It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Fern Hunsberger Park in Osceola, IN gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Osceola, IN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Very positive experience with Always Best Care. Had a great group of ladies taking care”
“Frankly, I never wanted to be in a position wherein I was asked to review”
“Our mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer and immediately needed meds administered multiple times a”
“I have worked alongside Always Best Care and they have been amazing. Very quick”
“ABC is a great place to be! Thank you Patti, Stephanie, and Michele for all”
“Best Company I’ve ever encountered. I love how flexible and efficient they are. I love”
“I give always best care of 5 stars. They are caring and have a sincere”
“Always Best Care has been exceptional the four years i’ve worked there. The staff and”
“it is my pleasure to leave a review for the Coffee need that support the”
“I have worked with more home health agencies than I care to remember, both in”
“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I”
“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I”
“I love working for Always Best Care The staff is very helpful, encouraging wonderful, loving”
“Always Best Care gives great encouragement and support to their caregivers during any situation or”
“I love the company I think they really do care about the employee the residents”
“Stephanie Stevens is a great CSD! Thanks for all you do!”
“Always Best care is amazing!”
“Always Best Care is a great company. Not only do they provide the best care”
“We have used Always Best Care two different times for our Mother. Both times the”
“Hi my name is Linda and I've been working with always best care for 2”
“Always best care has always been there when I needed them! They make it convenient for”
“I have used quite a few different providers and ABC is by far the best”
“Great place to work at very professional and appreciative for their staff”
“Overall a great company to work for! They do a wonderful job recognizing caregivers; from”
“They really help people when they need it”
“Very positive experience with Always Best Care. Had a great group of ladies taking care of my Mother- in law. Always being respectful of her needs. Communication between the office and client was top notch! Special thanks to Stephanie!”
“Frankly, I never wanted to be in a position wherein I was asked to review care for my parents. That said, Always Best is aptly named. Stephanie Stevens and Kelly Robinson are kind and human and not without humor, and having endured everything that we did, I can honestly say that part of me loves them deeply. I hope I never forget the gift they gave my family.”
“Our mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer and immediately needed meds administered multiple times a day. After speaking to the independent living center where she resided, our family decided to hire Always Best Care for the meds (and then later for 24-hour aids). We cannot say enough about Darlene and Candy, as well as the numerous aids. Even at the end when our mom no longer needed the meds, they would often stop by to see her anyway. We generally do not give reviews of companies, but their caring approach was exceptional and we decided it was appropriate for others who need these services to know about our experience.”
“I have worked alongside Always Best Care and they have been amazing. Very quick to help out patients in need and staff is very polite and professional.”
“ABC is a great place to be! Thank you Patti, Stephanie, and Michele for all you do! You all are Awesome & thank you for the honors of being part of the team also acknowledging myself for Employee of the Month of March! You all are appreciated”
“Best Company I’ve ever encountered. I love how flexible and efficient they are. I love the open door policy. Michelle is my favorite schedule she does an amazing job with communication.”
“I give always best care of 5 stars. They are caring and have a sincere heart I love working with this agency..”
“Always Best Care has been exceptional the four years i’ve worked there. The staff and schedulers, especially Michele, are helpful in finding compatibility for your clients, they’re also flexible in scheduling hours. Great company, great staff.”
“it is my pleasure to leave a review for the Coffee need that support the most I would like Stephanie Kramer for supporting me and helping me get through my work schedules and feel comfortable at my place of employment. I am sad to see that she left Scheduling , but she still tries her best to help everyone even with her new position. Her dedication means everything I would like to Tasha as well for communicating with me so much I also cannot forget Patricia and Michelle as well. You ladies help me so much with my client. I greatly appreciate you ladies. I appreciate all of the hard work and dedication that you ladies have with meeting me halfway when it comes to our job it definitely makes everything much easier. Keep up the great work as well as the rest of the staff thank you ladies for everything that you do and congratulations Monique on your new position.”
