leader216

Leader Dr. Beck’s legacy in focus

Hannah Karl crowned Miss Luck

Currents feature

Snow sculpture winners named Currents, page 14

Currents, pages 12-13

INTER-COUNTY

THE-LEADER.NET

Follow the Leader

WED., FEB. 16, 2011 VOL. 78 • NO. 26 • 2 SECTIONS •

Readership: 13,800

An award-winning newspaper serving Northwest Wisconsin

Crowd angry with Walker and Budget Repair Bill

Storming the castle

Rep. Milroy speaks at roundtable meeting at Siren PAGE 3

The electronic edge!

Watch our e-edition each week for stories and photos that don’t make our print edition. Go to www.the-leader.net and click on “E-edition” to subscribe

Primary election results

Steffen, Anderson win judicial primary Results for Osceola Village, state Supreme Court PAGE 3

Local man faces strangulation charge

Your opinion?

Several kids made a valiant attempt at climbing the walls of the Luck Winter Carnival Ice Castle on Saturday night. More photos of the carnival can be found in our Currents section. - Photo by Greg Marsten

Trails closed

Above freezing temperatures have taken a toll on area snowmobile trails

INSIDE

It’s under way! With a swing of the sledgehammer, Patti Meyer, librarian of the Burnett Community Library, launches the transformation of the former Larsen Auto building into the new home for the library. Looking on as Meyer attacks the wall is Tom Stusek, Webster Village president. - Photo by Carl Heidel

“Hurrah!”

Renovation begins for Burnett library

Double-whammy benchmarks set in Siren See SPORTS INSIDE THIS SECTION

Deaths

• Dougal “Duke” Blaisdell • Jason W. Margl • David L. Simonson • Vadah Christina Orr • Ronnie J. Benjamin • Leonard Wesley Jacobson • Vida Diers • Leonard J. Fossum • Hazel Johnson • LaVone Nielsen • Esther P. Anderson Obituaries on page 18-19B

Victim aids abuser in fleeing police at high speed PAGE 14

PAGE 24

“The Big Melt” means: 1. Early spring - warmup is just around the corner 2. Nothing. Plenty of winter weather yet to come Go to our online poll at www.the-leader.net (Weekly results on page 8)

by Carl Heidel Leader staff writer WEBSTER - “Hurrah!” said Patti Meyer, librarian of the Burnett Community Library. With a swing of her sledgehammer she had just launched the long-awaited construction project that will turn the former Larsen Auto Sales building in Webster into a new home for the library.

Although it’s customary to begin such construction projects with a groundbreaking ceremony, that was not an option when the renovation project was launched Feb. 9. Any-

one living in Northwest Wisconsin knows that at that time of year the frost is 5 feet deep in the ground, the air temperature is hovering at or below the zero mark, and the wind chill is double digits below zero.

So the beginning ceremony had to be a wall-breaking instead. Meyer and Webster Village President Tom Stusek went at a wall in the building with their sledgehammers, made a few dents here and there, and the construction was under way.

If all goes as planned, the renovations should be complete late in the summer, and the building ready for occupancy in late August.

- See more photos, page 2

Briefly 3A Editorials 8A Letters to the editor 9A Sports 15-23A Outdoors 24A 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 18-19B Students of the Week 23B Focus on the Family 20B Church directory 21B

The e-edition of the Leader is a replica of the print edition with every page in color www.the-leader.net Copyright © 2011 Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association Frederic, Wisconsin

The Leader is a cooperative-owned newspaper • Since 1933

PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 16, 2011

HOME PAGE

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

Book explores first rails to trails conversion

SPARTA - Local residents may recall how the Sparta Recreational Trail was held up as an example when plans for the Gandy Dancer Trail were being discussed back in the 1980s.

Now, there’s a book that tells the story of the Sparta Trail. Titled “Indomitable Pluck,” it reconstructs the complete history of the trail, from the time it was the Chicago and North Western railroad line until it became America’s first rails-to-trails conversion. To learn more, go to indomitablepluck.com.

16 years of fundraising for Shriners

DALLAS – The 16th-annual Indianhead Snowmobile Club/Shrine Club joint fundraiser for the Shrine Hospital for Children was held Jan. 22 with some 16 snowmobilers taking part. The group is shown at Clickers Bar and Grill in Dallas after traveling a 100-mile round circuit that began at the Blue Hills Masonic Lodge in Rice Lake at 8:30 a.m. The snowmobile club has generated from $10,000 to $15,000 for Shriners Hospitals every year. - with submitted information

Library supporters become wrecking crew

The wall-breaking ceremony brought friends and supporters of the library together in celebration. Pictured, front row (L to R): Terry Larsen, who donated the building to the village for the library; Tom Stusek, Webster Village president; Laura Rachford, library board president; Maxine Peterson, retired librarian; Diane Lund, library board member; Patti Meyer, present librarian; and Jeff Howe, contractor who will do the renovation. Back row: Lori Raven, Dave Rasmussen and Carter Arndt, all of MSA, the firm guiding the construction process.

RIGHT: With a Packers hard hat hanging over the scene in blessing, the sledgehammers stand ready for the wall-breaking ceremony.

– Photos by Carl Heidel

A big melt

Super spirit, but no trophy

SHELL LAKE - In the spirit of the recent Super Bowl Championship, CenturyLink carved this Super Bowl 45 Championship sculpture as part of a Snow Sculptures in the Park contest held this past weekend in Shell Lake. Unlike the Packers, they did not bring home the trophy. - Photo by Larry Samson

Leader

HOW TO REACH US

Inter-County

A cooperative-owned newspaper since 1933

Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association 303 N. Wisconsin Ave., Frederic, WI 54837 715-327-4236 • www.the-leader.net Doug Panek

Manager • dougpanek@centurytel.net

Gary King

Editor • gbking@centurytel.net

Water from melting ice falling off a roof splashes on the pavement in this photo which shows hints of three seasons, fall, winter and spring. Temperatures climbed into the 40s this week. – Photo submitted

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

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

The Inter-County Leader is a qualified newspaper for the publication of legal notices, meeting the requirements as set forth in Chapter 985.03 of the Wisconsin Statutes. Every government official or board that handles public money should publish at regular intervals an accounting of it, showing where and how each dollar is spent. We hold this to be a fundamental principle of democratic government. Publisher reserves right to reject any advertisement or news release or letter of opinion at any time.

Web page: www.the–leader.net E-mail: the-leader@centurytel.net Subscription concerns: subscriptions@centurytel.net Advertisements: addept@centurytel.net Ad deadline: 10 a.m. Tuesdays Copy deadline: 4:30 p.m. Mondays

OFFICES

Frederic • 715-327-4236

P.O. Box 490, Frederic, WI 54837 (M-F, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Fax - 715-327-4117 (news copy) Fax - 715-327-4870 (ad copy)

Siren • 715-349-2560

24154 State Road 35, Siren, WI 54872 (M-F, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Fax - 715-349-7442

St. Croix Falls • 715-483-9008

Box 338, St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 (M-W, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. T-F, 9:30 - 4 p.m.)

Fax - 715-483-1420

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

An award-winning newspaper

MEMBER

• National Newspaper Associan • Wisconsin Newspaper Association

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE

The Inter-County Leader [ISS No. 8750-9091] is published weekly. Subscription prices are $34/yr. in Polk and Burnett counties; $38/yr. in Barron, Chisago, Washburn, St. Croix counties; $41/yr. anywhere in the United States $23/yr. for servicemen or women; $23/yr. for students or schools (9 months). Payment is needed before we can start the subscription. No refunds on subscriptions. Persons may subscribe online at www.theleader.net, write us at Inter-County Leader, Box 490, Frederic, WI 54837, or stop by one of our three offices.

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 •

AMERY - Congressman Sean Duffy, 7th District, will hold a town hall meeting in Amery on Wednesday, Feb. 23. The event will be at the council chambers in the city hall from 7 to 8 p.m. - submitted ••• ST. CROIX FALLS - Members and guests are encouraged to attend the monthly Polk County Genealogy Society meeting, on Monday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m. in the senior center on Main Street. Lynn Schauls, Centuria librarian, will present a program on Beginning Genealogy using public library resources. Refreshments to follow. PCGS will staff the Luck Historical Society Museum on Monday, Feb. 28, from noon to 3 p.m. - with submitted information ••• NEW RICHMOND– Chalking up nearly 20 years of providing free tax preparation service, the VITA program at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College New Richmond is ready for another filing season. A hotline also provides helpful information around the clock at 800-243-9482, Ext. 4829, or 4TAX. VITA, which stands for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, provides free tax preparation for low-income taxpayers and is provided on a walk-in basis with no appointment necessary. Tax preparers are available 5:30 to 8 p.m. on a walkin basis only on Wednesdays, Feb. 16 through April 13, except Wednesday, March 16 (WITC’s spring break). WITC has four campuses, including Ashland, New Richmond, Rice Lake and Superior. The Web site is witc.edu. - submitted ••• BALSAM LAKE - U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl’s regional representative, Marjorie Bunce, will be in Balsam Lake on Thursday, Feb. 24, to meet with constituents from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Polk County Government Center, 100 Polk County Plaza, in county boardroom. No appointment is necessary. “If you are having a problem with a federal program or agency, or have an opinion on an issue before Congress, please let me know by meeting with my regional representative, Marjorie Bunce,” Kohl said. Bunce can also be contacted at Kohl’s regional office at 402 Graham Ave., Suite 206, in Eau Claire, WI 54701. The telephone number is 715-8328424. - from the office of Sen. Kohl ••• RICE LAKE - College Goal Wisconsin is an free event for parents and prospective college students to learn all of the particulars about completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This event, which is cosponsored by UW-BC and Wisconsin Indianhead Technical Institute, will be held on Saturday, Feb. 19, at 2 p.m. in The Commons at the University of Wisconsin-Barron County in Rice Lake. Completing the FAFSA is the first and most important step in qualifying for student financial aid. The goal of this event is to provide free information and assistance to families who are filling out the FAFSA, which is the federally required form for students seeking financial aid such as grants and loans. - from UW-BC

Services pending for “Duke” Blaisdell, 71

Dougal “Duke” D. Blaisdell, 71, a resident of Milltown, died at his home on Tuesday, Feb. 15, with his loving family at his side.

Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Milltown. Service time is pending.

For more information or to sign the online guest book, please visit kolstadfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Crowd angry with Walker and Budget Repair Bill

FEBRUARY 16, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 3

by Carl Heidel Leader staff writer SIREN - An angry crowd of about 100 people met Nick Milroy, D-South Range, representative of the 73rd District of the Wisconsin State Assembly, when he arrived at the Siren High School for a roundtable meeting Tuesday, Feb. 15. They weren't angry with Milroy, but with Gov. Scott Walker and his Budget Repair Bill.

Walker and his Republican majority in the state Senate and assembly are attempting to pass legislation that would strip away nearly all collective bargaining rights for most of the state's public employee unions, and it would force state employees to pay a larger share of the payments for their health care and retirement benefits. According to Milroy, this would amount to a pay cut of 10 percent of the takehome pay of these employees.

Walker describes this as a nec-

Milroy's remarks drew applause from the audience. - Photos by Carl Heidel

Roxanne Moore asked, "What effect will the protests have?"

"The present union bargaining system has worked for more than 50 years," said Tom Fornengo.

essary first step toward reducing the expected $136.7 million shortfall in the state budget over the next two years. Steve Perala of the northern tier of the regional education union described the move to the Siren gathering as "an attack on working families."

Under the legislation, union state employees would no longer be able to negotiate for pension and other benefits.

They would only be able to bargain over wage increases, and these would be capped at the rate of inflation unless voters decided otherwise.

Only local police and fire-

fighter groups, along with state troopers and inspectors will be exempt from these changes.

These were the only groups of unionized state employees that supported Walker in his election campaign.

Walker's move has ignited a firestorm of protest across the state, not only from the state employees directly affected, but also from others who regard the consequences of this move as detrimental to Wisconsin's future. The firestorm came to Siren at the roundtable discussion.

Milroy began the meeting with an overview of the legisla-

by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer POLK COUNTY – Daniel Steffen and Jeff Anderson won the judicial primary in Polk County Tuesday, Feb. 15, and will face each other on the April 5 spring election ballot.

Steffen received 1,026 votes and Anderson took 907 votes.

Finishing third and eliminated from the April ballot was James

Rennicke with 273 votes.

The winner of the April election will take the seat of retired Circuit Court Judge Robert Rasmussen.

Steffen is the Polk County district attorney, and Anderson has a private law practice.

Almost 10 percent of the votes were cast in the village of Osceola where a primary for the village board drew a large turnout.

Steffen’s total margin over Anderson was 119 votes, but 77 votes in that margin came in Osceola, Steffen’s hometown.

Steffen led in 18 precincts and Anderson in 15. There was a tie for first place in two places. Rennicke was the overwhelming winner in Johnstown, where he lives, taking 26 votes to three for each of his opponents.

by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer BURNETT/POLK COUNTIES – Polk and Burnett counties joined the rest of the state in helping David Prosser and Joanne Kloppenburg win the state Supreme Court primary Tuesday, Feb. 15, and gain spots

on the April 5 election ballot.

Eliminated from the next round were Marla Stephens and Joel Winnig. Prosser, the incumbent, has served on the Supreme Court since 1998. Kloppenburg has worked for the Wisconsin Department of Justice since 1989.

Following are vote tallies for

each of the counties

State Assembly Representative Nick Milroy spoke to the crowd about Gov. Walker's proposals. Photos by Carl Heidel

Steffen, Anderson win judicial primary

Prosser, Kloppenburg win Supreme Court primary Vote totals Prosser Kloppenburg Stephens Winnig

Burnett 349 182 138 7

Polk 835 536 379 161

Six selected for Osceola ballot

Large turnout for primary

by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer OSCEOLA – The village of Osceola had the only local primary election Tuesday, Feb. 15, and the contest for village trustee drew almost 10 percent of the total Polk County vote. Nine candidates were seeking six spots on the April 5 ballot, including three incumbent

trustees, Purnal Tracy, Ken Janes and Walter Piszczek. They all survived the primary, along with Carol Otto, Stephen Bjork and Scott Wing. Coming in last and off the April ballot were John Iwaszko, Ken Brookins and Casey Borchert.

The April election in Osceola also has a contest for village president. Former President Gary Beckmann is challenging the incumbent, Kathy Demulling.

The votes, in order of finish

Elected Walter Piszczek (I) Carol Otto Purnal Tracy (I) Stephen Bjork Kenneth Janes (I) Scott Wing Defeated John Iwaczko Ken Brookins Casey Borchert

95 84 83 64 62 60 58 57 41

tion and its expected effect. He described the proposed cuts as "the sharpest and deepest cuts to local units" that have occurred for a very long time. "Walker is attempting to cut state government as deep and as hard as he can," he said.

The impact on small communities such as those in Polk and Burnett counties will be devastating, according to Milroy. He said that this will remove disposable income from employees, and that in turn will hurt the local business community.

Beyond that, he said that local government units and schools, already heavily financially challenged, will have no choice but to make drastic cuts in staff and services. And the prospects for state aid to the schools are bleak, with expected reductions that could amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars for local school districts, perhaps as much as $500 per student.

But Milroy noted that the governor's move has brought a swift backlash from citizens across the state. "It's unbelievable," he said.

He said that angry callers have swamped Walker's office with so many calls that they have caused serious deterioration in the ability of his staff to respond to the outcry. And Republican lawmakers have locked the halls leading to their offices to protect

See Roundtable, page 7

Referendum shot down

by Jessica Beecroft Washburn County Register SPOONER – The Spooner School District referendum was defeated Tuesday with an overwhelming “no” vote.

The unofficial vote tally was YES – 734, and NO – 1,778.

Voters had the opportunity to vote on a referendum question that requests permission for the district to exceed the state imposed revenue limit for 4 years , starting with 2011-12 and ending 2014-15 for $2.35 million each year to be used for operational purposes.

Funding would’ve been used to address annual budget deficits caused by structural flaws in the state school funding system, past declining enrollment, and rising annual operating costs. Funding is aimed at maintaining current programs and services designed to meet the needs of our students. This referendum replaces the $1.6 million referendum that was passed by the voters in 2007 and expires at the end of the 2010-11 school year.

The operational funds that this referendum represents include keeping the number of teachers and other school staff employed so that they can continue to offer the programs they have right now in the Spooner Area School District.

What does this mean?

Teaching staff and programs will most likely have to be cut.

Will the Spooner School Board have a new proposal to vote on in April? According to the school board, the referendum was “all or none.”

The school board will authorize cuts to be made. These cuts will severely compromise many of the educational programs in the district. They will have fewer staff, fewer programs and fewer resources plus larger class sizes. More information on proposed cuts and final tallies to follow in next week’s paper.

Bridge loan finalized as construction starts on new library

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 16, 2011

by Sherill Summer Leader staff writer WEBSTER - The village board finalized a $215,000 bridge loan for the new library from Bremer Bank. The 20-year loan is fixed for the first five years at a 3.25 annual interest rate. The library plans on drawing the money from the bridge loan as needed, although now that construction has started, the library can dip into the $360,000 CDBG block grant money first. The library has money raised from the community on hand as well.

The wording in the resolution passed by the village board explains that the library has no authority to borrow funds, so the village and the library are jointly approving borrowing the money on the library’s behalf.

Money to repay the loan will come from

Farmers market and fair license approved

by Tammi Milberg Leader staff writer ST. CROIX FALLS – The city council for St. Croix Falls met Monday, Feb. 14, at the St. Croix Falls Public Library. At that meeting, the council saw a presentation on the city Web site made by Easy IT Guys and Julie Hildebrand. The site has several links for visitors, residents and those who just became residents including tourism, and recreation ideas, businesses, lodging, restaurants, city codes, council agendas and minutes, committee members, fire department, historic preservation and more.

The council has the opportunity to view the site before it goes live and make any changes necessary before this Friday, Feb. 18, when Hildebrand said she thinks the site will go live.

the library’s budget, with the first quarterly payment due May 10. The resolution does state, however, that the village guarantees the loan in the case that the library defaults on the loan.

to the donations herself.

With the line item in the village budget, all donations will be banked with the village. Tax dollars will not be used to purchase fencing.

Correction In the Jan. 26 edition of the Leader, it was stated that the library building would be worth $1.5 million when complete and that the library board has already raised $880,000 toward the project. According to a worksheet supplied by the village board, the total project - including the worth of the donated building, remediation, engineering costs, etc – is approximately $1,092,401. Already the library has paid about $150,000 toward the project and the $210,000 building was donated.

The library also raised an additional $130,866 for the project.

The construction phase will cost about $600,000. The Leader is sorry for any confusion from the earlier story.

Dog park donations A line item will be inserted in the village budget to hold donations for a proposed dog park at the former municipal dump north of town.

Cheryl Ingalls is spearheading efforts to raise an estimated $15,000 to $18,000 to fence the village-owned property so that dogs can exercise without a leash and still be contained within the park. Girl Scouts have already raised some money for the project, and other interested individuals have wished to donate as well, but Ingalls has been uncomfortable with holding on

Other business The board approved a three-year contract with the two public works employees. Wages will remain the same all of this year, except the final day when they will receive a 1.5-percent raise followed by a three percent raise the following day. An additional 3 percent will be tacked on in 2013.

The village has cut back on the chlorination of the village water supply, but will continue to chlorinate through the end of February.

The presentation by Easy IT Guys showed that the Web site is clean, and easy to use. The site was designed for the local residents who have dial-up or slow DSL Internet connection so the site loads quickly and is friendly. The site is close to a No. 1 Google search result and is expected to reach No. 1 when it goes live and receives hits. The intent is to make it a No. 1 search item when people search St. Croix Falls because it provides the most comprehensive information regarding the city. The site is also 100 percent compatible with smart phones including the iPhone.

The Web site is www.cityofstcroixfalls.com.

Following the presentation, Sarah Adams, librarian, stated that she had a proposal from the library to update the Web site when needed with an estimated 10 hours a month at $15 hourly or an additional $2,000 to the library budget annually. The council could not act on the

proposal because it was not on the council agenda, but it will come back at the next meeting. Councilman Debra Kravig suggested that each entity on the Web site could indicate if they want to update their own links, and then see what amount of updating is left for the library staff to do, before approving a proposal. Adams also suggested that the amount of library hours for updating be reviewed annually to determine how much time is needed, in the event the time is less or more, so it can be adjusted.

Adams also gave an update on the library going over the annual report she prepared this month. The report basically indicates the library has high numbers in materials, the per capita cost compared to the other municipal libraries in the state is mid to low, the municipal contribution is on the low end, and Adams stated that from the data as a library, it operates very efficiently.

In other business, the council approved authorizing the farmers market to use the library parking lot for the 2011 season beginning in May and running through October. The library stated the market is a good match for the library and hopefully both entities bring people to each one respectively.

The council also approved a beer license for the Polk County Fair July 28-31. The hours of serving beverages in the fair beer garden will be Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. This is the second year the fair will serve beer. Last year was the first year and, with no problems reported by law enforcement, the council approved the license again for 2011 with extended hours of service. Last year the beer garden was closed at 10 p.m.

The council vote carried 3-1 with councilman Debra Kravig opposed.

Elementary and Grantsburg Middle Schools,” Coppenbarger explained.

Coppenbarger said the school’s leadership teams discussed and considered all the reasons for switching to trimesters along with information gathered from other schools, which have gone to trimester grading periods prior to making a recommendation to the board.

When asked by board members how the teachers felt about the switch, Coppenbarger said it was the teachers who had asked for the change.

“We would be a more efficient model and increase our instructional days,” added Coppenbarger.

Middle School Principal Brad Jones told the board he was also in favor of the switch. Jones said grades seven and eight would remain on the quarter grading period due to those grades elective course schedule.

The board then voted to approve the change to the trimester period beginning with the 2011-2012 school year.

heating system is failing. After looking at several heating options, the committee’s recommendation is to replace the current heating units in stages with a system using geothermal unit ventilators.

“Going to the geothermal system would be the most efficient,” said board member Jim Sundquist.

The committee said spare parts from replaced units could possibly be used for maintaining remaining units.

Superintendent Burgin told the board spend-down funds, which had been designated for repaving the high school parking lot, could be used for the replacing the heating units.

Burgin recommended doing the project within the next two years, reminding the board that the district is facing declining enrollment, which will mean a reduction in state funding.

“Budgets will be much tighter due to declining enrollment,” Burgin told the board.

Burgin said the school’s principals have compiled long lists of items needed for their buildings, and it will be up to the board to determine which projects take priority based on immediate and critical

need.

“We need to do something about the heating system now,” remarked board President David Ahlquist. “It’s a 20-year system that’s going on 40 years.”

The board will vote at their 28th meeting to move forward with replacing current units with the geo thermal units. The replacement schedule recommended is over a 2-3 year time span in keeping with funds available. There are 14 units needing replacement with the plan to do 4-5 now and more later, depending on budgeting. Once the board approves the project and bids are received the project will start immediately.

are two new state Assembly representatives, Erik Severson, 28th District, and Roger Rivard, 75th District, and a new sheriff leading the Polk County Sheriff’s Department, Pete Johnson.

from his constituents and encouraged people to contact him with questions – joking that his number was still in the phone book.

The Polk County Republicans invited all three judge candidates, Jeff Anderson, Dan Steffen and James Rennicke, to give a brief presentation of their qualifications to be the next Polk County judge. The Tuesday, Feb. 15, primary narrowed the list down to two candidates that will face each other in the April elections.

For a complete list of officers and members at large, please visit: PolkCountyRepublicans.com. - from the Polk County Republican Party

New city Web site to go live soon

Board approves change to trimester grading period for grades PK-6

by Priscilla Bauer Leader staff writer GRANTSBURG – The Grantsburg School Board voted to approve changing to a trimester grading period for grades PK-6 at the board’s Monday, Feb. 14, meeting.

Currently, Nelson Primary, Grantsburg Elementary and Grantsburg Middle School students are on a quarter grading period.

Elementary Principal Katie Coppenbarger told board members the switch to the trimester grading period would not affect the school calendar or parent/teacher conferences, which will continue to be held twice per year.

“The main reason for the switch is to maximize our instructional time and align with the Measure of Academic Assessment and AIMS Web assessment systems we use which are given to all students in the fall, winter and spring,” Coppenbarger told the board.

“Many districts in the state have already made this switch for similar reasons.

Trimesters will also complement the Response to Intervention system and Title 1 schoolwide plans for Nelson, Grantsburg

Heating system failing The board’s building committee reported that the Grantsburg Elementary

Other business • Burgin reported the 2011-2012 budget is in development and then explained the time line and calendar to the board.

• The board approved CESA 11 Shared Service Contracts for 2011-2012.

• The board approved the resignation of second-grade teacher Kelly Wedin, who has taken a kindergarten position in Germany.

Polk County Republicans select new leaders at caucus

Sandy Fretwell new chairman

DRESSER - The Polk County Republican Party held its annual caucus on Sunday, Jan. 30, to elect new officers into several leadership positions.

The incoming list of officers for the Polk County Republican Party is Sandy Fretwell – chairman, Sharon Kelly – vice chairman, Tom Engel – treasurer, Glen Clausen – secretary and Pat Peterson – membership secretary.

Hartung remembers According to outgoing Chairman Richard Hartung, the last several years have been “very enjoyable – having it ups

and downs.”

He recalled the end of his first two-year term, in 2008, ending with the unsuccessful run of Republican candidates for president, U.S. senator, U.S. congressman, state assemblyman and sheriff, but noted that after November’s elections he feels like he is leaving things better than when he started.

The 2010 midterm elections were highly successful for Republicans, especially in Wisconsin. Wisconsin voted out several prominent Democrats, which yielded a new Republican governor, Scott Walker; a new 7th Congressional District representative, Sean Duffy; and a new U.S. senator, Ron Johnson. A little closer to home, there

Harsdorf, Severson give comments State Sen. Sheila Harsdorf spoke briefly at the caucus, giving an update on the Senate’s focus over the past several weeks, stating the “number one priority is jobs.”

Harsdorf is the state senator for District 10, which includes Polk County.

Severson also spoke and discussed his first impressions as an Assemblyman and his involvement in the legislative process thus far. He reiterated his desire to hear

C h e c k u s o u t o n t h e We b @ t h e - l e a d e r. n e t

Wood River Board backs fire department option

FEBRUARY 16, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 5

Discusses costs of new fire station

manpower average (the amount of call time spent in each municipality). Under this plan, Wood River’s share of the expenses would drop to 26 percent of the total, with the others paying more. For example, the village would pay 22.5 percente of the costs under this plan.

The cost of a new fire hall in Grantsburg was also part of the discussion. Wood River resident Terry Swenson, who has been looking at financial options and projections, said Wood River’s assessment would go up from $63,000 a year to $94,000 if the new fire hall is built at a proposed cost of $1.5 million. He noted that is an increase of almost 50 percent. Swanson said the town’s cost would be $74,000 under the alternate formula, $20,000 a year less than under the present plan.

The town of Wood River is considering moving its fire coverage from the GFA to the Siren Fire Association, a move that might result in a lower annual assessment for the town. The Siren department has a 2010 total budgeted levy of $90,000, while the GFA budget for the same year is $187,000. Wood River has said it would hold a referendum on switching fire coverage if negotiations with the other members of the GFA have no results.

While the property taxes of Wood River residents could

go down with a switch in fire protection, the cost of the homeowners fire property insurance might go up. Swenson mentioned that many insurance companies base their premiums on the distance a house is from a fire station, with rates sometimes increasing for homes beyond five to seven miles from the station. Alpha, near the center of Wood River, is 5.2 miles from the Grantsburg station and 10 miles from the Siren station. Each homeowner would need to get insurance premium costs from their agent to compare property-tax savings with possible higher premiums.

The Grantsburg Fire Association includes the village of Grantsburg and the towns of Anderson, Grantsburg, West Marshland, Wood River and Trade Lake. Each of the six municipalities has one vote on the GFA Board of Directors. (Half of Trade Lake is covered by the Frederic Fire Department.) The Siren Fire Association includes the village and town of Siren and the towns of Daniels and LaFollette. (Half of LaFollette gets fire protection from the Hertel department and a bit of Daniels gets coverage from Frederic.)

by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer ALPHA – While much of the Wood River Town Board meeting Wednesday, Feb. 9, was spent on the fire protection issue (see separate story), the board did have other items on its agenda, ranging from a discussion with Burnett County Sheriff Dean Roland to issues with driveway snow. Two of the three board members were at the meeting, town Chair Merlin Becvar and Supervisor Donald Chell, as well as town clerk Dawn Luke and treasurer Quentin Miller. The board met in the town shop.

Roland told the board he is visiting every town and village in the county. He said he wants to tell the citizens what is going on in his department and to hear the thoughts and concerns of the residents. One issue Roland

brought up was unpermitted use of fireworks during the summer, especially around Trade Lake and Round Lake.

He said there are many complaints from residents on the issue, and his department is trying to educate residents on what fireworks can be permitted.

Closer to home (Wood River), Roland said that the posted speed limit through Alpha has led to fewer accidents on the stretch. The new posted speed limit was accompanied by extra enforcement of traffic speeds. One of his deputies issued 50 speeding tickets over two days on the stretch.

Roland was asked about private junkyards, he said face-to-face contact with neighbors and friendly persuasion is the first step to solve the issue; ATVs on the roads, that use is against the law in Wood River; and stray animals. Board members mentioned one spot in the town where sheep and pigs are often out of the fence and on the road. Roland said he knew where the spot is but was

surprised that the house on the property was actually lived in.

That led to another issue, residents plowing the snow from their driveways across the town roads after the town plow has cleared the roads. The town plow driver said this creates ice ridges and roadside drifts. He said it causes problems for drivers and is an issue every year.

Roland was there to listen to the residents. Ted Gerber was there to thank the town for the business it does with the Community Bank in Grantsburg. Gerber, president of the bank and a Wood River resident, said the town has a significant account with the bank and he appreciates the business.

The Wood River Town Board meets on the second Wednesday of each month, at the town shop in the winter and next door at the town hall in the warmer weather.

by Mary Stirrat Leader staff writer LUCK —There is land for a home and an $80,000 grant to build the home, but right now there is no family to own and live in the home.

Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity is looking for an eligible family to partner with, Executive Director Eric Kube told the Luck Village Board Wednesday night, Feb. 9, at its regular monthly meeting.

“We are excited to be building a home here in town this summer,” Kube said.

The Wild Rivers chapter, covering Polk and Burnett counties, started serving Polk County in 2009. In 2010 it built a home in Webster and a home in Osceola.

“We partner with families,” said Kube. “We service the loans ourselves, and the families pay for those loans.”

Families must meet several criteria to be eligible to

partner with Habitat, including an income range of $14,000 to $40,000, depending on family size. They must currently be living in inadequate or substandard housing and must be unable to obtain a conventional loan.

The selected family is required to put in 300 to 500 hours working with volunteers to build their home, and must be able to make mortgage payments of about $500 per month.

“We build homes,” Kube said, “and we build hope.”

Kube said that he, like former President Jimmy Carter, appreciates Habitat for Humanity because the organization requires something from the families it serves.

“They don’t give anything away,” he said. “When families put their blood, sweat and tears into these houses, they take care of them.”

Kube also told the board that he is excited about the opening of a Habitat for Humanity ReStore at the former

Fleet Supply building in St. Croix Falls next month. Donations of appliances, cabinets, furniture, building materials, and household items are tax deductible and profits from resale will be used to fund the building of houses in Polk and Burnett counties.

Donations are being accepted Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., said Kube. Arrangements for pickup of materials can also be made by calling 715-4832700.

Anyone interested in information on applying to become a Habitat homeowner, or who might have a family to suggest, can call 715-472-6080. Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity meets at 6:30 p.m. the first Thursday of every month at 700 Hwy. 35 (corner of Hwy. 35 and Butternut Avenue) in Luck.

donors and other supporters who made this home possible, recognize and celebrate the positive change this home will bring to this family and to our community.”

The new home is a result of a partnership between Habitat for Humanity International and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Called Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity, this partnership has resulted in more than 2,500 decent, affordable homes across the country and around the world since 2005. The total six-year commitment from Thrivent Financial now surpasses $150 million. Thanks to its 2.6 million members who own financial products with the organization, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is able to contribute to the improvement of communities like Webster. Thrivent Financial contributed 55 percent of the house costs—a total of $56,550—and is also engaging local volunteers who are members of Thrivent Financial, members of area Lutheran churches and members of the community at large, to donate additional funds and volunteer their time to work alongside the partner families to build these homes.

“Thrivent Financial members have worked hard to make this home a reality for the Tracey family,” states Matthew Bobick of Thrivent. “Volunteering is just one of the ways we help make our community a better place to live and grow.”

Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity, International, a nonprofit with the goal of eliminating homelessness and poverty housing.

They have been building homes for and with needy families in the area since 1997. They completed their 19th

and 20th homes last fall, having built two homes in 2010 with the help of the Thrivent Builds program. WRHFH now has its offices in Luck, but will be relocating in March into the ReStore building in St. Croix Falls (the former Fleet Supply building). If you are interested in joining them in this rewarding work, call 715-472-6080, email office@wildrivershabitat.org or visit www.wildrivershabitat.org. Contact the ReStore at 715483-2700 or email ReStore@wildrivershabitat.org.

Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity is a multiyear, multimillion dollar partnership between Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Habitat for Humanity International. Thrivent Builds is designed to involve Thrivent members and Lutherans in helping provide a “hand up” to people who lack decent shelter, offering them a path to greater economic independence. For more information, visit ThriventBuilds.com.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is a not-for-profit, Fortune 500 financial services membership organization helping approximately 2.6 million members achieve financial security and give back to their communities.

Thrivent Financial and its affiliates offer a broad range of financial products and services including life insurance, annuities, mutual funds, disability income insurance, bank products and more. As a not-for-profit organization, Thrivent Financial creates and supports national outreach programs and activities that help congregations, schools, charitable organizations and individuals in need. For more information, call Matt Bobick at 715472-8107 or visit Thrivent.com. - from WRHFH

by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer ALPHA – The Wood River Town Board approved an alternate assessment formula for funding the Grantsburg Fire Association at its monthly board meeting Wednesday, Feb. 9, at the Wood River town shop in Alpha. The board also discussed the cost of a new fire station and said the issue of a referendum on withdrawing from the GFA is still an option. The Wood River proposal now will go the monthly meeting of the fire association next Monday, Feb. 21, at the Grantsburg fire hall.

The expenses of the GFA are now divided among the six member municipalities based on the assessed equalized value of property in the towns and village. Wood River now pays 33 percent of the fire department expenses, with the share paid by the others ranging from 17 percent for the village of Grantsburg down to 9 percent for the towns of Anderson and West Marshland.

Wood River is supporting a proposed assessment method based 25 percent on equalized value, 25 percent on population and 50 percent on a five-year incident

Stray pigs, driveway snow

News from Wood River

Building homes, building hope

Finally – some good news about area housing

Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans to dedicate home in Webster and the public is invited to attend the celebration

WEBSTER –Times are tough economically, there’s no doubt about that. That hasn’t stopped Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity and local members of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans from completing construction on a home with a family in urgent need of one. Now it’s time to celebrate the home they’ve helped build.

On Sunday, Feb. 27, volunteers, Habitat for Humanity representatives, Thrivent Financial representatives and members, and, of course, the excited partner family will gather at the new home at 7514 Balsam Street West in Webster to honor the hard work, the generous financial backing and the community support that made this home possible. A brief program is planned for 2 p.m. The homebuyers—Haven and Jennifer Tracey, and their children Kyla, Ava and Hyatt—are more than a little eager to move into their new home. They have completed their required sweat equity hours helping to build the home, a basic tenet of Habitat for Humanity. They will repay the no-profit mortgage, illustrating Habitat for Humanity’s objective to give families a hand up rather than a hand out.

“This dedication opens a new door—in more ways than one—for the Tracey family,” said Eric Kube, executive director of Habitat for Humanity. “The volunteers,

Luck board focuses on golf course finances, management

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

by Mary Stirrat Leader staff writer LUCK — Finding the right order in which to do tasks is sometimes as hard as actually doing them.

That seems to be what the Luck Village Board is finding out as it considers seeking proposals from parties that would be interested in leasing the village-owned golf course.

While village Administrator Kristina Handt said the board should first decide whether to seek proposals, then decide how to go about it, Trustee Peter Demydowich felt the village should first find more people who might go looking for potential lessees.

In January the board tabled a vote on whether to advertise for proposals to lease the golf course, and the issue was on the agenda again for the regular monthly meeting last Wednesday evening, Feb. 9.

Rather than deciding whether to pursue leasing the course, the board voted 5-to-1, with Marsha Jensen voting no and Phil Warhol absent, to pursue a second agency or person to seek proposals on behalf of the village.

Handt said she has already met with Larry Heck of VR Business Sales, Mergers, and Acquisitions, who was referred to Handt by the Golf Course Owners of Wisconsin. She said Heck has found parties to lease other golf courses and has presented a strategy for marketing the Luck Golf Course to both local and nationwide audiences.

Heck would work on a commission of 8 percent on a one-year lease. On a multiple-year lease, his commission would be 7 percent the first year, 6 percent the second, and so on until the fifth year and beyond, when his commission would be 2 percent annually.

According to Trustee Hassan Mian, a member of the golf course commission, Heck would list the golf course for six months. After that time the agreement could be either extended or terminated. If any proposals would be received, the village would have the option of accepting or rejecting them.

The golf course commission that oversees the course has voted to recommend the lease agreement, that has been developed to use in seeking proposals, with two conditions.

First, the commission asked that the board removes a clause requiring the lessee to pay $90,000 per year to the village, and that a third party be used to evaluate the condition of the course to ensure it is maintained at appropriate levels.

Trustee John Wilcoxon, a member of the golf course commission, said that there was concern among commission members about maintaining the condition of the course. Should a lease agreement be entered into, both the village and the lessee would need to agree on a third party to regularly assess the golf course’s condi-

tion.

Village President Steve Nielsen had several questions about the idea of leasing out the course. “What happens to the country club?” he asked.

“Good question,” responded Handt.

“Obviously they wouldn’t be selling liquor.” The country club holds the liquor license for one year, at which time it would become available, by application, to the lessee.

Nielsen asked about the equipment owned by the golf course and Handt said the new entity could buy or lease it. He also asked who would be taking care of the calendar and if the current tournaments, some of which have a long history at the golf course, would continue.

Handt said she felt that whoever leases the golf course would probably want as many tournaments as possible, but the lease agreement could require that current tournaments continue.

Finally, Nielsen pointed out that the golf course has received some generous donations. He said that the contributions could be squelched if the course is leased out, but added that under new management they might not be needed as badly.

Trustee Bob Determan said his biggest concern is the outflow of tax dollars to the golf course. “I don’t want to bankrupt the city,” he said.

Last year, Wilcoxon said, $46,000 of taxpayer money was used to subsidize the golf course. Had the golf course broke even, he said, there probably would not be any discussion on leasing it out.

Demydowich cautioned that the village is under a cap that limits the amount of taxes that can be assessed. If the golf course requires another $46,000 this year, he said, it could mean a cut in services.

No one from the golf course, Demydowich said, with the exception of country club President Bob McCann, has come to the board with any concerns about leasing the golf course. McCann, he noted, is not a village resident.

The village also received a letter from Eiler Ravnholt, whose family donated 65 acres for a golf course expansion in the late 1980s. Ravnholt stated in his letter that a change to a lease agreement would have been a disincentive to his family.

He also said that there would be no motivation for their current cooperation with the village regarding the golf course “if it was viewed to be in the interest of a private party operating a leased facility for profit rather than in the public interest as at present.”

In her response to Ravnholt, Handt said, “I don’t think any of us would anticipate further donations if the course was leased out entirely.” She added that it is difficult to decide if leasing the golf course is the best path until there is a specific proposal to consider.

Handt noted in her response letter that the Amery Municipal Golf Course is

Shear Shear Image Image

leased to a private management company, and the Grantsburg course is leased to a group of local businessmen. The Frederic Golf Course, she continued, has stockholders it can approach when it needs funds.

At last Wednesday’s meeting, Mian said that some people may look at leasing out the golf course as equivalent to selling, but it’s not.

“We’re just letting someone run the business,” Mian said. “We’re not giving them the business.”

“We’re not selling it,” agreed Wilcoxon.

We’re not walking away.”

“We can’t,” added Demydowich. “It’s our biggest asset.”

“I don’t like it, but we have to investigate it,” said Wilcoxon.

With that, by a 5-to-1 vote, the board directed Handt to seek out at least two search firms to help with the process of seeking requests for proposals.

Advance to golf course Last October the board approved a $20,000 advance to the golf course, believing another $50,000 would be needed to get it through to next season.

By last Wednesday’s meeting it looked like that number was reduced from $50,000 to $40,000, and the board voted to approve a request in that amount.

The $40,000 advance was approved by a vote of 5 to 1, with Demydowich opposed and Warhol absent.

“That’s an obscene amount of money,” Demydowich commented.

The $20,000 advanced last October is due to be paid back in July. Another $20,000 will be repaid in December 2011, and the final $20,000 in July 2012.

An option of giving rather than loaning the money was discussed, with the funds coming from the undesignated fund. This would bring the undesignated fund to less than 30 percent of annual expenditures, the amount required by village policies to be held in the fund.

Both Handt and Nielsen pointed out that the loan can be forgiven later if the golf course cannot repay it, and Demydowich said the village may as well give the money since the golf course will not be able to pay it back.

Handt pointed out that expenses at the golf course can be cut, asking, “But at what cost?”

“You have to have what people want in order for them to come,” agreed Demydowich.

Nielsen noted that the village has advanced money to the golf course before, but never quite this much or this early.

“And it’s always been paid back,” added Jensen. “At least up to this point.”

Other business • At the recommendation of the golf course commission, the board voted to hire Sloan Wallgren as director of golf operations, at $36,000 per year plus an estimated $4,000 annually for life and retirement benefits. Added to Wallgren’s responsibilities is oversight of the grounds crew, to begin transitioning Seth Petersen out of his golf course duties. Wallgren, who served as director of golf operations last year also, began his duties Feb. 15.

There were a dozen applicants for the position.

• The board approved five-year lease agreements for 40 new golf carts and 10 used golf carts. The agreement for the new carts calls for $86.50 per cart, per month, for six months a year, and the agreement for the used carts is $55 per month, per cart, for six months a year. Demydowich voted no on the agreement for the new carts.

• By a vote of 5 to 1, with Demydowich opposed, the board voted to eliminate Handt from hiring part-time golf course employees. Last year Seth Petersen hired grounds employees while Handt and Wallgren hired clubhouse employees.

This year Petersen will hire for grounds crew and Wallgren will hire for the clubhouse. Demydowich said he felt Petersen and Handt should be responsible for all hirings at the golf course.

• The board approved a letter of engagement with Cardinal Accounting to compile certain financial statements for the golf course in 2011. The fee is $7,200 for the year, reduced from $8,700 last year, when Cardinal Accounting also did payroll and accounts payable for the golf course. These duties are now done by the department of administration.

The money is in the 2011 budget.

• The board voted to contribute $1,000 to the Polk County Economic Development Corporation. The money is included in the 2011 village budget for economic development.

• With Nielsen opposed, the board voted to purchase a 1998 grader for $50,000 to replace the village’s 1982 grader that is no longer repairable. Nielsen said he would like to work cooperatively with another municipality rather than have the village purchase its own grader.

• The board voted to work with Frederic to issue a joint request for proposals to hire an assessor. Robert Clifton, who has been Luck’s assessor for 47 years and Frederic’s for 35 years, is retiring in November.

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

2071 Glacier Drive • St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 715-483-0016 Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

* 4-YEAR ANNIVERSARY *

VAN METER MEATS

Thank you so much for your business!

“GREAT VALUE EVERY DAY!” 530127 15dp 26Lp

Featuring This Week:

Sitting left to right: Mary Anderson, Sherri Anderson, Diana Anderson. Standing left to right: Susie Kairis, Brenda Greene, Mindi Woods, Renae Kuhl, Heather Thompson, Katie Points, Kristina Pouliot. Not Shown: Mary Studer.

455411 37Lp 27a,dp Services: Haircuts - Color & Foil - Perms - Waxing - Straightening Hair Manicure & Pedicures - Spray Tanning We Feature Kenra Line, Men’s Crew Line, Brocato And Big & Sexy Products! $2 Off The Purchase Of A Product With A Donation Of Nonperishable Item For The Food Shelf. Good Thru 3-31-11.

Smoked Boneless Ham...........................................Lb. Double-Smoked Bacon............................................Lb. Sliced Just The Way You Like It!

Whole Amish Chickens...........................................Lb.

429 $ 99 4 $ 49 1 $

Also, Check Our Fresh Meat Case For Chops, Steaks, Roasts & Ground Beef Every Day! Main Street, Luck, WI • 715-472-2141 Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

530309 26L

FEBRUARY 16, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 7

Roundtable/from page 3

themselves from protesters.

This news from Milroy drew a response of "Cowards!" from a member of the audience.

Milroy noted that Walker has put the Wisconsin National Guard on alert in case the protests might become dangerous.

"The National Guard is not Walker's personal police force," he said.

Then the audience responses began.

Asked Roxanne Moore, "What effect will this protest have?" Milroy assured her that the protests were already having an effect, and that if continued they might seriously erode the party support for Walker's plans.

"It's about taking back our govern-

Jeff Postler asked, "Why become a teacher?" ment," he said of the protests. He continued, "The minority party has little ability to resist (Walker's move) other than through public opinion."

Keith Trembath wondered whether Walker and the Republican legislators had been watching the news recently.

"This feels like Cairo," he said, "and we don't need to wait 30 years to see how all this will turn out."

Tom Fornengo commented that the current collective bargaining system "has worked for more than 50 years." He continued, "If he (Walker) destroys this, down the road it will not be friendly."

Milroy responded that the present bargaining pattern has kept the peace for more than half a century. His fear is that Walker's plan will lead to a race to the bottom for the lowest wages and benefits possible.

Milroy went on to say that he sees this as part of Walker's attempt to make state government look dysfunctional in order to prepare the way for privatizing of government services. He noted that such privatizing in the state's Department of Transportation has increased costs in that department by more than 30 percent.

"Is this legal?" asked Bob O'Brien. Milroy said he didn't know, but that legal issues were already under consideration by various citizen groups and political action agencies.

Then came the question, "Is there a plan for recall (of Walker)?" Milroy outlined the recall procedure indicating that 540,000 signatures would have to be gathered on recall petitions. He indicated that he felt there would be a recall effort.

One of the fears that Milroy expressed is that this move by Walker is only the beginning of attempts to terminate collective bargaining in the state. He predicted that if the present proposal succeeds, state employees in police and fire fighting groups will be next to have bargaining abilities terminated, and from there it is only a small step toward attacking those rights in the private sector.

Several members of the audience commented about the demoralizing effects this will have on the state workforce. Jeff Postler, physical education teacher at Webster High School, and other teachers present commented to the effect that this will drive good teachers to seek teaching positions in other states.

"What's my recourse?" Postler asked.

"This feels like Cairo," said Keith Trembath.

"Why become a teacher?"

Teacher Jill Gloodt drew warm applause from the gathering when she spoke out to correct what she saw as a public misperception.

"The public thinks that teachers get free health insurance and retirement benefits," she said.

She went on to point out that she and other teachers have been forced to take cuts year after year, and they end by paying for the benefits they need.

As the meeting drew to a close, Milroy noted that Martin Luther King, civil rights leader in the 1960s was assassinated while he was attempting to help workers unionize. He went on to say, "This (the present outcry) is the beginning of the civil rights movement for the state and the nation in the 21st century."

His remark drew loud and sustained applause.

Governor travels the state to promote his budget repair bill

by Glen Moberg and Patty Murray Wisconsin Public Radio MADISON - Gov. Scott Walker took his budget message around the state, and defended his proposal to treat police and firefighters different from other unionized public employees in the state.

The Governor addressed workers and community leaders at an appearance at Wilson Hurd Manufacturing in Wausau.

One local official, Marathon County Board Chairman Keith Langenhahn, said the Governor should treat all union employees the same.

“All unions (should) be addressed, and not just pick out a couple and keep them separate from the rest."

Langenhahn said treating police and firefighters differently from other workers would hurt the county in contract negotiations, and could create public safety problems.

“What good is it to have a squad car on the road, and an ambulance on the road and a fire truck if the snow is so deep that they can't get there anyway because the highway department didn't get treated as fair as the other ones?"

When asked about the Marathon County chairman's concerns, the governor said public safety is important, and police and fire need to be treated differently because they can't be covered by his contingency plans.

“We have contingency plans that allow for any changes that might happen at the state government in a multitude of other areas,” said Walker. “The one thing I can't account for is taking care of every fire and police station in the state of Wisconsin.

“I'm trying to balance the budget. Nobody should be surprised. We talked all through this campaign about the fact that to balance the budget we needed reforms to wages and benefits. I talked about it in the campaign. I talked about it a week after the election. I talked about it in December when we fought off the employee contracts that they tried to ram through before we could take office. Unless someone's been in a coma for the last two years, nobody should be surprised about what we're doing."

Protestors gathered outside an appearance the governor was making at a business near Green Bay.

530503 26L

Innovera AA Batteries

4

$ Limit 2 packs per customer.

Stock number IVR-11008

Bonus Buy Good 2-14-11 thru 2-18-11

99 pack of 8

Tax Time Is Coming...

Are You Ready?

We have supplies to help you get organized.

Files Cabinets Calculators File Folders Accordion Files Expanding Files Storage Boxes Paper Clips & Much More We Ship UPS from our Frederic & St. Croix Falls stores

Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association

303 N. Wisconsin Ave. 107 N. Washington St. Frederic, Wis. St. Croix Falls, Wis.

715-327-4236

715-483-9008

24154 State Rd. 35N Siren, Wis.

715-349-2560

11 West 5th Ave. Shell Lake, Wis.

715-468-2314 528330 15a,c,d 26L

PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 16, 2011

COMMUNITY

VIEWPOINTS

SEND YOUR VIEWS AND FEEDBACK TO: INTER-COUNTY LEADER, BOX 490, FREDERIC, WI 54837 OR E-MAIL the-leader@centurytel.net • Words from the editor •

• Joe Heller •

One step up, two steps back

• Web poll results •

Last week’s question

Cheers to newly elected state Rep. Roger Rivard (75th Assembly District) for proposing an economic development zone program that would benefit rural Wisconsin. (See story, page 10) Rivard - in the first bill he’s introduced as a state legislator, is asking the Legislature to increase the number of allowable economic development zones by four and require that all zones be located in rural areas.

It would help place rural Wisconsin on the same playing field as Milwaukee and Madison when it comes to economic development, Rivard says, adding that for far too long, the economic development money has been funneled into the larger cities in the state such as Madison and Milwaukee.

Last week we noted that the goal of our new governor - to create 250,000 new jobs in Wisconsin in the next four years - is inspiring, but the odds of our counties in the northwestern portion of the state seeing even 250 of those jobs could be considered questionable.

Enterprise zones, as noted in a recent Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel article, are powerful tools in creating jobs.

Rivard is thinking and moving on our behalf. You can’t ask for much more from a legislator.

••• And jeers to the lack of imagination and negotiation in the state’s turning down $23 million in federal monies to help expand rural Internet, something our area of the state could use, not to mention the jobs it could create statewide.

Apparently the federal government has “too many strings” attached to the money, according to state officials, who claim they spent months trying to figure out how to come up with ways to get around those stipulations and take advantage of the money without creating more costs or problems.

The money, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, was to have boosted broadband connections in 380 Wisconsin communities, including 385 libraries and 82 schools. It also could have been used to improve police, fire department and hospital communications in rural area.

But the state would have been on the hook for the entire $23 million if it didn’t meet precise requirements.

One problem is that the state doesn’t even own BadgerNet, its current infrastructure for providing Internet statewide. That service is owned and managed primarily by AT&T Inc. - and federal officials aren’t used to public-private partnerships.

And federal officials want a commitment that the fiber-optic cable be used for at least 20 years - but the state’s contract with AT&T is for five years.

The rigid playing rules the feds attach to such grants are there for a reason, primarily to ensure that the money is spent where it’s meant to be spent.

But there has to be room for some negotiation between states and the federal government to come to reasonable terms to spend that money.

Could a $500,000 grant to a county like Burnett or Polk be enough to establish state-of-the-art Internet access for its citizens?

It could. Imagine 46 such grants for the most rural of Wisconsin’s 72 counties.

President Obama spoke some inspirational words during a recent trip to Marquette, Mich.

“We can’t expect tomorrow’s economy to take root using yesterday’s infrastructure,” he said.

Very true. But how in the world will we get that infrastructure with roadblocks like this?

Editorials by Gary King

• Letters to the editor •

Political spin insulting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I am wondering if there are others out there who are as sick of all the political spin, rhetoric, empty catch phrases and derogatory words designed to incite hate and fear currently being spewed by many of our representatives, as I? I am wondering if any, who after writing to your representative(s), get actual responses to their questions and concerns, or do you just get a form letter with sound bites generated by the party leadership? And, if so, how does that make you feel?

I recently wrote to Assemblyman Eric Severson regarding Gov. Walker’s proposal to eliminate collective bargaining on benefits for public employees. I enumerated my reasons for my opposition to this measure and explained some of the nuances and consequences of it.

In Mr. Severson’s response, he states public employees “will now be asked to contribute … toward their retirement”; and further, he states, public employees “are also being asked to contribute 12 percent of their insurance premiums.”

These statements are false. Walker is not asking public employees for anything, he’s telling them. It will be the law.

There’s a big difference between a request and an order.

Severson further states, “This budget repair bill is the direct result of reckless spending policies, raiding of segregated funds, and fiscal lapses perpetrated by the previous administration.” Whoa!

