holzer concluded, noting Gillis plans on attending UW-Whitewater in fall, although he is still undecided about wrestling. “We’ll see after his (knee) surgery. This all might convince him to give it another shot.”

Fusion win sectional title
Earn return to state tournament

The top-ranked St. Croix Valley Fusion beat the number four ranked Hudson 3-1 last Saturday night to earn the right to return to the Girl’s State Hockey tournament and defend the state championship title.
"We have been working on this game for long time,” said Fusion Coach Matt Cranston about the sectional final. “We changed up our lines, changed most of our systems to win this game. (Hudson Coach) Dan Dietrich's team plays a very unique style of hockey. You have to think and have a plan to beat his team. He really gets them ready for a game. They all work hard and fly all over the ice.”
Cranston went on to say, “As if just playing in the sectional final game in front of 849 people isn't enough to worry about, try having your leading scoring defenseman, senior and captain show up to the game directly from the emergency room.”
Tanis Klingler spent most of the day in the ER with an IV in her after she became ill on Friday night. They put two liters of fluid back into her body, she slept for an hour or so and suited up for the game, Cranston reported.
"I really didn't think she would be able to even make it through warm ups,'' Cranston said. “Somehow she fought through it and played the entire game and played great.”
Junior Sig Dangeur put the Fusion up 1-0 at the 14:11 mark of the first period. Heather Shew got the puck to Tori Klingler, who fired a hard shot on the ice right at Hudson's goalie, Alise Riedel. Dangeur redirected Klingler’s shot right into the net.
"Sig is very good at that play. It's kind of her specialty,” Cranston said. “We worked hard on that play a lot in the last several practices.
“We really wanted to score first in the game. Both (assistant coach) Karl and I thought it would be a key in the game,” Cranston added.
The second period was up and down the ice and fairly even in shots. The Fusion's Alice Cranston buried one past the Hudson goalie when she took a beautiful pass from her sister Lily at the 7:09 mark of the second period for a 2-0 lead.
Hudson's Bonnie Meyer was able to pound a rebound power play goal past Fusion's goalie Kalli Armagost at the 13:56 mark to cut the Fusion lead to 2-1, but Alice Cranston scored her second goal of the night with two and a half minutes left in the period after receiving two nice passes from Tanis Klingler and Tara Frey to put the Fusion up 3-1.
The third period was again fairly even as far as the shots. The Fusion played a bit more defensively and neither team was able to score in the third period. The Raiders pulled the goalie at the end of the period, but were unable to put the puck in the net.
"We changed our fore check system in the third period," Cranston said. “Kalli Armagost played great again. She was only scored on once throughout the regional and sectional playoffs. “
In the sectional semifinal on Tuesday night the Fusion beat the Chippewa Falls Co-op 4-0, while killing off 10 penalties.
Senior Heidi VanDell started the scoring at the 4:09 mark, with a nice wrist shot from the slot. Alice and Lily Cranston assisted on the play. A little over three minutes later Lily Cranston scored a nice goal from sister Alice Cranston. Alice pulled the Cardinals defenders and the goalie to the opposite side of Lily and slid a backhand pass back to Lily who had a wide open net to score a power play goal.
Tara Frey buried one just 28 seconds into the second period with assists going to Lily and Alice Cranston. Tori Klingler finished the scoring for the Fusion with a nice unassisted wrist shot at the 7:33 mark of the third period.
"Kalli Armagost played another great game,” Cranston said. Armagost recorded her fourth shutout in a row. "Killing off all 10 penalties was also a key in the win.”
The Fusion now face University School of Milwaukee, a co-op team of Divine Savior, Homestead, Nicollet, Shorewood and Whitefish Bay, at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison on Friday at approximinately 1:15 p.m. The game follows the first semifinal match between Mosinee Co-op and Green Bay East Co-op.
The winning teams will play at noon on Saturday for the state title.
“We know the University School has a really good goalie and is a solid team,” Cranston said. “We also know the winner plays for the championship and the loser goes home.”
The Fusion enter the tournament with a record of 22-4-1 and University School has a record of 19-6-2. Mosinee comes in with a 24-2 record and Green Bay East is at 23-4.

