April 6 by Inter-County Leader

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WED., APRIL 6, 2011 VOL. 78 • NO. 33 • 2 SECTIONS •

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An award-winning newspaper serving Northwest Wisconsin

Anderson new judge ELECTION RESULTS

Is it coming or not?

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Jeff Anderson wins race for circuit court judge position in Polk County; carries 24 of 36 municipalities PAGE 3

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Your opinion?

If an election to recall Sen. Harsdorf was held today, I would: 1. Not participate. 2. Vote her out of office. 3. Vote to keep her. 4. It would depend on her opponent. 5. Vote her out, but with some regret. Go to our online poll at www.the-leader.net (Weekly results on page 8)

Recount?

State Supreme Court race was too close to call the morning after Tuesday’s election PAGE 3

• Several incumbents defeated in Polk County See page 5 • Larsen and Carlson win in Webster Schools race See page 5 • Demydowich new village president at Luck See page 5

MORE ELECTION RESULTS INSIDE

Supervisor returns

Ken Sample withdraws resignation from Polk County Board PAGE 10

Seventhannual All-Leader Basketball selections are in See

SPORTS

This robin had a look of dismay cold temperatures the last week of March began to settle in for the evening. Springlike weather should be right around the corner as we begin the month of April. – Photo by Marty Seeger

Miracle recovery

Beating overwhelming odds to survive a quick-acting, deadly disease, Sharon Jensen is ready for challenges her “new life” will bring

by Cathy Filip Special to the Leader CLAM FALLS - None of us know just how quickly our lives can be changed forever by the completion of a normal, everyday task until we actually experience such a lifechanging event. The Sharon and Earl Jensen family of Clam Falls experienced just that in February of this year. The normal, everyday task that Sharon completed was throwing hay to her horses on Wednesday, Feb. 9. As Sharon threw out hay, she felt a pop behind her left elbow and thought she had perhaps torn a muscle or ligament. She took Tylenol and ibuprofen and thought that would suffice. “I felt fine all that day but that night before I went to bed my arm really hurt, although it didn’t have a mark on it,” Sharon

Deaths

• Amanda Kristen Neff • Gertrude Johnson Klas • Randy Ingbretson • Dale B. Karis • Arvid Malcolm Fossum • Nancy Ann Cords • Mary Jane Jensen • Jean Swanson • Maxine Matrious • Dennis P. Brandner • Jon Winslow • Donna Lou Martin • Dorothy A. Rylander • Kenneth E. Stoner • Dale J. Bergman • Helen Mildred Froshaug Anderson • Denis Patrick Bayle • Mardelle J. Procai Obituaries on page 22-23B

INSIDE

A benefit will be held April 17 for Sharon Jensen of Clam Falls, who is recovering - with the support of family and friends - from a life-threatening invasive disease. - Special photo

said. Over the course of the next day, Thursday, Feb. 10, the pain increased. That night she woke up with her arm hurting “unbelievably.” By 1 a.m. Friday she told Earl they should go to the doctor, although

See Miracle, page 4

Briefly 3A Letters to the editor 8-9A Sports 11-13,15A Outdoors 14A Town Talk 6-8B Coming Events Back of B Currents feature 1B Behind the Signpost 5B Letters from Home 3B Cold Turkey 3B Just for Laughs 3B Copyright © 2011 Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association Frederic, Wisconsin

The Leader is a cooperative-owned newspaper • Since 1933

PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 6, 2011

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Wet spring

Spring art tour planned

BURNETT/POLK COUNTIES - The members of Earth Arts will be opening their studios for their 2011 Spring Art Tour held on Saturday and Sunday, May 7 and 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Art lovers can take a self-guided tour through the Upper St. Croix Valley visiting 29 studios with 40 artists. The tour features unique, handmade artwork, artist demonstrations and conversations. Visitors will enjoy sculpture, painting, pastel, pottery, glass, garden art, woodcarving, handmade furniture, fiber art, jewelry, clothing, mixed media, forged iron, metal art and photography. Metal art by Jack Route of Frederic Also joining the tour are six tour oasis locations, including a winery, a supper club, an ice cream and coffee shop, a farm, B&B and two galleries. Visit www.earthartswi.org for more information and a map. Brochures and a map may also be obtained from the Polk County Information Center, located at the corner of Hwys. 8 and 35 in St. Croix Falls or, by calling their toll-free number 800-222-7655. The brochure includes the studio locations and artist’s information with corresponding numbers on the map. Along the tour itself, large “Art Tour” signs in red letters will direct visitors to the studios. For those making a weekend of it, various lodging and dining options throughout the area are included in the brochure and on the map. The Polk County Information Center can also assist travelers with ideas. Earth Arts is an organization that brings together artists and growers for the purposes of mutual support, networking, organizing and promoting special events. For more information about Earth Arts, its members and the 2011 Spring Art Tour visit earthartswi.org. To kick off the art tour, on Friday, May 6, people may sample wines and edibles from area restaurants and bakeries by attending the Taste of the St. Croix Valley, held at Chateau St. Croix Winery from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Advance reservations are required. Call 715-483-3580 or visit fallschamber.org - submitted

With the snow finally melting, scenes like this are common this week across Burnett and Polk counties. This photo was taken Monday morning, April 4, on CTH B east of Siren near Morse Road. - Photo by Rob Harrison

St. Croix Falls man dies in crash at intersection

ST. CROIX FALLS - A 53-year-old St. Croix Falls man lost his life Friday morning, April 1, when his vehicle traveled into the path of a semitrailer at the intersection of Hwy. 8 and Glacier Drive. Authorities say Denis P. Bayle was driving a 2002 Buick Century and pulled out from a stoplight into the path of the semi, operated by Ricky L. Holly, 36, of Allegan, Mich. At the time of the crash, stoplights were flashing amber for east and west traffic and flashing red for north/south traffic. The 1999 Volvo semi was eastbound on Hwy. 8 when the accident occurred. Bayle was extricated from his vehicle by St. Croix Falls Fire and transported to St. Croix Regional Medical Center where he died after resuscitative efforts were unsuccessful. The accident occurred at approximately 11 a.m. Bayle was the owner of the Shipping and Handling store on Hwy. 8. His obituary appears elsewhere in this issue.

Professor Numbers coming to Grantsburg

GRANTSBURG – Mathemagic is coming to Grantsburg. Professor Numbers will amaze and amuse Grantsburg students with his Mathemagic Show on Wednesday and Thursday, April 13 and 14. Ray Blum, educator and author, also known as Professor Numbers, will perform his high-energy, fun-filled blend of math, humor and magic to Grantsburg students during the school day. Blum will also present a free Mathemagic Show for the public on Thursday, April 14, at 7 p.m. in the Grantsburg High School auditorium. Professor Number’s fast-moving, ageappropriate kindergarten through eighth-grade show is both entertaining and educational, keeping students involved and interested with audience participation. The professor uses card sorcery, mathemagical illusion and mind reading to demystify mathematics and show children math is fun, exciting and magical. Blum is also the author of four children’s books: “Mathemagic,” “Mathamazing,” “Mathamusements” and “Mathemania.” He taught middle school mathematics in Madison for 32 years, receiving many awards for his teaching, including the 1994 Wisconsin Middle School Teacher of the Year. Blum has performed his Professor Numbers number-magic show for years showing middle and elementary school students the magical, fun side of mathematics with his mathemagic and arithmetricks. - submitted

Leader

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Come one, come all!

Come one, come all to the 43rd-annual Frederic Kindergarten Circus. Ringmasters Natalie Chartrand and Olivia Britton would like to invite young and old to the circus. The circus will perform in the Frederic Elementary gym on Thursday April 14, at 7 p.m. “You will be thrilled by the terrific acts of our kindergarten performers,” say the organizers of the event. - Photo submitted HOW TO REACH US

Inter-County

Doug Panek

LEFT: The semitrailer involved in the fatality Friday morning, April 1, on Hwy. 8. - Photo from Polk County Sheriff’s Dept.

Board of directors Vivian Byl, chair Charles Johnson Merlin Johnson Janet Oachs Carolyn Wedin

A cooperative-owned newspaper, the Inter-County Leader is published every Wednesday by the Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association, Box 490, Frederic, WI 54837. Second Class postage paid at Frederic, WI 54837.

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• Briefly •

RICE LAKE — Former Congressman David Obey will be in Rice Lake on Monday, April 11, to talk about his life in public service and the current state of politics in the state of Wisconsin. The public is invited to meet with Obey at 12:30 p.m. in the Blue Hills Lecture Hall at the University of Wisconsin-Barron County in Rice Lake. Obey is the former U.S. representative for Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District, serving 21 consecutive terms from 1969 until 2011. That district includes much of the northwestern portion of the state including Wausau and Superior. He is a member of the Democratic party and served as chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations from 1994–1995 and again from 2007–2011. In May 2010, he announced that he would not seek re-election to Congress. The public is invited to listen to Obey’s insightful comments, and to ask questions. For more information call UW-Barron County at 715-2348176.— from UW-BC ••• RICE LAKE - Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College-Rice Lake will host an open house on Tuesday, April 19, from 1 to 5 p.m. Those who are making decisions about college or looking for a career change should attend this open house. High school students, recent graduates, parents, dislocated workers and adults considering a return to school are encouraged to attend. Visitors to the open house will have the chance to explore over 30 career options, tour the campus, meet with instructors, see the hands-on labs and even shadow a class. Staff will be available to answer questions regarding financial aid, veterans opportunities, how to apply and more. There will also be two special sessions at 4 p.m. One session will be about building programs covering wood technics, masonry and bricklaying and architectural commercial design. Another session will be on business programs such as finance, administrative assistant and accounting. For those who would like to apply, test and interview on that day, call and reserve a time from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 800-243-9482, Ext. 5346. For more information, log on to www.witc.edu. - from WITC ••• GRANTSBURG - The National Active and Retired Federal Employees, Indianhead Chapter 1581, will hold a dinner meeting at noon on Thursday, April 14, at The Dreamers Restaurant in Grantsburg. All active and retired members are welcome. Reservations may be made by calling 715-689-2252 by noon Monday, April 11. submitted ••• RICE LAKE - The public is invited to "Music That Tells A Story," by the Red Cedar Symphony Orchestra, to be held at the UW-BC Fine Arts Theatre on Sunday, April 10, at 4 p.m. This will be an interactive concert where children will have an opportunity to get up close and personal as some of the musicians explain and demonstrate playing their instrument. The concert is under the direction of Josh Aerie. Keith Lindquist will narrate the concert, and beverages will be available for purchase in the lobby before the concert and during intermission in support of the University of Wisconsin – Barron County Alumni Association Scholarship Fund. Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $5 for students 10 and up and 9 and under are free. If you would like additional information about RCSO, please contact Mary Updike, 715-434-5281 or go to redcedarsymphony.org. - from UW-BC ••• In last week’s story, “Stillwater bridge project may get special consideration” by Rick Kremer of Wisconsin Public Radio, the bridge was referred to as a wooden drawbridge, but it actually is a metal lift bridge. We apologize for the error.

Jeff Anderson new Polk judge Carries 24 of 36 municipalities

by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer BALSAM LAKE – Jeff Anderson will be the new Polk County Circuit Court judge, replacing retired judge Robert Rasmussen. Anderson defeated Daniel Steffen in the spring election Tuesday, April 5. The vote with all returns in was 4,638 for Anderson (51.3 percent) to 4,395 for Steffen (48.7 percent). Anderson carried 24 of the 36 municipalities in the county. Anderson is scheduled to take office Aug. 1 but might be appointed to take office sooner since the judgeship is now vacant.

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Tribal group issues statement

Recount?

APRIL 6, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 3

BURNETT/POLK COUNTIES - A statement was released the week of April 4 by members of the St. Croix Tribe who are seeking reform of their government and gathering signatures of other tribal members to change the tribe’s bylaws so that any election-related ordinance brought up by the council must be approved by tribal members via referendum: “The St. Croix Chippewa are a strong and proud people. We have endured much. We are survivors. However, the biggest threat to our tribe in our history comes from within. Apathy, addiction and corruption have divided us as a people. “The petition currently circulation amongst our communities is not intended to change any current tribal resolution or ordinance. It is also not intended to help any certain person become an ‘eligible’ candidate. Its true purpose is to try to put safeguards in place, so that future tribal councils are not the sole decision makers in regards to our election rules. Any major change to our election process should be done by a referendum of the people. The membership needs to have a voice. “We must come together as a people. It is the only way to get past these divisive issues. We call on the members to speak up and ask tough, thoughtful questions. We will be available at the petition meetings to be held in each of our four main communities in the

coming weeks and strongly urge all members to attend. We also suggest members attend our newly announced ‘open’ Tribal Council meetings. “The ordinance regarding members convicted of misappropriation of tribal funds is a good one. Our problem was not with the ordinance, but our inability to have a fair and honest hearing in an appropriate or legitimate court. We acknowledge we will not be able to run in the upcoming election. However, this will not prevent us from being real leaders in our communities. We will proudly step aside and offer assistance to the next generation of tribal leaders. We only want a better future for our children and our tribe. We once again ask our fellow tribal members to join us in signing the election ordinance petition. We must regain the strength and pride that those who have come before us have shown and to stop letting fear and intimidation govern us. We can make our families, communities and our tribe a better place.”

BURNETT/POLK COUNTIES - A group of St. Croix Tribal members seeking reform to prevent future abuses of power by their governing council, issued a general statement Tuesday (see separate story) and came forward with documents to refute recently published statements made by council members Last week’s story “Tribal concerns get sunlight,” reported on the group’s March 17 meeting at the tribe’s Round Lake Community Center, which aired allegations of various abuses of power and unchecked policy changes. The group is currently gathering signatures on a petition that seeks to prevent any council action to change election ordinances without the approval of tribal members, via a referendum vote. Prior to publishing the story on the March 17 meeting, the Leader offered an opportunity for Chairman Taylor and council members Bev Benjamin and Jeanne Awanahopay to respond to concerns and allegations aired at that meeting. Those three, along with InterTribal Affairs Director Ed Songetay, were interviewed together and Taylor - in separate phone interviews - addressed rumors regarding his enrollment status and his identity. The story as published, however, created anger among many members of the concerned tribal members’ group who claimed it left out a good deal of information brought out at the Round Lake meeting and featured new allegations by council members allegations that were not substantiated or presented to their group for rebuttal. “There was obviously no fact checking done on many of their statements, which are untrue,” said Mike Decorah, a former council member and one of the spokespersons for the group. On Tuesday, April 5, members of the concerned tribal members group presented the Leader with documents, including copies of resolutions approved by council members, that refute some of the statements made by council members in last week’s story.

still pending. That statement was not backed by any documentation. • Tribal council members cannot interfere with the tribe’s court system. A copy of a resolution signed into tribal law in 1996 regarding powers of the tribal court clearly spells out there is no separation of power. Court transcripts show attorneys representing the council giving legal advice to the court. • Taylor’s statement that his salary is “$800 less” than that of previous council members. The group has produced pay stubs of a former council member. The previous council voted to take a 30-percent cut in pay, followed by another 10-\percent cut. • A statement that claimed it was “Decorah’s council that made the ineligibility rule.” Documents show council members were among those to approve that rule and the ruling came at a special meeting in October 2009, not the regular council meeting which is held the first Monday of each month. • A statement that the concerned tribal members group consists of just 60 members out of 1,200 tribal members. There are more members than those who attend the meetings and a “silent majority” who may agree to sign a petition but won’t go to meetings because they fear for their employment, loan status, etc. The Leader is viewing documents that refute other statements and claims made in the March 17 article but could not be thoroughly studied in time for a detailed story this week.

Miigwetch, Gloria Benjamin Michael Decorah Jerry Lowe Hazel Hindsley George Reynolds Steve Fowler Alvin Oustigoff Hokshila LaBlanc Peter LaBlanc

Statements by tribal council members refuted

Statements questioned Among statements by council members challenged by the concerned tribal members group were the following: • Ed Songetay stating that the previous council had "millions funneled through separate accounts," and that the audits are

Public forum The group plans to continue to meet and that more information will be revealed in coming weeks and months. The group’s overall goals include a more transparent government and and amendments to the tribe’s constitution that reflect fairness for all members. “New leaders need to step up,” he said. “We’ll definitely assist them. We need to find common ground, equality for everybody, a better future for all tribal members with respect for our elders and the law - we feel that’s a good base to start with.” - Gary King

State Supreme Court race too close to call at press time

P O L K / B U R N E T T / WAS H B U R N COUNTIES - Unofficial results from the Tuesday, April 5, election show that in the race for state Supreme Court, incumbent Justice David Prosser was the favorite among Burnett and Polk County voters, but his opponent, JoAnne Kloppenburg, was favored by Washburn County voters. Washburn County was somewhat of an island in supporting Kloppenburg as voters in neighboring Polk, Burnett, Rusk and Sawyer counties all favored Prosser. However, Douglas County voters overwhelmingly supported Kloppenburg by more than a two to one margin. Associated Press reported early Wednesday morning that statewide, Prosser held a small lead over Kloppenburg, 733,074 to 732,489, just a 585 vote difference with 34 precincts out of 3,630 not reporting. The lead was so narrow, with 99 percent of the vote counted, just 0.04 percent of ballots - separated the candidates. The race was too close to call and it could take hours or most of Wednesday to get a final tally. The close margin had political insiders from both sides talking about the possibility of a recount, which Wisconsin has avoided in statewide races in recent decades, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. The razorthin result was the latest twist in Wisconsin's ongoing political turmoil. Interest groups on both sides had portrayed the election as a referendum on Gov. Scott Walker's agenda and particularly on the collective bargaining law. with information from Milwaukee JournalSentinel

Kloppenburg

Prosser

A breakdown of votes by county

Burnett Polk Washburn

Prosser Kloppenburg 1,932 1,675 4,663 4,439 2,275 2,453

No surprises at Luck or Unity schools

BALSAM LAKE, LUCK — Incumbents were running unopposed at both Luck and Unity schools, and uncanvassed results show only scattered write-ins at each. At Unity, with all municipalities reporting, unofficial results show current boardPresident Debbie Petersen with 1,195 votes and board member Joe Tilton with 1,079 votes. Incumbent Jacob Jensen was running unopposed for the one seat on the Luck School Board that was up for election. According to unofficial results, with eight of nine municipalities reporting, Jensen received 775 votes. Another seven votes were cast for write-in candidates. — Mary Stirrat

Festival on Ice

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 6, 2011

LEFT: Kallie Thompson in her solo performance in the Northwoods Figure Skating Club’s 22ndannual Festival on Ice held April 2 and 3 at the Northwest Sports Complex in Spooner. She is an eighthgrader at Spooner Middle School and is performing in her 11th NFSC show. — Photos by Larry Samson

Miracle/from page 1

Brook Ruetz is overcome with tears as she and her sister, Skylar, hug after finishing Five-year-old Katrina Miller of Shell Lake is enjoying their duet to the title “I’ll Be There For You.” being in the spotlight. Is she a future U.S. figure-skat- “Our bond is unbreakable and will forever ing champion? It really doesn’t matter because today be.” It was her last performance with the NFSC as she will be graduating from Cumshe is a champion. berland High School this May.

she doesn’t recall the events of that evening at all. “I guess Earl asked me on the way to the hospital if the pain in my arm was worse than the pain of having a baby and I said ‘yes - way worse.’” She and Earl arrived at the emergency department of Amery Regional Medical Center where medical staff decided Sharon needed more care than they could provide and transferred her via ground ambulance to Regions Hospital in St. Paul.

“OR - now” At Regions more tests began - Sharon was experiencing liver and kidney failure, her blood pressure was down to 60 over 40. Her arm, from her shoulder to her elbow, was black, and as they set it on a pillow the entire arm turned black. A concerned hospital resident alerted a doctor. When the doctor entered Sharon’s room and saw her arm, he wasted no time. “OR - now,” he said to staff. “I’ll meet you there.” Three surgeons spent several hours working on Sharon, battling serious strep infections that were destroying tissue. There was no pulse in her arm as her surgery began. She had two surgeries during the first 24 hours she was hospitalized at Regions; the first removed her left arm at the shoulder; the second removed her shoulder blade and collarbone. She was in a coma, on a ventilator until Thursday, Feb. 24. During this nearly two-week period, Sharon’s life was hanging by a thread, but she was being treated by some of the best medical professionals in the country. Her primary physician at Regions told her that in his 30-plus years of practice she was the sickest person he has taken care of that survived. “They resuscitated me many times,” Sharon said of her time at Regions. She said Earl stayed with her, day and night, throughout her stay until she got well enough to breathe on her own. “Starting to breathe again was horrible,” she said. “And learning to walk again was quite a trip ...” She said it’s still difficult to take a deep breath, but that it’s slowly improving. Beating overwhelming odds Sharon said she had a 1-percent chance of surviving.

Family has played a key role in Sharon’s recovery. The Jensen family is shown above at a their son, Kevin’s wedding last year at their home in Clam Falls. At right, Earl and Sharon snuggle up with grandchildren Aaden and Zach. Special photos

She was diagnosed with two serious types of group A strep infections - necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. “You don’t hardly survive one of the diseases and I had both,” she said. Necrotizing fasciitis is an infection that attacks the deep layers of tissue (fascia). It is usually caused when a deadly strain of group A strep infects an opening in the skin. It’s not known how it entered her body. For reasons unknown, the strain becomes very aggressive and releases a toxin that quickly and irreparably destroys flesh and muscle. Doctors often must remove skin, large groups of muscle or entire limbs to save a person’s life. Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, which is another type of rapidly progressing strep infection, causes a dangerous drop in blood pressure, shock and damage to the kidneys, liver and lungs. As in necrotizing fasciitis, the toxin damages the tissues and organs quickly, making treatment extremely difficult. “Most of the time it starts with a boil or scratch or sore on the outside and doesn’t grow nearly so fast as it does on the inside,” Sharon noted. She said what she had is very rare - only 500 cases a year are diagnosed in the United States - but noted that a person she knew growing up, Marilyn Tschumperlin, died in 1987 of the same disease. They were neighbors. “I find that very strange,” she said.

Long road to recovery Sharon was discharged from the hospital on Friday, March 11. During those two weeks she fought a horrendous infection, kidney failure and had to build her strength and stamina up enough to eat, dress and walk. Now that she’s home, Sharon has started down the long road to recovery. She has physical therapy, occupational therapy and strives each day to be able to do more than the day before. A simple trip to church on Sunday is enough to cause exhaustion for the remainder of the day. It will be approximately a year to recover as completely as possible. “I still can’t do much but I look forward to doing more,” she said. “My goal this year is to learn how to knit and crochet again and my goal for next year is to be

back on my horse ... they (doctors) said I would be able to.” Rehabilitation at the hospital went as far as she could take it, and the doctors there said she may as well return home and learn the things she needs to do. “I’ve got the inside stuff down,” she said. “I’d like to learn to cook and feed my birds and chickens.” Help from the Center for Independent Living for Western Wisconsin is expected to arrive this week to help find ways of helping her cook and do other daily chores. Family members and friends have made sure she’s not alone during this critical time of recovery and rehabilitation, and Sharon said she hasn’t got the words to express the love and support from family and friends who have helped her through the ordeal - and, she says, who saved her life. “It was their prayers that saved me,” she said. “I can’t even begin to thank people enough ... oh, my goodness, it’s been unbelievable - friends, family, strangers ...” People brought food to the hospital, cooked for her at home and her neighbors have pitched in to help feed her animals.

Benefit planned A benefit for Sharon and her family has been planned for Sunday, April 17, at Rumors Bar and Grill in Siren from 2 to 6 p.m. There will be a spaghetti supper, auctions, raffles and entertainment. The community is being asked to turn out to support one of their own. Sharon and Earl are both lifelong area residents with strong family history and ties to the area. There is also an account set up at U.S. Bank, 114 Wisconsin Ave S., Frederic WI 54837 for cash donations: Sharon Jensen Fund.

Several incumbents defeated in Polk County elections

APRIL 6, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 5

No contests for most spring election contests

by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer BALSAM LAKE – The spring election brought a few changes in Polk County towns, villages and school boards. Incumbents were defeated in the towns of Eureka, Farmington, Johnstown and St. Croix Falls, the village of Osceola and for the Osceola School Board. New towns chairs were elected in contested races in the towns of Bone Lake, Clayton and Osceola. And there were some very close contests, especially in Laketown and the village of Balsam Lake. There were no contests at all on 24 local ballots.

Some election notes • In Bone Lake, Marsha Karpinen will replace retiring Wayne Shirley as town chair. Shirley has served the town in a number of positions for 44 years. • Eureka Town Chair Gene Krull was defeated by town Supervisor Kyle Swanson. Both candidates have been recently charged with open meeting violations relating to a vote on an issue that was not properly noticed. • Laketown has been involved in a long dispute over allowing mining on Ivers Mountain. All three incumbents were challenged by an opposition slate. Just five votes separated the winning board members from their challengers. • The village of Balsam Lake also had a very close election. Carl Holmgren challenged village President Guy Williams and ran a visible campaign with large lawn signs. Holmgren lost by three votes, 139 to 136. • While there was no contest in Centuria, almost the entire board changed. Three trustees and the village president retired. One trustee not up for election was elected president. Once the new board appoints a person to fill that vacated seat, four of the seven council members will be new. • The village of Osceola had a big turnover. Village President Kathy Demulling and two trustees, Purnal Tracy

and Ken Janes, were defeated for re-election. • There were few school board elections in the county, but in the Osceola district, former board member Roseanne Anderson was returned to the board, defeating incumbent John Gearin.

Results for contested elections I = incumbent * = elected in contests where more than one seat was filled WI =write-in candidate TOWNS Alden supervisor *Helen Johnson (I) 293 *Keith Karpenski (I) 273 Dave Pettis 211 Balsam Lake supervisor *John Ruck (I) 183 *Dave Dumke (I) 169 Wallace Trudeau 88

Black Brook supervisor seat 2 *Dave Paulson (I) 168 David Gehrman 113 Bone Lake chair *Marsha Karpinen 124 Doug Route 99 Bone Lake supervisor *Bill Schilling (I) 148 *Roger Neumann (I) 141 Earl Erickson 101 Clayton chair *Scott Grosskreutz 103 Craig Moriak 79 Eureka chair *Kyle Swanson 223 Gene Krull (I) 204

Eureka supervisor *Roger Johnson 218 *Steve Jacobs 195 Tom Bloomquist 130 James Johnson 113 Farmington chair *Dennis Cotter 246 James LaRue (I) 184

Farmington supervisor *Tim Stelter (I) 306 *Jim Connors (I) 239 Potting (WI) 127

VILLAGES / CITIES Balsam Lake president *Guy Williams (I) 139 Carl Holmgren 136

Johnstown supervisor *Douglas Rouzer (I) 65 *Joe Zaspel 65 Paul Danninger 62 Richard Sellent (I) 47

Luck president *Peter Demydowich 116 Mike Naessen (WI) 44

Johnstown chair *Mike Anderson 69 Arnold Peer (I) 55

Laketown chair *Dan King (I) 172 Ted Zindars 153

Laketown supervisor *Monte Tretsven (I) 166 *Bruce Paulson (I) 160 Matthew Larson 155 Stanley Engstrand 154 Luck chair *Dean Johansen (I) 145 Greg Marsten 51 Luck supervisor *Larry Wright (I) 120 *Greg Marsten (I) 98 Don Langel 95

Milltown supervisor *Christopher Nelson (I) 119 *Clifford Gustafson (I) 109 Russell Carlson 55 Osceola chair *Douglas Schmidt 287 Robert Wright 219

St. Croix Falls chair *Steven Palmer 196 William Hughes (I) 114

St. Croix Falls supervisor *Christopher Chelberg 180 *Michael Dorsey 160 Norval Valleen 109 Mary Hughes 75

Balsam Lake trustees *Michael Voltz (I) 205 *Eugene D’Agostino (I) 199 *Josh Hallberg 187 Duane Gurtner 95

Milltown president *Lu Ann White (I) 113 Les Sloper 67

Milltown trustees *Erling Voss 89 *Jason McKenzie (I) 87 *Bob Jones 87 Janet Otto 85 Joe Castellano 79

Osceola president *Gary Beckmann 325 Kathy Demulling (I) 172 Osceola trustees *Wally Piszczek (I) 250 *Stephen Bjork 242 *Carol Otto 222 Purnal Tracy (I) 220 Scott Wing 209 Ken Janes (I) 166 St. Croix Falls City Council *Lori Erickson 110 Randy Korb 85

SCHOOL BOARDS Amery *Keith Anderson (I) 1,363 Fritz Coulter 505

Osceola *Craig Brunclik (I) 1,330 *Roseanne Anderson 1,095 John Gearin (I) 707

Incumbents defeated in Webster and three towns

Burnett County election returns

by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer BURNETT COUNTY – Three town chairs and the Webster Village president were defeated in the elections Tuesday, April 5. But it was mostly an uncontested election day with races in one of the three villages, 10 of the 21 towns and two of the seven school districts. Results for the contested races I = incumbent * = winner VILLAGES Webster president *Jeff Roberts 130 Tom Stusek (I) 48

TOWNS Daniels chair *Christopher Sower (I) 117 Bruce Chell 65 Daniels supervisor *Timothy Tjader (I) 128 *Denis Simonsen 105 Lonny Pearson 103

LaFollette supervisor *Douglas Coyour (I) 74 *Robert Stage (I) 67 John Larson Jr. 50

Scott clerk *Kim Simon (I) 150 Karen Wiggins 123

Webb Lake clerk *Gail Keup (I) 161 Dagny Johnson 83

Oakland chair *Wayne Larrabee 97 Harm Weber (I) 78

Union chair *Tom Nielsen (I) 63 Michael Kornmann 22

SCHOOLS Webster *Terry Larsen (I) 987 * Bob R. Carlson 556 Jim Kopecky 510 Mathew Pawlak 442

Lincoln chair *Steve Washkuhn 40 Christ Olson (I) 25

Swiss supervisor *Gerald Pardun (I) 123 *George Costello (I) 110 Delores Staples 58

Rusk chair *David Olson 57 Richard Harder 54

Webb Lake chair *Steve Austin 166 Clifford (Larry) Main 81

Rusk supervisor *Kent Bassett 79 *Robert Brede (I) 61 Karl Plesums 34 Scott Fell 24

Scott chair *Mick Peterson 161 Doug McCreadie (I) 117 Scott supervisor *Gary Lundberg (I) 195 *Shirley Muller 162 Marlene Kufalk 81

Larsen and Carlson win in Webster Schools race

by Carl Heidel Leader staff writer WEBSTER - Unofficial returns from voting Tuesday, April 5, show Terry Larsen and Bob Carlson as winners in the race for seats on the Webster Schools Board of Education. Larsen tallied 1,031 votes and Carlson 609.

Larsen, the incumbent, was running for re-election, and Carlson was running to fill the position vacated by Sheldon Oleson who had chosen not to seek re-election. Trailing the winners were Jim Kopecky with 545 votes and Mathew Pawlak with 456.

Webb Lake supervisor *Greg Main (I) 140 *John Kielkucki (I) 122 Jill Schaaf 111 Patricia Pockrandt 62

Wood River supervisor *Donald Chell (I) 159 *Dale Halverson (I) 158 Jason Johnson 101

Spooner *Timothy Reedy 1,757 *Paul Goellner (I) 1,626 *Bev Bohac (I) 1,431 Christina Martin 1,178 Kurtiss Krueger 966 Robert Hoellen 958

Demydowich is new village president at Luck

LUCK — Peter Demydowich handily defeated write-in candidate Michael Naessen for the position of Luck Village president, taking 116 votes to Naessen’s 44. Receiving one write-in vote each for the position of president were Don Tomlinson, Harry Skow, Marsha Jensen, Kyle Johansen and Kristine King. There were no surprises for the three

open trustee positions. Incumbents John Wilcoxon and Bob Determan, along with newcomer Kristine King, were running unopposed. Determan received 147 votes, Wilcoxon received 139 votes, and King received 116. Kent Petersen received three write-in votes and Jensen received one write-in vote. — Mary Stirrat

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Getting through the maze

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 6, 2011

Workshops set to help schools sort out state budget details

by Mary Stirrat Leader staff writer LUCK — Ramifications of Gov. Scott Walker’s Budget Repair Bill, which in part seeks to address the state deficit through changes in school funding and collective bargaining law, continue to be a big unknown for local governing boards. To help get through through the maze of facts and rumors, members of the Luck School Board will be attending two workshops, one of which is being hosted by CESA 11 and the other by the law firm Weld, Riley, Prenn, & Ricci. CESA’s workshop will be held April 28, followed by the law firm’s on May 11, said Luck District Administrator Rick Palmer, who will also attend the sessions. The workshops will address matters that will no longer be part of collective bargaining for union staff, and provide information on incorporating these items into a teacher handbook.

Among the topics covered will be schedules, holidays, leaves, benefits, discipline and grievance procedures, reviews, wages, payroll and deductions, safety and discrimination. Along with the elimination of collective bargaining, the budget includes reductions in state aid to the school district, which will be offset, in part, by increased employee contributions to insurance and pension benefits. Information presented by Palmer at the March 28 meeting of the school board indicates that the governor’s office estimates the Luck School District will save $327,776 in fringe benefits, while losing $229,672 in state aid. This would put the district with a surplus of $124,240. However, said Palmer, these figures do not reflect annual increases in revenue that have been allowed on a per-pupil basis, but which will be eliminated under the new plan. Based on past practice, the school would lose $275 per pupil in increased revenue for 2011-12, and another $280 per pupil in 2012-13. If the districts are unable to raise the per-pupil revenue limit in those two years, according to figures from the state

fiscal bureau, Luck will actually be $457,083 in the red rather than the $124,240 in the black as estimated by Walker’s office. A possible bright spot, said Palmer after the meeting, is that the district could save a substantial amount if the board can offer comparable health insurance at a cheaper rate. Currently, he said, insurance costs amount to about $1 million per year, but the district should now have more flexibility in choosing a carrier. Family coverage runs about $20,000 per year right now, he added.

financing, the village would also see a reduction in payments structured over time. The first year of payments would total $82,000 and would drop down to $51,000 in the final year. “The board would have to get together next week to get this rolling,” Lenz said. The board agreed the refinance would be a good option for the village debt service, and authorized Lenz to begin negotiations with Banker’s Bank for a rate and go from there. The board indicated they may not be interested in the refinance if the rate were not as low as Lenz projected. Lenz stated he would contact the bank on Tuesday, April 5, and get back to the board with information so they could have a special meeting and lock-in rate date set. In other business, the audit report for 2010 was given by Greg Andrie, trustee. Andrie said that the village overall was $54,000 in the negative, but considering that $34,000 of it was from the Horsmann lining project, the amount to the negative without that project would have been $20,000. “I’ve seen it worse than that,” he said. “The water account also came in negative which is unusual. We may need

to look at an increase of 3 percent because that has not been increased for a while. We may want to look at a 3 percent increase in sewer rates as an option as well at another meeting.” Andrie stated that the village does have money in the borrowing capacity area to borrow, but he said he did not want to see the village borrow. “We may have to look at what we can do with a utility increase,” he said. No action was taken on the matter since it was a report. The board did take action on an issue regarding damages submitted to the village by Jerry and Carrie Carpenter, residents of Peterson Drive. The village attorney, Tim Laux, submitted a letter of recommended action by the board to deny the claim and forward it on to the insurance company for the village. This is a standard method to get claims submitted to the insurance company and for that process to begin. The board made the motion without any further discussion or debate and it carried with all in favor. The board also announced that Arbor Day will be celebrated in Dresser at the elementary school in the morning on Thurs-

Other business • The board approved the 2011-12 calendar with a start date of Sept. 1 and a graduation date of May 20. Last day of school will be June 6. An open house is scheduled for Aug. 31 from 6 to 8 p.m., and Sept. 1 will be an early release day with school ending at 12:45 p.m. • The board approved open enrollment applications. There are 22 requests to open enroll into the district, and 36 to open enroll out. Of theses 36, 18 have never attended Luck. Parents have until June 10 to make a final decision on where

their child will attend. • The board continued to discuss eightperson football, and will take action at the April 25 meeting. The freshman, sophomore and junior classes only have 12 players, according to Palmer. • More than $17,000 has been raised for the football concession stand, primarily by Janet Holdt and Nancy Hunter. Original plans called for a new stand, but have been changed to extensive renovation of the existing stand. The project should be completed by the start of the football season. • The board approved Carley SeversonDickerson as volunteer softball coach and Matt Dunlap as volunteer baseball coach. Jeremy Jensen was hired as assistant baseball coach, Don Kendzior as assistant track coach and Alan Tomlinson as head track coach. • The contract for garbage removal and recycling was awarded to Allied Waste, the only bidder. Allied currently holds the contract, but the new contract will save the district $4,500 a year.

