January 27, 2016 Tribune-Phonograph

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TRIBUNEPHONOGR PHTRIBUNE-PHONOGRAPH

Vol. 55, No. 4 Wednesday, January 27, 2016 16 pages -- $1

~ www.centralwinews.com ~Serving Abbotsford, Colby, Curtiss, Dorchester, Milan and Unity, Wis.

INSIDE

See DISTRICT/ Page 8

VivianVivianKramerKramer

to acceptto accept

lifetimelifetimeawardawardpagepage 6

Troy D. Rens, D.D.S.Christina H. Rens, D.D.S.

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Snow season is here

TJ Greger of New Auburn, left, and Dirk Piening of Marengo, Ill. jockey for the lead position during one of the heats inthe annual Curtiss snowmobile drag races this past Saturday. A total of 530 spectators attended this years races, an in-crease of 60 over last year. There were also a record 264 entries for the races. Racers came from all over Wisconsin and afew traveled from Michigan, Minnesota and Illinois. See results and more photos on page 16. STAFF PHOTO/KEVIN OBRIEN

Mergerdetails

still inprogress

By Kevin OBrien

With less than two months to go be-fore local officials are asked to vote on aproposed consolidation of area fire de-partments, its still unclear exactly howmuch the merger would save taxpayers.

Preliminary budget estimates for thenew fire district show some of the costsfor fire protection shifting from the citiesof Abbotsford and Colby and the villageof Dorchester to the towns of Holton,Mayville, Hull and Colby.

The cost of hiring a full-time fire chief estimated at $60,000 to $70,000 per year will need to be added to the combinedoperating budgets of the Abbotsford, Col-by and Dorchester fire departments. For2016, that equals close to $400,000.

Larry Oehmichen, chairman of thefire consolidation board, believes thereare enough savings to be found whenmerging the three departments to payfor a chief and operate with a budget ofabout $375,000. He expects a big breakin insurance costs by having one set of

policies instead of three, and he also an-ticipates savings in other areas.

Im thinking its a work in progress,he said Monday, referring to a budget forthe proposed district.

Colby fire chief Ross Rannow says therevenue generated by the Abbotsford andColby ambulance services should be ableto pay half the chiefs wages, and possi-bly another full-time EMT to go on ambu-lance calls during the week.

Also, Rannow said the cost of a full-time chief will be offset by not having topay the three current chiefs as much asthey earn now.

A lot of those wages are being paid

By Kevin OBrien

The first thing you notice when you

walk into Rays Market near Colby is thatunmistakable aroma of smoked meat.Once inside, you see a little of every-

thing that makes Central Wisconsinfamous sausages, cheese, brats, beer,wine and all of the other locally madefood items that come from farms and ar-tisan shops across Americas Dairyland.

The family-owned business will re-ceive the Business of the Year awardfrom the AbbyColby Crossings Chamberof Commerce at the its annual banquetJan. 30 at Abbotsfords city hall.

Owner Alan Gurtner said it was a nicesurprise to find out his business was be-ing recognized by the chamber. He got

Rays Market is Business of the Year

ALL IN THE FAMILY -The owners of Rays Market include, from left to right,Janet, the original owners widow, her son, Al, and his wife, Connie. The market islocated at H3590 Elderberry Rd. just south of STH 29. STAFF PHOTO/KEVIN OBRIENSee BENEFIT/ Page 7

Estimates showcosts shifting


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Page 2 Tribune-Phonograph Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Perspectives

TRIBUNE-PHONOGRAPH

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THESTAFFCo-publishers...................Kris OLeary......................................and Kevin FlinkEditor............................. Kevin OBrienReporter......................Christian ParkerPhoto Technician/Ad DesignSupervisor...................Karen GebeleinAd Design...................Emily Schreiner........................................Jody SheahanCustomer Service/Subscriptions/Distribution................... Jane KroeplinCustomer Service........ Mary SchuetteIT Coord./Cust. Sevice.....Martha RiedProofreading.....................Sharon KellyAdministrativeAssistant .................... Gale Schreiber

SalesManager .............. Kelly SchmidtSalesConsultant............... Lori TotzkeSalesConsultant........Joyann ChilsonSalesConsultant.........Phil GreschnerAccounting.................. Carola BuehlerPressroomSupervisor......Kevin FlinkPressOperator............Clint BoettcherPressOperator...............Dallas WiesePressOperator.................Sam Hayes

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Flesh it outWe can all remember Nancy Pelosis infamousstatement back in 2010, when Congress was in themidst of debating the comprehensive health care re-form bill now known by most people as Obamacare.Its going to be very, very exciting. But we have topass the bill so that you can find out what is in it,away from the fog of the controversy, said the speak-er of the House at the time.

The same has been said about the proposed mergerof our areas three fire departments. Proponents ofthe consolidation are convinced that it will improveemergency services and save taxpayers money. Theyhave a lot of compelling arguments on their side,mostly from other communities in Wisconsin whohave combined their fire departments and seen thembecome more cost-efficient than ever before.

On the other hand, though, it doesnt seem as ifthe cost estimates have been fully fleshed out at thispoint. Retired fire chief John Neihart, who has helpedform several fire districts, says this area could easilyget by with fewer fire trucks and other vehicles, po-tentially saving thousands of dollars in replacementcosts over time. Neihart and others have also said thethree departments could save a significant amountof money on insurance by purchasing one set of poli-cies instead of three. The combined buying power ofa consolidated district could be applied to other ar-eas, as well, like apparatus and supplies.

Eliminating duplicate expenses in public sectorservices is a very inviting idea for cities, villagesand towns that have seen their revenues stagnateor decline while costs keep going up. We commendthe seven-member consolidation board for exploringways of saving precious tax dollars while also mak-ing lifesaving services more efficient.

But the boards work is nowhere near done.The proposed fire district may have some savingsin store, but there are also several additional expens-es that need to be considered. First and foremost isthe salary and benefits of a full-time fire chief, whichis estimated to be in the range of $60,000 to $70,000.Its been suggested that ambulance revenue couldpay for half of the salary, but we havent seen anynumbers to see if thats truly feasible. Assuming thatit is, theres still another $30,000 to $35,000 that needsto be found in the new districts budget. If the plan isto cut back on the duties and wages of the existingchiefs and other officers, that needs to be spelled outup front.

There is also the promise of extending retirementbenefits to all of the Abbotsford and Dorchester fire-fighters and EMTs. For years, Colby has provided ev-ery qualified member of its department $200 a year($400 for firefighter/EMTs) as a match for the states

retirement system. The departments 2016 budget in-cludes $12,000 for retirement, so what will that num-ber be if the benefit is offered to all firefighters andEMTs in the area? Not all of them will automaticallyqualify, but there should be some type of cost esti-mate available.

Legal costs may also be an issue for the new dis-trict, especially if the intergovernmental agreementneeds significant revisions. A Madison attorney hasbeen chosen to review the agreement, but at thispoint, the seven municipalities have only committeda total of $1,750 to cover the consolidation expenses.

Its worth noting that our initial estimates showthe four townships picking up more of the areasfire protection costs based on a breakdown of cur-rent equalized property values. Township officialshelped start this merger conversation by saying theycouldnt afford paying more every year for the sameemergency services. At what point in this process

will they start to see savings?To paraphrase Pelosi, local taxpayers shouldnt

have to wait for the fire district to pass before theyfind out whats in it. Were not saying the discussionshould drag on forever with no resolution, but thepeople in favor of a fire district need to do more tomake their case. The Feb. 20 meeting, scheduled for10 a.m. in Abbotsford, would be a good time to answerlingering questions and provide crucial details.

The Tribune-Phonographeditorial board consists ofpublisher Kris OLeary, editor Kevin OBrien and report-er Christian Parker.

ABBOTSFORDTRIBUNEPUBLISHEDINABBOTSFORD

THURSDAY, JANUARY26, 1950

Mrs. Kozlowski injured when carshits diesel

Mrs. Bill Kozlowski is confined toher home as a result of severe bruisesreceived last Fridayafternoon when

her car slid on theice into a Soo LineDiesel engine, at thecrossing on High-way 29.

Mrs. Kozlowski,who was driv-ing their car fromhome, on the westside of town, totheir store, around2:00 oclock, sawthe diesel comingfrom the north andapplied her brakes.The car skidded forseveral feet on theicy street and struckthe engine. The

force of the impactthrew her out of the car. X-rays weretaken but no broken bones were dis-covered.

There was considerable damage tothe car, which had to be towed away.

Snow filled highways keep travelat minimum

School children in this vicinity hadan unscheduled holiday on Tuesdayon account of road conditions. Tem-peratures were mild but wind andlight snow and a little rain combinedto keep vehicles off the road. Snowplows had opened most of the sideroads and careful driving was neces-sary. A front window at the Bi-Ritestore was blown in by the wind.

The benefit basketball game be-

tween Greenwood and Abbotsfordwas postponed on account of badroads, until Tuesday, Feb. 7.

There was a brief interruption ofelectric service Tuesday evening. Thiswas not caused by the weather but wasdue to a burned out cut-out switch ona transformer behind the NorthernStates Power office. Depot street as faras the Ven Rooy house and only thewest side of one block of Main streetwere affected.

