ATHENS
Senior Card Group
The Senior Citizens card group met on Jan. 23 for weekly card playing at the Athens Area Fire and Ambulance Hall.
Two games of Sheepshead were played. Wil Strack won first place and Butch Boris came in second in the first game. Tom Ellenbecker won first and Steve Klockziem came in second in the second game.
Low score was Alvira Henrichs. Newcomers are encouraged to come play Sheepshead every Thursday from 12:30-3:30 p.m. at the Athens fire hall.
Family Story Time
Bring your entire family to story time at the Athens Branch Library in February. Children of all ages and their parents or caregivers are invited to this 30-minute program. Library staff will read books, sing songs, and offer other literaturebased activities. Upcoming Family Story Times will be held on Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26, from 10:30 to 11 a.m.
Book club
The Athens Book Club will meet at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at the Athens Branch Library to discuss “Wandering Stars” by Tommy Orange. Tracing the legacies of the 1864 Sand Creek Massacre to Orvil Red Feather’s shooting, Opal strives to hold the family together as Orvil turns to prescription drugs, and his brother, battling PTSD, performs secret blood rituals to connect with their Cheyenne heritage. For more information, call 715257-7292.
Maple Grove School
The Maple Grove Governance Board was called to order at 5:02 p.m. for their December meeting.
A motion was made to table the approval of the November minutes and the The Record-Review write up until the January meeting A motion was made to table the review of contract Sections 16 and 17 until the January meeting.
The playground committee met with the contractor prior to Thanksgiving and provided them with suggestions and finished the topographic map / plan.
The board discussed suggestions from a community member from the last meeting and an informal consensus was arrived at. Extra monies have been budgeted in case of any setbacks, and the board would like to wait until April/May to revisit this issue to see if any monies are left. The estimate for equipment has to be in by April to see if there is money left to purchase equipment for the upper playground. A motion was made and seconded to replace the gymnasium door and add keyless entry, estimated to cost between $5,000- $7,000)
Whole Child Learning
Wisconsin DPI report cards came out. Maple Grove received a 70.5 overall score, up from 64 last year.
The evacuation drill was discussed.
Monitor Report
Owners did well with the audit.
Forward testing was completed for grades 3-5. Scores cannot compare due to the test being re-weighted.
A motion to approve the FOMG budget was approved.
PTO update
The cookie sale went smoothly and the apparel fundraiser had 50 orders. The PTO will do another.
Sale before Spirit week. Working on staff gifts and Christmas bags for the students. After the program, there will be a movie night in January.
Maple Grove Foundation Update
The foundation funded the Wisconsin State Capitol tree ornaments and shipped them to Madison. Sponsoring flowers for the teachers for the concerts.
Motion made and seconded to adjourn at 6:52 p.m.
LEGO Block Party
Can you create a world with simple blocks? Families are invited to build with LEGOs on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Edgar Branch Library. All blocks will be provided for free. No registration required. Call 715-3523155 for more information.
Book club
The Edgar Book Club will meet at noon on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at the Edgar Library to discuss “Born a Crime” by Trevor Noah. The host of The Daily Show with Trevor Noah recounts his coming of age in apartheid South Africa and its aftermath, highlighting the absurdities of modern political and social systems. For more information, call 715-352-3155.
Love song sing-along
Adults and teens are invited to MCPL Edgar Branch Library for a love song sing-along from 4-5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 10. Use your voice to sing along with staff or bring a strumming instrument, such as a guitar or ukulele, to join in the fun. Lyric sheets and chord charts will be provided, so whether you’re an experienced musician or just love to sing, everyone is welcome. The event is free; no registration required. Call the Edgar Branch at 715-352-3155 for more information.
Family Story Time
Children of all ages and their parents and caregivers are invited to the Edgar Branch Library on the first and third Tuesday of the month for Family Story Time. Enjoy learning with all of your children through stories, songs and other literature-based activities in this 30-minute program. The next Story Times will be held on Feb. 4 and 18, from 11 to 11:30 a.m.
