Sawyer County Residents Join Nationwide Hands Off Demonstrations Against Trump

April 11, 2025

Editor’s Note: Some profanity follows.  Sometimes it’s necessary.

Hands Off Social Security

Hands Off Medicaid

Hands Off Veterans Services

Hands Off Democracy

Hands Off My Parents

Hands Off My Life

Too Much Shit for one sign

Those were just a few of the placards carried by northwestern Wisconsin residents who participated in Hands Off demonstrations held April 5 across the United States. An estimated 3 million people joined in the demonstrations at 1,200 to 1,400 locations in all 50 states to voice their resistance to the cruel, chaotic, corrupt policies of President Donald Trump. In one sense, they staged a protest. But in another, they were voicing the need to protect American laws and values, such as freedom of the press and rule of law.

Locally, an estimated 250 protested in Spooner, and 800 in Ashland. Sawyer County residents were on hand in Spooner and Ashland, with Joan Cervenka of Hayward joining a demonstration in Schaumburg, Ill., where she was visiting friends. “The Schaumburg protest wasn’t even listed on the Hands Off website, but I found a location and asked two friends to join me,” Joan said. “I guess people all over the country need to spout off about their concerns for our country.”

The largest demonstration in Wisconsin was in Madison,
where an estimated 6,000 to 8,000 gathered at the State Capitol.
In neighboring Minnesota, the State Patrol said 25,000 attended
a Hands Off demonstration at the State Capitol in St. Paul.

Spooner protestors lined streets at the intersection
of State Highways 70 and 63, weathering some
bracing cold winds. There were a few middle
fingers, but an overwhelming majority
of drivers in passing vehicles honked, waved,
and gave thumbs up to the demonstrators.
“It was energizing and inspiring,” said Mary Vitcenda
of Exeland. “We have to keep it up because Trump is
destroying nearly everything good about this country.”  

The Spooner demonstration was organized by
Washburn County Democrats. Nationwide, protests
were led by a coalition of organizations, including
civil rights, women’s rights, veterans’ organizations, labor unions, and the Indivisible and 50501 advocacy groups. (50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement)   

A second round of Hands Off demonstrations is scheduled for Saturday, April 19. Details are coming soon.

Joan Cervenka, right, with friends at Hands Off demonstration in Schaumburg, Ill.

Sign in Schaumburg, Ill.

Another sign in Schaumburg

Hands Off Social Security! (Signs in Spooner)

Standin’ on the corner in Spooner

Hands Off demonstrators in Ashland

Video: Movin’ on down the line in Spooner

Lady in Spooner with a sign that says it all

“I’ve seen smarter cabinets at IKEA!” (Sign in Spooner)

Hello Congress. Anybody home? (Sign in Ashland)

No need to explain this one (Sign in Spooner)

Resist Trump and Musk, Support Crawford at Spooner Gatherings

March 19, 2025

Five Sawyer County residents recently joined what’s becoming a weekly gathering of resistance against Donald Trump and Elon Musk, as well as support for Susan
Crawford until the April 1 election.

Here’s how Kay Winton of Hayward described her participation in the March 13
gathering: “Today, like all of the last four Thursdays, a wonderful group of souls
met on the Spooner corner of 70 and 63. The plan is to meet every Thursday
from 3 to 5 with Crawford signs (until the election) and protest signs against
Trump and Musk. Today there were 35 souls, including Paul DeMain, Irene Asp
(Waldo would be proud of her), Eric Schubring and Ward and Kay Winton from
Sawyer County. Four weeks ago the group was very small, but it grows every week.”

Ward carried a “Musk Rat” sign and brought the Wintons’ “granddog” to the March 13 gathering, along with a “Dog Against DOGE” sign.

Kay invited others to join the gatherings, adding that “it will be just like years ago
when Peace North protested George Bush on Democracy Corner in Hayward
every Friday.” Here’s the info again:

Time: 3-5 p.m.

Date: Every Thursday

Place: Corner of State Highways 70 and 63, Spooner, Wis.

Volunteers who staffed the Dems table at the Round Dance included, from left, Leslie Ramczyk, Vera Homeskye, Tom Vitcenda, and Louise Ladenthin. Standing is visitor Paul DeMain. Other volunteers were Joan Cervenka, Gayle Johnson, and Mary Vitcenda.