THETRIBUNE-PHONOGRAPHPUBLISHEDINABBOTSFORD

THURSDAY, JANUARY24, 1974

GT limits 1974 directorydistribution

General Telephone Company ofWisconsin directories in 1974 are

being distributed toresidential custom-

ers on a somewhatmore limited basisthan in previousyears, D.L. DeHaan,service officer man-ager, Wausau hasannounced.

Due to the pa-per shortage and acompany economymove, General Tele-phone residentialcustomers with oneor two telephoneswill normally re-ceive one 1974 direc-tory, and those withthree phone will re-ceive two, he said.

Distribution policies regardingbusiness customers are not affected,he said, and remain one directoryper telephone.

DeHaan emphasized that if anyresidential customers requires addi-tional directories, he should contacthis local business office to obtainmore copies.

Mobile home fireThe Dorchester Volunteer Fire

Department was called Sundayabout 9:30 a.m. to the Joe Intribusfarm in the town of Holton where amobile home owned by Mr. and Mrs.Herman Schubert was burning. Theinterior of the home was complete-ly gutted and the family lost their

household goods and clothing in theblaze.

Colby Hornets firstin conference

In another big game at Loyal Fri-day night, the Colby Hornets rose tothe occasion and rambled over theGreyhounds 86-62, putting the Hor-nets in first place in the Cloverbeltconference.

PAGINGTHROUGHHISTORY:A Treasury of Weekly Newspapers

JOEWEBER, DORCHESTERFIREMAN1970

SUBMITYOURHISTORICALPHOTOSTO

FILLTHISSPOTEACHWEEK


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Wednesday, January 27, 2016 Tribune-Phonograph Page 3

Perspectives

Letter GuidelinesWe welcome letters from our readers on

any subject of current interest.We reserve the right to edit for length,

grammar or libel. All submitted letters musthave a handwritten signature, address andtelephone number where the writer can bereached for confirmation.

Forward to the Tribune-Phonograph, 103W. Spruce St., PO Box 677, Abbotsford, WI

54405. Fax to 715-223-3505, or e-mail to [email protected].

Community NewsCommunity news for Abbotsford, Colby,

Curtiss, Dorchester and Unity may be sub-mitted directly to the Tribune-Phonograph at 103 Spruce St., P.O. Box 677, Abbotsford,WI 54405. Information may be sent via fax to715-223-3505, e-mailed to [email protected],or called in to 715-223-2342.

NEWS

AND

LETTERS

SUBMISSION

The deadline for the current weeks paper is 5 p.m. on Monday.

God continues to help me with wonderful family, good healthand the ability to help others.

NOTABLEQUOTE

Vivian Kramer,final line of her memoirs, My Story

LETTERTOTHEEDITOREnvironment a key issue

To the editor:Its fair to say many people have been

blindsided by the volley of bills intro-duced by Wisconsins Legislature con-cerning the environment of this greatgreen state. Its all happening so fast asif politicians want to get this pushedthrough and signed by the governor be-fore anyone knows whats going on.

There is more at stake than the envi-ronment. As more and more of Wiscon-sin is being developed, we drift furtheraway from the tourist destination of ourneighbors, and we see tourist dollars go-ing to a nearby state.

There have been environmental issueshandled without legislative law changes,such as Whistling Straights golf coursein Kohler. There were more than a fewhurtles to build that course along theshores of Lake Michigan. But it wasworked out and today its a tremendousasset to Wisconsin.

Gov. Walkers party is behind the many

proposed environmental changes. Itseems like theres a bulls-eye on wetlandsand local ability to have a say in new de-velopment. Wetlands help produce ourclean drinking water and are impor-tant in flood control. Local governmentshould not be hamstrung from stoppinganything the local people feel is bad fortheir surroundings.

Conservative and moderate Republi-

cans exist in our Legislature. The lattermust keep Gov. Walkers Republicans intheir place, or we are going to see a shiftof political balance in Wisconsin.

In a 1946 Wisconsin Conservation De-partment booklet, I quote: Democracy issafest in the hands of a people who loveand conserve their out-of-doors.

One person on the WCD commissionwas Aldo Leopold.

Be careful elected officials, the environ-ment is very important to many voters.

John J. Mutter, Jr.Shawano

Tech colleges a greatinvestment for state

In his recent State of the State ad-dress, Gov. Walker highlighted thesuccesses of our states tech collegesystem. The governor invited severalsoon-to-be graduates of Fox ValleyTechnical College as his special guestsand underscored how Wisconsin techcolleges are preparing students acrossour state for meaningful careers thatfuel our growing economy.

As a legislator, I wanted to sharewith you some of the waysour tech colleges have been

helping ensure that Wiscon-sin remains a great place tolive, work and do business.

The Wisconsin TechnicalCollege System is the larg-est institution of highereducation in Wisconsinwith over 340,000 studentsspread out over 16 collegesand 49 campuses. The col-leges award between 25,000and 30,000 diplomas everyyear and 92 percent of theirgraduates are employedwithin six months of grad-uation.

These graduates are earn-ing degrees in everythingfrom industrial welding

to software developmentand earn an average salaryof $36,400 right out of col-lege and $44,000 after just five years.Eighty-eight percent of these gradu-ates choose to stay in Wisconsin, help-ing emerging Wisconsin industrieslike biotechnology and energy tech-nology.

Our tech colleges add a huge valueto local communities. Over the lastfive years, tech colleges helped 37,000unemployed workers earn degrees toreenter the workforce or begin a newcareer. Our tech colleges offer afford-able tuition in high-demand fields andpartner with local businesses to cus-tomize training and education for jobsthat are available now.

In addition, our tech colleges arehelping high school students explore avariety of high-demand careers whileearning college credit. Some coursescan even be taken on high school cam-puses. Last year, more than 26,000 Wis-consin high school students earned

technical college credit while still inhigh school.

Tech colleges provide a benefit totaxpayers and business owners alike.For every dollar spent, Wisconsin tax-payers receive $12.20 in the form ofincreased jobs, revenue and economicgrowth.

Wisconsin businesses love our techcolleges, too. According to one survey,98 percent of employers say their local

technical college is impor-tant to the overall success

of their business and 93percent of Wisconsin em-ployers who hired Wiscon-sin technical college gradswould choose to hire WTCgrads again.

Two years ago, my col-leagues and I committed tobuilding on these successesby directing $35.4 millionto Wisconsins Fast For-ward grant program. TheFast Forward program isdesigned to reduce waitinglists in high-demand fields,allowing tech colleges to

graduate more nurses, ma-chinists, technicians andother workers that Wiscon-

sin industries need. The re-sult has been an additional5,000 students enrolled in

high-demand career programs.Funding was also provided for col-

laborative projects schools so studentscan earn industry-recognized certi-fications while still in high school.Through these efforts, we doubled thenumber of youth apprenticeships inWisconsin and adult apprenticeshipshave increased by 30 percent. To buildupon this success, Gov. Walker recent-ly proposed an additional $3 million toexpand these grant programs.

Now more than ever, we rely on techcolleges to train our emerging work-force, help high school students planfor a bright future and give thousandsof Wisconsinites the training theyneed for good paying jobs in the com-munities they already call home. Wemay not root for the local tech collegeon Saturdays at Camp Randall, but,they are winning for Wisconsin everyday of the week.

BEOURGUEST

BY

STATESEN.TERRYMOULTON

(R-23RDDISTRICT)

An introduction to Lionsby Abbotsford presidentWho are the LIONS? We are men

and women dedicated to servingthose in need, whether in their owncommunity, or around the world.Our motto is We serve.

We were founded in1917 by a 38-year-old Chi-cago business leadernamed Melvin Jones, whotold members of his lo-cal business club theyshould reach beyondbusiness issues and ad-dress the betterment of

their communities andthe world. Jones group,the Business Circle ofChicago, agreed.

After contacting simi-lar groups around theUnited States, an orga-nizational meeting washeld on June 17, 1917,in Chicago, Ill. The newgroup took the name ofone of the invited groups,Association of LionsClubs, and a nationalconvention was held in Dallas, Tex-as in October of that year. A con-stitution, by-laws, objectives and acode of ethics were approved.

Today there are nearly 1.36 mil-

lion members in over 200 countriesand more than 46,000 clubs. Forseveral years we have been chosen

as the number one service organi-zation in the world.

Our vision is to be the global lead-er in communities in humanitar-ian service. We strive to empower

volunteers to serve theircommunities, meet thehumanitarian needs, suchas vision, hunger, youth,childrens services andthe environment.

Over the years our lo-cal clubs have a traditionof helping to strength-

en our communitiesthrough their service.

As we approach our100th anniversary in2017, its a moment tolook back on our longand proud tradition ofservice and the numer-

ous achievements of thelocal Lions in our commu-nities, our Lions district,state and internationalLions Association aroundthe world.

If you are looking for opportuni-ties to help your community, en-hance and develop your own skills,great opportunities to meet newpeople and travel, check out your

local Lions clubs in Abbotsford,Colby, Curtiss, Dor chester and Uni-ty.

