Leader1222

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Make merry safely

Rowing the sights of New Zealand

Currents feature

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Community viewpoints • Page 8

WED., DEC. 22, 2010 VOL. 78 • NO. 18 • 2 SECTIONS •

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Burnett County has largest rate of poverty growth

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Since 2000, up from 9 percent to 17 percent PAGE 2

Deadline for articles and ad copy for next week’s Leader (Dec. 28) is 10 a.m.

Monday, Dec. 27.

DIY Network endorses Habitat project in SCFalls

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Affordable, net-zero home to be built PAGE 6

Cheese equals profit

Healthy annual report for Burnett Dairy Cooperative PAGE 17

Facebook fight

Police called to dispute over “adding friend” PAGE 3

Luck superintendent talks finances with legislators School funding may become even tighter PAGE 5

Five-year-old Levy A. Jerry showed Santa just what he wanted for Christmas. Levy and other children enjoyed visiting with Santa at the Grantsburg American Legion’s annual breakfast with Santa held Saturday, Dec. 18. More photos of the event will appear in next week’s Leader - Photo by Priscilla Bauer

Critical segments

Straight Lake State Park offers unique Ice Age Trail features and structures

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer TOWN OF LUCK – Hidden beneath about three feet of snow and ice at Straight Lake State Park - still Wisconsin's newest state park - are some fantastic features to the state's Ice Age Trail, which traverses the park from its northwest to southeast corner, north of Luck.

According to project coordinator Pete Englund of the Ice Age Trail Al-

liance, almost six miles of brand-new, National Scenic Hiking Trail have been developed recently within the fledgling state park and wilderness area, which, it turns out, is also the first true development within the park.

The IATA is part of the three-tiered management group that includes the Department of Natural Resources and National Park Service that maintains and develops the Ice Age Trail across the state, where over 1,000 miles of hiking trail meanders end to end, with our northern beltline being one area that has received much attention in re-

See Ice Age Trail, page 4

Saints wrestlers take fi firrst at Chisago Lakes See

SPORTS

$1

INSIDE THIS SECTION

The Ice Age Trail is one of just a handful of National Scenic Trails in the U.S. - Photo

by Greg Marsten

How have you reacted to rising gas prices?

1. I haven’t - I feel at the mercy of gas prices 2. Drive less 3. Drive a more economical vehicle now Go to our online poll at www.the-leader.net (Weekly results on page 8)

Deaths

• Curtis W. Johnson • Michelle J. Jones • Drew Alan Nelson • Myrtle Marie (Rohl) Epley • Richard Kreutzian • Janet Ruth Blattner • Phillip Russell Nelson • Melissa S. Gabrio • Florence M. Shrider • Roland “Rollie” Canfield • Mildred Rosella Mitchell • Marilee Lipp • Diane Banta White • Bernice G. Olson • John Lee Schneider (p. 4) Obituaries on page 14-15B

INSIDE

Briefly 3A Editorials 8A Letters to the editor 9A Sports 11-16A Town Talk 6-7B Coming Events Back of B Currents feature 1B Behind the Signpost 5B Letters from Home 3B Cold Turkey 3B Just for Laughs 3B River Road Ramblings 4B Obituaries 14-15B Students of the Week 19A Focus on the Family 16B Church directory 17B Copyright © 2010 Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association Frederic, Wisconsin

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PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 22, 2010

E-mail story ideas, news tips and feedback to: the-leader@centurytel.net

Lunar eclipse event eclipsed

If you dislike snow, you had one more reason to make your case this week as a brief snowstorm prevented most of us in northwestern Wisconsin from the viewing of a rare lunar eclipse early Tuesday morning, Dec. 21. The eclipse fell on the shortest day of the year - the winter solstice for the first time since 1638 and the next time the two events pair up with be Dec. 21, 2094. The eclipse began about 12:33 a.m. Tuesday, with the moon shining over the head of the constellation Orion the Hunter. From 1:41 a.m. until 2:53 a.m., the moon was totally eclipsed but still visible. It marked a farewell to the autumn of 2010 with the last total lunar eclipse until 2014. with information and photo from Mike Lynch, meteorologist for WCCO radio (www.lynchandthestars.com)

Snowmobile trails open

BURNETT/POLK COUNTIES - The Gandy Dancer Recreational Trail, which runs from St. Croix Falls to Danbury, is open to snowmobile traffic as are most county trails in Burnett and Polk counties. Heavy and regular snowfall across Northwest Wisconsin has put trails in prime condition, perhaps the best condition in years. Those wishing to keep up with trail conditions for snowmobiles, ATVs and UTVs in Polk County can go online to polkcountytourism.com. Trail conditions and closures for Burnett County can be found at burnettcounty.com.

A snowmobiler on the Gandy Dancer Trail near the Frederic Soo Line Depot and Museum. - Photo by Gary King

Joe Heller

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Poverty in Wisconsin overall has risen 10 percent in last decade

MADISON - Burnett County experienced the largest growth in poverty since 2000 among all 72 counties in Wisconsin, going up 8 percentage points - from about 9 to 17 percent.

Burnett County’s percentage compares to Milwaukee County, where 18 percent of residents are impoverished.

Those numbers are from a study released recently by the University of Wisconsin-Extension.

Poverty is increasing among Wisconsin counties, and today nearly 36 percent of households with children under 18 live in poverty, according data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey.

Polk County ranks among 20 counties with the lowest poverty rate, at 8.1 percent.

The 2010 guideline for poverty says a family of four making $22,000 a year or less qualifies as living in poverty.

In 2000, only two counties reported poverty rates higher than 15 percent. During the 2005-2009 period, 10 counties reported rates above 15 percent.

Poverty was highest in Menominee (29 percent) and Sawyer (20 percent) counties, followed by Forest, Milwaukee, Ashland, Burnett, Florence, Rusk, Vernon and Dunn counties. La Crosse and Eau Claire counties also reported high poverty, with approximately 15 percent of the population living below the official poverty line. The state average poverty rate was 11 percent.

Right behind Burnett County in the largest increase was Florence County, in the northeastern part of the state, where poverty has grown from 9 to 16 percent since 2000.

“An increasing proportion of Wisconsin residents are facing economic hardship,” says Katherine Curtis, demographic specialist with the UW-Extension and assistant professor in the Dept. of Community and Environmental Sociology at UW-Madison. “This has signifiHOW TO REACH US

Inter-County

Doug Panek

Burnett County has largest growth in poverty statewide

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

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cant impacts, both immediate and long term, for individuals, their communities and the state.

These numbers suggest that economic development, including living wages, health benefits, food security and housing affordability should be front and center in policy discussions.”

Potential response A group of area churches are considering launching a program that addresses poverty matters with a goal of reducing poverty, using a program created by UW-Extension. A steering teering committee for this group will meet in January.

Despite the overall rise in percentage, poverty declined modestly in some counties, Curtis said. The greatest decrease was reported by Bayfield County, where poverty fell from 13 to about 11 percent In 2005-09, poverty was lowest in Waukesha and Ozaukee counties at 4 percent, followed

by Washington County at approximately 5 percent and Calumet County at 6 percent.

These counties also reported the lowest poverty rates in 2000.

Households According to the same data, approximately 7.2 percent of family households in Wisconsin

reported living in poverty in 2005-09. Among family households, nearly 36 percent of those with children under 18 years old were living below the poverty line.

Recent research about Wisconsin shows that limited earnings potential, including the inability to find work or work that pays a living wage, is most strongly linked with economic vulnerability for family households. Single-mother households are constrained by one income and face the additional challenge of balancing the demands of employment and child rearing. Low education is a marker of a less competitive labor force.

Research has also shown a higher prevalence of poverty among racial minorities. This pattern persists in 2005-09.

Poverty was highest for African Americans, with nearly 35 percent living in poverty, followed

by American Indians (about 27 percent) and Hispanics (23 percent). Approximately 13 percent of the state’s Asian residents were living in poverty. In contrast, 8.5 percent of non-Hispanic whites were in poverty during the period. - Gary King with information from UW-Extension

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STAFF MEMBERS

Nancy Jappe njappe@centurytel.net Tammi Milberg tammi@centurytel.net

Marty Seeger mseeger@centurytel.net Brenda Martin brendals@centurytel.net Greg Marsten marscafe@lakeland.ws

Sherill Summer sherill33@gmail.com Gregg Westigard greggw@lakeland.ws Carl Heidel cheidel389@centurytel.net

Priscilla Bauer cilla@grantsburgtelcom.net Mary Stirrat marystirrat@hotmail.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Raelynn Hunter rael@centurytel.net

• Briefly •

Just as many of us are asking “How long until spring?” the official start of winter has arrived (Dec. 21), meaning only three or four short months before a civilized climate returns to northwestern Wisconsin. It also means that days start getting longer, in terms of daylight, beginning Dec. 22. One bright spot in what has been a challenging fall, weatherwise.

••• FREDERIC - The Frederic Village Parks Board will be opening the skating rink and warming house this Friday, Dec. 24. The hours will be 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The warming house has skates of all sizes for those who need skates to use the rink.

Persons who use the skates are asked to return them to the shelves after and that the warming house be left clean after use.

On Thursday, Dec. 30, from 1 to 3 p.m., Dawn Harlander, a certified skating instuctor, will be giving free skating lessons on basic skating techniques. The class is limited to 20 people and you need to register by Dec. 29 by calling 715327-4836. For further information regarding the Frederic rink call Rebecca at 715-327-4836 or Mana at 715-327-8785. - submitted ••• POLK COUNTY - The Ecumenical choir's 2010 Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols will be shown on Lakeland Communications local access Channel 3 on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Sunday at 7 p.m. In addition, it will be played numerous times during the Christmas holiday season; for these times, check the listing on Channel 3. - submitted ••• SIREN Burnett County Moose Lodge members are thankful for an additional $675 donation from the Lewis VFW Hideaway this holiday season.

The money, raised through charitable activities, will go toward one special Christmas gift for all children at Mooseheart, from toddlers through high school seniors - and other Lodge charities. - submitted

Fight about new friend in Facebook brings arrest

AMERY - An Amery man was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and domestic abuse after a fight at his home Sunday, Dec. 19.

James Arthurs, 31, was arrested after police were alerted to the fight by an uninvolved party who had seen a small boy walking around outside without winter clothes on. The woman asked the boy to take her to his home so she could talk to his parents, and when they got there, they heard yelling and saw things being thrown down the steps. Arthurs then left and the police found him walking north with a young boy.

Arthurs acknowledged the fight. He said he had received a phone call asking about someone he had added to his Facebook account. A woman at his address overheard the call and became angry, aggressive and started throwing things. Arthurs said the caller was his sister.

Apparently three small children were present during the fight. The police officer noted they had been called to this home for verbal fights before and had given warnings that arrests would be made if there were further problems.

Arrangements were made for the children to stay with a relative or friend and Arthurs was taken to jail. — with information from the Polk County Sheriff’s Dept.

Three in Polk judge race

Lively discussion of infrastructure possibilities

DECEMBER 22, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 3

Four running for Supreme Court

by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer FREDERIC – Three candidates have now entered the contest for the open Polk County Circuit Court position, replacing the recently retired Judge Robert Rasmussen. Four candidates have filed for the Wisconsin Supreme Court. With more than two candidates for each position, there will be a primary election Feb. 15 and a general election April 5.

Dan Steffen, Polk County district attorney, is the latest entry in the Polk County race. He will

join local attorneys James Rennicke and Jeff Anderson on the primary ballot. The three are all gearing up their campaigns.

Rennicke, the first to announce his candidacy, is also the first to complete the filing process, filing his nomination papers with the election board Dec. 13. The filing period closes Tuesday, Jan. 4.

The seat of state Supreme Court Justice David Prosser is up this year, and Prosser has three opponents registered to run against him, Joanne Kloppenburg, Marla Stephens and Joel Winnig. If all complete the filing process, they will face each other in February, with the two winners going on the April ballot.

Prosser was appointed to the court in 1998 and elected to a 10year term in 2001. He is the fourth most senior judge on the court.

Candidate information The Polk County candidates are setting up Web sites with information on themselves and their thoughts on the court. The Rennicke and Anderson sites are now active. The Steffen site is being set up. See rennickeforjudge.org and andersonforpolkcountyjudge.com for details on the two. The Leader will publish an election preview once filings close and a primary voters guide in February.

Exchange program

This young man brought a toy with him when he met with Santa Saturday, Dec. 18, at Frederic, perhaps to help explain what he wants for Christmas this year or maybe to present to Santa in appreciation of what he might bring this year. Santa was at Larsen Auto, the Frederic Public Library and the Frederic Senior Center during the annual Santa Day, sponsored by the Frederic Area Chamber of Commerce. More photos in Currents section - Photo by Gary King

103 years young

Eunice Kanne celebrated her 103rd birthday with friends and family last week. She is a longtime Grantsburg resident, retired schoolteacher, and author, and currently resides at Burnett Medical Center’s Continuing Care Center. Shown with her are (L to R): Betty Skinner, the Rev. Jay Ticknor and Delores Johnson. - Photo submitted

by Carl Heidel Leader staff writer SIREN - There was a lively discussion last Wednesday, Dec. 15, as Chairman Chuck Awe guided the Burnett County Infrastructure Committee in a discussion of possibilities for getting the most benefit from budget dollars.

Committee members examined several options, weighed pros and cons, observed gaps in information, but took no final action.

Awe stated that although other committees of the county’s board of supervisors had canceled their regular meetings for December, he had kept the scheduled date to allow his committee members an opportunity to focus on a planning session without some of the customary business details. “We don’t have enough time in our regular meetings,” he said, “to devote to thinking about some of these possibilities.”

Awe continued, “Personally, as a supervisor, I think this is what we should be doing.” He went on to explain that he feels that among the various committee members there is enough expertise to develop more efficient and effective ways to manage the county’s infrastructure without hiring a consultant.

At the heart of the discussion was the question of how best to get the most for the taxpayers money. Are there efficiencies that could be created or new revenue program possibilities that will make better use of those dollars?

Although no formal actions were taken, the discussion created and considered a wide range of ideas, and committee members agreed to continue their discussion at future meetings.

Fatal accident stems from medical condition

WASHBURN COUNTY - A 60-year-old Chetek man died from a medical condition as his truck left the road last Thursday, Dec. 16.

Dennis DeWayne Bollman was driving alone in his 2005 Chevy Silverado truck. According to a Washburn County sheriff’s report, Bollman was traveling southbound on Hwy. 53 and his vehicle went off the roadway near Stub Road, traveled approximately 150 yards into trees and came to a stop against large trees.

The report noted a medical condition likely caused the accident. The report also noted Bollman’s truck did not have deployed airbags and that he was not wearing a seat belt, but was not ejected from the vehicle. Bollman was deceased upon arrival of emergency responders.

The accident was called in by Gary Grubbs who contacted the sheriff’s department at 7:43 a.m. after seeing the truck off the road. - Jessica Beecroft, Washburn County Register

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 22, 2010

Ice Age Trail/from page 1

National Park Service that maintains and develops the Ice Age Trail across the state, where over 1,000 miles of hiking trail meanders end to end, with our northern beltline being one area that has received much attention in recent years.

Zillmer’s brainchild The trail was loosely outlined in the 1950s as part of a long, linear park meant to traverse the Badger State along the glacier's terminal moraine. It was the brainchild of IATA founder Ray Zillmer, who along with hundreds of volunteers since have helped develop and establish over 600 miles of official off-road IAT segments, some of the latest of which reside at Straight Lake State Park.

According to Englund, that portion of the trail in the park has been the benefactor of some diligent planning and hard work in recent years, and has become one of the more interesting segments developed so far. Englund sat down recently and outlined part of the process that went into the new segment development, which includes over a half dozen boardwalks - land bridges of sorts - that allow hikers to traverse otherwise swampy, vibrant areas, teeming with water and life, often year round.

Trails like this don't just happen, and it's not just the quickest "point A-to-point B" routes. Englund said the latest stretches were recently modified within the park, as a director of operations walks the trail "in all four seasons, spending up to 100 hours per mile for layout and design, taking into account all different aspects of an area."

"Edges are one thing," Englund said, noting that the Straight Lake segment has a "mingling of swamps and both the Trade and Straight rivers to highlight."

Route selection The decisions for a route can be tricky, he pointed out, but also are vital to making the trail interesting and walkable, not to get too steep or dangerous.

"There are a couple of spots on the [new portion] of the trail where the decisions, I think, made the trail that much better," he said, pointing out that typical hikers "can do a 20-percent maximum slope on a small stretch."

That slope standard is critical, and difficult to adhere to at times on the segment, especially with the variety in elevation around Straight Lake, combined with the often wet conditions near the two river basins. Englund noted that the terrain required some unique answers and engineering, which includes a 180-foot-long serpentine boardwalk that has become a very popular feature of the segment just north of 280th Avenue.

That serpentine boardwalk is part of that plan "to really get it to connect," Englund said, noting the trail was often built on routes that made construction quite difficult, but necessary to highlight the features of the segment.

"Sometimes, there's no substitute ... and it's key to that area," he said with a shrug.

The boardwalks are all hand built on the spot, with building materials carried in along the route.

"We probably had 40 people hauling lumber that day ... in the rain!" Englund said, noting the huge number of manhours required for such a project is commendable. "They really worked at it."

The boardwalks use no foundations or concrete, instead having "floating" frames built on buried, 4-by-4 posts, allowing the walkways to not only move with the freeze and thaw cycles in the seasonal changes, but also to allow at least 15 inches of clearance, so light can enter below. They also give hikers an up-closeand-personal view of a world they often can only see from a distance.

Beneath that 180-foot boardwalk - nicknamed the "Decrepit Bridge Site" - there was activity until the first snows last month, with fresh, tiny little babbling brooks of lazy water carving their ways through the rich, coffee earth below the serpentine structure, with flora and fauna still plentiful, deep into autumn.

Following regulations Englund said the IATA has to follow all DNR water regulations on the boardwalks, while also admitting that those regulations don't always seem directly applicable, and that the DNR water rules "don't really have a system for trails," and

Luck Elementary student Brandon Hostrup is a fan of the new, 180-foot-long serpentine boardwalk on the newest trail segment. - Photos by Greg Marsten

Wisconsin's newest state park is in Polk County and is also home to some of the newest segments of the 1,200-mile-long Ice Age Trail that traverses the state.

that it's "sometimes hard to apply their regulations to trails."

But the segment results are commendable, and for good reason: All trail planning and development is quite involved and requires tenuous attention to details, including numerous DNR cultural compliance reviews along the route, so the trial itself doesn't adversely impact the very nature it is trying to frame and glorify.

In other words, the IATA makes sure the Ice Age Trail doesn't love the land to death, by altering watersheds or encouraging erosion. Some of the areas along the new segment were near or part of previous trails, and some of those wet areas had to be cleared of the old tires, fill and other materials that were previously used.

Of course, it was all done by hand.

"It's meant to be done in stages," Englund said of the boardwalks, which are meant to connect various, unique features along the Straight Lake segment, which is becoming known for its unique features of large rock outcroppings and ridges, mingled with the pristine water of the rivers and the wetlands, some of which are also the focus of a portion of the trail. So far, the IATA has built seven boardwalks at Straight Lake, with three more to come next summer, according to Englund.

"We had some land issues that are just now resolved," he said, noting that "there's still a couple days left of digging!"

June event Those additional portions are now scheduled for more development and work at an event planned for June 2-5 with a Mobile Skills Crew - a team of traveling professional trail builders. They will assist the volunteer builders and workers in that trail work, and have become quite noteworthy in recent years with IAT development along various segments of the trail in Polk County, assisting the Indianhead Chapter of the IATA in engineering and construction from the trail’s' western terminus in Interstate State Park.

Englund also noted a unique feature set to come next year on the 180-foot "Decrepit Bridge Site, where local trail enthusiast Chet Anderson of St. Croix Falls has assisted in making the boardwalk even better, with a plan for a pair of viewing benches, using leftover building materials.

"He was out with us every day when they were building the first three boardwalks," Englund said of Anderson - whom he called "a professional" when it comes to long distance trail hiking. Englund said the benches are going to be quite popular with birders, hikers and others who just want to take a spell to enjoy the view.

"Yeah, he's the mind behind that!"

(Visit www.iceagetrail.org for even more information on the Straight Lake Segment of the trail.)

Follow the Leader.

Services set for John Lee Schneider

Even in late November, the area below the boardwalk was bristling with life, moving water and activity, in sharp contrast to the pending winter.

John L. Schneider, 32, St. Croix Falls, died Dec. 19, 2010, at his home.

Memorial service will be held Sunday, Dec. 26, 2 p.m., at the First Lutheran Church in Cushing. Visitation will be held from 1 - 2 p.m. at the church.

A complete obituary will be published in a upcoming edition.

The St. Croix Valley Funeral Home and Polk County Cremation Society, St. Croix Falls, were entrusted with arrangements.

Luck administrator talks finances with legislators

DECEMBER 22, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 5

by Mary Stirrat Leader staff writer LUCK — The Dec. 20 meeting of the Luck School Board of Education was a short one, with the hiring of a bus driver and a basketball coach among the few actions taken.

Roger Wroge, a past driver for the school district, was hired to replace retired bus driver Janice Nelson, and Chad Eley was hired as C-Squad basketball coach.

The board also approved a change in the antibullying/antiharassment policy, which states that the school will contact the parent or guardian of a student who files a harassment or bullying complaint.

Originally, said district Administrator Rick Palmer, the policy had no procedure for contacting parents.

Reports to the board were made by student representative Kyle James, the district administrator and each of the three principals. James reported that 12 students will be participating in the visual art classic at UW-Stout next March. The theme this year is mythology, and Luck students will be showing various media including ceramics, video, graphic design and painting.

Palmer reported that he met with state Rep.-elect Eric Severson and state Sen. Sheila Harsdorf last week. The meeting was productive, he said, adding, “They both listened really well.”

School funding was the main topic, with Harsdorf speculating that funding for schools will most likely become even tighter. A proposal from state schools Su-

perintendent Tony Evers, which would increase Luck’s state aid by about 14 percent, is unlikely to muster enough support.

There is some talk, Palmer said, about the state taking over insurance on all public employees. This would eliminate insurance as a bargaining item for the unions, he said.

“It will be very interesting,” Palmer concluded.

Elementary Principal Ann Goldbach told the board that a great deal of food had been collected for food baskets that would be given to Loaves and Fishes Interfaith Food Pantry Tuesday, Dec. 21.

Each basket the school is putting together had a fresh fruit as well as a certificate for a ham.

In February, said high school Principal Mark Gobler, youth speaker Craig Hillier will come to Luck Schools to speak with seventh- to 12th-graders on being positive and cultivating a positive atmosphere. He will present to the full group, then do breakout sessions with various grades.

The presentation, said Gobler, will fit in with the school’s antibullying programs.

Finally, Palmer reported, school property taxes across the state are up an average of 3.4 percent, while Luck was among the few to decrease. Luck’s mill rate went from $9.50 per $1,000 in equalized value last year to $8.93 this year.

The average mill rate in Wisconsin is $9.11, according to information from Wisconsin Association of School Boards.

plaints alleging, among other things, that DirecTV: •Did not clearly disclose to consumers the price that the consumer would be charged and the commitment term that the consumer would be required to keep DirecTV services; • Did not clearly disclose to consumers limitations on getting a certain price for DirecTV; • Enrolled consumers in additional contracts or contract terms without clearly disclosing the terms to the consumer; • Enrolled consumers in additional contracts when replacing defective equipment; • Did not clearly disclose to consumers that they would automatically renew a seasonal sports package; and • Offered cash back to consumers when the consumer would actually receive bill credits.

The settlement requires DirecTV to: • Clearly disclose all material terms to consumers;

• Replace leased equipment that is defective at no cost except shipping costs; • Not require the consumer to enter into an additional contract when simply replacing defective equipment; • Clearly disclose when a consumer is entering into a contract; • Clearly notify consumers before a consumer is obligated to pay for a seasonal sports package; • Clearly disclose all limitations on the availability of local channels; • Not misrepresent the availability of sports programming; • Not represent that a consumer would get cash back if the consumer would actually get a bill credit; and • Clearly notify consumers that they will be charged a cancellation or equipment fee at least 10 days before charging the fee.

practices. Unresolved complaints sent to DirecTV or the attorney general that involve conduct addressed in the settlement and occurred after Jan. 1, 2007, are eligible for the restitution program. Additionally, consumers can file a complaint with DirecTV or the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection at 800-422-7128 by June 9, 2011, to be considered for the restitution program as long as the complaint is about activity that occurred after Jan. 1, 2007. DirecTV will attempt to resolve the complaints with consumers. If the complaint cannot be resolved, DirecTV shall inform the consumer that the complaint can be resolved by a claims administrator and mail a claim form to the consumer. The claims administrator will then resolve the dispute between the consumer and DirecTV. The settlement is subject to approval by the Dane County Circuit Court. Assistant Attorney General John Greene represents the state in the action. - from the office of Attorney General Van Hollen

erty tax values, or valuation, have dropped for the city as well.

The numbers for Taylors Falls residents for property taxes are broken down on a valued property of $150,000 as an example of how the tax rate works. The county tax rate is 64.649, 1.235 is the HRA rate, 80.754 is the city rate, 24.388 is the school district rate and .17 is the ECRDC rate.

This means a total property tax rate of 171.204 for Taylors Falls property owners is multiplied by the $150,000 of property value totaling $2,613.06 in taxes for a property owner of a valued property of $150,000. There is also a school excess levy to consider at $153.89 at that $150,000 value. So the total tax for a property owner of $150,000 property value payable

in 2011 is $2,766.95. There is a homestead credit that is credited to the property owner based on value, which means some money comes back to the property owner.

Following the close of the public hearing, the council acted on agenda items including two training requests for staff.

The first was for public works employee Bill Neska to attend wastewater school at a cost of $300 plus reimbursement for mileage and expenses to be paid from the sewer budget. The schooling is required for Neska to obtain hours toward his wastewater license. The second training request was for city clerk Jo Everson to attend training for Excel software at a cost of $178 plus mileage and reimbursement to be paid from the 2011 administrative

department training budget.

The council passed a resolution to approve an agreement with Chisago County for use of the 16-foot Lund aluminum boat, 1999 ShoreLand’r boat trailer, and 1998 60-horsepower motor by the fire department for use St. Croix River rescues.

The county owns the boat, but in the agreement the city has the right to use, maintain and store the boat for emergency purposes.

The council approved the storage for the Lighting Festival committee to store signs, decorations and other items related to the Lighting Festival in the community center lower-level storage area.

thus far on engineering by the Army Corps of Engineers who is helping to design the facility. The city received $5 million in federal appropriations for the construction of the plant and upgrade.

The appropriation requires a match from the city of 25 percent. The city’s share is approximately $1.7 million. The total amount of the funding then is $6.7 million, give or take, and thus far it has been determined that $4.3 million is all that remains after engineering fees and Army Corps fees have been deducted.

The council agreed the phased approach would save the city considerable cost overall for the project, which has not had a set dollar estimate, but has been mentioned at anywhere between $8 million and $11 million. The motion to approve the phased approach was made by Councilman Brian Blesi. In his motion, the wording was added that the Army Corps involvement would be limited to the $4.3 million, and once those federal appropriations are spent, the city would take over the project and the Corps would step back from it. The council in many discussions on the plant design and upgrade process in the past have indicated they are unhappy about how much of the federal money is being spent with none of the funds being spent on actual construction, and that the city wants more control of the project.

In other business, the council heard from local bicyclist Keith Velaski about constructing a mountain bike trail through Riegal Park. The council indicated that Velaski should meet with the park and rec. committee and to look at any ecological impact of creating a trail through the park for mountain bike use and bring the information back to the city.

Marion Edler, former city clerk, was appointed to the city historic preservation committee unanimously.

The council tabled the proposed amendment to the city employee manual with regards to personal leave for union and nonunion employees. The council determined that the matter should be dealt with by the new city administrator and tabled it. The current administrator, Ed Emerson, is retiring and will be leaving the city in March. The city council currently has a hiring firm conducting a search for a replacement for city administrator.

DirecTV settles allegations of deceptive advertising

Under terms of nationwide settlement, DirecTV must pay $13.25 million and change its marketing practices

MADISON – Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced recently a settlement with DirecTV over allegations that DirecTV has engaged in deceptive advertising. Under the terms of the judgment, which will be filed in Dane County Circuit Court, DirecTV must change its marketing practices, pay the state $185,000 and provide restitution for injured Wisconsin consumers. The settlement is the result of an investigation in which 48 other states and the District of Columbia participated. DirecTV must pay a total of $13.25 million to the states, as well as provide restitution to consumers nationwide who have been injured by DirecTV’s practices.

Numerous consumers have filed com-

Consumer refunds The settlement also requires DirecTV to resolve consumer complaints about its

TF council holds public hearing on taxes

Levy, budget adoption Dec. 27

by Tammi Milberg Leader staff writer ST. CROIX FALLS – The city council for Taylors Falls met Dec. 13. The council held a public hearing for the proposed 2011 property taxes. While no one was at the hearing, the council was briefed about the city’s current property tax rate proposed for 2011.

The 2010 tax rate was 8.1097. The 2011 tax rate for Taylors Falls will be 8.0754 if adopted at the last council meeting in December. This is a reduction of .42 percent.

The proposed levy is $581,510 for 2011.

Mayor Michael Buchite stated the prop-

SCF council approves phased approach for WWTP

by Tammi Milberg Leader staff writer ST. CROIX FALLS – The city council for St. Croix Falls met Dec. 13, and discussed at length the wastewater treatment plant construction schedule and approach. The basis of the discussion was to change the construction approach to a phased approach. This would mean planning for the facility and upgrade of the head works building in phases. The phased plan will include improvements for the current plant and can postpone the capacity increase portion for 10 years. The capacity for the future will not have to be dealt with immediately due to initial residential and commercial/industrial growth projections being higher than actual for 20 years out when the city’s growth projection study was completed by Cedar Corp. Because growth has been slow in the city, it buys time for increasing the wastewater treatment plant capacity and enables the city not to spend now on capacity improvements, but to plan for, and in 10 years expand the capacity. The plan has to be submitted and approved by the Department of Natural Resources before construction can begin.

The council discussed the money spent

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Amy Matthews of DIY Network endorses SCF Habitat for Humanity project

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 22, 2010

by Tammi Milberg Leader staff writer ST. CROIX FALLS – A press conference was held Dec. 17 at city hall in St. Croix Falls to discuss and present the plan for sustainable living in St. Croix Falls through a project by Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity.

The project includes building five energy-efficient homes beginning with the construction of the first home in 2012. The energy-efficient homes will enable homeowners to afford to keep the mortgage current in a Habitat home without incurring higher-than-anticipated energy costs and possibly losing the home to foreclosure.

“The goal of Habitat for Humanity is to provide a long-term solution to homelessness,” said the executive director for the Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity, Eric Kube. Where the homes will be built in the city is determined by the city’s plan commission.

Mayor Darrell Anderson welcomed those who attended stating, “Three months ago it wasn’t even on the radar that St. Croix Falls was being considered by Habitat,” he said. “This could be something that could work in St. Croix Falls for residents, but could also give other communities ideas of something that can be done.”

Anderson said that by partnering with Habitat for Humanity, the possibility of grants should be good for the project. “Eric has the enthusiasm and youth for us. I’m closing in on my last year and a half as mayor, and I hope this will get in the city and be running smooth for the next mayor

Amy Matthews of the Do It Yourself Network was in St. Croix Falls Friday to endorse the Habitat for Humanity net-zero home project. Matthews is a licensed contractor and hosts a home improvement show on the DIY Network called “Sweat Equity.” She will be acting as a liaison for connections through her to the Habitat project.

St. Croix Mayor Darrell Anderson welcomed the team from Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity, Amy Matthews of the DIY Network, and guests to a press conference at city hall for the building project of affordable net-zero homes on Friday, Dec. 17. – Photos by Tammi Milberg

a message that good homes don’t have to be built expensively, and I like to take the burden off the homeowner and make it easier.”

Dan Foust, Foust Construction, addressed the public as well. He was the contractor that built the first LEED certified home in Wisconsin. He was also part of Habitat’s build in Amery. “It’s not really a new concept, it’s more on the building process and the new materials that help build energy efficient, durable homes,” he said. “The home is calculated on paper first and that gives you a goal to start with as far as energy efficiency. I’m excited to work with Habitat and see how everything can meld together.”

John Collins, homeowner of the Habitat built home in Amery last year, spoke about his experiences with the building project and the energy efficiency of his home.

“The fact that I got to own a home again was something I never thought would be possible,” he began. “I am bipolar and have other disorders that made renting an apartment very difficult for me because I never felt safe. I had a home and lived there until the sheriff put the tape up over the door. I rented for a while then found another home but it was so cold.”

Collins said the fuel cost for one month in that home was $800 and that he could not afford to continue that cost of $2,300 a year on heat. With his two small children, he would fill up a kerosene heater and he and the kids would sleep with sleeping bags, coats and hats on because the home would only heat to 61 degrees.

“To be in a house and afford it with my fixed income was something I didn’t think would be possible,” he said. “When someone told me Habitat was going to help me build a home I thought this can’t be happening. I can’t put it into words and to say it’s a blessing doesn’t cover it.”

Collins stated that when the family put up their Christmas tree, the lights from the tree heated the energy-efficient home so well his son came out in shorts and the family has to unplug the tree at night because it’s so warm. He chuckled at the comparison of the family sleeping in winter wear now being in a home warm enough that even tree lights make it too warm. “Habitat people just want to build houses for people. That’s all they want to do and nothing more behind that. I found

and council.”

Amy Matthews, licensed contractor and host of DIY’s “Sweat Equity” home improvement show, was next to speak.

“I grew up working with Habitat in my youth group and so I feel deeply about it,” she said. “I volunteered in several Habitats and worked with Eric on two projects.

Now, Habitat can do LEED certified construction, and to give back to your community is a reason I am so passionate about the project.”

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

Matthews said the project is not only amazing for the community of St. Croix Falls to be able to do this type of energy saving construction, but the fact it can be a model to other communities and lead the way to better construction with less impact on the environment for others is even bigger than just a building project of five energy-efficient homes.

“We have pivotal access to materials in this country, as well as the labor workforce and the brainpower to do this,” Matthews added. “There is no magic bullet to put this together, but we have all we need.”

Matthews said her position and involvement in the project will be like a liaison for contacts and to see how the relationship of people who can help could be connected to the project through her. “I applaud you all Pictured (L for coming together to be a part of the to R) are process,” she said. “The fact that you are members of aware of how building affects the environthe project ment is commendable. I think we can send

In Observance Of New Year’s, Our Offices Will Be Closed Friday, December 31, 2010.

John Collins, Habitat homeowner from Amery, spoke about owning a home.

that out firsthand. My home is $90,000 and 1,240 square feet, and the energy bills annually for heat including hot water are $600.”

To close the press conference, Kube spoke about Habitat and about the project.

Kube stated he had the chance to meet former President Jimmy Carter on a build.

“He said he supports Habitat because it’s not a charity. We don’t give things away.

We partner with families like you and me and provide a long-term solution to homelessness. We look at the estimated costs of homes and look for partners to help make these homes happen.”

Kube said Habitat hopes to build energyefficient homes like these in St. Croix Falls and help to show people that if Habitat people can build these homes, just about anyone can.

“We are glad to be partnering with the city,” he said. “The ReStore will be helping the cause with the sales which will be opening here in St. Croix Falls in March.”

The ReStore sells donated items (tax deductible) to help with constructing Habitat homes to help eliminate poverty housing and homelessness. Items that can be donated/purchased include appliances, furniture, doors, cabinets, lighting, windows and other building items that are excess, used but in good condition, leftovers from job sites or misordered items. The ReStore location is taking donations now and will be open in March. The ReStore hotline is 715-483-2700.

team, Amy Matthews, Dan Foust, Foust Construction; and Eric Kube, executive director of Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity.

We Will Reopen on Monday, January 3, For Our Normal Business Hours.

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DECEMBER 22, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 7

Restorative Justice report: Victim Impact Panels – driving choices

We are excited at Restorative Justice of Northwest Wisconsin, Inc. about the second of our series of educational articles about what restorative justice is and what our agency does within the communities of northwest Wisconsin.

If you, or anyone you know, who has had a Driving while Intoxicated, would most likely have attended a Victim Impact Panel. Restorative Justice offers these presentations several times throughout the year addressing this need and as a way for the community to help all people who are affected by crime … our hope is for a healthy, peaceful and safe community for all.

The Victim Impact Panel at RJNW is presented in a variety of media types.

The use of videos, audio footage and speakers make up the experience attendees receive. The speakers are all volunteers from the community from different

perspectives. Some are victims who have been harmed by another’s choice to drink and then drive a motorized vehicle; some have lost their family members or friends; some are those who harmed or killed those because of their choice to drink and then drive; and some are those in the community who are secondary victims – those who are there to help in a tragic crash and are also forever affected.

One thing is common between all these types of speakers: they all believe they can make a difference in people’s lives if they speak about their losses. The volunteer team’s mantra is that if they touched even just one person that night that now chooses not to drink and then drive, then they did their job.

Although many who attend a Victim Impact Panel have had a DWI offense, these panels are also widely attended by parents and their youth who may be just

Flag replacement

Polk County Veterans Service Officer Richard Gates presented a replacement flag to 91-yearold World War II veteran Ken Sunquist in front of the Sunnyview Apartments in Milltown on Wednesday, Nov. 10, just in time for Veterans Day. The complex has several veteran residents and lost their flag in recent windstorms. Gates’ office was able to find a donated flag for a replacement. Pictured (L to R): Gates, Sunquist, Gary Tews (Vietnam), Darrel Lee (Vietnam), Jessee Mattocks (caretaker and veteran), Jerry Kutney (Vietnam), Ruth Bruce (her two sons were in Vietnam, David and Allan), Soren Hansen (World War II). – Photo by Greg Marsten

starting to drive, or going off to college or other types of independent living situations. It can be a basis of information to have dialogue about making safe choices in life. Restorative Justice also collaborates with schools for Red Ribbon Week events and other student informational presentations by bringing Victim Impact Panels to the school environment.

In 2011, eight panels will be held at the Restorative Justice office in Siren (on Jan. 12, April 11, July 13, and Oct. 17) and at Unity School in Balsam Lake (on Feb. 10, May 9, Aug. 10, and Nov. 8). The panels start promptly at 6 p.m. The public is always welcome to attend Restorative Justice Victim Impact Panels.

Restorative Justice of Northwest Wisconsin, Inc. is a nonprofit (501(c)(3) agency that consists primarily of volunteer community members who work in many ways to help those affected by

crime to find peace and healing. They give their services to the community by participating in other programming such as Victim Offender Conferencing, Youth Educational Shoplifting Program, Youth Alcohol and Other Drugs of Addiction Educational Program, and the Community Service Program. Please contact us at our office at 715-349-2117 for any information about this program or to make a tax-deductible donation.

The Restorative Justice of Northwest Wisconsin Board of Directors, volunteers, and staff would like to wish everyone in our community a wonderful holiday season, and to remind everyone that as you attend seasonal festivities to live with peace and to drive safely making, and sticking to, a plan of using a designated driver if you plan to drink. - from Restorative Justice of Northwest Wisconsin

Kannenberg guest speaker

Julie Kannenberg was the guest speaker at the Siren/Webster Rotary meeting Thursday, Dec. 16. Kannenberg spoke about the new group that has been formed, Arts Burnett County. The group’s mission is to promote arts and culture in Burnett County as a way of drawing people into the county and keeping them there. The group’s first meeting was in November and those who were there came up with the idea of sponsoring an arts camp for children. - Photo by Nancy Jappe

Mark D. Biller Specializing In Criminal, Traffic and OWI Mark D. Biller Trial Lawyer P.O. Box 159 Balsam Lake, WI 54810

Telephone 715-405-1001 Fax 715-405-1002 billerlaw@lakeland.ws

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PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 22, 2010

COMMUNITY

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Taxpayer protection

• Joe Heller •

Where does it stop?

Unfunded federal and state government mandates seem to have a stranglehold on local government budgets.

Not that mandates are bad ideas. Most have well-meaning intentions behind them - public safety, education - it’s all good.

But in an economy that’s upside down and far from righting itself, there has to be a tallyman - someone keeping track of what local communities can afford. We all live up to our responsibilities the best we can but we’re creating casualties along the way - the very citizens our government wants to help.

Over in Washington County in Minnesota commissioners and county officials want state lawmakers to stop sending unfunded mandates to local governments that in turn put more pressure on counties and school districts to raise their local tax levies in order to pay for them.

Combined with cuts in state aid to local governments, unfunded mandates from our political fathers further up the chain in Madison and Washington, D.C., force cuts in other parts of our local budgets.

A good example was last week’s letter to the editor which noted how Burnett County is facing a 2012 mandate (communication towers) that involves a cost of $1 million to $3 million. The county should be saving up for that project - as well as for an update of its dispatch center - but that means upping the tax levy.

That’s logical - and it’s the path we’ve followed countless times - but again, local property owners, who bear the brunt of much of the yearly levy increases are asking, “where does it stop?”

It doesn’t, and it likely won’t without some kind of restructuring of how we fund - or react to – such mandates.

Washington County has begun with a “wish list” for 2011, which is topped by something called “taxpayer protection.” It’s a bit like a New Year’s resolution there to remind you but tough to accomplish.

Local governments have done an admirable job of keeping tax increases in line this year, being cognitive of how fragile middle-class existence is - while still meeting the essential needs. According to the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance, school property taxes are up 3.4 percent statewide, less than last year’s 6-percent jump and moderate compared to other years.

And sometimes holding the line means paying for it somewhere down the line.

There’s talk in general of how scraping by this year will mean a bigger tax bill next year.

2011 will provide for some interesting budget discussions, particularly at the county level.

Perhaps part of those discussions should be ways to politely decline offers of well-meaning, unfunded mandates - until we can afford to meet them.

Be wise men ... and women

• Web poll results •

Last week’s question

Making merry, to coin Dickens, is a part of our holiday season, which begins in earnest this week and carries through to New Year’s Day. Promotion of safe driving programs is at its zenith this time of year and the top reminder involves designated drivers. Whether it’s through a program like the party barge or other safe transportation options following the party, the important message is to “make merry safely.”

Wisconsin has a bad rep when it comes to operating while intoxicated. Statistics show our highways likely are inhabited with as high a percentage of tipsy drivers around this time of year as any state in the country.

Couple that with bad weather, our endless supply of white-tailed deer and the ever-present cell phone, and it’s a holiday recipe for accidents.

Make your holiday gatherings about spending time with family and friends and less about food and drink.

Stay sober and have fun - or make sure your driver is sober. Survive the holidays. And allow others to survive.

Editorials by Gary King

• Letters to the editor • 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/ Governor Jim Doyle P.O. Box 7863, Madison, WI 53707 wisgov@mail.state.wi.us

Congressman David Obey (7th District) 2462 Rayburn Office Bldg.

Washington, D.C. 20515 or Federal Building, Wausau, WI 54401 (715) 842-5606

Rep. Nick Milroy (73rd District) Room 221 North, State Capitol P.O. Box 8952, Madison 53708 E-mail: rep.milroy@legis.state.wi.us

Rep. Ann Hraychuck (28th District) State Capitol, P.O. Box 8942 Madison, WI 53708 Phone: 608-267-2365 • Toll free: 888-529-0028 In-district: 715-485-3362 rep.hraychuck@ legis.state.wi.us Rep. Mary Hubler (75th District) Room 7 North, State Capitol P.O. Box 8952, Madison, WI 53708 or 1966 21-7/8 St., Rice Lake 54868 (715) 234-7421• (608) 2662519 rep.hubler@legis.state.wi.us

U.S. Senator Herb Kohl 330 Hart Senate Office Bldg.

