Lions raising funds for Youth Baseball project with golf tournament this Saturday

August 8, 2024

001THU-DSC02379-SV-youth-ball-field(W) — This is the Lions Field that will moved a bit to the north to improve conditions for the Spring Valley Youth Baseball Program. Photo by Paul J. Seeling

with Scott Mathison, SV Lions Club

SPRING VALLEY, WI – The Spring Valley Lions Club is holding their Annual Golf Tournament fund raiser this Saturday, August 10, 2024, at the Spring Valley Golf Course (the area’s most scenic!)

“Proceeds from this year’s event will go towards improving Lions Field for our Youth Baseball Program. Improvements include moving the infield slightly to the north to allow the field to be used at the same time as the varsity field, fencing, backstop, outfield grading, and more,” reported Scott Mathison of the Spring Valley Lions Club.

To read this and other premium articles in their entirety, pickup the August 8, 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.

Western Wisconsin Health co-hosts successful Safety Camp

Western Wisconsin News

August 7, 2024

004WED-2024-Safety-Camp-2(W) — Here are some of the kids that attended the recent Safety Camp co-sponsored by WWH and others. Submitted photo

Submitted by Ryma Lindquist, Community Relations Director, WWH

BALDWIN, WI – The Western Wisconsin Health (WWH) Emergency Department team, in collaboration with several community partners, successfully hosted a Safety Camp for children aged 5-11. The camp, held at Peace Lutheran Church, saw an enthusiastic turnout of 30 kids who participated in a range of safety-focused activities.

Our partners included:

Baldwin EMS
United Fire and Rescue
Baldwin Police Department
Hammond Public Library
Red Cross
YMCA
St. Croix Electric Coop
Homestead Veterinary Clinic
Chippewa County

Event Highlights:

Bike Safety and Helmets: Baldwin EMS educated the children on bike safety and WWH distributed 27 free bike helmets to ensure safe riding.
Tornado Safety: Red Cross provided a comprehensive session on tornado preparedness.
Electrical Safety: St. Croix Electric taught the children about the dangers of electricity and how to stay safe.
Campfire Safety: United Fire and Rescue discussed the dos and don’ts of campfire safety.
First Aid and Pedestrian Safety: Baldwin EMS covered first aid basics, while the Baldwin Police Department focused on pedestrian safety.
Pet Safety: Homestead Veterinary Clinic gave tips on safely approaching unfamiliar pets.
Interactive Learning: The Hammond Public Library engaged the younger children with interactive story time and organized safety bingo for the older kids.
Water Safety: The YMCA provided guidance on water safety, including the proper use of life jackets.

The event also featured a hands-on demonstration with a rollover simulator, borrowed from Chippewa County, highlighting the critical importance of seatbelt use.

Thanks to the generous donations from Kwik Trip and Nilssen’s Foods, all participants enjoyed snacks and lunch. Peace Lutheran Church graciously provided the venue and additional support from their daycare staff.

Western Wisconsin Health is grateful for the overwhelming support from our community partners and volunteers. This collaborative effort not only made the event possible but also ensured that our children are better equipped with essential safety knowledge.

For more information about upcoming events and community programs, please visit our website at wwhealth.org or contact Western Wisconsin Health. Western Wisconsin Health, Building a Healthier Tomorrow, Together.

Staying Put, one of local non-profits to receive Pierce Pepin Cares grants

Western Wisconsin News

August 6, 2024

002TUE-River(W) — Barb Bee (left), PPCS senior accountant, presented a $2,000 grant from Pierce Pepin Cares to Andy Johnson, executive director of River Valley Charities, to support their food voucher program for families in need. Submitted photo

Submitted by Liz Gunderson, PPCS

ELLSWORTH, WI –Three local non-profits received third-quarter grants from Pierce Pepin Cares, the charitable foundation of Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services (PPCS). The Pierce Pepin Cares board approved $5,000 in grants to Staying Put, Inc., River Valley Charities, and the Kinne-Englehart American Legion Auxiliary Unit #204. Pierce Pepin Cares is funded by PPCS members who generously round up their monthly energy bills to the nearest dollar through Operation Round Up^® and direct donations.

Staying Put, Inc. plans to use its $2,000 grant to purchase new laptop computers, desktop monitors, and connectivity equipment. These resources will enhance their capacity to serve the Spring Valley and Elmwood Wisconsin School Districts, providing essential services and activities for seniors and adults with disabilities in rural areas and improving their quality of life.

River Valley Charities received a $2,000 grant to support its food voucher program for families in need throughout Pierce County. The vouchers enable families to purchase fresh produce, eggs, and milk at local grocery stores, promoting access to nutritious food and supporting childhood development and academic performance.