BEOUR

GUEST

BY

PAULINESCHIFERL

ABBOTSFORD

LIONS

PRESIDENT

Visit us on the webVisit us on the web!ww w centr lwinews comwww.centralwinews.com


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Perspectives

Almost a year ago, I wrote an op-ed which was printed in the Marsh-field News-Heraldexpressing concern over the excessive number oftrees the city cut down annually. My column focused on how the I be-lieve the quality of a community can be partially determined by howit values its trees.

The response, in all honesty, was more than I anticipated and manycitizens concurred with my viewpoints. The mayor and some readers

took issue with my opinions and voiced the typical refrain of, I lovetrees too, but(insert good reason to cut them down).The mayor said he was proud being part of Arbor Days Tree City

U.S.A. program and promised road projects involving tree removalwould ultimately be a huge improvement and include new trees.

The word improvement is subjective but, inmy opinion, the shaded boulevards with large ma-

jestic maples and oaks was much better than thereplacement: wide ribbons of solid white concretefrom lawn to lawn with traffic areas, bike lanes,parking spaces and generous sidewalks crowdingout the possibility of any green space. The differ-ence is night and day.

All in all it seems there is always a really goodreason to cut down healthy old trees. My takeawayfrom this particular project was the city valued be-ing considered a Tree City far more than it val-ued the actual trees.

The tree-cutting phenomena is not unique to

Marshfield. The other week, Medfords city coun-cil took up whether or not it should grant a home-owner a variance to an ordinance restricting treesgrowing in road right-of-ways. At question was alarge oak tree between the road and sidewalk. Bigdeal, right?

Well, it turns out the tree is 150 years old, meaning it predates theCity of Medfords founding. Generations have accommodated the treewhich, according to a forester, is in good health and does not need to beremoved. The tree was spared when the road was widened in the 1970sand had the sidewalk routed not once, but twice, around it. At one pointa gas line was even run underneath the tree.

Accommodations for the tree all came to an end last week when thecouncil voted not to allow an exception for the tree in the interest offairness. The mayor said if one tree were to be spared, other resi-dents would likely want to keep their trees also, saying, If the councilagrees to keep that tree tonight, we might as well take this [ordinance],crumble it up and throw it in the basket.

Bingo! The mayor was being facetious, of course, but I think he hit

the nail right on the head. A growing government and an age ever-reliant on rules and regulations for otherwise basic common sensedecision-making has painted itself into a corner of contradictions andduplicities. Unfortunately, when it comes to trees, the consequence isWisconsin cities and street are looking less and less green.

Maybe an ordinance that requires the destruction of a piece of natu-ral history far beyond our years shouldbe crumpled up, as Medfordsmayor suggested. Where are the ordinances protecting and ensuringfuture generations are left with irreplaceable aesthetic keepsakes weinherited?

As spring is just around the corner, tags and sprayed marks will startappearing on veteran trees - even the healthy ones. I am reminded it

Why does a Tree City chop down trees?

OUTFORAWALK

BY

KEVINOBRIENEDITOR

will only be a short time before those chains saws areagain humming in the interest of keeping city crewsbusy.

As the old saying goes: you cant fight city hall. You canhowever, voice your concerns with elected officials. En-courage them to do what is best for the future. I wouldalso suggest citizens contact Arbor Day, especially if you

live in one of Arbor Days Tree Cities. Let them knowhow you think your community values its trees, particu-larly the old, big ones.

The address is:The Arbor Day Foundation100 Arbor AvenueNebraska City, NE 68410

I dont know exactly why my wife andI got on the subject of U.S. geography theother night, but it was definitely one ofthose right-before-bed conversations.We each had our respective laptops out,aimlessly scrolling around the Interwebsand waiting for sleep to come.

Then Linda asked me somethinglike, Do you think you could find all 50states on a map? Well, of course I can, Ithought to myself.Im an educated

man, and there isnothing more ba-sic than being ableto correctly pointout the states inour great nation.

This prompteda Google search,which led to a web-site with the do-main name online.seterra.net. Therewas a 50 statesquiz, right at thetop of a page filledwith map quizzesfrom around theworld. This awak-ened the long-dor-

mant geographerinside me, the one who used to love por-ing over maps and figuring where every-thing was in the world.

I have to admit, though, I did not get a100 percent on my first time taking thequiz. The New England states, especiallyDelaware, always throw me for a loop. WeMidwesterners always love to turn upour noses at coastal dwellers who cantfind our states on a map, but I think theignorance goes both ways. Its especiallydifficult for those of us in larger-sizedstates to pick apart all those tiny littleshapes scrunched into the northeasterncorner of the country. From the perspec-tive of New Englanders, though, Im surestates like Wisconsin, Minnesota and theDakotas look like they might as well be

Canadian provinces on the wrong side ofthe border.

If you really want to humble yourself,the website has plenty of other quizzesthat delve deeper into ones knowledgeof geography. Identifying capitals andother major cities can be a lot more diffi-cult than you might expect, especially ifyoure like me and you dont get outsideof Wisconsin and Minnesota very often.

But, for the ultimate feeling of humili-ation and frustration, try identifying allof the countries in Europe and Africa,or Asia for that matter. We Americansare often mocked for not knowing whereanything is outside (or inside) our bor-ders, and you can prove this stereotypeis accurate simply by trying to untanglethe mess of nations in the Balkans. Itslike a mutated version of New England,but with every name ending in the lettersia.

The thing is, the more I stumbledaround the globe making wild, incorrectguesses, the more quizzes I wanted tochallenge myself with. Eventually, Lindamade me close my laptop and go to sleep,but I bookmarked the site so I could comeback and see if I will ever be able to iden-tify all the island nations in Oceania. Notif want to get any sleep, I suppose.

Geographycan be fun,humiliating

HOLDTHATTHOUGHT

BYCHRISTIANPARKERREPORTER

WITHOUTWORDS

3-177500

Enrollmentt Mary School

St. Mary School

Faith Into the FutureFaith Into the Future

St. Mary School invites all new families interested inSt. Mary School invites all new families interested inenrolling their child for the 2016-2017 school year toenrolling their child for the 2016-2017 school year toattend an informational meeting onattend an informational meeting on

Academic Excellence

Service

Responsibility

Solid Catholic Foundation

Kindergarten - 8th

Monday Feb. 22Monday, Feb. 22, 7 p.m.7 p.m.St. Mary School gymSt. Mary School gym

209 S. Second St. Colby WI209 S. Second St., Colby, WI

If you have any questions, please call Ann Hemmy, Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

715-223-3033 ext. 2

52-177022

702 West Dolf Street Colby, WI 54421715.223.2352

Let us help you carefor your loved onefor a short time.We offer respite care for up to 30 days.Call for room availability. Three meals a day plus snacks 24-hr. skilled nursing

supervision Daily housekeeping and

laundry services Planned activities

Medication management Assistance with bathing,

personal grooming andtoileting when needed

Semi-private andprivate rooms


5/16


Law Enforcement

What is Child Development Day? Child Development Day isan opportunity for parents to have their childs learning checkup.Children ages birth to 4 years are eligible. The learning checkup willprovide parents with information about their childs development in

the areas of hearing, vision, coordination, concept development,and speech and language. Screenings will be about 30-45 minutes.If your child is attending our 4K program, he/she does not needto attend Child Development Day.

Parents will also have an opportunity to learn of the services andParents will also have an opportunity to learn of the services andagencies available in the community to families and young children.agencies available in the community to families and young children.

Where:Little Stars Preschool

705 N 2ndSt., Colby, WI 54421Door #19 next to the High School

When: Monday, February 8, 20168:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.

To register your child for the free screening,To register your child for the free screening,call Lilia Parra at the Colby Little Starscall Lilia Parra at the Colby Little StarsPreschool at 715-223-2044 by February 5thPreschool at 715-223-2044 by February 5thbetween the hours of 7:45 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Itbetween the hours of 7:45 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Itis preferred that each child has a scheduledis preferred that each child has a scheduledappointment, but no one will be turned away.appointment, but no one will be turned away.

i

4-176988

COLBY SCHOOL DISTRICT

COLBY SCHOOL DISTRICT

CHILD DEVELOPMENT D YCHILD DEVELOPMENT DAY

Dnde:La Escuela Preescolar de Little Stars(Estrellas Pequeas)

705 N 2nd St., Colby, WI 54421 Puerta #19 al lado de la Secundaria

Cuando:Lunes, 8 de Febrero, 20168:00a.m. 4:00p.m.

Para inscribir a su hijo para el chequeo gratuito, porPara inscribir a su hijo para el chequeo gratuito, porfavor llame a Lilia Parra a la Escuela Preescolar de Littlefavor llame a Lilia Parra a la Escuela Preescolar de LittleStars Estrellas Pequeas) al 715-223-2044 antes delStars (Estrellas Pequeas) al 715-223-2044 antes del5 de Febrero, dentro de las horas de 7:45 AM-4:00 PM.5 de Febrero, dentro de las horas de 7:45 AM-4:00 PM.Es preferible que cada nio tenga una cita programada,Es preferible que cada nio tenga una cita programada,pero no se le rechazar el servicio a nadie.pero no se le rechazar el servicio a nadie.