Ward Winton and his “granddog” express their opinions of Elon Musk and his DOGE crew. (Poster in carrier says “Dog Against DOGE.”)

Dems Host Table at Reclaiming Our Children Round Dance

March 19, 2025

More than 600 people attended the Reclaiming Our Children Round Dance on March 7, and Sawyer County and LCO Democrats were part of it. Party members and friends staffed a table at the dance, held at the Sevenwinds Casino convention hall.

Volunteers staffing the table talked to visitors and distributed literature and other materials centered on the April 1 spring election. Volunteers highlighted three points:

·         Vote for Susan Crawford, who’s seeking a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court,

·         Vote for Jill Underly, who’s seeking re-election as Wisconsin Superintendent of Public Instruction, and

·         Vote no on a proposed state constitutional amendment.

The party also held a raffle for $50 gift certificates to the LCO Country Store. Raffle winners were:

·         Butch Buck of Luck, Wis., whose brother Tyler accepted the prize for him,

·         Charles Belille of Hayward, and

·         Brandie Boswell of Winter.

Thanks to all who stopped by the party table!

Volunteer Joan Cervenka presents a $50 LCO Country Store gift certificate to Tyler Buck, brother of winner Butch Buck of Luck, Wis., who left earlier.

Vera Homeskye, front, and Leslie Ramczyk, behind her, joined in the Round Dance.

Crawford, Underly Headline LCO Elder Center Candidate Forum

Posted March 19, 2025

Statewide candidates Susan Crawford and Jill Underly headlined a recent forum sponsored by the LCO Elder Center in Stone Lake. Crawford is seeking a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, while Underly is running for re-election as state Superintendent of Public Instruction in the April 1 spring election. They both appeared by video conference at the event, held on March 7.

About 35 people attended the event, which also featured in-person remarks by local town board candidates running in the April election. Local candidates who spoke included Kyle Cummings, Barb Czarnecki, and Tim Davison; they are seeking seats on the Hunter Town Board of Supervisors. Also speaking was Don Adams, who’s seeking re-election to the Bass Lake Town Board. Incumbent Justin Hall and Jim Marucha are vying for the chairmanship of the Bass Lake Town Board.

Mary Wolf, director of LCO Aging and Disability Services, emceed the event, which was held in conjunction with the Elder Center’s daily meal for seniors. “The April election is an important one,” Wolf said. “We’re happy to help educate voters here at the Elder Center.”

More information on the spring election

Attendees listened to candidates at the LCO Elder Center Candidate Forum.

Mary Wolf, director of LCO Aging and Disability Services, emceed the event.

Community members chat after the candidate forum. From left, Paul DeMain, Vera Homeskye, and Leslie Ramczyk.

Sawyer County LCO Dems Give to Local Food Programs

Feb. 16, 2025

The Sawyer County and LCO Democratic Party has given $500 to five area sites
offering vital food-related services to seniors and others in need--$100 each.

Donations went to home-delivered meal and congregate dining services provided
by senior resource centers in Hayward, Stone Lake, and Exeland, as well as the
LCO Elder Center near Hayward. Those food-related services include Meals on
Wheels delivered from the Exeland site to the Winter area.

Party members and supporters presenting checks to these four senior centers
included Joan Cervenka (Hayward), Paul DeMain (LCO), Gayle Johnson
(Stone Lake), and Tom Vitcenda (Exeland).  

A donation also was presented by Louise Ladenthin to the food pantry at the
WALDO Community Center in Winter.

In addition, posters urging people to vote on Feb. 18 and April 1were distributed
to the senior centers and the WALDO community center.

“We made these donations because we believe in helping each other,” said
Gayle Johnson, co-chair of the Sawyer County and LCO Democratic Party.
“We chose to give to these organizations because they provide vital services to
people in need.”   

Joan Cervenka, left, presented a check to Shirley Kauffman at the Senior Resource Center in Hayward.

Gayle Johnson, right, presents a check to Gabby Regner
at the Stone Lake Senior Center.

Tom Vitcenda presented a check to the Exeland Senior Center. He’s holding the “Vote” poster that was also given to all five food programs.

Louise Ladenthin, right, presented a check to Laurie Martin at the WALDO Community Center in Winter.