“I have worked with more home health agencies than I care to remember, both in GA and MI, when I worked in healthcare; and I have to say that Always Best Care is one of the best home health care agencies that I have found since the early 90's !!! I have been a client with Always Best Care since February 2022 and I have been extremely pleased with the help I have received both from my caregivers and the office staff. All the staff work hard and the quality of care is exceptional!!! The few occasions that I didn't like a caregiver because of either poor work ethic or personality, Always Best Care always took care of finding another caregiver to better meet my needs ASAP!! When I first started with Always Best Care I did get a few caregivers that weren't a good fit. But, within a very short period of time my scheduler learned my specific needs and personality and she found caregivers for me that were a wonderful match!! As in every area of healthcare, the high turnover of employees is to be expected!!! But, Always Best Care has always made sure that I have a new caregiver that matches my needs and expectations!! I have and would, highly recommend Always Best Care for your home health daily care!!”
“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I called a few months ago to set up a care plan for my elderly mom. She had a hip replaced, and lives alone. I knew we would feel better having someone there to help her and visit with her until she could get up and around on her own. ABC works through our scheduling nightmares (mom tends to send people home early, and tell them not to come back)….and they have been SO patient with our ever changing and increasing needs for mom. Their response time and communication are impeccable!!”
“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I called a few months ago to set up a care plan for my elderly mom. She had a hip replaced, and lives alone. I knew we would feel better having someone there to help her and visit with her until she could get up and around on her own. ABC works through our scheduling nightmares (mom tends to send people home early, and tell them not to come back)….and they have been SO patient with our ever changing and increasing needs for mom. Their response time and communication are impeccable!!”
“I love working for Always Best Care The staff is very helpful, encouraging wonderful, loving family. Thank you for the opportunity of serving for your company thank you to Michelle, who is always looking out for me and making sure that I have the hours that I need.”
“Always Best Care gives great encouragement and support to their caregivers during any situation or time of need. The care and dedication to their staff is incredible and I throughly enjoy my time working along side them!”
“I love the company I think they really do care about the employee the residents”
“Stephanie Stevens is a great CSD! Thanks for all you do!”
“Always Best care is amazing!”
“Always Best Care is a great company. Not only do they provide the best care for their clients, but they go above and beyond for their staff as well.”
“We have used Always Best Care two different times for our Mother. Both times the care was excellent. I have referred Always Best Care to several people.”
“Hi my name is Linda and I've been working with always best care for 2 years now and it's a great atmosphere I like coming in to work meeting new people. It's a place that's kind friendly and it makes you feel at home it makes you feel that you're working with people that understand you know you're different needs your different hours and if something come up they are there to help you with anything that you need help with it's a great company I'm so glad I signed up with the company I signed up a little bit after the pandemic and I just needed somewhere that I could really consider myself at home or I find a home and I have I'm amazed at how the people are so nice when you talk to them on the phone how nice they are friendly you can tell this saying it with a smile I enjoy working there I tell people ask me where I work at always best care they like what yeah always best care yes it's a nice company sign up with it you won't regret it I'm glad I do it I'm really glad I did”
“Always best care has always been there when I needed them! They make it convenient for me to take care of my father. I most definitely recommend them!”
“I have used quite a few different providers and ABC is by far the best company. From the office staff to the caregivers, they are doing what they love and it shows.”
“Great place to work at very professional and appreciative for their staff”
“Overall a great company to work for! They do a wonderful job recognizing caregivers; from big recognition like a monthly caregiver award and random drawings, to small recognition such as any time you visit the office you are free to grab snacks, beverages, gear and more often than not there is some type of food they have ordered that is available. They really don’t hold back in this area! There has been quite a bit of changes made in office positions within the last year. Response time, outside of the scheduling department, can be improved upon.”
“They really help people when they need it”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Fern Hunsberger Park in Osceola, IN with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Artisan or visit Charters of Freedom, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Osceola, IN, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Osceola, IN understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Osceola, IN 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
The long-awaited project to replace the aging Hwy 243 Osceola Bridge over the St. Croix National and Scenic Riverway is nearly underway.In August, specialized dive teams carefully relocated several native freshwater mussel species from the construction area. This work is one of several required steps to reduce impacts on local wildlife and habitat during construction.Crews will be bringing construction equipment and materials on site through the end of the month. They will then build a temporary access road across the water, wh...
The long-awaited project to replace the aging Hwy 243 Osceola Bridge over the St. Croix National and Scenic Riverway is nearly underway.