Locals perform in Fiddler on the Roof

The River Falls Community Theatre production of Fiddler on the Roof continues this week with performances March 4, 5, 6, and 7 at the River Falls High School. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on the 4, 5, and 6 and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 7.
Baldwin resident Kate Jennings plays the role of Golde, wife of Tevye in the popular performance. Jennings has appeared on stage locally and in Chicago and Berlin. She and her husband Tad have two children, Ross and Zoe and reside in rural Baldwin.
Duane Werner plays the role of Tevye. Werner, his wife Kay and family live in River Falls. According to the play bill, he gets involved in a local play every two to three years in some capacity, but this is one of the best.
River Falls High School is located at 818 Cemetery Rd., River Falls. For information call 715-425-7530.

From the Exchanges

Interesting items from

Surrounding Communities

PIERCE COUNTY HERALD (ELLSWORTH): A county woman was sentenced to two years prison Thursday in Pierce County Circuit Court for threatening judges. Tally Rowan, 34, was found guilty of threatening both Pierce County Circuit Judge Robert Wing and Pepin County Circuit Court Judge James Duval at a jury trial in November. LaCrosse County Circuit Court Judge Ramona Gonzalez also placed her on extended supervision for one year upon release. “She has shown no remorse or accountability,” said Pierce County District Attorney John O’Boyle during the hearing. “She blames the witnesses who testified in her trial.” He also mentioned her criminal history, which dates back to 1995, and having no serious offenses until a police battery conviction. As a result of that conviction, she’s no longer allowed to have possession of firearms, but O’Boyle said she’s still in possession of two and is unwilling to give them up. “She is someone the community needs to be concerned about,” O’Boyle said. Rowan, who acted as her own attorney, only uttered the following when given her time to talk: “The truth will prevail in the end.” Rowan has filed multiple lawsuits against Pierce County, alleging various forms of mistreatment wheile she was an inmate at the county jail.

AMERY FREE PRESS: Nicholas L. Schumann, 20, Clayton, found himself in trouble with the Polk county sheriff’s department after a report of a burglary received at the department on January 30. According to the probable cause sheet, the victim of the burglary called the sheriff’s department on January 30, and stated that he had just realized he was missing a Smith & Wesson .41 caliber revolver from his residence. The victim stated that just before the gun deer season for 2009, he had arrived home at about 10 p.m. to find Schumann in his driveway along with a 16 and 14 year old juvenile. Schumann stated he was looking at the Suburban in the driveway. The victim went inside the residence and immediately noticed about $200 missing from a change jar and went immediately to Schumann’s residence to confront them and find his missing change. Schumann admitted they took the change. On February 9 a Polk County Sheriff’s deputy went to the Clayton School to interview the two juveniles. One of the juveniles related that they went to the victim’s resident to see what the victim’s son, a friend, was doing and found no one home. Both juveniles stated that Schumann, with whom they were riding, wanted to go inside and once inside they saw the jar full of money and took it after Schumann asked if they wanted the money. Both also stated that was when Schumann found a large handgun in a brown wooden box, wrapped it in towels and took it to his truck. One of the juveniles admitted being with Schumann when he hid the handgun at a vacant farm southeast of Clayton in an old shed. The juvenile took the deputy to where the gun was hidden and it was recovered still wrapped in the towels.

HUDSON STAR OBSERVER: The old adage “Always a bridesmaid, never a bride” could apply to the proposed Stillwater bridge project. The project has once again been left at the federal funding alter with faint hope that things will turn out positively anytime soon. Wisconsin and Minnesota transportation officials had hoped that the St. Croix River Crossing Project would receive a $300 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recover (TIGER) grant. But when grant recipients were announced January 17, the bridge was not among the 50 projects funded.

THE SUN (OSCEOLA): Kraemer Mining & Materials, Inc., the company that proposed to open a 61-acre trap rock quarry in Osceola township, has filed a lawsuit against the Polk County Land Information Committee and Polk County. According to court documents, the suit alleges that Polk County’s Board of Adjustment Procedures Ordinance and its Comprehensive Land Use Ordinance do not properly identify the adjustments board as having jurisdiction to hear an appeal and do not grant the board the authority to grant a special exception permit. Kraemer and landowners Glyn and Cindy Thorman, William E. Johnson and James Rochford sought a special exception permit to open the mine in October 2008. The Polk County Land Information Committee, however, formally denied that permit application on January 20 after a series of public hearings and deliberation. “Polk County has expressly failed to identify an appeal avenue regarding special exception decisions rendered by the Committee,” the lawsuit alleges. “The Plaintiffs are uncertain and insecure with respect to their rights, status and legal relations and ask this Court to review the construction of the ordinances” in order to protect their appeal rights.