Possibility to refinance debt looking good

Financial audit OK

by Tammi Milberg Leader staff writer DRESSER – The village of Dresser Board met Monday, April 4, with a relatively short agenda planned and insight to be gained. The first item on the agenda was a presentation from Sean Lenz, Ehlers & Associates, regarding the possibility of selling general obligation refunding bonds for the village. Lenz met already with the finance committee and the next step was to bring the recommendation to refinance to the board. Lenz explained that the village has two loans in debt service they currently pay. The loans are from 2003 and 2004. The payment for 2011 has already been paid, but Lenz stated a refinance option of the two loans into one for $545,000 plus a possible interest rate of as low as 1 percent is a good option for the village to consider. Lenz stated that Banker’s Bank has offered interest rates of between 1 and 3 percent in similar refinance situations and felt Dresser had a shot at that same rate. By re-

day, April 28. A tree will be planted by members of the village crew. Spring cleanup days were approved by the board to be held Monday, April 25 through Thursday, May 12. A maximum that a resident can dump is 1,000 pounds. If a resident wants to dump more, they can, but they will be charged for overages of 1,000 pounds. The brush chipping will also be offered to residents beginning in April and will run every third week of each month through October. Board President Rick Flandrena announced the DOG Association spaghetti dinner will be Saturday, April 16. The annual Easter egg hunt will be held Saturday, April 23, at 10 a.m., and the Dresser villagewide garage sales will run Thursday, April 28, to Saturday, April 30. The board approved the zoning board of appeals committee members as Sam Malm, Rick Jones, Ernest Vaala, Marian Madsen, William Pfannes (alternate) and Lynn Mikl (alternate).

Erickson returns to council

ST. CROIX FALLS – The election for the city of St. Croix Falls Council resulted in returning a past councilman to the post. Lori Erickson ran against Randy Korb for the seat on the council held by Arnie Carlson, who decided not to see re-election. Erickson previously served on the city council for two years. She decided to run again when Carlson announced he would not be seeking another term. Korb, a first-

time candidate on a city ballot, made a strong showing with 85 votes; however it is Erickson who will take the seat after receiving 110 votes (unofficial). The city will also return Councilman Brian Blesi to his post. Incumbent Blesi ran unopposed and received 205 votes (unofficial). – Tammi Milberg with information from the city of St. Croix Falls

SIREN - With four out of seven townships reporting as of 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 6, the vote count was 99 percent in favor of the re-election of two Siren School Board members, Jeff Howe and Jake Mangelsen. Only two seats were open in this election. Howe and Mangelsen were the only names on the ballot. Two names were on the ballot to fill open positions on the Siren Village Board, the names of board members Dave Alden

and Tom Anderson. One other candidate for board election, Peggy Moore, was running as a write-in candidate. All three people were elected to the board, as per unofficial results Wednesday, April 6. Current village President Janet Hunter, who ran unopposed for a return to her position, was also elected for another term on the board. - Nancy Jappe

APRIL 6, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 7

No question as to result of Siren Schools and village elections

Second-annual national county health rankings published

Polk County ranks in top half of Wisconsin counties

B U R N E T T / P O L K / WA S H B U R N COUNTIES - The University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation have released the results of the second-annual County Health Rankings. This national report is the largest of its kind. The rankings show that where we live, learn, work and play influence our health and how long we live. The rankings are broken down into four categories: health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors, and physical environment. “The rankings allow us to see what is affecting the health of Polk County residents so that we can see where we are doing well, where we need to improve and what steps we need to take as a county to remove barriers to good

health,” noted Gretchen Sampson, Polk County health officer. “We use this information, as well as results from our Community Health Improvement Plan, to drive our programs and initiatives for the future. “In this way, we are focused on the immediate and specific needs of our residents,” Sampson added. “We are proud of our continued improvements in many areas and are focused on making Polk County a healthier place to live, work and raise a family.” For more information on the County Health Rankings, and for more specific data on Polk County, please feel free to contact the Polk County Health Department at 715-485-8500 or visit one of the following sites. For statewide data, see www.countyhealthrankings.org, and for Polk County data, www.countyhealthrankings.org/wisconsi n/polk —with submitted information

Northern Wisconsin budget hearing switches locations

by Laura Podgornik Wisconsin Public Radio SUPERIOR - This Friday, April 8, Joint Finance Committee meeting has moved from Minong to Superior, partly for security reasons. The meeting was originally planned for Northwood High School in Minong, but now it will be at UW-Superior’s Wessman Arena. Rep. Nick Milroy of Superior says he and Northwood Principal Josh Tomesh had safety concerns, given children would be in class, and the school is just off of a four-lane divided highway with “uncontrolled” intersections. “One being right at the high school,” says Milroy. “And we wanted to make sure that if they were going to have a hearing there, that public safety was going to be a top priority.” State Sen. Bob Jauch of Poplar says

Wessman Arena is great setting for a meeting that should have a large crowd. “This is a controversial budget and that probably means more citizens will be showing up to testify and register their concerns,” says Jauch. “We generally will get between 1,500 and 2,000 showing up, although not that many testify.” Jauch says individuals will testify in two-minute presentations. They may submit written testimony and have an opportunity to talk to some committee members. Wessman Arena Facility Manager Steve Kirk says Wessman can seat 1,550 people and 1,000 more on the floor. He’s not sure about additional security since he just found out about the change of venue. The Joint Finance Committee hearing is Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Wessman Arena at UW-Superior.

by Carl Heidel Leader staff writer WEBSTER - The Webster Schools Board of Education has changed the date of its regular monthly meeting for April. The board normally meets at 7 p.m., on the third Monday of the month, but this month it will meet on the second Monday, April 11 at 7 p.m. When students are on vacation, the high

school media center and other classrooms in the high school are not fully heated, to reduce heating costs. Since the students will be on their spring break on the third Monday, the media center where the board regularly meets would not be heated and not usable for a meeting.

Webster schools meeting date changed for April

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PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 6, 2011

COMMUNITY

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• Words from the editor •

• Joe Heller •

Revisiting traffic light rules

• Web poll results •

Last week’s question

• Area news •

To take part in our poll, go to theleader.net and scroll down to the lower left part of the screen • See front page for this week’s question

• Where to write • President Barack Obama 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Washington, D.C. 20500 www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ Gov. Scott Walker Wisconsin State Capitol Madison, WI 53707 transition@wisconsin.gov

Congressman Sean Duffy (7th District) 1208 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 202-225-3365

U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl 330 Hart Senate Office Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20510 715-832-8492 senator_kohl@kohl.senate.gov

Rep. Erik Severson (28th District) Room 6 North State Capitol Madison, WI 53708 608-267-2365 • 888-529-0028 FAX: 608-282-3628 rep.Severson@legis.state.wi.us Rep. Roger RIvard (75th District) State Capitol Room 307 North P.O. Box 8952, Madison, WI 608-266-2519 • 888-534-0075 rep.rivard@legis.wi.gov U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson 2 Russell Courtyard Washington, D.C. 20510 202-224-5323

Sen. Robert Jauch (25th District) Room 415 South, State Capitol P.O. Box 7882, Madison, WI 53707 Sen.Jauch@legis.state.wi.us Sen. Sheila Harsdorf (10th District) State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882 Madison, WI 53707 608-266-7745 • 715-232-1390 Toll-free - 800-862-1092 sen.harsdorf@legis.state.wi.us

Rep. Nick Milroy (73rd District) Room 8 North, State Capitol P.O. Box 8953, Madison 53708 rep.milroy@legis.state.wi.us

Views expressed on these pages do not necessarily reflect the views of management or board members.

T H E

There was fatal accident at the intersection of Hwy. 8 and Glacier Drive east of St. Croix Falls last week - one that took the life of a St. Croix Falls man, a business owner whose storefront was close to the scene. (See story, page 2). If you’ve driven on Hwy. 8 with any regularity you know how busy that intersection is - that’s one of the reasons stoplights were installed there, amidst the commercial development that began with the arrival of Wal-Mart more than a decade ago. Comments in response to our Web site article on the accident are pointing to the fact that the stoplights were in a flashing mode when the accident occurred, which might have confused some drivers. Sarah wrote that she was at the accident scene: “The lights were flashing amber on Hwy. 8, red on the cross street. If I were on the cross street and not familiar with the lights, I would assume that the ones on Hwy. 8 were flashing red as well, which would make that a four-way stop. This was a terrible accident and the lights should be fixed to make it a four-way stop when the lights are not functioning.” Kirk wrote: “How many bad accidents and fatalities have to occur at that intersection before the lights flash red when they aren't working instead of yellow? Yellow is completely unsafe for Hwy. 8 and people assume if it’s red on the north/south side, it is red of the east/west, too. Totally avoidable accident. Sorry that SCF lost Denis yesterday. It was a big loss.” Phil made another point: “ I work in the Twin Cities all week. I have noticed when the light in front of my office quits working there is a crew on it within the hour. I bet the light in St. Croix Falls is out at least once a month. Why is this such a bad light to fix? Denis was a friend and this situation angers me.” Wisconsin Department of Transportation Traffic Engineer Jeff Olson, stationed in Superior, said stoplights at an intersection are programmed to flash yellow on the major highway and to flash red to traffic on the crossing roads. Olson said he doesn’t qualify as a veteran, but he’s been around more than 10 years on the job and has yet to see a fatal accident like this one. He said a power outage could have caused the lights to default to flashing mode, but he just doesn’t know yet. “We’re waiting for the report and at some point we’ll know,” he said. “And we’ll be taking an internal look into what happened.” Flashing yellow lights means to use caution but not necessarily stop. Flashing red requires stopping. Elementary traffic rules. Although mixing the two is probably the more efficient in keeping traffic moving, persons old enough to remember driver’s ed training more than 30 years ago remember being taught to “take turns” at intersections, where usually there were stop signs or where stoplights defaulted to flashing red lights all around. The lights at the Hwy. 8 intersection are the responsibility of the DOT, which many times utilizes the local highway department or municipal crew to reset the lights. Polk County Sheriff Peter Johnson said people weighing in on the issue have made some good points as north/south drivers aren’t aware that east/west traffic isn’t required to stop. “Ultimately, though, the driver with the red light has to yield to any other vehicle,” Johnson noted. “At the same time, the driver with the yellow light should be slowing and prepared to stop should something unexpected happen.” No one knows if flashing red lights on both roads would have made a difference in Friday’s crash between a car and semi-trailer truck (see page 2) and maybe it’s too painful to ponder or speculate too long. But sometimes it’s good to ask questions, if only to help us revisiting what many of us have always taken for granted as simple rules of the road. Editorials by Gary King

County warned about impacts of sand mining BARRON - Barron County is seeing just the beginning of frac sand mining and the county should consider measures to limit its impact, county administrator Jeff French told the county Executive Committee on Thursday, March 24. Frac sand is used in oil and gas extraction. It's a relatively rare type of sand because its grains are strong and round rather than jagged. The round grains allow the sand to remain porous even after it's pumped under high pressure into oil and gas wells to fracture rock. Because it remains porous natural gas and oil flow through it to the surface. "They know the sand is here and they know we have lots of it," French told the committee. "It could be countywide, there's that much sand," he said. Some, he said, is buried 60 feet deep. Frac sand is currently being mined from a privately-owned open pit in the Barron County Town of Arland and trucked via County Hwy. P to Hwy. 8 to Hwy. 53 to New Auburn for shipment by rail to points south. French suggested that the county develop an ordinance requiring trucks going to and from the processing plants to be covered and that processing or washing plants be either on the same site as the mine or adjacent to the site. - Rice Lake Chronotype Telemark closes doors for third time CABLE - The Telemark Resort, long a north woods destination for skiers and bikers, will close its doors for the third time in its financially troubled history, the current ownership group announced on Tuesday. Roughly 40 employees who staff the lodge, bar and restaurant in Cable were informed in the afternoon that the operations would end on May 5. How long Telemark will be closed remained uncertain after the announcement. A pending sale of the 975-acre property was delayed by a financing glitch, and the ownership group could no longer withstand losses that totaled $100,000 in the month of April, said Gary Crandall, the president of the Telemark Interval Ownership Association. The 1,400 members of the TIOA had voted in October to close the lodge by March 31 if a sale was not completed. The TIOA extended the operations an additional month, while working on a deal with potential owners, Telemark Partners LLC. Ric Ahern, a principal in the partnership seeking to buy and renovate Telemark, said he expected a loan to finance the day-to-day operation would be in place by the end of the week. If that proves true, the 150 rooms and resort services would remain open, he said. Financing through Santander, a Spanish banking group, is expected to follow and will provide funding for the purchase and planned renovation of Telemark, Ahern said late Tuesday afternoon. “We’re 100-percent certain on that,” he said. “We’re happy that we have someone to step up and guarantee a loan with his private interests.” He identified the guarantor as Dr. John Peters, a veterinarian and investor. - Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

I N T E R - C O U N T Y

L E A D E R

I S

• Letters to the editor • Who is the target market?

Burnett County Department of Health and Human Services ran an eye-catching advertisement in last week’s Leader. It’s header was big, bold, and all in capital letters. It read, “FREE OR LOW COST BIRTH CONTROL.” So much for being discreet about a subject that is delicate to many. I have never seen an advertisement like this before in any newspaper. Not even medical clinics choose to promote these types of products this boldly. Is this the primary program that Burnett County Department of Health and Human Services is pouring their marketing efforts (and our tax dollars) into? Exactly who is their target market? A brief look at their link on the Burnett County Web site gives a description of their family planning program; “Public health nurses provide confidential education and access to care for women of child-bearing age.” After less than a few additional minutes of Internet searching, I was finding out that certain government programs, including contraceptive distribution and treatment of STDs, do not always require parental consent in the case of minors. Although these products are legal, they unfortunately are also widely accepted in our society as a way of tossing aside the responsibility which comes with having sex. It cannot be disputed that their manufacturers and promoters have at least a little bit of awareness of the moral controversy surrounding their products. I feel obligated, therefore, to publicly question how appropriate it is for a government agency to promote them as well. The text below their graphic in their ad reads, “Public Health: Prevent-PromoteProtect.” What is the Burnett County Department of Health and Human Services mission statement? I guess it’s clear what they are trying to prevent, but I’d like them to define more clearly what exactly they’re promoting and who exactly they’re protecting. To the editor(s) of the Leader … I strongly hope you’ll consider discontinuing this advertisement. Denny Snarski Webster

Success

“May I ask you the secret of success?” and ambitious young man said to the great merchant. “There is no easy secret,” replied the merchant, “You must jump at your opportunity!” “But how can I tell when my opportunity comes?” “You can’t,” snapped the merchant, “You just have to keep jumping!” With all of the emphasis on achieving success, we have to ask ourselves this question, “Just what is success?” The dictionary’s definition of success is “The favorable conclusion of anything attempted.” Accordingly, being successful is not in itself necessarily an honorable achievement. You could be a successful thief, dope peddler, panhandler or bum, but you can distinguish yourself in a much more prudent manner. Success can mean many things. Many a man will take a look at the size of his bank account, the house he lives in and the car he drives, and uses these worldly goods as a yardstick to measure his degree of success. Meanwhile, he has forgotten the importance of loving his wife, playing with his children, visiting his parents, being a good neighbor and remembering his friends. Lastly, and defiMADISON – Wednesday, March 30, the natural resources committee held a public hearing on legislation introduced by state Rep. Erik Severson, R-Osceola. This bill will make bear hunting safer and more enjoyable for hunters. One important safety change allows for a backup shooter if the safety of the hunting party is in jeopardy. “This bill should already be law. It passed by a unanimous voice vote in both

APRIL 6, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 9

nitely the most important, is realizing the source of all these blessings we receive and successes we enjoy. Martin Luther once said, “Wealth is the smallest thing on Earth; the least gift that God has bestowed on mankind.” In Matthew 6:33 Jesus reminds us, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” If we attempt to call success the accumulation of worldly goods at the expense of everything and everyone else, then the “successful” man is most assuredly an unhappy person. I ran across this poem many years ago but don’t know the author. Success is speaking words of praise In cheering other people’s ways In doing just the best you can With every task and every plan It’s silence when your speech would hurt Politeness when your neighbor’s curt It’s deafness when the scandal flows And sympathy with other’s woes It’s loyalty when duty calls It’s courage when disaster falls It’s patience when the hours are long It’s found in laughter and in song It’s in the silent time of prayer In happiness and in despair In all of life and nothing less We find the thing we call success Happy and successful you will surely be if, when the final bell tolls at the end of your earthly life, you can confidently say, “I am going to heaven to spend eternity with my Lord and savior Jesus Christ.” Don Benson Taylors Falls

Give local bands a shot

Since we are on the verge of yet another season of community festivals (i.e. Wannigan Days, Heritage Days, Wheels & Wings, etc.), I wanted to put in my two cents before many of them get under way. Although I appreciate all of the community event organizers and the volunteers who take part in planning the festivities, I often wonder who the people are that are making the types of decisions they make when it comes to entertainment. If you are one of them, I am sorry, but you need to get a clue. If you are really “local” and interested in all things “local” (especially boosting local business), then why do you continue to fork out huge amounts of money for bands from the Cities or how about bands that people are flat-out tired of, The Dweebs? Does anyone else know what they are charging our area communities for their services? Check it out. You might be appalled. Lumberjack Days in Stillwater, Minn., brought in Lynyrd Skynyrd several years ago. They had a successful turnout and overall event - did you know that (the band you hired) charges about a third of what Lynyrd Skynyrd charged Stillwater that year? Some of these bands are gouging communities and community organizations something fierce! All for what? Some pathetic geek gimmick outfits and the same songs over and over again? Move on already. Sure I understand the business side of it or the draw in order to make money, the hype, etc., but you are forced to pour on the pressure of money when you are paying too much for entertainment like that! Can’t you be more creative? Sure, they are selling a service and you are buying into it (again), but many of the area communities bring in bands that have no personal tie to our communities and bands that don’t even care about our communities. They just take their hundred dollar bills and hop the river again to go back to their suburban homes. I bet they don’t even spend

money in our communities. Let’s face it, this isn’t a metropolis and there aren’t a lot of great bands to choose from. There are some really terrible bands around here. It is common to see a local, unprofessional act with a nonfamily friendly name and nonfamily friendly language, stoned or drunk out of their minds playing something awful all in the name of creativity. I wouldn’t hire them to play in my garage on a Friday night. I understand. But, there are a few good ones too. Those few should get the first crack at being able to take part in the local festivities. It is also all about marketing and promoting. Some of you put bands on some ridiculous little trailer with no protection from severe weather and you don’t even have the sense to make sure there is enough power half the time. Build a stage! It is cheap and easy. Hey, take some of the money you are forking over to these “great acts from the Cities” that are carelessly digging into our pockets each year and build something presentable. You won’t though right? Instead, you will give in to the bands we’re tired of because it is easy. How many of you attend local live shows or actually know anything about what goes into a band, their performance and what they need in order to successfully provide entertainment services to others? I am guessing many of you haven’t got a clue at all. At any rate, I am tired of seeing community club or chamber members with dollar signs in their eyes over some ridiculous band from across the river that has nothing more to offer and no more of a crowd to offer than a good local band does and would. I am tired of you people not giving local bands more credit. Josh Briggs St. Croix Falls

Let’s get on with it

I read with interest Carl Pentland’s letter in last week’s Leader urging that we all “calm down.” It is certainly understandable why supporters of Gov. Walker’s measure want everyone to accept the unprecedented assault on their basic rights and economic welfare as a fait accompli and accept it. Why won’t they? It is not just because of what was done. Reducing public workers take home pay by 8 percent and mandating they will never be able to recover present pay in real terms even though it may get worse is bad enough. Future raises may be less but can never exceed inflation, and the public referendum is not a viable option. However, the anger which has been aroused is much more a result of the way in which this was done. Walker described it in his famous phone conversation as “dropping a bomb.” However, this bomb was delivered via a stealth bomber, coming in under the radar. Yes, the governor won the election, although with somewhat less than 30 percent of eligible voters supporting him. While he won, elections are for the purpose of choosing office holders based on what the candidates have informed us they plan to do. Without that choice, elections are a crapshoot and meaningless. The governor promised to balance the budget, as he must do, but what aroused the passions had little to do with that. It was rather the result of anger at his sneak attack and deceit in taking away workers basic rights. If the governor had plans for his action before election he had an obligation to inform the public and run on that plan. If he didn’t have such a plan, when did the outside money interests who funded his election inform him he had to do it? Fess up!

Rep. Severson: Bear bill gets hearing the Assembly and the Senate last session only to be vetoed by Gov. Doyle,” said Severson. “I am encouraged by the bipartisan support this bill has in both the Senate and the Assembly.” The bill will make several other changes including allowing a free trail weekend for people interested in bear hunting. Additionally, the bill raises the age exemption for holding a Class B license from 12

to 16, which will allow for more young hunters to participate in the sport. These changes aim to increase participation in the sport. The bill also allows for more opportunities for hunters to run their dogs during the hunting season. “Hunting is a crucial aspect to life in northwestern Wisconsin, and we need to continue to support sportsmen,” said Severson. “There is simply too much red tape

C O O P E R A T I V E - O W N E D

The recall procedure is in our state constitution for a good reason. It provides a necessary means for the voters to remove from office those responsible for deceit and violation of trust before the next scheduled election. Let’s get on with it. Eiler Ravnholt Luck

Less rendezvous

I was reading Carrie Classon’s column and finding myself and my wife becoming increasingly disturbed at the message that is coming forth from her writing. We teach abstinence and courtship to our boys along with a number of other local families, and a newspaper that would endorse an unmarried couple going off to a tropical paradise to get to know each other better is not sending that message at all. We have been acquainted with Carrie for a number of years and enjoyed her acting and professional life at the Festival Theatre. However, I am very uncomfortable with her writing, excellent as it is. As a side note: I was at a local wedding recently where the couple had their first kiss as they were pronounced man and wife. They wouldn’t have had it any other way. Less than that is a sign of the times, but it’s an old story of living without convicting moral standards of behavior. Please Carrie, continue your excellent journalism, but give us more heart and less of the titillating rendezvous. Norman and Julie Peterson Trade Lake

Violation was anti-union action

I read the letter to the editor written by Rick Gates in the March 29 edition of the Amery Free Press. Gates seems to be objecting to both the recall action and the protests. His letter is titled “Recall Nonsense” and he refers to the protests as the nonsense in Madison. Protests have long been a part of the political process. Going back to the establishment of the English democracy, the king signed the Magna Carta because of protests. Protests were the labor pains in the birthing of democracy. In our own history, just a short time before the birth of our nation, one of the most famous protest was conducted. It was called the Boston Tea Party. The right to protest is one of the things that distinguishes our democracy from less desireable forms of goverrnment. Recalls should not be entered into frivolously. I do not believe that a recall started frivolously would not have a chance of succeeding. Recalls should only be used when an elected official does not act in the best interest of their constituents, when their conduct in office does not match the rhetoric of their campaign. For example , the current officeholders did not tell us that if they were elected they would do whatever they could to bring the middle class to its knees or that they would do whatever they could to slow the economic recovery so that their party could use the slow rate of recovery in the 2012 election. Nor did they tell us that if elected they would put party before the good of the nation and before the best interest of their constituency. It is for these reasons that they should be recalled. Gates says “but we do have a system and that the system should be followed” and indeed we are following the system. The violation of the system was committed by those elected in passing the antiunion law. Matt Charbonneau Balsam Lake

involved with bear hunting that makes the sport not only more dangerous, but less enjoyable and more expensive.” The natural resources committee held an executive session to vote on AB 24 on Wednesday, April 6. After the hearing the bill will head to the Assembly floor for a vote on passage. - from the office of Rep. Severson

N E W S P A P E R

Supervisor returns

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 6, 2011

Withdraws county board resignation

by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer BALSAM LAKE - Ken Sample has withdrawn his resignation from the Polk County Board and returned to active involvement as a supervisor. Sample had resigned from the board Wednesday, March 16, and county board Chair William Johnson IV was in the process of appointing a replacement for Sample. Since Johnson had not yet made an appointment, Sample’s withdrawal means that the replacement process has stopped. Sample, in an undated message sent to Johnson, said that the procedural concerns

that led to his resignation can be addressed in other ways, and other concerns can be addressed while taking part in the governing process. Sample was in attendance at the meeting of the property committee Monday, April 4. Johnson had contacted the town boards of Apple River and Beaver and the Turtle Lake Village Board for recommendations on who he should appoint to fill the board vacancy. Johnson had planned to announce his appointment this week in time for that name to appear in the agenda for the April county board meeting. The board would have acted on approving the appointment. Sample said the main reason he withdrew his resignation is that the replacement process had become a political platform. Part of that political activity was

apparent in the action of the Apple River Town Board. That board held a special meeting March 29, to make a recommendation on who should be appointed. Three persons, town Chair Rick Scoglio, town clerk Tom Sykes and town resident Jeff Timmons, expressed an interest in being appointed. According to the minutes of the meeting, board members Dave Waterman and Ansel Johnson “discussed privately and returned” to make a recommendation that all three names be submitted to the county. The town of Beaver did not act on making a recommendation, according the Beaver town clerk.

classes, with the loss of two full-time teachers. 2) Reduction of one half-time elementary music teacher with the reassignment of another music teacher already on staff to cover elementary music. 3) Elimination of the at-risk (after-school) program, with reassignment of one staff member and layoff of another. 4) Revamping of the special education department, with three layoffs, one reassignment and one transfer to a new high school LD/ED section. 5) Going from the existing two to one district principal and reduction in time for the payroll clerk. 6) Reduction in working time from 12 months to nine months for two secretaries and four maintenance workers. 7) Retirement of one health aide and reassignment of another staff member to the health aide postion. Johnson later explained that the district will still have a substantial special education staff with seven teachers and five teacher aides. In regard to the successful district at-risk after-school program, Johnson said that the district has retained a full-time at-risk counselor and is looking at setting up an everyday study hall for all students who need special help with their schoolwork.

The two existing staff principals, Joe Zirngible and Jason Wilhelm, have been invited to apply for the new one-principal position. The second interview for that position is scheduled for Wednesday, April 6, starting at 6 p.m. At its meeting Monday, March 28, the Siren School Board authorized $761,968 in budget cuts. The cuts in personnel total $437,968, with $324,000 to come in cuts to other areas of the budget. The personnel cuts have been made across the board, encompassing administration, certified staff, support staff and maintenance. “The cuts were strategically calculated to preserve our educational system,” Johnson said, adding, “Very few teachers were cut. People should realize it was the school board’s excellent decision making over the last several years that positioned our district to be prepared to deal with these tough financial times. Any person spreading the word that the sky is falling in for the Siren School District is very misinformed, and is only trying to sensationalize the situation.” Duane Emery is one of the school board’s two newest members. When asked for his reaction to the budget cuts, Emery was very positive in his response.

Sample’s statement “After contact from multiple board members and careful consideration, I am

respectfully withdrawing the resignation submitted. Procedural concerns that existed are being addressed with external resources, and other concerns can be effectively while participating in the processes afforded to the board while in session. “The overriding influence in asking that my resignation be null and void is the process of filling the vacancy created has become a political platform. This was unforeseen by me and has caused me to review the expectations and responsibilities my constituents may have of me and how they can best be fulfilled. Therefore, please withdraw the resignation submitted as I intend to complete my current term and not seek the District 11 seat in 2012.”

Budget cuts for Siren School District are now detailed

“Siren School District is alive and well,” administrator stresses by Nancy Jappe Leader staff reporter

SIREN - “The Siren School District is alive and well. We are now financially stable with a great educational team in place,” commented district Administrator Scott Johnson after the list of upcoming personnel changes was published this past week. “Yes, we have lost some personnel and, yes, we will need to do more with less, but I have 100 percent confidence in our staff,” Johnson went on. “This staff is highly qualified, and they are absolutely devoted to children. We will put these budget cuts behind us very quickly and work as a team to continue to offer an exceptional educational program for every single student while providing some much-needed property-tax relief to our district residents.” The cuts referred to by Johnson are as follows: 1) Elimination of two SAGE

“We have kept the core education in place,” he said, adding that the teachers that were lost were due to the union-negotiation process regarding years of experience (steps) and that some of the teachers were part of the SAGE program which limits classes to 15 students per class and depends on enrollment. He also commented that the district is not in a postion to afford two principals. “The Walker (budget) bill has hurt everyone, but we have to have a balanced budget,” Emery said, adding that the board has worked on getting a balanced budget for a long time. His goal in running and being elected to the school board was to ensure that the district operated with a balanced budget. “We got hit pretty hard because we are in a property-rich area, but I think we did a good job in keeping to the core (needs). We wanted to run with financial transparency, but run the school efficiently,” Emery said. Emery also likes the fact that the staff and the board are on common ground now and can work together to figure things out.

Balsam Lake village “in good shape,” auditor says

Discussion held on possible 3-percent water-rate increase

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer BALSAM LAKE – The Balsam Lake Village Board held its monthly meeting on Monday, April 4, with much of the discussion focused on the auditor year-end report given by Steve Scheidler.

The Balsam Lake Village Board accepted a bid to fix wiring on the existing storm siren, as well as install new components of the new storm siren, shown above. – File photo by Greg Marsten

“You’re in good shape on the general funds. The special revenue funds … no problem there. The TIFF Districts, we’ve got a few issues, but you’ll cover them with the general funds and hopefully there’s some growth,” Scheidler said. Scheidler was then questioned by board member Mike Voltz on how the Balsam Lake Village compared to other municipalities. Voltz pointed out that the general obligation debt was at $2.5 million, which is 39 percent of the $6.4 million. Scheidler said some municipalities are at close to 90 percent, but it all depends on what the village needs to do. Speaking on the Balsam Lake Village, Scheidler said, “Most expenditures I see aren’t something we like to do, but something we have to do,” later adding, “you’re not in bad shape, in comparison to other municipalities.” As a result of some of the issues facing the village budget, there was discussion of a possible 3-percent increase in the village water rate. One resident spoke out against a water-rate increase, but Scheidler said it was something the village may need to do.

Habitat for Humanity Eric Kube, executive director for the Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity was at the board meeting to promote what they would like to do in the Balsam Lake area. “We haven’t done anything here but we’re hoping to,” Kube said. Habitat recently finished their 20th home between Burnett and Polk counties. Habitat began in Burnett County in 1997, but the counties merged together as one in 2009. Kube talked about their new home-repair program titled Brush with Kindness, which is a home-repair program as opposed to building new homes like they’ve done in the past. Kube asked the board if they had any properties where this project might help. He encour-

“If it’s something that’s got life in it, we want it,” Kube said. Some of those tax-deductible items that they are looking for include appliances, building materials, cabinets, furniture and other household items. Contact Kube at 715-483-2700 for more information.

Storm siren wiring costs The board made a motion to approve a bid from Dalles Electricians Inc. to do complete electrical wiring on the existing storm siren and the new 2011 storm siren. The cost for Dalles to install new wiring and new pipe on existing storm siren will cost $575. The cost to install a 6-hp AC-DC siren and install other items on the new siren will cost $2,995. The village is saving $210 by going with the bid submitted by Dalles Electricians Inc. The Balsam Lake Village Board listened to a presentation by Eric Kube, executive director for the Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity, on Monday, April 4, during their monthly meeting. – Photo by Marty Seeger aged anyone to contact him and then fill out an application. Kube said that Habitat plans to do four to eight of these projects this year. He also reiterated that Habitat does not just give homes away. “We don’t give away homes. That’s a big misconception of Habitat. They have to pay for these,” Kube said, adding, “We work with families that can’t afford to buy a new house. They typically build houses and then sell to families interest free. They pay 100 percent of principal.” Kube also promoted Habitat’s new ReStore building, which had its grand opening on March 26. He said 700 people attended, and they’re always looking for donations.

Other business • A request to reduce the speed limit on Hwy. 46 N. was discussed. The area in question is the hill near the 46 Store, but a request to reduce the speed is not under the board’s control, but in the state. The board is looking into a possibility of using radar speed boards for that location and areas on CTH I. Also discussed was the need to purchase six new pagers for the fire department if the budget allows. Pagers will cost $415 apiece. • Discussion was held on the Endeavors Adult Development Center request to provide janitorial services to the village of Balsam Lake. Endeavors hopes to “provide meaningful employment for the adults” and “to ensure rest rooms are maintained to the standards of quality required by board members of the village of Balsam Lake.” The total contract amount is $1,500. The board seemed in favor of the proposal and it could be a cost-saving move for the village.

All#Leader Boys

APRIL 6, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 11

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Seventh-Annual All-Leader Boys Basketball Team

by Marty Seeger and Greg Marsten FREDERIC – With one of the most talent-filled Lakeland Conferences in recent memory, one of the few changes we made to the Seventh-Annual All-Leader basketball teams this year was the elimination of our Coach of the Year. It made room for one more athlete to be honored, yet that doesn’t mean our Coach of the Year doesn’t deserve some ink. Taking the Grantsburg Pirates to their second trip to the state tournament in school history, it seems Nick Hallberg was an automatic bid.

As far as choosing area athletes goes, it’s never easy, especially when many of the second-team mentions could easily fit into the list of first-team honorees. But you’ve got to draw the line somewhere, whether it’s points scored, overall experience, or how far they were able to take a team into the playoffs. Choosing the first team was a relatively easy task, and all are proven leaders. All should be proud of their accomplishments, and the five juniors on the list are sure to bring excitement to the court during the 2011-12 season.

Honorable Mentions

Frederic Trae Gehl, Michael Tesch

Grantsburg Daniel Biorn, David Ohnstad Luck Roger Steen, Logan Hacker

St. Croix Falls Marcus Campbell, Nick Johnson

Siren Murdock Smith, Seth Stoner

Unity Steven Krueger, Xavier Foeller Webster Dan Dochniak, Greg McIntyre

First Team All-Leader selections

Brent Myers Grantsburg

James Wethern Webster

Brady Klatt Luck

Rush Hickethier Unity

Name: Brent Myers School: Grantsburg Comments: As a Division 3 All-State selection and overall talent on both offense and defense, senior Brent Myers was an easy first-team selection. Myers was a consistent scorer for the Pirates, averaging over 15 points per game. He helped lead the Pirates to their second state appearance in school history, and eventual state runner-up trophy. Myers had a signature jump shot that was nearly impossible to defend. Name: James Wethern School: Webster Comments: Wethern was the perfect complement to teammate Austin Elliott. He was seemingly always there to put back an offensive board, or take a pick for a teammate. He is among the best follow-up offensive rebounders around, and became a steady scorer power in the last two years for the Tigers, in part because of that effort. Combining with Elliott, the duo made for a good one-two punch of pressure on both ends of the court.

Name: Brady Klatt School: Luck Comments: Klatt is one of the best one-on-one and open-court defenders in the Lakeland, period, and one of the hardest working, quickest players on any court. His speed, ability to read passes and create steals is hard to quantify but was an essential element in the Cardinal toolbox. His tenacious defense and turbocharged transitions often worked to get the crowd, and his own team, back into the mix. Name: Rush Hickethier School: Unity Comments: After a bit of a quiet regular season, senior Rush Hickethier came unglued during the Eagles amazing playoff run. It was the team’s best finish in school history, and Hickethier helped make it happen with big baskets from nearly all sides of the court, while wreaking havoc on defense. Hickethier was praised for his best effort during the teams regional championship game.

Trevor Thompson Grantsburg

Alec Mortel Luck

Name: Trevor Thompson School: Grantsburg Comments: Thompson helped lift the Pirates this season with high-pressure defense and was the team’s leading scorer, averaging over 16 points per game. The senior was nearly flawless from the free-throw line throughout the playoffs. His poise from the line was a huge part in sealing their fate to state during the sectional semifinal and state semifinal against Blair-Taylor.

Name: Alec Mortel School: Luck Comments: While Alec Mortel quietly pulled down an average of 10 boards a game, he also was among the best follow-up scorers in the region, turning every one of his teammates’ missed shots into a potential bucket. Yes, it’s seemingly easy to compare the Mortel duo, but they both had their specialties, and complement each other’s skills perfectly. The prospect of having both brothers on the court at the same time made Luck a true force.

Brady Flaherty Unity

Cole Mortel Luck

Name: Brady Flaherty School: Unity Comments: Flaherty not only racked up well over 1,000 career points, he kept his squad in games others didn’t think they could win. His leadership, broad talents and defense gave Unity as close a shot at a state appearance as ever. It was not unusual for him to have doubledigit point totals at halftime, with his scoring ability opening up shots for teammates. With Flaherty on the court, the Eagles were always in the game.

Name: Cole Mortel School: Luck Comments: The doublewhammy effect of having two towering, 6-foot-5-inch Mortel brothers on the court at the same time meant obvious comparisons, and while the numbers were often similar, with rebounding and scoring nods going to brother Alec, Cole had the stronger steals, blocks, three-point and assist numbers in his defense. And either one could bust free and be a game maker; both had their shining moments.

Austin Elliott Webster

Derek Bertelsen Grantsburg

All-Leader Second Team

Elijah Hinze Siren

Waylon Buck Frederic

Name: Elijah Hinze School: Siren Comments: Simply one of the best pure shooters in the conference, the junior Hinze achieved the 1,000-point mark earlier than almost anyone, and will be a key player in the Dragons success next year. He can do it all, can shoot from anywhere and is a quiet leader, to boot. He promises to be a key player as the Dragons mature with one of the most solid pools of underclass talent in the region, with Hinze as the natural leader.