4-176991

DISTRITO ESCOL R DE COLBYDISTRITO ESCOLAR DE COLBY

DI DEL DES RROLLO INF NTILDIA DEL DESARROLLO INFANTIL

Que es el Da del Desarrollo Infantil? El Da del Desarrollo InfantilQue es el Da del Desarrollo Infantil? El Da del Desarrollo Infantilen una oportunidad para que los padres traigan a sus hijos paraen una oportunidad para que los padres traigan a sus hijos paraun chequeo de aprendizaje. Los nios recin nacidos a 4 aos sonun chequeo de aprendizaje. Los nios recin nacidos a 4 aos sonelegibles. El chequeo de aprendizaje podr proveer informacin paraelegibles. El chequeo de aprendizaje podr proveer informacin paralos padres sobre el desarrollo de sus hijos en las reas de audicin,los padres sobre el desarrollo de sus hijos en las reas de audicin,visin, coordinacin, desarrollo de conceptos, el habla y el lenguaje.visin, coordinacin, desarrollo de conceptos, el habla y el lenguaje.Las evaluaciones duraran entre 30-45 minutos. Si su hijo a) estLas evaluaciones duraran entre 30-45 minutos. Si su hijo (a) estasistiendo nuestro programa del 4K, l/ella no tiene que asistir al Daasistiendo nuestro programa del 4K, l/ella no tiene que asistir al Dadel Desarrollo Infantil.del Desarrollo Infantil.

Los padres tambin tendrn la oportunidad de aprender de losLos padres tambin tendrn la oportunidad de aprender de losservicios y agencias disponibles en la comunidad para las familiasservicios y agencias disponibles en la comunidad para las familiasy los nios pequeos.y los nios pequeos.

4-157855

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Jan. 19 - An officer wasasked to respond to Abbots-ford High School to assistwith an out-of-control stu-dent. He met with the prin-cipal and a teacher who saidthe student was swearingrepeatedly and causing a dis-turbance. The student hadcalmed down by the time theofficer arrived, but she wasstill crying. The officer spoketo the student about her be-havior and she explainedsome mental health problemsshe was having. The studentapologized to her teacherabout the outburst.

The officer made contactwith the students motherlater that day and confirmedthat everything was fine withher daughter. The officer saidshe would only be getting awarning this time. Jan. 19 - An officer met

with a Colby man in refer-ence to an incident that oc-curred at his residence thatmorning. The complainantsaid it appeared as if some-one had poured cough syrupinto his trucks gas tank,

which prevented him fromstarting it. He suspected thata family renting his housewas involved. He said he gotinto an argument with themthe night before about slam-ming their doors and yellingloudly. He showed the officermultiple text messages he re-ceived from them with vulgarlanguage. He said one of theteenagers living there got inhis face and said he wouldend him.

The officer met with theteen alone and asked himif he knew anything aboutcough syrup being pouredinto the complainants gas

tank. He denied being in-volved and said his sister mayhave done it. He also accused

the complainant of threaten-ing his family with guns.

The officer went into theresidence and had to stop thecomplainant from arguingwith the female party rentingthe house. When the officerasked the complainant aboutmaking threats, he admittedto saying things he shouldnthave said. The female partysaid she and her kids weremoving out in March.

The officer spoke to therenters daughter on thephone and asked her aboutputting cough syrup in thecomplainants tank. She gotvery upset about the accu-sation and said she had twowitnesses who would sayshe didnt do it. The officersaid he was just trying tofind out what happened. Shethen started to talk about thecomplainant allegedly bruis-ing her thumb during an ar-gument. However, the detailswere unclear as to whetherhe did it on purpose.

The officer spoke to all theparties involved and toldthem to keep to themselves

until the renter and her kidsall move out. The complain-ant voluntarily turned overall his firearms to the policedepartment for safekeepinguntil the other parties movedout. Jan. 19 - An officer re-

sponded to a Colby residencein reference to a teenagerwho had left school withoutpermission and was threaten-ing to take a vehicle from hishome. The officer met withthe teen and his mother, whosaid her son had left schoolafter being told that a truan-cy complaint was being filedagainst him. The student said

he hates going to school andwants to attend the alterna-tive school instead but he has

been told he cant until nextyear.

The officer asked his moth-er about her son trying to takea vehicle. She said he had thekeys to a pickup truck thatwas not in his name. The of-ficer said if he took the truckwithout permission, he couldbe arrested and charged. Theson took the keys out of hispocket and threw them to-ward his mother. He was alsotold that he would be chargedwith truancy if he did not at-tend school.

Another young male was atthe residence. When the offi-cer asked him why he was notin school, he said he was sickand his father had called theschool, so he was excused.The officer said he didntlook sick, and the subjectresponded by saying it wasnone of the officers concern.The subject was told to go

home while the other studentwas returned to school in theofficers squad. After the offi-cer dropped him off, he saidhe would issue a truancy ci-tation once he got the paper-work from the school.Jan. 24 - Officers were in-

formed of a suspicious sub-ject outside of the Colby li-brary at 6 a.m., wrapped in ablanket. They found a personsitting on a bench outside thelibrary, completely coveredin a blanket except for hisfeet. The officers approachedhim and identified them-selves. The subject removedthe blanket from his head,and they could see an elec-tronic tablet in his hands. Hesaid he was sitting there sohe could use the librarys wi-fi internet to play Dungeonsand Dragons online.

The subject said he livednearby but the wi-fi signal

was not strong enough forhim to play at home. The of-ficers said they just wantedto check to make sure he wasokay. He said he understood,and the officers left.

COLBY-ABBOTSFORDPOLICELOG

CLARKCOUNTYCOURT

Steven C. Konitzer, 43,Owen, was sentenced to three

and a half years in prison andthree years of extended super-vision and fined $518 for pos-session of amphetamine withintent to deliver. He was alsosentenced to two years in prisonand three years of extended su-pervision and fined $518 for pos-session of a firearm by a felon,and was sentenced to one yearin prison and one year of ex-tended supervision and fined$518 for possession of narcoticdrugs. Charges of maintaininga drug trafficking place, posses-sion of marijuana with intentto deliver, possession of a con-trolled substance, possessionof drug paraphernalia and pos-

session of methamphetamineprecursors were dismissed butread-in to the court record.

Alfredo Ortiz Santiago, 31,Abbotsford, was sentenced to 10

days in jail and fined $642 for op-erating a vehicle without a validlicense/third or greater offensewithin three years.Phillip J. Schmidt, 32, Owen,

was sentenced to five days injail and fined $652 for operatinga vehicle while revoked for analcohol-related violation. Ricardo Pena Cruz, 18,

Dorchester, was fined $767.50for failure to stop at an accidentscene, $200.50 for operating avehicle without insurance, and$263.50 for hit-and-run of prop-erty adjacent to a highway. Hewas also fined $263.50 and his li-cense was suspended for 30 daysfor underage drinking.

Shalone L. Burns, 29, Ath-ens, was sentenced to 18 monthsof probation and fined $543 for

each of two counts of battery/domestic abuse and a single

count of disorderly conduct/domestic abuse. A charge ofstrangulation and suffocation/domestic abuse was dismissedbut read-in to the court record.Lee R. Ratcliff, 49, Abbots-

ford, was placed on probationfor one year and fined $543 fordisorderly conduct/domesticabuse. A second count of disor-derly conduct/domestic abusewas dismissed but read-in to thecourt record.Heather L. Adams, 33, Stet-

sonville, was fined $272.50 forshoplifting. Colton D. Booth, 18, Owen,

was fined $263.50 for furnishingalcoholic beverages to minors.

Trevor D. Ackman, 20, Spen-cer, was fined $175.30 for speed-ing.

DORCHESTER

POLICELOGJan. 18 - Criminal history

check on Washington Avenue.Jan. 20 - Criminal history

check on Park Road. Jan. 21 - Restraining or-

der/domestic abuse on NorthThird Street. Jan. 21 - Restraining or-

der/domestic abuse on CircleDrive. Jan. 22 - Traffic stop on

Vircks Drive.Jan. 24 - Information only

on North Third Street.


6/16


4-177858

Freephoneis providedby AccessWireless.AccessWirelessisaservice providerforthe government-fundedLifelineAssistanceprogram.Lifelineassistanceis provided by i-wirelessLLC,d/b/a AccessWireless,an eligibletelecommunicationscarrier.Lifelineserviceisnon-transferable.Lifeline benetsarelimited to oneperhousehold.Ahouseholdisdened, forthepurposesof theLifelineprogram,as anyindividualorgroupof individuals,wholivetogetheratthe sameaddressand shareincomeand expenses.Violation of theone-per-householdruleconstitutesviolation of FCC rules and will result in the customers de-enrollment from Lifeline. Only eligible customers mayenroll in the program. Consumers who willfully make false statements in order to obtain a Lifeline benet can bepunished by ne, imprisonment,or can be barred from the program. Customers must present proper documentationproving eligibility for the Lifeline program. Your information will be validated against public records and anydiscrepanciescouldresultin delaysordenial of service.

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Longtime community patronchosen for chamber award

By Christian Parker

The AbbyColby Crossings Chamberof Commerce selected Vivian Krameras this years recipient for its LifetimeAcheivement Award.

The award will be given to Kramerat the chamber banquet this Saturday,Jan. 30. This years choice was obvious,according to chamber president ReedWelsh, who said Kramer was nominatedby several people in the community.

It was a pretty easy decision when thecommittee met to decide on this, Welshsaid.

