Ghost town: Martell

September 1, 2024

001SUN-Martell-Downtown-w-BridgeRush3(W) — An old photo of Downtown Martell with a bridge crossing the Rush River. Photo courtesy of Pierce County Historical Association

TOWN OF MARTELL, WI – Nestled in the winding curves of the Rush River, unlike several other boom towns in Pierce County, Martell still exists today. Although few businesses of the past remain, many residents, a town hall, and even the old schoolhouse can still be seen.

The first general store seen in Martell was present before the township was even established (appx. 1852), believed to be owned by Amos Bonesteel in 1852. Bonesteel, a veteran of the War of 1812, received a land grant as a reward for his service to the young nation and settled in Martell, he was originally from the Northeast.

They sold the minimum of general goods at the store, as the closest places for trade items were 26 miles to Prescott. At that time, Greenwood (River Falls) was barely established, and most travel was done with teams of oxen.

To read this and other premium articles in their entirety, pickup the August 29, 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.

Queen’s Corner – Rutabaga Fest

Western Wisconsin News

August 31, 2024

002SAT-Queens-Corner(W) — Ready to start the parade! Submitted photo

Submitted by 2024-2025 Syttende Mai Queen Katelyn Gustafson

WOODVILLE, WI – Hey Woodville! On Sunday, August 25, the Syttende Mai Royalty went to visit Cumberland, WI for Rutabaga Fest!

We attended the Queen’s Tea where we met the new Cumberland Court, and a few different courts we haven’t met before. After the Queen’s Tea, all of the courts walked over to the nursing home. We were able to visit and talk to some of their residents!

After, we went through the parade where there were lots of people! Luckily, the sun decided to stay behind the clouds, so we only had to deal with the heat and humidity.

Next up is Ridgeland!

Blackhawk football falls in season opener

Evan Peterson

August 30, 2024

001FRI-Picture3-Blackhawk-Defense(W) — Blackhawk Defense - DE Andrew Thompson and DB Brody Everts pressure MHB quarterback. Photo by Evan Peterson

MOUNT HOREB, WI – The Baldwin-Woodville Blackhawks were defeated in a non-conference, season opening matchup, against the Mount Horeb-Barneveld Vikings (MHB) of the Badger-Small Conference, 58-39. The Blackhawks struggled to find rhythm on either side of the ball in the loss to the Vikings.

MHB kicked off to Baldwin-Woodville to officially open the 2024 regular season. Both teams traded punts on their first possessions. The Blackhawks second offensive possession began deep within their own territory. Baldwin-Woodville suffered two consecutive negative-yardage plays before throwing a pass that was picked off by the Vikings. MHB took over on the Baldwin-Woodville 26-yardline and worked their way towards the endzone, scoring off a 1-yard rushing touchdown. The Vikings two-point conversion was no-good, MHB 6-0.

The Blackhawks offense returned to the field utilizing their tempo offense, eventually scoring off a 9-yard rushing touchdown by running back Dane Veenendall. Baldwin-Woodville’s point-after by kicker Wes Chapin was good, BW 7-6. MHB responded by returning the Blackhawk kick off 87-yards to the house and with a two-point conversion, MHB 14-7. Baldwin-Woodville’s next possession ended with a turnover on downs.

To read this and other premium articles in their entirety, pickup the August 29, 2024 issue of the Woodville Leader 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.

On Safari – in Baldwin

Cari Cornelius

August 30, 2024

001FRI-IMG_1110(W) — These young Nilgai Antelope are all smiles for ear scratches. Photo by Cari Cornelius

BALDWIN, WI – Nestled in the countryside of rural Baldwin, lies a new and exciting educational experience for all ages – Safari Country Drive-thru Animal Park.

Diana Rickard, Owner of Safari Country, was raised on a dairy farm and has always been around animals. “I found my interest in animals drew interest in others wanting to learn. I started up a traveling petting zoo called “Fantasy Corral.” I traveled with young animals to give the experience of interacting and learning of many different species. This added the question from many of “Where are the adults?” and this started my next chapter, Safari Country, now showing the adult animals of our collection,” said Diana.

Diana holds a Federal Zoo License, and while she is not a rescue, she has taken in animals.

To read this and other premium articles in their entirety, pickup the August 29, 2024 issue of the Woodville Leader or 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.