Name: Waylon Buck School: Frederic Comments: As a junior, Waylon Buck still has a chance to showcase his talent on the basketball court next season for the Vikings, but proved worthy as one of the Vikings consistent scorers. He averaged over 10 points per game and was a menace on defense, creating turnovers and picking up big rebounds along the way. Buck will be fun to watch again next season.

Andrew Brown Siren

Brady Turner Unity

Name: Andrew Brown School: Siren Comments: Brown is also one of the true shining lights for the upstart Dragons. His size, wingspan and scoring abilities make him a natural defender and scorer. Few players can turn so many rebounds into points as quickly, and his ability to sweep the boards of shots on either end grew dramatically this season, and made him one of the premier players in the whole conference. Name: Brady Turner School: Unity Comments: As a solid defensive player, Brady Turner will probably be best known for his presence on the perimeter. No team could overlook this junior when he got an open look. Once Turner started burying 3-pointers, he was difficult to stop. That’s part of the reason he was the second-best scorer on the Eagles this season.

Zach Christenson St. Croix Falls

Seth Coy Grantsburg

Name: Austin Elliott School: Webster Comments: There were times when Elliott would singlehandedly keep or bring the Webster boys back into a game, while others were warming up the bus. He is easily one of the best all-around players in the region. His ability to make every shot count made him one of the most feared and respected players on the court, always drawing solid coverage, and still responding with over two dozen points. His leadership, tenacity and talent will be sorely missed next year. Name: Derek Bertelsen School: Grantsburg Comments: Injuries hampered this Pirate forward during his junior year, but Derek Bertelsen went out with a bang this season as a senior. Bertelsen was a true power under the basket, yet could drive the lane like a point guard and end it on a smooth finish. He could rebound with the best area forwards, yet could threaten from beyond the arc, which added to his versatility.

Name: Zach Christenson School: St. Croix Falls Comments: Despite a difficult season for the Saints, senior Zach Christenson was always a consistent presence on the team. He led nearly every week on the boards and led the team in scoring with over 15 points per game. Christenson worked hard under the basket, fighting for every rebound, and gave 100 percent the entire season.

Name: Seth Coy School: Grantsburg Comments: Despite a season ending injury early in the state tournament, junior Seth Coy was a big part of the team’s goal of getting there. Coy wasn’t a leading scorer but was a huge presence under the basket, and picked up big points just when the Pirates needed them the most on several occasions. Coy had a game changing 16 boards against Colfax during the sectional final.

SPORTS RESULTS DEADLINES: WEDNESDAY - MONDAY: 1 p.m. the following business day. TUESDAY: 7 a.m. on Wednesday. Missed deadlines mean no coverage that week! S P O R T S N E W S O R S C O R E S T O R E P O R T ? • P H O N E : 7 1 5 - 3 2 7 - 4 2 3 6 • FA X : 7 1 5 - 3 2 7 - 4 1 1 7 • E - M A I L : m s e e g e r @ c e n t u r y t e l . n e t

All#Leader Girls

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Seventh-Annual All-Leader Girls Basketball Team

by Marty Seeger and Greg Marsten FREDERIC – It was another strong season for our area girls basketball teams, and for the Siren girls it will be one they won’t soon forget. Under coach Ryan Karsten, the girls nearly made a another trip to state, and set several records along the way. For their efforts, Karsten gets a sure bid as our choice for coach of the year, even though we’ve eliminated it from our list this year to make room for another athlete. There are a couple of area coaches that emerged this season, and deserve credit

too, such as Grantsburg head coach Adam Hale, who, in his first year, was able to lead his Pirates to a regional championship game. While they lost handily, there’s a crop of young talent sure to give opposing teams fits next season. The Unity Eagles managed to turn things around as well under coach Carol Kline, and could be a force to reckon with in the coming years. As far as our area athletes are concerned, it was another great season, and we look forward to seeing what they can do during the 2011-12 season.

Honorable Mentions

Frederic Maria Miller, Sage Karl

Grantsburg Nicole McKenzie, Macy Hansen Luck Ashlyn Petersen

St. Croix Falls Caitlyn Olson, Natalie Sempf

Siren Danielle Keller, Liz Brown

Unity Marisa Hacker, Hayla Bader

Webster Mary Johnson, Shauna Rein

First Team All-Leader selections

Carley Emery Siren

Ashley Guevara Siren

Sarah Petznick St. Croix Falls

Brittany Coulter Siren

Name: Carley Emery School: Siren Comments: Emery is a total package, as the latest member in one of the ultra exclusive 2,000-point club. Her fast ascension up that ladder included a nearly 30-point-per-game average, that often would include half a dozen 3-pointers. She is also known for tenacious defense and an intensity that led to occasional double teaming. Few local players - boy or girl - have ever had the depth of impact as Emery has for the Dragons. Name: Ashley Guevara School: Siren Comments: Guevara blossomed on both ends of the court in recent years, becoming one the most solid defenders and rebounders around. She scored over 1,000 points and led her team like a field general, knowing her own limits while capitalizing on her teammates’ strengths. She is one of those players who made an impact whenever she was on the court, and helped her squad achieve huge successes.

Name: Sarah Petznick School: St. Croix Falls Comments: Despite missing her final three games of the season to a knee injury, junior Sarah Petznick was still the team leader in scoring with an average of over 11 points per game. Petznick could control the ball with the best of them, and wasn’t afraid to be aggressive or drive hard toward the basket. She’ll hopefully be another big part of the Saints next season. Name: Brittany Coulter School: Siren Comments: Brittany Coulter could make some noise on the basketball court in the next couple of years. She’ll have much needed experience after seeing action in all 26 games this year as a sophomore, and was a big key for the Dragons when it came down to tightening their defensive efforts. Coulter averaged five points per game, and third on the team in scoring with 131 points.

Name: Avery Steen School: Luck Comments: The sopho-

Avery Steen Luck

Jade Johnson Frederic

more simply carried her squad all year. Averaging nearly 30 points per game, she was usually the focus of all her defenders’ efforts, and shutting her down usually meant shutting down the Cardinals. But Steen is also a spark plug, and not afraid to tangle with players who tower over her. She can drive the lane and perform seemingly gravity-defying buckets or shoot from well beyond the arc. Few players anywhere add so much to their team as Steen.

Name: Jade Johnson School: Frederic Comments: Jade Johnson’s career may not have ended the way she hoped after suffering a season ending knee injury, but the senior left her mark with the Vikings. Missing the last four games of the season, she still averaged nearly 13 points per game, had 64 steals and 34 assists. Johnson was known for her work ethic on the court and during practice.

Haley Larson Grantsburg

Kortney Morrin Grantsburg

Name: Haley Larson School: Grantsburg Comments: Senior Haley Larson had the talent to change just about any game with her offensive efforts. She showed that midway through the season with a 29-point effort against the Vikings, which helped spark the Pirates to win eight of their next 10 games midway through the season. The team’s leading scorer helped get the Pirates in the regional title game.

Name: Kortney Morrin School: Grantsburg Comments: Even on a torn ACL in the final stretch of the season, senior Kortney Morrin still managed to score just over 12 points per game, and managed to lead the team with 15 points during their regional title game against Boyceville. She ended her career with over 1,000 points, and did it all while injured. Morrin was a versatile threat, and will be missed next year.

Morgan Denny Luck

Michelle Gibbs Webster

All-Leader Second Team Name: Brittany Thomfohrda School: Unity Comments: Unity junior has quietly become one of the biggest impact players the Eagle girls have had in years. She can shoot from anywhere, is a solid defender and as unselfish as anyone on the court. She kept her squad in games that others might have given up on, and can quickly turn a steal into two points, and then do it again. Her senior season almost surely be a conBrittany Thomfohrda will tinuation of that success.

Unity

Corissa Schmidt Frederic

Name: Corissa Schmidt School: Frederic Comments: Schmidt will almost certainly jump into a major leadership role for the Vikings next season, and has potential to be one of the area’s best guards. Schmidt led the team with 295 points, averaging over 12 points per game. She was second in assists with 54, and was second in rebounds with 166. She led the team with 67 steals, and was a 54 percent freethrow shooter.

Sydney Geisness St. Croix Falls

Crystal Donahue Unity

Name: Sydney Geisness School: St. Croix Falls Comments: This Saints sophomore will be one to watch next season as she was second this year in scoring on the team and second in rebounds with 113 in 21 games this season. Sydney Geisness has the ability to shoot the ball effectively from all sides, but can really contribute under the basket. Geisness was an All-Conference firstteam player as well. Name: Crystal Donahue School: Unity Comments: Unity senior Donahue was the player who routinely outscored pretty much every Eagle girl for the past several years, and when she was injured, so to were her squad’s chances. She is a scoring machine, and allaround team leader, even when times were not always so bright for the Eagles. She also made all her teammates better players, drawing extra coverage and attention, while not being afraid to dish the ball off to an open player.

Sam Nelson Frederic

Daphne Hubbell Siren

Name: Morgan Denny School: Luck Comments: A natural leader and complement to Avery Steen, Denny had more double-doubles than just about anyone, and proved her worth on both ends of the court. Her rebounding and assists, as well as her defense made her one player who is better than her numbers. But her leadership and prowess were also critical on a squad that was often outsized and outmanned. Name: Michelle Gibbs School: Webster Comments: Gibbs is the kind of player who could quickly turn around her squad with her defense. She would never give up, and seemed to make her Tiger squad one that was never really out of a game, any game. She is a master of the press and trap, and would record more steals in one game than some players would all season. She is the kind of player every successful team needs, and proved that many times through her career.

Name: Sam Nelson School: Frederic Comments: Despite her small stature, senior Samantha Nelson was a fierce competitor who wasn’t afraid of contact. She was a true point guard who led the team with 65 assists, and averaged over seven points per game. She also had 21 blocks, 52 steals and 59 rebounds, and at least 43 of those boards came on defense.

Name: Daphne Hubbell School: Siren Comments: This senior has become one of the most ferocious players in the conference. She not only drives the lane, but is among the best defenders in all of the Lakeland. She was a major reason for recent Dragons successes. She has played many roles, from sixth man to point guard to the sort of “X-factor” player needed in critical moments or when special guarding attention was required. Hubbell’s game improved as much as any West Lakeland girl in the last few years.

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High Flyers finish strong wrestling season

TOP LEFT: The St. Croix Falls High Flyers finished a successful season. In each of the several tournaments they wrestled in throughout the year, the team finished in first or second place. BOTTOM LEFT: Luke Clark from St. Croix Falls placed second at the state tournament in Madison, March 25-26. – Photos submitted

Extra Points

Area athletes compete in Border battle

Cole Mortel of Luck floats in for a layup against Minnesota during the High School Seniors Border Battle All-Star Basketball game held at the University of Duluth Ralph Romano Gymnasium.

Alec Mortel of Luck comes down with a rebound as a member of the Wisconsin All-Star Team. Wisconsin defeated Minnesota 93-72. Trevor Thompson of Grantsburg and Austin Elliot of Webster also competed in the All-Star game.

Morgan Denny of Luck was one of two girls who competed in the Duluth Amateur Youth Basketball Association All-Star Basketball game in Duluth, Minn., on Friday, April 1. Carley Emery of Siren also competed. The girls defeated a select group of Minnesota athletes 94-88.

••• LA CROSSE – Former Grantsburg athlete Kevin Johnson is pitching for the UW-La Crosse Eagles baseball team again this season. Johnson has pitched two games for the Eagles, defeating Concordia University in Arizona on March 16. He worked six innings in a 19-8 victory, allowing three runs, one earned, with four strikeouts and no walks. On March 31, he defeated St. Mary’s University of MinKevin Johnson nesota, 8-2. Johnson allowed three hits, one run, three walks and struck out six. In 12 innings, Johnson has a 2-0 record and a 1.50 ERA. The team has a 10-3 record this spring after winning a twogame sweep in their first conference games of the season against UW-Stout on Monday, April 4. – Marty Seeger ••• WINONA, Minn. – Michelle Lund and Mollie Bjelland have been on a tear lately with the Winona State Warriors softball team. The Warriors opened NSIC play last Saturday with a two game sweep over Minnesota, Crookston. In the second game, Lund was solid in the 8-0 win, allowing five hits and no runs with one walk. Lund improved to 5-0 on the season when she pitched the following Sunday, allowing just three hits in a 9-0 victory against MSU Moorehead. In that same two-game series, Bjelland hit a Michelle Lund grand slam over the left-field fence. Bjelland is currently batting .338 in 23 games this season with 19 RBIs. – Marty Seeger ••• BALSAM LAKE – The Unity Eagle Booster Club announces plans for its first annual kickball tournament held at the Milltown ball field on Saturday, May 14. Join one of the 16 teams competing in a round-robin tournament, or spend the day watching the competition. Interested teams or volunteers should contact Jon Grams at 715-5540641. The cost is $100 per team and all participants must be 18 years of age or older. The deadline to sign up is Saturday, April 30. All proceeds raised benefit Unity athletics, following successful years with the following purchases: basketball shoot around, baseball uniforms, BFS Clinic, golf mats and bags, Great Northwest fees, football camera, football five-man sled, and most recently, a new scoring table. ••• LEADER LAND – Local sports tidbits to share? Please contact the Leader by 4:30 p.m. on Mondays to go in Extra Points. – Marty Seeger ••• LEADER LAND – Leader Sports strives to follow the college careers of area athletes. If you know of an athlete who will be playing collegiate sports in 2011 and hasn’t been mentioned, send us an e-mail or call and we’ll take it from there. – Marty Seeger

O UTDOOR S

PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 6, 2011

I N T E R# C O U N T Y L E A D E R

ATVs • BIRDING • BOATING • CAMPING • FISHING • HIKING • HUNTING • RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

Someone you know would love to hunt this weekend

Permission to hunt from the neighboring landowner. Check. Wild turkeys scouted and patterned. Check. Youth-sized shotgun borrowed from a friend. Check. All the gear you could possiMarty bly need to hunt Seeger turkeys. Check. Hunting partner. Well, not exactly. The While I do hope to Bottom guide a young hunter during the two-day Line youth hunt this weekend, April 9-10, it was disheartening to hear that the area’s Learn to Hunt Turkey Program was cancelled last weekend. It was something I looked forward to this year, especially after guiding a young hunter last year during the Learn to Hunt Program, which had over 15 participants, and was deemed a big success. A couple of weeks ago, I wrote an article highlighting the area’s second-annual Learn to Hunt Turkey Program. It asked for anyone with less than two years of hunting experience, to give the organizers a call. The program not only offered a four-hour course on gun safety, turkey biology and hunting techniques, but a chance to go on an actual hunt with an experienced mentor/guide. Despite the several hours of planning and recruiting efforts that went into this year’s program, it was a lack of interest that forced its cancellation. Of the seven people who initially signed up for the Learn to Hunt Turkey Program, only one remained interested. Fortunately, that person will get a chance to go on his first turkey hunt this weekend. There’s probably no real good reason as to why the other six lost interest all of a sudden, but it’s a scary thought to think there are many people, especially

Hopefully, you’ll be seeing more scenes like these in the coming weeks. The spring turkey season is right around the corner, with the first of six time periods beginning April 13 through May 22. The two-day youth hunt starts this weekend, April 9-10. – Photo by Marty Seeger

the youth out there, who balk at such a unique opportunity. And before you jump to conclusions, there’s nothing wrong with someone who doesn’t hunt. That’s not my point. My wife, Laura, for instance, doesn’t hunt for the simple fact that she really isn’t interested anymore. We hunted turkeys together a few years ago, and one particular afternoon, I managed to call in a huge gobbler. The bird approached silently and actually walked to within 15 yards of our setup. My wife even had her safety off and ready to fire, but I didn’t know that at the time, and was unaware the bird was that close. Instead, by my own stupidity I moved at precisely the wrong time and sent the bird running like heck to higher ground. I got antsy to move, plain and simple, and left the woods that day humiliated and disappointed. Laura hasn’t taken an interest in

Do I need a burning permit?

SPOONER — Burning permits are required in all of the Northwest Wisconsin counties of Washburn, Burnett, Rusk and Sawyer and in the following townships in Barron County: Bear Lake, Cedar Lake, Chetek, Dover, Doyle, Lakeland, Maple Plain, Sumner, and the portion of Stanley and Prairie Lake townships east of Hwy. SS. Also included are the Polk County townships of Lorain, Clam Falls, West Sweden, Sterling and portions of McKinley, Bone Lake, Luck townships north of Hwy. 48. In the remainder of Barron and Polk counties, check with local government officials as regulations vary greatly. Burning permits are required whenever the ground is not snow covered. In early spring, fields are snow free and the woods have snow. If the ground is brown around the brush pile then you need a burning permit. If the ground is white with snow around the brush pile and will continue to be snow covered until the pile is finished burning, no burning permit is required. Rural residents and visitors are reminded that burning permits are needed to burn leaves, brush and other woody debris. Burning of trash is not allowed. Burning permits can also be obtained

by simply calling 888-WIS-BURN (9472876) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and a customer service representative will issue the permit over the phone and it will be delivered by postal delivery or instantly e-mailed. Customers can still continue to visit their local ranger station or emergency fire warden for permits in person. All permits are valid for the calendar year and are at no cost to the customer. You must check the burning regulations the day you wish to burn, which are updated after 11 a.m., to make sure burning is allowed that night. Two ways to do this is to call 888-WIS-BURN or www.dnr.wi.gov/wisburn. “Permits are especially important in the spring when low humidities, high winds, and dry leaves and grass provide ideal conditions for wildfires,” said forest ranger Jay Riewestahl. Riewestahl advises people who have burned a large debris pile to please double-check the pile and make certain that it is completely out if left unattended. Fires have escaped from hot coals that have held over from a brush pile burned when the ground was snow covered, up to three months beforehand. — WisDNR

turkey hunting since, though she has hunted and killed a few deer over the years, but no longer takes an interest in deer hunting either. But she still appreciates wild turkey on the grill, venison steaks and various other types of wild game. We’ve grown up with it, and couldn’t think of our diet without it. I’ve always thought she might have taken more interest in going hunting had we shot a turkey that day, but the reality is, hunting isn’t for everyone, and that’s fine with me. You can’t force someone to like it. You just continue doing it regardless of how others might feel. I’d like to hope that the majority of the non hunting community appreciates hunting, or at least accepts it for what it is, but that’s not always the case either. We shouldn’t worry about those views anyway, but instead focus on those who really do want to hunt. If a

youngster, or an adult says to you, “hey, I’d really like to go hunting sometime,” try your best not to deny them that opportunity. It’s not an easy task introducing someone to hunting, especially a youth hunter. It’s hard work, it takes a lot of patience, and it’s not always easy sharing your favorite hunting areas, but there’s no reason to be selfish, and the rewards always outweigh the effort. For those of us who consider hunting a lifelong tradition, it’s hard to imagine not being able to enjoy the great outdoors through turkey hunting or any other venture. But for those of us who do find a lifelong tradition in hunting, let’s not deny an opportunity for someone to hunt this weekend if they’re willing and able to go.

Speaker series at Crex Meadows

GRANTSBURG – Crex Meadows Wildlife Education and Visitor Center’s monthly special speaker series has been going very well, with interesting speakers sharing their experiences and knowledge about various natural resource topics. This month, John Haack, UW-Extension Basin

Educator, will teach attendees about the natural and cultural history of wild rice in northern Wisconsin, on Thursday, April 14, 7 – 8 p.m. at the Crex Meadows Wildlife Education and Visitor Center. There is no cost. – submitted

Muskrat happy to be here

This muskrat was right at home between the receding ice and water along 210th Street in Osceola Township near Trollhaugen. – Photo by Brooklin Hoverman

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Area tracksters finding good weather indoors

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer FREDERIC – While the outdoors are less than ideal for the start of the spring track season, a couple of area teams have been able to compete indoors, including Unity and Luck. The Eagles competed at the Simpson Invitational at UW-Superior on Friday, March 25, and both girls and boys teams placed third overall among quality teams such as Hayward, Superior and Ashland to name a few. For the Unity girls, it was their highest placing in four years. “Very happy with the results,” said Unity girls coach Mike Bielmeier. “Girls performed well against good competition. I believe we will be competitive throughout the season. Numbers out for track is good, which will make some competition for spots for the meets. I look forward to the outdoor season.”

Polk County program recognized

Ashley Johnson was the team’s only first-place finisher in the long jump with a mark of 15-feet 11.75-inches. Other highlights included Hayla Bader taking fifth in the 55-meter hurdles, 10.8 seconds, fifth in the pole vault 700 and fourth in the triple jump, 29-10. Emily Gross placed second in the shot put with a mark of 31-7. For the boys, Steven Krueger took first in the high jump with a mark of 6-00. Rush Hickethier, Justin Runberg, Dyland Hendricks and Tyler Christensen placed second in the 4x200-meter relay with a time of 1:41, and Hendricks also finished second in the pole vault at 11-6. Kevin Bystrom, Steve Olson, Aaron Cousins and Reid Binfet finished third in the 4x800-meter relay with a time of 9:37, and in the shot put, Joe Swanson took third with a throw of 44 feet, 5.5 inches.

Luck track highlights The Luck Cardinal boys track team competed at the Blue Devil High School Open in Menomonie on Friday, March 25. The event featured 26 schools, with several larger Eau Claire area teams. Coming out in first place overall in the pole vault was A.J. Walsh-Brenizer, who surpassed the competition by 6 inches with a vault of 12-6. He also took 24th in the shot put. Also competing in the shot put was Roger Steen, who placed fifth overall with a mark of 45-05. Ben Kufalk placed 28th in the 55-meter dash with a time of 7.35. Kufalk also ran in the 200-meter dash with a time of 25.84, and 19th place. RIGHT: A.J. Walsh-Brenizer pole vaults in an outdoors event held last year. Track and field teams are waiting to get out and enjoy the spring weather. – File photos by Lori Nelson

Steen siblings make All-State teams Tony Evers, state superintendent, left, presented an award to Jeff Moats, middle, and Ralph (Gus) Johansen on March 7 for Polk County’s Youth Sports Unlimited program. The award is called the Standing Up for Rural Wisconsin Schools, Libraries, and Communities Award. This award is given in recognition of programs which demonstrate the great potential and spirit of rural Wisconsin. Youth Sports Unlimited provides economic support for youth-based programs and activities in northern Polk County. The organization sponsors an annual fundraising banquet with proceeds supporting groups such as Boy Scouts, 4-H, hunter safety courses, Little League, youth wrestling, and more. Last summer the organization purchased fishing equipment for Project New Hope, which supports the veterans and families of military personnel who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. — submitted

A R E A Hacker’s Lanes

Monday Afternoon Senior Mixed Standings: The Bears 37, Vultures 35, Eagles 34, Badgers 27, Swans 26.5, Cardinals 23, Nite Hawks 21.5, Zebras 20. Women’s games: Marge Traun (TB) 250, Barb Austad (B) 248, Marge Traun (TB) 245. Women’s series: Marge Traun (TB) 696, Barb Austad (B) 669, Bonnie Fjorden (C) 642. Men’s games: Ron Noble (TB) 253, Tony Deiss (S) & Max Simen (S) 241, Tony Deiss (S) & Tim Tyler (E) 238. Men’s series: Tony Deiss (S) 714, Ron Noble (TB) 674, Tim Tyler (E) 657. Team games: The Bears 886, Swans 874, The Bears 863. Team series: The Bears 2549, Swans 2482, Cardinals 2438. Monday Night Ladies Standings: Mane Attractions 67, Hog Wild Gals 61.5, The Bottle Shop 58, House of Wood 55.5, Hacker’s Lanes 39, Bye 13. Individual games: Kelly Steen (BS) 205, Robin Lindvall (BS) 197, Kim Bruss (HL) 188. Individual series: Robin Lindvall (BS) 552, Kelly Steen (BS) 515, Rhonda Bazey (HW) 490. Team games: The Bottle Shop 706, Hacker’s Lanes 618, House of Wood 613. Team series: The Bottle Shop 1996, Hacker’s Lanes 1715, Hog Wild Gals 1640. Tuesday Classic Standings: Yellow Lake Lodge 105, Great Northern Outdoors 103.5, Bottle Shop 99, SHWHORAW Co. 75, Pioneer Bar 67, Rural American Bank 57.5.

Roger Steen and Landen Strilzuk raising money for Children’s Hospital

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer LUCK – Both Roger Steen and Landen Strilzuk of Luck are looking for donations to help benefit the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, as part of their nomination to the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-Star Football game. Steen and Strilzuk were chosen last January, and will play in the All-Star Shrine Bowl Game on July 16, in Oshkosh. Anyone interested in donating can visit firstgiving.com and type in Roger Steen or Landen Strilzuk. Steen will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire next fall and playing football for the Blugolds. On top of Steen’s accomplishments on the football field, his sister Avery was also selected as an All-State athlete on the Luck Cardinals basketball team. Avery

B O W L I N G

Individual games: Ed Bitler 268, Brett Daeffler 254, Kelsey Bazey 245. Individual series: Ed Bitler 737, Brett Daeffler 661, Kelsey Bazey 650. Team games: SHWHORAW Co. 651, Great Northern Outdoors 639, Yellow Lake Lodge & Bottle Shop 596. Team series: Great Northern Outdoors 1764, Bottle Shop 1746, Yellow Lake Lodge 1733. Consecutive strikes (5 or more): Ed Bitler 7x=268, 5x=267; Kelsey Bazey 7x=245. Games 50 pins or more above average: Ed Bitler 268 (+64); Mike Sullivan 244 (+64); Kelsey Bazey 245 (+59). Series 100 pins or more above average: Ed Bitler 737 (+125). Splits converted: 3-4-7: Tom Coen. Thursday Late Standings: Stotz & Company 30, Fisk Trucking 27.5, Hansen Farms Inc. 25, Hog Wild BBQ & Grill 23.5, Johnson Upholstery 18. Women’s games: Heather Wynn 143. Women’s series: Heather Wynn 395. Men’s games: Oliver Baillargeon 246, Eugene Wynn Sr. 234, Larry Stotz 223. Men’s series: Oliver Baillargeon 661, Eugene Wynn Sr. 612, Craig Adair 526. Team games: Hansen Farms Inc. 963, Fisk Trucking 861, Stotz & Company 846. Team series: Hansen Farms Inc. 2588, Stotz & Company 2386, Fisk Trucking 2374. Friday Night Ladies Standings: The Leader 66, Frederic Design 56, The Dozers 54, The Pin Heads 53, Junque Art 48, Meyer’s Plus 41, Pioneer Bar 34. Individual games: Edla Meyers 199,

Karen Carlson 195, Gail Linke 189. Individual series: Karen Carlson 522, Tammy Lindberg 506, Gail Linke 490. Team games: Junque Art 628, The Dozers 606, The Pin Heads 592. Team series: Junque Art 1776, Frederic Design 1721, The Dozers 1698. Games 50 or more above average: Edla Meyer.

McKenzie Lanes

Monday Night Ladies Standings: McKenzie Lanes 71.5, Bogus Pumpkins 67.5, Milltown Appliance 65.5, Wolf Creek Log Furniture 61, Sam’s Carpentry 59, Edina Divas 57, Frederic Truck & Tractor 47.5, Metal Products 47. Individual games: Shirley Wilson 227, Toni Sloper 200, Marie Sogge 198. Individual series: Shirley Wilson 582, Cindy Castellano 529, Pattie Johnson 510. Team games (Handicap): Milltown Appli-

Steen was the lone sophomore selection to the All-State team this year, averaging 24.3 points per game, 4.1 boards and just over two assists per game in Division 5. She also set Luck’s single season scoring record with 584 points. She eclipsed former Luck star Britta Petersen’s single season record of 448 points. Avery’s 36-point performance on Jan. 11 tied her with her mother Kelly for second most points scored in a single game by a Luck girls basketball player. Kelly quickly pointed out that “there were no 3-point shots back then and we still used the men’s ball!”

Roger Steen

Landen Strilzuk

Avery Steen

R E S U LT S

ance 864. Team series (Handicap): Wolf Creek Log Furniture 2416. Tuesday Early Mixed Standings: Lamar Stars 111, What the Ek 107, The New Comers 102, Lane Crashers 100.5, Mom’s Boys 97.5, Lemon Heads 93, Jim’s Flooring 77, Bye 0. Women’s games: Sharyl Swagger 202, Brenda Lehmann 166, Linda Larson 144. Women’s series: Sharyl Swagger 534, Brenda Lehmann 455, Linda Larson 385. Men’s games: Glen Minnick 223, Kevin Ek 212, Jeff Lehmann 210. Men’s series: Jeff Lehmann 620, Glen Minnick 612, Kevin Ek 585. Team games: Lamar Stars 568. Team series: Lamar Stars 1608. Tuesday Night Men’s Standings: The Dugout 66.5, Dream Lawn 61, Steve’s Appliance 57, The Cobbler Shop 55, Centurview Park 44, NelLo-Hill Farm 41.5, Hack’s Pub 38, McKenzie Lanes 37. Individual games: Ryan Wiemer 279, Craig Willert 266, Jim McKenzie & Brian Lawrence 247. Individual series: Jim McKenzie 728, Craig Willert 678, Sam Leggitt 670. Team games (Handicap): Nel-Lo-Hill Farm 1168. Team series (Handicap): Centurview Park 3403. Wednesday Night Men’s Standings: Davy’s Construction 28, Hanjo Farms 26, Tiger Express 22, Dalles Electrical 22, McKenzie Lanes 20, Harvest Moon 20, Edina Realty 12, Reed’s Marina 10. Individual games: Jim McKenzie 278, Sam Leggitt 268, Scott Davison 245.

Individual series: Sam Leggitt 679, Jim McKenzie 672, Scott Davison 646. Team games (Handicap): Tiger Express 1034, Harvest Moon 1020. Team series (Handicap): Harvest Moon 2920, Tiger Express 2892. Thursday Night Ladies Standings: Hauge Dental 113, Hack’s Pub 97.5, Bont Chiropractic 94, Cutting Edge Pro 91, Truhlsen Chiropractic 90, Eagle Valley Bank 89.5, RiverBank 73, KJ’s 72. Individual games: Kathy McKenzie 233, Denise Donaghue 215, Michelle Roettger 211. Individual series: Denise Donaghue 603, Kathy McKenzie 557, Mjo Hacker 532. Team games: Hauge Dental 844, Cutting Edge Pro 809, Hack’s Pub 784. Team series: Hauge Dental 2468, Hack’s Pub 2244, Cutting Edge Pro 2241.

Black & Orange

TNT Standings: Larry’s LP 27.5-24.5, Cashco 26.5-25.5, Black & Orange 25.5-26.5, Flower Power 24.5-27.5. Individual games: Becky Reynolds (L) 194, Jennifer Kern (L) 181, Mary Ellen Smith (C) 179. Individual series: Jennifer Kern (L) 514, Becky Reynolds (L) 497, Audrey Pardun (B&O) 476. Team games: Cashco 861, Larry’s LP 852, Black & Orange 850. Team series: Larry’s LP 2474, Cascho 2408, Black & Orange 2403.

High-level vacancies at Polk County

PAGE 16 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 6, 2011

Thirty percent of employees eligible for retirement

by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer BALSAM LAKE – With the retirement of Gary Taxdahl, Golden Age Manor administrator, and four vacant management positions out of seven at the human services department, the issue of hiring and keeping qualified employees at the county has become a topic of concern. According to discussions last week at the personnel committee, 30 percent of Polk County employees are eligible for retirement and finding replacements with the needed skills will not necessarily be easy, even with the high unemployment rate. The immediate goal of the county is hiring a new GAM administrator and a new

Harmony from new choral group

by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer FREDERIC – People who attend the Music of Water and Woods Concert Saturday, April 9, will hear the newly formed Woodland Chorale making beautiful music. The benefit concert, at 7:30 p.m. at the Frederic High School, will include a wide variety of choral music. Freewill donations will accepted to benefit the Community Referral Agency and the W.I.N.G.S Foundation. Few will appreciate how much time went into bringing this concert together, how much dedication it took to meld 23 voices into one harmonious voice. That time and dedication came from the singers, who first started working together in mid-February, and from the choral conductor, Dr. Harry Johansen, Bone Lake, and his wife and piano accompanist, Christine Johansen. Johansen has wanted to form a good community choir here since he retired several years ago and returned home to the Luck area. The birth of the Woodland Chorale started in February. Johansen has taken 23 voices and made them one harmonious voice over the past six weeks. The process of building the choir started with three auditions in early February. About 40 people tried out, and 23 people were selected and able to fit the time demands into their schedules. Part of the challenge of forming the choir was finding the right mix of voices, finding enough male singers in particular, and finding the right people who had the time available for rehearsals. Once assembled, the group has worked together through nine rehearsals, with a 10th scheduled before the Saturday concert. At one rehearsal, held at 7 p.m. on a

human services department director. While Taxdahl’s retire was announced last summer and the GAM Board has been preparing for the change, the human services vacancies came suddenly. Human services Director Sherry Gjonnes retired suddenly on March 25. Economic support manager Sheila Falb was placed on administrative leave about the same time and has since resigned. Mental health/chemical dependency manager Paula Rudeen has also left the county. And Phyl Brown, longtime assistant to the director, earlier announced her retirement to take another job. Brown has delayed her departure for several weeks to help the department. County Administrator Dana Frey said that the replace of Taxdahl and Gjonnes are high priorities. The selection process for each job will involve broad input with

three panels involved in the hiring, a top management group, a peer panel of department heads, and a broader group of employees and other interested persons. Frey is acting as the head of each department in the interim, working with the staff and signing off on decisions. “We need to maintain our employees,” Andrea Jerrick, employee relations director, said at the Thursday, March 31, personnel committee meeting. “We must provide employees with some sense of stability (referring to the employment-related issues coming out of Madison). We are starting to see employees leaving.” Jerrick added that employees with technical skills won’t have a problem finding jobs. “We need early-retirement disincentives,” Frey said. “We want people to stay. We need an orderly transition in the

Making beautiful music

county. When jobs open, we are not always getting great applications. The high unemployment rates are at the lower level of jobs. The higher up the skill level, the less people are available for jobs. In addition, many people can’t move here to take jobs because they can’t sell their present homes.” Committee Chair Russ Arcand reminded the committee that the present mix of wages and benefits was a deliberate negotiated plan in the past. He said employees agreed to take increases in health insurance and retirement benefits rather than wages. Arcand said that making employees pay more of those benefits now is taking away a part of their compensation that they earned by giving up wage increases.

Dr. Harry Johansen, conductor of the Woodland Chorale, listens for the harmony of the 23 singers. – Photos by Gregg Westigard Creating beautiful music. Friday, the singers gathered on the three tiers of the risers, positioned by Johansen for the right blend of sounds. After vocal warm-ups, the choir started on one of the songs for the program. Going bit by bit, with Johansen listening for the right sound and blend of sound, the choir achieved the desired result by 8 p.m. They spent an hour on one song and after a short break moved on to the next song. There is much that goes into forming a choir and presenting a concert. Johansen needed to understand the abilities of the singers who answered his call and were available. He then needed to choose music that would fit this particular group, a group by the way, that has an age range of about 60 years from the youngest to the

The 23 singers held 10 rehearsals preparing for the Saturday, April 9, concert.

oldest, not counting the newborn baby. Johansen has an ear for the individual voices and a style that demands the best but comes across with warmth and humor. Johansen grew up in Luck and credits his Luck teacher, John Nygren, for making him aware that a career in music was possible. He received his undergraduate degree in music education from UW-Superior, his master’s of music degree from Indiana University, and his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Iowa. His long career as a music educator eventually led him to UWWhitewater where he was professor of music and chair of the department of music. Johansen has led choirs of all sizes

over the years and has received awards for his service to the choral profession. Since his retirement and return home, Johansen has built a home in Bone Lake, become active in local and church affairs and been elected to the Polk County Board. Besides leading the new Woodland Chorale, he is the conductor of the Heartland Singers and the West Denmark Church Choir.

The Chorale members The 23 members of the Woodland Chorale, who have gathered together over the past weeks to prepare for the concert, come from as far away as New Richmond, Siren and Grantsburg. One member gave birth during that period. The members are Diane Dueholm, Eunice Early, Alma Johnson, Jennifer Johnson, Jill Lund, Nel Medchill, Colleen Allen, Liza Carlson, Ann Fawver, Pat Pearson, Linda Rozumalski, Janet Swenson, Al Duerkop, Jake Jensen, Ray Johnson, Rod Kleiss, Mike Parker, Mike Rozumalski, Kevin Bille, Paul Johansen, Greg Marston, Bruce Paulson and Jeff Peterson.

Mike Parker practices his solo performance.