Washington, D.C. 20510 (715) 832-8492 senator_kohl@kohl.senate.gov

Senator Robert Jauch (25th District) Room 19 South, State Capitol P.O. Box 788, Madison, WI 53707 E-mail: Sen.Jauch@legis.state.wi.us Senator Sheila Harsdorf (10th District) State Capitol, P.O. Box 7882 Madison, WI 53707 (608) 266-7745 • (715) 2321390 Toll-free - 1-800-862-1092 sen.harsdorf@legis.state.wi.us

U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold SDB 40, Rm. 1, Washington, D.C. 20510 or 1600 Aspen Commons Middleton, WI 53562-4716 (608) 828-1200 senator@feingold.senate.gov

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

T H E

Don’t like ObamaCare?

The Commonwealth Fund is a nonpartisan private foundation that aims to promote a high performing health care system that achieves better access, improved quality and greater efficiency.

The Dec. 17 Commonwealth Fund Connection published the following news, and I quote: “A new Commonwealth Fund issue brief finds that the Affordable Care Act will help more than 18 million men and women ages 50 to 64 gain access to affordable health insurance with comprehensive benefits and strong financial protections. Beginning in 2014, 3.3 million of those currently uninsured and with incomes under $29,000 for a family of four will gain Medicaid coverage; 3.5 million with incomes up to $88,000 for a family of four can purchase subsidized private coverage through the new health insurance exchanges; and 1.4 million in higher income brackets will gain new coverage with consumer protections. In addition, an estimated 9.7 million older adults who have health insurance — but pay such high out-of-pocket costs, co-pays, relative to their income that they are effectively underinsured — will gain improved coverage through the new essential-benefit

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

standards, limits on out-of-pocket spending and elimination of lifetime benefit limits. “ Consider the difference between government-run and government-regulated: ObamaCare is not government-run health care; U.S. health care will remain a mix of private and public, and we’ll avoid a government-run system unless government fails to make the game fair for all. This is government doing what only it can do, making and enforcing rules for the game, like the WIAA, NCAA or NFL. How many rules? Just enough. Why? Because the system has run amok, failed to regulate itself and favors self-interest over the common good. There’s big money in health care and lots of smart people have learned how to make huge profits by making their own rules.

What would happen if electric power companies were free to raise their rates whenever they wished? Or if Frederic Shell Lake, Wisconsin-TCU or PackersVikings football games had no rules or referees? Or if we took down all the stop signs? Or if Gov.-elect Walker made property taxes voluntary?

Ah-h-h, wait! I just saw my Siren tax bill!

Norman Jensen, M.D. Madison and Siren

L E A D E R

I S

A

• Letters to the editor • Good fortune

We frequently comment on how fortunate we are to live in Frederic. Last weekend, we again realized our great, good fortune. The Twin Cities and other areas around us seemed to be fighting a losing battle with the heavy snowfall.

However, we in Frederic were blessed by our hardworking village crew – Kenny, Billy, Chris and Mike. They efficiently and neatly cleared the streets and disposed of the snow. The streets were cleared as soon as it was possible, which made it easy to drive around town (middle of the night work, no doubt).

We don’t often take the time to let the village crew know how much we appreciate their efforts. It seems they barely finished installing the Christmas decorations and then had to deal with the snowfall.

They did an outstanding job.

Mary Ellen and Ed Bechtel Frederic

Lame-duck decision

There is disappointment throughout the Wisconsin dental community about the state’s recent, ill-advised and lame-duck decision to waste $10 million in taxpayer funds on what Marshfield Clinic is finally admitting would be a second dental school in the state.

This poor public policy shows many of our elected officials are still making the unhealthy choice to throw money at new brick-and-mortar projects that do not address the real and urgent barriers to dental care thousands of low-income Wisconsin residents face. This $10 million expenditure will do very little to clean teeth, fix cavities or brighten smiles now or in the future.

The state’s own study shows Wisconsin has enough dentists to meet residents needs for at least the next decade. The Wisconsin Dental Association has proposed real solutions to eliminate barriers to oral health care now. They include allowing dental assistants and hygienists to work more closely with dentists to help more people, encouraging early prevention, providing incentives for new dentists to settle in underserved areas and improving financial support of the state’s Medicaid and BadgerCare dental programs.

These are practical, cost-effective and realistic ways to help more Wisconsin adults and children get dental care and a much stronger approach than funding a new building.

Wisconsin can and should do a better job of delivering quality dental care to its residents, but having taxpayers write a $10 million check for more buildings and administrative bureaucracy is a giant step backward. The 2,900 WDA member dentists stand ready to work with a new group of state leaders to make real, viable healthy choices in the challenge to provide all Wisconsinites with access to quality care.

Dr. Gene Shoemaker President, Wisconsin Dental Association West Allis

Ultimate retirement plan

TV bombards its audience daily with ads advocating the need for retirement plans. They’re encouraged to put money away for years for retirement, which never comes for many people. Yet many people make no plans for their final retirement in eternity. They either don’t allow themselves to think about it, or think there won’t be one or think it’ll just work out.

But God has the most amazing plan for eternity, one that was incredibly costly for him. No person can understand the kind of love God has for the world that he sent Jesus Christ to Earth. This is the story of Christmas, an event planned in the infinite mind of God, and infathomable to our finite minds because we are not God. Think of Jesus leaving the splendor and glories of heaven to come to Earth and live in the womb of a virgin for nine months, be born in a feeding trough in a stable, soon after that the family having to flee to Egypt because Herod was trying to kill him, eventually ending up in Nazareth and spending his life as a carpenter until his ministry. Christ knew when he came that his destiny was to die on the cross for

DECEMBER 22, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 9

the sins of the world. What amazing love!

If someone offered you a trillion dollars in exchange for a penny, would you do it?

That sounds like a ridiculous question.

But think about this. Every person has broken at least some of the Ten Commandments - do not steal, lie, take God’s name in vain, etc. That is what sin is, and we are all guilty and have no way of removing it from our past. Christ paid the debt for our sins for us on the cross, but it isn’t ours automatically. We have to be willing to confess our sin, repent of it (quit doing it), ask Christ to save us, and make him Lord of our life. And this is where my illustration of the trillion dollars and the penny apply. People want control of their own lives, which the Bible calls a vapor compared to eternity, and that is like hanging on to a penny and giving up a life in heaven with God forever and ever, like the trillion dollars.

Christ coming to Earth is the hope of the world for now and eternity. It is the ultimate retirement plan. If you want to know what heaven is like, read Revelation Chapters 21 and 22 in the Bible. There really are streets of gold, gates of pearl and beauty beyond imagination. The lame will walk, the blind will see, the deaf will hear, the brokenhearted will be healed, no more death, no more sorrow, all tears will be washed away and there will be perfect peace and joy in God’s presence forevermore.

Don’t put off giving your life to Christ.

The Bible says, “Today is the day of salvation.” You will never regret it.

MaryEllen Olson Amery

Make your winter shorter

So here we are days away to the official start of winter here in Wisconsin. Now what do we do to enjoy our friends and the snow? I wish someone told me about the Lake Country Riders a long time ago.

It’s a snowmobile club right here in Siren.

Here’s the thing ... I don’t consider myself a winter person. My family doesn’t live in Wisconsin.

Wait get this, we didn’t own a snowmobile when we first started to meet with the snowmobile club. But its infectious. This is what I’m talking about, good times, good people. Hey, it’s easy enough to buy a reasonable-priced snowmobile.

They do a meat raffle on Fridays at the Pour House at 5:30 p.m. To me it was just another way to get out of the house. You buy a few raffle tickets and get a a lot of chances to win money, prime cuts of meat or drink chips, and of course support the club. So after a while, you get to know people in the community and the people of the snowmobile club. The proceeds from the meat raffle go to the club. The proceeds are used to keep up the snowmobile trails and various charitable events. They do everything from supporting local charities to giving out scholarships, and even take part in the Siren Fourth of July parade. So where do I sign up? That’s what I said. And we did. For a family membership, it’s $25, for individuals it’s only $15. They have meetings from September - March at different member establishments. It starts with the pledge of allegiance. Really ? Yes really, I like that. It makes me feel patriotic. Then they tell you about snowmobile community events, trail reports and some financial stuff.

Please feel free to also checkout our Web site ... lcrsc.com.

There are people who come to every meeting, some not too much. Many come for the fellowship. They have activities during the meeting and during the fun they plan on some long rides to here and there. They plan on little rides to the house of so and so and back. We have the Gandy Dancer Trail. Heck, we have so many other trails you don’t even know about. But ... they have this map. No one told me till lately about this map. The map you can get in many local businesses and it free. It tells you of all the trails in Burnett County. From here to there. Short, long, most in your backyard trails that make it easy for you to get out there.

The club is always looking for new blood. My teenage kids need more kids to ride with. The older generation can use your expertise. All those who fall in the middle might be looking for something to

make winter feel shorter than it is.

So after the holidays, come down to the meat raffle to meet some of us. Stay to play and maybe win something. Perhaps if it’s your thing, you will be like me and join, for the fun of it. A new winter sport that makes our community feel small again. But as they say, makes the trails grow big.

United we trail ... divided we fail.

Debby Reed Siren

Saving their jobs

I see where the Polk County commissioners have decided to save their jobs by voting to keep the board at its current size of 23 members. I attended one of the informational meetings and have read through the report posted on the county Web site. I found some interesting conclusions in the report.

One of the pros for keeping the board at its current size was that each supervisor would represent about 2,000 people. At the meeting I attended, a supervisor said he would like to see that number reduced to 500 as he felt that he could represent them better. Using his logic, we would end up having 92 supervisors, each one representing 500 people.

One of the statements in the report is as follows, “A benefit of a strong committee system is the opportunity for specialization, for detailed examination of areas of governance and policy analysis and oversight. A number of board members can become knowledgeable in a given area, with benefit for overall policy development.”

As I recall, the finance committee had three CPAs on its committee when a $2 million error occurred in the county budget, and none of the committee members found the error.

So much for oversight.

Another statement that caught my attention was this one, “A strong committee system also means that a resolution can be reviewed several times before it is brought to the full board for adoption.”

Does everyone remember the chair fiasco where a purchase was made for office equipment without proper approval?

That bounced back and forth between the committee and board for months before it was turned over to the county administrator to make a decision because the board couldn’t. I also found the following statement interesting, “A large county board is more conducive to participating in activities such as town/village board meetings.” There was nothing in the report from the town boards to indicate how often if ever that the supervisors attended town board meetings.

In the background information in the report we are told that “the New York model of larger county boards of supervisors was chosen for Wisconsin.”

One last little fact, the state of Wisconsin has 10 percent of all county supervisors in the entire United States, more than Texas, more than California, and yes, even more than New York.

Fritz Coulter Amery

Information on new oil discoveries in the U.S.

There is much information on the discovery of new oil formations published by the Coast and Geodic Survey and the Energy Information Administration dating back to 2006 that our liberal news media has not made us aware of. First, the U.S. Geographical Service issued a report in 2008 updating their 2005 report regarding how much oil was in the newly discovered Bakken Formation. This includes the western two-thirds of North Dakota, western South Dakota, southern Montana in the U.S. and Manitoba and Saskatchewan in Canada. Their revised estimate is 503 billion barrels. Even if only 10 percent of the oil is recovered at $107 a barrel, we are looking at a resource base worth more than $5.3 trillion. They also estimate that the sweet crude oil can be extracted for $16 a barrel and there is enough oil to fuel the American economy at the present rate of consumption for 2,041 years. Terry Jonson Montana Legislature’s legislative analyst, briefed the leg-

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

islators on this oil reserve, which is the largest in the world.

Also before the Bakken Formation had been fully evaluated, the Stansberry Report Online, April 6, 2006, identified another U.S. oil formation which at that time was the largest oil reserve in the world.

Quote from the Stansberry Report, “Hidden 1,000 feet beneath of the surface of the Rocky Mountains lies what was the largest untapped oil reserve in the world.

It is more than 2 trillion barrels. On Oct. 8, 2005, Bush mandated its extraction, but in 3-1/2 years of high oil prices, none has been extracted. With all this mother load of oil why are we still fighting over offshore drilling?”

I also received some current information that says we pay $390 million every day to purchase foreign oil: $50 million to Russia, $190 million to Saudi Arabia, $150 million to Venezuela. This is a major transfer of wealth to countries which are certainly not our friends, and we can expect much of it will fund terrorists who are trying to destroy us. Yet our well-informed Congress was more interested in taking over General Motors to help the greedy retired union workers who did shoddy work and forced the auto industry to go overseas. The stimulus money could have been much better spent creating jobs developing our own energy reserves. Fortunately, many of them have been turned out to pasture, so they can enjoy their ridiculously high-life pension. The Tea Party movement has made it clear that we need to hold their feet to the fire and replace them before they get too corrupt.

It is also disturbing that President Obamas saw fit to pay or underwrite a $2 billion loan to Brazil to develop an offshore oil field when all the oil would be going to China who had already give them a $10 billion loan. The intent to make this loan was first announced by the Obama administration after Obama was elected, but before he took office, and the decision was allegedly made by the export/import board appointed by Bush. Obviously, Obama approved because he signed the executive order to loan $2 billion to a Brazilian Oil Company in April 2009. This loan was not justified on the U.S. getting Brazilian oil which was going to China but on potential sales to Petrobras, the eighth largest developer in the world, which would create jobs in the U.S. The controversy was not based on whether or not this was a good decision, but on the fact that billionaire George Soros was the major stockholder in Petrobras who was the developer. He was also one of Obama’s most generous financial supporters during his campaign. Billionaire financier Soros has donated large sums of money to groups that support the goals of the Democratic Party (including an estimated $23.5 million toward defeating George Bush in 2004). Soros sold 5 million of his 37 million Petrobras shares in May 2009 and another 22 million shares in August 2009. Snoops, who is supposed to be the authority of truth on the Internet, followed up by printing Glen Beck’s letter along with a blistering Wall Street Journal editorial picking apart Beck’s November 2009 letter trying to justify Obama’s action.

Departing from the facts, we should expect to see that Soros enormous profits on his Petrobras shares playing a major role in our 2012 presidential election.

If you want a copy of this Web Site article on oil formation development that contains actual maps and addresses of related Web site articles that you can click on, I will forward one to you. Just send me a short e-mail with your name and address to Sam Jones sejones@sirentel.net and I will forward you a copy. This U.S. Geographical Service also has information from the Energy Information Administration and detail information, pictures and maps of The Bakken Formation. If you don’t have a computer, send me a stamped legal-sized return-addressed envelope with $1 to cover the cost of copying the five-page document to Sam Jones, P.O. Box 105, Siren, WI 54872.

Sam Jones Siren

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PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 22, 2010

• Letters to the editor • Much greater than us

Our president, note the small p, has told us we are not a Christian nation, but he himself has not come forth and told us who he really is.

I was raised with Christian precepts, to love thy neighbor etc., but also accept responsibility. I have an absolute responsibility to take care of me and mine, and I sure will do it. I would rather someone owes me versus the opposite.

He has not allowed Christian or other religious symbols in the White House this year, and he calls our Christmas tree a holiday tree. He sounds more like his wife.

A holiday is something we take to relax and do what we like. Christmas represents struggle, giving, loss, believing in something greater than ourselves, responsibility, thankfulness for who we are and what has been given to us, and what we may give. Plus, something much greater than us, something to follow, and that, most certainly, is not a politician on the wrong path.

Bruce Muehlhauser Cushing

Lost in cyberspace

For more than 20 years I’ve railed professionally and privately against the growing collective reliance on computers and related electronic wireless information technology. I’ve been paddling my canoe in the face of a tsunami. People, including our government, just don’t seem to get it.

The ongoing public uproar over the Internet-WikiLeaks release of classified military and state department documents reinforces the argument I’ve been trying to make. You cannot punch in anything on a computer, word processor, cell phone or other electronic gadget and transmit it without understanding that it will be electronically archived and be recoverable by someone with the motive, skill, time and right equipment. I find it almost laughable that the highest levels of our government have not recognized this vulnerability when certain agencies have used this very

reality to carry out their own purposes.

Any assumption that wireless communications and associated hard and software are secure from intercept, downloading, uploading, manipulation and other forms of compromise is incredibly naïve. This despite what the wirelesselectronic information industry may try to sell you. For our government to express surprise and outrage is absolutely disingenuous.

I claim no professional expertise in cyberspace technology, and, as with my writings on this and other sensitive/controversial sociocultural issues, my reasoning is pragmatic. I share with you these personal experiences and observations as a basis for my point of view.

Some of this goes way back, but bear with me and you’ll realize where I’m coming from.

•While in the military, stationed in Europe in the 1950s, near the Cold War Iron Curtain, the Czechs and East Germans regularly monitored, intercepted and jammed our tactical and administrative radio communications, apparently having little trouble getting a fix on our equipment and frequencies.

•While on assignment with the CIA in the secret war against Cuba in the 1960s, believing we had the most sophisticated clandestine communications technology available (called “burst,” shortwave and VHF transmitters and receivers) Castro captured one of our intelligence infiltration teams and with that equipment was able to intercept and decode our encrypted transmissions.

•As a civilian air charter-bush pilot in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, and later with DEA in the early ‘80s, while flying I experienced frequent voice communications and navigational signal failures and anomalies that could easily have resulted in a major accident if one did not know how to control the aircraft by other than electronic instruments.

•While working with DEA and ATF in the 1980s, I learned of our government’s use of high tech, mobile electronic equipment that would allow law enforcement to effectively spy on or discredit a person of interest remotely by monitoring the individual’s wireless communications and

equipment, to the extent of surreptitiously downloading a computer hard drive or planting compromising/incriminating information without ever taking physical possession of the hardware.

Electronic wireless communications technology has come a long way in the past 30 years. We are now in the age of digitally transmitted information. And, while the hardware and gadgetry has become ever more evolved, the vulnerabilities for unintended interception and unauthorized access and retrieval remain.

In fact, the experts that designed and created the Internet early on pointed out that the medium was not a foolproof, fully secure mode of information transmission and storage. We’re seeing that firsthand with the ongoing WikiLeaks release despite all the security supposedly imposed on the system(s) by the industry and the government.

The lesson here is fundamental; if you want something kept secret, confidential or hidden, don’t put it in cyberspace.

Personally, I would not possess a computer, even a word processor or other state-of-the-art wireless electronic gear. A family member insisted I get a cell phone.

I haven’t used it except to order food-togo on my way home from the VA medical center.

It may well be a generational thing, but I’m offended, even angered; by the obvious addiction to electronic communications gadgetry that’s impacted every aspect of life around the globe. There seems to be no escape, when in public no matter where you go, from the cell phones, laptops and related devices. People are zoned out, glassy-eyed, mindlessly preoccupied, whether at home, work, driving, even eating out or at a movie, totally distracted from their surroundings, personal interaction, essential obligations and responsibilities. I have acquaintances who spend hour upon hour on the Internet, texting or gabbing on a cell phone; even the military now uses virtual war gaming to entice prospective recruits to enlist. It is a mind-numbing, artificial reality in which the addicted exist and, as a worldwide phenomenon, has the potential for personal and collective destruction in much the same way as radicalized reli-

gion, substance abuse, junk food and sexual promiscuity.

I believe humankind is at risk of becoming lost in the technology. Hopefully more incidents like the WikiLeaks download expose and several cosmic or manmade electromagnetic surges will move humanity to seriously consider the vulnerabilities and sociocultural implications of life in cyberspace.

as the Nov. 23 action. Voting to overturn the veto were Councilmembers Polly Wolner, Justin Wosepka, Mike Diercks, Dan Schwab, Dave Armstrong and Dan Genereau. - Rice Lake Chronotype

day shift. At a time when two patrol officers are on duty, the police chief, lieutenant and shift sergeant are also working. “How bad are our employees that they need three supervisors?” Horne asked. But Samelstad and Cody said having three sergeants on the force makes sense, so that a trained decision maker is always on duty to answer patrol officers’ questions. There are times when Samelstad and Cody are on vacation or performing other duties that they are not available to supervise shift officers. Alderman Jim Zajkowski saw the wisdom in the current chain of command. “Is the bottom line money or the protection of the city?” he asked. As a former law enforcement officer, Alderman Ron Volkert said he’s as concerned about safety as anyone.

But he’s also concerned about the taxpayers of New Richmond. He said it makes sense to consider a plan to restructure the police department. The council voted 6-0 to table action on the reorganization plan, directing Horne to come back with a more specific recommendation at a future meeting. - New Richmond News (rivertowns.net)

will assume the roles of Torstein and Skervald, the Birkebeiner warriors who rescued Prince Haakon during the Norwegian Civil War in 1206. - Sawyer County Record (haywardwi.com)

• Area news at a glance •

Administrator gets vote of confidence

RICE LAKE - City Administrator Curt Snyder got a vote of confidence Tuesday, Dec. 14 when the city council overturned Mayor Romaine Quinn’s veto of an earlier action on a 6-2 vote. Firing Snyder was placed on the Nov. 23 council agenda by Quinn. Quinn contended Snyder had mismanaged the parks department investigation and engineering issues, and that he had no fresh ideas because he had been there for 19 years. But instead of firing Snyder, the council voted 6-2 to amend Snyder’s contract so that established city personnel policies would apply to him and to give him the same raise that other administrative city employees will get in 2011 – if they get a raise. That motion was suggested by Snyder in a written rebuttal to Quinn’s option of firing him. But Quinn vetoed the council’s action the following day, stating that the city labor attorney had stated that Snyder’s contract needed changes to “clarify certain internal inconsistencies,” and that the Nov. 23 action would prevent those changes from being made. Quinn also said in his veto message that he took concern with the possible raise. “As I have stated before, no employee in this city should be given a raise as this council struggles to keep the city’s financial situation above water, no matter how miniscule the number may be.” A two-thirds vote of the eight-member council was required to overturn the mayor’s veto. Tuesday’s council vote split the same

NORTHWESTERN WISCONSIN – Several thousand individuals and families in Polk County who are enrolled in a Medicaid or BadgerCare Plus health plan are now receiving notices from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services informing them that as of Jan. 1 there will only be one HMO serving Polk County ZIP Codes. As the notice advises, since there is only one Managed Care Organization in this area, individuals and families do not have to sign up for an HMO. Those who want to

Police issues come to a boil

NEW RICHMOND - The tension was apparent as the New Richmond City Council discussed several items related to the police department Monday night, Dec. 13.

The evening ended when the council came out of closed session and voted 6-0 to direct Mayor Fred Horne to “proceed with sending complaints to the Police and Fire Commission” related to an investigation into an alleged hostile work environment.

The complaints will be considered by the commission, which can take any disciplinary action they deem necessary or end the investigation. The complaints deal with Police Chief Mark Samelstad and Lt. Jerry Cody, although no details about the issue have been released. That wasn’t the only contentious item dealing with the police department at Monday’s meeting. Council members and police officials debated at length about a proposal, presented by Horne, to reorganize the leadership of the department. Under the police department’s current chain of command, Horne reported, there is one supervisor for every 2.2 patrol officers on the force. That compares to one supervisor for every 3.3 law enforcement personnel in the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Department, Horne said.

Of particular concern, Horne said, was the

Three skiers and a baby

HAYWARD - With the selection of two male skiers from Eau Claire and a female skier from St. Cloud, Minn., the search is over for three cross-country skiers and a baby to re-enact the 800-year-old legend that inspired the creation of the American Birkebeiner. During the 38th anniversary on Saturday, Feb. 26, longtime friends Gale Otterholt and Marv Franson of Eau Claire

HMO or fee-for-service?

be in an HMO can only choose to enroll in the United Health Care HMO. If you do not want to be in an HMO, you may choose fee-for-service.

Some families are unsure about what the phrase fee-for-service means, however. For example, some believe that the phrase means you will have to pay a fee for your health care services. In fact, fee-for-service simply means that you will be able to get your health services from any medical provider that accepts BadgerCare Plus (or

Medicaid) and is taking new patients.

On the other hand, an HMO is a group of doctors, hospitals and clinics that work together to help you manage your health care. When you enroll in an HMO for BadgerCare Plus, SSI or Medicaid you must see doctors and other providers who belong to your HMO unless you have an approved referral from your HMO or you have a medical emergency.

If you are on BadgerCare Plus or Medicaid and you do not make any choice at all,

Bradley Ayers Frederic area

We’ve got trouble … right here in River City part one

In case you haven’t noticed, city Administrator Edwin C. Emerson has had his house foreclosed on. Making $75,000 a year, this action wasn’t taken because he lost his job. It was a cold, calculated maneuver to walk away from his debt. There were also two other legal actions on loans. Buy local but stiff your local bank.

One would assume he was using an escrow account to pay his real estate taxes.

So he isn’t even paying his taxes to support the community that pays his wages.

In the past he tried to walk away from student loans, so this is a pattern for him.

Contemplate what he is walking away from as he leaves the community.

This should be cause for immediate dismissal. How can a community trust his decisions when he flippantly walks away from a personal commitment? Believe me the community can’t trust him. Not only has no action been taken on this, but also he was given a raise in the new adopted budget.

The city council was going to terminate his contract in 2006 over his computer shenanigans but never followed through.

It is too bad for the community.

Is this the pinnacle of his career? More like the collapse of his career.

Lee Uhrhammer St. Croix Falls

Who won $350,000?

BARRON - Employees at the Cenex station in Barron recently learned that one of their own sold a SuperCash! lottery ticket that is worth a cool $350,000. The actual winner has not been identified so far. So until the ticket holder comes forward, the big news at this point is simply that the six winning numbers of 6, 8, 14, 16, 17 and 35 for a drawing earlier this month were entered on a ticket that had been purchased at the Barron Farmers Union Co-op Cenex.

Renee Floan, manager at the C-Store, said that she heard about the winning ticket when co-worker Arnie Chalupski called and told her about it. The news came as a shock because the Barron convenience store had never sold a winning ticket worth so much money before. Whoever the winning ticketholder is, he or she has 180 days to claim their prize by mail or in person at the Wisconsin Lottery’s Madison or Milwaukee offices. Floan said she would be excited to learn the winner’s identity, and she is hopeful that the lucky person was a local. Some of the store’s loyal lottery customers have already checked in, though, and they hadn’t purchased the winning entry. - Barron News-Shield

you will simply be enrolled in fee-for-service. If you want more information or if you choose the HMO and then decide to change to fee-for-service, call the HMO specialist at 800-291-2002.

If you have additional questions you may leave a message at 715-485-8824. A local advocate from the Polk County Health Department or from ABC for Rural Health will call you back. - submitted

WINTER SPORTS

DECEMBER 22, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 11

INTER COUNTY LEADER • INTER COUNTY LEADER • INTER COUNTY LEADER

F R E D E R I C • G R A N T S B U R G • L U C K • S T. C R O I X F A L L S • S I R E N • U N I T Y • W E B S T E R BASKETBALL • GYMNASTICS • HOCKEY • WRESTLING

Blizzard boys stay undefeated with North Branch victory Blizzard 5, North Branch 4

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer SIREN – The Blizzard boys have quietly forgotten how to lose lately, and continued to prove it with a slick weekend victory over Two Rivers Conference rival North Branch, 5-4, on Saturday, Dec. 18, staying undefeated at 7-0, and 2-0 in conference play.

The Blizzard got the scoring started at 14:56 in the first period, with a power-play goal by Russ Thoreen off a Bryce Ryan assist. They would carry that lead into the second period, when Aaron Dietmeier would score on a power play at 5:46, with a Joe Engelhart assist, making it 2-0 Blizzard.

The North Branch Vikings were not about to roll over, as Calvin Miska turned a Viking power play into a goal at 11:03, with a Michael SantaBrigida goal two minutes later, tying the score at 2-2.

However, the Blizzard offense got into a fast rhythm over the next five minutes, scoring three goals to quickly recover.

They closed out the second period with a Kyle Roberts goal at the 14:48 mark off an Anthony Dietmeier assist. The Blizzard would then capitalize with a Bryce Ryan goal at the 3:17 mark in the third frame, off helpers from Matt Larson and Brandon Ryan, respectively.

Jake Langevin would add to the security with a tally at 4:49 off an assist by Jake Swenson, making it 5-2, Blizzard.

The Vikings had other ideas, and made it quite a contest in the final minutes of the third period, with Miska scoring again at 7:36, making it 5-3, Blizzard, and then SantaBrigida came through for the North Branch boys at 9:53, making Blizzard fans squirm a bit in the final seven minutes, with a giant advantage suddenly slimming to a 5-4 lead.

In the end, the Blizzard defensemen combined with Labatt’s goaltending to fend off any last-minute Viking charges, securing the 5-4 victory, and keeping their “L-column” clean at 7-0 overall, 2-0 in the Two Rivers.

Blizzard notables included an impressive 56 shots on goal, with scores by Russ Thoreen, Aaron Dietmeier, Jake Langevin, Bryce Ryan and Kyle Roberts. Assist points went to Anthony Dietmeier, Matt Larson, Jake Swenson, Brandon Roufs and Joe Engelhart, as well as Bryce Ryan. Labatt notched 39 saves on 43 shots on goal, bringing his save percentage up to .948.

In their seven games so far in the 20102011 campaign, the Blizzard have scored 38 goals from a total of 10 players, while giving up just 13 goals in that same period.

Extra Points

Blizzard sophomore Bryce Ryan scored one goal and had one assist against North Branch, Minn., on Saturday, Dec. 18. – File photos by Brenda Martin

They travel to Somerset on Tuesday for a nonconference match with the Osceola/Somerset cooperative squad at 7 p.m.

The Blizzard boys are then off until the Rice Lake tourney over three days, Dec. 27-Dec. 29, and don’t host a contest again until Jan. 8 at Grantsburg, which should be a real test of their formidable record.

Blizzard 3, Amery 0 AMERY - The Blizzard boys hockey team shut out and shut down the Amery cooperative squad in a nonconference contest on Dec. 16, winning 3-0 on the road, continuing to play sharp hockey with a dominating offensive attack.

Freshman Aaron Dietmeier drew first blood against the Amery Warrior squad, just 12 seconds into the contest, tagging in a shot off an assist from brother Anthony Dietmeier, in what would later prove to be the game winner.

The Blizzard knocked another two tal-

lies past the Amery net keeper in the second period, first when junior Kyle Roberts turned a power play into a score with an Aaron Dietmeier assist at 3:02 and then a while later at 13:07, when sophomore Bryce Ryan would score on a senior Russ Thoreen helper, securing the shutout victory, 3-0.

Blizzard goalie Thomas Labatt stayed sharp, knocking away 24 of 24 shots on goal in his 51 minutes for his first shutout of the season. Other notables for the Blizzard were Aaron Dietmeier, who registered 2 points on the match with a goal and an assist. Ryan, Thoreen, Anthony Dietmeier and Roberts each registered a point for the contest.

The Amery Warrior squad could not slip anything past the Grantsburg junior Labatt, who has been stellar in the net of late, with the offensive backing to multiply his successes, which the Blizzard have shown with a perfect, 6-0 record.

The Blizzard bench watched as they played in the Grantsburg arena in a previous game this season.

••• ST. CROIX FALLS – The “New” Mix 105, The FUN FM, will be the exclusive radio home of the Minnesota Twins in western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota. Because of their exclusive association with the Twins, The “New” Mix 105 is inviting all area baseball fans to meet the Twins at Loggers Bar & Grill, Hwy. 8, St. Croix Falls on Monday, Jan. 17, 2011 starting at 9:45 a.m. As part of the 2011, Twins Winter Caravan, you can see players Matt Capps, Brian Duensing, Twins broadcaster Dick Bremer and mascot TC Bear. You can hear all about the upcoming 2011 season and you can ask questions as well. There may be a limited time for autographs and pictures during the event but because of time constraints this may not be possible. – submitted ••• STEVENS POINT – The UW-SP women’s basketball team and Luck native Britta Petersen moved to 8overall with a convincing 72-28 victory over the Milwaukee School of Engineering on Sunday, Dec. 19. The Pointers have a 10-day break before heading to Pacific Lutheran on Dec. 29. Against MSOE, Petersen had six points and three rebounds. – Marty Seeger with information from athletics.uwsp.edu ••• RICE LAKE – Volleyball Officiating is a five-session non credit class that will meet on Jan. 4, 6, 11, 13 and 20 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the University of Wisconsin-Barron County gym. In the course, students will learn to officiate volleyball athletic events at various levels of competition including the mechanics of officiating, knowledge and interpretation of rules and field experience. Students will cover the WIAA test for volleyball officiating. The course may be taken for one UW credit at an additional fee. To register and pay online go to barron.uwc.edu/ce or call Samantha Heathman in the UW-BC community education department at 715-2348176, Ext. 5403, or e-mail samantha.heathman@uwc.edu. – submitted ••• MADISON – The Copin State at Badger men’s basketball game is being broadcast on 1260 AM on Thursday, Dec. 23, beginning at 7 p.m.

••• GREEN BAY – The Dec. 26 Giants at Packers game begins at 3:15 p.m. and can be heard on 105.7 FM. ••• MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The Vikings at Eagles game on Sunday, Dec. 26 can be heard on 104.9 FM beginning at 7:20 p.m..

••• 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

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

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 22, 2010

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Webster girls hold off Frederic

Webster 42, Frederic 38

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer FREDERIC – The Frederic and Webster girls traded the lead several times in Friday’s basketball contest at Frederic, but the final minutes went the way of the Tigers, winning by a 42-38 margin in West Lakeland Conference play.

Both squads were colder than a meat locker in the first quarter, with neither team able to find their range until the second quarter. That’s when the Vikings’ Maria Miller began to get her bearings and timing down, teaming with Corissa Schmidt to rally their team to an 18-14 lead into the second half.

Webster then made the third quarter theirs, and fended off most scoring attempts by the Vikes, who were able to tie the score with less than a minute remaining in the third frame.

Both squads used solid defense to their advantage in the fourth quarter, with the Tigers using the charity stripe to their advantage and pulling away with a small lead as the minutes ticked away.

Frederic was getting into foul trouble, with Vanessa Neumann fouling out with six minutes left, and then Sage Karl following suit three minutes later. Samantha Nelson fouled out a minute later, leaving the Vikings wounded and thin on defense.

While the Vikings were having trouble

Viking senior Tara Anderson goes inside, hoping to make the bucket and get a foul against the Webster defense. – Photos by Greg Marsten

with their fouls, Webster senior Mary Johnson got solid inside, keeping her team in front for a spell. Frederic began to get back in an offensive groove, with Corissa Schmidt knocking down a huge 3-pointer with 1:34 on the clock, making it 36-34

Webster junior Chelsea Larson (No. 21) goes in for a shot while Frederic's Samantha Nelson attempts a block.

Webster.

It was a whole new game, and with just one possession separating them, the Vikes had some fire from the home fans, as well.

Schmidt then intercepted an inbound pass, but couldn’t convert, while the Tigers added another point at the freebie

line. Schmidt then tried again and drove the lane well, finessing a bank shot in to make it a 37-36 game, with the Tigers on top with under a minute remaining.

Viking senior Jade Johnson then intercepted an inbound pass and deftly tossed up a layup, giving the Vikes their first lead since the opening minutes of the contest.

The two teams then traded leads a few times in the final seconds, using the clock well and trying to get the last shot. But the foul troubles from earlier again haunted the Vikings, and they gave up too many free-throw opportunities, which Tiger Rachel Salas used well, converting two critical shots for a 42-38 lead with under five seconds on the clock, a lead that would stand as the final for the Webster girls.

Schmidt led the Frederic girls in scoring with 13 points, followed by Miller and Jade Johnson with nine points each. Mary Johnson led the Tigers with 13 points, also, followed by Chris Stoll with 10 points.

Frederic has a nonconference match in Clear Lake on Tuesday, Dec. 21, before going on break until January, when they host Northwood on Jan. 4. Webster hosts Northwestern on Dec. 21, with a Jan. 7 game at Grantsburg, their first post-break contest.

Both teams are now 2-1 in conference play, with Frederic now at 4-2 overall, versus the Tigers 3-2 overall record.

Rush City hands Lady Vikings a loss

Grantsburg wins over New Auburn on Saturday

but a couple of missed opportunities hurt us in the end. Girls fought hard against a physical team,” said Wink.

Jade Johnson led the Vikes with 15 points, while Corissa Schmidt added 12, Vanessa Neumann, four, and Sam Nelson, Sage Karl and Maria Miller added two apiece. Tara Anderson chipped in one point.

Rush City, Minn. 42, Frederic 38

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer FREDERIC – The Frederic Vikings basketball team suffered their first loss of the season against Rush City, Minn., in a nonconference battle. Vikings coach Troy Wink stated that his Vikings didn’t play well offensively, or on defense in the first half, but played a solid second half, only to come up short.

The Vikings were down 29-19 at halftime but managed to climb their way back into it in the fourth quarter. “(We) battled back to lead in the fourth,

Frederic’s Corissa Schmidt drives to the basket. – Photo by Becky Amundson

Pirate Haley Larson passes the ball to a teammate. – File photo by Brenda Martin

Grantsburg 61, New Auburn 52 GRANTSBURG – The Pirate girls basketball team finished out a nonconference game with a win at home on Saturday, Dec. 18, against New Auburn. Grantsburg led 22-13 after the first quarter and didn’t look back, as four girls scored double digits including Haley Larson’s 16, Lisa Gaffney, 14, Kylie Pewe, 12 and Macy Hansen, 10. Nicole McKenzie added seven points and Liz Gaffney ended the game with two points.

Webster boys hold back Frederic

Webster 45, Frederic 35

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer FREDERIC – The Webster boys basketball team was able to turn back a late Viking charge in the Friday, Dec. 17, conference contest at Frederic, winning, 45-35, but trailing at times by just a couple of buckets in the final minutes.

Frederic started out on fire, running the court hard and controlling the inside paint, but Webster adjusted quickly and recovered, playing very strong defense, and gaining a lead in the first quarter that they would never relinquish.

The Vikings then had a hard time even buying a basket, and in spite of passing the ball well and tripping up the Tigers defense at times, they just couldn’t finish for much of the first half, tallying just 17 points at the break to the Tigers 24.

Webster relied heavily on Austin Elliot’s control of the tempo and shooting, and he came away as the high scorer with 16 points, and kept his squad alive at times.

“Elliot is a strong play maker,” stated Frederic head coach Ryan Lind.

Frederic showed some fire at times, especially as they tried to get back within a few points in the second half. They started

Frederic sophomore Adam Chenal looks for a place to dump a pass against a tight Tiger defense. – Photos by Greg Marsten

Webster senior Austin Elliot goes skyward for two of his 17 points against the Vikings.

to find their range just in time to stay within reach, but had too many points to make up.

Webster used the press to full effect in the second half, turning back a steady Viking charge that seemed to threaten the Tiger lead, at times. But the Webster defense was as solid as a February snowbank, and allowed the Tigers to pull away in the final frame, outscoring the Vikes, 21-18, in the second half.

“We just couldn’t put the ball in enough,” Lind admitted, “Webster played tough defense, too.”

The Tigers ended up on top, 45-35, with the Vikes’ Adam Chenal as their only player in double digits with 10 points, followed by Waylon Buck and Joe Draxler with nine points each.

Webster spread the ball around well, but really only had a handful of scorers other than Elliot, with James Wethern notching 11 points and Greg McIntyre earning eight points in the win.

The Tiger win pushes them to 2-1 in conference play, and 4-1 overall. Frederic moves to 1-3 in West Lakeland play, but 33 overall. Both squads will be playing in a few holiday-break tourneys before resuming conference play in January.

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Blizzard girls can’t recover against the Rebels Moose Lake 5, Blizzard 2

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer GRANTSBURG – The Blizzard girls fell behind the Moose Lake Rebels by three goals in the first period, which proved too much to overcome on Thursday, Dec. 16.

The squad couldn’t recover, losing by a 52 final on their home ice at Grantsburg.

The Rebels exploded out of the gate, riding the skates of senior forward Jackie Granfors, who was on fire offensively, notching two goals and an assist in the first period alone, and ending up with a hat trick in the win.

The Blizzard got back in their rhythm and on the scoreboard - in the second period with a power-play goal by Paige Johnson off a Kassie Lien assist at the 3:43 mark. The Blizzard kept peppering Rebel goalie Kaitlyn Green in the second period, and tested her again two minutes later, this time with a shorthanded Kassie Lien goal off a Samantha O’Brien helper.

It suddenly seemed like the Blizzard were back in their groove, but the Rebels kept the pressure on and Granfors struck again, scoring a match to Lien’s tally, and making it 4-2 as the second period wound down with a big deficit to overcome.

aforementioned goals by Lien and Johnson, with points also to Lien and O’Brien for assisting. Blizzard goalie Tiffany Meyer stopped 30 Rebel shots on goal.

The Blizzard are now 3-4-1, and travel to Chippewa Falls on Tuesday, Dec. 21, for a contest with the Menomonie/Chippewa Falls Cardinals. Then they take some holiday time to regroup before hosting East Range Dec. 28 in Siren.

Youth Hockey

Burnett Blizzard Bantam A Saturday, Dec. 18

Blizzard 2, Rice Lake 2

Blizzard defenseman Paige Johnson helps out goalie Tiffany Mayer as Rebel forward Erin Molberg tried to slip one in past Meyer. – Photos by Greg Marsten

That would be all the Blizzard could get past Green in the Rebel net, while the visiting Moose Lake squad managed a power-play goal midway through the final period, sealing the win, 5-2.

Those three first-period goals were just too much to overcome and had the Bliz-

zard trailing the whole way. They looked to be in striking range several times, with some very aggressive offensive campaigns - 41 shots on goal - that made the game seem much closer than the final score.

Notables for the Blizzard included the

Goals: Andrew Coy, Max Norman.

Assist: Drew Alderman.

Saves: Taran Wols (14).

Blizzard 7, Chippewa Falls 1

Goals: Vinny Larson (3), Brett Richison (2), Drew Alderman, Carter Lee. Assists: Brett Richison (2), Carter Lee (2), Max Norman, Noah Bifulk.

Saves: Taran Wols (11).

Sunday, Dec. 19

Menomonie 5, Blizzard 4

Goals: Brett Richison (2), Max Norman, Vinny Larson.

Assists: Noah Bifulk, Drew Alderman, Tristen Alden, Andrew Coy. Saves: Taran Wols (26).

Mortels focus on differences, team concept, after win against Saints St. Croix Falls 62, Luck 31

by Garth Olson The Valley Wire ST. CROIX FALLS – It can be very difficult to differentiate between Luck’s Mortel twins.

After Luck overpowered St. Croix Falls, 62-31, the twins explained the differences between themselves.

“We have different birthdays,” Cole Mortel said. “I was born on September 11 and Alec was born on September 12 around 12:30 a.m.”

The twins each scored 11 points in the first half, lifting Luck to a 38-13 lead. The first half featured Alec Mortel’s first dunk of the year, coming off a pass from his older brother.

“Anytime we get a rebound, we’re looking for the other one to be running down the court,” Cole Mortel added.

After the Cardinals cruised past St. Croix Falls, in perhaps its most impressive win of the early season, Cole was quick to point out that the team’s not just about the Mortels.

Cole Mortel shoots a free throw as his brother Alec watches. – Photo by Garth Olson

“A lot of the credit goes to our teammates,” Cole added. “The seniors on this team have been playing together since the fourth grade.”

The Mortels combined for 35 points with Alec scoring 21. Senior Brady Klatt notched 12 points, junior Evan Armour added seven, while the trio of seniors: A.J. Walsh-Brenizer, Logan Hacker and Roger

Steen combined for seven. Luck built a 5222 lead after the third quarter and even when one of the Mortels missed a shot, it seemed the other one was there for the rebound and put-back.

Despite 11 points, including three treys from St. Croix Falls senior Nathan Gravesen, six points from senior Zach Christenson and a combined eight points

from junior Ben Clausen and senior Joe Thayer, the Saints had little answer for the size difference posed by Luck’s twin towers.

