http://www.grantsburgrotary.org/

Grantsburg Rotary, PO Box 185, Grantsburg, WI (2026)

06/17/2026

Rotary names Heidi Jensen as “Teacher of the Year”
By Byron Higgin, Grantsburg Rotary

Grantsburg School Superintendent Josh Watt took a call from his college son who couldn’t say enough good about the English education he got at Grantsburg High School. “They’re one of the best,” he said. “They know what they’re doing. I really felt prepared for college.”
With that Watt turned and handed the “Rotary Teacher of the Year” award to high school English teacher Heidi Jensen.

Jensen said, “my best friend and fellow teacher Tiffany Johnson came into the teacher assembly last week when Mr. Watt was going to name the teacher of the year and we were trying to guess who the award was going too, then he said my name and I was in shock,” Jensen said.

A very long list of accomplishments prove the Rotarians made the right choice.
Grantsburg Principal Matt Haase said Jensen is "An English teacher who pairs high professional standards with a strong dedication to student achievement.”

While the Wisconsin State Education association had put a high standard of good reading skills for all high school graduates, Jensen sets a different standard. “We concentrate on Reading Stamina to help students read for longer periods of time,” she said.

Jensen finds employers want to make sure employees can focus well on the material they’re presented so she makes it a goal to help with reading “focus.”
Principal Haase calls Jensen, “A master educator,” and adds, “She holds her students to exceptionally high expectations, consistently pushing them to achieve levels of academic success.”

Part of that process includes what the principal calls, “Her commitment to implementing a clear and viable curriculum to all her classes.”
Superintendent Watt says it's people like Jensen, “Who help make Grantsburg School District a special place.”

Jensen, who has taught for 24 years in Grantsburg told Rotarians, “It’s an honor for me to teach in Grantsburg with such an amazing staff.”
Some teachers may “simplify tasks” for students, but Hasse said, “Heidi regularly reminds her students they ‘can do hard things,’ and she refuses to let the take the easy way out.”

A good example of that is the way Jensen has recognized “Artificial Intelligence (AI)” as a way for student to take shortcuts.
“We talk about how it will shape their lives,” she said. “I want their writing to be their thoughts and for them to write with integrity,” she said.
“We need to examine how AI influences and shapes the media we all consume,” said Jensen.
Her kids are taught to examine their own technology use by using “Parallel Reading,” and to not just assume information is accurate.

While “speed reading” is taught to students, Jensen said, ‘Sometimes we have to slow down,” for the sake of good comprehension.

Jensen also teaches an “Advanced Placement (AP) English class, where she challenges students to develop a deep sense of ownership and pride in their work. “This commitment to excellence yields clear results as her AP students regularly earn passing scores, a direct reflection of her ability to elevate student performance to the highest level,” said Principal Haase.

The AP classes help prepare students for college English.
Beyond the classroom, Jensen is a Professional Leaning community (PLC) leader. “She guides her colleagues in collaborative strategies centered on enhancing student learning outcomes,” said Principal Haase.

She also serves as both a National Honor Society (NH) advisor and Sophomore Class Advisor. As a Speech Team coach she has regularly had a significant impact on students, many who qualify each year for state competition.

Principal Haase paid Jensen the highest compliment when he said, “Heidi is an educator I deeply trust and relay on to provide honest, constructive feedback and her insights are consistently geared toward improving our overall school culture.”

06/10/2026

Rotary awards Scholarships:

At the recent Grantsburg Scholarship Night, the Grantsburg Rotary awarded scholarships to students in honor of Merlin Johnson. Presenting the scholarships on behalf of the Rotary was Dave Dahlberg (left).

The students, pictured with Dahlberg from left to right, are Teresa Meier, Lydia Meyer, Kylie Hansen, Ruby Rengo, Micah Sagle, Kaiden Xurvein, Brock Matheny, Josh Hartke, and Kaitlyn Robin.

Each student received a $100 scholarship, except for Kylie Hansen, who received a $1,000 scholarship for winning the Rotary Four-Way Test Essay Contest.