APRIL 6, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 17

C O N TAC T YO U R President Barack Obama 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Washington, D.C. 20500 E-mail: www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ Web site: www.whitehouse.gov

Gov. Scott Walker Wisconsin State Capitol Madison, WI 53707 Phone: 608-266-1212 E-mail: govgeneral@wisconsin.gov Web site: www.wisgov.state.wi.us/

L E G I S L ATO R S Rep. Roger Rivard (75th District) State Capitol Room 307 North P.O. Box 8952, Madison, WI 53707 Phone: 608-266-2519 or 888-534-0075

E-mail: rep.rivard@legis.wi.gov Staff: Doug Lundgren Doug.Lundgren@legis.wisconsin.gov Web site: legis.wisconsin.gov/asmhome.htm (then click on Representatives home pages)

Congressman Sean Duffy (7th District) 1208 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: 202-225-3365

Web site: duffy.house.gov/

E-mail: Go to Web site: duffy.house.gov/contact-me/email-me

Sen. Robert Jauch (25th State Senate Dist.) Room 415 South, State Capitol P.O. Box 7882, Madison, WI 53707

Phone: 608-2663510 or toll-free 800-469-6562 FAX: 608-2663580

E-mail: Sen.Jauch@legis.state.wi.us Web site: legis.wisconsin.gov/senate/sen25/news/

U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl 330 Hart Senate Office Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20510 715-832-8492 E-mail: senator_kohl@kohl.senate.gov Web site: kohl.senate.gov/

Sen. Sheila Harsdorf (10th State Senate Dist.) State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882 Madison, WI 53707

U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson 2 Russell Courtyard Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: 202-224-5323 E-mail: ron_johnson@ronjohnson.senate.gov No Web site at this time

Phone: 608-266-7745 715-232-1390 800-862-1092

State Rep. Erik Severson (28th District) Room 312 North State Capitol Madison, WI 53708

Burnett Co.

PH: 608-267-2365 • 888-529-0028 FAX: 608-282-3628

Polk Co.

E-mail: rep.Severson@legis.wisconsin.gov

Web site: legis.wisconsin.gov/asmhome.htm (then click on Representatives home pages)

St. Croix Co.

E-mail: sen.harsdorf@legis.state.wi.us Web site: legis.wisconsin.gov/senate/sen10 Nick Milroy (73rd District) Room 8 North, State Capitol P.O. Box 8953, Madison 53708 PH: 608-266-0640 or 888-534-0073 FAX: 608-282-3673

E-mail: rep.milroy@legis.state.wi.us

Web site: legis.wisconsin.gov/asmhome.htm (then click on Representatives home pages)

Legislative Hotline: 1-800-362-9472 • For general information on state legislature go to: legis.wisconsin.gov/contact.htm

I am very excited about the future of Wisconsin and the changes that we have been able to make in order to help Wisconsin families. Already we have seen the impact of the special session bills. The jobs numbers released by the Department of Workforce Development are very encouraging. In Wisconsin we saw an increase of 5,200 jobs and approximately 4,300 of those jobs came in the manufacturing sector. Combined with the creation of 10,000 jobs in January, these numbers show that we are on the right path. There is a lot more hard work to be done, but we have begun the process of fixing Wisconsin’s economy. My first impressions of the budget are very encouraging. There are going to be a lot of changes to the budget over the course of the next several weeks, and I would appreciate hearing from you regarding your

Eric

Severson

28th District Assembly

concerns. I remain committed to cutting spending and reducing the size of government. Please feel free to contact me about your budget concerns, questions and solutions. Wisconsin is still in a fiscal crisis, but I am committed to making the tough decisions that will get us back on the right path toward fiscal solvency. This past week, the Assembly Committee on Natural Resources held a public hearing on five different bills, including Assembly Bill 23, which I introduced earlier

this session. AB 23 is a bill that will prevent the Department of Natural Resources from requiring the continuous disinfection of water. This rule was just another unfunded mandate coming down from Madison. Several of our local communities have come out in support of AB 23. In talking to people, it is clear that they are happy with their water the way it is. This bill will not make any changes to current water safety rules, but will allow communities to make their own decisions on how to spend their limited resources. I am happy to announce that our new Web site is up and running. This will be a great way for us to keep you in touch. Visitors will be able to read all of my E-Updates, check for any press releases they may have missed in the papers, sign up for my E-Update, and voice their questions or

concerns about what is going on in Madison. Additionally, the Web site has links to my legislative page, a copy of the district map and a list of bills that I have introduced. This Web site belongs to the people of the 28th Assembly District and I welcome any suggestions on how to improve the Web site. (legis.wisconsin.gov/ assembly/severson/Pages/default.aspx) Over the next couple of weeks, my legislative colleagues and I will be diving into the budget process. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any concerns, questions or solutions you may have about the budget. You can reach me by phone tollfree 888-529-0028 or you can e-mail me at Rep.Severson@legis.wisconsin.gov. I look forward to working with you all over the next two years.

Felon pleads guilty to possessing firearm, methamphetamine

PAGE 18 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 6, 2011

MINNEAPOLIS - On Tuesday, April 5, in federal court in Minneapolis, a 32-year-old felon from Amery pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm. John P. Schanon pleaded guilty to the two charges before United States District Court Judge John R. Tunheim. In his plea agreement, Schanon admitted that on June 2, 2010, he possessed and sold a Romarm Draco pistol. In addition, Schanon admitted that between Sept. 26 and Oct. 17, 2010, he conspired with others to distribute 50 or

more grams of methamphetamine. Because he is a felon, Schanon is prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm at any time. Schanon’s prior felony convictions include homicide by negligent vehicle operation in St. Croix County in 2002 and fifthdegree possession of a controlled substance in Ramsey County, Minn., in 2010. For his crimes, Schanon faces a potential maximum penalty of life in prison on the methamphetamine-related charge, with a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years.

He also faces potential maximum penalties of 10 years on the charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Judge Tunheim will determine his sentence at a future hearing, yet to be scheduled. This case is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Violent Crime Impact Team and the Minneapolis Police Department’s Gang Enforcement Team. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen A. Slaughter. - from B. Todd Jones, U.S. district attorney

LUCK –Controlled buys for marijuana and methamphetamines took place under the supervision of the Polk County Sheriff’s Department at the home of a Luck woman, Barbara Branville, 43, on two occasions recently, resulting in her arrest on felony charges. On Jan. 24, an agent of the sheriff’s department purchased marijuana and methampehtamine from Branville at her home. The agent paid $90 in photo-

copied money for 2.55 grams of marijuana and .34 grams of methamphetamine. Both drugs tested positive as being the suspected drug. Then on Feb. 2, another prearranged buy of marijuana took place, again at Branville’s home. The agent gave Branville $100 of photocopied money for 7.29 grams of marijuana, which also tested positive for THC. Branville is charged with two counts of manufacture and delivery

of THC (both less than 200 grams), and one count of the manufacture and delivery of amphetamine (less than three grams). All charges are felonies. Branville was arrested on Thursday, March 31 without incident and taken to the Polk County Jail. She is scheduled to appear in from of Judge Robert Rasmussen on Thursday, April 28, at 3:30 p.m. — with information from the Polk Couny Sheriff’s Dept.

OSCEOLA – Melinda Miersch, 27, Osceola, was arrested for OWI, second offense, on Saturday, April 2. She was stopped for speed-

ing, having been clocked going 53 miles per hour in a 35mph zone. The arresting officer smelled intoxicants and asked her if she had had anything to drink. She said she’d had one beer.

Field sobriety tests were administered, which Miersch failed. A Breathalyzer registered .12, and she was arrested. Her first OWI was in Minnesota in 2004. — with information from the Polk County Sheriff’s Dept.

March 2: William A. Fish, 49, Webster, was cited for operating after revocation, operating-whileintoxicated related, during a traffic stop on Hwy. 35/70 and Works Progress Street at 5:51 p.m. March 18: Thomas D. Ellwein, 22, Markville, Minn., was cited for not wearing a seat belt in a traffic stop on Hwy. 35 and Clear Lake Street at 5:01 p.m. March 21: Ashley M. Fjorden, 23, Frederic, was cited for driving an unregistered vehicle during a stop on Hwy. 35 and Capes Street at 2:15 p.m. Patrick J. Root, 22, Grantsburg, was cited for operating

hicle with a prohibited alcohol concentration, between .04 and .08 percent, third offense, during a stop on South Shore Drive and Alden Road at 5:10 p.m. March 26: Driver Donald W. Larson, 58, Centuria, and passenger Paul A. Bonetti, 55, St. Croix Falls, were cited for not wearing seat belts during a traffic stop on Hwy. 35 and Clear Lake Street at 4:47 p.m. Larson was also cited for operating without proof of insurance. March 28: Joshua T. Jewell, 16, Siren, was cited for not wearing a seat belt in a stop on CTH B and Third Avenue at 6:01 p.m.

Luck woman faces felony drug charges

OWI second-offense charges for Osceola woman Siren police report

after revocation, operating-whileintoxicated related, and was taken to Burnett County Jail on a warrant following a traffic stop at the south junction of Hwys. 35 and 70 at 5:48 p.m. March 24: Billie J. Rosauer, 36, Siren, was cited for operating a vehicle without proof of insurance during a traffic stop on Hwy. 35 and Clear Lake Street at 7:15 p.m. Wei Xu, 47, Hayward, was cited for speeding on Hwy. 70 at Hanson Street at 7:53 p.m. March 25: Eric A. Pavlicek, 39, Siren, was cited for OARsecond offense, OWI related, and operating a commercial ve-

David T. LaFriniere, 17, Wyoming, Minn., was cited for speeding on Hwy. 35 and Tower Road at 6:46 p.m. March 31: At 11 a.m., a student at Siren School was found with THC in a baggie in the student’s pocket.

Polk County deaths

Rose L. Garhart, 83, Dewey Township, March 14, 2011. Dorothy J. Eckert, 85, Lincoln Township, March 19, 2011. Richard C. Streif, 89, Clear Lake, March 24, 2011.

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Students drawings turned into colorful mural

APRIL 6, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 23

by Priscilla Bauer Leader staff writer GRANTSBURG – A student art project started in the spring 2010 by Grantsburg third-grade classes has come to fruition in the spring of 2011 in the form of a colorful mural. Grantsburg Elementary Principal Katie Coppenbarger said the theme for the student drawings was Nature in Our Community and highlighted some of the area’s nature wonders such as the Crex Meadows Wildlife Area and the St. Croix River. Once created, the drawings were transferred to ceramic tiles for a permanent wall display, which now brightens the school’s entryway. Coppenbarger said she saw the idea for the wall display at another school and thought it would be a colorful addition to the elementary school wall. Money raised for the project came from a $430 check the elementary school received through the efforts of the Grantsburg Elementary School AmeriCorp Volunteers Sara Christopherson and Dawn DeRocker. Christopherson and DeRocker collected the box tops for the Box Tops for Education Program then counted, organized and sent them to General Mills to be redeemed for a cash award. Students, parents, staff and community members were all involved in collecting the box tops. Collecting Box Tops for Education is an ongoing project throughout the school year. Future money received for box top redemption will be designated for projects, supplies and playground equipment.

Spies to take over Lions district governor role

LUCK - Jerry Spies of rural Luck will be elected a district governor for the Lions Club of Wisconsin this weekend, Friday, April 9, through Sunday, April 11, at the Lions District 27-E1 convention to be held at the Trollhaugen Convention Center in Dresser and St. Croix Falls High School. Spies is a longtime Lions Club member, most recently a member of the Luck Lions Club since 2002. Prior to that he was a member of Lions Clubs in Prior Lake and Jordan, Minn., and Mauston, dating back to 1971. He’s held a variety of positions with the organJerry Spies ization over the years. As district governor, Spies will oversee clubs throughout Northwest Wisconsin, including those in Burnett, Douglas, Washburn, Barron, Sawyer, Rusk and Chippewa counties. “As district governor my duties include visiting each of the clubs, and I’m looking forward to doing that in the coming year,” he said. Spies was nominated by the Luck Lions Club for the honor. During the convention he’ll become district governor-elect, and in July he’ll officially be sworn in at the Lions International Convention in Seattle. He’ll be replacing Steve Jensen. This weekend’s convention offers a district governor’s dinner on Friday evening, a pancake breakfast at the high school on Saturday morning and various reports and presentations, including a program on leader dogs and service dogs on Saturday, ending with an honors and awards banquet Sunday evening. - with submitted information

In search of crane counters

POLK COUNTY – On Monday, April 18, the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo is sponsoring the 36thannual Midwest Crane Count in Polk County. The count is used to monitor the general population trend of sandhill cranes in the Upper Midwest, as well as to promote awareness of cranes and wetland conservation throughout the count area. You are invited to participate. In 2010, volunteer counters tallied 85 sandhill cranes in the early-morning hours in Polk County. The total tally for Wisconsin and portions of Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Minnesota, was over 12,000 cranes. If you are interested in taking part, please contact the Polk County coordinator, Nan Riegel, at 715-268-5969 or e-mail nriegel@amerytel.net. Based in Baraboo, the nonprofit International Crane Foundation sponsors the crane count as a part of its efforts to preserve and study the world’s 15 species of cranes and the natural communities on which they depend. Sandhill cranes once experienced severe population declines in the late 1800s to early 1900s in the Upper Midwest, but have recovered successfully. The crane count has documented the growth of the sandhill population, and allows ICF to monitor crane abundance and distribution. Observations of the abundant sandhill cranes can often lend insight into the endangered crane species of the world. One local example is the flock of whooping cranes being released in central Wisconsin and led on migration to the Gulf Coast of Florida by ultralight aircraft. Participants may have a chance of sighting a whooping crane during the crane count. To find out more about the crane count, visit the International Crane Foundation’s Web site at www.cranecount.org. – submitted

Grantsburg third-graders, Isabelle Quimby, Jillian Seeger, Bradley Lucas and Ryan Ibarra, looked up at their drawings, which were transferred to tiles along with their classmates drawings, into a large mural. The recently completed colorful mural now hangs in the school’s entryway. – Photo by Priscilla Bauer

The Luck Spring Variety Show

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 6, 2011

Michael Jenssen wasn’t in the skit, but made an appearance anyway - several times.

What more can be said? “Gristle King” sounds like a winner of a business opportunity. – Photos by Greg Marsten

Bunnies, carrots, jokes and more. The Luck Spring Variety Show has a history of testing the “The Monster in the Closet” took on a new meeting with this group (Pictured (L to R): Morgyn bounds of reality ... and gardening. McGinnity, Sarah Elert, Michael Jenssen, Whitney Petersen, Sonja Anton and Alex Richey).

A local TV reporter gives a very slight hint of a The Freem Sisters try desperately to limit laughter, in an effort to keep down the number of wink during her coverage. staph infections.

LEFT: The Spring Show even included some dramatic choreography. Lyndsey Lohan (Sarah Elert) not only held off the cops, but stole a bear from the San Diego Zoo. Life imitating reality or vice versa?

Currents

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Civil War roundtables across the county

Discussions begin on 150th anniversary of the war’s start

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer BALSAM LAKE – This coming Tuesday, April 12, at 4:30 a.m., marks the sesquicentennial of the start of the Civil War, and with it comes a summer’s worth of discussions, background and remembrance of the war that not only split America but claimed over 600,000 soldiers and likely several hundred thousand civilians, as well. The conflict would later lead to the emancipation of slaves and would be a harbinger of American division for decades to come. By most accounts, it was a desperate, if not lost, cause at Fort Sumter, S.C., 150 years ago. That U.S. Army stronghold meant to guard the busy Charleston harbor was actually quite vulnerable. The state of the Union was beyond fragile, as seven states had already announced their secession, and the military stalemate of the winter of 1861 came down to an effort to both fortify and supply the fort, which would later be looked at as one of several fuses that, once lit, would stoke an explosion of division across the nation. The bombardment was thorough, as the fort was surrounded by no less than nine battery positions, and meant there was nowhere left to hide. That Confederate attack, led by the celebrated Gen. Pierre G.T. Beauregard, that started that April 12 morning would be followed by 34 hours of round-the-clock peppering of the federal stronghold. The shell-shocked Fort Sumter was surrendered the next day, and led to President Abraham Lincoln asking for 75,000 volunteers to help take back the fort. That call for assistance did just the opposite and led to the further secession of four more states, and would set the lines of Union versus Confederacy for almost four more years. Locally, the region was just beginning to see true industrial expansion. The first newspaper of the region, The St. Croixian, had just been printed a few months prior in 1860. Towns were just beginning to be organized as municipal hubs in Polk County, as more and more settlers and various workers meant a growing need for more local support structures. While there had been sawmills since 1840 in St. Croix Falls, and steamboat construction was in full swing in Osceola starting in 1854, the first bridge across the St. Croix River linking St. Croix Falls and Taylors Falls, built in 1856, was already starting to show its age. But the framework of the region we know today began to take shape as the Civil War grew to encompass the nation and become a part of the early framework, naming and even structure of the region. The town of Lincoln had been established just a few months prior to the war, showing local sentiments for the secession efforts by those seven Deep South states. The postwar settling of an area in northern Polk County, affectionately called Alabama, by several displaced southern anti-slavery families, would briefly be one of the leading hubs of commerce, with churches, a school and a remarkable four general mercantile stores on opposing corners of that unincorporated village, which is entirely gone today. The region was indeed booming as the war was looming. A Baptist church was built in Osceola in 1857, and several denominations would build structures and set roots in the years to come. But Polk County was still a fledgling county, established just a few years earlier in 1853. While the population grew, so did the needs of those new residents. Polk County already had a school superintendent in 1861, Henry D. Barron, and numerous single- and tworoom schools would blossom up across the region, but the first high school wouldn’t appear for another quarter century in St. Croix Falls. But many of those young children would go on to serve in the war effort in some capacity, and Wisconsin would actually be home to some of the most celebrated and involved soldiers in the war.

This 140-year-old etching titled “The Bombardment of Fort Sumter,” by engraver George Edward, shows the vulnerability of the little fort in the Charleston, S.C., harbor. – Image courtesy the New York Public Library Yes, in spite of the long distance from the front lines, Wisconsin would play a major role in the war, a fact that is currently being researched by noted Civil War historian Dr. Michael J. Martin, and is one of the focuses of that series of local discussions this summer on the Civil War. Martin is a resident of Amery and a descendant of a Civil War soldier. The first of his series of roundtable discussions on the Civil War begins next Tuesday, April 12, on that celebrated sesquicentennial noting the war’s official start at Fort Sumter. The first discussion is at the Balsam Lake Public Library, from 3-4 p.m. Martin grew up in Mequon, and has lived in the Amery area since 2006. His first loves are his horses, Virginia and Major, and of course, American Civil War history, especially, the role the state of Wisconsin played in that conflict. His Civil War roots extend back to his great-greatgrandfather, who was a private in Company A, of the 5th New Hampshire Infantry. He was wounded on July 2, 1863, during fighting in the wheat fields at Gettysburg, Pa. Martin’s first book, “A History of the 4th Wisconsin Infantry and Cavalry in the Civil War,” was published by Savas Beatie, LLC, in 2006. He is currently working on another book, tentatively titled, “Break Not Their Sweet Repose,” that will include biographies of 95 Wisconsin Civil War veterans interred in the National Cemetery in Baton Rouge, La. Martin has published articles in numerous magazines, including America’s Civil War, Military Images and North and South, and has spoken to many historical organizations, including the St. Croix Civil War Roundtable, Baton Rouge Civil War Roundtable and at the Madison History Roundtable. He also loves Civil War re-enactments, he and his now 25-year-old mare, Virginia, have been re-enacting since 1990. Some of the notable events he and Virginia have been part of include the 135th anniversaries of the Battles at Gettysburg, Droop Mountain, W. Va., and Bentonville, N.C., and the 1996 Brandy Station fundraising ride. They continue to participate in Civil War living his-

tories and school demonstrations throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota. After this Tuesday’s discussion in Balsam Lake, the next roundtable is set for the Amery Public Library on Monday, May 16, from 6-7 p.m., followed by the St. Croix Falls Public Library on Aug. 6, 11 a.m. - noon, with future discussions being planned for other local libraries.

This bust of President Abraham Lincoln is on display at the Polk County Historical Museum in Balsam Lake. – Photo by Greg Marsten

Scouting around the area

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 6, 2011

Pinewood Derby at Milltown

Scouting for Food

FREDERIC â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts will be hanging door hangers between Sunday and Tuesday, April 10 and April 12, collecting food for the food shelf. The Scouts will then pick up bags of food on Satur-

day, April 16, starting at 10 a.m. Please put the bags on your porch where the Scouts can see them. The Scouts appreciate your support. submitted

Arrow of Light Awards

Second-year Webelos Skylar Kazmierski, Joshua Skallet, Jack Wilmar, Caleb Gearhart and Marko Radivojevic from St. Croix Falls Pack 160 have recently crossed over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. At their Blue and Gold Banquet, they were presented with Cub Scoutingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highest award, the Arrow of Light. - Special photo

Court of Honor

Milltown Cub Scout Pack 563 held its annual Pinewood Derby on Saturday, April 2. The winning cars for speed were Chase Kern in first place, Dylan Kern in second place and Chaz Brandt in third place. The winning cars in design were Daniel Ebensperger in first place, Tyler Haney in second place and Cavan Hol in third place. Other participants were Ben Nelson, Preston Glena, Kyle Golz and Gage Aberle. All participants qualified for the upcoming district race to be held in Webster on April 16. Bishop Fixture and Millwork donated the wood for the trophies. Photo submitted

www.the-leader.net Stay connected to your community.

The Frederic Boy Scouts recently held a troop Court of Honor. Shown (L to R), front row: Scouts Logan Burch, Brad Peterson and Jack Neumann. Second row: Committee Chair Sylvia Chaplin, Scouts Mark Wylie, Michael Runnels and Mitch Paquette. Back row: Tony Swanson, Greg Peterson, new Scoutmaster Dave Peterson, Assistant Scoutmaster Dan Keusel, new Assistant Scoutmaster Rick Penberthy and Assistant Scoutmaster Peter Runnels. - Photo submitted

Support for Scouts

Bremer Bank Frederic was recently honored by the Boy Scouts of America for their continuous supporting of the Frederic Boy Scouts through Boys' Life magazine. Shown (L to R) are Scouts Zach and Greg Peterson, Assistant Scoutmaster Rick Penberthy, Deanna Moravitz from Bremer Bank, Scout Jack Neumann and Scoutmaster Dave Peterson. - Photo submitted

FREDERIC – For the third year, it is possible to register for the Frederic Area American Cancer Society Walk/Run online. You may register a team, register as an individual or team member. Go to the Web site main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=35016. If you are not comfortable making a donation or paying your registration fee online, you may send a check instead but still register. Teams can upload pictures and make their team page personal. Go to the Web site and take a look. The Frederic ACS Walk/Run Committee hopes to see you on Saturday, May 7, for the 16th-annual cancer walk. submitted

Just for

I got pulled over by the cops last week. The officer asked me,” Why were you going so fast?” I smiled and Joe Roberts said, “My brakes are no good, and I wanted to get home before I had an accident.” ••• My dad loves to play the piano. Last week a guy showed up at Dad’s house and said, “I’ve come to tune your piano.” My dad said, “I didn’t call for a piano tuner!” The guy smiled and replied, “I know. Your neighbors did.” ••• My aunt tried to breed chickens, but every morning she would find one of them cold and stiff on the ground. So she wrote a letter to the Department of Agriculture for advice. “Dear Sir,” she wrote, “Every morning I find one of my chickens lying stiff and cold on the ground with their legs sticking up in the air. Can you tell me what’s wrong with them?” A few days later she got a reply. “Dear Madam. After consulting with our experts we have come to this conclusion. Your chickens are dead.”

Laughs

Poco Penners to sponsor writers conference

MANITOWOC – Poco Penners will sponsor the upcoming Northwest Area Spring Writers Conference on Saturday, April 30, at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Balsam Lake. The church area has ample parking, is handicapped accessible and has plenty of room for selling members books, holding the meeting, etc. Cost will be $15 and will include registration, morning coffee and the noon meal. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and program begins at 9 a.m. and continues until 3 p.m. Speakers will be Phil Peterson who wrote the book “Anything is Possible, The Verlen Krueger Story: 100,000 Miles by Paddle” and other books, and Don Mitchell who wrote the book “The Shimmering Blue Line,” a book about the origin and facts about the St. Croix River and other books. Prizes will be drawn during the conference. Authors books will be available for sale. Winners of the Student Writers Contest will read their winning entries. Book printer Monica Holtz will give a presentation about her business. Boyd Sutton, representing the Wisconsin Regional Writers' Association, will tell about the state of Wisconsin’s writers group. They plan to have an open writers’ forum, if you’d like to read, bring something short to read – the potential readers will be selected lottery-style from names drawn from a basket. Reservations will be needed by Friday, April 15, because the food will need to be ordered. For questions or reservations, please contact Carolyn 715-483-9738 e-mail bogfrog@centurytel.net, or Brenda 715-485-3571 e-mail twinmound@lakeland.ws before April 15. Writers or would-like-to-be writers, of any age, are welcome and encouraged to attend the conference. - submitted

Springing forward

Experiencing the four seasons is

Cold Turkey

one of the great wonders and privileges of living here in the north. The sometimes hot and humid John W. Ingalls summers seasoned with insects and punctuated with thunderstorms gradually blend into autumn. There the brilliant oranges and yellows and muted browns whirl in a kaleidoscope of color though only for a moment like the credits at the end of a great movie. As the leaves drift earthward we are left with the stark reality of winter rapidly approaching. For many it is a wonderland of snow covering over the ugliness and defects in our landscape giving us an impression of freshness and a new beginning. I enjoy all of the seasons but I think my favorite is spring. Spring is like art. Some of us have a hard time defining it but we all know it when we see it. It is something different for everyone. Technically spring begins when the sun is north of the equator as it progresses through its endless cycle of migrations north and south. For some of you spring begins when the last snowbank melts or the first robin appears. For others, spring arrives with the first tulip or daffodil. Maybe it happens when that first black bear emerges from hibernation and destroys your bird feeders. How about

APRIL 6, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 27

I like to read books and I read very few. Somehow, curling up with a good book when there are things I could be doing or should be doing just seems ... wrong. InCarrie Classon stead, I find something that I think is more useful to do and the time slips by. Yet, when I look back on that time when I could have read a book, I often find that the time was not spent working in a soup kitchen or finding a cure for cancer. More often than not, the time was spent doing something that was really not very useful and not nearly as enjoyable as reading a book. But for some reason, I felt less guilty doing it. My friend Lanni says that carrying around guilt keeps me slim. I don’t think this is true, although I do eat a lot less when I am unhappy and lately I have been happy enough to notice my jeans are getting a little tight. I am starting to notice how many “could haves” and “should haves” are really benefiting no one, least of all me. I am starting to wonder where they all came from and why they are getting so much of my attention. It was largely for this reason that I joined a book group last year. I enjoy the company and I relish the free pass I get to read a good book. We met a couple of weeks ago for an annual weekend retreat and I thought how fortunate I was to know this group of women, all my age or just a bit older. I am the newcomer in this group that has been through so much together. There have been divorces and remarriages, health issues and treatments, the challenges of adult children, aging and dying parents and, through it all, they read some really good books.

Letters from

Home

We had a great discussion of a nice fat book that I almost certainly would not have allowed myself to read without the book group. We ate dessert before dinner. We shared some bawdy stories over a couple of bottles of wine. We laughed until we cried. It was a wonderful time. I have had a very fortunate life. For the most part, I have done the things I wanted to do. I have always had the opportunity to pursue my big dreams. But more and more I think that life is less about the big decisions and more defined by the sum of its very small parts. Tiny decisions make up my life: to show a small unnecessary kindness to a stranger, to make time to be with people I care about, to stand still and feel the sun on my face, to pause long enough to take a deep breath and smell spring’s arrival, to fully savor at least one full minute in the hour, to take the time—in a day full of things I could and should do—to read a book. This past weekend I went to a bookstore and bought a book. It was not a useful book. It was not even critically acclaimed. It was a brand new, hardcover book that I knew I would enjoy. I felt a guilty pleasure as I carried it home in a bag. And I thought, what is there in my life that has become so important I can’t take time to read a good book? I’ve read half the book already. There are some dishes in the sink, but I think they can wait until I finish one more chapter—maybe two. Till next time, —Carrie

Polk-Burnett to hold third-annual Clean Sweep Recycle Day for co-op members

Last year, members of Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative recycled more than 600 old appliances and electronics, keeping them off the electric system and out of the landfill. The co-op will hold a Clean Sweep Recycle Day again this spring for members. The event is Thursday, April 21, at Polk-Burnett in Centuria. – Photo submitted CENTURIA – Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative will host its third-annual Clean Sweep Recycle Day Thursday, April 21. Co-op members who receive electricity from Polk-Burnett are invited to drop off appliances and electronics from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the co-op office in Centuria, 1001 Hwy. 35. All items will be recycled, reused, refurbished, re-engineered or reclaimed as raw material by 5R Processors, a veteran-owned business from Ladysmith. No materials are exported or put into landfills. “Polk-Burnett is sponsoring its third-annual Clean Sweep Recycle Day for the convenience of our members and the good of our community and planet,” said Bill Schmidt, co-op general manager. “We’re pleased to offer free and low-cost recycling for old appliances and electronics that are no longer energy efficient. This keeps them off the electric grid and out of the landfill.” Convenient and affordable recycling, along with rebates from Polk-Burnett’s EnergySense program and Focus on Energy, helps co-op families make the transiwhen the last ice disappears off of the lakes and rivers and the loons return with their haunting calls in the night? Spring snowstorms are frustrating, especially for those of us MD who long for green grass and picnics, but the reality is that snow is as much a part of spring as robins and mosquitoes. The old dark, gritty snow in your yard is like Old Man Winter’s dirty laundry lying around waiting to be picked up or thrown away. The fresh spring snows just add to the laundry list. For me, spring begins somewhere in the deep recesses of winter. As the sun begins its gradual trek north we sense the tiniest bit of change. Then the first warm day happens and we recall fleeting memories of what it was like to go outside in short sleeves without jackets or gloves. Warm is relative this time of year. After weathering days of minus 20 with a wind chill, 40 degrees is warm. At first it is a hint of warmth from the sun, then a drip on your eaves. The first drip is followed by another and another until the faintest trickle can be heard if you stop to listen. We have been spoiled by our world of rapid changes so that we want the natural world to respond instantly to our volatile whims. If we schedule spring baseball and sports events then we expect the weather

tion to more efficient appliances, which leads to energy savings and lower electric bills each month. “We’re helping members save money while protecting the environment,” said Schmidt. Polk-Burnett and 5R Processing will recycle many items at no charge. The list of free items includes laptop and desktop computers; monitors, printers, scanners and fax machines; plastic TVs, VCR and DVD players; satellite and cable receivers; stereos and speakers; humidifiers, Christmas light strings and cell phones. A $10 recycling fee will be charged for stoves, microwaves, dishwashers, washers and dryers; wood console and projection TVs; and refrigerators, freezers and window air conditioning units. Cash or check payment to Polk-Burnett is due at the drop-off site, and co-op members are asked to bring a copy of their electric bill as proof of co-op membership. For more information about Polk-Burnett’s Clean Sweep Recycle Day, contact the cooperative at 800-4210283 or www.polkburnett.com. – from Polk-Burnett to respond to our schedule and our desires. Microwave-ready meals, quick-cooking oatmeal and instant potatoes deceive us into believing that we will have instant spring on our command or certainly by a specified date. I start my spring planning about five days into January. That’s when the first seed catalogs and spring fishing catalogs arrive in the mail. About the time my first round of catalogs are dog-eared and coffee stained, I banish them to the recycling bin when the second round of catalogs arrive. By then I have read and reread the entire catalog making several lists of what I need and can’t live without. Over the remaining weeks and months of winter I gradually refine my spring shopping lists, always careful to hide them from my wife. Finally when I can bear it no longer, I go out to my pole barn and plug in the battery charger for my boat. Maybe I will spend a moment checking out the motor and plucking some dried-up worms from the floor of the boat. Sometimes I sort through old fishing tackle and recall the memories we shared. Then it happens. A sudden rush of warmth with a gentle spring rain and Old Man Winter’s dirty laundry is finally washed up. It’s time to put on some sunglasses and kick back while you listen to a spring baseball game. Spring has finally arrived. Soaking up the sunshine you slowly amble to the mailbox only to find the first fall and winter catalog.

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Living the rustic life

This morning (Sunday) I woke up to a wet spot in my bed. Before you jump to conclusions, the spot was at foot level. The cabin roof had sprung a leak and some of the light overnight rain had dripped down into the sleeping loft to my side of the master’s bed. The second story of the cabin has a shed roof, the sides slant in like the sides of the letter “A,” but the top is flat, as if you removed the part of “A” above the crossbar. The roof is steep and high above the ground. Heights don’t bother me, but the fall I had 16 months ago is still on my mind, so I was pretty careful crawling around up there and gobbing tar on the seams and cracks 12 years of weather can create on rolled roofing. Our cabin is on a hillside on the eastern edge of the St. Croix River Pine Barrens, on a high shoreline bank of ancient Glacial Lake Lindh. We are located on the Indianhead regional map of Wisconsin exactly where a modern young woman would have her left nostril pierced for a silver nose ring. Look for the Schnozzle Lakes Region on local tourism maps. Any more rain and snow and all our vehicles and the cabin will slide off the steep bank down into the lake with all the mud we have. When Dad and Mom told us 35 years ago, “You can build anywhere you want in the cow pasture,“ we chose the steep west hillside overlooking the lake – high enough to be out of Noah events, back far enough to not intrude on the peaceful lakeshore, yet close enough to enjoy watching lake-effect wildlife. Having no money and very little experience building other than farm pole sheds, we post-holed nine Penta-treated heavy wood gateposts deep into the clay hillside (with some cement at the bottom of the wet holes) and built a 16x24 platform on top of them. Then, with some help from brothers, a very pregnant wife, and Dad, we built a two-story, small building on top. One end was at ground level, the other, the lake end, 8 feet off the ground as the hill sloped sharply under the floor. Margo and I had cut and sawed logs at our old sawmill with the Hanson crew and had a limited amount of lumber – enough for the framing and floor and roof boards. The first year we raised it and roofed it. Dad was pretty nervous (he was as old as I am now) working on the lake end, where the roof was 24 feet off the ground. We closed in the walls with three-quarter-inch fiberboard the first year. Later, we sided over that with vertical jack pine boards to thwart squirrels who thought fiberboard glue was tasty, and found chewing a hole through led into a wonderful winter den inside. (Ask my nephew Bryce what damage a raccoon can do moving into your hunting cabin over a long winter). We built this back in the days when I was still teaching and had the summers off, but no money. We put in single-pane windows bought at garage sales and auctions, making our own frames. No insulation, but with a stovepipe chimney and barrel stove we could use it from maple syrup to deer hunting seasons (the true markers of spring and fall for the Hansons). We paid $1,000 (when my income was $8,000) to pay for a quarter-mile of electri-

River Road

Ramblings Collected by Russ Hanson

The 1975 Hanson Rustic Cabin before photo. The Rambler has plans to evolve it into an elegant lake cottage. The first step, adding DSL Internet, has already happened. – Photos submitted

cal wire and posts to bring in electricity. I drove a sand point near the big spring and with my father-in-law’s used water pump, had running water for a sink. A well-appointed outhouse rounded out the amenities. Through the ‘70s, we spent the summers here helping on the farm. After quitting teaching and moving three hours away for the next 25 years, we used it for long weekends and vacations. In retirement, we find ourselves spending much of our time here, and neglecting our Pine Island, Minn., home. Having a “rustic” cabin on a lake has been useful when co-workers hinted they would like to come to the lake for a weekend. I always welcomed them with enthusiasm, but mentioned no bathing facilities, no indoor toilet, no beach and a mucky-bottomed lake that wasn’t much for swimming or fishing, no extra bedroom etc.; and many remembered previous engagements! As Mom lives nearby, we haven’t suffered greatly for lack of facilities. In the summer, I put a black metal water tank out in the sun and plumb it with garden hose to the big old clawfoot bathtub on our porch so we can overlook the lake while marinating in solar-warmed 100,000-yearold mineral spring water. The reason we look so young and are so spry for our age is the rejuvenating powers of minerals found in exactly the right balance flowing naturally from our spring! (Private mineral baths in natural surroundings available by appointment, $100 per two-hour session, discounts available). This year I have great plans to de-rusticify the cabin. The first is already done – I added DSL Internet – the lowest speed (256/128). It is sufficient for everything we do except watching videos. Margo, Scott and I all have our own notebook/laptop computers to tie us 24/7 to the modern web of life. Next is gravel for the driveway so we can actually drive back into the woods where the cabin is. Our lake home is too rustic to be called a cottage, so I call it a cabin as it was made of our logs sawed

View to the west from the Hanson Rustic Cabin porch.

into boards. Cottages, by definition are, more refined that cabins; lower on the scale are most hunting and ice-fishing shacks. In the old days the lowest living quarters was a pulp-cutter’s shack in the barrens, followed by wheeled homes. A wheeled house can be high-class, a candominium; middle-class, a mobile home; or low-class, a trailer house. The classification is made by the number and size of leanto’s and the quality of wildlife living under it. While building our Pine Island home, we lived adjacent in a nice two-lean-to cando with just the neighbor’s cats and an occasional opossum sharing the crawl space. The quality of the driveway is important in moving from cabin to cottage status. I priced a septic system – mound required on this clay hillside, and it is around $10,000. As that is more than the cabin is worth, and more than I would spend on it anyway, I think we are going to go with a holding tank big enough for a season between pumpings, that might double as a sap gathering tank in spring. I have to read up on all this stuff and do my calculations of water usage and study zoning regulations. It is amazing how expensive it is to take a small amount of human waste, add water to it, and then dispose of the mixture. Upstairs on one end is a sleeping loft; another corner a second sleeping area and the rest open high to the underside of the roof. Three years ago, we insulated between the rafters and last year started putting up pine boards for a wood ceiling on the underside of the roof. It looks nice! We hope to finish pining them this summer. Our sawmill has been inactive a few years, so I had to buy No. 3 pine boards – really quite expensive when you are used to getting them from your own lumber pile. I like lots of knots and interesting flaws; they seem to fit with us better. Margo wants the area now open to the ceiling made into a “sewing room.” I think that means a place I could put all my garage sale printers and computers in various stages of repair. The roof is OK except for the flat top – which is the highest level on the list of todos. I tell Margo, “It’s a darn good thing I put the flat rooftop there. If it came to a peak, it would scary to work up there with all the tarring I have to do.” The flat top is because the big basswood we sawed for the rafters was limited to 11-foot lengths by flaws. At 16 feet wide, two 11-foot rafters coming together at the peak left very little head room upstairs, so I stuck in a 3-foot-wide flat peak to spread them apart. Works great except for the leaks and makes a fine hunting platform. The downstairs walls are insulated and paneled with exterior sheets of 4x8 grooved pine siding. It looks like rough pine boards and is very durable. The loft

floor is home-sawn jack pine planks, rough on the bottom that you see from downstairs and planed on the loft floor side. I did all my own wiring, plumbing (very little) and everything else, all in the days before zoning and inspections and regulations were in effect. I learned a great deal in building it, enough to try again with a regular house at Pine Island. That one turned out fine and followed all of the rules and inspector whims. Up here, as everything was built before zoning, I am grandfathered in, but making improvements could change all that. Brother Marv decided to tear down the old silo on his place and use the base for a gazebo. The gazebo permit was minor, but at the same time, his septic system was found to be insufficient, requiring an expensive full replacement even though the gazebo was unplumbed. If an inspector toured rural Polk and Burnett, there would be a lot of septic systems not meeting regulations, but at the same time not doing any harm to anyone or the environment. When you have one family living on 40 acres, and the outlet to the septic tank empties into a field or hillside, or even a cattailed swamp (as was acceptable in the ‘50s and ‘60s), the plants take up all the nutrients long before it reaches a local lake or stream or hits the water table. There is a lot of don’t ask, don’t tell practiced in the country. If you, like me, live on the edge of a lake, or by a highly valuable natural mineral water spring (healing waters available for $1 per jug – dip it up yourself), it is different. You don’t want to foul your own nest. Early on we stuck a porch on the lake for the view (and to stop the rain from coming in my poorly framed windows). It gives us more room to spread out in the summer. It is 8 feet off the ground, has a 2foot railing and a translucent fiberglasspanel roof. We have our late morning breakfasts on the porch as the bald eagle catches his morning fish, the swans parade their young ones by and the animals come to drink the soothing waters of our natural mineral spring. Mosquitoes don’t seem to find us up off the ground and under the roof. This roof is ready for replacement too and the front center post has rotted off at ground level. The census man came by in 2010 and listed us as living in substandard housing. We told him that we actually lived at Pine Island and this was just a get-away place. He still GPS’d the doorway into the Federal Records and stored it away in his database and likely labeled it as “hillbilly hovel” rather than the more elegant “rustic cabin” that we like to call it. Over the years, we have had great plans to improve everything, but never seemed to have the time to do it, so it has remained rustic. I am one of those folks who believes he can do any kind of job from fix the car, washer, furnace and computer, to build a house and even diagnose and treat Margo’s health problems. It is almost impossible for me to hire someone to do these things for me, as I think of it as wasting money, but I also have a hard time with motivation in my old age. So, tasks get delayed waiting for time, money and motivation all to come together at the same time (the right karma), or until a wet spot appears in my bed. If the spot had been higher, the karma would have been finally right to visit the urologist. Since we are here most of the year since retirement, it is time to go beyond thinking about making improvements and actually do them. I am writing this so people will ask me how are the improvements coming, and I will feel motivated to get at them real soon now. I expect our cabin will have evolved to the Hanson Cottage about the time ObamaCare is fully rolled out.

