NOV 30

Santa heading for the Forts

Wedding wished upon comes true Currents feature

A fi fin nal act of love Currents, page 12

Currents, page 9

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WED., NOV. 30, 2011 VOL. 79 • NO. 15 • 2 SECTIONS •

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Landlocked

In tune with the holiday spirit

Landowners request driveway permit; SCF council denies; asks for voluntary agreement PAGE 3

3 open seats Filing starts for Polk County Board PAGE 28

Armed robbery trial moves ahead Matthew O. Hoff Jr. before a jury for 2010 Amery grocery store incident PAGE 3

Village employees take a $25,000 drop in compensation Grantsburg pool needs $35,000 in donations to open PAGE 7

Kayak outing fatal Rural Cleak Lake man drowns in Shell Lake PAGE 2

Warren White, Dean Peterson, Suzie Lindgren and Henry Klein provided holiday sounds at the Drive In restaurant after the Taylors Falls Lighting Festival parade held Friday, Nov. 25. More photos in Currents section. - Photo by Garth Olson

Rising to the top Governor’s new policy director has local roots

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer AMERY – She arguably has one of the most interesting, exciting political jobs in Madison, serving as Gov. Scott Walker’s policy director, but Kimber Liedl says it was not a job she ever saw herself in, years ago at Amery High School.

“For me, politics was never a career plan,” she said. “It kind of just sort of happened. It just sort of found me!”

As you’ll see, Liedl’s path would hardly suggest where she would ultimate end up. Like those famous cartoons that show where the kids go on their way to school - detours have become a critical element in her notable rise to the top.

Yes, her jobs seem to have found her as much as she found them. For good reason.

Her duties

Basketball season gets under way See SPORTS INSIDE THIS SECTION

As the governor’s policy director, she oversees the development and implementation of policy initiatives for the governor. She has a team of seven policy advisors, and they all work with the Legislature, state departments, stakeholders, and sometimes other states on various initiatives. They coordinate with the chief of staff and deputy chief of staff to develop the governor’s policy initiatives, monitor legislation moving through the Legislature, and oversee the actions of our departments, while also following the progress of key issues that they are working on.

Yes, it’s a big job, but it’s one that Liedl handles with aplomb, and truly enjoys.

Your opinion?

Studies show most people spend around $700 on Christmas. Do you know how much you plan on spending this year?

1. I don’t really keep track 2. I spend more than that 3. That sounds about right 4. Somewhat less - $500 or so 5. Maybe $200 to $300 6. $100 or less 7. Don’t exchange gifts Go to our online poll at www.the-leader.net (Weekly results on page 8)

Deaths

Edith Virginia Mohnsen Michael G. Owen Elizabeth Sue Esther Fay Myrtle Nordin Obituaries on pages 19B

INSIDE Kimber Liedl - Photo submitted She has one of the most influential, important and thoroughly intriguing positions in government. But with that new title comes long hours, huge responsibility and seemingly endless conference calls, meetings and research - including a daily briefing with the governor.

“I work with him a lot,” she said, going over the procedure for the daily policy briefings. “It might be at the executive mansion or it might be on the phone if he’s on the road. But we do it every day, so he is prepped and has talking points.”

She admits that at times she must act as “devil’s advocate,” and go one step further than expected, in ways to make sure the governor is aware of all possible options. Liedl said that the “emperor’s new clothes” possibility is always a real-

Briefly 3A Letters to the editor 9A Sports 13-19A Outdoors 20A 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 Copyright © 2011 Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association Frederic, Wisconsin

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Naval Sea Cadets accepting new recruits OSCEOLA - The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps has openings for a limited number of young people ages 11-17 to join the crew of Osceola Division. Interviews will be held at the Holiday Inn Express, 2190 Hwy. 8, St. Croix Falls, on Monday, Dec. 12, and Jan. 2, 2012, beginning at 7 p.m. Appointments are necessary. The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps is comprised of everyday young people who have an interest in seamanship, the military or other seagoing careers. Cadet applicants must be crime-free, drug-free, physically fit and approved by their school. Osceola Division Cadets train one weekend a month at the Associated Retreat Center in Osceola.

The program is managed by volunteers dedicated to instilling the core values of honor, courage and commitment. Sea Cadets wear the traditional Navy uniform and can participate in a multitude of advanced training programs, including: at-sea training with the Navy and Coast Guard, submarine orientation, SEAL training, search and rescue, and international exchanges. Sea Cadets complete two weeks of Sea Cadet Boot Camp where they learn about fire fighting, damage control, military drill and naval customs.

