FREE PRESS MESSENGER AMERY
TUESDAY, OCTOBER33, 28,2222 2025 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER
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STATE BOUND: Macie Boe off to Cross Country State Meet P13
Appeals CourtCOUNTRY rules in favor of The Friends BY RAYMOND T. RIVARD RAY@SENTINELMEDIA.NET
The Wisconsin State Appeals Court District III on Tuesday morning handed down its long-awaited decision on the lawsuit between Polk County and The Friends of the Stower Seven Lakes Trail over the use of that trail, ruling in favor of The Friends. The Appeals Court originally considered two rulings from St. Croix County Circuit Court Judge Edward F. Vlack, the first, Ap-
peal 2024AP1119, and Appeal 2023AP1561. However, the court decided to consolidate the two appeals in their review. In the decision handed down this week, the court dismissed Appeal 2023AP1561 as moot, while affirming Appeal 2024AP1119 in favor of The Friends. In the ruling, the Appeals Court described the consolidation: “These consolidated appeals arise out of a petition for common law certiorari review filed by Friends of Stower Seven Lakes State Trail, Inc., James
Judkins, and Denise Kaye (collectively, “the Friends”) against Polk County and the Polk County Board of Supervisors (collectively, “the County”). The Friends challenged the County’s decision to approve a trail plan for the Stower Seven Lakes State Trail that permitted snowmobiles and equestrian uses.” THURSDAY, 33, 2222 In its conclusion, the Court stated: SEPTEMBER “For 131 NO. 19 inwww.moraminn.com $1.00 the foregoing reasons, weVOL. conclude Appeal No. 2024AP1119 that the Friends are
Serving Marine-on-St. Croix, Scandia, May Township
SEE TRAIL, PAGE 2
SENTINEL
Achievement award motivates Mackey
BURNETT COUNTY
BY TOM STANGL TSTANGL@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 33, 2222
VOL. 131 NO. 19 memories www.moraminn.com The of last $1.00 March’s sectional heartbreak still linger for Amery boys basketball coach Tom Mackey. After receiving the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association Achievement Award this summer, the veteran coach says the honor reminded him of how far he and his teams have come. Still, his focus is firmly on what’s next. Amery secured the regional title, the first of Mackey’s 50-year coaching career, but then lost to Elk Mound in the sectional final March 15. Mackey believed his team had beaten the best in the bracket and was headed to Madison before a last-second shot ended their run. “I’m still mad at myself that I let them run the clock down,” Mackey said. “If I get another shot at that situation, it’ll be a different outcome.” Mackey was stunned when he received a notice from the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association informing him he had been chosen for its Achievement Award. He was so shocked that he didn’t tell anyone— not his players, not his family, not even his wife. “I didn’t feel like I’d achieved everything,” he said. “You don’t realize how much other
COUNTY ST R
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ISANTI-CHISAGO Amery’s technical programs continue to pay off for students and schools
JUSTIN RUNBERG | AMERY FREE PRESS
The store is currently under construction by students and will eventually sell products made by students. BY JUSTIN RUNBERG EDITOR@THEAMERYFREEPRESS.COM
What began as an experiment in hands-on learning is now a cornerstone of Amery’s education model, with students earning college credits, professional certifications, and even helping generate more than $600,000 in funding and project revenue since 2014 The Amery School District highlighted their efforts in the career and technical education field and
the various paths it might take. After decades of preparation and work to create these opportunities, the programs are beginning to take shape. Four teachers spoke about the impact their ideas and classes had on students and the real-life skills they gained. They were Ramona Lockwood, Josh Ganje, Derrick Meyer, and Emily Larson. Some shared examples of how students used their experience to enter specific fields or start their own businesses from their education.
Career and technical education combines academic and technical skills to prepare students for future workplace demands across many fields. It is typically more hands-on with a focus on real-life skills.The district has partnered with tech schools and colleges for students to receive credits and certifications. The CTE Academies the district offers are: business and information technology, technology and
THE SUN
SEE CTE, PAGE 2
SEE MACKEY, PAGE 12
Serving Polk County’s St. Croix Valley since 1897
WD The Law Firm of Williams and Davis
He didn’t FREEtell anyone— not his players, not his family, not even his wife.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 33, 2222
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THE LAW FIRM OF WILLIAMS & DAVIS 314 Keller Avenue North, Amery
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