That’s pretty strong stuff. Is this a true

statement? I’m not well enough versed on past budgets and the nuances of the politics involved in passing those budgets to have an opinion. If Mr. Severson wants to convince me he’s right, he needs to back those statements up with verifiable facts, figures or statistics. He did not do that. These are the kinds of words and phrases often used by politicians for the sole purpose of inciting hate and fear in the hearts of their constituents against their opposing party and I find it objectionable, regardless of which party is saying them.

The purpose of this letter is not to pick on Assemblyman Severson. I’ve never met him personally but I’m sure he’s an intelligent, well-intentioned person who truly wants to do what is right. I only am using his letter as an example of what is wrong with our political system. We, as citizens, are way too passive in allowing our representatives to manipulate us with words. I find this kind of political spin and rhetoric demeaning to the person who is spewing it, and insulting to the intelligence of the person or persons to whom it is directed.

In court, we ask witnesses to “tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” Perhaps it would be a good idea to incorporate that oath into all elected officials’ oaths of office. At this time our representatives suffer no consequences for spinning the truth and misleading us, but I am wondering – what if ... ?

Priscilla Fjorden Milltown

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

T H E

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

L E A D E R

I S

A

• Letters to the editor • True democracy

President Obama is continually chastising Egypt, Pakistan and other countries for not listening to the people and not having a true democracy. He may be correct, but why don’t the American voters look at our own country? Do we have a true democracy? Hardly. As examples: • When one of Gen. McCrystal’s commands criticized Obama and his policies, he immediately summoned the general to Washington and fired him. Democracy with freedom of speech? Doesn’t look that way.

• When 69 percent of the population did not want Obamacare, he bribed congressmen with earmarks and promises to the tune of $1.6 billion (CBS reported this).

Democracy of the majority? Doesn’t look that way.

• When a Muslim at Fort Hood shot 13 people, the Obama-controlled media does not report any progress of his trial. When someone in Arizona shoots one of his beloved Democratic congressmen, the Obama-controlled media continues coverage almost nonstop. Is this a true democracy?

• When Fox news, Rush Limbaugh, or Beck say something against him, he gets on his Obama-controlled media and immediately tells the American voters that they are anti-American and subversive people. Is that freedom of speech? Is that democracy? Doesn’t look that way.

• When John Rankel is accused of bribery, and illegally accepting gifts, Obama does not talk about justice. He stays silent. Is that democracy? Doesn’t look that way.

• When Democratic senators use their influence to obtain city, county and state funding to build a new basketball arena for the team they own I guess that is OK. After all, it is a true democracy.

• When congressmen and senators have OWI charges, vehicular moving violations, fraud, sex scandals, and a host of other criminal activity, where is Obama?

Hiding as usual and still complaining about corruption in other countries.

The fact is that if we look hard within our own government activities, we have some of the most blatantly corrupt governments in the world. We have some of the most blatant criminals running our government. We have some of the greatest violators of democracy from the top down. The American way is to throw money at governments, people and candidates, and you can hope that taxpayer money buys silence from other countries.

One thing is for sure, if you contribute enough money to any candidate who makes it in office, you can be assured that they will listen to you. If you don’t contribute, they do not have time to listen to your concerns.

Dave Wilhelmy Siren

Spending on other countries costly

I recently read an article from the CATO Institute for policy analysis called “The continuing failure of foreign aid.” It was written by James Bovard who has written for the Wall Street Journal and the Chicago Tribune. The top 11 who received our gift of money is as follows in 2010.

1. In fiscal 2010 $8.3 billon in military and security assistance to foreign countries.

2. Afghanistan $4.1 billion, although much of it is unaccounted for.

3. Israel $2.8 billion.

4. Pakistan $1.8 billion, although there people hate us.

5. Haiti $1.8 billion, to rebuild the country. Looked at the latest pictures?

6. Egypt $1.8 billion, mainly to the military.

7. Iraq $ 1.1 billion.

8. Jordan $843 million.

9. Mexico $758 million.

10. Kenya $688 million.

11. Nigeria $615 million.

A billion dollars is 1,000 million dollars.

We have a national debt reaching $14 trillion! So where do we cut spending? First programs for the poor and elderly. No COLA raises for those on Social Security and disabled veterans for the past two years and perhaps this year as well.

FEBRUARY 16, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 9

The foreign aid program has over 4,500 employees to administer the program. Instead of breaking the endless cycle of poverty, “Foreign aid has become the narcotic of the third world.” When we send billions in food to various countries their farmers produce financially hits rock bottom. So soon they say, why should we grow crops when we get free food from America? We are making these, and other countries dependent on our foreign aid which we simply cannot continue to afford.

Now Obama is asking Congress for another $53 billion to finance high-speed rail? The message to stop spending apparently has not been understood? Amtrak rail system funded by the U.S. government has lost $10 billion over the last 10 years.

Carl Pentland Balsam Lake

Unfair to government workers

Last Friday the governor introduced his budget “repair” bill to close a $137 million budget shortfall by the end of June. Had the bill included a proposal for temporary wage and benefit concessions by government workers I could support it. However, the bill not only imposes what amounts to a permanent 8-percent pay cut for state workers, it also strips away 50 years of state employees’ rights to collectively bargain and pays back political favors (the police and firefighter unions support the governor so they get to keep their rights).

These proposals have been preceded by the governor’s public comments attacking public employees and blaming them for the state’s financial woes. Why? Because state employees are one of the most highly skilled workforces in the state? Because they believe in what they are doing? By every objective measure, state workers receive less total compensation (pay and benefits) than their private-sector peers. They have not gotten raises, they have been paying more for health care, and they have been furloughed. The size of the Wisconsin state government workforce has been declining for several years and is already the ninth leanest in the country. As the baby boomers continue to retire in droves, who is going to be interested in jobs in which they are significantly undercompensated and demonized by politicians? The private sector argument does not work because many of these jobs, such as social worker or parole officer, cannot or should not be done by the private sector.

Government workers provide the public with both needed and wanted services.

They are your friends and neighbors, spend the money they earn locally and volunteer their time and talent for the betterment of their community, just like everyone else. They do not deserve to have the budget balanced on their backs or their rights taken away.

Bob Wright Dresser

Inviting trouble

The events these past three weeks in Egypt should give Second Amendment fanatics pause. Would we be celebrating the revolutionary overthrow of a 30-year dictatorship if the many thousands of demonstrators who forced Mubarak’s resignation had been armed with guns? I doubt it.

It is more likely that we would have witnessed hundreds if not thousands of dead and wounded lying in Tahrir Square. The young people of Egypt have demonstrated, once again, that the route to overthrow of tyrannical or autocratic government is best secured through peaceful protest. Even though there may be difficult days ahead in establishing a democratic state, would an armed citizenry really improve the prospect?

In this country we have seen 1 million die from guns since the assassination of Martin Luther King, most as suicides or accidents. Our response has been to ease gun control laws. At the same time we ban cribs moveable sides from the market because several infants have died as a re-

sult.

One legislator is even proposing legislation to require every American to own a gun. If guns really make us safer should we not insist that people be armed to get on an airplane or to visit the Capitol or the White House? I carried a loaded gun for six months in combat in WWII. I loved to hunt in my youth but our national reaction to gun laws is crazy.

My grandfather was a miner in the gold fields of Montana from 1874 to 1876, the year of the Battle of Little Bighorn. He said he never packed a gun because all it did was invite trouble. I think his wisdom would serve us all well today.

Eiler Ravnholt Luck

Children deserve better

According to Gov. Walker’s own news release, “both Democrats and Republicans know that state workers do great work.

But unfortunately many private sector workers have either lost their jobs, taken a pay cut or saw their benefit package reduced as a result of the recent economic downturn. Walker’s Budget Repair Bill strikes a fair balance, asking public employees to make a modest 5.8-percent pension contribution, which is about the national average, and 12.6-percent health insurance contribution, which is about half the national average.”

That sounds both nice and fair, and obviously it is something that everyone should agree with. However, Walker is ignoring one important fact. Wisconsin public employees do have better fringe benefits than the public employees in other states. That is because everyone from the nurses to motor vehicle workers, teachers to snowplow drivers chose to take their compensation in health insurance and retirement contributions. In fact, Wisconsin teachers rank 20th when it comes to the average pay for teachers in the U.S. When the cost of their fringe benefits is added in, Wisconsin may rank as high as 17th or 16th, which is not an outrageous ranking for a state that says it truly values education. State employee unions made $100 million in concessions in December 2010 to ease budgetary strain.

Those contracts did not pass the Legislature.

Walker is suggesting that we must choose between unionized workers and streamlined government. The fact is we can, and must, have both. One of the most important responsibilities of our elected leaders is to provide the highest quality public services as efficiently as possible.

This requires skilled employees, a reliable structure, and a workplace designed to encourage trust and productivity.

The right of Wisconsin workers to organize and bargain collectively has been around for 50 years. Public employees are your neighbors; they are librarians, bus drivers, nurses and teachers. Their unions came to the bargaining table in recent years, willing to help share the burden and spread the pain to help make city, state and county budgets work in tough economic times. The way to improve public services and reduce costs is to trust public employees and give them the opportunity to do quality work.

Over the years, Wisconsin public em-

ployees have chosen to take the funds available for increased pay in the form of retirement benefits and payment for health care. That is just one of the reasons that the pay scale for most Wisconsin public employees is far below the national average.

Wisconsin is the 20th most populated state, but we rank 27th in number of full-time employees. We get more productivity from Wisconsin public employees. Wisconsin state workers are doing more than their counterparts in other states. The Wisconsin public employee who actually receives a bonus is rare. Recently, General Motors announced that all hourly workers will be receiving a $4,000 bonus. Even in these economic times, many private sector employees receive bonuses, stock options and other privileges not given to public employees.

Perhaps the real question to ask is what does Walker hope to gain? Obviously he wants to break the public unions … which means all other unions are probably next on his agenda. Plus the other shoe, the 2012-2013 state budget, has not yet dropped, but rumors abound that it includes the gutting of a number of education programs – including a reduction of $500 per student in state aid and the loss of the 4K and SAGE programs. On one hand, the governor and his big business friends tell us that we need to educate our students to live and work using 21st century skills, and on the other hand they are limiting the resources for teaching those same skills. Today’s decision by the governor’s office to give back $23 million in federal broadband stimulus funding awards intended for broadband expansion because there are “too many strings attached” to the stimulus funding is just the most recent example. This is the first time a state has returned or rejected the funding, which would have predominately been used to improve police, fire, hospital, school and library connectivity across some 380 Wisconsin communities.

Please let your state senators and assembly members know that this is not the Wisconsin we want to give to our children. They deserve better!

A concerned educator and taxpayer, Lori Nelson Luck

Great newspaper - great freedoms

I hope that the people of this area realize that we have one of the best small-town newspapers around. They must have a great group of reporters and writers in order to cover so many different stories and events week after week.

I moved to this area about 16 years ago and have been a loyal reader ever since. I have used the privilege of expressing my opinion by way of letters to the editor on several occasions and can’t express my gratitude enough for this privilege.

It’s time for all of us to realize that our freedoms and the many blessings that we have in this great country of ours should not be taken lightly. God has blessed us in many ways. May he continue in his grace to look on us with favor.

Thanks be to God. Don Benson Taylors Falls, Minn.

Rep. Severson responds to Gov. Walker’s Budget Repair Bill

“A step in the right direction”

MADISON – State Rep. Erik Severson, R-Osceola, issued the following statement in response to Gov. Walker’s plan for filling Wisconsin’s $137 million budget gap: “Due to years of out-of-control government spending and budget mismanagement, we have a broken economy in need of a serious fix.

“Gov. Walker’s proposal will help get Wisconsin back on track and help our economy rebound.

“The goal is to balance the budget

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

without having to lay off any of our hardworking, dedicated state employees.

“The contributions Gov. Walker is proposing for public employees are still well below the national average.

“It is important to remember that we haven’t cut any jobs, reduced pensions, or hurt the quality of health care provided to state employees.

“Wisconsin is in a very real fiscal crisis, and I am committed to making the tough decisions needed to pull our state out of this financial hole.” - from the office of Rep. Severson

N E W S P A P E R

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 16, 2011

• Letters to the editor • Terrible truth

Oprah Winfrey, in a recent interview on MSNBC, said that people were not showing respect for President Obama. My question is how can we disagree with the president and not be accused of disrespect? Furthermore, I am disgusted with those demagogues who call anyone a racist who disagrees with the president’s politics. Need I say politics with a bent for socialism?

On May 29, 2009, Pravda (Russian news) in an article said about America, “The final collapse has come with the election of Barack Obama. His spending and money printing has been record setting, not just in America’s short history but in the world. If this keeps up for more than another year, and there is no sign that it will not, America at best will resemble the Weimar Republic (Germany) and at worst Zimbabwe.”

Our debt is going to strangle America if common sense does not prevail.

Today, the Obama team released their budget for 2012. What we know about the budget and its effect on the next five years is a joke. The 2012 budget does nothing to pay down the debt the nation owes. They want to freeze the budget for the next five years. Last year they were going to freeze the budget for the next three years. Did they freeze the budget? No. This president and his people can’t be trusted. This does not bode well for our nation.

This group in the White House uses many different ploys to leave people wondering what they will try next. This president and his speech writers are clever in their semantics. One example is their use of the word investment. The government does not invest, but rather spends the citizens money collected through taxes for hopefully legitimate purposes. The definition of investment, according to Webster’s Dictionary, is “the investing of money or capital for profitable returns.” How did the General Motors and Chrysler investment work out for America? The answer is clear, first the investors lost everything and the unions got an interest in GM without investing one dime. Oh yes, the government owns a portion of GM but the government will never get back the citizens’ money. So much for the return on investment but then I am being critical of the president. I am sorry, Oprah, oh so sorry.

I am not interested in the political party of our legislators; but rather, are they interested in giving us good government or

are they concerned only with their re-election. The question of some of the readers will be: What is good government? Good government is when the government does not intrude in every corner of the citizens’ lives. Our congress has reached a point where they want the people to be dependent on them. Let’s just look at one thing in our national budget. The farming community is being subsidized to grow corn for the production of ethanol. What has happened? Cars don’t get the mileage with ethanol, versus gasoline and the cost of food has gone up - another government fumble. When you fumble in football and lose the ball it is not good. When our government fumbles it is not good and they lost the football when it comes to ethanol.

I have a car that has flex fuel capability and it gets a whopping 26 miles per gallon on regular and 20 miles on E85.

Truth is a terrible thing!

Don Denny Luck

Talent show

I would like to extend gratitude to the Frederic Arts Board for the privilege of judging the first ever Frederic’s Got Talent. It was a simply a wonderful, entertaining and refreshingly positive evening, and the brainchild of Frederic’s very talented teacher, Kelly Hopkins. Kelly is clearly devoted to her students, and the students clearly support and respect her.

I want to also recognize each of the 12 students who participated. You were winners the moment you stepped out on that stage. Good for you, and please keep it up.

And lastly I would also like to praise the Frederic student body who showed up en masse to support and cheer on their fellow classmates. How refreshing in this ever-changing chaotic, dysfunctional world we are living in, that you showed me a very positive environment and healthy community. I am proud to say I grew up in Frederic, and I am so glad to see there are some very good things that haven’t changed. Clearly the arts are still embraced at Frederic.

So my gratitude again, Frederic Arts Board, for supporting the event and helping Kelly to put together a very enjoyable evening. I can’t wait until next year!

Suz Byerly Thomson Balsam Lake

Fortunate

Thursday, Feb. 4, I experienced the nightmare of standing helplessly by, watching my house burn. I had built the house over 30 years ago, and at that time I had taken special precautions to ensure that my wood-burning stove was absolutely safe and up to codes. In spite of my efforts, I was standing in the driveway with my wife, watching our dream house go up in smoke.

Fortunately, my wife had detected an unfamiliar odor in the house and had done an immediate inspection. She saw flames coming out of the chimney side and called the fire department and then ran down to my shop to get my help. I had a water hose coiled up in the basement for emergencies, and I grabbed it and headed for the roof to try and knock down the fire while I waited for help. From the very start, I could see that I was fighting a losing battle. The small stream of water from the hose was no match for the flames, but when you are losing your home, good judgment often takes a second seat to desperation.

As I continued to spray the flame, a sheriff came running through the deep snow and told me to get off the roof immediately. He said that the fire department was just minutes away and that my efforts were endangering my safety. When I got down, he checked with me to ensure that there were no people or pets in the house.

It was a relief to see the fire truck come up the driveway. I wanted to help pull out hoses or do something, but I realized that I would probably just get in the way, so I stood in the driveway with my wife, watching our house burn.

Meanwhile the firefighting team was in full force and were doing their best to save the house. Firemen and women were running through knee-deep snow, pulling heavy hoses. The township truck arrived and plowed the driveway wider and put down a layer of sand so that the tanker trucks could get water up to the pump truck. The Milltown EMT squad was parked on the roadside in case there were any injuries. Policemen directed traffic on the road to keep the routes open for the tanker trucks. A Polk-Burnett serviceman arrived to disconnect power and eliminate electrical hazards.

It was an overwhelming scene for my wife and me. Our house was burning and we didn’t know if any of it could be saved.

Its fate was entirely in the hands of the

volunteers of the Centuria and Balsam Lake fire departments. They had two hoses going on the outside and a team led

by Tom Mabry took a third inside the house to fight the flames there. The firefighters were weary from dragging heavy hoses through deep snow. Most were soaked from the thousands of gallons of water they were pouring on the fire. Their faces were blackened from the heavy smoke, but they would not quit.

It was with both pride and gratitude that I watched the fight to save my house.

It was a team effort and the entire team knew exactly what to do. It was a team of volunteers who trained on their own time so that they would be ready when someone in the community needed their help.

My wife and I were now the beneficiaries of their training and of their determination not to lose to the fire.

They put out the fire, checked to make sure that there were no hot spots that might rekindle, and then they left. They saved the majority of the house. Without their speedy response and tireless efforts to put out the flames, we would have lost the entire house and everything that was in it. I will never be able to repay the debt that I owe all of the people who helped my family and me during the fire and afterward. They will forever have my gratitude and my support. It is important that we remember these people and their dedication to our communities. Where would we be without them?

Looking back over the events of the last two weeks, I realize how fortunate I am. I still have a home. I live in an area that has excellent emergency services. I have countless friends who have supported my family and me in our time of crisis. When the time comes and an opportunity to help the community presents itself, I will be there.

Brent Mathson Balsam Lake

Annual Jefferson, Jackson and Dueholm Dinner set

LUCK – The Democrat parties of Polk and Burnett counties will be hosting the annual Jefferson, Jackson and Dueholm Dinner on Saturday, March 5. The event will be held at Hog Wild BBQ and Grill beginning at 5:30 p.m. with dinner being served buffet style at 6 p.m. Honorees will be U.S. Congressman Obey, Wisconsin Assemblywomen Mary Hubler and Ann Hraychuck. Speakers will be Wisconsin Sens. Bob Jauch and Kathleen that if he does call out the National Vinehout. Tickets are $20 per person.

Guard ... those men and women that Registration required prior to Monday, Feb. 28. Contact Roxanne Moore at 715come, they’re going to have family mem485- 9343 to register. - submitted bers back home ... with spouses, children ... who need this care!” Moon said to a cheering crowd.

In a release, the group VoteVets.org opwww.the-leader.net posed what they called an “inappropriate threat” from the governor’s office.

Possibility of National Guard presence draws ire from veterans

by Brian Bull, Wisconsin Public Radio STATEWIDE - Some veterans are upset at Gov. Walker’s remarks that he’s been in touch with the National Guard for “contingency plans” following his proposal to scale back union bargaining rights.

Last week, the governor said he would

eliminate most collective bargaining for all state and local employees, adding that he’d been readying local Guard units should there be walkouts or strikes.

But at a rally in Milwaukee Monday, Feb. 14, Iraq War veteran Jason Moon chided that prospect.

“I just want to remind Scott Walker,

Rivard proposes Rural Jobs Act

Bill to bring economic development dollars to rural Wisconsin

RICE LAKE – In his first bill to be introduced in the Assembly, Rep. Roger Rivard, R-Rice Lake, proposed expanding the very successful economic development zone program to rural Wisconsin.

“I am introducing this bill because I want to see rural Wisconsin placed on the same playing field as Milwaukee and Madison,” said Rivard. “For far too long, economic development dollars have been funneled to Wisconsin’s major metropolitan areas, all but forgetting the decent, hardworking folks in places like the 75th District.”

The bill, which was referred to the Rural Economic Development and Rural Affairs Committee, will increase the number of al-

lowable economic development zones by four and require that all four zones be located in rural areas.

A Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article showed how powerful the enterprise zones are as a tool. AcRep. Roger Rivard cording to the artiproposes expanding cle, the program the economic devel- has helped to creopment zone pro- ate or retain 7,400 gram.

— Photo jobs in Wisconsin.

Not only does the submitted program add jobs to the local economy, it pays for itself. At the time of the Journal Sentinel article, the Department of

Commerce had committed $135.6 million and was on track to recoup over $164 million.

“This is one of those programs where we get the best of both worlds,” said Rivard. “Not only do we increase or retain jobs in the state, there is no long-term cost to taxpayers. In fact, over the long term not only is this a revenue enhancer for the state, but more importantly it is a revenue enhancer for the employees who benefit from new or retained jobs.

“It’s time to restore jobs in rural areas again. If we don’t turn things around, our problems will only worsen. Declining enrollment in rural school districts will continue, brain drain from high school graduates will continue, and our small communities will shrink, making job creation even more difficult.” — from the office of Rep. Rivard

Parents invited to program at SCFalls elementary gym

ST. CROIX FALLS - A program for parents of middle and high school students will be held in St. Croix Falls Elementary School gym on Thursday, Feb. 24.

It will be a presentation about the effects of drug and alcohol abuse on young people and families. The program will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

All parents of middle and high school students are invited to attend. This parent night will give them the opportunity to view a brief version of a presentation that the students will see the following day and to openly discuss the issue of drugs and alcohol.

Parents of children who have been involved with drugs or alcohol will talk about what went wrong and how their child’s abuse affected their families.

In a frank and insightful manner, these parents will tell you what they wish they had known. – submitted

Spring election contests in Burnett and Polk counties

FEBRUARY 16, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 11

by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer BURNETT / POLK COUNTIES – The candidates for the Tuesday, April 5 spring election have all been selected. Most candidates for town and village boards were nominated at caucuses in January.

The primary Tuesday, Feb. 15, settled a few ballot questions. Now the candidates for 35 municipal races in Polk County and 24 races in Burnett County are known.

School board candidates were announced at the end of December. Throw in judicial races and there will be at least one contested election where every voter in the two counties must make a choice.

This year villages elect a village president and three of the six trustees on the board, all for two-year terms.

Towns elect a chair and two supervisors plus a clerk and treasurer if those offices have not been made appointed positions. The city of St. Croix Falls elects alderpersons, and Amery has no city contests this year.

A complete list of candidates follows the article.

Burnett County villages Webster has a contest for village president, and Siren has a write-in contest for village trustee.

In Webster, incumbent President Tom Stusek is being challenged by Trustee Jeff Roberts, whose seat is not up this year. If Roberts is elected, the village board will appoint a person to complete the year left on his term. In Siren, only two candidates were nominated for three trustee seats. Since the caucus, Peggy Moore has registered as a write-in candidate for the seat being vacated

by Joshua Henry. All other incumbents in the three villages, including the four up for re-election in Grantsburg, are running unopposed for their present positions.

Polk County villages and cities In Polk County, the April 5 action is in the villages of Balsam Lake, Milltown and Osceola. All positions are being contested in each of these villages. Centuria is having a total turnover for the offices up this year but no contests. Candidates are switching offices in Frederic and Luck, but again with no contests. And there is a contest for an open seat on the St. Croix Falls City Council.

There are no contests in Clayton, Clear Lake, Dresser or Turtle Lake. Amery elects it alderpersons for four-year terms and has no contests this year.

In Balsam Lake, Carl Holmgren is challenging village President Guy Williams, and four persons are running for the three trustee positions, incumbents Michael Voltz and Eugene D’Agostino plus Duane Gurtner and Josh Hallberg. David Knutson is not seeking another term.

Milltown has a full ballot. President Lu Ann White is being challenged by Les Sloper. Two of the three trustees whose terms are up, Benjamin Wheeler and Robert Rubin, are not running. On the ballot are the third incumbent, Jason McKenzie, plus Bob Jones, Erling Voss, Joe Castellano and Janet Otto.

Osceola Village has a full slate and had a primary Tuesday, Feb. 15. See separate story on that race.

Four incumbents leaving In Centuria, all four incumbents, President Wayne Bakke and Trustees Steven Sylvester, Eric Priebe and Peter Englund, are leaving the board. There will be no contest in April since a single candidate was nominated for each position. Dave Markert is running for village president. Since he is now a trustee, the board will appoint a person to complete the remaining year on his term. Running unopposed for the three trustee seats are Stan Swiontek, Rod Peterson and Phil Nehring.

Trading seats In Frederic, present Trustee William Johnson and President Phil Knuf are trading positions, with no contests on the ballot.

Luck will get a new president, the fourth in the past few years. Village President Steven Nielsen, appointed to the office when Nancy Webster-Smith resigned, is not seeking a full term. Webster-Smith defeated Richard Callister as a write-in candidate in 2009. Present Trustee Peter Demydowich is running unopposed for the office.

Incumbent Trustees Robert Determan and John Wilcoxon are seeking re-election, and Kristine King is running for Demydowich’s seat. All are unopposed.

Clear Lake will have a new council member. Joe Mara is running unopposed for the trustee seat of Leigh Wit-

HOME DEDICATION

For More Information Call The Habitat Office At 715-472-6080

Burnett towns There are contests in 11 of the 21 towns in Burnett County.

Two towns will have new board members running unopposed, and all incumbents in the remaining eight towns are also running unopposed. The most contested races are in Rusk, Scott and Webb Lake, but there are also races in Daniels, LaFollette, Lincoln, Oakland, Swiss, Union and Wood River. Roosevelt has a write-in contest for a blank spot. New people will be elected to open seats in Grantsburg and Sand Lake, all unopposed. Also running unopposed are the incumbents in Anderson, Blaine, Dewey, Jackson, Meenon, Siren, Trade Lake and West Marshland.

The Scott contest has Supervisor Mick Peterson running against Chair Doug McCreadie. Marlene Kufalk, Shirley Muller and incumbent Gary Lundberg are running for supervisor. Clerk Kim Simon is facing Karen Wiggins as she seeks another term.

In Rusk, two people are running for chair, four people are running for two supervisor spots, and one person is running for the open town clerk position. Present Chair Paul Hartwig is not running again. Richard Harder and present Supervisor David Olson are running for the office. Karl Plesums, Scott Fell, Kent Bassett and incumbent Robert Brede are running for the two supervisor seats.

Clerk Jennifer Christner is not seeking another term. Bonnie Harder is running unopposed for the office.

Full ballot in Webb Lake Webb Lake also has a full ballot. Chair Harry Patneaude is not running again. Steve Austin and Clifford (Larry) Main are on the ballot for chair. Incumbent Supervisors Greg Main and John Kielkucki are being challenged by Patricia Pockrandt and Jill Schaaf. The present town clerk, Gail Kuep, is opposed by Dagny Johnson.

In Daniels, Bruce Chell is running against Chair Christopher Sower. Three people, Lonny Pearson, Denis Simonsen amd incumbent Timothy Tjader, are running for the two supervisor seats. Incumbent Edward Fisher is not running.

LaFollette has a race for supervisor. John Larson Jr. is running against incumbents Robert Stage and Douglas Coyour.

Lincoln has a contest for chair. Steve Washkuhn is running against present Chair Christ Olson. Present clerk Patrice Bjorklund and treasurer Wanda Washkuhn are switching jobs without opposition.

Oakland also has a race for chair. Incumbent Harm Weber is facing Wayne Larrabee.

The Swiss race is for supervisor. Delores Staples and incumbents George Costello and Gerald Pardun are running for the two positions.

The Union contest is for chair. Incumbent Tom Nielsen faces Michael Kornmann for the office.

In Wood River, Jason Johnson is running against incumbent Dale Halverson for supervisor seat No. 1.

Roosevelt has a write-in contest for town clerk. Present clerk Karla Mortensen told the board she would not be seeking re-election. No one came forward at the caucus as a willing candidate. Mortensen told the Leader that as of press time, there is still no person willing to take the office, even though some are said to be interested. Candidates for write-in positions must register with the town clerk as soon as they decide to run.

In the town of Grantsburg, James Paden is running unopposed for the seat of retiring Supervisor David Doskey.

Three retiring Sand lake has three incumbents retiring and three people running unopposed for the offices. Don Taylor is running for the chair position held by Neil Ambourn. Daniel Scully is running for Jim Tolbert’s supervisor seat, and Melanie Connor Johnson is running to replace town treasurer Carrie Hunter.

Polk towns There are contested races in 13 of the 24 Polk County towns in April.

Four towns will have uncontested changes. In the remaining seven towns, all incumbents are running for reelection unopposed. The most contested elections are in the towns of Bone Lake, Eureka, Johnstown, Laketown, Luck and St. Croix Falls. Each of the six places has races for the chair position and for supervisor seats. There are also contests for town chair in Clayton, Farmington and

LAURITSEN CHIROPRACTIC OFFICE Family Practice MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED Mon., Wed., Fri. & Sat. (715) 635-6969 214 Spruce St. Spooner, WI Turtle Lake Office (Hwy. 8 & 63N) Tuesday and Thursday (715) 986-4600 www.LauritsenChiropractic.com

Osceola. Alden, Balsam Lake, Black Brook and Milltown have supervisor races. There are uncontested changes in Apple River, Georgetown, Lincoln and West Sweden. All incumbents are running for re-election unopposed in Beaver, Clam Falls, Clear Lake, Garfield, Lorain, McKinley and Sterling.

Big change A big change is coming in Bone Lake. Town Chair Wayne Shirley is retiring after serving the town in various positions for 43 years. He has been chair since 1994.

Marsha Karpinen and Doug Route are running for the open office. Incumbent Supervisors Bill Schilling and Roger Neumann are being challenged by Earl Erickson for the two supervisor seats.

Eureka has a full slate of candidates for the town board.

Incumbent Chair Gene Krull is being challenged by Kyle Swanson. Swanson is now a supervisor. The other incumbent supervisor, Jose Trejo, is not running. Four people are running for the two open seats, Tom Bloomquist, James Johnson, Roger Johnson and Steve Jacobs.

In Johnstown, incumbent Chair Arnold Peer faces Mike Anderson. Incumbent Supervisors Richard Sellent and Douglas Rouzer are running for re-election against Paul Danninger and Joe Zaspel.

Iver’s Mountain issue The Iver’s Mountain issue is still alive in Laketown, and the town has contests for all board positions. Ted Zindars is running against town Chair Daniel King. Incumbent Supervisors Monte Tretsvan and Bruce Paulsen face Matt Larson and Stanley Engstrand on the ballot.

In Luck, town Chair Dean Johansen is being challenged

by Gregory Marsten. Marsten is presently a supervisor and is also running for re-election to that position along with incumbent Larry Wright. Don Langel is also on the ballot for supervisor.

St. Croix Falls has a contest for chair and will get two new supervisors. Incumbent Chair Bill Hughes faces Steve Palmer in his bid for re-election. Palmer is now a supervisor. Fellow Supervisor Erick Vitalis is not running again. The four new supervisor candidates are Norval Valleen, Mary Hughes, Michael Dorsey and Christopher Chelberg.

In Clayton, Chair James Anderson is stepping down.

Scott Grosskruetz and Craig Moriak are running for the open seat.

Farmington Chair James LaRue is being challenged by Dennis Cotter.

Chairman retiring In Osceola, Chair Steven Stroshane is retiring. Robert Wright and Douglas Schmidt are running for the office.

Wright is now a supervisor, and the other supervisor, Eugene Lindholm, is not running again so the town will have two new supervisors. Michael Wallis and Daniel Burch are running unopposed for the seats.

Alden has three people, incumbents Keith Karpenski and Helen Johnson plus Dave Pettis, running for supervisor.

The Balsam Lake supervisor contest has Wallace Trudeau facing incumbents John Ruck and Dave Dunke.

The Black Brook race has David Gehrman challenging incumbent Dave Paulson for supervisor seat No. 2.

Milltown has three running for supervisor, incumbents Clifford Gustafson and Christopher Nelson plus Russell Carlson.

Apple River gets a new town clerk. Tom Sykes is passing the office to his wife Katie Wingate-Sykes in an uncontested election.

Georgetown Supervisor Marvin Johnson is being replaced by Dan Bergeron.

Lincoln also has an uncontested race for a new supervisor where Richard Timm is running to replace Richard Waterman.

Lastly, West Sweden Chair Dennis O’Donnell is stepping down, and Simon Nelson is the only candidate for the position.

2011World Day of Prayer is March 4

BALSAM LAKE - The 2011 World Day of Prayer is set for Friday, March 4. It will be held at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Balsam Lake at 1:30 p.m. with a social following the program. All are welcome to attend. - submitted

SIREN DENTAL CLINIC Sheldon A. Olesen, DDS 24164 State Road 35, Siren, Wis. Dr. John E. Cruz

DOCTOR IS IN ON FRIDAYS!

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME 529877 25Ltfc

Sunday, Feb. 27, at 2 p.m.

7514 Balsam St. W. Webster, Wis. PUBLIC INVITED!

530278 26L

Wild Rivers

thoft.

St. Croix Falls has an alderperson contest for the council seat of the retiring Arnie Carlson. The candidates for the seat are Lori Erickson and Randy Korb.

530138 26L

Candidates set for town, village and city elections

S. A. OLESEN, D.D.S.

* Preventative Care * * Crowns, Bridges, Cosmetic Dentistry * * Dentures, Partials, Relines * * Fillings, Root Canals and Extractions * GENTLE DENTAL CARE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

715-349-2297

Spring election: List of candidates

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 16, 2011

Polk County town candidates All terms are two years CH = chair; S = supervisor (two for each town) / some supervisor seats are numbered; CL = clerk; T = treasurer; C/T = combined clerk / treasurer position; Const = constable.

Where not listed, clerk, treasurer and constable are appointed, not elected.

(I) = incumbent

Alden – CH: Bradley Johnson (I). S: Keith Karpenski (I), Helen Johnson (I) and Dave Pettis.

Apple River – CH: Rick Scoglio (I). S: David Waterman (I) and Ansel Johnson (I). CL: Katie Wingate-Sykes. T: Linda Peterson.

Balsam Lake – CH: Brad Mabry (I). S: John Ruck (I), Dave Dumke (I) and Wallace Trudeau. CL: Brian Masters. T: Audrey Ruck.

Beaver – CH: Glen Wright (I). S: Paul Farb (I) and Bob Peters (I). CL: Wendy Coleman (I). T: Roxy King (I).

Black Brook – CH: Charlie Barney (I). S: Seat No. 1- George Fowler (I), Seat No. 2Dave Paulson (I) and David Gehrman. CL: Sally Pickard (I). T: Cynthia Nelson (I).

Bone Lake – CH: Marsha Karkinen and Doug Route. S: Bill Schilling (I), Roger Neumann (I) and Earl Erickson.

Clam Falls – CH: Gregory Anderson (I).

S: Robert Carlson (I) and Brad Olson (I).

Clayton – CH: Scott Grosskruetz and Craig Moriak. S: William (Bill) Vanda (I), Grant Pickard (I). CL: Carol Wozniak (I).

T: Jane Leschisin.

Clear Lake – CH: Arthur Bergmann (I).

S: Larry Reindahl (I) and Richard Buhr (I).

CL: Janelle Johnson (I). T: Helen Leibl (I).

Eureka – CH: Gene Krull (I) and Kyle Swanson. S: Tom Bloomquist, James Johnson, Roger Johnson and Steve Jacobs. CL: Michelle Tonnar (I). T: David Anderson (I).

Farmington – CH: James LaRue (I) and Dennis Cotter. S: Tim Stelter (I) and Jim Connors (I). C/T: Debbie Swanson (I).

Garfield – CH: Ed Gullickson (I). S: Donald Mork (I) and George Stroebel (I).

CL: Sue Knutson (I). T: Valerie Anderson (I).

Georgetown – CH: Ron Ogren (I). S: Andy Mangalsen (I) and Dan Bergeron.

CL: Kristine Lindgren (I). T: Judith Maier (I).

Johnstown – CH: Arnold Peer (I) and Mike Anderson. S: Richard Sellent (I), Douglas Rouzer (I), Paul Danninger and Joe Zaspel. CL: Carol Wallin (I). T: Susan Rouzer (I).

Laketown – CH: Daniel King (I) and Ted Zindars. S: Monte Tretsven (I), Bruce Paulson (I), Matt Larson and Stanley Engstrand. CL: Patsy Gustafson (I). T: Jill Cook (I).

Lincoln – CH: Jay Luke (I). S: Alan Carlson (I) and Richard Timm. T: Clark Anderson (I).

Lorain – CH: Richard Eggers (I). S: Daniel Beecroft (I) and Roger Owens (I).

T: Laurie Sommerfeld (I).

Luck – CH: Dean Johansen (I) and Gregory Marsten. S: Larry Wright (I), Gregory Marsten (I) and Don Langel.

McKinley – CH: Mark Renstrom (I). S: Kevin Wickstrom (I) and Robert Wurm (I).

T: Peggy Lundmark (I).

Milltown – CH: Harlen Hegdal (I). S: Clifford Gustafson (I), Christopher Nelson (I) and Russell Carlson. CL: Virgil Hansen (I). T: Mary Sue Morris (I).

Osceola – CH: Robert Wright and Douglas Schmidt. S: Michael Wallis and Daniel Burch.

St. Croix Falls – CH: Bill Hughes (I) and Steve Palmer. S: Norval Valleen, Mary Hughes, Michael Dorsey and Christopher Chelberg. T: Maxine Spiess (I).

Sterling – CH: Thomas Schweitzer (I).

S: Duane Doolittle (I) and Dan Hinkel (I).

West Sweden – CH: Simon Nelson. S: Glenn Meier (I) and Scott Wilder (I). CL: Andrea Lundquist (I). T: Phyllis Wilder (I).

Burnett County town candidates All terms are two years CH = chair; S = supervisor (two for each town) / some supervisor seats are numbered; CL = clerk; T = treasurer; C/T= combined clerk / treasurer position; Const = constable.

Where not listed, clerk and treasurer are appointed, not elected.

(I) = incumbent

Anderson – CH: Jeremy Gronski (I). S: Tim Harmon (I) and Jim Ulmaniec (I).

Blaine – CH: Daniel Dyson (I). S: Martin Pearson (I), Donald Carlson (I). T: Larry Holter (I).

Daniels – CH: Christopher Sower (I) and Bruce Chell. S: Timothy Tjader (I), Lonny Pearson (I) and Denis Simonsen.

CL: Ellen Ellis (I). T: Emma Kolander (I).

Dewey – CH: Mark Knoop (I). S: James Toll (I) and Philip Scheu (I). CL: Pamela Brown (I). T: William Holden (I). Assessor: John Biver (I).

Grantsburg – CH: Jeffrey Erickson (I).

S: Michael Janke (I) and James Paden.

C/T: Romey Nelson (I).

Jackson – CH: Dianne Connor (I). S: Nancy Growe (I) and Roger Larson (I).

CL: Lorraine Radke (I). T: Kimberly Campion (I).

LaFollette – CH: Darwyn Brown (I). S: Robert Stage (I), Douglas Coyour (I) and John Larson Jr. T: Karen Mangelsen (I).

Lincoln – CH: Christ Olson (I) and Steve Washkuhn. S: Joe Peterson (I) and Julia Steiner (I). CL: Wanda Washkuhn. T: Patrice Bjorklund.

Meenon – CH: Christopher Sybers (I).

S: Randy Strese (I) and Shawn Rachner (I).

CL: Suzanna Eytcheson (I). T: Brenda Mulroy (I).

Oakland – CH: Harm Weber (I) and Wayne Larrabee. S: Jack Witzany (I) and Edgar Peterson (I). CL: Deanna Krause (I).

T: Jonathan Mosher (I).

Roosevelt – CH: Greg Odden (I). S: Jeff Kay (I) and Frank Graf (I). CL: no candidate, write-in. T: Sally Ziemer (I).

Rusk – CH: Richard Harder and Davis Olson. S: Robert Brede (I), Karl Plesums, Scott Fell and Kent Bassett. CL: Bonnie Harder. T: Joy Christner (I).

Sand Lake – CH: Don Taylor. S: Carsten Endresen (I) and Daniel Scully. CL: Peggy Tolbert (I). T: Melanie Connor Johnson.

Scott – CH: Doug McCreadie (I) and Mick Peterson. S: Gary Lundberg (I), Shirley Muller and Marlene Kufalk. CL: Kim Simon (I) and Karen Wiggins. T: Paul Kipping (I).

Siren – CH: DuWayne Wiberg (I). S: Philip Stiemann (I) and Bert Lund Jr. CL: Mary Hunter (I). T: Judy Johnson.

Swiss – CH: Terrance Nelson (I). S: George Costello (I), Gerald Pardun (I) and Delores Staples. CL: Judy Dykstra (I). T: Lassie Helin (I).

Trade Lake – CH: James Melin (I). S: Roger Hinrichs (I) and Jeff Lade (I). T: Patsy Tucker (I).

Union – CH: Tom Nielsen (I) and Michael Kornmann. S: Wayne Burmeister (I) and Marv Merle (I). CL: David Olson (I). T: Florence Grabow (I).

Webb Lake – CH: Clifford (Larry) Main and Steve Austin. S: Greg Main (I), John Kielkucki (I), Patricia Pockrandt and Jill Schaaf. CL: Gail Keup (I) and Dagny Johnson. T: Michelle Hophan (I).

West Marshland – CH: George Clark (I). S: Rodney Ernst (I) and Todd Warren (I). CL: Margaret Hess (I). T: Melissa Johnson.

Wood River – CH: Merlin Becvar (I). S: Seat No. 1- Dale Halverson (I) and Jason Johnson. Seat No. 2- Donald Chell (I). CL:

Dawn Luke (I). T: Laura McKeag.

isting buildings,” he said. “And people seem a little more confident with the economy now.”

Healy also talked of the issue of investors, and connecting them with businesses, how it is one of the most important parts of the EDC and his job. He also mentioned the possibility of connecting socalled angel investors with companies on the brink, who may have used up all their easy resources for capital.

“There’s also venture capitalists out there. But they usually get 30 percent,” he said. “Really, a lot of what I do is highly confidential.”

He noted how often the people or groups he is involved with are sworn through confidentiality agreements to keep those secrets, sometimes for years at a time.

The village board seemed to be in agreement that they would be wise to renew their membership in the EDC, and forwarded the issue on to the finance committee for a recommendation.

There was some discussion later on possible conflicts between social network sites associated with the village site, such as Facebook, and how they do or do not apply to state open records law requirements, and how to best address complaints or inappropriate comments. The board moved to send the issue to the Web site committee at their next meeting.

• Attorney bills were once again on the plate, as Trustee Gene Ludack questioned several bills from last fall relating to advice sought by village President Wayne Bakke and the village attorney, Tim Laux.

Bakke said the subject of the meetings was confidential, but offered to discuss it with the board, if needed. He also suggested the issue be addressed by the finance committee, if they question the billing.

“I know it’s confidential,” Ludack said.

“But we should at least know the subject (of the advice sought).”

The board voted unanimously to forward the legal billing issue on to the finance committee.

• The board moved to approve the Schaffer Specialty Welding developer’s agreement, and send it on to the business for approval. The agreement is meant to address a sliding scale of sorts for business property tax incentives, and underwent a review by the village engineering firm, MSA. • Ballot order was chosen for the April trustee election, although the point is now moot, since they now have just three candidates for three vacancies: Stan Swiontek, Rod Peterson and Phil Nehring. Current Trustee Dave Markert is the lone candidate for village president.

The terms of Bakke, as well as Englund, Eric Priebe and Steve Sylvester all end in April.

Burnett County village candidates All terms are two years Each village elects a president (P) and three trustees (T).

(I) = incumbent

Grantsburg – P: Roger Panek (I). T: Mark Dahlberg (I), Glenn Rolloff(I) and Dean Josephson (I).

Siren – P: Janet Hunter (I). T: Dave Alden (I), Tom Anderson (I) and Peggy Moore [registered write-in] Webster – P: Tom Stusek (I) and Jeff Roberts. T: Kelly Gunderson (I), Timothy Maloney (I) and Charles Weis (I).

Polk County village and city candidates All terms are two years Each village elects a president (P) and three trustees (T).

(I) = incumbent

Balsam Lake – P: Guy Williams (I) and Carl Holmgren. T: Michael Voltz (I), Eugene D’Agostino (I), Duane Gurtner and Josh Hallberg.

Centuria – P: Dave Markert. T: Stan Swiontek, Rod Peterson and Phil Nehring.

Clayton – P: Jennifer Bergmann-Mortel (I). T: Dennis Heiken (I), Marlin Klatt (I) and Corey Berghammer (I).

Clear Lake – P: Roger LaBlanc (I). T: Dean Tronrud (I), Michael Flaherty (I) and Joe Mara.

Dresser – P: Rick Flandrena (I). T: Greg Andrie (I), Rusty Norlander (I) and James Thanig (I).

Frederic – P: William Johnson IV. T: Maria Ammend (I), John Boyer (I) and Phil Knuf.

Luck – P: Peter Demydowich. T: Robert Determan (I), John Wilcoxon (I) and Kristine King.

Milltown – P: LuAnn White (I) and Les Sloper. T: Jason McKenzie (I), Bob Jones, Erling Voss, Joe Castellano and Janet Otto.

Osceola – P: Kathy Demulling (I) and Gary Beckman. T: see attached story for primary election results.

Turtle Lake – P: Laurie Tarman (I). T: Dennis Becker (I), William Itzin (I) and Andy Koenig (I).

City of St. Croix Falls City Council.

Ward I: Brian Blesi (I). Ward II and III: Lori Erickson and Randy Korb.

Centuria reconsiders EDC membership

After several years of going solo, village considers rejoining economic development group

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer CENTURIA – The village of Centuria board is reconsidering joining the Polk County Economic Development Corporation, after being nonmembers for several years.

EDC Director Steve Healy addressed the village board at the monthly village board meeting on Monday, Feb. 14, and while they could not make a decision that evening, they did refer the issue to a committee to review the current budget to pay for the suggested $1 per capita fee. The village had 865 residents in the 2000 Census.

One of the first things Healy quickly got out of the way was the common question about so-called economic development stimulus money, of which he said there was no such thing.

“My job is to connect business with prospects,” Healy said. “And no there isn’t any stimulus money for economic development.”

He then went into a presentation on the EDC’s mission, board, status, successes and what they are currently working at, outside trying to minimize the impact of the Polaris plant closure in Osceola.

“That’s one of the main things I’m working on, is the Vision 600 (program),” he said, in reference to an effort to bring 600 jobs to the region to offset the similar number to be lost by Polaris’ departure.

“We do have lots of people looking, making inquiries.”

Healy explained how the function of the

Polk County Economic Development Corporation Director Steve Healy made a pitch to the Centuria Village Board on Monday, Feb. 14, outlining what the group does to foster, promote and keep existing businesses in the county. Centuria has not been a member of the EDC for several years, but is now reconsidering. - Photo by Greg Marsten

EDC is often hard to define by municipal boundaries of town or village, since the county provides the bulk of their finding.

“So, I’m probably going to help you either way (whether they pay membership or not),” he said, noting how the county had increased their share of the funding in recent years, in part due to successes and need to expand business opportunities.

“So we must be doing something right.”

Several trustees had specific queries about certain properties, businesses and other issues, which Healy had some information to add, but generally he made suggestions about things like signage for vacancies in the industrial park, and also to keep his office up to date on vacancies, square footage and building types.

“There’s always people looking for ex-

In other board action: • There was a lengthy debate and discussion on Web site issues, as Trustee Pete Englund outlined Web site traffic and hits, as well as the specifics of where those queries originated, which were, surprisingly, from 15 states other than Wisconsin and Minnesota, as well as from all over the world - from India to Turkey to Bulgaria. The Centuria Web site apparently draws fans. “I think it’s true that the Web site has really become an important tool,” Englund said. Englund also noted that they have a March 1 goal of having the village’s ordinances on the site, with webmaster Kelly Bakke also willing to do a presentation for the board on maintenance, creation and more.

Grants and feasibility study are subjects of Taylors Falls meeting

FEBRUARY 16, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 13

by Tammi Milberg Leader staff writer TAYLORS FALLS, Minn. – The city of Taylors Falls council met Monday, Feb. 14.

Taylors Falls has been awarded the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund Grant for $14,500 from the East Central Arts Council. The grant will be used to fund a mural.

The mural will be painted on the retaining wall north of the Taylors Falls Memorial Community Center and will be a creation of the Taylors Falls Northern Pacific Engine No. 328 public mural. The grant was submitted in September 2010 and local artist Terry Hildebrand was the artist selected to complete the mural.

The council approved motions to accept the grant, approve a contract with artist Terry Hildebrand and initial payment to Terry Hildebrand. The city has an in-kind match of $2,550 including staff time, volunteer time, use of the Memorial Community Center for the dedication ceremony, use of the retaining wall and $800 cash do-

nated from the Women’s Civic League.

The council considered authorizing submission of a federal recreational trail program grant. The grant would be for $141,500 to pay for trail engineering expenses and construction costs. The grant requires a 50/50 match. The city would apply the grant received in 2010, $197,404 for transportation-enhancement funding, as their match. The council authorized the Taylors Falls trail project management team to pursue the grant application in the amount of $141,500 for the Valley View Trail Project to be submitted prior to March 31.

The council discussed a resolution to accept a proposal from Bolten & Menk to accept a feasibility study for land the city entered into an option to purchase from Xcel Energy. The property is 19 acres located on CTH 37 and the purpose of the land, or use, would be for a future business park comprised of 10 of the acres on the parcel. The study will determine infra-

Special events mark Webster basketball game

by Carl Heidel Leader staff writer WEBSTER - Special activities were highlights at the Friday, Feb. 11 basketball game between Webster and Frederic. A group of first-graders sang the national anthem to begin the game, and Webster athletes showed their appreciation as they honored some of the schools’ teachers.

First-grade teacher Terri Skifstad brought a few of her students to the game, and they sang the national anthem with gusto. The crowd loved it, and gave the kids a resounding round of applause as they finished.

And then the same first-graders read the schools’ rules of conduct and sportsmanship to remind the crowd and the athletes of what kind of behavior is expected at sporting events.

At halftime, student athletes from both the boys and girls basketball teams gave recognition to teachers they have had. Eleven seniors from the two teams had already written letters to the teachers telling them what their teaching had meant for the students. Then in the halftime ceremony these students met the teachers at midcourt to present

structure needs at the site at a cost not to exceed $1,500 to be paid from the general, water, and sewer funds in the amount of $500 from each fund. The information will help the city engineer determine the feasibility of the business park.

The council also approved amending the charges for responding to emergency services. A surcharge for chimney fires and fire-fighting foam, with the amount to be determined by the current market and the Taylors Falls Fire Department, was added to the emergency services charges in the code of ordinances. The reason for this is that the cost of foam runs almost the

total cost of a response to a fire and the fire department is concerned that the regular fire cost, without a surcharge for foam, would barely cover department costs.

The council discussed a General Store tobacco violation. The store was fined $500 and an employee was fined $75 as per city ordinance. The store admitted the error. This is the store’s third offense in 24 months. The council passed a motion to determine the General Store failed a tobacco compliance check in Nov. 2010, and note the fines, and the fines have been paid by the owner and employee.

POLK COUNTY - Randall La Duke, 33, New Richmond, was stopped by police on Saturday, Feb. 12, at fifth Street and Third Avenue for not displaying a front or rear license plate. The officer smelled alcohol and administered field sobriety tests. His PBT registered .12.

La Duke’s driver’s license was expired and there also was a warrant from St. Croix County on him. He was arrested.

Cheryl Koch, 36, Amery, was arrested and charged with OWI, first offense, after a police officer saw her run through a stop sign without stopping at 150th Street and 240th Avenue at about midnight on Sunday, Feb. 13. The officer smelled alcohol, and she told him she was on her way home from a tavern in Luck. Koch did not peform well on field sobriety tests. A PBT registered .10 and she was arrested.

Jeremy Norlander, 30, Osceola, was charged with OWI, first offense, after driving into a snowbank. He told a police officer that stopped him that he had had

too much to drink and that other people had told him not to drive. He was given field sobriety tests and a Breathalyzer, which registered .15, and he was arrested.

The officer also noted his license plates were expired plates off another vehicle.

John Carr, 62, Osceola, was charged with OWI, second offense on Monday, Feb. 14. A police officer clocked him going too slowly, 23 to 25 mph in a 35-mph zone on Hwy. 35 at about 1:20 a.m. that night.

Carr’s vehicle was also swerving within its lane. Then it pulled over in the parking lot of Truhlsen Chiropractic just across from where the officer was parked, got out, swaying back and forth, and unzipped his pants. He then apparently saw the officer and got back in his car and drove on. The officer followed, pulled him over and administered field sobriety tests, which Carr failed. His PBT read .15 — with information from the Polk County Sheriff’s Dept.

AMERY - Jeremy Gross, 32, Boyceville, was charged with disorderly conduct on Saturday, Feb. 12, though he nearly avoided arrest.

That night, according to the police arrest report, Gross and others had been out drinking at Uncle Bob’s. After the bar closed, they went to his wife’s sister’s house. He said his wife was pregnant and not drinking, and she got mad at him for dancing with other women. Gross said he didn’t want to stay at the relatives home for the night, but the family wouldn’t let him have the keys to the car as he was intoxicated. Gross wanted to call 911 to report that his car was stolen, but someone knocked his phone out of his hands. He decided to sleep in his car. His wife reported hitting the auto stop periodically so the car would warm up, but Gross became angry and hit the car several times, wrecking the windshield. He then walked to the Amery Police Department to report his car stolen. When he arrived, he told them what had happened and admitted that he had been drinking.