“People probably just assume because we’re tall (we’re good at basketball), but we put in a lot of hard work in the off-season,” Cole noted.

Other differences in the Mortel twins may be found more easily in the outdoors.

“I don’t like to duck hunt but Alec does,” Cole added. “We both fish.”

Alec jumped in with another difference.

“I like to ice fish more than Cole.”

Yep, they’re regular polar opposites.

As the Cardinals cruised to victory, Cole exited the game with just over four minutes remaining. His brother joined him on the bench less than a minute later. They looked like mirror images of each other as they watched the final minutes of the game from the bench.

And even though the brothers admit to being overly competitive, they’re not concerned with individual stats.

“As long as we keep winning, the stats will take care of themselves,” Alec said.

Grantsburg gets by Eagles with a win

Grantsburg 54, Unity 46

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer BALSAM LAKE – The Pirate boys basketball team has had a bit of trouble playing the Eagles at Unity in the past, but it didn’t seem to keep them down on Friday night, Dec. 17, as they powered past the Eagles for a nice conference victory.

“A win is a win. We never play well down here, so we’ll take it any way we can get it,” said Pirates coach Nick Hallberg.

It was a defensive battle at the start of the game, which kept it low scoring, with the Eagles keeping a 9-8 lead after the first quarter. Midway through the second quarter, the game remained tight, with the score remaining 17-17, and 19-19. That all changed with under two minutes to go in the first half, when Derek Bertelsen and Trevor Thompson combined for two buckets and Brent Myers buried a 3-pointer near the buzzer to put Grantsburg up 2619 at halftime.

Unity’s Rush Hickethier opened up the third quarter with a steal and two points, but Bertelsen responded with two of his own as the Pirates held a seven-point cushion. After a Pirates time-out with 5:33 in the third quarter, Brady Turner buried a

Despite a solid effort from Unity's Brady Turner, with his seven 3-pointers and 25 points, the Eagles just couldn't pull away with a victory on Friday, Dec. 17, against the Pirates. – Photo by Marty Seeger

3-pointer for the Eagles and helped bring the score back to within four. It was a solid night for the senior throughout the night,

as he hit seven from beyond the arc and compiled 25 points for the game.

“Offensively, we didn’t hit shots, but

our defense and rebounding didn’t go away. We let Turner get too many open looks though, and to his credit he hit some tough shots to keep them in the game,” Hallberg said.

Turner hit another 3-pointer near the end of the third quarter and Xavier Foeller helped the Eagles get to within one point, before Bertelsen hit two points to keep the Pirates on top 39-36 heading into the fourth quarter.

The Pirates had as much as an eightpoint lead in the fourth quarter with just under two minutes to go in the game. The Eagles did manage to bring it to within five points with the help of another Turner 3-pointer, but Thompson went 3 for 4 from the line to help put Unity away for good.

“We feel good about where we are at right now, but know we can get better,” Hallberg said.

Thompson led the Pirates with 21 points, and Brent Myers had nine, and Bertelsen had eight. Connor Myers and David Ohnstad each had six points apiece, and Daniel Biorn and Seth Coy each had two.

Unity was led by Turner’s 25, and Brady Flaherty had 13. Foeller had six and Hickethier had two.

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Eagles topped by Saints in conference dual

Saints follow up with a big team win at Chisago Lakes tournament

St. Croix Falls 49, Unity 21

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer ST. CROIX FALLS – The St. Croix Falls wrestling team dominated Unity in a wrestling dual on Thursday, Dec. 16.

At least five Saints recorded wins by pin including James Klassen, a sophomore 125-pounder who pinned Cole Hanson.

Prior to that match, Saints freshman Drew Wheeler won handily in a match against Tucker Olson at 112 pounds by a score of 8-0.

At 130, Spencer Walters pinned Unity’s

Ryan Nussbaum pinned Garrett Lunsmann in this match for the Saints.

Drew Wheeler is an up-and-coming freshman who has been winning several matches for the Saints this season, including this 8-0 win over Unity’s Tucker Olson. – Photos by Marty Seeger

Zac Baxter in 2:51. The Eagles didn’t get any points on the board until Luke Nelson recorded a pin over Brian Gilbert at 135.

With the Saints up 22-6 on a forfeit at 119, Grant Simpson and Steven Anderson took the mat at 140. That match was won

by Simpson of St. Croix Falls. The Saints continued to roll when Taylor Sempf of St. Croix Falls defeated Kevin Bystrom at 145 in a close 2-1 match. Sempf had an escape in the final seconds of regulation for the win.

Unity’s Dylan Hendricks recorded the Eagles second win of the evening at 152 over Marshall Dillman, before Eric Segelstrom brought it back in favor of the Saints with a pin over Tyler Christensen.

Unity’s Jordan Hughes had a big match for the Eagles with a win over Jake Rademacher at 171. He won 3-1, and Jake Johnson of Unity won over Joe Rademacher at 189. At 215, Ryan Nussbaum defeated Garrett Lunsmann by a pin, and Alex Lennartson ended the evening on a high note for the Eagles at 285, with a pin over Ryan Johnson.

Chisago Lakes holiday tournament ST. CROIX FALLS – St. Croix Falls wrestlers came through with a big tournament win at the Chisago Lakes, Minn., holiday tournament on Friday, Dec. 17.

Eight teams participated in the tournament including Chisago Lakes, who placed second overall and Mahtomedi who took third. Goodhue took fourth, Rogers, fifth, North St. Paul, Minn., sixth, Robbinsdale Armstrong, seventh and Rush City/Braham took eighth.

“It was a great way to end our first half of the year,” said Saints coach Dan Clark, who had three individual champions including Spencer Walters at 130, Jake Rademacher at 160 and Joe Rademacher at 171. Drew Wheeler 103, Taylor Sempf 145, and Erik Segelstrom 152 each finished in second place.

Saints wrestler Taylor Sempf held on in an exciting 2-1 match against Kevin Bystrom.

At right: Unity’s Alex Lennartson pinned Ryan Johnson last Thursday in this match.

LFG wrestlers logging in quality matches

Enter Northern Badger as late entry

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer LUCK – The Luck/Frederic Grantsburg wrestling team has been busy over the past week, hosting a pair of dual matches at home before traveling to Osceola for a dual meet last Saturday, Dec. 18.

The team started out the week on a Tuesday, Dec. 14, hosting Glenwood City, but the Cardinals lost 49-28.

“I know the score doesn’t show it, but there were a lot of close matches,” said coach Chris Bartlett.

Evening winners included Joe Christensen at 189, who pinned Kyle Branham in just 49 seconds. Ray Kurkowski also got a pin over Clarence Rogers in 1:54 at 119 pounds. Following Kurkowski’s win, Hunter Dodds was able to get a pin over Dylan Halverson at 125, which came in just 20 seconds. Both Dodds and Christensen were wrestling in their first

matches of the season. Jesse Harrison, at 140, and Ben Ackerley, at 145, each had wins against Glenwood City, with Harrison defeating Brennan Kessler in a 4-0 decision. Ackerley won his match by a pin in 3:03.

“If you look at actual matches the meet went five for us and six for them, but they do get rewarded for being able to have a full team,” Bartlett said.

Clear Lake 48, Luck 23 LUCK – LFG wrestlers next hosted Clear Lake in a dual meet on Thursday, Dec. 16.

“It was an all-right night. We had five open weight classes and that never helps,” said coach Chris Bartlett.

Despite the loss, Bartlett saw his kids winning in at least five matches, starting with Hunter Dodds at 125. Dodds recorded a pin in just 24 seconds to give LFG six points, and LFG’s next win came at 135, when Brent Johnson won 8-0.

Jesse Harrison also recorded a pin for LFG at 140 in 3:35, and Ben Ackerley won the next match at 145 with a 14-2 win, giv-

ing the Cardinals a brief 20-18 lead. Joe Christenson was the teams final winner at 189 with a 4-2 decision, but forfeits took control of the rest of the evening.

According to Bartlett, the team has had a couple of wrestlers out with injury.

Osceola dual meet LUCK – LFG wrestlers had a tough day on the mat at Osceola last Saturday, Dec. 18. Capping off an already long week of wrestling, the Cardinals wrestled five dual meets on Saturday, beginning with a loss to Shell Lake by a score of 47-26.

The Cardinals lost to Barron 46-12, Cumberland 60-24, Boyceville 72-4 and Osceola 42-24.

“It was a tough day teamwise, but it did show the kids what five matches in one day is,” said coach Chris Bartlett. “They were pretty beat for the last one. I told them to dig deep and finish strong. Some of them were able to. They know how much more work needs to be done.”

Three LFG wrestlers ended the day with winning records including Brent Johnson at 135. Johnson had a 4-1 record for sec-

ond place.

“The one match he lost, he was wearing the guy out, but ran out of time,” Bartlett said.

Chase Dodds also had a decent day of wrestling at 130, which Bartlett said is becoming one of the tougher weight classes around. He went 3-2 in his matches, as did senior Ben Ackerley at 145.

Ray Kurkowski was disappointed with his finish at 119 according to Bartlett, but he still finished with two wins and two losses. Also getting a pair of wins on the day was Joe Christenson, who finished strong according to Bartlett.

Winning at least one match on the day were Devin Douglas at 285, Alex Richey at 160, Jesse Harrison at 135 and Hunter Dodds at 125.

LFG wrestlers have officially entered the Northern Badger tournament, which is one of the area’s best tournaments early in the year. Unity and St. Croix Falls are also participating in the tournament, which is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 28-29.

Local athletes score big at state tournament

MADISON – Nearly 800 Special Olympics athletes struck down bowling pins and spiked volleyballs during the 2010 Special Olympics Wisconsin Fall Sports Tournament on Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Center Court Sports Complex and AMF Bowlero Lanes in Milwaukee and Dale’s Weston Lanes in Wausau.

Milwaukee has hosted this state competition for the past 30 years, while Wausau hosted the very first annual Northern State Bowling Tournament this year to accommodate the wildly popular sport. The fall sports tournament is just one of five state athletic competitions, which serves

18 different sports, occurring throughout the year for the 10,000 athletes in Wisconsin.

Congratulations to the following athletes: Angela L. White, Milltown, received a first place in bowling.

Dustin A. Knutson, Balsam Lake, received a first place in bowling.

Leon O. Helgeson, Clear Lake, received a first place in bowling.

Makinzie E. Miller, Osceola, received a fourth place in bowling.

Christopher J. Richter, Frederic, received a fourth place in bowling.

Charles E. Ganley, Amery, received a fifth place in bowling.

Hundreds of volunteers and fans joined the athletes for a day of fun and competition. Athletes qualified for the fall sports tournament state games based on their performance at the local, regional or district tournaments.

The tournament took place just a day after MedFest, a free health screening given by volunteer physicians, nurse practitioners, residents and other health-care volunteers to nearly 100 current and prospective Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes at the Tommy Thompson Youth

Center in Milwaukee.

Gratitude is extended to Kwik Trip and the Law Enforcement Torch Run, the Mission Partners of SOWI, enabling the organization to hold nearly 80 competitions and five state tournaments per year. SOWI provides year-round training and competition opportunities through 18 different Olympic-type sports for nearly 10,000 individuals with cognitive disabilities. Join their online community by following them on Twitter and Facebook. For more information, visit www.SpecialOlympicsWisconsin.org or call 800-552-1324. – submitted

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Thomfohrda helps give Eagles another shot

Three-pointer gets Eagles into overtime, and win Unity 63, Grantsburg 59

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer BALSAM LAKE – With the Pirates carrying a 54-51 lead with just 16 seconds remaining, Grantsburg was poised to win a game that was back-and-forth throughout the night. Two missed free throws by the Pirates helped get the ball in Unity’s hands for one final attempt at a tie, and almost effortlessly, Eagles junior Brittany Thomfohrda got the ball at the top of the key, with only seconds to go, and buried a 3-pointer to help send the game into overtime.

It was a wild night of basketball for both teams as Unity started off the first quarter shooting bonus free throws. It led to a close first quarter, but ended with a 19-17 Pirates lead when Sam Schweiger hit a 3pointer at the buzzer.

Still early in the second quarter, the Pirates found themselves in foul trouble with 15 team fouls. The Pirates remained patient defensively until the half ended, but it gave the Eagles an edge and helped them build a 29-23 lead at the half.

Unity clung to an eight-point lead for much of the third quarter, but the Pirates defense stepped up and the Eagles got into a bit of foul trouble. With under two minutes remaining in the third quarter

A R E A Hacker’s Lanes

Sunday Youth (3 Games) Standings: Infinite 32, The Bowlers 31, Brothers & Arms 26, Shooting Stars 24, Boss 22.5, The Three Amigos 22.5, JDZ 20, Team Hambone 14.

Girls games: Corissa Schmidt (SS) 181, Avery Steen (SS) 161, Lauren Domagala (SS) 146, Girls series: Corissa Schmidt (SS) 448, Avery Steen (SS) 441, Julia Owens (B) 394.

Boys games: Logan Hacker (TH) 247, A.J. Walsh Brenizer (B) 235, Austin Bruss (B) 210.

Boys series: Logan Hacker (TH) 604, A.J. Walsh Brenizer (B) 599, Austin Bruss (B) 512.

Team games: Boss 501, Team Hambone 489, Infinite 483.

Team series: Brothers & Arms 1354, Team Hambone 1342, Boss 1328.

Monday Night Ladies Standings: House of Wood 68, Hog Wild Gals 66, Mane Attractions 60, The Bottle Shop 59.5, Hacker’s Lanes 55.5, Bye 6.

Individual games: Linda Giller (HWG) 199, Nancy Anderson (HL) 195, Kelly Steen (BS) 191.

Individual series: Nancy Anderson (HL) 542, Linda Giller (HWG) 506, Kelly Steen (BS) 503.

Team games: The Bottle Shop 643, Hacker’s Lanes 608, Hog Wild Gals 600.

Team series: The Bottle Shop 1749, Hacker’s Lanes 1748, Hog Wild Gals 1720.

Wednesday Night Early Men’s Standings: Pioneer Bar 40, Lewis Silo 33, A-1 Machine 30, Cummings Lumber 28.5, Skol Bar 19.5, Larsen Auto Center 17.

Individual games: Duane Doolittle (LS) 267, Lydell Larson (SB) 234, Wayne Olson (LS) 214.

Individual series: Duane Doolittle (LS) 649, Chris Rowell (PB) 599, Brad Schmidt (A1) 573.

Team games: Lewis Silo 975, 944, 919.

Team series: Lewis Silo 2838, A-1 Machine 2606, Pioneer Bar 2506.

Thursday Late Standings: Hansen Farms Inc. 39, Johnson Upholstery 29, Hog Wild BBQ & Grill 28, Stotz & Company 23, Fisk Trucking 22.

Women’s games: Kelsey Bazey 253, Heather Wynn 149.

Women’s series: Kelsey Bazey 675, Heather Wynn 425.

Men’s games: Dale Peterson 214, Daryl Bazey 202, Lloyd Swanson 201.

Men’s series: Daryl Bazey 578, Oliver Baillargeon 575, Eugene Wynn Jr. 572.

Team games: Stotz & Company 990,

Unity's Brittany Thomfohrda gets mobbed by teammates shortly after hitting a 3-pointer from the top of the key. The shot came with just seconds in regulation, and tied the game to send it into overtime. – Photos by Marty Seeger

and the Eagles clinging to their eightpoint lead, Pirate junior Nicole McKenzie hit a layup and Macy Hanson got a steal.

Despite a missed layup, senior Haley Larson got fouled on a put-back, and managed to sink two free throws and get the

Pirates back to within four, heading into the fourth quarter.

With Grantsburg in the bonus at the start of the fourth quarter, Larson went 2 for 2 from the line and McKenzie hit another two points to tie the game at 41

B O W L I N G

Hansen Farms Inc. 875, Johnson Upholstery 830.

Team series: Stotz & Company 2845, Hansen Farms Inc. 2593, Hog Wild BBQ 2351.

Saturday Night Mixed Standings: Handicaps, Alley Brats, LuckE, Lakers, Skowl, Dead Eyes, Hot Shots.

Women’s games: Kathy Java 202, Linda Giller 177 & 167.

Women’s series: Kathy Java 517, Linda Giller 492, Deb Ingram 445.

Men’s games: Ron Skow 215, Bruce Java 203, Eugene Ruhn 200.

Men’s series: Ron Skow 556, Eugene Ruhn 536, Terry Ingram 518.

Team games: Handicaps 950, Lakers 945, Luck-E 923.

Team series: Luck-E 2615, Alley Brats 2608, Lakers 2554.

McKenzie Lanes

Monday Night Ladies Standings: Sam’s Carpentry 34.5, Milltown Appliance 29, Wolf Creek Log Furniture 28.5, McKenzie Lanes 27, Edina Divas 27, Frederic Truck & Tractor 25, Bogus Pumpkins 22, Metal Products 11.

Individual games: Shirley Wilson 199, Jane Smith 192, Tabby Pelitier & Toni Sloper 191.

Individual series: Shirley Wilson 535, Jane Smith 526, Toni Sloper 500.

Team games (Handicap): Sam’s Carpentry 876.

Team series (Handicap): Sam’s Carpentry 2428.

Tuesday Early Mixed Standings: Jim’s Flooring 105.5, What the Ek 99, Mom’s Boys 90.5, Lemon Heads 89, Lamar Stars 87.5, Lane Crashers 82, The New Comers 66.5, Bye 0.

Women’s games: Janice Berg 168, Vicki Minnick 156, Brenda Lehmann 152.

Women’s series: Janice Berg 429, Vicki Minnick 421, Brenda Lehmann 415.

Men’s games: Jeff Lehmann 245, Jim Lammert 223, Blake Frenning 218.

Men’s series: Jeff Lehmann 649, Kevin Ek 577, Jim Lammert 573.

Team games: Jim’s Flooring 562.

Team series: Jim’s Flooring 1651.

Tuesday Women’s Standings: Gutter Dusters 15.5, Tomlinson Insurance 14, Kassel Tap 12, Custom Outfitter 12, Cutting Edge Pro 5, Country Gals 5, Hauge Dental 3, LCs Gals 1.5 Individual games: Mary Ostman 196, Chris Gage 190, Audrey Ruck 186.

Individual series: Mary Ostman 515, Lana McKenzie 504, Shirley Wilson 502.

Team games: Gutter Dusters 803, Country Gals 771, Tomlinson Insurance 766.

Team series: Gutter Dusters 2339, Tomlinson Insurance 2236, Kassel Tap 2230.

Tuesday Night Men’s Standings: Hack’s Pub 80, The Cobbler Shop 70.5, Centurview Park 61.5, The Dugout 60.5, Dream Lawn 59.5, Steve’s Appliance 55.5, Nel-Lo-Hill Farm 50.5, McKenzie Lanes 42.

Individual games: Mark Kamish 278, Craig Willert & Zach Gurtner 265, Kevin Ek 263.

Individual series: Mark Kamish 731, Zach Gurtner 696, Darren McKenzie 652.

Team games (Handicap): Dream Lawn 1288.

Team series (Handicap): Dream Lawn 3540.

Wednesday Early League Mixed Standings: Top Spot 67, Cutting Edge 60, Amrhien Painting 54, Hack’s Pub 52, Holiday StationStore 47, Pro Fab 46, Suzie Q’s 42, Bye 16.

Women’s games: Dixie Runberg 179, Amy Eibs 176, Patty Walker 172.

Women’s series: Amy Eibs 449, Patty Walker 434, Karen Wiemer 433.

Men’s games: Mike Welling 247, Merlin Fox 224, Bob Berg 223.

Men’s series: Merlin Fox 626, Mike Welling 620, Bob Berg 594.

Team games (Handicap): Top Spot 693.

Team series (Handicap): Holiday StationStore 1947.

Wednesday Night Men’s Standings: Harvest Moon 32, McKenzie Lanes 28, Tiger Express 26, Davy’s Construction 26, Edina Realty 22, Reed’s Marina 22, Dalles Electric 18, Hanjo Farms 16.

Individual games: Scott Davison 266, Jim McKenzie 257, Sam Leggitt 254.

Individual series: Craig Willert 709, Jim McKenzie 707, Darren McKenzie 692.

Team games (Handicap): Davy Construction 1054, McKenzie Lanes 1039.

Team series (Handicap): Tiger Express 3035, Hanjo Farms 2978.

Thursday Night Ladies Standings: Hauge Dental 49.5, Eagle Valley Bank 44, Hack’s Pub 42.5, Cutting Edge Pro 42, Bont Chiropractic 39.5, KJ’s

apiece. The game remained tied at 45 with just over four minutes to go in regulation, but Schweiger helped give the Pirates a lead going 1 for 2 from the line.

At the three-minute mark, Shauna Jorgenson fouled out of the game, and the Pirates managed to hold onto the lead. With about 30 seconds to go in the game, the Pirates led 54-49 before Crystal Donahue sunk two free throws to make it a 54-51 game. It remained that way until the final seconds, when Thomfohrda sent the game into overtime with her 3-pointer at the buzzer.

The overtime was just as exciting as the final minutes in regulation, but Bader got the Eagles on board first shooting 1 for 2 from the line. Thomfohrda also made it to the line for two free throws, but was unsuccessful. That’s when Hanson gave Grantsburg the lead with her two points and another layup, but Haley Olson kept the Pirates at just a one-point lead when she answered with a layup of her own.

Bader then gave the Eagles a one-point lead when she hit two free throws, with under a minute to go.

The clock continued to wind down, but with 49 seconds to go the Pirates went to the line again, missing two free throws.

Senior Lisa Gaffney went to the line and sank one free throw to tie the game, but in the waning seconds, Olson hit a key bucket under the basket and Donahue sealed the win with a nice layup at the buzzer.

It was the first time the Eagle girls basketball team has beaten the Pirates since December 2008.

R E S U LT S 35.5, RiverBank 35.5, Truhlsen Chiropractic 31.5.

Individual games: Lana MacKenzie 245, Brenda Lehmann 202, Debbie Korsan 201.

Individual series: Lana McKenzie 547, Dawn Larson 536, Norma Hauge 507.

Team games: Cutting Edge Pro 846, Hauge Dental 845, Hack’s Pub 792.

Team series: Hauge Dental 2391, Cutting Edge Pro 2306, Bont Chiropractic 2165.

Saturday Night Mixed Standings: Pin Busters 68.5, Happy Campers 68, Ten Pin Titans 67, Melonbergers 66, Roller Coasters 58, The InLaws 58, Eureka Bombers 46, Fisk Trucking 44.5 Women’s games: Anita Bont 181, Toni Sloper 173, Linda Katzmark 172.

Women’s series: Jan Lehmann 490, Anita Bont 476, Toni Sloper 473.

Men’s games: Rick Fox 260, Gary Warner 222, Rick Antonson 219.

Men’s series: Rick Fox 649, Gene Braund 598, Roger Fisk 564.

Team games: Happy Campers 931, Eureka Bombers 869, Rollger Coasters 857.

Team series: Happy Campers 2581, Roller Coasters 2553, Pin Busters 2501.

Black & Orange

Early Birds Standings: Black & Orange 6-2, Tap 5-3, Yellow River Saloon 3-5, The Gandy Dancer Saloon 2-6.

Individual games: Donna Crain (B&O) 163, Kay Casey (YRS) 160, Marcy Viebrock (B&O) 159.

Individual series: Marcy Viebrock (B&O) 451, Donna Crain (B&O) 442, Linda Strong (YRS) 427.

Team games: Black & Orange 866, The Tap 825, Yellow River Saloon 805.

Team series: Black & Orange 2435, The Tap 2331, Yellow River Saloon 2298.

Monday Night Men’s Standings: Glass & Mirror Works 4-2, Larry’s LP 2-2, Black & Orange 2-2, Pope’s Construction 0-4.

Individual games: Vern Nottom (B&O) 214, Dean Eytcheson (G&MW) 211, Josh Johnson (L) 208.

Individual series: Curt Phelps (G&MW) 581, Vern Nottom (B&O) 569, Josh Johnson (L) 515.

Team games: Black & Orange 924, Larry’s LP 919, Glass & Mirror Works 909.

Team series: Black & Orange 2672, Larry’s LP 2640, Glass & Mirror Works 2612.

Games 50 or more above average: Vern Nottom 214 (+58).

TNT Standings: Cashco 32-24, Larry’s LP 2828, Flower Power 26-30, Black & Orange

26-30.

Individual games: Jennifer Kern (L) 203, Connie Lundeen (L) 194, Monica Johnson (L) 193.

Individual series: Audrey Pardun (B&O) 536, Mary Ellen Smith (C) 514, Jennifer Kern (L) 499.

Team games: Cashco 904, Larry’s LP 860, Black & Orange 827 Team series: Cashco 2564, Larry’s LP 2482, Black & Orange 2467.

Splits converted: 6-7: Evie Engebretson.

Wednesday Night Standings: Cashco 4-0, Black & Orange 4-0, Lions 3-1, Northview Drive Inn 0-4, 10th Hole 0-4, Vacant 0-4.

Individual games: Tim Vasatka (B&O) 232, Art Bliven (L) 214, Monte Rinnman (C) & Mike Zajac (C) 214.

Individual series: Monte Rinnman (C) 570, Art Bliven (L) 555, Tim Vasatka (B&O) 554.

Team games: Black & Orange 1037, Cashco 962, Lions 912.

Team series: Black & Orange 2809, Cashco 2794, Lions 2639.

Games 50 or more above average: Tim Vasatka 232 (+72).

Early Risers Standings: Gayle’s Northwoods Hair Design 6-2, Gandy Dancer 6-2, A+ Sanitation 2-6, 10th Hole 2-6.

Individual games: Claudia Peterson (GD) 182, Janice Carlson (GNHD) & Millie Hansen (GNHD) 170, Donna Crain (GD) 167.

Individual series: Donna Crain (GD) 469, Lylah Nelson (A+) 455, Janice Carlson (GNHD) 450.

Team games: Gayle’s Northwoods Hair Design 714, Gandy Dancer 676, 10th Hole 655.

Team series: Gandy Dancer 1974, Gayle’s Northwoods Hair Design 1939, 10th Hole 1878.

Denny’s Downtown Lanes

Saturday Night Mixed Standings: 3-Ms 7, Spare Us 5, Bye 4, Team Siren 3, George’s Angels 2, The Pacifiers 0.

Women’s games: Bea Moyer 164, “Trouble” Barfknecht 156.

Women’s series: “Trouble” Barfknecht 421, Bea Moyer 420.

Men’s games: Chuck Moyer 188, Jim Loomis 176.

Men’s series: Chuck Moyer 497, Jim Loomis 487.

Team games: George’s Angels 434, Team Siren 428.

Team series: 3-Ms 1252, Spare Us 1191.

Games 50 or more above average: Chuck Moyer (+53).

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PAGE 16 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 22, 2010

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St. Croix Falls girls cruise past Cards

St. Croix Falls 56, Luck 31

St. Croix Falls junior Petznick led the team with 10 points in the first half and finished with a team high 14. Also finishing in double digits for St. Croix Falls: Sempf, 12, and Geisness and Olson each added 10. Erickson scored six and Rademacher and senior Rebecca Wampfler combined to score four points.

Steen led the Cardinals with 15 points; Denny added 10 and senior Ashlyn Petersen scored six.

After a frustrating 0-3 record against conference foes, Luck will look to the new year for its first win in conference play.

“We’re like Moses – roaming around in the wilderness and just not getting it done,” Luck coach Marty Messar said after the loss.

by Garth Olson The Valley Wire St. CROIX FALLS - The St. Croix Falls girls basketball team built a quick 8-2 lead and never looked back, defeating Luck, 56-31. The Saints took off to an 18-5 tear in the first quarter with baskets by sophomore Natalie Sempf, juniors Sarah Petznick, Alexis Erickson, Caitlyn Olson and freshman Jessica Rademacher.

“We came out with a lot of energy,” Saints sophomore Sydney Geisness said after the win.

The Saints stretched the lead to 24-6 before Luck sophomore Avery Steen hit from beyond the arc and senior Morgan Denny scored on a fast break.

The Saints extended their lead with a 16-9 run to start the third quarter and had the game well in hand at 50-20, heading into the final period.

LEFT: The Saints Sarah Petznick elevates for a shot between Luck defenders Ashlyn Petersen (24) and Taylor Joy. – Photo by Garth Olson

Youth basketball clinic held in Grantsburg

On Saturday, Dec. 18, Grantsburg Youth Basketball hosted a Minnesota Timberwolves basketball clinic. Coach Steve Brown from the Minnesota Timberwolves was present, and worked with youth basketball players in grades one through six. The kids took part in many drills and gained some insight on what it’s like to be part of a professional basketball organization. Each player received a poster and a game ticket to the Timberwolves game on Jan. 29 versus the Toronto Raptors. On the same day, the Grantsburg Pirates varsity team will face Clear Lake at the Target Center, prior to that Timberwolves game. Tickets for both games are available by contacting Nick Hallberg by e-mail at nhall@grantsburg.k12.wi.us. More information about the event can be found online at www.gk12.net. – Photos submitted

LEADER SPORTS SCOREBOARD BOYS BASKETBALL

West Lakeland Standings Team Conf. Overall Grantsburg Pirates 3-0 5-0 Luck Cardinals 3-0 4-1 Webster Tigers 2-1 4-1 Unity Eagles 1-2 3-2 Siren Dragons 1-2 3-2 Frederic Vikings 1-3 3-3 St. Croix Falls Saints 0-3 0-5 Scores Friday, December 17 Webster 45, Frederic 35 Luck 62, St. Croix Falls 31 Grantsburg 54, Unity 46 Upcoming Thursday, December 23 7:30 p.m. St. Croix Falls at Shell Lake (DH) Tuesday, December 28 11:30 a.m. Frederic at Clayton Siren at Clayton 2 p.m.

Grantsburg at Glenwood City Wednesday, December 29 6 p.m.

Grantsburg at Glenwood City Webster at Glenwood City

WRESTLING

Upcoming Tuesday, December 28 9 a.m.

St. Croix Falls at River Falls (Northern Badger) Unity at River Falls (Northern Badger) Wednesday, December 29 10 a.m.

St. Croix Falls at River Falls (Northern Badger) Unity at River Falls (Northern Badger)

GIRLS HOCKEY

WSFLGUS Blizzard 3-4-1 Scores Thursday, December 16 Moose Lake, Minn., 5, Blizzard 2 Upcoming Tuesday, December 21 7 p.m.

Blizzard at Chippewa Falls Tuesday, December 28 10 a.m.

Tournament at Siren Wednesday, December 29 11 a.m.

Tournament at Siren

GYMNASTICS

Upcoming Tuesday, December 21 6:30 p.m. SCF/Unity at Chisago Lakes, Minn.

Grantsburg Martial Arts Club wraps up fall session

GIRLS BASKETBALL

West Lakeland Standings Team Conf. Overall Siren Dragons 2-0 4-0 Frederic Vikings 2-1 4-2 St. Croix Falls Saints 2-1 3-2 Webster Tigers 2-1 3-2 Unity Eagles 1-1 4-2 Grantsburg Pirates 0-2 2-2 Luck Cardinals 0-3 2-4 Scores Thursday, December 16 Rush City, Minn., 42, Frederic 38 Friday, December 17 St. Croix Falls 56, Luck 31 Unity 63, Grantsburg 59 Webster 42, Frederic 38 Saturday, December 18 Grantsburg 61, New Auburn 52 Upcoming Thursday, December 23 6 p.m.

St. Croix Falls at Shell Lake (DH) Tuesday, December 28 TBD Webster at Glenwood City 4 p.m.

Grantsburg at Glenwood City Wednesday, December 29 TBD Webster at Glenwood City 8:15 p.m. Grantsburg at Glenwood City

BOYS HOCKEY

Two Rivers Conference Team Conf. Overall WSFLGUS Blizzard 2-0-0 7-0-0 Mora/Hinckley-Finlayson 1-0-0 2-3-0 Minneapolis 1-0-0 5-1-0 Legacy Christian Academy 1-1-0 1-4-0 North Branch 1-2-0 2-6-0 Moose Lake Area 0-1-0 4-2-0 Pine City/Rush City 0-2-0 1-5-0 Scores Thursday, December 16 Blizzard 3, Amery 0 Saturday, December 18 Blizzard 5, North Branch, Minn., 4 Upcoming Monday, December 27 Noon Blizzard at Rice Lake Tourney Tuesday, December 28 TBD Blizzard at Rice Lake Tourney Wednesday, December 29 TBD Blizzard at Rice Lake Tourney

The Grantsburg Martial Arts Club, sponsored through Grantsburg Community Education, recently held a promotional exam to wrap up the fall session. Area martial artists pictured here were promoted to higher belt ranks. To register for the spring four-month session which starts Jan. 8, contact community ed at 715-463-5165, Ext. 160 or cthro@grantsburg.k12.wi.us.

The program is provided in cooperation with Grantsburg Community Education and AKF Martial Arts Academy. - Photo submitted

Cheese profitability makes for healthy annual report at Burnett Dairy

DECEMBER 22, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 17

by Priscilla Bauer Leader staff writer ALPHA – Roger Van Someren looked out at the Burnett Dairy patrons seated before him and smiled. “I believe I have a good report to give you,” the dairy’s auditor told the over 80 people attending the cooperative’s 43rd-annual meeting at Nelson School on Saturday, Dec. 18.

Van Someren then went on to explain what had caused the positive change of a $10 million increase in overall sales this past year.

“Our margins were much better and this shows up in more dollars,” he said.

“Last year the volatility in the fertilizer market caused large losses but we didn’t have that this year,” said Van Someren.

“And profitability from cheese sales also improved this year with not as much volatility in the market. Cheese prices were higher so the dairy got more for selling cheese.”

Van Someren gave patrons more good news with regard to domestic production deductions being at $2.8 million, which farmers can report on their income tax.

Van Someren told the group grain purchases, previously not included, will now also be eligible for the deduction.

“The highlight of my report would be this means over $500,000 in tax savings to patrons,” added Van Someren.

Van Someren reported Burnett Dairy was very strong financially with its ownership percentage higher than average at 67 percent and patron ownership dollars at $22 million.

In answer to one patron’s question concerning any bad debt the dairy had incurred this year, Van Someren said there was $70,000 of bad debt, some of which was due to carryover from last year and the rest from normal losses from operations.

“But $70,000 on sales per $100 million is pretty good,” commented Van Someren.

According to Van Someren, accounts receivable at 92 percent current is an excellent percentage and a nice improvement from last year.

“We got the business turned around to make a profit,” said ag division manager, Clif Gipp, as he began his report to patrons.

Gipp said while sales volume wasn’t a lot different than last year, due to price fluctuations, he was “feeling pretty good

Earl Wilson, Burnett Dairy cheese plant manager, reported, “It was a good year for the cheese store and the cheese factory. Volume was up 4.5 percent and there was a $10,000 improvement in gross sales due to the higher value of cheese. Sales were very good.”

about the ag department.”

“We concentrated on infrastructure, buying new equipment and adding a new grain bin,” he said. “It was a good year to get the new bin as it added 25 percent in storage and was filled in five days.

Cheese report Earl Wilson, the dairy’s cheese plant manager, then presented his report on how the year went with regard to cheese production and sales.

“It was a good year for the cheese store and the cheese factory,” reported Wilson.

“Volume was up 4.5 percent and there was a $10,000 improvement in gross sales due to the higher value of cheese. Sales were very good.”

Wilson said whey sales were also good compared to previous years when sales have been down due to bad prices. In the past Wilson said he hadn’t been able to sell all the whey and had been forced to just dump it.

“This year whey sales are up. We went to 3.9 million due to more volume of whey, demand and higher prices,” said Wilson.

Butter prices were also good, going from sales of $5 million in 2009 to $6.5 million this year, Wilson told the group, citing a worldwide shortage of fat as a factor in the increase.

Over 80 Burnett Dairy Cooperative patrons from all over the area attended the 43rd-annual meeting of the cooperative held Saturday, Dec. 18, at the Nelson School in Alpha. – Photos by Priscilla Bauer

When asked what “off-site cheese making” listed under operating expenses on the annual report meant, Wilson explained it was for rental of a cheese plant.

Due to a larger supply of milk than could be run through the Alpha factory, the space was needed for production.

Wilson said trying to sell excess milk was challenging and not a good option.

Renting the plant was a good way to use the surplus volume of milk.

“I had an opportunity to rent a plant in Edgar, in the central part of the state. We needed the production to fill orders, as there were more orders than supply. We were at 97 percent and I can’t run any more through than that.”

Wilson said the off-site plant rental would probably continue through this year but was not a long-term option.

Wilson was also asked about the use of independent milk haulers versus using dairy trucks and personnel.

“It is economically in our favor. If we were going to do all the hauling ourselves, we’d have to buy five more trucks at a cost of $200,000-plus so it just makes sense to use independents.”

As to how the future looks for the dairy’s cheese operations, Wilson told patrons, “It’s a competitive market out there. There’s more cheese on the market than buyers but I believe I can sell more product if I can make more product.”

Wilson

said capital improvements in the cheese division would be coming. ”We are definitely looking at capital improvements. I believe the co-op is situated well for the consumer,” Wilson added. “ Our product safety record and the fact we use all locally produced milk in our cheese is popular with consumers.”

Most popular cheese When asked which cheese is the most popular, Wilson said the biggest seller remains the mozzarella cheese, but the artisan cheese, Alpha Morning Sun, created by the cheese factory’s own master cheese maker, Bruce Willis, was growing in sales due to expanded marketing.

Merlin Johnson then drew some laughs with his question to Wilson. “Earl, is there any additive that would make Burnett Dairy cheese more addictive than it already is?”

Elections to the board were held with Kevin Mathison of Mora, Minn., and Mark Knoop of Shell Lake gaining seats.

The incumbent board member, Randy Demulling, was returned to the board for another term.

Burnett Dairy Cooperative Board President Kevin Knauber then presented outgoing board members Gary Peterson, Grantsburg, and Matt Takala, Pine City, Minn., with awards and thanked them for their 12 years of service.

Burnett Dairy Cooperative Board President K e v i n Knauber presented outgoing board members Gary Peterson, Grantsburg, and Matt Takala, Pine City, Minn., with awards and thanks for their 12 years of service.

Kevin Mathison of Mora, Minn., (left) and Mark Knoop of Shell Lake (right) were elected to the Burnett Dairy Board of Directors at the cooperative’s 43rd-annual meeting held on December 18 at the Nelson School in Alpha. Incumbent board member Randy Demulling (center) was returned to the board for another term.

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With gratitude, we extend our best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season to each and every one of you.

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School audit shows highest rating for records and bookkeeping accounting

PAGE 18 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 22, 2010

Wampfler benefit held at the school brought in $9,500. The board complimented the student-initiated leadership effort as well as staff and community involvement.

Major contributions to the Wamfler benefit (Warren is recovering from a stroke) came in from Siren and surrounding community businesses, staff, students, residents, the Green Bay Packers, Jarod Washburn, Jake Mangelsen, Pat Donlin and others. The generosity of these people was recognized.

Mangelsen reported that the current

spending rate is higher than a year ago, and indicated that the board will be closely monitoring the situation due to the anticipated budget shortfall.

The board approved a bid from Spectrum Insurance for 2011 property and liability insurance, including terrorism coverage. It also approved a change in the graduation requirement for the reference and research class that is required of all freshmen. The change increases the course to go from .25 credit to .50 credit.

The curriculum will be expanded to address increased literacy skills with the

changes taking effect at the start of the 2011-12 year for incoming freshmen.

A safety Internet and cell-phone use program will be presented by Ron Wilhelm from the Burnett County Sheriff’s Department Wednesday, Jan. 19, at 7 p.m.

In open after closed-session discussion, the board approved the hiring of Brian Webster as girls middle school basketball coach. - Information provided by Scott Johnson

by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer FREDERIC – The annual audit for the Frederic School District confirmed the good financial results the district had for the 2009-10 year that ended June 30. And reports presented an the school board’s monthly meeting Monday, Dec. 20, told more stories of successes for the district.

The full audit was presented by Larry Stotz of Stotz & Company, Grantsburg.

Earlier figures for the year were presented at the district’s annual meeting in September.

Stotz said that the district had a good total fund balance of $1,133,127, slightly above the total for the previous year. He

said Frederic had a better balance than many districts. Much of this was due to an increase in the general fund (the district’s operating fund) which increased by $21,617. The district had budgeted a loss of about $157,000 for the year but turned that loss around. The favorable finances were attributed to favorable weather which lowered energy costs and to fewer maintenance expenses. Employees were also credited with cutting costs. The audit says that staff, administration, and the school board have made a significant effort for most of the past decade to cut costs while maintaining a healthy learning environment.

Board member Troy Engen pointed out an advantage of a good operating or cash flow fund balance. During the year the district occasionally needs short-term operating loans, but Engen said the cash bal-

ance has kept the interest costs very low.

There was other good news. Prior to 2009, the district had been facing declining enrollment, but the enrollment has stabilized for the past two years. For the present year, the incoming kindergarten class is 15 students smaller than last year’s graduating class, but that drop was offset by the enrollment of 15 new students in other grades.

A new boiler in the 7-12 school seems to be working out very well, building manager Warren Peterson said, and is saving the district a lot of money in natural gas usage. He said that the new unit was operating at only 66 percent of capacity even when the temperature was minus 15.

Peterson called the new unit a great project.

Things are going well in the foodservice department also. Judy Shafer said

that new nutrition standards are coming out for school lunches, involving serving more fruits and vegetables and more whole grains. But Shafer said the good news is that the district is already doing this and is ahead of the curve. She said the district can be proud that it is doing “healthy” now. The lunch account balances, the amount paid by parents, are almost current. Board President Scott Nelson noted that two years ago there were large deficits and said the present situation is “excellent.. Students have been involved in raising money for Christmas giving. At the high school, the National Honor Society has been active, sending food baskets, gift certificates and school emblem clothing out to families in need.

And the third-graders raised $257 for Salvation Army.

UNITY – The Upper St. Croix Valley Music Association has selected the following 19 Unity High School students for their honor bands. The concert will be performed at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 10, at Frederic High School. Tickets are $3 for students and $5 for each adult. Attendees

will get to see what the students learned after daylong workshops with college clinicians and teachers. The Unity members in the concert band are: Kasey Heimstead, bass clarinet; April Johnson, clarinet; Jessica Kutina, French horn; Connor MacKinnon, trumpet; Kaitlyn MacKinnon, bass

SIREN – At the Monday, Dec. 20, meeting of the Siren School Board, treasurer Jake Mangelsen summarized the audit report from Dan Thole of Larsen and Allen.

The district was once again recognized by receiving the highest rating of “Unqualified” for its records and bookkeeping accounting.

The board expressed its appreciation to Sharon Peterson, Shelly Emery and Tonja Grosskreutz for their team effort in assisting the district through a difficult financial year.

Representatives of the National Honor Society announced that the recent Warren

District saving money many ways

Frederic audit confirms good year

Students chosen for USCVMA’s honor band and jazz ensemble

Pictured back row (L to R): Connor MacKinnon, Mickey Muller, Kaitlyn MacKinnon and Kasey Heimstead. Front row: Justin Mooney and Emily Stelling. Missing from the photo were April Johnson, Jessica Kutina and Naomi Williamson. – Photos submitted

Pictured back row (L to R): Ethan St. Amand, Dylan Hendricks and Katherine Ebensperger.

Middle row: Beau Davison, Brittany Bublitz, Kayla Johnson and Steven Krueger. Front row: Ben Zahler, Dawn Michaelson and Nate Dorrance.

clarinet; Justin Mooney, baritone; Mickey Muller, tenor sax; Emily Stelling, trombone; and Naomi Williamson, flute. The Unity members in the jazz ensemble are: Brittany Bublitz, piano; Beau Davison, guitar; Nate Dorrance, trumpet; Katherine Ebensperger, alto sax; Dylan Hendricks,

bass; Kayla Johnson, tenor sax; Steven Krueger, trumpet; Dawn Michaelson, trombone; Ethan St. Amand, trombone; and Ben Zahler, bass trombone. - submitted

Siren Lionesses Club news RIGHT: Installing the newest member of the Siren Lioness Club, Darlene Weller (second from left), is the past club president, Mary Jo Bierman (R).

