<div>Letters to the Editor published in the Sept. 25, 2024 issue of the Tomahawk Leader.Provide answers that actually address people’s concernsIn response to the Sept. 17 meeting of the Lincoln County Board and my previous letter:The question of whether a potential sale of Pine Crest Nursing Home would go before the full county board was answered in that it would.To the question of why there was no appraisal, my understanding of Supervisor Julie DePasse’s response was that she was tired of hearing about appraisals and that in real estate, a seller doesn’t do an appraisal but the buyer would if a bank-backed loan were involved. Regarding sales of Lincoln County property; Resolution 2021-03-15, under Property Dispensation Process, states, under Processes: “d) Defining of Property Value, ii. Assessment and/or appraisal of land and building via Lincoln County Forestry Department or real estate appraiser to determine a minimum fair sale price. Tiers for expected sale price are as follows: c. Tier 3: Estimated value greater than $100,000.00 – Forestry Assessment and formal appraisal of non-biased 3rd party.”Resolution 2021-3-15 was adopted by the County Board on April 20, 2021. It attempted to lay out a process that would provide for the best interests of Lincoln County citizens and not for the convenience of the board. The resolution states: under Defining of Property Value as, “Property value is defined not only by the monetary worth, but also by utility of current and future need. Aside from land appraisal price of the parcel and structures, the utility of property based on location, neighboring entities, ongoing County or department needs should come under consideration.”Pine Crest Nursing Home is one of the most valuable assets of Lincoln County, let alone the inclusion of the Social Services building and grounds in the sale proposal. The sale of such should involve more consideration than replacement of a worn-out piece of equipment. In spite of that, the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors determined that the Property Dispensation Process was not binding and went their own way.It is quite simple. If the board is tired with dealing with multiple questions then provide answers that actually address people’s concerns – like how did they arrive at the specific $8.5 million sale price without an appraisal?Diana C. SmithTomahawkIs that what ‘conservative’ means to you?It’s interesting to live in a rural Wisconsin county that’s modestly poor, at least by affluent, middle-class standards, and to contemplate the apparent indifference of citizens – at least a large percentage of citizens – who passively watch a rightwing county board kill a vehicle registration fee that provided over $500,000.00 per year to an underfunded Highway Department, kill University Extension, and then decide to sell the county-owned five-star nursing home.This rightwing county board, proclaiming financial and political expertise, tried (and at first failed) to sell the nursing home – with no appraisal of the nursing home’s worth – at a fire sale price that roughly matched the remaining debt on two recent additions. To sweeten the deal, they threw in the Social Services building with a 10-year rentback clause that essentially gave the building away for free.These community wreckers call themselves conservative. I thought (correct me if I’m wrong) that conservative was in the same nest of meaning with conservation and conserve. Taking care of the old, infirm and incapacitated is a community responsibility. It’s a fundamental democratic obligation. It’s how we uphold our self-respect. That’s how, at least in part, we conserve our moral, ethical and spiritual dignity. Honoring that collective responsibility is at the heart of what it means to be conservative. But how does wrecking a place get to be called “conservative”? Is that what “conservative” means to you?Paul GilkMerrillThe Wisconsin courts appreciate your service as a jurorThe Wisconsin Court System has designated September as a time to recognize the importance of jurors to the American justice system. Whether serving in September or at another time, this is the legal system’s opportunity to highlight the contributions of every prospective and sworn juror and to express gratitude.Trial by jury is a right protected by both the U.S. and Wisconsin Constitutions. It is a duty for Wisconsin citizens to help protect this important feature of our justice system. Juries serve several crucial purposes: they decide the facts in criminal and civil trials, reflect community values and sentiments in the court process and foster public acceptance of legal decisions. Jury duty, alongside voting, is one of the primary means by which citizens participate in government work.Each circuit court ensures that the jury system meets modern needs. Clerks monitor administrative procedures to create a fair and efficient jury list and summoning process, ensuring jurors are welcomed and comfortable. Judges oversee trials to respect jurors’ time and provide clear legal instructions. Trial attorneys present issues and evidence clearly, enabling jurors to make confident decisions. Supporting the jury trial process involves extensive preparation and participation, but none is more crucial than the jurors’ work.On behalf of the Oneida County Circuit Judges, Clerk of Circuit Court and court staff, we would like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to those of you who have been summoned to serve on jury duty. We recognize that taking time aside from your family and work can be difficult. By serving, you help to ensure that the right to trial by jury is protected in Wisconsin.We would also like to thank the many private companies, government agencies, small businesses, school districts and all those who encourage and support their employees when they are called to jury service.In honoring the excellent service and commitment of citizens who perform jury duty, we hope to reinforce public confidence in the jury system, improve communication with jurors and employers and publicize an important and positive message about jury service.Not only do we appreciate our jurors, we are indebted to them. Thank you to all jurors of Oneida County!Honorable Michael H. Schiek Oneida Co. Circuit Court, Branch IHonorable Mary M. SowinskiOneida Co. Circuit Court, Branch IIBrenda BehrleOneida County Clerk of Circuit Court</div>

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Letters to the Editor: Sept. 25, 2024

Letters to the Editor published in the Sept. 25, 2024 issue of the Tomahawk Leader. Provide answers that actually address people’s concerns. In response to the Sept. 17 meeting of the Lincoln County Board and my previous letter:. The question of whether a potential sale of Pine Crest Nursing...