Kramers contributions are numerous,Welsh said, with her financial assistancemaking building projects at Abbotsford

schools and Red Arrow Park a reality.But thats just the tip of the iceberg inKramers dedication to eduction and bet-tering the community.

Starting in 1994, Kramer assisted foralmost 20 years with the Page Forwardprogram, assisting a growing Hispanicpopulation learn English reading andwriting skills. This, Welsh said, was abig help for students learning English inschool, whose parents needed help learn-ing a second language themselves. Shestill teaches two students.

She just always has been actively in-volved in education and with what kidsare doing, Welsh said.

Kramers children describe her as ahard worker with high energy and a posi-tive attitude with a devotion to God. They

say shes worked hard for and earned allshes gotten.

Daughter Cyndi said, Shes very mod-est and says she just tries to do whatsright. She loves to help people.

Growing up during the Great Depres-sion, Vivian learned at a young age thevalues of hard work, independence anddetermination. She started teaching atage 19 in a one-room school house nearSpencer in 1939 after earning a two-yearteaching degree from Stevens Point.

Vivian married Howard Kramer in1943 and together they had two children,

Dennis and Cyndi. The family was in-volved in farming and business, owningthe Coffee Shop in Abbotsford and laterpurchasing the IGA grocery store fromClayton Afkend in 1960. Vivian taughtuntil they purchased the store, but thenreturned a couple years later teachingkindergarten in Abbotsford. She contin-ued helping at the store, which they even-tually sold to Dennis.

Determined is one thing she is, Cyn-di said. If she says something will getdone, it will get done.

Dennis recalls how his mother was al-ways busy and involved with somethingduring his childhood.

Since Ive been old enough to remem-ber, shes always been doing three or fourthings at once, he said. Almost every-thing shes been involved in shes beenthe head of shes a natural leader.

Vivian returned to Stevens Point in1970, taking weekend classes to earn hermasters degree in teaching.

Not a lot of teachers got masters de-grees at that time, especially women.Dennis said.

Cyndi remembers from her youth themany community activities her momwas constantly involved in.

I remember she was busy teaching,working for her masters, volunteering atchurch, helping Howard at the store andtrying to run a house on top of it all, shesaid.

Her workspace was always at thekitchen table. She would always haveschool papers or other projects she wasworking on spread out all over the table.She still does that to this day. The kitchentable is her spot and where she can befound.

In 1963, Vivian started the Unity kin-dergarten program, which she ran forseven years. She founded The Learning

Tree preschool in the basement of theColby Methodist church in 1976, whichshe ran until 1983 and was joined by Cyn-di for the last two years she owned it.

She started the nursery school in anage when any schooling prior to kinder-garten was just unheard of, Cyndi said.Its always been about her children.

At three weeks shy of 96 years old, Viv-ian has never given up helping in thecommunity. According to Dennis, she of-fered to help a dyslexic gentleman in herassisted living home.

Shed never worked with dyslexicpeople in her life, Dennis said. But shewas excited as can be about it. She readup on the subject and helped him the bestshe could.

At the assisted living home, she also

helped an employees child who wasstruggling in school.

Education and her church are partof who she is, Dennis said, The sayingyou blossom where youre planted re-ally applies to mom - shes my role modeland my mentor.

I think the world of her, Cyndi said.Shes my best friend and just loves tohelp people, especially children.

In Vivians memoirs, which she wroteat age 95, she says, God continues to helpme with wonderful family, good healthand the ability to help others.

Vivian Kramer

Abby K-12 setssuperintendent

hiring timelineBy Christian Parker

The schedule for hiring Abbots-ford School Districts top administra-tor was set Monday during a specialschool board meeting. The board islooking to fill a position vacated byReed Welsh, who is retiring at the endof the current school year.

The school board conducted focusgroups Monday to determine priori-ties. Teaching, support and admin-istrative staff were asked what theywould like to include as qualificationsfor superintendent candidates. Com-munity input will also be factored into

the hiring process and residents areencouraged to participant in a surveylink at the districts website: http://www.abbotsford.k12.wi.us.

Guy Leavitt of Wisconsin Associa-tion of School Boards (WASB) SearchServices met with board membersduring to discuss questions and inter-view topics for superintendent candi-dates, based on feedback from the fo-cus groups.

WASB has been contracted by theschool board to handle the recruit-ment process and issued a schedule ofhiring activities Tuesday afternoon.

A vacancy announcement for theposition was posted Jan. 8. Accord-ing to board president Don Meden-waldt, there are about five superin-tendent positions currently open inWisconsin. He estimated Abbotsfordwill likely receive around six appli-cants, which will be narrowed downto three finalists. WASB will providethe names of applicants to the schoolboard after the deadline for applica-tion, which is Feb. 26.

Medenwaldt said the names of thefinal three applicants will be releasedto the public sometime in mid Marchand the final selection is scheduled forApril 1.


7/16


PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES

4-177861

WisconsinPublicNotices.org is a public service

made possible by the members of

the Wisconsin Newspaper Association.

Search public notices published by the

The Wisconsin State Journal

as well as public notices from

all Wisconsin communities online at

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATIONClark Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider

and employer.If you wish to file a civil rights program complaint of dis-

crimination, complete the USDA Program DiscriminationComplaint Form (PDF), found online at www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call(866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a lettercontaining all of the information requested in the form. Sendyour completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S.Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication,1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at [email protected].

4-177871 WNAXLP

CROPLAND FOR RENTThe Clark County Land Conservation Committee has193+/- acres of cropland available for rent for the contractyears 2016-2020. The land is located around SportsmanLake, near Owen.

Sealed bids will be accepted until Thursday, Feb. 4,2016. Bids will be opened at the February meeting of theLand Conservation Committee in Neillsville. Contact theLand Conservation Department at (715) 743-5102 for moreinformation and a bidding packet.

3-177506 WNAXLP

SEALED BIDSCROPLAND FOR RENT

The Clark County Rehabilitation and Living Center has 128acres of cropland available for rent for the contract years of 2016through 2018. The land is located south of Hwy. 29 across fromthe facility. Sealed bids will be accepted until Friday, February5, 2016, at the Clark County Rehabilitation and Living Center.Bids will be opened at the CCRLC subcommittee meeting onFebruary 12, 2016, at 11:30 a.m. in the classroom of the cen-ter. For more information and/or bidding packet contact JaneSchmitz, administrator, at 715-229-2172.

3-177688WNAXLP

CLARK COUNTY FORESTRY AND PARKS

INVITATION FOR PROPOSALSThe Clark County Forestry and Parks Committee will

accept proposals for Pre-Commercial Timber StandImprovement (release/thin young oak with a chainsaw/brush cut-ter) on eight tracts totaling 159.4 acres. Tract maps with cuttingrequirements are available from the Forestry and Parks office,517 Court Street, Room 103, Neillsville, WI 54456, 715-743-5140.

Proposals are due at the Forestry and Parks office, Attention:

John Wendorski, forestry manager, no later than 1:00 p.m. (lo-cal time) Monday, February 15, 2016. The Forestry and ParksCommittee reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, towaive informalities, and to accept any proposal deemed in thebest interest of Clark County.

3-177689 WNAXLP

STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT MARATHON COUNTY

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RICHARD L. HASENOHRLDate of Death: August 19, 2015Notice to Creditors (Informal Administration) - Case No. 15IN114PLEASE TAKE NOTICE:1. An application for informal administration was filed.2. The decedent, with date of birth May 19, 1930, and date of death

August 19, 2015, was domiciled in Clark County, State of Wisconsin,with a mailing address of Pine Ridge Assisted Living Center, 1110 N.Division Street, Colby, WI 54421.

3. All interested persons waived notice.4. The deadline for filing a claim against the decedents estate is

April 13, 2016.5. A claim may be filed at the Marathon County Courthouse,

Wausau, Wisconsin, Room Probate./s/ Robbyn R. Richmond,Probate RegistrarDate: December 30, 2015

Attorney Paul A. Nikolay111 N. First Street

Abbotsford, WI 54405715-223-4151Bar Number 1015223

2-177505 WNAXLP

Submit yourto Tribune-Phonograph [email protected]

Legal Notices

Tribune-PhonographAbbotsford, WI 715.223.2342

the news on an important date, Jan. 7.

It just happened to be on the samedate as our 45th anniversary in busi-ness, he said. We had just talked aboutthat, Mom and I, about 10 minutes beforethey got here.

It was back in 1971 when Als father,Ray Gurtner, first opened his own meatmarket on STH 13 in the village of Unity.At that time, Rays Market carried a lim-ited supply of basic grocery items alongwith its homemade sausages made withthe recipes from Rays father, Adolph, animmigrant from Switzerland.

Thirty-eight years later, on March3, 2009, the markets longtime home inUnity was gutted by an early morningfire that also destroyed a lot of sausageand forced Als mother, Janet, out of herhome above the shop.

That was not the end of Rays Market,however. Al and his wife, Connie, decidedto rebuild at a new location and ended upbuying land on Elderberry Road in thetown of Hull, in between the cities ofColby and Abbotsford.

The Gurtner family was back in busi-ness just in time to start processingvenison from the 2009 deer season. In thesix-plus years at the new location, theexpanded space has allowed them to dra-matically increase their production andexpand their customer base.