The police contacted Gross’s wife, who agreed to come pick him up. At about 5 a.m., Mrs. Gross arrived at the police department, and she showed them the windshield. She said there shouldn’t be any more problems for the night, as did Gross, and they left.

A police officer followed their vehicle out of Amery. About a mile south on Hwy. 46, their vehicle swerved almost out of control, and it appeared a struggle was going on inside the vehicle. It pulled over and the officer pulled up behind them.

The officer approached the vehicle and asked what had happened. Gross’s wife was crying and said Gross had begun yelling at her and told her when they got home he was going to kick her out of the house and throw all her belongings out.

She said she became frightened, tried to stop the vehicle, and that’s when it swerved.

Gross was then arrested and taken to jail. — with information from the Polk County Sheriff’s Dept.

POLK COUNTY - Sean Bussiere, 41, Amery, was arrested Tuesday, Feb. 8, and charged with OWI, fourth offense within five years, a felony offense.

Police first were notified at about 1:40 a.m. of a vehicle in the ditch on Hwy. 65.

As the officer headed to the scene, he was notified that the vehicle in question was out of the ditch and was headed north.

The driver was thought to be intoxicated.

The officer caught up with Bussiere on

CTH C, saw him driving on the left side of the road and stopped him.

Bussiere admitted going in the ditch.

He had an occupational license and was operating outside of allowed hours. He was given field sobriety tests, including a PBT, which registered .11. He admitted drinking, and said he “screwed up,” and that he was guilty. — with information from the Polk County Sheriff’s Dept.

AMERY - On Tuesday, Feb. 8, police were called to a home in Amery for a disturbance. When they arrived, they could hear fighting and were met by a woman who said, “He has a knife.” The officer went to a back bedroom. There was a man, later identified as James Luke, 23, Amery, standing over a woman and holding a knife. The woman was shielding her face with her arms and screaming. The officer pointed his gun at the man and told

him to drop the knife. He took two steps toward the officer before dropping the knife.

Luke was arrested and charged with domestic disorderly conduct. The woman had a large bruise on her forehead. She said that she and Luke had been fighting, and she fell on the concrete floor. She said she saw him pick up the knife when the police arrived.— with information from the Polk County Sheriff’s Dept.

OWI arrests reported

Man reports car stolen when family won’t let him drive drunk

Kaycee Rachner (left) had chosen to honor Kendra Avery (right) as the teacher who had most influenced her life as a student. – Photos by Carl Heidel

them with plaques of recognition.

Felony OWI charged

First-graders from Terri Skifstad’s class sang the national anthem and put their hearts into it.

Wild West Hoedown in Luck to raise funds for youth service trip

LUCK – Lasso your family and friends, put on your western duds and point your pony to the Luck Lions/Danish Brotherhood Society Hall on Saturday, Feb. 26, for the Wild West Hoedown that will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. All are welcome to swagger in to this fun-filled event.

There will be Wild West games and prizes, a costume contest, a chuckwagon

café menu, country western music and a meat raffle at 6:30 p.m. A basket raffle drawing will be held at 8 p.m. and a silent auction will close at 8:30 p.m. There will be no entry charge, though a freewill offering will be graciously accepted. All proceeds go to the Bone Lake Lutheran senior high youth service trip to West Virginia this June. - submitted

“He has a knife”

Rural Luck man faces strangulation charge against girlfriend

PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 16, 2011

In a bizarre twist, victim aids abuser in fleeing police at high speed

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer BALSAM LAKE – A 21-year-old rural Luck man is facing a felony charge of strangulation and misdemeanor battery after allegedly suffocating, kicking and beating up his girlfriend so bad she passed out and was left to wander around Balsam Lake last week on Thursday, Feb. 10. The alleged abuser not only left the woman passed out in the cold, he is alleged to have taken her vehicle to escape the scene.

Gerald R. Jackson was tracked down two days later, but may also have threatened the woman against any legal recourse.

In a sad sidebar, the victim had also apparently just lost her unborn baby the day prior, according to the police report.

Authorities were unable to find Jackson the evening of the attack, but the victim was able to get to the Amery Medical Center for treatment before succumbing to the cold weather.

“She was picked up by a guy who found her wandering around [Balsam Lake] and took her to the hospital,”

stated Polk County Sheriff Peter Johnson. “She was lucky he found her.”

It was at the hospital that she revealed the beating details to police, fearing reprisal from Jackson or acquaintances, enough so that she was unclear on whether to press charges, and refused to confirm earlier details in court several days later.

“Even if she chooses not to press charges, the district attorney might still anyway,” Johnson said, noting that the beating and strangulation charges are substantial enough to move it to a much more serious felony level.

In a bizarre twist, authorities were able to find the fugitive Jackson two days later, on Feb. 12. Ironically, it was when authorities spotted the woman’s car that he used in fleeing the earlier scene that led to the discovery, but it was the female beating victim behind the wheel, and she apparently attempted to protect her abuser by attempting to flee the police.

The vehicle was spotted at the Round Lake Reservation on the evening of Feb. 12, and when the sheriff’s deputy attempted to stop the car, the driver attempted to take off. The deputy needed speeds in excess of 90 mph to catch them. The vehicle finally stopped at the intersection of CTH E and CTH G, and both Jackson and the beating victim were confirmed to be in the car.

Both Jackson and the woman were taken into custody,

and she may now also be facing a charge of obstruction, while Jackson faces several criminal charges from the beating incident.

Jackson was charged on Monday, Feb. 14, with felony strangulation/suffocation and misdemeanor substantial battery. He also had a preliminary hearing on Wednesday, Feb. 16, where the witness refused to confirm her earlier statements and hospital-bed testimony. However, Jackson was bound over for trial after the interviewing police officer confirmed her earlier testimony. Jackson remains in custody on a $5,000 cash bond, with no-contact orders for the victim. His next court appearance has not yet been scheduled.

Jackson has a long history of run-ins with the law, criminal charges and convictions, ranging from numerous obstruction and resisting arrest charges to battery, disorderly conduct, criminal damage to property and several traffic infractions, some of which have been dismissed.

It is the policy of the Leader not to identify domestic abuse victims by name, and in spite of the unusual circumstances and potential charges surrounding this case, that policy has been upheld. As of press time, no charges had officially been filed against the woman involving the obstruction or fleeing an officer allegations.

Frederic’s Snow Sculpture contest

FREDERIC - The 2011 snow sculpture contest was co-sponsored by the Frederic Arts Board and the Park Board.

The first prize of $100 went to the Frederic Public Library team, whose sculpture “Feeling Under the Weather” was located downtown near the depot/museum, on Main Street.

Second prize of $50 went to the Harlander/Siebenthal team for their sculpture “It’s a Great Day for Skating!” located near the skating rink near the football field.

Third prize of $25 went to the Lahti team for their giant football sculpture along Benson Avenue.

The Frederic Arts Board was not eligible for a prize. They created a sculpture titled “Monster Mash.”

The prize money for the contest was donated by Bremer Bank and U.S. Bank, both located in Frederic. - with submitted information

“Feeling Under the Weather,” a snow sculpture by the Frederic Public Library team, won first place in the recent snow sculpture contest co-sponsored by the Frederic Arts Board and the village’s park board. - Photos submitted “It’s a Great Day for Skating!” by the Harlander/Siebenthal team.

Come Celebrate

Kayleen & Mitch

Raffles, Dawings, Food, Beverages, Cash Bar, Dancing, And A Great Time With Your Friends

“Monster Mash” by the Frederic Arts Board.

Live Music With

The Hillbilly Mafia Featuring: Sonny Winberg

Saturday, February 19, 2011

5:30 - 11 p.m.

Spaghetti Dinner 5:30 - 7:30 Admission: $10 All proceeds go to Kayleen And Mitch.

Kayleen has been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

A little help from you will go a long way for them! Donations can also be made to “Bremer Bank/Krahler Benefit”

Door Prize: 42” Plasma TV

530031 25-26Lp

50 Years Young YOU ARE OUR BEST BUD! LOVE YOU ALWAYS

530444 26Lp

Lakeview Event Center On The North End Of Siren

This giant football was created by the Lahti team.

WINTER SPORTS

FEBRUARY 16, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 15

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

Double-whammy benchmarks in Siren

Guevara and Hinze both reach 1,000th point on same night

Extra Points

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer SIREN – Fans of Siren Dragon basketball were treated to a rare alignment of statistics and benchmarks for achievement on Tuesday, Feb. 15, as both a boy and girl player - Elijah Hinze and Ashley Guevara - reached the noteworthy 1,000-point marks for their careers in back-to-back games against St. Croix Falls.

Ashley Guevara The Dragon senior Guevara achieved the feat with 2:15 left in the third quarter of her squad’s 70-41 victory over the Saints. The 5-foot-9 forward needed a formidable 17 points coming into the contest for it to happen at home. Otherwise, her event would likely have been on the road against Prentice, over 100 miles away to the east. That team is one of the best in the state, and worrying about Guevara’s stats against a such a difficult opponent was not a desirable situation.

No worries as Guevara would go on to be the high scorer with 25 points on the night, one of her better totals all season.

After missing several shots in a row - and her squad faithfully pulling down the rebounds - she worked hard inside, and ended up scoring her points in the lane, and usually with a few Saints in her face.

Guevara is a grit-and-leather pro in the paint. She plays much bigger than her size, and is arguably one of the toughest defensive players and rebounders in the conference, yet also one of the most respected players around. She is punishing, as an opponent, and yet seems to smile whenever possible.

While she is known for her defensive work, her scoring output has grown steadily as she has matured: Going from a 6.4-points-per-game average in 2007 to 12.2 ppg in 2008-2009, 13.8 ppg in 20092010 and up to her current 15.6 ppg.

Her scoring proficiency has swelled even more in recent weeks - including a 33-point score-a-thon against Webster.

Guevara is usually overshadowed offensively by teammate Carley Emery - who

Guevara fires the shot up and over a Saints defender for her 1,000th point.

Eli Hinze and Ashley Guevara each scored their 1,000th career points on the same night for Siren. – Photos by Greg Marsten

is herself within reach of an ultra rare 2,000 career points in the next five games.

That Guevara can achieve the 1,000-point mark with a 28-plus point-per-game scorer beside her is also notable.

Elijah Hinze Dragon junior Elijah Hinze achieved the 1,000-point feat an hour or so after Guevara did it, burying a jumper at 2:11 in the second quarter in his team’s 65-49 comefrom-behind victory over the Saints. The 6-foot-4 Hinze became the first Dragon boy to reach the mark in over 20 years.

“I believe it was 1989-90 when my son, Tim, did it,” noted Siren sports historian/statistician Mike Murphy. Murphy also thinks the feat of having both a boy and a girl achieve the grand mark on the same night is ultra rare, if not a first.

“I’ve put the call out to on WisSports (an online sports information service) and nobody’s had any other time they can find or remember yet,” Murphy stated. “We’ll have to wait and see!”

Siren athletic director and girls head coach Ryan Karsten also noted the uniqueness of the evening.

“It’s the first time I can remember a boy and girl on the same night from the same school,” stated Karsten. “It was a good night for Ashley. A good night for Eli.” The normally stoic Hinze was all grins after the monkey was off his back - he only needed four points coming in to the game, and had several bad rim rolls to tease the fans in the first quarter. The jumper he buried for the kill was no easy shot, and he has proven his range over the past few years, and few Lakeland Conference forwards are more deadly from the perimeter than Hinze.

Achieving the 1,000-point feat so early in his high school career is also notable, as boys head coach Jon Ruud pointed out, “Having a 1,000-point scorer is special, doing it as a junior says even more about him as a player,” Ruud said.

All in all, the evening proved quite

eventful for the Dragon hoops program, and sports achievements in Siren have become economic boons to everyone from balloon and art suppliers to bakers, T-shirt printers and even local fundraising causes. The village was well represented for the game, and accompanying spaghetti supper, with near-school parking as the only commodity in short supply for the night.

“A little history made here tonight,” Murphy said with a short grin under his glasses. “I hope people realize that … couple of kids did something special. Good night for the kids.”

Dragon junior Eli Hinze knocked down this shot for his 1,000th career point. It happened early in the second quarter Tuesday against the Saints.

••• WINONA, Minn. – Former Grantsburg standout athlete Mollie Bjelland is already off to a promising start with the Winona State Warriors softball team as she enters her senior season.

The hard-hitting outfielder was recently named as the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, as voted on by the conference coaches. Last season she earned a spot on the 2010 Louisville Slugger/NFCA DiMollie Bjelland vision II All-America first team, as well as an all-region selection by Daktronics and the NFCA. With Bjelland’s .317 batting average, 12 homers and 51 RBIs, she helped lead the Warriors to the NCAA Division II Central Region Tournament with a 3814 overall record. The team finished second in conference play with a record of 21-5. Bjelland also helped score 36 runs for the Warriors, had 17 doubles, four triples and had a .755 slugging percentage. The Winona State softball season is set to start on Feb. 18 against Nebraska Kearney in Rochester, Minn. Michelle Lund, also of Grantsburg is starting out her season with the Warriors as a freshman pitcher. – Marty Seeger with information from www.winonastatewarriors.com ••• STEVENS POINT – The UWSP men’s track and field team placed second during the 2011 Pointer Invitational Multievent Meet on Saturday, Feb. 12. Taking firstplace during the indoor pentathlon was sophomore Brian Thill, a former Webster athlete.

Thill provisionally qualified himself for the Brian Thill NCAA championships, with a second-place finish in the long jump, (6.38 meters), first place in the shot put (12.57) and second in the high jump (2.00 meters). – Marty Seeger with information from athletics.uwsp.edu ••• LEADER LAND – The Webster at Luck boys and girls basketball games can be heard on 104.9 FM beginning at 6 p.m. on Feb. 18. The Siren at Unity boys and girls basketball games can also be heard on 104.9 FM beginning at 6 p.m. on Feb. 22.

••• LEADER LAND – The WIAA sectional wrestling tournament is being broadcast on 1260 AM beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26.

••• 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

W

L

PAGE 16 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 16, 2011

I N T E R

E A D E R

S

P O R T S

Siren boys come from behind against Saints

Webster boys beat Grantsburg in overtime Siren 65, St. Croix Falls 49

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer SIREN – The Siren Dragon boys came from behind after trailing the entire first half, beating the St. Croix Falls Saints, 6549, on Tuesday, Feb. 15, in a West Lakeland Conference matchup that seemed almost like two different games.

The Saints were quite strong and solid in the first half, and had good penetration, follow-through and success in defending the lane. They looked to be much better than their record, and were up by a 35-27 margin at the half. With excellent shooting from senior Marcus Campbell, who connected on 17 first-half points - including three from downtown.

But Siren has many weapons, and they were put to better use in the second half, as they outscored the Saints by a 19-6 margin, regaining the lead at the two-minute mark in the third frame, and then stretching it out as the minutes ticked off.

“It really was like two different games,” Dragon head coach Jon Ruud said. “We did a much better job in the second half.

Much better.”

The Dragons would hold the Saints to just 14 points in the second half, and got the crowd going their way with several big plays, including a hang-on-rim dunk by junior Murdock Smith, who finished with 16 points, but paid for it with a technical foul. Game high scorer Andrew Brown knocked down 23 points, including his own crowd-pleasing dunk that kept the crowd’s heart rates higher.

In the end, the Dragons got into a second-half groove that was a hard train to slow, and they showed again that when they are clicking, they are a tough squad to hold down. St. Croix Falls is also an unpredictable team, and can be tough to contain at times, and may be a formidable

playoff opponent in a few weeks, in spite of their record.

Notables for the Saints include 17 points from Nick Johnson, matching Campbell’s first-half production and final total. The Dragons also had eight points each from Taylor Renberg and Elijah Hinze, who ended up breaking 1,000 career points (see story elsewhere.)

With the win, Siren moves to 4-6 in conference play and 12-7 overall. St. Croix Falls remains winless in conference play and 2-16 overall.

Webster 69, Grantsburg 65 WEBSTER – The Webster boys turned up the heat against the Pirates for a big overtime win on Tuesday, Feb. 15. The Tigers had a big second quarter scoring 19 points and jumping out to a 31-20 halftime lead. The Pirates had a big fourth quarter, scoring 21 points and holding the Tigers to 12 to send the game into overtime.

Austin Elliott scored 25 points for the Tigers, and James Wethern added 19. Greg McIntyre had 11 points, Dan Dochniak eight and Josh Baer, six.

For Grantsburg Trevor Thompson scored 21, Brent Myers, 19, Derek Bertelsen, 12, Daniel Biorn, six, Connor Myers, four and David Ohnstad, three. – Marty Seeger

Luck 37, Unity 29 BALSAM LAKE – The Cardinal boys came out with some heavy defense on Tuesday, Feb. 15, against a solid Unity squad to win another key conference matchup as they march their way toward a possible conference title.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game and it was. Brady Klatt played outstanding defense but he also shot the ball well and led us in scoring with 12 points,” said Luck coach Rick Giller. “But everyone contributed on defense and Cole, Alec and Logan did a fantastic job on the boards.”

Luck allowed just 10 points in the first half and four in the first quarter, but the Eagles played well on defense too, in what could be considered a relatively patient game for both teams. Luck led the game

Luck’s Evan Armour powers up for a layup against Unity’s Xavier Foeller on Tuesday, Feb. 15. – Photo by Marty Seeger

Siren junior Murdock Smith goes in for a bucket against the Saints. – Photo by Greg Marsten

throughout, stretching their lead to as much as nine in the third quarter. The Eagles kept the score within reach until the final two minutes of the game, but Luck’s defense prevailed. – Marty Seeger

Frederic 61, Prairie Farm 44 FREDERIC – The Frederic Vikings boys basketball team had what coach Ryan Lind called “lapses on defense” on Tuesday, Feb. 15, against Prairie Farm, but the

team was able to hold on for the win.

Trae Gehl had a big night on offense with 17 points, while Waylon Buck added 16 and Michael Tesch had 13. Adam Chenal had six points, Robert Kirk, three and Joe Draxler, Raif Poirer and Tony Peterson each had two points.

The Vikings have a tough schedule to close out the rest of the regular season with games against Grantsburg, Siren and Unity coming up. – Marty Seeger

Frederic’s Michael Tesch gets above Prairie Farm defenders for a shot during the game on Tuesday, Feb. 15. – Photo by Becky Amundson

W

I N T E R

L

FEBRUARY 16, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 17

E A D E R

S

P O R T S

Siren girls turn the tables on the Saints

Siren 70, St. Croix Falls 41

the court on offense in the second half with 19 of her total 24 points. Luck’s Avery Steen also had a solid night offensively with 28 points, but it wasn’t enough to power past the Eagles.

The first half favored Luck in what was a close game throughout the night. Unity trailed 13-7 after the first quarter but kept it close until the final few minutes of the first half, when Luck went on a 7-0 run to take a 24-17 lead at halftime.

With about three minutes remaining in the game, the Eagles tied it at 41 and hit some key shots down the stretch. Despite the Eagles poor free throw shooting in the fourth quarter, going 6 of 15, they managed to hold onto the win.

Unity got seven points from Brittany Thomfohrda, Marisa Hacker, six, Jessi Kutina and Shauna Jorgenson each had five, Shay Nelson, three and Hailey Olson had two.

For Luck, Morgan Denny had seven points, along with four assists, Taylor Joy also had seven points and Camille Marsten had two.

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer SIREN – The Siren Dragon girls basketball team turned the tables on the St. Croix Falls Saints from an earlier contest, as the Dragons won handily, 70-41, at home on Tuesday, Feb. 15, making up for their only conference loss all season, which happened against the Saints on Jan. 7.

Dragon senior Ashley Guevara led the way with 25 points, including her 1,000th career point (see story elsewhere) followed closely by senior Carley Emery’s 20 points. The Dragons had little trouble controlling the Saints inside and forced Sarah

Saints sophomore Taylor Orton and Siren sophomore Raven Emery struggle for a loose ball.

– Photo by Greg Marsten

Frederic’s Sage Karl goes up for a shot against Prairie Farm. – Photo by Becky Amundson

Petznick into foul trouble.

The Dragons got into some foul trouble as well at times, which, head coach Ryan Karsten noted after the game, was one of the threats to the Dragons in the playoffs.

“I thought we rebounded well and gave everyone lots of chances,” Karsten said.

“But scoring 70 points, most coaches would be happy ... but I think we have still have some work to do.”

Siren never trailed before their home crowd, and stretched their lead to 16 points at the half, winning by 29 points in the end, 70-41. But as their coach pointed out, they showed occasional vulnerabilities, and had an outstanding defensive night from their bench, with strong performances from Danielle Keller, Abby Mitchell and Liz Brown.

“I thought we corrected many of our earlier mistakes (against the Saints) and our bench really gave us a strong night,” Karsten said. “This was a good team ... and we’ve just got to keep using our

heads and get those rebounds.”

The Saints had occasional bright spots, including a 14-point night from Sarah Petznick, and good shooting nights from Natalie Sempf with six points, five more from Sydney Geisness and four points each from Caitlyn Olson, Taylor Orton, Jessica Rademacher and Alexis Erickson.

Siren moves to 8-1 in West Lakeland play, and 16-1 overall. They play on the road this Friday against top-ranked Prentice. St. Croix Falls drops to 5-5 in conference play and 11-6 overall. Their next opponent is Turtle Lake on Feb. 22.

Unity 52, Luck 44 BALSAM LAKE – The Unity girls picked up a huge win over the Cardinals on Tuesday, Feb. 15, with a stellar performance from senior Crystal Donahue.

“A concise synopsis of last night’s game … too much Crystal and not enough Cardinals!” said Luck coach Marty Messar.

Donahue was hitting from all areas of

Grantsburg 58, Webster 32 WEBSTER – The Grantsburg girls basketball team took care of business in Webster on Tuesday, Feb. 15, scoring 22 points in a big second quarter and leading 34-17 at the half. The Pirates stretched their lead to 25 points heading into the fourth quarter and never looked back.

Grantsburg has a full schedule to close out the regular season with games against Frederic, Pine City, Minn., Luck and Siren.

Haley Larson scored 22 points and several other Pirates got into the scoring mix with Sam Schweiger’s 11, Kortney Morrin, nine, Liz Gaffney, Macy Hanson and Lisa Gaffney each had four, Nicole McKenzie, three and Haley Larson, one.

Mary Johnson scored 12, Shauna Rein, 11, Kayce Rachner, three, Kayla Duclon and Michelle Gibbs had two, and Rachel Salas and Tanya Johnson each had one.

Frederic 79, Prairie Farm 26 FREDERIC – The Vikings used all their weapons on Tuesday, Feb. 15, for an easy win over the Panthers. Vikings coach Troy Wink was pleased with the defensive performance by his team in the second half, which allowed three points in the third quarter and four in the fourth.

“I thought we played with intensity. All of the girls contributed to the win,” Wink said.

Sage Karl had 18 points, Corissa Schmidt, 17, Maria Miller, 13, Jade Johnson, 12, Tara Anderson, eight, Vanessa Neumann, five, Sam Nelson, three, Tabitha Java, two and Brittani Hughes, one.

Luck girls - past and present - honor longtime coach

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer LUCK – Cardinal girls basketball players have all pretty much had one thing in common for the past 35 years: head coach Marty Messar.

That commonality turned into a spirited surprise on Thursday, Feb. 10, when the Cards hosted the Clear Lake Warriors. Unbeknownst to Messar, a gaggle of his past players had conspired with some players and staff of today to pull a fast one on their former coach, singing the national anthem for him and hosting a reception in his honor after the game.

Messar said he had a clue something was up when his current players donned custom-made shirts in his honor, celebrating his 35 years at the helm, and highlighted with Messar-isms - funny little sayings he’s coined over the decades from the past and present, as well.

“That was my first, but not my last, surprise,” Messar said of the singing and the shirts.

Many of the players laughed out loud when they read the numerous Messarisms aloud from the shirt, such as “Skin is

Players from coach Messar's past came back to honor his legacy and 35 years of coaching at last Thursday's contest with Clear Lake. They surprised him by singing the national anthem as a group. – Photo by Greg Marsten a renewable resource,” “It’s not Tickle Me, even laughed aloud at the references.

Elmo time! and “Squeeze the pumpkin!”

But Messar was also the first to grin at The women all seemed to recall the the shirts, and spent much of the pregame phrases used so prominently by their high-fiving and greeting former players, coach, and laugh at its shared bond over several of whom even played two days the decades, as younger, recent players later in the alumni tourney in a co-ed Win-

ter Carnival Tournament.

Luck’s winter carnival is a common thread, as well, with many past Luck students making the junket home for the celebration, which was also a reason Messar didn’t seem surprised to see a few former players.

“But they were there for a very different reason,” Messar admitted, adding that he was “the last person in the gym (to know why the players were there) … but then again that has been the hallmark of my tenure.”

His self-deprecation is also part of his charm, and he is the first to laugh at himself, such as when he posed with a photo of a much younger, longhaired coach Messar in the 1970s, holding a pair of “Go Big Red” Cardinal boxer shorts.

While his humor is his calling card, he is also the first to wax melancholy about his storied career, and was excited to see his former players courtside after all those years.

“I have been truly blessed as a husband, father, teacher and basketball coach,” he

See Luck girls/page 23

W

L

PAGE 18 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 16, 2011

I N T E R

E A D E R

S

P O R T S

Webster boys track, coaches honored in Milwaukee

Best D3 team in state according to 2010 power rankings

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer WEBSTER – Although Webster boys track coach Jeff Postler stepped down from his coaching position after over 30 years of dedication to the sport, he’s not completely called it quits just yet. Postler plans to volunteer his time to help the shot and discus throwers this spring for at least a few days during the week.

“I guarantee that my passion for coaching track in the future will be no less than what it is now, but I simply would like to free up some more time and take a load of responsibilities off my shoulders,” Postler said last spring during a banquet when he officially announced his retirement.

He couldn’t have picked a better time to relinquish his duties either. The previous four years were a marked success for the Webster boys track team. They were conference champs in all four, regional champs and sectional champions in three of those four years and state runner-up twice.

Last weekend, Postler and the rest of his coaching staff were on hand during the 22nd-annual WISTCA Coaches Clinic at the Wyndham Milwaukee Airport Convention Center, to accept well-deserved honors for stellar 2010 season. One of the awards went to Postler, who was awarded the 2010 WISTCA Boys Coach of the Year for District 1.

“How can I take the credit for the whole season when they all do their thing and I do my thing?” Postler said in a Monday, Feb. 14, conversation after the weekend awards ceremony.

Postler’s coaching duties over the years had mainly focused on shot and discus, but as head coach he handles the paperwork, media and other duties that come with being a head coach. Postler said he made it a point at the coaches clinic to make the rest of the coaching staff stand up and be recognized. Coaches Jeff

that honors a true team championship, but Wisconsin honors only individual performances, which is one of the reasons for the power rankings.

“This is their way of determining the most outstanding full, all-around team strength,” Postler said.

As it turns out, the 2010 Webster boys track team was the most powerful team in Division 3, and Postler and the rest of the Webster coaching staff accepted a large plaque in the team’s honor.

Former Webster boys track coach Jeff Postler hoists up the trophies he, his coaching staff and the 2010 boys track team earned. – Photo by Marty Seeger

Postler, Roy Ward, Jim Muus, Sarah Pickering and Steve Ward were honored, and Deanna Krause, who couldn’t make the clinic, was also honored by Postler.

The other award went to the 2010 Webster boys track team for being No. 1 in the state power rankings for Division 3 teams.

The power ranking system, according to the WISTCA Web site at www.ihigh.com/wistca/, was brought to Wisconsin around 2003, but established by Texas high school coach Andy Ferrara to measure depth and ability of a true track team. The state of Minnesota has a system

Power rankings At the end of the 2010 season, Postler entered the boys track team into the power rankings formula, but was only able to enter 30 total scores, and no more than four athletes could be entered per event. There are 14 total events at each track meet, and Postler filled all events except the 4x200 and the 4x100, where the team wasn’t as strong. He entered three athletes in the mile, three in the two-mile event as well as three athletes in both the discus and shot put. While he was encouraged to fill more than 30 athletes into the equation, only the top 30 were recognized.

“They take the top 30 best performances and average them out with a numerical score so you have to have a lot of talent, not just a few great athletes,” Postler said.

When the final results were in, the Webster boys came out on top with a total of 726.28 points. River Ridge came in second with 711.33, Edgar, 709.50, Whitehall, 695.91 and Fall River, 618.62.

It was another highlight to yet another successful Webster track season, and Postler couldn’t have been more thankful, not only with his great athletic talent but with the coaching staff that helped shape them.

“We have got one of the best track coaching staffs not only in Northwest Wisconsin, but in the entire state. “Thank you for making my last season as head boys track coach a dream come true,” Postler said.

Pirate boys take big win away from Eagles

Webster stays near top of the conference with win over Vikes Grantsburg 59, Unity 46

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer GRANTSBURG – The Pirate boys basketball team kept the Eagles off balance on Friday, Feb. 11, in an important clash with conference-title hopes on the line. In order to get a share, or grab sole possession of the conference title, both teams will need to go undefeated in their final three games of the season against conference opponents.

The Pirates held onto a good possibility of getting to the top of the conference with a win that showed positives both offensively and on defense.

“We played good defense and made shots. We executed everything we had practiced leading up to this game,” said Pirates coach Nick Hallberg.

The Pirates came out firing in the first quarter and got scoring from at least two athletes normally quiet on offense, including Daniel Biorn, who led the first quarter with seven points and a big 3-pointer.

Trevor Thompson hit two from beyond the arc and Brent Myers also hit from the outside as Grantsburg led 18-11 heading into the second quarter.

Thompson opened up the second quarter with another big 3-pointer and Seth Coy, who had a big night offensively and on rebounds, hit a big layup to give the Pirates a 23-11 lead.

“It was good to see the balance on the

Grantsburg’s Derek Bertelesen fights his way to the basket during the Pirates win over Unity last Friday, Feb. 11. – Photos by Marty Seeger offensive end again. We need those kids to Four Pirates put up double digits in continue to take on that role as we go,” scoring including Thompson with 15, Biorn and Coy with 14 apiece and Myers Hallberg said.

Unity’s Brady Flaherty was called for an offensive foul on this play on his way for a layup against the Pirates.

12 points. Derek Bertelsen was also strong under the basket with his four points.

Unity managed to climb back into the game late in the second quarter, cutting the Pirates 12-point lead to just five when Brady Turner hit a huge 3-pointer just before the buzzer, but the third quarter was a big downer for the Eagles as Grantsburg was stingy on defense, allowing just four points. In the fourth quarter, the Pirates held as much as a 14 point lead and never

See Boys basketball/page 18

W

I N T E R

L

S

FEBRUARY 16, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 19

E A D E R

P O R T S

Pirate girls split season with Eagles

Viking girls shut down the Tigers Grantsburg 43, Unity 38

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer GRANTSBURG – After a tough overtime loss to the Eagles earlier this season, the Pirate girls basketball team came out on top for a nice conference win Friday, Feb. 11, at home.

The Pirates have improved steadily since the season began but once again had to start the game without one of their leading scorers, Kortney Morrin, due to a significant knee injury. Morrin did see some court time later in the game, but the Pirates team continued to step it up as they’ve done all season long.

The first half favored Unity, yet the Pirates kept it at an 11-11 tie heading into the second quarter. Shauna Jorgenson had the hot hand for the Eagles as she scored nine first-half points and six other Unity players balanced out the scoring to help the team take a 27-21 halftime lead. But the Pirates were ready in the second half.

“We made a few adjustments and corrections at halftime and I thought we came out with a lot more intensity in the second half,” said Pirates coach Adam Hale. “Getting a few steals and baskets in transition really sparked us offensively in the third quarter.”

The Pirates scored five unanswered points at the start of the third quarter to bring the score back to within one. Sam Schweiger then buried a 3-pointer at the four-minute mark to help the Pirates tie the game at 29. The game went back and forth on the next two plays before Macy Hanson buried a two-and-one play to help the Pirates take a three-point lead.

Unity’s Crystal Donahue sunk a twopoint bucket shortly before the end of the third quarter, but the Pirates remained in control 36-35 heading into the fourth quarter.

Haley Larson helped give the Pirates a three-point lead and the Eagles shot 0 for 4 from the free-throw line to start the fourth quarter. Unity managed to tie it back up with a Brittany Thomfohrda bucket, but two costly turnovers seemed to hurt the Eagles. Yet with 1:15 remaining in the game, Grantsburg clung to a onepoint lead. That’s when Grantsburg started getting clutch from the free-throw line to help seal any chance of an Eagles possible comeback.

“Sam Schweiger hit huge free throws at the end to help us hold on. I was happy for our girls to pull a conference win out at home after a rough outing on Tuesday,”

Kylie Pewe shoots a jumper during a close game against the Eagles on Friday, Feb. 11. – Photo by Marty Seeger 10 points apiece. Sage Karl had seven Hale said.

Schweiger went 4 for 4 in the final points, Samantha Nelson, four, and Lauminute of the game from the free-throw ren Domagala, Vanessa Neumann and line, and finished with 16 points to lead Brittani Hughes each had two. Tara AnGrantsburg. Larson added 10 points, derson had one point.

For the Tigers it was Mary Johnson with Kylie Pewe, five, Lisa Gaffney, four, Liz Gaffney and Hanson had three apiece and 13, Shauna Rein and Michelle Gibbs with eight and Chelsea Larsen with two.

Nicole McKenzie had two.

Crystal Donahue had 10 points for the Siren 56, Cameron 42 Eagles, Jorgenson, nine, Thomfohrda, five, CAMERON – The Lady Dragons travHayla Bader, Sarah Bader and Marisa Hacker had four apiece and Hailey Olson eled to Cameron on Thursday, Feb. 10, and came away with another solid win added two. against a Comet team that is sitting with Frederic 52, Webster 31 just one loss in the Central Lakeland WEBSTER – The Frederic Viking girls standings. Cameron’s only conference loss basketball team played well on both de- has come against Northwood, a team that fense and offense on Friday, Feb. 11, to lost to Siren in early January. take care of business against Webster.

The Dragons trailed 16-14 at the end of “We played a good game. Built a nice the first quarter but regained the lead at first-half lead. They cut it to eight after halftime 34-27. Siren held the Comets to three (periods). We adjusted and finished just three points in the fourth quarter, and strong in fourth, holding them to two were led by Carley Emery’s 34-point efpoints,” said Vikings coach Troy Wink, fort. Ashley Guevara also had 16 points who added that the team had a good bal- and Brittany Coulter added six. They were ance in scoring. the only three scorers on the night for the The Vikings led at 30-11 at the half and Dragons. had three players scoring 10 or more points including Maria Miller with 14, and Jade Johnson and Corissa Schmidt adding

Boys basketball/continued

let the Eagles get to within nine points. It was a solid performance from the freethrow line as well for the Pirates, as Thompson went 4 for 6 from the line in the fourth, and Myers went 6 for 6 in the fourth quarter.

Brady Flaherty scored 20 points to lead the Eagles, but 11 of those points came from the free-throw line. Flaherty shot well from the line going 11 of 13. Seth Krueger had eight points, Rush Hickethier, Xavier Foeller and Turner each had six.

Webster 59, Frederic 51 WEBSTER – The Webster Tiger boys basketball team won their third-straight with a win over the Vikings on Friday, Feb. 11, moving them to 7-3 in the conference and in third place, with games against Grantsburg and Luck to follow.

The Vikings kept the game within one point after the first quarter and it remained close at halftime with the Tigers holding a 26-22 lead. The Tigers had a big third quarter, outscoring the Vikings 18-11 and entering the fourth quarter with a 4433 lead.

Austin Elliott had another solid night

Tiger James Wethern plows over Joe Draxler of Frederic.

Frederic’s Michael Tesch eyes a rebound against Webster. – Photos by Carl Heidel

Webster and Frederic girls fight for a loose ball in Webster last Friday, Feb. 11. – Photo by Carl Heidel

Michelle Gibbs of Webster eyes the basketball as she cruised down the court. – Photo by Carl Heidel offensively for the Tigers with 31 points, while James Wethern added 18. Greg McIntyre had six and Dan Dochniak and Joey Erickson had two points apiece.

Robert Kirk gave the Vikings a 13-point performance. Adam Chenal had 11, Waylon Buck, eight, Michael Tesch, six, Tony Peterson and Trae Gehl each had four, Joe Draxler, three, and Raif Poirier had two.

Clear Lake 50, Luck 48 CLEAR LAKE – The Cardinal boys couldn’t hold on in a close loss at Clear Lake on Monday, Feb. 14. Luck had a 16-7 first-quarter lead and led 23-21 at halftime before the Warriors took a 35-30 lead heading into the fourth quarter, and held on for the win.

“In close games it has been a lack of discipline, whether running the offense or getting the help we need on defense, that we need to address,” said Luck coach Rick Giller.

The Cardinals have two more conference games to finish out the season, as well as a nonconference game scheduled against Birchwood.

Against Clear Lake, Alec Mortel had 18 points, while Cole Mortel added 16. Evan Armour and Logan Hacker each had six points and Brady Klatt added two.

W

L

PAGE 20 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 16, 2011

I N T E R

E A D E R

S

P O R T S

LFG gets three wrestlers to sectionals

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer SOMERSET – Luck/Frederic/Grantsburg had a good showing at the regional wrestling meet in Somerset on Saturday, Feb. 12. Brent Johnson, Ben Ackerley and Joe Christensen’s second-place finishes got them through to the sectional tournament in Amery this Saturday, Feb. 26, and all three have a legitimate shot of earning trips to state in Madison.

“I told the three wrestlers that sectionals is just as much of a mental game as it is wrestling. It is which wrestlers that stay focused through the whole day that make it to state. When you lose a match you need to know you still have a chance to make it to state. I look forward to this weekend,” said LFG coach Chris Bartlett.

At 125 pounds, Johnson needed to get through Spencer Walters of St. Croix Falls in order to advance to sectionals, and did so with a 7-3 decision win in the semifinal match. Both wrestlers met twice earlier in the season and split wins, with Johnson winning the first match 9-3 and Walters winning the second match just a week ear-

LFG’s Brent Johnson carries Spencer Walters during an exciting match in Somerset.

lier by a 3-2 decision.

“Both coaches knew whoever won the rematch was going to make it to sectionals,” Bartlett said. Johnson lost by major decision in the finals match to Kyle Larson of Amery, who has a record of 33-7.

Despite wrestling at 140 for much of the season, and 135 for the past two weeks, Ackerley took second at 130 during regionals.

“When he won conference last week at 140 he only weighed 133.5. I thought for him to go to 130 he would be a big 130-

Ben Ackerley puts the squeeze on his opponent. – Photos by Marty Seeger

pounder and the kids would seem light to him,” Bartlett said.

Ackerley lost a tough match to the ninth-ranked Mich Nichols of Amery in the finals, but he wrestled him well.

He dominated the first two periods, but just came up short in the final period. If he wrestles well at sectionals he has just as much a shot to make it to state as anyone,” Bartlett said.

Christensen earned his first trip to sectionals as a sophomore at 189, winning two of his three matches by decisions. He lost to Ryan Nussbaum of St. Croix Falls

Joe Christensen of LFG had a solid day on the mat and is heading to sectionals.

by a 2-0 decision in the finals match, and defeated Kenny Gates of Amery in the wrestleback for second place by a 16-1 tech-fall.

He is only a sophomore, so this is a great accomplishment,” Bartlett said, but added; “He has a rough draw at sectionals.”

Also competing at the regional meet were Evan Ryan at 119 pounds, who took fourth, Ray Kurkowski, 135, fourth; Chase Dodds, 140, fifth; Alex Richey, fourth; and Jesse Sanchez, fifth.

Eagle wrestling team gets four to sectionals

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer SOMERSET – Alex Lennartson earned a regional championship for the Unity wrestling team during the regional meet in Somerset on Saturday, Feb. 12, and three others earned their way to sectionals in Amery this Saturday, Feb. 26, with second-place finishes. Only the top two wrestlers from each weight class are eligible to move onto the next round, and Lennartson, a 285-pound wrestler, enters sectionals with a 33-5 record.

Lennartson wrestled just two matches on the day and made short work of both by pinning Zane Von Holtum of Somerset in 0:09, and Matt Ziegler of Amery in 0:16.

At 135, Luke Nelson had a difficult weight bracket, but pulled out his first match of the day with a 3-1 decision win over Eddy Benitez of Amery. Nelson then lost in the finals to Gabe Flandrick of Somerset by a 5-1 decision. Flandrick is 32-4 on the season, and Nelson enters sectionals with a 31-7 record.

Dylan Hendricks earned his way to sectionals at 145, by defeating Marshall Dillman of St. Croix Falls in an 8-3 decision.

Luke Nelson took second place in a difficult bracket last weekend in Somerset. – Photos by Marty Seeger Hendricks lost in the finals to Gabe Paulson of Amery by a 6-4 decision. Paulson is 34-6 on the season, and Hendricks posts a 31-8 record.

Jake Johnson is the fourth Eagle that will be wrestling for the Eagles at 215.

Johnson defeated Nolan O’Brien by pin in 4:59, but lost to Joe Christensen of LFG in the semifinals by a 9-0 major decision.

Johnson then took second place during a wrestle-back match against Victor Lowney of Osceola by a 12-4 major decision. Johnson has a 26-14 record on the season.

Other wrestlers from Unity that didn’t

Jake Johnson works to take Nolan O’Brien of St. Croix Falls to the mat.

Dylan Hendricks placed second and earned a trip to sectionals in Amery.

make sectionals this season included Tucker Olson, 103, third; Cole Hanson, 119, fifth; Zac Baxter, 125, fourth; Colton Sorensen, 130, sixth; Kevin Bystrom, 140, third; Steven Anderson, 152, fifth; Jordan Hughes, 171, third; and Garrett Lunsmann, 189, fourth.

Alex Lennartson pinned his way to a regional championship.

Three Saints earn regional titles in Somerset

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer SOMERSET – The Saints wrestling team was well-represented at the regional wrestling tournament in Somerset on Saturday, Feb. 12. As a team, the Saints took second place overall behind first-place Amery, who scored 280.5 points, while St. Croix Falls scored 196 points. Unity came in third place; Somerset, fourth; LFG, fifth; and Osceola, sixth overall.

Only the first-place team finisher qualifies for the sectional dual tournament, but five St. Croix Falls individuals earned a trip to sectionals with their performance in Somerset last weekend, and three wrestlers earned regional championships, including freshman Drew Wheeler at 103 pounds.

Drew Wheeler was a highlight of the day for St. Croix Falls at 103 pounds.

James Klassen reacts after his win over Mitch Dulon of Osceola. – Photos by Marty Seeger “The highlight of the day was Drew Wheeler, at 103, beating the Amery wrestler. Drew lost to him earlier in the year so it was nice to come back and beat him,” said Saints coach Dan Clark.

Wheeler earned a pin over Tucker Olson of Unity in 5:31, before getting into the finals match against Amery’s Keenan Luke who has a 33-7 record. Wheeler is 34-5, and defeated Luke in an exciting 2-1 decision match.

At 160, Jake Rademacher earned a regional championship with a major decision win over Alex Richey of LFG, and a major decision win over Elvis Lowney of Osceola. Rademacher enters sectionals

Jake Rademacher is a regional champ for the 2011 season. with a 32-8 record.

The third regional title for the Saints went to Ryan Nussbaum at 189. Nussbaum defeated Kenny Gates of Amery by a 13-1 major decision and beat Joe Christensen for first place with a 2-0 decision win.

At 119, James Klassen took second and is headed to sectionals in Amery with a record of 28-15. Klassen won in the final seconds of a match against Mitch Dulon of Osceola, but lost to Connor Friese of Amery in a major decision.

Joe Rademacher also placed second at the regional in Somerset with a 3-2 decision win over Jordan Hughes of Unity, and an 8-1 decision win over Haydon Dvorak of Somerset in the finals match.

Wrestlers not earning trips to sectionals included Sean Bradshaw, 112, fourth;

Joe Rademacher took second at regionals.

Ryan Nussbaum won a major decision in this match.

Spencer Walters, 125, third; Dan Horn, 130, third; Brian Gilbert, 135, fifth; Grant Simpson, 140, fourth; Marshall Dillman, 145, third; Eric Segelstrom, 152, third; Nolan O’Brien, 215, fourth; and Ryan Johnson, 285, third.

“We will go into next weekend with the expectation of all the kids moving on to state. It is important that they know they are there to win and not just be happy with being there,” Clark said.

W

I N T E R

L

S

FEBRUARY 16, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 21

E A D E R

P O R T S

Blizzard boys roll through Barron in first round of playoffs Blizzard 10, Barron 1

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer GRANTSBURG – The Blizzard boys hockey team had little trouble dispatching the Barron-area cooperative squad in the first round of the playoffs on Tuesday, Feb. 15, winning by a monster, 10-1 margin before a home crowd to advance on.

Led by an Anthony Dietmeier hat trick, and two goals each from Joe Engelhart and Aaron Dietmeier, the Blizzard scored three first period goals, and five more goals in the second period before the Barron squad got on the board. The Blizzard boys added a pair of goals in the final frame for good measure.

Notables for the Blizzard include six points each for Engelhart and Anthony Dietmeier, with additional, solo goals from Ben Jensen, Kyle Roberts and Dylan Franklin. All three of whom also added

assists to their totals in the win. Also getting assist credits were Russ Thoreen, Jake Swenson and Aaron Dietmeier, who added a pair of helpers to his two-goal night.

The Blizzard boys now move on to play the Menomonie cooperative squad at the Dunn County Ice Arena on Thursday, Feb. 17, at 7 p.m.. The Menomonie team is seeded third, compared to the Blizzard’s sixth seed. The winner of that contest is likely to face second-seed New Richmond next Tuesday, Feb. 22. The Blizzard have yet to play Menomonie this season, and this promises to be a closely fought contest.

Blizzard forward Jake Swenson scored a goal in the regular season finale, and added an assist in Tuesday's first-round playoff game. – File photos by Greg Marsten

Blizzard junior forward Anthony Dietmeier has been a point-scoring machine in recent games, and notched a hat trick in Tuesday's playoff game against Barron.

Nova skaters pepper Blizzard boys in conference loss

Blizzard boys close out regular season with Becker/Big Lake victory Minneapolis 4, Blizzard 1

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer MINNEAPOLIS – The Minneapolis Novas put the brakes on the Blizzard boys hockey squad on Thursday, Feb. 10, at the Victory Ice Arena, coming from behind and beating their conference foes by a 4-1 margin.

The contest was a makeup game from a weather-related postponement in December, and was between the two top squads in the very capable Two Rivers Conference.

The Blizzard drew frist blood, and began strong, with freshman Aaron Dietmeier scoring off a Joe Engelhart assist at the 15:51 mark in the first period. The Blizzard have done a very good job of handling the explosive Novas this season,

whipping them by seven goals at their last meeting in January at the Lodge Arena in Siren.

But this time the Minneapolis boys were prepared and were hoping to keep their hopes alive for a second-place finish in the difficult Minnesota conference.

The Novas recovered from their early deficit and took advantage of Blizzard miscues and penalties, scoring two goals on power plays, and another while shorthanded.

The Blizzard seemed stuck in the mud, spinning their wheels while the Nova boys peppered Blizzard goalie Thomas Labatt with 52 shots on goal, compared to the Blizzard’s 29 shots on goal. The hosting Novas outshot the Blizzard in every period and often doubled their volume of shots.

It was all Minneapolis after the second period, and the Blizzard were never able to recover from the second-period explosion of scoring by the Nova mob, in spite of scoring first.

While the loss stings, it only gave the Nova squad a technical chance for a tie or lone honor of a second-place finish in the final conference standings, with the Bliz-

zard finishing on top.

Blizzard 6, Becker/Big Lake 1 PRINCETON, Minn. – The Blizzard boys hockey squad started slow but came back strong and shut down the hosting Becker/Big Lake Eagles on Saturday, Feb. 12, winning by a solid, 6-1 margin, in their final regular-season contest of the year.

While the final stats are overwhelmingly in favor of the Blizzard, with almost five times the number of shots on goal and obvious scoring dominance, it was the Eagles who scored first. After a scoreless first frame, Eagle Mason Loegering slipped one past Blizzard goalie Thomas Labatt, who otherwise deflected or gloved all of their shots, which only amounted to 12 total shots on goal.

The Blizzard quickly got back into the scoring groove, after a rare multiperiod scoring drought, carried over from their loss in Minneapolis two days prior.

It turned into a scoring clinic for the visiting squad, as Anthony Dietmeier went on to score not only a hat trick, but added two more assists for a rare, five-point game. It wasn’t that rare, however, as teammate Joe Engelhart also pulled off a

similar feat, scoring a goal in the third period and adding four assists on the night.

The multipoint night also assured Engelhart of conference points honors this season, finishing with 62 combined points, including 27 goals. Teammate Anthony Dietmeier finished sixth in total points with 41, with brother Aaron Dietmeier also in the top ten with 38 total points.

Also getting in on the scoring flurry Saturday were Blizzard sophomores Matt Larson and Jake Swenson, who each notched goals in the contest. Assist credits went to Russ Thoreen and also to Aaron Dietmeier, who had two helpers on the night.

The Blizzard defense was so strong in the later part of the contest, they only allowed the Eagles one lone shot on goal for the entire 17 minutes of play in the third period.

The victory was the final game for the Blizzard before they began WIAA regional playoff action against the Barron Cooperative squad, Feb. 15. The Blizzard finish the season with an impressive 19-4-1 overall record, and 9-3-0 in Two Rivers Conference play.

Pirate gymnasts close out season at home and shine at Ashland Grantsburg 122.45, St. Croix Falls/Unity 75.10

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer GRANTSBURG – The Grantsburg Pirates gymnasts closed out their 2011 season at home on Thursday with a match against neighboring St. Croix Falls/Unity and then moved on to Ashland over the weekend for a meet.

“Both meets went really well for the Grantsburg Pirates,” Pirate head coach Kathy Lund said.

For Parents Night, Feb. 10, the Pirates made the most of their last home meet, scoring a season high of 122.45.

“That is a big improvement!” exclaimed Pirate head coach Kathy Lund. “Aimee Lerud keeps setting the bar higher and higher. It was a night for her to go big, break records. It was not the first time this season of breaking records for her, but it was a first to break three.”

Lerud shined on the uneven bars with a 9.15, on beam with a 8.75 and in the allaround with a 35.10.

At the Ashland Invitational on Saturday, Feb. 12, the Pirate gymnasts took an impressive third place overall with a season high of 122.90.

Lerud again shone brightly, bringing home five medals from the Ashland meet.

She placed sixth on vault with an 8.40; third on bars with an 8.885; fourth on beam with an 8.80 - which was also a season high; fourth on her floor exercise with a 9.00 and fourth in the all-around with a 35.05.

The Grantsburg team performs the dance they performed in the ‘70s and ‘80s dance off at the Hudson invite prior to their meet against St. Croix Falls/Unity. – Photos submitted ABOVE: St. Croix Falls Kady Meyer waits for her run at vault at Grantsburg.

BELOW: Saints Ashley Johnson performs her floor exercise. – Photos by Priscilla Bauer

Aimee Lerud on the podium in Ashland as she receives her fifth medal from the meet.

She has become a formidable gymnast and continued to improve all season.

Other Pirates also excelled at Ashland, as Saisha Goepfert placed 10th all-around with her personal best of 28.60; ninth in vault; 12th on the beam and 13th in the floor exercise.

RuthAnn Pederson placed 10th in the floor exercise and Heidi Horky hit her sea-

son highs by placing 11th in the all-around with a 28.55; 14th in her floor exercise with a 7.60 and 13th on beam with a 6.95. She also placed 14th on vault with a 7.40.

Pirate April Campana got a personal best in vault with an 8.2, tying teammate Breanna Fickbohm for eighth place.

“With season highs and personal bests, our scores are going up!” Lund stated.

PAGE 22 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 16, 2011

W

I N T E R

L

E A D E R

S

P O R T S

Blizzard girls boil the T-birds

Playoffs to begin Thursday, Feb. 17 Blizzard 8, Lakeland 1

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer SIREN – The Blizzard girls hockey squad wasted no time in shutting down the visiting Lakeland Thunderbirds on Saturday, Feb. 12, at the Lodge Arena in Siren, snuffing them by an 8-1 margin, in their final regular season contest before

the playoffs, which begin later this week.

The Blizzard rallied fast to a win, courtesy of a leadoff hat trick from Kassie Lien, who knocked back two goals in the first period - the second off a power play - and another in the second stanza, giving her squad a fast, 3-0 lead.

Lien had assists from Samantha O’Brien and Ashley Dietmeier, who then got the fourth goal at 2:16 in the second period, off an assist from Kassie Lien and Mary Chernyaev.

Tanesha Carlson got on the board with a goal late in the second period, off an

Blizzard freshman Wendy Roberts sets up a teammate in front of the Lakeland net.

Blizzard sophomore Tianna Stewart waits for a pass from a teammate. – Photos by Greg Marsten

A R E A Hacker’s Lanes

Sunday Youth (3 Games) Standings: Infinite 15, The Three Amigos 10, JDZ 9, Shooting Stars 8, Team Hambone 7, Brothers & Arms 6, The Bowlers 5, Boss 4.

Girls games: Corissa Schmidt (SS) 201, Julia Owens (B) 135, Avery Steen (SS) 130.

Girls series: Corissa Schmidt (SS) 543, Avery Steen (SS) 384, Lauren Domagala (SS) 337.

Boys games: Logan Hacker (TH) 276, Austin Bruss (B) 243, Gary Ekholm (TH) 221.

Boys series: Logan Hacker (TH) 680, Austin Bruss (B) 598, Gary Ekholm (TH) 547.

Team games: Team Hambone 638, Boss 497, Brothers & Arms 452.

Team series: Team Hambone 1731, Boss 1279, Brothers & Arms 1275.