Placing the Lioness pin on Weller is sponsor Lory Mauer (L) while club President Marilyn Lemieux (second from right) looks on. LEFT: Presenting a check to Phyl Riehle (center) of Community Referral Agency is Siren Lioness Nancy Tamminga (R) while Lioness Miriam Smith looks on. Each year, the Siren Lioness Club collects a carload of toys and gifts for the Welcome Home Shelter, which enables the clients to have a more joyous Christmas holiday. – submitted

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Bone Lake news

The date for the town caucus has been designated as Saturday, Jan. 15. It will be held at the Bone Lake Lutheran Church at 1:30 p.m. The caucus is designed to nominate and elect the chairperson and supervisors of the town board. The clerk and treasurer are salaried personnel and not elected positions. The three members of the town board will serve a two-year term beginning one week after the election on April 5.

Current town Chairman Wayne Shirley has informed the town board that he will not be running for re-election. He is retiring from public office after spending 43 years serving the town of Bone Lake. He began as assessor in 1955, was later elected supervisor, became chairman, went off the board, and was elected supervisor again, and has been town chairman since 1994. His

historical knowledge of Bone Lake and its citizens has been invaluable and his contributions will be greatly missed.

The 2010 tax statements have been mailed out to all taxpayers. The town board decided to save money on the printing costs this year and did not include a printed tax roll with the statements. If you would like a copy of the tax roll contact Rhonda Bazey, treasurer of Bone Lake, at 753 Hwy. 48, Luck, WI 54853. Please send a self-addressed stamped business-size envelope. The entire tax roll is available on Polk County’s Web site at www.co.polk.wi.us.

The next town board meeting will be held Thursday, Jan. 13, at 7 p.m., at the clerk’s home. – submitted by Darrell Frandsen, town clerk, and Dan Beal, planning commission chairman

Near head-on collision brings OWI arrest

POLK COUNTY - A Milaca, Minn., woman nearly ran head on into another vehicle while driving on the wrong side of Hwy. 8 near Glacier Drive on Thursday, Dec. 16. The driver of the other car called the police, and turned around and followed the apparent drunk driver until the police arrived and stopped Coranne Nundahl, 59, of Milaca, Minn. The responding officer also had observed Nundahl driving very erratically, weaving across both lanes of westbound traffic. After the officer explained the reason he had pulled Nundahl over, she said “I give up,” adding she was an alcoholic and was on her way to Hazelden for treatment. She was given field sobriety tests and a PBT, which registered .26, over three times the legal limit.

She was arrested and charged with OWI, second offense. Nundahl had had a passenger in the car.

Jeffery Simon, 33, New Richmond, was arrested and charged with OWI, third offense on Dec. 19 after driving his truck into the ditch near 200th Street. He was given field sobriety tests, including a preliminary breath test, which registered .12. He had two previous OWI arrests, one in April of

Nathan K. Anderson, Grantsburg, speeding, $175.30.

Todd J. Baker, Webster, OWI; operating w/PAC, not guilty pleas.

Beverly J. Bartz, Oakdale, Minn., speeding, $175.30.

Kyle S. Bauer, Webster, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Meredith M. Beckmark, Grantsburg, seat belt violation, $10.00; operating a motor vehicle w/o insurance, not guilty plea.

Chasity A. Benjamin, Sandstone, Minn., operating while revoked; nonregistration of other vehicle, not guilty pleas.

Brecca A. Benton, Hayward, operate w/o valid license, $200.50.

Amy N. Berglund, Elk River, Minn., speeding, $200.50.

Aaron J. Berner, Grantsburg, OWI; operating w/PAC; operating while revoked; failure to keep vehicle under control; inattentive driving, not guilty pleas.

Lawrence E. Bildeau, Wesbter, speeding, $175.30.

Danielle M. Blessard, Siren, speeding, $175.30; nonregistration of auto, etc., $175.30.

James B. Bowen, Askov, Minn., ATV operating adjacent to roadway, $200.50.

Lianne M. Burgess, Lino Lakes, Minn., speeding, $175.30.

Lindsey J. Burrs, Somerset, OWI; operating w/PAC; operating while revoked; operate large vehicle after rev./susp. of registration, not guilty pleas.

Samantha J. Carter, Frederic, speeding, $175.30.

Jeremy P. Conant, Sobieski, speeding, not guilty plea.

Jody A. Decker, Siren, dog causing injury, without notice, $200.50.

Antonio H. De La Huerta, Danbury, drink open intoxicants in MV; OWI; operating w/PAC, not guilty pleas.

Donna M. Demarre, Webster, failure to obtain rabies vaccination, dog, not guilty plea.

2002 and one in February of 2006.

Tricia Knutson, 38, Clayton, was also arrested for OWI, third offense, after driving off the road and into a snowbank on Dec. 18. She also failed field sobriety tests, was arrested, and was taken to the hospital for an evidentiary blood draw.

Eugene Kieffer, 53, Clear Lake, was charged with OWI, second offense, on Dec. 16. Police were called when Kieffer was found apparently passed out in his truck on CTH F near 60th Street. He was being taken to the Amery hospital when he came to and became combative. The police officer’s report notes he heard a doctor tell Kieffer and his wife that the blood alcohol level recorded in his urine test showed a .26. Kieffer had a previous OWI in March of this year.

Zenon Tepole, 24, Ridgeland, was arrested and charged with OWI, first offense, on Dec. 16, after crashing his vehicle on Hwy. 35 just south of 150th Avenue. He was found walking away from the crash shortly after it occurred, was given sobriety tests, including a PBT, which registered .13. — with information from the Polk County Sheriff’s Dept.

Travis L. Demarre, Siren, OWI; operating w/PAC >=0.08; nonregistration of auto, etc., not guilty pleas.

Gary J. Distler, Stacy, Minn., OWI; operating w/PAC >=0.80; operate w/o valid license, not guilty pleas.

Scott M. Doriott, Webster, display unauth. vehicle registration plate, $238.30; operating while suspended, $200.50; seat belt violation, $10.00.

Paul C. Edling, Grantsburg, speeding, $200.50.

Doris J. Edwards, Superior, operating motor vehicle w/o proof of insurance, $10.00.

Dana C. Erdahl, St. Michael, Minn., speeding, $175.30.

Darby L. Fossum, Grantsburg, operate w/o valid license, $200.50.

Phyllis A. Fredendall, Hancock, Mich., speeding, $175.30.

Richard R. Gasner, Medford, Minn., ATV operation on highways, $200.50.

David E. Gildenzoph, Nekoosa, speeding, not guilty plea.

Brandon R. Hackett, Frederic, speeding, not guilty plea.

Jordan A. Hackley, Hayward, underage drinking-possess, 1720, attend alcohol class, $263.50.

Peter J. Helling, Danbury, OWI; failure to keep vehicle under control, not guilty pleas.

Dennis E. Herschbach, Two Harbors, Minn., speeding, $225.70.

Valerie S. Hicke, Circle Pines, Minn., speeding, $175.30.

Branden W. Hoffman, Rogers, Minn., underage drinking-possess, 17-20, not guilty plea George J. Holmes, Webster, operate w/o valid license, $200.50; violation of child safety restraint requirements, child under 4 years of age, $175.30.

Paul T. Holwerda, Grantsburg, speeding, $200.50.

Ice continues to be an issue as Great Lakes shipping season wraps up

DECEMBER 22, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 19

by Laura Podgornik Wisconsin Public Radio SUPERIOR - The Coast Guard continues to break ice, expanding into Lake Michigan. Officials say the thickest ice in the lower 48 states is in the Duluth-Superior harbor.

The 9th District Coast Guard has four cutters on the job. The Biscayne Bay of Michigan and the Mobile Bay of Sturgeon Bay are cutting through thinner ice in the St. Mary’s River, which links Lake Superior to the lower Great Lakes. Sector Sault Ste. Marie Vessel Traffic Services director Mark Gill says the cutter Alder has just returned to its home port of Superior-Duluth, back from Lake Michigan and the Straits of Mackinac.

“She helped us in the St. Mary’s River with some buoy work here and then Tuesday she left.”

Gill says making tracks for ships to follow is crucial during winter months when the Coast Guard switches from lighted buoys to reflective buoys. Cutter Katmai Bay is breaking ice to help move grain in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

“Katmai Bay is there to make sure that those saltwater vessels who aren’t designed or equipped to go through ice to get in and get out of the port.”

Vessel traffic watchstander Randy Elliott tracks the thickness of the ice in the harbors of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan and the northern half of Lake Huron. Elliot says the thickest ice of all the Great Lakes is in the Superior-Duluth Harbor.

Gill says the ice is around 2 to 4 inches thick in Green Bay and the St. Mary’s River has ice around 6 to 8 inches thick.

The Superior-Duluth Harbor reports that their ice is around a foot thick.

by Shawn Johnson Wisconsin Public Radio MADISON - Democratic state lawmakers are still debating amongst themselves whether to call an extraordinary session to pass overdue state employee contracts.

Several state workers showed up at the Capitol Tuesday, Dec. 14, to urge legislators to ratify these contracts. But it was Marty Biel, longtime director of the Wisconsin State Employees Union, who was the most adamant. He told reporters legislators have a duty to take this vote.

“They still are elected officials. If they want to go Christmas shopping instead of dealing with state employees, so be it. But they will reap the punishment for that.”

The contracts themselves include no raises and continued unpaid furloughs that amount to 3-percent pay cuts. They also call for members to pay more for their health care and retirement.

Gov.-elect Scott Walker has said he wants more concessions. Kenosha resident Deborah Prijic showed up at a public hearing to testify against the deals. She told

lawmakers they should wait for Walker to take office, asking them to not tie the hands of the incoming administration.

Approval of the contracts is by no means a done deal. Outgoing Majority Leader Russ Decker has yet to call an extraordinary session to vote on the contracts and he gave no sign Tuesday that he would. It’s left Democrats like Madison Sen. Fred Risser contemplating ways to get around Decker. Risser says there are a couple of options, one is to get half the Senate to sign a petition for an extraordinary session. He says another procedural option is to have the majority party, which is still the Democratic Party — select new leaders.

“You’ll remember the leadership was changed during the session several years ago,” says Risser. “Could happen again, I don’t know.”

The options Risser mentioned are far from ordinary, and the fact that Democrats are even mulling them is a clear sign that the normally mundane contract approval process has taken a different turn this year.

Democrats contemplate whether to approve state employee contracts

Polk County circuit court

Brittani Hopkins, Siren, speeding, $175.30.

Michael J. Houman, Danbury, improper registration, license overload, $200.50.

Daniel J. Hunter, Webster, nonregistration of auto, etc.; seat belt violation, not guilty pleas.

Mitchell P. Huser, Hudson, speeding, not guilty plea.

Jacob J. Jablonski, Minneapolis, Minn., violate absolute sobriety law, $389.50.

Jack H. Jennrich, Lake Forest, Calif., speeding, $295.00.

Kendra L. Jones, Siren, operating motor vehicle w/o proof of insurance, $10.00; speeding, $175.30.

Andrew E. Jorgensen, Danbury, molest, destroy, etc. state property, $200.50; seat belt violation, $10.00.

Nicholas D. Josephson, Grantsburg, illegally construct, use or fail/remove or attach name/address or DNR number to unattended tree stand, $162.70.

Matthew W. Kelly, Minneapolis, Minn., operate w/o valid license; failure to notify police of accident, not guilty pleas.

Delbert C. Kistner, Eau Claire, speeding, $225.70.

Robert J. Klaers, North St. Paul, Minn., speeding, $175.30.

Donna M. Koon, Webster, OWI, license revoked 6 months, $691.50.

Dwight M. Kraemer, Webster, failure to notify police of accident; failure to keep vehicle under control; operating w/o valid license; operating a motor vehicle w/o insurance, not guilty pleas.

Andrew H. Kroll, Minneapolis, Minn., speeding, $200.50.

Douglas L. Kump, Sparta, interstate record of duty status, $263.50.

Patrick R. Kurkowski, Frederic, speeding, $200.50; possess open intoxicants in MV, $263.50.

Ronald E. Kurtz, Siren, operating motor vehicle w/o proof of

insurance, $10.00.

Aaron C. Lamson, Hertel, operating while suspended, $200.50.

Jenifer L. Lucero, Albuquerque, N.M., speeding, $175.30.

Tyler J. Macke, Webster, molest, destroy, etc. state property, $200.50.

Ryan S. Madden, failure to notify police of accident, not guilty plea.

Jennifer F. Martin, Minneapolis, Minn., speeding, $173.50.

Rusty J. Matrious, Webster, underage drinking-possess 1720, not guilty plea.

Kathryn J. Maul-Dehn, Cambridge Minn., operating motor vehiche w/o proof of insurance, $10.00.

Teana M., Merrill, Shell Lake, fail/stop for unloading school bus, $326.50.

Joseph R. Miller, Superior, disorderly conduct w/motor vehicle, $150.00.

Richard K. Miller, Stillwater, Minn., cut shoreline vegetation in shoreline protection zone, not guilty plea.

Joanna B. Morrison, Shoreview, Minn., operating motor vehicle w/o proof of insurance, $10.00; speeding, $175.30.

Junior D. Mosay, Siren, speeding, $175.30.

James P Moser, Webster, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Jonathan J. Mullen, Rice Lake, place/transport loaded firearm in vehicle, $258.10.

Douglas B. Nash, Big Stone City, S.D., illegally construct, use or fail/remove of attach name/address or DNR number to unattended tree stand, $162.70.

Nathaniel T. Nelson, St. Paul, Minn., seat belt violation, $10.00.

Richard A. Nyhus, Barronett, OWI; operating w/PAC >=0.15, not guilty pleas.

Manuel L. Ojeda, Minneapolis, Minn., operate w/o valid license, $200.50; operating a motor vehicle w/o insurance, $200.50; speeding, $175.30.

Mitankumar J. Pandya, Bronson, Mich., speeding, $200.50.

Lori A. Petersen, Siren, nonregistration of auto etc., $175.30.

Christine A. Peterson, Grantsburg, speeding, $175.30.

Nathan S. Peterson, Houlton, speeding, $200.50.

Chantell M. Phillips, Wheeler, operating while suspended; operate w/o valid license, not guilty pleas.

Jolene K. Pirila, Webster, speeding, $225.70.

Sridhar Prahbu, Las Vegas, Nev., speeding, $225.70.

Lennie J. Prouty, Centuria, speeding, $200.50.

Scott G. Ramstrom, Webster, operating motor vehicle w/o proof of insurance, $10.00.

Kenneth W. Raush Jr., Hurley, speeding, not guilty plea.

Stacy A. Reynolds-Ondov, Brooklyn Park, Minn., operating motor vehicle w/o proof of insurance, $10.00.

Donald E. Robinette, Inver Grove Heights, Minn., operating motor vehicle w/o proof of insurance, $10.00.

Kenneth T. Sarazin, Chippewa Falls, speeding, not guilty plea.

Richard L. Schaaf, Grantsburg, speeding, $175.30.

Daniel N. Slaikeu, Cushing, operating a motor vehicle w/o insurance, $200.50.

Erica J. Stark, Webster, nonregistration of vehicle <= 10,000 lbs., twice, $175.30.

Aaron D. Storgaard, Minneapolis, Minn., speeding, $175.30.

Heidi M. Stromberg, Webster, fail/change lane - passing stop emerg. vehicle, $263.50.

Robert J. Sunstrom, Hinckley, Minn., nonregistration of vehicle <=10,000 lbs., $175.30.

Jeffrey G. Swanson, Frederic, nonregistration of vehicle <=10,000 lbs.; operating a motor vehicle w/o insurance, not guilty pleas.

Joe Taylor, Stone Lake, operating while suspended, $200.50.

Michael O. Taylor, Webster, graded fill within 300’ of ordinary high-water mark, $389.00.

Thomas G. Taylor, Almena, operating motor vehicle w/o proof of insurance, $10.00; speeding in school zones, $263.50.

Mary L. Thomas, St. Croix Falls, speeding, $175.30.

April J. Tomberlin, Siren, speeding, $175.30.

David W. Tomberlin, Siren, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Scott A. Tossey, Hinkley, Minn., speeding, $175.30.

Gregory L. Visger, Spooner, speeding, not guilty plea.

Jerry K. Voss, Ogilvie, Minn., unsafe backing of vehicle, not guilty plea.

Jason M. Welsh, Hammond, speeding, $200.50.

Scott B. Werktkin, St. Paul, Minn., speeding, $175.30.

Katie L. Williams, Somerset, operating a motor vehicle w/o insurance, not guilty plea.

Brett A. Wolfgram, Rush City, Minn., speeding, $250.90.

Matthew J. Wortman, Grantsburg, illegally construct, use or fail/remove or attach name/address or DNR number to unattended tree stand, not guilty plea.

Jules J. Zappa, Webster, operating a motor vehicle w/o insurance, $200.50.

Robert M. Zilla, Danbury, OWI; operating w/PAC; operate w/o valid license; deposit or discharger solid waste on public or private property; operating a motor vehicle w/o insurance; operate large vehicle after rev./susp of registration; transferee fail/apply new vehicle title; improper display of license plates/tags, not guilty pleas.

Burnett County warrants

Polk County marraiges

Cassie J. Lundquist, Luck and Travis R. McKenzie, Luck, issued Dec. 16, 2010.

525722 WNAXLP

(Nov. 17, 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS SERVICING L.P. Plaintiff, vs.

STACY LYNN LARSON, et al Defendants.

Case No: 09 CV 220 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on May 6, 2009, in the amount of $195,237.31, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: January 6, 2011, at 10 a.m.

TERMS: 1. 10% down in cash or money order at the time of sale; balance due within 10 days of confirmation of sale; failure to pay balance due will result in forfeit of deposit to plaintiff.

2. Sold “as is” and subject to all legal liens and encumbrances.

PLACE: Foyer area of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin.

DESCRIPTION: The South 228 feet of the West 365 feet of the Southwest 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 5, Township 33 North, Range 15 west. Said land being in the Town of Clayton, Polk County, Wisconsin.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 499 115th Ave., Amery, WI 54001.

TAX KEY NO.: 016-00096-0000.

Dated this 12th day of November, 2010. /s/Timothy G. Moore Sheriff of Polk County Christina E. Demakopoulos State Bar #1066197 Blommer Peterman, S.C. 165 Bishops Way Brookfield, WI 53005 262-790-5719 Please go to www.blommerpeterman.com to obtain the bid for this sale. Blommer Peterman, S.C., is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf. Any information obtained will be used for the purpose. (203689)

Accidents Nov. 22: Berry E. Preston, 54, Danbury, was northbound on Hwy. 35 in Swiss Township when he lost control of his vehicle and entered the ditch. No citations were issued, and no injuries were reported.

Nov. 23: William E. Roper, 65, Webster, eastbound on CTH N in Daniels Township when he was distracted by a group of hunters and crossed the center(Nov. 17, 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY AnchorBank, fsb f/k/a S&C Bank, Plaintiff, vs.

Ernest J. Switzer Jr. a/k/a Ernest J. Switzer et al, Defendants.

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Case No: 09 CV 70 Case Code: 30404 Judge: Molly E. GaleWyrick PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on May 6, 2009, in the amount of $131,487.11, the Polk County Sheriff shall sell the described property at public auction as follows: TIME: January 5, 2011, at 10 a.m.

TERMS: 10% of successful bid must be paid to the Sheriff at sale in cash or by certified check. Balance due within 10 days of court approval.

Purchaser is responsible for payment of all transfer taxes and recording fees. Sale is AS IS in all respects and subject to all liens and encumbrances.

PLACE: Foyer Area, Polk County Justice Center, 1005 West Main St., Suite 900, Balsam Lake, WI 54810.

DESCRIPTION: The West 832 feet of the South 312 feet of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4, Section 9-3518, Polk County, Wisconsin.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 2141 220th Ave., Luck, WI 54853.

Timothy G. Moore Polk County Sheriff ECKBERG, LAMMERS, BRIGGS, WOLFF & VIERLING, P.L.L.P. Nicholas J. Vivian (#1047165) Attorney for Plaintiff 1809 Northwestern Avenue Stillwater, MN 55082 (651) 439-2878

Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. Section 1692), we are required to state that we are attempting to collect a debt on our client’s behalf and any information we obtain will be used for that purpose.

line negotiating a curve. He hit westbound Joshua T. Jewell, 16, Siren, who was negotiating the same curve. No citations were issued, but three injuries were reported, two in the Jewell vehicle and the driver of the Roper vehicle.

Nov. 26: Matthew W. Kelly, 28, Minneapolis, Minn., was eastbound on CTH X in Meenon Township when he lost control of the vehicle and entered the (Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY BAC HOME LOANS SERVICING, L.P. Plaintiff, vs.

MARC R. COCHERELL, et al Defendants Case No: 10 CV 63 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on April 26, 2010, in the amount of $121,427.76, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: January 12, 2011, at 10 a.m.

TERMS: 1. 10% of successful bid must be paid to Sheriff at sale in cash or by certified Check. Balance to be paid upon confirmation.

PLACE: Polk County Justice Center at 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin.

DESCRIPTION: Lot 1 of Certified Survey Map No. 1186, recorded in Volume 6 of Certified Survey Maps, on Page 2, as Document No. 449416, located in the Northwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 22, Township 35 North, Range 17 West, Town of Milltown, Polk County, Wisconsin.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 2036 150th Street, Milltown, WI 54858.

TAX KEY NO.: 040-00596-0000.

Dated this 18th day of November, 2010.

Timothy G. Moore Sheriff of Polk County Chaz M. Rodriguez State Bar #1063071 Blommer Peterman, S.C. 165 Bishops Way Brookfield, WI 53005 262-790-5719 Please go to www.blommerpeterman.com to obtain the bid for this sale. Blommer Peterman, S.C., is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf. Any information obtained will be used for the purpose. (261231)

ditch. The driver left the scene of the accident. No injuries were reported. Two citations issued.

Nov. 26: Micheal T. Paffel, 29, Comstock, was westbound on 26 Lake Road in Swiss Township when he lost control and entered the ditch. The driver was taken to the hospital for injuries. No citations were issued.

Nov. 27: John L. Pauly, 42, Pierz, Minn., was northbound on Pleasant Prairie Road in Anderson Township when he drove past a driveway that he wished to enter. When backing up on the road he hit Raymond J. Casey, 60, St. Croix Falls, who was coming out of the same driveway. No citations were issued, and no injuries reported.

Dec. 8: Arvid L. Harmon, 58, Grantsburg, was pulling into a parking lot in the village of Grantsburg when he was hit by

Check out our E-edition

Michael G. Beck, 52, Lauderdale, Minn., driving a truck owned by Xcel Energy. No injuries were reported, and no citations issued.

Arrests and citations Nov. 12: Jared L. Westbrook, 26, Cass Lake, Minn., was arrested for disorderly conduct.

Nov. 18: Charleston K. Baker, 20, Webster, was arrested on a probation warrant.

Other incidents Nov. 15: Stephen D. Petersen, Anoka, Minn., reported a shower cistern taken from a hunting cabin.

Nov. 15: Christopher J. Mallinger, Harris, Minn., reported alcohol, fishing tackle, rod and miscellaneous tools taken from a cabin. The incident is under investigation.

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527338 17-18L 7-8a,d

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Marvin W. Garbow, 39, Danbury, failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Bobbi A. Gilpin, 29, Luck, failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Ryan D. Guertin, 28, Hopkins, Minn., failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Kenneth D. Hackbarth, 23, Mounds View, Minn., failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Kevin H. Hass, 46, Webster, failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Jasmin N. Hernandez, 32, Bloomington, Minn., failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Jeffery P. Hollen, 36, Chisago City, Minn., failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Timothy L. Jensen, 48, Preston, Minn., failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

William J. La Pointe, 38, Amery, failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Steven A. Marlow, 58, Siren, failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Kurt J. Matrious, 40, Danbury, failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Matthew C. Matrious, 21, Danbury, failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Keith J. Miller, 46, Springbrook, failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Jamie M. Mitchell, 21, Danbury, failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Burnett County sheriff’s report

Michael J. Nelson, 22, Siren, failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Jennifer L. Neuman, 27, Siren, failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Jacob S. Neurer, 18, Siren, failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Cheryl L. Nilsson, 54, Grantsburg, failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Derek P. Reed, 31, Kansas City, Mo., failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Wahbimigisi P. Robertson, 23, Hinckley, Minn., failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Chad E. Robinson, 39, Viroqua, failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Sadie E. Rogers, 23, Hertel, failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Jamie C. Rousselow, 35, Turtle Lake, failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Rodney D. Staples, 44, Danbury, failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Jeanna R. Steele, 45, Grantsburg, failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Robert J. Sunderland, 38, Pine City, Minn., failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Orton H. Wisegarver, 25, Rockford, Ill., failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Kurt J. Wylie, 35, Frederic, failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Nov. 18: Brian McBroom, Siren, reported that someone broke into his business and stole some money. The incident is under investigation.

Dec. 1: Craig M. Conroy, Webster, reported his and other mailboxes in his neighborhood damaged. The incident is under investigation.

Dec. 5: Ramolo J. Caponi, Grantsburg, reported that someone stole a spruce tree out of his yard. The incident is under investigation.

Dec. 5: Judith A. WittCroswhite, Danbury, reported three trees damaged by fourwheelers.

Dec. 6: Robert D. Proehl, Webster, reported a tailgate taken from his truck. The incident is under investigation.

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(Dec. 22, 29, Jan. 5) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF SUSAN E. WRIGHT Notice to Creditors (Informal Administration) Case No. 10 PR 86 An application has been filed for informal administration of the estate of the decedent, whose date of birth was January 10, 1935, and date of death was November 13, 2010.

The decedent died domiciled in Polk County, State of Wisconsin, with a post office address of: 1971 60th Ave., County Road K, Osceola, WI 54020.

All interested persons have waived notice.

Creditors’ claims must be filed with the probate registrar on or before March 28, 2011.

Jenell L. Anderson Probate Registrar December 17, 2010 D. Peter Seguin, Attorney 110 Second Street Hudson, WI 54016 715-386-3200

527694 WNAXLP

Charles A. Lamson, Grantsburg Village, Dec. 5.

Dennis C. Geopfert Jr., possession of marijuana, $330.50.

Mitchell T. Fowler, 30, Luck, possession of THC, one-year probation, sentence withheld, license suspended six months, alcohol assessment, $88.00.

Brian S. Tinkle, 29, St. Paul, Minn., possession of THC, oneyear probation, sentence withheld, license suspended six months, alcohol assessment, $88.00.

Karen K. Balsley, 40, Solon Springs, possession of amphetamine, one-year probation, sentence withheld, alcohol assessment, $243.00.

Carole D. Lunsman, 71, Danbury, causing injury/OWI, $1,046.00, restitution to be determined, 30-day jail sentence, eligible for electronic monitor at jail staff’s discretion, license revoked 12 months, ignition interlock 12 months.

Jon D. Songetay, 22, Danbury, OWI, $916.00, 10-day jail sentence, eligible for Huber release, license revoked 12 months, alcohol assessment.

Matthew L. Covey, 47, Webster, OWI, $1,989.00, 80-day jail sentence, eligible for Huber release and community service, license revoked 27 months, alcohol assessment.

526101 WNAXLP

Burnett County death

James T. Hinrichs, 31, Grantsburg, operate without valid license, $330.50.

Walter W. Sipper, 25, Webster, disorderly conduct, $330.50.

Mitchell L. Butler, 30, Webster, disorderly conduct, two-year probation, sentence withheld, repayment of court appointed attorney fees to clerk of court, complete anger management and domestic abuse assessment, alcohol assessment, $343.00.

Jacelyn M. Foulkes, 29, Bethlehem, Pa., theft of movable property, one-year probation, sentence withheld, $361.81 restitution, 10-day jail sentence, no contact with victim, commit no further crimes, $124.18.

Seth A. Reed, 31, Webster, theft of movable property, oneyear probation, $475.00 restitution, participate in domestic counseling and / or substance treatment, $290.50.

Heather Parkos, 40, Coon Rapids, Minn., possession of drug paraphernalia, $330.50.

Landon P. Nielsen, 33, Chetek, possession of drug paraphernalia, 29-day jail sentence, $77.00.

525424 WNAXLP

William M. Larson, 39, Danbury, seat belt violation, $173.50.

Paul J. Asleson, 33, South St. Paul, Minn., speedometer violations, $200.50.

Thomas M. Belles, 39, Shoreview, Minn., speeding, $175.30.

Phillip A. Rimmer, 27, Coon Rapids, Minn., speeding, $175.30.

Robert S. Davis, 49, Danbury, speeding, $173.50.

Ying Xiong, 26, St. Paul, Minn., speeding, $175.30.

Jerome M. Butler, 72, Grove, Ill., speeding, $127.50.

William L. Feiler, 43, River Falls, speeding, $200.50.

James T. Hernandez, 72, nonregistration of auto, $127.50.

Dustin W. Reynolds, 35, Shell Lake, operating motor vehicle without proof of insurance, $10.00.

Thomas M. Belles, 39, Shoreview, Minn., operating motor vehicle without proof of insurance, $10.00.

Erin E. Dearbin, 24, Webster, operating with PAC greater than .08 percent, $691.50.

Richard C. Krenzke, 47, Racine, issue worthless check, $691.00 restitution, $249.00.

Kathi A. Andrews, 43, Coon Rapids, Minn., failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Marion M. Baca, 25, Cottage Grove, Minn., failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Michael J. Bearheart, 40, Webster, failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Leah J. Benjamin, 30, Grantsburg, failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Raymond J. Benton, 41, Hayward, failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Jessica R. Bildeau, 21, Crandon, failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Melissa M. Booth, 41, Superior, failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Desiree G. Brewer, 36, Turtle Lake, failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Raymond M. Butler, 37, Dairyland, failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Kelly J. Curtis, 42, Webster, failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Nicholas J. Damico, 30, Hinckley, Minn., failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Nicole L. Daniels, 35, Trego, warrant - failure to appear, Dec. 13.

Maria L. Dearbin, 29, Webster, failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

Lacey Eskola, 22, Frederic, failure to pay fines, Dec. 13.

526364 4-7a,dp 15-18Lp

Burnett Co. criminal court

1-BR Ground-Floor Apartment In Balsam Lake Real nice, includes water, sewer, garbage pickup & coin laundry. $

425/month

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1-800-6699777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1800-927-9275.

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527345 17-18Lp 7-8a,dp

PAGE 20 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 22, 2010

AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY FOR RENT IN LUCK, WIS. Deluxe Twin Homes

Spacious 2-bedroom, 1-bath home includes refrigerator, dishwasher, stove and washer and dryer. Also included is an attached 1-car garage with an auto. door opener.

Monthly rent of $775 includes lawn care, garbage service and snow removal.

Kyle Johansen, 715-472-4993 526603 15Ltfc 5a,dtfc

Notices/Employment Opportunity

DECEMBER 22, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 21

January 13, 2011 - 7 p.m.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a town caucus for the purpose of nominating candidates to appear on the spring election ballot, Tuesday, April 5, 2011, for the following offices to succeed the present incumbents. The term for town offices is for two (2) years beginning on Tuesday, April 12, 2011.

OFFICE INCUMBENT Town Board Chairperson Gene Krull Town Board Supervisor Jose Trego Town Board Supervisor Kyle Swanson Town Clerk Michelle Tonnar Town Treasurer David Anderson NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that a town caucus will be held on Thursday, January 13, 2011, at 7 p.m. in the Eureka Town Hall.

527656 18L 8a,d Michelle Tonnar - Clerk

FROZEN ROAD DECLARATION

Polk County Highway Department Pursuant to Section 348.175, Wisconsin Statutes, the Polk County Highway Department declares that all county highways are eligible for increased weight limitations effective December 18, 2010, at 12:01 a.m. The frozen road declaration will remain in effect until a suspension is published in early spring.

Steve Warndahl 527588 18L WNAXLP Polk County Highway Commissioner

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Polk Couny Land Information Committee will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, January 5, 2011, at 8:30 a.m., in the Government Center (County Boardroom), Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, to consider the following and other agenda items: TOM AASMUNDRUD requests a district change from Agricultural/General Purpose district to Commercial district.

Property affected is: 420 45th Ave., Lot 1, CSM #4823, Vol. 21/ Pg. 150, located in NW 1/4, SE 1/4 and NE 1/4, SE 1/4, N & W of RR, Sec. 8/T32N/R15W, Town of Clear Lake, pond (12.92 acres).

527664 18-19L 8a,d

Please Apply In Person

At 105 Oak Street, Frederic

(Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY BAC HOME LOANS SERVICING, L.P., AS SERVICER FOR THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATE HOLDERS CWMBS, 2004-12 Plaintiff, vs.

INPONG LUANGRATH, et al Defendants NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE Case Number: 10 CV 237 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on May 7, 2010, in the amount of $256,916.08, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: January 13, 2011, at 10 a.m.

TERMS: 1. 10% of successful bid must be paid to Sheriff at sale in cash or by certified Check. Balance to be paid upon confirmation.

PLACE: Polk County Justice Center at 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wis. DESCRIPTION: Lot One (1) of Certified Survey Map No. 1753 recorded in Volume 8 of Certified Survey Maps on Page 101 as Document No. 523410, being a part of the Southwest Quarter of the Northwest (SW 1/4 of the NW 1/4) of Section Twenty-Two (22), Township Thirty-Two (32) North of Range Nineteen (19) West, Polk County, Wisconsin.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 272 270th Street, Osceola, WI 54020.

TAX KEY NO.: 022-00533-0100.

Dated this 17th day of November, 2010.

Timothy G. Moore Sheriff of Polk County Chaz M. Rodriguez State Bar #1063071 Blommer Peterman, S.C. 165 Bishops Way Brookfield, WI 53005 262-790-5719 Please go to www.blommerpeterman.com to obtain the bid for this sale. Blommer Peterman, S.C., is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf. Any information obtained will be used for the purpose. (261178)

Agenda: Clerk’s report; treasurer’s report; open forum; discuss SCD Ordinance amendment/Cushing Coop expansion; resolution allowing ATVs on 240th Ave.; set date for caucus; closed session to discuss litigation; road report; pay bills and adjourn.

527655 Patsy Gustafson, Town Clerk 18L

(Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY BAC HOME LOANS SERVICING, L.P., AS SERVICER FOR DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF MORGAN STANLEY ABS CAPITAL I INC. TRUST 2006HE6, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-HE6 Plaintiff, vs.

MELISSA C. KRUGER, et al Defendants Case No: 10 CV 46 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on April 28, 2010, in the amount of $125,407.82, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: January 12, 2011, at 10 a.m.

TERMS: 1. 10% of successful bid must be paid to Sheriff at sale in cash or by certified Check. Balance to be paid upon confirmation.

PLACE: Polk County Justice Center at 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wis. DESCRIPTION: Lot 12 of Block 2 of Horsmann’s First Addition to Village of Dresser, Polk County, Wisconsin.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 379 Horsmann Avenue South, Dresser, WI 54009.

TAX KEY NO.: 116-00241-0000.

Dated this 18th day of November, 2010.

Timothy G. Moore Sheriff of Polk County Christina E. Demakopoulos State Bar #1066197 Blommer Peterman, S.C. 165 Bishops Way Brookfield, WI 53005 262-790-5719 Please go to www.blommerpeterman.com to obtain the bid for this sale. Blommer Peterman, S.C., is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf. Any information obtained will be used for the purpose. (261323)

526099 WNAXLP

Has Part-Time Positions For Caregivers Available

The Monthly Board Meeting Will Be Held Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2010, at 7:30 p.m., at the Cushing Community Center

JOB OPPORTUNITY OFFICE AIDE FREDERIC SCHOOL DISTRICT Job Title: 7 - 12 Office Aide Job Description: This is a nine-month position. Individual will be responsible for a variety of office tasks including submitting reports to the state and DPI, managing the copy room, inputting data, monitoring and working with accounts and records, and other tasks.

Qualifications: Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and other office software; certification as office support specialist or similar background is preferred.

How to Apply: Send letter of application, resume, and credentials to: Raymond Draxler, 7 - 12 School Principal, Frederic School District, 1437 Clam Falls Drive, Frederic, WI 54837.

Telephone: 715-327-4223; Fax: 715-327-8655.

Employer: Frederic School District 1437 Clam Falls Drive Frederic, WI 54837 Closing Date: December 27, 2010

527384 17-18L

NOTICE OF CAUCUS TOWN OF EUREKA

(Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT BURNETT COUNTY AnchorBank, fsb, Plaintiff, vs.

Gerald G. Trepczyk et al.

Defendants NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Case No: 10 CV 17 Case Code: 30404 Judge: Kenneth L. Kutz PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on the 17th day of March, 2010, in the amount of $115,753.88, the Burnett County Sheriff will sell the real property described below at public auction as follows: DATE/TIME: January 11, 2011, at 10 a.m.

TERMS: 10% of successful bid must be paid to the Sheriff at sale in cash or by certified check. Balance due within 10 days of court approval. Purchaser is responsible for payment of all transfer taxes and recording fees. Sale is AS IS in all respects and subject to all liens and encumbrances.

PLACE: Main Lobby, Burnett County Government Center, 7410 County Road K, Siren, WI 54872.

DESCRIPTION: Lot 5, Danielson Addition to the Village of Webster, according to the Plat thereof on file in the office of the Register of Deeds for Burnett County, Wisconsin.

Said Plat being situate in the Northwest 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4, Section 9, Township 39 North, Range 16 West, Burnett County, Wisconsin.

ADDRESS: 7390 Poplar Street, Webster, WI 54893.

Dean Roland Burnett County Sheriff ECKBERG, LAMMERS, BRIGGS, WOLFF & VIERLING, P.L.L.P. Nicholas J. Vivian (#1047165) Attorney for Plaintiff 1809 Northwestern Avenue Stillwater, MN 55082 (651) 439-2878 Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. Section 1692), we are required to state that we are attempting to collect a debt on our client’s behalf and any information we obtain will be used for that purpose.

526084 WNAXLP

(Dec. 8, 15, 22) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY ANCHORBANK, FSB Plaintiff vs.

Roger D. Bibeau, AnchorBank, FSB, Unknown Spouse of Roger D. Bibeau Defendants SUMMONS Real Estate Mortgage Foreclosure Case No. 10 CV 789 Honorable Molly E. GaleWyrick Case Code: 30404 THE STATE OF WISCONSIN To the following party named as a defendant herein: Roger D. Bibeau/Unknown Spouse of Roger D. Bibeau You are hereby notified that the plaintiff named above has filed a lawsuit or other legal action against you. The complaint, which is also served on you, states the nature and the basis of the legal action. Within 40 days after December 8, 2010, you must respond with a written answer, as that term is used in Chapter 802 of the Wisconsin Statutes, to the complaint. The court may reject or disregard an answer that does not follow the requirements of the statutes.

The answer must be sent or delivered to the court, whose address is: Polk County Clerk of Circuit Court, Polk County Justice Center, 1005 West Main Street, Suite 300, Balsam Lake, WI 54810-9071 and to Marie M. Flannery/Blommer Peterman, S.C., plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is: Blommer Peterman, S.C. 165 Bishops Way, Brookfield, WI 53005.

You may have an attorney help or represent you.

If you do not provide a proper answer within 40 days from the date stated above, the court may grant judgment against you for the award of money or other legal action requested in the complaint, and you may lose your right to object to anything that is or may be incorrect in the complaint. A judgment may be enforced as provided by law. A judgment awarding money may become a lien against any real estate you own now or in the future, and may also be enforced by garnishment or seizure of property.

Dated this 18th day of November, 2010.

Marie M. Flannery/ Blommer Peterman, S.C. State Bar No. 1045309 165 Bishops Way Brookfield, WI 53005 262-790-5719 Blommer Peterman, S.C., is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. (261364)

Of Frederic 527358 17-18L, 7-8a

(Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY U.S. BANK N.A. Plaintiff, vs.

DARWIN B. GREEN, et al Defendants Case Number: 10 CV 25 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on April 28, 2010, in the amount of $211,189.64, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: January 13, 2011, at 10 a.m.

TERMS: 1. 10% of successful bid must be paid to Sheriff at sale in cash or by certified Check. Balance to be paid upon confirmation.

PLACE: Polk County Justice Center at 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wis. DESCRIPTION: Lot 4 of Certified Survey Map No. 1902, recorded in Volume 9 of Certified Survey Maps, Page 49, as Document No. 533284, located in the Northwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 36, Township 32 North, Range 18 West, in the Town of Alden, Polk County, Wisconsin. Together with and subject to a nonexclusive easement for ingress and egress over the 66 foot private access road as shown on Certified Survey Map No. 1902, recorded in Volume 9 of Certified Survey Maps, Page 51, as Document No. 533299 and disclosed in Declaration of Protective Covenants, recorded in Volume 414, page 809, as Document No. 390552.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 30C 185th Street, Star Prairie, WI 54026.

TAX KEY NO.: 002019340400.

Dated this 17th day of November, 2010.

Timothy G. Moore Sheriff of Polk County Chaz M. Rodriguez State Bar #1063071 Blommer Peterman, S.C. 165 Bishops Way Brookfield, WI 53005 262-790-5719 Please go to www.blommerpeterman.com to obtain the bid for this sale. Blommer Peterman, S.C., is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf. Any information obtained will be used for the purpose. (261171)

South Shore Drive at 3:43 p.m.

Anthony S. Hanson, 20, Siren, was the driver. Dylan A. Geske, 20, Siren, and Katy L. Kelley, 19, Webster, were the passengers.

During a traffic stop at 4:17 p.m. on Hwy. 35 and D’Jock Street, Dinah C. Radke, 52, Frederic, was cited for operating after suspension and nonregistration of an auto.

526086 WNAXLP

(Nov. 17, 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY Wilshire Credit Corporation, as servicer for U.S. Bank, NA, as Successor Trustee to Bank of America, NA, as successor by merger to LaSalle Bank, NA, as Trustee for the MLMI Trust Series 2006-RM4 Plaintiff, vs.

CHRISTINE A. SIMONSON, et al.

Defendants.

Case Number: 09 CV 946 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on February 18, 2010, in the amount of $185,761.73, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: January 6, 2011, at 10:00 a.m.

TERMS: 1. 10% down in cash or money order at the time of sale; balance due within 10 days of confirmation of sale; failure to pay balance due will result in forfeit of deposit to plaintiff.

2. Sold “as is” and subject to all legal liens and encumbrances.

PLACE: Foyer area of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, WI. DESCRIPTION: Lot 25, Croixwood, in the City of St. Croix Falls, Polk County, Wisconsin.

Also described as: Lot 25, Croixwood “A Planned Unit Development,” City of St. Croix Falls, Polk County, Wisconsin.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 1326 East Aspen Drive, Saint Croix Falls, WI 54024.

TAX KEY NO.: 281-01380-2500.

Dated this 15th day of November, 2010. /s/Timothy G. Moore Sheriff of Polk County Scott D. Nabke State Bar #1037979 Blommer Peterman, S.C. 165 Bishops Way Brookfield, WI 53005 262-790-5719 Please go to www.blommerpeterman.com to obtain the bid for this sale. Blommer Peterman, S.C., is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf. Any information obtained will be used for this purpose. (203692)

526085 WNAXLP

son’s vehicle and light damage to the vehicle driven by Gerber.

Dec. 14: Someone hit Morgan P. Twingstrom’s vehicle while it was parked in the ice area parking lot. The report indicated that the damage would probably be under $1,000.