05/27/2026

"Trap shoot coach sees bright outlook for rising sport"
By Byron Higgin, Grantsburg Rotary Club

In 2015 Trap Shooting was a fledgling high school sport that soon became the fastest growing sport in America. Now, 11 years later, it has become a sport that draws 50,000 kids nationally and 3,000 to the state shooting tournament in Rome, WI.
Coach Floyd Drohman has been along for the entire ride, one year at St. Croix Falls and the rest as coach of the Grantsburg Trap Team.
What started as a minimal amount of shooters in 2016 has grown to a team of 48 this year. “It was my dream to get this going and I’ll keep doing it until I can’t,” Drohman said.
Grantsburg’s contribution has been so successful at the state meet that one Pirate girl attained a two-time state championship.
Drohman has seen kids improve from getting two or three hits out of 25 to knocking down all 25 targets. “That’s neat,” said. And shooting is something, “You can do the rest of your life,” he added.
Grantsburg will take 16 kids to the state meet this year They had 15 last year. And 15 went to nationals as well a year ago. The Nationals will be held in Michigan.
Grantsburg’s shooting range has also become home to Osceola and Pine City high school shooters. “Our trap is their course, too!” Drohman said.
Among the main goals Drohman appreciates about the trap team is the fact each shooter has to take a Hunter Safety Course. “The entire state has never recorded a single injury since 2015,’ he proudly said.
“What other sport can you say about that,” he added.
He also has taught kids the finer points of shooting such as not putting your finger on the trigger until you’re ready to shoot.” And he teaches kids to keep their face on the stock and “Watch the bird, not the barrel. You don’t aim; you point the shotgun.”
For Floyd Drohman his role as coach is more of a kindly father teaching his kids to fine art of trap shooting.
And so far the results speak for themselves.

05/27/2026

Last Week Paster Emory Johnson of Hope Lutheran Church in Grantsburg told Grantsburg Rotarians about a trip he once took to Israel.
He said, “Everything all over Israel pointed to Jesus.”
From a courtyard filled with sparrows to other signs of the Lord and he said, “There is no coincidence when we walk with God. “God has touched everything you see in Israel.”

05/19/2026

Essay winner-Hansen essay best explains Rotary’s 4-Way Test:

The Rotary Four-Way test says:
Of the things we think, say or do:
1. Is It the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. WLL it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

The Pledge Rotarians take weekly has helped the club maintain high standards.
Each year the Grantsburg Rotary chose one essay from students who wrote about the Four-Way Test. The winner is awarded a scholarship during the annual Scholarship Night at the Grantsburg Schools.
This year the essay scholarship winner was Kylie Hansen.
Here is her essay:

The world as we know it is changing quite quickly. Our society us rapidly evolving from a high-trust society that emphasize fairness and goodwill towards others to one that emphasizes selfishness and dishonesty for one’s own gain. After learning about The Rotary’s 4-Way Test, I believe a majority of the world’s problems could be positively impacted by simply applying the test to all the thoughts, words and action s of those in positions of power and influence around the world. The Rotary’s 4-Way Test is crucial to living a fulfilling life that positively impacts oneself and their community.

The first part of the test, “Is it the TRUTH?” has been something I have personally applied many times to my life. In school I try to stay out of drama. Most of the time, the rumors that the drama are built on are never true. When the narrative is brought to me, I dismiss it and attempt to stop people from spreading it. I prevent people from being talked about and any harm that can come from that. More into my inner circle, honesty is what my relationships with people are built on. To have firm ground, you need truthfulness and trust. Whiteout being fully honest with friends and family, you can never establish that firm foundation. If my loved ones found out I had lied about something, they would not be able to trust me when I do tell the truth. Lying builds an unstable bond with those I love. As Class President, my classmates trust me to represent them well and fulfill responsibilities that take a weight off their shoulders. Through this position I have gained a deeper understanding of the importance of trust in a community. Without trust, my relationships with the community, classmates, friends and family would lack the firm foundation that they have, which has allowed them to bloom into the amazing bond they have become.

FAIRNESS is another virtue that I have put a high value on. When I was a freshman just starting varsity softball. I had many things to improve on as a player. I kept working hard that whole year to improve my skills, and when the next season came around the coaches gave me a fair chance to fight for an outfield position. Because of this one chance, I was allowed to play a role in my team’s successes and achievements. I’m now the starting centerfielder and achieved great things every day because of the fair choice my coaches made, which I will forever be thankful for. I aspire to reciprocate the fairness to the people I will work with as I move into the next stages of my life. It has improved my life, and I hope to do the same for others.

Since I was young my family has always been involved in the community. Through this, I have witnessed acts of service that helped people in a time of need. Because of this, I have instinctively implemented “Will it Build Good Will and Better Friendships,” as part of the 4-Way Test in my life. I have committed to helping others for their benefit. I eagerly chose to manage the football team and put in over 250 hours into the program. I enjoyed assisting the players in many areas of need. The team ended up going to the state finals that year, making school history. From all those hours spend with people who were once strangers, I built many friendships and a support system of connections that will stand by me when I’m in need of support.