Medical supply closet
Edgar Community Church has taken over the medical supply closet started by the American Legion in the 1960s. The closet has a variety of personal home medical equipment available to the public, such as wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, lockers and toilet risers. The items are currently being kept in a storage unit, but the church plans to build a permanent storage shed. Donations of good-condition items, especially rollator walkers, are accepted.
To access the closet or arrange a donation, call the church at 715997-4827.
Book club
The Marathon City Book Club will meet at 5:45 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 10, at the Marathon Branch Library to discuss “The Woman They Could Not Silence” by Kate Moore. In 1860, Elizabeth Packard, committed to an insane asylum by her traitorous husband, becomes a champion for the many rational woman on her ward, discovering that the merit of losing everything is that you then have nothing to lose. For more information, call 715-443-2775.
Family Story Time
Children of all ages and their parents/ caregivers are invited to the Marathon City Branch Library for Story Time on Thursdays. Library staff will read books, sing songs, and more during their 30-45 minutes together. Upcoming Family Story Times will be Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27, from 10:30 to 11 a.m.
Legion Auxiliary
President Betty Blume called the Jan. 9 meeting of the American Legion Auxiliary Alois Dreikosen, Unit 469 to order.
The minutes of the November meeting were read by the secretary.
The treasurer’s report was read by the treasurer.
Membership
A total of 83 members renewed for 2025. Dues for adults for the coming year are $34. Cost for Ju-
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Knights of Columbus Coloring and Essay Contests
The Knights of Columbus of Marathon City recently held their annual Poster Coloring Contest and Catholic Citizenship Essay Contest, inviting participants to showcase their creativity and writing talents. Winners of the coloring contest were awarded prizes and will advance to the state competition, where their artwork will compete for a chance to be featured on the Knights of Columbus' yearly Christmas cards. Essay contest winners also received prizes and have advanced to the state level for further competition. The winners were, in back, from left to right, Sophia Berens, Elsie Kolka, Lilah Soczka and Brayson Schneider. In the front are Lillian Stoller, Leo Stoller, and Susie Riehle.
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nior members is $5.25. Members are encouraged to call or complete membership forms online or by calling 317-569-4570. Dues can also be paid in person at meetings or sent to Cathy Armbrust (membership chair).
Birthdays for the month of December and January were read.
Thank you notes
Thank-you notes were read from the Special Olympics, Marathon County Veterans Administration, Marathon High School, St. Mary’s School, two recipients of Christmas cheer, and Fisher House.
Members were reminded to keep track of volunteer hours from March 1, 2024 to Feb. 28, 2025. Members were asked to report their hours to Betty Blume no later than the first week in March.
A generous number of hats, socks and gloves were donated for the homeless veterans of Marathon County at this year’s annual Christmas party. A great time was had by all.
The Auxiliary also collected toiletries and tie blankets for the American Legion Auxiliary midwinter meeting in Appleton. The items will be distributed to Wisconsin veterans homes.
Members received many positive comments on the Christmas tree at Holly Days. Thank you to those who helped put up and take down the tree.
Volunteers took seven names from the Giving Tree.
ALA members went to visit ALA homebound/ nursing home members. Along with the visit, hand-carved patriotic wooden crosses and “It’s Cool to be Patriotic” magnets were presented.
The Legion has two possible candidates for Badger Girls State. A motion was made to reserve room for two representatives to Badger Girls State this year.
New Business
The Auxiliary is moving ahead with trying to set up a Patriotic Art Fair for this spring/ summer.
The goal is to open this activity up to any member of the community who would like to participate. Guidelines are being written up, and the projected date for submitting items will be in May of 2025. The official announcement and further information will be coming soon.
The ALA is investigating the rental of a shuttle bus to take interested members to visit the Highground Veterans Memorial in Neillsville. More information to come.