In August, specialized dive teams carefully relocated several native freshwater mussel species from the construction area. This work is one of several required steps to reduce impacts on local wildlife and habitat during construction.
Crews will be bringing construction equipment and materials on site through the end of the month. They will then build a temporary access road across the water, which will be used to reach the work area over the next year. During this time, boats and other river traffic should follow buoys marking a safe route through the work zone.
The Osceola Bridge is anticipated to close to traffic in mid-October for approximately one year while crews remove the existing bridge and build a new one in the same location.
In response to community feedback, reducing the length of the Osceola Bridge closure became a project priority. The selected contractor’s construction plan will allow the bridge to reopen sooner than originally planned.
Weather and schedule permitting, the new bridge is expected to open in late 2027. Seasonal flooding, river water levels, and other environmental factors could impact the construction schedule.
When the bridge is closed, motorists will follow a detour using Hwy 8 through Taylors Falls or Hwy 36 through Oak Park Heights/Stillwater.
More information about upcoming work, schedule, and traffic impacts will be shared in the coming weeks. Visit the Osceola Bridge project webpage to learn more and sign up for email updates.
Plan ahead by checking 511, and give yourself additional time to reach your destination.
All construction activities and traffic impacts are weather and schedule permitting and subject to change.
Slow down when approaching every work zone, then navigate with care and caution. Stay alert; work zones constantly change. Watch for workers and slow-moving equipment. Obey posted speed limits. The fine for a violation in a work zone is $300. Minimize distractions behind the wheel. Be patient; expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
We are partnering with WisDOT to replace the Hwy 243 Osceola Bridge over the St. Croix River to maintain a reliable connection between Washington and Chisago counties in Minnesota and the Village of Osceola in Polk County, Wisconsin. The current bridge, built in 1953, will be replaced with a new bridge in the same location. The project will also include a new pedestrian and bicycle path linking Osceola Landing to the Village of Osceola.
For more information, including construction schedule and upcoming traffic impacts, visit the Osceola Bridge project webpage. If you have questions, please contact the project team.
Jon Hamm and Anna Osceola are expecting their first baby together.The actor showed off her baby bump in a bikini during a trip to the beach in the Hamptons with the Mad Men star, the Daily Mail reports.Hamm married Osceola in June 2023 after previously declaring he lacked the "marriage chip" while in an 18-year relationship with Kissing Jessica Stein star Jennifer Westfeldt.The Your Friends & Neighbours costars wed at Big Sur in California that year, where they were joined by celebrity pals including Billy Crudup,...
Jon Hamm and Anna Osceola are expecting their first baby together.The actor showed off her baby bump in a bikini during a trip to the beach in the Hamptons with the Mad Men star, the Daily Mail reports.
Hamm married Osceola in June 2023 after previously declaring he lacked the "marriage chip" while in an 18-year relationship with Kissing Jessica Stein star Jennifer Westfeldt.
The Your Friends & Neighbours costars wed at Big Sur in California that year, where they were joined by celebrity pals including Billy Crudup, Paul Rudd and Tina Fey, TMZ reported at the time.
Later that year, Hamm spoke with The Hollywood Reporter and opened up about the possibility of expanding his family.
He shared that due to his parents' divorce early in his life, he previously "didn't look at marriage as a thing", but since marrying Osceola, he hoped their relationship "turns into kids".
"It's not lost on me that I'm 53," he told the outlet. "I will be the old dad, but so it goes. It could be a good thing. We'll see."
This past April, Hamm told People magazine what it was like working with Osceola on season two of Your Friends & Neighbours. The actor stars as Andrew 'Coop' Cooper, a former hedge fund manager-turned-thief, and Osceola as Maggie Haber, a member of his neighbourhood friend group.
"It was great to have my wife, Anna, come in and be a part of it," Hamm told the outlet. "It's fun to go to work together. We get to bring the dog in as well sometimes, so that's nice. We save money on dog sitting."
By: J. Daniel Pearson Positively OsceolaIf Osceola is to make a 20th consecutive appearance in the FHSAA State High School Football Playoffs, they are going to have run through a gauntlet of a schedule to get there.The Kowboys, coming off a 7-5 season where they captured a district championship and made it to the regional semifinals, will face eight playoff teams this season, including 7A state champion Lake Mary and 6A state runner-up Lakeland. Its new district (5A, D6), includes Lakeland and state playoff qu...
