SPRING VALLEY, WI – Milestones come in many forms: wins and losses, games played, championships.

For Spring Valley senior Mara Ducklow, it came in the form of one three-point shot.

With 6:40 left in the first half of last Tuesday’s game and the Cardinals well in the lead of their game against Cumberland (26-7), Ducklow took a pass from fellow senior Charli Vanasse in the corner, stepped back and drained a three-point shot that rolled around the rim and finally fell through.

To read this and other premium articles in their entirety, pickup the February 22, 2024 issue of the Sun-Argus newspaper. Click to subscribe for convenient delivery by mail, or call (715) 778-4990. Single issues are also available at area newsstands and our office in Spring Valley, WI.

with Debby Walters, School Forest Coordinator

WOODVILLE, WI – For eight years, people have taken advantage of the evening snowshoe event at the Giezendanner School Forest in rural Woodville, Wisconsin. Although this winter looks much different than last, the event is still set to happen on Saturday, February 24 at 6 p.m., with, or without the snow.

The Giezendanner School Forest is the property of the Baldwin-Woodville School District that serves as a school and community resource.  The forest is used to offer hands-on learning opportunities, enhance student awareness, and encourage appreciation of the natural world.

Snowshoeing is a wonderful way to exercise and get some fresh air during the winter months. While this winter has brought unseasonably warmer temperatures, and less opportunity for winter outdoor activities, the small snowfall may stick around long enough for snowshoeing. If not, the trails will still be illuminated for a winter hike.

To complete the evening, there will be a bonfire to warm up by afterwards, including delicious smores.  B-W’s Giezendanner School Forest may be used by the public for recreational usage from sunrise to sunset.  It is located at 2424 30th Ave.  This event is sponsored by the Baldwin and Woodville Public Libraries and Baldwin-Woodville’s Giezendanner School Forest.

Submitted by Alauna Yust, St. Croix Valley Foundation

HUDSON, WI – Twelve school districts will receive funding through St. Croix Valley Foundation’s competitive Music Education Grants Program. Funds will be used to purchase new instruments and equipment, broaden cultural connections to music and provide masterclasses to students throughout the St. Croix River Valley.

One unique project involved a collaboration between Stillwater and Hudson school districts and the University of Wisconsin River Falls. Funds from the Music Education Grant helped bring the internationally renowned Barcelona Clarinet Players to the area for a weeklong residency. During their time in Minnesota and Wisconsin, the clarinetists led high-energy masterclasses and performed for middle school and high school students. The professional ensemble also performed with the Symphony Band at UW River Falls.

“The Barcelona Clarinet Players inspired our students to see what is possible in performing music in small ensembles,” said Tark Katzenmeyer, lead band director at Stillwater Area High School. “The energy, charisma and kindness of the musicians earned instant respect from the musicians at Stillwater Area High School. Additionally, our students saw that music is truly an international language that can open doors to travel and other life-changing experiences.”

Turtle Lake School District and St. Patrick School will use their grants to encourage broader understanding of music from around the world. St. Patrick School will introduce students to the music of Siama Matuzungidi, a Congolese musician based in Minnesota who specializes in performing for children. Matuzungidi sings and plays multiple instruments, including guitar and traditional African instruments like mbira (thumb piano), lokole (tone drum) and balafon (marimba).

Several other districts will purchase new instruments and equipment, including a sousaphone (Luck), a euphonium (Spring Valley), marching band equipment (Baldwin-Woodville and Osceola) and microphones (River Falls).

Music Education Grants were established by retired music teacher Nyda Swanson, who generously donated to create a Field of Interest Fund. Swanson envisioned rich opportunities for students throughout the region to connect with music in meaningful ways. In the 20 years since the fund was established, more than $600,000 has been awarded to benefit music education and experiential learning throughout the St. Croix Valley.

“It’s humbling and inspiring to think of the countless ways Nyda’s donation has benefited students in our area,” said Angie Pilgrim, Director of Community Impact at St. Croix Valley Foundation. “School districts use these grants creatively and the result is often the beginning of a lifetime interest in music for their students.”

VILLAGE OF SPRING VALLEY, WI – The Village of Spring Valley held their February monthly board meeting on Wednesday, February 7 at 6:15 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

First, a brief public hearing on the rezone from commercial to residential for E344 Eau Galle Rd. was held. After noticing the possible rezone, and with no public comments received, the public hearing was closed.

With the regular meeting called to order, the first item reported was the monthly library report. Library Director, Katie Schneider, reported that 2024 was off to a great start. The monthly library challenge has over 109 adults participating from all over Wisconsin. The Adult book club has also garnered five new members. With the annual reporting filled out for the state, the libraries circulation numbers have greatly increased to over 29,000, allowing for additional funding for the next year from three different counties, including Dunn, Pierce and St. Croix. The Friends of the Spring Valley Library also received a grant through Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services that will allow them to purchase new computers for the public in the library.

To read this and other premium articles in their entirety, pickup the February 15, 2024 issue of the Sun-Argus newspaper. Click to subscribe for convenient delivery by mail, or call (715) 778-4990. Single issues are also available at area newsstands and our office in Spring Valley, WI.