Chamber hosts annual awards banquet

Fennern Jewelers was named Small Business of the Year at the Baldwin Woodville Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet Monday night. Pictured with the award are Nancy and Eric Fennern.

Ashley Furrer receives the Girl Scout Medal of Honor for Life Saving

Ashley is a 6 year old first grader at Greenfield Elementary. She is a Girl Scout in the Daisy Troop in Baldwin. On October 10, Ashley and her mom went to the neighbor’s to sell the Girl Scout fall product. While she was there it became apparent the neighbor was not doing well. They soon found out that Joni, her neighbor, was a diabetic and having a diabetic reaction. Ashley helped get her juice. Ashley’s mom called the ambulance and Ashley assisted in watching for the ambulance. She also stayed with Joni while her mom went to meet the ambulance.
Joni wrote about Ashley shortly after the incident occurred. She wrote: “She is a very competent little girl. I know that Ashley will not only to be able to take care of herself in the future in an emergency or dangerous situation, but she will also have the presence of mind to be able to help others as she did me that day. Thank you, Ashley.”
The Girl Scout’s Chief Executive Officer, Cathy Cloninger, wrote: “On behalf of Girl Scouts of United States of America, I send you our heartfelt congratulations on earning the Medal of Honor. We are Proud of you. Your extraordinary actions not only saved lives, but serve as a shining example for all Girl Scouts, everywhere. You have shown outstanding judgment and incredible courage in saving the life of your neighbor, Joni Wernlund. We commend you for your quick thinking.
“Girl Scouting helps girls develop skills to improve their own lives and the world around them. By saving lives, you are a living testament to the highest principles of the Girl Scout Promise and Law. You have truly made the world a better place.”

The Village Church of Baldwin makes plans, hosts meeting

The Village Church of Baldwin is hosting an informational meeting about its mission on Sunday, February 28 at the Baldwin American Legion Post at 6:30 p.m. “Our hope is to connect with people who haven’t found a church home in Baldwin, of which there are many,” said Pastor Stu Dix. He said refreshments will be served and every interested person is invited to attend.
Then, on Sunday, March 28, the church will hold its first service in Baldwin. The service will be held at the Baldwin-Woodville High School Performing Arts Center at 10:00 a.m.
The Village Church of Baldwin will be the fourth “plant” church of Faith Community Church of Hudson which has been the pattern over the years, according to Pastor Dix. Other “daughter plants” include: The River Church of River Falls; Faith Community Church of New Richmond; and The Bridge Bible Church in Somerset.
Pastor Dix said the process of planting a daughter church includes forming a launch team of committed, interested adults to work behind the scenes and “when the group grows enough to do a church.”
He said Baldwin will be the site of a daughter church both because there are a number of folks from this area who are members of the other churches and because Baldwin has grown so much in recent years and there are a number of people who haven’t found a church home.
Pastor Dix said the church is an evangelical church which leans toward a contemporary worship style.
Pastor Dix has pastored a church in the Great Lakes district in Darlington for many years before he spent the last three years as a denomoninational official traveling to various churches in a consulting role.