Its really nice. We have a lot moreroom here to do things and much morevisibility, Al said. We get whole newclientele off of STH 29 that never knewabout us before. Thats been a big plus.

Besides their own lines of sausages,

brats and other smoked meats, RaysMarket also sells a wide variety of re-gional products, including wine fromMunson Bridge Winery in Owen andGouda cheese from Hollands in Thorp.The shelves are stocked with everythingfrom jam and jelly to pickled vegetables.

Pretty much everything we have isfrom Wisconsin, Al said. Thats whatwe try to specialize in.

The stores products have won numer-ous awards from the Wisconsin Associa-tion of Meat Processors at the WisconsinState Fair. In 2012, their smoked ham

won the grand champion and best of

show awards at the fair. In 2014, the hamcame in second place, missing first by

just 2/1,000ths of a point.In a recent history of the business pro-

vided to a local bank, Janet said their useof real wood to do cold smoking was areason their products are so popular.

I believe we are one of the few placesleft in Wisconsin that still smoke prod-ucts with actual chunks of hard maplewood, she wrote. We have many fami-lies as customers bringing in venison forsausage-making by the third generationof family members.

The business continues many of thetraditions that crossed the AtlanticOcean with Als grandfather, a Swissbutcher who was part of a family that,at one time, operated two meat markets

and three cheese factories in the Rubiconarea. In 1941, at the age of 14, Ray got hischeesemakers license so he could helpout at the family business while his olderbrother was off serving in World War II.

But even then he knew his interestswere geared more to the meat and sau-sage business, Janet wrote in her his-tory of the business.

After working for several grocery storechains, Ray took the opportunity to gointo business on his own when the oldGibs Market in Unity came up for salein 1971. Al began working at the fam-ily business in 1996, and after his fathermostly retired due to health problems, hetook over the sausage-making duties.

Ray passed away in 2007, but Janet con-tinues to work at the market to this day.

The market currently has three full-time employees, Bob Majerus, John Sell-ers and Taylor Buksa. Al said they de-serve a lot of the credit for keeping hisbusiness successful, especially when itcomes to customer service.

Our mission is to be a welcoming,friendly retail establishment, producingconsistently high quality products theold-fashioned way, at a fair price for ourcustomers, Janet wrote. We welcomenew customers and are always happy tosee people return again and again.

Rays MarketContinued from page 1

45 YEARS STRONG

- Above, Ray Gurtner,poses for a photo withhis son, Al, who grewup to be the owner ofthe business his fatherstarted, Rays Market.The shop first openedin 1971 in the village ofUnity, but after a fire in2009 gutted the inside,the family operationmoved to its new loca-tion just south of STH 29between Colby and Ab-botsford.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS


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now, he said. Its just redirecting it toa different person.

When asked about the possibility ofdownsizing the payrolls of emergencyresponders, Rannow said that shouldntbe necessary.

I believe we need every firefighter andEMT we have in all three communities,Rannow said. We definitely need every-body we have.

A full-time chiefAt a 90-minute meeting in Dorchester

last Wednesday, the role of a new full-time fire chief was one of several topicsthat generated a lot of conversation.

According to a proposed intergovern-mental agreement for the district, thechief will be responsible for the super-

vision, scheduling, education, organiza-tion and administration of firefightingpersonnel, while also being able to per-form EMT and ambulance shift work.

This new fire chief has got to be avail-able during the week, when were short-staffed, to be able to go out on these am-bulance runs, Oehmichen said.

The chiefs home office will be in thecentrally located Abbotsford fire hall,with the district paying the city an an-nual fee of $5,000 as rent.

Another provision in the agreementcalls for all of the currents chiefs andother officers to keep their positions forone year after the merger to ensure asmooth transition for the new chief.After that, the chief will have the author-ity, subject to approval by a fire board orcommission, to designate the assistant

chiefs and officers at each hall.Rannow disagreed with waiting a year

to have the chief choose new assistantsand other officers. Instead, he believesthe existing personnel should re-applyfor their positions based on newly writ-ten job descriptions.

Dont get me wrong. I think everyonethats on all three departments right nowdefinitely should be guaranteed a posi-tion on the department, he added.

Abbotsford resident Brenda Wiese reit-erated a concern that has been broughtup before that the new chief be a neu-tral party from outside the area.

At the very latest, Oehmichen said hewould like to have a new chief in placeby Oct. 1 so that he or she could help puttogether a district budget for 2017.

When asked about the hiring process,Oechmichen said I dont have anythingin place yet.

Budget based on property valueAs previously discussed, each of the

seven municipalities will pay a part ofthe districts budget that is proportionalto the equalized property value withinits borders, including TIF districts.

An annual budget will be submittedto each of the municipalities by the firstMonday of September, with approvalexpected by Dec. 15. The money will beused for operational costs and for a re-serve fund for replacement of equipmentand vehicles

If, in an unforeseen instance, revenueshould prove to be inadequate, each ofthe participating municipalities will pay

a proportionate share of any deficit, theagreement states.

All charges for fire calls will be billedto the respective municipality, which candecide whether or not to bill their resi-dents, just as some do now.

To provide start-up funds for the newdistrict, each of the three existing firedepartments will be asked to contributean equal amount, which still needs to bedetermined. All of their equipment willalso become part of the districts assets.

According to the agreement, the dis-trict will pay $2,500 a year into a memo-rial fund for sick or fallen firefighters.

The district will in no way stop orinfringe on the volunteers from raisingfunds in their own behalf, which shallnot reduce the costs of the district.

Weighted votingThe idea of giving more voting power

on financial matters to the municipali-ties with the largest share of the budgethas created mixed reactions.

As a compromise, Oehmichen includ-ed a provision in the agreement that re-quires a two-thirds vote for approvingbudget and larger purchases.

In order to pass a budget or any pur-

chase over $50,000, each member of theboard will vote at the same percentage astheir equalized fire cost; however, both

require 66 percent majority to pass.According to current property values,

the cities of Abbotsford and Colby andthe village of Dorchester would equal 59percent of the district and the four townsmake up the remaining 41 percent. As aresult, neither the townships nor the twocities and village could approve a budgetor large purchases by themselves.

This is going to require somethingcalled cooperation, which is exactly whatwe should all be doing anyway, Oehmi-chen said.

At the start of the meeting, a letterwas read from town of Holton chairmanRichard Gumz, who expressed his oppo-sition to weighted voting.

Making some board members moreimportant because they have a heaviervote is not in the best interest of thelongterm health and success of the newmerger, Gumz wrote. One-man, onevote is how democracy works.

Gumz said he preferred a two-thirds orunanimous vote requirement.

Holton resident Ken Tesch said weight-ed voting isnt fair if each department isthrowing in the same amount of startupmoney, and it also undermines the ideaof working together as one district.

If you dont have trust, you shouldntbe involved in this system, Tesch said.

DistrictContinued from page 1

HEAD OF THE TABLE -Larry Oechmichen, chairman of the seven-membercommittee exploring a possible merger of area fire departments, believes aconsolidation district will help save on operational costs and provide moneyfor a full-time chief. STAFF PHOTO/KEVIN OBRIEN

See DISTRICT/ Page 9


9/16


Tues., February 9, 2016Wed., February 17, 2016

5:00 - 7:00 p.m.at the Medford Public Library

Or register online at www.medfordyouthsoccer.com

Boys & Girls Ages 5 to 14 (or entering 8th grade) can register for MYSA Summer LeagueBoys & Girls that are 4 can register for the Mini-Kicks Program

(Age as of June 1, 2016)Coaches and Volunteers Needed! Please sign-up at Registration

ues. Februar 9 2016

SOCCER

REGISTRATION

SOCCER

REGISTRATION

MYSA, P.O. Box 293, Medford, WI 54451 Like us on Facebook

Practice will begin the week of May 23, 2016 for ages 5-14 and the week of June 6, 2016 for mini-kicks. Tentative Practice Days:Ages 5-8, Tuesday and Thursday; Ages 9-14, Monday and Thursday. Adjustments could be made based on the number of

participants and available field space. A schedule will be provided after registration and team rosters are complete. Please knowthat we need to ensure the safety for your children by balancing the teams by age, gender, height and weight; therefore we willnot be able to accommodate all special requests.

Registration Fees: $35.00 per child ($20 for Mini-Kicks), includes team jersey(t-shirt for mini-kicks). Fees to be paid at time of registration. A $50 fee will be assessed to allregistrations received after March 20, 2016. Parental signature required. All divisions are co-ed.Tennis shoes or soccer cleats are acceptable, NO metal, football or baseball cleats. Shin guards arerequired for both programs. Registration forms are available at the Medford Public Library or online atwww.medfordyouthsoccer.com. If you are unable to attend the above registration dates you canregister online at www.medfordyouthsoccer.com .