“ALAin the Know” will again be sponsoring one-day workshops members can attend to learn more about all the programs and activities that are offered. Current dates are Sept 13, 20, 27, and Oct 4 and 11. Locations vary throughout the state.
The American Legion Auxiliary District 8 conference is scheduled on April 26 at the World War II building in Wautoma.
It was noted that the current refrigerator at the village hall is quite old. A suggestion was made to talk to the Legion and the Boy Scouts to see if they could help cover the cost of a new refrigerator.
The Lions will match up to $5,000 collected from other organizations / private individuals to help complete the remaining projects at the new ballpark. A motion was made to make a donation toward the new ballpark. Motion carried.
The Marathon Lions are again sponsoring a river float this summer and are asking for funds to help support the event. Brenda Wirkus reported that they are currently working on Tower Park to continue to make it a place for families to picnic and take their children to play. A motion was made to donate funds. Motion carried.
Closing prayer was given by the unit chaplain.
The next regular meeting will be February 13, at 6:30 p.m. at Village Hall.
STRATFORD
College notes
Gavin Drexler, studying construction management at North Dakota State University, was named to the fall 2024 dean’s list. Students must earn a 3.50 grade point average or higher and be enrolled in at least 12 class credits to qualify. For the semester, 4,322 students made the list.
Family Story Time
Bring your entire family to story time at the Stratford Branch Library on Wednesdays in February. Children of all ages and their parents or caregivers are invited to this 30minute program. Library staff will read books, sing songs, and offer other literaturebased activities. Upcoming Family Story Times will be Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26, from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Fun with Play-Doh
Children and their families are invited to the Stratford Branch Library on Monday, Feb. 24, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. to have fun with Play-Doh. A staff member from Children's Wisconsin/Marshfield Family Resource Center will also be available for questions and to recommend community resources.The event is free; no registration required. Call 715-687-4420 for more info.
Book club
The Stratford Book Club will meet at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at the Stratford Branch Library to discuss “The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store” by James McBride. In 1972, a skeleton unearthed in Chicken Hill, Pennsylvania, reveals a long-held secret, exposing the role of the town’s white establishment and the guarded lives of those on the margins of white, Christian America. For more information, call 715-687-4420.
Speed puzzling competition
All ages are invited to showcase their puzzle skills at a speed puzzling competition at the Stratford Branch Library during the week of February 10-15. Teams of two to four will have up to 60 minutes to complete a 300-piece jigsaw puzzle. Participants should plan to arrive 10 minutes ahead of their scheduled time, as the competition will begin exactly at stated time. Competition times vary. Registration is required by calling the Stratford Branch at 715-687-4420.
MARATHON COUNTY
Valentines Family Tea
The Marathon County Historical Society will host its annual Valentines Family Tea on Saturday, Feb. 8, at 2 p.m., at the Woodson History Center, 410 Monroe St., Wausau. Dress your best or come as you are. Activities will include a children’s tea, sweet treats, a Valentine Day craft, photo fun, story time and cookie decorating. Tickets are available for purchase at the door; no reservation required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Spelling bee winners advance
St. Anthony de Padua Catholic School hosted the NERR Catholic School Spelling Bee on Jan. 22. Twenty students from St. Anthony’s in Athens, St. John’s in Edgar, St. Mary’s in Marathon, and St. Joseph’s in Stratford competed. The winners, from left to right, are Claire Braunel, first place; Lucas Riehle, second place; and Anthony Hanneman, third place. The top three spellers from each school advance to the regional bee at Stratford Elementary School on Feb. 11.
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Arrow Tap donates to Circle of Joy
The patrons of Arrow Tap Tavern, Marathon, collected non-perishable items, as well as monetary donations for the Circle of Joy during the month of December. The Circle of Joy, located in Edgar, serves the Marathon and Edgar communities. Sheena Hart, co-owner of Arrow Tap, is pictured with the donated items.
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