If you watched the house being burnt at 218 W 1st Avenue, and/ or if you heard or read that the Chippewa County Housing Authority was going to construct a new home on the site, you are probably wondering why nothing has been happening on the property. At the June meeting of the Housing Authority, it was revealed that with the price of building supplies having skyrocketed in the recent past. It is not feasible to build presently, but hopefully it will happen in the not to distant future, when prices become more stable. *** The Stanley-Boyd School District is among the 140 schools statewide, who will benefit from behavioral health grants, which will provide technical support, bi-annual screenings for students, training, and consultation during the 2021-22 school year. The grants were awarded by Marshfield Clinic Health System and Security Health. Provided will be an on-line screening tool known as “b.e.s.t., which stands for behavioral emotional social traits. The tool is intended to help educators build the emotional health of school children by identifying students who may need additional positive behavioral support and it provides recommended actions to take based on behaviors. Owen-Withee, Chippewa Falls and Lake Holcombe are nearby schools selected to also receive grants. *** News from Otter Lake: If you have been been on the west side of Otter Lake you will notice there is a new parking lot where entry is made to explore the esker. The parking lot was completed thanks to Jim Hatlestad and Larry Bruin. +++ The Otter Lake Booster Club Chicken Dinner is scheduled for Sunday, July 18. This is the Booster Club’s main fundraiser for the year, which helps pay for operation of the aerators during the winter and helps with costs of the improvements made by the club each year. Recent improvements have included the playground equipment at the day park and the public path to the lake on the west side. These projects have also received support from grants through the Community Foundation of Chippewa County. *** Here is an abbreviated article, originally written by Sarah Nigor, who works for one of The Stanley Republicans sister newspapers, The Pierce County Journal. Sarah is a native of western Wisconsin, while her husband hails from eastern Wisconsin. The two of them have interesting debates related to the differences between western and eastern Wisconsin, as it relates to traditions, culture and vernacular. Sarah also reports that there have been legitimate studies done on this topic. But according to her husband, the following are some of what can be identified as “true Wisconsin.” Sarah recommended that you can be your own judge. Here are some of her husband’s claims: *It’s a bubbler, not a drinking or water fountain. (The Kohler Company named its water fountain in 1914 a bubbler because the water bubbled out).

*It’s a baked dish, not a hot dish or casserole. *Chili has noodles. Period. *Aunt is pronounced “ant” not “awnt.”

*Snow golf is a real sport, played on the frozen surface of a lake.

*It’s a stop-and-go light, not a stoplight You stop and you go, right?

*Fish fries are served in every restaurant preferably perch (NOT always cod) with a lighter, cornmeal breading, served with coleslaw and pumpernickel bread.

*Radio stations should play “Polka Saturdays.” Sarah’s husband and his grandfather tuned into the local station every Saturday for polka music while they ice fished.

*The main rivalry for the Packers is the Chicago Bears. (Sarah has convinced her husband that the Minnesota Vikings are the mortal enemy and this has been solidified by the Viking fans in Western Wisconsin).

*And lastly, an old-fashion drink should NEVER be made with whiskey, and must be served with olives and pickled mushrooms, NOT cherries and oranges. Along with the sugar cube and bitters, a teaspoon of olive juice is muddled in. (Sarah has researched this important topic and she believes this is just her husband’s personal preference.) The only one worth much of an argument from me is the one that states that chili has noodles. In my book, noodles are only added as filler! However, I respect this difference as at our house chili is made without noodles, but they are cooked separately, so they can be added by anyone who wishes to do so. *** For your calendar. If you would like to hear Jim Wirth’s Band, HGT, they will be playing as a part of the Altoona Summer Concert series on Wednesday, July 28. The event takes place at Altoona’s River Prairie Park from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. *** Did you know? Holding any wild animal, including a fawn for more than 24 hours is illegal in Wisconsin. +++ Alcohol is a leading factor in recreational boating fatalities and nearly 80% of boating incidents involve drowning. +++ The DNR emphasizes that wearing seat belts and helmets are the two most important pieces of advice for ATV and UTV riders. Out of 12 ATV fatalities, 10 were not wearing helmets. Out of five UTV fatalities so far this year, one was wearing a seat belt. *** In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and we have Kentucky to thank, as it was Senator Walter Dee Huddleston of Kentucky, who introduced the resolution. The third Sunday of the month is also designated as National Ice Cream Day. In the proclamation, President Reagan called for the people of the United States to observe these events with “appropriate ceremonies and activities.” So celebrate the month with ice cream., especially Sunday, July 18, National Ice Cream Day. *** Smile time. The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue. +++ Don’t accept your dog’s admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful. +++ There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face. +++ We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It’s the best deal man has ever made.+++ Anybody who doesn’t know what soap tastes like never washed a dog. +++ If your dog is fat, you aren’t getting enough exercise. +++ Have you ever considered what dogs must think of us? I mean, we come back from the 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 man and dogs should relax and get used to the idea. +++ 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 a person my dog already thinks I am.