Stevens Point City Times

Voters approved the $14 million referendum for the Stevens Point Area School District. The referendum received 7,534 yes votes and 7,031 no votes. The purpose of the operational referendum was to provide funding for staff, enhanced school security and mental health support. In the Stevens Point School Board race, six candidates were running for three seats. The top vote getters were Meg Erler with 7,508 votes, Jim Lepak with 6,307 and Will Scheder with 6,250 votes.

By Robert Cloud The Portage County District Attorney’s office filed felony charges against three men who were allegedly involved in the assault that led to the death of a 61-year-old Stevens Point man. Brandon L. Boehm, 20, Christian J. Emerson, 18, both of Wausau, and Arlin O. Sangster, 19, Rothschild, were charged Thursday, March 21, with first-degree reckless homicide as party to a crime with penalty enhancements for an elderly victim.

Portage County Executive John Pavelski and County Board Chair Al Haga are moving ahead at full speed to sell the Portage County Health Care Center (PCHCC), long called the “County Home,” to Sam Follman, in spite of the long history of public support for the PCHCC.

The Riverfront Arts Center encourages imagination, humor and creativity to craft and enter a work inspired by Peeps. Entries may be a diorama, painting, sculpture, collage or any other artwork using the popular spring marshmallow candy. Entries should be submitted to the Riverfront Arts Center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday or Friday, March 21-22. The Peeps exhibit runs from March 27 to April 14.

By Olivia Coffin Point of Discovery is a public charter school that serves students in grades 6-12. It uses project-based learning to engage and empower students who learn by actively participating in real-world and personally meaningful projects. In project-based learning, students work on a project over an extended period – from a week up to a semester. The project engages them in solving a problem or answering a complex question.

Police found a critically injured man in a ditch off West River Drive north of County Trunk HH shortly before 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 5. According to the Stevens Point Police Department, a pedestrian reported finding the man, who was unresponsive and had sustained significant injuries. Medical personnel treated the victim at the scene and he was flown by helicopter to a Wausau hospital . The victim is currently in critical condition.

By Jacob Heid Sports Editor STEVENS POINT — In an emotionally charged game dominated by physicality, the No. 2-seeded SPASH boys’ hockey team, led by three goals from junior forward Jackson Spees, defeated No. 3-seeded Hudson 5-3 in the sectional semifinal game at K.B. Willett Arena in Stevens Point on Feb. 20. Each team capitalized twice on the power play between the 16 penalties called during the game.

BY MIKE WARREN EDITOR STEVENS POINT – The results of the Feb. 20 Primary election have now finalized ballots for the spring polling on April 2. In Portage County’s District 17 race, incumbent Suzanne Oehlke was the top vote-getter, with 156. Joining her on the April 2 ballot will be Jackie Szehner, who received 108 votes in the Primary. Bob Pahmeier finished in third place with 58 votes and was eliminated from the race.

By Jacob Heid Sports Editor PORTAGE COUNTY — With the calendar nearing March, area boys’ basketball teams have their final tune-ups this week before flipping to survive and advance mode for the playoffs. The Almond-Bancroft boys’ basketball team grabbed the No. 1 seed in its D5 sectional, while Pacelli and Rosholt got the No. 3 and No. 12 seed, respectively, to round out D5 action.

By Jacob Heid Sports Editor STEVENS POINT — The WIAA girls’ hockey playoffs opening round had plenty to see as the No. 4-seeded Wisconsin Valley Union hosted the No. 5-seeded Northland Pines Co-op from up north at Ice Hawks Arena in Stevens Point on Feb. 15. After the Union trailed 2-0 heading into the third, the game went to overtime before the visiting Eagles put the cherry on top with the game-winner for a 3-2 victory.