By: J. Daniel Pearson Positively Osceola
If Osceola is to make a 20th consecutive appearance in the FHSAA State High School Football Playoffs, they are going to have run through a gauntlet of a schedule to get there.
The Kowboys, coming off a 7-5 season where they captured a district championship and made it to the regional semifinals, will face eight playoff teams this season, including 7A state champion Lake Mary and 6A state runner-up Lakeland. Its new district (5A, D6), includes Lakeland and state playoff qualifiers Auburndale and Sebring. Even Osceola’s Kickoff Classic will be tough, as it will face Daytona Beach-Mainland – 9-3 team that reached the regional finals a year ago.
“It’s sort of a double-edged sword. Because of the long-time success of the program, a lot of teams worried about wins and losses simply do not want to play us,” Coach Eric Pinellas said. “On the other hand, we want to play the best schedule, as it is the best way to get ready for the post-season.”
For the past two years, the Kowboys have had a wealth of talent on both sides of the ball – but graduation depleted the ranks considerably. It is now time for the next generation of Osceola stars to step up.
With the graduation of Amaree Rutland, Osceola will turn its quarterback duties over Jabari Coombs, a transfer from Timber Creek who saw action for the Wolves last season. He participated in spring drills for the Kowboys and continues to improve as he learns the system. “One thing I like is he has shown no hesitation to run the ball when necessary,” Pinellas said. “He doesn’t have the speed of some of our quarterbacks from the past but he runs enough to give us another dimension.”
The running back room suffered a blow when Jamarie Williams transferred – leaving just Javonty Barrett (658 yards total offense). Still, look for the Kowboys to find ample replacements. Ercell Taylor could factor in here as well as transfers Ibrahim Hussein (New Jersey) and Zylin Garrett, who saw varsity action as a freshman for Bishop Moore last season.
Although four starters depart on the offensive line via graduation, Pinellas likes what he has coming back. Senior Jayden Bellamy (6-2, 310), who missed time with injury last season, switches from guard to left tackle. A big-time college prospect, he is the unquestioned leader of the unit. Sophomore William Niell had a great spring at guard and is slated for a starting role; while junior Jonell Mercado and Jaiden Kelley (6-1, 320) are expected to secure starting roles. Kenny Pierre, a junior transfer from Liberty, has been a pleasant surprise and will battle for playing time on the line. A potential rising star on the offensive line is sophomore Kayne Sippio (6-3, 265). “He’s a young player with tremendous potential,” Pinellas said.
Long known for its outstanding defensive line, Osceola lost standouts Amier Clarke to graduation and saw Dominque Redding transfer out of the program. Still, the DL should be a strength once again for the Kowboys as junior Jordan McCrimon should become the next standout and has already started to draw the attention of Division-1 scouts. Former Gateway star Dory Thimote (21 TFL, 12 Sacks in 2025) transferred in – giving Osceola another big-time player at edge.
Colton Carter (126 tackles, 26 TFL) missed spring drills with an injury but is expected back to anchor the linebacking corps; while Ja’Kai Pratt moves from defensive back to linebacker.
Despite graduation losses, the Kowboys defensive backfield remains fast, tough and talented.
Reserves Amir Davis and Josue Rivera have patiently waited their turn to shine; while speedy two-sport (track and football) senior Alvarez Toussaint had an impressive spring. “Alzarez has always had a ton of potential but he came from a program where he was always going to start because he was the best athlete of the team and when he got here that was no longer the case,” Pinellas said. “But I think the light went on for him towards the end of last year and during the spring. He has worked his tail off learning what it takes to play at this level. I really expect him to pop this season.” Transfer Earnest Hartfield saw action as a freshman at Orlando Christian Prep last season and the 6-1, 170-lb. safety could challenge for a starting spot in the backfield.
Osceola’s kicking game received a huge boost with the transfer of senior Brayden Buehler from Harmony. A two-time all-county selection, Buehler has averaged more than 40 yards per punt and has 23 career field goals; while sending more than half of his kickoffs out of the end zone.