Dec. 17: Jan S. Berghoff, 54, Shorewood, Minn., was cited for speeding on Hwy. 35/70 and Elizabeth Street at 6:49 p.m.

Dec. 19: The driver and two passengers in a vehicle were cited for not wearing seat belts during a stop on Hwy. 35/70 and

525769 WNAXLP

Dec. 5: A two-vehicle accident took place at 1:42 p.m. on First Avenue and Lake Street. One of the drivers, 26-year-old Monica M. Martinson, was westbound on Lake Street. She attempted to stop at the First Avenue intersection but, on the snow-covered and slippery roadway, her vehicle went through the intersection.

Martinson’s vehicle was then hit by a vehicle driven by Kelly S. Gerber, 36, Grantsburg. According to the accident report, there was moderate damage to the passenger side of Martin-

Follow the Leader.

526829 WNAXLP

Siren Police report

NOTICE TOWN OF LAKETOWN

The Frederic School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

I Gregory John, McGrath am not a legal; “person” born or naturalized in the federal “United States” I am NOT subject to the jurisdiction of the legislative nor of the legislative democracy of the federal “United States” (District of Columbia, U.S., Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa) or other territory, area or enclave “within the United States,” nor do I live on an Army base. I was not born nor naturalized a 14th Amendment citizen of, or in the District of Columbia (D.C.) therefore, I am an “alien” with respect to the federal “United States” - The term “United States” or U.S.” are NOT to be construed under any circumstances to imply or include the sovereign “50 states” comprising the “united states of America.”

I Gregory John, McGrath the natural flesh and blood woman am a private national a preamble North American national domiciled on the land in Wisconsin Republic, a union state. I am Not a citizen of any federal or state corporate conglomerate government: I am a native born, nonregulated Foreign to the legislative and territorial jurisdiction of Congress. I am a nonresident alien. I am a private national, a natural, a preamble North American national. I am not willing to participate in the federal United States bankruptcy being administrated against me and my fellow Americans, without my prior knowledge or consent. Unless the specific signed and authorized American or international contract with my signature on it is presented to me as evidence of my voluntary consent, I have not knowingly, voluntarily or intentionally entered into a contract with the corporate federal/state government. If it appears I have, I must have been fraudulently led into it, and declare it was mistake or I was acting under duress or under influences such a chain of events would leave me without action or recourse. So I hereby discharge all presumed liability without prejudice pursuant to U.C.C. 3-601.3 I do not accept benefits thereof openly; if I have received a benefit it was “received” ambiguously because of the fraud in the essence. I would not have accepted a benefit if I had known the ramifications of the presumed agreement. I withdraw my signature from any and all unknown or now known government contracts that I might have entered into without being aware of all the facts. They are fraudulent because all the facts were not made known.

Left without REMEDY AVAILABLE therefore “Liability Discharged, without prejudice pursuant to UCC 1-207, 3-305 and 3-601. Any agency, State or Federal who wishes to challenge my Citizenship claim must do so within 21 day or admits that the above is true and I am correct in my claim. Any challenge must be done by certified mail to: P.O. Box 124, Webster, Wisconsin.

527650 18-20Lp WNAXLP

526100 WNAXLP

(Dec. 15, 22, 29, Jan. 5, 12, 19) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY GREENTREE SERVICING, LLC., successor in interest to Greenpoint Credit, LLC, Plaintiff, vs.

GREGORY A. DICK JANE DOE, marital spouse DISCOVER CARD CITIBANK (SOUTH DAKOTA) NA MIDWEST DIESEL SERVICE ORIX FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC., Defendants.

Case No: 10 CV 443 Case Code: 30404 Case Type: Foreclosure of Mortgage NOTICE OF SALE By virtue of and pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above-entitled action on the 3rd day of August, 2010, I will sell at public auction in the front lobby/foyer area of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 W. Main Street, in the Village of Balsam Lake, County of Polk, Wisconsin on February 16, 2011, at 10:00 a.m., all of the following described mortgaged premises, to-wit: Lot Fifty-six (56), Pixie Acres Mobile Home Second Addition, Village of Milltown, Polk County, Wisconsin.

TAX PARCEL NO.: 151-004480000.

ADDRESS: 603 Parkins Ave., Milltown, WI. TERMS OF SALE: Cash.

DOWN PAYMENT: 10% down of amount bid in cash or certified check at the time of sale made payable to Clerk of Courts; balance due within 10 days of confirmation of sale; failure to pay balance due will result in forfeit of deposit to plaintiff.

SALE SUBJECT TO: Property to be sold as a whole “AS IS” and subject to all legal liens and encumbrances, tenant rights and leases, real estate taxes, accrued and accruing special assessments, if any, penalties and interest. Purchaser to pay all recording fees, Wisconsin Real Estate Transfer Tax and cost of title evidence.

Dated this 10th day of December, 2010. /s/Timothy Moore Polk County Sheriff Attorney Sam Kaufman 201 S. Marr Street Fond du Lac, WI 54936

527368 WNAXLP

Dec. 22, 29, Jan. 5

CERTIFICATE OF CITIZENSHIP LEGAL NOTICE ADMINISTRATIVE NOTICE

(Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY BAC HOME LOANS SERVICING, L.P. Plaintiff, vs.

KEVIN C. NIX, et al Defendants Case Number: 10 CV 83 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on April 28, 2010, in the amount of $67,430.05, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: January 12, 2011, at 10 a.m.

TERMS: 1. 10% of successful bid must be paid to Sheriff at sale in cash or by certified Check. Balance to be paid upon confirmation.

PLACE: Polk County Justice Center at 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wis. DESCRIPTION: The East 225 feet of the West 450 feet of the North 234 feet of the Northwest 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4, Section 29, Township 34 North, Range 17 West.

Said land being in the Town of Balsam Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 1644 140th Avenue, Saint Croix Falls, WI 54024.

TAX KEY NO.: 006-00794-0000.

Dated this 18th day of November, 2010.

Timothy G. Moore Sheriff of Polk County Chaz M. Rodriguez State Bar #1063071 Blommer Peterman, S.C. 165 Bishops Way Brookfield, WI 53005 262-790-5719 Please go to www.blommerpeterman.com to obtain the bid for this sale. Blommer Peterman, S.C., is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf. Any information obtained will be used for the purpose. (261367)

WNAXLP

Case No. 10 CV 271 Case Code: 30404 Judge: R.H. Rasmussen PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a Judgment of Foreclosure entered on June 24, 2010, in the amount of $268,994.48, the Polk County Sheriff will sell the following described real property at public auction as follows: DATE/TIME: January 5, 2011, at 10:00 a.m.

TERMS: 10% of successful bid must be paid to the Sheriff at sale in cash or by certified check. Balance due within 10 days of court approval.

Purchaser is responsible for payment of all transfer taxes and recording fees. Sale is AS IS in all respects and subject to all liens and encumbrances.

PLACE: Foyer Area Polk County Justice Center 1005 West Main St., Suite 900 Balsam Lake, WI 54810 DESCRIPTION: Lot Five (5), Plat of Royal Oaks Addition to the Village of Balsam Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin, being part of Lot Four (4), Black A, Park Addition to the Village of Balsam Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin.

PROPERTY: 154 Royal Oaks Dr. ADDRESS: Balsam Lake, WI 54810 Timothy G. Moore, Polk County Sheriff Eckberg, Lammers, Briggs, Wolff & Vierling, P.L.L.P. Nicholas J. Vivian (#1047165) Attorney for Plaintiff 1809 Northwestern Avenue Stillwater, MN 55082 651-439-2878 Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. Section 1692), we are required to state that we are attempting to collect a debt on our client’s behalf and any information we obtain will be used for that purpose.

(Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY ANCHORBANK, FSB, F/K/A S&C BANK Plaintiff, vs.

STEPHEN D. TYLEE, et al Defendants Case Number: 10 CV 246 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on May 18, 2010, in the amount of $148,149.72, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: January 12, 2011, at 10 a.m.

TERMS: 1. 10% of successful bid must be paid to Sheriff at sale in cash or by certified Check. Balance to be paid upon confirmation.

PLACE: Polk County Justice Center at 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wis. DESCRIPTION: The South 1040 feet of the West 850 feet of Southwest 1/4 Northwest 1/4, Section 34, Township 32 North, Range 15 West, being in the Town of Clear Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 52 30th Street, Clear Lake, WI 54005.

TAX KEY NO.: 018-00692-0000.

Dated this 17th day of November, 2010.

Timothy G. Moore Sheriff of Polk County Christina E. Demakopoulos State Bar #1066197 Blommer Peterman, S.C. 165 Bishops Way Brookfield, WI 53005 262-790-5719 Please go to www.blommerpeterman.com to obtain the bid for this sale. Blommer Peterman, S.C., is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf. Any information obtained will be used for the purpose. (261183)

526104

(Nov. 17, 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY AnchorBank, fsb f/k/a S & C Bank Plaintiff, vs.

Richard J. Jenson and Sandra L. Jenson Defendants.

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

525785 WNAXLP

525784 WNAXLP

(Nov. 17, 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY BAC Home Loans Servicing, L.P. Plaintiff, Vs. MELISSA OGREN, et al.

Defendants.

Case Number: 09 CV 720 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on January 6, 2010, in the amount of $304,582.93, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: January 6, 2011, at 10:00 a.m.

TERMS: 1. 10% down in cash or money order at the time of sale; balance due within 10 days of confirmation of sale; failure to pay balance due will result in forfeit of deposit to plaintiff. 2. Sold “as is” and subject to all legal liens and encumbrances.

PLACE: Foyer area of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 W. Main St., Balsam Lake, WI DESCRIPTION: Lot 7 of Certified Survey Map No. 22, recorded on May 27, 1960, in Volume 1 of Certified Survey Maps, Page 23, as Document No. 293873, being located in Government Lot 6, Section 31, Township 36 North, Range 16 West, in the Town of Bone Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin, together with an easement for ingress and egress as shown on said Certified Survey Map. PROPERTY ADDRESS: 1168 243rd Avenue, Luck, WI 54853 TAX KEY NO.: 012-00813-0000 Dated this 15th day of November, 2010. /S/ Timothy G. Moore Sheriff of Polk County Chaz M. Rodriguez State Bar #1063071 Blommer Peterman, S.C. 165 Bishops Way Brookfield, WI 53005 262-790-5719 Please go to www.blommerpeterman.com to obtain the bid for this sale.

Blommer Peterman, S.C. is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf.

Any information obtained will be used for the purpose. (203678)

(Dec. 8, 15, 22) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY RESURGENCE CAPITAL, LLC Plaintiff, vs BRIAN M. HAAS 821 N. WISCONSIN AVE. AMERY, WI 54001 Defendant(s) PUBLICATION SUMMONS Case No. 10CV823 Case Code: 30301 THE STATE OF WISCONSIN, to the said defendant(s): You are hereby notified that the Plaintiff named above has filed a lawsuit against you. The Complaint, which is attached hereto, stated the nature and basis of the legal action.

Within forty (40) days of 12/8/ 2010, you must respond with a written answer, as that term is used in Chapter 802 of Wisconsin Statutes, to the Complaint. The Court may reject or disregard an answer that does not follow the requirements of the statutes. The answer must be sent or delivered to the court, whose address is: 1005 W. Main St., Ste. 300, Balsam Lake, WI 54810-4410, and Plaintiff’s Attorney, RESURGENCE LEGAL GROUP, P.C., whose address is 6980 N. Port Washington Rd., Suite 204, Milwaukee, WI 53217. You may have an attorney help or represent you.

If you do not provide a proper answer to the Complaint or provide a written demand for said Complaint within forty (40) days, the Court may grant a judgment against you for the award of money or other legal action requested in the Complaint, and you may lose your right to object to anything that is or may be incorrect in the Complaint. A judgment may be enforced as provided by law. A judgment awarding money may become a lien against any real estate you own now or in the future, and may also be enforced by garnishment or seizure of property.

Dated: December 2, 2010.

RESURGENCE LEGAL GROUP, P.C.

By One of Plaintiff’s Staff Attorneys Robert I. Dorf State Bar No. 1027887 RESURGENCE LEGAL GROUP, P.C. 6980 N. Port Washington Rd., Suite 204 Milwaukee, WI 53217 877-440-0860 526856 WNAXLP

POLK COUNTY Polk County is declaring December 31, 2010, as the last day that Polk County wildlife crop damage assessments can be requested for the 2010 crop year under Wisconsin’s Wildlife Damage Abatement and Claims Program. This date is based on the County’s policy for crop damage claim payments on late harvested crops.

The policy states: All wildlife damage claims on row crops filed after 90% of the County’s harvest for that crop has been completed, will be denied. Anyone seeking additional program information may contact Cindy at the Tri-County Wildlife Damage Program office at 715349-2186.

527491 18-19L

POLK COUNTY POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT Social Worker - Child Protective Services Human Services.

Full Time 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (hours may vary) Deadline To Apply: December 29, 2010 Survey/Mapping Technician Land Information.

Full Time 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Deadline To Apply: January 5, 2011

$23.58/hr.

$19.26/hr.

Golden Age Manor Dietary Aide (part time) $10.92/hr.

1 shift of 10:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

2 shifts of 12 - 8 p.m.

3 shifts of 4:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Must be available on replacement days plus replacement a.m. and p.m. cook.

Deadline to apply: December 28, 2010 YOU MUST COMPLETE A POLK CO. EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION TO BE ELIGIBLE. For applications, complete job description and qualifications please visit our Web site at www.co.polk.wi.us, Employment Opportunities, or in person at Polk Co. Plaza, #229, Balsam Lake, WI 54810, 715-485-9176 or Golden Age Manor, 220 Scholl Ct., Amery, 527662 18L WI, 715-268-7107. AA/EEOC

Notices (Dec. 15, 22, 29, Jan. 5, 12, 19) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY First National Bank & Trust Plaintiff vs.

James L. Henke Todd Ellertson Defendants NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE Case No. 10 CV 26 Case Code 30404 By virtue of a judgment of foreclosure made in the above-entitled action on April 28, 2010, I will sell at public auction at the Polk County Justice Center, located at 1005 West Main Street, in the City of Balsam Lake, Polk County, Wis., on the 20th day of January 2011, at 10 a.m., all of the following described premises, to wit: Parcel Ia: Lot 2 of Certified Survey Map No. 2014, Volume 9, Page 162, being located in the Northeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 33, Township 35 North, Range 15 West, (in the Town of Johnstown), Polk County, Wisconsin.

Parcel Ib: Together with nonexclusive rights of ingress and egress over and across the ingress-egress and utility easements as more fully depicted on Certified Survey Maps 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Parcel IIA: Part of Government Lot 1, Section 27, Range 35 North, Range 16 West (in the Town of Georgetown), Polk County, Wisconsin, described as follows: Commencing at a point on the East boundary line of Government Lot 1, 400 feet South of the Northeast corner of Section 27; thence running South on the East boundary line of Government Lot 1,100 feet; thence running West on a course parallel with the North boundary line of Lot 1 to an intersection with the high-water mark on the shore of Blake Lake; thence following the shores of Blake Lake at a high-water mark in a Northwesterly direction to a point 400 feet due South of the North boundary line of Government Lot 1; thence running East on a course parallel with the North boundary line of Government Lot 1 to the East boundary line of Government Lot 1, which is the point of beginning; Commencing at the Northwest corner of Government Lot 10, of Section 26, Township 35 North, Range 16 West (in the Town of Georgetown), Polk County, Wisconsin; thence South along the West line of said Lot, 400 feet to the point of beginning; thence East 80 feet; thence South parallel with the West line of said Lot, 100 feet; thence West 80 feet; thence North along the West line to the point of beginning; Parcel lIB: Together with and subject to all rights, benefits and burdens of that certain driveway agreement and easement as recorded in Volume 436 of Records, Page 606, Document No. 405563.

TERMS OF SALE: CASH. (10% cash down payment at sale, balance within ten (10) days of Court approval).

Dated at Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, this 6th day of December, 2010.

The property is located at: 794 200th Avenue, Luck, WI 54853.

Tim Moore, Sheriff Andrew J. Harrington WSB #1061492 LIDEN & DOBBERFUHL S.C. Attorneys for the Plaintiff 425 E. LaSalle Ave. P.O. Box 137 Barron, WI 54812 Telephone: 715-537-5636

527329 WNAXLP

PAGE 22 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 22, 2010

Frederic High School Concert

DECEMBER 22, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 23

20 10

ABOVE: Leona Cummings read the story “Twas the Night Before Christmas” that the band played music for.

LEFT: The Frederic High School concert band, directed by Mrs. Everyone in the audience was invited up to sing with the high school Patti Burns, played four selections concert choir to “Hallelujah Chorus.” – Photos by Brenda Martin during the holiday concert held Sunday, Dec. 19.

Drums assisted in one of the Wednesday bell choir’s songs played during the concert.

Luck High School Concert

The Thursday bell choir played three holiday selections.

The show choir danced to three selections, including “Merry Christmas Polka” and sat while singing three others.

20 10

Luck junior Julie Franzel sang “AnLuck sophomore Katelyn Dinnies The Luck High jazz band did a smooth arrangement of the Lennon/McCartney classic “Get Back,” under the di- did a stirring rendition of “O Holy gels We Have Heard On High,” with Night,” with accompanist Janet Janet Holdt on keyboard in the forerection of Jennifer Gilhoi. – Photos by Greg Marsten ground.

Holdt in the foreground.

Senior Ashlyn Petersen did a To close the show, the Luck High School choir combined with parents, alumnus, members of the crowd bluesy version of “Winter WonSenior David Franzel performed “Slavonic and others for a rousing version of the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s Messiah, under the direction of derland,” as the snow fell ... and Fantasy” on alto saxophone.

Spike Maiden Mueller. fell … and fell … outside.

An Indian Creek Christmas

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 22, 2010

Snow riders

Santa had a little village on the stage of the Indian Creek American Legion Hall on Thursday, Dec. 16. Auxiliary 396 hosted a Christmas party open to all, which included free pictures taken with Santa. – Photos by Brenda Martin

Children had the opportunity to make several different crafts, including ornaments, bags and other Christmas decorations.

Letters to Santa were collected in the North Pole mailbox.

Treats were given to each child that attended.

They were able to decorate their cookies before eating them. Bags of goodies were handed out throughout the evening holiday celebration.

This little one met Santa very early in her life at the Indian Creek American Legion Auxiliary 396’s Christmas party.

Red Kettle Campaign needs help getting out of the red

The first lesson in deep-snow sliding is to hold on tight, especially when the course might be full of surprises, like a dip into 3-foot snowdrifts. Sisters Katie and Toby and their cousin Jamie’s daughter, Edythe, had fun navigating this hill at the Ackerley family Christmas party, held last Saturday, Dec. 18, at the Donna and Randy Erickson home in Atlas. Photos by Becky Amundson

Salvation Army bell ringers Tom Matti and Steve Conrow, Burnett County Sheriff Dean Roland and Burnett County’s Red Kettle Coordinator Joanne Klink were at Grantsburg Family Foods on Friday, Dec. 17, to encourage donations to the Red Kettle Campaign. As of Wednesday, Dec. 15, Burnett County Red Kettle donations were down $13,000. Ninety percent of the donations given stay in the county to help people who are in temporary crisis in the community.

LEFT: The Salvation Army has worked with the Burnett County Restorative Justice Department, Sheriff Roland and jail Captain Terry Nesvold this year making it possible to have bell ringers seven days a week.

RIGHT: In the spirit of the season, Sheriff Dean Roland took the opportunity to do a little bell ringing, and not surprisingly, a little singing, too, in support of the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign. Roland gave his impromptu performance last week at Grantsburg Family Foods. – Pictures by Priscilla Bauer

Currents

WED., DEC. 22, 2010 • INTER-COUNTY LEADER NORTHERN CURRENTS • SECTION B

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The rowing championships – and a lot of sightseeing

Olympian Megan Kalmoe’s parents cheer her on in New Zealand and take in the sights

Editor’s note: Dean Kalmoe and Mary Martin, parents of Olympic rower Megan Kalmoe, a St. Croix Falls graduate, recently returned from a trip to New Zealand where they watched their daughter compete in the World Rowing Championships.

by Mary Martin Special to the Leader NEW ZEALAND - If you are looking for a verdantly green subtropical paradise, New Zealand may be just the place for you, provided you bring your piggy bank. Four million people, 40 million sheep, and a lot of mountains. New Zealand is roughly the size of Wisconsin, but is longer, more narrow, and divided into two main islands, which are referred to as the North Island and the South Island.

My husband, Dean, and I traveled to New Zealand in November to watch our daughter, 2008 Olympian Megan Kalmoe, compete in the 2010 World Rowing Championships. The regatta brought together approximately 800 rowers from more than 40 countries for eight days of competition.

The races were held at Lake Karapiro, in the central Waikato region on the North Island, about a two hour drive south of Auckland and near the community of Cambridge. This lovely spot is not even mentioned in most of the guidebooks.

Over several months, and with the addition of the largest temporary grandstand ever constructed in New Zealand, the home of the New Zealand national team was converted to a world-class sports venue.

We booked accommodations at a private home within walking distance of the racecourse. Our spacious one-bedroom apartment was set in the middle of a seven-acre paradise that included redwood trees, paddocks of grazing ewes and lambs, a rose garden in full bloom, a part-time gardener, wild blooming calla lilies that reached almost to my armpit, a

Milford Sound, South Island.

Olympic rowing competitor and St. Croix Falls graduate Megan Kalmoe and her father, Dean, on the Tasman Coast.– Photos submitted grass tennis court and a swimming pool. advance to the finals.

We were welcome to use the pool anytime On the day of the finals, the winds were except 6 a.m., which is the time our host, high and perhaps higher than on the day John, takes his daily swim in the buff. the races were postponed, but the races John and his wife, Sally, were part of went off as scheduled. Megan’s boat small army of 600 volunteers who worked placed fifth, just ahead of the Kiwi boat. at the racecourse each day. They left each There were about 70 American friends morning around 7 a.m. and did not return and families cheering them on in the until 5 or 6 p.m. John was particularly stands, but we were no match for the proud of the fact that he also volunteered thousands of Kiwi fans cheering on the at the 1978 World Rowing Champi- home team. Megan is now looking ahead onships, also held at Lake Karapiro. to the 2011 World Championships which Although Megan raced in the women’s will be in Bled, Slovenia. double sculls in 2008 and 2009, this year she was in the women’s quadruple sculls Sightseeing instead because her rowing partner, Ellen Tomek, There were several days that we opted has been sidelined by injuries all year. out of the races and went sightseeing inMegan’s first heat was postponed due stead. We visited the town of Timau, to high winds on the lake. The next day which is known for its quirky buildings the conditions were better, but one of her with corrugated metal siding. One buildteammates had a boat-stopping “crab” ing looks like a sheep; another, like a dog. (when the oar comes out of the water unexpectedly), but their boat still finished third in the heat. Two days later they won their repechage (second chance) race to

There is also a corrugated Good Shepherd next to the town’s only church. We worked our way to the South Pacific coast and the town of Tauranga, and then headed down the coast to visit with friends of friends who had invited us to dinner. Their home sits atop a bluff and has commanding views of the South Pacific coast in both directions.

Another day we visited the black sand beaches of Raglan on the Tasman Sea and watched surfers ride the world-class waves. We also visited a kiwi fruit plantation, which to the uneducated eye, could easily be confused with a grape vineyard, because the plants are trained up on supports much like grapes are. Originally from China and named the “Chinese Gooseberry,” New Zealanders learned that the ripe fruits have a very long shelf life, which made them ideal for export, and thus renamed the plant “kiwi fruit.”

Megan’s grandfather was a U.S. Marine who served in the South Pacific theater and was injured by shrapnel during World War II. He recuperated from his injuries in New Zealand. Although the details of his recovery have been lost to us, we hoped to learn where he might have been during his stay. On our visit to Rotorua, the spiritual capital of the indigenous Maori people, we learned that many American GIs came to Rotorua to recover.

We drove by one of the buildings that was used by American GIs, and which is still used as a health care facility today.

Our last night in Cambridge our hosts, John and Sally, invited us to dinner party at their home. New Zealand is a member of the British Commonwealth, and recognizes Queen Elizabeth as its queen. John recently received a special community service medal from the queen, and he was very proud to show us the medal and its accompanying certificate, signed “Elizabeth, R[egina].” (Regina is Latin for queen; it’s good to know that the tradition of people so famous that they are known only by a single name predates the likes of

See Kalmoe, page 2

At the mouth of the Franz Josef Glacier, South Island.

527651 18L

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 22, 2010

Kalmoe/from page 1

New Zealand lamb.

Young American fan at the World Rowing Championships, Lake Karapiro.

Madonna and Prince.)

We were joined at dinner by two of John and Sally’s friends. One of them emigrated from South Africa in 1947 because of her husband’s opposition to South Africa’s apartheid policy. It was a very lively evening of discussion. During the conversation that evening and the evening we spent at another New Zealand home, I was impressed by how much the New Zealanders knew about American politics, and embarrassed by how little I know about New Zealand politics. Here is a tidbit about New Zealand politics: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was in New Zealand during our visit, and New Zealand Prime Minister John Day referred to her as “President” Clinton. There was considerable debate as to whether this was a gaffe, a Freudian slip, or a shrewd political maneuver.

At the end of the evening, I asked about the Southern Cross, the most famous constellation in the southern hemisphere’s nighttime sky. Even though she must have been bone-tired after working at the races all day and then hosting a party, Sally led us by torch (Kiwi-speak for flashlight) to a clearing where we could see both the Southern Cross, upside down just above the southern horizon, and the

Building in Timau in the shape of a sheep, made of corrugated metal. - Photos submitted neighbor’s cattle, who came up to the fence for a visit.

Glaciers and glow worms The next day we picked up Megan from the team hotel and drove south toward the South Island. We spent a night in cosmopolitan Wellington, and in the morning took our car on the ferry to the South Island. From there we decided to skip the capital, Christchurch, because the city was having big earthquakes, and instead drove down the west coast along the Tasman Sea. Our first stop was in Nelson.

Dean and Megan went sea kayaking and hiking in Abel Tasman National Park, while I opted to go on a winery tour and to visit the World of Wearable Art, or WOW Museum. The rotating exhibits in the museum are the winners of an annual international clothing and costume competition. There is truly nothing else like it in the world!

The next day we continued driving down the west coast. We rented a small cabin on the beach in Hokatiki, where we could hear the surf of the Tasman all night long. There was a glow worm “grotto” across the street from the cabin, so after dark we visited the glow worms. New

Zealand is famous for its glow worms.

These little larvae are a bit like fireflies, except they are much smaller, emit a constant light, are pretty much stationary and will die if you touch them.

From there we headed to the Franz Josef Glacier, where we took a half-day guided walk on the glacier. The morning got off to an exciting start, as we met and visited with the Swedish single sculler Lassi Karonen and his wife at the tour meeting place. At the glacier, we were assigned to a small group that included Navin, a stockbroker from Mumbai, and three other Indian tourists. Navin became my hiking companion for the morning, and we discussed financial markets (keep investing, he says), why America is losing out to countries like India and China (Americans are not working hard enough), Warren Buffet (which he and the other Indians pronounced “boof-ay”), the best places to visit in India (the Taj Mahal and the Golden Triangle), and menu options for an Indian-themed dinner we are planning for Christmas (no beef, no ham, since 98 percent of Indians are either Hindu or Muslim.)

Navin had to leave right after the hike so he could get to Queenstown to go skydiving at 9 the next morning. He said it is not possible to sky dive in India because there are no safety regulations. We wondered if he had checked to see if there are safety regulations in New Zealand, which is the birthplace of such thrill-seeking adventures as bungee jumping and zorbing (which involves rolling down a hill in a big plastic ball). We had a leisurely lunch

and then headed for Queenstown ourselves. We caught up to Navin and his family as they had stopped for dinner at the motel where we stayed that night.

One of the highlights of our trip was visiting Milford Sound, the most accessible and most famous of New Zealand’s 15 fiords. On our trip we saw lots of fur seals and a few wild penguins. The rare and shy little yellow-crested penguins hopped off into the bush (Kiwi-speak for woods) when they saw the boat approach.

Final day On our last day, we took a 100-year-old coal-fired steamboat from Queenstown to a working sheep ranch. The boat burns a ton of coal and hour, and requires two stokers to shovel coal. I was able to chat with and have a photo taken with the stokers.

At the farm we saw lots of sheep, deer and alpacas. The tour also included a sheep shearing demonstration, and a sheep herding demonstration. The dog doing the herding was a Border collie. We have a Border collie and we imagined that this dog would be more obedient than ours. We were wrong. The tour guide spent several minutes giving the dog commands which the dog ignored completely. The dog finally brought in the sheep, but you had the sense that she knew she was in control. Just like our dog. It’s good to know that dogs—just like people—are pretty much the same the world over.

From Queenstown we began our 30hour journey home, flying first to Auckland and then to Los Angeles and Minneapolis. As much as we enjoyed our visit, we agree with Dorothy that “there’s no place like home.” It is good to be back!

Rainforest, South Island.

Chatting up the stokers on the coal-powered boat.

Kiwi plants on a kiwi plantation.

Health care facility that housed wounded American GIs, Rotorura.

Hoop houses still available through EQIP

SPOONER — Last year, financial assistance was made available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program for the first time. Once again hoop houses, a seasonal high-tunnel system for crops, will be available through the EQIP program.

The purpose of the practice is to extend the growing season for fresh market vegetable producers, improve plant quality, improve soil quality and improve water quality from reduced nutrient and pesticide transport.

Some of the criteria for hoop houses include that they are limited to 2,178 square feet in area, crops shall be planted directly into the soil underlying the high-tunnel system, and plants shall not be grown in pots or on racks. The tunnel frame must also be constructed of metal, wood or durable plastic and be at least 6 feet high.

The sign-up for the EQIP program runs through Jan. 14.

For more information regarding the EQIP sign-up and hoop houses see www.wi.nrcs.usda.gov or contact the NRCS office at 715-635-8228, Ext. 3. — from NRCS

Just for

A kid said to his mother, “Mom, can I buy a new dress? “ No, “ said the mom. “Why not? I Joe Roberts am 14 years old!” replied the kid.

The mother frowns and shouts, “How many times do I have to say no, John?”

••• It’s my birthday on Wednesday. My wife said that she’s going to make it my most special birthday ever ...

I wonder where she’s going.

••• I’m going to watch my wedding video later, backward. I love the end bit when she takes the ring off, goes back down the aisle and jumps in the car.

••• When I got home last night my wife demanded that I take her somewhere expensive ... I took her to a gas station.

•••

Laughs

Kick the Tires workshop at Osceola

OSCEOLA - Considering starting a business? Want to be your own boss? Do you have a business or product idea?

Join UW-RF Small Business Development Center director Steve DeWald on Tuesday, Jan. 25, at the Osceola Polaris Plant 2 communications room. Kick the Tires is a new workshop being offered by the UW-River Falls Small Business Development Center and UW-Extension Polk County.

It’s your chance to “kick the tires,” on a business plan development to satisfy your entrepreneurial urge. This twohour workshop is offered at three different times (1 to 3 p.m., 3 to 5 p.m. or 5 to 7 p.m.) to accommodate your schedule.

When you have completed the workshop, and its short manual, you will have a pretty good indication whether your business idea will work. Is it feasible? Is it a good investment? Should you take the next step? This UW-Extension workshop is free and open to the public to attend. If you have any questions or would like to register, call UWExtension community agent Bob Kazmierski at 715-4858606 or e-mail bob.kazmierski@ces.uwex.edu - from UW-Extension

The Christmas letter

Since the advent of computers

Cold Turkey

we have experienced a change in the way Christmas greetings are exchanged. Traditional Christmas John W. Ingalls cards with a handwritten note are becoming less common and in their place are appearing computer-generated letters and photo montages that rival professional standards.

Glitzy photos that are cropped, rotated and retouched to remove blemishes and wrinkles make all appear as if we had cosmetic surgery during the past year. Almost anyone with basic computer skills and Internet access can now plan, produce and publish cards and even professional-appearing photo books at reasonable expense.

While the appearance of greeting cards has changed considerably, the contents of the traditional Christmas letter has remained about the same. As long as there are relatives, you will get to review in detail the medley of events beginning shortly after they mailed you the Christmas letter last year. These letters often follow two primary forms. If the writer has children still in school you will frequently get the proud parent perspective. “Our wonderful children are the best at everything they do. Sis has been doing advanced algebra story problems since she was 3 years old. She had to give up ballet lessons because she will be performing her fifth piano concerto at Carnegie Hall next month. We are negotiating with the school board to get her into the advanced kindergarten group next semester. Bronco is our athlete. He is 6 feet tall now and has size 21 shoes. He scored 10 touchdowns in his peewee football league. It helps that we held him back

DECEMBER 22, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 27

The Christmas pageant was conducted with the usual fanfare.

I entered the basement of the small country church I have been attending, then beat a hasty reCarrie Classon treat as I blundered into a host of angels all preparing for their entrance.

I took my place in the wooden pews, which were crowded to capacity. The older children entered first and a precocious young lady in a pretty red dress and perfect diction read the Christmas story while a very small Mary and an even smaller Joseph walked up the aisle of the sanctuary to the manger. All the parents and a lot of grandparents were there, and I heard the nearly forgotten sound of cameras clicking and film being wound forward for the next photo.

After Mary and Joseph were in place, the angels, whom I had encountered in the church basement before their heavenly ascent, came in. They were also very small and dressed in sparkly white dresses and garland halos. They had no wings, but compensated by vigorously flapping their arms and I thought they were very convincing.

The shepherds were accompanied by a variety of barnyard animals of an indeterminate species, with little ears on their heads. Finally, three of the smallest wise men I have ever seen walked to the front of the church. The smallest of the three wise men, carrying a box of frankincense, spotted his family sitting in one of the front pews near the aisle and made a beeline over to his father to announce in a loud voice that he needed to go to the bathroom—NOW. Then the congregation joined the Holy Family, angels, shepherds, assorted barnyard animals, and remaining two wise men in a chorus of “Silent Night.”

The benediction was said and after the service everyone was given a bag of peanuts, an apple, a candy cane, and a homemade ornament. Then the ladies of

Letters from

Home

the church sold packages of fresh lefse made in the church basement amidst good-natured teasing by the parishioners of Norwegian descent about the Swedish ladies’ credentials for lefse making.

I left the small church in the bright morning light and drove past corn fields covered in shining new snow. The fields were lined with small bushes flocked in frost, looking unexpectedly regal in the winter sunshine. Scraggly, inconsequential bushes that created a bit of a windbreak in the summer had assumed a new stature, covered with the heavy frost. Now bejeweled and decked out like tiny angels in their finery, they were transformed by the season too.

I think that is why we do it.

It is easy to become cynical about Christmas. It is sometimes hard to see past the busyness and frenzy, the frantic schedules, the shopping and the commercialization. But in spite of all the distractions, Christmas remains the time of year when we hold the spiritual in our hands and bring it into our homes. It is the season when hidden beauty is revealed. Neighbor children become angels and wise men, and scrubby bushes become jewel-covered miracles.

Christmas is when we try to touch the sacred, to see the invisible, to speak of the ineffable. The live tree dropping needles on the carpet, homemade cookies, songs inexpertly sung, pageants in handsewn finery and garland halos - these ordinary things let us put our hands on the season. Once a year, the everyday becomes magical. The ordinary is transformed into the extraordinary. We reach out our arms and embrace the divine. We open a door and come face to face with the Heavenly Host.

Merry Christmas.

Till next time, —Carrie

3M awards grant to Ice Age Trail Alliance in Polk County

POLK COUNTY - The 3M Foundation has donated $500 to the Indianhead Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance in recognition of the outstanding commitment of two 3M retirees, Fred Dalleska and Herb Lundberg.

Lundberg and Dalleska have given hundreds of hours of volunteer work to the Ice Age Trail. They mow, clear brush, maintain trails, build trails and bridges and put up signage. They also contribute to the organizational aspects of the IATA. With their families, they have

adopted a section of trail, which is kept in good condition for hikers.

As part of the 3M Volunteer Match, the 3M Foundation will donate $250 to eligible nonprofit organizations for which a 3M employee volunteers 20 hours or a 3M retiree volunteers 25 hours or more per calendar year.

For more information on this program, please contact 3M Community Affairs at 651-733-0144. — Marie-Anne Westigard, Indianhead Chapter, Ice Age Trail Alliance

FREDERIC – Find a new pair of snowshoes under the tree? Have a pair collecting dust in the garage, unused because of our recent snowless winters? Thinking about buying a new pair? Well, this year there is snow and the trails are waiting for you.

Polk County’s premier snowshoe trail, located at the Somers Lake County Park, is ready to go. On county forestland, the Somers Lake trail offers a total of five miles of hiking trails arranged in three loops. The shortest loop is about a half mile in length and is very easy to hike. The outer loop is two miles long and is a bit more challenging.

A bonus feature of the outer loop is finding a park bench at the furthest point, where you can sit and overlook the relatively undeveloped Somers Lake and catch

your breath for the return hike. Close by is a geocaching hide – can you find it?

The Somers Lake Snowshoe and Hiking Trail is located four miles east of Frederic on CTH I, 1.4 miles north of the intersection of CTH I and CTH W. There is a plowed parking lot, picnic area and rest room available.

Public snowshoeing areas are also available in Polk County at Interstate Park, the Balsam Branch Ski Area, the Stower Seven Lakes Trail and on the Ice Age Trail.

For more information 800-222-POLK, 715-485-9294, polkcountytourism.com or for regional snowshoeing information norwiski.com - from the Polk County Tourism and Promotion Council

Snowshoe at Somers Lake

a few years in school so he would be more developed for sports. He says fourth grade gets easier every year.” After reading those letters you wonder why your own children are turning MD out to be such clumsy imbeciles.

The second form of Christmas letter often reads like an appointment schedule at Mayo Clinic. Meant to bring you glad tidings and good cheer you actually feel like sending them a sympathy card when you finish. The most cheerful part is when you find out that GreatUncle Rupert finally got over a bad case of shingles.

Many of the Christmas letters we receive follow the same format, usually with a similar introduction.

“Merry Christmas from the Curmudgeons. Buster sends his greetings too, but he won’t be out on parole until June. We bought a big turkey at the Piggly Wiggly so everyone can come over to our house for Christmas. Cousin Fred says he won’t come ‘cause he broke his dentures and will have to put everything in the blender. We expect to have a good Christmas anyway.”

Following the introduction most letters then revert to a diary or journal of sorts. Sometimes it is a monthby-month accounting of the past year but more often it becomes a documentary ranging from illness to mishap or injury followed by the surgical reports. “In January, Charlie got the big promotion at work but because he was suffering from gout he got laid off and lost his job. It was good timing because with my hemorrhoid surgery and broken hip, I needed help at home anyway. It is amazing how everything works out. With all the money we saved by not driving to

work every day we decided to splurge on Valentine’s Day. With the two-for-one coupon and the senior discount if you eat dinner before 4:30 we had a real nice meal. Charlie got sick afterwards but the food poisoning only lasted a couple of days. “ “We spent March and April in physical therapy after Charlie hurt his back shoveling snow. It was good that he hurt his back because his heart is bad and he shouldn’t shovel snow anyway. That man is so lucky.

We spent the summer inside because I have skin cancer on my nose and shouldn’t go outside anymore and he gets hives from bug bites. We heard it was a nice summer.”

The obituaries are next, usually beginning with family members that have passed on, but it often includes friends and distant relatives as well. “If you were at Aunt Melba’s funeral in August you might remember cousin Fester. When they were spreading her ashes on the back 40 some if it blew in his eyes. He got a bad infection and nearly went blind. Anyway he died last week. The doctor’s think that the infection he got in France during the war came back. All this got us thinking so we bought cemetery plots for each other for Christmas. I liked the spot on the hill by the big pine tree but Charlie wants to be down in the valley.

He snores so bad we have separate rooms now anyway so what’s the difference. “ No matter how depressing the content, the letters always end on uplifting note. “Remember to celebrate the true meaning of the Christmas Season and if you are ever in the middle of North Dakota this winter stop by and see us. We would love to see you all again.”

Merry Christmas and happy New Year.

PAGE 28 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 22, 2010

River Road

Deer Santa

Ramblings

by The Rambler

Twas the night before Christmas, at the cabin on the lake The only creature stirring was Margo beginning to bake.

The stocking were hung by the stovepipe with care In hopes they’d dry out before day would be there.

Collected by Russ Hanson

The mice were all snug in their tiny little beds While visions of cookie crumbs danced in their heads.

And Margo in her apron, while I took a nap, Had just started mixing some fresh gingersnaps.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the curtains and scraped frost off the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the luster of midday to objects below.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a grizzled old buck, a huge white-tailed deer.

He made not a sound, but went straight to his work, And emptied all the feeders, then turned with a jerk.

And giving a snort from way too much greed, Bucked trash can over and spilled all the seed.

He ate forty dollars' worth of fancy bird food, Then turned to the feeders in a dangerous mood.

And knocked them about and then to the ground And stomped them to pieces with nary a sound.

He searched all about for any more plunder, While I yelled curses and hollered like thunder.

I opened the door and gave a sharp whistle, As he headed toward my bucket of thistle.

Ya, and next year for sure, I'm gonna find out, what really makes him tick I'm gonna grease our chimney, to make sure he don't stick.

He chomped it all down, with hardly a pause, Then turned to examine my air-filled Claus.

With sharp pointed antlers, he gave it a poke, And down went Santa, air spewing like smoke.

I took out my gun, and shot high overhead To to scare him away with a hail of lead.

He looked all about, to find more to eat But nothing was left, so he made his retreat.

As he walked slowly off, he turned back his head, And I read in his eye; it gave me much to dread.

“I’ll be back real soon,” ere he went out of sight, “Merry Christmas to you and to all a good night.”

Santa Claus

by Young Danny Beal

If there really is a SANTA and he brings us all those things.

How come I never hear a sleigh with bells and ting-a-lings?

And how come Mama's whispering and wrapping all those boxes?

Santa would know darn well I don't want no pants and soxes!!

How's he ever get down our chimney What if he'd get stuck there?

Ah – no one would even care Cuz there ain't no Santa no how.

And everybody knows Moms and dads buy all that stuff.

And when I ups and grows I ain't gonna tell those whopping lies 'Bout some fat guy and all those deer, who come zooming through the skies.

'Cuz I'm not dumb as most kids And I can figure out That SANTA is long and skinny He can't be fat and stout!

Hey jah, that's it, I'll betcha!

He's skinny as a rail!

That's why he don't get stuck and wind makes him sail!

LAURITSEN CHIROPRACTIC OFFICE

Margo and I visited with Dan and Evie Beal over on Ward Lake east of Luck last week. We met Dan through the Indianhead Gem and Mineral Society and have become good friends. It was a social call with a touch of technical support added. I have a reputation as someone who is comfortable with technology and so I sometimes volunteer to help friends understand their new machines. Mostly the problem is trying to figure out the multiple choices and buttons on the remotes, and unlike many folks, I am not intimidated to just push every button and see what happens (that is on other people’s stuff—I am more careful on my own!)

After a little technology, some coffee and cookies, and viewing an interesting video on Dan’s father and his role in the 1930s truck driver strike in the Twin Cities, I made another push in my campaign to get Dan to write down some of his stories from his youth in the Depression, the Marines, and as a teacher, principal, and youth counselor. I am fascinated by these stories, and think they would make a good book. Of course, I believe that everyone should take some time and write or tell things about their lives to pass on to the next generations. I really wish that my great-grandparents had done this as I work on my genealogy projects.

Dan brought out a folder with a collection of letters, essays, and most interesting, a few dozen poems that he has written over the last eight decades. He read a few to us. I borrowed a Christmas one for inclusion in the column this week. I have often tried, but never could make a poem that sounded smooth and natural, mine were always awkward as I searched for a rhyme, or a colorful phrase. Dan’s seemed very natural and the rhymes were easy. He ranged from serious to playful and humorous. If you bump into him, ask to hear his deer hunting poem!

