Tuesday Community Supper, April 2024

March 24, 2024

Submitted by Rosemary Donahoe, Tuesday Community Supper

BALDWIN, WI – St. Mary’s Church will be serving the Tuesday Community Supper on April 2, 2024, from 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at Gethsemane Lutheran Church. The menu is: Chicken Alfredo, Vegetable, Roll and Dessert Bar. Please come and bring a friend!

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.

Ghost Town: Brookville

Cari Cornelius

March 23, 2024

002SAT-Brookville-Post-Delivery(W) — Erick Stensgaard, shown in the 1890’s carrying the daily mail pouch to the Brookville post office, located in Ole Jensen’s general store. Jacob Mattson, store manager at that time, is reading the newspaper on the porch. Woodville Centennial Book

WOODVILLE, WI – The once busy streets on which Ole Jensen “King of Brookville” strode over half a century ago are now deserted. And the hotels, post office, sawmills, and livery stable are gone from the one-time stagecoach stop, four miles south of here (Woodville.) Dunn County News, May 31, 1961

The town of Brookville was another lumber boom town that sprouted up in the mid 1800’s. With the stagecoach main turnpike road running from Hudson to Menomonie as its main street, stretching more than a mile east through the town, the community boasted a healthy population. While the area was originally pioneered by English, many Norwegians began to populate the area and the “Yankee’s” as they were called, moved further west.

According to “History of the St. Croix Valley, Volume 2,” published in 1909, Eau Galle Township (consisting of Wildwood and Brookville) was one of the first in the county to be settled. In the early days, the entire township was known as Brookville. In 1854, a post office was established with William Holman named as the first Postmaster. In the same year, he opened the first sawmill. Holman is credited as being the second person to locate to Brookville, the first being a hunter and trapper named Brock. After logging began on the Eau Galle, many others came to Brookville, including the “King of Brookville.”

To read this and other premium articles in their entirety, pickup the March 21, 2024 issue of the Sun-Argus or 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.

Herb Kohl Educational Foundation announces 2024 scholarship and award recipients

Western Wisconsin News

March 22, 2024

MADISON, WI – The Herb Kohl Educational Foundation today announced 304 Wisconsin students, teachers, and administrators are the recipients of the organization’s 2024 Student Excellence and Initiative, Teacher Fellowship and Principal Leadership awards. Student Excellence and Initiative Scholarships of $10,000 will be awarded to 187 graduating high school students who have demonstrated academic excellence and initiative and have displayed a broad range of activity and leadership in their community.

Teacher Fellowship awards of $6,000 will be presented to 100 teachers who were nominated for their leadership and service in and outside the classroom, their ability to inspire a love of learning and to motivate their students. Principal Leadership awards of $6,000 will be given to 17 principals for setting high standards for instruction, achievement and character, and creating a climate to best serve students, families, staff and community.

“Herb Kohl believed that education is the key to the future of Wisconsin and our nation,” JoAnne Anton, President & CEO of Herb Kohl Philanthropies said. “That’s why he invested in and prioritized awards that recognize students, teachers, and principals who demonstrate incredible hard work, achievements, and service. We hope this year’s awards help this impressive group of recipients in their individual pursuits today so that they pay it forward in the future. We call that the Herb Kohl Way.”

Award recipients are selected by a statewide committee composed of civic leaders and representatives of education-related associations and the program’s co-sponsors: The Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, regional Cooperative Educational Service Agencies (CESA), the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators, and the Wisconsin Homeschooling Parents Association.

The Kohl Foundation award program was established by Herb Kohl, former U.S. senator, philanthropist, and businessman who died December 27, 2023. Since 1990, the foundation has awarded nearly $38 million to Wisconsin educators, principals, students, and schools. Brandon Lee, Spring Valley, Baldwin-Woodville High School, was named as a Student Initiative Scholar.

Elmwood plans Easter luncheon and Egg hunt

Cari Cornelius

March 22, 2024

VILLAGE OF ELMWOOD – The Village of Elmwood in collaboration with the Elmwood Public Library will be hosting a free will donation Easter luncheon on Saturday, March 30, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The lunch will include Sailer’s ham or pot roast, mashed potatoes or cheesy hashbrowns, green bean casserole or roasted carrots, salad, dessert, fruit and deviled eggs. All proceeds from the free will donation lunch will be used towards putting a new roof on the Elmwood Public Library.