Monday Afternoon Seniors Women’s games: Betty Anderson 183, Marge Traun 181, Lila Larson 174.

Women’s series: Pearl Noble 459, Lila Larson 457, Marge Traun 454.

Men’s games: Tom Johnson 223, Dale Johnson 203, Duane Doolittle 195.

Men’s series: Tom Johnson 586, Duane Doolittle 551, Chuck Moyer 537.

Team series: Vultures 1908, Nite Hawks 1848, Eagles 1838.

Monday Night Ladies Standings: Mane Attractions 37, Hog Wild Gals 32.5, The Bottle Shop 32, House of Wood 23.5, Hacker’s Lanes 13, Bye 9.

Individual games: Kelly Steen (BS) 202, Kelsey Bazey (HW) 199, Robin Lindvall (BS) 194.

Individual series: Kelly Steen (BS) 580, Kelsey Bazey (HW) 512, Robin Lindvall (BS) 511.

Team games: The Bottle Shop 769, Hog Wild Gals 609, House of Wood 599.

Team series: The Bottle Shop 1945, House of Wood 1771, Hog Wild Gals 1760.

Wednesday Night Early Men’s Standings: Larsen Auto Center 17, Cummings Lumber 16, Pioneer Bar 12, Skol Bar 12, Lewis Silo 10, A-1 Machine 5.

Individual games: Chris Rowell (PB) 268, Mike Erickson (PB) 266 & 244.

Individual series: Mike Erickson (PB) 706, Chris Rowell (PB) 659, Don Swanson (CL) 625.

Team games: Pioneer Bar 987, 984 & 966.

Team series: Pioneer Bar 2937, Cummings Lumber 2748, A-1 Machine 2652.

Thursday Early Standings: Hell Raisers 44, Fab Four 42.5, Daeffler’s Quality Meats 40, Red Iron Studios 40, Frontier Trails 40, American Family Siren 39, Grindell Law Offices 33.5, Wikstrom Construction 33.

Individual games: Dave Grindell (GLO) 272, Bruce Wikstrom (WC) 253, Blake Douglas (GLO) & Mike Sullivan (WC) 251.

Individual series: Dave Grindell (GLO) 720, Nick Skow (DQM) 689, Chuck Hahr (AFS) 685.

O’Brien assist on a power play, making it a 5-0 game as the third period began.

Lakeland finally got into the action at 5:51 in the final period, slipping one past Blizzard goalie Tiffany Meyer. That would prove to be the only goal of the night for the visiting T-birds.

The Blizzard still had some scoring left in them, as O’Brien rallied for two more goals, just over a minute apart, the first off a Carlson helper during a power play, and the second one unassisted.

Tianna Stewart added to the blowout

B O W L I N G

Team games: Grindell Law Offices 753, Fab Four 647, American Family Siren 645.

Team series: Grindell Law Offices 2036, Wikstrom Construction 1904, Daeffler’s Quality Meats 1837.

Games 50 or more above average: Dave Grindell 247 (+65) & 239 (+57).

Splits converted: 2-10: Curtis Renfroe.

Thursday Late Standings: Stotz & Company 18, Johnson Upholstery 13, Fisk Trucking 10.5, Hansen Farms Inc. 10, Hog Wild BBQ & Grill 7.5.

Women’s games: Heather Wynn 147.

Women’s series: Heather Wynn 396.

Men’s games: Oliver Baillargeon & Larry Stotz 245, Dale Johnson 244.

Men’s series: Larry Stotz 648, Eugen Wynn Jr. 636, Oliver Baillargeon 570.

Team games: Hansen Farms Inc. 977, Hog Wild BBQ 906, Stotz & Company 898.

Team series: Hog Wild BBQ & Grill 2618, Hansen Farms Inc. 2574, Stotz & Company 2459.

Friday Night Ladies Standings: The Leader 32, Frederic Design 28, The Pin Heads 28, The Dozers 24, Pioneer Bar 21, Junque Art 19, Meyer’s Plus 14.

Individual games: Margie Traun 213, Karen Carlson 212, Gail Linke 206.

Individual series: Gail Linke 548, Karen Carlson 541, Margie Traun 485.

Team games: The Pin Heads 674, Junque Art 599, The Dozers 578.

Team series: The Pin Heads 1763, Junque Art 1741, The Dozers 1665.

Games 50 or more above average: Margie Traun; Austin Otis; Steph Nelson.

Splits converted: 6-7-10: Cindy Denn. 45: Cindy Denn. 5-6-10: Judy Bennett. 5-7: Sheila Hansen.

McKenzie Lanes

Monday Night Madness Standings: Pepie’s Gals 40, Triple Threat 36, Scottay’s Trucking 28, Mishaps 28, Eagle Lounge 26, McKenzie Lanes 26, Alleycats 20, Radio Shack 20.

Individual games: Barbara Benson 195, Angie Lakner 180, Julia Delougherty 175.

Individual series: Barbara Benson 534, Angie Lakner 483, Heather Donahue & Kris Harder 473.

Team games (Handicap): McKenzie Lanes 637, Eagle Lounge 632.

Team series (Handicap): Scottay’s Trucking 1822, Eagle Lounge 1734.

Monday Night Ladies Standings: Wolf Creek Log Furniture 102.5, Milltown Appliance 91, Edina Divas 88.5, Sam’s Carpentry 88, Frederic Truck and Tractor 86, McKenzie Lanes 82.5, Bogus Pumpkins 72, Metal Products 65.5.

Individual games: Shirley Wilson 231, Jane Smith 227, Cindy Castellano 224.

Individual series: Cindy Castellano 618, Jane Smith 569, Shirley Wilson 560.

Team games (Handicap): Milltown Appliance 853.

Team series (Handicap): Milltown Appliance 2447.

Tuesday Early Mixed Standings: The New Comers 54, Lemon Heads 47.5, What the Ek 47, Jim’s Flooring 46, Mom’s Boys 42.5, Lane Crashers 41, Lamar Stars 37, Bye 0.

Women’s games: Brenda Lehmann 171, Vicki Minnick 154, Janice Berg 153.

Women’s series: Brenda Lehmann 443, Vicki Minnick 429, Janice Berg 390.

Men’s games: Jeff Lehmann 225, Jim Lammert 223, Cory Crowell 211.

Men’s series: Jim Lammert 597, Jeff Lehmann 572, Glen Minnick 561.

Team games: Jim’s Flooring 556.

Team series: Jim’s Flooring 1602.

Tuesday Women’s Standings: Hauge Dental 92.5, Tomlinson Insurance 92, LC’s Gals 79.5, Kassel Tap 79, Custom Outfitter 73, Country Gals 69.5, Gutter Dusters 66.5, Cutting Edge Pro 60.

Individual games: Delores Bishop 208, Linda Goulet 205, Helen Leggitt 204.

Individual series: Cindy Castellano 553, Lonnie Stowell 539, Linda Goulet 506.

Team games (Handicap): LC’s Gals 850, Custom Outfitter 819, Tomlinson Insurance 801.

Team series (Handicap): Tomlinson Insurance 2356, Custom Outfitter 2356, Kassel Tap 2287.

Tuesday Night Men’s Standings: Steve’s Appliance 76.5, Hack’s Pub 74.5, The Cobbler Shop 67.5, Dream Lawn 60.5, McKenzie Lanes 56.5, Nel-Lo-Hill Farm 49.5, The Dugout 47.5, Centurview Park 47.5.

Individual games: Randie Gustafson 259, Mike Oryan 256, Jeff Lehmann & Craig Willert 246.

Individual series: Craig Willert 714, Rick Fox 674, Darren McKenzie 665.

Team games (Handicap): The Cobbler Shop 1192.

Team series (Handicap): The Cobbler Shop 3502.

Wednesday Early League Mixed Standings: Cutting Edge 46, Hack’s Pub 38, Holiday StationStore 37, Pro Fab 37, Top Spot 28, Amrhien Painting 28, Suzie Q’s 26, Bye 16.

Women’s games: Jeanne Kizer 176, Patty Walker & Justine Melin 165.

Women’s series: Jeanne Kizer 476, Amy Reed 434, Patty Walker 422.

Men’s games: Ricky Wiemer 254, Merlin Fox 228, Mike Welling 213.

with a goal just over a minute before the final whistle, off assists from Molly Brown and Dietmeier on a power play, making it 8-1 for the Blizzard as they close out their regular season.

The squad finishes the season with a record of 8-11-3, and earned a sixth seed for the WIAA playoffs, which begin on Thursday, Feb. 17, in Eau Claire against the Eau Claire/Altoona Stars. That contest begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Hobbs Arena, and promises to be a challenge for the Blizzard.

R E S U LT S Men’s series: Merlin Fox 661, Mike Welling 606, Ricky Wiemer 602.

Team games (Handicap): Holiday StationStore 705.

Team series (Handicap): Holiday StationStore 1989.

Wednesday Night Men’s Standings: Dalles Electrical 36, Davy’s Construction 34, McKenzie Lanes 32, Tiger Express 26, Hanjo Farms 20, Harvest Moon 19, Edina Realty 13, Reed’s Marina 12.

Individual games: Sam Leggitt 279, Jim McKenzie 264, Darren McKenzie 252.

Individual series: Jim McKenzie 698, Sam Leggitt 695, Daryn Sylvester 680.

Team games (Handicap): Tiger Express 1058, Davy’s Construction 1034.

Team series (Handicap): Tiger Express 2948, Dalles Electrical 2922.

Thursday Night Ladies Standings: Hauge Dental 27, Cutting Edge Pro 25, Hack’s Pub 24.5, KJ’s 24, Eagle Valley Bank 19, Bont Chiropractic 15, RiverBank 13.5, Truhlsen Chiropractic 12.

Individual games: Annette Norlander 206, Denise Donaghue 204, Amy Reed 203.

Individual series: Annette Norlander 555, Denise Donaghue 527, Amy Reed 517.

Team games: Hauge Dental 823, RiverBank 800, Cutting Edge Pro 779.

Team series: Hauge Dental 2365, Hack’s Pub 2287, Cutting Edge Pro 2250.

Black & Orange

Early Birds Standings: Yellow River Saloon 24-8, The Tap 15-17, Black & Orange 14-18, Gandy Dancer Saloon 11-21.

Individual games: Claudia Peterson (B&O) 175, Rita Tesch (YRS) 161, Linda Strong (YRS) 157.

Individual series: Claudia Peterson (B&O) 433, Rita Tesch (YRS) 422, Linda Strong (YRS) 407.

Team games: Yellow River Saloon 828, Gandy Dancer Saloon 812, The Tap 796.

Team series: Yellow River Saloon 2388, Gandy Dancer Saloon 2349, The Tap 2344.

Monday Night Standings: Glass & Mirror Works 25-3, Larry’s LP 14-14, Black & Orange 12-16, Pope’s Construction 5-23.

Individual games: Jack Witzany (L) 205, Vern Nottom (B&O) 201, Curt Phelps (C) 198.

Individual series: Vern Nottom (B&O) 574, Curt Phelps (C) 568, Jim Brickle (C) 550.

Team games: Black & Orange 965, Larry’s LP 925, Glass & Mirror Works 921.

Team series: Black & Orange 2802, Glass & Mirror Works 2710, Larry’s LP 2609.

TNT Standings: Larry’s LP 15-9, Flower Power 13-11, Cashco 11-13, Black & Orange 9-15.

Individual games: Jennifer Kern (L) 180, Sue Eytcheson (FP) 167, Becky Reynolds

(L) & Mary Ellen Smith (C) 165.

Individual series: Jennifer Kern (L) 509, Mary Ellen Smith (C) 447, Monica Johnson (L) 444.

Team games: Cashco 884, Larry’s LP 862, Flower Power 838.

Team series: Larry’s LP 2428, Flower Power 2399, Cashco 2390.

Wednesday Night Standings: Black & Orange 22-6, Cashco 18-10, Lions 18-10, Northview Drive Inn 12-16, 10th Hole 9-19, Vacant 5-23.

Individual games: Shane Phelps (C) 230, Mike Zajac (C) 211, Art Bliven (L) 201.

Individual series: Larry Johnson (L) 556, Mike Zajac (C) 552, Art Bliven (L) 528.

Team games: Cashco 953, 10th Hole 926, Lions 923.

Team series: Cashco 2721, Lions 2646, Black & Orange 2627.

Games 50 or more above average: Shane Phelps 230 (+82).

Splits converted: 4-10: Mike Zajac.

Early Risers Standings: Gayle’s Northwoods Hair Design 26-6, Gandy Dancer 17-15, A+ Sanitation 13-19, 10th Hole 8-24.

Individual games: Janice Carlson (GNHD) 172, Lylah Nelson (A+) 159, Claudia Peterson (GD) 153.

Individual series: Janice Carlson (GNHD) 476, Lylah Nelson (A+) 426, Pam Dildine (10th) 418.

Team games: Gayle’s Northwoods Hair Design 709, 10th Hole 696, A+ Sanitation 655.

Team series: Gayle’s Northwoods Hair Design 1960, A+ Sanitation 1931, 10th Hole 1903.

Thursday Night Ladies Standings: Lips 42.5-33.5, Webster Motel 40.5-35.5, Pour House 38-38, Vacant 31-45.

Individual games: Tooter Barnes (PH) 169, Christine Arntson (WM) 167, Daphne Churchill (L) 163.

Individual series: Daphne Churchill (L) 475, Shaurette Reynolds (L) 426, Tooter Barnes (PH) 416.

Team games: Pour House 695, Lips 680, Webster Motel 673.

Team series: Pour House 2040, Lips 1968, Webster Motel 1859.

Denny’s Downtown Lanes

Sunday Afternoon Mixed Standings: 3-M’s 37, Spare-Us 37, The Pacifiers 24.5, George’s Angels 24, Team Siren 23.5, Bye 22.

Women’s games: Bea Moyer 174, “Trouble” Barfknecht 165.

Women’s series: “Trouble” Barfknecht 455, Bea Moyer 430.

Men’s games: Chuck Moyer 184, Jim Loomis 182.

Men’s series: Jim Loomis 496, Chuck Moyer 442.

Team games: Spare Us 443, 3-M’s 422.

Team series: Spare Us 1228, 3-M’s 1209.

W

I N T E R

Luck girls/continued

L

S

FEBRUARY 16, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 23

E A D E R

P O R T S

said. “Last night confirmed that I have had a positive effect on the lives of many wonderful young women. In turn, they have had a profound and lasting effect on my life. It has been an honor and a privilege to coach and teach the sport of basketball for all those years.”

But he isn’t done yet, as Messar is already planning for his young squad’s next contest, and spooling them up for the playoffs ... after all, it isn’t “Tickle me, Elmo time.”

A few noteworthy Messar-isms: “Focus on the task at hand.”

“Down goes Frasier!”

“That’s more gooder.”

“Use your weapon.”

“You can walk when you’re dead.”

“You’re crowding the lane like a bunch of heifers standing under the only shade tree in the pasture.”

“When they go to the bathroom, guard them in the stalls.”

“Put the little ball in the big hoop.”

“Shot flake.”

“Play hard. Play smart. Play together.”

Luck 63, Clear Lake 42 LUCK – The Luck Cardinal girls basketball rolled to victory over the visiting Clear Lake Warriors on Thursday, Feb. 10, by a 21-point margin.

Led by 26 points from sophomore Avery Steen and 19 points and 21 rebounds from senior Morgan Denny, the Cards cruised to a solid victory.

"Morgan Denny was huge on the glass," Luck head coach Marty Messar said.

After a very close first quarter, the

Luck junior Maia Lehmann (No. 4) battles for a board with Clear Lake junior Jamie Lee, as Darian Ogilvie (No. 43) and Morgan Denny (No. 2) look on.

Cards used several fast transitions and good rebounding to go up by 10 points at the half.

After they got the lead, they never looked back or slowed down, playing formidable defense and limiting several prominent Clear Lake players to low numbers. Only one Warrior scored in double digits: Jenna Lee, who managed 13 points, and senior Brooke Harshman to an even dozen.

"We shot 30 percent for the game, 22 of 72," coach Messar noted, giving credit to his players explosive, 20-point third quarter for such a dominating victory.

Luck has done a good job against the feisty Warriors in recent games, and continued that tradition with the 63-42, nonconference win.

LEADER SPORTS SCOREBOARD BOYS BASKETBALL

West Lakeland Standings Conf. Overall Team Luck Cardinals 9-1 15-4 Webster Tigers 8-3 14-6 7-3 15-4 Grantsburg Pirates Unity Eagles 6-4 14-6 4-6 12-7 Siren Dragons Frederic Vikings 2-8 7-13 0-11 2-16 St. Croix Falls Saints Scores Thursday, February 10 Siren 77, Lac Courte Oreilles 22 Friday, February 11 Grantsburg 59, Unity 46 Webster 59, Frederic 51 Monday, February 14 Clear Lake 50, Luck 48 Tuesday, February 15 Luck 37, Unity 29 Webster 69, Grantsburg 65 Siren 65, St. Croix Falls 49 Frederic 61, Prairie Farm 44 Upcoming Thursday, February 17 6 p.m.

Frederic at Grantsburg (DH) Friday, February 18 7:30 p.m. Webster at Luck (DH) Siren at Prairie Farm Turtle Lake at St. Croix Falls Tuesday, February 22 6 p.m.

Siren at Unity (DH) Grantsburg at Pine City, Minn. (DH) 7:30 p.m. Birchwood at Luck (DH) Hayward at Webster

BOYS HOCKEY

Two Rivers Conference Team Conf. Overall WSFLGUS Blizzard 9-3-0 20-4-1 Minneapolis 8-1-3 18-2-4 Moose Lake Area 7-4-1 16-7-1 Mora/Hinckley-Finlayson 7-4-1 11-11-2 Legacy Christian Academy 3-8-1 8-16-1 North Branch 3-9-0 7-17-0 Pine City/Rush City 2-10-0 5-20-0 Scores Thursday, February 10 Minneapolis 4, Blizzard 1 Saturday, February 12 Blizzard 6, Becker/Big Lake 1 Tuesday, February 14 (Regional Semifinal) Blizzard 10, Barron/Chetek 1 Upcoming Thursday, February 17 (Regional Final) 7 p.m.

Blizzard vs. Menomonie at Dunn County Ice Tuesday, February 22 (Sectional Semifinal) TBA

WRESTLING

Upcoming Saturday, February 19 (Sectional Meet) 10 a.m.

LFG at Amery St. Croix Falls at Amery Unity at Amery

Coach Messar's Cardinal players past and present posed for a group shot after Thursday's Luck victory. Many wore shirts designed to honor his 35 years of coaching.

Frederic show choir sings anthem and dance team performs at halftime

The Frederic show choir sang the national anthem prior to the basketball games against Prairie Farm in Frederic on Tuesday, Feb. 15. – Photos by Becky Amundson

GIRLS BASKETBALL

West Lakeland Standings Team Conf. Overall 7-1 14-1 Siren Dragons Frederic Vikings 5-3 11-5 Grantsburg Pirates 4-3 9-5 5-4 11-5 St. Croix Falls Saints Luck Cardinals 3-6 8-8 2-5 9-7 Unity Eagles Webster Tigers 2-6 5-11 Scores Thursday, February 10 Luck 63, Clear Lake 42 Siren 56, Cameron 42 Friday, February 11 Frederic 52, Webster 31 Grantsburg 43, Unity 38 Tuesday, February 15 Grantsburg 58, Webster 32 Siren 70, St. Croix Falls 41 Frederic 79, Prairie Farm 26 Unity 52, Luck 44 Upcoming Thursday, February 17 7:30 p.m. Frederic at Grantsburg (DH) Friday, February 18 6 p.m.

Webster at Luck (DH) Saturday, February 19 5 p.m.

Siren at Prentice Tuesday, February 22 6 p.m.

Birchwood at Luck (DH) Hinckley-Finlayson, Minn., at Webster 7:30 p.m. Siren at Unity (DH) Grantsburg at Pine City, Minn. (DH) Turtle Lake at St. Croix Falls

GIRLS HOCKEY

WSFLGUS Blizzard 8-11-3 Scores Saturday, February 12 Blizzard 8, Lakland Union 1 Upcoming Thursday, February 17 (Regional Final) 7:30 p.m. Blizzard vs. Eau Claire North at Hobbs Tuesday, February 22 (Sectional Semifinal) TBA

GYMNASTICS

Upcoming Saturday, February 26 (Sectional Meet) 11 a.m.

Grantsburg at River Falls St. Croix Falls at River Falls

Visit

www.wissports.net

for local scores and stats

The Frederic Dance Team, under the direction of coach Jackie Kurkowski, performed at halftime of the Frederic versus Prairie Farm basketball game on Tuesday, Feb. 15, with a little help from Frederic Elementary students.

FOLLOW THE LEADER The Swami is peaking at tournament time, just like a welldrilled basketball team. His 14-2 record last week raised his seasonal mark to 9133, or a 73-percent sucThe cess rate. “It was Swami a great week all around,” he said, “culminating THE SWAMI with a candlelight Valentine’s Day dinner at my shack. Although I ate alone, the venison chops were exquisite,” he claimed.

PREDICTS

Youth Hockey

Burnett Blizzard Bantam B Thursday, February 10

River Valley 7, Blizzard 4

Goals: Drew Alderman, Brett Richison (2), Jeremy Roy. Assists: Brett Richison (2).

Saves: Parker Steen (29).

Burnett Blizzard Bantam A Sunday, February 13

Blizzard 5, Altoona 3

Goals: Vinny Larson (2), Brett Richison (2), Carter Lee. Assists: Paige Young, Andrew Coy, Tristen Alden, Ryan Curtis.

Saves: Taran Wols (25).

This week’s games:

Boys Grantsburg 61, Frederic 42; Webster 51, Luck 44; Siren 73, Prairie Farm 41; Turtle Lake 50, St. Croix Falls 47; Webster 47, Hayward 45; Unity 60, Siren 53; Luck 63, Birchwood 37.

Girls Frederic 63, Grantsburg 61; Luck 50, Webster 43; Siren 50, Prentice 48; Hinckley-Finlayson 44, Webster 41; Siren 70, Unity 46; Luck 60, Birchwood 38; St. Croix Falls 45, Turtle Lake 39.

The Swami answers all e-mails and can be reached at predictionking@yahoo.com.

O UTDOOR S

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 16, 2011

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

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

Want an outdoor archery range in Burnett County?

The Voyager Village Board of Directors wants to know

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer VOYAGER VILLAGE – Is there an interest for an outdoor archery range in Burnett County? It’s a question that the Voyager Village Board of Directors is hoping to answer at an upcoming meeting in the Voyager Village clubhouse on Saturday, Feb. 26, beginning at 2 p.m.

“If we could just get a handful of people there … from anywhere, to give us some insight to what they think it should be all about, the rest of it should take care of itself,” said Paul Olson, an avid archery enthusiast and bow hunter, who spearheaded the idea of utilizing approximately 40 acres of land in Voyager Village, northeast of Webster, for a possible archery range.

The idea led the Voyager Village Board of Directors to offer tentative approval for use of the land, as well as the ski chalet on the property which is complete with running water, bathrooms, a stone fireplace and just about everything you could want for an archery clubhouse. The adjacent land could also be a big draw for archers looking for a quality shooting experience on the weekend or during a tournament event.

“We’ve got everything from wetlands to pine stands, it’s just terrific,” said Jim Daire, a resident and former Voyager Village board member, who sees an endless possibility, as well as a need for an outdoor archery range in the area.

Along with the mix of swamp and pine stands there are significant elevation changes that could make for some challenging shooting opportunities if the property was used as a 3D archery course.

The 3D archery courses use realistic looking foam targets placed at various distances to simulate a hunting situation, and it can be a fun experience for families, amateurs and hunters looking to hone their skills before the hunting season.

About 20 years ago the property had been used by Voyager Village residents as a downhill ski area, but it has since been

The Voyager Village property where a possible archery range could take place is loaded with possibilities, but they need an interested and dedicated group willing to work with the idea. – Photos submitted

sitting relatively vacant, leaving residents to ponder what to do with it. Many of the residents, who are also archery enthusiasts, seem very excited to have the opportunity to try and offer the grounds to a club willing to set an archery course in motion. Once a club is established, they’ll be responsible for the planning and development and operation for the facilities.

But first they need people who are interested and willing to put time and work into getting things going. The process of starting up an archery club, or one that hosts archery shoots or tournaments on weekends, isn’t easy. It takes a lot of work, but those involved feel they have just enough interest to really get things moving. They’re also trying to gather as much information as possible to make the archery range something people can enjoy for years to come.

Snowmobile trails closed

BURNETT/POLK COUNTIES – Snowmobile trails in Burnett and Polk counties are closed due to recent snow melt and deteriorating trail conditions.

The trails will reopen, pending weather conditions. Watch www.the-leader.net for further information. – Gary King

A hand “y” meal

John Hayman of the Clam Falls area feeds just a minimum amount of corn and other items such as pumpkins, squash and even grapes to three fawns that have frequented his feeder over the winter. One of the three has become quite tame, starting out by feeding straight out of a handheld bucket.

Hayman then fed it wearing a glove and eventually got the small doe to feed from his bare hand. – Photos by Judy Hayman

Daire has already spoken to several other archery clubs who have voiced their excitement in a possible archery range in Burnett County. The general feeling Daire has received from other clubs is that this is an ideal situation for those who want to get involved. Many of the archery clubs Daire spoke to belong with the Indianhead Archery League. Locations of those clubs include Amery, Clear Lake, Somerset (Chilakoot) and Prairie Farm to name a few, but none closer to Burnett County.

Some outdoor archery clubs have existed in Burnett County over the years, but haven’t lasted for various reasons. Reasons why they closed could be a good topic of discussion at their upcoming meeting, and help them better understand ways to continue to keep an outdoor archery range in Burnett County for years to come.

“Give us some input. Let’s find out who’s interested in this type of thing, and who’s willing to work to make it happen.

And what kind of place are they looking for? What kind of club do we want. Just a practice club, shooting club?” Olson asked.

For anyone interested in joining the meeting on Saturday, Feb. 26, the Voyager Village clubhouse can be found on 28851 Kilkare, Rd. (Voyager Village), Danbury, 54830. Or for more information contact Daire at 651-324-3771, Bob Ellson at 715259-3406 or Olson at 651-331-9895.

The ski chalet is complete with running water, bathrooms and a stone fireplace, which would be perfect for an archery clubhouse.

Deadlines approach for ice fishing shelter removal

MADISON – The first of a number of deadlines for ice anglers to remove icefishing shelters from inland and boundary waters is this weekend. All ice-fishing shelters must be removed from Wisconsin-Iowa boundary waters by Sunday, Feb. 20. This date, affecting the Mississippi River south of the Minnesota-Iowa border, is set to correspond with Iowa regulations.

The deadlines for the other two boundary waters are March 1 for WisconsinMinnesota boundary waters and March 15 for Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters.

For inland Wisconsin waters, ice-fishing shelters must be removed daily and when not occupied after the first Sunday following March 1 for waters south of Hwy. 64 and after the first Sunday following March 12 for waters north of Hwy. 64. For 2011, those dates are: Sunday, March 6 for waters south of Hwy. 64, and Sunday, March 13 for waters north of Hwy. 64.

At this point in the season, ice conditions start to deteriorate and make removal unsafe and difficult. A shanty that breaks through the ice can create a safety hazard for boaters and anglers during open-water season.

After these dates for removing ice-fishing shelters from a frozen lake or river, an angler may continue to use a portable shelter but must remove it daily and when it is not occupied or actively being used. – From the DNR

Sweet success

Avid Packer backer Ed Zalesky of Grantsburg shot this 10-point buck during the archery season. – Photo submitted

Indian Creek annual friends and family fishing get-together

FEBRUARY 16, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 25

Ethan Greener caught the largest and second largest crappies, one weighing 12 ounces and one 11.5 ounces.

Indian Creek held their annual friends and family fishing get-together on Saturday, Feb. 12. Several people gathered on Spencer Lake to participate. – Photos submitted

LEFT: Josh caught the second largest fish was a northern at 3 pounds, 4 ounces.

Chad Swanberg caught the biggest fish which was a 9-pound, 2-ounce northern. The fish was released.

New VA support line provides important assistance to caregivers

Benefits and support information a phone call away

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs is increasing its support to caregivers with a new, toll-free telephone line for the caregivers of veterans of all eras.

“The families and loved ones who care for severely injured veterans deserve the highest level of support,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “At VA, we consider them important partners in our efforts to care for and rehabilitate our nation’s heroes.”

The National Caregiver Support Line, 855-260-3274, will serve as the primary resource and referral center to assist care-

givers, veterans and others seeking caregiver information.

The line unofficially started Feb. 1, and in its first week logged nearly 600 calls, including 134 referrals to local VA caregiver support coordinators and 233 calls from caregivers themselves.

“VA has been providing support for the caregivers of veterans for more than seven decades,” Shinseki added. “We already have more than two dozen successful programs, policies and services that support the caregivers of veterans of all ages.”

The support line will provide information regarding new caregiver benefits, referrals to local caregiver support coordinators as well as emotional support to those concerned with their ability to provide care to loved ones who are veterans.

LUCK – A Cushing man was charged with false imprisonment and domestic disorderly conduct on Friday, Feb. 11, after allegedly tying up his girlfriend and leaving with their child.

Police were contacted about 3 p.m. by a woman who was at the Holiday station in Luck who called to report the crime. She said that her boyfriend, Kyle Darnell, 19, Cushing, was driving a red minivan and possibly heading to Cushing. The officer

set out for Cushing, but on the way saw a red minivan and stopped it. Darnell was in the van with his mother, who was driving. Darnell admitted he and his girlfriend had been fighting and that he had “bound and gagged” her and left with the child.

When the officer asked where they were going, he said they were going back to Luck to untie her. He was then arrested and taken to the jail. — with information from the Polk County Sheriff’s Dept.

Man charged with false imprisonment

The National Caregiver Support Line will be open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Eastern time; and Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Eastern time. Licensed VA social workers and health technicians will staff the support line.

Local caregiver support coordinators are available to assist veterans and their caregivers to understand and apply for VA’s many caregiver benefits. VA also features a Web page, www.caregiver.va.gov, with general information on other caregiver support programs available through

VA and the community.

Access to the National Caregiver Support Line was also identified as a significant need in a November 2010 study on caregivers of veterans published by the National Alliance for Caregiving.

For an opportunity to get to know a few of today’s remarkable caregivers of veterans, go to www.youtube.com/user/veteranshealtha dmin#p/u/0/XRmAwZHYRFE. - submitted

by Mike Simonson Wisconsin Public Radio CHICAGO - The third and final electrical barrier in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal is about to go online, a year ahead of schedule. Final tests should be finished in the next month in this effort to stop the spread of big and heavy flying fish.

The last electrical link in the battle to keep the Asian carp out of the Great Lakes is getting its final operational test this week. The Army Corps of Engineers is overseeing the building and operation of three electrical barriers designed to shock and stun fish swimming toward Lake Michigan in the Chicago waterway.

Col. Vincent Quarles, the district commander, says as with any new construc-

tion project, they want to ensure it’s operating as designed.

“So the work this week, we’re finishing up the operational testing.”

That means making sure this third and last barrier works. After that, Quarles says they’ll take three weeks for safety testing so the new barrier isn’t a shocking experience for commercial vessels.

“We want to make sure if you have a metal rigid body such as a barge coming through, what electrical they feel from the canal. If they’re tied off in certain ways and do certain things, the risk is low.”

Quarles says construction of this last barrier is a year ahead of pace because of stimulus spending from the federal government.

Final barrier erected against invasive fish

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 16, 2011

Burnett County circuit court

Meredith M. Beckmark, Grantsburg, operating a motor vehicle w/o proof of insurance, $10.00.

Tracee R. Belisle, Webster, resisting or obstructing an officer, probation, sent. withheld, $100.00.

Alicia A. Bendorf, New Brighton, Minn., issue worthless checks, $330.50.

Amanda R. Bildeau, Minocqua, operating while revoked, $500.00.

Kelvin J. Buskirk, Danbury, possess amphetamine/LSD/psilocin, license suspended 6 months, probation sent. withheld, $88.00.

Gregg R. Byram, Danbury, disorderly conduct, probation, sent. withheld, $100.00.

John A. Byrnes, St. Paul, Minn., OWI, local jail, license revoked 30 months, ignition interlock, $1,424.00.

Brian A. Erickson, Grantsburg, reckless driving, endanger safety, $500.00; inattentive driving, $340.00.

Peter J. Helling, Danbury, reckless driving, endanger safety, $389.50.

Jennifer A. Langevin, Grantsburg, OWI, forfeiture/fine, license revoked 7 months, ignition interlock, alcohol assessment, $804.50.

Valerie A. Lindahl, Danbury, operating while under influence, forfeiture/fine, license revoked 6 months, alcohol assessment, $655.50.

JaNeen M. Mosay, Webster, obstructing an officer, probation, sent. imposed local jail, $100.00.

Renee L. Mosay, Webster, without valid license, $186.00.

Brenda L. Naasz, Lakeville, Minn., drink open intoxicants in MV, $200.50.

John R. Olson, Webster, disorderly conduct, $330.50.

Joshua J. Peters, Grantsburg, obstructing an officer, $330.50; speeding, $213.10.

Kiana M. Reynolds, Siren, battery, probation, sent. withheld, $243.00.

Nathaniel D. Reynolds, Webster, issue worthless checks, probation, sent. withheld, $1,418.35.

Donna L. Sigsworth, Amery, operating while under influence, local jail, license revoked 14 months, $979.00.

Fern M. Woods, Siren, operating w/o valid license, $127,50.

Brianna L. Bearheart, Webster, underage drinking, possess 17-20, alcohol assessment, $263.50; operate w/o valid license, $200.50.

Patrick H. Brautigan, Pine City, Minn., operate snowmobile w/o trail sticker, $200.50.

Russell K. Brenizer, Grantsburg, operating w/PAC >=0.08, <0.15, license revoked 6 months, $741.50.

Daniel C. Christopherson, Oakdale, Minn., operate snowmobile w/o trail sticker, $200.50.

Rebecca L. Churchill, Hinckley, Minn., improper signal for stop/turn, $127.50.

Charles D. Coon, Siren, resisting or obstructing an officer, $750.00.

Keith Duffee, Turtle Lake, construct building w/o permit, $263.50.

Michael B. Gensmer, Ham Lake, Minn., operate snowmobile w/o trail sticker, $200.50.

Steven K. Halvorson, Grantsburg, discharge firearm from/across highway, $217.90; load/discharge firearm in/from a vehicle, $258.10.

James K. Halvorson, Grantsburg, discharge firearm from/across highway, $217.90.

Jacob R. Haw, Otsego, Minn., operate snowmobile w/o trail sticker, $200.50.

Neal H. Johnson, Edina, Minn., seat belt violation, $10.00.

Matthew W. Kelly, Minneapolis, Minn., operate w/o valid license, $200.50.

Michelle C. Lopez, Minneapolis,Minn., underage drinking, possess 17-20, $263.50.

Scott R. Powell, Webster, speeding, $127.50.

Kenneth W. Raush, Hurley, speeding, $250.90.

Allan J. Mosay, Webster, underage drinking, possess 17-20, license suspended 1 year, alcohol assessment, $767.50; disorderly conduct, local jail, $100.00 three times; battery, $100.00; violate absolute sobriety law, license suspended 3 months, other sentence, $389.50; operating while suspended, $200.50.

Derek L. Olson, Grantsburg, snow removal parking violation, $185.00, Thomas C. Pagel, South St. Paul, Minn., fish w/o license, $206.70.

Dudley W. Peno, North Branch, Minn., operate snowmobile, fail/comply signs, $175.30.

Jolene K. Pirila, Webster, operate w/o carrying license, $127.50.

Cilena Rodriguez, Springbrook, speeding, $127.50.

Amanda K. Rogers, Webster, operating while revoked, probation, sent. withheld, $100.00.

Tamara A. Rutzen, Webster, operate w/o valid license, $186.00.

Kenneth T. Sarazin, Chippewa Falls, speeding, $175.30.

Greg H. Schwartzbauer, Grantsburg, fourth-degree sexual assault, local jail, $77.00; exposing genitals to child, local jail, $77.00; battery, local jail, $77.00.

Gerald R. Slater, Mendota Heights, Minn., seat belt violation, $10.00.

Daniel E. Sobieck, Oakdale, Minn., operate snowmobile w/o trail sticker, $200.00.

Desiree J. Spafford, Webster, operate snowmobile while intoxicated, $641.50.

Jon C. Trinko, Baldwin, fail/stop at stop sign, $127.50.

Dustin F. VonRuden, Woodbury, Minn., disorderly conduct w/motor vehicle, $185.00.

Jeffrey C. Zacco, Siren, operate w/o valid license, $267.50.

Jason M. Boleen, Forest Lake, Minn., snowmobiler fail to carry registration, $175.30.

Donielle L. Coury, Maplewood, Minn., seat belt violation, $10.00.

Daniel C. Douse, Dresser, operating while revoked, $200.50.

Ryan D. Gosso, Milltown, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Michelle M. Handy, Centuria, operating while suspended, $200.50; nonregistration of auto, $175.30.

Jordan C. Johnson, New Richmond, speeding, $175.30.

Charles P. Kelly, Minneapolis, Minn., snowmobiler fail to carry registration, $175.30.

Sean D. Kelly, Blaine, Minn., illegal snowmobile operation on highway, $200.50.

Tyler W. Moore, Frederic, possess open intoxicants in motor vehicle, $200.50.

Andrew R. Nelson, Amery, operating while suspended, $200.50; nonregistration of auto, $175.30.

Amy L. Riemenschneider, St. Croix Falls, speeding, $175.30; operating a motor vehicle without insurance, $200.50; nonregistration of other vehicle, $263.50.

Cody S. Schostek, Luck, fail/transfer snowmobile registration, $175.30.

Michael J. Skow, Luck, operating motor vehicle without proof of insurance, $10.00.

Ardell K. Strenke, Frederic, operating a motor vehicle without insurance, $200.50; seat belt violation, $10.00.

Kevin D. Strenke, Luck, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Julio A.G. Vallecillo, Centuria, operate without valid license, fail to display vehicle license plates, seat belt violation, operating motor vehicle without proof of insurance, not guilty pleas.

Cassie A. Adams, Osceola, operating motor vehicle by probationary licensee with unauthorized person in vehicle, not guilty plea.

Stephanie A. Campbell, Osceola, speeding, $175.30.

Andrie Electric Ltd., Dresser, operating motor vehicle w/o proof of insurance, $10.00.

John A. Austad, Milltown, operating motor vehicle without proof of insurance, $10.00.

Joshua R. Bjorke, Osceola, speeding, $200.50.

Jennifer M. Blume, Cumberland, speeding, $175.30; operating w/o proof of insurance, $10.00.

Daniel R. Bruce, Luck, place, transport loaded firearm in vehicle, $217.90.

Frederick B. Carey, North Branch, Minn., operate snowmobile w/o trail sticker, $200.50.

Grant R. Clark, St. Croix Falls, speeding, $200.50.

Bradley G. Corrier, Grantsburg, interstate record of duty status, not guilty plea.

Edward T. Cullen, Maplewood, Minn., nonregistration of auto, $175.30.

Michelle L. Engstrand, Amery, speeding, $200.50.

Paul A. Flicek, Harris, Minn., operate snowmobile w/o trail sticker, $218.50.

Peter N. Forster, Balsam Lake, fish w/o license, $202.70.

Matthew J. Friedel, Osceola, driving too fast for conditions, $213.10.

James R. Handrahan, Amery, nonregistration of auto, $175.30.

Andrea H. Gasper, Osceola, permit unauthorized minor to drive, $200.50.

Bryan K. Gibson, Rice Lake, speeding, $175.30.

Sean M. Gillespie, Centuria, operate w/o valid license, $200.50.

John F. Graber, Turtle Lake, fail/yield while making left turn, $175.30.

Christopher J. Groh, Luck, inattentive driving, $187.90.

Brian M. Haas, Amery, nonregistration of vehicle >10,000 lbs., $263.50; operating motor vehicle w/o proof of insurance, $10.00; seat belt violation, $10.00.

Stefanie L. Holmberg, Turtle Lake, speeding, $175.30.

Jeffrey R. Holmes, Luck, speeding, $200.50; operating motor vehicle w/o proof of insurance, $10.00.

Jacob T. Houston, Dresser, driving too fast for conditions, not guilty plea.

Travis L. Johnson, Woodville, fish without license, $202.70.

Brandon J. Kelm, Hugo, Minn., speeding, $200.50.

Jennifer A. Kieckhoefer, New Richmond, speeding, $175.30; operating motor vehicle w/o proof of insurance.

James F. Krantz, Stillwater, Minn., speeding, $175.30.

Eric W. Larson, Amery, speeding, $175.30.

Travis D. Lee, Star Prairie, operating while suspended, $200.50.

Robert B. Lillyblad, Stone Lake, speeding, $175.30.

Jason M. Lohmann, Luck, failure to keep vehicle under control, $213.10.

Tyson L. Lowe, Luck, speeding, $200.50; seat belt violation, $10.00, times 3 times; violation of child safety restraint requirements, $175.30; operator vehicle w/o adequate muffler, $175.30.

Jacob D. Lundgren, Amery, fraud on gas station, $225.70.

Bridget M. Lyons, North St. Paul, Minn., speeding, $200.50.

Melanie A. McBain, Rice Lake, seat belt violation, $10.00.

Jeffrey D. McDonald, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, speeding, $175.30.

Peter L. Michalek, St. Paul, Minn., fish without license, $232.70.

Terri M. Moritz, Webster, speeding, $175.30.

Floyd E. Neumann, St. Cloud, Minn., speeding, $183.30.

James R. Norman, Centuria, driving too fast for conditions, $213.10.

Steven P. Oakins, Clayton, speeding, $175.30.

Marty M. Ogeay, Luck, failure to notify police of accident, $263.30; operating motor vehicle w/o insurance, $200.50.

Aarika J. Osmondson, Elk River, Minn., failure to keep vehicle under control, not guilty plea.

Ginelle M. Peterson, St. Michael, Minn., speeding, $175.30.

Blake M. Pierce, Minneapolis, Minn., speeding, $175.30.

Sherry L. Robinson, Federal Dam, Minn., speeding, $175.30; operating motor vehicle w/o proof of insurance, $10.00.

Jeremy D. Rosenberg, New Richmond, driving too fast for conditions, $213.10.

Michael F. Route, Frederic, speeding, $175.30.

Jeremy A. Sarsland, Amery, operating motor vehicle w/o insurance, not guilty plea.

Julie A. Sharon, Amery, speeding, $200.50 Thomas J. Sibbald, Forest Lake, Minn., operate snowmobile w/o trail sticker, $200.50.

Ryan R. Sirek, New Richmond, speeding, $175.30.

Noah C. Smith, New Richmond, speeding, $200.50.

Nathan E. Steinmetz, Osceola, speeding, not guilty plea.

David W. Tomberlin, Siren, operating motor vehicle w/o proof of insurance, $10.00.

Thomas W. Ward Jr., Balsam Lake, speeding, $175.30.

Mark Willey, Osceola, built an accessory bldg. w/o a permit, $438.00.

Kayla A. Wilson, Deer Park, failure to keep vehicle under control, $213.10.

Kevin D. Winegar, Clear Lake, speeding, not guilty plea.

Briana M. Zellmer, Luck, operating a motor vehicle w/o insurance, $200.50.

Tomasz Ziach, Andover, Minn., driving too fast for conditions, not guilty plea.

530504 26Lp

New Store Manager Come celebrate with Brian & Crew Thursday, February 24 with a Free 16-oz. Coffee, 7 a.m. - Noon

Aaron J. Sakaria, China, and Kristina M. Anderson, China, Jan. 31, 2011.

Dylan W. Miller, Swiss, and Barbara C. Antill, Swiss, Feb. 9, 2011.

Derek L. Olson, Grantsburg, and Tonya M. Owens, Feb. 14, 2011.

2011 Ice-Fishing Contest Door Donors American Legion 18th-Annual Fishing Contest Big Wood Lake

We would like to thank all of our many Donors that helped make this year’s fishing contest one of the best ever!

1. Indianhead Credit Union 19. Fourwinds Market-Siren 2. Fur, Fins & Feathers 20. Yourchuck’s-Siren 3. Dreamers 21. Country Store-Grantsburg 4. Pine City American Legion 22. Galen’s Little Mexico 5. The Drive-In 23. Holiday-Siren 6. Matt Jensen-Normark 24. Bass Lake Lumber 7. Village Floral 25. Kris’s Pheasant Inn 8. Burnett Dairy Cheese 2 6. American Legion Grantsburg 9. Fiedler Ford 27. Darrell’s Hardware 10. Community Bank 28. Kaefer Dentistry 11. Big Mike’s Outdoor Sports 29. U.S. Bank 12. Backwoods Beer & Bait 30. Grantsburg Family Foods 13. Pour House 31. Country Cafe on Main 14. Holiday-Grantsburg 32. Burnett County Sentinel 15. Wood River Inn 33. BP-Grantsburg 16. Kozy Kitchen 34. Darrell Hess 17. St. Croix Casino-Danbury 35. Bowman Construction 18. Johnson Lumber 36. Midtown Tavern Our mission is to take care of our veterans, their families and our community!

THANK YOU

Snow Neighbors of West Sweden Snowmobile Club would like to thank the following for their generous donations for our club banquet.

Donna Anderson Bean & Von Anderson Archie Archibald Rocky Aggerholm Jackie Coen Tim & Marilyn Grefsrud Sheli Holmberg Karla Holmquist Tom & Wanda Johnson Bob & Sandy Johnson Gary Stranz Janice Teigen Avalon Bean’s Country Griddle Beehive Bremer Bank Car Quest Chell Trucking Coyland Daeffler’s Quality Meats Frederic Design & Promotion Frederic Fuel

Special Raffle Drawing: .22 Marlin rifle donated by Scott’s Auto Care

Winner: Dave Peterson Raffle Ticket Prizewinners 1st Place $1,000 Savings Bond 2nd Place $500 Savings Bond 3rd Place Power Auger 4th Place Fish Locator 5th Place Power Auger 6th Place Fish House 7th Place Trolling Motor 8th Place Fish Locator 9th Place Fish Camera

Ticket #250308 Name Ticket # Keith & Jamie Nelson 1504 Todd Anderson 711 Zach Miller 607 Chandler 693 Cooper Podvin 250 Brian Shedore 380 Candy Mack 792 Mike Jensen 300 Justin Meyer 1476

Brask-Fossum-Janke American Legion

www.grantsburgamericanlegion.org

Frederic Golf Course Frederic Hardware Frederic Stop Holiday Station Indian Creek Tavern Inter-County Leader Jed’s Laker Lounge Lakes Gas Larsen Auto Lonitte’s Bar Medicine Shoppe Northwestern Electric N.W.W.C.C. Pour House Scentsy - Deanne Moravitz Skol Bar Skol Haus State Farm Ins. Subway Sundown Saloon Trade River Wild Bird Shoppe U.S. Bank

Thanks again, S.N.O.W.S.

530487 26L

(just east of Memory Lake) • 715-463-5724 Open to the public

Burnett Co. marriages

530280 26L

530334 26Lp

Brian Koecher Frederic Holiday’s Congratulations to

Polk County circuit court

FEBRUARY 16, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 27

1-BR Apartment

FOR RENT In Balsam Lake

715-463-2541

530091 25-26Lp 15-16a,dp

1-BR Furnished/ Unfurnished Apartment, ground level, with cable.

AND 1-BR Newly Decorated Apartment Both include water, sewer, garbage pickup, coin laundry.

530274 15-16ap 26-27Lp

FOR RENT 2-BR Apartment

Both

$

530073 25-28Lp 15-18a,dp

400/mo.

Lease plus deposit. No pets. No smoking. Mgt. on site.

Quiet building and neighborhood.

No pets. References & security, deposit required.

530350 WNAXLP

(Feb. 16, 23, Mar. 2, 9, 16, 23) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT CIVIL DIVISION POLK COUNTY BANK MUTUAL, Plaintiff, vs.

PAMELA J. MICHAELSON f/k/a PAMELA J. LARSON, Defendant.

Case No. 10-CV-722 Branch No. 1 Foreclosure of mortgage/30404 Honorable Molly E. GaleWyrick NOTICE OF REAL ESTATE FORECLOSURE SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, by virtue of a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above-entitled action on January 10, 2011, in the amount of $90,101.43, the undersigned Sheriff will sell at public auction in the Lobby of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 W. Main St., Balsam Lake, WI 54810, on April 13, 2011, at 10 a.m., the following real estate and mortgaged premises directed by said Judgment to be sold, towit: LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Lot 20, Plat of Hasta La Vista in the Village of Milltown, Polk County, Wisconsin.

TAX KEY NO.: 151-00367-2000.

ADDRESS OF PROPERTY: 101 Ranger Ct., Milltown, WI 54858.

TERMS OF SALE: 10% down in cash or certified funds (no personal checks) at sale, the balance due within 10 days of confirmation. Buyer to pay applicable Wisconsin Real Estate Transfer Tax from the proceeds of the sale upon confirmation of the Court. Said real estate is sold as is and subject to all liens and encumbrances.

Peter M. Johnson Polk County Sheriff STUPAR, SCHUSTER & COOPER, S.C. By: Jeffrey S. Schuster Attorneys for Plaintiff 633 West Wisconsin Avenue Suite 1800 Milwaukee, WI 53203 414-271-8833

715-485-3402 Cell 715-554-0780 (Jan. 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23, March 2) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY EAGLE VALLEY BANK, N.A., Plaintiff, vs.

NORMAN F. GUSTAFSON and SUSAN K. GUSTAFSON d/b/a Falls Furniture & Custom Woodworking and GRANITE TOPS, Defendants.

Case No. 10 CV 306 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE By virtue of and pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above-entitled action on September 7, 2010, in the amount of $128,353.71, I will sell the described premises at public auction at the Main Front Entrance of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 West Main Street, in the Village of Balsam Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin, on Wed., March 16, 2011, at 10 o’clock a.m., TERMS OF SALE: 1. 10% down in cash or certified funds at the time of sale; balance due within 10 days of confirmation of sale; failure to pay balance due will result in forfeiture of deposit plaintiff.

2. Sold “as is” and subject to all legal liens and encumbrances.

3. Buyer to pay applicable Wisconsin Real Estate Transfer Tax. DESCRIPTION: The East 80.8 feet of Lots Nine (9), Ten (10), Eleven (11) and Twelve (12), Block Two (2) of the Original Plat of the Village of Centuria, Polk County, Wisconsin, except the North 20 feet of Lot Nine (9).

PARCEL NO.: 111-00243-0000.

Dated at Balsam Lake, Wis., this 13th day of January, 2011.

Peter M. Johnson, Sheriff Polk County, Wisconsin Steven J. Swanson No. 1003029 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 609 105 South Washington Street St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 715-483-3787

529187 WNAXLP

530485 26Lp 16dp

715-483-3646

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.

First month’s rent and damage deposit.

612-280-7581

Hometown Village Apts.

NOTICE OF MEETING TOWN OF WEST SWEDEN Notice is hereby given that the regular monthly town board meeting will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Hall.

401 7th Street in Centuria 1-bedroom apartments for persons 62+ and/or those with disabilities.

715-466-2255

$200 $200 Move-In Move-In Bonus Bonus www.meridangroupinc.net Meridian Group, Inc. EHO 529164 23-27L

445101 8a-etfcp 19Ltfc

PARKWAY APTS.

Olson Apartments Tower Road St. Croix Falls

/mo. + utilities 550 and deposit

$

(Feb. 9, 16, 23) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY THE RIVERBANK, Plaintiff, vs.

ROBERT BRIGGS and ANCHORBANK, fsb, Defendants.

SUMMONS (For Publication) Case No. 10 CV 974 Case Classification No. 30404 Foreclosure of Mortgage TO: Robert Briggs 1385 Kemah Drive Balsam Lake, WI 54810 THE STATE OF WISCONSIN TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the Plaintiff named above has filed a lawsuit or other legal action against you.

Within forty (40) days after February 9, 2011, you must respond with a written demand for a copy of the complaint. The demand must be sent or delivered to the court, whose address is: Clerk of Circuit Court, Polk County Justice Center, 1005 West Main Street, Suite 300, Balsam Lake, WI 54810 and to plaintiff’s attorney whose address is: Steven J. Swanson, 105 Washington Street South, P.O. Box 609, St. Croix Falls, WI 54024. You may have an attorney help or represent you.

If you do not provide a proper Answer within forty (40) days after February 9, 2011, 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 the 3rd day of February, 2011.

Steven J. Swanson Bar No. 1003029 Attorney for Plaintiff 105 Washington Street South P.O. Box 609 St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 715-483-3787

(Feb. 16, 23, Mar. 2, 9, 16, 23) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY THE RIVERBANK, Plaintiff, vs.

DANIEL J. OSBORNE, Defendant.

Case No. 10 CV 609 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE By virtue of and pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above-entitled action on September 20, 2010, in the amount of $122,391.93, I will sell at public auction at the Main Front Entrance of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 West Main Street, in the Village of Balsam Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin, on: Thursday, March 31, 2011, at 10 o’clock a.m., all of the following-described mortgaged premises, to-wit: TERMS OF SALE: Cash.

DOWN PAYMENT: 10% of amount bid by cash or certified check.

Parcel 1: Lot Four (4) of Certified Survey Map No. 5116, recorded in Volume 23 of Certified Survey Maps, page 23, as Document No. 713014, located in the Northwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter (NW 1/4 of NE 1/4), Section Twenty (20), Township Thirty-four (34) North, Range Eighteen (18) West, Town of St. Croix Falls, Polk County, Wis. Parcel 2: A perpetual easement for ingress and egress over and across the West 70 feet of the North 638.71 feet of the Northeast Quarter of Northeast Quarter (NE 1/4 of NE 1/4), Section Twenty (20), Township Thirty-four (34) North, Range Eighteen (18) West, over current driveway as it is now laid out and traveled.