4-157538

CLARKCOUNTYHUMANESOCIETYPETOFTHEWEEK

MarcoThis little guy is a cutie. Sometimes people overlook the black

cats and kittens and thats a shame. Marco is a perfect exampleof a friendly, loving and playful kitty. Hes 10 months old, neu-tered of course, vaccinated and microchipped. He is only oneof many cats and kittens, puppies and dogs, just waiting for theright person to come along and adopt them. If you have roomin your heart and home for them or any of the other pets here,please go to the website to see their pictures and descriptions.Now is a great time to look for a new pet. There are 36 cats orkittens and 58 dogs or puppies here. Surely theres one just right

for you. Check them all out at www.cchs-petshelter.org/id8.html.If you love animals and have some time, now is a great

time to come on down and get involved at CCHS. You canfill out a volunteer application form online by going toour website (www.cchs-petshelter.org) and clicking Vol-unteer at CCHS from the menu, or stop at the shelter or at our Paws and Claws store inthe Marshfield Mall. Come to an orientation and join our Pet Lovin People group, get atour of the shelter and well tell you about all of the many ways to volunteer. Well find

just the right spot for you to get started helping animals. Youll love it!Get your pets microchipped at our store in the mall, open Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.w

Clark County Humane Society - W3926 St. Hwy. 73, P.O. Box 127, Neillsville, WI 54456(715) 743-4550 12-3 p.m. Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat [email protected]

www.cchs-petshelter.org or www.facebook.com/petshelter

Abbotsford resident Dean Wiese ques-

tioned how much the citys share of thebudget will go up once Abbyland Foodsexpands later this year.

Oehmichen said that wont force Ab-botsford residents to pay more.

Even if your percentage would behigher, its only to come because your to-tal tax base is higher, he said. Nobodysindividual taxes are going to go up be-cause of that.

Fire halls to be rentedThe proposed agreement makes it

clear that all three existing fire halls willremain open and operational, and thatcustody, use and control, but not owner-ship shall be transferred to the district.

The insurance and utilities for thebuildings will be paid for by the district,

and after two years, the municipalitiesthat own the halls will be paid $1,000 ayear in rent. After 10 years, the districtwill assume all maintenance costs.

The cities of Abbotsford and Colbyown their respective fire halls, while thehall in Dorchester is jointly owned bythe village (50 percent) and the towns ofMayville and Holton (25 percent each).

Abbotsford still owes about $2 millionon its facility, but the district will notbe expected to pay the annual debt pay-ments of roughly $110,000.

Bryan Broeske, a trustee in the townof Mayville, said his board would liketo have the rent stay at the $6 per squarefoot as proposed in the original versionof agreement.

We have an investment in this facili-

ty, he said. Its a way of getting a returnon that investment.

Oehmichen, however, said he did notwant to burden the new district with ad-ditional expenses, especially when the

municipalities themselves will be foot-

ing the bill.How are you getting a return on yourinvestment now? Youre not, he said.

Broeske, however, said some munici-palities dont have money invested into afacility like Mayville does.

John Staab, a member of Dorchestersfire commission, said the larger hallsin Abbotsford and Colby would meanDorchester and its neighboring townswould get the short end of the deal.

Ambulance revenueAs the director of Colbys ambulance

service, Rannow said he believes there isenough revenue available to provide am-bulance service from Monday throughFriday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

I can easily pay a full-time EMT and

put enough money aside for replacementambulances, he said at the meeting lastweek in Dorchester. Abby should beable to do the same.

Exactly how much ambulance revenueis available after expenses are coveredwas not shared at last weeks meeting.When asked about it earlier this week,Rannow said Colby EMS took in about$140,000 in gross revenue last year, buthe wasnt willing to guess how much wasleft after expenses.

Both Abbotsford and Colby EMS covertheir own operating expenses, aside frominsurance, with revenue generated bymaking ambulance calls.

Abbotsford Ald. Marty Schwantes sug-gested that some of that money could beused to offset the expenses of the new fire

district.Rannow, however, said those funds

should be kept separate.I dont think you should be taking the

ambulance revenue and subsidizing the

fire budget, he said.Still, Rannow said it would be appro-

priate to pay part of the chiefs salarywith ambulance money, since he or shewould be handling those services.

Ideally, what Id like to say is thereshould be enough money to pay halfthe chiefs wage, he said. Right now, Ispend half my time running the fire de-partment and the other half is runningEMS.

Next meeting is Feb. 20Changes are still being made to the

intergovernmental agreement, which isset to be reviewed by Madison attorneyTim Fenner before the next consolida-tion meeting on Feb. 20 at 10 a.m. in Ab-botsford.

At the end of last weeks meeting, forexample, the board agreed to eliminate

the need for a separate fire commissionto handle personnel and disciplinaryissues. Instead, a committee composedof fire board members and members ofthe public will be convened as needed.

The agreement also mentions a re-tirement plan for fire and ambulance

personnel, but it doesnt spell out theeligibility requirements. Right now,

Colby contributes $200 a year to a re-tirement plan for firefighters and EMTsthat is matched by the state.

The Colby Fire Departments 2016budget includes a $12,000 line item forthat expense, but it is unknown howmuch it would cost to extend it to Ab-botsford and Dorchester personnel.

Wiese, a candidate for AbbotsfordCity Council, said many of the peoplewho signed his nomination papers areconcerned about the proposed mergerand dont feel like they have enough in-formation about it.

They read the paper and feel likewere being pushed into this, he said.

Oehmichen said citizens are alwayswelcome to attend the consolidationmeetings to find out more.

Mayville resident Jim Brodhagensaid people want to know whats goingon with their tax dollars.

Its the money part that most peoplewant to hear, how much money theyregoing to save, he said. Thats a big-gie.

DistrictContinued from page 8

FIREPROTECTIONCOSTSMunicipality 2016 Costs % of district** $375,000 district budget***

Abbotsford $102,000* 25% $93,750

Colby (city) $67,400 18 % $67,500

Dorchester $49,800 11 % $41,250

Holton $35,000 12 % $45,000

Mayville $36,000 12 % $45,000

Hull $39,000 12 % $45,000

Colby (town) $34,000 9 % $33,750

* Abbotsfords 2016 fire protection cost is based on the citys contribution to theAbbotsford Fire Department in 2016 (about $61,000) and the five-year average ofinsurance and utilities expenses at the fire hall (about $41,000).** Each municipalitys share of the fire district budget is based on its 2015 totalequalized property, divided by the total valuation of all seven municipalities*** The $375,000 budget estimate for the proposed fire district is based on projec-tions provided by fire consolidation chairman Larry Oehmichen

Department 2016 Budget 2016 Wages Fireghter pay EMT pay

Abbotsford $140,000* $42,478 $15 per hour $18 to $25/hr**

Colby $146,550 $38,000 $20 per hour $18 per hour

Dorchester $112,800 $46,362 $15 per hour $18 to $25/hr**

FIREDEPARTMENTBUDGETS

* The Abbotsford Fire Departments 2016 budget number is based on its projectedoperating expenses (about $101,000) and the five-year average of insurance andutilities expenses at the fire hall (about $41,000).** The hourly rate for Abbotsford (and Dorchester) EMTs is $18 on nights andweekends and $25 for weekdays, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.


10/16


PeopleCOMMUNITYCALENDARHAPPY HOOPS STARTS JAN. 30

The Colby High School girls and boysbasketball programs will offer Happy Hoopsbasketball for boys and girls in grades K-4.Coaches and varsity/JV players will beteaching basketball fundamentals and ballhandling skills. Practices are held on threeSaturdays mornings Jan. 30 and Feb.6 and 13 from 9 to 10 a.m. in the gym.There is no fee or registration, but tennisshoes are required. There will be a halftimeperformance at the Feb. 19 boys game.Questions may directed to Patti Rau at 715-465-0213 or email [email protected].

ST. MARYS PCCW TO MEETThe St. Marys PCCW will meet on Mon-

day, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m. in the parish center. Allwomen who are members of the parish areencouraged to attend.

LADIES GROUP COMING TO COLBYThe Professional Ladies of Clark County

will meet Saturday, Feb. 6, at Robs Red-wood in Unity for dinner at 6 p.m. Fromthere, the group will be go to Colby HighSchool for a play, Cooking with Gus, at 8p.m. Admission to the play can be paid forwith a donation for food pantry. Interestedladies are asked to RSVP before Feb. 2 bycalling 715-255-9100 to or sending an emailto [email protected].

COLBY LIBRARY BOARD TO MEETThe Colby Public Library Board of Trustees

will meet at 5:15 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1, in thelibrary. The meeting is open to the public.

FINANCIAL AID INFO NIGHTA financial aid informational night will be

held Monday, Feb. 8, at 6 p.m. for parentsand guardians of Colby and AbbotsfordHigh School seniors who plan on attendinga post-secondary school. The presentationwill be held at the Colby High School cafete-ria. Guest speaker will be Jessica Zarnke ofthe UW-Extension office. Colby High Schoolcounselor Jennifer Krauss and AbbotsfordHigh School counselor Lori Huther will alsobe available.

ICE FISHING DAY FEB. 21The 2016 Annual 4-H Ice Fishing Day

has been scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 21, atRock Dam starting at noon. Youth shouldmeet at the clubhouse. There is a small costper youth that includes lunch and a t-shirt.This event is open to 4-H and non 4-H youth.To register or ask questions, contact RoyTyznik at 715-773-0311. Registrations are

due by Feb. 13.

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCHZion Lutheran Church, 301 N. Second St.,

Colby, holds Saturday services at 4 p.m. andSunday services at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.with Rev. Mark Neumann. For more informa-tion, call 715-223-2166.

