Owen-Withee prepares for referendum

The Thorp Courier, WQOW -TV 18 and WDEZ 101

Thursday, October 29, saw a student walkout to protest a bullying incident in the Thorp School District. The students were joined by parents and community members. Student athletes allegedly held down a teammate, hit him with sticks and a belt, exposed his buttocks and farted in his face. The victims mother said, “My son is doing really great in his new school district…” District Administrator, Paul Blanford said he’s heard the pleas of the protesters. Protesters were particularly disturbed by what they perceived as light punishment for the offenders – a one day of in school suspension, washing tables and addressing their teammates regarding their actions. Some school district officials attended the event including the high school principal, the district administrator and several school board members. +++ The Thorp School District, grades 7-12, has gone virtual for two weeks. In school classes will resume Monday, November 16.

Courier Sentinel

With 60 staff and students in quarantine, and the potential for more, the Cadott School District has gone virtual for a two-week period. District Administrator, Jenny Starek said, “We have reached the point where we are unable to have enough licensed teachers to continue our face-to-face instruction.” Classes will return to school on Monday, November 16. +++ An extension of the ATV/UTV route in the Village of Cadott was approved by the Village Board at their meeting on November 2. +++ The Cornell School District is one of the few districts in the area that will be seeing an increase in the 2020-21 year school tax. The tax levy will increase from $6.18 to $6.74 per $1,000 of assessed value. At the same time, Cornell’s school tax rate remains among the lowest in the area.

Bloomer Advance

The Bloomer School District moved to remote learning for two weeks beginning Monday, November 2, due to staff shortages and COVID 19 quarantine/isolation guidelines. Contributing to the shutdown were 55 students and staff being in quarantine related status. +++ The New Auburn School District closed its buildings and moved to all virtual classes for two weeks starting Monday, October 26. The district will reopen to in person classes on Monday, November 9. +++ Enliven Med Spa, a Rice Lake based medical spa, recently opened a location in Bloomer. The primary specialist is a certified volume lash technician, dermaplaning, deluxe dermaplaning, hydrofacials, microneedling, and a teeth whitening specialist.

The Clark County Press

Neillsville Mayor Diane Murphy read a prepared statement defending her position of not wearing a mask at city council meetings and her not encouraging the wearing of masks by city employees during city business hours and at city meetings. Alderperson Dave Harnisch had written to the city clerk and mayor questioning the city not being a good example to the public. +++ Mayor Murphy also stated at the council meeting that the city’s traditional Christmas tree lighting and Santa visit will go on as usual. There was confusion, as the city’s Beautification Committees minutes had indicated it was being canceled because of the corona virus pandemic. Murphy said, “Children are the spirit of Christmas and they need the joy of Santa…” She also said there will be social distancing at the event.

Tribune Photograph

On November 2, the Colby City Council voted to borrow $300,000 from Forward Bank, at an interest rate of 1.75 percent. The money will be used to cover the costs of a recent 37 acre land purchase. The council also voted to create a new TIF district to help cover development expenses in this new industrial/business park. The city clerk explained that the borrowing would be best for the city, as it would avoid major fluctuations in the city tax levy over time.

O-W Enterprise Saturday, October 31, was a beautiful day for Owen’s Autumnfest. A smaller crowd was attributed to COVID-19. There was no music due to the musician being ill and there was no pie eating contest due to lack of entrants. However, attendees still had a chance to taste a variety of chili, go on train rides, purchase items from vendors and participate in the costume contest. +++ The Owen City Council donated $3,000 to the House of Friends, an after school program, held during the school year at the Old School in Owen.

The Sentinel & Rural News

According to Kevin Hoffman, Public Relations Officer, State of Wisconsin, Division of Animal Health, the death toll at a Taylor County mink farm is now more than 3,000 They tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection, the same virus that causes COVID-19 in humans.

Tri-County News Two prep volleyball teams from the Tri-County area will be attending the WIAA Division 3 State-Tournament in Wausau. Cloverbelt rivals Fall Creek and Osseo-Fairchild both qualified for state by winning their respective sectional tournament championships. Fall Creek will be taking on Waterloo and Osseo-Fairchild will be playing Howards Grove. It could be a Fall Creek vs. Osseo-Fairchild state championship game.

Trempealeau County Times

The northern part of Trempealeau County was hit the hardest last week when Eleva/Strum and Osseo had a combined 62 new cases of COVID-19. Osseo’s 34 new cases is the most any area has had in a single week since the virus hit the county in April. +++ Arcadia’s next blood drive will be divided into a two day event. On November 12, the drive will be held from 1-6 pm with a goal of 54 units. On November 13, the goal will be to collect 42 units between 10 am and 3 pm. +++ Independence area farmer Brain Maliszewski, is one the five finalist for the 2020 Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award. His efforts include experimenting with cover crop varieties and no-till planting methods to decrease soil erosion, build organic matter, improve earthworm activity and promote soil health.

Buffalo County News

Principals at the Mondovi Schools have commended teachers, support staff, custodians, bus drivers and the school nurse for all their extra effort to keep the doors open. Finding substitute teachers has been an issue and there have been instances in which principals and guidance counselors have had to fill in classrooms. +++ A combination of COVID-19 and a shortage of substitute teachers has lead to Mondovi Schools grades 3-5 going virtual on Tuesday, October 27. +++ The Cochrane-Fountain City FFA had an extraordinary year in earning five awards at the National FFA Convention held on line October 27-29.

Banner Journal

After a long summer, US Highway 12/State Highway 27 is now open. Replacement of the Allen Creek Bridge, north of Black River Falls, had resulted in the closure which began in June.

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