PIN: 044-00458-0400.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 2228A 150th Avenue, St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin 54024.

Dated at Balsam Lake, Wis., this 31st day of January, 2011.

Peter M. Johnson, Sheriff Polk County, Wisconsin Steven J. Swanson No. 1003029 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 609 105 South Washington Street St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 715-483-3787

530134 WNAXLP

Security deposit required.

Available now.

Water, sewer & garbage incl.

Background check.

530001 WNAXLP

375 /month plus gas & electric

$

450-$475 per mo.

$

Town Of Balsam Lake Monthly Town Board Meeting Will Be Held Monday, Feb. 21, At 8 p.m. At The Town Hall.

Agenda: Minutes from last meeting; road updates; misc. other items.

Brian Masters, Clerk

Agenda: 1. Call meeting to order 2. Clerk and Treas. Reports 3. Any corrections on the printed agenda in the newspaper.

4. Public input 5. Old Business 6. Employee report 7. Correspondence 8. New Busines 9. Review bills/vouchers 10. Set next meeting date 11. Move to adjourn Andrea Lundquist, Clerk

(Feb. 16, 23, Mar. 2) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY Discover Bank Discover Bank Naples, FL 34108 Plaintiff, vs.

Jeffrey A Hayman 2361 75th Ave. Osceola, WI 54020 Plaintiff.

SUMMONS Case Code: 30301 CASE NO. 11CV40 THE STATE OF WISCONSIN To each person named above as a Defendant(s): You are hereby notified that the Plaintiff named above has filed a lawsuit or other legal action against you. The Complaint, which is attached, states the nature and basis of the legal action.

Within forty (40) days of February 16, 2011, 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 Lois Hoff, Clerk of Circuit Court, 1005 West Main Street Ste. 300, Balsam Lake, WI 54810 and to Messerli & Kramer, P.A., Plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is 3033 Campus Drive, Suite 250, Plymouth, MN 55441. You may have an attorney help or represent you.

If you do not provide a proper answer within forty (40) days, 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.

MESSERLI & KRAMER, P.A. Jillian N. Walker, #1066378 3033 Campus Drive Suite 250 Plymouth, Minnesota 55441 Phone: (763) 548-7900 Fax: (763) 548-7922

Nicholas J. Damico, 30, Hinckley, Minn., warrant - failure to appear, Feb. 9.

Jody A. Decker, 54, Siren, failure to pay fines, Feb. 8.

Michael K. Lizakowski, 44, New Brighton, Minn., failure to pay fines, Feb. 8.

John E. Peirce, 42, Cambridge, Minn., failure to pay fines, Feb. 8.

Thomas D. Snyder, 66, Spooner, failure to pay fines, Feb. 8.

(Jan. 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY RURAL AMERICAN BANK LUCK, Plaintiff, vs.

DONALD C. STOCKER, and EDWARD A. NEWMANN JOINT REVOCABLE TRUST, and NANCY P. STOCKER, and PATRICK McCORMICK, and HARLAN J. WIENKE, and CENTURYTEL, and POLK-BURNETT SECURITY SERVICES, and THE RECOVAR GROUP, and U-HAUL COMPANY OF WESTERN WISCONSIN, and PAM OIL, and VENEMAN DENTAL CARE, and ANCHORBANK f/k/a S & C BANK, Defendants Case No. 10 CV 170 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE By virtue of and pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above-entitled action on September 2, 2010, in the amount of $43,015.42, I will sell the described premises at public auction at the Main Entrance of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 West Main Street, in the Village of Balsam Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin, Thursday, March 3, 2011, at 10 o’clock a.m.

TERMS OF SALE: 1. 10% down in cash or certified funds at the time of sale; balance due within 10 days of confirmation of sale; failure to pay balance due will result in forfeiture of deposit to plaintiff.

2. Sold “as is” and subject to all legal liens and encumbrances.

3. Buyer to pay applicable Wisconsin Real Estate Transfer Tax. DESCRIPTION: Lot Two (2) of Certified Survey Map No. 100 recorded in Volume 1 of Certified Survey Maps on Page 101, as Document No. 330417, being part of Outlot 158 of the Outlot Plat of the Village of Osceola a/k/a the Assessor’s Plat of the Village of Osceola, Polk County, Wisconsin; AND Part of Outlot 158 of the Outlot Plat of the Village of Osceola a/k/a the Assessor’s Plat of the Village of Osceola, located in the Northwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter (NW 1/4 of the SW 1/4), of Section Twenty-seven (27), Township Thirty-three (33) North, Range Nineteen (19) West, Polk County, Wisconsin, described as follows: Beginning at the Southeast corner of said NW 1/4 of the SW 1/4; thence North 214 feet; thence North 89º 40’ West, 150 feet; thence South 214 feet to a point due West of the point of beginning; thence East 150 feet to the point of beginning.

PIN: 165-00577-0000.

Dated at Balsam Lake, Wis., this 6th day of January, 2011.

Peter M. Johnson, Sheriff Polk County, Wisconsin Steven J. Swanson No. 1003029 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 609 105 South Washington Street St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 715-483-3787

528834 WNAXLP

715-483-1358

Two-BR Apartments Downtown St. Croix Falls

1-Bath Apartment In Centuria

John P. Polski, 23, Danbury, warrant - failure to appear, Feb. 3.

Robert T. Schmidt, 65, Eden Prairie, Minn., warrant - failure to appear, Feb. 4.

Scott A. Tossey, 33, Hinckley, Minn., failure to pay fines, Jan. 31.

Bryan L. Belisle, no date of birth given, Hertel, warrant - failure to appear, Feb. 11.

NOTICE

FOR RENT

FOR RENT NICE, Large 2-BR, Washer/dryer, covered parking.

Jonathan D. Gardner, 29, Grantsburg, warrant - failure to appear, Feb. 3.

Jordan A. Hackley, 19, Hayward, warrant - failure to appear, Feb. 4.

George J. Holmes, 30, Webster, failure to pay fines, Jan. 31.

Manuel L. Ojeda, 30, Minneapolis, Minn., failure to pay fines, Jan. 31.

530140 26L

FOR RENT In Grantsburg, WI

Brecca A. Benton, 16, Hayward, failure to pay fines, Jan. 31.

Trenton J. Cairns-Magnuson, 17, Webster, failure to pay fines, Feb. 1 Casey C. DeGraw, 20, Grantsburg, arrest warrant - complaint, Feb. 2.

Douglas J. Fontaine, 52, Webster, warrant - failure to appear, Feb. 4.

530410 WNAXLP

Capital One Bank vs.

Tommy R. Jewell, Grantsburg, $1,669.67.

Equable Ascent Financial LLC vs. Rita F. Hess, Siren, $3,747.86.

Capital One Bank vs. Lisa Campbell, Danbury, $1,281,81, Capital One Bank vs. Erin Schoepke, Siren, $2,283.49.

Benson Law Office vs. Eva M. Java, Siren, $1,065.04.

530483 26L 16d

Equable Ascent Financial LLC vs. Tania M. McKnight, Siren, $2,943.43.

Equable Ascent Financial LLC vs. Michelle Nutter, Webster, $1,443.19.

Capital One Bank vs. Brian K. Ford, Webster, $1,768.37.

Citibank vs. Catherine R. Schultz, Shell Lake, $3,652.90.

Target National Bank vs.

Molly A. Christensen, Danbury, $900.18.

Hopkins Sand and Gravel vs. Josh Reuter, Frederic, $2,722.24.

Capital One Bank vs. Cheryl A. Franklin, Siren, $1,461.88.

Equable Ascent Financial LLC vs. Aaron J. Beachler, Grantsburg, $2,696.65.

Capital One Bank vs.

Lanora Carlson, Hertel, $913.29.

Burnett County warrants

530032 15-16a,d 26-27L

Burnett County civil court

Notices/Employment Opportunities

PAGE 28 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 16, 2011

529764 WNAXLP

CITIMORTGAGE, INC.

Plaintiff,

vs.

MICHAEL D. MICHAELSON, et al.

Defendants.

Case Number: 10 CV 112 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on June 4, 2010, in the amount of $331,242.61, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: March 10, 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: Polk County Justice Center at 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wis. DESCRIPTION: Lot 3 of Certified Survey Map No. 5081 recorded in Volume 22, Page 188, as Document No. 710394, being a part of Lot 1 of CSM No. 70, Volume 1, Page 71, located in Government Lots 5 and 6, Section 17, Town 35 North, Range 16 West, and in Government Lot 4, Section 18, Town 35 North, Range 16 West, in the Town of Georgetown, Polk County, Wisconsin. PREVIOUSLY DESCRIBED AS: Lots 1 and 2 of Certified Survey Map No. 70, recorded in Volume 1 of Certified Survey Maps, Page 71, Document No. 311592, being located in Government Lot 4 of Section 18 and in Government Lots 5 and 6 of Section 17, all in Township 35 North, Range 16 West, Polk County, Wisconsin Except: (1) Lots 1, 2, 3, and 4 of a Certified Survey Map No. 657, recorded in Volume 3 of Certified Survey Maps, Page 149, Document No. 394841, and (2) The real estate and perpetual easement described by Land Contract dated June 13, 1979, filed July 5, 1979, as Instrument No. 393674, recorded in Volume 419 of Records, Page 361, and (3) Easements which were first described by Land Contract dated and filed on December 18, 1964, as Instrument No. 312817; recorded in Volume 262 of Records, Page 567. The Certified Survey Maps and Land Contracts above described as recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Polk County, Wisconsin.

ALSO, excepting those lands described in Partial Release of Mortgage recorded on September 1, 2006, in Volume 993 of Records, Page 756, as Document No. 721776.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 1110 West Bone Lake Lane, Milltown, WI 54858.

TAX KEY NO.: 026-00765-0000.

Dated this 4th day of January, 2011.

Peter M. Johnson Sheriff of Polk County Marie M. Flannery State Bar #1045309 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. 263702

INVITATION FOR BIDS

PROJECT: Net-Zero Energy Single Family Home Construction in Menomonie, WI under the Federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP 1: 2009).

(Feb. 16, 23, March 2) WI010675 STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY RESURGENCE CAPITAL, LLC Plaintiff, vs.

BECKY OLMSTEAD A/K/A BECKY J. OLMSTEAD 227 N. WASHINGTON ST. P.O. BOX 15 SAINT CROIX FALLS, WI 54024 Defendant(s).

PUBLICATION SUMMONS Case No. 10CV955 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 February 16, 2011, 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 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: February 10, 2011.

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

Polk County deaths

Hulda Fox, 97, Chisago City, Minn., died Jan. 21, 2011.

Andrew P. Engebretson, Balsam Lake, died Feb. 1, 2011.

Milton C. Russell, 95, Centuria, died Feb. 7, 2011.

(Jan. 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY THE RIVERBANK, Plaintiff, vs.

THOMAS D. ANDERSON JR. and JANELLE D. ANDERSON, and STATE OF WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, Defendants.

Case No. 10 CV 446 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE By virtue of and pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above-entitled action on July 27, 2010, in the amount of $222,701.57, I will sell the described premises at public auction at the Main Front Entrance of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 West Main Street, in the Village of Balsam Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin, on Thursday, March 3, 2011, at 10 o’clock a.m.

TERMS OF SALE: 1. 10% down in cash or certified funds at the time of sale; balance due within 10 days of confirmation of sale; failure to pay balance due will result in forfeiture of deposit plaintiff.

2. Sold “as is” and subject to all legal liens and encumbrances.

3. Buyer to pay applicable Wisconsin Real Estate Transfer Tax. DESCRIPTION: Lot Nineteen (19) of Timber Ridge 1st Addition, said Plat located in part of the Northwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter (NW 1/4 of the SE 1/4) and part of the Northeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter (NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4). Section Eighteen (18), Township Thirty-three (33) North of Range Eighteen (18) West; said Plat including Outlot 1 of the Plat of Timber Ridge, Town of Osceola, Polk County, Wisconsin.

PIN: 042-01326-1900.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 930 235th St., Dresser, WI 54009.

Dated at Balsam Lake, Wisonsin, this 6th day of January, 2011.

Peter M. Johnson, Sheriff Polk County, Wisconsin Steven J. Swanson No. 1003029 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 609 105 South Washington Street St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 715-483-3787

528836 WNAXLP

(Jan. 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY HSBC MORTGAGE SERVICES, INC., AS NOMINEE OF MERS, Plaintiff, vs.

TEESHAN P. HARRINGTON, JILL M. HARRINGTON, Defendants.

Case No. 10 CV 532 Foreclosure of Mortgage 30404 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure in the amount of $240,664.01, entered by the court on August 27, 2010, the undersigned Sheriff of Polk County, Wisconsin, will sell the following described real estate.

Lot Sixteen (16), Plat of Karis Country Corner, Polk County, Wisconsin.

Tax Key No. 022-01272-1600.

Street Address: 348 238th St., Osceola, WI 54020.

Place of Sale: Foyer of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 W. Main St., Balsam Lake, WI. Date & Time of Sale: March 2, 2011, at 10 a.m.

Terms of Sale: 1. Property is sold “as is” and subject to all legal liens and encumbrances, including but not limited unpaid and accrued real estate taxes, special assessments and other governmental charges, plus interest and penalties, if any.

2. A bid deposit of not less than ten percent (10%) of the bid amount shall be due in the form of cash, cashier’s check or certified funds at the time of sale.

3. Successful bidder to pay the entire unpaid balance of bid within ten (10) days following confirmation of the sale by the court plus buyer to pay for buyer’s title insurance, document recording fees and Wisconsin Real Estate Transfer Tax. 4. Failure to make timely payment following confirmation of sale will result in forfeiture of bid deposit.

Peter M. Johnson, Sheriff Polk County Law Offices of James E. Huismann, S.C. N14 W23777 Stone Ridge Dr. Suite 120 Waukesha, Wisconsin 53188 262-523-6400

WNAXLP

(Jan. 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23, Mar. 2) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY WESTCONSIN CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff, vs.

JACKIE M. JOHNSON, JEFFREY J. JOHNSON, MRC RECEIVABLES CORPORATION, Defendants.

Case No. 10CV506 Code: 30404 Foreclosure of Mortgage NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE By virtue of a judgment of foreclosure and sale rendered in the above-entitled action on September 20, 2010, in the amount of $173,796.58, the undersigned Sheriff of Polk County, Wisconsin, will sell at public auction at the front entrance of the Polk County Judicial Center in the City of Balsam Lake, in said County, on the 24th day of March, 2011, at 10:00 a.m., the real estate and mortgaged premises directed by the judgment to be sold, therein described as follows: Lot 3 of CSM #3514 recorded in Volume 16 of CSM, Page 27 as Document #621163, located in the SE 1/4 of the SE 1/4, Section 18, Township 32 North, Range 15 West, Village of Clear Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin, being Lot 4 of CSM #2328 recorded in Volume 11 of CSM, Page 35 as Document #560731.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 207 1st Avenue East, Clear Lake, Wis. TERMS OF SALE: Cash.

DOWN PAYMENT: A deposit of 10% of sale price to be deposited in cash or by certified check with the Sheriff at the time of sale; balance to be paid by cash or certified check upon confirmation of sale.

Dated this 26th day of January, 2011. /s/Peter M. Johnson Polk County Sheriff Attorney Christine A. Gimber WELD, RILEY, PRENN & RICCI, S.C. 3624 Oakwood Hills Parkway P.O. Box 1030 Eau Claire, WI 54702-1030 715-839-7786 Attorneys for Plaintiff This is an attempt to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Mona L. Nelson, 83, Grantsburg Village, Jan. 30.

Roy H. Carlson, 90, Grantsburg Village, Jan. 25.

530341

(Jan. 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY

528613 WNAXLP

Grantsburg Village, Jan. 26.

Donald R. German, 79, Dewey, Feb. 1.

Lucille R. Adamietz, 91, Webster Village, Jan. 15.

Egildo P. Poretti, 95, Grantsburg Village, Jan. 4.

WNAXLP

Derek G. Belter, 37, Rusk, Dec. 7, 2010.

John I. Jacobson, 85, Siren Township, Jan. 22.

Robert Mann Jr., 85, Grantsburg Village, Jan. 23.

Kenneth A. Baardson, 82,

529317

(Feb. 9, 16, 23, March 2, 9, 16) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY CITIMORTGAGE, INC. Plaintiff, vs.

MORRIS M LEEHEY, et al Defendants.

NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE Case Number: 09 CV 973 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on April 16, 2010, in the amount of $71,182.97, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: March 30, 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: Polk County Justice Center at 1005 W. Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin.

DESCRIPTION: The following described real estate in Polk County, State of Wisconsin, South 280 feet of the East 390 feet of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 22, Township 34 North, Range 18 West, the Town of St. Croix Falls, Polk County, Wisconsin.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 2073 140th Avenue, Saint Croix Falls, WI 54024.

TAX KEY NO.: 044-00537-0000.

Dated this 19th day of January, 2011.

Peter M. Johnson 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 that purpose. 264579

Burnett County deaths

Elizabeth Bruzek, 78, Grantsburg Village, Jan. 7.

Francis W. Laqua III, 76, Siren Village, Jan. 1.

Richard A. Lawrence, 67, Dewey, Jan. 9.

528715 WNAXLP

530470 WNAXLP

(Feb. 16, 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY THE RIVERBANK, Plaintiff, vs.

EDWIN C. EMERSON, Defendant.

Case No. 10 CV 378 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE By virtue of and pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above-entitled action on October 5, 2010, in the amount of $99,390.23, I will sell at public auction at the Main Front Entrance of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 West Main Street, in the Village of Balsam Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin on: Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at 10:00 o’clock a.m., All of the following described mortgaged premises, to-wit: Lots Twenty-two (22), Twentythree (23) and Twenty-four (24), Block Two (2), Re-Survey of Syndicate Addition to the City of St. Croix Falls according to the Official Plat thereof on file and of record in the office of the Register of Deeds for Polk County, Wisconsin.

Parcel No. 281-00840-0000 Street Address: 133 Monroe St., St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 TERMS OF SALE: Cash DOWN PAYMENT: 10% of amount bid by cash or certified check.

Dated at Balsam Lake, Wis., this 18th day of November, 2010.

Timothy G. Moore, Sheriff Polk County, Wisconsin Steven J. Swanson Bar No. 1003029 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 609 105 South Washington Street St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 715-483-3787

BID DEADLINE: 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 24, 2011.

BID TO: West CAP ATTN: Matthew Schmidt - Residential Energy Program. 525 2nd St., P.O. Box 308, Glenwood City, WI 54013. Phone: 715-265-4271 Extension 1311.

Sealed bids will be received via mail or hand delivered to West CAP’s Main Office in Glenwood City at the above address.

Bidding documents and provisions can be obtained by contacting the agent for this project, Matthew Schmidt at West CAP. Bids will be opened and read aloud at West CAP’s Main Office, 525 2nd St., Glenwood City, WI 54013, on Friday, March 25, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. local time.

All Bids shall remain valid for thirty (30) days from date of opening. West CAP reserves the right to reject any or all of the bids.

Required Federal Provisions: Contractor shall comply with federal rules, as applicable, including: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the Fair Housing Act; Equal Opportunity in Housing (Exec. Order 11063, as amended by Exec. Order 12259); Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity (Exec. Order 11246) Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Equal Employment Opportunity (Exec. Order 11246, as amended); Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968; Minority/ Women’s Business Enterprise (Exec. Orders 11625, 12432, 12138); and the conflict of interest provision as stated in 24 CFR 570.611 of the CDBG regulations. 529996 25-26L WNAXLP

APPLICATIONS FOR VOLUNTEERS The School District of St. Croix Falls would like to invite community members, business leaders, students and educators to all come together to help plan the success of tomorrow for the St. Croix Falls School District.

The St. Croix Falls School District, along with its Board of Education, will be accepting applications for volunteers to commit approximately 20 hours of time, to work on committees to help plan strategies for the Board of Education to use for their Strategic Plan.

Applicants should be open-minded, enthusiastic, creative and willing to volunteer their time to suggest ideas on ways to help with the challenges that the school districts will be facing. Four main committees will be formed with different topics of concern that the district will have in the coming years. Creative input is needed as well as ideas on how to keep the St. Croix Falls School District successful and steadfast for the future of our students and their education.

Applications can be accessed on the school Web site at www.scf.k12.wi.us, or by contacting Darci Krueger at the District Office at 715-483-9823. Ext. 1402.

Approximately 30 volunteers are needed to attend meetings on 3/29, 4/26, 5/17 and 5/31. There will be shorter additional meetings within each group, however all meeting together should be no more than 20 hours of your valuable time. We need your suggestions, ideas and creative philosophy so our students can have a successful tomorrow.

530342 26-27L

(Jan. 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23, Mar. 2)

Agenda will be posted.

Patsy Gustafson, Clerk

STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY

(Feb. 9, 16, 23)

U.S. BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as assignee of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., acting solely as nominee for U.S. BANK, N.A., a national banking association, Plaintiff, vs.

GREGORY J. ALDEN, and U.S. BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, ND, a national banking association, Defendants.

Case No.: 09-CV-0812 FORECLOSURE CASE CODE: 30404 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE By virtue of a Judgment of Foreclosure made in the aboveentitled action on February 24, 2010, in the amount of $107,662.35, I will sell at public auction in the front entrance of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 West Main Street, City of Balsam Lake, County of Polk, State of Wisconsin, on March 10, 2011, at 10:00 a.m., all of the following described mortgaged premises, to wit: Part of the Northeast Onequarter (1/4) of the Northwest One-quarter (1/4) of Section Four (4), In Township Thirtyfive (35) North, Range Nineteen (19) West, in the Town of Eureka, Polk County, Wisconsin, described as Lot One (1) of Certified Survey Map No. 4323, recorded in Volume 19 of Certified Survey Maps, Page 104, as Document No. 672217.

TAX KEY NO.: 020 01006 0100.

TERMS OF SALE: Cash.

DOWN PAYMENT: 10% of amount bid by cash or cashier’s check due at time of sale.

Balance of purchase price must be paid within ten (10) business days after confirmation of the sale.

This property is sold “as is” subject to all legal encumbrances and any outstanding and accruing real estate taxes, special assessments, and penalties and interest, if any. Upon confirmation of the sale by the Court, purchaser will be required to pay all recording fees and, if desired, the cost of title evidence.

Dated this 26th day of January, 2011, at Balsam Lake, Wis. /s/ Peter M. Johnson Sheriff of Polk County, WI Heidi Herschede KOHNER, MANN & KAILAS, S.C. Attorneys for Plaintiff 4650 N. Port Washington Road Milwaukee, WI 53212 PH: 414-962-5110 The above property is located at 2393 River Road, Saint Croix Falls, WI 54024.

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.

529029 WNAXLP

530509 26L

Monthly town board meeting will be held Tuesday, February 22, at 7:30 p.m., at the Cushing Community Center.

STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY BAC Home Loans Servicing, L.P. Plaintiff vs.

Kerry L. Lysdahl RJA Partnership Frederic Fuel Company The RiverBank Unknown Spouse of Kerry L. Lysdahl Defendants SUMMONS Real Estate Mortgage Foreclosure Case No. 10 CV 939 Honorable Molly E. GaleWyrick Case Code: 30404 THE STATE OF WISCONSIN To the following party named as a defendant herein: Kerry L. Lysdahl / Unknown Spouse of Kerry L. Lysdahl 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 February 9, 2011, 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, 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 26th day of January, 2011.

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. 264934

Mary Ann Borgerson, a/k/a Mary A. Stute 105 South West Street Deer Park, WI 54007, and Chase Bank USA, N.A. 200 White Clay Center Drive Newark, DE 19711, and Amery Regional Medical Center 265 Griffin Street E. Amery, WI 54001, and Capital One Bank (USA) 3033 Campus Drive, Suite 250 c/o Messerli & Kramer PA Plymouth, MN 55441, and Interventional Pain Specialists of WI 2021 Cenex Dr. Rice Lake, WI 54868, and NCO Portfolio Management 1804 Washington Blvd.

Baltimore, MD 21230, and Bayfield Financial LLC 150 South 5th Street 1800 Fifth Street Towers Minneapolis, MN 55402 Defendants.

Case No. 10 CV 474 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE Code: 30404 By virtue of and pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above-entitled action on August 24, 2010, I will sell at public auction at the Polk County Justice Center in the Village of Balsam Lake, in said County, on March 24, 2011, at 10:00 o’clock a.m., all of the following described mortgaged premises, to-wit: Lot 2 of Ludtke’s Addition on Little Blake’s Lake, lying in Part of Government Lots 7 and 8, Section 26-35-16.

Together with that part of Government Lot 8, lying Westerly of Lots 2 and 3 of the Plat of Ludtke’s Subdivision on Little Blake Lake and more particularly described as that triangular portion of land lying between the streets and roadways as shown on said plat, Section 26-35-16, Polk County, Wisconsin.

PIN NO.: 26-1614-0.

The above property is located at 1926 78th Street, Polk County, Wisconsin.

TERMS: 1. 10% cash or certified check down payment at time of sale, balance upon confirmation by Court.

2. Sale is subject to all unpaid real estate taxes and special assessments.

3. Purchaser shall pay any Wisconsin real estate transfer fee.

4. Property is being sold on an “as is” basis without warranties or representations of any kind.

5. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining possession of property.

Dated at Balsam Lake, Wis., this 1st day of February, 2011.

Peter M. Johnson, Sheriff Polk County, Wisconsin SCHOFIELD, HIGLEY & MAYER, S.C. Attorneys for Plaintiff Bay View Offices, Suite #100 700 Wolske Bay Road Menomonie, WI 54751 715-235-3939

TOWN OF STERLING MONTHLY TOWN BOARD MEETING

HELP WANTED

The Monthly Board Meeting Will Be Held Monday, February 21, 2011, At The Cushing Community Center At 7 p.m.

In the Luck/Milltown area.

Part time. Early mornings. School days only.

Agenda: Clerk’s minutes; treasurer’s financial report; determine action on delinquent pp taxes; update on town leases; update on boardroom ramp gate; citizen concerns; approve operator licenses; review gravel lease; road maintenance; set March agenda; pay bills.

530266 26L 16a Julie Peterson, Clerk

Luck, WI

715-472-8922 • (TDD 715-532-6333) We are an equal opportunity employer, operating under an approved Affirmative Action Plan. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply.

(Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23, March 2, 9) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY AnchorBank, fsb f/k/a S & C Bank, Plaintiff, vs.

Estate of Donna G. Bengtson, Unknown Spouse of Donna G. Bengtson, Laura Fairchild as personal representative of the Estate of Donna G. Bengtson, Village of Milltown, a Wisconsin municipal corporation, United States of America, and Unknown Tenants, Defendants.

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Case No. 10 CV 535 Case Code: 30404 Judge: R.H. Rasmussen PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a Judgment of Foreclosure entered on December 20, 2010, in the amount of $31,045.36, the Polk County Sheriff will sell the following described real property at public auction as follows: DATE/TIME: March 24, 2011, at 10 a.m.

TERMS: 10% of successful bid must be paid to the Sheriff at sale in cash or by certified check. The balance is due within 10 days of court approval of the sale. The 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 Street, Suite 900, Balsam Lake, WI 54810.

DESCRIPTION: Lot 4 of the Plat of Pixie Acres Mobile Home Subdivision in the Village of Milltown, being part of the Northwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4, Section 8, Township 35 North, Range 17 West.

Said land being in the Village of Milltown, County of Polk and State of Wisconsin.

PROPERTY: 519 Parkins Ave. ADDRESS: Milltown, WI 54858 Peter M. Johnson Polk County Sheriff ECKBERG, LAMMERS, BRIGGS, WOLFF & VIERLING, P.L.L.P. Amanda E. Prutzman (#1060975) 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.

529689 WNAXLP

(Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY CIVIL DIVISION The Bank of New York Mellon f/k/a the Bank of New York, as trustee for the certificate holders CWALT , Inc., Alternative Loan Trust 2006-OC1, Mortgage pass-through Certificates, series 2006-OC1 Plaintiff Vs. Steve M. Preisler; Julie A. Preisler; Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc, acting solely as nominee for Intervale Mortgage Corporation; Defendants ADJOURNED NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE Case No. 10 CV 89 Case code No. 30404 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on May 18, 2010, in the amount of $102,593.09, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: ORIGINAL TIME: February 2, 2011, at 10 a.m..

ADJOURNED TIME: March 9, 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 slae; 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.

3. Buyer to pay applicable Wisconsin Real Estate Transfer Tax from the proceeds of the sale.

PLACE: Lobby of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 West Main Street, Balsam Lake, WI 54810.

Property Description: Commencing 480 feet north of the east 1/8 post in the South line of Section 15, Township 32 North of Range 19 West, thence North on said 1/8 line 95 feet; thence West at right angles with said 1/8 line 150 feet; thence South parallel with said 1/8 line 95 feet; thence East 150 feet to the place of beginning said described piece of parcel of land being a part of the Southwest quarter of the Southeast quarter of Section 15, Township 32 North of Range 19 West, Polk County, Wisconsin.

Tax Key No.: 022-00362-0000.

Property Address: 307 State Road 35, Osceola, WI 54020 Gunar J. Blumberg State Bar No. 1028987 Attorney for Plaintiff 230 W. Monroe, Ste. 1125 Chicago, IL 60606 Phone: 312-541-9710 Johnson, Blumberg & Associates, LLC is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

529688 WNAXLP

2186 U.S. Hwy. 8 St. Croix Falls, WI 54024

The Our Place Cafe in St. Croix Falls is looking for EXPERIENCED team members for EVENING and WEEKEND SHIFTS. Full or part time. Wage based upon EXPERIENCE. Please apply in person.

Address Questions To Kim At 715-483-5447

COACHING OPPORTUNITY

CNA

Indianhead Personal Care Agency

Subscribe online! www.theleader.net

530154 15d 26L

TOWN OF LAKETOWN

529983 WNAXLP

NOTICE

530343 26L 16a

529766 WNAXLP

(Feb. 9, 16, 23) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY BAC Home Loans Servicing, L.P., as servicer for U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for the Specialty Underwriting and Residential Finance Trust Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Certificates Series 2006-BC3 Plaintiff, vs.

Kenneth Oelkers, Allison Oelkers f/k/a Allison Holerud DCFS Trust City of Amery Unknown Spouse of Allison Oelkers f/k/a Allison Holerud Unknown Spouse of Kenneth Oelkers Unknown Tenants Defendants.

SUMMONS Real Estate Mortgage Foreclosure Case No. 10 CV 914 Honorable Molly E. GaleWyrick Case Code: 30404 THE STATE OF WISCONSIN To the following party named as a defendant herein: Kenneth Oelkers / Unknown Spouse of Kenneth Oelkers 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 February 9, 2011, 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, 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 20th day of January, 2011.

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. 264639

(Feb. 9, 16, 23, Mar. 2, 9, 16) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY BRANCH 1 BREMER BANK N.A. 855 Eagle Point Blvd.

P.O. Box 1000 Lake Elmo, MN 55042, Plaintiff, vs.

Douglas Gailen Borgerson 1926 78th Street Luck, WI 54853, and

529765 WNAXLP

Notices/ Employment Opportunities

FEBRUARY 16, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 29

The Frederic School District is accepting applications for the following coaching position:

Middle School Track Coach

Send letter of application, resume and credentials to: Troy Wink, Athletic Director, Frederic School District, 1437 Clam Falls Drive, Frederic, WI 54837. Telephone 715-327-4223.

530351 26-27L Application deadline is March 1, 2011.

The Frederic School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

PAGE 30 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 16, 2011

Notices/Employment Opportunities

The Polk County Sheriff’s Department is seeking proposals for the purchase of one 1/2-ton, full-size, four-door pickup and price per unit, four-door sedans designed for police use and one or more (new or used) SUV vehicles.

A list of specifications and proposal packet can be obtained from the Polk County Web site WWW.CO.POLK.WI.US or by contacting: Steven Moe at the Polk County Sheriff’s Department, located at 1005 West Main, Ste. 900, Balsam Lake, WI 54810, stevem@co.polk.wi.us, 715-485-8352.

Proposals are due in the Polk County Sheriff’s Department 530139 26-27L by 10 a.m., on Tuesday, March 1, 2011.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO APPOINT WISCONSIN INDIANHEAD TECHNICAL COLLEGE (WITC) DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS Notice is hereby given that applications are being accepted for five (5) positions on the Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (WITC) District Board from individuals residing in the WITC District, which includes Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Polk, Rusk, Sawyer and Washburn counties; and portions of Iron and St. Croix counties. Board members are not paid, except for expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

Appointments will be made for the following positions in accordance with the Board Appointment Committee’s Plan of Representation, which specifies categories of membership as well as geographic areas of representation within the district.

WITC District Board Member Open Positions

The following board positions will commence on or about July 1, 2011, upon certification by the Wisconsin Technical College System Board. Three positions carry 3-year terms that will end on June 30, 2014. One position carries a 2-year term that will end on June 30, 2013, and another position carries a 1-year term that will end on June 30, 2012.

1. Additional Member: Representing Region 4 - Burnett and Polk counties (3-year term) 2 Elected Official Member: Representing the WITC District (3-year term) 3. Additional Member: Representing Region 2 - Ashland, Bayfield and Iron counties (3-year term) 4. Employee Member: Representing Region 5 – Barron County (2-year term) 5. Employee Member: Representing Region 1 - Douglas County (1-year term)

Board Member Category Definitions

• An Additional Member is defined as someone who resides in the district.

• An Elected Official Member is defined as someone who holds a nonpartisan elected public office other than party committee chair.

• School Board • Town Clerk • Common Council • Sheriff • County Board • City Council • Village Board • State Legislature • Town Board • An Employee Member is defined as someone who is employed or who does not meet the Employer Member definition, or who is acting in the capacity of an officer or agent of a labor organization. An employee receives earnings as payment for personal services and is employed in the district.

In the appointment process, equal consideration is given to the general population distribution within the WITC District, as well as to the distribution of women and minorities. Note: No two members of the WITC District Board may be officials of the same governmental unit, nor may any district board member be a member of the school board which employs the School District Administrator.

Notarized application forms must be received no later than 4 p.m., on Tuesday, March 8, 2011. Applicants must attend the public hearing of the District Board Appointment Committee on Wednesday, April 13, 2011, at 2 p.m., at the WITC – Administrative Office, 505 Pine Ridge Drive, Shell Lake, WI 54871, and provide at least two letters of recommendation supporting his/her candidacy to the WITC District Board before being interviewed at the scheduled public meeting. No additional names will be accepted from the floor at the time of the Appointment Committee meeting.

Notarized applications should be sent to: Mr. Daryl Standafer, Chairperson District Board Appointment Committee WITC - Administrative Office 505 Pine Ridge Drive Shell Lake, WI 54871 Application forms and instructions may be obtained on the WITC Web address below, or by contacting: Ms. Kim Olson, Board Appointment Committee Liaison WITC Administrative Office 505 Pine Ridge Drive Shell Lake, WI 54871 Telephone: (715) 468-2815, ext. 2279 E-mail: kim.olson@witc.edu The Web address for application information and instructions to help you determine if you qualify for a board member category is: www.witc.edu/board/appointments.

A second legal notice announcing the public hearing and committee meeting and all applicant names will be published at the end of March 2011.

530346 26r,L WNAXLP

Applications are now being accepted to fill one part-time position of up to 24 hrs./week. Hours worked are flexible but must be between Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. This position will report to the Chief of Police of the Grantsburg Police Department and also to the Water/Sewer SuperintendentSafety Director.

Salary and Benefits: Salary depends on qualifications; benefits include retirement (Wisconsin Retirement System) Qualifications: U.S. Citizen; 18 years of age or older; high school diploma or its equivalent with preference given to those who have attended college/business school or training. Must have excellent working knowledge in computers and word processing.

Persons must possess good oral, written, problem-solving skills and positive work ethic, excellent moral character and enjoy working in a team environment. This position is sensitive and requires confidentiality. This position will also include light cleaning of the police department offices.

Apply: By submitting a resume and letter of application by March 7, 2011, by 4:30 p.m. to the Village of Grantsburg, 316 South Brad Street, Grantsburg, Wisconsin 54840, 715-463-2405.

Applications will be screened and those most qualified for the position will be invited for the interview process. The selected candidate will be offered a conditional job offer and subjected to a background check. There will be a one-year 530160 26-27L 16-17a probationary period.

THE VILLAGE OF GRANTSBURG IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

OFFICIAL NOTICE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS NOTICE is hereby given by the Department of Land & Water Conservation, Burnett County, Wisconsin, that it will receive sealed bids for Clam Dam Repairs and Park Improvements until 4 p.m. local time on the 4th day of March, 2011, in the office of the Department, located at the Burnett County Government Center, 7410 County Road K, #109, Siren, WI 54872.

Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at the Burnett County Natural Resources Committee meeting, 9:30 a.m. on March 10, 2011, at the Burnett County Government Center in Siren, WI. ESTIMATE OF MAJOR QUANTITIES Concrete Surface Repair 110 Square Feet Riprap 50 Cubic Yards Concrete Block Paver, remove and replace 480 Square Feet Contract documents may be examined at the Burnett County of Land & Water Conservation office.

A prebid meeting will be held at the site of the project on February 23, 2011, at 10 a.m. This meeting is not mandatory, but all prospective bidders are encouraged to attend. Owners’ representatives will be available to answer questions regarding the execution of the contract.

Proposal shall be accompanied by a certified check or bid bond in the amount of not less than 5 percent of the total bid amount, payable to the Treasurer of Burnett County as a guarantee that the bidder, if the bid is accepted, will execute and file the contract. The certified check is returnable to the bidder immediately after the signing of the contract.

A performance bond in the amount of 100 percent of the total bid price, a certificate of insurance, together with an executed contract, will be required of the successful bidder.

The work described herein is subject to the provisions of Section 66.0903 Wisconsin statutes and the law and ordinances of Burnett County relating to wage rates payable on the work.

The owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

For additional information and/or copies of the bid package, please contact the Land & Water Conservation Department at the address listed above or by 529986 25-26L WNAXLP calling 715-349-2186.

NOTICE OF FREDERIC SCHOOL BOARD REGULAR MEETING Frederic 7 - 12 School, Room 107 Monday, February 21, 2011, 6:30 p.m.

1. Call to order 2. Opening ceremonies A. Approve agenda B. Welcoming remarks C. Audience to visitors and delegations - Middle School Band; and Burnett Hockey Association 3. Reports of officers A. Minutes from previous meetings B. Invoices and receipts C. 2010-11 budget D. 2011-12 budget E. Board member reports/Governance 4. Reports of the administration A. Superintendent B. High School Principal C. Elementary Principal D. Buildings and Grounds E. Food Service F. Goal Review 5. Unfinished business A. Athletics B. Security/surveillance 6. New business A. Personnel B. Contracts C. Board Policy 1. Food Service 2. Medication 3. Fund 60 4. Technology Policy D. 2011-12 Calendar, preliminary review E. Athletics 1. Hockey Cooperative Plan renewal 2. Wrestling Cooperative Plan renewal F. Youth Options G. Staffing patterns 7. Closed session: Wisconsin statutes 19.85 (1) (c)(f)(i): Negotiations, personnel matters, Community Education negotiations 530482 26L 8. Business as a result of closed session

(Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23, March 2, 9) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY BENEFICIAL FINANCIAL 1 INC., AS SUCCESSOR ENTITY OF BENEFICIAL WISCONSIN INC., Plaintiff, vs.

JACK H. PHILLIPS JR. Defendant.

Case Number 10 CV 626 Foreclosure Of Mortgage 30404 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure in the amount of $169,063.89, entered by the court on September 17, 2010, the undersigned Sheriff of Polk County, Wisconsin, will sell the following described real estate.

Lot Two (2) of Certified Survey Map No. 463, recorded in Volume 2 of Certified Survey Maps, page 192, located in Government Lot One (1) and the Southwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter (SW1/4 of SE1/4), Section Twenty-eight (28), Township Thirty-six (36) North, Range Seventeen (17) West, Polk County, Wisconsin.

Tax Key No. 146-00540-000.

Street Address: 413 S. 7th St, Luck, WI 54853.

Place of Sale: Foyer of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 W. Main St, Balsam Lake, WI. Date & Time of Sale: March 22, 2011, at 10 a.m.

Terms of Sale: 1. Property is sold “as is” and subject to all legal liens and encumbrances, including but not limited to unpaid and accrued real estate taxes, special assessments & other governmental charges, plus interest and penalties, if any.

2. A bid deposit of not less than ten percent (10%) of the bid amount shall be due in the form of cash, cashier’s check or certified funds at the time of sale.

3. Successful bidder to pay the entire unpaid balance of bid within ten (10) days following confirmation of the sale by the court plus buyer to pay for buyer’s title insurance, document recording fees and Wisconsin Real Estate Transfer Tax. 4. Failure to make timely payment following confirmation of sale will result in forfeiture of bid deposit.

Peter M. Johnson, Sheriff Polk County Law Offices of James E. Huismann, S.C. N14 W23777 Stone Ridge Dr. Suite 120 Waukesha, Wisconsin 53188 (262) 523-6400

529652 WNAXLP

• One four-door full-size pickup • Two or more marked police patrol cars • One or more SUV/crossover passenger vehicles

Village of Grantsburg SECRETARY

(Feb. 9, 16, 23) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY EQUABLE ASCENT FINANCIAL LLC ASSIGNEE OF Chase Bank USA, N.A (WAMU) 1120 W. LAKE COOK RD. STE. B BUFFALO GROVE, IL, 60089 Plaintiff, vs.

MELINDA S. WELLS 967 210TH ST. DRESSER WI 54009-4449 Defendant(s) Case No. 10CV920 AMENDED SUMMONS Money Judgment: 30301 Our File: 1153072 THE STATE OF WISCONSIN, To each person named above as Defendant: 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 upon you, states the nature and basis of the legal action.

Within 40 days after 2/11/11, 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 1005 W. Main Street, Suite 300, Balsam Lake, WI 54810-4410, and to Rausch, Sturm, Israel, Enerson & Hornik, LLC, Plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is shown below. 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 the 40-day period, 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: January 21, 2011. /s/ Brandon E. Bowlin Rausch, Sturm, Israel, Enerson & Hornik LLC Attorneys in the Practice of Debt Collection 250 N. Sunnyslope Rd. Suite 300 Brookfield WI 53005 Toll-Free: 877-667-8010 Attorney for the Plaintiff

529767 WNAXLP

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

Join a progressive school district, dedicated to excellence in education for all students, located in the beautiful St. Croix River Valley of Western Wisconsin and less than an hour north of the Twin Cities. The St. Croix Falls Middle School is a grade 5-8 school of approximately 310 students with a quality staff of dedicated teachers committed to the education and development of the whole child. Seeking an individual that will demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence, provide strong educational and instructional leadership, promote a positive, caring and nurturing environment, help each staff member in identifying and developing the unique talents and potential of all students, and has a good understanding of 21st century skills.

Applicants should possess or be eligible for a valid Wisconsin administrative license, have strong knowledge of curriculum, instruction and assessment, the ability to build strong relationships with students, staff, parents and the community, the ability to use and lead the use of technology by students and staff, and the ability to be flexible, creative and collaborative when addressing issues and concerns and when providing building leadership.

Annual compensation will be dependent upon qualifications and experience. Position is a 12-month position, however, can be negotiable for a 10-month position.

Interested applicants can access an application online at www.scf.k12.wi.us or pick up an application at the St. Croix Falls District office, located just inside the High School corridor. Application deadline is March 18th, 2011. Please mail your letter of interest, resume, 3 letters of reference, transcripts and copy of Wisconsin Principal License along with your application to: Glenn Martin, District Administrator, 530335 26-27L P.O. Box 130 St. Croix Falls, WI. 54024.

Burnett Medical Center Foundation’s second-annual anniversary dinner

FEBRUARY 16, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 31

by Priscilla Bauer Leader staff writer SIREN – The spirit of community support resonated from the 250 guests attending the second-annual Burnett Medical Center Foundation dinner at the Lakeview Event Center in Siren, Saturday evening, Feb. 12.

Guests attending the event enjoyed a social hour and dinner, bidding on silent auction items and entertainment with musical selections by Bill Norine and songs from the barbershop quartet, The Bright Knights.

One highlight of the evening was the recognition of four BMC staff members, Bonnie Olson, Liz Tyberg, Delores Swenson and June Anderson. The four registered nurses were each honored for 40 years of service at BMC, making for a combined total of 160 years of nursing care.

Gordy Lewis, BMC’s CEO, addressed the group as to how actions of today can impact tomorrow.

Burnett Medical Center CEO Gordy Lewis posed for a photo with Lane Novick, son of BMC Family Practice physician Dr. Timothy Novick. Three-month-old Lane didn’t seem to mind all the attention he was getting as the youngest guest attending the BMC foundation dinner.

Lewis told the story of a poor farmer’s son in Scotland who saved the life of a young lad in the countryside’s bogs.

“The young lad’s father, a wealthy nobleman, wanted to reward the farmer and his son. When the farmer would not accept money, the nobleman offered to see that the son would get an education equal to that of his own beloved child. Fast forward and we learn that the farmer’s son, Alexander Fleming, became the man that discovered the benefits of penicillin and the same boy who was saved from the bog was later stricken with pneumonia and was saved by penicillin, and his name was Sir Winston Churchill.”

“In like fashion, we remain mindful our actions taken today on behalf of the BMC Foundation will have a great and positive

BMC CEO Gordy Lewis accepted a check for the BMC foundation in the amount of $23,000 from the Farmers Independent Telephone Company Board at the foundation’s annual dinner Saturday evening. Farmers board members with Gordy Lewis and BMC Foundation board member John Sauerberg (L to R) are: Craig Selander, Lewis, Sauerberg, Todd Anderson, Gary Peterson, Dana Olson, Farmers Manager Dana Olson, Deb Christian and Doug Segelstrom. impact on our future,” Lewis told the foundation members and supporters.

Lewis went on to give a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the many people of action who made the evening possible including members of BMC Foundation’s board of directors, foundation members and volunteers.

Lewis also thanked everyone involved with BMC and the BMC Foundation “for their commitment to serving the community and for being valued members of the Burnett Medical Center family.”

“We so appreciate your willingness to share your time and talent. You personify the fact that none of us is better than all of us working together, and our communities and our health care in support of those we serve is better for your service,” he said.

BMC Foundation President Don Erickson then gave an overview of foundation’s progress since it was formed a year ago.

“The board has worked very hard,” said Erickson. “The goals of the board were to raise community awareness and meet the needs of BMC that were outside the budget.”

“Every dollar we raise is designed to improve the medical center,” commented Erickson of the foundation’s fundraising efforts. “We believe jointly we have the key to unlocking hometown health care.”

Erickson then recognized the vital role businesses have played in the foundation’s growth and asked Farmers Independent Telephone Company Manager Dana Olson and the company’s board of directors to come forward.

“Providing quality health care is important to having a vital community and Farmers Independent Telephone Company is glad BMC is here and to support it,” said Olson as he and the board presented a giant check to the foundation in the amount of $23,000.

Erickson thanked everyone for attending this year’s event, calling it not only a

Marge Olson looked over silent auction items at the BMCFoundation dinner Saturday evening while Craig Selander, Jim Olson and Dorothy Richards eyed an autographed Green Bay team football. Later in the evening, the prized Packer souvenir was won with a high bid of $300.

The Bright Knights quartet entertained guests at the BMC Foundation dinner last Saturday evening, Feb. 12, at the Lakeview Event Center in Siren. Group members Steve Osero, Karl Wicklund, Ken Mettler and Larry Fisk treated the audience to some old favorites as well as some funny Valentine tunes.

Valentine’s Day dinner but a first birthday celebration for the foundation.

He promised the board would continue to work to meet unbudgeted needs for BMC through community events and appeals, the creation of an endowment fund, estate planning and grant writing, saying, “We are going to keep building this foundation.”

One highlight of the evening was the recognition of four BMC staff members, Bonnie Olson, Liz Tyberg and Delores Swenson (shown) and June Anderson (not present). The four registered nurses were each honored for 40 years of service at BMC, making for a combined total of 160 years of nursing care.

BMC Foundation President Don Erickson gave foundation dinner guests an overview of the foundation’s progress this past year.

“The goals of the board were to raise community awareness and meet the needs of BMC outside the budget. We believe jointly we have the key to unlocking hometown health care.”

RIGHT: Burnett County district attorney and accomplished musician Bill Norine entertained guests Saturday evening at the BMC Foundation dinner at the Lakeview Event Center in Siren.

Frederic’s got talent!

PAGE 32 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 16, 2011

FREDERIC - The first Frederic’s Got Talent event took place last Thursday evening, Feb. 10, at the elementary school.

Ian Lexen won first place with a piano solo, earning $75.

Other winners included Sara Underwood and Leah Engbretson (dance, second place, $50) and Shabana Misher (vocal, third place, $25).

Teacher Kelly Hopkins helped organized the event along with the Frederic Arts Board and said it was a “great evening” and a tradition the school and the arts board hope to continue.

All 14 acts earned something - from a pair of theater tickets to a Subway meal. – submitted

Ian Lexen took first place in the first-annual Frederic’s Got Talent show held Thursday, Feb. 10, at Frederic Elementary School.

Vanessa Neumann got ready for part of the dance number with other Frederic royalty members.

Photos submitted

Leah Engbretson and Sara Underwood performed a dance routine that earned them second place in the Frederic’s Got Talent show.

Shabana Misher took third place at the Frederic’s Got Talent show with a vocal solo.

Girl Scouts visit bakery

Isabelle Lexen sang and played the piano in last Thursday’s Frederic’s Got Talent show.

The Frederic Girl Scout Brownies spent part of their Valentine’s Day at the Northwoods Bakery in Frederic. The girls were able to decorate cookies and familiarize themselves with common decorating tools. Owners Bob and Maria answered many questions about the bakery including, “How do you get the filling inside the doughnuts?” - Photos submitted

This February, talk to a loved one about electric safety.

530359 26L

Currents

WED. FEB. 16, 2011 • INTER-COUNTY LEADER NORTHERN CURRENTS • SECTION B

Follow the Leader

An award-winning newspaper serving NW Wisconsin

The legacy of Dr. Beck comes into focus

THE-LEADER.NET

Drive to collect used eyeglasses for those in need is a tribute to the man who helped thousands to see better

Beck, said fellow Navy officer Eads, is most remembered for his enthusiasm and the great joy he experienced in providing eye care and glasses to underserved areas in the U.S. and abroad.

by Gary King Leader editor

OSCEOLA - Nearly a year after his death, the memory of a local optometrist and the work he performed as a naval officer to help people around the world see better is inspiring others to carry on his work.

Family and friends of the late Dr. Harry Beck, a naval reservist who was part of seven humanitarian missions worldwide as a field optometrist with the Navy’s Great Lakes Fleet Hospital, have organized an eyeglasses drive as a tribute to the memory of Beck and the Captain Harry Beck work he took so much pride in.

Hundreds of indigenous people in Togo, Ghana, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, Honduras and northern Alaska see better today because of his efforts.

“During our humanitarian missions ... it was amazing to watch Captain Beck work as he would examine the patient using the most basic tools of optometry as electricity was not available,” noted John Eads, a Navy officer who worked with Beck on three of the seven humanitarian missions. “He would then make a direct path to the one pair of glasses in this multitude of donated glasses that would improve the sight of this one individual. Then it was hard to tell who was smiling the most broadly, the patient with desperately needed glasses or Captain Beck.”

Eads said it was a “powerful experience” to see the hundreds of people waiting to take advantage of having basic health care from optometrists, dentists and family practice providers.

Beck, who graduated from Unity High School in 1973, attended the Indiana University School of Optometry and later settled Osceola where he practiced optometry for 25 years from an office on Third Avenue, serving an estimated 8,000 patients. He died Feb. 21, 2010, from colon cancer, at the age of 54.

Dr. Harry Beck, a captain in the Navy Reserves (R) poses for a photo with a citizen of Togo, a country in West Africa, who benefitted from an eye exam by Beck and the fitting of glasses donated through Lions Club International’s eyeglass recycling program. Beck, who died nearly a year ago of colon cancer at age 54, was part of seven humanitarian missions around the world and inspired ongoing collections of eyeglasses in his honor. - Photo submitted

Beck, shown in these photos treating patients in Africa, was determined at the onset of his illness to continue his life’s work and was still treating patients only three weeks before his passing. He was honored above all else to serve so many people as their trusted community eye guy.- Photos submitted

Navy unit sponsors drive A 28-year Navy reservist, Beck volunteered nearly a year of his life in 2005 as a fleet hospital optometrist at two Army camps in Kuwait, where he saw 1,800 patients. Despite having to part from his wife, Nancy, during that time, family members noticed he had become a stronger man, physically, intellectually and spiritually.

“All these professional pursuits were also very personal and were tied closely to his ethics, personality and identity,” a line in his obituary noted.

“He valued and loved his job, and many days it hardly seemed like work at all.”

Following his death, his Navy reserve unit sponsored an eyeglasses drive over the summer of 2010 which involved more than 20 reserve centers in the Midwest region. Two members of Beck’s unit in Minneapolis, HM2 Gomez and HM3 Blake, spearheaded the drive and collected 2,403 pairs of eyeglasses that were processed by Lions Club International for donation to those in need.

Osceola drive The Osceola eyeglasses drive is an extension of the one started last summer by Beck’s reserve unit. All former patients of Beck and all members of the area are asked to contribute. Used and outdated prescription eyeglasses are being sought and can be dropped off at Osceola Family Eye Care, owned

by Drs. Brian and April Smith, at 304 Third Ave. in Osceola.

“It will allow the citizens of the Osceola area an opportunity to contribute to a project Captain Beck so believed in and from which he directed provided eyeglasses to those less fortuante through the Lions Club International Eyeglasses Recycling Program,” noted Eads. – with submitted information

Wanted: used eyeglasses

OSCEOLA - Do you have a pair of old eyeglasses you no longer use?

