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• Relay for Life slated in New Richmond Friday and Saturday
• Hammond residents will see water rate hike

For several years, Mary Mettler helped coordinate a Relay for Life team for her employer, Phillips Plastics.

As she helped raise money for the American Cancer Society's effort to cure cancer, little did she know that she would some day become a cancer survivor herself.

This year's Relay for Life at the New Richmond High School track Friday and Saturday, June 12-13, marks the first anniversary of Mettler's release from a nine-month hospital stay. She has been named one of the honorary co-chairmen for this year's event and will get a chance to speak on Friday night.

"I think it's going to be a really happy time," she said. "I'm certainly glad to be part of the Relay again. It certainly could have gone the other way."

Mettler said she's excited because her husband, Paul, her mother and her sisters will be on hand for the night.

Mettler, a 30-year resident of New Richmond, underwent a bone marrow transplant Feb. 18, 2008 at the University of Minnesota hospital.

Mettler was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia in 2007. She was treated with chemotherapy in the weeks leading up to the eventual transplant.

The fact that she received the transplant is a miracle in itself. Doctors usually reject potential transplant patients who are 56 years old or more. Mettler turned 56 a few days after her transplant.

Doctors also found a "perfect" match for the bone marrow donor. Mettler's sister, Robin Kramer of Green Bay, provided the necessary bone marrow for the procedure.

Mettler's recovery was touch and go at times, and on one occasion her family thought she would possibly die.

For months after her transplant, Mettler remained in the hospital. But on June 13, 2008, she was released, hours before the start of the annual Relay for Life event. She mustered up enough strength to participate in the survivors' walk and enjoy a few of the festivities.

Since then, Mettler's condition has continued to improve. She still isn't working, but she's able to enjoy a host of activities, including going to garage sales.

She still suffers from dry eyes, swelling and stomach problems from time to time, but she considers herself fortunate to be part of this year's Relay.

"They never say you're cured from cancer," she said. "I'm in remission. I'm more than excited to say I'm a survivor."

Mettler said she's thankful for her support team of family, friends, church members and more who have helped the family through the difficult period.

"There are so many people I'd love to thank," she said. ***

Cindy Johnson of rural Somerset is this year's caregiver co-chairman for this year's Relay for Life.

Johnson and her family cared for her father, Milton Miller, during his battle with cancer in 2008-09.

Miller died Feb. 21, 2009 at Johnson's home. Miller was able to live his final days with family, thanks to the services of the Adoray Hospice program.

Johnson said she appreciated the honor of being named the American Cancer Society Honorary Caregiving chair for the event.

"Caring for others is something that we were all naturally designed and placed on this planet to do," she said. "I was extremely honored and certainly willing to do anything I could to help. It was the least I could do for all they've done for me."

Johnson's journey began on Jan. 28, 2008 when her mother experienced a brain bleed and was flown from southwestern Minnesota to North Memorial Hospital in the Twin Cities.

Her dad traveled north to be close to his wife, staying with the Johnsons. During his wife's hospital stay, Miller was diagnosed with cancer.

"We noticed Dad had been losing a lot of weight but his abdomen was enlarging," she said. "We became concerned, and the patient focus shifted to Dad. In August an MRI showed that Dad had an extremely large tumor attached to his right kidney."

Doctors explained that the tumor that was the size of a football.

Miller indicated that he did not want surgery, and he was unwavering in his decision, Johnson said.

"We were then introduced to in-home hospice and the process of letting go," she said.

The day her father died, Johnson was able to hold his hand as he passed away.

"We had fought the hard fight and now Dad was at peace," she said. "I could feel the calm knowing that Dad was now in heaven."

As this year's Relay event approaches, Johnson said this weekend's festivities will give her a chance to reflect on the challenges and joys of providing care for a cancer patient.

"Dad taught me so much about living during the time that he was dying," she said. "I learned that the greatest gift is unconditional love, in all things be grateful, and that we are here roll up our sleeves and really help each other along the way. We each have endless opportunities to care for others in big and small ways." ***

This year's Relay for Life kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday. Some 25 teams are signed up to walk and raise money for cancer research and patient care.

Other planned Friday events are the Locks of Love hair cutting event (7 p.m.); martial arts demonstrations (7:30 p.m.); Lord & Lady of the Relay competition (8:45 p.m.); luminaria ceremony (10 p.m.); night games; and pizza (11:30 p.m.)

Saturday events include breakfast (6 a.m. until gone); "gentle yoga" (8-9 a.m.); wheel raffle (8-11 a.m.); kids games (9-11 a.m.); rootbeer floats (noon); and closing ceremony (noon).

Residents of Hammond will be seeing a slight increase in their water bills starting Aug. 1.

In a close 4-3 vote, the Village of Hammond Board approved a 3.8 percent increase. The public fire and bulk fill costs will also increase by 3.8 percent. Voting against the motion were trustees Eric Arthur, Chris Buckel and Tony Bibeau.

The increase will take an average residential bill up about 75 cents, said Public Works Director Rod Turk. Water bills have remained steady since 2003, while other expenses have risen.

"It's not a huge increase. It's not 300 percent," Turk explained to the board before the vote. In 2006, sewer rates in Hammond actually did triple. Water rates were unaffected.

The increases come on the recommendations of the village's auditor Tom Kortes and the Public Service Commission.

This is the first year since 2003 the village has qualified for an increase by the PSC, Turk told the board.

The PSC is an independent state agency that oversees more than 1,100 Wisconsin public utilities that provide electricity, heat, water and telecommunication services. The commission also oversees rates.

Rates are calculated based on audit reports from the village.

The potential extra income will go into the water's outlay fund. Outlay money helps fund large projects.

Turk used chlorinating water as an example of an outlay fund expense. If the village would be required to chlorinate all its water it would be a major expense. The saved outlay money would soften the blow.

The water rate increase has nothing to do with the sewer treatment plant.

On the village's utility bill, sewer, water and fire are combined for a total. The sewer portion of the bill won't increase.

Trustee Bibeau said several residents had already approached him about the water increase item on the agenda this month.

"They are not receptive," he told the board.

Trustee Buckel questioned the need for the increase. He questioned what guarantees that the outlay will grow from the increases, and what ensures the money won't be spent on something else.

Trustee Wally Graf backed the increase due to the PSC recommending it. The commission doesn't let municipalities raise the rates unless it's needed, he said.

"It's nice to keep up with that little raise," Graf stated.