By the time you read this, Margo and I will be back in Pine Island. We closed the cabin on Monday after having used most of our woodpile in the last two frigid weeks. Brother Everett said “Use a candle to go around the windows and doors to find out where there is an air leak and caulk it up.” The candle blew out anywhere in the cabin, so I lit Dad’s old gas blowtorch, and the drafts were strong enough to snuff that out too—so I guess it is a "fair-weather” home only.

When we leave the cabin we take anything valuable along so we don’t have to concern ourselves about a break-in. That means I take my 1958 single shot Western Field .22 rifle, Margo’s garage sale special bread maker that we might try someday, and any food that the mice could attack. I leave the 8-year-old computer and the printer that mostly won’t feed paper that I would have already gotten rid of, except it costs money to re-

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Alice Davidsavor never came back to Wolf Creek School from Christmas vacation. She died at age 10 from meningitis. Fifty-five years later Alice, you are still missed. – Photo submitted

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cycle.

We started cleaning out some of the old machinery parts and scrap stuff over on Mom’s farm this fall, trying to reclaim some sheds and the barn that have been used for storage of mostly junk for the past 20 years. We were very pleasantly surprised that we could actually get a little money for the stuff taking it over to Friberg’s Gone Green just south of Frederic. They take metal of any kind, vehicles, farm machinery, appliances, electric items, and such; some they pay for and some they take free, and a few they charge a small fee. I like their friendly, helpful attitude. I am in wonder at the huge piles of different kinds of scrap that are being continually loaded and hauled away for recycling. I brought in a mixed load of some old tractor batteries, TV stands, curtain rods, rusty fencing wire, angle irons, a few electric motors, two TVs, a small refrigerator (no Freon), and a computer case and monitor and they separated it out and I ended up with $60 for the load. I had been worried I might have to pay that much to get rid of it. Pretty nice to have a place to haul the things you can’t burn.

Margo thinks our 1987 Ford truck deserves a one-way trip to the recycler, but I put a chunk of plywood on the floor where your feet go and used foam insulation to tighten up the biggest holes so it should be good for a few more years. It actually runs pretty good, but like other things that get old, has some surface flaws and a patina. I bought it new, and as I tell Margo, “Guys who keep their old cars with some flaws and rust are likely to keep their wives longer too.”

Margo has been busy putting together our new “St. Croix River Road Ramblings” book and sending them out. She sent 49 as of last week and we still are getting orders. If you think you might want to try one out, send $22 (includes shipping and taxes) to Russ Hanson, 2558 Evergreen Ave., Cushing, WI 54006. I went online to the U.S. Postal Service Web site and requested that mail coming to me at that address be forwarded to our Pine Island place where my son Scott will be making the books while we are farther south. Margo has enjoyed her new occupation as a “bookmaker.” The books are guaranteed! If you don’t like it, send it back with a $25 restocking fee for a full refund.

Stanley Selin with a little help from me has a new book out, “Second Book of Stories of the Trade River Valley.” It has 192 large pages and is profusely illustrated with old photographs. A few years ago we put together book one of this series and sold out 300 copies.

We are still debating whether we will have them printed up professionally, but if you would like a very nice early “homemade” edition, you can order it from me, to be printed and mailed out to you. With shipping, handling and tax it costs $20. This book is pure local history centered on Trade Lake and its many suburbs. It includes many of the historical articles in the Rambling Columns over the past three years. Stanley has spent a great deal of time getting the layout, captions and photos ready and it is a remarkable book. By the way, if you would like a homemade reprint of volume one of this series, “Stories of the Trade River Valley I,” we can print it up and send it to you for the same price (or you can read it for free on Google books).

I am in the process of putting my new book and the Trade River Valley II book online for purchase for your book reader. It will be first on Google Editions. When it is there, I will let you know how to find it. We plan to make it so 20 percent of the book is readable online and the other 80 percent is available through an online purchase. I think the online book will cost $10, but we are still figuring out how things will work. In a little over three years, electronic book reading has gone from a minor activity, to where many more books are sold in electronic version than paper. The world changes fast and we state-of-the-art kind of people follow right along.

Margo says she would feel more state-of-the-art if we hadn’t shut off our water before the big cold spell and reverted to the outhouse at 21 below as the thermometer read here last week. Temperatures like that encourage getting right down to business! If all goes as planned we will be in the far South from mid-January until early March when the maple sap starts dripping.

We plan to head to southern Louisiana where they are spreading around that BP oil leak $20 billion funding.

Burnett Community Library

Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Closed Sunday Main Street

Webster

460220 43Ltfc

Sweet treats

This is the time of the year when almost everyone

is baking dozens of cookies and bars.

Bars are popular, because they bake all at once in a cake pan instead of shuffling cookie sheets around.

Bars save time, but some are as rich as candy, loaded with chocolate or butterscotch chips, nuts or dates, raisins, coconut, sweetened condensed milk, marshmallows, dry cereal or uncooked oatmeal, etc.

Bars often require many ingredients and can be expensive to make.

My recipe boxes are a mess with assorted recipe cards, envelopes and folded paper. I never recopy recipes when they are given to me. I like the cook’s own writing or printing on a card. Those recipes bring back lots of memories.

I used to buy soft molasses cookies in a Frederic grocery store, but the rack was removed and so were the packaged cookies.

However, a friend makes molasses cookies so she wrote it down for me. It’s a big recipe and that’s what I need in this house.

My friend wrote, “This recipe passed down through the family. My great-grandmother had five boys and one daughter. She always called these cookies ‘Boy stuffing.’”

Big molasses cookies 1 cup sugar 1 cup shortening 1 cup molasses 1 cup hot water 1 big egg 2 tsp. soda 2 tsp. salt 2 tsp. cinnamon 5-1/2 cups flour Bake at 350° for 12-15 minutes, I’m not sure of time, but test with finger. (This too was in original recipe so that’s what I did.) Allow dough to rest for an hour in cool place so it’s easier to handle. Use a spoon to place dough on ungreased cookie sheet in rows. Or roll out and use a cookie cutter.

My experience was: First tray – small mounds; second tray – a little bugger mounds; third tray – larger yet; fourth tray – you’ve got it; fifth tray – almost finished, etc.

I ended up with a pile of big, soft cookies. Good with a glass of cold milk. (What isn’t?)

••• Back in our early days here on the farm we had only one cow, Princess, a good family cow. She gave us a pail of milk in the morning and a pail of milk in the evening.

One household cannot use that much milk, so I started hauling it downtown to my friends in Lewis. I called them first, so they’d be prepared.

We bought a glass Dazey butter churn and I started to make big pats of butter. That left me with lots of

Behind the

DECEMBER 22, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 29

Signpost

Bernice Abrahamzon buttermilk, and the cookie jar was always full of big, soft, white cookies. They filled up the jar and us, too.

I rolled them out on my kitchen table and used a big, round cookie cutter. They really puffed up in the oven.

In those days my kitchen table had a porcelain top and I wish I had kept it. I used to knead bread on it, too, and that was very satisfying. I think it was donated to a church rummage sale, and now it is probably out in someone’s shed, as the buyer doesn’t realize what a treasure it is.

It’s hard to believe I used to buy molasses by the pail, not a glass bottle that may hold two cups. At Westlunds’ Store I used to buy mincemeat in the bulk. It was measured out with a scoop, weighed and put in a white cardboard (meat) tray.

Two 25 pounder bags of flour now sit side by side in my old-fashioned flour bin. It’s a tight fit, but they are fine. I used to buy 50 lbs. of flour at a time.

When I read my old-time diary, I surprise my self.

On the same day I’d bake a big batch of bread, wash clothes in the basement with an old-time Maytag wringer-washer with two rinse tubs, haul them outside in summer, hang them on the line, walk downtown to Lewis to get the mail at the post office across the highway, bake the bread and maybe a cake for an after-school treat.

Whew! How did I ever accomplish so much?

I hear my friends say they no longer cook. I haven’t come to that point as yet. Many of my friends enjoy eating “out.” Well, I enjoy eating meals someone else has made, too, but in winter, it’s easier to stay in.

I know full well that before Christmas I’ll have to make my mother’s recipe for Swedish S’s (Spritz).

They are crisp and dainty, and I use my mother’s press, although my sons bought me a modern one, which I don’t like.

Christmas is a time of memories, sometimes sad and sometimes heartwarming, but always close.

Merry Christmas, or if you prefer, happy holidays.

Until next week, Bernice

"A Christmas Carol" closes Dec. 26

ST. CROIX FALLS - Festival Theatre’s holiday production, “A Christmas Carol,” has delighted almost 5,000 theatergoers as the production moves into the final weekend of performances. The play closes Sunday, Dec. 26.

“There is something so magical about this story” says Danette Olsen, executive director at Festival. “I think it really comes down to how well Charles Dickens captured the human spirit through this story. On the surface, this is a ghost story that reveals Dickens’ fascination with how lost souls – whether living or dead – search for worth, for direction and for answers. But, this is also a story that gave Dickens a chance to reflect on the grim surroundings in which he lived and worked for a time during his younger years in London. Finally, it’s a story that showed Charles Dickens to be a man who believed

Sam Hoefler as Tiny Tim and Rob Frankel as Scrooge.

Rob Frankel as Scrooge and Jaclyn Johnson as the Ghost of Christmas Past. - Photos submitted that the choice is in every single person whether or not to live life with an attitude of grace, honor and understanding of all people. When Jacob Marley roars that ‘Mankind was my business!’ it’s a statement that has as much importance, perhaps even more, now as it did in 1843.”

The final performances of the holiday play are Thursday, Dec. 23. and Saturday, Dec. 25, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 26, at 2 p.m. “A Christmas Carol” is sponsored

by Amery Regional Medical Center. Tickets are $13.50 for youth and $26 for adults. A Christmas Day “Buy Local” discount is available. For additional information see the theater’s Web site at festivaltheatre.org or call 715-483-3387. - submitted

Do you remember?

Compiled by Bernice Abrahamzon

50 Years Ago

Obituaries included Edward Miller, Henry Mansfield and Mrs. Charles Phelps.-An ad said, “Don’t be misled. Harvey L. Dueholm really represents PolkBurnett people.”-The Republicans urged readers to bring responsibility back to Wisconsin government.

They said, “Republicans lost the last election by failing to turn out and vote.”-Ad urged smokers to “Have a real cigarette, have a Camel.”-Nov. 9 headlines on front page proclaimed “Kennedy elected president; Gaylord Nelson governor.”-The 11th-annual venison feed was served Nov. 12, 1960, at the Cushing Sportsman’s Club.-The movie “House on Haunted Hill” was playing at the Frederic Theatre.“Freckles” was playing at the Grand Theatre in Grantsburg.-The Polk County Board adopted a budget of $837,743.43.-Polk County gave Gov. Nelson a majority.-Indianhead Cleaners in Frederic was sold to Charles Hedberg.-A pancake supper was served at the Siren High School gym on Nov. 10.-Specials at the Co-op Super Market include grapefruit at 10 for 59¢, canned soup at 6 for $1, ground beef at 2 lbs. for 79¢ and 2 lbs. coffee at $1.29.-Specials at Route’s Super Market, Frederic, included mincemeat at 49¢ for 28-oz. container, cube steaks at 69¢/lb., carrots at three bags for 23¢ and Vets dog food at 10 cans for 79¢.

40 Years Ago

Many greetings from business places including Sears Store (order office at Frederic), Ben Franklin Store, Frederic IGA Store, Frederic Shell Station, Frederic Farm Lockers, Charlie’s Cleaners, Frederic Farmers Union Co-op, all located in Frederic.-Or in Siren, Joe’s Cross Roads, Siren Drug Store, Doug’s Barber Shop.-Lois Christenson wrote a column in this newspaper titled Focus on Family Living.-News came from the Centuria Nursing Home.-The Village Inn, Hwys. 35 and 77, served a pancake supper every Friday night from 5-10 p.m. The menu included sausage, pancakes and coffee for $1/serving.-The movie “Chisum” was playing at the D’Lux Theatre, Luck, starring John Wayne.-The film “Cougar Country” was playing at the Auditorium Theatre, St. Croix Falls.-Vonnie Larson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ken Larson, a Frederic student, won first prize in a writing contest with an entry titled “Family Planning for Disaster.” Her essay would go on to another contest to be judged again.-Willard Donahue passed away.Employees at Farmers State Bank wished readers a Merry Christmas. Employees included: Leona Leifgren, Bob Thorsbakken, LaVerne Olson, Jim Palmberg, Wayne Gustafson, Clarice Lindahl, Joan Melin, Elaine Johnson, Erlene Wikstrom, Dorothea Jensen, Sena Christopherson and Peggy Woods.-Frederic tax statements showed $1 increase per $1,000.

20 Years Ago

Alice Raleigh was honored at River’s Edge, Somerset.-Ruby and Charles Freeberg celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in October.-High corn borer pressure forced an early harvest.-Obituaries included Joseph Robidou, Rita Bertuleit, Agnes Wicklund, Irene Hanson, Ina Christenson, George Maser and Lucille Frazier.-A cut in aging programs budget was protested.-The total on county tax deed climbed to $366,000.-A Hwy. 70 study was endorsed.-A Harvey Stower bean feed drew many at the 300 Club.-The Polk County tax levy may increase 11.9 percent.-A turkey party was held Nov. 3, at the Milltown Community Center.-On the Democratic roster for voters were Thomas Loftus, David Obey, James Ziegeweid, Harvey Stower, Donald Hansen, Guy Williams, James Doyle, Sharon Schiebel, Douglas LaFollette, David Anderson, Charles Smith and Melvin Madsen.-More obituaries were George Monson, Gladys Stonesifer, Verner Koch and Bruce Liebgott.-Parkinson’s support group met Nov. 6.-Officals said snowmobiles and bicycles are compatible.-Offices of the Inter-County Leader in Frederic and Siren were offering fax for sending or receiving documents.

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PAGE 30 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 22, 2010

Births

Pat and Juanita Dietmeier of Luck wish to announce the arrival of their daughter, Mireya Joslyn, on Oct. 12, 2010. Mireya weighed 4 lbs., 4 oz. and was born at United Hospital in St. Paul. Her brother and sister are Nick and Brianna. Paternal grandma is Josette Dietmeier of Cushing.

Maternal grandparents are Harvey and Marilyn Nelson of Luck. - submitted ••• Born at Osceola Medical Center: A boy, Jameson Robert Points, born Dec. 9, 2010, to Benjamin and Kammie Points, Dresser. James weighed 7 lbs., 13 oz.

••• Born at St. Croix Regional Medical Center: A girl, Dana Rae Jackson, born Dec. 2, 2010, to Jessica and Cory Jackson, Webster.

Dana weighed 7 lbs., 1 oz.

••• A girl, Naomi Dawn Hopkins, born

Dec. 7, 2010, to Jonathan and Jual Hopkins, Frederic. Naomi weighed 7 lbs., 10 oz.

••• A girl, Ella Renee Kidder, born Dec. 7, 2010, to Chad Kidder and Andria Syverson, Grantsburg. Ella weighed 7 lbs., 1 oz.

••• A girl, Gianna Josephine Corey, born Dec. 8, 2010, to Kyle and Elizabeth Corey, Forest Lake, Minn. Gianna weighed 9 lbs., 1 oz.

••• A boy, Grant Joseph Johnson, born Dec. 9, 2010, to Nick and Stephanie Johnson, Milltown. Grant weighed 8 lbs. 3 oz.

••• A boy, Joseph David Hatch, born Dec. 10, 2010, to Shelly and David Hatch, Siren.

Joseph weighed 8 lbs., 8 oz.

•••

As this is the last time you will read my prattle for this year I want to wish you all a happy holiday. As 2010 ends, we would like to give our gratitude to all of the volunteers and friends who joined in to make this a great year for our center. Needless to say if it weren’t for them we wouldn’t be able to operate.

Thank you all.

The nasty cold weather has put a damper on our activities this past week, except our Dime Bingo game managed to bring 24 people out to play. The 500 group only had 15 players, the smallest amount ever, and our Spades player bunch an even 20.

Probably the only exciting events happening this week were that the carpet was cleaned and Millie Hartshorn found out that her hearing aid batteries were dead and that was why she has had such a hard time hearing. So we are happy to say she is back playing 500 and Spades.

Winners at 500 this week were Anke Olesen, Gerry Vogel, Muriel Todd, Inez Pearson and Darleen Grove. Spade winners were, Darleen Groves, Anke Olesen, Ralph Groves, Rich Hustad and Candace Doriott. Nona Severson, Inez Pearson and Barb Munger furnished treats for the players.

Our new officers will take the reins on Jan. 1 and all of the seniors want to express gratitude to Don Brand for his leadership the past six years. The new board will need the same assistance that you have always given in the past years. Their goal is to make this a senior-friendly center to be enjoyed by all of the seniors in the community and your support will be appreciated.

The center will be closed on Thursday and Friday and hopefully everything will be up and running on Monday as usual.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Amery resident Angela M. Mazaika and Frederic resident Bryan L. Knauber completed their studies from The Art Institutes International Minnesota on Friday, Dec.18. Mazaika will receive a certificate in The Art of Cooking. Knauber will received a Bachelor of Science degree in design management. 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 Minneapo-

lis.

Founded in 1964 as Lowthian College, The Art Institutes International Minnesota is a diverse, dynamic institution of higher education whose goal is to educate students for creative careers. The Art Institutes International Minnesota is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), a system of over 45 locations throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals. - submitted

The trees in bear country are alive with tree rats coming into tree-rat hollow. I think every tree rat in the area has heard there’s food here. One day alone I counted about 23 tree rats, now I might have been wrong one way or the other on the count, as there usually is so much hassling and fighting going on one could easily miscount one or two. Even the tom turkey seems to have had enough of them, some days he flies at them as soon as they come down to the ground.

The pecking order has started amongst the deer coming into the feeders for corn. Our regulars who have been here for two years – a doe, her daughter and their fawns decided the feeders are theirs and therefore the others are intruders and are to be chased away, some manage to grab a few bites before the fights. Some have even gotten to rising up on hind legs and boxing or lashing out with their front legs. Two bucks, one large and one small, have dominance over all the feeders and as the does come in they use their horns to send them on their way.

Last Sunday’s visitor at the home of Art and Bev Beckmark was Bev’s brother Bob Martin of Duluth,

Minn. He returned home on Monday.

Congratulations to elementary student Hannah Balluff and high schooler Britanni Hopkins for being chosen Siren School’s students of the week. Great going guys.

I really enjoyed the article on Russ Kiecker in last week’s paper written by Mary Stirrat. I knew him years back and always knew he was a man of many talents. I found that out when he was our county’s extension agent in Burnett County. He did a lot with the kids in 4-H where I was a project leader for many years. My kids and some of our foster kids always thought of him to be a lot of fun, especially at 4-H camp on Lake 26. One of our little guys, I’m sure Russ remembers him, Larry Almer, also known by his Native American name of Waboose, wasn’t a bad kid, he was just full of it and could give Russ and the other workers a run for their money, so to speak. He thought Russ was the greatest and didn’t mind telling others either. Keep up the cartoons, Russ, they are great and added a special touch to the paper.

To all my readers, I wish you all the very merriest Christmas and the best in the new year. Enjoy the holiday and above all, stay safe.

by Marian Edler

haps a movie with popcorn.

Thursday evening 500 cards were played. The winners were Roger Greenly and Bren Nel Ward.

Don and Bren Nel were the Nine-Bid winners.

Friday morning, Bridge was played. In the afternoon, Bingo was played. Connie Gray was the winner of the coverall.

Are you tired of winter? They say that no two snowflakes are alike, but they still stick together.

Stop in and have a cup of coffee. We are open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Get a calendar and join us for some of our activities.

Happy holiday season.

Siren Senior Center

Barb Munger

Academic news

715-349-2964

Siren

Bev Beckmark

St. Croix Valley Senior Center

Tuesday was our usual day with exercise, SkipBo and games in the afternoon. The winner in Hand and Foot was Bill McGrorty. Winners in Dominos were Martha Lundstrom, Don Anderson and George Meixner. 500 cards was won by Ray Nelson, Roger Greenly, Jack Lund and Charlie Mevissen. Ray and Ron were the Nine-Bid winner.

Thursday was our exercise session and Skip-Bo. At 12:30 p.m., we had potluck, followed by our monthly meeting. We spent time brainstorming about fundraisers for the coming new year and ideas of new activities that would interest various people, per-

653-4281

Lewis

The cold weather continues, but the sun is bright.

Some predicted snowstorms have missed our area.

The sanctuary at church was bright with poinsettias supplied by LaVonne and John Boyer, Marlene and Scott Nelson, Ray and Roberta Sahr, Phil and Sylvia Schaetzel and LaVonne Smith. They were given in memory of loved ones and in honor of the birth of Jesus.

This year Marlene and Scott Nelson and Starr Warndahl were awarded the honor of reading the words of hope, peace, joy and love and lighting the Advent wreath candles each Sunday during Advent.

Years ago Bob Nelson constructed the Advent candle stand for the Lewis church, and it was much admired and he made a stand for the Siren United Methodist Church, too, with Betty Marlow accepting the gift for the congregation.

A good portion of the congregation was conscripted into the Sunday school program presented at the Sunday morning service. The committee in charge did a very good job of casting, with LaVonne Smith as Mary and Pastor Tom as Joseph, shepherds, kings, angels, sheep were all there in costume.

Sylvia Schaetzel read Scripture and LaVonne Boyer and Kara Alden were also included in the service.

The whole choir sang Christmas carols, and the men’s choir sang several numbers. Sylvia Schaetzel and John Glockzin did a marvelous rendition of singing “The Lord’s Prayer” and “O, Holy Night.”

Both were very moving.

The committee rounded up some children who each recited a piece and also sang “Go Tell it on the Mountain.” There were also several instrumental numbers.

Gift checks were presented by board Chairman, John Glockzin to Pastor Tom Cook, organist Gloria Chell and pianist/choir director Starr Warndahl. All three are appreciated by the congregation.

Sylvia and Phil Schaetzel served lunch after the service.

Myron Peterson provided popcorn from the Popcorn Factory in the Twin Cities for the congregation.

Big, beautiful Delicious apples were given by the Peterson families in Lewis. Such gifts are appreciated.

Bernice Abrahamzon

Members who have missed Lewis church services this year, for one reason or another, have responded with special Christmas envelopes. This includes residents in care centers and elsewhere, including snowbirds.

At Christmastime, all thoughts return to “home.”

Get-well wishes to Brad Alden who underwent back surgery last week.

LaVonne and John Boyer have been helping someone move from a house in Frederic to an apartment in Golden Oaks.

Continued get-well wishes to Donnie Denotter in an Eau Claire hospital. He will also have follow-up rehabilitation.

Just a gentle reminder: when making your Christmas gift list, remember your garbage, recycle worker, milk haulers and mail carriers. Some cannot accept money, but a sweet treat or baked goods are welcome.

There has been talk about going caroling, but a lot depends on weather not being bitterly cold or snowy/icy. You are not expected to invite groups inside, just a mutual exchange of greetings. Some have asked what is expected when carolers come.

It’s up to the householder, but there is no cut and dried expectation. (A cookie apiece might be nice or a piece of candy.)

Have you picked up your calendar yet at the Leader office? Very nice.

Merry Christmas to all.

In case you haven’t heard it before, the following is the legend of the candy cane.

The Candy Cane

It’s just a little Christmas treat, But also (did you know?)

It represents our Savior Born so long ago.

The shape is like a “J” To symbolize his name.

The white is for his life, Holy, without blame.

And the stripe of red Is for his blood So pure and freely given That we might spend eternity With our Lord in heaven!

Grantsburg Public Library

The library will be closed Friday and Saturday, Dec. 24 and 25 in celebration of the holidays.

We will reopen for regular hours Monday, Dec. 27.

Preschool story hour The preschool story hour on Wednesday, Dec. 15, featured Kathy Josephson reading “Lola at the Library.” It was lots of fun. Story hour meets each Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. for lots of silly fun. Come join us.

days, Dec. 22 or Dec. 29. Chess club resumes Wednesday, Jan. 5. We have spots open if you know a youth 10 and up that would be interested on Wednesdays from 3:45-5:15 p.m.

Coming up Saturday, Jan. 15 Family Superhero story time is from 10-11 a.m.

We will read books about superheros, learn what makes a superhero, do a “super” craft and more.

See you there.

Youth Chess Club Youth Chess Club held its Christmas party Wednesday, Dec. 15. We had treats, prizes, and fun and games. Gratitude is extended to our volunteers that come out each week to help. We appreciate all you do. We will not have chess club on Wednes-

Library hours 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 715-463-2244. The Web site is http://grantsburg.wislib.org.

A slower pace than usual is in place out here in the little townships of Arna and New Dosey. People seem to be leisurely getting ready for the holidays.

Cloverton lost another resident when Jim Wilson died at his home of a heart attack last week. Jim was 65 years old. He and his wife, Bev, were private people who kept to themselves, so not a lot of us knew them very well. Our sympathy to Bev and her family.

The Mishlers and the Bakers attended the annual Christmas party held at the Northland Community Center in Wisconsin last week. Lots of good food, holiday treats and a good old Bingo game kept us happy.

Deloris Schirmer made a run to the used-book store in Webster last week and purchased a sack full of books for her winter reading.

Robin and John Fornengo did some Christmas

shopping in Duluth, Minn., recently, then went back a few days later to enjoy all of the holiday lighting at Bayfront Park.

Bob Brewster and Patty Koehler returned recently from a two-day wiring job in McIntosh, Minn.

On the home front, Marlene and Don Mishler stopped over for coffee and Christmas cookies the other day. It was a “spur of the moment” event. My daughter, Elizabeth, and I shopped in Duluth, Minn., last Friday and had lunch at the Ground Round with an old high-school friend of hers.

Dave and I attended the annual bonfire party hosted each year in Lake Minnesuing by Martye Allen and Dave Mason. This is always a good chance to catch up on friends we haven’t seen for a whole year.

Merry Christmas, wherever you are.

Merry Christmas and happy New Year. We will catch up on the card game winners. Monday, Dec. 6, 1 p.m., Spade winners were: Margaret Ulich in first place, Willis Williams in second place, Liz Ruhn in third place and Norma Nelson in fourth place. Spade winners for Monday, Dec. 13, were: Willis Williams in first place, Norma Nelson in second place, Carmen Marek in third place and Arvid Pearson in fourth place.

Dec. 9, 6:30 p.m., 500 card winners were: Lor-

raine Hansen in first place, Mickey Kilmer in second place, Susie Hughes in third place and Phyllis Peterson in fourth place. 500 card winners for Thursday, Dec. 16, were: Mildred Ihrig in first place, Rich Hustad in second place and Norma Nelson in third place.

Santa Claus visited the center at 1:15 on Saturday afternoon.

The center will be open until noon on Christmas Eve and closed Christmas Day.

Cloverton-Markville

Frederic Senior Center

Ardyce Knauber

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER

DECEMBER 22, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 31

Our Christmas calico kitten is Virginia. She has beautiful classic calico markings and a sweet personality that comes out in a loud purr each time you hold her. Virginia is 4 months old, spayed and ready to go home. All of our kittens are looking for homes this holiday season.

Ready for action on Christmas morning are a full litter of “S” kittens, neutered males Smooch, Sampson, Smudge and Sullivan and female Sassy. This 3-month-old litter of classic tabby and white kittens are full of vim and vigor; ready to make an impression in the holiday wrappings and bows. What could be more fun?

Josh is a dreamer. He has an orange tabby coat with white tummy and paws. He has a short orange tail that kinks at a right angle. Josh is gentle and sweet. He loves attention and is willing to offer up a loud purr as his way of showing his gratitude. Joe is Josh’s brother. He is a shorthair buff tabby with large round eyes and also blessed with a gentle, sweet personality.

Maddie is a blue-gray female kitten of 4 months.

She has been at the shelter longer than any of our

Wishing you a happy holiday season.

Thanks for your patronage and we will be looking forward to seeing you next year.

Tax forms The IRS has discontinued mailing individual tax packages to taxpayers. But we will have tax forms available here sometime after the new year. Watch for announcements.

Friends of the Library The Friends sold baked goods at Forts Folle Avoine the last two weekends and raised over $400. Gratitude is extended to the Lionesses who donated $2,000 toward children’s furniture for our new facility.

And also to the Friends for letting us serve the leftover baked goods at the library during the week with some hot coffee.

Happy Tails

Await

Arnell Humane Society of Polk County

adoptable cats. Maddie is a playful sprite. She has learned to defend ambush attacks from rowdy male kittens in the playroom. Not one to give up, she can give as good as she gets and then curl up with her mates for a nap. All of our kittens and adult cats are hoping to be home for the holidays. Adopt two for a double treat.

The dog kennel is also full of holiday hopefuls.

Bebop, the English pointer, Wyatt the wirehaired dachshund mix and Bam Bam, a white and red miniature dachshund are still at the shelter. All are neutered and ready to make a good impression with loving families. Smokie is a newcomer. He is an 8month-old German shepherd-blue heeler mix.

Smokie is a handsome young man with a black and

blue merle coat and ears that stand at attention. He is ready to learn and play. He already knows sit, down and shake.

Virginia B r a n d spanking new to the adoption kennels are two adult black Labs, two adult Newfoundlands, a beagle, a senior beagle mix and six adorable 8-week-old Lab mix puppies. These new adoptees are so new they don’t have names yet. We are hoping that they will be home with new families for the new year.

Thoughtful animal lovers have delivered holiday gifts to our shelter pets: kitten chow, cat toys, squeaky dog toys, paper towels, cat litter and more.

The animals appreciate the much-needed supplies

and donations that make their stay at the Arnell shelter healthy and happy. Gratitude is extended to everyone who took the time to think of our animals during this busy holiday season.

Dick’s Fresh Market in Amery and Osceola will be hosting a check-stand fundraiser for the Arnell Humane Society during this Christmas week, Dec. 20 - 26. Donating to our non-profit animal shelter has never been easier. Your donation dollar will be added to your grocery receipt, collected by Dick’s and donated to our shelter. Each dollar donated will add up to help us care for stray and abandoned animals at our shelter. Shop for your holiday meal at Dick’s and help to feed the animals at Arnell Humane Society.

The annual Arnell Humane Society membership drive is under way. If you would like to receive an annual newsletter and tax-deductible membership form, please call or stop by the shelter, 715 2687387 (PETS). Arnell Memorial Humane Society, 185 Griffin St. E, Amery, or online: Arnellhumane.org

white, mothers and daughters, view one another. Let us know if you need a copy and we will be glad to order it for you.

Everyone is welcome.

New adult nonfiction books • “National Geographic: Indian Nations of North America” • “Sand County Memories” by WI DNR • “God of Liberty” by Thomas S. Kidd

Burnett Community Library

Community Library Building Fund, Nexen will match $1, up to $30,000.

Alzheimer’s Association Workshop Gratitude is extended to Sharlene Bellefeuille of the Alzheimer’s Association for her presentation last Tuesday, “Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters.” Bellefeuille has offered to repeat her presentation for us again some evening. If anyone is interested in another workshop, please let Patti know at 715-866-7697.

Preschool story time Come in from the snow and cold and join us at story time from 10:30 to 11 a.m.

Wednesday mornings and warm up with new friends.

New adult fiction books • “Shootout of the Mountain Man” by William Johnstone • “Lover Mine” by J.R. Ward • “Slocum and the James Gang” by Jake Logan • “Slocum Along Rotten Row” by Jake Logan • “Port Mortuary” by Patricia Cornwell • “Rescue” by Anita Shreve • “The Edge” by Jeffrey Deaver • “Sarah’s Choice” by Wanda E. Brunstetter • “Witch & Wizard: The Gift” by James Patterson (young adult) • “Bedeviled Eggs” by Laura Childs • “Dead or Alive” by Tom Clancy • “Great Lakes Romance” series ( 8 volumes) by Donna Winters (Christian historical fiction)

New DVDs • “Eat, Pray, Love” (Blue Ray DVD) • “Eclipse • “Inception” • “Harry Brown”

Children’s books • “Omen of the Stars: Warriors: Night Whispers” by Erin Hunter • “Up and Down” by Oliver Jeffers • “National Geographic: Kids Animal Atlas”

Grants and donations Only a few more days to rise to the challenge: Nexen Group, Inc. of Webster is offering a Challenge Grant to the Burnett County residents for the Burnett Community Library Building Fund. For every $2 contributed by Dec. 31 to the Burnett

Adult book club The book club does not meet in December. The title for January is “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett. In Jackson, Miss., in 1962, there are lines that are not crossed.

With the civil rights movement exploding all around them, three women start a movement of their own, forever changing a town and the way women, black and

ST. CROIX FALLS – Do you know someone who enjoys camping, swimming, hiking, biking, skiing or wildlife watching? Some of the best recreational opportunities and most scenic areas in Wisconsin can be found in local state parks and forests. “With thousands of miles of trails, hundreds of nature hike opportunities and dozens of beaches, Wisconsin’s outdoors is the perfect gift for fun, social gatherings, healthy experiences or for just absorbing simple solitude,” says Kimberly Currie of the DNR Bureau of Parks and Recreation.

The 2011 admission stickers to Wisconsin State Parks and Forests are available now at park and forest offices and Department of Natural Resources service centers, and they make excellent holiday gifts for those active outdoors lovers on holiday gift lists. In St. Croix Falls, the 2011

admission stickers to Wisconsin State Parks and Forests can be purchased at the Ice Age Center at Interstate Park located just one-half mile south of Hwy. 8 on Hwy. 35.

The sticker provides vehicle admission to state parks, forests and recreation areas across Wisconsin. The cost is $25 for Wisconsin residents or $35 for nonresidents.

A family with more than one vehicle registered to the same household may purchase additional state park stickers at half price. A senior citizen annual sticker for $10 is available for Wisconsin residents 65 years of age and older. The stickers are valid from the date of sale through Dec. 31, 2011.

In addition to the 2011 admission sticker to Wisconsin State Parks and Forests, there are also nature-oriented holiday gifts and stocking stuffers available

POLK COUNTY - This holiday season, please give serious thought to giving the gift that keeps on giving - a flu shot. Once we have made it through the holidays, we will be soon greeted by the flu season.

Now is the time to get vaccine for you and your family to ensure adequate protection against influenza in the new year.

A flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over 6 months of age. Influenza is a serious and sometimes deadly respiratory disease that is highly contagious. The very young, elderly and those with chronic health conditions are especially susceptible to this disease and its complications. This disease results in missed work/school

days and may lead to a hospitalization.

Don’t wait for the outbreak. Get your flu vaccine now. Get your kids vaccinated while they are out of school for the holidays. Flu vaccine is in ample supply and can be obtained from your family physician or the Polk County Health Department.

Call 715-485-8500 to make an

appointment at the health department for your flu vaccine.

The Polk County Health Department has free vaccine for children under age 19 years. The cost for adults is $25 if not covered by your health insurance. Please be sure to bring your health insurance information with you. - submitted

MADISON – Livestock producers who incurred eligible livestock death losses due to recent winter storms may be eligible for the USDA Farm Service Agency’s Livestock Indemnity Program.

“Producers who suffered livestock losses due to recent winter storms will be required to provide documentation of the livestock lost,” said Brad Pfaff, state executive director. “FSA staff can provide producers with a list of acceptable loss

documentation that includes proof of death, producer records and verifiable inventory documentation.”

For livestock losses that occurred in calendar year 2010, producers will have 30 days after the death to file a notice of loss at FSA and will have until Jan. 30, to apply for payment.

Adequate documentation must prove the death of eligible livestock occurred as a direct result of an eligible adverse

weather event in the calendar year for which benefits are being requested. If adequate verifiable proof of death records documentation is not available, a livestock producer may provide reliable records, along with verifiable beginning and ending inventory, as proof of death.

Certifications of livestock deaths by third parties, who are not affiliated with the farming operation, may be accepted only if verifiable proof of death records or reliable

proof of death records along with verifiable beginning and ending inventory records are not available.

LIP indemnity payments will be based on 75 percent of the fair market value of the livestock as determined by FSA. Producers need to contact their local FSA county offices to sign up for LIP. Producers can also learn more about LIP by visiting www.fsa.usda.gov. — from USDA

2011state park admission stickers available

at Glacier’s Gifts shop in the Ice Age Center at Interstate Park. Nature field guides and books, wildlife posters, wildlife Tshirts, sweatshirts and children’s items are offered for sale by the Friends of Interstate Park. A great Christmas gift idea is a limited edition print of the Dalles of the St. Croix River signed and numbered by local artist Mary Pettis. A paid annual or lifetime membership to the Friends of Interstate Park is also an excellent gift idea. Proceeds from all sales and membership dues benefit the Friends group, a nonprofit organization that helps support the education programs at the park.

Interstate Park is located in St. Croix Falls, on Hwy. 35 just one-half mile south of Hwy. 8. For more information call the park at 715-483-3747. - submitted

Hours and information Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. For more information, contact the library at 715-866-7697, Web site: webster.wislib.org.

Online catalog: merlin.nwls.lib.wi.us/search.

Orange

Fran Krause LaVonne O'Brien

Fran Krause is now at home recuperating from her fall. Her daughter, Karen Hintz is spending time here with Fran. Karen’s husband, Jerry, and son, Karl, spent the weekend. On Saturday they, along with Mark and Deanna Krause and boys and Kent and Nancy Krause, celebrated an early Christmas before Jerry and Karl returned home.

Jack and LaVonne O’Brien attended the Christmas dinner at the Siren School Saturday. The dinner was nice with decorations, nice music and gifts for all. Bob O’Brien did a great job cooking all the ham.

Sunday Mike and LaVonne O’Brien went to the Christmas concert at the Frederic High School.

Tylyn O’Brien was in the band and bell choir.

Saturday John and Reeny Neinstadt went to Holdingford, Minn., to see Bud Flagstad’s daughter, Lexie, in a play.

Give the gift that keeps on giving … a fl flu u shot

Wisconsin FSA provides assistance for recent winter storm livestock losses

PAGE 32 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 22, 2010

Festival’s Featured Artists

The Green Cast of “A Christmas Carol”

ST. CROIX FALLS – The final featured artists for the 2010 season at Festival Theatre are some of the younger faces on stage with the current production of “A Christmas Carol,” by Charles Dickens, adapted by James Walker. Making up the youth performers are 10 talented young actors broken into two casts, red and green. “To lighten the commitment for these young actors, we have developed a system where we rehearse and perform with two groups of five youths. Although this means half the rehearsal time, it also means these actors get the best of both worlds. They learn from watching and doing,” said Danette Olsen, executive director of Festival Theatre. She went on to comment, “each of these young actors have brought such unique gifts to the process. We are so lucky to have found all ten of them to be so delightful! With only a handful of shows left, we hope everyone will be able to see this holiday classic tale featuring these delightful young people alongside our professional actors.” This week, we introduce the green cast of Festival’s “A Christmas Carol.”

Bryn Soland joins Festival Theatre on stage for the first time with “A Christmas Carol” although Soland is no stranger to acting. Soland first appeared on stage in the third grade when she played the title character in “Little Late Riding Hood.”

Having a professional credit and working alongside professional actors is very exciting for Soland. She also likes Scrooges’ story of redemption as it resonates slightly with her own experiences on stage. “What I like most about theater is the chance to be someone totally different than myself. But that’s also what I think is hardest, changing myself into a

Shownclockwise from lower left are Bryn Soland, John Dikkers, Sarah Coppenbarger, Pete Wilmar and Carly Herrick. – Photo submitted

character,” said Soland. She noted it’s similar to what Scrooge has to do in the life of this play. In her spare time, Soland loves reading and her favorite food is chili with cheese. As a talented young actor, it is no shock the creative, right side of Soland ‘s brain is highly engaged. It might surprise readers to learn, however, that the logical left side of her brain is equally active as Soland’s favorite subject in school is mathematics. Soland would like to thank her parents, who are the people she admires most.

St. Croix Falls native Pete Wilmar is a young man of few words, but one needs only to find him in a comfortable environment and Wilmar ‘s energetic nature washes away all his timidness! This is Wilmar ‘s first time on Festival’s stage as well, but it is apparent he has found an environment where he can let loose.

After a short month of rehearsals and nearly a month of performances, Wilmar has learned that he loves the theater. “I like the new people I meet” said Wilmar.

While Wilmar is excited to be a part of “A Christmas Carol, he especially delights in the opportunity to play Tiny Tim, a character as iconic as Ebenezer Scrooge himself. He did mention, however, how hard

it was to learn his lines. His favorite food is cheese and crackers, and he loves to run around and all forms of playtime, which may be why he remarked that his favorite subject in school is physical education.

An experienced young actor on Festival’s stage, John Dikkers first got the chance to perform at Festival in “A Christmas Story,” in 2008. You may remember Dikkers as Ralphie, the poor boy longing for a Red Ryder BB gun. Dikkers lives in Luck and wants to grow up to be a theatrical performer. When asked what he likes most about theater,Dikkers said he likes the friendships one makes with cast and crew members while rehearsing and performing a show. “I like the bonds that are formed,” he said. Dikkers is particularly adept at being very present in the here and now and has a great sense of humor, so when asked what his favorite food is, Dikkers said, “Whatever I’m in the mood for at the particular moment.” Although Dikkers was the green cast’s most experienced youth actor, he did have his challenges with “A Christmas Carol.” “Our work with blocking these scenes was the hardest,” said Dikkers. “Not just the movements, but figuring out when and where and how.” Dikkers said it doesn’t end there, it’s making those movements look natural in the moment that makes for good acting.

A naturally talented young performer, Sarah Coppenbarger was born in Madison. Her flare for dramatics began at an early age and her first play cast her as the title role of Ozma in “Ozma of Oz.” When asked what she likes about theater, Coppenbarger said, “I like pretending to be someone else.” She went on to explain that she enjoys escaping into the role and truly becoming part of the story.

Of course, this love of escaping can sometimes cause issues, “I have trouble going in and out of character,” said Coppenbarger. She noted that when concen-

trating on the finding a character within her, Coppenbarger the actor would sometimes miss an entrance in rehearsals. In school and in play Coppenbarger loves to escape into stories as well, “My favorite subject in school is reading.” She likes reading science-fiction fantasy novels and, like in theater, enjoys escaping into a world of magic. Coppenbarger would like to recognize and thank her mother, who is the person she most looks up to.

Coppenbarger ‘s dialect is especially impressive for a young actor. She attributes the countless viewings of “Mary Poppins” as a child for the pre-emptive British dialect training!

Also a first-time actor on Festival’s stage, Carly Herrick is the final piece of the green cast puzzle. Herrick first experienced acting at St. Croix Falls Elementary where she got the chance to do some exploration in performance in the cafeteria. Herrick has enjoyed most making friends while working on “A Christmas Carol.” When asked her favorite thing about the show, Herrick said “I like when Jackie and Carl go out as the solicitors.”

Although Herrick is friends with all her cast mates, she found the hardest thing about working on the play to be getting to know all the fellow cast members.

Like Wilmar, Herrick loves running around and playing games, and said that her favorite subject in school is physical education. A breakfast enthusiast, Herrick ‘s favorite food is French toast. She is also an advocate of animals and when she grows up she hopes to become a veterinarian. Herrick is a thoughtful child and is often observed in deep contemplation. She noted, “Everyone thinks I act like a 10th-grader at school and I am only in third grade.”

You can catch all this young talent and more during the final weekend of performances at Festival Theatre. The show closes on Sunday, Dec. 26. The entire cast and staff of Festival Theatre added, “Happy holidays!”

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Community Christmas Dinner “The true spirit of Christmas was in this building. It was a great example of community caring for and love of each other. That is the way a community ought to be.”