Bumper stickers

Do you remember when bumper stickers on cars

were all the rage? Some were funny, clever plays on words; some on the brink of being rude. Who wouldn’t smile at, “Don’t follow me, I’m lost too,” or “If you can read this, you’re too close.” Some of them are surprisingly long. The following list was making the Internet rounds in the late 1990s. Some are familiar quotes and others are more original. Some are too cerebral. “The gene pool could use a little chlorine.” “I love cats ... they taste just like chicken.” “Laugh alone and the world thinks you’re an idiot.” “Jack Kevorkian for White House physician.” “If you weren’t supposed to eat animals, why are they made of meat?” “He who laughs last thinks slowest.” “We are Microsoft. Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated.” “Ever stop to think, and forget to start again?” “Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.” “Time is what keeps everything from happening at once.” “Born free … taxed to death.” “As long as there are tests, there will be prayer in public schools.” “The more people I meet, the more I like my dog.” “Sometimes I wake up grumpy. Other times I let her sleep.” “All men are idiots and I married their king.” “Work is for people who don’t know how to fish.” “Montana – At least our cows are sane.” “I didn’t fight my way to the top of the food chain to be vegetarian.” “Women who seek to be equal to men lack amibition.” “It’s as BAD as you think, and they ARE out to get you.” “If you don’t like the news, go out and make some.” “When you do a good deed, get a receipt in case Heaven is like the IRS.” “I brake for no apparent reason.” “Sorry, I don’t date outside my species.” “I may be fat, but you’re ugly … and I can lose weight.” “Real women don’t have hot flashes, they have power surges.” “I took an IQ test and the results were negative.” “Where there’s a will, I want it to be my way.” “OK, who stopped payment on my reality check?” “Few women admit their age. Few men act it.”

APRIL 6, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 29

Behind the

Signpost

Bernice Abrahamzon “Hard work has a future payoff. Laziness pays off now.” “Tell me to stuff it – I’m a taxidermist.” “Time is the best teacher. Unfortunately, it kills all its students.” “It’s lonely at the top, but you eat better.” “According to my calculations, the problem doesn’t exist.” “Pride is what we have. Vanity is what others have.” “A bartender is just a pharmacist with a limited inventory.” “How can I miss you if you won’t go away?” “Give me ambiguity or give me something else.” “Make it idiot proof and someone will make a better idiot.” “Always remember, you’re unique just like everyone else.” “Puritanism: The haunting fear that someone, somewhere may be happy.” “Consciousness: That annoying period between naps.” “Be nice to your kids. They’ll choose your nursing home.” “Why is ‘abbreviation’ such a long word?” “Diplomacy is the art of saying ‘nice doggy’ until you can find a rock.” “Lead me not into temptation, I can find it myself.” “Don’t blame me, I didn’t vote for him.” “Today red. Tomorrow dead.” “Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.” “Slow down and live.” (Note: It makes us wonder doesn’t it? Does the Internet have all the good lines?) Until next week, Bernice

Let’s go to the hop!

SIREN – Hey there cats and chicks! Let’s all hubbahubba down to the high school auditorium on Friday, April 8, and Saturday, April 9, at 7 p.m. in Siren to see Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre’s original musical “Cinderella” with two professional actors and over 50 local talents. Cinderella? Yeah, you know the story, but you’ve never seen it done like this before! For one thing, it’s set in the ‘50s! It’s got a lot of the tunes from back then along with original musical numbers and an original script from the playwritin’ duo, Daniel Nordquist and Deborah Pick. So, dig this … Based on the classic story as gathered by those Grimm Brothers and changed later by that Disney fella, this version still features Cindy as the working girl. In fact, she does all the work for her stepsisters Rona, Mona and Zona, and her stepmom, Wynona. But, one “blue moon” that all changes. Who should be comin’ back to town but Mikey, that world-famous rock and roll star? Mikey is returning to his home town as a promotional gimmick thought up by his manager,

Queen Cash, to boost the sales on this latest record, “All I Wanna Do (Is Cry All The Time).” So what are they gonna do? They’ll hold a lip-sync contest” and the winner gets an all-expense paid trip to New York and free tickets to a concert by Mikey and his band. And of course, Cindy can’t go; she’s got too much starchin’, ironin’, and mendin’ to do not to mention her normal chores. And then, along comes this fairy godmother who she meets in the Punkin’ Patch and she’s given a motorcycle escort to the contest by the Macho Mice and, well…I better not be tellin’ ya any more. “Cinderella” is bein’ sponsored by Moms For Kids. You can get your tickets at the door; tickets for adults are $5, students are $3, and preschool youth are free. Hey, I’ll see ya down at the hop! Don’t miss it! It’s at the Siren High School auditorium on Friday, April 8 and Saturday, April 9 at 7 p.m. So hey, I gotta split. Gotta go see if ma’s got my chinos pressed. Catch ya on the flip side! – submitted

GRANTSBURG - The Grantsburg Dollars for Scholars will host Faculty Follies on Saturday, April 16, at 7 p.m., in the Grantsburg High School auditorium. Teachers and staff from the Grantsburg School District will perform musical acts, comedy, skits and even an oldie versus newlywed game. Emcee of the event will be middle school math teacher Steve Johnson. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, April 6, and can be purchased at these Grantsburg locations: Community Bank, U.S. Bank, Indianhead Credit Union, Darrell’s Hardware and the high school office. Tickets can also be purchased at the door on April 16 starting at 6 p.m. Tickets are $5/adults; $3/students; $15/family; free for kids 5 and

under. Videos of teachers rehearsing their acts, as well as more information and a list of acts, can be found online at www.grantsburgdollarsforscholars.com or www.facebook.com/grantsburgdfs. This event is a fundraiser for Grantsburg Dollars for Scholars, an organization that raises money to give as scholarships to students in the Grantsburg School District. Every single 2011 graduating senior who pursues postsecondary education will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Their motto is “Every Dollar for Every Scholar.” Grantsburg Dollars for Scholars will also host a golf tournament on June 11. More details on that event can be found on their Web site. - submitted

Faculty Follies talent show coming to Grantsburg

The Inter-County Leader Connect to your community

Do you remember? Compiled by Bernice Abrahamzon

50 Years Ago

Specials at Route’s, Frederic, included ground beef at 57¢ lb., Little Sizzlers at 47¢ for a 12-oz. package, cherry pie mix at 39¢ for a 22-oz. can (compare today’s prices at $2 or $3).-The Frederic junior class play was “Up the Down Staircase,” at a charge of adults $1 and students at 25¢.-Specials at the Frederic Co-op Supermarket included thick-sliced bacon at $1.19 for a 2-lb. package, butter at 69¢ lb., Van Camp’s pork and beans at six cans for 98¢ and picnic hams at 39¢ lb.-The Sears Catalogue Office, Frederic, had an April anniversary sale.-McBride Homes were advertised by McBride Builders, Inc., Hertel.Remington adding machines were available at the Inter-County Leader building for $99.50.-Annual cemetery meetings were being held in the spring in area communities.-Carl Wallin, Frederic village president, announced cleanup week as May 1-8.-A rummage sale was set for Saturday, May 1, at the Lewis church with baked goods and noon lunches from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.-There was dancing every Saturday night at Pearson’s Trading Post west of Hertel.-Fresh smelt was available at the Frederic Co-op Supermarket.-Siren High School honor students included Cindy McCarty and Neva Jane Stoner.

40 Years Ago

Obituaries included Mary Murphy, Emma Carlson and Emil Olson.-An ad for chick starter claimed that 6¢ feed a chick for first four weeks.-The film “The Misfits,” starring Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe and Montgomery Clift, was playing at the Frederic Theatre.-“The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come” was playing at the Auditorium Theatre, St. Croix Falls.“Cinder Fella” was playing at the Amery Theatre.The Frederic Girl Scouts planned to present an original play.-The sum of $85,000 was needed for the St. Croix Falls Schools.-Rolland Lundquist (Rollie) bought Herb Westlund’s tavern at Lewis.-A grand opening was held at Sarah’s in Frederic with orchids for the ladies.-Students at the Lewis School had the most enviable record in the state program in the upper room with Mrs. Leone Anton in charge of 23 students.-The Frederic American Legion Post celebrated its 41st birthday. Charter members included Henry Bille, Clarence Miller, George Claude, Emil Walquist, Joe Claude, Earl Duncan, Willard West, Frank Moody, Paul Johnson, Nels Wicklund, Tracy Page, Dr. Arveson, Bernie Benson and F.W. Johnson. The post was established March 29, 1920.-The Skelly Service Station, Siren, formerly Nater’s Service, was under new management, Richard Nordquist handling gas, oil and repair service.

20 Years Ago

The Cobb Bros. appeared in Grantsburg School. They were a very popular local singing group from the Webster area.-New kindergartners needed booster vaccine.-Open house was held for the 70th birthday of Marian Marek at the Siren Senior Citizen Center on March 9.-Northern Pines planned to hire an interim program director.-Tac-Lo-Ban had an armed robbery.-Steve Moe was named chief deputy as Bob Moore’s successor for the Polk County Sheriff’s Department.-Reaction to drug caused car accident.-An ad read, “Put poison in its place!” March 17-23, 1991, was National Poison Prevention Week.Amery Farm City Day was Monday, March 18, at the Bill and Cheryl Geipel farm north of Deer Park, onequarter mile to CTH H, and the breakfast included eggs, hash browns, sausage and dairy products at $1, all-you-can-eat, and children 12 and under free. The program included Roger Strom, WCCO personality, Dave Corbett, Alice in Dairyland, Lee Sorenson, president of Farmers Union, plus music by Jim Armstrong throughout the morning. Also an antique tractor display and Son Equipment collectible toy tractors and buckle dispersal.-Scoutmaster Mike Nalewaja was working for better understanding of cultural differences.-Wisconsin ranks high in crop production, ranking 15 in the nation.

Brought to you by

OLSEN & SON DRUG

Serving the community since 1882

24106 St., Hwy. 35 • Siren, WI Phone 715-349-2221 • Fax 715-349-7350

Tom Moore, Owner Brian Johnson - RPh

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER

PAGE 30 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - APRIL 6, 2011

Happy Tails

Await

Arnell Humane Society of Polk County

Purrcilla

Purrcilla is a 9-month-old, black and white mitted tuxedo female. She has a gentle, unassuming nature that draws you in. This is her diabolical plan for attracting all of the loving attention she can get. If you offer a warm nest in your arms, she will purr to your heart’s content. The date has been set for our shelter garage sale fundraiser; it will be on Saturday, June 11. Start collecting your donations of clean, lightly used items now. We will begin accepting them at the shelter on May 1. The good folks at MarketPlace Foods in St. Croix Falls sponsored the fourth-annual Arnell Humane Society wish-list donation drive for six weeks, beginning Feb. 1 and ending March 19. This gift from MarketPlace Foods and local citizens provides basic operational items needed to care for the lost pets at the Arnell animal shelter. MarketPlace Foods created brown bags filled with

wholesale-priced shelter wish-list items and made them available for donation to their shopping customers. Donating shoppers purchased $1,535 in shelter supplies; providing the Arnell shelter with $3,070 worth of supplies: paper towels, cat litter, laundry detergent, dish soap, Kitten Chow, hairball formula cat food, dog biscuits and rawhide chews. Thank you to everyone who purchased the brown-bagged wish-list donations for the shelter. A special thank-you to MarketPlace Foods manager Art Wisner and administrative assistant Donna Betts for making it happen and delivering these gifts with a smile. A few adoptions to report: Goldie, the goldenBeagle mix, Maribelle, English setter hunting phenom, and Rollo, the overly plump 19 lb., 10-year-old, butterscotch and white cat. New to the adoption floor are: Wally the wirehaired dachshund, Holden, a white poodle, Mickey, a young Shetland sheepdog mix pup, Julia, a shy blue-eyed silver tabby, and Tillie the loving tabbie-tortie with her six 9-week-old kittens. They join dogs, Dekka, Jesse and Dexter, and cats, McCloud, Velvet and longtime resident Erin. They hope to see you soon. Arnell Memorial Humane Society, 715-268-7387 or online: Arnellhumane.org.

MarketPlace Foods in St. Croix Falls collected Brown Bag donations of shelter wish-list items for Arnell Memorial Humane Society, from Feb. 1 to March 19. Shoppers at MarketPlace donated $3,070 worth of shelter supplies. Pictured (L to R): Donna Betts, administrative assistant, Art Wisner, MarketPlace store manager and Mary Bruckner, Arnell shelter manager.

Frederic Senior Center

Hazel Hoffman

Here we are, meeting again this week and there isn’t a better place to meet and drink coffee, play cards, visit with friends and have a little snack than our Frederic Senior Center. Our schedule each week is Spades, Monday at 1 p.m. Pokeno is played every Wednesday and Friday afternoon at 1 p.m. There is also a light lunch served after the games and everyone is welcome. We play 500 cards on Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. Also on Saturday, we usually serve a light lunch at noon and then we play Shanghai all afternoon and that is really a fun game. Very easy to learn. Then, last but not least, I’d better mention our pool

players, and as I am not an expert at the game I cannot say how good they are but I can say they sure seem to have a good time. Our Spade winners this past week were: first place, Arvid Pearson; second place, Joyce Thompson; third place, Lillian Murphy; and fourth place, Liz Ruhn. Our 500 players were: first place, Brittany Hughes; second place, Arnie Borchert; third place, Del Hanson; and fourth place, Bob Peterson. One last item, but not least, we want to thank all the people who donate items and their time at our center.

Welcome to all of the newcomers at the center lately. We have seen new faces at lunch, at dime Bingo and Thursday night pool. It is great to see new people taking advantage of the services at the center. We want to send our gratitude to Nikki’s husband for his donation of pictures for the wall. Belated happy birthday to Lily Gleason. Sorry we missed that. Please let me know when our seniors are having birthdays so we can acknowledge them. Happy birthday to Gladys Beers who will be celebrating her big day next week. Wii bowling will be winding down at the end of this month, or sooner if golfing starts. In the meantime we are having a great time. This week Millie Hansen takes top honors with a high game of 204. Good job! The Brave Hearts had high team game with a 679. Once again we had a large group for dime Bingo

who enjoyed the treats furnished by Pat Niklason. We played Euchre again on Thursday and will do so again next week. Best wishes go out to Nancy O’Brien who is recuperating from knee replacement surgery. She is doing very well. We hope she mends fast and is able to come back to the center soon. Mark your calendars for the evening meal on Wednesday, April 13, at 5 p.m. Be sure to call in your reservation. Our next senior meeting will be Tuesday, April 19, at 1 p.m. Please plan to attend. For information regarding meals call Nikki at 715866-5300. For information regarding any of our fun activities or something you would like in this column call me at 715-656-3583. Remember, age is an issue of mind over matter – if you don’t mind it doesn’t matter. See you at the center.

Webster Senior Center

Bernie Boelter

Lewis

Bernice Abrahamzon

Siren

Bev Beckmark

The Saturday night jam session at the Lewis church drew about 100 music lovers. It included bluegrass, etc., groups and individuals, good entertainment and good snacking. It was Communion Sunday at the Lewis church. Sylvia Schaetzel and Lou Ann Gackle were the readers assisting Pastor Tom with the service. Communion stewards were JoAnn Gibbs ad Carl Warndahl. The church choir sang a special number. Carol and Dennis Bohn served an assortment of cookies, fruit and beverage after services. Another busy week with choir practice Monday night, Bible study Tuesday night, Lenten fellowship supper Wednesday night at the Lewis church followed by the combined Lenten service for the Lewis and Siren UM churches and anyone else interested. Scalloped potatoes and ham on the menu at 6 p.m. followed by the 7 p.m. Lenten service. Get-well wishes to Mary Jane Johnson. A friendship luncheon was served Saturday noon at the Pour House in Siren for relatives and longtime friends of the late LeRoy Jones. His brother, Samuel, planned it, and Samuel’s daughter spoke briefly to those assembled. It was a way to offer support and friendship to his widow, Arleen. Pastor Steve Ward offered grace before the meal. When the new Lewis church was built, LeRoy Jones landscaped the church grounds and planted trees and shrubs. The Indianhead Gem and Mineral Society met Monday night at the Luck Senior Citizen Center, a

715-349-2964

sure sign of spring. The officers had served for many, many years, so new ones were selected last fall and voted on. The new president of the Indianhead Gem and Mineral Society is Richard Huset replacing Dan Beal; the vice president has not yet been selected; the secretary replacing Evie Beal is Fae Audette; Jane Ott has agreed to continue as treasurer, a position she has probably filled for close to 30 years. Vernon Peterson was show chairman or co-chairman for years and years and is now deceased. The NW Regional Writers will meet Friday, April 8, at 1 p.m. at Espresso Cabin, Grantsburg. The assignment is to write on any two colors but use them only two times in your essay or poem and use alternative words (i.e. blue ~ azure, etc.) Writers are reminded that the PoCo Penners are sponsoring this year’s April 30 all-day conference in Balsam Lake. More details later. Sympathy is extended to the family of Gudrun Johnson whose service was held last week at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. The book selection for the April morning book club at the Frederic Library is “Until They Bring the Streetcars Back.” Time is running out so get busy on those tax forms. Reports are coming in of seeing robins, hearing meadowlarks and killdeer, lots of noisy crows and mud, mud, mud. Ah, spring!

Seems Old Man Winter just doesn’t want to give in and slip quietly away and let Mother Nature bring spring to the area. The TV weathermen aren’t helping our morale any either, as they are saying we are in for a colder and wetter April and May this year. The first warm sunny days got me motivated for spring and planting so about a week ago I started my tomato, pepper, eggplant and a few flower seeds under my grow lights. The tomatoes and some of the flowers are already peeking up and will be ready for outside in about six to eight weeks. Old Tom Turkey must have flown the coop so to speak, as he no longer visits the bird yard; other interests, I’m assuming. Jake seems lost without his partner in crime at keeping tree rats out of the bird yard. We do have a new visitor in the bird yard and hubby isn’t too pleased. Seems groundhogs will eat sunflower seeds. I’m sure his visits will be rather short-lived as they can do a lot of damage. Last Wednesday we attended the funeral of my nephew Craig Anderson’s wife Linda’s mom, Lorraine Brassil, in Two Harbors, Minn. We traveled up on Hwy. 35 to Superior and then to Duluth. About halfway between Siren and Superior we saw our first bears of the year. A large sow was taking her three small cubs from one side of the road to the other. They sure are cute when small. Sympathy to the family of Dennis Anderson who passed away March 22. Sympathy to the family of longtime resident of Daniels Township Kenneth Stoner, who passed away April 2 at his home. Saturday evening Broadway came to Siren at the

Siren United Methodist Church. The crowd just about packed the church and enjoyed about two hours of music from many Broadway hits sung by singers from all over our area. It was a great evening. There are many talented people in the area. If you want to catch their next show, mark your calendars for May 14 at the North Valley Lutheran Church in Milltown. The 2011 Expo will be here in Siren this Saturday, April 9, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, April 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Siren Lodge Center Arena. Lots of things to see for the home, yard, your garden, recreational, entertainment and more. A great way to spend an afternoon and maybe even win a cash prize both days, but you must be there to win them. The best part of the weekend is this is a free event. The Siren Lioness has a good supply of yarn in at the Siren U.S. Bank for those who are knitters or crocheters for the mitten tree this fall. We love hats, mittens, slippers and scarves to decorate our tree. Johanna Quint, former Siren resident and member of the Siren Methodist Church, sent a huge thank-you to all her friends back here for the many birthday cards remembering her on her 100th birthday on April 1. They made her day even more special. Congratulations to high schooler Josh Lemieux for being chosen Siren Schools student of the week. Great going Josh. Congratulations also to Andrew Brown for being chosen to the Sentinel’s all-area boys basketball team.

Michael Williamson was a guest of Maynard and Ronda Mangelsen Wednesday. Several members of Clam River Tuesday Club met at the home of Judy Leonard Wednesday afternoon. They discussed new bylaws and financial policies for the club. Gerry and Donna Hines went to Vadnais Heights and Centerville, Minn., Thursday to visit family. On Thursday evening, they attended the play, “High School Musical,” in Vadnais Heights. Granddaughter Alexandra Hines portrayed one of the teachers in the play. Gerry and Donna returned home Friday. Ann Srachta, Nina and Donna Hines and Karen Mangelsen were guests for cake and coffee Friday afternoon at the home of Lida Nordquist. Ann’s 91st birthday was celebrated. Pam and Bob Bentz visited Hank and Karen Mangelsen Friday evening. Steve and Nancy Hagen were Friday night and Saturday visitors at the home of Lawrence and Nina Hines.

Maynard and Ronda Mangelsen called on Ken and Tyann Otis Saturday night. Lida Nordquist, Donna Hines and Karen Mangelsen went to the production, “Broadway Comes to Siren,” at the Siren UM Church Saturday evening. Songs from various Broadway shows were presented by people from West Sweden Lutheran Church and Siren UM Church. A number of people from Lakeview UM Church attended the joint service at Spooner UM Church Sunday. The Rev. Linda Lee, bishop of the Wisconsin Conference of UM Church, was the guest speaker. She congratulated the Spooner congregation as they begin their celebration of 125 years of ministry. Daya and Jordan Lawrence visited Ronda and Maynard Mangelsen Sunday afternoon. Hank and Karen Mangelsen were Sunday afternoon visitors of April, Dave, Patty and Mandy Close. Jake Mangelsen was there also. They all helped April celebrate her birthday.

Dewey - LaFollette

Karen Mangelsen

www.the-leader.net Stay connected to your community.

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER

APRIL 6, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 31

Borderline news

Bob Brewster

Ron Gallagher of Blaine Township traveled to Concordia, Kan., to pick up his brother, Mike, then went on to Tucson, Ariz., to celebrate their other brother Bob’s birthday. They did some sightseeing at local mines, some over one-quarter mile deep. They also got up in the mountains a little. Ted and Jo Masters of McGraw Lake just returned from wintering at Gulf Shores, Ala. Ted reports that while golfing he spotted an 8-foot alligator. They visited some with the Clausens and Aments from our Markville church, who also vacation on the Shores. On the way home they stopped in Barrington, Ill., to visit daughter Marilyn and family, in Madison to visit daughter Janet and family, and at the Dells to visit son Ted and family. On Friday, Ron and Sharon Proffit had dinner with Jack and Marge Swedberg of Webster. Marge will start another round of chemo this month, so our prayers certainly go with her. On Wednesday, Ed and Jan Proffit picked up Ron and Sharon to treated them to the famous buffet at the casino in Danbury for Jan’s birthday. The Pine County Ambulance Service was a topic of discussion at the meeting of the East Pine County Wanderers in Cloverton. Fran and Dave Baker provided the cake and the door prize of four spring placemats, which was won by Darlene Merimonti. Fifteen members will attend the Seven County Senior Federation Convention in Aitkin, Minn., on April 14. Don Mishler and Vicki Elliott did not run for re-election as township supervisor and treasurer. Wes Cemenski and Margaret Coveau filled those positions. Dave Fornengo was re-elected chairman, with Dave Baker as the vice chair, Fran Levings as the clerk, Robin Fornengo as the deputy clerk, and Vicki Elliott as the deputy treasurer. John Fornengo was appointed to fill a vacancy on the planning com-

mission. Deloris Schirmer drove to Webster to do some shopping on Saturday. She noticed that someone got tired of driving on the snowy road the day before and just headed straight into the ditch to park in front of the town hall. Her phone has not been ringing with news, so she cannot venture as to who the driver might have been. We all thought that spring had come to Dairyland, but Mother Nature had other ideas because the snow is back. The cookie brigade is no longer baking cookies because the lady that started it can do it no longer do it. The cookie brigade baked cookies for the troops for four years. On Wednesday we got together to decide what to do with the ingredients and equipment. Josh Baer, son of Karl and Tammy Baer, was selected to represent Webster High School at Badger Boys State. Think spring! It will be Thursday, April 7, by the time this appears in the newspaper and the Arna planning commission will have had a public hearing to receive comments on the new zoning ordinance just the night before. However, they will meet again on Wednesday, April 20, to go over any proposed changes, so it is still not too late to put in your two cents worth. It’s definitely mud season out here on the Borderline. Near Witt Lane, the bumbleberry farmers were seen slogging home supplies by dogsled, mushing a string of crocodiles in harness. They’re darn good mudders. Answer to last week’s question: The town of Belden was abandoned in 1944. Next question: When did the last railroad train travel the Soo Line?

April Fools’ Day - wake up to a fresh coating of snow - that was no joke. Tuesday started out with our exercise session followed by Skip-Bo. In the afternoon games were played. Winners in Hand and Foot were Dottie Adams and Irene Campbell. Winners on Dominos were Gladis Weikert, Ione White and Ione Meixner. Laurice Lambert, Charlie Mevissen, Dick Westerman, Don Benson and Marian Edler were the winners in 500 cards. Thursday morning started with exercise followed

by Skip-Bo. In the evening 500 cards were played. The winners were Charlie Mevissen, Roger Greenly and Shirley Sims. Friday, Bridge was played in the morning. In the afternoon, Bingo was played. Do any of our activities interest you? Stop in and have coffee and join us. Need a place to hold your graduation celebration? The senior center is available for rent. Call Joyce at 715-483-3466 for information and reservations.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – St. Croix Falls resident Jennifer Foster completed her studies at the Art Institutes International Minnesota, graduating with honors on Saturday, March 26. Foster received an associate degree in Web design and inter media. The Art Institutes International Minnesota is a regional leader in design, media arts, creative management, and culinary arts education and is located at 15 South 9th St. in downtown Minneapolis. - submitted ••• MENOMONIE – Joshua Chaplin graduated at commencement ceremonies from the University of Wisconsin-Stout on Dec. 18, 2010. He received a Master of Science in educational psychology. Chaplin is working toward a specialist degree in educa-

tional psychology at Stout. His parents are Rodney and Sylvia Chaplin, Frederic. - submitted ••• MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee School of Engineering announces winter quarter honors lists. Students on the honors list have earned a grade-point average of at least 3.2 for the quarter. Alexandra M. Puetz, Frederic – submitted ••• LANSING, Mich. – Sarah Lieder, Webster, made the dean’s list in a recent term of study at the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Lieder is a graduate of UW-River Falls and Siren High School. She is the daughter of Dennis and Nancy Lieder. – submitted •••

Remember to stay up to date with all events, programs, and special announcements on the Grantsburg Library’s Web site at http://grantsburg.wislib.org. Also on Facebook at Grantsburg Public Library. See you there.

Upcoming events

St. Croix Senior Center

Marian Edler

Academic news

Grantsburg Public Library

National Library Week is April 10-16

Enter the Culver’s coloring contest. Pick up a coloring sheet at the library. Celebrate your favorite book by drawing a picture about it. Return the drawing to the library by Saturday, April 16, for a certificate for a free single scoop of Culver’s frozen custard.

Weekly events

Preschool story hour shakes things up every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Join us each week for books, activities and fun. Come out next week and see what great things are in store. Youth Chess Club meets for play every Wednesday from 3:45-5:15 p.m., games and learning. All youth ages 10 and up are welcome to stop by and join us for a game. Reading program meets after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays to give children additional reading help as part of the after-school program. For more information contact your child’s teacher.

Preschool Easter egg hunt will be held Wednesday, April 13, at 10:30 a.m. All preschool children and their adults are invited for this fun event in celebration of National Library Week. Candy chess will be held Wednesday, April 13. Chess club members are invited for a special Ultimate Candy Chess after school. Part of the National Library Week celebration. AARP tax help’s last days will be Thursday and Friday, April 7 and 8. Appointments are still available. Call the library for an appointment. Read with Me bags are now available. Thanks to a grant from Wal-Mart we have been able to purchase fun books, activities and more for each internationally themed bag. These bags are for library use only and for adults and children to use together. We hope to encourage families to read and use the library together. Stop in and check out the bags that are available.

New books are listed on the Web page ... grantsburg.wislib.org.

Library hours are Monday noon – 6 p.m., Tuesday noon – 6 p.m., Wednesday 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., Thursday noon – 6 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - noon. Library phone is 715-4632244.

Hello my fellow citizens, how are things with you? I hear through the grapevine that there may be some more snow this coming week. Say it isn’t so and I’m keeping my paws crossed that the weatherman is wrong! How about that water out there? Fields around here are soaked, which makes them lots of fun for running in. Eli and I were outside wrestling and I sent him rolling in the muddy water – it was really funny. Mom didn’t appreciate it much, but then I guess that’s why she’s keeping towels by the door. We had an unexpected visitor this week, a big barn owl sitting above the bird buffet watching for dinner and it wasn’t sunflower seeds he was looking for. Of course Mom and Dad got the cameras out and took lots of pictures which the owl didn’t seem to mind. He finally flew away without dinner but I’m sure he’s been back. Lots of my friends at the shelter have been adopted and gone home with some amazing humans. It’s just been crazy busy at the shelter, which is awesome. The Pyrenees brothers, our inhouse singing guys, were all adopted and three went home Saturday, with Jared leaving this week. Abel and Eve, two of the Staffordshire puppies, went home, with Gideon going home on Tuesday and the last puppy, Caleb, has an approved application. Isn’t that wonderful? To top that off, Laya went to her new home and Chloe goes on Tuesday. Huge appreciation to all those that have adopted a shelter animal to give them a loving home to call their own! Do you remember that I featured my friend Duchess last week? I know she’s not a puppy, but she is only 3 years old and would really love a home to call her own. I think this week I’ll talk about my friend Tony, he is a young and active black Lab mix that loves to please. He’s very friendly and enjoys human attention and approval. If you can find it in your heart to provide him with a wonderful home, please stop by the shelter and spend some time with him and my other fourfooted friends. Now for my least favorite animals, the cats of course, it’s also been a busy week for them. Scrappy and Hutch were adopted together and left on Friday as did Angelina and three of the five kittens; Phoebe, Frita and Phyllis. I’m glad I’m not responsible for naming those that come to the

Shelter

YAPpenings Sadie

shelter as they seem like awfully big names for such little creatures. Brad and Jennifer have been greeting people in the office, Finn is waiting for you and there are two new gray kitties by the name of Shadow and Teddy. Plans for the annual spaghetti dinner are going full steam ahead with lots of donations for the silent auction. Thank you everyone who is working so hard to make this a huge success, all the proceeds go to helping my friends at the shelter. Raffle tickets are selling like crazy so if you don’t have yours yet, stop by the shelter and pick some up. They are $3 each or a book of six for $15. Big shout-out to my friend Jenny for all her hard work in making this event a success. Our newsletter went out in the mail last Monday and big thanks to all those that wrote articles for it and took the time to help get it ready for the mail! An awesome job was done by all. Guess that’s about it for this week, time to go check out the squirrels. Lots of licks and tailwags to each of you from me. The Humane Society of Burnett County is saving lives, one at a time. www.hsburnettcty.org. 715-866-4096. We’re on Facebook too.

Siren Senior Center

Due to a senior moment I made an error in reporting that Monday, April 4, would be the last day for having your taxes prepared. Actually the tax people will be at the center on Monday, April 11, and they still have some times open, so if you have waited until the last moment call and make an appointment at 715-349-7810. This week Thursday, April 7, we will be hosting our Dining at Five dinner. Cece is planning on her roast beef dinner with salad bar and dessert. You still have time to call in your reservation at 715-3492845. Our foot lady will be here next Monday, April 11. If your nails need clipping either stop in and sign up, or call the center for an appointment. The April senior meeting will be held promptly at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 19. The finishing touches for our Good Friday Breakfast will be discussed, among other things, I am sure. The Good Friday Breakfast will be held on Friday, April 22, from 7 to 11 a.m. We will be serving a large variety of breakfast foods. Tickets for this event are $6 for adults and children under 12, $3. We are still seeking volunteers to help with pouring coffee and busing dishes so if you have a few hours to spare stop in and put your name on the volunteer list. The 500 card group is hosting their second-annual tournament, which will be held on Saturday, April 30, at 1 p.m. Beginning this week we hope to have some items displayed for the silent auction.

Jamela

Jan. 7, 1997

Everyone has an opportunity to bid on these items even if you do not intend to play cards that day. The drawing for the items will be held on Saturday, April 30, and if you aren’t present we will notify you by telephone. Welcome back to our snowbirds that showed up to join us in cards this week, Shirley Doriott, Mary and Dale Secord and Flo Antiel. There are still a few that are missing but they will all be back hopefully in a few weeks. Winners at 500 this week were Darleen Groves, Butch Connors, Arvid Pearson, Ralph Groves and Gerry Vogel. Spade winners were Flo Antiel, Darleen Groves, Marge Nyberg, Ralph Groves and Arnie Borchert. Ron Yourchuck, Shirley Doriott, Marie Bentley and Barb Munger furnished treats for the two card groups. Our gratitude to Sandy Wohletz for a donation of books for our library and Annabelle Pearson for envelopes for recycling our greeting cards. The list for bowlers with the Wii is still out and a few more names have been added. This could be a fun activity and if Abby and Don get enough names they can organize the bowling teams. Stop in and sign up so they can get the show on the road. The center is open from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Our activities, Dime Bingo, 500 cards and Spades, all begin promptly at 1 p.m. and everyone is welcome to come and join us, the coffeepot is always on.