The Kinne-Englehart American Legion Auxiliary Unit #204 received its $1,000 grant to provide financial assistance to veterans in Pierce County. The funds will support veterans by providing gift cards for gas, food, and household needs through the County Veteran Service Office, helping to meet essential needs.

“PPCS members who participate in Operation Round Up make these grants possible,” said PPCS president and CEO Nate Boettcher. “Individually, members contribute just a few cents each month, but collectively, these donations provide significant support to local non-profits. We are grateful that over 70 percent of our members support our community by participating in Operation Round Up.”

Pierce Pepin Cares provides charitable contributions to nonprofit organizations that offer programs and support projects to enhance the quality of life for those within the communities PPCS serves. Pierce Pepin Cares grants are awarded quarterly by the Pierce Pepin Cares board of directors. All nine PPCS directors, one PPCS member, and one PPCS employee serve on the board. Nonprofit organizations interested in applying may visit piercepepin.coop or call 800-924-2133 for information. The next application deadline is September 15, 2024.

EDC hosting free seminar, national experts share insight with public/private sector leaders

Western Wisconsin News

August 5, 2024

Submitted by Amanda Connelly, St. Croix EDC

RIVER FALLS, WI – As Western Wisconsin continues to see new investment and development activity, advocates for continued economic progress want to help build on this momentum by helping stakeholders learn more about how sites for new development are selected. That is why the St. Croix Economic Development Corporation is hosting a half day free seminar featuring a team of national economic experts.

“This is a way for anyone connected to economic development to learn more about what drives corporate location decisions and how local, regional, and state efforts can impact an area’s efforts to attract corporate investment,” said Melissa Meschke, Executive Director of the St. Croix Economic Development Corporation. “There are so many different factors that go into a decision to move forward with any project. Our goal for this seminar is to have experts break this down to help us all be better informed as to the overall process.”

The seminar will feature industry veterans from Site Selection Group out of South Carolina, who will lead conversations to explain the process of how many corporate decisions are made. This half-day seminar will help attendees learn more about how site selectors and corporate decision-makers think, what is important to them, and, most importantly, how to tap into that knowledge to bolster corporate investment efforts.

Meschke said the event is an important opportunity for municipal officials, municipal board members, landowners, brokers, real estate agents, builders and economic development professionals to understand better how development decisions are made and their different roles in this process.

“We are in a competitive environment to help bring more investment and opportunities to our region. Being better informed and learning from experts who are involved in this work on a regular basis can help us all be more effective in strengthening our economy and our communities,” Meschke said. “I am excited to learn more and be able to help us all take our work to the next level.”

Thank you to Polk County EDC, Pierce County EDC, Studio EA LLC, Xcel Energy, St Croix County and Derrick Construction for partnering with St Croix EDC and sponsoring this event.

St. Croix Economic Development Corporation (EDC) was formed in 1993 and operates as an independent economic development arm serving all corners St. Croix County, Wisconsin. The St. Croix EDC focuses on fostering economic development in the county by participating in workforce development, housing, entrepreneurial development, business expansion and retention, business attraction and recruitment, and ecosystem building. St. Croix EDC also strives to grow collaboration between the 35 towns, cities, and villages in St. Croix County as well as working closely with Pierce and Polk County to grow the St. Croix Valley as a whole. To learn more please visit stcroixedc.com.

Site Selection Group was founded in 2006 by industry leaders from large commercial real estate and tax advisory firms. Their goal was to better serve clients without the conflicts of interest, decentralized business model, and pricing constraints typically associated with large service providers. Today, Site Selection Group has become one of the largest, independent providers of global location advisory, economic incentive, and corporate real estate services in the industry. Our purpose is to deliver conflict-free solutions that enable our clients to make a positive impact in their communities and our mission is to connect our clients to the optimal locations through our integrated service offerings. To learn more visit siteselectiongroup.com.

Visit business.stcroixedc.com/events to learn more and register.

Tuesday Community Supper, August 2024

Western Wisconsin News

August 4, 2024

Submitted by Rosemary Donahoe, Tuesday Community Supper

BALDWIN, WI – The August 6, 2024, Tuesday Community Supper is coming up soon, mark your calendars now.

St. Mary’s Church will be serving the Tuesday Community Supper from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6 in the Fellowship Hall at Gethsemane Lutheran Church. The menu is: Chicken taco salads, fruit and dessert bar. Please join us, all are welcome!

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.

Queen’s Corner – It was a hot ‘out of this world’ weekend!

