Thorp Aquatic Center opens

Bits &

News of Note From Our Neighbors

Thorp Courier

The Thorp American Legion has announced their new officers for 2020. Former Stanley Mayor, Norm Christianson, has been named Commander. +++ The Thorp Aquatic Center opened to the public on Monday, June 15, with new rules to help keep people safe. 1.) If the patron, or anyone in their household has flu symptoms, they will not be allowed in the facility. 2.) Patrons are asked to come in their swim suits. 3.) There is limited deck furniture. 4.) There is no water fountain in use, but drinks will be available for purchase. 5.) No water toys, or flotation devices, will be allowed, or available for use. +++ On Flag Day, Sunday, June 14, the Thorp American Legion held their annual Flag Retirement Service and Ceremony. The ceremony included the burning of flags taken out of service.

Courier Sentinel

At its Monday, June 15 meeting, the Cadott Village Board voted 5-1 to join the City of Rice Lake for a solar energy project, since Cadott is too small to do a project on their own. There was no report on what the project would entail. The board also approved Les Liptak as the appointee to fill the vacant trustee position, created by the passing of Merlin Huhn. +++ The Lake Holcombe Cafe, was one of 500 businesses selected to receive a $2,000 Heinz for Diners initiative grant, that were given to support independent restaurants during the COVID-19 health crisis. Cafe owner, Jane Skaare had asked patrons to support her nomination, but she doesn’t know who sent in the winning nomination. Skaare said, “We think we’re pretty fortunate.” She plans to buy new iPads, that are used by the waitresses to transmit orders to the kitchen.

Bloomer Advance

The 2020, Bloomer Chamber of Commerce sponsored annual Community Picnic, was held “To-Go-Style” on Thursday, June 11, due to COVID-19 pandemic concerns. The picnic was still a huge success, as 78 more meals were served than last year. +++ Frances Donahue of Bloomer celebrated her 100th birthday with a drive-by parade in which family members and staff from Meadowbrook Senior Center held signs, honked their horns and blew kisses. Frances told WEAU-TV 13 News that the secret to a long life is not drinking or smoking.

O-W Enterprise The Owen City Council voted to join the Yellowstone Trail Association at the $50 level. Community Development Coordinator Tim Swiggum had recommended payment of $100, which was the corporate level membership fee. He felt that maybe the headquarters for the organization could be moved to Owen. +++ Lana Bohl, of Lana’s Scoop’s of Withee, was one of 12 Western Wisconsin businesses awarded a Red Letter Grant. Red Letter Grant is a charitable organization that aims to support and empower female entrepreneurs.

The Clark County Press

The Neillsville City Council has decided to hold the Neillsville Mobile Home Court’s operating license, as a result of the owners not keeping the park up to code. +++ The Council allotted $25,000, to be made available to help businesses during COVID-19. Maximum grants will be $1,000. +++ The Branstitter Museum in Greenwood will open the weekend of July 11 and 12, from 12 to 3 pm both days. The museum has recently completed roofing and remodeling projects.

Tribune-Phonograph

The Abbotsford Plan Commission recently discussed city properties felt to be unsafe for human habitation. Commissioners decided to recommend a task force made up of the mayor, city administrator, DPW, council president and a member of the police department to identify problem properties and arrange for inspections. +++ Parents in the Abbotsford School District will be given the option of having their children attend summer school in person or by virtual learning. +++ The Clark County Agricultural Society has voted to cancel the 2020 Clark County Fair.

Tri-County News Friends of Lake Eau Claire are planning another fireworks extravaganza for the 4th of July. Promoters say it will be the biggest one ever. In addition, the annual boat parade will also be held. This is all made possible by donations each year.

Mondovi Herald-News The City of Mondovi has received notice of the intent to circulate a petition requesting a referendum on the de-annexation of the Valley Estates Development from the City of Mondovi and attachment to Naples Township. This has involved a long standing dispute that the property owners wish to be released from what they feel are unfair high taxes and services that are disproportionate to the rest of the city. The city attorney recommended no action by the council citing the loss of $30,000 in annual taxes +++ With the 2019 Mondovi High School football season being one for the history books, a new DVD is now available providing a season’s review. The Buffalo's went 12-1 last fall. (Mondovi will be playing Stanley-Boyd this fall if a football season is held.)

Banner Journal

Jackson County Finance Chair, Ray Ransom, is messaging that there will be no raises in 2021 for county employees, due to the loss of county revenue because of COVID-19. The lost revenue is estimated at about $450,000. He noted that the revenue loss could be made up, and lay-offs avoided, if the 85 county employees each took an extra day off per pay period. Ransom also pointed out that there could be some difficulty with the county receiving the $471,820 that is normally received from the Ho-Chunk Nation, due to their casinos being closed for a period of time. Jackson County receives an annual payment of $1,000 per acre from the Nation, in lieu of taxes, on the 471 acres of tribal trust land within the borders of Jackson County.

An Overview

Organizations all over the area are scrambling to figure out how to replace some of the lost funds earned during their annual community celebrations. It is realized without raising funds it is difficult to give back to the community they are a part of. +++ After long waits Owen-Withee and Abbotsford have been approved for FEMA grants to build domes at their schools, similar to the one constructed at Spencer a few years back. These structures will have school useage and serve as community storm shelters.