Coach: Eric Pinellas
2025 Record: 7-5 (District Champions)
8/14 Daytona Beach Mainland^ 7 p.m.
8/21 at St. Cloud 7 p.m.
8/28 Poinciana 7 p.m.
9/4 at Lake Mary 7 p.m.
9/11 Lakeland* 7 p.m.
9/18 at Lake Wales 7 p.m.
9/25 Lake Gibson* 7 p.m.
10/2 at Dr. Phillips 7 p.m.
10/9 Auburndale* 7 p.m.
10/16 Sebring* 7 p.m.
10/23 at Bartow* 7 p.m.
10/30 Bye Week
MONDOVI — In a battle between two of Wisconsin’s top prep football teams, Division 6 No. 1 Mondovi showcased its state-winning potential, winning 56-43 over Division 4 No. 4 Osceola Friday at Mondovi High School.The Buffaloes and Chieftains combined for 786 total yards.Mondovi (2-0) and its ground attack paid dividends, with junior running back Cameron Gruber running for 166 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries. Gruber also had a kick return touchdown and led the Buffaloes with 13 tackles on defense.Junior ...
MONDOVI — In a battle between two of Wisconsin’s top prep football teams, Division 6 No. 1 Mondovi showcased its state-winning potential, winning 56-43 over Division 4 No. 4 Osceola Friday at Mondovi High School.
The Buffaloes and Chieftains combined for 786 total yards.
Mondovi (2-0) and its ground attack paid dividends, with junior running back Cameron Gruber running for 166 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries. Gruber also had a kick return touchdown and led the Buffaloes with 13 tackles on defense.
Junior quarterback Bode Falkner, along with throwing for 158 yards and three touchdowns, also ran an efficient 17 times for 82 yards and two touchdowns.
Falkner threw to six different receivers Friday, including juniors Griffin Rud and Beau Spindler, who combined for nine catches, 111 yards and three receiving touchdowns.
Osceola (1-1) used an aerial attack for four touchdowns and 239 yards, while rushing for two touchdowns and 119 yards.
But, the Mondovi defense rose to the occasion for three interceptions, two coming from senior Blake Williamson and one from Rud.
Mondovi heads to Fall Creek (2-0) on Friday for a Cloverbelt clash.
Saturday scores included:
Chippewa Falls went undefeated in eight matches, claiming the Menomonie Volleyball Sprawl tournament championship held at UW-Stout Polytechnic on Saturday.
The Cardinals only lost three sets in the entire tournament, besting neighbor Chippewa Falls McDonell in the semifinal 25-27, 25-19 and 15-9 and Big Rivers Conference rival Hudson 25-22, 9-25 and 15-6 in the championship.
McDonell tied for third with River Falls, going 6-1 overall in the tournament. Leaders included: Kherington Mosack (40 digs), Taylan Hanson (10 aces, 53 kills, 6 blocks, and 21 digs), Payton Hepfler (39 kills, 8 blocks, and 27 digs), Rylie Christianson (12 aces, 34 kills, and 40 digs), Erin Siegenthaler (166 assists and 27 digs), Anne Siegenthaler (13 aces, 35 kills, 4 blocks, and 35 digs), Sophia Sikora (29 kills).
Rice Lake also went 6-1 at the event, finishing fifth overall.
Marathon tourney
Fall Creek went 4-1 to win the championship.
Results: FC def. Rib Lake 25-17, 25-14; Marathon def. FC 25-18, 23-25, 15-9; FC def. Thorp 25-13, 25-14; FC def. Stratford 25-19, 25-16; FC def. Marathon 9-25, 25-21, 15-8.
Altoona 1, Chippewa Falls 1
Goals: 1. 24’ ALT: Tavian Gilbert-Rasso (Max Hibray ast.), 2. 58’ CF Jameson Paul (Angelo Young (ast.)
Holmen 2, Eau Claire North 0
Husky Invitational
at Lowes Creek County Park
Boys Team results: 1. Wayzata 49, 2. Stillwater 74, 3. Menomonie 108, 4. Holmen 118, 5. Hudson 138, 6. Chippewa Falls 152, 7. Eau Claire Memorial 156, 12. Rice Lake 336, 13. Regis 360, 15. Eau Claire North 400, 16. Durand-Arkansaw 449, 17. Altoona 460.
