Cornell learns that fireworks will cost 20 percent more

BITS & Pieces

NEWS OF NOTE FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

Courier Sentinel

The Cornell City Council has learned that to fund this year's July 3rd fireworks it would cost 20 percent more for the same amount of fireworks. Consensus was that the amount of fire works should remain the same. City Administrator Dave DeJongh, indicated he has already received a $300 anonymous donation towards the increased cost and there is an upcoming donkey ball fundraiser being organized by a private citizen. +++ Fireworks is not the only things rising in cost. The Cornell Council also learned that new water meters have already gone up twice this past year. The city has just under 300 meters to replace, to have all water meters updated. Derek Braun, City Public Works/ Utilities Superintendent, recommended the purchase of a pallet of meters, which will cost $35,000 but will save $1,700. +++ The Cadott School Board is weighing if they should renew the contract for strength-training of its student athletes. With an overview of what is taking place with the current program administration is considering not extending the current contract. Problems identified include not seeing consistent participation, coaches frustration with lack of feedback and lack of tracking student progress. +++ The Lake Holcombe School Greenhouse Improvement Project was the top vote-getter in Give Chippewa County's poll, which involved the public in choosing the recipi ent of this grant cycle. The project received a check for $2,500.

The Thorp Courier

On hand for the Thorp Kwik Trip ribbon cutting ceremony on February 3, were Kwik Trip owner Don Zietlow and Vice President Scott Tiegen. The owner told those gathered that the company has grown to 805 stores that employ 32,000 co-workers. He also reported that Kwik Trip processes 800,000 gallons of milk per day and makes its own ice cream, breads, buns, donuts and cookies. The Thorp store is 9,000 square feet and features 48 parking stalls, with 20 under the gas canopy. Part of the ceremony was Kwik Trip making $1,000 donations to the Thorp Police Department and the Thorp Fire District. +++ The Thorp Blood Drive held on February 15 and 16, collected 85 units, just one under the 86 unit goal. +++ Forward Bank presented a check for $2,001.27 to the Thorp Area Fire Department on behalf of its customers participating in the Charitable Money Market Account Program.

Bloomer Advance

School Bus Driver Appreciation Week was cerebrated in Bloomer February 14-18. Appreciation was shown the driver, who were provided a meal catered from Kwik Trip. Through the generosity of the local businesses door prizes were awarded.+++ Senator Tammy Baldwin joined Chippewa Valley Technical College President Sunem Beaton-Garcia, at Precious Metal Innovators in Bloomer for a tour and roundtable discussion to learn how their public-private partnership supports skills training opportunities for people in rural communities. +++ On Saturday, February 10, even with single digit temperatures, 264 rac- ers attended the Northern Wisconsin Ice Race Club's race at the Bloomer Pond. +++ Bloomer High School will be presenting, “High School Musical” on March 10-13. This is a wonderful musical and the cast is hoping for good support from the community. +++ To celebrate the 100th day of the school year students at St. Paul's Lutheran School made as High Five Mural. Each of five students stamped their hands on a large paper 20 times. All agreed it was a great day hands down! O-W Enterprise Brad Mathison, Director of the Community Alliance Food Pantry in Withee, has announced that they will be closing April 20. During the first ten years the food pantry served an average of 79 households. That number has declined to between 19 and 29 households now being serving. It is with these changes in mind, and staffing concerns, that the leadership at Community Alliance Church has chosen to discontinue food pantry operations +++ On Monday, February 21, a gas leak needed to be repaired at the Owen Senior Center. When seniors arrived for their noon meal a gas odor was detected when they entered the building. +++ The two top candidates for the new superintendent of the Owen-Withee Schools have declined the job offer made to them. The Boards advisor suggested hiring an interim adminis- trator, in order to allow time to define their priorities.

The Clark County Press

With rumors circulating that the Granton School might be closed, the School Board on February 14, assured a crowd of 50 parents and community members that no one was planning to shut down the school and no one was going to lose their job.+++ MSA Professional Services of Rice Lake, has been hired by the City of Greenwood, to prepare an application for a Community Development Block Grant. The funding would assist with a project on Miller Street, which includes replacement of all the utilities as well as sidewalks, curb and gutter.

The Sentinel & Rural News

Forward Bank presented a check for $8,867.82 to the Owen- Withee School District. The funds were generated through the bank's CMMA program, with donors using their savings account to generate interest to provide for local programs. +++ The Wisconsin Rapids Plan Commission has approved a plan for Marshfield Clinic Health System to construct a 10-bed hospital in Wisconsin Rapids. This will be an overnight, hospital stay type medical use facility where medical treatment, nursing, rehabilitation or preventive care can be offered.

Tri-County – Area Times

The Fall Creek girls basketball program celebrated it 50th Anniversary on February 11, as it took on Stanley-Boyd in the 97th contest between the two programs. It was a reunion cele bration that brought back former coaches and many alumni. The girls basketball program achievements include a 50 year record of 770-342, winning four state championships, being state run- ner-up five times, winning 12 sectional titles, 20 regional titles and 19 Western Cloverbelt and nine overall Cloverbelt Conference Championships. Some of the teams success is attributed to, beginning in 1981, all teams from 5th grade on running the same system on offense and defense providing a strong continuity.