Owen-Withee prepares for referendum

Courier Sentinel

On Wednesday, October 14, the Cadott Lions held their Annual Governor’s Night Banquet. District Governor Steve Jensen presented the following awards: Julie Nielsen was named Lion of the Year, Gary Licht was awarded the Birch-Strum Fellowship and Gary King was presented the Melvin Jones Fellowship. +++ Meeting in special session, the Cornell City Council decided to go with the lowest bid for improvements at their wastewater treatment planet. RJ Jurowski Construction Company of Whitehall had the low bid of $4,652,277. The project had originally been estimated at $4 million. +++ Lake Holcombe School District is studying going to eight-man football and deciding on a continued co-op agreement with the Cornell School District. With a projected enrollment at Lake Holcombe of 66 and Cornell at 87, it is questionable if they can maintain an 11-man program.

The Thorp Courier

Thorp homecoming managed to take place with fun events despite the need for COVID-19 safety and security. The homecoming game took place in Auburndale on Friday, October 23. Unfortunately, Thorp was defeated 61-12. +++ The two-day American Red Cross Bloodmobile’s regularly scheduled visit to Thorp was held on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 20-21. The goal for the drives was 90 units and 82 units were collected. There were 78 people who scheduled appointments. +++ Roy Lato was the lucky winner of the Thorp Lions drawing for a side-by-side ATV. Second prize an aluminum trailer was won by Joel Powell.

Bloomer Advance

Identity Ag Processing LLC in Bloomer is increasing its receiving capacity by 120,000 bushels of soybeans from its producers. The $600,000 project is scheduled to be completed by the middle of October. Bin heights will be 44 feet to the top of the peak. The receiving leg and tower system is around 82 feet tall. +++ The Bloomer Rod and Gun Club recently finished repairing and repainting the handicap dock on Duncan Road in Bloomer. The dock provides access to Lake Como for fishing by anyone who wishes to use it, especially those with physical handicaps. +++ The Bloomer FFA sold signs this year that said, “Support your local Farmer.” All the profits went to the Bloomer /New Auburn Food Pantry to buy local dairy products. A $500 check was presented to the manager of the food pantry.

The Sentinel & Rural News

On Thursday, October 22, Owen-Withee High School celebrated Bring Your Tractor to School Day. One student didn't have a farm tractor so he rode his lawnmower to school. +++ Autumnfest was held in Owen on Saturday, October 31. Events included a chili cook-off, pie eating contest, food and music. Seven vendors sold their wares along the trail behind Dollar General. After 3 pm there was a children’s costume contest sponsored by the Owen Downtown Revitalization Committee.

The Clark County Press

The Loyal School has approved starting the FEMA Grant Application process to construct a “Safe Room.” In nearby Owen-Withee, Spencer and Abbotsford, FEMA money was sought to build dome structures that would be open to community members in case of severe weather events, such as tornadoes. The dome cost is projected at $2.5 million with FEMA paying $1.8 million. +++ With four elementary students or staff having active cases of COVID-19, the Neillsville Elementary School went to virtual leaning. Regular four day a week classes will resume on November 2.

Tribune-Phonograph

A stricter policy related to wearing masks has been adopted by the Colby School District. As of October 16, the district is only allowing students to attend school without a mask if they have an approved medical exemption signed by a doctor or other medical professional. The stricter policy was in response to the increasing

('& $& )

number of COVID-19 cases within the district. A quartet of parents recently approached the school board and convinced them to further discuss the issue at their November 16 meeting. +++ Trees planted in the public right-of-way caused an extended discussion by the Abbotsford City Council. Branches hanging over the street, in the way of the snowplow and roots heaving sidewalks were the main issues. Since a committee is reviewing city ordinances, it was suggested that they focus in on these issues.

O-W Enterprise The final two meetings held by the O-W School District, related to a referendum to finance constructing a dome onto the current school, were held on October 21 and 26. A tax raise of 42 cents per thousand is projected if the referendum is successful. A FEMA grant will pay $1.95 million towards the new construction. +++ St. Katherine's Episcopal Church in Owen will still be serving their delicious Thanksgiving Dinner with all the trimmings, but it will be take-outs only.

Tri-County News Osseo City Council is in the planning phase for a new wastewater treatment plant and are filing for a Rural Development Grant. +++ According to school boards notes, state aid pays for some 66 percent of the Osseo-Fairchild School budget, compared to 25 percent coming from the direct tax levy. +++ The Osseo-Fairchid High School Volleyball Team won the school’s first WIAA Regional Title since 1985, when they upset No.6 ranked Stevens Point Pacelli.

Buffalo County News

Results of an advisory referendum vote on November 3, aims to measure support for permitting all-terrain vehicle use on designated Buffalo County roads. Pros and cons have been expressed two or more times in front of the county board, and more often at the county’s highway committee. County supervisors have talked about legal issues and road safety concerns, and rural towns have weighted in with many of the same type questions/concerns.

Banner Journal

The Black River Falls City Council was shocked when the only bid for demolition of the Falls Cinema Building came in at $274,000. The only bidder appeared to explain why the bid was so high. The building dates to an era when buildings in a row had common walls. Thus, much of the work needs to be done slowly and methodically in order to allow for the two side buildings to maintain their separate integrity. The demolition, removal of materials and filling the site estimate provided them previously had been for between $50,000 and $60,000.

Trempealeau County Times

The Arcadia City Council continues to work towards cleaning up their community. After hearing from their police chief they are stepping back to shape an effective enforcement policy.

Two issues seem to be emerging: multiple cars parked on lawns and garbage bags being put on the boulevard on non-collection days. One council member stated, “We’re getting laughed at about how Arcadia looks.”

'*,+ !