Donaldson Company wants Green Tier flag in Baldwin

The Donaldson Company – a leading worldwide provider of filtration systems and replacement parts – has applied to the state Department of Natural Resources to be accepted into Wisconsin’s innovative Green Tier program.
The DNR will accept public comment on the application through March 16.
Founded in 1915 and currently headquartered in Minneapolis, the Donaldson Company is a technology-driven firm with more than 11,000 employees world-wide. The Baldwin facility serves world-wide markets in agriculture, industry, construction, defense and both light and heavy transportation.
The Baldwin plant employs a certified environmental management system, called an EMS, that meets international ISO 14001 standards.
As part of a Green Tier operation, the skilled workers at Donaldson in Baldwin will bring environmentally minded quality control to every aspect of company business, from purchasing and packaging decisions to manufacturing processes. The company produces original equipment and aftermarket filtration systems and related parts and accessories. Products include air filters, air cleaners, hydraulic filters and exhaust systems.
Wisconsin’s Green Tier program encourages a collaborative approach to environmental performance between the DNR and Wisconsin businesses. Green Tier organizations exceed regulatory compliance and voluntarily commit to superior environmental performance.
Donaldson Company – Baldwin has established overarching goals and targets to increase recycling, remove mercury sources, eliminate solvents from the cleaning floor, improve chemical management and replace devices containing PCBs. The staff has also established ongoing efforts to reduce energy use.
An energy audit in 2008 resulted in the elimination of compressor leaks throughout the operation saving $12, 000 annually. The company has adopted ongoing training and employee involvement in a program that establishes priorities: “P-L-C = Prevent Pollution, Comply with Laws, Continuous Improvement.”
Specific information on this application and on the Green Tier program can be accessed on the Internet at: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/cea/environmental/comment/index.htm.

From the Exchanges
Interesting Items from
Surrounding Communities

TRIBUNE PRESS REPORTER (GLENWOOD CITY): On December 31, 2009, Deputies from the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a residence in the Village of Downing. It was reported that a male subject was found deceased at that residence. That male subject was identified as 37-year-old Adrian M. Albrecht. After further investigation it was determined that the death was suspicious in nature. Members of the Dunn County Sheriff’s Dept., West Central Drug Task Force and the Hennepin County Narcotics Unit conducted a joint investigation into the death. The Ramsey County Medical Examiner determined Albrectht died of “Heroin Toxicity.” Criminal Complaints and warrant were filed February 8 in Dunn County for 32-year-old Richard Roiz and 36-year-old Jessica Quirt. Roiz is currently incarcerated at the Hennepin County Work House. Quirt was arrested February 9 by the Hennepin County Narcotics Unit.

MONDOVI HERALD NEWS: An 81-year-old Fountain City man died in an air boat accident occurring on the main channel of the Mississippi River in Fountain City last week. The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department received the call at approximately 1:49 p.m. Friday, February 12. According to the sheriff’s report, Frank Wieczorek, 81, had been riding in an airboat over the ice with three other people when the boat suddenly sank to one side. Weiczorek had been sitting near the middle of the boat and apparently lost his balance, tripping on a piece of equipment and falling headfirst onto the ice. Wieczorek sustained a fatal head injury and was pronounced dead at the boat landing by the Buffalo County Coroner.

AMERY FREE PRESS: Saturday, February 6, Pap’s Store in rural Balsam Lake was robbed at gunpoint at around 7 p.m. by a person dressed in a camo mask and dark sunglasses, who left with an undisclosed amount of money from the cash register; the clerk thought the robber was in his late teens or early twenties. Wednesday, February 10 Jonzy’s Market, rural Balsam Lake, was robbed at gunpoint by a lone male armed with a long black gun and wearing a camo mask and other clothing similar to the earlier armed robbery.

NEW RICHMOND NEWS: After meeting in closed session to discuss New Richmond THRIVE, the charter school originally planned to open next year, board members voted to suspend the planning. There are several reasons for the suspension said Morrie Veilleux, district administrator. The difficult economic times, staffing issues and making sure there’s adequate space for the school were all issues the board felt were too difficult to complete in the short amount of time. Just because plans are on hold doesn’t mean the idea is finished, Veilleux said. The district will probably take a look at applying for a planning grant again in the 2010-11 school year, he said. The charter school was supposed to target students in need of an alternative learning environment and offer several project-based assignments. The plan was to open the school to students in grades seven through nine this fall. Projections showed between 74 and 90 students taking advantage of the charter school with four advisors. “The board feels it’s a good concept it’s just making it work,” Veilleux said. “It kind of was a cart before the horse kind of thing.”

HUDSON STAR OBSERVER: A 56-year-old Bayport, Minn., man was rescued from the frigid waters of the St. Croix River after his truck plunged through ice just north of the railroad swing bridge at Hudson early Saturday morning. Washington County Sheriff’s Deputies Shane Linehan and Tim Harris are said to have descended the steep, snow-covered bluff on the Minnesota side of the river and then walk 100 yards onto the ice to pull the man out of the water. He was clinging to the ice shelf when the deputies reached him, Patrol Division Commander Sheri Dexter said Tuesday morning. Dexter declined to identify the driver pending the outcome of blood tests she said the state of Minnesota is handling. The tests are to determine if the driver was under the influence of alcohol or some other substance. Dexter said the man could be charged with alcohol-related offences. He’ll also be responsible for the cost of retrieving his vehicle which is still at the bottom of the river.