Tuesday Community Supper, September 2024

Western Wisconsin News

August 29, 2024

001THU-Gethsemane-Lutheran-Church-(CW) — Contributed graphic

Submitted by Rosemary Donahoe, Tuesday Community Supper

BALDWIN, WI – First Reformed Church will be serving the Tuesday Community Supper on September 3, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. This free meal is on Tuesday, September 3 in the Fellowship Hall at Gethsemane Lutheran Church. The menu is: Chicken Stuffing Hot Dish, Jello Salad and Cookies. Please join us!

Tuesday Community Supper is served the first Tuesday of the month at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 1350 Florence Street, Baldwin, Wisconsin, 54002. This is a free meal open to anyone in the community. Area churches, businesses and organizations take turns preparing and serving good nutritious food. All are welcome at this table.

Cardinal football team wins opener at Durand, home opener tomorrow

Ron Cipriano

August 29, 2024

DURAND, WI – The 2024-25 athletic season for Spring Valley officially kicked off last Friday with a football team win, 28-20, over the host Durand Panthers in a game where the Cardinals dominated in most aspects.

The Cardinals gained 354 total yards of offense to 229 for Durand. That total included 232 yards on the ground with another 122 through the air.

Valley got a lot of good plays from a lot of different players throughout the game, giving that team effort for the win.

Carol Preston

Western Wisconsin News

August 28, 2024

Carol Ann Preston, age 76, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 22, with her family by her side after a long, hard fought battle with breast cancer.

Born on May 22, 1948, in Necedah, Wisconsin to parents Arnold and Sophia (Sue) Cunningham, Carol was one of nine children. The family spent time in Necedah and Mauston before moving to New Richmond where Carol would graduate from New Richmond High School in 1966. Carol married her husband Dennis on October 29, 1966. To this union two children were born, daughter Stacey and son Brad.

Carol lived most of her married life in the Baldwin/Woodville area. She spent many years as an in-home daycare provider. She also worked laundry & housekeeping for the Baldwin Hospital and the Baldwin Care Center. Carol served time on the Woodville Village Board and would volunteer with the Woodville Women’s Club from time to time.

Carol’s favorite job though was being a grandma to her grandsons, Jake & Evan. Her whole world revolved around them. When the boys were smaller, she would have them over for sleepovers, make cookies with them, or do just about anything that created wonderful memories for herself and the boys. As they grew up and became involved in sports and school activities, she would make sure she was at any event that was important to them. This dedication to them was evident until the very end and they were very lucky to have her as their grandma.

Preceding Carol in death were her parents Arnold and Sue Cunningham; son Brad; infant brother Jeffrey; sister Rita Heideman; nephew Jason Heideman; in-laws Donald and Shirley Preston; sisters-in-law Suzanne Zimmer and Audrey Preston.

Carol is survived by her husband of 56 years Dennis (Buz) Preston; daughter Stacey (Scott) Hilmanowske; grandsons Jake Hilmanowske & Evan Hilmanowske; brothers Arnie (Judy) Cunningham, Leon (Sharon) Cunningham, Dennis (Lisa) Cunningham, Richard (Annette) Cunningham; sisters Sharon Cunningham and Pat Cunningham; brother-in-law Dan Preston; many nieces and nephews; her dog Layla as well as grandpups Stanley, Chester and Jim who could always tell when grandma was at their house and would hardly let her in the door before begging for the obligatory treat.

A celebration of life was held from 3 PM to 6 PM on Tuesday, August 27, at Zion Lutheran Church in Woodville.

Internment to be at a later date.

Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley, handled arrangements.

Joyce Kendall

Western Wisconsin News

August 28, 2024

Joyce Ann Kendall 85, of Elmwood, died Sunday August 25, 2024, at the Spring Valley Health & Rehab Center in Spring Valley.

Joyce was born September 4, 1938, to Elmer and Nora (Schutz) Holcomb in Ellsworth, WI. At the age of four the family moved to his parent’s farm in Rock Elm Township. She attended the Rock Elm Elementary School and Elmwood High School, graduating in 1956. In July of 1957, Joyce married Jerry Kendall at the Rock Elm United Methodist Church. They had been classmates for all of their years in school. Soon they made their home on a farm in Rock Elm next to the farm where she had grown up. They raised their three children there (Steven, Scott and Cara).

In 1967, Joyce continued her education at the University of Wisconsin, River Falls. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in education and taught first grade at the Elmwood Elementary school for 31 years.