Boys Individual results: 1. Will Pongonis (Eau Claire Memorial) 15:24.50, 2. Kaleb Mroz (Somerset) 15:34.21, 3. Ryan Keller (Hudson) 15:34.21, 4. Cole Gilles (Chippewa Falls) 16:01.50, 5. Thomas Berndt (Wayzata) 16:03.00, 7. Braxton Paull (Chippewa Falls) 16:08.40, 11. Evan Olson (Menomonie) 16:21.80.
Girls Team results: 1. Menomonie 75, 2. Stillwater 83, 3. Eau Claire Memorial 91, 4. Hudson 106, 5. Holmen 111, 6. Chippewa Falls 151, 9. Altoona 264, T13. Regis 375, T13. Rice Lake 375, 15. Durand-Arkansaw 411, 16. Eau Claire North 434
Girls Individual results: 1. Raina Pergande (Holmen) 18:03.20, 2. Madelynn Schmidt (Chippewa Falls) 18:05.20, 5. Abbie Hoage (Altoona) 19:06.30, 7. Elin Bramwell (Eau Claire Memorial) 19:14.70, 8. Veronica Molback (Menomonie) 19:20.40, 9. Rue Birkholz (Eau Claire Memorial) 19:27.40, 10. Carmen Schrantz (Menomonie) 19:27.40.
Friday results included:
Durand-Arkansas 26, Black River Falls 18
D-A leaders: Luke Weber (12-for-16 for 163 passing yards and one touchdown, one defensive interception), Ian Havens (21 carries for 81 yards and one touchdown), Miles Kralewski (three rushes for 19 yards and one touchdown), Dylan Berger (five receptions for 75 yards and one touchdown), Cooper Jahnke (10 tackles, two tackles for loss).
Elk Mound 40, Bloomer 0
EM leaders: Jaxson Fizel (3-for-6 for 44 passing yards and one touchdown, six carries for 109 yards and three touchdowns), William Thatcher (12 carries for 94 yards and one touchdown), Jase Flesberg (10 carries for 63 yards and one touchdown), Kaden Books (one fumble recovery and one interception).
BL leaders: Connor Schemenauer (13-for-19 for 156 passing yards and one interception).
Colfax 38, Eleva-Strum 12
Note: Colfax’s first 2-0 start since 2018.
Fall Creek 36, Barron 0
D.C. Everest 30, Menomonie 21
Webster 33, Osseo-Fairchild 6
Spring Valley 34, Chetek-Weyerhaeuser 12
Wausau West 28, Rice Lake 21
BOYS SOCCER
Rice Lake 2, Saint Croix Central 2
Thursday scores included:
Chippewa Falls McDonell 40, Spooner 22
CFM leaders: Nathan Boggess (13-for-19 for 159 yards and three touchdowns), Isaac Crawford (seven receptions for 103 yards and one touchdown, kickoff return touchdown), Luke Andersen (four receptions for 38 yards and two touchdowns), Noah Smiskey (10 tackles and one interception).
Elmwood/Plum City 26, Augusta 22
Fall Creek volleyball went 6-1 over Wednesday and Thursday at the Just A Game Sprawl in Wisconsin Dells. The Crickets finished in 2nd place out of 24 teams.
FC Thursday results: FC def. Westby 25-13, 25-15; FC def. Richland Center 25-13, 25-15; Championship match: Webster def. Fall Creek 25-19, 25-15.
Eleva-Strum def. Neillsville 25-23, 22-25, 25-12, 25-12.
Whitehall def. Mondovi 25-19, 25-16, 25-17.
New Richmond BRC Meet at New Richmond Golf Course.
Team Results: 1. Hudson 165, 2. River Falls 178, T3. Eau Claire Memorial 180, T3. New Richmond, 5. Chippewa Falls 190, 6. Rice Lake 193, 7. Eau Claire North 202, 8. Menomonie 213.