Kruizenga and Lebo are crowned at Snoball

 Blaise Kruizenga was crowned queen and Chris Lebo as king at the Snoball dance held at Baldwin-Woodville High School Friday evening following the boys basketball game with Durand.

Tyler and Zac Weyer advance to sectional

The Baldwin-Woodville wrestling team advanced two wrestlers out of the Frederic Regional last Saturday.
Tyler Weyer, a freshman, finished in first place at 140 pounds and Zac Weyer, a junior, was second at 135 pounds.
“I’m happy with how the day went,” said Coach Jake Cimino. “In many cases it was the best we wrestled all year. It was a good way to end the season for those who didn’t advance.”
Tyler Weyer received a first round bye, pinned Garett Meagher of Amery in the first period and won by major decision over Dylan Hendricks of Unity 10-2 for the championship at 140 pounds.
Zac Weyer also received a first round bye and won by injury default over Eduardo Benitez of Amery. In the championship match he lost to Dustin McKinney of Unity 5-3 and finished with a pin over Grant Simpson St. Croix Falls in the wrestle-back.
Cimino said Zac has two beatable kids in his bracket at sectionals, while Tyler has a tougher road after the first round.
“You can’t take any match for granted at this point,” Cimino cautioned.
Also placing, but not advancing, were Coleman Roskam, third at 189 pounds; Jordan Smith (112) fourth; and Michael Wlodyga (119), Tyler Braun (130), Andrew Ring (215) and Cole Brathol (285) all finished in fifth place.

Panthers advance four to Sectionals

The St. Croix Central wrestling team advanced four wrestlers to the Division 3 sectional to be held this Saturday at Osseo-Fairchild.
Zach Gillis finished in first place at 140 pounds and Carl Moll (135), Cody Nyhagen (145) and Matt Smith (152) all finished in second place. The top two places advance out the regional.
Central Coach Brad Holzer said the Clear Lake Regional was as tough as expected. “There were no slouches coming out of this regional,” he commented. “Our regional will be well represented (at the sectional).”
Gillis is a senior, Smith is a sophomore and Moll and Nyhagen are freshmen.
“Zach has been a good leader for the younger guys,” Holzer said. “He’s a quiet leader who leads by example.”
Gillis received a first round bye, then pinned Conner Sieracki of Spring Valley/Elmwood. In the championship match he won a 9-3 decision over Tyler Anderson of Shell Lake.
Moll also received a first round bye, then won a 1-0 decision over Jon Newton of of Spring Valley/Elmwood before losing by pin to Mitch Wanner of Turtle Lake. Nyhagen pinned Austin Burke of Clear Lake and decisioned Hunter Cardinal of Turtle Lake 5-1 before losing a 5-1 decision to Drew Knoop of Shell Lake. Smith received a bye, decisioned Matt Voletz of Glenwood City before losing by pin to Brayden Wienke of Clear Lake.
“I was hoping Chris Halvorson might get through too, but otherwise things went pretty much as expected,” Holzer commented.
Halvorson finished in third place at 130 pounds. Also placing for the Panthers were Alex Halvorson (119), Alex Owen (125), Marcus Malecek (160) all finished in fourth place; and Kyle Aaby (171) and Lauden Wood (215) finished in fifth place.
“The brackets look favorable for us (at the sectional),” Holzer said. “Cody has a tough draw in the first round, but if you lose to a good guy he should keep on winning.
“We’ll get a good week of practice and see how things go on Saturday,” he concluded.

Leader Dog Baker and Bunny Tabatt visit Viking

Bunny Tabatt and Baker demonstrate team work.