Western Wisconsin News

August 3, 2024

002SATQueen's-Corner-UFO-Days(W) — Us, waiting for the Elmwood UFO Days Grande Parade to start! Pictured (L to R) 2nd Princess Addisyn Wichelman, First Princess Jessica Albers, Syttende Mai Queen Katelyn Gustafson and Third Princess Adeline Haugen. Submitted photo

Submitted by 2024-2025 Syttende Mai Queen Katelyn Gustafson

WOODVILLE, WI – Hey Woodville! This weekend, Saturday, July 27, and Sunday, July 28, 2024, was hot!

On Saturday, we (1^st Princess Jessical Alber, 2^nd Princess Addisyn Wichelman, 3^rd Princess Adeline Haugen and I) all got together for a little bit and fixed up the Troll float that we would be taking on Sunday. We painted, restrung a few lights, and even built a tiny bridge!

Sunday, we took our newly renovated float down to Elmwood’s 45^th Annual UFO Days Celebration, Grande Parade, it was “out of this world!” We got to meet some new courts (Sparkle Sisters) and talked to a few we don’t normally see.

It was a fun parade, and all our renovations paid off! We were placed as the 3rd Best float in the parade, and even won a cash prize! It was a great day to see Elmwood’s strong Village spirit!

45th Annual Elmwood UFO Days Celebration was hot and ‘Out of this world!’

Paul Seeling

August 2, 2024

001FRI-DSC02225-Alien-poop-sold-here(W) — Get your UFO Days souvenirs here. Photo by Paul J. Seeling

ELMWOOD, WI – It was hot (as usual for the last weekend in July) for the Elmwood 45^th Annual UFO Days Celebration, but it was “Out of this world” again with lots of visitors who came to the Village that has had more Unidentified Flying Object (UFO), sightings than Roswell, New Mexico has. Interestingly the United States government changed from the term UFOs to UAPs (Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon) last July of 2023 as it opened some of its previously closed “Classified” files on this interesting topic. I don’t think Elmwood has any intention of changing the name of its popular annual celebration to “UAP Days.”

As Elmwood has embraced its 45 years of UFO Days Celebrations, more attention (even a New York Times article published in 2023) brings visitors to come to this normally quiet Western Wisconsin Village of 820 earth bound souls. It this special weekend only that you can get a tasty UFO burger of UFO brat along with other delicious food items to be found at UFO Days.

This year had a unique presentation at the Pierce County Historical Association (PCHA), Elmwood Branch with a featured display entitled,” In the News: Elmwood’s UFOs.” This insightful history displays featured news of the past Elmwood UFO sightings with local newspaper clippings from the 1970’s and 80’s. This included the infamous Elmwood UFO Landing Pad Proposal that never quite “got off the ground.”

To read this and other premium articles in their entirety, pickup the August 1, 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.

WWH Foundation 23rd Annual Golf Outing celebrated with a record turnout!

Western Wisconsin News

August 1, 2024

001THU-Team-Gator-Garb-Winners(W) — Nick Pedersen, Meghan Murphy, John O’Brien, and Cole Stark. Submitted photo

Submitted by Rosa Magnus, WWH

BALDWIN, WI – Western Wisconsin Health (WWH) celebrated the 23^rd Annual Golf Outing on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at Kilkarney Hills Golf Course, River Falls with perfect weather for an afternoon of golf for a good cause. We had a record turnout for the WWH Foundation Outing!

As birth centers and hospitals continue to close their doors, WWH is doing everything we can to grow services for our community. Golf proceeds will go towards patients in need of care, through our expanded obstetrical and medical-surgical departments.

We are pleased to announce that we hosted a record number of 35 teams and raised $47,771 through sponsorship, participants, golf course games, raffle prizes, in-kinds and our new addition to the event, Back Swing Golf Events. LPGA, Maddie Hensley attended our event and raised additional funds for WWH through a fun “Beat the Pro” game on hole # 4.

Congratulations to the winning team, “Gator Garb,” John O’Brien, Meghan Murphy, Nick Pedersen, and Cole Stark with an amazing score of -17! Another highlight was our 50-50 winner, Scott Sekelsky, who gave a portion of his winnings back to the WWH Foundation. See our Facebook Golf 2024 Album for all winners! It was a wonderful day with excellent weather, community, and camaraderie. Thank you to our many sponsors and participants for their support of Western Wisconsin Health!

Thank you to our generous community and supporting businesses and donors for always being so supportive of WWH! If you would like to contribute toward a WWH initiative that is important to you, please visit wwhealth.org/contribute or contact WWH Foundation Development Manager, Rosa Magnus directly at 715-684-1596.

