FROM THE CORNER

BY DAVID JANKOSKI

How nice it was to read Al Brown’s column, “Tracks & Trails,” in last week’s issue of The Stanley Republican. he is strategically positioned on various state and county commit- tees to gain good information relevant to fishermen and hunt – ers. What a great column on the Otter Lake fishery to kick off his return. It is hard for me to understand how that lake can continue producing the amount of fish it does, year after year. Welcome back Al, and it’s nice to have you relocated back in this area on Brownsville soil! *** Did you know? According to AARP research 42 million Americans lack high-speed internet access, 22 million Americans 65 and older lack service, and 60 percent of Americans 50 and older say that internet connections costs are a concern. Internet access has been a great resource to the outside world during the pandemic in many different ways, i. e. video chats with friends and family, You Tube prayer sessions, and on-line classes to name a few. *** Volunteers play an important role in any community. Stanley has many wonderful volunteers. I know in my case I have been recruiting volunteers to keep our local museum open weekends during the summer for a good number of years. We were one of the few museums in our area to be able to stay open again this summer. I am thankful for 49 different individuals who volunteered this year. About six of them volunteered two times. Why should anyone consider volunteering? First off, for any group/organization to meet its mission, volunteers are a necessity. Volunteering provides an opportunity to build new friendships. Often, you’ll be able to meet people who you share a common interest with. Volunteering can allow you to develop new skills, you can form solid relationships that could also look good on a resume. Interestingly, studies indicate that community involvement increases your sense of well being, it can provide pride over a job well done, or an event being suc- cessful. There are also mental benefits, as giving back to your community can reduce stress by moving your focus away from ones own concerns towards positive action for others. Reduc- ing stress has a number of health benefits, with studies even indicating increased longevity for volunteers. So in a nutshell, volunteering can lead to living longer, your being happier, and having connections with others who have like goals in helping their community. And there are other benefits that you can per sonally discover by becoming a volunteer. *** A report from the Stanley-Boyd Food Pantry: So far this year, an average of 51 families have been served monthly, with an approximate total weight of 44 lbs. of food per month. Anyone wishing to donate to the Stanley-Boyd Food Pantry and the Weekend Kids Meals can send their donation to Stanley-Boyd Food Pantry, % Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 147 E. 4

th Avenue, Stanley 54768. The food pantry is licensed as a 501(c)3 charitable organization. *** Are you old enough to remember when the Chippewa County Board of Supervisors promoted the idea of a half-percent sales tax to support payment of a new county jail? Dwayne Schunk was the Stanley representative on the County Board at the time, and was a crusader for approval of the referendum that was promoted as only lasting until the jail was paid off. Well, fast forward to October 2021. According to infor- mation on the proposed county budget for 2022, that HALF PERCENT sales tax has produced $6.58 million, that now has been routinely incorporated into county spending. I will credit the county board with likely designating $1.57 towards a property tax credit. And how will the rest be spent? If the board follows the budget proposal from County Administrator Randy Scholz, $1.85 million will go for debt service, and $1.8 million for highways and bridges. Other items to be funded, according to an article in the October 6, Eau Claire Leader, will be $150,000 to replace jail windows, $75,000 on sheriff department body cameras, $80,000 on audio video upgrades in the courtrooms, and $415,000 for replacing the courthouse’s roof. While not contesting the need for any of the expenditures, it just strikes me as the way new taxes often come about. They may be voted in for one thing, and end up then moved to cover other expenditures. If the county board had returned to the voters for another referendum to spend these funds the way they later voted themselves, (passing a resolution to spend the half percent sales tax money on capital purchases, not salaries), I wonder if the taxpayers would have concurred with their vote?? *** October 3-9 was National Newspaper Week. I am sure that didn’t mean much to most people, but just give it a little thought. What if we didn’t have The Stanley Republican providing local information/news? Who would do the reporting on city council and village board meetings? How would history be recorded? That should give one pause to think of having no newspapers. We have certainly seen the decline of the weekly newspaper industry. Locally, how many weekly papers have gone out of business, or been consolidated? As an example, the Bloomer Advance and The Stanley Republican are the only weekly papers solely serving their communities. The other county weekly serves Cadott, Cornell and Lake Hol combe. Buffalo County has only one newspaper, the Buffalo County News, that serves the entire county. *** October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Pur- ple ribbons are the official awareness of this month and are a symbol of hope, visibility and sanctuary, for those experiencing domestic violence. If you, or someone you know needs help, the Family Support Center in Chippewa Falls can be reached at 715-723-8460. *** Smile time. More “Dog” philosophy. If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is certain dogs I have known will go to heaven, and very, very few persons. * If your dog is fat, you aren’t getting enough exercise. * My dog, is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to $3.00 a can. That’s almost $21,000 in dog money. * Ever consider what our dogs must think of us? I mean, here we come back from a grocery store with the most amazing haul – chicken, pork, half a cow. They must think we’re the greatest hunters on earth! * Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea. * If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you, that is the principle difference between a dog and a man. * You can say any foolish thing to a dog and the dog will give you a look that says. “Wow, you’re right! I never would’ve thought of that!” * Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. * If you think dogs can’t count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then give him only two of them. * My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am.