– Pastor Steve Ward

DECEMBER 22, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY

Siren

Elaine Thomas (front) is decorating green gelatin Christmas trees for Community the Christmas dinner as Brenda Christianson, Webster, watches.

This sign at the entrance to the Siren School concourse, site of the community Christmas dinner, said it all, expressing appreciation for the help of all the people who made this first-annual dinner possible.

Nancy and Dayton Daniels (Dayton a member of the Siren School Board) volunteered their time to help with the community Christmas dinner Saturday, Dec. 18. The Daniels were there on behalf of their church, Siren Covenant Church.

Pastor Steve Ward, who along with Deb Jaskolka, was the driving force behind the community Christmas dinner, welcomed dinner guests to Siren School Saturday, Dec. 18. “The true spirit of Christmas was in this building,” Ward said afterward. “It is a great example of community care for and love of each other. That is the way a community ought to be.”

Polly Imme, Siren, helped 2-year-old Libby Swanson string beads to make a candy cane.

Santa and Mrs. Claus made an appearance in the Siren School concourse Saturday, Dec. 18, to hear Christmas gift wishes from the children who were there for the community dinner.

Photos by Nancy Jappe

Darrell Imhoff (L), Frederic, an elementary teacher at Siren School, volunteered his time, as did a number of other school staff members, to work with Deb Jaskolka in putting on a community Christmas meal in Siren. This first annual meal was held Saturday, Dec. 18, with a setting of ginThe Siren School concourse was transformed into a ginTasha Kosloski (L) was on hand, dressed as a Christmas elf, to help the gerbread and candy canes, in the Siren School gerbread and candy cane Christmas dinner site for Saturyounger people make Christmas cards, making use of the many supplies that concourse. day’s community dinner held there Saturday, Dec. 18. were on hand for them.

Connie Virchow, whose regular job is as a dietary employee at Siren S c h o o l , watched the mixer as mashed potatoes were prepared for Saturday’s community Christmas dinner held this year for the first time at the school.

The community Christmas dinner held Saturday, Dec. 18, at Siren School was the idea of the school’s dietary director Deb Jaskolka (L). For the past year, Jaskolka has been planning for the event, which involved help from a vast number of community people who volunteered their time, as the people in this photo did, receiving instruction from Jaskolka as to what she needed them to do.

Grantsburg Elementary program

PAGE 34 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 22, 2010

20 10

Grantsburg Elementary third-graders gave a glowing performance as they sang “When the Lights All Shine” during their portion of The Season of Light program held last week at the Grantsburg High School auditorium.

Grantsburg Elementary students in first through third grades presented The Season of Light concert on Dec. 17 at the Grantsburg High School auditorium. First-graders Blake Ulmaniec and Ethan Belland got the giggles before their performance at the program held for family and friends.

Caitlyn Lee was one of several students who played Christmas music for family and friends before the start of the Grantsburg Elementary School program.

Photos by Priscilla Bauer

The spirit of the season was never more visible than on the face of firstgrader Kaeley Fischer as she held the letter “H” high during Grantsburg Elementary School’s annual holiday program last Friday. Kaeley and other classmates held up the letters spelling out C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S as the first-grade classes sang verses for each letter from the song titled “Christmas.”

Keevan Jones looked as angelic as the one adorning her shirt as she and her classmates sang “Christmas Through the Eyes of a Child” during the Grantsburg Elementary Program held on Dec. 17.

Zayden Anderson, Kelsey Kidder, Desiree Alden and Grantsburg first-graders Tiffany Gronski and Molly Hartshorn sang enthusiastically as they Johnny Tur- performed with their classmates during the school’s The Season of Light concert last week. czyk were worth watchLauren Hermann ing as they and Jillian Seeger sang out the sang solos during song “As the third-grade Lately We class’ performance Watched” of the song “Keep during the The Candles Grantsburg Going” at the secondGrantsburg Elegraders permentary School formance Christmas program during the held on Dec. 17 at school’s anthe high school aunual Christditorium. m a s program.

Pre-K Christmas program

DECEMBER 22, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 35

Siren

“Where are all the kids?” Jan Hoehne called out several times before starting the prekindergarten Christmas program in the Siren School auditorium Thursday, Dec. 16. Knowing that some of the children of the 23 in her two classes were ill, Hoehne started the program with (L to R) front row: Jonathan Dugger, Ashley Wolf, Paige Balluff, Ethan Ruud and Kendall Lillehaug. Back row: Grace Mangelsen, Derrick Helene, Olivia Taylor, Lucas D’Jock, Elijah Foss, Alex Pierce and Levi Hayman.

Levi Hayman adjusted his red nose as he played the role of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer as the prekindergarten class at Siren School sang the Christmas song of the same name.

Ethan Ruud appeared as Santa Claus climbing into the chimney and bringing a bag of “toys” across the stage during the Siren pre-K Christmas program in the auditorium Thursday, Dec. 6.

Jan Hoehne, with help from aide Barb Holcomb, led the Siren prekindergarten class through six numbers on stage in the school auditorium before the youngsters joined their visitors in sharing a meal, a visit from Santa Claus and the making of gingerbread houses during their party night Dec. 16. This photo, taken during one of the numbers, shows (L to R) bottom row: Ethan Ruud and Jonathan Dugger. Top row: Jordyn Hagert and Grace Mangelsen. – Photos by Nancy Jappe

Webster Santa Day

Webster Santa Day was held Saturday, Dec. 11, at the Webster Community Center. The children had the opportunity to make crafts and meet Santa Claus. Vendors were also set up at the community center during Santa Days. – Photos submitted

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Frederic Santa Day

PAGE 36 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 22, 2010

20 10

Darwyn Brown brought smiles to his passengers of a two-horse open sleigh he guided through the field next to Larsen Auto in Frederic during Santa Day, last Saturday, Dec. 18. Larsen Auto was also a stopping point for Santa.

Photos by Gary King

The historic Soo Line Depot is decked out with Christmas lights and wreaths for the holiday season.

Representing the Little Miss royalty, Little First Princess Scout Dodds was the official supplier of candy to those who visited with Santa on Saturday.

Anita Baker (L) and her helpers led a family of llamas through the streets of Frederic last Saturday as part of the special Santa Day celebration. They were spreading Christmas cheer and inviting everyone to the Crossroad Community Churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s live Nativity held that evening.

Anxious youngsters waited their turn to visit with the Jolly Old Fellow last Saturday at Larsen Auto in Frederic (photo at left). Helping Santa were Miss Frederic Krysta Laqua (white coat), First Princess Vanessa Neumann and Little Miss First Princess Scout Dodds.

CHURCH NEWS Eternal

Perspectives Sally Bair

Suddenly he comes

A woman prays for quick protection when a deer heads toward her car. Suddenly, the deer turns its head with a jerk and runs in another direction. A child cries in the store because she can’t find her mommy.

Suddenly, there’s Mommy, ready to pick her up and wipe her tears. All of us have experienced “suddenlys” in our lives. Some may have been unpleasant, like the boss’ pink slip. But many have brought happiness, such as a marriage proposal, a raise in pay or an unexpected gift.

Some biblical suddenlys started out with the unpleasantness of fear but turned into great happiness.

The group of shepherds outside Bethlehem, for example, were peacefully and quietly minding their own business when, at the sudden sight of an angel, they trembled with fear. What a shock it must have been when “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel ….” Their fear changed to great joy when they realized their Messiah had been born.

Surprise, fear and then joy came to them suddenly—even as they might have been praising God and anticipating the Messiah’s birth while watching over their sheep before the angels appeared.

The word suddenly appears in the Bible numerous times. The Gospels record Paul’s conversion on his way to Damascus, when a “sudden” light came from heaven. The book of Acts records the dramatic account of Pentecost: “Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came …” (Acts 2:2) Later, Paul and Silas, while sitting in prison after being beaten by guards, experienced a “sudden,” violent earthquake that shook the prison doors open and loosened everyone’s chains. The suddenness of the experience immediately followed their praying and singing hymns.

God’s sudden answers and presence often immediately follow our praise and worship of him.

The Bible speaks about Jesus’ second return to Earth in sudden terms, too. “The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night …” (2 Peter 3:10) Paul talks about being prepared—anticipating—the Lord’s return. “Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.”

(1 Corinthians 15:51) Lord, as we celebrate your first “sudden” appearance on earth, we await with joy and anticipation, your second arrival. Help us to be “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that (our) labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Cor. 15:59) We ask this in Jesus’ name, amen.

Mrs. Bair may be reached at sallybair@gmail.com

THANK YOU

A BIG THANK-YOU to everyone who made possible the First-Annual Community Dinner held at Siren School Saturday, Dec. 18. A total of 302 people were served dinner in great community spirit that day. Without all of you, it wouldn’t have happened!

Siren School: Use of the building and facilities.

Volunteer leadership from its dietary director Deb Jaskolka and help from members of the staff and students before and during the dinner.

Churches: Siren Assembly of God, Bethany Lutheran-Siren, Siren Covenant, Siren United Methodist, St. Dominic’s - Frederic, the Tri-Parish Catholic Communities of Webster, Danbury and A & H, Grace United Methodist - Webster, Our Redeemer Lutheran - Webster, First Baptist - Falun.

Businesses: Fourwinds Market and Holiday StationStore - Siren, Wayne’s Foods Plus - Webster.

Also: Siren Lioness Club, Siren Lions Club, United Methodist Women - Siren Methodist Church, U.S. Bank - Siren, Swedberg Taylor Funeral Home, Marjorie Skinner, Laura Schmidt, Karen Klink, June Klein, Margel Anderson, Jane Wilcox, Siren Senior Center, Ruby’s Pantry, anonymous donors and all of you who brought food and/or donated hours in setting up this Christmas meal for the com527661 18L munity.

Holidays, fur trade style

DECEMBER 22, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 35

ages), feasting (noting the amount of meat coming in, and the flour he gave David for panCultural celebrations, by their cakes), and visiting with his tradvery nature, inherit and borrow ing rival on New Year’s. From from the cultures with which they other fur trade accounts, howinteract. Such was the case in the ever, it’s obvious that most tradGreat Lakes/Canadian fur trade, ing parties observed holidays in a of which the original Forts Folle quite overt fashion. Mention is Avoine (1802-05) trading posts Woodswhimsy made, in various journals, of were representative. the gnome balls, feasts and drinking, but all The actual written record, espewithin the context of the times. cially trader Michel Curot’s jourNo Santa, for instance, or Christnal entries of 1803-04, contain mas trees—those “traditions,” scant reference to any overt holialong with many others that conday activities at the Yellow River stitute the modern holiday obserfur posts of Curot’s XY Company and the rival vances, came along much later.

North West Company contingent under command of While Curot doesn’t mention it, there was a custom John Sayer and Joseph LaPrairie. Curot sticks mainly on these days to greet the “bourgeois” (chief trader) to the comings and goings of the trade parties, and with a musket salute at daybreak. The great fur his only overt reference to any holiday observance trader/explorer Alexander Mackenzie in 1793 wrote are an entry on Christmas eve, where he states: of this: “On the first day of January, my people, in “There were only four Fish taken in two nets. The conformity to the usual custom, awoke me at the Cold has entirely diminished. Christmas Eve was lovely, as pleasant as Spring. I gave David some flour break of day with the discharge of firearms, with which they congratulated the appearance of the new to make Pancakes. I gave him also a taste of Rum As a treat, or Christmas Feast as he would not be here on year. In return, they were treated with plenty of spirits, and when there is any flour, cakes are always that day.” On Christmas Day itself, there is no direct added to the regales.” If any of the voyageurs had a mention of celebration: “Christmas 25. Smith came fiddle at hand, these would be tuned up and a grand back this morning, he brought two sides of venison, ball (frontier style) would ensue, not featuring carols that Le Grand fou gave him, a Beaver from le petit but raucous jigs and reels typical of the French CanaLoup and a fisher from La pierre affilee. Kitchinimiscoutte has asked for a Frenchman To stay with Him. I dian musical genres. Some Scotsmen in the trade even brought their bagpipes with, and whistles and sent Boisvert and Connor the latter of whom is to native drums were added to the “band.” come back with some meat that the savages have Absent from most accounts is any public religious promised to give him, having all left to go hunting observances. While many traders were devout in This morning.” David, Smith, Boisvert, and Connor their own way, there were no longer any clergy who were all voyageurs; the others are Indian hunters traveled with the fur trade groups, as there had been who supplied the trading parties with furs and food. during the 1600s and later 1800s. Trading posts Moving ahead to New Year’s Eve/Day, Curot observes the following: “Friday and Saturday 30 and 31. could also include people of quite diverse backgrounds – there were sometimes French Canadians, Smith, Boisvert, and Connor left to go to the [Indian] Scots, Colonial Americans, and of course North Lodges before they break up. They arrived today American Indians who dominated the trade. Thus, with six sides and eight legs of venison, three lynx little overt religious symbolism was evident.

Skins and one muskrat. The Mother in law Of La Meanwhile, the modern-day Forts Folle Avoine Prairie died yesterday at 8 o’Clock in the morning, Historical Park’s cross-country ski trails are open and buried at 4 today. Sunday, January 1. Yesterday at noon, the snow began to Fall and lasted Until Five o’- accessible. In addition, the site is planning a winter rendezvous-type event for sometime in February, I’ll Clock when it ceased, it began again This morning poke around a bit and let you know more details and continued all Day and night. I gave the men a soon.

Bottle of Rum For a New year’s gift. I went for the

Folle Avoine Chronicles

first time to make a daylight call on Mr. Sayer alone.”

From these scant records we can surmise the hint of gift giving (usually in the form of alcoholic bever-

Signed, Woodswhimsy

CHURCH NEWS

Area churches Christmas schedules

BALSAM LAKE – East Balsam Baptist Church will have Christmas Eve services at 4 p.m. There will be supper for those who would otherwise eat alone at 5:30 p.m.

Call Gini Ogren at 715-554-1066 to make reservations for dinner. – submitted ••• BONE LAKE – Bone Lake Lutheran Church will celebrate Holy Communion at both the 4 and 10:30 p.m. services on Christmas Eve. – submitted ••• CENTURIA – Fristad Lutheran Church, Centuria, will have candlelight services on Christmas Eve at 4 and 9 p.m.– submitted ••• North Valley Lutheran Church, Centuria, will have candlelight services on Christmas Eve at 4 and 10 p.m.– submitted ••• Holy Trinity United Methodist Church, Centuria, will have a Christmas Eve service at 4 p.m. – submitted ••• CLAM FALLS – Clam Falls Lutheran Church will have a Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m. – submitted ••• CUSHING – Wolf Creek United Methodist Church will have a Christmas Eve service at 4:30 p.m. – submitted ••• DANBURY – Danbury United Methodist Church will not be having a Christmas Eve service. – submitted ••• DRESSER – Peace Lutheran Church will hold Christmas Eve candlelight services on Friday, Dec. 24, at 2, 4 and 10 p.m. – submitted ••• Bethesda Lutheran Church will hold the children’s Christmas Eve worship at 3:30 p.m.; the family Christmas Eve worship at 5 p.m. and the candlelight Christmas Eve worship at 10:30 p.m. On Sunday, Dec. 26 the HeartSong gospel Christmas carol service will be at 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. – submitted ••• FALUN – Trinity Lutheran Church will have a candlelight worship service on Christmas Eve, Friday, Dec. 24, at 7 p.m.. – submitted ••• FREDERIC – Immanuel Lutheran LCMS Christmas Eve candlelight worship service will be held at 5 p.m. – submitted •••

St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Frederic Christmas Eve service will be at 10 p.m. – submitted ••• GRANTSBURG – Bethany Lutheran Church, Grantsburg, Christmas Eve candlelight service of lessons and carols at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 24. – submitted ••• LUCK – St. Peter’s Lutheran Church will hold their Candlelight Christmas Eve Service on Friday, Dec. 24, at 8 p.m. – submitted ••• MILLTOWN – Milltown Lutheran Church will have a vespers service at 4 p.m. and a candlelight service at 10:30 p.m., on Christmas Eve, Friday, Dec. 24. – submitted ••• SIREN – Bethany Lutheran Church will have a Christmas Eve service on Friday, Dec. 24, at 5 p.m.– submitted ••• ST. CROIX FALLS – Alliance Church of the Valley invites everyone to a free community supper from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 28. There will be a toy giveaway for the children. – submitted ••• TAYLORS FALLS, Minn. – Christmas candlelight service in the historic 1861 Taylors Falls United Methodist Church will be on Thursday, Dec. 23, at 7 p.m. The River Valley Brass will play before the service. –– submitted ••• TRADE LAKE – The Trade Lake Baptist Church will have their Julotta service on Saturday morning Dec. 25, at 6 a.m. The church is located seven miles west of Frederic on Hwy. 48.

Zion Lutheran Church, Trade Lake, will hold Christmas Eve services on Thursday, Dec. 24, at 10 p.m. – submitted ••• WEBSTER – First Baptist Church of Webster will have their Christmas Eve candlelight service at 4:30 p.m.

Grace United Methodist Church, Webster, will have a candelight service on Thursday, Dec. 24, at 6 p.m. – submitted ••• WEST SWEDEN – Grace Lutheran Church Christmas Eve service will be held at 3:30 p.m. – submitted ••• YELLOW LAKE – Yellow Lake Lutheran Church Christmas Eve services will be at 4 and 7 p.m. – submitted •••

OBITUARIES

PAGE 38 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 22, 2010

Curtis W. Johnson

Curtis W. Johnson, 89, Grantsburg, died Dec. 14, 2010.

Curt was born in Stoughton on July 10, 1921, the son of Pedro and Mabel Johnson.

He graduated from Stoughton High School in 1939 and served in World War II as a Navy Seabee in the South Pacific. After the war, Curt worked at Fisher Body in Janesville before taking a job with the Sawyer Biscuit Company in 1951 as a cookie salesman. That company eventually evolved into Keebler.

In 1955, Curt and Beth Boode Erickson were married, and Curt became a parent as well to Beth’s daughters, Jean and Joyce Erickson. He loved and treated the girls as his own.

Curt was an active member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and then First Lutheran Church in Stoughton.

He retired from Keebler in 1974 due to health problems.

He loved to fish and work in his yard and to keep busy.

In later years, he drove cars for Starks.

Curt and Beth moved to Siren in 2001 to be closer to family. In June of 2010, both moved into Continuing Care at the Burnett Medical Center in Grantsburg where Beth still resides.

Curt is survived by his wife, Beth Johnson; daughters, Jean (Robert) Forsberg and Joyce (George) Benson, all of Siren; his twin brother, Kermit (Edith) Johnson of Oshkosh; grandsons, Adam (Mollie) Benson, Ryan (Sarah) Benson and Joshua (Jenny) Benson; and greatgrandchildren, William and Henry Benson, Aubrey Benson and Annabelle Benson.

A memorial service will be held at the Olson-Cress Funeral Home in Stoughton on Saturday, Jan. 8, at 11 a.m. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. A lunch and fellowship will follow the service at the American Legion in Stoughton. Online condolences may be offered at www.swedberg-taylor.com.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Myrtle Marie (Rohl) Epley

Myrtle Marie (Rohl) Epley, 93, died suddenly on Dec. 16, 2010.

Myrtle grew up on a farm southeast of Hudson. After high school she taught country school until her marriage to Frank.

She lived in Chicago until World War II broke out and Frank was drafted. Since then she has resided in New Richmond, Hudson and Amery. Her employment included working in the payroll office at United Refrigerator in Hudson, and as the medical records librarian for Amery Hospital. Upon retirement Myrtle enjoyed traveling, camping with friends, oil painting, working with stained glass and taking care of her dog Maxine.

In her senior years Myrtle accepted her extremely poor eyesight with courage and grace. Her love of family and friends never waivered. She was always a joy to be around, and the radiance she exuded will be deeply missed.

Myrtle was preceded in death by husband, Frank.

She is survived by children, Judy (Robert) Nelson, John Epley (Rhonda) and Joanne (John) Johnson; five grandchildren, Laurie, Steven (Mandy), Amy (Ed), Thomas (Cinthia) and Mandy; seven great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, Dec. 20, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Amery. The Rev. John Drummy and Deacon Bud Heiser officiated the service and music was provided by Arlene Dado and the St. Joseph funeral choir. Interment was at the Amery Cemetery.

Friends and family may sign the online guest book by visiting www.williamsonwhite.com.

The Williamson – White Funeral Home, Amery, was entrusted with arrangements.

Richard Kreutzian

Richard Kreutzian, 88, resident of Comforts of Home in Frederic, died Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010.

Visitation will be held at the Rowe Funeral Home in Frederic on Wednesday, Dec. 22, from 4 to 6 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at Clam Falls Lutheran Church in Clam Falls on Thursday, Dec. 23, at 11 a.m. Interment will take place at Union Cemetery with full military honors at 1 p.m. on Thursday.

Online condolences may be left at www.rowefh.com.

Please continue to check our Web site for updated information or call Bruce Rowe at 715-327-4475. A full obituary will be published at a later date.

Rowe Funeral Home of Frederic was entrusted with arrangements.

Michelle J. Jones

Michelle J. Jones, 58, Deer Park, died Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2010, at her home, surrounded by her family, after a courageous two-year battle with cancer.

Michelle Jean Jones was born June 24, 1952, in New Richmond, the daughter of Robert and Rosetta (Scully) Wilson. She grew up in New Richmond and attended school there. Michelle was married to Vernon Jones Jr., on April 4, 1970, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Richmond and together they raised two children, Jennifer and Vernon. Michelle enjoyed gardening, golfing, attending auctions, going to the casino and their cabin in Herbster. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and attending their sporting events and activities.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Rosetta Wilson.

She is survived by her husband, Vernon W. Jones Jr.; daughter and son, Jennifer Jones of New Richmond and Vernon (Stephanie) Jones of New Richmond; grandchildren, Brittany Leslie, Dylan Leslie, Nate Jones, MacKenzie Martin, Sydney Jones and Ella Jones; brothers and sisters, Rosetta Boyle of Mauston, Pat Langer of St. Paul, Minn., Bill (Connie) Wilson of Star Prairie, Mary Wilson of Star Prairie, Bobby (Janelle) Wilson of Osceola, Dolly (Tilly) Krenz of Osceola, Margaret Wilson of Star Prairie, Veronica (Jim) Lauck of New Richmond and Vincent (Lil) Wilson of Star Prairie; nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Memorial service was held Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of New Richmond on Monday, Dec. 20.

Deacon Michael Germain was the officiant. Musicians included Lori Stai, Lisa Sabby and Amy Lauck.

Honorary pallbearers were Brittany Leslie, Dylan Leslie, Nate Jones , MacKenzie Martin, Sydney Jones and Ella Jones. Interment was at the Clear Lake Cemetery.

Scheuermann - Hammer Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Clear Lake were entrusted with arrangements.

Janet Ruth Blattner

Janet Ruth Blattner, 91, Balsam Lake, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2010.

Janet was born June 23, 1919, in Centuria. She was the daughter of Jerry and Mabel Hoey. She was a lifetime resident of Polk County. She graduated from Balsam Lake High School. Janet was united in marriage to William H. Blattner on Oct. 28, 1939. Into this union four children were born.

She was a secretary for the Polk County Public Health Nurse’s office and retired from the Farmer’s Home Administration. She was a past president and lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents; husband; children, William Robert and Mary Ann (Martin) Swanty; sisters, Eleanor MacLaughlan, Francis Larson; and brother, Robert Hoey.

She is survived by her daughter, Judi (Rick) Dutton of Gilbert, Ariz. and son, Dick (Bobbi) Blattner of Osceola; five grandchildren, Dianna, Cody, Robert, Ashley and Christopher; and five great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 17, 2011, at the Holy Trinity Methodist Church in Balsam Lake. The service will be at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour prior.

To sign the online guest book please visit kolstadfamilyfuneralhome.com.

The Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria was entrusted with arrangements.

www.the-leader.net

Drew Alan Nelson

Drew Alan Nelson, 57, Amery, died on Dec. 15, 2010, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minn., after a long-fought battle with severe emphysema and multiple sclerosis.

Drew was born Feb. 8, 1953, in Baldwin, to Edith (Bolier) and Roy Nelson. He graduated from Baldwin High School in 1971, then attended college classes at WITC in New Richmond for his machinist degree. He was employed at Andersen Windows until 1997 when he was diagnosed and treated for lung cancer, which, along with his MS, left him unable to continue his career as a machinist. Drew was treated last summer for colon cancer with several complications, but continued to fight for quality of life as long as he could. He was able to work as a courtesy van driver for the Amery Regional Medical Center, a job which he truly loved and which provided a needed service to others.

Drew was married to Mary Costello in August of 1982, and they have two sons who have helped tremendously to care for Drew for the last several years. He was a local Boy Scout leader for many years when his sons were growing up and is a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Amery.

Drew loved snowmobiling, boating, photography and deer hunting, but mostly enjoyed spending time with his family and many friends.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; sons, Andrew and Adam Nelson from Amery; brothers, Tracy Nelson of Hudson, Brent (Lynn) Nelson of Woodville and Mark (Sherry) Nelson of Hudson; in-laws, Rachel Costello of St. Croix Falls, Kitty (Larry) Coen of Amery, James (Karen) Costello of Anoka, Minn., Colleen Simon of Grantsburg, Mike (Mary) Costello of Luck and Jean (Michael) Kemmits of Waseca, Minn., and many dearly loved nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edith and Roy Nelson; maternal and paternal grandparents; several aunts, uncles and cousins; father-in-law, James Costello; brother-in-law, Patrick Costello; and sister-in-law, Rita Arellano.

Memorial services were held Tuesday, Dec. 21, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Amery with Pastor Keith Ruehlow officiating. You may sign a guest book and leave condolences at www.williamsonwhite.com The Williamson-White Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Amery was entrusted with arrangements.

Phillip Russell Nelson

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010, for Phillip R. Nelson, 75, Balsam Lake, who died Dec. 16, at the Good Samaritan Home in St. Croix Falls.

Phillip grew up on the family farm near Milltown and graduated from Milltown High School in 1953. He was a member of the Milltown Lutheran Church and was active in the Polk County 4-H program, the Indianhead Barbershop Chrous and Midland and Land O’Lakes cooperatives. He was always an active spectator at Unity sporting events.

He is survived by his daughter and sons, Sara (Dan) Campbell of St. Croix Falls, Craig (Danielle) Nelson of Osceola and Christopher (Kelly) Nelson of Balsam Lake and nine grandchildren.

The Edling Funeral Home of St. Croix Falls is assisting the family with arrangements.

A complete obituary will be published in a future issue of the Inter-County Leader.

Four generations of lefse makers

On Sunday, Dec. 19, four generations of women from the Shutt family got together and made lefse, a traditional Scandinavian holiday food. In this photo (L to R): Cheryl (Shutt) Schaaf, Robyn (Schaaf) Formanek, Cassidy Formanek and Vivian (Johnson) Shutt. - Photo submitted

OBITUARIES

DECEMBER 22, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 37

Melissa S. Gabrio, 31, died unexpectedly Saturday, Dec. 18, 2010, at Osceola Medical Center, Osceola.

Melissa was born Dec. 10, 1979, at Shell Lake to David and Dawn Davey. She graduated from Pequot Lakes High School in 1998 and attended Central Lakes Community College in Brainerd. Melissa worked as a convenience store manager.

In her free time she enjoyed scrapbooking, reading, family and friends.

Melissa was preceded in death by her grandparents, great-grandparents, uncle Mike Marion and great-uncle Norman Elliott.

She is survived by her daughters, Emily Davidson, Bailey Gabrio; son, Logan Gabrio; parents David and Dawn Davey; sister, Devon Davey of Taylors Falls, Minn.; boyfriend, Nelson Bloom; grandparents, Jean Marion of Siren, Don Davey of Phoenix, Ariz., Pete and Juanita Parendo of South Range; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

The family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 28, at the Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom.

Condolences may be left at www.grandstrandfh.com.

The Grandstrand Funeral Home, Lindstrom, was entrusted with arrangements.

Mildred Rosella Mitchell

Mildred Rosella Mitchell, 90, Amery, died Friday, Dec. 10, 2010, at Willow Ridge in Amery.

Mildred was born Sept. 15, 1920, in Clayton, the daughter of Otis and Ida (Hoell) Lien. She grew up in the Clayton area.

She was united in marriage to Richard Mitchell on Nov. 15, 1938, and together they had four children.

During World War II, Richard was gone serving in the Navy from August of 1944 to November of 1945 when he returned home. They spent their lifetime in the Amery-Clayton area. Mildred enjoyed flower gardens and watching the hummingbirds they attracted. Being a stay-at-home mom allowed her to enjoy raising her family. The past few years she has been at Willow Ridge in Amery.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Richard; and nine siblings.

She is survived by her children, Richard (Glen) Mitchell, Donna (Don) Waldbillig, Diane (Ron) Eilitz and Debra (Bruce Beyer) Brihn; 11 grandchildren; 17 greatgrandchildren as well as other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Dec. 14, at the Williamson-White Funeral Home in Amery with Pastor Keith Ruehlow officiating. Margaret Peterson played the organ and accompanied Eric Aleckson singing. The cremains will be interred at the Amery Cemetery in the spring. You may leave condolences and sign a guest book at www.williamsonwhite.com.

The Williamson-White Funeral Home and Cremation Services was entrusted with arrangements.

Edna M. Haaf

Edna M. Haaf, 70, a resident of Webster, died Dec. 5, 2010, at Burnett Medical Center Continuing Care Center.

Edna was born on Aug. 2, 1940, in Superior to Edward and Iris Wilson. Edna grew up in the area, attending Webster High School. She married Howard on Jan. 26, 1957, in Solon Springs.

Edna was known for her great cooking. She and the family looked forward to the holidays to indulge in her home cooking and sweet treats. She loved celebrating Halloween, so she could make homemade costumes and dress up. She also enjoyed getting into the spirit by decorating the house and yard. Edna enjoyed being outdoors to go fishing and bear hunting with her husband.

Her hobbies included her cow collection, and she adored Elvis and spent many hours just listening to his music.

Edna was a people person and enjoyed working as a bartender at Midtown and also worked at the Cranberry Marsh and later at Wild Bill’s to name a few.

Edna was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Cindy; and her parents.

She is survived by her husband, Howard; her daughters, Joan (Wes) Boos, Debbie Wedoe, Kim (Keith) Boyd and Joy (Bob) Davis; eight grandchildren; and 28 greatgrandchildren; siblings, Edward “Barry” (Elsa) Wilson, Philomene (Jerry) Moser and Jan Mitchell; along with other relatives and friends. Online condolences may be offered at www.swedberg-taylor.com.

The Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Florence M. Shrider

Florence M. Shrider of Cambridge, Minn., formerly of Hertel, died peacefully on Dec. 14, 2010, in Cambridge.

She was 93 years old.

She was born Sept. 6, 1917, to Jesse and Mary Larrabee at home in Hertel. She met her husband, James Monroe Shider, in St. Paul, Minn., at the end of World War II. Forence loved gardening, reading, playing Dominos with friends, being involved in her church and spending time with her family. She was a highly sociable person, made friends easily and was involved in a variety of organizations during her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and brothers Leonard, Earl, Howard and Frank. Survivors include her sister, Donna Marinelli, her children, James (LaBonne) Shrider, Larry (Donna) Shrider, Linda Becker, Denise Whitaker, Michelle Bachman, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Dec. 18 at Lakeview Methodist Church in Hertel with Pastor Jack Starr officiating. Music was provided by organist Jo Henrikson and soloist Janet Nelson. Interment followed at the Lakeview Hertel Cemetery. Casket bearers were Kevin Stoffel, Brian Stoffel, Larry J. Shrider, Keith Jones, Mike Jones and Steve Minks.

Arrangements were entrusted to Sweberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster. Online condolences may be offered at www.swedberg-taylor.com.

Marilee Lipp

Marilee Lipp, 69, Frederic, died early Saturday, Dec. 11, 2010, after battling breast cancer.

She was born in Frederic to Roy and Agnes (Young) Laatsch. After earning her teaching degree from the University of Wisconsin-Superior, she taught elementary education in Tomah, until her marriage to Dennis D. Lipp in 1972. The couple moved to Indiana and settled in South Bend, where Marilee focused on raising their two daughters. She eventually returned to teaching and served as a substitute teacher with the South Bend Community School Corporation before retiring in 2001 and moving back to Wisconsin. During her lifetime, Marilee was an avid gardener, bird-watcher, shopper and crafter.

Marilee was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and her sister, Beverly Baldwin.

She is survived by daughters, Christina (Ben) Burnett of Rockville, Md., and Danielle (Aaron) Korver of Apple Valley, Minn.; newborn grandsons, Alexander Burnett and Tristan Korver; sister, Shirley Anderson of Superior; aunt, June O’Donnell of Frederic; uncle, Roland Laatsch of Edgerton; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the National Audubon Society or Memory of Monroe Scottie Rescue. A memorial service to honor both Marilee and Dennis Lipp will be held Saturday, March 26, starting at 10 a.m. at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Frederic.

Bernice G. Olson

Bernice G. Olson, 87, McKinley, died Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010, at Cumberland Memorial Hospital.

She was born June 19, 1923, in St Paul, Minn. Bernice moved to the Cumberland area at the age of 9 and was raised by her grandfather. Bernice worked at 3M for 18 years.

She was married in Cumberland on Nov. 11, 1940, to Thomas Olson who preceded her in death Sept. 11, 1974.

She was also preceded in death by son, Lyle Olson and great-granddaughter, Jackie. She is survived by three sons, Frank Olson of Park Rapids, Minn., and Larry and Lonn Olson of Cumberland; daughter, Janice (Dan) Waalen of Balsam Lake; 13 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren and half brother, Calvin Therrien of Tenn.

A celebration of life will be from 1 - 3 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 23, at the Skinner Funeral Home, Cumberland, with a lunch to follow.

Funeral arrangements were handled by Skinner Funeral Home of Cumberland.

Cremation Society Of Northwest Wisconsin

Roland “Rollie” Canfield

Roland “Rollie” Canfield, 85, died Nov. 30, 2010, in Wickenburg, Ariz.

He was born Feb. 6, 1925, in Los Angeles, Calif., to Harry Canfield and Mabel Leazer Canfield.

He was raised in Los Angeles and graduated from Manual Arts High School in 1943. During his youth, Rollie was active in Boy Scouting and attained the rank of Eagle Scout. Rollie later enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving until 1946. Following his military service he returned to California and began working for Pacific Bell Telephone.

Rollie married Mary Jane Schmitz and they later transferred to Minnesota in 1949. He began working for Northwestern Bell, where he worked until retiring after 33 years of service. During that time, he was an active member of the Masonic Lodge in Minneapolis. They later moved to Siren in 1979.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jane, in 2003.

Rollie began wintering in Wickenburg, Ariz., in 2004.

He met and married Lois Heffner in 2007, and she preceded him in death in 2009. He was also preceded in death by sons, Cory Canfield in 1957 and Steven R. Canfield in 2009; brother, Roy Canfield; and sisters, Jeanette Beckman, Dorothy McIntyre and Evelyn Baker.

Rollie is survived by sons, Scott B. (Cheryl) Canfield of Blaine, Minn. and Monte R. (Vicki) Canfield of Center City, Minn.; grandchildren, Ian and Alica Canfield and Amanda and Stephanie Canfield; with two great-grandchildren, Grace Canfield and Olivia DelMaine.

Services were held in Wickenburg, Ariz., on Tuesday, Dec. 7. Family services will be announced and held sometime in the spring in Siren. Friends may offer online condolences at www.wickenburgfuneralhome.com.

Diane Banta White

Diane LaRae White, 57, of Crosslake, Minn., died on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2010. Funeral services were held Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Crosslake Lutheran Church.

Diane was born on March 1, 1953, to Charles and Eunice (Hutton) Banta in Siren. She was raised in Circle Pines, Minn., and graduated from Centennial High School. She married Terry Smith after high school, and they had a son, Brandon.

In 1981 she married Tom White who has a daughter, Rebecca. Tom and Diane had two daughters together, Jessica and Victoria, and raised their family in East Bethel, Minn.

Diane worked at Hewlett Packard and then Anoka County, Minn., for 18 years as a deputy court administrator. Diane and Tom spent many years in the Crosslake area part time before finally making it their permanent residence six years ago.

Diane loved reading and music and pursued her passion of becoming a copy editor. She was able to proofread any document, usually finding an error of some kind. Her love of the English language led her to complete a degree in copyediting.

Diane was preceded in death by her father, Charles.

She is survived by her husband of 29 years, Tom; children, Brandon (Bobbi) Smith, Becky (Tony) Park, Jessica (Jason) Knutson and Victoria White; grandchildren, Rhian, Jack, Mason and Aaron; mother, Eunice Banta; sister, Louise (Gordy) Gustafson; nephews and niece, Keith, Jennifer and Chad.

The Brenny Funeral Chapel of Crosslake were entrusted with arrangements.

ROWE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES Luck – Frederic

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715-349-7200 P.O. Box 408 • 7697 Johnson St. 527239 7a,18L Siren, WI 54872

Contact:

Bruce Rowe Or Ray Rowe Generations Of Trusted Service

715-327-4475 Or 715-472-2444

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Melissa S. Gabrio

CHURCH NEWS

PAGE 40 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 22, 2010

Working mom feels guilty having child in day care

Q: I recently heard one of your programs about why moms should stay home with their kids. You made me feel like a horrible mom for working when I have a 22-month-old daughter at home.

I understood what you were trying to say — and why my situation is not ideal, but we don’t have a choice. I’d love to stay home but our modest income requires that both my husband and I work. I’m lucky that we have affordable day care and a job that provides me with a car. Still, every day I leave my child at home, it kills me. And your program only made me feel more guilty.

Juli: I not only understand your situation, I’ve been there. When my first son was born, I had to work. Every day I left him with a heavy heart and a lot of guilt.

One day, I had the radio on driving to work and, like you, heard a radio broadcast that brought me to tears and piled on the guilt for leaving my son.

Most moms will work at some point during motherhood and deal with the resulting guilt. While we generally encourage moms to be home with their young

Jim Daly

Focus on the Family

Juli Slattery

children, it isn’t always possible.

You should only feel guilty if you’re doing something wrong. Don’t let our radio broadcast, your friends or your neighbors be the barometer of your guilt.

That decision is strictly between you and your husband. Only you know all of the factors involved.

If you’re longing to be home with your daughter, it is a worthy goal to work toward. Some families have managed to make lifestyle changes to be able to survive on one income. In the meantime, do your best with the time you have with your daughter, making certain that she is in good hands when you can’t be there.

••• Q: My wife is overwhelmed. Our two preschool sons require constant attention, while the housework and other responsibilities pile up. How can I help her?

Jim: You’ve probably seen studies that

Christmas program held at Bethany Lutheran

calculate what the average mom would make if she were paid for her various roles as housekeeper, day care operator, psychologist and so on. A 2007 study by Salary.com put the figure at $138,095 a year!

My wife, Jean, has been in your wife’s shoes. Even though our boys are in school now, between the trips back and forth and the extracurricular activities and the numerous other responsibilities on her plate, she barely has time to catch her breath.

Not to oversimplify the issue, but you might want to start by praising your wife for the contributions she’s already making in your home. Be sure to cut her some slack when the house is messy and dinner is late — she’s likely had a busier day than you have! And although it’s tough after a long day at the office, you might ask if there are some household duties she’d like you to handle. But be sure to talk it over with her first. In my experience, if you just come home and start doing chores that your wife sees as her responsibility, it’s likely your good intentions will be received in a negative light.

When your boys are grown, they won’t remember whether the house was clean, but they will remember quality time with their mom during the day (and with you,

too, when you’re home). Being a mom isn’t easy. A six-figure paycheck doesn’t even begin to put a price on a mother’s value. It’s critical that husbands like you and I give them all the love and support we possibly can.

••• 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, cohost 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 by reproduced or distributed electronically, in print or otherwise, without written permission of Focus on the Family.

Brought to you by:

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Frederic

On Sunday, Dec. 19, the Sunday school students from Bethany Lutheran Church in Siren performed their Christmas program as part of the Sunday worship service.

The program included readings, narration, poems, singing and bell choir performances. The program director was Cindy Johnson, music director was Kristen Kosloski and Donna Tjader directed the bell choir and provided piano accompaniment. The Christmas Eve service at Bethany will be at 5 p.m. - Photo submitted

Church listings sponsored by the following area businesses: BREMER BANK, N.A. Full-Service Banking Member FDIC Frederic - Danbury - Siren

DAEFFLER’S QUALITY MEATS, INC. Wholesale & Retail Meats Custom Butchering & Processing Phone 715-327-4456

INTER-COUNTY CO-OP PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION Printers & Publishers Office Supplies Frederic, Wis. - 715-327-4236 Shell Lake, Wis. - 715-468-2314 Siren, Wis. - 715-349-2560 St. Croix Falls, Wis. - 715-483-9008

STATE FARM INSURANCE COMPANIES Corey T. Arnold, Agent Frederic, Wis. Phone 715-327-8076

BEAN’S COUNTRY GRIDDLE Hwys. 35 & 48 Downtown Frederic Phone 715-327-5513

NORTHWESTERN WISCONSIN ELECTRIC CO. “Your Electric Servant” Serving Polk & Burnett Counties “Use Energy Wisely”

CARLSON-ROWE FUNERAL HOME Frederic, Wis. 715-327-4475 Duane Lindh

HAULING • Gravel • Sand • Rock • Top Soil • Trackhoe 715-472-2717 Mobile 715-491-1861 1065 290th Ave. Frederic, Wis.

LUCK VAN METER’S MEATS Government Inspected Slaughtering and Processing, Sausage making • Ham & Bacon Cured & Smoked Sides and Quarters of Beef and Pork Available Old-fashioned Fresh Meat Counter Tim Van Meter and Ross Anderson, Owners Luck, WI 54853 Plant 715-472-2141

WEBSTER

ALPHA

CUSHING

CASHCO BUILDING SUPPLIES

BASS LAKE LUMBER

CUSHING COOPERATIVE SOCIETY

Complete Lumber & Building Supplies Phone 715-866-4238 Hwy. 35 N. Webster, Wis. Tom & Becky O’Brien, Owners

HOPKINS SAND & GRAVEL, INC. Sand, Gravel, Ready-Mix, Concrete, Black Dirt, Dozer Work, Landscaping & Septic Tanks Installed Hwy. 35 North Webster, Wis. Phone 715-866-4157 M.P.R.S. #03059

SWEDBERG-TAYLOR FUNERAL HOME Webster, Wis. Phone 715-866-7131

BRUCE’S AUTO REPAIR & TOWING

• Complete Line of Building Supplies & Lumber • Cabot’s Stains Grantsburg, Wis. 715-488-2471 or 715-327-8766

BURNETT DAIRY CO-OP

Feed Mill - Grain Dept.

Cushing, Wis. 715-648-5215

WILD RIVER FLAGS Jerry & Pat Willits 2815 285th Ave. Sterling Township St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 715-488-2729

1988 World Champion Cheesemaker Earl Wilson, Cheese Plant Mgr. Clif Gipp, Ag. Supply Mgr. for Feed, Propane & Fertilizer Alpha, Wis. 715-689-2468 • 715-689-2467

SIREN OLSEN & SON Your Full-Service Drugstore Siren, Wis. Phone 715-349-2221

D & L FINANCIAL SERVICES 10022 Elbow Lake Road Siren, Wis. 54872 715-689-2539

Wrecker - Flatbed Air Conditioning & Computerized Car Service - Cold Weather Starts Webster, Wis. 715-866-4100 Days 715-866-8364 Eves.

Any area business wishing to help sponsor the church listings should contact the Leader at 715-327-4236.

Churches 9/10

FREDERIC

CHURCH ChurchDIRECTORY Directory

DECEMBER 22, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 39

ADVENTIST

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST - FREDERIC 609 Benson Road; Pastor Curtis Denney Sat. Worship 11 a.m.; Sabbath Schl. 9:30 a.m.

