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• Regional health care cooperative workshop April 18 in Baldwin
• Somerset voters reject referendum; local elections decided

Individuals and small business owners can learn how to establish and operate a regional health co-op from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. April 18 at the St. Croix County Agriculture Service and Education Center, 1960 Eighth Ave., Baldwin.

Bill Oemichen, president of the Wisconsin Federation of Cooperatives, will present the workshop, sponsored by Sen. Sheila Harsdorf and the St. Croix Economic Development Corp.

Oemichen helped with the launch of a statewide health co-op for farmers and agri-businesses last year.

Health co-ops allow small businesses and individuals -- including self-employed, farmers and early retirees -- to purchase health care as a group.

Reservations are requested to Harsdorf's office at 800.862-1092, or Sen.Harsdorf@legis.wisconsin.gov.

St. Croix County voters went to the polls Tuesday to cast their ballots in a number of local elections.

The Somerset School District had asked voters to approve $35 million for a new high school. The measure was soundly defeated, 468 "yes" votes to 1,466 "no" votes, according to preliminary figures.

Somerset Superintendent Randy Rosburg said he was disappointed but not surprised by the results.

"I think the economy had a big impact on the vote," he said. "It's a difficult time for everybody."

Rosburg said the School Board will have to begin a new conversation with the community about what to do next in addressing space needs in the District.

The hottest race was the contest between Howard Cameron and Mark J. Gherty for the St. Croix County Circuit Court, Branch 4, position. It was a tight race, but Cameron pulled out the victory in the end,5,058-4,751.

The judge post is newly added to allow the County to handle its growing load of cases in the courts.

Eric Lundell, the sitting Branch 1 judge, ran unopposed and picked up 8,306 votes. On the state level, Mike Gableman and Louis Butler are in a spirited battle for the open Wisconsin Supreme Court seat. Results for that race were not available prior to press time. Early returns showed that the race was close. The state referendum vote on the repeal of the Frankenstein veto appeared to be headed for certain victory. For up-to-the-minute results, visit www.newrichmond-news.com.

County Board races were a major part of the election ballot, although few races emerged.

Locally, Roger Larson was elected in District 9; Fred Horne in District 10; John Mortensen in District 12; and Esther Wentz in District 13.

Shane Demulling defeated Lauren Stephens. 366-142, for the open District 30 position, the seat representing the Village of Somerset.

In District 10 (which covers the Town of Star Prairie), Richard King downed John Heintz 248-138.

In District 27, Kenneth Kolbe defeated Ron Raymond, 135-117.

In New Richmond, incumbent Mayor David Schnitzler defeated Arthur "Rick" Rendell 411-267.

Ron Volkert, Jim Zajkowski and Jane Hansen all ran unopposed for three open alderman seats.

Three incumbents were re-elected to the New Richmond School Board -- Greg Gartner (1,011), Chris Skoglund (927) and Marilyn Duerst (947).

In Somerset, three candidates ran for two open seats on the School Board. Marie Colbeth (1,049) and Robert Gunther (920) were the top vote getters. Chad Mecl picked up 619 votes.

Ryan Sicard was the only announced candidate for Somerset Village trustee. There are three open seats on the Village Board, so write-in candidates picked up the other seats (although those results were not available by presstime).

Two candidates filed the necessary papers to be on the ballot for the St. Croix Central School Board race. John Hueg (358) and David Olsen (391) were elected.

In Hammond, Christopher Buckel (103), Wally Graf (95) and Steve Peterson (82) ran unopposed for the three open village trustee positions. Sandra Nelson (121) was the only announced candidate for municipal judge.

Four candidates competed for one of three open seats on the Roberts Village Board. Terry Dull (88), Nathan Stork (105) and Rand Waughtal (101) were elected. Peter Tharp (42) failed to gather enough votes.

Two incumbents sought re-election to the Star Prairie Village Board -- Mick Maxon (37) and Andrew Marrier (27).

The following town elections were also be on the ballot:

Town of Hammond Paulette Anderson (111) and Kent Wynveen (120) are unopposed.

Town of St. Joseph Dan Gavin (361) defeated Lloyd Dahlke (257) for the District 1 seat. Brett Bader ran unopposed for the District 3 seat.

Town of Somerset Shane Demulling (586) and Lenny Germain (513) ran for the two open seats on the Town Board.

Town of Star Prairie Allen Campeau (309) and Michael Mitch Flandrick (300) ran unopposed for the two open seats on the Town Board.

Town of Warren Michael Kamm (95) and Bruce Elliott (98) ran for the two open seats on the Warren Town Board.