The last rule of the 4-Way Test, “Is it beneficial to all concerned”, is a rule I strive to achieve in most. In my life, I never want my actions to leave anyone with the short end of the stick. By bearing this in mind, I find it easier to put others before myself knowing someone else gets to experience success even when it may not bring me happiness. It may not be exactly what wanted. If possible, I try to find a way for both parties to win. By maintaining a positive attitude in those situations, I naturally find positive outcomes rather than focusing on the negatives. By doing this, I can help people and gain their trust through my kindness and respect. I will pursue this same mindset as I advance into the next stage of my life with my peers, friends and eventually students and co-workers in an effort to extend goodwill to all I can impact.

When it comes to the 4-Way Test and its applicability to my life, I find it fascinating how many ways the test improves all aspects of what I do and what my community does. The 4-Way Test is more than just a logical series of questions to ask before you think, say or do anything, it is a way to improve the health and trust in your community and in your relationships with others. It brings back the values that seem to be lost on some members of younger generations and help remind everyone just how far a little kindness can go.

The Rotary Clubs of America have a huge impact on the community they serve. If the world used the 4-Way Test as the Rotary prescribes, there would be a significant improvement in the world’s condition today, from economic to political to social; all spheres of our society would be greatly improved by the test.
This is why I am committed to applying in every situation to do my part in improving both myself and my community of friends and strangers.

05/18/2026

Bridge Christian School Director Joanne Phernetton informs Rotary on May 12, 2026:
by Rotarian, Byron Higgin

PHERNETTON TOLD Rotarians The school, in its second year of operation in Siren and currently has 11 students and foresees an increase in the coming year.
The school received a gift of money enough to purchase a van to use for transportation of students for use in outings and trips.

Although small, Phernetton feels the school has been successful in meeting the needs of families wanting a Christian influence in their children’s education.

Picture: Joanne Phernetton (right) with Rotary president Carol Knutson.

05/18/2026

Attorney Knute NORENBERG at Grantsburg Rotary Club on May 5, 2026:
by Rotarian, Byron Higgin

NORENBERG brought special attention to the “probate” process, and he suggested “Vehicles to avoid the probate process.”

Among them were:
1. Real Estate-Transfer on Death Deed. This transfers real estate to grantees on deed at death without going through probate. A Termination of Decedents property Interest must be filed.
2. Bank Accounts, including checking, savings, ‘CD’s and Money Market Accounts. Accomplish this at your bank, transfers account to Payable on Death beneficiaries at death, without probate.
3. Local stocks such as Telephone or Electric Company stocks. Take shares to corporate office and have them re-assign shares in your name and add Transfer on 4. Death to who you want the shares to go to at your death to avoid probate.
Retirement accounts. Make sure you have beneficiaries on the account and account will transfer to them on your death, without probate.
5. Life Insurance. If you have beneficiaries on your life insurance, it is a non-probate asset and will transfer to your beneficiary on death, without probate.
6. Stock Brokerage Accounts. If you name beneficiaries on the account, it will transfer to the beneficiaries at your death, without probate.
7. Farm Equipment. Transfer on Death Bill of Sale Is now available.

Norenberg also reminded Rotarians the Federal Estate Tax kicks in at $15 million to $30 million for married couples. “We no longer have a Wisconsin inheritance tax,” he said.
Also, the annual gift tax exemption for 2026 is $19,000 per person.

05/06/2026

"Duke Tucker to run for Assembly again:"
By Byron Higgin, Grantsburg Rotary

Duke Tucker of Grantsburg last week at the Grantsburg Rotary Club meeting officially became a Rotary Member and also announced both his retirement from his position with Grantsburg Telcom as well as intent to seek a second term in the Wisconsin Legislature.
After driving 57,000 miles this past couple of months he decided he had to streamline his life, so he made the changes.
“it’s been a pleasure to be down there (in the Legislature) so he’s announced his intention to seek re-election.
He’s found being a representative means just that, “Representing what the people of my district want,” and “It’s been a learning process developing a lot of new relationships.”
Rep. Tucker has had a couple of bills passed but also had some vetoed by the governor.
While “it was rough to see legislation vetoed, he learned to question why the bills were vetoed. “Critiquing makes you better,” said Rep. Tucker. So, he studies the veto by learning why the bill was not successful.
Meanwhile, he’s working on bills to improve road infrastructure in his area as well as educational bills.
“It’s been an awesome process,” he said.