ALLIANCE

ALLIANCE

ALLIANCE CHURCH OF THE VALLEY Senior Pastor Bob Morton 1259 Hwy. 35 S., St. Croix Falls Sunday Worship: 9 & 11 a.m.

BIBLE FELLOWSHIP

BIBLE FELLOWSHIP

WORD OF LIFE CHURCH

Meeting in homes. Elders: Cliff Bjork, Jon Zens, 715-483-1357 and 715-755-3048 Sun. Fellowship - 10 a.m.; Wed. 7 p.m.

LUTHERAN

LUTHERAN

BALSAM LUTHERAN CHURCH 1115 Mains Crossing, 1/2 Mile South Hwy. 8 On 110th St.; Sun. Worship 9 a.m.; Sun. School 10:15 a.m.

Wed. Bible Study 8:30 a.m.; Wed. LOGOS 3:20 p.m.

BEAUTIFUL SAVIOR LUTHERAN (WELS) Gene E. Jahnke, Pastor, 715-635-7672, Hm. 715-354-7787, Hwy. 70 at 53, Spooner Sun. Wor. - 9:30 a.m.; Sun. School & Bible Classes For All - 10:45 a.m.

BETHANY LUTHERAN - BRANSTAD Pastor Jay Ticknor, 715-463-5746 3 miles So. of Grantsburg on Hwy. 87 Sun. Schl. - 9:30 a.m.; Worship - 11 a.m.

BETHANY LUTHERAN - SIREN Hwy. 35, 1/2 blk. N. Main St. Interim Pastor Andrew Hinwood Pastoral Serv. 715-349-5280 Sun. School 8:15 a.m.; Sun. Worship - 9:30 a.m.

BETHESDA LUTHERAN - DRESSER (LCMC) www.bethesdalutheran.ws Pastor Roger Kastelle 715-755-2562 1947 110th Ave., Dresser Contemporary Serv. 8:30 a.m.; Adult Ed & Sunday School 9:30 a.m.; Sunday Traditional Service 10:45 a.m.;

BONE LAKE LUTHERAN bllc@lakeland.ws Pastor Mary Ann Bowman, 5 mi. E. of Luck on Hwy. 48, 1/2 mi. S. on I; Office - 715-472-2535 Pastor - 715-472-8153, Exploring Prayer 8:45 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 3 - adult 9 a.m.; Wor. 10:30 a.m.; Fellowship 11:30 a.m.

Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sundays

CHRIST LUTHERAN (LCMS) Pipe Lake CTH G & T, 715-822-3096 Pastor Steve Miller Sun. Serv. 10:45 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 9:15 a.m. during schl. yr.; Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sun. www.christlutheranpipelake.com

CLAM FALLS LUTHERAN (AALC) Pastor Gary Rokenbrodt - 715-653-2630 Communion 1st Sun.; Wor. 9 a.m.; Sun. School 9 a.m.

FAITH LUTHERAN - BALSAM LAKE faithlutheran@lakeland.ws Pastor Diane Norstad 715-485-3800; CTH I & Mill Street Worship 9:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 10:40 a.m.; Holy Communion 1st & last Sundays

MILLTOWN LUTHERAN

113 W. Main St.. W., Phone 715-825-2453 Pastor Danny G. Wheeler 9:15 a.m. Worship ; 10 a.m. Sunday School

NEW HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH Pastor Emory Johnson, 715-463-5700 685 W. State Road 70, Grantsburg Sun. Wor. Serv. 9:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 11 a.m.

NORTH VALLEY LUTHERAN

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC Rev. Thomas E. Thompson, 715-294-2243 255 E. 10th Ave., Osceola Masses: Sun. 10:30 a.m., Tues. 5 p.m.

Thurs. at 10 a.m. at Osc. Nursing Home

PEACE LUTHERAN - DRESSER (ELCA)

LAKEVIEW UNITED - HERTEL

PILGRIM LUTHERAN - FREDERIC (ELCA)

Tom Cook, Pastor Worship 8:45 a.m.; Sunday Schl. 10 a.m.

Interim Pastor Andrew Hinwood 507 Wisconsin Ave. N., 715-327-8012 Sun. Parents & Toddlers 9:15 a.m.; Sun. Worship - 10 a.m.

Holy Communion 1st & 2nd Sundays www.pilgrimlutheranfrederic.org

REDEEMER EV. LUTHERAN (Wisconsin Synod) Pastor Gene DeVries 200 N. Adams St., St. Croix Falls Sun. Wor. - 9:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. - 8:30 a.m.

ST. JOHN’S EV. LUTHERAN (Wis. Synod) 350 Michigan Ave., Centuria Sun. Worship - 10:45 a.m.; Sun. School - 10 a.m.

ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN - LCMC 1614 CTH B, North Luck, Pastor Rob Lubben Sunday Worship - 9 a.m.

Contact Leslie Valentine, 715-646-2390; E-mail: leslie56@centurytel.net

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN (Missouri Synod) 140 Madison St. South, St. Croix Falls Pastor Mark K. Schoen Sun. Service - 9 a.m.; Sun.School - 10:30 a.m.

TRINITY LUTHERAN - ELCA 10 mi. W. of Cumberland on Hwy. 48 (McKinley) - Pastor Neal Weltzin GT Office 715-857-5580, Parsonage 715-822-3001, TR Office - 715-822-3001 Wor. Serv. - 9 a.m.; Sun. Schl. - 10:15 a.m.

Holy Communion - 1st Sunday

TRINITY LUTHERAN LCMS, DANBURY Pastor Gerald Heinecke Home 715-327-8608; Church 715-866-7191 Sunday Worship Service - 8 a.m.

Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sundays

TRINITY LUTHERAN - FALUN Hwy. 70 East, 715-689-2271, Pastor: Carl Heidel Worship 9 a.m.; Sunday School 10:15 a.m.

Communion -Every Sunday

TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN OSCEOLA

FRISTAD LUTHERAN - CENTURIA

YELLOW LAKE LUTHERAN

CTH H, 1/2 mi. N. of CTH A & H on H Church Off. 715-635-7791 Roger Pittman, Pastor Worship Serv. 10 a.m.; Sun. School. 9 p.m.

LAKETOWN LUTHERAN - CUSHING Pastor Dorothy Sandahl Sun. Wor. 10:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 10:30 a.m.

LUCK LUTHERAN 510 Foster Ave. E. Office 715-472-2605; Home 715-472-8424 Sun. Wor. Serv. 10:30 a.m.; Mon. Wor. Serv. 6:30 p.m.

GRACE UNITED - WEBSTER

2355 Clark Road, Dresser, WI, 715-755-2515 Web site: plcdresser.org Pastor Wayne Deloach, Intern Courtney Young Sun. Wor. 8:30 & 11 a.m., Sun. Schl. 9:35 a.m.

Pastor Dorothy Sandahl, 715-648-5323 or 715-648-5324 Sun. Wor. 9 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 9 a.m.

LAKESIDE COMMUNITY LUTH. - ELCA

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC

Holytrinity@wisconsinumc.org 1606 165th Ave., CTH I, Centuria Pastor Freddie Kirk, 715-485-3363 Sunday Worship - 8:30 a.m.

Rev. Rexford D. Brandt 447 180th St., Osceola, 715-294-2936 Sunday Worship 9 a.m.

Communion 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month

(Missouri Synod) Pastor Jody R. Walter, 715-327-8608 Sun. Schl. - 8:45 a.m.; Service - 10:45 a.m.

Communion - 1st & 3rd Sun.

DANBURY UNITED METHODIST

HOLY TRINITY UNITED METHODIST

FIRST LUTHERAN - CUSHING

IMMANUEL LUTHERAN - FREDERIC

Pastor Carolyn Saunders, 715-463-2624 Worship - 9 a.m.; Sunday School - 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Gerald Heinecke Church Phone 715-866-7191 Sun. Schl. - 9:30 a.m.; Sun. Wor. - 10:30 a.m.

Communion 1st & 3rd Sundays

Pastors Mike & Linda Rozumalski 1 mi. west of Luck on N, 2478 170th St., Luck Sunday Worship 9:30 a.m.; Fellowship following service

Phone 715-327-4340, 715-327-8384, 715-327-8090 Interim Pastor Julie Brenden Worship 9:15 a.m.; Sun. School 10:30 a.m.

Communion - 1st & 2nd Sundays

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST Pastor Father Michael J. Tupa, 715-866-7321 Cedar & Muskey Ave. - Webster Mass Sun 10 a.m., Wed. 5:30 p.m. (Sept-May), Fri. 9 a.m. (Summer)

CENTRAL UNITED METHODIST GRANTSBURG

Cindy Glocke, Pastor, 715-866-8646 Sunday Worship - 10:30 a.m.

WEST DENMARK LUTHERAN

GRACE LUTHERAN - WEST SWEDEN

Pastor Doug McConnell Youth Pastor Chris Radtke At Grantsburg High School, 715-463-5794 Sun. Serv. 9:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 11 a.m.

OUR REDEEMER LUTHERAN, (LCMS) WEBSTER

5561 Chestnut St., Taylors Falls, MN 651-465-5265 Traditional Worship 8:30 a.m.; Sunday School & Youth 9:45 a.m.; Adult Learning 10 a.m.; Contemp. Wor. 11 a.m.

Rt. 1, Balsam Lake, WI (Fox Creek) Pastor Neal Weltzen; GT Office - 715-857-5580, Parsonage - 715-822-3001, TR Office - 715-822-3001 Wors. Serv. 10:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 9:15 a.m.; Holy Communion - 1st Sun. of each month

Pastor Carolyn Saunders, 715-463-2624 Sunday School - 11 a.m.; Worship - 11 a.m.

LIVING HOPE CHURCH

Pastor Father Daniel Bodin, 651-465-7345 25293 Redwing Ave., Shafer, MN Sunday 9 a.m.

404 Wis. Ave., Amery, 715-268-7717 Father John Drummy, Pastor Sat. Mass 4 p.m., Sun. Mass 8 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation Sat., 3:30 p.m. or by appt.

FIRST EVAN. LUTHERAN

GEORGETOWN LUTHERAN - ELCA

ATLAS UNITED METHODIST

ST. FRANCIS XAVIER

Cindy Glocke, Pastor, 715-866-8646 Sunday Worship - 9 a.m.

Pastor Victor St. George, 715-463-5388 Worship 9:30 a.m.; Sun. School 10:45 a.m.

ELCA - 501 Hwy. 35, 715-646-2357, Mel Rau, Pastor Sun. Wor. & Holy Communion - 9:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. - 10:40 a.m.

METHODIST

Pastor Maggie Isaacson, 715-825-3559 3 mi. W. of Milltown on “G” Sunday Worship - 9:15 a.m.

Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sundays

300 Seminole Ave. (CTH M) Mark Kock, Pastor, 715-294-2828 Sunday Worship 8 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.; Summer, 9 a.m.

FAITH LUTHERAN - GRANTSBURG

METHODIST

WEST IMMANUEL LUTHERAN - ELCA

1/2 mi. W. of Hwy. 35 on U, 715-866-8281, Pastors Douglas Olson, Roger Kampstra and Myron Carlson Services begin at 9:30 a.m.; Communion 1st & 3rd Sunday

ZION LUTHERAN - BONE LAKE (AALC) Pastor Gary Rokenbrodt - 715-653-2630 5 mi. E. of Frederic on W, 2 mi. south on I; Sun. School 9:30 a.m.; Worship 10:30 a.m.

Communion - 1st Sunday

ASSEMBLY

LEWIS MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST

CENTURIA ASSEMBLY OF GOD

McKINLEY UNITED METHODIST Pastor Annie Tricker Sun. Worship 11 a.m.; Sun. School 11 a.m.

Potluck dinner 1st Sunday

OSCEOLA UNITED METHODIST oumc@centurytel.net 306 River Street, Osceola, 715-755-2275 Pastor Mark Gilbert Adult Class - 8:30 a.m.; Sunday School 10 a.m.

Sunday Worship - 10 a.m.; Holy Communion 1st Sunday

ST. CROIX FALLS UNITED METHODIST Rev. Mike Weaver Sunday Worship Service - 10 a.m.

Sunday School is at 9 a.m., Nursery available

ST. LUKE UNITED - FREDERIC Pastor Arveda “Freddie” Kirk, 715-327-4436 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.

Souper service Wed. 5:15 p.m.

SIREN UNITED METHODIST Tom Cook, Pastor Sunday School 9 a.m.

Worship - 10:15 a.m. (Nursery available)

TAYLORS FALLS UNITED METHODIST 290 W. Government Street, 715-294-4436 Reverend Dr. Rolland Robinson Sunday Service - 10 a.m. with nursery Sunday School - Sept. - May at 10 a.m.

WOLF CREEK UNITED METHODIST Rev. Mike Weaver Sunday Worship - 8:15 a.m.

COVENANT

COVENANT

CALVARY COVENANT - ALPHA Pastor Scott Sagle, 715-689-2541 Sun. School 9:30 a.m.; Sun. Worship 10:30 p.m.; Elevator provided, welcome

SIREN COVENANT Pastor Dave Guertin 7686 Lofty Pines Drive, Siren, 715-349-5601 Worship 10 a.m.; Sunday School 9 a.m.

UNITED COVENANT - CLEAR LAKE Pastor Gary Tonn Sunday School 9:00 a.m.; Worship 10:30 a.m.

CATHOLIC

CATHOLIC

ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Rev. Thomas E. Thompson, 715-247-3310 255 St. Hwy. 35, East Farmington Mass Friday 9 a.m.; Sacrament of Penance Sat. 3:30 p.m.

CHURCH OF ST. JOSEPH Pastor - Father Daniel Bodin 490 Bench St., Taylors Falls, 651-465-7345 Sat. Vigil 5:30 p.m.; Sun. 7:30 & 10:30 a.m.

Tues. - Thurs. 7:30 a.m.

OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP Danbury - 7586 St. Rd. 77, 715-866-7321 Pastor - Father Michael J. Tupa Mass - Sat. 4 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m. (Sept.-May).

Reconciliation as per bulletin & by appt.

OUR LADY OF THE LAKES

Pastor Martin Weigand - 715-294-3489 Sun. Schl. 9 a.m.; Adult Bible Class 9:30 a.m.; Worship 10:30 a.m.

Balsam Lake - Rev. John A. Drummy, Pastor - 405-2253 Mass: Sat. eves. 6 p.m.; Sun. 8:30 a.m.; Tues. 5:30 p.m.; Fri. 9 a.m.Sacrament of Reconciliation 7:30 a.m. Sun. or by appt.

ZION LUTHERAN - MARKVILLE

SACRED HEARTS OF JESUS & MARY

ZION LUTHERAN - EAST FARMINGTON (WELS )

Pastor Tim Faust Worship - 11 a.m.; Sun. School - 10 a.m.

Holy Communion - 1st & 3rd Sunday

ZION LUTHERAN - TRADE LAKE Interim Pastor Julie Brenden 715-327-8384, 715-327-8090 Fellowship - 10:30 a.m., Sun. Schl. 9:45 a.m.; Worship 11 a.m., Communion - 1st & 2nd Sundays

PRESBYTERIAN

PRESBYTERIAN

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN

Rev. Bruce Brooks - 715-483-3550 719 Nevada St. , (between Simonson & Tower Roads) , St. Croix Falls Worship - 10 a.m. (Nursery provided) Sun. Schl. - Child.- 9 a.m.; Sun. Schl. - Adults 8:45 a.m.; Communion 1st Sunday

ASSEMBLY

Pastor Jack Starr Wor. - 9 a.m.; Sun. Schl. - during worship hour

Pastor Father Michael J. Tupa CTHs A & H - 715-866-7321 Crescent Lake Voyager Village area.

Mass Sun. 8 a.m., Thurs. 9:30 a.m.

Reconciliation as per bulletin and by appt.

ST. DOMINIC - FREDERIC & IMMACULATE CONCEPTION - GRANTSBURG CATHOLIC MASS SCHEDULE Pastor: Rev. Dennis M. Mullen, 715-327-8119 St. Dominic: Sat. 4:30 p.m.; Sun. 10:30 a.m.

Immaculate Conception: Sat. 6:30 p.m.; Sun. 8:30 a.m. Call the office for daily & holy day Mass times

ST. ANNE PARISH Rev. Thomas E. Thompson, 715-247-3310 139 Church Hill Rd., Somerset Mass Sun. 8:30 a.m.; Wed. 9 a.m.

Sacrament of Penance Sun. 8 a.m.

Pastor Don Wiltshire, 715-640-6400 Centuria - Phone 715-646-2172 Sunday Service: 10 a.m.

TRADE LAKE BAPTIST Pastor Andy McDaniel, 715-327-8402 Sun. Schl. - 9:15 a.m.; Wor. Serv. - 10:15 a.m.; Nursery provided.; www.tradelakebaptistchurch.org

CHURCH OF CHRIST

CHURCH OF CHRIST

CHURCH OF CHRIST - WEBSTER

Minister Garret Derouin, 715-866-7157 Musky & Birch St., Avail. in office 9 a.m. - noon, Tues.-Fri.; Sun. Bible Study 9:30 a.m.

Worship 10:30 a.m.

WESLEYAN

WESLEYAN

WOODLAND WESLEYAN

Dairyland - Rev. Andrea Wittwer 715-244-3649 Sunday School - 10 a.m.; Worship - 11 a.m.

FULL GOSPEL

OSCEOLA COMMUNITY CHURCH

FULL GOSPEL

Pastor Larry Mederich, 715-294-4332 www.occconnect.org Mtg. @ St. Croix Art Barn; Sun. Serv. - 9 a.m.

Nursery and children church

WOOD RIVER CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

SIREN ASSEMBLY OF GOD

Pastor Dan Slaikeu 4 mi. SE of Grantsburg on Williams Rd. Sunday School 9:30 a.m.; Worship 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Andrew Bollant Sun. Schl. - 9:15 a.m.; Morn. Serv. - 10:15 a.m.; Supervised Nursery; Wed. Evening - Worship Serv. 6:30 p.m.

231 Bluff Drive, 715-247-2435 Services are Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

EVANGELICAL

CHRISTIAN CENTER

EVANGELICAL

APPLE RIVER COMMUNITY (EFCA) Pastor Bruce Tanner, 715-268-2176 942 U.S. Hwy. 8, Amery Sun. Schl. 9:30 a.m.; Worship 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday Bible study 7 p.m.

CROSSWALK COMMUNITY CHURCH

HOPE FELLOWSHIP OF SOMERSET

CHRISTIAN CENTER

EL SALEM/TWIN FALLS CHRISTIAN CENTER

1751 100th Ave., Dresser Sunday School 9:30 a.m.; Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Evening Services Sun. 6 p.m.; Wed. 7 p.m.

Call Pastor Darryl Olson at 715-755-3133 for information and directions

Pastor Greg Lund, 715-327-8767 700 Churchwood Lane; 505 Old CTH W, Frederic Sun. Schl. - 9 a.m.; Morn. Worship - 10:15 a.m.; Nursery provided for all services Sat. Worship - 6 p.m., Luck Senior Center

CHRISTIAN ORTHODOX

TRADE RIVER EVAN. FREE

HOLY TRINITY ORTHODOX

Pastor Dale VanDeusen, 715-488-2296 or 715-488-2653 20296 Hwy. 87, Grantsburg Morning Wor. - 9:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. - 10:45 a.m.; Nursery provided for all services

523 1st St., Clayton, 715-948-2493 Fr. Christopher Wojcik, Pastor Saturday Vespers - 5 p.m.; Sunday Liturgy - 9:30 a.m.

BAPTIST

BAPTIST

EAST BALSAM BAPTIST - BALSAM LK. 715-857-5411 Worship Service - 9 a.m.; Sunday School-10:15 a.m.

EUREKA BAPTIST 2393 210th Ave., St. Croix Falls Pastor Willis Christenson, 715-483-9464 Sunday School - 10 a.m.; Worship Service - 11 a.m.

FAITH FELLOWSHIP Hwy. 35 and CTH N., Luck Bill McEachern Pastor, 715-485-3973 Sun. Bible study - 9 a.m.; Sun. Wor. - 10 a.m.

FIRST BAPTIST - AMERY 131 Broadway St., 715-268-2223; www.fbcamery.org Pastor Charlie Butt, Lead Pastor; Nick Buda, Assoc. Pastor of Family Ministries 1st Sunday Service: 9 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.; Nursury available; Sun. School for Pre-K to 5th; Sun. School for Jr./Sr. high meet in teen center 2nd Sunday Service: 10:30 - 11:45 a.m.; Nursery available; Children’s church ages 3-4

FIRST BAPTIST - FALUN Pastor Kevin Miller Associate Pastor Steve Ward Sunday School - (all ages) - 9:30 a.m.

Church Serv. - 10:45 a.m.

FIRST BAPTIST - MILLTOWN Pastor Marlon Mielke, 715-825-3186 Sunday Schl. 9:45 a.m.; Worship 11 a.m., 7 p.m.

FIRST BAPTIST - TAYLORS FALLS, MN Located across from elemen. school on West St., Pastor, Dr. Kevin Schumann; 651-465-7171 Sun. Morn. - Sun. School for all ages - 9 a.m.

Morn. Worship - 10:15 a.m.; Nursery provided.

FIRST BAPTIST - WEBSTER Church Phone 715-866-4111; Interim Pastor Ken Hyatt; Youth Pastor Jerry Scheumann Sun. School - 9:30 a.m.; Wor. - 10:45 a.m (Nursery Provided)

GRACE CHURCH OF OSCEOLA “The Cure for the Common Church”

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN

HOLY CROSS ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN Meeting at Zion Lutheran Church, 28005 Old Towne Rd., Chisago Lakes, MN hcomm.org Sunday Worship Service 9:30 a.m.

NAZARENE

NAZARENE

CALVARY CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 510 S. Vincent, St. Croix Falls Pastor Tom Reaume, 715-483-3696 Sunday School 9:30 a.m.; Worship 10:45 a.m. & Wed. 6:30 p.m.

FAITH COMMUNITY 7535 Peet St., Danbury, 715-656-4010 Adult Bible Service 9 a.m.; Services: Sun. 10 a.m.; Sunday School during church service.

NONDENOMINATIONAL

NONDENOMINATIONAL

CENTERPOINT CHURCH “Come as you are”

Pastor Dick Enerson, www.centerpointstcroix.com, 715-294-1833, Meeting at SCF High Schl. - Main entrance 740 Maple Drive, St. Croix Falls Sunday Worship 10 - 11:15 a.m.

NEW LIFE COMMUNITY - AMERY Interim Pastor Craig Jorgenson Sunday Worship 10 a.m.; Children’s Church: K to 6th Grade

NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY Meets at Dresser Elem. School, Dresser Pastor Michael Brand, 715-417-2468 Adult Class 9 a.m.; Sunday School 9:45 a.m.; Worship Service 9:45 a.m.; Nursery available

NEW WINE CHURCH - CENTURIA 309 5th Street, , 715-338-2751 Pastors Randy and Pam Stone Sunday 10 a.m.; Wednesday 7 p.m.

NORTHERN PINES FRIENDS WORSHIP GROUP 715-733-0481 or 715-733-0480 for time of meeting.

INTERDENOMINATIONAL

INTERDENOMINATIONAL

RIVER VALLEY CHRISTIAN

722 Seminole Ave., Osceola Pastor Dr. Kent Haralson; 715-294-4222 or 715-755-3454; info@gracechurchosceola.com Sun.: Praise & Worship Serv. 9 am., Adult Bible Study 10:45 a.m., Children’s Sun. School 10:45 a.m.

1289 160th St. (Hwy. 65), St. Croix Falls, 715-483-5378 Pastors Dan and Claudia Denissen Sunday Adult Bible Class 9 a.m.

(No child care available) Worship and Children’s Sunday Schl. 10 a.m.

GRACE BAPTIST - GRANTSBURG

ST. PETER’S COMMUNITY CHURCH

716 S. Robert St., Grantsburg, 715-463-5699 Sr. Pastor Brad Moore David Ahlquist, Assoc. Pastor Sun. Worship 9:30 a.m.; Sun. School 11 a.m.

“Faith on Purpose” (Love God, Love People...period) faithonpurpose.org CTH F, Dresser, 715-483-2911 Pastor’s res./office Sunday Worship 10 a.m.

church directory

ADVENTIST

PAGE 42 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 22, 2010

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HACKER’S LANES

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Eye health exams, glaucoma checks, foreign body removal, full line of street wear, safety and sport wear, contact lenses

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715-472-2502

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Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home Webster, Wisconsin

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NEW YORK LIFE

See us for all your printing needs.

INTER-COUNTY COOPERATIVE PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION • Shell Lake, 715-468-2314 • St. Croix Falls 715-483-9008

Visit The Leader’s Web Site:

www.the-leader.net

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER (PG) Wed.-Thurs.: 5:20, 7:30, 9:40; Sat.-Thurs.: 1:00, 3:10, 5:20, 7:30, 9:40

THE TOURIST

(PG-13) Wed.-Thurs.: 5:10, 7:10, 9:10; Sat.-Thurs.: 1:10, 3:10, 5:10, 7:10, 9:10

ENDS THURS., DEC. 23

TANGLED (PG) Wed.-Thurs.: 5:05, 7:05, 9:05 STARTS SAT., DEC. 25

GULLIVER’S TRAVELS

(PG) NO PASSES OR REDUCED ADMISSION Sat.-Thurs.: 1:05, 3:05, 5:05, 7:05, 9:05 CHECK WEB SITE FOR SHOW TIMES: 18L 527718 www.evergreen-entertainment.com 8a,d

715-349-2297

“At the Stoplights” in Siren, 23985 State Rd. 35

715-349-7878

HOURS: Open at 4 p.m. Mon. - Thurs.

Open 11 a.m. Fri. - Sat.

SUNDAY BRUNCH - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

NIGHTLY SPECIALS!

Follow the Leader

HAPPY HOUR All Night On Mondays For 1s From 8 - 11 p.m. on Thursdays!

And 2

Join Us For A Celebration On Thursday, Dec. 23.

UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER PARTY in the bar from 8 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Food, drink specials, prizes and music!

OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE, 4 - 8 p.m.

OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY , Noon - 8 p.m.

Phone 715-268-2004

Offering prime rib, ham dinner or turkey dinner with all the fixins’

Daily: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Offering full menu and 7 delectable features

AUSTIN LAKE GREENHOUSE & FLOWER SHOP • WEDDING BOUQUETS • FUNERAL DESIGNS • CUT FLOWERS • GIFTS • BALLOONS • BEDDING PLANTS • POTTED PLANTS • TUXEDO RENTAL BY SAVVI • ANTLER KING PRODUCTS Hwy. 35 & “FF,” Webster Flowers Phoned Anywhere

Call 715-866-7261

Make your reservation NOW for New Year’s Eve!

AT THE LODGE 24226 1st Ave. No. Siren, WI Local Movie Line 715-349-8888 Timbers1@starwire.net

SHOW TIMES FOR FRI., DEC. 24 THRU THURS., DEC. 30

TRON: LEGACY

Rated PG, 125 Minutes.

Fri.: 1:00 p.m.; Sat.: 6:00 & 8:30 p.m.

Sun.-Thurs.: 1:00, 3:30, 6:00 & 8:30 p.m.

YOGI BEAR

Rated PG, 83 Minutes.

Fri.: 1:00 p.m.; Sat.: 5:00, 7:00 & 9:00 p.m.

Sun.-Thurs.: 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 7:00 & 9:00 p.m.

LITTLE FOCKERS Rated PG-13, 98 Minutes.

Fri.: 1:00 p.m.; Sat.: 5:00, 7:00 & 9:00 p.m.

Sun.-Thurs.: 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 7:00 & 9:00 p.m.

• Commercial Printing • Office Supplies • Daily UPS Pickup • Fax & Copy Service

• Frederic, 715-327-4236 • Siren, 715-349-2560

NO PASSES OR REDUCED ADMISSION Wed.-Thurs.: 5:00, 7:00, 9:00; Sat.-Thurs.: 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 7:00, 9:00 TRUE GRIT (PG-13) NO PASSES OR REDUCED ADMISSION Wed.-Thurs.: 5:10, 7:25, 9:30; Sat.-Thurs.: 1:20, 5:10, 7:25, 9:30 TRON: LEGACY (PG) Wed.-Thurs.: 5:00, 7:15, 9:35; Sat.-Thurs.: 1:30, 5:00, 7:15, 9:35 HOW DO YOU KNOW? (PG-13) Wed.-Thurs.: 5:05, 7:10, 9:20; Sat.-Thurs.: 1:20, 5:05, 7:10, 9:20 YOGI BEAR (PG) Wed.-Thurs.: 5:15, 7:15, 9:15; Sat.-Thurs.: 1:15, 3:15, 5:15, 7:15, 9:15

527355 17-18L 7a

Phone (715) 472-2121

SEE US FOR ALL YOUR VISION CARE NEEDS. Exams, Glasses & Contacts, Foreign Body Removal, Treatment of Eye Disease

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Hours: Tues., Thurs., Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

715-866-4700

527603 18L

SHOWS AND SHOW TIMES December 22 - December 30 LITTLE FOCKERS (PG-13)

* Preventative Care * * Crowns, Bridges, Cosmetic Dentistry * * Dentures, Partials, Relines * * Fillings, Root Canals and Extractions * GENTLE DENTAL CARE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

OPTOMETRIST 119 Arlington Drive Amery, Wis.

304 1st St. So., Luck, Wis.

WEBSTER EYE ASSOCIATES

All Stadium/Digital

2179 E. Hwy. 8 • 715-483-1471 Between Tractor Supply and Wal-Mart www.evergreen-entertainment.com

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME

Dr. T.L. Christopherson

Family Eye Clinic

715-463-2370

ST. CROIX FALLS

Sheldon A. Olesen, DDS 24164 State Road 35, Siren, Wis.

Dr. Daniel C. Satterlund

GRANTSBURG EYE ASSOCIATES

Cinema 8

SIREN DENTAL CLINIC

We Will Open At 3 p.m. On Sat., Dec. 25 & Sat., Jan. 1 We are booking events for our banquet hall for 2011, and still have some great dates available. Fresh food, great service and the most reasonable prices in the area! Call or stop in for a FREE brochure!

WE HAVE PARTS for tractors, combines, machinery, hay equipment and more.

Used, new, rebuilt, aftermarket. Downing Tractor Parts, Downing, Wis., www. asapagparts.com 877-5301010. 32Ltfc

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413 Wis. Ave. S., Box 45, Frederic, WI 54837 Phone: 715-327-9969 • Fax: 715-327-8535 E-mail: 10pin@centurytel.net

Our Annual No-Tap Tournament Runs Weekends January 8 Through January 30

WANT ADS

Let’s Thrive.®

Cris A. Moore, FICF, FIC Senior Financial Consultant

Joel L. Morgan, FIC Assistant Financial Associate

Matt P. Bobick Financial Associate 201 Main St. S. • Luck, WI 54853

715-472-8107 office 800-500-2936 toll-free 22854A N1-07

200700115 12/09

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER

Rated PG, 112 Minutes.

Fri.: 1:00 p.m.; Sat.: 6:00 & 8:30 p.m.

Sun.-Tues: 1:00, 3:30, 6:00 & 8:30 p.m.

GULLIVER’S TRAVELS

Rated PG, 87 Minutes.

Thurs.-Fri., 12/29 & 12/30: 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 7:00 & 9:00 p.m.

527600 18L 8a

AUTOMOBILE DONATION

Check out the Leader’s e-edition @ www.theleader.net

All shows and show times before 6 p.m. $5.00.

Shows and show times subject to change.

Visit us on our Web site: www.timberstheatres.com

G

G t ifts Of J a e r G e iv o

y

7711 Park Street West • Siren, WI 54872

715-349-5880

Mistletoe...........................$99 Celebrate..........................$120 Joy....................................$145

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17-18L

Merry Christmas from all of us at Nouveau.

Offer good until Dec. 31. Not valid with any other offer.

DECEMBER 22, 2010 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 41

Students of the Week GRANTSBURG

FREDERIC

Savanna Grant has been chosen Frederic Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in third grade and the daughter of Mya Monteith and Todd Grant. Savanna is a super student who loves math and most especially multiplication.

Savanna works hard in school and is a true role model for her classmates. She has many favorites in her life: soccer, horses, reading, summer and the Christmas holiday.

Savanna and her family have 13 animals, seven of which are horses.

Congratulations to all students on a job well done!

Jared VanWatermeulen has been chosen Grantsburg Elementary School’s student of the week.

He is in second grade and the son of Susan and Loren VanWatermeulen. Jared is a great student who is respectful of others. He is a great rule follower and is very responsible. Jared loves solving problems in math. He loves going sledding in the winter and has a snow fort that he is working on.

Jared’s twin brother, Justin, also has a snow fort.

Jenni Holdt has been chosen Luck Middle School’s student of the week. She is in eighth grade and the daughter of Marni and Brian Holdt. Jenni has a positive attitude, is quick to help others and takes her studies seriously.

She is involved in band, choir, basketball, volleyball, softball and track. Jenni enjoys fourwheeling, golfing and watching movies. The greatest influence in her life is her mom.

Kristine Wortman has been chosen Luck High School’s student of the week. She is a senior and the daughter of Karen and Dan Wortman. Kristine is a talented clarinet player, a leader and a great helper with a positive attitude. She is involved in yearbook, AODA, 4-H, band, honor band, jazz band, solo ensemble, forensics, baby-sits and works at Subway. Kristine enjoys horse riding, snowboarding and texting. She plans to attend Michigan State for crime-scene investigation.

Cady Costello has been chosen St. Croix Falls Elementary School’s student of the week.

She is in third grade and the daughter of Dawn and John Costello. Cady’s favorite subject is phy ed, she loves to play with her siblings at home and play in the snow. Cady has many hobbies, however, her favorites are riding her bike in the summer and swimming anytime. Cady has three sisters and one brother.

Howie Lindahl has been chosen St. Croix Falls Middle School’s student of the week. He is in eighth grade and the son of Laura and Howie Lindahl. He has one brother. His pets include 1 dog, Buster; a gerbil, Masio and a guinea pig named Peggy Sue. Howie is involved in baseball and enjoys looking at old cars, spending time with family and playing video games. His favorite subject is science. Howie is a very conscientious and caring student.

Zach Horn has been chosen St. Croix Falls High School’s student of the week. He is a junior and the son of Thomas and Linnette Horn. Zach enjoys watching movies, swimming and SNL. He is involved in football, weight-lifting, track and student council.

WEBSTER

SIREN

Mackenzie Hicks has been chosen Siren Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in kindergarten. Mackenzie is a very conscientious, hardworking student. She enjoys school and is always ready to learn. Mackenzie is a very good friend to her classmates, always making sure she includes others and makes them feel accepted. Mackenzie favors computer class and loves to play on the monkey bars during recess.

Emily Cole has been chosen Grantsburg High School’s student of the week. She is a senior and the daughter of Mike and Teri Cole.

Emily is an excellent leader and has a positive attitude. She is the president of student council, a member of state volleyball team, softball, LINK group, choir, vocal jazz, swing choir and club volleyball. Emily enjoys tap dancing, water aerobics, reading, being with friends and family, sewing and clogging. She plans to go to pharmacy school.

ST. CROIX FALLS

LUCK

Kayli Cook has been chosen Luck Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in second grade and the daughter of Tracy and Jammie Cook. Kayli comes to school every day with a bright, positive attitude, ready to learn.

She is an excellent worker, polite and fun to be around. Her favorite subject is math. Outside of school Kayli likes to play by the lake and on her swing set.

Kajsa Luedtke has been chosen Grantsburg Middle School’s student of the week. She is in sixth grade and the daughter of Carmen and Brad Luedtke. Kajsa is such a kind, positive and helpful student and classmate. She works hard in school and treats others with repsect. Kajsa’s favorite class is science and she is also very active in sports.

Amber Hall has been chosen Siren High School’s student of the week. She is a junior and the daughter of Dave Hall and Julie Hall. Amber is an awesome student. She has been a major part of the publications class with photography and creative ideas for the yearbook. Amber is consistently on the B honor roll. She is personable, responsible and has a great sense of humor. Amber plays volleyball and track and is the girl’s basketball manager. She wants a career teaching special ed.

Caleb Smith has been chosen Webster Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in kindergarten and the son of Tamra and Cameron Smith. He is new to the district this year along with his brother Samuel who is in second grade. Caleb is doing a fantastic job in class, has many friends and is always kind to others. Caleb enjoys doing puzzles, playing with cars, learning new sight words.

Savannah Varner has been chosen Webster Middle School’s student of the week. She is in sixth grade and the daughter of Cindy and Mitchell Varner. Savannah always has her work finished and tries her best at all times. Her favorite subject is math. She is involved in band and basketball.

Savannah enjoys soccer, swimming, basketball and reading.

She has one brother, three sisters and one dog. She enjoys trips with her family.

Dan Dochniak has been chosen Webster High School’s student of the week. He is a senior and the son of Alecia Hall. Dan works hard to understand and he takes pride in doing well and achieving high grades. He carries himself with dignity and respects and encourages his classmates. Dan makes great choices and represents Webster High School well in school, in sports, as well as in the community. He is involved in football, track and basketball.

Kevin Paulson has been chosen Unity Middle School’s student of the week. He is in fifth grade and the son of Eugene and Kimmarie Paulson. Kevin is a great kid, he is polite, friendly and always does his best. He also works hard and has a positive attitude. His good work habits contribute to his success in school.

Megan Jones has been chosen Unity High School’s student of the week. She is a sophomore and the daughter of Ron and Virginia Jones. She loves music as evidenced by her involvement in band, choir and vocal jazz. After high school she plans to enter the music industry. She lives in St. Croix Falls.

UNITY

Proudly Supporting Our Students Stop In or Call Us Today

Electricity • Propane 1-800-421-0283 www.polkburnett.com

Supporting our area students and their accomplishments.

INTER-COUNTY

Serving Northwest Wisconsin

2547 State Road 35, Luck, Wis. (in the Evergreen Plaza) 715-472-4088

www.sterlingbank.ws

If You Would Like To Be A Sponsor Of

STUDENT OF THE WEEK Please Call 715-327-4236

Hunter Robinson has been chosen Unity Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in fourth grade and the son of Brandon and Lisa Robinson.

Hunter is an excellent student with a great work ethic. He is always polite, willing to help others and responsible with assignments. Hunter is interested in all sports. He is currently playing basketball and hockey.

PAGE 44 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - DECEMBER 22, 2010

Coming events

Happenings in the Upper St. Croix Valley communities

TUESDAY/4

Every Day, AA &/or AlAnon, Polk & Burnett counties, 715-931-8262 for time/location.

Balsam Lake

Every Monday, Indianhead Barbershop Chorus meets at the government center, 7:30 p.m., 715-483-9202.

• Red Cross first aid review class at the Red Cross office, 5:30-8:30 p.m., 715-485-3025, www.scvarc.org.

Every Tuesday, Bingo at the Burnett County Moose

Clam Falls

Lodge, Siren, 6 p.m.

• Coffee hour at Clam Falls Lutheran Church, 9 a.m.

Every Tuesday, Survivors of domestic violence &

Frederic

sexual assault support group, Polk County, 800-2617233 for location, 6-7:30 p.m.

• Snowmobile safety class at the high school, 6-8 p.m.

Anyone born after Jan. 1, 1985, needs these classes.

Every Thursday, Narcotics Anonymous meets at

Rice Lake

the Serenity House (old jail), Balsam Lake, 7 p.m., 612205-2321.

• New Directions open house for adults interested in returning to college at UW-Barron County, 6-7:30 p.m., 715-234-8176, Ext. 5445.

WEDNESDAY/5

DECEMBER

WEDNESDAY/22

Frederic

• Blood pressure screening at Bremer Bank, 9 a.m.1 p.m.

THURSDAY/6

Frederic

THURS.-SUN./23-26

• Pilgrim Lutheran Church Christmas program, 7 p.m.

Balsam Lake

St. Croix Falls

• Red Cross infant/child review class at the Red Cross office, 5:30-8:30 p.m., 715-485-3025, www.scvarc.org.

• “A Christmas Carol” at the Festival Theatre. Thurs.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.

TUESDAY/28 St. Croix Falls

• Open Arms invites you for food & fellowship at Alliance Church of the Valley, 5-6:30 p.m., 715-483-1100.

FRIDAY/31

Frederic • Snowmobile safety class at the high school, 6-8 p.m.

Born after Jan. 1, 1985, needs these classes.

A December sky offered up a warm backdrop at the end of a cold day. - Photo by Gary King

Grantsburg

Grantsburg

• Steak and shrimp dinner at the American Legion Hall, 4 p.m.-?.

• Feed My Sheep at Grace Church in Grantsburg. Doors open 8 a.m., 715-463-5699.

SATURDAY/1

Lewis

JANUARY

• Lewis Jam - Bluegrass, gospel & country music at Lewis United Methodist Church, 6-9 p.m.

Danbury

MONDAY/3 Balsam Lake

• Red Cross adult /AED CPR review class at the Red Cross office, 5:30-8:30 p.m., 715-485-3025, www.scvarc.org.

SATURDAY/8 Amery

• Ruby’s Pantry at Congregational Church. Register 79:15 a.m. Distribution 9 a.m., 715-268-7390.

Frederic • Snowmobile safety class at the high school, 9:30 a.m.? Born after Jan. 1, 1985, needs these classes.

FRIDAY/14 Frederic

• NW Regional Writers meet at Sunrise Apts., topic: My lips are sealed, 1 p.m.

Siren couple inspired Florida light display

• Ruby’s Pantry at the town maintenance shop, $15 donation. Open 9:30 a.m., distribution 10-11:30 a.m.

Thousands view Rob and Betty Petersen’s Christmas spectacular every year

WINTER PARK, Fla. - Rob and Betty Petersen, former Siren residents, spend days each year to light up their home in time for the Christmas holiday season, bringing joy to thousands who make special trips to see their display.

Their Florida home becomes a spectacular centerpiece for an annual celebration that brings out the winter in Winter Park, minus snow, of course.

“Christmas in Winter Park is now in its seventeenth year and continues to draw an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 viewers each season,” noted Rob. “The display is about 100,000 to 110,000 lights that consists of window displays, antique blow molds and many animated sculptures.”

Rob said his inspiration comes from his wife of 33 years, Betty, whose mother and father - William and Julia Hayes - were winners of the Siren Area Chamber of Commerce decorating contests from the late ‘70s through 2005.

Betty’s sisters, Brenda Lindburgh, Debra and Larrold Richison and Bonnie and Barnie Tjader of the Siren area, continue the Hayes tradition of decorating in Siren to this day, Rob noted.

“Sadly to say, sister Carol Kelly, winner of the decorating contest in recent years, passed away suddenly in 2009 and her Siren area display is now missed,” he said.

“Betty has a window display dedicated to Carol here in our display.”

The Petersens’ display has something for all ages, with three scenes, consisting of the North Pole, Florida and Disney. It was chosen as Orlando’s number one private show and featured in the Orlando Sentinel.

It requires a few weeks of work, some vacation time and some capital investment.

“The display costs $3,500,” Rob noted. “That’s including a power bill of an estimated $1,000.” A donation box out front helps.

“Rob spends a lot of nights making the subdivision (which is a loop) a one-way street with him out directingtraffic due to the high volume of vehicles coming to view the spectacle,” said Mike Bohn, a 30-plus year friend of Rob’s who grew up in the Frederic are and moved to the Winter Park area at the same time as the Petersens years ago. He has helped set up the display.

“Many are repeat visitors. There is also a retirement center that loads up their residents on a bus to stop by.”

Santa sometimes pays a visit on Saturdays to meet with area children.

The display, through the inspiration provided by the Hayes, brings a little bit of Wisconsin to Florida each holiday season. - Gary King with submitted information