Adult volunteers, with or without military experience, are needed to allow the Sea Cadet program to grow. Those with seamanship, engineering, administrative and fundraising skills are especially needed. Interested adults are encouraged to visit on Dec. 12 or Jan. 2. To set an appointment, contact the division’s commanding officer, Lori Gorecki, at 612-387-0002 or e-mail at lgorecki1@frontiernet.net. For further information on the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, go to www.seacadets.org. - submitted

2012 International Year of Cooperatives FREDERIC - The Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association - with offices in Frederic, Siren, St. Croix Falls and Shell Lake - publishes the Advertisers and the Inter-County Leader and Washburn County Register newspapers, the only cooperative-owned weekly newspapers in Wisconsin and likely the nation. We celebrate National Coop Month each October and this coming year, 2012, has been named the International Year of Cooperatives.

Stories.coop offers insight into cooperatives around the globe - and is the world’s first global, digital campaign to spread the benefits of cooperation through the tradition of storytelling. It delivers the United Nations message “Cooperative enterprises build a better world” to the global public in International Year of Cooperatives 2012. Cooperatives follow a broader set of values than businesses where the main aim is to make a profit. “Cooperatives work in these tricky financial times because they balance the need to be profitable with the needs of their members and the broader interests of the community and the world,” notes an “about us” page on stories.coop. - with information from stories.coop

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The St. Croix Casino Danbury received a bomb threat last Wednesday, Nov. 23. According to a news release issued by the St. Croix Chippewa Tribe, “As soon as the bomb threat was received, action was taken to ensure the safety of the casino’s guests and employees - the casino facility was closed and all guests and employees were evacuated safely. The proper authorities have been contacted and are conducting an ongoing investigation.” The release further stated that the Tribe takes threats to the safety of their guests and employees very seriously, and that the procedures the Tribe took on Nov. 23 are implemented in any situation where the safety of its guests and employees is threatened. The Tribe also expressed gratitude to everyone involved in the Nov. 23 incident for their cooperation and assistance. - Photo by Sherill Summer

Rural Clear Lake man drowns in Shell Lake

The Shell Lake Fire Department responded to a call on Friday, Nov. 25, of a kayaker in trouble on Shell Lake. They located his kayak and started looking for him in the frigid water.

SHELL LAKE - A 56-year-old rural Clear Lake man drowned Friday, Nov. 25, after his kayak apparently capsized while he was fishing over fish cribs just off from a shallow sandbar in Shell Lake.

John Frisco’s body was recovered by divers from deep water, according to Washburn County Sheriff Terry Dryden. A 911 call was received just after 1 p.m. about a man calling for help from a sinking boat. Firefighters from Shell Lake and Spooner systematically searched the area where the kayak was found. Frisco had apparently anchored his kayak. The water was choppy at the time of the drowning.

Frisco worked as New Richmond’s building inspector and zoning administrator. He was the fourth New Richmond city employee in the past year or so to die unexpectedly, according to the New Richmond News. Police Officer Scott Turbeville, 39, died in October of 2010. Rick Powers, 57, the city’s water department superintendent, died in February. Michael Geraghty, 55, street department employee, died in April.

“We are all in a state of shock,” said Mayor Fred Horne of Frisco’s death. “Obviously our staff is taking it very hard. He’s going to be missed very, HOW TO REACH US

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Frisco requested in his will that no funeral services be held. - Gary King with information from Washburn County Sheriff’s Dept. and New Richmond News (rivertowns.net)

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NOVEMBER 30, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 3

Stalin’s daughter dies in Richland Center

by Gilman Halsted Wisconsin Public Radio RICHLAND CENTER - One of the most private historical celebrities of the Cold War died quietly in Richland Center last week. Lana Peters, the daughter of the Soviet Union’s brutal dictator Josef Stalin, died of colon cancer on Nov. 22.

She was known as Svetlana Alliluyeva when she defected to the United States in 1967. Three years later she married William Wesly Peters, an apprentice to famed Wisconsin architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Throughout the last 40 years she lived in Wisconsin on and off not far from the Wright center in Taliesin, most recently in Spring Green and Richland Center. Dawn Keifer, a reporter for the Richland Center Observer, tried unsuccessfully for years to get an interview with Peters, “I actually hit a brick wall. I had been told she definitely lived in Richland Center but I could not find out where. I was even told that people supposedly would see her about town, in particular at a thrift shop.”

Keifer says Richland Center, population of about 5,000, is a good place to live if you want to be anonymous. “People seem here to honor your wishes to be left alone. They generally will leave you alone.”

Peters did give two recent interviews to Wisconsin State Journal columnist Doug Moe. Moe describes her as a small woman with a lively mind who smiled often. She told him she liked Richland Center because of its good hospital and good social services for the elderly. Moe says one thing she worried a lot about was that Americans thought she was a wealthy heiress.

“She seemed to me to be obsessed with the idea that people thought somehow that her father had given her millions of dollars, and made a point to say that was not true.