Dogs make a significant difference in the lives of their owners. They offer unconditional love and companionship. In the case of a person who utilizes a Leader Dog, these specially trained dogs funded by the Lions Club provide independence.
Bunny Tabatt from Little Falls, Minnesota was at Viking Middle School on Monday, February 15 to share her story and that of Baker, the dog that travels at her side. Bunny was diagnosed with a rare eye disease in 1970 and completely lost her sight over the next 10 years. Her husband died suddenly at the age of 39 and she was left to raise three children. She received her first leader dog in 1984.
The dog enabled her to attend the College of St. Catherine’s in Minneapolis and became a physical therapist assistant in 1987. She has worked for St. Gabriel’s Hospital in Little Falls for seventeen years and is now retired. Viking students appreciated her sharing her life story and seeing first hand how her dog, Baker makes a difference in her life. She shared the stringent training that a dog must undergo to function as a leader dog.
A trained Leader Dog is a $38,000.00 investment and makes a world of difference to the person the dog is teamed with. Bunny travels with Baker across the country to educate people about the Leader Dog program and the Lions Club role in her independence.
Viking would like to thank the Woodville Lions Club and especially Jeff Schneider for arranging this visit. Bunny is also speaking at the Baldwin-Woodville High School and to third and fourth graders at Greenfield on Tuesday, February 16.
Bunny Tabatt’s visit to the schools also serves as an introduction to the Baldwin-Woodville Community Read which begins on February 20. The entire community is encouraged to read and discuss the book “Marley and Me” in its various titles over the next several weeks. This Saturday attend sessions at Viking beginning at 11:00 a.m. focusing on dogs in our lives.

4K registration held - numbers look good
District enrollment drops

“There was a lot of interest at the 4K registration and open house held earlier this month,” reported committee chair Cindy Zielinski. “We handed out 82 registration packets and 34 were completed and returned on the spot,” she added. There are also a handful of open enrollees from other districts, she said.
The four-year-old kindergarten program, 4 the Future, is slated to begin with the 2010-2011 school year. Zielinski said that the two contracted sites, Kid’s View in Woodville and the Community Nursery School in Baldwin, are preparing for four sections with 80 spots available. These numbers are subject to change depending on actual registration numbers.
“We’ll start making assignments March 1,” Zielinski said. Students will be placed according to where they are picked up by the bus or where they live she said.
The committee is currently working on a brochure and handbook, according to Zielinski and has a website for parents to check out.
The numbers look good for the 4K program, which should help the entire district, since enrollment dropped by 35 students from January 2009 to January 2010 according to figures presented by Supt. Rusty Helland. “This is the first enrollment decline in the last 20 years or so,” commented Helland after the meeting. “We have averaged increases of 25 students since at least 1998,” he said.
During the open forum, district resident and FFA Alumni leader Megan Frye informed the board of the group’s recent attendance at the state convention where they were recognized for the efforts to revitalize the organization at Baldwin-Woodville. She said that B-W’s ag teacher, Michelle Kamm, was recognized at the convention as well. “We think it’s important to support our ag teacher and students,” she said.
In other comments, Frye informed the board of her disappointment with the manner in which an incident at the High School involving her son last Friday was handled. According to Frye, her son’s head was repeatedly smashed against a wall at school. Frye was unavailable at the time, yet her emergency contact was not notified, she said. Her son has a concussion she said. “I’ve talked to Mr. Russell and Mr. Helland about this and I want the
board to know about the lack of communication and follow through in this case. I am very concerned and disappointed with how this was handled.”
Viking Middle School resource teacher Sue Zwald and school psychologist Christi Skamfer gave a presentation on the At-Risk Program at Viking. “At middle school, academics become much more difficult and abstract compared to the elementary,” said Zwald. She explained that some students’ brains develop later when abstract thinking can occur. “Our job is to support kids who are having difficulty, encourage them and help them to achieve,” Zwald said.
Zwald explained that all students from Title 1 at Greenfield are eligible to utilize the resource room. In addition English Language Learners and transfer students are screened to determine their need for Zwald’s assistance in the resource room. Students also become eligible by classroom teacher referral, she said.
“At the elementary level the strategy for academic assistance is remediation,” explained Skamfer. “By the time kids reach middle school, if they are still struggling, we try to determine compensatory learning strategies.” Those strategies might include use of multiplication tables, formulas or word banks, said Zwald.
“Typically, kids’ brains will mature and they outgrown the program,” according to Zwald.
“I thank the board for its support of the At-Risk program at Viking. And our administration has been very pro-active in its support which helps prevent kids from falling through the cracks,” Zwald concluded.
During a public hearing on reorganization the board denied a petition by Derek and Megan Miller to transfer property from the Baldwin-Woodville School District to the St. Croix Central District. Megan Miller stated that their property is located closer to St. Croix Central schools, their daycare is in Hammond and her husband works in the twin cities. She also said their families have a tradition at SCC. The petition was denied on a 4-3 vote. Voting to deny: Bondarenko, Graf, Klanderman, Campbell. Voting against denial: Hinz, Hilmanowske, Lindquist.
Supt. Helland explained that school districts typically do not approve land transfers out because of the loss of property value. Districts might approve a transfer if there is a property swap of equal value, he said.
Supt. Helland offered that all residents in the state have the option to open enroll their children in another district.

