The Thorp Courier

During these difficult times teachers are constantly called upon to come up with new projects and ideas to help students focus on learning. Sixth graders at Thorp are learning all about area and perimeter by using a scavenger hunt around the classroom. +++ From Memory Lane -125 Years Ago (1896) — “At the adjourned meeting of the county board held last week, it was decided to erect a new jail building near the site of the present one, …….. at a cost not to exceed $12,000.” (The building referenced opened in 1897 and was used as a jail and the residence of the Clark County Sheriff until 1978. Today, the building is used as the Jail Museum, operated by the Clark County Historical Society. The building’s unique characteristics have been maintained and some of the original artifacts, from the period of time it served as the county jail, have been preserved.) Courier Sentinel

Continuing the steady stream of donations to the Holcombe Area Veterans Memorial was a $1,000 donation from Northwestern Bank, Cornell Branch. +++ A request from Tom Kucera, to change the zoning on a property he owns on East MD Street, from Single-Family Residential R-1 to Residential R-4 Multi-Family, was denied by the Cadott Village Board, after the committee heard the neighbors concerns. +++ The Cadott Village Board approved going ahead with the placement 8-10 security cameras around the village hall. The cost will be $18,000, and since it was not budgeted, the funds will come from the Villages Building Fund. +++As of December 31, 2020, Alzeda Nelson has retired from delivering mail in the Cadott area for the past 14 years.

Bloomer Advance

Bloomer’s “Light Up the Park,” wrapped up with another successful year. Every successful project takes business and individual financial supporters. This year there were four donors who donated more than $500, four donors who contributed $200$499, nine donors of $100-$199 and four donors of $50-$100, This project was sponsored by the Bloomer Chamber of Commerce. +++ The Bloomer City Council approved an extension of the city’s COVID sick leave policy until June 1, when it will be re-evaluated or extended if necessary. +++ Former Bloomer resident Kelley Caleb, now of Clearwater, FL, has published a YouTube Videobook called, “Now Cow Helps Drama Llama: A Mindful Tale for Coping with Anxiety.” The production was born of the idea to simplify mindfulness meditation using a rhyming cadence.

The Sentinel & Rural News

The Marathon County Public Library (MCPL) is sending signals of their plan to leave the Wisconsin Valley Library Service (WVLS). Various libraries throughout the area that are associated with the WVLS area trying to dissuade Marathon County from such a move. Smaller libraries are expressing fear of loosing a major resource library. MCPL is apparently heading to associate itself with the South Central Library Service (SCL), which runs ribbon-like from Green Bay to Green County on the Illinois border. With Marathon County, the SCL would run twothirds the length of the state.

Tribune-Phonograph

Parental rights became the new rallying cry of Colby parents who showed up at the recent school board meeting, to once again register their opposition to the district’s mask mandate. Ten parents spoke to the board about what they see as an infringement on their right to decide whether or not their children wear a mask to school. After a spirited dialogue with the parents the board took no action on changing the mask rules.

O-W Enterprise The Clark County Health Department COVID-19 drive through, held in Curtiss on Thursday, January 7, resulted in 130 being vaccinated. There were 200 doses of the Moderna vaccine available. The next clinic will be held at the Greenwood Fire and EMS Department on Thursday, January 14, and there will be 170 doses available. Both events were primarily for health care workers. +++ The O-W Police Committee will be looking to DJ Metal Arts to come up with proposed signage for the new police department, or for a combination sign for the city hall and the police department. +++ The January 11, Owen-Withee School Board Meeting had 35-40 people in attendance for a discussion on mask rules. Both sides of the issue were represented. In the end, school officials thanked the attendees and announced that they need to be following state and county guidelines. It was suggested they contact their elected officials to advocate for any changes.

The Clark County Press

The Neillsville City Council held a discussion at their last meeting around a proposal to live stream their meetings, which would allow people to attend in person, or call in via phone. After an extended discussion, it was decided to again place the issue on the next council meeting agenda. +++ At a recent meeting of Neillsville Common Council, the city attorney gave a plea to alderpersons regarding the confidentiality of closed session discussions– don’t talk about it publicly. She indicated she has been frustrated recently, because people are approaching her with questions that indicate people are leaving the meeting and not treating the discussions that occur in confidence. She presented the council with the laws governing closed sessions and required confidentiality. +++ The Greenwood Elementary School turned 50 years old on January 6. The school opened in 1971 and various grades scattered around the district were brought to the new school. +++ After inspection by local and state officials, the “Olde Hotel” in Neillsville was closed and residents were forced to evacuate.

Trempealeau County Times

Representatives of Hi-Crush told Whitehall officials the company hopes to bring jobs back to the city. Meanwhile a company attorney said during a lawsuit hearing that Hi-Crush intends to close both the Whitehall and Blair sand mines. Because of reduced acreage to be used for mining, Hi-Crush has asked for a reduction in the amount of funds that must be set aside for reclamation. Instead of $10.5 million, the amount that will need to be set aside was approved at $8 million. +++ The Galesville City Council voted to discontinue fluoride treatment of their groundwater. Their public works director explained that the fluoride has done significant damage to heaters, valves, light fixtures and other components in the well house.

Buffalo County News

A major street reconstruction project in Mondovi will require the removal of over 40 mature trees along N. Eau Claire Street. Tree limbs will be chipped and made available to local residents. +++ It is expected that maintenance of Lock and Dam # 4 in Alma will be completed by mid-March. The parking lot and observation bridge have been closed for safety reasons. Maintenance of the type being done is required every 20 years.