Her dad did not accumulate any private wealth. He thought money was evil.”

Lana Peters was 85. She is survived by two daughters, Cherese Evans in Portland, Ore., and Katya Zhadanov who lives in eastern Russia.

Recall Walker effort says it’s at 300K signatures

by Chuck Quirmbach Wisconsin Public Radio STATEWIDE - The effort to recall Republican Gov. Scott Walker says it’s collected just over 300,000 signatures. That’s more than half the signatures needed, 12 days into the petition drive.

Recall organizers need to collect about 9,000 signatures a day during the 60-day recall push to reach the required 540,000.

But the group United Wisconsin says it’s moving at a much faster pace, that would easily break its own goal of about 700,000 signatures. United Wisconsin executive director Meghan Mahaffey credits the volunteers that have fanned out across the state.

United Wisconsin still says it won’t let a third party see the signatures, until all the pages are turned in to the Government Accountability Board on Jan. 17. Marquette University political scientist John MacAdams says given the number of rankand-file union members and political activists who seem to be involved in the recall, the 300,000 figure seems credible.

MacAdams says the bigger challenges for the recall movement remain finding a Democrat to run against Walker in an election, and the governor’s ability to raise campaign cash. The state Republican Party still contends the recall effort is a baseless power grab being pushed on Wisconsin families by liberal special interests.

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Armed robbery trial moves ahead Matthew O. Hoff Jr. before a jury for 2010 Amery grocery store incident

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer AMERY – Charges culminated in a jury trial this week against 33-year-old Matthew O. Hoff Jr., Amery, who stands accused of felony armed robbery, after he allegedly filled a shopping cart full of food and items at a grocery store, and then left without paying, while threatening an employee with a knife when told to pay. He also stood accused of wrestling with police down the road as he was arrested.

The incident took place on Sunday, May 2, 2010, at Dick’s Fresh Market on Amery’s south side. According to the criminal complaint, Hoff piled a grocery cart full of items from the store, totaling over $500, and then as he approached the door, he rolled through the checkout counter without paying.

When a store clerk confronted Hoff, he is alleged to have pulled out a large knife, and responded with “You better just let me go,” and then charged at the clerk, who got out of the way and let Hoff move out across the parking lot with the goods.

An Amery police officer was called in and found Hoff a short distance away, try-

ing to enter the back door of a local building with the groceries.

When confronted, Hoff a l l e g e d l y pushed one of the police officers into the cart of food, knocking it and the officer over as the suspect fled into Matthew O. Hoff Jr. the building.

The officer ordered Hoff to stop, which he did not, forcing him to use his taser to get compliance.

Hoff was then taken into custody, and according to reports, smelled of intoxicants.

Hoff was already under a signature bond at the time of the robbery, with an order not to commit any more crimes.

The incident led to a litany of charges, including felony armed robbery, and several misdemeanor charges for theft, resisting arrest, second-degree reckless endangerment and three bail jumping charges.

Along the way since the incident, Hoff’s attorneys have lobbied for reduced charges and even filed a motion claiming Hoff was mentally ill at the time of the incident and not guilty by reason of mental

defect. He underwent an extensive review of his mental health and ultimately was found competent to stand trial.

Hoff does have a long history of run-ins with the law and has been convicted of everything from felony battery to several intoxicated driving charges and other issues along the way.

Since being in custody in the Polk County Jail, he also faces a new charge of felony battery against another prisoner for an incident that occurred in late July 2010.

No plea bargain could ever be reached in the armed robbery case, and the case finally went to trial on Tuesday, Nov. 29, in Polk County Circuit Court before Judge Eugene Harrington. If convicted of the armed robbery charge, Hoff faces up to 40 years in prison, on top of a $100,000 fine.

The various other charges adds over four years in prison and at least $50,000 in fines, if convicted.

While the trial was technically pending at press time, there were already several twists along the way, including a reduction of the bail jumping charges down, and even a last-minute motion for a mistrial that Hoff’s attorney filed late in the day on Tuesday, Nov. 29, but the judge took the issue under advisement, and did not make a decision.

The Leader will review the trial results next week.

Landlocked owners request driveway permit

by Tammi Milberg Leader staff writer ST. CROIX FALLS – The city council for St. Croix Falls met Monday, Nov. 28, with a short agenda to go over, but one item in particular has a long history and the discussion revealed many emotions and sides to the story.

The issue was a request for a driveway permit, which seems on the surface a simple issue. The background prior to the council considering the driveway permit request was anything but simple. The request for the driveway permit is the result of four years of unresolved conflict between property owners Deane and Patricia Andrie and Wayne and Kerry Swenson and marina operator Dean Cameron.