Individual Results: 1. Elsie Schmid (River Falls) 35, 2. Ava Swavely (Hudson) 38, T3. Samantha Halle (New Richmond) 39, T.3 Breleigh Schultz (Eau Claire Memorial) 39, 5. Lydia Duffey (Hudson) 41, T6. Stella Olson (New Richmond) 42, T6. Stella Resnick (Eau Claire Memorial) 42, T6. Greta Gies (Hudson) 42, T9. Annika Ahlberg (Rice Lake) 43, T9. Callie Bolduc (Rice Lake) 43, T13. Evelynn Asher (Menomonie) 46, T13. Mya Bremness (Chippewa Falls) 46, T13. Piper Worthington (Chippewa Falls) 46.
Prescott Invitational
Girls Team results: 1. Saint Croix Central 44, 2. Bloomer 45, 3. PACT/Legacy 105, 4. Prescott 112, 5. Elk Mound 124, 6. Totino-Grace 133, 7. Ellsworth 133.
Girls Individual results: 1. Ciara Hartman (Bloomer) 18:03.73, 2. Kyra Dix (Prescott) 18:41.13, 3. Macie Boe (Amery) 19:12.33, 4. Briella Hartman (Bloomer) 19:37.92, 5. Rebecca Anderson (Bloomer) 20:52.81, 8. Hope Conrad (Bloomer) 21:57.96, 15. Emma Ottosen (Elk Mound) 23:48.03.
Boys Team results: 1. Totino-Grace 57, 2. Saint Croix Central 57, 3. Elk Mound 61, 4. Bloomer 124, 5. Ellsworth 125, 6. Prescott 144, 7. PACT/Legacy 152, 8. Amery 222.
Boys Individual results: 1. Jack Schauer (Saint Croix Central) 16:41.31, 4. Ashton Rogge (Bloomer) 17:42.93, 6. Leif Lundgren (18:52.02), 7. Hudson Banaszak (Elk Mound) 18:52.28, 8. Jack Stroh (Elk Mound) 18:58.84.
River Falls Extreme Meet
Boys Team results: 1. Chippewa Falls 28, 2. River Falls 44, 3. Burnsville 98, 4. Chippewa Valley Lightning Bolts 112, 5. Parnassus Preparatory School 120, 6. Saint Croix Preparatory Academy 145, 7. Durand-Arkansaw 207, 8. Edgar 245, 9. Chetek-Weyerhaeuser 251, 10. Shell Lake 263.
Boys Individual results: 1. Cole Gilles (Chippewa Falls) 14:29.40, 2. Braxton Paull (Chippewa Falls) 14:55.90, 5. Henry Fish (Chippewa Falls) 15:28.80, 8. Nathaniel Shilts (Chippewa Falls) 16:19.50.
Girls Team results: 1. Chippewa Falls 32, 2. River Falls 47, 3. Parnassus Preparatory School 102, 4. Chippewa Valley Lightning Bolts 103, 5. Durand-Arkansaw 156, 6. Prairie Farm/Clayton 158, 7. Burnsville 164, 8. Edgar 200, 9. Saint Croix Preparatory Academy 249, 10. Chetek-Weyerhaeuser 256, 11. Shell Lake 332.
Girls Individual results: 1. Maddy Schmidt (Chippewa Falls) 16:53.50, 4. Hallie German (Chippewa Falls) 19:23.30, 5. Victoria Vergin (Chippewa Falls) 19:30.90, 11. Aubree Paull (Chippewa Falls) 19:56.20.
Altoona 2, River Falls 0
Goals: 1. ALT: Bini Donatell Tavian Gilbert-Rasso (ast.), 2. ALT: Donatell (Gilbert-Rasso ast.)
Saves: Will Steffes (ALT) 5.
Chippewa Falls 6, La Crosse Logan 0
Goals: 1. CF: Dracen Simonson (una.), 2. CF: Slate Brooke (Dracen Simonson ast.), 3. CF: Issac Dahl (una.), 4. CF: Dawson Flug (Quinton Schley ast.), 5. CF: Schley (una.), 6. CF: Brody Stoll (Jameson Paul ast.).
Note: Brooke and Stoll first career goals. Schley and Paul first career assists.
Saves: Toumani Diallo (ALT) 3 saves.
Somerset 2, Menomonie 1
Khalil Davis scored the only points of the second half on 58-yard interception return as St. Cloud ended a teenager’s lifetime of futility with an 18-15 win over rival Osceola in the 103rd edition of the game.It was the Bulldogs’ first win in the series—the fifth oldest in Florida—since a 40-34 victory in 2010 that was eventually forfeited on a player eligibility issue. St. Cloud’s other wins in recent memory were in 2004 and ’05.“It was a total team effort, we scored on offense, defens...