A Waiting Child

Jamela is a tall and beautiful 14-year-old girl with a dazzling smile. She is sensitive, outspoken and articulate. Jamela is never afraid to share her thoughts and feelings. She is a typical teenager and enjoys hanging out with friends, rollerskating and watching television. An experienced and patient family would best suit Jamela. She needs an empathetic family to reinforce her efforts and help her overcome obstacles. Jamela also has strong bonds with her family members and

Barb Munger

requests to remain in contact with them. Jamela loves to jump rope, dance, listen to the radio and watch movies. She enjoys oneon-one attention and deserves a loving family who can help her grow and develop into a wonderful young woman. Jamela is looking for a home that will show her unconditional love and attention and be there for her come what may. For more information about Jamela, or other Wisconsin children waiting for adoptive homes, call Adoption Resources of Wisconsin at 414-475-1246 or 800762-8063 or visit the Web site at www.wiadopt.org.

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER

PAGE 32 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 6, 2011

Fran Krause

Orange

Jack and LaVonne O’Brien were among the many friends that helped Bob Burford celebrate his 90th birthday at a party Saturday afternoon. Nancy O’Brien is home from St. Mary’s hospital in Duluth, Minn., after having knee replacement there three days ago. Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Nancy. Sharon and Ronnie Proffit and Natalie Flagstad and Brendon were Thursday night supper guests of John and Reeny Neinstadt. Gary Gravesen and Marvel Merriam drove to Duluth, Minn., on Saturday. Jack and Jeri Witzany have returned home follow-

Polk County Health Department

Notes

Safety is no accident: Live injury free

National Public Health Week Highlighted Injury is the most expensive medical problem in the United States. In a single year, $80 billion will be spent on medical care; another $326 billion on lost productivity; and an untold amount on social support for the individuals and families caring for the severely injured. In many cases, these costs are increasing because preventative measures are not being taken to prevent injuries and violence. “Our residents can make a real difference in our community by committing to safer behaviors for themselves, their children and families,” said Gretchen Sampson, Polk County health officer. “We will find real change when we shift from a reactionary health system to one focused on preventative measures. Many injuries are not accidents and are preventable.” One of the identified themes for Public Health Week is safety while on the move. Here are some startling facts from James Madison University regarding seat belt use: • More than 90 percent of all motorists believe safety belts are a good idea, but less than 14 percent actually use them. • Three out of four families with child

LaVonne O'Brien

ing a seven-day trip to Apache Junction and the Mesa, Ariz., area. They visited two of Jeri’s sisters and enjoyed the sights. The weather was great except on their way home when they ran into a snowstorm near Kansas City. Last Thursday they entertained Elaine Paulus and Rick and Judy Witzany for dinner. This Thursday is Elaine’s birthday. To celebrate they will take her out for lunch. Friday evening the 4-H food and dress revue was held at Siren H. S. Olivia Kopecky from the Orange 4-H Club received first place for her food entry and a crocheted dress. She was also selected to model

safety seats fail to use them correctly. Adults need to follow manufacturer’s instructions and secure seats properly before every trip. • A common cause of death and injury to children in motor vehicles is being crushed by adults who are not wearing safety belts. One out of four serious injuries to passengers is caused by occupants being thrown into each other. • An estimated 80 percent of American children are immunized against contagious diseases, but less than 10 percent are properly restrained when riding in a motor vehicle. To help increase the well-being of Polk County residents, the health department is pleased to announce the addition of car seat safety checks. This program is geared toward pregnant woman, infants and children through age 7. This program is conducted by public health nurses Sally Johnson and Therese Armour, who recently became certified in the National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program. Sampson commended the efforts of these two dedicated nurses. To learn more about National Public Health Week and for more ideas to keep you and your loved ones safe, please visit the following Web sites: • www.nphw.org • www.carseat.org • www.cdc.gov/injury/index.html For more information or to set up a car seat safety check, contact the Polk County Health Department at 715-4858500, or visit www.polkcountyhealthdept.org.

Getting by between jobs

Quickly cutting expenses and following a spending plan are essential Losing your job or facing a drastic drop in income is one of the most stressful events a person can experience. Unemployment can mean sudden lifestyle changes for the entire family. Because there is less money to spend, you must decide how to spend what you have. Even though the paychecks stop coming, the bills don’t. When you don’t have enough to cover your monthly expenses and pay creditors, you face hard financial decisions. Concern about how to pay bills and meet day-to-day expenses can become overwhelming. You may be tempted to use credit cards, take out a home equity loan or borrow money, but taking on more debt is generally not a good idea. “Unless your situation turns around quickly, more debt only creates bigger problems,” says Marilyn Kooiker, University of Wisconsin-Extension family living agent for Burnett County. “Instead, focus on cutting your spending and working with creditors to reduce or defer your payments until your situation improves,” Kooiker advises. “Act quickly to cut expenses and make a spending plan so you can pay bills when they are due.” “Taking charge of your financial situation is a positive contribution to your family’s well-being,” says Kooiker. Studies have found that many families do not adjust their lifestyles to cut spending until about six months after their income drops. Those six months can bring financial disaster.

Burnett County

Family Living Marilyn Kooiker

Kooiker offers some tips: • Talk with your family about the situation so that everyone understands and supports the decisions being made. • Review your income and expenses and balance them as much as possible. • Try not to use credit while you are unemployed. • You are legally obligated to pay all your bills, so if you think you may have difficulty making payments, talk to creditors right away. Have these conversations before you fall behind. • If one partner is employed, explore whether overtime or a change in payroll deductions could bring extra money into the household. •A drop in income can make a household eligible for tax credits or financial assistance programs. Check out www.access.wisconsin.gov for eligibility information To help people find ways to make ends meet in difficult times, UW-Extension Family Living Programs has developed resources for managing personal finances that are available for free on a new Web site at fyi.uwex.edu/toughtimes. Visit the site to learn about dealing with a drop in income and cutting back and keeping up in difficult economic times, and to access many other resources. For more information about handling family finances, contact your local UWExtension office, Burnett County Government Center at 715-349-2151.

World trade, 1804 – the Folle Avoine perspective

The fur trade, as depicted at Forts Folle Avoine Historical Park, was of course based on obtaining a supply of pelts from the Indians for resale in European markets. Often, however, visitors to the site are surprised when they learn that to obtain the furs, traders had to bring highquality trade goods with them. Agents for the fur companies scoured the cities and towns of Europe in search of the often-specialized goods needed by the North American fur traders. Early in the 1600s, an Indian hunter/trapper in eastern Canada was reported to have made this observation: “... in truth, my brother, the beaver does everything to perfection. He makes for us kettles, axes, swords, knives, and gives us drink and food without the trouble of cultivating the ground.” Of course, he was referring to the newfound technology brought to the tribes via the North American fur trade. But his words clearly summarize the natives’ view of the fur trade. Beaver was by far the most popular fur obtained by the traders, as determined by its resale price in Europe. That price, in turn, was based on the beaver’s unique barbed underfur, which made it an ideal raw material for crafting fashionable feltcovered hats. While the differential between what the furs sold for and what the trade goods cost was unequal, both sides thought they were getting a bargain.

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Folle Avoine Chronicles Woodswhimsy the gnome

To get a handle on this, think about the difference between a stone axe, for instance, and one produced by a blacksmith. The stone tool must be crafted with a bone antler or other woods-derived object to shape it, is heavy to lug around, and loses its edge quickly. Enter the fur traders, bringing manufactured axes in their canoes—lightweight, easy to transport, and far easier to use; and then traded for a beaver pelt or two. One can better appreciate those words quoted above: “... the beaver does everything for us ...” Some people believe that any old item brought by the traders would find favor. Hardly the case—the Indians were savvy consumers, and wouldn’t trade for shoddy or old products (they weren’t antique collectors!). In the early years, for instance, the French and others brought heavy military-style muskets along for trade purposes. Soon, however, the Indian hunters rejected these—too heavy to carry around the woods; some went back

Webster will showcase school talent

by Carl Heidel Leader staff writer WEBSTER - Friday evening it’s gonna be show time in Webster! Friday, April 8, beginning at 7 p.m. in the high school cafetorium, a lively collection of talent both young and old will take the stage in the annual variety show sponsored by the Webster High School chapter of the National Honor Society. There will be singing, musical theater performed by Billie Ingalls, and a humorous skit performed by a trio of sophomore girls who won a medal with the skit at the state forensics meet last year. There will be instrumental music, a tuba solo and piano solos, and Julie Strang, Julie Macke and Annette Arnold will play a piano trio. Some of the stars from the recent school play “A Little Princess” will also be in the show, among them Danielle Formanek, Miranda Burger, Sadie Koelz and Hannah Janssen. All this and more under the able direction of mistress of ceremonies Mary Conroy. The NHS members recruited the talent

for the show, and will also be responsible for all of the organization backstage on the night of the show. Money raised from this show will support some of the NHS service projects such as making blankets and baking cookies for the families that stay at Faith’s Lodge. Some of it will also be used to give the hardworking NHS students a reward trip at the end of the school year. Some of the other NHS service projects include working with the elementary staff at Families Reading Every Day nights in the elementary school. They also provide child care–playing games and reading with the kids–so that the parents can go to informational sessions that teach them how to use the school computer systems and classes in Parenting with Love and Logic. Members of the NHS will be selling tickets prior to the show, and working at the concessions at intermission. Tickets are $5 for adults, $2 for students and preschool-age children are free.

SIREN - The annual meeting of the Burnett County Hunger Task Force will be at 1 p.m. Friday, April 15, at Room 165, Burnett County Government Center. The meeting will include election of two persons to three-year terms on to the board of directors; treasurer’s report; a re-

view of activities and accomplishments of the past year; reports from Burnett County’s three participating food shelves; and plans for the coming year. The meeting is open to the public. - submitted

Hunger Task Force plans annual meeting

Boyd's Outdoor Power

to bow and arrow. So word went back to Europe to start making lighter muskets. Customer demand ruled even in the backwoods. Demand for crooked blade knives was also driven by Indian hunter/trappers— whereas in Europe carpenters commonly used a two-handled drawknife for woodworking, North American tribal peoples preferred a one-handled version featuring a crooked blade, the better to effect the making of canoe parts, for instance. So the orders went back to Europe for hundreds of one-handled knives (often without handles; the Indians carved them after obtaining the blade). And of course the steel-bladed crooked knives soon replaced the older versions, some of which were carved out of a beaver’s crooked tooth. Trading companies had agents who procured top-notch trade goods all over Europe as well as in the French and British colonies in North America. Beads from Italy, tobacco from Portugal (via their Brazilian colony), blankets, and textiles from Belgium and Holland were among the items obtained. England produced firearms, blankets, clay smoking pipes. The French contributed a vast array of similar items, while even China supplied products to the trade such as vermilion (red ornamental powder), silk and tea. And each year ships arrived from North America with a bountiful supply of furs—while beaver fetched the highest price, most varieties of fur found a market at auctions in cities such as London, Antwerp, Leipzig and Paris. World trade, 1804, some of it affecting those little out-

Aha! I knew the rain would come. I knew there was green grass under all of that snow. Well, maybe not green, sort of a greenish brown, but grass all the same. We don’t have ponds in our yard anymore, so that means the ground is thawing and the chippies are out and begging for sunflower seeds. I have a friend who saw two robins. Now, that has to mean spring. I think it is finally here. Might have a little more snow or even a lot more snow, but it will go away fast. I am sure this is really it. I was thinking about when I was a child. I guess I woke up one morning looking like the wrath of God with my hair in every direction and directions no one has even thought of. You know what I am talking about. The way you promised no one would ever see you and now that you have been married long enough it just doesn’t matter any more. I thought we would never come to the point where it would not matter, and then I spent some time in the hospital and Denny saw me after surgery, and if he can see me like that and still put up with me, I guess anything goes. There was a nice article about Denny in another paper. It is about time he got some recognition. The article was nice, but there was no mention of the arborists and the group from Grantsburg that show up twice a year and help in a big way, to cut and split our wood. Denny thought up the Heat a Home idea, but without help, it would not be. We did not make our goal to buy semitrucks of logs. There will be less wood next year. The donations were great, but just not enough of them. We had people from Delaware, Arizona and Oregon even send checks. These people are not snowbirds, they are people who just think Interfaith Caregivers is doing good things. I think so, too. When I think we may have to shut down because there is not any money to run the program I get so emotional. I just try not to think about it. We will go on! We did not put all of these years and do all of this hard work to let the economy get the better of us! Oh, I forgot to mention that Boyd’s Outdoor Power from Dresser is selling chain saws and for every one they sell, Boyd will donate $25 to Interfaith. Need a chain saw? That is the place to go. Don’t need one, buy one for a friend. Interfaith needs the money and Boyd is such a terrific guy to do this for us. He is a nice guy even if he didn’t do this for us, but he really is special.

Indians were savvy consumers at the fur trading posts. – Photo submitted

posts we know as Forts Folle Avoine. Who’da thunk it? Learn more, visit Forts Folle Avoine this summer or write me via inserting a scroll inside a birch-bark cone and forwarding it to the Forts people – they will know it’s for me and leave it in a hat for me to find along the riverbank. Signed, Woodswhimsy

Interfaith

Cares

Barb Blodgett

Now, back to my mother. I was talking about my mother wasn’t I? I was remembering some of the things she used to say and they ran though my mind like a ticker tape. If you don’t know what that is you won’t remember any of these things. Here we go: “Money doesn’t grow on trees, you know” ... “You’re grounded, forever” ... “When I was your age” ... “A little work never hurt anyone” ... “A little please and thank-you goes a long way” ... “When I say jump, you say, ‘How high?’”... and the one I will never ever forget, “Mind your manners.” I have tons of others and they kept me awake last night. My mother is haunting me. She promised she would and sure enough, here she is. I remember what my father used to say, too. “You are the best, sweetest, prettiest, smartest little girl in the world and you are Daddy’s girl.” From Dad I got hugs and from Mom I got the “What did you do wrong now?” look. I don’t really think it was that bad, I just happened to be awake at 2:30 and this is what was going through my mind over and over. Now, back to Interfaith. The people we clean for will notice that we will be coming less often. We can no longer pay mileage and with the price of gas, the girls just can’t drive as much as they used to. I have to tell you, the girls we have cleaning for Interfaith are the best and sweetest (I sound like my dad) in the world. They do a great job and are really good company. I’m sorry we have to cut back, but I am sure you understand. Polk County, don’t forget you have a wonderful Interfaith Caregivers, too. The office is located in Balsam Lake and the phone number is 715-485-9500. Call them if you live in Polk County and need help. Enough for now. I could go on and on, as you well know, but I have to get to the chiropractor and have to drive a friend there. A fall downstairs calls for a chiropractor and mine is just great. I am off to feeling better. Happy Easter and blessings to all. Barb

LIBRARY NEWS

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Luck Public Library

Libraries, a great use of public money

With National Library Week, April 10 -16, right around the corner, it’s time to reacquaint yourself with your public library. Polk County is lucky to have 11 full-service libraries ready and willing to serve you. Ten of the 11 libraries are part of the MORE consortium of libraries and with that you have access to the materials in 46 other Wisconsin libraries. I have been told by several customers that their library card is the most important card they own. There are no annual fees, no interest, no monthly payments and lots of free perks. Free music CDs, free DVDs, free digital audiobook downloads, free digital books for your Nook, free classes, free Wi-Fi, free magazines, free exercise videos, free Internet access, free programs and free fun. The public libraries of Polk County are working morning and evening just for you.

Did you know?

Polk County Librarian, Colleen Gifford, wrote a technology grant for all Polk County libraries which provides them with free technical support and a free laptop for each library. Jen Feske at the Milltown Public Library offers free computer classes on Wednesdays at two different times to accommodate everyone’s schedule. Thank You, Jen. Centuria Public Library owns a Cricut cutting machine and over 20 cartridges and has a newly remodeled room for scrapbookers to work at the library. Frederic Public Library will host celebrated mystery novelist William Kent Krueger on June 7, along with Ellen Hart and Carl Brookins. Wow, kudos to Frederic. Nate at the Osceola Public Library is hosting a super program called “Artsy Smartsy Goes Global.” Friday, April 8, create stories in the ancient Asian tradition and on Friday, May 13, learn some of the techniques of Japan’s beautiful paper arts. Preregister for these as space fills up fast.

Dinneen at the Balsam Lake Public Library has a really energetic and inspired story time every Wednesday at 11 a.m. It’s a great place to make new friends and share a laugh. St. Croix Falls Public Library offers after-school homework help every Wednesday from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Catch the No. 9 bus and get ahead at the library. Linda at Dresser Public Library is gearing up for their annual book sale, which is held the last Thursday, Friday and Saturday in April. This is a fun community activity and a great chance to volunteer, donate materials and support your public library. Amery Public Library has moved to the newly remodeled old hospital and has lots of lovely space! Ask about their meeting rooms and special programming for all ages. It’s a warm place to meet friends, relax and chat. Luck Public Library has five Civil War programs planned to celebrate the sesquicentennial of the Civil War and Wisconsin’s amazing stand for freedom and for the Union. If you don’t know about Joshua Glover, Cordelia Harvey, Old Abe the War Eagle, The Iron Brigade and Wisconsin and the Republican Party, come to a program. Take pride in your patriotism. Clear Lake Public Library has Monday Movie Madness the fourth Monday of each month. A new release G or PG rated movie is shown at 3:30 p.m., and then again at 6:30 p.m., with refreshments provided. Don’t wait forever on that hold list. Meet your friends for a good time at the library. All of these great Polk County libraries have Web sites listing all of their services, hours, programs and special events. If you don’t use the computer, use the telephone. We all have phone numbers and would love to answer your questions. We love our libraries and you should too.

Hours

Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Sunday, Ancestry.com tutorial only from noon – 4 p.m., library is closed to checkouts and browsers.

Centuria Public Library

National Coin Week

The Centuria Public Library is making plans to recognize National Coin Week during the week beginning Sunday, April 17, through Saturday, April 23. Start now to search for your old coins. The library has a variety of coin books available to aid the public in searching of the value of those coins. In addition, on Wednesday, April 20, from 1 to 3:30 p.m., a member of the Wooden Nickel Coin Club will be present in the library to help you find the value of any old coins or paper money.

New year – new books

Are you looking for something new to read or to spark you interest in something new? The village of Centuria welcomes everyone to visit the library and see what is new. New books on a variety of topics, along with the latest best-sellers in both print and audio, and many children’s picture books and graded reader books have been added. Come into the library and see what there is to read.

Computers for public use

The library has computers for public use. These computers are available for anyone having a MORE

library card. The computers are connected to the Internet and can be used during normal library open hours. Along with the public use computers, the library has Wi-Fi for anyone wanting to connect to the Internet from their own laptop computers. Librarians are available to assist patrons in basic computer use.

Cricut machine for public use

Available for public use is a Cricut die-cutting machine for avid scrapbookers and paper artists. The library has a variety of cartridges available for the public to use. Come into the library and put your imagination to work. The machine is available for use in the library where a large workspace is available for creating and putting together any project. Everyone must bring their own paper supplies and cutting mat. Librarians are available to help you get started using the Cricut machine.

Library hours

Monday: noon - 5 p.m.; Tuesday: noon - 7 p.m.; Wednesday: noon - 5 p.m.; Thursday: noon - 7 p.m.; Friday: noon to 5 p.m.; and Saturday: 10 a.m. – noon.

Library poetry contest night and open mike

POLK COUNTY – Attention young poets, April is National Poetry Month. To celebrate this event, enter the Teen Poetry Contest and share your thoughts. Dates for contest: April 1- 19. Poetry contest night and open mike night will be held Thursday, April 28, 5-7 p.m. at the Osceola Public Library. Rules and entry forms are available at your local or school library. Between now and April 19, submit up to three of your best poems to a Polk County library or to a designated school media specialist or English teacher for consideration in the contest. The contest is open to students in grades six through 12 with two categories for middle and high school. First, second, third place and honorable mention will be awarded. Winners will be announced and awards given. Special hints: Poetry is strong because

of careful word choices, poetry encourages new words, dream words, and poetic license gives you lots of creativity. Types of poetry to get you started: Metrical poems like Robert Frost writes with rhyme and meter. Free-verse poetry with no rhyme or pattern, lines of varied length, free punctuation and capitalization. Sonnets – of many types and topics. Your own poetry style unique to you, with your important message or word style. Find an entry form and enter your library card number and submit your poem(s). Poets use words that make librarians everywhere very proud. Questions? Ask a librarian at your local library or call the Polk County Library Federation, 715-485-8680. – submitted

St. Croix Falls Public Library

“An Adventure with David Grayson” on Saturday, April 9, 11 a.m.

Presented by Michael Czarnecki, poet and memoirist. “Muckraker” journalist and native son of St. Croix Falls, Ray Stannard Baker, authored nine books under the name David Grayson. Grayson’s work was popular and influential in the lives of his contemporaries and is still relevant today.

April is Turn Off the TV Month at the library

Don’t be bored. Board games here April 8-26. Ask about them at the front desk. Kids and Family Game Night Thursday, April 21, from 5-8 p.m. Preregister with a librarian.

Seventh-Annual Teen Poetry Contest

Teens in sixth-12th grades submit poems between April 1 and April 15. Osceola Public Library hosts open mike night on Thursday, April 28, from 5-7 p.m. The winners will be announced then and invited to read their winning poems. Contact any Polk County library for more information or to register.

Food for Fines

Now through April 23, one food item equals $1 in fines. All donations will go to the St. Croix Falls Food Shelf. This applies to overdue fines and can’t be applied to replacement fines for lost items.

Community meeting room is available for your organization

Reserve the meeting room with our online form. www.stcroixfallslibrary.org.

School’s out at SCFPL

Homework help and cool programs for youth. For kids in grades five through eight – Wednesdays 3:305 p.m. Homework help, quiet study, snacks, oldschool games, eco arts, computer access and a chance to help build more and better youth programs at SCFPL. Students need a note from a parent to catch bus No. 9 down to the library. Students in grades two through four are welcome to attend with a parent or guardian present at all times. For more information or to volunteer to be a tutor, contact Cole, the youth services librarian, at czrostlik@stcroixfallslibrary.org or at 715-483-1777.

Story hour with Cole

Listen to stories, create art and have fun with other kids and parents every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.

Check out our Web site

It has up-to-date information on what’s happening at the library and other useful library tools you can use at home. www.stcroixfallslibrary.org. Look for us on Facebook.

Technology

Free wireless and eight public computers are available at the library. Plus seven laptops available for use in the library – must have a valid MORE library card in good standing.

Hours

The library is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 715483-1777. E-mail: scflibrary@ifls.lib.wi.us. Online: www.stcroixfallslibrary.org.

Balsam Lake Public Library

April is Poetry Month Visit us at the library and make a Book Spine Centro - we will explain and take a picture.

National Library Week April 10 thru April 16 is National Library Week. Join us for an open house on Wednesday, April 13, from 1-7 p.m. with coffee, juice and snacks. More events planned below.

Upcoming events hosted by the Friends of Balsam Lake Library Balsam Lake Library Friends group is celebrating National Library Week with these great events - mark your calendars now. Author Dr. Michael Martin from Amery, and a descendant of a Civil War soldier, will be talking about his book, “A History of the 4th Wisconsin Infantry and Cavalry in the Civil War” at the library Tuesday, April 12, at 3 p.m. Giant book sale, Saturday, April 16, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Spring clean your house and bring the used books for resale – everyone wins. A raffle to win a homemade afghan, handmade oak and walnut box, and books is ongoing. Raffle tickets are for sale at the library. Drawing will be held at the book sale, need not to be present to win.

Computer classes Open lab from 2 to 3:30 p.m., instructor available to answer questions and give one-to-one instructions. Next class will be Tuesday, April 12. Story time Wednesday at 11 a.m. – Stories, crafts and snacks all ages welcome to join our lively group.

New Books for April “Miles to Go,” by Richard Evans, “Night Road,” by Kristin Hannah, “Chasing Fire,” by Nora Roberts,

“Sixth Man,” by David Baldacci, “44 Charles Street,“ by Danielle Steel, “Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party,” by Alexander McCall Smith, ”Live Wire,” by Harlan Coben, ”Papercutting Tips and Techniques,” by Claudia Hopf. (partial list)

Friends of the Library Friends group meets Wednesday, April 20, at 1:30 p.m., here at the library. Friends group is an organization for all who value the public library as a vital community resource and a welcoming place.

Book club “The Last Lecture,” by Randy Pausch. Professors are asked to consider their demise and to ruminate on what matters most to them. When Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon, was asked to give such a lecture, he didn’t have to imagine it as his last, since he had recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer. But the lecture he gave, “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams,” wasn’t about dying. It was about the importance of overcoming obstacles, of enabling the dreams of others, of seizing every moment (because “time is all you have ... and you may find one day that you have less than you think”). It was a summation of everything Pausch had come to believe. It was about living. Book club meets Wednesday, April 20, at 3 p.m. Everyone welcome.

Hours Balsam Lake Library, (under the water tower) at 404 Main St., Balsam Lake. Hours are Monday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. E-mail: balsamlakepl@ifls.lib.wi.us. Web site www.balsamlakepubliclibrary.org.

American Red Cross classes for new students

BALSAM LAKE – The American Red Cross is offering the following classes for new students. Adult/AED CPR on Monday, April 11, 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. First aid will be offered on Tuesday, April 12, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Infant/Child will be offered on Thursday, April 14, 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. These classes will be held at the Polk County

Red Cross Office located in Balsam Lake. The certification for these classes will be for two years. If you are interested in taking this training please call Terry at 715-485-3025. Preregistration is requested. Classes may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment. – submitted

The Inter-County Leader Connect to your community

LIBRARY NEWS Frederic Public Library

National Library Week April 10-16

Visit us during National Library Week to learn about the many services the library offers to enrich your life. Refreshments will be served all week, and be sure to register for door prizes. Celebrate and support America’s public libraries. To quote writer Anne Herbert, “Libraries will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no libraries.”

It’s the liveliest place in town on Wednesday mornings

Preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to attend an energetic hour Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. The April theme is birds, and the author of the month is Doreen Cronin. Join us for books and activities and music and fun!

Book groups will meet in April

The Thursday morning book group will meet at the library Thursday, April 21, at 10 a.m., to discuss “Until They Bring the Streetcars Back,” by Stanley Gordon West. This is historical fiction with a dark side, set in St. Paul in 1949. The evening book group will meet Thursday, April 14, (note date!) at 6:30 p.m., to talk about the nonfiction book “The Other Wes Moore,” by author Wes Moore. Two boys with the same name were born blocks apart in the same decaying city within a few years of each other. One grew up to be a Rhodes scholar and business leader, and the other is serving a life sentence in prison. Copies are available at the library and new members are always welcome at the book discussions.

APRIL 6, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 35

Follow the Leader

library Web site at www.fredericlibrary.org.

Stocking the local food shelf

The Frederic Library teen book group recently spent their $100 snow sculpture contest prize money to buy groceries for the local Family Pathways food shelf. Please bring an item or two for the local food shelf when you visit the library – we all need to help keep the shelves stocked.

Keep up with library events

Find what’s happening at the Frederic Library on two Internet sites. Our new Web site has a new look and you can find us at www.fredericlibrary.org. You can also look us up on Facebook at www.facebook.com and search for Frederic Public Library. Keep in touch for news and events.

How to find us

Frederic Public Library, 127 Oak St. West. 715327-4979, e-mail fredericpl@ifls.lib.wi.us. Regular open hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Story time for preschoolers is held every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Web site: www.fredericlibrary.org. Facebook: Frederic Public Library.

Calling all teen poets

The Polk County Library Federation is sponsoring its seventh-annual poetry contest for students in sixth through 12th grades. Entry forms and rules are available at the Frederic Library, and entries must be submitted to the library by April 18. Winners will be announced, and everyone will be able to present their work at an open mike night at the Osceola Public Library Thursday, April 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. Please contact the library to pick up your application.

We need all the Friends we can get

If you are interested in donating some of your time and talents to the library, consider joining the Friends of the Frederic Library group. The Friends help the library with willing hands and energy and fundraising events to support the materials and program budgets. To find the latest Friends brochure and 2010 review, click on the Friends of the Library tab on the

(ABOVE AND BELOW) The Frederic Library teens book group recently chose to spend its $100 first-place snow sculpture contest prize at the Frederic Grocery Store. They bought groceries for the Family Pathways food shelf after visiting the site and learning about the food items that are most needed. The girls spent wisely and enjoyed using their prize money to help make a difference in their own community. – Photos submitted

The first-annual Marshmallow Olympics was held Friday evening, March 25, at the Frederic Library, for kids in grades six-eight. Teams participated in a variety of “olympic” games, including the marshmallow relay, the marshmallow fling, and the marshmallow race. In addition, the athletes built freestanding towers using just marshmallows and toothpicks, and raced against the clock to collect the greatest number of soggy marshmallows in the water bob. Medals were awarded to the winners, and a great time was had by all, with everyone looking forward to the next olympics. Photos and video have been posted on the Frederic Public Library Facebook page. “Like” us and you’ll get regular updates on what’s happening at the library. – Photo submitted

www.the-leader.net

Pinko Jam Music Fest Saturday in Grantsburg

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GRANTSBURG – Thirty bands performing at five venues will fill Grantsburg with music for every ear at the 12th-annual Pinko Jam on Saturday, April 9. Five Grantsburg bars, Hummer’s Rendezvous, the Grantsburg American Legion, Denny’s Downtown Lanes, Dreamers and T-Dawgs, will host the exciting lineup of musical talent performing country, blues, rock, jazz and more. First started by local musicians in 1999 as fundraiser for special education kids, Pinko Jam has grown into a popular annual event drawing fans from all over the area to the daylong music fest. Music fans can look forward to hearing all kinds of great music as they go back and forth between the five establishments, listening to the bands jamming. Pinko Jam has raised thousands of dollars for the area schools special education students and young adults. Money raised at the music fest goes into a savings account to be distributed as requests come in. In addition to helping buy muchneeded equipment and supplies, The 12th-annual Pinko Jam will be held Saturday, April 9, in Grantsburg. – File photo Pink Jam donations are used to fund field trips to events such as major league ball games and professional will also be held throughout the daylong fundraising theater performances. event. In addition to the bands donating their performances, Schedules will be available at all locations to let people Pinko Jam organizers say the event would not be possi- know when and where the different bands are performble without the scores of volunteer helpers working being. hind the scenes and the generous donations for raffle The music and fun starts at noon on Saturday with drawings from local and regional businesses. bands playing continuously until bar closings. So come While there is no cover charge for Pinko Jam, dona- early and plan to stay late for lots of great music at the tions for the kids are welcomed. Raffles for great prizes 12th-annual Pinko Jam. - submitted

Follow the Leader

Rainbow of Fun Carnival

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Students from Siren High School earned community-service hours by helping with the Moms for Kids Rainbow of Fun 21st-annual carnival Saturday, April 1, at the school. “We have never had such a dedicated, hardworking group of high school volunteers. We couldn’t do the carnival without them,” said Sharon D’Jock, a Moms for Kids member. The money raised through the carnival this year goes to fund the production of “Cinderella” put on by the Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre April 8 and 9. - Photo submitted

Siren

The clown on the wall in the commons at Siren School paid tribute to the sponsors of the Rainbow of Fun Carnival put on by Moms for Kids at the school Saturday, April 1. The money raised will fund the production of “Cinderella” by Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre April 8 and 9.

Photos by Nancy Jappe unless otherwise noted

The jumping house was a favorite activity for youngsters during the Rainbow of Fun Carnival.

Three-and-a-half-year-old Colton Miroslaw, Danbury, tried out the new game at the Rainbow of Fun Carnival this year - throwing a ball to break one of the linedThree-year-old Ellie Gerber, Siren, was all smiles as she looked up at her balloon up plates. Colton didn’t break a plate, but he was given a prize while her mother, seated beside her, worked on a beading project. The Rainbow of Fun Carnival was not put on in 2010 due to a lack of volunteers. Judging by the numanyway. bers that attended this year, the carnival was a big success, thanks to help from high school helpers.

Many games involving some physical ability, such as throwing a ball at a target, were set up in the Siren High School big gym Saturday for a whole score of youngsters to try their hand at winning a prize.

Three-year-old Tristan Breault from Webster is shown with his mom, Kelly Christner, as Christner secured a balloon to Tristan’s wrist during the Rainbow of Fun Carnival Saturday.

Throwing a beanbag into a hole was one of the games youngsters could purchase tickets to take part in.

This young lady won a prize, presented to her by one of the Rainbow of Fun high school volunteers.

Two-and-a-half-year-old Jaden Irons from Spooner had fun with the big balloon she received during the Rainbow of Fun Carnival in Siren last Saturday.

National History Day

PAGE 38 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 6, 2011

GRANTSBURG – In a repeat of the achievements from the past two years, Grantsburg National History Day students from the middle and high schools will advance to the state round in Madison following a powerful showing at the regional competition at the University of WisconsinEau Claire this past Thursday, March 31. The National History Day program hosts seven regional competitions each attended by 15-20 schools throughout Wisconsin during the month of March. “National History Day is an academic sport where we compete as individuals and as a team. The team progresses through district, regional, state and possibly national levels. It is an awesome experience to see students cheering each other on and excited over winning an award for a history research project!” said teacher Allissa Koenen. This year approximately 20 schools competed at the Eau Claire regional event. “The event was more competitive than in previous years, but Grantsburg had one of the best showings according to the judging results, judges, other teachers and parent comments from the other participating schools,” said teacher Matthew Koenen. “The kids not only worked hard to solidify and clarify their research,” explained teacher Allissa Koenen, “but they also have created fine products of their academic pursuits.” These products include exhibits, papers and performances that are exactly the types of things that kids can do if they are shown

Grantsburg

These junior divisioin participants will advance to the stte round of competition with their History Day prjects: Chris Parker, Anneka Johnson, Josh Curtin, Delia Labatt, Heidi Schoettle, Katie Curtin, Liza Hartshorn, Rhiana Pochman, Maria Oachs and Andy Hartshorn. Not pictured: Sarah Coppenbarger. – Photos submitted

that they all have the chance to achieve academic excellence. Teachers Grachia Solie and Matthew and Allissa Koenen wish to extend heartfelt congratulations to all 40 of the students that participated at this year’s regional event and hope to continue the pursuit of academic excellence far into the future. Below is a list of Grantsburg students who will advance to the state round to be held in Madison on Saturday, May 7.

Senior Division Web site Haley Larson and Jaicee Bowman – first place - topic: Nuclear Energy Kylie Pewe and Jen Schwieger – second place - topic: Annexation of Hawaii

Senior Division Exhibit Jo Lauer and Mariah Zastrow – first place - topic: Dakota Wars of 1862 Jenna Michel and Tiffani Moyer – Second Place - topic: Roe vs Wade

Senior Division Performance Whitney Oachs – first place – topic: Fall of the Berlin Wall Junior Division Paper Chris Parker – third place – topic: Diplomacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Junior Division Web site Heidi Schoettle – second place – topic: The Dred Scott Decision of 1857

Junior Division Performance Katie Curtin, Josh Curtin, Liza Hartshorn, Andy Hartshorn and Delia Labatt – topic – The Fall of Communisim Anneka Johnson – first place – Dakota Wars of 1862 Sarah Coppenbarger – second place – Sandy Lake Tragedy

Junior Division Exhibit Maria Oachs and Rhiana Pochman – first place - topic: British Coal Miner’s Strike of 1984

Jenna Michel and Tiffani Moyer in front of their Roe vs Wade project for National History Day.

Students Mariah Zastro and Jo Lauer received a first place at regionals for their National History Day project.

Maria Oachs and Rhiana Pochman received first place in the Junior Division for their display on Economic Gain versus Human Values for the National History Day program.

Northwestern Electric Safety Day

APRIL 6, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 39

Lined up for safety

by Priscilla Bauer Leader staff writer GRANTSBURG – The familiar red trucks stood lined up along Airport Road in Grantsburg on a chilly Wednesday morning, March 30, their buckets raised high in the air. The men were lined up, too, ready to begin rebuilding the electric line running along the road, while at the same time getting on the job safety training. Northwestern Wisconsin Electric Company crews from Grantsburg, Frederic and Danbury and company supervisors participated in an all-day safety training exercise under the direction of Chippewa Valley Tech College job training and safety instructor Randy Larson. “It all went very smoothly,” said Larson after the exercise. “The crews worked together efficiently and effectively.” Line superintendent Bill Johnson said the company holds regular safety meetings for the crews, and this exercise was a good opportunity for the crews to practice safety procedures.