You can donate them by dropping them off at the Osceola Family Eye Care office at 304 Third Ave. in Osceola

18th-annual American Legion fishing contest

PAGE 34 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 16, 2011

Russell Cook of Siren caught this crappie just a little too close to quitting time to have it weighed for the contest.

Grantsburg

These young fishermen were on their way to see if they were lucky door prizes winners at the 18th-annual American Legion fishing contest held on Big Wood Lake, Saturday, Feb. 12.

Fishing contest winners:

Bill Johnson showed off the 5-lb. 2.6-oz. bass he caught at the 18th-annual American Legion fishing contest held Saturday, Feb. 12, at Big Wood Lake. Johnson made the big catch shortly after the contest started at 9:30 a.m. and held the lead for biggest bass throughout the day, taking home a $75 prize.

Northern

First place: Scott Peer, 10 lbs., 7.8 oz.

Second place: Nick Rombach, 6 lbs., 14.7 oz.

Third place: Tim Peterson, 5 lbs., 10 oz.

Bass

First place: Bill Johnson, 5 lbs., 2.6 oz.

Second place: Alan Berner, 3 lbs., 7.3 oz.

Third place: Corey Bernelile, 3 lbs., 9.1 oz.

Crappie

First place: Courtney Bohen, 1 lbs., 4.4 oz.

Second place: Joe Kotz, 1 lb., 4 oz.

Third place: Devin Ellefson, 13.3 oz.

Sunfish

First place: Kevin Karge, 8.9 oz.

Second place: Rick Melin, 8.7 oz.

Third place: Wanda Hinrichs, 8 oz.

Special raffle drawing: .22 Marlin rifle, donated by Scott’s Auto Care

Winner: Dave Peterson

Raffle ticket prizewinners

First place: $1,000 savings bond - Keith and Jamie Nelson Second place: $500 savings bond - Todd Anderson Third place: Power auger – Zach Miller Fourth place: Fish locator – Chandler Fifth place: Power auger – Cooper Podvin Sixth place: Fish house – Brian Shedore Seventh place: Trolling motor – Candy Mack Eighth place: Fish locator – Mike Jensen Ninth place: Fish camera – Justin Meyer

The Legion volunteers were kept busy throughout the day weighing fish and keeping track of door prize winners.

Photos by Raelynn Hunter and Priscilla Bauer

Many fishermen spent a lot of Nate and his dad, Kevin Karge, Siren, head to the time outside due to the mild landing to have his northern weighed. weather on Saturday.

Grantsburg Girl Scouts Shilo Covey, Catherine Michaels and Evie Carter, along with their troop leader, made their way around Big Wood Lake selling Girl Scout cookies to hungry fishermen.

There were quite a few nice fish caught during the 18th-annual American Legion fishing contest, Saturday, Feb. 12, on Big Wood Lake.

The largest northern (R) weighed 10 lbs., 7.8 oz. and was caught by Scott Peer.

American Red Cross offers hands - only CPR

BALSAM LAKE – The American Red Cross is offering a hands-only CPR (citizen CPR) class, Wednesday, March 2, 6 – 6:30 p.m. The purpose of this course is to teach untrained bystanders how to perform hands-only CPR. No prerequisites or minimum age to participate in the course.

Class time is only 30 minutes long. There is no test and no certification. The cost for the class is $15 per person, and the class will be held at the Balsam Lake Red Cross office Call Terry for more information at 715-485-3025. – submitted

Just for

My memory’s not as sharp as it used to be. Also, my memory’s not as sharp as it used to be.

Joe Roberts ••• A boss asked one of his employees, “Do you believe in life after death?”

“Yes, sir,” replied the new employee.

“I thought you would,” said the boss. “Yesterday after you left to go to your grandmother’s funeral, she stopped in to see you!”

••• The prospective son-in-law was asked by his girlfriend’s father, “Son, can you support a family?”

“Well, no sir,” he replied. “I was just planning to support your daughter. The rest of you have to fend for yourselves.”

•••

Laughs

This past week was Valen-

FEBRUARY 16, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 35

Letters from

Home

tine’s Day, the day we honor romantic love. I have a hard time with love, which is about the same as saying that I am still human and about as much conCarrie Classon solation.

If you fall in love when you are young, as I did, you lay out your little garden of love in more or less any shape and yield the harvest, at least that was my expectation. At nineteen or 20 or 21, the ideas I had about what I expected from a relationship were pretty vague. There was a long season ahead with no mud from the past to plow through.

But that isn’t how it worked out for a lot of us. I was a hardworking gardener, but a big storm came and my little garden was completely washed away.

A good choice at this point might have been to give up gardening. Instead, I hoped I would get another chance. I thought I would be a lot better prepared and know just what this new garden should look like. The problem is, this doesn’t work.

I don’t have the growing season I had at 19 or 20 or 21. Anything I plant now had better take off quickly or it will never make it before the frost. Even more vexing is the realization that, this time, the garden does not happen by chance nor is it designed by me.

This time, if there is to be a garden at all, it has to be planted by two gardeners with wildly different ideas of what a garden should be. Whereas before I had no plan for what my garden should look like, now I have a lot of ideas and I fully expect that my new love and fellow gardener has reached identical conclusions. Shockingly, he has not.

We spent this past weekend in our little love garden, furiously stomping through the mud and ask-

ing, “What the heck kind of garden are you trying to make here, anyway?!”

I have a choice. I can say, “This person has no idea what gardening is about, or has such a rigid garden plan that there is no way I’ll be picking beans with him anytime in the foreseeable future.” I pick up my hoe and give gardening a break. I am thankful for the lessons learned and hope I will be a better gardener for the experience.

Or I stay where I am, muddy and mad, and I realize that this is what love is about.

I won’t forget the garden I had— or the garden I imagined. But I see that all those plans and memories have done their job. Pain from the past and hopes for the future have brought me to the place I am. Now, if I really want a garden, I have to let go of my expectations and imaginings. Now I have to do something more fearful than visualizing the future; I have to make room for the future to happen.

My love and I were covered in mud. We were tired and dirty and fed up with the whole business of gardening. We were both more than half convinced that there were much better ways for people our age to spend their time and energy.

But when I was exhausted and ready to stomp off, my love stopped me. I was muddy and mad and he lifted me up off the ground and held me in his arms.

“No,” he said. “You stay here with me.”

And I did.

Till next time, —Carrie

Polk among top 4-H teams at state dairy quiz bowl contest

POLK COUNTY – Polk County’s senior dairy bowl team topped the State 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Contest on Feb. 5 in Portage. The team will represent Wisconsin in November at the national contest in Louisville, Ky. Door County earned top honors as the winning mixed division team, while Manitowoc finished first in the junior division.

The competition tested the quick wit and extensive knowledge of more than 200 4-H members of 35 county teams. Contestants answered questions about dairy cattle genetics, health, nutrition, showing and other topics.

Four-person teams and their alternates traveled from all corners of the state to represent their counties in the three divisions.

“These kids and their coaches have worked very hard over the past few months to learn as much as they can about dairy and it really shows,” said Beth Heinze, the event’s coordinator.

Teams from 10 counties vied for first place in the junior division, which includes contestants 14 years of age and under. The Manitowoc County team topped the competition with team members Joost de Bruijn, Zach Lensmire, Josh Siemers, Jake Siemers and Connor Siemers. The team was coached by Jeff Neuser. The team from Vernon County was second in the junior division.

“This team started practicing last October and has made a real team effort. The kids want to learn,” said Neuser. “We give them the support and they do the rest!”

Eleven counties competed in the mixed division, which includes both junior and senior team members. With a team motto of “buzz first, think later,” the team from

Jack of all trades

There are few men in this world

Cold Turkey

that don’t harbor a faint illusion of being good at most things if not everything. Most husbands John W. Ingalls humbly hide their talents, letting others take the credit for good works yet always knowing that when all else fails we can suddenly appear and save our damsel in distress from eternal frustration. The lady of our dreams would then swoon in our arms pledging the rest of their days in blissful contentment. I didn’t say this illusion was realistic. In fact most men are happy if they guess something right once a week.

For her birthday my wife requested new appliances.

When I found out what she wanted I realized it was for her birthday, Christmas, New Year’s, Groundhog’s Day and Valentine’s Day all rolled into one. I was wise enough to realize that there was a significant benefit for me as well. A new refrigerator meant more meat and drink, a new stove meant better meals and a new dishwasher meant a happier wife. If she was happy then I was happy.

The first order of business when looking for appliances was to measure, remeasure and then measure again the available spaces to make sure everything fits. Our first task completed we searched out the appliance stores within a reasonable driving distance and set off with a mission. Our first stop was less than successful. The sales people yawned, avoided eye contact and basically said we should try another store so we did. At the second location we were entertained with buttons to push, doors to open and glossy col-

Door County topped the mixed division. Team members were Clara Samuels, Alex Kruswick, Matt Olson, Claire Olson and Coach Richard Olson. The Manitowoc County mixed team took second place.

“This team has practiced every Sunday for months,” said coach Richard Olson. “We will have a very happy ride home!”

Fourteen senior teams with youth between the ages of 15 and 19 competed. The seniors from Polk County went undefeated this year to claim the 4-H Dairy Bowl title and the right to compete at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville this fall beating out a tough Manitowoc County team in the finals. The Polk County Winning senior dairy bowl team from Polk County (L to R): Chris Rassier, Ethan Dado, team members were Chris Brett Getschel and Bethany Dado. – Photo submitted Rassier, Ethan Dado, Brett Getschel with coach Patti HurtBadger Dairy Club members and UW dairy science gen. alumni helped with moderating, judging and operating The Polk County team has been practicing since early the contest. The event was co-sponsored by the WisconSeptember and used technologies such as Skype and sin 4-H Dairy Endowment Fund, the UW-Madison DeFacebook to help team members and coaches share infor- partment of Dairy Science, UW-Extension and the Badger mation.

Dairy Club. - submitted UW-Madison Department of Dairy Science faculty, ored pictures showing the fantastic meals we would soon be enjoying. The women in the pictures were always elegantly dressed and the guests had glowing comments about the MD food and the appliances that prepared them. We were sold.

All that remained was confirmation of the measurements, finalizing the order and writing the check. We left with high expectations, anticipating delivery and setup within the next couple of weeks. I made sure it was scheduled on a day I would be working.

At dawn of the expectant day the old refrigerator was cleaned out and ready for departure along with the dishwasher and kitchen range. That morning as I departed for work I was envisioning a five-course meal including prime rib and triple-layer chocolate cake when I returned in the evening. It was going to be a good night. At 3 p.m., my phone rang. Expecting a delightful soliloquy on how wonderful I was for buying the appliances, I answered.

“How do you like your new kitchen?” The response was less than chipper, in fact it had sullen overtones.

“What do you mean it doesn’t fit? I measured it three times!” She proceeded to tell me that the top-ofthe-line, stainless steel, commercial-grade gas range didn’t fit into the spot I measured. The dedicated appliance serviceman knew we had plans to eat dinner that night so the range was hooked up to the gas line but left standing in the middle of the room. It seemed perfectly logical to me. I thought we could learn to live with it. “Don’t worry dear; I will fix it when I get home.” I heard her mutter “Yeah right” just before she

hung up the phone.

I reviewed the dilemma on my arrival home. The five-course meal had dwindled to one can of soup and I was happy to have that. It seems that the opening for the range was about one-sixteenth of an inch too narrow but our old stove fit fine. The stone countertops couldn’t be trimmed without great expense and a simple rap of a big hammer would be an invitation to sleep on the couch for weeks. While enjoying my onecourse meal I conjured up a plan that was foolproof but before making irreversible steps I called Jim, my personal furniture doctor, and conferred. I figured if something went totally wrong I could always blame him and plea for a shorter sentence on the couch.

My plan was simple. Two large blocks of wood arranged along the edge of the stone countertop to distribute the force and use a car jack between to gently spread the gap one-sixteenth of an inch. My wife prayed, my daughter cringed and I started working the jack. Gradually increasing the tension and adjusting the placement of the blocks, I reached the moment of truth. If it worked I would be a hero, if not I would be a goat.

I gave the jack another turn and felt the tension rise.

Nothing happened. Another turn, still nothing. I stopped to blot my brow, nothing was happening. All of a sudden there was a noise, a clunk or crack or a whack, however you want to describe it. I measured the opening and smiled. After dismantling my contraption the new wonder stove slid perfectly into position. My wife hugged me and pledged eternal devotion, my daughter gave me a high five and I just smiled. Using a bit of redneck ingenuity I conquered what couldn’t be done. I am now a jack of all trades.

PAGE 36 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 16, 2011

BP cookies

Margo picks up BP oil spill tar cookies along the Grand Isle beach, far into the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana, earning $10 per gallon. The sandy is beach cleaned daily by machines and humans to assure it is ready for the upcoming tourist season. – Photo submitted

“We are looking for evidence of the

oil spill,” the Rambler said to a woman in her 30s working at the Grand Isle Louisiana Tourism office. “We are camped over in the state park on the beach, and we can’t find anything to show there was a spill, not even a tar ball on the whole beach there. I thought this area was badly damaged last summer from the spill. Do you have any pictures or information on the spill here?”

Ms. Cheri, a quizzical look on her face, replied, “We just want to forget about it here. We don’t have anything about it here. Funny how many tourists are asking about problems here. Just last week a whole group of RV’ers, farmers from Minnesota, were here at the park and wanted to know about the dead zone in the Gulf. We didn’t have anything on that either, so they left some information.

They said it is caused by fertilizer runoff from up north coming down the Mississippi to the Gulf.”

“We came here just to find out about the spill. There has been so much publicity on the oil and now on the claims going on. There was a big article in the news last week and a video clip on how bad it was here for local restaurants and businesses, but everything seems pretty normal. We ate at two different local restaurants and not even a picture of the oil booms on the walls, or an oil stain on the floor. You know, there are likely to be lots of tourists like us who come to see the disaster, and will be disappointed that there is nothing to see. You should take advantage of the publicity and set up an oil spill museum or at least something to help us understand what has and is happening here,” I complained.

Ms. Cherie opened up and gave us her view on the spill.

“I can tell you about it. My husband is a shrimper and he was out of business all summer, his fishing season. The explosion was April 20. A month later it started washing up on the beach and they closed seafood collection in the Gulf around here. The oil came ashore right at the beginning of the tourist season.

Many of the houses around here are summer homes or vacation rentals. Those folks didn’t come here last summer.

“Instead of tourists, we got oil spill workers. Sometimes there were so many on the streets that it looked like downtown New Orleans. Most of the people with summer homes rented them out to cleanup workers and even journalists.

CBS rented one just for Katie Couric!

Some folks lost on the tourism but others gained on the cleanup jobs and workers.

“My husband didn’t go shrimping until November when they opened it up again. He had very good catches for the two months he was at it. I suppose with no harvesting all summer, the shrimp were bigger and more of them. We will see what it is like this summer; he starts again the end of April.

“He was told that he should get rid of all the nets, ropes and equipment that got oil on them from the spill and he could get paid to replace it all from BP. He did, but his claim was rejected so far. He was supposed to get paid to get the oil scraped off the boat hull, but now, when he is supposed to be getting the boat ready, he doesn’t have the money to do it. I hope they get our claim figured out soon—seems like a lot of difficulty in the paperwork. Some folks who you wouldn’t think would get anything are getting it, like waitresses in restaurants claiming lost tips.

“Right now, the seafood business looks like it will be back going good this coming season, unless tests show something is something wrong with the catch. The FDA says it is safe to eat Gulf seafood again, but some people are still worried

about it. We need a clear statement that says they are safe from the government, and they haven’t done it strongly enough yet. They keep testing, and people keep worrying.

“The oysters are the biggest problem.

They are farmed rather than caught.

Farmers lease a saltwater area, prepare the bed on the bottom, seed it and cultivate it like a crop until the oysters are big enough to harvest. Governor Jindall (Republican governor of Louisiana) ordered the water control people to open freshwater dams and flush the saltwater areas to try to push out the oil much of the summer. Oysters can’t handle fresh water for long periods and died. Oysters are in government farm programs so they have insurance and payments from the government. They are starting over again with their oyster beds. There is some question whether the flushing actually did anything except kill the oysters.

“Another local problem is for the oil drilling workers. President Obama put a moratorium on deep water drilling last summer that is mostly still in effect, the deep water part anyway. So lots of oil workers are out of a job; they don’t get any of the spill money—their jobs are gone because the government won’t let us drill. That needs to get opened up quickly so people can get back to work.

Obama says they can’t go back drilling until they have a better plan to prevent and to contain a future spill. He wants more government regulations.”

“Who do you blame for the spill?” I asked.

“Well, BP and the companies they contracted with cut corners on their drilling and that caused the explosion and spill, but the government should have forced them to follow the regulations, so I think Obama is to blame,” she replied, “although I suppose it has been going on a long time. This is the first big spill here.

“Tourism and seafood, and our way of life out here in the Gulf is threatened by the spill. Right now it looks like things are going to get back to normal, so the biggest problem is dividing the money fairly so people can get back what they lost. The $20 billion spill fund is causing a lot of problems with people making bad claims and it brings out the worst in too many people, they get greedy. President Obama forced BP to set that money aside to pay for damages, and all that money is corrupting us.

“We just want to forget it all, and try to get back to normal!” were her last words.

She did point out a “city park” which was just a dead-end road coming to the levee behind the beach with two upended high-line wire spools for picnic tables and a boardwalk to the beach where we could find some “BP Cookies.”

Imagine a soft cookie, black as tar, and

FREDERIC PUBLIC LIBRARY Main Street

Frederic, WI 54837

covered with brown sugar (sand) that ranged from tiny to a few inches across, soft enough that you could spread it out with your toe to show the black gooey center. As we looked, a dozen men walked up the beach, each wearing rubber gloves and carrying garbage bags, picking up the tar cookies, at what looked like about a bushel per mile on the beach edge. Every day, Ralph, a city employee, takes the big John Deere loader and scrapes the beach clean of seaweed and driftwood, to have it ready for tourists in addition to the tar pickup.

Every few days three yellow machines process the edge of the beach where new tar has washed ashore. The machines pick up the first few inches of sand beach in a four-foot wide swath and screen it, letting the sand shake back on the beach and anything else be trucked away. BP pays for all this.

A recent letter to the editor in the New Orleans Time Picayune: “They got you at the pumps, they got your land and water destroyed. Drill Baby Drill.”

The oil spill really brought out differences in the local folks way of living.

Those dependent on oil companies (workers, suppliers, subcontractors, etc.) are trying to get President Obama off of their backs to get back to drilling in deep water again—even though the oil companies haven’t got their new safety plan ready yet. The local politicians, Republicans and Democrats, are mostly on the same line—get the feds off of our backs so we can drill right away—money/jobs trump environment.

The tourist and seafood industry folks have gotten so bound up in getting their share of the $20 billion, they seem to have submerged their worry about the longer term future of the Gulf, seafood industry and tourism and have focused on the cash instead, rumored to be set at triple the documented loss, according to one local man.

Discussion in Sarah’s restaurant at a table of local women having a late breakfast was health. The fear of health problems, both short and long term, from exposure to the oil, the air, the “outlawed in Europe” dispersants, and seafood is an undercurrent for many folks right now.

The fiftyish waitress at the Blue Star restaurant was coughing a little as she refilled our coffee. “I’ve been coughing and having asthmalike symptoms for several months—I’m worried it might be from the air here over the last year,” she said just before stepping outside to take a quick cigarette break. She came to Grand Isle in June, hearing of oil-spill jobs and starting with beach cleanup work and then waitressing after that was gone.

Many of the folks we talked to were worried about respiratory and other vague ailments; worried that they actu-

Mark D. Biller

715-327-4979

HOURS: Monday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Tuesday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Wednesday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday Closed 445673 19Ltfcp Thursday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

FREE WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS

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

317350 36Ltfc

River Road

Ramblings Collected by Russ Hanson

ally had something wrong that came from the oils spill; and worried that they couldn’t document it well enough to get reimbursed by BP, or soon enough. “We want it back like before the spill,” was the common refrain, folks not really believing that could happen.

Last Tuesday, radio station “Ragin Cajun” 100.3 had a call-in show to ask questions of Mr. Kenneth Feinberg, man in charge of doling out BP’s $20 million fund (Mr. Obama persuaded BP to set up the fund and appointed a nongovernment distribution agency to pass it out as fairly as they could). Most callers asked why their individual claims were not granted. Generally the answer was, “give me your claim number and I will find out and notify you directly.” However, Feinberg did say they have at least 7,000 claims that appear to be fraudulent and thousands more that are without any supporting documentation in the nearly half million claims made so far.

Claims range from those directly hurt, like the seafood people who were forced to quit harvesting for six months, to those less directly affected. A psychiatrist from New Orleans called in and said his practice was hit by 50 percent cancellations in the months after the spill. “Document that it was a result of the spill, and you will be eligible,” said Feinberg. “My husband isn’t working because of the moratorium on deep oil well drilling in the Gulf. Are we eligible?” “No, but there is another fund for those folks that you can apply to,” replied Feinberg exuding calm, respect to the callers, and helpfulness.

He said that nearly a half million claims have been made, and processing them and the paperwork takes time. “I have respiratory problems that happened since the spill, can I make a claim?”

“Have your doctors document that it was due to the oil spill and we will look at it.”

One of the last callers said “They (BP) did this to us. They damaged our lives, and we have to prove that they did it to us. We are victims. We are supposed to be all recovered in three years. You can’t put a restriction on someone’s hopes, someone’s dreams and someone’s future.

You can’t tell me my Gulf, my homeland, my dreams are going to be restored in three years.”

Feinberg replied “Ma’am, you expect much, too much, from any program that’s going to compensate. You’re raising a very good point about dreams, the culture and the future. Sometimes I think people expect too much from money.

Money cannot compensate you for all of your loss, for the uncertain future. The money will help, but people expect too much from the dollars. What you’ve suffered isn’t compensable, can’t be compensable. The money will help and you move on as best you can.”

“Well, BP is going to move on the best it can, and in better shape than we are, and gain in money; that’s a lack of respect and a lack of justice where I come from.”

••• After a few cool weeks, we are back into sunny warm days, 60s and 70s and starting to edge north a little, and getting a little homesick for the purity of white snow. One day in a week or two, on a warm sunny day we will probably just head back north so we don’t miss the spring flowers at the cabin. Down here, spring is well under way, trees starting to bud out, grass greening up and birds chirping their spring songs and building nests.

A variety of insurance for the variety in your life.

Auto. Home. Business. Health. Life. Farm/Ranch. We offer it all under one roof.® Call me today for coverage that fits all your needs. *Some products not available in every state.

American Family Mutual Insurance Company and its Subsidiaries American Family Insurance Company Home Office – Madison, WI 53783 amfam.com

©2008

002136 – Rev. 11/08

Richard P. Tims, Agency 24996 State Road 35 Siren, WI 54872 715-349-2239 Bus. rtims@amfam.com

529324 13-21ap 24-32Lp

My biggest disappointment

Life is not always perfect. As Robert Burns says,

“The best laid plans of mice and men often gae astray.”

And that happened to me a few years back. My husband, Ken, had written several stories about growing up in a log house in Hawthorne, and I wanted to share them in a little booklet.

Along with some of my own Christmas stories, I gathered them together and mailed them to a publisher friend in October. I intended to use them as my Christmas cards that year.

But it didn’t work out that way. My publisher was ill and it took a while to recover, and he fell behind in his workload. My booklets, almost like a pamphlet, were delayed and not finished until almost Dec. 25.

I was naturally disappointed, but it was one of those situations that is beyond control.

If I had a more patient nature, I could have put them away and used them for my annual greeting the next year. But I am a right-now person. With the holiday so close, I handed them out to local friends, hoping they would eventually find time to read them. They represented the best of the Christmas memories of my late husband and me. I called it “Echoes of Christmas.”

I think everyone was too busy to sit right down and read a story or two, although they were short anecdotes.

No doubt some of them eventually found their way to the nearest wastebasket, and I feel bad about that, because I really wanted to share what I considered my best.

Timing was certainly wrong. Perhaps my impulse of giving them away was wrong. It was too late to sell them, although I paid $400 for 100 copies. I made the decision right from the beginning to give them or send them away.

The big disappointment was the lack of response.

Even a few comments would have warmed my heart. (i.e. We laughed and laughed over the story of your Christmas music box. “What a trick to play on your Aunt Marie,” or “You had us in tears about the funeral on Dec. 26,” or “You really gave away all your dolls and Teddy bears?” (Yes, I did, to the nice lady in the hospital ward with me).

I sent some booklets in the mail and a friend, completely honest, said, “I don’t like reading Christmas stories when Christmas is over.”

As we grow, we learn that some disappointments are inevitable and we learn to accept and try not to make a big deal of it.

I learned something however. Whenever I read a book written by a friend – sometimes not real but literary friends, I write a note of appreciation or make faceto-face compliments.

A woman may not admit it right out loud, but writing a book, however small, is a matter of personal importance, equated to giving birth, creation, having a baby.

It’s a sharing with others. It’s a gift, even if there’s a charge for it.

Yes, we all thrive on a nice comment once in awhile.

I have evolved into a storyteller. I will never write a book banned in Boston. Not even banned in Lewis.

After all, Lewis is pretty liberal and open-minded.

I have learned not to expect compliments, but in such a rare occasion, to be grateful.

Although I have lived here for 50 years, it is not the same as “I’ve lived here all my life.” My background is a bit different, not necessarily better, but different.

I have learned to accept people as they are, not to expect miracles but to be pleasantly surprised if they happen. Not to expect more from people than they are able to give. (I’m not talking about physical gifts here).

Sometimes, my impulses are ill-conceived and poorly received. Still, life is good nevertheless.

Behind the

FEBRUARY 16, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 37

Signpost

Bernice Abrahamzon Thanksgiving dawned a bit gray and dark. Lights were already turned on in several rooms in the house, so I got up and started dressing.

“Mother, what are you doing?” one of my sons asked, the one who is a night owl because the best movies come on late at night.

“I’m getting dressed,” I told him. “I have to get that 21-lb. turkey in the oven.”

He said, “Mother, it’s 10 minutes past two.”

No wonder it was a bit gray and dark. It hadn’t dawned yet. I went back to bed and slept until 7 a.m. and then got up, dressed, washed and wrestled that big bird. Stuffed him, peeled potatoes ready to cook and mash, scraped carrots, although I already had cooked squash in the refrigerator.

I opened up all the small temptations of ripe olives, stuffed olives, sweet pickles, dill pickles, pickled herring and crackers, etc., and cut the pumpkin pie. It was actually squash pie but with the right ingredients and seasonings, it tasted the same as pumpkin pie. In fact, one time there were so many cooked carrots left over from our church harvest supper that I rescued them, whipped them up, seasoned them and added certain ingredients so we had pumpkin pie made of carrots.

It’s amazing what spices and a glug of molasses can do.

A very good friend shared some lovely leftovers so we were well treated. When it comes to leftovers, I am grateful for anything I don’t have to cook.

I grew up on leftovers as we never wasted food. If we had leftover lima beans and corn at the same time, they were combined to make succotash. If we had leftover roast, it was ground up ad turned into hash. Leftover mashed potatoes were doctored up with an egg and turned into potato patties.

Thanksgiving is all about Pilgrims and food and being grateful.

Christmas is all about the Nativity and gifts, candles, decorated trees and holiday goodies and parties.

Valentine’s Day is all about hearts and doves and cherry tarts and loving doves. Flowers, surprises and expressions of love.

I remember when I was shopping on a cold day in February 1987, just browsing, when a clerk said, “Are you looking for a gift for your Valentine?” That startled me and brought me up short.

I said exactly what was in my heart. “My Valentine died last year.” I’m sure it sounded so direct and raw, that she replied, “I’m sorry.”

Sometimes, without editing, words just say themselves.

I have since made my peace with my loss. You know the old saying, “Better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” So, Happy Valentine’s Day. Cherish it and remember always.

Until next week, Bernice

Birkebeiner ski race seeks volunteers

CABLE – In just two weeks, on Saturday, Feb. 26, the Olympics will come to Wisconsin in the form of the American Birkebeiner Ski Marathon, the largest ski race in the U. S. Celebrating 38 years of bringing skiers from all over the world to ski 52 kilometers from Cable to Hayward, the Birkie offers a unique opportunity to see Olympicclass athletes competing in the area. Many Olympic athletes and members of international skiing teams travel to Northwest Wisconsin to ski the Birkie in nonOlympic years.

Over 8,400 skiers are registered to take part in Birkebeiner events that are held around the Hayward area Thursday – Saturday, Feb. 24-26.

Two thousand volunteers are needed each year to provide liquids and on-course nutrition to the skiers

during the race. There are nine food stations on the race route, spaced over the 52 kilometers, and race organizers are in need of volunteers every year to provide this support. This can be used as a community service project for most students.

If you would like to be part of this rich history of the American Birkebeiner Ski Marathon and would consider helping for a few hours on Saturday, Feb. 26, call local Birkebeiner Race Chief William Johnson at 715327-4158 for more information.

Every year there are skiers from almost all 50 states and as many as 20 countries competing at the Birkie.

This is a chance to show off the best of this country to the world. For more information on the race and its unique place in Wisconsin history visit www.birkie.com. - submitted

BURNETT COUNTY - Burnett County, open and ready for business, is the message of the new Shop and Support Local campaign being sponsored by the Burnett County Development Association.

The goal of the campaign is to remind the public of the goods and services area businesses and organizations have to offer and the importance of supporting them.

Ads highlighting local businesses and organizations appearing in local print media will include photos of the business/organization location, owners/staff, and a listing of services and products offered.

Reasons why shopping at and supporting local businesses and organizations benefits the whole community

will also be highlighted in the ads.

Burnett County Web site business and organization sponsors will be featured in quarter-page ads in the county’s two newspapers, The Inter-County Leader and the Burnett County Sentinel.

So look for these informative ads in your local papers beginning in February. And remember to Shop and Support Local!

For more information on becoming a Burnett County Web site sponsor and participating in the Shop and Support Local Campaign contact NOW Publications at now@grantsburgtelcom.net or call 715-222-2195. - submitted

Shop and Support Local campaign set

Do you remember?

Compiled by Bernice Abrahamzon

50 Years Ago

Area friends honored Andrew Alm at the Luck Country Club.–A stag dinner was held at the Frederic Country Club.–Bob Richards was being contacted as speaker for the 1962 Frederic High School banquet.–There was 159 pints of blood collected at Frederic.–Featured as the February special at Carlson Hardware, Frederic, were scatter rugs at $1.57 each.–Specials at Route’s Super Market, Frederic, were bacon at 45¢ lb., lettuce at 2 for 19¢, pork hocks at 29¢ lb., spare ribs at 37¢ lb. and round steak at 69¢ lb.–Hagberg’s, Frederic, had a Yellow Ticket Clearance. A small cash deposit would hold any layaway item.–Specials at the Co-op Super Market, Frederic, included Kleenex at four boxes for 98¢, 50 lbs. of flour at $3.19, 8-oz. fish sticks at 29¢ and potatoes at 99¢ for 25-lb. bag.–Frederic Farm Family Day was Thursday, Feb. 9, 1961, from 10:45 a.m. to 3 p.m., music by the high school band, a program for women, a program for men, and a free noon lunch at the high school cafeteria for all.–Farmers must report income correctly to Social Security.–The weather station at Grantsburg closed Jan. 20.–Sam’s open house was held “Just for You” in Cumberland.

40 Years Ago

A guessing game was held at Farmers State Bank to guess how much money was in the jar in coins.

The actual number was $28.28, and the winner was Gerald Potvin who guessed $28.35; the prize was the money in the jar.–Gustafson’s Ice Cream advertised “the quickest cup of hot chocolate in town.”–Tax deadline was Feb. 28.–Specials at Route’s Store, Frederic, included turkeys at 39¢ lb., Geno’s pizza at “get three and one was free,” and lettuce was 19¢ head, sauerkraut was two tins for $4.–A wedding dance was set at the Indian Creek Dance Hall on Feb. 27 for Mr. and Mrs. Donald Glover (Debbie Briese).–Marlys Berg won the title of Queen of the Luck Winter Carnival.–The Sand Lake Sportsmen’s Club scheduled a dance for Feb. 27 at Joe’s Crossroads with music by L & M’s.–The movie “Call of the Wild” was playing at the Webb Theatre, Webster.–Lots of photographs of ice fishing and other winter scenes.–The Frederic Dairy Queen was now open in Frederic, with a special of 5¢ off on all sundaes.–Remington adding machines at the InterCounty Leader were priced at $99.50.–The county board approved the patrol car purchase and the college closing.–The March special at Carlson Hardware, Frederic, was a set of measuring cups and spoons.–The county board approved zoning for Burnett County 14-6.

20 Years Ago

Burnett County blood donors responded to Gulf War needs.–Area snowmobilers were planning to race from Thunder Bay to White Bear Lake.–A sentencing was given in a rural Hertel marijuana operation.–Support continued for cerebral palsy group.–An E.I.O. radar run was held Feb. 3 at Clam Falls.–The walleye bag limit increased to eight in Northwest Wisconsin lakes.–An “over 90” party was held at Capeside Cove Good Samaritan Home in Siren.–Seven individuals died when two planes collided near Osceola.–Luck was planning its 32nd winter carnival. Area Realtors attended a state conference at Telemark in January.–A welding class was set for WITC – New Richmond.–An orthopedic surgeon joined the staff at St. Croix Falls hospital. His name was A. Hamid Khan who came from India.–A forester gave tips on pruning trees before the end of March.–Twenty-two workers picketed but didn’t strike at Wood Goods.–Not everyone wanted Medicare at 65 years of ages.–The extension office offered sessions on raising responsible teens.–A banner said “Support our servicemen.” Perhaps it would be a good reminder every issue in today’s newspapers.–Other ads said, “Persian Gulf Support Group.”–A Luck businessman had been on Luck Main Street for 50 years. He was Gilbert Krogh.

Brought to you by

OLSEN & SON DRUG

Serving the community since 1882

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

Tom Moore, Owner Brian Johnson - RPh

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER

PAGE 38 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 16, 2011

715-349-2964

Old Man Winter seems to be letting up on the frigid grip he had on the area. More sun and milder temps during the days have made some of the snow disappear. Sure gets a little slick in the mornings though, our little dog sure could use some ice skates as she slips and slides on the ice. Let’s hope he doesn’t decide to come back and repeat those performances he did over the past few months. Just about everyone could use some sure signs of spring.

The warmer weather has brought a flurry of activities in the tree rat hollow these days. Over 25 tree rats can be counted on some of the sunny afternoons and all seem to want the same feeders in the trees and there isn’t such a thing as sharing. Too many tree rats in the bird yard have really wiped out Old Tom Turkey. Seems he has a lot of problems keeping that many tree rats up in the trees so he can eat in peace.

Siren

The 13th-annual Siren Lions Whopper of an IceFishing Contest is coming up on Saturday, Feb. 26, at the Clam Lake Narrows from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lots of big prizes plus on-the-ice raffles and door prizes.

Why not make this a family day. Get your tickets early and save a buck, $6 before the 26th and $7 at the lake. For more info call Big Mike’s at 715-3492400.

Last Sunday both the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts conducted service at the Siren United Methodist Church. They did a great job. A great bunch of kids, thanks for the efforts of Charla Stickland and the rest of the Scout leaders.

Sympathy to the family of Donald Flodin who passed away Feb. 4.

The Food and Friends community dinner for February will be held at the Siren Covenant Church on Tuesday, Feb. 22, from 5 to 6 p.m. The meal is free,

Lewis

The Junior Bell Choir from the Frederic school performed at the Lewis Memorial United Methodist Church at Sunday’s service, Feb. 13. There were 11 in all. Some of their parents came to hear them. They were treated to the church breakfast following the service.

The baked dish of ham and eggs, fruit salad, toast, muffins and beverages were served at the church breakfast on Sunday. Freewill offering was earmarked to go to the church roof fund. The breakfast was sponsored by the UMW. The NW Regional Writers met last Friday with eight members present including Denis Simonsen, Mary Jacobson, Bob Mackean, Walter Fluegel, Alice Ford, Bernice Abrahamzon, Jennifer Tahtinen and

Tina Wrudell. (The soup du jour was chicken-rice, very good). The group met at Espresso Cabin, Grantsburg. The assignment for March is “Honest.

The check is in the mail.” The March meeting will be held at 1 p.m. at Sunrise Apts., Frederic, second Friday of the month.

The warm-up in the weather this past weekend was very welcome. People were smiling and more cheerful, responding to the temperature. The snowflakes on Friday were as big as feathers. Very pretty!

Crazy about books and homemade goodies? Remember the book sale/bake sale at the Frederic Library Thursday, Friday and Saturday during regular library hours. Good reading. Good eating. Good

In anticipation of spring, some hopeful members at the center began our spring cleaning. It is amazing what one accumulates throughout the years, actually only six or seven. Files and cabinets have been emptied and now the decisions about what should be saved and what should be tossed are in the making. I must say it is looking good.

The activities at the center are coming back to life, Dime Bingo had a good attendance at their game on Tuesday and the 500 and Spades groups also had more attendance than we have had in the past month or so.

The Nutrition Project Council met at the center on Thursday with all of the centers represented. Lois Taylor, director of nutrition, presented some new ideas for the upcoming months, which we think should be received favorably, but more on that later.

Thanks to your generosity we have accumulated another box of toiletries for the women’s shelter, keep up the good work as they appreciate your donations.

We also want to express our gratitude to Bea Talmadge for the box of craft items to be sold in our gift shop. I especially am seriously thinking that I should have a Strawberry Shortcake doll in case I have a great-granddaughter this month. Bea brought in three and they are so sweet.

Also we have been a little negligent on our contributions to the humane society and Eldora Brown

gave us a little nudge to remember, by bringing in a bag of cat food. The humane society donation box is out and appreciates anything that you can spare for their animals. It doesn’t necessary have to be food, they need laundry detergent, trash bags, paper towels, etc. Try to remember them when you go shopping.

Winners at 500 this week were Arvid Pearson, Sue Newberger, Candace Doriott, Ron Yourchuck and Clara Palomaki. Spade winners were Ralph Groves, Rich Hustad, Gerry Vogel, Susie Hughes and Arvid Pearson. Nona Severson, Anke Olesen, Cora deJong, Candace Doriott and Barb Munger furnished treats for the players.

Our foot lady was supposed to start on Monday, Feb. 14, and she is planning on coming on the third Monday of each month. There will be a schedule on hand for anyone interested and you may call or stop in to make an appointment. She will be here from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; the number to call is 715-349-7810.

If you need help with your federal or state income taxes, the AARP tax people will be at the center the first and second Mondays in March and April. There are still a few openings but an appointment must be made by calling or stopping in at the center.

The center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday through Friday and the coffeepot is always on, so stop in for a visit.

Siren Senior Center

Frederic Senior Center

Finally the weather has taken a big step in the right direction. Let’s all hope it stays around for awhile.

Our tax aide day on Feb. 10 went real well with a large group of people getting their taxes done and also enjoying coffee and donuts and oh yes, also visiting. Our next tax aide day will be Thursday, March 10, from 9 a.m. to noon. Walk-ins are welcome, but you can call for an appointment at 715-327-8623.

We all want to join together in wishing Joyce McKinny a speedy recovery after their recent surgeries.

Happy birthday greetings to Eleanor Bonneville

Fran Krause

Hazel Hoffman

who will be celebrating her 95th birthday at the Frederic Care Center on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2 – 4 p.m.

The following were lucky winners at Spades: first was Lillian Murphy, second was Jan Anderson, third was Marlyce Bouchert and fourth was Arnie Borchert.

Thursday night 500 winners were: first, Tim Abrahamzon; second, Nona Severson; third, Inez Pearson; and fourth, Norma Nelson.

Everyone have a great weekend until we meet again.

Orange

The Harmony HCE Club prepared and served a turkey dinner for the residents at Cedarwood Manor on Tuesday.

LaVonne O’Brien had lunch with Heather Wade Wednesday in Duluth. On Friday evening Dave and Theresa Childers helped Jack O’Brien celebrate his birthday at Adventures for supper. Mike and Jack O’Brien celebrated their birthdays on Sunday with dinner. Tim was a guest too.

Granddaughter of LaVonne and Jack, Kathy Hermon, is on the dean’s list for this semester at Mankato State University.

John and Reeny Neinstadt attended the Wood-

Barb Munger

LaVonne O'Brien

land Church supper at Cozy Corner Saturday night.

Sharon Panek from Frederic had lunch at Reeny’s on Tuesday.

John and Reeny hosted Sunday birthday supper for Bud Flagstad.

Mark Freeborn picked up Marvel Merriam Thursday afternoon and she visited the Freeborn family at River Falls through Sunday. She enjoyed watching grandson Brad Freeborn play basketball on the River Falls team. She will also see her great-grandson Nathan Gravesen play on the St. Croix Falls basketball team at Siren Tuesday night.

Bev Beckmark

Engagement

Bernice Abrahamzon

Johnson-Tripp

but donations are always welcome. Come early as the food goes fast.

A spaghetti benefit dinner will be held on Saturday, Feb. 19, for Kayleen Krahler at the Siren Lakeview Center. Dinner starts at 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. Live music by The Hillbilly Mafia and Sonny Winberg will start at 7:30 p.m. A 42” TV will be given away. Tickets are $10 for this event, don’t miss it.

Congratulations to elementary student Sequoia Bellanger, middle schooler Casey-Jean Brown and high schooler Rhiannon Honeysett for being chosen Siren Schools students of the week. Keep up the good work.

Congratulations to the Siren Schools Knights of Columbus free-throw winners: Emily Howe, Aubri Larson, Elicia Emery, John Dalsveen, Aaron Rudd and Ben Lemieux. Good luck on Feb. 26 when you compete again.

cause.

Happy birthday to Roberta Sahr whose birthday falls on Valentine’s Day. A speaker from Balsam Lake explained the backpack program in Polk County, unpacking a backpack to show how much can fit into it. She attended the Wednesday night meeting of the UMW at church.

Funeral services were held for Catherine Olson on Saturday at the Clam Falls Lutheran Church.

Catherine taught at the Lewis School in the 1950s.

Sheila Staples and Rick Abrahamzon were asked by Catherine’s family to share some memories of when they were Catherine’s elementary students. A large group of community members attended the service.

The Lutheran ladies of the church provided the meal for all to share after the service.

Janet Johnson of Rice Lake and Aaron Tripp of Rice Lake announce their engagement.

Her parents are Jerry and Joyce Johnson of Siren, and his parents are Dan and Marshia Tripp of Sarona.

The future bride is an office manager and administrative assistant, employed by Northland Specialty Services in Hayward.

The future groom is a farm service technician, employed by Anderson Dairy Systems in Rice Lake.

A June 18 wedding is planned in Rice Lake. - Photo by Lee’s Photography

Born at Osceola Medical Center:

A girl, Keelah Nicole Rogers, born Jan. 14, 2011, to Kimberly Taber and Waylon Rogers, Luck. Keelah weighed 8 lbs., 3 oz.

••• A girl, Payton Rose Warwas, born Jan. 18, 2011, to Amanda and Jason Warwas, Frederic. Payton weighed 6 lbs., 13 oz.

•••

Births

A girl, Alexandra Marie Tempel, born Feb. 9, 2011, to Jason and Shantel Tempel, Osceola. Alexandra weighed 8 lbs., 2 oz.

••• A boy, Landen Dale Greeley, born Feb. 4, 2011, to Ashley Allen and Samuel Greeley of Amery. Landen weighed 7 lbs., 1.3 oz.

•••

Born at St. Croix Regional Medical Center:

A girl, OliviaRose Marie Fredrickson, born Jan. 11, 2011, to Angela and Jason Fredrickson, Cushing.

OliviaRose weighed 6 lbs., 13 oz.

••• A boy, Joshua Reu Johnson, born Jan. 12, 2011, to Andrew and Akiko Johnson, St. Croix Falls.

Joshua weighed 8 lbs., 15 oz.

•••

Born at Burnett Medical Center:

A girl, Alayna Jaclyn Gjonnes, born Feb. 7, 2011, to Christine Berglind and Kyle Gjonnes, Frederic.

Alayna weighed 6 lbs. and was 19-1/2 inches long.

Alayna’s sister is Kaylee Gjonnes. Grandparents are Rita Gjonnes, Siren, Sherry Gjonnes, New Richmond, and Darell Berglind, Siren. Great-grandparents are Helen Gilfillan, Grantsburg, and Carol Berglind, Siren.

•••

Academic news

BEMIDJI, Minn. – The following local students have earned a spot on the dean’s list from Bemidji State University at the conclusion of the 2010 fall semester.

Grantsburg Jamie M. Lund; Webster Leighann P. Mensen. - submitted ••• WAUKESHA – Brittany L. Jaskolka, a human biology major, completed the graduation requirements and received her diploma on Dec. 29, 2010, from Carroll University. Brittany is a 2007 graduate of Siren High School and daughter of James and Deborah Jaskolka of Siren. - submitted ••• MADISON – UW-Madison’s midyear commencement ceremonies were held on Sunday, Dec. 19, at the Kohl Center.

Here are the degree recipients from the local area: Amery Craig A. Olson, Bachelor of Science – civil engineering; Frederic Keegan S. Karl, Bachelor of Science – mechanical engineering; Siren Wesley A. Wegner, Bachelor of Science – elec-

trical engineering; St. Croix Falls Nathaniel M.Schoen, Bachelor of Science – botany. - submitted ••• MANKATO, Minn. - The Academic High Honor and Honor lists (Dean’s lists) for the past fall semester at Minnesota State University, Mankato have been announced by Anne Blackhurst, acting vice president for academic affairs and student affairs.

Among the more than 14,500 students, a total 763 students qualified for the High Honor List by achieving a 4.0 straight “A” average, while 2,295 students earned a 3.5 to 3.99 average to qualify for the Honor List. To qualify for academic honors, undergraduate students must be enrolled for at least 12 credit hours for a grade.

Frederic Lisa Chelmo; Grantsburg Keegan Marek, 4.0 grade-point average; Osceola Natasha Frank; Shalane Pruno; Kayla Wistrom, 4.0 grade-point average; Siren Melanie Chenal, 4.0 grade-point average. - submitted •••

Follow the Leader

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER

FEBRUARY 16, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 39

Feline sisters Zoey and Tina had the entire apartment to themselves when their person was away at work. They were comfortable with this setup. After all, it was the only world they had known since leaving their mother. At the young age of 8 weeks, they were introduced to the litter box in the bedroom closet, a scratching post in the corner of the living room and bedtime treats. Their days included play and sleep on the padded kitchen chairs, curling up in front of the warm air grate at the bottom of the refrigerator and watching birds out the window from their perch on the back of the couch.

And so their lives went for two years. Day after day they woke up with their person who filled their bowls with fresh kibble and gave them a scratch behind the ears as he went out the door. Day in and day out, the routine stayed the same. They had their breakfast in separate bowls, visited the litter box and relaxed for an all-day nap that was interrupted occasionally by happenings at the window or a leg stretch before finding a new spot for relaxing.

Zoey felt it was her duty to patrol the entire apartment each day. She wandered about making mental notes and commenting on her findings. Tina watched Zoey’s patrol out of the corner of her eye.

She knew better than to get in Zoey’s way during this daily ritual. Tina was content to leave the daily inventory to Zoey and use that time to take the coveted window seat for herself. She tucked her front

Good morning everyone - it’s Sadie and I’m back for another week! Isn’t it wonderful that the weather is warming up? Before you know it, it will be time to put on the shorts and flip-flops. Well, maybe I’m rushing it just a little. I hear Mom is going to give me my booster shot today, so think I’d better go into hiding and hope she forgets. I don’t think Dad’s going to help me hide; he’s more than likely going to help Mom. We’ve had a busy week here chasing the squirrels and going for walks. I don’t know who is smarter; me and Eli or the squirrels as they keep coming back and we keep chasing them. Mom says it’s great entertainment and exercise and the squirrels are definitely onto us. Yesterday on our walk I jumped into the snow chasing a smell and didn’t realize how deep it was, did a header and was buried in it. I didn’t appreciate the laughing in the background, made me feel silly.

All the puppies at the shelter are now up front on the adoption floor and by the time you read my column will be on the Web site and ready for adoption.

They are very friendly and love being the center of attention so hopefully they will all find some great

Tax forms

The IRS has discontinued mailing individual tax packages to taxpayers. But we have most of the common tax forms available here.

Family, friends, food and fun

The library is holding a fundraising event to celebrate the end of winter. Come join us on Saturday, March 5, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Webster High School cafetorium. Admission is free, although tickets are needed for some activities. Chili, hot dogs, bread and relish tray will be served from 1 p.m. until gone fo a freewill donation. Other activities include Bingo, cake and dessert walk, bake sale, story corner for children, puppet show, games by Orange 4H, face painting, special music and prizes. Break away from cabin fever and have some fun with us while helping the building fund committee raise money for the new library facility. See you there.

Larsen Family Public Library

This is the name of the new library facility that is being converted from Terry Larsen’s donated used car dealership into the new library in Webster. The preconstruction meeting was held Wednesday, Feb. 9. Jeff Howe is the contractor’s project manager.

Soon, we should be able to see some activity there with hopes to be in the new library by the end of August.

It has been awhile since Fran Levings retired from writing the Cloverton/Markville news. In the ensuing weeks, feedback has been accumulating from as far away as Arizona and Florida that her column is sorely missed. A few people asked if I would take over the column, perhaps because of my short stint at filling in during her trip to Thailand. I am honored by the request, but like so many others, I too am on the brink of having too many irons in the fire.

Sharon Proffit of Cozy Corner cooked up the idea that maybe several of us could pool our efforts to revive the column collectively. I agreed to take a minor role in this enterprise as a figurehead editor-at-large, while the real work of gathering the news has been relegated to a gang of four roving rogue reporters, who will e-mail the news from their assigned beat to me, where I will merely paste these pieces into a whole and send it in.

paws under her chest, closed her eyes and thought “What a smart cat am I.” When Person came home, Zoey was quick to rush to the door. She immediately began reporting the daily patrol news in her short, sharp meows. As she talked, she wandered over to the food dish in hopes that Person would follow and understand her greatest desire. The sound of kibble in the bowl, brought Tina from her perch and they enjoyed an early evening supper before settling in for a night of “Grey’s Anatomy” and “The Mentalist.”

This routine continued without fail for two years, until one day, Person bought home a cardboard box. Zoey and Tina were placed inside and the top flaps folded to hold them inside. After much movement and jerky jostling, their box came to rest. They could smell and feel the cold fresh air. Zoey pushed up through the flaps, poked her head out and made a run over the frozen white ground. Tina followed her and they huddled in distress under a lilac bush.

“Where are we? I don’t understand. What now?”

Their panic was exposed in the sparse expanse of the outdoors. An outdoors they had only seen out the window and heard about on TV. Instinct told them to run for cover, hide from the unknown. For once, Zoey didn’t say a word other than a nervous hiss at her sister.

Four days later, cold and hungry beyond their wildest imagination, a stranger found them huddled

Happy Tails

Await

Arnell Humane Society of Polk County

in the corner of a cluttered garage. “This is no weather for a cat to be out in. Where did you guys come from?” Zoey wanted to tell the stranger that they weren’t “guys,” they were American shorthair spayed females thank you very much.

Another boxed bouncy trip and they were handled by more strangers who separated them into stainless steel kennels, fed them and changed their litter box. Zoey tried to tell her story at every chance. She brushed against the kennel door to say, “I don’t belong here. Let me out. I need to patrol.” Tina slowly came out of her shell, accepting the gracious gifts of the shelter staff and saying thank you with arched rubs against their hands.

Now they are meeting new people every day.

Young children with loud voices, gentle shelter staff workers, couples opening kennel after kennel, searching for the right cat to take home. Zoey continues to talk and protest her confinement. Tina enjoys time out of her kennel after she is sure of her safety. Both are available for adoption at Arnell Me-

Shelter

YAPpenings Sadie forever homes. I have put up pictures of three of them so you can see just how sweet they are. In case you didn’t know, adoption fees for dogs is $175, which includes spay/neuter, up-to-date on shots and microchip. What a great deal, so check out all my friends at the shelter.

We have a new kitty in at the shelter this week, an orange and white one that we’ve called Gibbs.

He was a stray and is a very nice kitty as far as kitties go, but being a dog I prefer my canine friends!

Mom loves her cats so fusses over all of them and I’m sure if Dad hadn’t said no more cats, they’d all be living with us.

Shanti is still at the shelter and of course we also still have the young and energetic Butch and 3-

Abel

Eve

year-old Dutchess. There are a couple of other newer friends that will likely be moved to the adoption floor this week, Lady the Pomeranian mix and Snowden the Great Pyrenees mix. I guess Skipper and Gilligan will also be moving up front soon.

In the feline category, Starsky and Hutch are still with us as is Loran, Goldie, Stallone and the new arrival, Gibbs. They’re all looking for someone to love them - would that be you?

Jenny tells me that the shelter is in need of garbage bags with 30 gallon being the most needed, laundry soap, hand soap and most important - puppy food, preferably Purina. All those pup-

Burnett Community Library

Preschool story time

Oh! The exhilaration of being a city dog visiting the country for the weekend. New sights, new sounds and new friends to make. “City Dog, Country Frog” by Mo Willems follows the new friendship of the dog and the unlikely friend, the frog, as they teach each other city and country games and enjoy life in the country together. Beautiful watercolors follow the friendship through the seasons. What will happen when frog disappears through the winter?

Thank you to Ben for bringing one of his favorite books to read, “Mrs. McNash Hangs Up Her Wash”

by Sarah Weeks. What a fun book as Mrs. McNash gets carried away hanging up her wash and anything else within reach. This is the kind of book that gets read over and over in one sitting to enjoy the shear nonsense and silliness therein. Children are always welcome to share one of their favorite books to be read to the group. Preschool story time is held Wednesdays, from 10:30 to 11 a.m., followed with snacks, lower level of the library, Main Street, Webster.