The library will also be offering a books sale. “I’m excited about the book sale, because we’re going to have quite a few titles that have been recently donated, including best-selling authors, large print titles, and kids’ books!” said Library Director, Nick Andrews.

To read this and other premium articles in their entirety, pickup the March 21, 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.

Spring Valley High School play opens April 5

Western Wisconsin News

March 21, 2024

001THU-school-play-1(W) — Tommy Cumins, Sam Miller, Abby Wines, Lana Erickson, Shelby Kerg, Mackenzie Nyhus, Parker Hannack, on the couch Nolan Palmer, Avery Huebel, Emma buck, Dani Ramirez, and Daniele Nyhus

Submitted by Liz Erickson

SPRING VALLEY, WI – The Spring Valley High School cast of Parents Just Don’t Understand have been working hard to bring this hilarious collection of scenes that all families are going to be able to relate to.

A lighthearted look at a “greatest hit list” of classic family moments. Mark your calendar for Friday, April 5, Saturday, April 6 at 7:00 and Sunday, April 7 2:00.

Performances at the Stagehand Theatre on McKay Ave. Spring Valley. Tickets at the door.

Community One Read: Wrap up event on April 11

Cari Cornelius

March 21, 2024

001THU-Susan_Carpenter_300dpi(W) — Susan Carpenter, Wisconsin Native Plant Garden Curator from the U-W Madison Arboretum, will be presenting. Submitted photo

WOODVILLE, WI – After a kick-off event in January the Community One Read event is set to wrap up on Thursday, April 11, 2024. The event, a collaboration of Baldwin, Deer Park, Glenwood City, Hammond, Woodville Public Libraries, and Botany Belles and Beaus Garden Club, featured the book “Nature’s Best Hope” by Doug Tallamy.

Based on the official book description; Douglas W. Tallamy’s first book, “Bringing Nature Home,” awakened thousands of readers to an urgent situation: wildlife populations are in decline because the native plants they depend on are fast disappearing. His solution? Plant more natives. In this new book, Tallamy takes the next step and outlines his vision for a grassroots approach to conservation.

“Nature’s Best Hope” shows how homeowners everywhere can turn their yards into conservation corridors that provide wildlife habitats. Because this approach relies on the initiatives of private individuals, it is immune from the whims of government policy. Even more important, it’s practical, effective, and easy—you will walk away with specific suggestions you can incorporate into your own yard.

Michael Mandernach

Western Wisconsin News

March 20, 2024

Brother Michael Mandernach, age 94, of Spring Valley, Wisconsin died Sunday, March 17, 2024, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.

He was born to Peter and Catherine (Lieser) Mandernach on March 30, 1929, near St. Martin Minnesota.

After he worked on the family farm for five years, he joined the newly established community of the Brothers of St. Pius X” in 1952 in La Crosse, Wisconsin. With others, he helped form the spirit of St. Pius X “Restore all things in Christ.”

He served the community as secretary, farm manager, mentor to new members and Brother director.

After serving in many parishes as a catechist and director of religious education, Bishop John Paul appointed Brother Michael as pastoral associate on July 9, 1985, at Sacred Heart of Jesus in Spring Valley and St. Luke’s in Boyceville, Wisconsin. His knowledge, compassion and personality helped him serve many active roles in these parishes.

After attending many theology and scripture workshops he received his Masters Degree of Divinity, at St. John’s School of Theology in Minnesota. He was asked by then, Bishop (Cardinal) Burke, to write the history of the Brothers of Pius X in 2014. With the help of Richard Berendes and Rose Peterson, he authored the book “Together as Brothers.”

Brother Michael’s love of his faith community to Sacred Heart of Jesus and St. Luke’s parishes was acknowledged by both congregations naming their gathering halls after him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, along with brothers Joseph and his wife Monica (Buerman), Brother Robert OSC, and Albert, sisters, Laverne, Teresa and her husband Albert (Dingmann), baby sister and brother-in-law Jim Smith.