Chippewa Valley Tech College job training and safety instructor Randy Larson checked out his safety manual during the on-the-job safety training exercise he directed for Northwestern Wisconsin Electric Co. crews and supervisors from Grantsburg, Frederic and Danbury on Wednesday, March 30, in Grantsburg.

Northwestern Wisconsin Electric Co. linemen climbed utility poles to work on rebuilding a power line on Airport Road in Grantsburg while participating in an on-the-job safety training exercise.

Larson said he observed good, safe technical skills by all the crews. “There was a lot of good communications between crews and crew leaders, too,” said Larson of the tailgate session with crews during the exercise. “The safety instructor wanted all the crews to go out and work on a job together, and I had this one up north,” said Frederic crew leader Danny Carlson, adding he expects more exercises like this one will be done in the future. “All the supervisors were there and were happy with the job we did. The guys did one really fine job,” commented Carlson. NWEC President Mark Dahlberg joined the crew leaders at the site and had this to say of the exercise, “Everyone was very cognizant of the requirements to work safely, and on inspection of the crews working on the poles, the linemen performed their job with safety. I would congratulate them on a job well done.” Larsen said he would use photos taken of the ex-

The familiar red trucks stood lined up along Airport Road in Grantsburg last week, with their buckets high in the air. The men were lined up, too, ready to begin rebuilding the electric line running along the road, while at the same time getting on the job safety training.

ercise to review procedures with the crew at the company’s safety meeting next month. “This was a very productive safety training session,” said Larson.

Photos by Priscilla Bauer

Grantsburg

One hundred years of memories

PAGE 40 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - APRIL 6, 2011

by Mary Stirrat Leader staff writer FREDERIC – A lot happens in 100 years. A lot happens in the world, in our country and in individual lives. Clareese Marek, a resident at Comforts of Home in Frederic, will be celebrating her 100th birthday this Saturday, April 9, and she has many interesting stories to tell. Her stories include living in Hawaii when Pearl Harbor was bombed, about being a witness for the FBI after a robber came to her window at the bank she worked at, and about making Hawaiian leis with 150 red carnations each. But the first thing she said when asked about her upcoming centennial was, “I don’t know why there’s such a fuss.” Her comment reflects the independent spirit and love of life that keeps her eyes bright and her smile quick. Clareese was born in 1911 in Washington state, and Washington was the hub of forays to different parts of the country during the first 16 years of her life. Her mother died when she was 2-1/2 years old, so Clareese spent time with various relatives until she was 16. It was then that Mildred, her half sister in Hawaii, invited her to live there. Mildred was actually responsible for Clareese’s name. Her parents gave her the name Clara, but Mildred, who was 20 years older, saw what a popular name it was at the time. When Clarice was suggested, Mildred again pointed out how common the spelling was, so it was instead spelled the way it sounds. Clareese graduated with the Class of 1930 at her school in Hawaii, and eventually met her husband, Jerry, through Mildred. Like Clareese, it was a sibling who brought Jerry to Hawaii. His older brother, Charles, was stationed in Hawaii with the Army, and invited Jerry to join in a climate better to his liking. When Jerry was 3 years old and Charles was 12 the two came from Czechoslovakia to join with their parents who had settled near Grantsburg. The farm there has been in the Marek family since Jerry’s parents settled there in 1906. Charles joined the service early, fighting along the U.S./Mexican border during the Mexican revolution. Having quit his education when he left Czechoslovakia at age 12, Charles’ character and skill allowed him to rise from buck private to colonel during that fighting. He was also an accomplished artist, and several of his pieces hang on the walls of Clareese’s room at Comforts of Home. Although Clareese and Jerry had known each other for some time, the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor and the United States’ entry into World War II was the catalyst for their marriage. They married June 12, 1942, six months after the bombing. Clareese clearly recalls the morning that the bombing occurred. She was with her family and, hearing all the explosions, she remarked to Mildred’s husband about the noise. “I told my brother-in-law, ‘They’re doing a heck of a lot of target practicing,’” Clareese remembers. Minutes later

Clareese Marek celebrates her 100th birthday this Saturday, April 9. – Photos by Mary Stirrat they heard President Roosevelt’s speech stating that the Japanese had attacked. They could hear announcements every few minutes, she said, first sending workers to the site of the fleet then ordering them away. Mildred’s husband, Julius, owned an apartment-type complex that was damaged that day. “But we made it through it,” she said. After finishing high school Clareese had begun working at a bank, a job she held for 35 years. She started as a telephone operator, continuing on to become department manager, but she also served as a teller at times. “One day,” she said, “a man came up to my window and handed me a note. It said, ‘Give me your paper money.’ I looked at him and said, ‘Are you kidding?’” The man wasn’t kidding. Clareese asked him to wait a minute, and then she locked her cash drawer and walked away. “I got in trouble for walking away,” she said. “He could have had a gun and shot a lot of people.” The would-be bank robber was apprehended and extradited to Florida, where he was wanted in connection with a bank robbery there. “I got a free trip to Florida,” Clareese quipped. “He had robbed a bank in Florida, and now he was out of money, so he came to our bank. I should have told him, ‘If you don’t have an account with us, you can’t have any

This painting by Clareese Marek’s brother-in-law, Charles Marek, depicts her favorite place in Hawaii. Painted in 1951, it shows Kowela Bay on the island of Oahu, where Clareese, her husband, and about a dozen friends would gather monthly for picnics.

Clareese Kreutzman and Jerry Marek on their wedding day, June 12, 1942, just six months after Pearl Harbor was bombed. – Photo submitted

money.’” Clareese was subpoenaed to testify in Florida where the criminal, after acting as his own attorney, was sentenced to seven years in prison. In 1986, after retiring, Jerry and Clareese moved to Wisconsin. Jerry had left here in 1922, after being invited by Charles to make his home in Hawaii, but the couple often vacationed here in the summer. On those visits they stayed with Jerry’s sister, Ann Johnson, who lived in West Sweden, but in 1986 they bought a place on Hwy. 48. They later moved to an apartment on Birch Street, where they were living when Jerry died Christmas Eve 1994. Life took another turn about five years ago, when Clareese was “reunited” with her younger sister, Zelma. The girls’ mother died giving birth to Zelma, who is 2-1/2 years younger than Clareese, and Zelma was raised by an aunt. Clareese always knew they were full sisters, she said, but Zelma only found out five years ago. Zelma and her son flew from Yakima, Wash., to see Clareese, and the two have stayed in close touch ever since. “Every week I get a letter from her, telling me what she’s doing,” said Clareese. Then, just this past December, Clareese was able to move into Comforts of Home in Frederic. She was prone to falling, and her niece, Judy Johnson, found out there was an opening at Comforts of Home. “She came to me on Christmas Day and told me to pack up what I wanted to take with me,” Clareese said. “At 11 o’clock December 27 they came and picked me up to bring me here.” She was afraid that she wouldn’t like living in smaller quarters, but Clareese said she’s not once looked back. “I love it,” Clareese said. “The food is delicious, and everything is kept very clean.” She can’t seem to say enough positive about “the girls” who work there, and how convenient everything is. Clareese doesn’t expect to go back to Hawaii, but her love for that state is evident in her room, where paintings of ocean beaches fill the walls. She also keeps up with speaking Hawaiian, teaching it to some of the staff. “It’s a very musical language,” she said, “a very soft language.” Looking back through the years and at her life right now seems to bring Clareese only good memories and a bright outlook. “I’ve had a pretty good life,” Clareese said, “a pretty exciting life.” Now, as she gets ready to cross the 100-year mark, she is expecting more of the same.

St. Croix Falls Honor Roll

APRIL 6, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 41

Seniors Ian Anderson, Kaitlin Andrie, Bridgette Bayle, Justin Becker, Ashley Bollig, Kellie Brown, Marcus Campbell, Alicia Chelberg, Mary Chernyaev, Zachary Christenson, Jessica Derrick, Kodi Drinken, Andrew Fontanille, Mirielle Francis, Mitchell Geisness, Heather Gilbert, Nathan Gravesen, Tess Hedrick, Ryan Jaremczuk, Nicholas Johnson, Bailey Knippenberg, Jessica Larcom, Ryan Leach, Lauren Lund, Alexandra Lunde, Carley Martin, Mara Martinson, Alaina Mathias, Danae Meyer, Katelynn Meyer, Samuel Mike, Daniel Nelson, Brooke Parks, Samantha Peterson, Timothy Roettger, Jessica Sandgren, Taylor Sempf, Jared Spreiter, Stephanie Stich, Justin Stone, Taylor Stowell, Allison Swenson, Joseph Thayer, Rebecca Wampfler, Kierlyn Ward, Summer Wilson, Emma Wimberley, Margaret Wimberley and Richelle Wood.

Juniors Taylor Ader, Ethan Anderson, Haley Anderson, Nathan Barry, Jessica Berganini, Alex Bertram, Tanesia Bibeau, Sam Blesi, Michael Carpenter, Benjamin Clausen, Nicholas DeConcini, Christopher Eisen, Alexis Erickson, Samantha French, Alexander Frey, Alicia Gravesen, Robert Heilig, Ahna Hoefler, Jasmine Hoggatt, Zachary Horn, Queen Jacobs, Emily Johnson, Erin Kessler, Kyle Kinzer, Terrence Klemish, Lauren Koschmeder, Carlee Libbenga, Brenna Loen, Sasha Lundgren, Nichole McPherson, Alex Mikl, Samuel Nichols, Dylan Norgard, Alissa Norlander, Ryan Nussbaum, Caitlyn Olson, Daniel Petherbridge, Sarah Petznick, Joseph Reddy, Lauren Richter, Matthew Rude, Nicholis Siltberg, Grant Simpson, Samuel Sizer, Erik Swenson, Jessica Theroux, Chisato Toda, Jenna Van Soelen, Trina Wallin, Brittany Whittier and Kyle Yunker.

Sophomores Paige Appel, Phillip Bayle, Joshua Bibeau, Noah Casterton, Michael Chernyaev, David Cole, Zachary Constant, Autumn Erickson, Courtney Ewald, Dustin Findlay, Kevin Fisk, Sydney Geisness, Matthew Gjovig, Kayla Golden, Jesse Gray, Amyrose Herrick, Allie Holmdahl, Nicholas Holmes, Jessica Houliston, Emily Hudson, Hayley Jaremczuk, Kenneth Johnecheck, Jordan Johnson, Jerrica Jones, Samantha Jorgensen, Andrea Kalpin, Laina Kaskinen, Nathan Krenz, Brittani Krych, JoVonna Leske, Brandon Loiselle, Dylan Lynch, Jacqueline Manoppo, Madisen Neuman, Samantha O’Brien, Taylor Orton, Samantha Phinn, Jesse Rich, Natalie Sempf, Maggie Singerhouse, Jacob Sommer, Anthony Stelton, Shelby Stich, Shane Swanson and Taylor Woller.

Seventh grade Taylor Alseth, Emily Amundson, Julia Buck, Ann Chenal, Andrea Drummer, Austin Ennis, Johnathon Erickson, Kendra Erickson, Lenin Guzman, Kyle Knauber, Christopher Kuechenmeister, Kinzie Matz, Nicole Nelson, Mitchell Paquette, Samantha Penberthy, Christopher Richter, Brittany Sanford, Hunter Schmidt, Olivia Tuynman and Sarah Wells.

thal, Hayden Swanson and Zachary Williamson.

lan, Vincent Nelson, Julia Owens, Natalie Phernetton, McKenna Rognrud, Kendra Sheldon, Emily Wells and Christa White.

Eighth grade Makayla Arthurs, Isabelle Burton, Eric Chenal, Peter Chenal, Anthony Dueholm, Bradley Erickson, Irric Erickson, Anna Hochstetler, Austin Kurkowski, David Lindberg, Abeni Lundeen-Brooks, Zane Matz, Kendra Mosay, Melana Nelson, Mark Olson, Gregory Peterson, Benjamin Richter, Mya Rivera, Kathryn Rokenbrodt, Olivia Schauls, Jami SiebenA honor roll Seventh grade Caitlynn Daniels, Aubriannah Larson, Aaron Ruud, Hannah Skold, Elizabeth Stanford, Emily Stiemann, Alexandra Webster and Amber Zak.

Eighth grade Emily Howe, Breylin Johnson, Harriet Koball and Mercedes Moody. Freshmen MacKenzie Brown, John D’Jock, Whitney Krogstad-Yambrick and Lucas Stiemann.

Frederic Honor Roll

Freshmen Brandi Bahr, Jaryd Braden, Abigail Brightbill, Claire Coddington, Elise Coddington, Haley Coulter, McKenna DenHoed, Lexi Domagala, Carly Gustafson, Zachary Kuechenmeister, Benjamin Kurkowski, Timothy Lund, Tylyn O’Brien, Abigail Pickard, Rachael Poirier, Rachel Thomas, Sawyer Tietz, Jack Tricker-King, Destiny Wetzel-Peterson and Katie White.

Sophomores Natashia Bailey, Randy Brunette, Paige Burton, Adam Chenal, McKenna Cook, Kourtni Douglas, Matthew Elrod, Larissa Houtari, Ian Lexen, Charles Lindberg, Gino Lonetti, Kendra Mossey, Lisa Moy-

Juniors Megan Amundson, Waylon Buck, Emily Byerly, Nicole Coulter, Jayce DenHoed, Lauren Domagala, Leah Engbretson, April Halverson, Christopher Hopp, Brittani Hughes, Tabitha Java, Breanna Jensen, Michelle Jensen, Ray Kurkowski, Nicole Laboda, Alexandra Lundblade, Seneca LundeenBrooks, Kristina Marcyan, Allison Martin, Maria Miller, Shabana Mishler, Kali Otte, Nicholas Rognrud, Autumn Schmidt, Corissa Schmidt, Adina Stackhouse, Erik Stoner, Daniell Swanson, Michael Tesch, Sara Underwood, Ashley Wendelboe and Bryce Williamson.

Siren Honor Roll

Sophomores Mackenzie Erickson, Matthew Larson, Joshua Lemieux and Jacob Swenson. Isaac Wegner.

Juniors

Seniors Brittani Hopkins, Tadd Oachs, Elizabeth Otto and Stephanie Taylor. B honor roll Seventh grade Keenan Cook, Alexi Gloodt and Michael Staples.

Eighth grade Casey Brown, Haylee Doriott, Zoe Emery, Shyanne Ford, Bryce Highstrom, Travis Krenzke, Nathan Martin, Kristy Nyman, Alexis Piepho, Jacob Reh, Ashley Teron and Sophie Vasatka.

Freshmen Corey Bauer, Austin Bruss, Courtney Fischer, Carly Good, Ethan Java, Amber Moore, Devan Pavlicek, Michelle Potempa, Mackenzie Smith and Jessica Strabel.

Sophomores Elizabeth Brown, Brittany Coulter, Raven Emery, Samuel Vasatka, Mathew Wampfler and Hunter Wikstrom.

Freshmen Jaclyn Adam, Erica Bergmann, Audreana Breault, Kierstyn Campbell, Hayley Cermin, Tristan Chamberlin, McKenzie Christenson, Drew Dumke, Andrew Erickson, Kamille Flandrena, Brendon Gearhart, Matti Gerlach, Brian Gilbert, Morgan Heichel Lindgren, Steven Heilig, Teagan Hills, Ella Hoefler, Ashland Johannsen, Ashlynn Johnson, Bret Johnson, Alexander Jorgensen, Garrett Kerkow, Emily Kessler, Benjamin Kopp, Zarek Kubesh, Makayla Langer, Cody Leach, Zoya Lefler, Micheal Linke, Brennon McPherson, Taylor Moen, Taylor Pederson, Dakota Peters, Jessica Rademacher, Nicholas Schlaeger, Thomas Schuler, Amy Segelstrom, Jacob Siltberg, Sharaya Straka, Sally Sutton, Ciara Swanson, McKayla Swanson, Megan Swenson, Logan Wallace, Levi Ward, Taylor Webb and Lindsey Wondra.

Seniors Benjamin Ackerley, Allison Anderson, Tara Anderson, Ashley Bergeron, Amanda Blok, Tanesha Carlson, John Chelmo, Jesse Chouinard, Joseph Draxler, Trae Gehl, Daniel Halverson, Calla Karl, Sage Karl, Sandra Kasper, Sarah Knauber, MaryFrances Knuf, Krysta Laqua, Isabel Lexen, Josiah Lund, Aane Nakashima, Kayla Nelson, Samantha Nelson, Vanessa Nuemann, Alixandra Peterson, Anthony Peterson, Ryan Phernetton, Jimmy Richter, Jesse Sanchez, Karry Simpson and Zachary Tietz.

Juniors Niklas Andersson, Luke Bollant, Rachel Gloodt, Taylor Hagen, Christina Luna, Jessica Lysdahl, Adam Neurer, Evan Oachs, Felicia Paulzine, Zachary Powers, Jacob Stener, Alan Strabel and Lezhi Tang.

Seniors Carly Emery, Ashley Guevara, Rhiannon Honeysett, Danielle Keller, Nathaniel Larson, Jessica Morris, Kelsi Pluff, Coty Reh, Makayla Reynolds, Jacob Stiemann, Seth Stoner, David Tomberlin, Michael Wampfler and Jeremy Wikstrom.

WHAT’S FOR LUNCH???

Menu LOCATION

FREDERIC

MONDAY BREAKFAST Pancake on a stick. LUNCH Roast beef on a bun, potato salad, carrots OR buffalo chicken salad.

APRIL 11 - APRIL 15 TUESDAY Hot pocket.

BREAKFAST

WEDNESDAY Tastries.

BREAKFAST

THURSDAY Pancakes.

BREAKFAST

FRIDAY Combo bar.

BREAKFAST

LUNCH Sub sandwich, Sun Chips, raw veggies, dip OR ham salad.

LUNCH Chicken a la king, rice or biscuit OR beef taco salad.

LUNCH Mini corn dogs, baked beans, pretzels OR turkey salad.

LUNCH Pizza, raw veggies, dip, ice cream OR chicken taco salad.

LUNCH Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, dinner roll, sliced carrots, apple and orange slices.

LUNCH Ham-slice scalloped potatoes, steamed broccoli, mandarin oranges.

LUNCH Spaghetti, meat sauce, mozzarella cheese, garlic toast, lettuce salad, fresh veggies, dip, fresh pear.

LUNCH Pizza dippers, marinara sauce, baked rice, corn, pineapple tidbits.

BREAKFAST Cereal/breakfast pizza. LUNCH Build your own sub, chips, corn, fruit sauce. Alt.: Mini corn dogs, 7-12.

BREAKFAST Cereal/egg muffin. LUNCH Baked potato bar, ham/cheese, broccoli w/cheese, fruit sauce. Alt.: Chicken nuggets, ALL.

BREAKFAST Cereal/cinnamon roll. LUNCH Italian dunkers, dipping sauce, peas, fresh, fruit. Alt.: Hamburger, 7-12.

GRANTSBURG

LUNCH Hot dog or brat, potato wedges, mixed vegetables, pudding.

LUCK

BREAKFAST Cereal/waffles. LUNCH Mozzarella pizza dippers, dipping sauce, green beans, fruit sauce. Alt.: Hot dog, 7-12.

SIREN

BREAKFAST Assorted cereal and toast, juice and milk. LUNCH Chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, veggies, broccoli, mixed fruit. Alt.: Pork with gravy over rice.

BREAKFAST Mini pancakes, juice and milk. LUNCH Peanut butter sandwich, yogurt, baby carrots, peas, applesauce, cookie. Alt.: Meat loaf and mashed potatoes.

BREAKFAST Assorted cereal and toast, juice and milk. LUNCH Lasagna, Tostitos, lettuce, corn, pears. Alt.: Mini corn dog.

BREAKFAST Pancake and sausage on a stick, juice and milk. LUNCH Chicken and gravy over rice, lettuce salad, peas, apples, oranges. Alt.: Soup and sandwich.

BREAKFAST Assorted cereal and toast, juice and milk. LUNCH Tacos, dippers, black beans brown rice, Pizza rice,and corn, carrots, refried beans, lettuce, warm cincelery, pineapple tidbits, banana. namon slices. Alt.: Cook’s choice. Alt.: Cook’s choice.

BREAKFAST Hot pockets. LUNCH Chicken patty, potato wedges, green beans, mixed fruit. Alt.: Gyros.

BREAKFAST Omelet, breakfast potatoes, toast. LUNCH Turkey gravy, biscuits, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, apricots. Alt.: Beef stew, bread stick.

BREAKFAST Breakfast pizza. LUNCH Spaghetti, meat sauce, lettuce salad, garlic toast, broccoli w/cheese, pears. Alt.: Chicken Alfredo.

BREAKFAST Waffles and strawberries. LUNCH Chicken fajitas, steamed rice, carrots, pineapple. Alt.: Hamburgers.

BREAKFAST Egg and cheese muffin. LUNCH Sloppy joe, french fries, corn, peaches, brownies. Alt.: Turkey sandwich, baked potato soup.

UNITY

BREAKFAST French toast. LUNCH Pizza calzones and fries.

BREAKFAST Yogurt parfait. LUNCH Spaghetti, green beans and bread sticks.

BREAKFAST Eggs/sausage. LUNCH Cheddarwurst and baked beans.

BREAKFAST Breakfast pizza. LUNCH Chicken nuggets and rice.

WEBSTER

LUNCH Chicken nuggets, potatoes, Monaco-style beans, mandarin oranges.

LUNCH Brat, bun, sauerkraut, baked beans, carrots OR hamburger gravy, mashed potatoes, corn, fruit cocktail.

LUNCH Pizza dippers, marinara sauce, garden salad, fresh fruit.

LUNCH Hot dog, bun, macaroni & cheese, green beans, fresh fruit.

Each building will have their own breakfast menu.

ST. CROIX FALLS

NO SCHOOL TEACHER INSERVICE

Pancakes.

BREAKFAST

LUNCH Stuffed-crust cheese pizza and corn.

NO SCHOOL PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCE

Webster/Siren Community Education

PAGE 42 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - APRIL 6, 2011

April Watercolor. Class No. 27724, Fee: $64/$34 seniors. Classes will be held at the Siren High School, eight Tuesdays, April 12 – May 31, 6-8 p.m. Class limited to 10. Preregistration required. Call WITC 800-243-9482, Ext. 4221 or Webster/Siren Community Ed at 715-349-7070. “Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days.” At the Siren High School, Wednesday, April 13, 6-8 p.m. Fee: $5. This is an independent documentary film that chronicles six Americans with diabetes who switch to a diet consisting entirely of vegan, organic, uncooked food in order to reverse disease without pharmaceutical medication. Preregistration re-

quired. Call Webster/Siren Community Ed at 715349-7070. May Family home funerals. Class No. 27733, Fee: $14.60/$4 seniors. Class will be held at the Webster High School, Monday, May 2, 6-8:30 p.m. Preregistration required. Call WITC 800-243-9482, Ext. 4221 or Webster/Siren Community Ed at 715-3497070. Introduction to living foods. Class will be held at the Webster High School, three Wednesdays, May 4 - 18, 6-8:30 p.m. Fee: $25. This course will include lessons and information on making small changes in food choices to get big results in your health. $10 materials fee. Preregistration required.

Siren/Webster Rotary presents check

Members of the Siren/Webster Rotary Club, (L to R) DuWayne Wiberg and Marc Cutter, presented a check to Renee Nanez, Burnett County CRA representative, during the Rotary meeting Thursday, March 31. The check will help cover costs associated with the Conference on Human Trafficking in Rural Areas that will be presented Thursday, April 7, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Milltown Community Center. The conference answers questions such as: What is human trafficking? Who are its victims? How to deal with it. How is Internet safety related to the trafficking issue? Case studies of runaway teens, the vulnerability of children and youth to sexual exploitation and how youth become involved in trafficking will be among the issues dealt with. - Photo by Nancy Jappe

Call Webster/Siren Community Ed at 715-3497070. AARP safe driving. AARP Class, Fee: $14/$12 AARP members. Class will be held at the Webster High School, Friday, May 13, 4:30-9 p.m. Course completion may grant a reduction in vehicle insurance rates (check with your insurer.) To reserve your spot, call Chuck Peterson 715-463-5207 or Webster/Siren Community Ed at 715-349-7070. June Driver’s education. Classes will be held at Siren High School. Orientation: Monday, June 6, 6-8 p.m., parent and student must attend. Classes Monday Friday, June 13-July 1, 1-3 p.m. Fee: TBD. New drivers under 18 years must attend 30 hours of

classroom instruction. Students must be 15 years by first day of class. Call Safe Start Driving School to register, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., 715-8254950 or 715-553-0474. “Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days.” At the Siren High School, Wednesday, June 8, 6-8 p.m. Fee: $5 This is an independent documentary film that chronicles six Americans with diabetes who switch to a diet consisting entirely of vegan, organic, uncooked food in order to reverse disease without pharmaceutical medication. Preregistration required. Call Webster/Siren Community Ed at 715349-7070.

Wayne's Foods Plus donates to Ruby's Pantry

Kim Flodin, Wayne’s Store manager, donates $80 to Lyn Sahr and Malachi Ennen, greatgreat-grandson of the Ruby of Ruby’s Pantry. Wayne’s employees donated money from a fundraiser to the Ruby’s Pantry service. - Photo submitted

Unity FFA student places at meet

APRIL 6, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 43

FFA students attend leadership conference

Amy Kringle, left, congratulates Jenelle Larsen, Unity FFA senior, on her participation in the sectional FFA Discussion Meet on Tuesday, March 29, in Barron. The group from 25 schools discussed the topic “How do we encourage agricultural groups to work together for the common good of the agricultural industry?” Larsen placed fifth from the 20 schools that are in Section 1, the northwest portion of the state. - Photo by Jeanne Alling

Wisconsin’s Absolute Sobriety Law means not a drop of alcohol for drivers under age 21

MADISON — With the arrival of spring, many young people will be celebrating at proms, graduations, weddings and other festivities. While they’re partying, young drivers may be tempted to get behind the wheel after drinking. However, they must resist this temptation because Wisconsin law requires drivers under the age of 21 to maintain absolute sobriety, not even a drop of alcohol allowed, when operating a motor vehicle. Drivers under age 21 who are convicted of violating Wisconsin’s Absolute Sobriety Law will have their license suspended for

three months and must pay a $389.50 citation with four demerit points assessed on their license. If a passenger under the age of 16 is in the vehicle, the forfeiture cost and period of suspension are doubled. “Good decision making and driving skills are easily impaired with just a small amount of alcohol at any age. But young people, who tend to take more risks and generally have less driving experience, are especially susceptible to traffic crashes after drinking,” says Wisconsin State Patrol Captain Jeff Frenette of the Northwest Region. “In Wisconsin, traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for young people. And as warmer weather arrives and the party season begins, we don’t want to lose them because of a disastrous decision, like drinking and driving.” — from Wisconsin State Patrol

Unity FFA members recently attended state leadership conferences, called 212 for high school students and EDGE for middle school students, in Eau Claire. Both conferences help the young people find their inner potential and develop an understanding of how they can influence their futures. Unity members participating were front (L to R): Beth Johnson and Sabrina Bratland. Middle: Kelsy Johnson, Jena Alling and April Johnson. Back: Tina Lennartson, Damian Johnson and Keith Arnett. - Photo by Jeanne Alling

Barnhart to speak

Christ Lutheran Church, 1080 Meilahn St., Chetek, will host a two-day conference, April 9-10, under the theme The Lutheran Church in the 21st Century. Speaker for the event will be the Rev. David R. Barnhart, director of Abiding Word Ministries. Pastor Barnhart, of Canal Winchester, Ohio, has written two books on issues facing the Lutheran Church - “The Church’s Desperate Need for Revival” and “Contending for the Faith.” He also edits a magazine, The Vine and Branches, which keeps a running account of issues in the churches today. The conference will begin Saturday afternoon, 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday will begin at 9 a.m. with a brief order of worship. Two sessions will follow. The conference will conclude at noon. All are welcome. For further information call 715-924-2552. - Photo submitted

Library Gala

PAGE 44 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - APRIL 6, 2011

Grantsburg

by Priscilla Bauer Leader staff writer GRANTSBURG – Author Ellen Baker held her audience spellbound as she read excerpts from her first novel, “Keeping the House,” and her soon-to-be published second novel, “I Gave My Heart to Know.” Baker was the featured speaker at the Friends of the Library Spring Gala Saturday evening, April 2, at the Crex Convention Center and began by recalling her early interest in reading and writing. “Growing up in Grand Rapids, Minn., there were two main places in the town I visited, the theater where my father directed productions and the library. So I have a great affection for libraries,” Baker recalled of her introduction to reading at an early age. Baker, who has been living back and forth between Superior and Duluth for the past 10 years, said she began keeping a diary at age 6 and at 13 started writing a novel. “I was interested in how a person gets from one place to another in life,” explained Baker of what moved her to becoming a writer.

Best-selling author Ellen Baker held her audience spellbound as she read excerpts from her first novel, “Keeping the House,” and her soon to be published second novel, “I Gave My Heart to Know.” Baker was the featured speaker at the Grantsburg Library Gala held at Crex Convention Center Saturday evening.

Terry Swenson checked out the silent auction items at the Grantsburg Library Gala Ellen Baker, featured speaker at the Grantsburg Friends of the Library Gala, posed with her fundraiser Saturday evening at Crex Convenparents, who accompanied her to Grantsburg last Saturday to hear their daughter speak about tion Center. her two novels to gala guests.

Photos by Priscilla Bauer

Betty Peer waited as Ellen Baker signed her copy of her best-selling novel, “Keeping the House,” during the Grantsburg Library Gala held at Crex Convention Center on April 2.

“Telling stories is one way to make sense of experiences,” Baker told the library patrons. As she drove into Grantsburg, Baker said she felt a sense of familiarity, remarking it was not unlike the setting of her first novel, a small fictional Wisconsin town. Baker then read an excerpt from “Keeping the House,” which won the 2008 Great Lakes Book Award and was one of the Chicago Tribune’s 2007 “best books of the year. The story of Dolly Magnuson’s role as a new wife settling into life in 1950s Pine Rapids, Wis., unfolds as she strives to keep the house, support her husband and fit into the local quilting circle. Dolly becomes drawn to an old and vacant house, owned by a once prominent family. And as Dolly’s marriage grows more difficult, her fascination with the house, its occupants and their lives grows more intense. Baker also gave the audience a sneak preview of her forthcoming novel, “I Gave My Heart to Know This.” Random House will publish the novel, centering on a group of women whose work as shipyard welders during World War II changes the course of their lives, in August. The book is set in a Superior shipyard, and Baker said in doing research for the book she learned much about what that time and place was like, with the shipyard itself becoming a character. Baker held a book signing for those purchasing copies of “Keeping of the House” following her presentation.

Library patrons Judy Derickson, Shelly Erickson and Renee Anderson looked at a historical display of the new Grantsburg Library during the Friends of the Library Spring Gala held Saturday evening, April 2, at Crex Convention Center.

CHURCH NEWS

APRIL 6, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 45

Eternal

Perspectives Sally Bair

Who is our neighbor?

I have new neighbors, a friendly, young couple whom I intend to get to know better. Their political views may be different, their religious affiliation may not match mine, and their lifestyle surely varies because of our age difference. But none of that matters. They’re my neighbors. That means as a follower of Christ, I must offer them my love. Jesus’ parable about the Good Samaritan talks about neighbors. Not much is said about the victim in the story, the man stripped and beaten by robbers. Did he, like his attackers, have evil intentions against someone? According to society, did he deserve to be rescued? The priest and Levite in Jesus’ story walked by the victim without offering to help because they had much at stake. Their law demanded that they not touch a bleeding man. Doing so would have required submitting to a long process of ritual cleansing, taking time away from their duties and leisure. The Samaritan, however, provided extraordinary care. He didn’t question the victim, but simply acted on a need without counting the cost. He bound the man’s wounds, using his own oil and wine. He set the man on his own donkey, probably choosing to walk, and took him to an inn. He stayed with the man all night, probably losing sleep because of his moaning. If all that wasn’t enough, he even used his own money to pay for the man’s stay and told the owner he’d make up any required difference when he returned. Would you or I go to such lengths to help someone we didn’t know? Consider the lengths Jesus went to for our sake. He suffered a cruel, undeserved death on the cross to rescue us from sin, dis-ease, and eternal death. How can we not respond to the needs of others after receiving Jesus’ extraordinary rescue of us? To our neighbor who we may not think deserves help? To the person who may differ in political or religious views? Who may speak abrasively? Who may be ungrateful and contrary? The lawyer, had set out to trick Jesus with the question, “Who is my neighbor?” After telling his story, Jesus asked, “Which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” When the lawyer answered correctly that it was the merciful Samaritan, Jesus simply said, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:36-37) Lord, may your love overflow in us so much that we, like the Good Samaritan, will be compelled to go and do likewise, without counting the cost of our time, reputation, and money. In Jesus’ name, amen. Mrs. Bair may be reached at sallybair@gmail.com

Surprise guest at St. Peter's Lutheran Church

Local Lenten services

West Denmark Lutheran Church Lent services started Wednesday, March 9 and will continue until April 13. Each Wednesday evening supper will be served at 6 p.m., with worship beginning at 7 p.m. ••• Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Webster, invites the community to a soup and sandwich supper at 6 p.m., followed by Lenten worship service at 7 p.m. A supper and service will be held each Wednesday during Lent, which began March 9 and ends April 13. ••• Grace Lutheran Church of West Sweden and Zion Lutheran Church of Trade Lake have announced The Seven Wonders of the Word as the theme for this year’s Lenten season. Lenten services will alternate between Grace and Zion, with the Ash Wednesday service held at Zion. Services begin at 7 p.m. Beginning March 16, a soup supper will be served at 6 p.m. followed by worship. ••• During the Lenten season Bethany Lutheran Church of Grantsburg will be holding Wednesday evening services beginning at 6 p.m. with a soup supper, followed by worship at 7 p.m. •••

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, north of Luck, is holding Lenten services that began Wednesday, March 9, and continues each Wednesday through April 20. There will be a gathering at 6 p.m. for soup and bread. A devotional service will begin at 7 p.m. This service includes hymns, meditation and evening prayer. ••• Peace Lutheran Church, Dresser, began Lent services on Wednesday, March 9, at 7 p.m. Services will continue on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. throughout Lent. ••• St. Joseph Catholic Church, Taylors Falls, Minn., will be observing Lent with the following schedule: Daily Masses on Tuesdays through Fridays, 7:30 a.m.; confessions on Tuesdays through Fridays, 7 to 7:20 a.m.; Adoration on Tuesdays through Thursdays, 6:30 to 7:20 a.m.; 24-hour on Fridays, 8 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. Saturday. Fridays there will be Stations of the Cross at 5 p.m., Mass at 5:30 p.m. and confession at 6 p.m. ••• Wolf Creek United Methodist Church will be serving coffee after the 8:15 a.m. service on Sunday, April 10, 17 and 24 at 8:15 a.m. Breakfast will be served on Palm Sunday, April 17.

