Students offer ways people can cut energy use

Vox Pop

Did you know that in Medford, Wis. we’re using a lot of oil and coal as an energy resource? Well if you didn’t know, 71 % of the electricity here is being generated from primarily coal, 6% natural gas, and only 23% renewable energy sources.

To reduce the oil we use, you could plant a bigger garden to have less space to mow, or you could use reusable bags at the grocery store.

To change the coal, you can read a book instead of watching TV and make sure to turn the lights off in rooms when you’re not using them. You should care about this problem in Medford and help us fix it before it’s too late and all of the non-renewable energy sources are gone forever. If we don’t do something, nonrenewable energy resources will run out in our lifetime. If you care about us, the children, we need to act now and reduce our use of fossil fuels!

— Elyn Mabie and Hadalye Ziehlke, fourth graders at Medford Area Elementary School

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Maybe you have never been without a job.

Maybe you have never applied for a job when you have had to leave the address line” blank.”

Maybe you have never moved to another country to escape poor conditions or imminent danger.

Maybe you have never been discriminated against over and over.

There are people in Taylor County who have!

Maybe you have never been without a working vehicle in your garage.

Maybe you have never been without enough money to have your vehicle repaired.

Maybe you have never had to walk to work in a blizzard or in the summer heat.

Maybe you have never been without a warm jacket or boots to wear in the winter.

There are people in Taylor County who have!

Maybe you have never been evicted because you have been unable pay your rent.

Maybe you have never received a notice that your utilities will be shut off.

Maybe you have not out-stayed your welcome in your family’s basement.

Maybe you have never slept in your car. Maybe you have never lacked a bed.

There are people in Taylor County who have!

Maybe you have never been unable to feed your family.

Maybe you have never had to depend on local food pantries for your next meal.

Maybe you have never been unable to afford a few quarters to wash your clothes.

Maybe you have never called a local church, Indianhead Community Action Agency, The Taylor County Housing Authority, the Salvation Army, The Community Mission with Jesus (A group of 7 local churches who work together to help people in need.) to ask for assistance.

There are people in Taylor County who have!

In fact, local agencies and churches receive calls and cries for help...daily! Ask those who work in your church offices and those who work in these outreach programs. The Taylor County Supportive Housing group is writing an application for a State Grant and is requesting the proper zoning and the “go ahead” to make a homeless shelter available for people in “transition” here in Taylor County.

I have seen tears in the eyes and have heard the voices of those who have no other choice than to ask for our help. Consider yourself informed that THERE IS a great need here! There is no reason that anyone should say “no” to opening a homeless shelter here in Medford when we know for sure that there is a need in our midst.

With high hopes that we can see this through.

— Mary Jo Laabs, Pastor, Community United Church of Christ

Vox Pop

Please, please pray for our president Donald J. Trump. Pray the Holy Spirit will be with him and that no weapon formed against him will prosper. We ask this in Christ’s holy name.

Thank you, God bless America.

— Donno Van Dake, Curtiss