He is survived by sisters, Sister Leonore OSB, Sister Margaret OSB, Sister Mary OSB, Lillian Smith and Brothers Cyril, John (Dianne) along with many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, March 25, 2024, at Sacred Heart of Jesus parish in Spring Valley, Wisconsin at 11:00 a.m. with visitation two hours prior to service. Lunch will follow Mass in the Brother Michael Center.

Visitation will also be held at St. Martin Catholic Church in St. Martin, Minnesota on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, starting at 11:00 a.m. with a Prayer Service at 11:30 a.m. and burial at the St. Martin parish cemetery. Lunch will follow the service.

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

WESTconsin C U wins Governor’s Financial Literacy Award

Western Wisconsin News

March 20, 2024

003WED-Governor's-Award-Presentation(W) — WESTconsin was recognized for efforts in helping Wisconsinites build their financial literacy skills in a ceremony at the Wisconsin State Capitol on Thursday, February 29th. Submitted photo

Submitted by Molly D. Flaten, WESTconsin Credit Union

WESTERN, WI – WESTconsin Credit Union is honored to be named a recipient of the 2023 Governor’s Financial Literacy Award. Along with eight other organizations and seven individuals, WESTconsin was recognized for efforts in helping Wisconsinites build their financial literacy skills in a ceremony at the Wisconsin State Capitol on Thursday, February 29, 2024.

The award was given to WESTconsin specifically for its use of Banzai, an interactive financial education resource, as well as for hosting Mad City Money, a real-life simulation event, the credit union’s free financial coaching service, and volunteering with Finance and Investment Challenge Bowls and Junior Achievement. These initiatives and partnerships helped WESTconsin educate over 47,000 students and adults in just one year.

“Winning this statewide award is a testament to WESTconsin’s commitment to providing critical financial literacy so members and communities have the resources they need to achieve financial wellness,” said Jennifer Rathke, Vice President – Member Advocacy. “Inspiring Better for our members and communities through comprehensive financial education remains at the core of our mission, and we are honored to be recognized for our efforts of promoting lifelong financial literacy.”

The 2023 Governor’s Financial Literacy Awards honored recipients in one of three categories, individual, organization, or legacy, for providing exceptional financial literacy and capability education in an inclusive and innovative manner. Recipients were selected by the Governor’s Council on Financial Literacy and Capability.

WESTconsin Credit Union has been serving members since 1939, and membership is open to anyone who lives or works in several Wisconsin counties and selected Minnesota counties with a $5 minimum deposit in a Membership Savings Account. Credit unions are financial institutions owned by their accountholders, and member funds are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) up to at least $250,000.

Elmwood Area Community Club holds second Euchre Tournament

Cari Cornelius

March 19, 2024

First place winners John and Monica Krings. Submitted photo

ELMWOOD, WI – The Elmwood Area Community Club (EACC) held their second of two annual Euchre tournaments on Sunday, March 10, 2024. With beautiful weather outside, twenty-six teams competed for several payouts totaling over $700. A $520 dollar pot was awarded to the first through fourth place teams, $145 for an optional loan hand pot, and the collected quarters on the table were given to the team with the lowest score.

Before playing, attendees were able to enjoy a delicious lunch provided by the Community Club of hot beef, macaroni and cheese, Sailer’s brats, potato salad, and several delicious bars and cookies.

With the scores tallied, the winners of the 2024 March Tournament were 1^st place: 40% payout of $208 –John and Monica Krings. 2^nd place: 30% payout of $156 –Don Adank and Greg Nelson. 3^rd place: 20% payout of $104 – Dennis Huebel and Bob Huebel. 4^th place: 10% payout of $52 was a tie – John Klatt and Jerry Richartz, and Travis Bee and Dale Bee.

To read this and other premium articles in their entirety, pickup the March 7, 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.

Stasiek, Ducklow, Schmitt and Kaker lead Cardinals with A-C honors in winter sports

Ron Cipriano

March 18, 2024

SPRING VALLEY, WI – As the regular season ended, the post-season All-Conference (A-C) and other honors begin to roll in for the Spring Valley winter sports teams.

Senior Mara Ducklow was the lone honoree for the girls’ basketball team, earning first team honors for the second year in a row.

Earning honors for the boys’ basketball team were junior Cade Stasiek with first team honors and senior Jameson Bauer and junior Masyn Wolf earning second team honors.

To read this and other premium articles in their entirety, pickup the March 14, 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.