Joyce’s family was first and foremost in her heart. She enjoyed years of spending time with her grandchildren at the farm and at the family cabin along with going to many, many events to watch their activities. Joyce also enjoyed her career of teaching and impacted so many individuals as a first grade teacher in Elmwood. She was devoted to the Rock Elm United Methodist Church and spent her lifetime serving there in multiple capacities which included teaching Bible and Sunday school and working on homemade ice cream socials. With Jerry she had enjoyed dancing, camping, traveling to many places, especially visiting their son, Steve in Alaska. They took great pleasure in all of the good times they shared at their cabin with family and friends.

Joyce is survived by sons, Steven Kendall of Hilo, HI, Scott (Sheryl) Kendall of Elmwood and daughter, Cara (Keith) Getschel of River Falls, grandchildren, Denver (Adam) Garfield, Ashlee Kendall, Trent (Sam) Kendall, Lee (Rachel) Getschel, Lindsay (Chris) Getschel and Lexy Getschel; great grandchildren, Macie, Molly, Eli, Stanley, Honor and Harrison. She is also survived by sisters, Janet Huebner of Ellsworth and Doris (John) Hassel of Vadnais Heights, MN; sister-in-law Diann Holcomb, along with many nieces and nephews.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry in 2019; her parents, brothers, Leroy and Dale Holcomb; brothers-in-law, Lavere Wolske and Jerry Huebner; sisters-in-law Joyce Wolske and Doris Holcomb.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday August 30, 2024, at Rock Elm United Methodist Church, rural Elmwood. Burial will be in the Poplar Hill Cemetery-Rock Elm.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Elmwood and one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

Online condolences may be made at rhielfuneralhome.com.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Elmwood is serving the family.

Wilkie elected to the WECA Board of Directors

Western Wisconsin News

August 28, 2024

004WED-Alan-Wilkie_Dist-2_SCEC2023(W) — Alan Wilkie has been voted onto the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association Board of Directors for a three-year term. Submitted photo

Submitted by Laura Tallman, Communications Coordinator, St. Croix Electric Cooperative

HAMMOND, WI – The Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (WECA), of which SCEC is a member, announced that St. Croix Electric Cooperative (SCEC) Board Member Alan Wilkie has been voted onto their Board of Directors for a three-year term. WECA is the statewide voice for all of Wisconsin’s 24 electric distribution cooperatives and the sole generation and transmission cooperative headquartered in Wisconsin.

Wilkie has been SCEC’s representative on the WECA Board Legislative and Regulatory Committee since 2017. He will have a more active role going forward as a member of the WECA board.

“I feel the major focus of WECA is the pursuit and enactment of legislation favorable to cooperatives and their members. This is crucial for the future,” said Wilkie.

For more than 80 years, WECA has been a strong voice for Wisconsin’s electric cooperatives to positively shape public policy, provide professional development opportunities for cooperative employees and directors and provide other services that support the operational capacities of its members.

Wilkie has served as the SCEC District 2 Director since 2015. He is also a member of the Board of SCEC Serves, the entity that distributes SCEC’s charitable grants. Wilkie worked in insurance since graduating from Hamline University in St. Paul, and eventually purchased his father’s agency in 1970 and was agent/owner of the Wilkie Agency. He sold the agency in 2004 but continued operating as an agent/consultant until 2019. In addition to serving on the SCEC Board, he has most recently worked on fundraising committees for the Carpenter Nature Center and Phipps Theater and is an active member of the Hudson Daybreak Rotary Club. He lives in the Town of Troy with his wife Lyn.

St. Croix Electric Cooperative was founded in 1937 and serves more than 11,800 members accounts over 1,800 miles of line.

Woodville Lions induct three new members at August meeting

Paul Seeling

August 27, 2024

003TUE-IMG_4090-New-Lions-with-sponsor.-Photo-by-Wendy-Sander(W) — New Lion Jarod Dachel receives his Woodville Lions Club pin from Sponsor Kelsey Brewer. Photo by Paul J. Seeling

WOODVILLE, WI – The Woodville Lions Club held their Regular Monthly meeting on Monday, August 12, 2024, at the Lions Den (Community Center) in Woodville, Wisconsin. The Board of Directors met prior to the general meeting with the members of the Club. There were 20 Lions gathered for the general meeting that included a tasty meal prepared by Lion Hattie Freshwater and the Woodville Café.

The meeting was called to order by President Kelsey Brewer who led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Lion Larry Knegendorf said an inspiring Table Prayer prior the “Introduction of Guests.”

To read this and other premium articles in their entirety, pickup the August 22, 2024 issue of the Woodville Leader 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.