BITS & PIECES

NEWS OF NOTE FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

Courier Sentinel

The results from a community survey on proposed facility projects were identified to the Cadott School Board at their meeting on Monday, November 14. The survey had 359 respondents, which was about a 14 percent response rate. Of the respondents, 18 percent were school staff. The three projects with the most support were safety and security updates, which include a secure entrance and moving the offices to an addition on the west side of the junior and senior high school. Capital maintenance projects included building wide air conditioning which had quite a good response. While an expanded kitchen, cafeteria, fitness and multipurpose additions and renovations, did not see much support. Tech ed improvements, including the addition of an auto lab and art room improvements, also saw survey support. +++ After not scoring so well last year on the state report card, the Lake Holcombe Schools began intensive work to improve results. At the November 16, Lake Holcombe School Board Meeting it was revealed that this year’s results showed marked progress. +++ With a lot of returning varsity experience and strong leadership, the Cadott boys basketball program looks to be successful.

The Thorp Courier

Lublin Legion Post #547 donated $2,500 to the Highground towards their new Welcome and Visitor Center building project. +++ The recently announced revaluation of the City of Thorp has apparently raised a number of questions. This week the newspaper carried 20 questions and answers regarding the revaluation. +++ Thorp High School students who are members of the Employability Skills Class and National Honor Society helped put up lights in Yellowstone Park. This helped them learn the importance of community service. +++ On Saturday, October 20, a Plow Day was held at the Wesley Snyder Farm in the Town of Worden. The Mennonite organized event drew many helpers and on lookers. +++ At a Special City Council Meeting on October 20, on a 3-2 decision, it was voted to remove the Fire Protection Fee from the Thorp General City Budget and place it on city water bills.

Bloomer Advance

The Bloomer Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed two new Bloomer businesses. On November 16, they held a ribbon cutting at Barnhardt Truck and Auto, who are ready to serve all truck and auto repairs. The second business welcomed was Daisy Mae’s Dog Salon and Spa, that offers one on one special care for furry canine companions. +++ On Friday, November 15, at 6 pm Bloomer’s 9th Avenue 2022 Park Lighting took place. Hot chocolate, cookies, and Santa Claus were special features at the lighting. +++ Security Financial Bank of Bloomer, recently presented a check for $5,000 towards construction costs of a new building at the Bloomer Fairgrounds that will house cattle during the fair.

O-W Enterprise Prevail Bank and the Owen-Withee Lions Club are encouraging the Owen-Withee community to donate to the Owen-Withee Food Pantry this holiday season. Both are matching donations up to $1,000 to benefit the food pantry. +++ Due to the popularity of its recent Cookie Decorating Class, the Withee Library is offering to show any interested adult, teen or child how to build, decorate and ultimately eat their own Gingerbread House. The program will be held on Saturday, December 3, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm and conducted by Mary Wilichowski. +++ The ladies at Holy Rosary Church in Owen held their first Holiday Fest event, that combed their Fall Fest and Silver Tea. Bucket raffles, baked items, and a chicken dinner were featured parts of the Fest held on Saturday, November 12.

The Tribune-Phonograph This year, marks the 51st year of wonderment for the Abbotsford Christmas Parade, which takes place Saturday, December 3, beginning at 7:30 pm. It takes 400 volunteers to make the free and magical event come to life. The parade features more than 250 costumed characters and 45 non-commercial floats.

The Clark County Press

On Wednesday, November 9, Neillsville High School classes were interrupted, all activities canceled and students and faculty evacuated from the building in the wake of a written bomb threat found in the building. +++ Neillsville Area Chamber and Chippewa Valley Technical College partnered to offer two $100 gift certificates to people shopping locally on Thanksgiving and the three days following (November 24-27). For every three receipts showing a purchase at a local business, the individual will be entered into the drawing. All three receipts need to be from different businesses. +++ On Monday, November 14, the Granton School Board and the public was provided an opportunity to ask questions regarding the federal grant the district has been awarded to purchase five electric school transportation vehicles, help build a garage to house them and charging units. Among the issues discussed, and questions raised, included the concern that the 100 mile range on a charge would not allow their use for many away sporting events, how do they operate in minus zero weather, life of the batteries, replacement costs, and the time it takes to charge them. The bus sales folks, manufacture reps and others were on hand to answer questions. The school board announced that they would be meeting the following evening to decide if they were going to accept the grant.

Buffalo County News

The Mondovi Buffalo’s football team, in their quest for a state championship, received outstanding support from the community, the school, the surrounding communities and beyond. There were few people left in Mondovi and the fans at Camp Randall encompassed teachers past and present, families and friends. Both the send off and the welcome home brought fans to the high school gym. In the end, Mondovi lost to Stratford 32-14 and secured the school’s second state runner-up finish in the program’s history. +++ Emission of unpleasant odors from SPF/Symrise Pet Food’s production plant in Mondovi, has lead to daily fines from the City of Mondovi for non-compliance. Over the past two months, the odors have gotten noticeably worse. +++ Zach and Sam Hetrick are opening their Township 23 Distillery, in rural Nelson, on the weekend of December 2-4. The distillery makes a unique vodka, using grains grown on the family farm.