From the Exchanges

   Interesting Items From

      Surounding Communities

BURNETT COUNTY SENTINEL (GRANTSURG): Nearly half of the funds needed for the Grantsburg Swimming Pool next summer have been raised in the first two weeks after a committee formed to prevent the outdoor pool from closing for good. At a public meeting with the Grantsburg Village Board Parks Committee on January 18, a group of village and area residents volunteered to serve on a swimming pool committee with the goal of raising $25,000 to fund swim pool repairs and improvements. Committee chairman John Addison told the Grantsburg Village Board Monday evening that the fund has received donations and pledges of $8,600 to date. Addison anticipates receiving another $3,000 from U.S. Bank of Grantsburg, which donates that amount annually to the Grantsburg Village Improvement Program (VIP) Fund. Addison said the bank has earmarked its 2010 donation for the swimming pool. The Grantsburg School District was the first to pledge, in early January. The school board allocated $5,000 for swimming pool repairs. The school district uses the pool to teach swimming lessons to more than 100 students during its annual summer school program.

HUDSON STAR~OBSERVER: Random acts of kindness are often too few and far apart but one in particular has garnered the thanks of the recipients. Julie Armagost, Baldwin, who works in the St. Croix County Sheriff’s office, was compelled to mention the gesture by an anonymous person directed at her soldier son. “Sunday night (Jan. 24) I picked my son Josh up at Inver Grove Heights, Minn., He was coming back from Iraq as a member of the 34th Infantry Division,” she said. Julie said the welcoming party stopped at Applebee’s in Hudson on the way home to Baldwin to watch the Vikings game and visit. “He was just getting home after being deployed from April until January,” she said. “When we went to pay our bill, the waitress told us the people in the booth behind us saw Josh in his Army uniform and heard us talking about him just getting home from Iraq and they took care of the bill as a ‘thank you’ to him,” she said. “What an awesome welcome home for him from complete strangers.” Julie said the kind strangers picked up the bill for five people in the party and told the waitress to include dessert if they wanted. I wanted to thank whoever the wonderful people are and let them know that Josh was honored they would do this for him,” she said. The 23-year-old Josh Armagost has since returned to St. Cloud (Minn.) State University where he is working on a political science degree.

AMERY FREE PRESS: On Sunday, February 7, Amery police were dispatched to the area behind Dick’s Fresh Market near a metal shop for a report of the theft of scrap metal in progress. Amery officers arrived on the scene and found no suspicious activity and then went to the Industrial Park on Venture Drive in the city, where there had been a recent theft of scrap metal from Amery Welding. Another officer was contacted by radio and it was reported that two male subjects were attempting to load a dumpster at Amery Welding. The officer reported he had pulled into the north parking lot and saw a large red truck backed into the yard. It was running and parked in front of a 20-yard dumpster and there were no lights on. As the officer stopped, a male walked in front of his squad. The officer exited and moved toward the back of the truck and observed another male bent down behind the truck like he was hiding. The male originally near the truck was identified as Timothy Edgar Jones, 49, St. Paul, Minn., and the other was identified as Thomas Richard Wybierala, Oakdale, Minn. Wybierala told officers they were sent by his boss, who he called “Bill” and gave the officers a business card. One officer called (the person was later said to be Brian) and stated he had sent the men in the early afternoon though he could not give contact information about Amery Welding. The owner of Amery Welding told officers the only company that ever came to take scrap was Waterman’s of Amery. As the investigation continued, officers found a cable attached to the dumpster as though it was about to be hauled off. There was a freshly painted business name on the side of the dumpster that matched the truck and the owner of the dumpster arrived and stated that no one was to be moving it. He valued the dumpster at $8,000.