Khalil Davis scored the only points of the second half on 58-yard interception return as St. Cloud ended a teenager’s lifetime of futility with an 18-15 win over rival Osceola in the 103rd edition of the game.
It was the Bulldogs’ first win in the series—the fifth oldest in Florida—since a 40-34 victory in 2010 that was eventually forfeited on a player eligibility issue. St. Cloud’s other wins in recent memory were in 2004 and ’05.
“It was a total team effort, we scored on offense, defense and special teams, but most of the credit goes to our defense,” St. Cloud Coach Mike Short said. “People talk about our offense a lot but for the last two seasons I’ve told people not to sleep on our defense. They made play after play tonight.”
That certainly was an understatement. In addition to Davis’ interception in the third quarter, the St. Cloud defense forced two other turnovers and limited Osceola to 138 yards and one offensive touchdown – that coming on a short field following a St. Cloud fumble.
It was an electric start for the Bulldogs when junior Jayden Taylor returned the opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown and a 6-0 lead.
St. Cloud extended that to 12-0 in the second when Osceola quarterback Jabari Coombs broke loose to the second level but collided with the back judge and fumbled the ball. The Bulldogs recovered, and nine plays later quarterback Jeremiah Lattier overcame a slow start and hit Mathew Blenman in the right corner of the end zone from 19 yards for a 12-0 lead.
But the next five minutes looked like a repeat of last year – Osceola falling behind before storming back with big plays. On the ensuing kickoff after the Blenman touchdown, sophomore Jerry Canaday broke free and sped 94 yards for another return touchdown. Then, after Osceola was forced to kickoff from the 25 after an excessive celebration penalty, St. Cloud failed to handle the kickoff and Osceola recovered on the 30. Five plays later, Zylin Garrett was bottled up in the middle but bounced outside for a 12-yard touchdown run. Garrett then ran in the conversion to produce a 15-12 Osceola lead at the half.
The Kowboys appeared ready to take control. Josue Rivera returned the third quarter kickoff 40 yards to midfield and Osceola picked up two first downs to the 25. Three plays gained just three yards and Brayden Buehler’s 40-yard field goal banged off the left upright.
“I could not be more proud of how our team responded. They scored two quick ones and looked to seize momentum to start the third quarter and our guys simply did not panic,” Short said.
Following a three-and-out after the missed field goal, Osceola got the ball back, but Coombs was pressured into making an ill-advised throw on the run that was picked off and returned by Davis for the go-ahead score.
Osceola best chance to win came two series later when a Lattier pass was tipped but a potential interception was dropped with seven minutes remaining.
From there, St. Cloud managed to hold the ball for five minutes before turning the ball over back to Osceola on its own 9 with just under two minutes to go. After a short pass gained nothing, Coombs misfired on three straight passes to turn the ball back over to St. Cloud. Lattier took two knees to end the game.
“Frustrating, not a lot to say,” Osceola coach Eric Pinellas said. “Our offensive line is in shambles right now, we’re having a hard time lining up correctly and when we do, we fail to block the correct player. We put ourselves behind the chains with too many silly offensive penalties. Right now we are severely lacking in offensive leadership. We allow just one defensive score and lose the game, it’s hard to accept.”
Penalties were a huge factor as Osceola was flagged 12 times for 88 yards, with nine of those penalties being false starts, illegal shifts and delays of game.
Osceola held St. Cloud to just 100 yards of total offense – limiting Lattier, who authored a 2,800-yard passing season in 2025, to 9-for-33 for 82 yards and allowing just 17 yards rushing. But the Kowboys only scratched out 136 yards of total offense themselves. Garrett, a sophomore, led Osceola with 77 yards.
The Kowboys (0-1) will try to regroup next week against Poinciana, a 47-7 winner over Celebration; while St. Cloud (1-0) travels to Marietta, Ga.
“It was a long time coming, we are going to enjoy this one for a day or two but we’ll get back to work,” Short added. “Hopefully this win will help propel us to something special.”
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