UNITED METHODIST CHURCHUnited Methodist Church, 207 W. Clark

St., Colby, hosts Wednesday services at 7p.m. with Pastor Janine Johnson. For moreinformation, call 715-678-2980.

FIRST UNITED CHURCH OF CHRISTFirst United Church of Christ, 111 S. Sec-

ond St., Colby, holds Sunday services at 9a.m. with Pastor Teri Hanson. For more infor-mation, call 715-223-2712.

PEACE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRISTPeace United Church of Christ, 152 S.

Second St., Dorchester holds Sunday ser-vices at 10:15 a.m. with Pastor Doris Ruben.For more information, call 715-654-5333.

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCHTrinity Lutheran Church, 201 S. Washing-

ton St., Unity, holds Sunday services at 10a.m. with Pastor Al Houts. For more informa-tion, call 715-223-2155.

Colbys all-conference band membersEleven members of Colby High Schools band were selected by director Na-than Larsen to be part of Cloverbelt Conferences all-conference band. Fromleft to right are Alyssa Schade, Franki Raatz, Marisa Schilling, Bailey Krause,Rachel Kaatz, Sammi Hayes, Jackie Baltierrez, Madi Bach, Olivia Frome, LynnFischer and Kayli Donahue. They spent the day at Altoona rehearsing with otherband students from the Cloverbelt Conference. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Sowieja-Kayhart birthA son, Johnathon David, was born to

Jamie Sowieja, Longwood, and Chad-wick Kayhart, Colby, on Dec. 10, 2015, atWausau Aspirus Hospital. He weighedeight pounds and was 20 inches long.

He joins four brothers, Sabastin, 12,Cuba, 9, Gavin, 8, and Ashton, 3.

Grandparents are James and CindySowieja, Longwood, and Terry and BettyKayhart, Colby.

Meyer birthA daughter, Emma Catherine, wasborn to Kelly (Reinhart) and JustinMeyer, Dorchester, on Dec. 20, 2015, atSt. Josephs Hospital in Marshfield. Sheweighed seven pounds, 12 ounces andwas 20.5 inches long.

She joins a sister, Everly, 2.Grandparents are Tom and Cathy Re-

inhart, Colby, and Doug and Cathy Mey-er, Dorchester.

Great-grandparents are Norman Sear-er, Sr., Colby; Galen and Esther Reinhart,Tomahawk; Jim and Sharon Geiger,Medford; and Roy and Marilyn Meyer,Dorchester.

BIRTHS

Irene Mae (Schultz) Flink, age 89, ofColby died on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016, un-der Palliative Care at St. Josephs Hospi-tal in Marshfield.

She was born March 12, 1926, thedaughter of William and Esther (Gout-cher) Schultz in Unity. She attended Uni-ty schools and was a Unity High Schoolclass of 1943 graduate. After graduation,she attended technical college in Min-neapolis, and began her work during

World War II at the Marine headquar-ters in Washington D.C. Irene was unit-ed in marriage to Conrad Flink on Sept.14, 1946, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Unity.

Irene and Conrad spent most of their married livesas dairy farmers in the Unity and Colby area, andparenting a large family. After retiring from farm-ing they relocated to Colby. Irene was always an ac-tive member in her church, first Trinity LutheranChurch in Unity and then at First United Churchof Christ in Colby, and served in many capacitiesincluding the Womens Guild and on various com-mittees. Irene also became a volunteer and later afoster grandparent at Colby Elementary to the firstgrade. A generation of children grew up getting ex-tra help and knowing the kindness and warmth ofGrandma Flink and her smile. Irene was always avoracious reader and enjoyed her time at the ColbyPublic Library as a board member and weekly vol-unteer. Irene was also a member of the Colby VFW

Ladies Auxiliary.She enjoyed the outdoors and frequently wouldcomment about the beauty of the trees and the wild-life around her. She enjoyed having a vegetable gar-den while on the farm and flowering baskets in lateryears. Irene loved the art of letter writing and was apen pal to many in the family. Irene will be remem-bered for her sweet and constant smile since shealways believed that when you smile in a friendlyway, you get one back almost every time. She lovedher large family and would love to have company andget caught up on all of their activities. She will bedearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Irene FlinkIrene is survived by eight children,

Robert (Lottie) Flink of Abbotsford,Jerry (Louanne) Flink of Colby, Richard(Elaine) Flink of Hortonville, Ronald (Vir-ginia) Flink of Marshfield, Jack Flink ofDorchester, Karen (Dave) Hoernke of Med-ford, Kristine (Denis) Woik of Colby, andKevin (Kristine OLeary) Flink of Abbots-ford. She is also survived by her grand-children, Robbie (Jane) and Danny Flink,Stacie (Bob) Smart, Laura Turek, Tricia

(Mark) Schmidt, Scott (Michelle) Flink,Bill (Tina) Flink, Tonie (Stacie) Flink,Keith, Kenny and Seth Flink, Amanda

(Jim) Henry, Amy Flink, Matthew (Kayla) Flink,Michael (Hope) Flink, Beth (Eric) Borst, Sarah(Kevin) Schultz, Jimmy Flink, Darrin Hoernke,Derrick (Jen) Hoernke, Damien (Nicole) Hoernke,Elise and Hanah Woik, and John, Lucinda, Ali,Conrad, Warren and Hazel Flink. She is furthersurvived by forty-two great-grandchildren; andone great-great-grandchild. Irene is also survivedby two sisters-in-law, Delores Schultz of Colby andMelinda Wootos of Chicago.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her be-loved husband, Conrad Connie; her son, Jim; andher daughter, Irene; two brothers, Orville and Bud;and a sister, June; one grandson; and one great-granddaughter.

Memorials may be designated to two of her fa-vorite things children and her church. The family

has designated Blessings in a Backpack at ColbyElementary and First United Church of Christbuilding fund if you are interested in giving a me-morial in Irenes name.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Satur-day, Jan. 30, 2016, at First United Church of Christin Colby. Pastor Teri Hanson will preside. A visita-tion will be held at the Maurina-Schilling FuneralHome in Abbotsford on Friday, Jan. 29, from 4-8p.m. and again at the church beginning at 10 a.m.until the time of the service on Saturday.

Family and friends may express condolences on-line at www.maurinaschilling.com. Paid obituary 4-177944

OBITUARY


11/16


Norman C. Meinke, age81, of Stetsonville passedaway on Sunday, Jan. 24,2016, at Aspirus Care and

Rehabilitation in Medford.Norman was born on Jan.

28, 1934, the son of Carl andEsther (Werth) Meinke. Hegraduated from Colby HighSchool. Norman farmed onthe home farm in the townof Hull, Marathon County.

He was a lifetime memberof Zion Lutheran Church in Colby. He enjoyedplaying dartball and bowling. Norman also en-

joyed gardening, including his prize raspberries,blackberries and sweet corn.

Norman is survived by his sister, GertrudeTrudy (John) Alexander of Medford; and hishalf-brother, Frank Hass of LaCrosse. He is fur-ther survived by many nieces and nephews; otherrelatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his

half-sisters, Erna Smith and Ella Rapp; and hishalf-brothers, Roland Hass, Rueben Hass and El-mer Meinke.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. onFriday, Feb. 5, 2016, at Zion Lutheran Church inColby. The Rev. Mark Neumann will preside. Fam-ily and friends are welcome from 10 a.m. untiltime of service on Friday at the church. The Mau-rina-Schilling Funeral Home in Colby is assistingthe family with the arrangements.

Family and friends may express condolencesonline at www.maurinaschilling.com.

Norman Meinke

Paid obituary 4-177897

Marjorie WittMarjorie E. Witt, age 88, of Ab-

botsford passed away on Jan. 25,2016, at the House of the Dove inMarshfield under the tender careof hospice with her loving family ather side.

She was born on Sept. 12, 1927,in Little Black, the daughter of Ed-

ward and Ella (Nelson) Mildbrand.She was united in marriage to Ju-lius Theodore Karl Witt on June 9,1951 in Dorchester. Together theyhad four children that she unself-ishly doted on. Marjorie was a lov-ing and dedicated wife, mother, andhomemaker. Most important to Mar-jorie, was her family and children.

Marjorie received her teachingdegree from the UW-Stevens Point,and taught children for many years.

She taught one year atMidway one-room school,three years at the Cur-tiss School house, and 21years for Athens JuniorHigh. Because of her lovefor teaching, Marjoriereceived an award from

MAREA.Marjorie also lovedwatching and feedingbirds. She was a mem-ber for the ChequamegonBird Club, AbbotsfordBook Club and the RetiredTeachers.

Their home was always open tofamily and friends and her passionwas cooking and baking. You neverleft her home hungry. Marjorie will

be remembered for herchicken dumpling soupthat her family lookedforward to eating. Shealso loved gardeningand canning the fruitsof her labor.

Marjorie is survived

by her four children,David (Ursula) Witt,Donald (Cathy) Witt,Shirley (Scott) Joswiakand Janice (Roger) Mc-Cambridge; two broth-ers, Jim Mildbrand and

John Jack Mildbrand. She also issurvived by her nine grandchildren;and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by herparents; her loving husband,

January 27, 2016 Tribune-Phonograph

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