The Thorp Courier

The Thorp Aquatic Center’s last day for swimming was Tuesday, August 25. After that date lost items can be claimed at city hall until October 1, when they will be donated. +++ The Thorp Agriculture Department was one of four schools in the state to win a $15,000 Grow Rural Education Grant. Plans are to expand the school’s current greenhouse to 12’ x 80’ (current size is 12’ x 30’). The grant application was also written to incorporate an aquaponics system to provide over 200 lbs. of fish and 2,000 heads of lettuce each year for students. The plan includes the addition of over 1,500 gallons of fish tanks and several grow beds for lettuce production. +++ A newly-formed parent teacher organization is being launched in the Thorp School District. The Thorp PTO aims to enhance and support educational experiences, to develop a closer connection between the school and home by encouraging parent involvement, and to improve the environment at Thorp through volunteer and financial support.

Courier Sentinel

The Cadott FFA, Chippewa Valley Energy and the Cadott Community Association recently partnered to distribute milk, butter, cheese and meat sticks, during a Dairy to Go event. The event took place in the Cadott High School parking lot. +++ The Chippewa Valley Community Fund Operation Round-Up donated $1,000 to the Cadott Fire Department towards the purchase of a generator. During the recent tornado, the fire hall/ambulance building was without power. In an attempt to be better prepared for other emergencies, this donation was made on behalf of the voluntary participants in the round-up program of the Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative. +++ The first rabid bat in Chippewa County this year was recently reported by the Chippewa County Public Health Department. Last year, Chippewa County had two bats test positive.

Bloomer Advance

On August 3, 2020, the Bloomer School District Board voted to open schools for face to face instruction five days a week. The plan will remain in place unless the District is ordered closed due to a Chippewa County Health Department or State of Wisconsin ruling. +++ On Sunday, August 9, the Bloomer Community Club and Miller’s Auto co-sponsored a car show at the Bloomer Community Fairgrounds. Beneficiaries from the event were the Bloomer Police Department K9 Program, which received $500 and the Bloomer Community Foundation received $300 towards the purchase school supplies for Bloomer students.

The Sentinel & Rural News

Red Daisy Girl, a new downtown Owen business, held its ribbon cutting and grand opening on Saturday, August 15. The business is located in the former NAPA Building, which has been remodeled in and outside. The interior provides ample space for socializing at a beer bar and for crafting. When weather is nice, there is a gorgeous side patio with a tiki bar. The business provides promotional items, houseplants, dips, syrup, jewelry, original artwork, etc. +++ The 8th Owen Main Street Car Show, held on Saturday, August 15, was declared a success. There were 69 entries, up 19 from last year. Musical entertainment, train rides and a larger than normal Farmers Market added to the festivities.

Tribune Photograph

To the delight of parent advocates, the Colby and Abbotsford School Districts have both switched to having in-person attendance/ instruction four days per week. The Colby School Board also agreed to proceed with a fall sports season. The Abbotsford District has had two inquiries about naming rights for the new FEMA addition. The donation would be in the neighborhood of $100,000. No action was taken on the idea. +++ The City of Colby is exploring buying land for future development. After a closed meeting with a realtor, there has been no indication what Trempealeau County Times

Work on the Markham Hillside Addition in Independence is well underway. The city has already sold one of the 43 lots in their new 22-acre housing development. +++ Coulee Conference officials met recently but still have not made a decision on spring vs fall sports. The WIAA met last week and gave schools the flexibility to participate in either, but carved out a two-month window by shortening both winter and spring sports seasons. +++ The Arcadia School District is preparing for the 130 students who have opted for online learning. That number includes 35 high school students, 37 middle school students and 58 elementary students.

Tri-County News The Osseo-Fairchild School Board approved offering three learning options this fall: “Face-to-Face” five days a week, Virtual, and Blended. Parents are being asked to screen their children each day and any child with a temperature over 100.4 will need to stay home. Social distancing will vary depending on class size and room square footage. +++ Unity Bank, with a location in Augusta, announced the presentation of a $20,000 Relief Grant to the Building Connections Group. The relief grant is sponsored by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, to support local businesses in the communities served by Unity Bank.

Buffalo County News

Among those administrators moving into new offices at the Mondovi School, was new Mondovi High School Principal Jeff Rykal. A Chetek native, Rykal comes to Mondovi with 15 years of experience as principal at Almond-Brancroft, located in Central Wisconsin, southeast of Stevens Point. He pursued the position to get closer to his roots in West Central Wisconsin and to be more available to help his parents, who reside in Chetek. His parents were both in education. His father was the former superintendent of Chetek Schools. +++ The City of Mondovi is pursing water and wastewater rate increases, in preparation for the city’s wastewater treatment plant construction project and to establish a capital improvement fund for city water services. Mondovi is looking at a Conventional Rate Case increase, which could more than double water rates for meters and water volume charges. Switching from quarterly to monthly billing will also be implemented in an effort to spread out the increased costs.

Banner Journal

The Black River Area Chamber of Commence held a ribboncutting in recognition of the inaugural opening of the Black River Healthcare Clinic, within Black River Memorial Hospital. The clinic opened its doors in July, and integrates primary care with behavioral health for a complete, whole-person approach to health care. +++ On August 14, Wisconsin National Guards 1st Battalion 128th Infantry arrived back following their recent deployment to Afghanistan. Based out of Chippewa Falls, the two hundred troops spent the past few weeks in Texas demobilizing before heading home.

Bits &

PIECES News of Note From Our Neighbors

land is being looked at, how much it may cost, or what kind of development is being proposed.