Adult book club

The next meeting will be held Tuesday, Feb. 22, and we will be reading “Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet,” by Jamie Ford. It is set in the ethnic neighborhoods of Seattle during World War II and Japanese American internment camps of the era.

This debut novel tells the heartwarming story of widower Henry Lee, his father, and his first love, Keiko

Okabe. Please give the library a call if you are interested in joining our monthly discussion, and we will order a copy of the book for you to read. Everyone is welcome.

Mystery Mayhem Book Club

morial Humane Society. They are making the best of their situation, adapting as best they can to the daily routine so different from what they have known and hoping that they will be chosen next.

Each animal at our shelter has a story, a history before the shelter. Some we know and others are a mystery, like Zoey and Tina. What we do know is that they were found in a garage together, abandoned and scared. We can only imagine what it must have been like for them in their previous home and to find themselves unexpectedly out in the cold, fearing for their lives. Unfortunate and often sad circumstances bring animals to our shelter. Happy unions with an adopter take them home.

Arnell Memorial Humane Society, 185 Griffin St. East, Amery, 715-268-7387 or online: Arnellhumane.org. pies are hungry. Also to remind you that we need silent auction items for our spaghetti dinner festivities on April 30. Items such as a service or crafted and any new items would be great.

Don’t forget to get Benjamin your raffle tickets; they are $5 for a book or $3 each from what I’ve heard. Three great prizes - two $600 American Airlines gift cards, a fabulous homemade quilt made by Bev Hayes and the package from the Danbury Casino, which includes a onenight stay at their lodge, two buffet dinners and $20 in tokens.

Well that’s it for now, wishing you a wonderful week and sending you licks and tailwags!

The Humane Society of Burnett County is saving lives, one at a time. www.hsburnettcty.org.

715-866-4096. We’re on Facebook too!

New adult fiction books

• “Big Wheat” by Richard Thompson • “Book of Tomorrow” by Cecelia Ahern • “Fatal Error” by J.A. Jance • “Broken” by Karin Slaughter • “Red Garden” by Alice Hoffman • “Secrets of Paris” by Luanne Rice • “Though Not Dead” by Dana Stabenow • “A Lonely Death” by Charles Todd • “Across the Universe” by Beth Revis (Young Adult)

Lurking in the shadows - the new mystery book club has crept into the library and will meet for the first time on Monday, April 11, at 10 a.m. We will be discussing mystery books with an Easter theme, and each person can choose whatever title they would like to - we don’t all have to read the same book for this discussion. We will continue to meet on the second Monday of each month for more Mystery Mayhem. To register for our first session, you can call the library at 715-866-7697. Ideas for books to read are: “Aunt Dimity Detective,” “Do You Promise Not to Tell?,” “Holy Terrors,” or “The Good Friday Murder.”

For more details, please call Rita Luedtke at 608963-1425.

Children’s books

• “J.D. Salinger: A Life” by Kenneth Slawenski • “Teach Your Kids to Think: Simple Tools You Can Use Every Day” by Maria Chelsey Fisk

Hours and information

New adult nonfiction books DVDs

• “Secretariat” • “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest” • “The American” • “The Social Network”

Borderline news

We encourage those who enjoy this column to participate in its success by taking the initiative to call a reporter instead of waiting to be called. If you are part of a group giving a benefit dinner or whatever, then be sure to let us know. The contact people are: for Dairyland, Mary “Cronkite” Picton at 715-244-3303, for Cloverton, Delores “The Tracker” Schirmer at 320-242-3110, for Markville, Cheryl “Big Mama” Wickham at 320-242-3409, and for Cozy Corner, Sharon “Hold The Presses” Proffit at 715244-3732. Best to be good; these ladies know who you are, and they know where you live. The article must be submitted by Monday morning, except when that day is a holiday, in which case it must be sent in the previous Friday. Fran, it took five people to replace you; thanks for carrying the ball for all those years.

I have decided to name this column Borderline

Zoey

Tina

News. I am a newcomer to Borderlandia, I’ve only been here since 1974, but when I arrived 37 years ago it was clear right away the Minnesota-Wisconsin line was pretty much irrelevant. Just follow the deer in hunting season. This neck of the woods is a nation unto itself, made up of seven provinces: Duxbury, Kingsdale, Markville, Cloverton, Dairyland, Cozy Corner and Riverside. Despite popular rumor, there are no alligators in our swamps, but when dealing with federal or state bureaucrats, it has quite frequently been proposed we secede from the lower 48. A Field Guide to Borderlandia may be in the offing, but for now, know that when we say, “We’re going uptown,” that means Superior or Duluth, and of course, the term “Up Nort” is merely another term for here, Borderlandia. Nostalgia for the old days involves cherished frostboils, or remembering the days when severe weather reports never mentioned any

• “Young Fredle” by Cynthia Voigt • “I Must Have Bobo!” by Eileen Rosenthal

Adult Audio Books

• “Lonesome Gods” by Louis L’Amour • “Broken Gun” by Louis L’Amour • “Tick Tock” by James Patterson • “What the Night Knows” by Dean Koontz

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.

Bob Brewster

of our landmarks (the outside world hadn’t discovered them yet). Outsiders think what we call news is borderline, but that notion only goes to prove just how friendly we are. Come to think of it, there are all kinds of borderlines around here. We get borderline TV and cell phone reception, borderline emergency services, and some say the editor of this article has borderline personality disorder, for he is sometimes known to navigate with only one oar in the water.

Such is the news for this inaugural edition, and the real news resumes next week.

Borderlandia trivia contest question No. 1: Name the four members of the last section crew to work on the Soo Line Railroad.

PAGE 40 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 16, 2011

Valentine’s Day has come and gone. We gave Ben a big box of candy and it is only the 15th and most of it is gone. I have not had one piece, but I think Denny has helped Ben eat some of it. I don’t mean he helped Ben eat, I mean he ate some and helped bring down the contents in the box. Oh, heck! I know what I mean and I hope some of you have followed along. It is fun to be a leader in a conversation, but not if no one knows what you are talking about.

My office is a mess. I just ordered an eBook on how to declutter your house. That does not tell me what to do with all of the clutter you are decluttering. I can’t throw it away and if I save it for the Memorial Day rummage sale Denny will just find it and take it back in the house. He did that with some books I put out for the sale. He was looking around - I try to keep him busy so he won’t notice the things I put out - and he found a book and said, “I have a book just like that.”

He picked it up and a picture of us on our anniversary fell out. Busted! You can be sure that book went back into the house to be read in the far future when he has nothing to do. I can’t imagine that ever happening.

He always has something to do. He gets up between 4 and 4:30 a.m., goes to work until 3:30 or 4 p.m., comes home and goes out and splits wood until it is so dark he can’t see anymore. I, on the other hand, can tell time by the way I feel. I run down and you can count on the fact that it is 5 p.m. and thus ends my workday.

Other than making dinner, I veg out on the couch and watch “NCIS” or whatever is on for that day. The Blodgett house is usually in bed by 8:30 or sometimes even 9 p.m. if there is something really interesting on TV. I was thinking about things I really love to do. I really love to do laundry. I love to iron, I hate to vacuum and peel potatoes (not at the same time). I love to organize things, although you might not think so if you could see my house. Interfaith Caregivers has taken over our home, our lives and if it weren’t for the happy endings I would wonder how I ever let this happen.

When you work for Interfaith there are sad times

and happy times. Thank heavens the happy times are far more frequent than the sad times. I get to meet some of the greatest people. Denny delivered wood the other day to a wonderful couple. It is always fun when you get to meet really interesting people. They are back in the woods and rarely step beyond their familiar boundaries, but we find them. I am so proud that if they need something they think to call us.

Thank God we can be here for them. People call for all kinds of reasons. We can usually help. Right now the thing most want are beds. We have no beds, bed frames, mattresses or box springs. When people open their cottages and begin to think of new furniture or the musty smell of winter has seeped into the mattress, that is when we have beds. We air them out, a little Lysol and a clean mattress cover and they are good as new. We are learning we can’t afford to dispose of old, unusable furniture. If we can’t use it, and think no one can, we can take it to the dump but the donating person has to pay the cost of disposing of whatever it may be. I can still find homes for good, clean, used furniture though.

Right now we are having a Heat a Home fundraiser.

If you are reading this, you probably had a flyer fall out of the paper. Don’t throw it away! There is a coupon on the bottom that you can fill out and send with a check so we can buy wood to give away next winter. I know this is Wisconsin, and I know we can always expect winter to be cold, but no one should live in a cold house. If they heat with wood, we can help – if people fill out that coupon and contribute.

Imagine yourself, it is minus 20 degrees and your furnace goes out. It gets cold in the house until you can find someone to repair the problem. Many people live in that cold for most of the winter because they can’t afford to heat their homes. That is where the Heat a Home project comes into the picture. We can give them free firewood if we have some. We are out for this year. Most or almost all of what we have is green and has not been split or dried, but will be for our next winter. We will need more next winter than we had this year. We always need more. There is never enough. Rip off the coupon and send it back to us,

Interfaith Cares & Barb rambles on Barb Blodgett

with a check, of course. I guarantee you will help someone be warmer next winter. What a great feeling.

My granddaughter, Madelyne, mother to Kalea, my amazing great-granddaughter, wrote and gave us the date of Kalea’s baptism. She e-mailed a collective note to the entire family. I especially loved the part where she told her brother that his biker gear would not be appropriate in God’s house. Now you and I know that God accepts almost any mode of dress, but Madelyne does not want to offend Kalea’s grandmother on her father’s side and have her family show up in what she calls inappropriate clothing. I guess she doesn’t care what Denny and I wear, she just said we should be there. Like we would miss an occasion like that.

Oh, how I wish I could show you a picture of her in her Packer outfit or Carhartt jumper. What a darling.

She is only 2 months old, but is already stealing hearts.

Speaking of pictures, I was looking at an old album recently and ran across a picture of my daughter Kelsey. She was about 14 years old and wore her hair parted down the middle so it hung over both eyes. I use to hate that and was glad it was only a phase.

Today she has beautiful auburn hair that is very curly and hangs below her shoulders. I have never seen so much hair on someone. She tried to blow dry it once and ended up looking like the Lion King with a long, auburn mane. Now, why I told you that, I am not sure. It is late and I am beginning to ramble so it is time to shut down and go to bed.

It is always a pleasure to spend time with you, and until next time, think melt. I want the snow to go away. Enough is enough!

Blessings,

Earth

Notes

THANK YOU

Jen Barton

This past holiday season, the residents and visitors at the St. Croix Falls Good Samaritan Home were treated to beautiful Christmas trees designed and provided by local merchants and businessmen.

The Topless Silo

Abrahamson’s

Wildwood Floral

Centuria, WI

St. Croix Falls, WI

Osceola, WI

530472 26Lp

Lake Kountry Inc. Osceola, WI

The residents, staff and auxiliary of the Good Samaritan Home would like to thank the participating businessmen for the beautiful trees!

How to dispose of used oil filters

As mentioned in last week’s Earth Notes it is now illegal to dispose of used oil filters in the landfill. I want to provide options for disposal in the twocounty region to assist with this issue.

The following outlets may be used to properly dispose of oil filters: • O’Reilly Auto Parts has stepped forward as collectors for this material. Not only will most stores take oil filters, but they accept them for free! Stores providing this service are: Siren and Grantsburg.

• The Spooner Recycling Site will accept oil filters for a fee of 50¢ for small vehicle size filters, and $1 for the extra-large equipment filters. The Spooner Recycling Site is located at 1400 S. River St. in Spooner and has an attendant on duty Wednesdays 4-7 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Call Jen for more information at 715-635-2197, or e-mail at jbarton@nwrpc.com.

• The Minong Transfer Station will take oil filters for the same charge as Spooner, call 715-466-2062 for more information.

• The Grantsburg Recycling Site located on Gary Street north of town also accepts oil filters for the same charge as Spooner and Minong.

• Save filters for household hazardous waste collections scheduled for mid-June, August, or September.

If more locations are determined, then updates will be conveyed through this article. Please call Jen with any questions.

Want A Brighter Smile?

Receive a FREE Crest Professional Whitestrips Kit! New Patients Welcome!

Crowns • Bridges Partials • Dentures Fillings • Extractions Root Canals

New adult patients, at their new patient appointment which includes: • Examination • Cleaning • X-Rays , will receive a free Crest Professional Whitestrips kit.

We now haveDIGITAL X-RAYS (very low exposure to X-Ray & no waiting for developing) Emergency patients call before

Open Mondays ‘til 8 p.m. 10 a.m. for same day appointment

The Dallas House St. Croix Falls, WI

Gary Kaefer, D.D.S. Family Dentistry Webster Office

715-866-4204

507637 21a,btfc 32Ltfc

Grantsburg Office

715-463-2882

Anderson: NATO tramples American’s rights

FEBRUARY 16, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 41

to disregard basic democratic safeguards for reporters, it has a chilling effect on objective news reporting.

Fear is a powerful tool.

Members of Congress, civil rights organizations and media groups were quick to react to NATO‘s Jan. 19 rul-

ing.

Rep. Frank R. Wolf, Virginia Republican and a member of the House Appropriations Committee, is calling for “fresh eyes” in dealing with this issue in his Afghanistan-Pakistan Study Group, which will include a bill of rights for journalists.

NATO classifies embedded reporters as “guests.” But unilaterally kicking out reporter guests is “not appropriate,” Mr. Wolf said.

“The fundamental concepts of fair play are just nonexistent over there,” said Lucy Dalglish, executive director of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, a national nonprofit organization that has been assisting journalists since 1970. “They are in control, and that’s it.”

Throwing journalists out of Afghanistan without due process is “not welcomed,” said Ricardo Sandoval, chairman of the International Journalism Committee for the Society of Professional Journalists.

“Anything that impedes the ability of a journalist to do his or her job in a democratic society is something that we take a look at with great concern,” said Mr. Sandoval, who is also an editor at the Sacramento Bee in California. “Something has

gone awry in this situation.”

Last year, 1,669 reporters were embedded in Afghanistan and Iraq; four were expelled. NATO officials in Kabul declined to release this year’s embed figures: “We do not discuss any of that information.”

At the heart of the new NATO opinion is my reporting for The Washington Times on a controversial story involving the killing and wounding of American and Afghan soldiers and civilian contractors in northern Afghanistan.

On July 20, tragedy struck next to Camp Mike Spann, where three victims of an apparent Taliban suicide mission were rushed to the base hospital. I filmed the sad but heroic off-loading of the casualties.

The media ground rules state that journalists are allowed to film war casualties, but showing a “recognizable face” without permission is prohibited.

I pulled together the story, interviewing eyewitnesses and senior NATO and Afghan officials, who told two contrasting views of the event.

The story broke on July 30. And all heck broke loose.

Termination was immediate, with no chance to defend myself, and calls to the regional command for help went unanswered. I was ordered to pack up and was run out of Dodge on the first armored vehicle going to Kabul.

The anger is understandable. The bad news could not have been more ill-timed.

July was the deadliest month for the United States, with 66 lives lost. That month, WikiLeaks revealed 92,000 documents, some exposing civilian Afghan casualties from “friendly fire.” Then a CBS poll showed “62 percent of Americans say the war is going badly.” The ouster of popular Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal also

GRANTSBURG – The third-annual Midwinter Sports Days, set for Friday and Saturday, Feb. 18 and 19, are sure to live up to its theme Winter Fun for Everyone, with many activities and events for the whole family to enjoy.

The weekend fun starts off with an exciting new event, the Mr. Midwinter Sports Day pageant at 7:30 p.m. Friday evening at the Rendezvous Event Center.

Saturday morning begins with the Frigid 5 race/walk with registration 6:30 to 7:45 a.m. at the Lions Pavilion at Memory Lake or preregister at Community Bank and breakfast at the Grantsburg Legion Hall at 8 a.m.

Then the hunt is on for the Midwinter Sports Day medallion with clues posted at Indianhead Credit Union starting at 10 a.m.

Kids can dig for prizes in the kids corn pile at Fiedler Ford’s truck lot at the west end of Main Street at 11:30 p.m. and have fun on the sliding hill at the lake.

Check out the logging competition with a chain-saw-cutting competition, hatchet throwing and two men bucking at noon at T-Dawgs (formerly Woodlands Grill) located in the Gateway Plaza on Hwy. 70.

Catch the race to be the first on the ice for the Squirrels Unlimited Memory Lake ice-fishing contest beginning with a shotgun start at noon on Main Street. Tickets for the ice-fishing contest are available at the Rendezvous and on Memory Lake the day of the contest.

At 1 p.m. there’s more racing fun as lawn mowers take to the ice to see which is the fastest.

Plan to have lunch or a snack on the lake at one of the food and beverage stands available all day.

Warm up playing Bingo at Denny’s Downtown Lanes from 2 to 4 p.m. then feel the chills and see the spills as participants take a Frigid Dip in Memory Lake at 3:30 p.m. - submitted

The United Pioneer Home in Luck held their Valentines Day Party on Monday, Feb. 14. They crowned King Jerry and Queen Myrtle King and Queen of Hearts. The Indianhead Barbershop Quartet stopped by and sang to the residents. The quartet had been around the area singing to several nursing homes and many sweethearts, for Valentine’s Days. - Photos submitted

EAU CLAIRE - The St. Croix Falls Forensics team took fourth place overall in team sweepstakes at the highly competitive Eau Claire North High School tournament this past Saturday, Feb. 12.

Students were competing in their first tournament of the year where there were over 139 entries from several schools in the region. Saint Croix Falls students powered through the tournament with style, earning an additional nine individual placements. Two of the individual placements resulted in category championships.

Event champions were Gabriel Francis in extemporaneous speaking, and freshman Sally Sutton in storytelling. Additional placements were claimed by Ryan Jaremczuk, who placed second in farrago

and also play acting with Lauren Lund.

New team members Dylan Norgard and Cyrus Aluni captured third place in the category of play acting, along with Emily Kessler in storytelling, all three competing in their first Forensics tournament ever.

Veteran Miri Francis placed third in the category of extemporaneous speaking, in her first attempt in the category, while new team member Kirk Baker was successful at picking up fourth place in the same event. Queen Jacobs battled for sixth place in one of the toughest event categories of the day, poetry interpretation.

Next week students will travel to Menomonie to compete in their annual tournament in hopes of claiming some victories. - submitted

Editor’s note: The following story by Wayne Anderson of Frederic appeared in the Feb. 8 issue of the Washington Times. It is reprinted here with permission from the author.

Embedded reporter booted on bogus charges

by Wayne M. Anderson The Washington Times WASHINGTON, D.C. – NATO has stated that the U.S. Constitution and Supreme Court rulings are “not relevant” civil rights protections for American reporters in Afghanistan and expelling journalists from the war without a meaningful hearing is “valid.”

Furthermore, due process is an “undue distraction from the mission,” and giving defendants a fair hearing is too “exhaustive,” according to NATO. This exhaustion is evident in the fact that the war in Afghanistan has been dragging on for 10 years.

These startling findings are found in a newly released opinion issued from NATO Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe.

U.S. Army Col. Gregory Julian, chief of public affairs for SHAPE and Allied Command Operations, together with his team of legal officers, said they looked at the letter and principles of the Constitution and court rulings “thoroughly” and found none of it relevant in the expulsion case of a Washington Times correspondent - the last-known reporter kicked out of Afghanistan.

The administrative ruling has profound consequences for reporters risking their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq. Whenever an international body declares the power

Wayne M. Anderson

Winter fun for everyone at third-annual Midwinter Sports Days in Grantsburg

St. Croix Falls Forensics team wins fourth-place trophy

was still on many minds.

In less than 24 hours after publication, I was charged and convicted at a 15-minute “hearing” held alongside a busy airport terminal. The verdict had been decided long before the trial. It was “Alice in Wonderland Goes to Kabul.”

The official charge was “posting video of wounded personnel,” which is not a crime. Showing identities is. The Washington Times and I respectfully disagree that an identity was shown.

NATO senior commanders cannot say the same, as they never saw the video but ruled it was a violation. Seeing actual evidence also seems “not relevant.”

My 15-page appeal cites 10 examples where the military failed to adhere to the media rules and American rules of fairness. But these democratic ideals fell on deaf ears.

Even if you argue that our Constitution and court opinions are not technically enforceable in Afghanistan, surely their purpose and value should be applied. Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander in Afghanistan, said we must “live our values” there. NATO has overruled Gen. Petraeus.

America deserves better treatment from NATO, considering the price we’re paying. The nation has 98,000 personnel in Afghanistan, far more than any other country. And NATO has the gall to say our values of fair play are not relevant there?

NATO‘s comments were issued from Brussels, but I wonder if NATO is on another planet.

Wayne M. Anderson has been a freelance correspondent for The Washington Times.

More details on the case are available at theandersonreport.com.

UPH celebrates Valentine's Day

PAGE 42 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 16, 2011

Young receives Falls Spirit Award

ST. CROIX FALLS/TAYLORS FALLS The Falls Chamber Board of Directors made a special presentation to Barb Young last Thursday, Feb. 10, awarding her the 2010 Falls Spirit of the Year Award. Young was unable to attend the Falls Chamber Annual Meeting last month when the other four awards were presented at the annual meeting and celebration. She was in Hawaii while the other award winners dealt with belowzero temperatures here.

The Falls Spirit Award is given to someone who advocates promotion of business growth by demonstrating ethical leadership and showing an active interest in the betterment of the business community.

Young is a Taylors Falls resident and noted artist who has been doing charity work for many years. It is for her dedication to the highly popular annual celebration, the Lighting Festival of Taylors Falls, that she has been awarded this honor. Barb has been the primary champion of the Thanksgiving weekend event for 26 years, evolving it into a one-of-akind celebration of small-town life with the spectacular lighting of the village and parade down Bench Street with the Royal Lady of the Village, community groups and of course, Santa Claus.

Warm or cold, snow or clear, people come from miles around to kick off their holiday season with the Lighting Festival’s art and craft fairs, historic home

T h e

Sandy Williams of Falls Chamber presents Barb Young of Taylors Falls with the chamber’s Falls Spirit Award. - Photo submitted

tours, Bingo, celebrations of food and drink and entertainment each year.

“We are grateful for Barb’s generous gifts to the community over the years,” said a news release issued by the Falls Chamber. - from Falls Chamber

L e a d e r

i s

a

Falls Chamber elects new officers

At a meeting of the Falls Chamber Board last week, new officers were elected for 2011. Jerry Boucher will serve as the new president, Bob Kazmierski, vice president, and Ken Moore returns in the role of secretary/treasurer. Shown (L to R) are Moore, Boucher, Executive Director Cindy Stimmler and Kazmierski. New members of the board, Judy Erickson, Craig Lien and John Gerlach, had an orientation session following the meeting at the Taylors Falls City Hall conference room. Other members of the board include Amy Frischmon, Sandy Williams, Bill Hughes and Stimmler. The board will meet regularly on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the chamber office in the historic Baker Building in downtown St. Croix Falls. The Falls Chamber has as its mission to advocate, promote and support business members and the local communities. The new officers and board are eager to fulfill that mission and call upon the business owners or special member organizations who wish to be represented from Taylors Falls and St. Croix Falls to renew their membership or join as this newly formed team moves forward. An exciting year is planned and the office is staffed to assist with questions and referrals to members. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 to 4 p.m. and the phone number is 715-483-3580. - Photo/text submitted

c o o p e r a t i v e - o w n e d

n e w s p a p e r.

Polk County Master Gardeners to meet Feb. 21

Locks of Love donation

POLK COUNTY – The next meeting of the Polk County Master Gardeners is Monday, Feb. 21.

Winter – is it still winter? Well, it is gardening downtime and a good time to become acquainted with a new hobby or craft.

We will be learning the art of dying with ingredients from nature, and we will be learning it from two experts. Our fellow master gardener, Nan Riegel, and her friend will be demonstrating the very unique, very traditional art of creating dyes using ingredients from nature.

This will give us another use for both vegetable and flower garden produce.

This is a wonderful time to learn from

Kasidy Gehrke, Frederic, had 13 inches of her hair cut at Smart Style in St. Croix Falls.

She has been growing it for nine years so she could donate it to Locks of Love. – Photo submitted

someone who has a great deal of knowledge and experience with the creative use of ingredients from nature.

Mark Monday, Feb. 21 on your calendar and come join us for this fun evening.

Everyone is welcome to our meetings and/or the programs which are always open to all at no charge and which are held in the justice center just across the street from the old courthouse in Balsam Lake. Our meetings begin at 6:45 p.m., and our demonstrations will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Any questions, call Jackie at 715-2686130 during the day or evenings at 715268-8786. - submitted

CLIP & SAVE

EVERY MON. Amery Senior Center

EVERY TUES.

• Wii golf, 9 a.m.

Frederic Senior Center • Spades, 1 p.m.

Luck Senior Center Siren Senior Center

• Pokeno, 1 p.m.

• 500, 6:30 p.m.

• Open 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Open 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Cribbage, a.m.

• 500 Cards, 1 p.m.,

• Dining at 5, Every 1st Thursday

• Spades, 1 p.m.,

• Exercise, 10-11 a.m.

• Skip-Bo, 11 a.m.-Noon • 500, 6:30-10 p.m.

• Bridge, 10 a.m.-Noon • Bingo, 1st & 3rd Friday, 1-3 p.m.

• AA Meeting, 7 p.m.

• Senior Monthly Meeting, 3rd Tues.

• Men’s Wii Bowling, 9:30 a.m.

• Dime Bingo, 12:30 p.m.

• Mixed Wii Bowling, 9:30 a.m.

• Dining at Five Every 2nd Thursday, 5 p.m.

• Cards & Pool, 7-9 p.m.

• Ruby’s, Siren, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

• SCF, 1-4 p.m., 715-483-2920

• Frederic, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 715-327-4425 • SCF, 9 a.m.-Noon

• SCF, Noon-6 p.m.

• Ruby’s, Siren, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Frederic, 2-6 p.m.

• SCF, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Siren VFW Aux., 2nd Wed., the hall, 7:30 p.m.

• Frederic Legion Aux. 249 Every 3rd Thurs., Golden Oaks, 7 p.m.

VFW Aux./Legion Aux.

EVERY MON. TOPS

• Good Sam, St. Croix Falls, 5:45 p.m., 715-483-3666

Meat Raffles

• Webster Lioness At Last Call, 6 p.m.

EVERY TUES. EVERY WED. • Webster Chamber At The Tap, 5:30 p.m.

EVERY SAT.

• Pokeno, 1 p.m.

• Dime Bingo, 1 p.m.

715-866-5300

Food Shelf

EVERY FRI.

• Open 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Exercise, 10-11 a.m.

• Skip-Bo, 11 a.m.-Noon • 500 Cards & Dominoes, 12:30-4 p.m.

St. Croix Falls Senior Center

EVERY THURS. Overeaters Anonymous, 6:30 p.m., 715-268-6605

715-349-7810

Webster Senior Center

EVERY WED.

EVERY MON. • First Baptist Church, Webster, 9:30 a.m., 715-349-2332

EVERY THURS. • Cushing Legion At Suzy Q’s, 6:30 p.m.

• Siren Lions At Midtown Tavern, 5 p.m.

• Danbury Fire & Lions Club, Yellow River Saloon, 5:30 p.m.

EVERY TUES. • Luck Senior Center, 5:30 p.m., 715-472-2341 • Balsam Lake Municipal Building, 3:45 p.m., 715-485-3002

EVERY TUES. • Trinity Lutheran Church, Osceola, 8:30 a.m., 715-755-3123

EVERY FRI.

EVERY FRI.

• Fishbowl Sportsmen’s Club At Smitty’s Saloon, 5-7 p.m.

• Snowciables At Thirsty Otter, 6 p.m.

• Grantsburg Legion, 6:30 p.m.

• Sportsmen’s Club, Yellow River Saloon, 5 p.m.

• Webster Lioness At Dreamers, 6:30 p.m.

• Siren Lions At Jed’s Laker Lounge, 5 p.m.

• Lake Country Riders At The Pour House, 5:30 p.m.

• Webster Lions At Gandy Dancer Saloon, 4:30 p.m.

• S.N.O.W.S., West Sweden Skol Haus, 7 p.m.

CLIP & SAVE

• Ruby’s, Siren, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

EVERY WED. • Comforts of Home, Frederic, 5:30 p.m.

EVERY SAT. • YLRA At Yellow Lake Lodge, Webster, 3-5 p.m.

• Siren Lions At Howl at the Moon Saloon, 4 p.m. Proceeds to BC Humane Society thru Jan. 22.

• Wild About Education At Wild Waters, Danbury, 3:30 p.m.

• Frederic, 9 a.m.-Noon

EVERY THURS. • Overeaters Anonymous, Amery Senior Center, 6:30 p.m., 715-268-6605

EVERY SUN. • Wonderland At Yellow Lake Golf Course, 4 p.m.

Luck Winter Carnival

FEBRUARY 16, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 43

20 11

Snowman creators Zach, Isaac and Sam Bibeau (L to R) made the most of a bad snowman day by taking second- and third-place honors. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Photos by Greg Marsten

Snowman sculptor Katie Christensen (left) helped out Dave Robinson and son Abraham,1-1/2, at Fort Luck Park, taking top honors for their creation.

Little Owen Chivers had the best seat in the house - Dadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shoulders - for the torchlight parade and the Saturday, Feb. 12, events.

The Luck ice castle was the crown jewel of the 2011 Winter Carnival.

Luck Winter Carnival Grand Marshal Bruce Plomski (on placards) was everywhere during the parade, and even had a fan club cheering him on.

Grand Marshal Bruce Plomski was having far too much fun in the cold.

The neighboring Frederic royalty seemed to enjoy the parade.

Miss Luck queen pageant

PAGE 44 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 16, 2011

The 2011 Luck Queen’s Court, moments after their crowning on Friday, Feb. 11. Pictured, front row: Little Miss Luck Brooke Hetfeld, Little Princess Gabrielle Engstrand. Back row, (L to R): First Princess Jaimee Buck, Queen Hannah Karl and Second Princess Jillian Peterson. – Photos by Greg Marsten

Many of the Little Miss candidates rode in the torchlight parade together on Saturday.

New Little Miss Luck Brooke Hetfeld (left) and Little Princess Gabrielle Engstrand are introduced to the audience moments after being crowned.

20 11

Miss Luck 2011, Hannah Karl, posed with sponsor Maxwell Heating and Air Conditioning’s congratulatory signboard Saturday night.

Miss Luck 2010 Krystal Ouellette places the crown on 2011 Queen Hannah Karl while Summer Johnson (left) and Miranda Kielty look on.

The 2011 and 2010 Luck Queen’s Court got together for one final shot as a group at the Ice Castle bonfire on Saturday night.

Miss Luck queen talent

FEBRUARY 16, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 45

20 11

ABOVE: The theme for the 2011 Winter Carnival Pageant was “Winter Wonderland,” which included an aptly-themed opening number. Pictured (L to R): Jillian Peterson, Miranda Kielty, Hannah Karl, Summer Johnson and Jaimee Buck.

LEFT: The Little Miss candidates also got into the Winter Wonderland theme, doing a dance to “Frosty the Snowman.”

Candidate Miranda Kielty did a monologue about a very bad date. – Photos by Greg Marsten

530530 26-27L

Candidate Jillian Peterson did an interpretive jazz dance.

Candidate Hannah Karl did a monologue about what she wants to be when she grows up.

500 Full-Color BUSINESS CARDS Premium White 80# Cover Stock Logo, Layout & Typesetting - No Charge Includes 1 proof Prices Good 02/01/11 - 03/31/11 No shipping cost if you pick up at any of our 4 locations.

Inter-County Co-op Publishing Association

303 N. Wisconsin Ave. Frederic, Wis. Candidate Jaimee Buck did a gymnastics-themed jazz Candidate Summer Johnson did a monologue joking about dance. cow tipping, using handmade props.

715-327-4236

24154 State Rd. 35N Siren, Wis.

715-349-2560

107 N. Washington St. St. Croix Falls, Wis.

715-483-9008 11 West 5th Ave. Shell Lake, Wis.

715-468-2314

529776 14-21a-e 25-31r,L

$29.95

Luck Winter Carnival

PAGE 46 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 16, 2011

20 11

Cub Scouts from Pack 147 showed off their homemade fishing rods in the torchlight parade.

Lions Club volunteers swabbed the decks and cleaned the Luck school kitchen after Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pancake breakfast.

Nothing requires more concentration than a good game of Bingo, which went on all day Saturday, Feb. 12, at the Lions/DBS Hall.

Photos by Greg Marsten

You can almost hear their joints scream.

1996 graduate Josh Hetfeld (front) and 1969 grad Ron Petersen go for the same rebound.

The Bone Lake Beavers 4H Club had a pretty comfortable setup for the parade.

530312 26L

The Luck Alumni Basketball Tournament proved to have plenty of solid players.

Luck Spirit Week

FEBRUARY 16, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 47

LUCK – Luck High School students spent last week celebrating Spirit Week 2011. The week was filled with a variety of activities and many students were dressed up in unique and unusual ways.

Monday was Any School (But Luck) Day, Tuesday was Pirate or Multiplicity Day, Wednesday was TV Show Day and Thursday was Class Color and Pattern Day. Finally, Friday was Cliques Day with the freshmen as preppies or little children, the sophomores as superheroes, the juniors in the dress of the nerds and the seniors dressed as the ancient Greeks.

All was not just fun and games this week. In fact, students raised money for the American Cancer Society by purchasing coupons so that they could wear hats and the proceeds of this year’s penny

The money raised during the FFA and FCCLA's Penny Wars was donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The freshman class raised the most money and got to select which faculty member would have the privilege of kissing a calf. That honor went to librarian and freshmen class adviser Lori Nelson. Students were also able to purchase coupons permitting them to wear hats in class and the money raised from this student council fundraiser was donated to the American Cancer Society.

Lindsey Erickson after being pied by Shardae Garcia.

wars will result in a $79 donation to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

During the week, students participated in a wide variety of activities, including volleyball and dodgeball tournaments, snow sculptures, a scavenger hunt, and other class competitions, a talent contest, hall decorating, and a pie auction followed by the “pie-ing” of participants. A Spirit Fest was held on Friday where the class competitions involved eating games, arm wrestling, a belching contest, games of “mental toughness” and “lightning,” and students being duct-taped to the wall. The week concluded with the Class of 2011 (the seniors) being named Luck’s Most Spirited Class for Spirit Week 2011. -

Spirit week results Volleyball Tournament Fourth place – Juniors Third place – Freshmen

Second place – Seniors First place – Sophomores Dodgeball tournament Fourth place – Freshmen Third place – Juniors Second place – Sophomores First place – Seniors Talent contest Seventh place – J. P. Richey (11th grade) – Acrobatics Sixth place – Karsten Petersen (9th grade) – Dunking Fifth place –Kylie Rich (10th grade) – Blindfolded piano playing Fourth place – Camille Marsten – Vocal and guitar solo Third place – Seniors Dancing Crew Second place – Katelyn Dinnies (10th grade) – Vocal solo First place – David Franzel (12th grade) – Saxophone solo Scavenger hunt Fourth place – Sophomores Third place – Juniors Second place – Freshmen First place –Seniors Skits First place – Freshmen Snow sculptures First place – Seniors Hall decorating Fourth place – Freshmen – A salute to “Sesame Street” Third place – Sophomores – A salute to “SpongeBob SquarePants”

Second place – Seniors – A salute to the movie “Monsters, Inc.” First place – Juniors – A salute to the movie “Toy Story” Overall most spirited class Fourth place – Juniors (176 points)

20 11

Senior Cole Mortel eats an entire can of sardines in one sitting to earn points for his class during the scavenger hunt.

Third place – Sophomores (203.5 points) Second place – Freshmen (220 points) First place – Seniors (310.5 points). submitted

Ashlyn Petersen, Hannah Karl, Alix Wilkinson and others prepare some of the pudding “pies” which were sold and used during the Spirit Week Pie Auction. Part of the money raised during the auction was donated to the organization of the students choosing – from their classes, to the FFA and even the American Diabetes Association.

Unity Middle School solo and ensemble at Siren

SIREN – The evening of Tuesday, Feb. 1, found 50 Unity seventh- and eighth-grade band and choir members participating in the annual Wisconsin School Music Association middle school district solo and ensemble contest held this year in Siren.

Aleta Anderson and Dana Paulsen had prepared these students well in the 44

Unity Middle School entries which earned 71 medals in B and C class works. Firstplace ratings were earned by 33 Unity soloists and groups. Eleven groups and solos earned a second-place rating. A great job was done by all of these young musicians. – submitted

Eighthgraders competing were Mikalyla Allison, Billy Anderson, S h a y l a Bates, Briana Colbert, Shallena Davison, Emily Ferg u s o n , Summer Hill, Beth Johnson, Tatum Kline, Carrie Lamachia, Kali Langer, Brian Locke, Eryn Mares, Nicole Paulzine, Hope Peterson, Leslie Peterson, Bailey Soper, James Toland, Danielle Tonnar and Zoe Vondrasek. – Photos submitted

Seventh-graders competing were Danielle Ahlm, Velincya Andrade, Roen Aronson, Leann Claude, Emerson DeHaven, Heather Eames, Gabrielle Foeller, Allison Gross, Nate Heimstead, Nicole Hoverman, Olivia Jensen, Derek Johnson, Alexandra Kreft, Shelby Krueger-Murphy, Rhyley Mattison, Carlie Merrill, Moroca Mishler, Karlie Moening, Emma Moore, Mitchel Morse, Brett Nelson, Kyle Paulson, Matt Peterson, Markie Ramich, Whitney Rock, Freyja Van Der Paardt, Jesse Vlasnik, Matt Volgren, Elijah Vos Benkowski and Hannah Wagner.

Don’t forget the duct tape

PAGE 48 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 16, 2011

by Diane Dryden Register staff reporter SHELL LAKE - If you’ve been following along for the past six years, you will know that February is the annual medical trip to Haiti sponsored by the Full Gospel Church of Shell Lake.

Even though staffers have come and gone, two have remained constant, Dan Slater and Kathie Boissy. She’s a registered nurse and he’s a pastor, and even though they’ve seen many changes in Haiti, the country remains the same, amid the abject poverty there is a nation of people trying to survive as did their parents and their grandparents before them.

“It’s island mentality,” says Boissy.

“These are people who have always lived day-to-day lives, harvesting just what they need to sell or eat for the day and taking little thought for tomorrow. It’s not just Haiti, it’s every island-dweller’s thought process.”

Perhaps that’s what draws tourists by the millions to the Caribbean, the slow

and hypnotic lifestyle.

But add a devastating earthquake last January, followed by a nasty hurricane only months later which brought a cholera epidemic, and you have a population that has been decimated and hosts of families that have been literally torn apart, leaving behind vast numbers of orphans who wander the streets with nothing to eat, no clothes to wear and nowhere to go.

More than 100 patients a day The medical team usually plans to spend at least a week setting up a clinic in the country to see over 100 patients a day.

They’ve delivered babies and pulled teeth and treated wounds including missing limbs. In the past they’ve bought medicines stateside with local doctors contacting pharmaceutical companies and asking for donations. This year, as last year, they are buying the bulk of their medicines in Haiti, praying the political unrest will not hinder their purchases.

This year they will be taking 200 bags of This year the medical team will also be handing out flyers encouraging sanitation to prevent the continuing spread of cholera.

Unity Middle School students place at Bloomer Annual Rope Jump Contest

This year’s medical team of nine will be led, once again, by veterans Pastor Dan Slater and registered nurse Kathy Boissy.- Photos by Diane Dryden

IV fluid to deal with rehydration solutions. They also treat the common dysentery, malaria, typhoid and anemia, and take dewormer for the orphans.

Pastor Yves, their local contact, finds housing for the team as well as somewhere they can set up their clinic. Sometimes it’s at a house, sometimes it’s at a school or a church, anywhere that patients can be seen with a certain amount of privacy and a pharmacy can be set up to dispense the medicines prescribed.

Once the team gets there, long lines form, made up of people who have walked as long as two days to be treated.

This year the clinic will be set up in Desarme, which is a small village about two hours north of where they were last year, Bon Repot. They will also spend at least a day at the school in Bon Repot for the orphans and students, whom they know well.

Their housing accommodations will be primitive and because of that the staff is strongly encouraged to get their shots for typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and to bring malaria pills. Other things on their list of things to bring include personal care items and bedding. They recommend the staff leave the bedding, towels and washcloths behind when they leave, for the locals.

The list There’s a whole list of things they wouldn’t ordinarily need if they were not in Haiti, things like anti-diarrheal medicine and antacids and bug spray and trail mix and even earplugs and duct tape.

“You would be surprised how many times duct tape comes in handy,” Boissy told the group of newbies. “You can repair your shoes with it, seal medicine bags or hang sheets for temporary clinic rooms.

And the earplugs are easy, dogs and roosters find the nighttime the best time to give their unending concerts and without the plugs no one gets any sleep.”

Each year as the team fights the snow and ice of a February flight out of the Minneapolis Airport and hours later arrives in Port-au-Prince with their large sun hats and sunglasses and layers of suntan lotion and bug spray, they see paradise still reeling under their accumulated disasters and political upheavals. This year they will see many of the same sights they saw last year, crumbled buildings still unmoved, tent cities grown immeasurably large along with thin, but brightly clad natives endlessly walking the streets looking for hope and answers and someone to help them and give them aid.

Valentines Day celebrated

Students in Mrs. Bonneville’s second-grade class at St. Croix Falls hold their Valentine’s Day boxes they made and prepare to open cards. – Photos by Tammi Milberg

On Saturday, Jan. 29, three Unity Middle School students competed in the annual rope jump competition held in Bloomer. Leslie Peterson and James Vander Wyst, both eighthgrade students, along with Jarett Davison, a seventh-grade student, made the trip to Bloomer to compete against some of the best rope jumpers in Wisconsin. The three students earned the right to compete in the Bloomer Rope Jump Contest by winning their respective divisions during the Unity Middle School competition. Peterson finished third in the girls Division IV with 40 jumps in 10 seconds. Davison finished third in the boys Division IV with 46 jumps in 10 seconds. Lastly, Vander Wyst finished fourth in the boys Division IV with 44 jumps in 10 seconds. – Photo submitted

St. Croix Falls 4K students from Penny Kammerud’s room celebrated Valentine’s Day with a party.

Luck honor roll and CIA card earners

FEBRUARY 16, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 49

Seniors Karie Bartlett – G, Morgan Denny – G, David Franzel – G, Karissa Giller – G, Devon Nelson – G, Ashlyn Petersen, Tabitha Pilz, Adrian Riedman – G, Sammie Schallenberger, AJ Walsh-Brenizer – G and Kristine Wortman.

Juniors Anthony Aguado – R, Taylar Anderson – G, Michael Jenssen – G, Summer Johnson, Benjamin Kufalk, Caitlin Ledin, Maia Lehmann – G, Morgyn McGinnity – G, Krystal Ouellette – R and Jacob Schrock.

Sophomores Sonja Anton, Evan Armour – G, Jordan Bazey – G, Eric Blaser, Jaimee Buck – R, Katelyn Dinnies – G, Cole Engstrand, Kyle Hunter – R, Taylor Joy – G, Hannah Karl, Brodie Kunze – G, Jackie LaDuke, Geoffrey MaidenMueller – G, Jillian Peterson – R, Logan Potvin, Kylie Rich – G, Alexander Richey – G, Avery Steen – R and Matthew Thompson.

Freshmen Megan Bartylla – R, Haley Dikkers – G, Casey Ekholm – G, Logan Hamack, Jillian Klatt – G, Camille Marsten, Connor McGinnity – G, Travis Muller – G, Isabella Nelson – G, Abbie Otlo – G, Chase Overby, Karsten Petersen – G, Whitney Petersen – G, Brianna Schaar – R and Alicia Sund – G.

Musicians from Luck Middle School recently participated in the district Solos and ensembles contest. The results for these students are listed below:

Class B — First place Chris Feit, vocal solo Jordan Jones, vocal solo Franki Wilkinson, vocal solo Emily Warren and Jamie Preiner, vocal duet Sam Nelson, vocal solo Reilly Giller, vocal solo Sam Nelson and Reilly Giller, vocal duet Kalley Lunsmann and Reilly Giller, vocal duet Kalley Lunsmann, clarinet solo Jenni Holdt, Saxophone solo Jordan Hendrickson, trombone solo and Best in Room Jes Pedersen, trumpet solo Reilly Giller, trumpet solo Class B – Second place Derek Rennicke, vocal colo Kalley Lunsman, vocal solo Angela Gore, Vvocal solo Krystal Zuniga and Olivia Zappa, vocal

Honorable mention Seniors Bryce Amlee – R, Sarah Elert – R, Megan Moore – R, Alec Mortel, Kasey Ouellette – R and Gena Pearson.

Juniors Brett Bartylla, Alysha Dalbec, Julie Franzel – R, Clint Gage, Taylor Hacker, Jessie Harrison, Laurie Jorgenson – R, Morgan Pullin, Natasha Rehbein, Jesse Rennicke – R, Michelle Tomlinson and Hunter Wilson.

Sophomores John Denny, Ashley Dexter – R, Brendan Fenning – R, Gabe Hendrickson – R, Dylan LeMay – R, Leah LeMay, Matt Sanford, Lena Ueke-Foster – R, Cayel Wesenberg and Tim Wortman.

Freshmen Colton Branville – R, Tessa Clemenson – R, Cody Engstrand, Samantha Gore – R, Samantha Harvey – R, Noah Musial – R and Darian Ogilvie –R.

Additional red cards Seniors Logan Hacker, Kyle James, Brady Klatt, Neal Mellon, Jade Schrock, Chris Spencer, Roger Steen and Alex Wilkinson.

Juniors Chad Adams, Tyler Anderson, Brandon Holdt and J.P. Richey.

Isaiah Tretsven.

Freshman

Cardinal cards Senior Connery Johnson.

Juniors Michael Jenssen, Maia Lehmann and Morgyn McGinnity.

Sophomores Evan Armour, Jaimee Buck, John Denny, Hannah Karl and Sydney Wood.

Freshmen Samantha Gore, Samantha Harvey, Jillian Klatt, Noah Musial, Isabella Nelson, Abbie Otlo, Karsten Petersen, Whitney Petersen, Briana Schaar, Dylan Skow and Alicia Sund.

Perfect attendance – 1st quarter Seniors Morgan Denny, Sarah Elert, Karissa Giller, Logan Hacker and Jade Schrock.

Juniors Megan Peppenger and Sydney Wood.

Michael Jenssen.

Freshmen Lucas Christensen and Dylan Skow.

Perfect attendance – 2nd quarter Seniors Morgan Denny, Sarah Elert, Karissa Giller, Logan Hacker, Brady Klatt and Jade Schrock.

2011middle school solo and ensemble results

Junior

Sophomores Evan Armour, Jaimee Buck, John Denny, Hannah Karl.

Freshman Samantha Harvey, Noah Musial, Isabella Nelson, Abbie Otlo, Briana Schaar and Dylan Skow.

duet Angela Gore and Franki Wilkinson, vocal duet

Class C – First place Steven Holdt, vocal solo Reilly Giller, piano solo Steven Holdt, piano solo Jordan Hendrickson and Tanner Nielsen, piano duet Katie Pfaff and Reilly Giller, piano duet Jordan Hendrickson, Steven Holdt and Tanner Nielsen, piano trio Hailey Foeller, flute solo Steven Holdt, saxophone solo Jordan Jones, clarinet solo Angela Gore, trombone solo Derek Hutton, baritone solo Tanner Nielsen, drum set solo Tanner Nielsen and John Dikkers, drum duet Jenni Holdt and Katie Pfaff, saxophone duet Jordan Hendrickson and Derek Hutton, trombone/baritone duet Kerrigan Ekholm and Emily Warren, trumpet duet Jes Pedersen, Reilly Giller and Sam Nel-

Luck Middle School Solo and Ensemble participants – Front row (L to R): Derek Hutton, Derek Rennicke, Kerrigan Ekholm, Jordan Jones, Steven Holdt and Chris Pouliot. Middle row: Sam Nelson, Tanner Nielsen, Katie Pfaff, Hailey Foeller, Reilly Giller, Jes Pedersen, Jordan Hendrickson and John Dikkers. Back row: Emily Warren, Jamie Preiner, Angela Gore, Franki Wilkinson, Alaura Lemieux, Sheridan Hulett and Kalley Lunsmann. Missing: Chris Feit, Jenni Holdt, Olivia Zappa and Krystal Zuniga. – Photo submitted

son, trumpet trio

Class C – Second place Jordan Jones, John Dikkers, Chris

Pouliot and Chris Feit, vocal double duet Alaura Lemieux and Sheridan Hulett, vocal duet. - submitted

WHAT’S FOR LUNCH???

Menu LOCATION

FREDERIC

FEBRUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 25

MONDAY

TUESDAY Muffin.

BREAKFAST

WEDNESDAY Tastries.

BREAKFAST

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

BREAKFAST Omelet and sausage.

LUNCH BBQ chicken wrap, assorted toppings, corn OR chicken strip salad.

BREAKFAST Uncrustable.

LUNCH Hot dog on a bun, Goldfish crackers, raw veggies, dip, fruit cup OR ham salad.

LUNCH Sub sandwich, chips, raw veggies, dip OR Oriental salad.

LUNCH Fish nuggets, tritaters, broccoli, Goldfish graham OR buffalo chicken salad.

NO SCHOOL

LUNCH Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, mixed fruit, apples, oranges, bread basket.

LUNCH Taco salad with fixings, baked rice, refried beans, peas, pineapple, apples, oranges, bread basket.

LUNCH Creamed chicken, biscuit, steamed broccoli, banana, apples, oranges, bread basket.

LUNCH Quesadilla or pizza, sliced carrots, sliced pears, apples, oranges, bread basket.

EARLY RELEASE

LUCK

NO SCHOOL

BREAKFAST Cereal/waffles.

LUNCH Meatballs and gravy, mashed potatoes, peas, fruit sauce. Alt.: Hot dog, 7-12.

BREAKFAST Cereal/donut.

LUNCH Build your own sub, chips, corn, fresh fruit. Alt.: Chicken nuggets, 712.

BREAKFAST Cereal/muffin.

LUNCH Breakfast for lunch, pancakes/omelet/ham, strawberries, fresh veggies, fruit sauce. Alt.: Pizza, 7-12.

BREAKFAST Cereal/cinnamon roll.

LUNCH Chicken noodle soup or tomato soup, grilled cheese, fresh veggies, fresh fruit. Alt.: Chicken patty, 7-12.

SIREN

BREAKFAST Assorted cereal and toast served with peanut butter, juice and milk.

LUNCH Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, lettuce salad, corn, pineapple, mandarin oranges. Alt.: Orangeglaze chicken.

BREAKFAST Mini pancakes, juice and milk.

LUNCH Chicken patty, oven potatoes, coleslaw, green beans, applesauce. Alt.: Lasagna.

BREAKFAST Assorted cereal and toast served with peanut butter, juice and milk.

LUNCH Sloppy joes, Tostitos, shredded lettuce, corn, peaches. Alt.: Turkey and ham sandwich.

BREAKFAST Cook’s choice, juice and milk.

LUNCH Mini corn dogs, fruit, vegetable. Alt.: Cook’s choice.

BREAKFAST Assorted cereal and toast, juice and milk.

NO SCHOOL LUNCH PARENT/TEACHER Pizza dippers, rice, CONFERENCE corn, carrots, celery, pineapple tidbits, banana.

Alt.: Cook’s choice.

BREAKFAST Apple-cinnamon bakes.

LUNCH Cheeseburger, french fries, carrots, pineapple. Alt.: Turkey sandwich, fries.

BREAKFAST Cheese omelet, potatoes, toast.

LUNCH Spaghetti, meat sauce, lettuce salad, garlic toast, broccoli, pears. Alt.: Chicken Alfredo.

BREAKFAST Pancake and sausage.

LUNCH Pork riblets, spicy fries, corn, peaches. Alt.: Sub sandwich, spicy fries.

BREAKFAST Blueberry muffin, fruit cup.

LUNCH Hot dog, baked chips, green beans, applesauce. Alt.: Spicy chicken, Wisconsin cheese soup.

BREAKFAST Breakfast pizza.

LUNCH Grilled cheese, tomato soup, veggies & dip, fresh melon. Alt.: Hot ham and cheese.

NO SCHOOL

BREAKFAST Oatmeal and toast.

LUNCH Pizza calzones and mixed vegetables.

BREAKFAST Belgian waffles.

LUNCH Hot dogs and macaroni & cheese.

BREAKFAST Cheese omelet.

LUNCH Potato bowl (popcorn chicken, potatoes, gravy and corn)

LUNCH Corn dog, baked beans, chips OR cheese soup with veggies, PBJ, applesauce.

LUNCH Hot ham and cheese, bun, carrots OR chop suey hotdish, noodles, egg roll, pears.

LUNCH Hamburger hotdish, bread salad, peaches.

GRANTSBURG Each building will have their own breakfast menu.

ST. CROIX FALLS UNITY WEBSTER

NO SCHOOL

NO SCHOOL PRESIDENTS DAY

stick,

Long john.

BREAKFAST

LUNCH Pizza dippers, sauce and green beans.

LUNCH Pizza, fresh veggies, fresh fruit, Shape-Up.

OBITUARIES

11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

8

$

Counterfeet

Christian comedian Ken Davis once told about his young daughter preparing for a ballet recital. She pulled on a pair of leg warmers as part of her costume. Her dad called them “sox with the feet cut off.”

He told her she should have cut the feet out of a pair of much cheaper sox. He called her expensive leg warmers “counterfeet.”

Though Davis made a joke of his daughter’s “counterfeit” sox, his point was that sometimes we are led to believe a false version of the real thing.

Some natural counterfeits can trick us, like poison mushrooms, poison oak and poison ivy. Manmade fakes such as counterfeit $20 bills are also meant to deceive us. But some manmade counterfeits are beneficial, like false teeth and prosthetic limbs, and wigs.

