FREE PRESS MESSENGER AMERY
TUESDAY, OCTOBER33, 9, 2222 2018 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER
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SPORTS: Volleyball team knocks off St. Croix Central P 12A
City needs to trim $71,000
Community COUNTRY gathers for insight Serving Marine-on-St. Croix, Scandia, May Township on youth challenges
BY APRIL ZIEMER EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 33, 2222
BY APRIL ZIEMER EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM
SENTINEL
“When someone says ‘what is wrong with kids these days?’ My reframe of that is ‘what do kids need from us today?’” This idea was shared by Jim Harris, MSW, Ed.S. with a group that gathered to hear his presentation entitled, “Through a Child’s Eyes: Understanding the Effects of Trauma on Children.” Harris provided insight on narrowing the gap between the education and mental health fields. He discussed tough topics that people face daily when working with youth, whether it is in a helping profession or in their own homes. His message was delivered with meaningful information and humor to listeners. Many attendees felt they received information from Harris that was beneficial to them in regards to their job, personal life or both. The presenter was brought to the Amery High School Auditorium through the efforts of the School District of Amery, Polk County Health Department, Amery Kops & Kids, the Mental Health Task Force of Polk County, the Amery Area Community Foundation, and Northwest Wisconsin Healthcare Emergency Readiness Coalition. Members of the community were welcome to join staff from all of the groups sponsoring Harris to attend the program. Throughout the three hours attendees listened as Harris provided a great understanding of children, their behavior,
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BURNETT COUNTY
BOB JOHNSON
One of the top fundraisers, Lisa Ruehlow with her mother Dee, and special 4 legged friend, Brownie.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s scores manyFREEvictories
COUNTY ST gies were high as participants ISANTI-CHISAGO enjoyed beautiful live music The event had over 170 walkBY AMBER HARRIS
ers Saturday, Sept. 22 at Amery Memory Care for the 2018 Walk to End Alzheimer’s, including 20 wonderful residents. It was a windy morning but the sun was shining and ener-
from Jim Ehlers and enjoyed delicious refreshments from Dick’s Fresh Market. Excitement was brewing to win a beautiful, handmade
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SEE ALZHEIMER’S ON PAGE 2A
SEE CITY ON PAGE 2A
Rare visitors make stop in Amery
THE SUN SEE YOUTH ON PAGE 8A
VOL. 131 19 www.moraminn.com $1.00 AsNO. budget season begins for the City of Amery, a $71,000 credit from the State of Wisconsin will have a large impact on the city’s spending. City council member Kris Vickers, a member of the Finance Committee, shared with attendees of the October 3rd council meeting that budgeting season has been met with an unforeseen revenue issue. Vickers explained that there is an expenditure restraint process where paperwork is submitted into the state and money is received back. It was anticipated this year based on paperwork, that the city would be receiving $71,000 back in credit. Unfortunately, it was not approved by the state. This is obviously affecting how the Finance THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 33,money 2222 for 2019. Committee will budget VOL. 131 NO.committee 19 www.moraminn.com $1.00 The will be meeting with departments and having budget sessions. Vickers said, “We have to look at wants, needs, and priorities. We do not want any group taking offense if we are not giving the money that we have in the past, we have to factor that out. We are trying to maintain taxes, as we always try to do without big increases to the city residents and taxpayers. That is going to mean some juggling with our budget both externally and internally.” Also in attendance at the council meeting were Dennis John and Ron Skone, who spoke to the board about pickle ball. John said, “It is the fastest growing sport in the country.” Four years ago the men came to the council and requested that the tennis courts located near
BY RACHEL JUSTICE
Whooping Cranes visited the Amery area last week and two of these very rare birds landed on a farm just NE of town. Whooping Cranes, named for the whooping unison calls they make, are on the Federal Endangered Species List. There were only 436 birds in the wild in the winter of 2014-15. This
number is a large increase from the year they were added to that list in the winter of 1938-39. At that time, there were only 29 in the wild and only a single bird in captivity. This number dropped down to a low of 21 wild birds in the 1940s which was a real challenge to overcome for the species; and for the specialists involved in helping
Serving Polk County’s St. Croix Valley since 1897
to repopulate the species. They have had proven successes and Wisconsin is home to some of those scientists, researchers, and volunteers working for the International Crane Foundation located in Baraboo. This center houses around 100 live cranes and hosts the world’s only complete SEE CRANES ON PAGE 20A
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 33, 2222
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