Norma Pasch

Western Wisconsin News

July 31, 2024

Norma Pasch, age 94, of Spring Valley, died Monday, July 22, 2024, at Spring Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Norma was born May 17, 1930, to Henry and Zylpha (Marley) Larson in New Richmond, Wisconsin. She grew up and attended school in New Richmond, graduating with the Class of 1948. She was married to Raymond Clemmens in 1949 and they lived in Oakdale, Minnesota. While living in Minnesota, she joined the North St Paul V.F.W.

Raymond died in 1965. Norma then married Chuck McClane. They were married just six months when he died unexpectedly.

On May 23, 1975, Norma married Lawrence Pasch. They lived and farmed in Gilman Township west of Spring Valley for about 20 years. Norma had also worked at 3M for about 20 years. When they retired from farming, Norma and Lawrence moved to Spring Valley. Norma lived at the Chalet Apartments in Spring Valley for 27 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands Raymond, Chuck, Bill, and Lawrence; Son Raymond; siblings: Laverne, Ethel, Zylpha Marie, Georginia, Erwin, Violet, Myrtle, Olaf, Olga, Henry, and Dorothy.

Survivors include sons Donald Clemmens, Tom (Kristen) Clemmens, and Bruce (Peggy) Stearns; daughter Jody Lynn (Jeff) Larson; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

Visitation is Monday, August 5, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley.

A graveside service will be Monday, August 5, at 2:00 p.m. at New Richmond Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at Sather Nature Center.

Keehr Funeral Home, (keehrfuneralhome.com) Spring Valley is handling arrangements.

Eagle Scout Award to be presented this fall to Sam Miller

Western Wisconsin News

July 31, 2024

004WED-Samuel-Eagle-Pic(W) — Sam Miller has attained the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest advancement rank within the Boy Scouts of America and will be recognized in an Eagle Scout Ceremony this fall. Submitted photo

Submitted by April Miller and Northern Star Council/BSA

SPRING VALLEY, WI – Samuel Louis Miller, age 18, of Spring Valley, Wisconsin, has earned the Eagle Scout Award, the highest advancement rank within the Boy Scouts of America.

According to the BSA website “Eagle Scouts: Merit Beyond the Badge,” one hundred years after Arthur Eldred of New York earned this nation’s first Eagle Scout Award, new, independent research demonstrates the significant, positive impact Eagle Scouts have on society every day. Since it was first awarded in 1912, more than 2 million young men have achieved the Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank.

The study conducted by Baylor University, Merit Beyond the Badges, found that Eagle Scouts are more likely than men who have never been in Scouting to:

Have higher levels of planning and preparation skills, be goal-oriented, and network with others.
Be in a leadership position at their place of employment or local community.
Report having closer relationships with family and friends.
Volunteer for religious and nonreligious organizations.
Donate money to charitable groups.
Work with others to improve their neighborhoods.

This independent research was funded by the Templeton Foundation and conducted by Baylor University in 2010. The Boy Scouts of America has linked to it with the permission of Baylor University Institute for Studies of Religion, Program on Prosocial Behavior. This study only includes findings on men who are Eagle Scouts as women were not eligible to earn Eagle Scout at the time this study was conducted.

Samuel Miller will be recognized in an Eagle Scout Ceremony this fall.

A member of Troop 145, Samuel is one of approximately four percent of all Boy Scouts who attain the Eagle rank, according to Scoutmaster Shawn Miller.

Each candidate must earn 21 merit badges and successfully complete a significant service project benefitting his community, faith organization, or school demonstrating leadership to earn his Eagle Scout Award. Samuel’s Eagle Project is a flag burning area at the Spring Valley Veterans Memorial Park. The Spring Valley Veterans Memorial Park was commissioned by the Rickerd-Danielson American Legion Post 227 and Auxiliary Unit 227. Troop 145 works closely with American Legion Post 227 on Memorial Day ceremonies, etc.

Samuel has served as Troop 145 Senior Patrol Leader and received multiple Scouting honors. Samuel joins other outstanding American citizens who have become Eagle Scouts, among them former President Gerald R. Ford, Jr., astronaut Neil A. Armstrong, cinematographer, Steven Spielberg and the former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.

Samuel is a member of Gilman Lutheran Church and is active in National Honor Society, Spring Valley Stagehands Theatre (appearing recently as Lefou in the 2024 summer musical, “Beauty and the Beast”), band, choir at Spring Valley High School where he is a senior.

Samuel is the son of Shawn and April Miller of Spring Valley, Wisconsin.