May 12

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Leader

W E D N E S D AY M AY 1 2 , 2 0 1 0 • V O L U M E 7 7 • N O . 3 8 • 2 S E C T I O N S • S E C T I O N A

INTER-COUNTY

W E E K E N D W AT CH • Citizen of Year banquet @ Frederic • Art and music show @ Luck • Gem and mineral swap meet @ Danbury • Car club potluck and cruise @ Lewis • Family fishing contest at Siren • Wild walks (birds, wildflowers) @ SCFalls See Coming events, stories

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Sheriff Moore won’t seek re-election Cites health issues and hostile campaigns as reasons Page 3

Law removes mutual assistance barriers

Emily Byerly is new Rodeo queen Currents, back page

Strolling for the cure

New legislation gives tribal police equal rights to assist other departments Page 13

Sen. Lassa announces candidacy

Seeks Congressmans Obey’s seat Page 2

Sharing the harvest

Currents feature

Politics leads to road sign damage

Stickers placed on 200 street signs Page 3

More file for Polk offices Local war hero honored Page 25

SPORTS

Hoff, Collins register for fall election Page 3

Local crime feature to air May 21 “Main Street

Mysteries” to look at 1991 Brenizer murders Page 5

Grantsburg makes it 40 straight See sports front page

Staff reductions outlined at Unity Schools New science curriculum approved Page 12

Looking for a passenger, this young man was one of more than 200 participants in last Saturday’s American Cancer Society Run/Walk at Frederic. Despite snow and a frosty wind, there was a large turnout that produced the second highest fundraising total in the event’s 15-year history. The community of Luck has held such an event for just as many years and drew more than 150 participants on Saturday. See Currents for more photos and stories. - Photo by Gary King

Congressman: “I’m bone tired”

After more than four decades representing us in Congress, Dave Obey announces he’s done, changing the local and national political landscape

by Gary King WASHINGTON - At a news conference last week, Congressman Dave Obey paused at the podium before reading his statement, smiled broadly, and introduced his wife, Joan, calling her the “happiest woman in Wisconsin.” The comment may have been the final puzzle piece for those in the room still wondering why the news conference had been called. It was then made clear the congressman’s wife would soon have him home for dinner on a regular basis. After 48 years of political life Dave Obey nearly 42 of those as the Congressman from District 7 - more time with family and friends eclipsed any political agenda. Obey, 71, is stepping down at a time when his seniority makes him one of the most powerful men in the United States government - the third most senior member of the House and head of the powerful appropriations commit-

tee. Not to mention his access to the president as a party leader and valued advisor. But status didn’t seem to hold any special allure on this day. “I’m bone tired,” Obey said during a 40minute statement which outlined his triumphs on Capitol Hill - and his frustrations. “I don’t know what I’ll do next,” he said. “All

See Congressman, page 2

His impact Obey brought big federal dollars to the 7th District by Gary King NORTHWEST WISCONSIN - Money, and how it’s spent, is often at the crux of political differences. But there’s little argument that during Congressman Dave Obey’s 40-year tenure, he played a role in bringing a substantial amount of money - millions, probably billions of dollars - to the 7th District - including Burnett and Polk counties. Congressman Obey’s office compiled examples of his accomplishments, breaking them down into nine categories: jobs and economic development, community development (sewer and water systems), transportation projects, education, environment,

See Impact, page 3

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