News from the Pews

FREDERIC – At last week’s midweek Lenten services, many of the youth prepared and served the supper which consisted of a baked potato bar the way you like it and cookies and bars for the sweet tooth, and they were also on cleanup duty. At worship this past Sunday, the congregation heard a special speaker from Gideons International who spoke about “Sharing God’s Love Means Sharing His Word.” A special offering was taken to help them continue to spread the word and to buy Bibles that are placed in many different places throughout the world. Pilgrim invites everyone to join them each Wednesday evening during Lent for a light supper at 5:30 followed by worship at 7 p.m. Let’s walk through this Lenten journey together. The stuff is all gone and the workers are glad that mission is done until next year. The churchwide garage sale was a big success and a good way of recycling stuff from

Baptism at Our Redeemer

A special surprise guest appeared at Wednesday evening’s Lenten service at St. Peter’s Lutheran. Dennis Brule pets the lamb, which Pastor Rob Lubben is holding. The topic for the evening service was “The Lamb of God.” Services are held each Wednesday at 7 p.m. following a soup supper at 6 p.m. – Photo submitted

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Webster announces that Nikolai James Zelinski was brought to the waters of holy baptism and made a child of God on Sunday, April 3. Nikolai is pictured with his parents Tammy and Mike Zelinski, and the Rev. Gerald Heinecke. - Photo submitted

one household to another. Recycling is a good thing! The congregation continues to collect food and money for Family Pathways – Frederic Food Shelf until the end of April. The Feinstein Foundation will match dollars for money raised and items donated to Family Pathways as they have done in previous years. Pilgrim invites everyone to join them for Sunday morning worship, which begins at 10 a.m. At 9:15 a.m., there is a Playgroup that meets for toddlers and parents. The children and parents sing songs as well as learn children’s Bible stories. For more information about the church or coming events, please call the church office at 715-327-8012 or go to their Web site www.pilgrimlutheranfrederic.org. - submitted

OBITUARIES

PAGE 46 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - APRIL 6, 2011

Amanda Kristen Neff

Amanda Kristen Neff, 32, Hudson and formerly of Luck, died peacefully on March 30, 2011, at the University of Minnesota-Fairview Medical Center, surrounded by her family and friends. Amanda had bravely battled Hodgkin’s lymphoma for seven years. Amanda was born on April 16, 1978, in New Richmond, to John and Marie (Wagner) Loughlin. Amanda was a 1996 graduate of Luck High School, and joined the Air Force in September of 1996. She attended basic training, the law enforcement academy and CATM training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, where she graduated with honors. Amanda served as a law enforcement/security forces member in the Minnesota 148th Fighter Wing of Duluth for three years before transferring to the 125th Fighter Wing of Jacksonville, Fla. During her time in the Air Force, Amanda was deployed to Guam, Florida, for a special assignment to the Thunderbirds, North Carolina and Korea. Amanda was awarded the Airman of the Year Award in 1997 for the 148th Squadron, 1999, the marksmanship award known as the Diamond Sharp Award, the 1999 Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal for being instrumental in saving the life of an infant that had stopped breathing and the Florida Commendation Medal in 2001 before being discharged from the Air Force in 2005 due to her medical condition. On Nov. 21, 2001, Amanda was united in marriage to Terry L. Neff Jr. of Orlando, Fla. Their union in marriage was blessed with three children, Hannah 9, Nathaniel 7 and Lauren 6. In 2006, the Neffs relocated back to Amanda’s native Wisconsin where she had loved skiing, camping, scrapbooking, donating time to her children’s school, Trinity Lutheran Academy in Hudson, participating in the food drives at their church, The Harbor in Hastings, Minn., and volunteering at The Mission soup kitchen in St. Paul, Minn. Amanda was preceded in death by grandparents, John and Ardell Loughlin; grandfather, Wendell Wagner; and honorary parent, Papa Robert Schmidt. Amanda is survived by her husband, Terry Neff Jr. of Hudson; children, Hannah, Nathaniel and Lauren; parents, John and Marie Loughlin of Luck; brother, Steve McLeod of Amery; sisters, Bridget (Bryan) Relander of North Hudson, and Sabrina (Kyle) Boettcher of St. Croix Falls; grandparents, James and Margaret Harstad of Mesa Ariz; and extended family and friends. Funeral services for Amanda Neff will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, April 8, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1205 Sixth St., in Hudson. Burial with full military honors paying tribute to her service in the armed forces will be in the Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church on Friday, and on Thursday, April 7, from 4-7 p.m., at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th St. in Hudson. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to her children, and may be sent to The Neff Children Fund, P.O. Box 902, Hudson WI 54016, or directed to the family through the Trinity School Web site at trinityhudson.org/church/2009/05/27/online-giving-and-payments, go to Online Giving Form, then select Other and enter The Neff Children Fund. The O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson was entrusted with arrangements.

Jean Swanson

Jean Swanson, 84, Webster, died March 31, 2011, at Good Samaritan Center in St. Croix Falls. Memorial services will be held Monday, April 11, 11 a.m. (visitation 10-11 a.m.) at Bethany Lutheran Church, Siren. A full obituary will be published at a later date. Online condolences can be made at www.swedberg-taylor.com. The Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Siren, was entrusted with arrangements.

Gertrude Johnson Klas

Gertrude J. Klas, 99 years, Frederic, died Sunday April 3, 2011, at the United Pioneer Home in Luck. Gertrude was born on April 6, 1911, in Forest Lake, Minn., to O.W. and Emma Johnson. In 1920, the family moved to the Bone Lake area and made their home. In 1933, Gertrude was married to Philip L. Klas of Scandia, Minn. They lived through the Great Depression and learned to appreciate the world around them. Family was a very important part of their lives, whether gathering with Philip’s family or at the Johnson Homestead in Bone Lake. Gertrude and Philip moved to Long Siding, Minn., where Philip worked on the Odegaard farm as a herdsman, and Gertrude was a homemaker and an avid gardener. In 1940, their daughter Phyllis was born. In 1944, Gertrude and Philip moved to Minneapolis, where Gertrude worked at Lewis Bolt and Nut, until retiring in 1968 and moving back to the Bone Lake area, where she lived out her life. Gertrude is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Philip Klas; sister, Nellie Anderson; brothers, Raymond, Harry, Roy, Frank and Williard Johnson. She is survived by her daughter, Phyllis (LeRoy) Brenizer; grandchildren, Terry (Kim) Brenizer and Tammy Brenizer; six great-grandchildren; and 10 greatgreat-grandchildren; sisters, Helen Giller and Louella Giller; and many special nieces, nephews and friends. A memorial service will be held at Bone Lake Lutheran Church with burial at the Bone Lake Cemetery on Monday April 11, 2011. Visitation will be held from 1 – 2 p.m., with the service at 2 p.m. The Cremation Society of Wisconsin in Eau Claire is entrusted with the arrangements.

Arvid Malcolm Fossum

Arvid Malcolm Fossum, 82, Grantsburg, died March 29, 2011, in Amery. Arvid was born in Frederic on Jan. 6, 1929, to John and Ruby Fossum. He married Violet Brenizer on Dec. 28, 1954. Arvid was in the Navy and served during the Korean War. He was a member of the Brask-Fossum-Janke American Legion Post No. 185 for 39 years and was post commander in 1988. He was a member of Post 40-8 No. 136 for 27 years. He joined Central United Methodist Church in 1989. He was employed by Penta Wood Products and Northwestern Wisconsin Electric Company until he retired. He loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, country music, woodworking and cups of coffee with sugar. Arvid is survived by his wife, Violet; children, Darby, Darrell (Laurie), Becky (Darcy) Brust and Brenda Sandwick; grandchildren, Bobbie Jean (Jon) Nerby, Justin Fossum, Renee Sandwick, Heather Sandwick, Haley Johnson and Nicole Johnson; two great-grandsons; brothers, Robert and George Fossum, and sister, Alice Cooper and many other relatives and friends. Arvid was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Karl, Walter and infant brothers, Glen and Leonard; and his sister, Georgene. Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 2, at Central United Methodist Church in Grantsburg. The Edling Funeral Home, Grantsburg, was entrusted with arrangements.

Randy Ingbretson

Randy Ingbretson, 54, Somerset, died peacefully at his home on April 2, 2011, due to stomach cancer, which was diagnosed on Feb. 9, 2011. He was born on July 30, 1956, in Shell Lake. He was preceded in death by his father, Bernard Ingbretson; brothers, Jerry and Jess Ingbretson; and his sister, Penny Bender. Randy leaves behind his wife, Deb, of 30 years; daughter, Bobbi Jo (Jeff) Bryant; son, Joshua Ingbretson; daughter, Michelle (Chris) Messer; two grandchildren, Christian and Emma Messer; mother, Barbra Bjorklund; brothers, Peter (Norma) Ingbreston and Tim Ingbretson; sisters, Judy (Bill) Leonard, Peggy Newman, Robin (Gary) Peterson and Barbra McNamer; also many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Randy’s life will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday April 9, at the Cullen Crea Funeral Home, 307 S. Arch Ave., New Richmond. A visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. The Cullen Crea Funeral Home, New Richmond, was entrusted with arrangements.

Dale B. Karis

Dale Karis, 63, Osceola, died April 1, 2011, at the St. Croix Regional Medical Center in St. Croix Falls, with his family at his side. Dale was born Dec. 18, 1947, in Amery, to Adolph and Ruth Karis of Emerald. He married Cheryl Maday in July of 1969 and together they had a son, Karl, and a daughter, Rebecca. They later divorced. Dale later met Nancy Williams (Lundgren) who he married Sept. 19, 1992, combining their families together. Dale is survived by his wife, Nancy Karis; his parents, Adolph and Ruth Karis of Emerald; son, Karl Karis (Tami) of North Branch, Minn.; daughter, Rebecca Bowker (Scott) of Fort Madison, Iowa, Michelle Sommer (Scott) of St. Croix Falls, Monique Stolpman (Todd) of Eagan, Minn. and Laureen Williams (Chris) of Osceola; 12 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; as well as two brothers and four sisters. A visitation will be held at 1 p.m. prior to the 2 p.m. service on Friday April 8, at the St. Croix Valley Funeral Home and Polk County Cremation Society. The St. Croix Valley Funeral Home and Polk County Cremation Society, St. Croix Falls, was entrusted with arrangements.

Nancy Ann Cords

Nancy Ann Cords, 70, a snowbirder from Tavares, Fla., and Webster, died Tuesday, March 29, 2011. She was born in Milwaukee. Nancy moved to Livonia, Mich., and married Robert P. “Bobby” Cords in 1970. In 1989, they moved to Fox Run in Tavares and have spent their summers in Webster at their home on the lake. Nancy was a devoted homemaker. She was a large supporter of the Burger School for Autism in Garden City, Mich.; and put in countless hours and endless energy to help the children of the school. In Tavares, she was a huge supporter of the Judges Advocate Program, donating her time and lots of toys to help the children in need, especially during Christmastime. Nancy loved to help people and didn’t want any credit for doing it. She is survived by her husband, Bobby; children, Lisa Mary (LJ) Carter of Inkster, Mich., David Robert (Renee) Cords of Livonia, Fla., Kelly Ann (Barry) Burke of LivoMary Jane Jensen of St. Croix Falls died on Tuesday, nia, Fla. and Colleen Ann (Art) Thiessen of Plymouth, April 5, at the Osceola Medical Center. Services are pend- Mich.; as well as four grandchildren and one great-granding, please visit www.kolstadfamily child. In lieu of flowers, the famfuneralhome.com for upily suggests donations to dated information or please your local school for call the funeral home for inautism. Condolences may formation. be left for the family through The Kolstad Family Futhe Web site at neral Home has been enw w w . S t e v e r s o n trusted with arrangements. HamlinHilbish.com. Steverson, Hamlin and Hilbish Funerals and Cremations, Tavares, Fla., was entrusted with arrangements.

Mary Jane Jensen

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OBITUARIES

APRIL 6, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 47

Dale J. Bergman

Dale J. Bergman died March 22, 2011, at Park View Haven Nursing Home in Coleridge, Neb. He was 86 years old. Dale was born Oct. 9, 1942, in Flandrau, S.D., to Joseph P. and Ethel (Gothier) Bergman. Dale grew up in Hartington, Neb., and lived there until entering the U.S. Navy during WWII. Dale married Eleanor Mary Guenther on Feb. 4, 1948, in St. James, Neb. He and Eleanor moved to Shell Lake in 1950 where he farmed until moving back to Hartington in 1965. Dale was a heavy-equipment operator until he retired in 1989. He belonged to Holy Trinity Catholic Church and the Hartington VFW Post 5283. Dale was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter Melissa Robins; brother Glenn Bergman; and sister Laura Whitehorn. He is survived by his wife, Eleanor, Coleridge; seven children and their spouses, Joe and Dian Bergman, Centuria, Janet and Bruce Dunning, West Covina, Calif., Marilyn Robbins, DeWitt, Neb., Louise Patterson, Norfolk, Neb., Tom and Dee Bergman, Sioux Falls, S.D., Teri and Charles Magdanz, Dakota City, Neb., Doug and Colleen Bergman, Eau Claire; 20 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; sisters Lucille Jensen, Hartington, Neb., Loretta Bottolfsen, West Point, Neb., Dorothy and Rusty Nikel, Oregon City, Ore., and Madeline Kruse, Fullerton, Calif. A Mass of Christian Burial was held March 26 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Hartington, with the Rev. Jeffery Loseke, celebrant. Interment was at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Hartington. The Wintz Funeral Home, Hartington, was entrusted with arrangements.

Kenneth E. Stoner

Kenneth E. Stoner, 83, Siren, died April 2, 2011. Visitation will be held Thursday, April 7, from 5-8 p.m., at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Siren Chapel. Funeral service will be Friday, April 8, at 11 a.m. with visitation 10-11 a.m., at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Frederic. Interment will follow at Lakeview/Mudhen Lake Cemetery. A full obituary will be published at a later date. Online condolences can be made at www.swedbergtaylor.com. The Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Homes, Siren, was entrusted with arrangements.

Donna Lou Martin

Donna Lou Martin, 78, Ashland, died Monday, April 4, 2011, at the Memorial Medical Center, in Ashland. A gathering will be held at the Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, in Ashland, beginning at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 9, 2011, and continuing until the hour of the service. A celebration of her life and a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 9, 2011, at the Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, in Ashland. On-line messages of condolence may be left at the Funeral Home web site: MountainFuneralHomes.com. Service arrangements have been entrusted to the Mountain Funeral Home and Cremation Services, of Ashland and Mellen.

Dorothy A. Rylander

Dorothy A. Rylander, 82, Shell Lake, died April 4, 2011, at Indianhead Medical Center in Shell Lake. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 8, at Shell Lake United Methodist Church with the Rev. Gregory Harrell officiating. Burial will be in Shell Lake. Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, April 7, at the Skinner Funeral Home, Shell Lake, and one hour prior to service on Friday at the church. A complete obituary will be published in a later edition.

Helen Mildred Froshaug Anderson

Helen Mildred Froshaug Anderson, 88, Plymouth, Minn., formerly of Amery, died March 29, 2011, surrounded by her family. She was diagnosed with lung cancer on March 17, 2011, while an inpatient at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, Minn. She was given a life expectancy of four to six months. She refused any lifeprolonging treatment as she chose to enjoy the time she had left. She was discharged to her daughter’s home on March 19 to receive Hospice Care. She was born to John “Johnny” Froshaug and Linnea “Mildred” Sandahl Froshaug on Nov. 12, 1922, in Minneapolis, Minn. Her childhood was spent in Minneapolis, and in 1935, her family moved to the Clausen Farm in Clayton. She attended Amery Public Schools and graduated in June of 1940. After her graduation, she worked for Dr. Paul L. Satterlund in Amery as a dental assistant. On Jan. 23, 1942, she was united in marriage to Wayne Bobby Anderson. During their married life, Helen and Wayne lived in Superior, Grand Forks, N.D., Pine City, Minn., Cambridge, Minn., Isanti, Minn., Belle Plaine, Minn., New Ulm, Minn., and Amery. Helen was a master with her needlework of many varieties; she was an excellent watercolorist, folk-art painter and had an appetite for learning and reading that continued to the last days of her life. She was a deeply committed Christian. Helen is survived by her three children, Sharron Erickson of Plymouth, Minn., Dennis (Audrey) of Vining, Minn., and Gary (Kerrie) Minneapolis, Minn.; six grandsons; nine great-grandchildren; friend, Leman “Pete” Olsenius; brother, John Saxe Froshaug of Longmont, Colo.; sister-in-law, Mabe Froshaug of Stillwater, Minn., and brother-in-law and his wife, Raymond and Patricia Anderson of Avon Lake, Ohio. Helen was preceded in death by her husband; brother, Robert Froshaug; an infant grandson and her son-in-law, Stephen Erickson. Funeral services were held Monday, April 4, at the Balsam Lutheran Church in rural Amery. Private family interment will be at a later date. At Helen’s request, memorials are preferred in her name to Balsam Lutheran Church. You may leave condolences , sign a guest book and view a video tribute at williamsonwhite.com. The Williamson-White Funeral Home, Amery, was entrusted with arrangements.

Jon Winslow

Jon Scott Winslow, 50, Webster, died March 30, 2011. Jon was preceded in death by his son, Joshua; parents, Lois and Earnest Winslow; sister, Eileen; brothers, Russell, Earnest, Dennis and Edward. Jon is survived by his daughter, Morgan; son, Aaron; brothers, Leslie and Jack; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2011, at 1 p.m., visitation/gathering noon to 1 p.m., at Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Webster.

Dennis P. Brandner

Dennis P. Brandner, 82, a resident of Webster, died April 2, 2011. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, April 11, at 11 a.m., with visitation 10-11 a.m., at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Webster. A full obituary will be published at a later date. Online condolences can be made at www.swedberg-taylor.com. The Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Denis Patrick Bayle

Denis Patrick Bayle (aka Haybale), 53, St. Croix Falls, died due to a tragic automobile accident on April 1, 2011. Denis is the son of Harold and Laura Bayle of Kentwood, Mich. Besides his family, his many loves included his animals, especially the wiener dogs, Cudi, who died in the accident, Paige and Bird; his community in which he was a proud owner of Shipping and Handling; board member of the Above All Beginnings Day Care; all of Bridgette and Phillip’s friends whom he cherished; coaching kids soccer and his Christian faith communities, especially teaching children as a Sunday school teacher. He is survived by his loving wife, Connie (Johnson); his mother; children, Phillip, Bridgette, Andrew and Sarah Bayle; stepchildren, Krissa MacKenzie and Tristan (Mizuho) Pratt; the mothers of his children, Amy Bayle and Debbie Bayle; sisters, Ruth (Joe) Kohley and Mary (Tim) Cameron; parents-in-law, Merlin and Sally Johnson; sisters-in-law, Kim (Jon) Feske, Kelly (Bob) Stejskal; and many aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 5, at the Association Retreat Center, Osceola. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to either his children’s education fund or the Association Retreat Center. The Edling Funeral Home of St. Croix Falls was entrusted with arrangements.

Mardelle J. Procai

Mardelle J. Procai, 84, a resident of New Brighton, Minn., formerly of Danbury, died April 2, 2011, at New Brighton Care Center. Mardelle was born on Aug. 3, 1926, in Pequot, Minn., to Severin and Irene Risnes. Mardelle was a graduate of Marshall High School. She married John James Procai on July 26, 1947. She worked for Snyder Drug in Northeast Minneapolis for a number of years handling the fountain counter. She was preceded in death by her son, Ronald; husband, John James; and her parents. She is survived by her children, Jack (Judy) Procai, Janice (Milt) Mollenhoff, Tim (Susan) Procai and Tom Procai; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; along with other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 5, at Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Webster, with Pastor Steve Ward officiating. Music was provided by Kim Simon. Interment followed at Bluff Lake Cemetery in Union Township. Casket bearers were Bryan Engberg, Jim Procai, Steven Walker, Mike Gustafson, Joe Mollenhoff, Terry Stangl and Andy Procai. Online condolences can be made at www.swedberg-taylor.com. The Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Maxine Matrious

Maxine Matrious, 57, died April 3, 2011. Friends may call after 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6, at the Lake Lena Community Center in Ogema Township, Minn. Funeral service will be Thursday, April 7, at 10 a.m., with interment to follow at Lake Lena Cemetery. A full obituary will be published at a later date. Online condolences can be made at www.swedberg-taylor.com. The Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

CHURCH NEWS

PAGE 48 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - APRIL 6, 2011

Adoption a deeply rewarding choice for many parents

QUESTION: My wife and I have a 2year-old of our own, but now we’re considering adopting another child. Frankly, we can’t decide if we should pursue it or if we’re simply setting ourselves up for a lot of stress and heartache. Jim: Adoption is a major undertaking, and there are many things to consider, as you well know. But with planning and a lot of prayer, it can be a beautiful thing. Dr. Debi Grebenik is a licensed social worker and the executive director of a foster care and adoption agency. Her years in the field have led her to identify several traits of successful adoptive families. First, according to Dr. Grebenik, the adoption journey begins with a commitment for life. In many ways, adoption is similar to marriage — it calls for love and understanding in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer. There will be unforeseen detours, mountaintop experiences and challenges along the way. But adoptive parents who begin the process with this rock-solid commitment are more likely to see it through. In addition, adoptive parents, just like all parents, must be prepared to love their child unconditionally. You probably DRESSER - How do you approach Good Friday with your children? What do you tell them? Why is this such an important event in the life of each baptized Christian? Children are curious. They want to know what happened on that day. An opportunity for them to hear about

Focus on the Family

already know that some kids have deep emotional wounds after spending years in foster care. They may display manipulation, defiance, aggression, depression and other challenging behaviors. A parent’s unconditional love may be the only lifeline they have as they emerge from an unstable environment and learn what it means to be part of a permanent, stable family for the first time in their lives. There are difficulties associated with adoption, but they are not insurmountable. And the blessings and rewards far outweigh the challenges for those who are willing to take the plunge. For more resources on this issue, visit www.icareaboutorphans.org or www.focusonthefamily.com. ••• QUESTION: I am a single mother, and due to the economy, I am really struggling to make ends meet. Should I move back in with my parents until things get better? Juli: Your question is becoming more and more common as many single par-

ents face the realities of a tough economy and the unceasing demands of raising children by yourself. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. There are, however, some principles to consider that might help you make your decision. It can be a true blessing for everyone when generations of a family live together. In many parts of the world, this is the norm. It can provide a wonderfully rich environment for children to grow up knowing their grandparents and having empathy for the older generation. It also gives grandparents a wonderful outlet to love and invest in their grandkids, as retirement often allows for more time. And it would give you, as a busy mom, another set of arms to help with cooking, homework and loving. There are, however, some potential problems that you want to investigate before making the decision to move in with your parents. Many of these relate to boundaries and expectations. For example, how much would your parents like you to contribute financially? What expectations do they have regarding keeping the house clean, bedtimes and whether or not they are full-time babysitters for your kids? To what extent do they have the authority to discipline your children? What if they disagree with your parenting style? What if they don’t approve of other choices you make for your family? How will you resolve these con-

the events of Good Friday in a way appropriate for children, kindergarten through sixth grade, will be held on Friday, April 22, from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Dresser. PreKindergarten children are invited to attend, but parents are required to accompany them. During the morning, the children will

engage in a series of activities and crafts focused on Good Friday themes. The morning concludes with lunch and the noon Good Friday service. Children may either attend the service in the sanctuary with their parents or their own Children’s Good Friday Service in the music room. Registration is required and forms must

Jim Daly

Juli Slattery

Children's Good Friday minicamp offered

flicts? However stressful these conversations may be to initiate, they are absolutely essential to confirming whether or not moving in with your parents is a good idea. Do the work up front to avoid creating a situation that could eventually end up destroying your relationship with your parents. ••• Jim Daly is president of Focus on the Family, host of the Focus on the Family radio program, and a husband and father of two. Dr. Juli Slattery is a licensed psychologist, co-host of Focus on the Family, author of several books, and a wife and mother of three. Submit your questions to: FocusOnTheFamily.com. Copyright 2010 Focus on the Family, Colorado Springs, CO 80995. International copyright secured. All rights reserved. Distributed by Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St. Kansas City, MO 64106; 816-581-7500. This feature may not be reproduced or distributed electronically, in print or otherwise, without written permission of Focus on the Family.

Brought to you by:

Frederic Evangelical Free Church Frederic

be turned in by April 15. Please call the church office to register and for directions, 715-755-2515. Cost is $5 for the morning and lunch. Scholarship money is available. - from Peace Lutheran Church

CHURCH DIRECTORY

APRIL 6, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 49

PAGE 50 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - APRIL 6, 2011

AUTOMOBILE DONATION

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and misc. items belonging to the following: John Erickson, No. 53. 32-33Lc 2007 TOYOTA MATRIX XR, 5 spd.-man., loaded, 50K, $9,500, 715-825-4775. 3233Lp

APRIL 6, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 51

Students of the Week GRANTSBURG

FREDERIC

Vivian Jorgenson has been chosen Frederic Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in kindergarten and the daughter of Deb and Bob Jorgenson. Vivian has an older sister and younger brother. She enjoys playing soccer, dancing, doing art and being with friends. Vivian has a contagious love of life, making everyone around her more fun.

Taylor Alseth has been chosen Frederic Middle School’s student of the week. She is in seventh grade and the daughter of Karla Brunberg and David Alseth. Taylor is hardworking, conscientious, has an outgoing personality and pleasant attitude. She is involved in basketball, soccer, volleyball and softball. Taylor enjoys sports and laughing with her friends. She would like to go to college in the future.

Tashia Bailey has been chosen Frederic High School’s student of the week. She is a sophomore and her guardians are Darla and Larry Nelson. Tashia is friendly, personable and respectful. She works part time at Beaudry in Frederic. Tashia enjoys swimming and hanging out with friends. She plans on continuing her education in college to become a psychologist or go to school to become a hair stylist. The greatest influence in her life has been Mrs. Brittany Martino.

Joey Moyer has been chosen Grantsburg Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in third grade and the son of Paul and Audra Moyer. Joey recently had surgery and was unable to walk, Because of his hard work, dedication and positive attitude, he is now moving great. Joey is always encouraging others and looking for ways to help. Gym is his favorite class. Joey likes to ride bike, spend time with his sisters and dig holes big enough to hide in.

LUCK

Brooke Chappelear has been chosen Luck Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in first grade. Her favorite color is blue, she likes the Green Bay Packers and playing with her baby sister. Brooke is nice, respectful and kind to others. She helps her classmates with words and she is a lot of fun, too.

Nick Mattson has been chosen Luck Middle School’s student of the week. He is in seventh grade and the son of Paul and Traci Mattson. Nick takes his studies seriously, is friendly and polite and has excellent attendance. Nick is a Boy Scout, helps out at his church, and is involved in football and basketball. He enjoys golfing, fourfishing, hunting, wheeling, snowmobiling and trapping. The greatest influences in his life are his parents.

ST. CROIX FALLS

Nick Leal has been chosen Luck High School’s student of the week. He is a senior and the son of Nick and Deb Leal. Nick works hard on the forensics squad, is intelligent, diligent and has a subtle sense of humor. Besides forensics, he works at Café Wren and taught snowboarding this past winter at Trollhaugen. He enjoys snowboarding, fishing and four-wheeling. Nick plans to attend college at UMD.

Mia Ornelas has been chosen St. Croix Falls Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in second grade. Mia likes math and reading. She especially likes to read Mr. Putter and Tabby books because they are funny. Mia likes to watch TV and draw pictures of fish. When she grows up, Mia wants to become a teacher because she would like to teach kids to read and write.

Aaron Ruud has been chosen Siren Middle School’s student of the week. He is in seventh grade and the son of Jon and Stacie Ruud. Aaron manages to be excited about his academics and peers. He is witty, kind and respectful. Aaron likes all sports, but his favorite is basketball. He plays the trumpet in the high school band. Aaron enjoys many outdoor activities, hunting, fishing and swimming. His favorite class is science and he is an avid reader. Aaron is a positive influence.

Emma Seifert has been chosen St. Croix Falls Middle School’s student of the week. She is in eighth grade and the daughter of Andrea and Mike Seifert. Emma has two brothers, two dogs, one cat, sheep, chickens and fish. She is involved in volleyball, dance, yearbook, student council and 4-H. Emma enjoys listening to music and dancing. Her favorite subject is choir and she enjoys the middle school dances.

Taylor Orton has been chosen St. Croix Falls High School’s student of the week. She is a sophomore and the daughter of Greg and Kris Orton. Taylor has an older sister, Devin. She likes to hunt, play sports, read and hang out with friends. Taylor is involved in basketball, track, volleyball, student council, yearbook Kinship and FFA.

WEBSTER

SIREN

Taedon Nichols has been chosen Siren Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in first grade. Taedon is always eager to learn. He participates in class discussions and is willing to help other students. Taedon enjoys wrestling, playing outside, playing with his sister and friends. He also enjoys spending time with his family.

Jaicee Bowman has been chosen Grantsburg High School’s student of the week. She is a freshman and the daughter of Leida Goyeneche and Avery Fagerberg Jr. Jaicee is very highly motivated, a hard worker, kind and generous. She is involved in volleyball and history day. Jaicee enjoys reading, volleyball, music, writing and art. She wants to go to college to become an architect. The greatest influence in her life is her mom.

Jessica Morris has been chosen Siren High School’s student of the week. She is a senior and the daughter of Brad and Wendi Morris. Jessica is a very good student with an outgoing, upbeat and personal disposition. She participates in forensics, is in band, choir, track, S-club and has been the class president for the last three years. Her hobbies include singing, acting, reading, running and the hula hoop. Jessica plans to attend the University of Minnesota at Duluth, majoring in musical theater, with a minor in English.

Arwen Gustafson has been chosen Webster Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in first grade and the daughter of Bernie and Richard Gustafson. Arwen comes to school every day with a positive attitude and is a friend to all her peers. Arwen enjoys reading books, writing and drawing pictures. She is excited about learning and has worked hard to learn her math facts this year.

Nicole Hursh has been chosen Webster Middle School’s student of the week. She is in seventh grade and the daughter of Jeffery and Lisa Hursh. Nicole has good leadership qualities. She is a great student, works well with others and has many friends. Nicole is involved in track. She enjoys singing, acting and being outside.

UNITY

Larysa Bakke has been chosen Unity Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in third grade and the daughter of Wayne and Kelly Bakke. Larysa has outstanding leadership along with her positive attitude and exemplary behavior. Larysa enjoys playing soccer, T-ball and baseball. Her favorite subjects are art and science. Her Mythology Mission Destination Imagination team recently won an award for creativity at regional DI.

Dylan Peper has been chosen Unity Middle School’s student of the week. He is in fifth grade and the son of David Peper and Kim Bibeau. Dylan completes his assignments on time and helps out when asked. He has a lot to contribute to class and is a positive student in his classes.

Mikayla Hatfield has been chosen Webster High School’s student of the week. She is a freshman and the daughter of Tracey Green. Mikayla is a polite and dependable student. She is quiet, just goes about her business and consistently performs at the top of her class. Mikayla is a very responsible student who is always concerned with her academic performance. She is involved in volleyball and is interested in photography.

PAGE 52 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - APRIL 6, 2011

Coming events

Happenings in the Upper St. Croix Valley communities

APRIL

Rice Lake

THURS. & FRI./7 & 8

• Red Cedar Symphony Orchestra performs at UW-BC Fine Arts Theatre, 4 p.m., redcedarsymphony.org, 715434-5281.

Siren

Balsam Lake

• Head injury support group at Siren Covenant Church, 1-2:30 p.m., 715-349-8985.

• Middle school play at Unity School. Wed. & Thurs. 1:30 p.m., Fri. 7 p.m.

West Sweden

Grantsburg

• Taste of West Sweden Brunch at Grace Lutheran Church, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

MONDAY/11

• AARP tax help at the library. Call for appt., 715-4632244.

THURSDAY/7

Amery

Frederic

• Weight-loss surgery education and support at the medical center, 5-6 p.m., 715-268-0597.

• Western Jamboree at the elementary gym, 7 p.m.

Milltown

Balsam Lake

• Conference on human trafficking at the community center, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Adult/AED CPR class at the Red Cross office. To register, 715-485-3025, 5:30-9:30 p.m. • Indianhead Barbershop Chorus Guest Night at the old courthouse, 7:30 p.m., 715-268-7875. • Polk County Spring Fish and Wildlife Rule hearing at Unity High School, 7 p.m., www.dnr.state.wi.us.

Osceola • “Kick the Tires,” small-business workshop at the intermediate school, 6-8 p.m., 715-485-8608.

St. Croix Falls • Year One: Bringing Up Baby class at the medical center, 6-7 p.m., 715-483-0431. • “Cinderella” opens at Festival Theatre, 2 p.m., 715-4833387. • Legion meeting at the hall. Social 6 p.m., dinner 7 p.m., 715-483-9386.

FRI. & SAT./8 & 9

Dresser • Free clothing event at Peace Lutheran Church, 2-6 p.m., 715-755-2515.

This fisher has been a daily visitor at the Brooke Biedinger residence near the Clam Falls area. – Photo by Brooke Biedinger

Siren

Chetek

Milltown

• Art to Dye For, batik show at North Wind Arts, 10 a.m.4 p.m., 715-349-8448.

• Conference on The Lutheran Church in the 21st Century at Christ Lutheran Church, speaker: David R. Barnhart. Sat. 2-4 p.m. Sun. 9 a.m.-noon., 715-294-2552.

• Unity Area Soccer Club spaghetti feed and raffle at the community center, 5-8 p.m., 715-825-3926.

Siren

• Princess Camp at Osceola Intermediate School, 2-5 p.m., 715-417-1183.

Spooner • Indianhead Rifle & Pistol Club gun show at the elementary school. Fri. 6-9 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-4 p.m., 715-6352319.

FRI.-SUN./8-10

• Expo 2011 at Lodge Center Arena. Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., 888-825-2243, www.sirenexpo.com.

• VFW gun show at the hockey arena. Fri. 3-9 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 715-268-4525.

FRIDAY/8

• Ruby’s Pantry at Congregational Church. Register 7-9:15 a.m. Distribution 9 a.m., 715-268-7390. • Crossed Paths music at Balsam Lutheran Church, 7 p.m., 715-554-3429.

Balsam Lake

• Poco Penners will meet at the library building, 2 p.m., 715-410-5079 or 715-483-9738.

• Spaghetti dinner benefit for Kalvin & Marie Carlson at Our Lady of the Lakes Church, 4-8 p.m.

Amery

SATURDAY/9 Amery

Grantsburg

Frederic

• NW Regional Writers meet at Espresso Cabin, 1 p.m.

• Fishbowl Ducks Unlimited spring shoot at Coyland Creek. • Police department-hosted pancake breakfast at the senior center, 8 a.m.-noon. • Woodland Chorale Concert at the high school, 7:30 p.m.

Siren • Fish fry at Burnett County Moose Lodge, 5:30-7:30 p.m., 715-349-5923.

Spooner • Wine grape pruning workshop at the Ag Research Station. Preregister. 6-8 p.m., 800-528-1914.

Webster

SAT. & SUN./9 & 10

• Tax aides at the senior center, 1 p.m.

Amery

• “Spoon River Anthology” at Northern Lakes Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m., 715-268-6811.

Kevin McMullin sings stories at FRED

by Sherill Summer Leader staff writer WEBSTER - Food. Stories. Song. Gas card. All these things brought parents and students to Webster Elementary School on Thursday night, March 31, for the second of three FRED nights. A combined effort of Title I, After-three Program and Tiny Tigers, FRED, or Families Read Every Day, usually brings families to the school for a meal and then, while the students play games, the parents attend workshops to learn strategies to support their children in school. But this FRED night was about a shared experience of listening to stories together and having fun. After a meal in the cafetorium, Kevin McMullin used his many instruments to sing stories and otherwise entertain. Each student brought home a gift certificate for the book fair on Tuesday, April 12, and each family received a $5 gas card. The final FRED gathering of the year will be Tuesday, April 12. The National Honor Society students will play games

Osceola St. Croix Falls • Riverway Speaker Series: Monitoring Bald Eagle Chicks, for the Health of the Riverway, at the river visitor center, 10 a.m., 715-483-2274, www.nps.gov/sacn. • Junior Ranger Program: Life of the Riverway Bald Eagles at the river visitor center, 1 p.m., 715-483-2274, www.nps.gov/sacn. • “I Love the Way You Talk to Chickens,” at Festival Theatre, 7:30 p.m., 715-483-3387. • Hingepoint, men’s breakfast & meeting, series on Sonship and the Father’s love at River Valley Christian Church, 9 a.m.-noon, 715-488-2625. • Michael Czarnecki will present “An Adventure with David Grayson” at the library, 11 a.m., 715-483-1777.

Turtle Lake • Legion smelt fry at Post 137, 4-8:30 p.m., 715-9864631.

SUN.-TUES./10 -12

Siren • Tax aides at the senior center, 715-349-7810. • Burnett County Spring Fish and Wildlife Rule hearing at the government center, 7 p.m., www.dnr.state.wi.us.

TUESDAY/12 Amery

• Tax aides at the senior center, 9 a.m.-noon, 715-2687884. • Cancer support group at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 7 p.m., 715-268-6722 or 715-268-7290.

Balsam Lake • Dr. Michael Martin will talk about his book “A History of the 4th Wisconsin Infantry and Cavalry in the Civil War,” at the public library, 3 p.m., 715-485-3215. • First aid class at the Red Cross office. To register, 715485-3025, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Dresser • Chronic Illness/Disability Support Group will meet at the Peace Lutheran Church, 6:30 p.m., 715-755-2515.

Luck • High school solo/ensemble at the school 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

St. Croix Falls

Frederic

WEDNESDAY/13

• Scouting For Food for the food shelf hanger drop-off. Pickup Sat., April 16.

Garfield • Norwegian smorgasbord at Trinity Lutheran Church, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-7 p.m.

Rice Lake • Former Congressman Dave Obey to speak at UW-Barron County, 12:30 p.m., 715-234-8176.

• Middle school open house, 4-8 p.m.

Grantsburg

Luck

SUNDAY/10

• Preschool Easter egg hunt at the library, 10:30 a.m., 715-463-2244.

• EMT smelt fry at the fire hall. Food 3:30-7 p.m. Auction 7:30 p.m., 715-472-9111.

• Benefit for Cheryl Lynch Thompson at Cricket’s, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., www.cricketsbarandgrill.com

• Apple pruning workshop at Wood River Garden Store, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Apple grafting workshop, 6-8 p.m. Preregister. 800-528-1914.

Grantsburg • Pinko Jam, noon start.

Amery

FRED Night

with the students while the parents workshop will be about study strategies and encouraging student responsibility. The book fair will also be at the school, so students can redeem their accumulated gift certificates.

First-grader Kane Grahm samples the pudding during the meal at the Webster School. The meal and the following performance by Kevin McMullin were part of FRED night held Thursday, March 31.

Skyler Parent and Maiya Fuller (L to R) listen to a story about the knight who went to the haunted castle and met the princess.

THURSDAY/14 Alpha

Webster

Kevin McMullin at the Webster School on Thursday, March 31.