Others are created for aesthetic or vanity reasons, such as silk flowers that beautifully mimic the real thing. If we look around, we can find many counterfeits both in nature and in the world of human creativity and science.

The devil holds a sack full of counterfeits. He entices us to believe a part of, but not all, biblical truth.

For instance, many are led to think that doing good works will provide them with a ticket to heaven. Others believe they must be more obedient to God’s rules before he will have anything to do with them. Satan also tries to persuade us wrongly that we’re all children of God so we don’t have to follow any rules because we live under “grace.” There is no hell, no consequence for sin, he also says. In fact, he will try any way possible to take the focus off of the truth of Jesus’ death and bodily resurrection as being the only way to salvation.

God’s Word clearly tells us to beware of false teachings. The only way to avoid them is to go to the Word of God and search the truth. “But there were false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them … many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.”

(2 Peter 2:1) Lord, we want to follow you according to your truth, not with “counterfeet.” Give us wisdom from your Word so we can discern what is your truth and what is counterfeit.

Help us also to responsibly share your truth with others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

(Mrs. Bair may be reached at sallybair@gmail.com)

5

$

Adults: • Kids (12 -16): • Under 12: Free Scandinavian-style potato dumplings, served with: Ham, Gelatin Salad, Scandinavian Fruit Soup, Coffee/Milk and Homemade Pie.

Trinity Lutheran Church McKinley 14 miles east of Luck on Hwy. 48.

Cremation Society Of Northwest Wisconsin “Affordable Options For Every Family” Now Serving: Burnett, Polk, Washburn & Surrounding Counties (Crematory Located In Webster, Wis.)

715-349-7200 P.O. Box 408 • 7697 Johnson St. 529961 15a 26L Siren, WI 54872

RUBY’S PANTRY FOOD DISTRIBUTION

LaVone Nielsen

Thursday, February 24 2 p.m.

24534 State Rd. 35/70 North of Siren

Anyone who gets hungry qualifies.

Register 30 minutes before distribution. $15 Cash Donation Bring your own baskets, boxes or carts.

CREMATION CENTER

www.wicremationcenter.com

Polk County’s Only Crematory Milltown, Wisconsin Locally owned and operated by Trained, Licensed Professionals:

Bruce Rowe and Ray Rowe

530468 26L 16d

Sally Bair

Galan John Tone, 75, resident of Luck, died peacefully at home Feb. 8, 2011, surrounded by his family.

He was born on Jan. 20, 1936, in Minneapolis, Minn., to Frank and Florence (Link) Tone. He attended Minneapolis South High School. Galan enlisted in the United States Army in 1954 and served his country proudly for three years.

After his honorable discharge, Galan married Sylvia Mundt on Aug. 2, 1958, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Glenwood City. They lived in Minneapolis for a short time, then moved to Glenwood City and started their family. They had four children: John, Richard, Thomas and Susan. He was employed as a mechanic and worked for the city of Glenwood City for several years.

He was a proud veteran and member of the Luck American Legion. He loved hunting, fishing, riding horses, woodworking, watching wildlife in the yard, and the Minnesota Vikings.

Galan is survived by his children, John of Waterbury, Conn., Tom (Laurie) of Glenwood City and Sue (Kyle) Hubbard of Birchwood; four grandchildren, Heather (George) Wuorenma of Warrens, Mike Neibacher of New Richmond, and Katie and Matt Tone of Glenwood City; two great-granddaughters, Lillian and Sylvia Wuorenma of Warrens; his brother, Ronald of Forest Lake, Minn., nieces and nephews; his companion, Vi Banitt of Luck and her children, Lois (Jack) Christensen of Cushing, Clyde (Sarah) Banitt of North Carolina, Gary (Rose) Banitt of Germany and Sue (Joe) Schommer of Frederic; and Vi’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; toddler son, Richard; and siblings, Lloyd, LeRoy, Jerry, Delores, Arlene and Mary.

A gathering was held Friday, Feb. 11, at the Rowe Funeral Home in Luck. At Galan’s request, there will not be a funeral or memorial service.

Online condolences may be left at www.rowefh.com or www.wicremationcenter.com. Please continue to check the Web sites for updated information or call Bruce Rowe at 715-472-2444.

Services were entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home of Luck and the Northwest Wisconsin Cremation Center in Milltown.

530345 26L

Perspectives

Galan John Tone

529866 14-15ap 25-26Lp

Eternal

PALT DINNER Sunday, Feb. 20, 2011

Call for a free quote or to arrange an in-home visit for preplanning:

Northwest Wisconsin Cremation Center

715-825-5550 Serving Polk, Burnett & St. Croix Counties

THANK YOU from

John I. Jacobson Family

530137 26L

Special thanks to all our many friends and relatives who sent flowers, cards and memorials. We want to thank Pastor Andrea Bobowski; organist Fran McBroom; vocalist Pat Taylor. A special thank-you to Jan Hunter and Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home for providing a wonderful memorial; lunch was provided by the Bethany Lutheran Church Ladies.

Gloria Jacobson, Robin, Debbie, Johnny, Dawn, Alan and all grandchildren and 530336 26Lp great-grandchildren

Funeral services will be held Friday, Feb. 18, 82, for LaVone Nielsen of Amery who died Feb. 14 at United Hospital in St. Paul.

Services will be held at First Lutheran Church in Amery at 11 a.m. Friday. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at the Williamson-White Funeral Home in Amery and one hour prior to services at the church.

To sign/view guestbook visit www.williamsonwhite.com.

Esther P. Anderson

Esther P. Anderson, 98, resident of Milltown, died Monday, Feb, 14, 2011.

She is survived by her children, JoAnne Daniels, Gloria Bjorkman (fiance’ Bob Wrobel), Earl (Mary) Anderson, Edward (Sharon) Anderson, Carol Johnson; daughter-in-law, Charlotte Anderson; son-in-law, Phil Knuf; 29 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren; 19 greatgreat-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Mary Anderson; many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at the Rowe Funeral Home in Luck on Wednesday, Feb. 16 from 4-8 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at the Milltown Lutheran Church in Milltown, WI on Thursday, Feb. 17, 11 a.m.

This service will be preceded by visitation at the church beginning at 10 a.m.

As information is updated it can be found at www.rowefh.com or call Bruce Rowe at 715-472-2444.

Rowe Funeral Home of Luck has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.

EDLING FUNERAL HOME Serving our community since 1903.

Traditional & Cremation Services

David Edling Funeral Director

Grantsburg

St. Croix Falls

530136 26L

CHURCH NEWS

PAGE 50 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 16, 2011

715-463-2994 715-483-3141

OBITUARIES

FEBRUARY 16, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 51

David L. Simonson

David L. Simonson, 68, Blaine, Minn., died Jan. 23, 2011.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Karen Tucker and Marilyn Rutz.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Margaret; sons, Chad (Teri) and Brent; grandchildren, Hailey and Samantha; brother, Loren (Marie); sister, Laurel (Tom) Stusek.

Funeral service was held Friday, Jan. 28, at ThurstonDeShaw Funeral Home in Andover, Minn. Interment was at the Fort Snelling Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Allian Hospice.

The Thurston-DeShaw Funeral Home, Andover, Minn., was entrusted with arrangements.

Jason W. Margl

Jason W. Margl, 31, resident of Frederic, died Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011.

A gathering will be held at the Rowe Funeral Home in Frederic on Friday, Feb. 18, from 4 – 6 p.m.

A complete obituary will be available in the near future.

Online condolences may be left at www.rowefh.com or www.wicremationcenter.com . Please continue to check the Web sites for updated information or call Bruce Rowe at 715-327-4475.

Rowe Funeral Home of Frederic and the Northwest Wisconsin Cremation Center in Milltown have been entrusted with arrangements.

Vadah Christina Orr

Vadah Christina Orr, 96, died Friday, Feb. 4, 2011, in Sierra Vista, Ariz., where she and her daughter Millicent spent the winter months over the last few years.

Vadah was born in 1914 in the Atlas area and attended the Alabama School. Around age 21, she met Hugh Orr and they were married in 1936. They raised their family on a farm in the Trade River area. Vadah worked as a waitress at Jay’s in Grantsburg and was able to earn her GED while doing that. She often told her family about the tips they got. One evening, the three waitresses split seven cents with three cents going to the waitress who had been there the longest. After Hugh and Vadah stopped farming, she went on to become a certified nursing assistant and worked at the extended care facility in Grantsburg. Hugh passed away in 1979.

In 1988, Vadah moved from the farm to a little house in Grantsburg and resided there until 2005. After that, she lived with Janet and her family until early 2007, and then with Millicent until her death.

Vadah was a longtime member of the Trade River Evangelical Free Church and loved serving in different circles, Ladies Aid and the White Cross. She had a heart for people and was always looking for ways to serve others. She was also an active member of the Grantsburg community; going to football games, supporting the schoolkids, and was also a charter member of the Old Settlers Picnic. Vadah also enjoyed gardening and raised beautiful dinner-plate-sized dahlias.

She was preceded in death by parents, Axel and Grace Johnson; husband, Hugh; daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Curtis Hanson; sons-in-law, Gene Olson and Paul Johnson; sisters, Vivian and Vernice; and brothers, Verlyn (aka Bud) and Voyle.

She is survived by son, Jim (Ivette) Orr; daughter, Millicent Johnson; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and many other family and friends.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 12, at Trade River Free Church.

The Edling Funeral Home, Grantsburg, was entrusted with arrangements.

Leonard J. Fossum

Leonard J. Fossum, 85, Webster, died Feb. 13, 2011.

Visitation will be held Thursday, Feb. 17, from 5-8 p.m., at the Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Siren Chapel. Funeral services will be held Friday, Feb. 18, 11 a.m. (visitation 10-11 a.m.) at the Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Siren Chapel. A full obituary will be published at a later date. Online condolences can be made at www.swedberg-taylor.com.

The Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Siren, was entrusted with arrangements.

Hazel Johnson

Hazel Johnson of North Branch, Minn., formerly of Dairyland, died Feb. 13, 2011.

Visitation was held Wednesday, Feb. 16, from 5-8 p.m. at Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Webster. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Feb. 17, at 11 a.m. with visitation from 10-11 a.m. at Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Webster. A full obituary will be published at a later date. Online condolences can be made at www.swedberg-taylor.com.

The Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Webster, was entrusted with arrangements.

Catherine Frances (Jorgensen) Olson

Catherine Frances (Jorgensen) Olson,82, died Feb. 5, 2011, at her daughter’s home.

She was born July 15, 1928, in Luck, to Frances and Carl Jorgensen.

Catherine grew up in Bone Lake, attended Pioneer Grade School, graduated from Luck High School and Polk County Teachers College. She continued her education at the University of Superior and correspondence work from the UW-Madison.

She met Alvin Olson and was married to him on March 24, 1951. They bought a farm in Clam Falls Township and lived there most of their lives.

In addition to raising her youngest brother, Clayton, she had three children, Scott, Robin and Carol. Catherine’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were very important in her life and she did many things with and for them.

She taught school for several years at the Maple Valley School, Lewis and Frederic Schools. Her eyes always lit up when one of her former students would come to see her or when she would talk about them. When Catherine and Alvin retired from farming, she thought she would not be busy enough, so she worked at different jobs in the community for several years.

She appreciated her relatives, friends, and neighbors and liked visiting with them. In recent years she moved from the farm in to Frederic. Watching the Green Bay Packers, Atlanta Braves and the Gaithers were her favorite TV programs. Gardening, reading and studying the Bible were activities she also enjoyed. Catherine was an outstanding cook.

Preceding Catherine in death were her husband, Alvin; parents, Frances and Carl Jorgensen; and grandson, Christopher Olson.

She is survived by her son, Scott (Gale) Olson of Coomer; daughters, Robin Hallanger, Carol (Gary) Mossey of Frederic; seven grandchildren, Jamie Olson and Rachel (Chad) Simon, Rebecca (Denver) Moeller and Cody Hallanger, Katie (Tyler) Salzman, Kevin Mossey, Kendra Mossey; one great-granddaughter, Leigha Elizabeth Olson; and three great-grandsons, Carter, Carson and Isaiah Simon; three brothers, Carlton (Dode) of Olivehurst, Calif., Neal (Darlyne) of The Villages, Fla., and Clayton (Karen) of Grantsburg; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services were held at Clam Falls Lutheran Church on Saturday, Feb. 12, with Pastor Gary Rokenbrodt officiating. Organist was granddaughter Katie Salzman, accompanied by granddaughter Kendra Mossey.

Music was provided by Terri Stoner of Frederic and Milton Johnson of Clam Falls.

Pallbearers were Cody Hallanger, Kevin Mossey, Denver Moeller, Tyler Salzman, Chad Simon, Greg Jorgensen and Jeff Hermann. Honorary pallbearers were Gary Mossey and Catherine’s former school students.

Rowe Funeral Home of Frederic was entrusted with funeral arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.rowefh.com.

Vida Diers

Vida Diers, 88, Balsam Lake, died Friday, Feb. 11, 2011, at the Good Samaritan Center in St. Croix Falls.

Vida was born July 15, 1922, to William Edward Parish and Charlotte “Lottie” (McCracken) Parish in Vernon County.

She enjoyed gardening, bird watching, and loved animals. Vi and her husband Dick took part in rescuing and caring for neglected and misused animals and had a rescue shelter for cats at their home. Vi also was a NASCAR fan (Matt Kenseth was her favorite racer) and a huge Packer fan, and did get to see the Packers win the Super Bowl.

Vida is survived by her children, Debra Diers (Gary) Swanepoel and Loreli Diers; brother, Quintin (Doreen) Parish; brother-in-law, Harold (Joyce) Diers; step-grandson, Matthew Swanepoel.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Milne and James Parish; her sisters, Edna and Lucille Parish; her first husband, Melvin Steinbrink; and husband of 53 years, Richard William Diers.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Vida and her husband Richard on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2 p.m., at the Kolstad Family Funeral Home in Centuria. The family will greet visitors on Sunday from 1 p.m.. until the time of service.

For more information, please contact the Kolstad Family Funeral Home or check their Web site www.kolstadfamilyfuneralhome.com.

The Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria has been entrusted with arrangements.

Ronnie J. Benjamin

Ronnie J. Benjamin, 65, rural Luck, died Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minn.

Ronnie was born on March 27, 1945, in the Pine Lake area, rural Milltown, to Rose (Skinaway) and Joseph Benjamin.

Ronnie worked as an outside maintenance man at the St. Croix Turtle Lake Casino for many years.

He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, harvesting wild rice, playing guitar and the sport of boxing.

He leaves to celebrate his memory, children, Steven Benjamin (Shannon Lowe), Lonnie Benjamin (Jackie Lowe), Lorena Benjamin (Anthony Lowe), Maurice Benjamin (Nicole Wolfsteller); grandchildren, Christina, Christy, Matt, Coty, Lexi, Gabe, Adriel, Shelby, Lyric, Aaliyah; several great-grandchildren; sister, Leona Merrill; stepmother, Clara Beebe; nieces, nephews, cousins and other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marion; daughter, Rhonda Benjamin; son, Richie Merrill; brother, Joseph; and sisters, Betty and Mavis.

Funeral services were held at the Round Lake Community Center on Wednesday, Feb. 16, at 1 p.m. David “Maabin” Merrill will be the speaker.

Ronnie was laid to rest at the Johnstown Township Cemetery following the service. Pallbearers were Russell Merrill Sr., Tom Benjamin, Brandon Merrill, Darryl Skinaway, Kelly Lowe Sr. and Roy Skye. Honorary pallbearers were Dean Bearhart, Jerry Rogers, Travis Buck, Terry Rogers and Thomas Bugg III. To sign the online guest book, please visit www.kolstadfamilyfuneralhome.com.

The Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria has been entrusted with arrangements.

Leonard Wesley Jacobson

Leonard Wesley Jacobson, 85, Fergus Falls, Minn., died Sunday, Feb. 6, 2011, at the Lake Region Hospital.

Leonard was born on Sept. 5, 1925, in Luck, the son of Axel and Dorothy (Peterson) Jacobson. He was baptized and confirmed in the Luck Lutheran Church and graduated from Luck High School in 1944.

Leonard served with the U.S. Army Engineers for two years, was discharged then called back to serve in the Korean War. Leonard and Irene Callander were married on May 12, 1951, in the St. Paul Lutheran Church, St. Paul, Minn. While in the Army, they spent two years in Colorado and after his discharge they moved to Minneapolis, Minn., then Melrose, Minn., and then in 1970 they moved to Fergus Falls, Minn.

Leonard was employed with NATRO Gas Co. of St. Paul for 15 years. Leonard then purchased his own truck, first hauling LP gas for Mid-America Dairy. He then leased his truck with Suburban Gas Co., who he hauled for until his retirement in 1991. He was a longtime member of the Classic Car Club and Leonard also enjoyed hunting.

Leonard is preceded in death by his wife, Irene, and their son, Gerald.

He is survived by sister, Nona Eliason, Fridley, Minn.; niece, Lynn Eliason Andrea, Vadnais Heights, Minn.; nephew, Douglas Eliason, Andover, Minn.; sisters-in-law, Louise (Don) Jacobson, Minneapolis, Minn. and Virginia (Ray) Sward, Grasston, Minn.; brother-in-law, Russell (Donna) Callander, Mora, Minn.; and numerous relatives and friends.

Funeral services were Friday, Feb. 11, at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls, Minn. The Rev. Ken Austin officiated. Military rites were provided by the Memorial Color Guard and Rifle Squad, Harold T. Swenson VFW Post 612, Fergus Falls, Minn.

Condolences: www.GlendeNilson.com.

The Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls, Minn. was entrusted with arrangements.

In Loving Memory Of

Thomas N. Sullivan

Two years have passed since you left us, but you are still in our hearts.

We will always cherish the memory of you, whom we will never forget.

Our hearts aches with sadness, our eyes shed many a tear.

Only God knows how we miss you, at the end of two 530355 26Lp long years.

Wife Clara, Susan, Linda, Sharon, Wayne, Karen

Follow the Leader

CHURCH NEWS

PAGE 52 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 16, 2011

New Year’s resolutions don’t happen overnight

Q: It’s February and I’ve already blown my New Year’s resolution to lose weight. I was really motivated but can’t seem to stick with it. Any advice?

Juli: Truth be told, few of us have been diligent to keep the promises we made to ourselves on Jan. 1. Whether it was to lose weight, stop smoking or to be a better parent, real change is difficult to consistently stay committed to.

One of the greatest barriers to keeping your New Year’s resolution is all-ornothing thinking. In other words, since I ate a pint of ice cream yesterday, I guess the diet will have to wait until next year, or at least next week. Let’s face it ... we all fail to perfectly measure up to our greatest aspirations. The difference between success and failure is really based on whether or not you keep trying, even after you fail. Change doesn’t happen overnight. Research suggests that it takes an average of 66 days to form a new habit.

As you work toward losing weight, keep a couple of things in mind. Set goals that will change your lifestyle, like a healthy eating and exercise plan instead

Jim Daly

Focus on the Family

Juli Slattery

of targeting a number on the scale. Create a form of accountability, whether a friend to work out with or a formal weight loss program. It is much easier to stay committed to your goal when someone is cheering you on. Also, remember that medical or emotional issues can impact weight. You may want to consult your physician or perhaps a counselor if you continue to struggle.

Finally, consider this quote by GK Chesterton, “Anything worth doing is worth doing badly.” In other words, don’t give up just because you haven’t succeeded 100 percent. Even a little progress this year is better than no progress!

••• Q: My husband and I are at our wit’s end with our 6-year-old daughter. She’s determined to challenge our authority and have things her own way. We’d like to think it’s just a stage, but our son

wasn’t anywhere near this difficult when he was 6. What’s going on?

Jim: I think all parents have those times when they feel like they’re fighting a losing battle. No matter how many times we discipline our kids and try to help them make the right choices, the message just doesn’t seem to get through.

My wife, Jean, and I have faced this kind of frustration with our oldest son.

He’s your typical strong-willed child. He sees things in black and white, which is not a bad quality in itself. But he often has trouble respecting authority. Time and again, we have tried to teach him the importance of being respectful. And time and again, he’s had us tearing our hair out! He never seemed to learn his lesson – until, that is, just recently.

Something has changed in our firstborn son. It’s like he’s had a burst of maturity. He’s getting perspective, and it’s clear that he’s beginning to understand that his actions have consequences, both for himself and for those around him.

He’s more respectful of his mom and dad, not to mention his little brother.

Did Jean and I discover some magic formula to bring about this change? No, we’ve just been doing what we’ve always done. But I think that’s the point. If we’re consistent and persistent with our kids when it comes to discipline and bound-

aries, the message is going to get through eventually. There may be conflict along the way, as you’ve discovered with your daughter. But by God’s grace, one day she’ll thank you for your efforts to develop character in her when she was younger. The important thing is that you don’t give up. And above all, make sure she knows you love her.

••• 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:

Faith Fellowship Luck

Church listings sponsored by the following area businesses: BREMER BANK, N.A.

“Your Electric Servant” Serving Polk & Burnett Counties “Use Energy Wisely”

Full-Service Banking Member FDIC Frederic - Danbury - Siren

DAEFFLER’S QUALITY MEATS, INC. Wholesale & Retail Meats Custom Butchering & Processing Phone 715-327-4456

CARLSON-ROWE FUNERAL HOME Frederic, Wis. 715-327-4475

HAULING • Gravel • Sand • Rock • Top Soil • Trackhoe 715-472-2717 Mobile 715-491-1861 1065 290th Ave. Frederic, Wis.

LUCK

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

Corey T. Arnold, Agent Frederic, Wis. Phone 715-327-8076

BEAN’S COUNTRY GRIDDLE Hwys. 35 & 48 Downtown Frederic Phone 715-327-5513

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

BASS LAKE LUMBER

CUSHING COOPERATIVE SOCIETY

• Complete Line of Building Supplies & Lumber • Cabot’s Stains Grantsburg, Wis. 715-488-2471 or 715-327-8766

Complete Lumber & Building Supplies Phone 715-866-4238 Hwy. 35 N. Webster, Wis. Tom & Becky O’Brien, Owners

BURNETT DAIRY CO-OP

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

Feed Mill - Grain Dept.

Cushing, Wis. 715-648-5215

WILD RIVER FLAGS

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

SWEDBERG-TAYLOR FUNERAL HOME Webster, Wis. Phone 715-866-7131

Jerry & Pat Willits 2815 285th Ave. Sterling Township St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 715-488-2729

SIREN OLSEN & SON Your Full-Service Drugstore Siren, Wis. Phone 715-349-2221

D & L FINANCIAL SERVICES

BRUCE’S AUTO REPAIR & TOWING

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.

WHO’S THIS?!

Burnett Community Library

460220 43Ltfc

LUCK LIONS CLUB BINGO NIGHT

Thursday, Feb. 17 5:30 - 8 p.m.

At Luck Lions/DBS Hall BBQs, chips, bars, pop, beer & coffee available.

530358 26L

www.ShercoConstruction.com 30 Years’ Experience

To get updates on

Sharon Jensen

please visit the Caring Bridge Web site: Caringbridge.org, then enter in name: 530461 26Lp

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 Webster

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

530411 26Lp

530473 26Lp

Everyone Welcome

Ice Dam Removal 715-475-9871 651-283-4257

71

Vernon and Margaret Ulick Sunday, Feb. 20, 2011, 2 - 4 p.m.

Golden Oaks Apartments Community Room, Frederic

GOT LEAKS?

He’s Turning on Feb. 29

for

Main Street

CASHCO BUILDING SUPPLIES

Any area business wishing to help sponsor the church listings should contact the Leader at 715-327-4236.

Birthday Open House

No Gifts, Please

CUSHING

530505 26-27Lp 16-17a,dp

STATE FARM INSURANCE COMPANIES

ALPHA

HOPKINS SAND & GRAVEL, INC.

Duane Lindh

INTER-COUNTY CO-OP PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION

WEBSTER

Churches 1/11

NORTHWESTERN WISCONSIN ELECTRIC CO.

FREDERIC

sharonjensen

(All lowercase & all one word)

Thank you all for your thoughts & prayers!

License #20627690

CHURCH ChurchDIRECTORY Directory

FEBRUARY 16, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 53

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 Keith Radiske 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

FRISTAD LUTHERAN - CENTURIA ELCA - 501 Hwy. 35, 715-646-2357, Mel Rau, Pastor Sun. Wor. & Holy Communion - 9:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. - 10:40 a.m.

GEORGETOWN LUTHERAN - ELCA 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

GRACE LUTHERAN - WEST SWEDEN 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

IMMANUEL LUTHERAN - FREDERIC (Missouri Synod) Pastor Jody R. Walter, 715-327-8608 Sun. Schl. - 8:45 a.m.; Service - 10:30 a.m.

Communion - 1st, 3rd & 5th Sun.

LAKESIDE COMMUNITY LUTH. - ELCA 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 a.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.

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.

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

Pastor Carolyn Saunders, 715-463-2624 Worship - 9 a.m.; Sunday School - 10:30 a.m.

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)

DANBURY UNITED METHODIST

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC

CENTRAL UNITED METHODIST GRANTSBURG

OUR REDEEMER LUTHERAN, (LCMS) WEBSTER

Cindy Glocke, Pastor, 715-866-8646 Sunday Worship - 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

HOLY TRINITY UNITED METHODIST

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. 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)

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.

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

WEST DENMARK LUTHERAN

Pastor Dorothy Sandahl, 715-648-5323 or 715-648-5324 Sun. Wor. 9 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 9 a.m.

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

FIRST LUTHERAN - CUSHING

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.

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.

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

Pastors Mike & Linda Rozumalski 1 mi. west of Luck on N, 2478 170th St., Luck Sunday Wor. 10 a.m.; Sunday Schl. 9 a.m.

Fellowship 11 a.m.

WEST IMMANUEL LUTHERAN - ELCA Rev. Rexford D. Brandt 447 180th St., Osceola, 715-294-2936 Sunday Worship 9 a.m.

Communion 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month

YELLOW LAKE LUTHERAN 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

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

SIREN ASSEMBLY OF GOD

Dairyland - Rev. Andrea Wittwer 715-244-3649 Sunday School - 10 a.m.; Worship - 11 a.m.

FULL GOSPEL

Pastor Dan Slaikeu 4 mi. SE of Grantsburg on Williams Rd. Worship 9:30 a.m.

Sunday School 10:30 a.m.

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

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.

Pastor Marlon Mielke, 715-825-3186 Sunday Schl. 9:45 a.m.; Worship 11 a.m., 7 p.m.

OUR LADY OF THE LAKES

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.

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.

WOODLAND WESLEYAN

EVANGELICAL

OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP

ST. ANNE PARISH

WESLEYAN

231 Bluff Drive, 715-247-2435 Services are Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

FIRST BAPTIST - MILLTOWN

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

WESLEYAN

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.

Pastor Kevin Miller Associate Pastor Steve Ward Sunday School - (all ages) - 9:30 a.m.

Church Serv. - 10:45 a.m.

ST. DOMINIC - FREDERIC & IMMACULATE CONCEPTION - GRANTSBURG CATHOLIC MASS SCHEDULE

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.

WOOD RIVER CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

FIRST BAPTIST - FALUN

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.

CHURCH OF CHRIST - WEBSTER

FULL GOSPEL

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.

SACRED HEARTS OF JESUS & MARY

CHURCH OF CHRIST

CHURCH OF CHRIST

Pastor Larry Mederich, 715-294-4332 www.occconnect.org Mtg. @ St. Croix Art Barn; Sun. Serv. - 9 a.m.

Nursery and children church

CHURCH OF ST. JOSEPH

ZION LUTHERAN - MARKVILLE

Pastor Andy McDaniel, 715-327-8402 Sun. Schl. - 9:15 a.m.; Wor. Serv. - 10:15 a.m.; Nursery provided.; www.tradelakebaptistchurch.org

OSCEOLA COMMUNITY CHURCH

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.

ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Pastor Martin Weigand - 715-294-3489 Sun. Schl. 9 a.m.; Adult Bible Class 9:30 a.m.; Worship 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Tim Faust Worship - 11 a.m.; Sun. School - 10 a.m.

Holy Communion - 1st & 3rd Sunday

Pastor Don Wiltshire, 715-640-6400 Centuria - Phone 715-646-2172 Sunday Service: 10 a.m.

131 Broadway St., 715-268-2223; www.fbcamery.org; E-mail: churchoffice@fbcamery.org Pastor Charlie Butt, Lead Pastor; Nick Buda, Assoc. Pastor of Family Ministries Sunday Service: 9 a.m.; All ages Sunday School 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Nursery available

CATHOLIC

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 - EAST FARMINGTON (WELS )

ASSEMBLY

Pastor Jack Starr Wor. - 9 a.m.; Sun. Schl. - during worship hour

TRADE LAKE BAPTIST

FIRST BAPTIST - TAYLORS FALLS, MN

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 Senior Pastors Paul and Sonja Hanson 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

WANT ADS

DONATE VEHICLE Receive $1000 GROCERY COUPON. NOAH’S ARC Support NO KILL Shelters, Research To Advance Veterinary Treatments. Free Towing, TAX DEDUCTIBLE, Non-Runners Accepted 1-866-912-GIVE. (CNOW)

HELP WANTED MISCELLANEOUS

Print Media Buyer-Database Support. Responsible for purchasing print media space, researching and developing effective campaigns by combining various media products. E-mail your response to info@promedmgt. com. (CNOW) STRUCTURE SPECIALIST/INSPECTOR Temp-toHire Position.

National Railroad Bridge Contracting firm is searching for motivated individuals willing to relocate to Madison, WI area to assist our Bridge Inspection Team by collecting information relative to the condition of bridge components. RequireValid DL, HS ments: diploma/equivalent, work outdoors, climb/work at heights, travel approximately 3 weeks per month, experience w/MS Word & Excel. Additional relevant education/climbing experience a plus! Excellent c o m p e n s a t i o n / b e n e fi t s .

E.O.E M/F/D/V. Forward Resumes to: Osmose Railroad Service, Inc. Attn: Engineering Assistant / PO Box 8276 / Madison, WI 53708 (CNOW)

HELP WANTED TRUCK DRIVER

Seeking 10 year or newer 3/4-ton and larger trucks to deliver RVs across the U.S. and Canada! No Force Dispatch! Washes, tolls and permits reimbursed. Ability to gross over $77,000/year.

Apply now! 1-866-764-1601 or www.qualitydriveaway. com. (CNOW) Low cost TRUCK DRIVER training. Immediate OPENINGS with financing available! Great job opportunities after graduation! Join the team today! Millis Transfer.

800-937-0880. (CNOW) Drivers Owner Operators & Company. Flats/Vans. Excellent pay/opportunity. Class A CDL w/at least 2yrs. current exp. Blackhawk Transportation 888-364-9755.

(CNOW) GO REGIONAL NOW! Outstanding MILES; WEEKLY Home Time; TOP Pay & Equipment; 1yr CDL-A experience required. Hazmat & TWIC preferred. EEOE/AAP 8 6 6 - 3 2 2 - 4 0 3 9 www.Drive4Marten.com

MANUFACTURED HOMES

Never used 3 bedroom 14 wides at used prices. Includes kitchen appliances and furniture. Perfect cottages and farm hand homes at Town & Country Housing, Bus. Hwy 53 between Eau Claire & Chippewa Falls (715) 834-1279 www.manufacturedhomeswi. com (CNOW)

Dr. Daniel C. Satterlund

OPTOMETRIST 119 Arlington Drive Amery, Wis.

304 1st St. So., Luck, Wis.

Hours: Tues., Thurs., Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Phone (715) 472-2121

Phone 715-268-2004

Eye health exams, glaucoma checks, foreign body removal, full line of street wear, safety and sport wear, contact lenses

715-463-2370

WEBSTER EYE ASSOCIATES 715-866-4700 SEE US FOR ALL YOUR VISION CARE NEEDS. Exams, Glasses & Contacts, Foreign Body Removal, Treatment of Eye Disease

Robert L. Nelson New York Life Insurance Company Box 313 Luck, Wis. 54853 Phone

715-472-2502

www.stcroixeye.com Mon.-Fri. • 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home Webster, Wisconsin

“Distinctive Funeral Service”

E-edition Every page in color.

Go to www. the-leader.net

Dr. T.L. Christopherson

Family Eye Clinic

GRANTSBURG EYE ASSOCIATES

MISCELLANEOUS

Place a 25 word classified ad in over 180 newspapers in Wisconsin for only $300.

Find out more by calling 800227-7636 or this newspaper. www.cnaads.com (CNOW)

NEW YORK LIFE

Daily: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

INTER-COUNTY COOPERATIVE PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION • Frederic, 715-327-4236 • Siren, 715-349-2560

• Shell Lake, 715-468-2314 • St. Croix Falls 715-483-9008

Visit The Leader’s Web Site:

www.the-leader.net

C & J MINI STORAGE

• 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

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

NIGHT Family Fun Night Crex Convention Center Grantsburg, WI

Sunday, Feb. 20, 2011 5 - 8 p.m.

Fun for the whole family. Kids welcomed to play when accompanied by an adult.

75% Payback and Prizes To Win $1 Per Card Food available for purchase from T-Dawgs.

This monthly event will be at the Crex Convention Center in Grantsburg on the 3rd Sunday of every month.

Sponsored by Restorative Justice of Northwest Wisconsin, Inc.

Milltown, WI

25.00 35.00 $ 10x16.............. 40.00 $ 10x20.............. 45.00 $ 10x24.............. 50.00 $ 10x40.............. 90.00 $

5x10................

$

10x10..............

Call 1-800-919-1195 or 715-825-2335 & 715-646-2777 445914 eves.

9a,dtfc 20Ltfc

Longaberger Basket Bingo Sunday, February 27, 2011, 1 p.m.

Northwoods Crossing Event Center

THANK YOU... to those who planned, worked, attended and/or contributed to my benefit.

I am humbled and honored by your outpouring of love.

At the stoplights in Siren, WI

Tickets $20 • Special bingos & raffle extra 20 Regular Games • 5 Special Bingos Tickets available at the door, day of event.

Must play regular games to be eligible for special games.

Money raised will be donated to American Cancer Society for the Burnett County Relay For Life.

• Food & beverages available for purchase from Rumors Bar & Grill • For more info. call Sandy Eng at 715-327-4431 Sponsored by the Burnett County Sentinel. The Pink Ladies, Northwoods Crossing Event Center & Rumors Bar & Grill 530075 15-16ap 26-27Lp

Lois Hemingway 530474 26Lp

Date: Two Nights Friday, February 18 (DRAWING AFTER SHOW

FOR SIGNED FENDER STRATOCASTER GUITAR)

AUSTIN LAKE GREENHOUSE & FLOWER SHOP

• Commercial Printing • Office Supplies • Daily UPS Pickup • Fax & Copy Service See us for all your printing needs.

• Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley, 715-684-4440, www.frcscv.org.

• Farm Crisis, information, 800-9422472.

• Gam-Anon, 715-268-6829, Joan.

• Gamblers Anonymous, Amery - 715268-6829, Mark; Cameron - 715-2343301.

• MOPS for moms and their preschoolers, www.mops.org, 715-5541220, • Multiple Sclerosis support group, Amery area, 715-268-9126 or 715-282361.

• Parent-to-Parent Coalition, parents of children with disabilities or special needs, 715-472-2002.

• Pregnant? Free help. Osceola Life Care Center, 715-755-2229.

• Student Assistance Program, Amery School District, personal or family problems, 715-268-0303, 715-268-0214.

• TEENCARE help line, 800-491-8336 or 715-235-8882.

• Basic Education for Adults, job center, Balsam Lake, 715-485-3115.

Saturday, February 19 (DRAWING AFTER SHOW

FOR SIGNED FENDER STRATOCASTER GUITAR)

(Tickets Available at Legion, $5 for 1, 3 for $10, 7 for $20)

Time: 8 to Midnight

$50 Cash Prize For Best Dressed Person ‘50s - ‘60s Costume The Whitesidewalls have played with a number of notable artists including: The Drifters, Del Shannon, Bobby Vee, Bo Diddley, Niki Sullivan, Little Anthony, The Crickets, Rick Nelson, Wolfman Jack, Carl Perkins, Buddy Knox, Jimmy Clanton, Tommy Roe, Freddy Cannon, Jason D. Williams and The Coasters.

Proceeds Go To Postage For Veterans Program

AT THE LODGE 24226 1st Ave. No. Siren, WI Local Movie Line 715-349-8888 Timbers1@starwire.net

UNKNOWN

SHOW TIMES FOR FRI., FEB. 18 THRU THURS., FEB. 24 Rated PG-13, 113 Minutes.

Fri.-Sat.: 1:00, 3:30, 6:00 & 8:30 p.m.

Sun.: 1:00, 3:30 & 6:00 p.m.

Mon.-Thurs.: 5:00 & 7:15 p.m.

1ST-ANNUAL INDOOR FISHING CONTEST

I AM NUMBER FOUR

Saturday February 19, 2011

Rated PG-13, 110 Minutes.

Fri.-Sat.: 1:00, 3:30, 6:00 & 8:30 p.m.

Sun.: 1:00, 3:30 & 6:00 p.m.

Mon.-Thurs.: 5:00 & 7:15 p.m.

JUST GO WITH IT Rated PG-13, 116 Minutes.

Fri.-Sat.: 1:00, 3:30, 6:00 & 8:30 p.m.

Sun.: 1:00, 3:30 & 6:00 p.m.

Mon.-Thurs.: 5:00 & 7:15 p.m.

GNOMEO & JULIET

Rated G, 84 Minutes.

Fri.-Sat.: 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, 7:00 & 9:00 p.m.

Sun.: 1:00, 3:00, 5:00 & 7:00 p.m.

Mon.-Thurs.: 5:00 & 7:00 p.m.

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

Noon till 6 p.m.

Come in and warm up, have a drink, catch a fish in a great, comfortable environment.

4 fish categories. Great Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each class.

Also Drawing For $25 Gift Card To The Drive-In, Grantsburg.

Drawing available to all those who participate.

Participate in fishing contest. Stay warm and dry.

Brask-Fossum-Janke American Legion

www.grantsburgamericanlegion.org

530356 26L 16a

AUTOMOBILE DONATION

WE HAVE PARTS for tractors, combines, machinery, hay equipment and more.

Used, new, rebuilt, aftermarket. Downing Tractor Parts, Downing, Wis., www. as877-530apagparts.com 1010. 32Ltfc PUBLIC AUCTION, Monday, Feb. 14, 2011, Balsam Lake Mini Storage, Balsam Lake, WI, 800-236-3072, 8:30 a.m.

Personal effects, household goods and misc. items belonging to the following: Ashley Hull, No. 20. 24-25Lc PUBLIC AUCTION, Monday, Feb. 14, 2011, Luck Mini Storage, Luck, WI, 800-2363072, 11:45 a.m. Personal effects, household goods and misc. items belonging to the following: Keith Bartlett, No. 28. 24-25Lc PUBLIC AUCTION, Monday, Feb. 14, 2011, Siren Mini Storage, Siren, WI, 800-2363072, 1:15 p.m. Personal effects, household goods and misc. items belonging to the following: Tammy Arendt, No. 53. 24-25Lc

SUPPORT SUPPORT GROUPS AND GROUPS AND RESOURCES RESOURCES

530056 15-16a 26L

PAGE 54 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 16, 2011

(just east of Memory Lake) • 715-463-5724 530488 26L Open to the public

Students of the Week GRANTSBURG

FREDERIC

Cassidy Chenal has been chosen Frederic Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in fifth grade and the daughter of Teri and Rick Chenal. Cassidy has shown great maturity and a positive attitude. She excels in all her academic subjects. Her favorite subject is social studies. In her free time, Cassidy enjoys reading and playing sports. She is a joy to have in the classroom.

Congratulations students on a job well done!

Rhiannan Schafer has been chosen Grantsburg Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in third grade and the daughter of Jennifer Schafer and James Schafer. Rhiannan is always prepared for class and eager to learn.

She has grown greatly in her reading and is a hard worker. Rhiannan enjoys math, reading and playing sports in gym. She loves drawing in art and enjoys drawing horses, dogs and wolves. Rhiannan loves to play soccer and watching TV.

Larissa Succo has been chosen Luck Middle School’s student of the week. She is in seventh grade and the daughter of Nicole Succo and Todd Succo. Larissa is a polite student who always has a smile on her face. She is involved in volleyball and babysits. Larissa enjoys picking rocks, seeing her cousins and spending time with her family.

Landen Strilzuk has been chosen Luck High School’s student of the week. He is a senior and the son of Steve and Alicia Strilzuk. He has a great personality and can always make you laugh. Landen is involved in newspaper and yearbook staff, the Cardinal Intelligence Agency, football, track and boxing. He was recently chosen to play in the Shrine Bowl next summer. Landen enjoys fishing, hunting, working out and cooking.

He plans to attend UW-Eau Claire.

Josie Nichols has been chosen St. Croix Falls Elementary School’s student of the week.

She is in kindergarten and the daughter of Bob and Mary Nichols. Josie’s favorite thing about school is that she gets to see her nice teacher every day.

At home she enjoys painting pictures and baking with her family.

Josie is a caring and enthusiastic student. Josie has a big brother named Sam.

Casi Peterson has been chosen St. Croix Falls Middle School’s student of the week. She is in sixth grade and the daughter of Lynelle and Mark. Casi is a wonderful girl who is hardworking and creative. She is involved in Forensics because it is fun to compete.

Her favorite subject is social studies because you can learn about the past and everything in between. Casi is not afraid of a challenge and her smile lights up a room.

Jake Sommer has been chosen St. Croix Falls High School’s student of the week. He is a sophomore and the son of Scott and Michelle Sommer. Jake likes to hunt, ice fish, go dirt biking and four-wheeling and all things outdoors. He is involved in football and baseball. Jake has an older brother, Tony and a sister, Angie.

WEBSTER

SIREN

Keep up the hard work!

Jadde Simmons has been chosen Grantsburg High School’s student of the week. She is a senior and the daughter of Carrie Pearson and Michael Pearson. Jadde is always patient and kind when working with others. The work ethic she exhibits sets an example for others. Jadde is involved in Japanese Club. She enjoys drawing, writing, singing, dancing, poetry, Japanese culture, language and cartoons. Jadde is deciding between culinary, cosmetology and tattoo artistry for a career.

ST. CROIX FALLS

LUCK

Olivia Walters has been chosen Luck Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in kindergarten and the daughter of Todd and Renette Walters. Olivia’s favorite activities in school are art, computer and making projects.

Outside of school she enjoys spending time with her family.

Olivia is very helpful and an excellent student.

Jordyn McKenzie has been chosen Grantsburg Middle School’s student of the week.

She is in sixth grade and the daughter of Jim and Julie McKenzie. Jordyn is a great student who works very hard and is kind to others. She is a positive leader in her class and school.

Jordyn’s favorite class is social studies. She also loves sports and is active in volleyball, basketball and softball.

Nathaniel Larson has been chosen Siren High School’s student of the week. He keeps a great balance between his curricular and extracurricular responsibilities. He is president of the local NHS chapter, a member of the Blizzard Hockey and the track team. Nate is a leader on the field, on the ice and in the classroom. His current plans are to attend either Marquette University or the Milwaukee School of Engineering.

Terrance Spears has been chosen Webster Elementary School’s student of the week. He is the son of Kate Harasyn and Bryan Spears. Terrance is a very diligent worker. In school he likes to read and do cursive handwriting. Outside of school he likes to wrestle, hunt, fish and play outside. Terrance always is willing to try anything with a smile.

Sean Martinez has been chosen Webster Middle School’s student of the week. He is in eighth grade and the son of Patrick and Tracey Martinez. Sean has great manners and is very respectful. He is very quiet and focused and gets good grades. Sean is involved in soccer, basketball, football and track. He enjoys reading.

Erik Larson has been chosen Webster High School’s student of the week. He is a freshman and the son of Brian and Leslie Larson. Erik is a fun-loving student who works hard and participates well in class. He has a great sense of humor and enjoys learning. Erik is a positive role model and is always in a good mood. He enjoys hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and four-wheeling.

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

Joshua Davis has been chosen Unity Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in second grade and the son of Lisa Heinz and Adrian Davis. Joshua is a good student who works very hard at his academics. He is a good friend to his classmates.

Joshua is very interested in science and challenges himself to research and learn new things.

He takes part in wrestling and snow boarding.

Marcus Qualle has been chosen Unity Middle School’s student of the week. He is in seventh grade and the son of Brian and Barbara Qualle. Marcus is a hard worker and has great enthusiasm. He is very kind to everyone and has a good sense of humor.

Michael Jones has been chosen Unity High School’s student of the week. He is a sophomore and the son of Jeremy and Emily Jones.

Michael’s favorite class is math and he is an asset to class discussions. He enjoys playing football and keeps busy working for Lakes Services Unlimited. In his spare time, he can be found out in the woods camping. Michael’s future plans are to continue his education to become a mechanic.

PAGE 56 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - FEBRUARY 16, 2011

Coming events

Happenings in the Upper St. Croix Valley communities

SUNDAY/20

Every Day, AA &/or AlAnon, Polk & Burnett counties, 715-931-8262 for time/location. Amery area, 715-268-8431.

Clam Falls

Every Monday

• South Fork Sporting Club ice-fishing contest on the flowage, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Indianhead Barbershop Chorus meets at the Balsam Lake Government Center, 7:30 p.m., 715-4839202.

• Divorce care support group at Apple River Community Church, 7 p.m., 715-268-8360, 715-268-2176.

• Baby and Me class at Amery Medical Center, 1-2 p.m.

• Grief Share support group at Centennial Hall, Amery, 715-268-2176 or 715-268-8360.

Clayton • Ice-fishing contest on Lake Magnor, 1-4 p.m.

Grantsburg • Bingo at Crex Convention Center, sponsored by Restorative Justice, 5 p.m.

McKinley

Every Tuesday • Bingo at the Burnett County Moose Lodge, Siren, 6

• Palt dinner at Trinity Lutheran Church, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

p.m.

Survivors of domestic violence & sexual assault support group, Polk County, 800-261-7233 for location, 6-7:30 p.m.

Anger management group at Amery Regional Medical Center, 6:30-8:30 p.m., 715-268-4094.

• Chili feed at the senior center, followed by games 12:30 p.m., 715-483-1901.

• American Legion Post 143 Sunday breakfast, 8 a.m.noon.

• •

St. Croix Falls

MONDAY/21 Balsam Lake

Every Thursday • Breastfeeding support group at the St. Croix Re•

• Polk County Master Gardeners meeting at the justice center. Meeting 6:45 p.m., dying demo 7:30 p.m., 715-2686130, 715-268-8786.

• Polk County Sportsmen’s Club meeting, 7 p.m.

gional Medical Center, 2-3:30 p.m., 715-483-0431.

Narcotics Anonymous meets at the Serenity House (old jail), Balsam Lake, 7 p.m., 612-205-2321.

Siren

Every Friday, Moms In Touch International, First

• Fourth of four sessions of Farming for Profit Hay Series at the government center, 6-8:30 p.m., 715-635-3506, 800-528-1914.

Baptist, Amery, 8:15 a.m., 715-268-5408.

TUESDAY/22

FEBRUARY

THURS.-SAT./17-19

Amery

• Tax aides at the senior center, 9 a.m.-noon, 715-2687884.

Frederic

• Book and bake sale at the library. Thurs.-Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

THURSDAY/17 Luck

• Lions Club Bingo night at Luck Lions/DBS Hall, 5:308 p.m.

• American Legion & Auxiliary meeting at the village hall, 7 p.m.

St. Croix Falls • Kathryn Nesgoda Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund spaghetti dinner fundraiser at the American Legion, 2-8 p.m.

FRI. & SAT./18 & 19 Grantsburg

FRIDAY/18

• Midwinter Sports Days.

Perfect Day for a snowman. Dawson, 11, Luke, 8, and Avery, 5, Flaherty took advantage of Sunday's sun, Feb. 13, by decorating their snowman with food coloring and candy sprinkles.

– Photo submitted

Grantsburg

Grantsburg

• Snowshoe hike at Crex Meadows, 6 p.m., 715-4632739.

• Family and Friends Fun Day at Hopes Journey Retreat, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 651-270-0549 or 715-483-3466.

• Indoor fishing contest at the Legion, noon-6 p.m., 715463-5724.

Milltown • VFW Post 6856 fish fry, 4:30-7 p.m.

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

Spooner • Forest Health Update, second of three Northern Safari seminars, at the Ag station, 10:30 a.m.-noon, 715635-3506, 800-528-1914.

St. Croix Falls

Luck • Wrestling Club ice-fishing tournament at west landing on Big Round Lake, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Osceola • Big Chill Fest, games, tournies, run, sleigh rides, parade, etc. 715-294-2164, BigChillFest.com.

Rice Lake • Info on filling out FAFSA at UW-BC, 2 p.m.

Frederic

SATURDAY/19 A&H

St. Croix Falls

• Ladies Morning Retreat at Crosswalk Community Church, 9:15-11:15 a.m.

• Chicken BBQ and raffle for Lakes & Pines Sno-Trails, noon-4 p.m.

• Variety show, “I Love the Way You Talk to Chickens,” at the Festival Theatre, 7:30 p.m., 888-887-6002.

Dresser

• Free movie night at the library, 7:30 p.m., 715-483-1777.

• Moonlight Madness concert at Trollhaugen, www.couragecenter.org.

Electronic File or Scan Your Copy Prices Good 02/01/11-03/31/11 Frederic Office Only Shuttle Service Available To and From Our Other Offices. Please Allow Extra Time For This.

39¢ each

Inter-County Co-op Publishing Association

715-349-2560

715-468-2314

715-327-4236

24154 State Rd. 35N Siren, Wis.

715-483-9008 11 West 5th Ave. Shell Lake, Wis.

529774 14-21a-e 25-31r,L

minimum of 10 • 2-sided 59¢ each 107 N. Washington St. St. Croix Falls, Wis.

Siren • Food and Friends community dinner at Siren Covenant Church, 5-6 p.m.

• Burnett County Republican Party will meet at 7 p.m. in Room 162 in the government center.

• Webster Ravishing Ruby Red Hat luncheon at Howl’n at the Moon Saloon, noon.

St. Croix Falls • Alzheimer’s support group at the medical center, 1-3 p.m., 715-483-0431.

• Open Arms free meal & fellowship at the Alliance Church of the Valley, 5-6:30 p.m., 715-483-1100.

WEDNESDAY/23 Balsam Lake

• Unity Eagle Booster Club meeting in the Unity elementary conference room, 6:30 p.m.

Webster • Wisconsin Job Center - Local Veterans Employment Representative at the Indianhead Thrift Shop, 9-11:30 a.m.

"The Little Prince" debuts at Festival Theatre

8-1/2 x 11 Color Copies

303 N. Wisconsin Ave. Frederic, Wis.

Siren • Spaghetti dinner benefit for Kayleen Krahler at Lakeview Event Center, 5:30-11 p.m.

Balsam Lake • Polk County Alzheimer’s support group at social services building, 715-483-3133.

ST. CROIX FALLS - Busick is back. That’s great news for the hundreds of people who saw Josh Busick perform at Festival Theatre over the last three years.

First he was a cowardly samurai warrior in “Ama and the White Crane.” Then he captured the eccentricity of Dr. Einstein in “Arsenic and Old Lace.” However, audiences haven’t seen Busick on stage since he played multiple roles in “The Wind in the Willows” and now they’ll have the chance for four performances of “The Little Prince” between Feb. 22 and March 6.

“Josh is one of the funniest and most sincere actors I have ever met,” said Danette Olsen, director of Festival Theatre. “It’s easy to compare the command of his very flexible face to Jim Carrey, but the truth is that Josh has mastered a subtle control of his face and body that is incredibly artful. It’s going to be a blast to have him perform in our lower level space!”

Busick has created his own telling of the famous story of “The Little Prince” by French aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupery. It is a one-man show told in one act and Busick has created it with children and families in mind.

Clearly, he has become extremely connected to this famous piece of literature which was written in 1943 and has since been translated into 190 languages, selling over 200 million copies, making it one of the best selling books of all time.

Busick’s adaptation for the stage is charming, honest, and deeply rooted in the Saint-Exupery’s message that “one Josh Busick as sees clearly only with the Sukeroku in “Ama and The heart; what is essential is invisWhite Crane.” - Photos sub- ible to the eye.” His staging is mitted simple and direct, funny and

Josh Busick as the train conductor in “Wind in the Willows.”

touching, and overall, it is just right for adults and children who want a theater outing that is positive and fun.

Festival Theatre will host “The Little Prince” in the Elbow Room (the street level space formerly occupied by the St. Croix Falls Public Library).

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for youth and are on sale now; seating is limited in the Elbow Room. Performance dates and times are Feb. 22, 24, and March at 6:30 p.m. and March 6 at 4 p.m.

For more information or to order tickets go online to festivaltheatre.org or call the box office at 715-438-3387.

Festival Theatre is located at 210 N. Washington St. in historic downtown St. Croix Josh Busick as Dr. Einstein in Falls. - from Festival Theatre “Arsenic and Old Lace.”

FEBRUARY 16, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 57

Luck Winter Carnival

20 11

The ice castle was lit up in many colors.

The lone John Deere in the radar runs also proved to be a ringer, winning its class.

The vintage snowmobile radar run on Big Butternut Lake Saturday, Feb. 12, brought all sorts of rare, cool machinery out. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Photos by Greg Marsten

Edna Lawson served up some tasty apple pie a la mode at the Luck Senior Center on Saturday, during Luckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winter carnival.

Sarah Cook considers a book from the Luck Library sale on Saturday.

The Luck Senior Center pie and ice-cream social was just that, with lots of socializing to accompany the pie and ice cream.

Luck EMTs, ambulance crew and emergency workers served up lots of vittles at the DBS Bingo Hall Saturday.

This group was winning at Bingo so often their table began to cave in.