04/28/2026

Rotary names three students of the month:

The Grantsburg Rotary Club this past week honored three more students as Students of the Month. They are Kaitlyn Robin, Joshua Hartke and Brock Matheny.

Brock Matheny:
Matheny is the March Student of the Month, and he brought Jackson Ge**er has his Most Influential Teacher. “Mr. Ge**er keeps his classes fun by relating to students while also doing a great job of explaining what we need to learn and how to accomplish it.”
“Mr. Ge**er has taught me there is time to have fun as long as you are getting your work done while giving time to what is important,” said Matheny. “He also taught me to leave time for the things I enjoy, too.”
Matheny also enjoys the fact Ge**er has been a great baseball coach which, “has helped me with my swing and mindset throughout the year.”
Interests include Golf, skiing, weightlifting, football, basketball, baseball and video games.
School activities are Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), youth group, library club of business, varsity football, baseball and basketball.
Future plans are Business Administration at Winona State University. He plans to play football at Winona.

Joshua Hartke:
He Is the April Student of the Month and honored former teacher Jeremiah Steck as his most influential Teacher. “My freshman year I was very scared and sad after leaving my old school and friends and I struggled to talk to people in most classes. But every time I went to Mr. Steck’s classes he would ask how I was doing and what’s going on in my life. His patience and empathy with there with every student and he helped me get my feet under me and get comfortable in this school. I’m very grateful for that.”
He also appreciated Michelle Taylor, who, “Made my senior year so awesome because I get to spend three classes with her, experiencing her joy and Kindness to the fullest level.”
His interests include competitive running, sleeping, hiking and playing sports. “I’m interested in Star Wars and Marvel as well a nature. I love Jesus and my family more than anything”
School activities are: Cross Country, track and field, FCA and Library Club.
His future plans include going to a gap year; Bible School in the United Kingdom and then going to college at the University of Northwestern School in St. Paul. I want to major in business and finance and explore careers in that field.

Kaitlyn Robin:
Her Most Influential Teacher is Sean Lawrence. “I came into his choir with a distrust of choir teachers and a mistrust of myself and my own voice. I think the word he taught me the most was “confidence.” He helped me find my voice and gave me a chance. He believed in me and in turn helped me realize it's okay to believe in myself.”
Interest includes: “Singing and taking adventures, being spontaneous and guests bring me joy. I also really like being at church and eating.”
School activities include Golf, honors choir, forensics, International Club, theater, FCA and Jazz Choir.
Future plans include Attending North Central University to study Worship Leading.

04/17/2026

"Grantsburg’s unique virtual school has become a state trendsetter"
By Byron Higgin, Grantsburg Rotarian

Before it was popular, the Grantsburg School District developed “I-Forward”, to become an open enrollment Virtual Charter School to, “Become a bridge for students between school and the work force,” said Erck Benson, I-Forward assistant Principal.
“It was founded to create jobs and education for kids taking a different pathway,” Grantsburg Superintendent Josh Watt told Grantsburg /Rotarians this week.
I-Forward serves K-13 students from all over the state,” added Watt.
This year the school has an enrollment of 1,263 students.
“A wide range of kids come here,” Benson said.
“What’s more, the I-Forward school has the flexibility to meet individual goals and needs.”
For instance, a student competes in Rodeo Competitions so that students education is intended to center on those needs.
“I-Forward helps students with life lessons,” said Benson. A typical student spends 3-4 hours per day in class. A typical class day runs sis to eight hours per day, including homework.
‘While students don’t see each other on a daily basis, the I-Forward program has created in-person events to develop a strong ‘’team” concept. “It’s always fun to come together,” said Benson.
A spring event is held for all students and faculty trip to Brewer game, a back-to-school event, a prom and graduation all were created to get students in touch with each other.
Mutual interests include photography, FFA, Spanish, writing and other concerns.
A high percent of applicants is accepted. “The idea is to prepare kids to go to the next step,” Benson said.
The teaching staff is diverse and comes from place like Idaho, Nebraska, Minnesota, Japan and of course, Wisconsin.
Teachers are advisors and counselors and many call students to see how they are doing,” added Benson.
“Some kids start with us and stay forever,” he added. Grantsburg’s I-Forward program was initially a trend center in the educational process and was the only one available. “It’s educational and financial success as given other districts the impetus to start other programs but he local I-Forward remains the trend-setter in the state.

(Picture: Erck Benson, I-Forward assistant Principal)

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