Cameron is leasing the marina property from the city, but will not allow the Andries or Swensons to access their river property through his marina drive without a fee.

The Andries are requesting to construct a driveway to their property because they cannot come to an agreement with Cameron for property access. “You cannot landlock someone from their property,” Deane Andrie stated during the long-debated discussion. “We pay our taxes and cannot access our property without paying him a fee.”

While the council had tried to maintain neutrality on the issue, the city has been sued twice by the property owners involved in attempts to prompt the city to resolve the issue. The city maintains its neutrality that the parties simply need to come to an agreement and the city stays out, but due to the litigations, the city has been “forcibly” involved. Councilman Debra Kravig stated, “We are wasting taxpayer money on lawsuits that we don’t want to be a part of. It feels like we are being bullied and the city’s hand is being forced to become involved.”

The litigation has twice been served to the city and the property owners have lost both times. Kravig stated that the threat to have a third litigation is looming if the issue of a driveway or access is not resolved. She showed her distaste for the inability of both parties – Cameron and

Andries/Swensons – to reasonably resolve the issue.

“Is there some kind of resolution, maybe a low, reasonable fee that can be paid for accessibility that both can agree to so the taxpayers don’t have to pay for litigation a third time?” Kravig asked. “We don’t want to have to look at condemnation as the only way to resolve this issue, but it seems like we are being bullied to spend money we don’t have. We had to lay off an employee for the city and I say shame on you to continue this and keep the city involved.”

Andries have had their property for 22 years and have had an access until Cameron has taken over the marina.

Cameron has a lease to operate the marina, which is city-owned property. The lease was initiated five years ago and was renewed for 10 years with the option to renew for another 10 after that. The city acquired the marina property in 2003 from NSP as part of a mediated settlement agreement over the Chisago Project power line issue. The city exercised the option to purchase the marina lots from NSP for $1,993 as part of that agreement. Outside sources stated that the money for that option to purchase was paid from the Boat Association. City Administrator Joel Peck stated he had heard that as well, but has not found any documentation of that. He did say that information should be noted, however.

With respect to the Andries building their own driveway, Andries and Swensons both indicate the DNR approved the plans, but there are wetlands between Missouri and Minnesota streets that have to be considered. The driveway access Andries plan on building would come off Minnesota Street.

City attorney Brian Nodoff was present at the meeting and stated the council could approve a driveway permit, but it would need to contain language to include restrictions and conditions deemed necessary and appropriate. Kravig stated with the wetland issue the city could be ultimately responsible if a driveway is constructed improperly. She did not want to open up the city to further financial bur-

dens down the road. She addressed the Andries stating they would have to pay money to construct a driveway, rather than build another access; they could just pay a reasonable amount to Cameron. She then asked Cameron what price would be fair enough to charge for access for the Andries and Swensons to use the marina driveway.

“I’m not prepared to talk about that at this time,” Cameron said adamantly, adding, “He’s [Andrie] not even using his property. He’s subletting it to someone and running a mini-marina using my marina to access it.”

After such comments, the council realized the issue was not going to be resolved through the meeting’s discussion. Nodoff stated, “I agree with reasonable restrictions, they should be allowed to access their property. But I’m not sure a driveway permit is how to do it. Other than a voluntary settlement among all parties, meaning everyone gives up something they can live with, I don’t see us getting out of litigation.”

Kravig made a motion to deny a driveway permit. The motion carried. The city maintained a consensus that the Andries and Swensons have the right to access their property but the route and the parameters have to be determined, whether it is through a new driveway or using the existing marina drive if that is a possible negotiation that can happen.

The council passed a motion to have Nodoff write up some sample restrictions/conditions for a new driveway for the council to review in the event an agreement cannot be reached and the city needs to look at the driveway permit issue again.

The council also passed a motion to have all the parties attorneys meet and attempt to negotiate a voluntary agreement that everyone can live with as far as the property owners accessing through the marina property. The issue remains deadlocked, and the property owners, without paying a fee to the marina, are landlocked. Meanwhile, the council remains frustrated while hopeful for an agreement to be reached without facing a third litigation issue.

Siren School Board breezes through monthly meeting Staff in-service held at St. Croix Tribal Center

by Jean Koelz Leader staff writer SIREN - The tone was light at the Monday night, Nov. 28, monthly Siren School Board meeting. The meeting was short and uneventful, beginning at 6 p.m. with most business completed before 6:45 p.m. Highlights included Superintendent Scott Johnson’s recap of recent and up-

coming state legislation, most of which appears to be designed to give school districts greater discretion and authority; and Principal Ryan’s recap of school activities.

Of particular interest was Ryan’s description of the recent staff in-service held at the St. Croix Tribal Center. Board member Duane Emery expressed his appreciation for the effort to build a stronger bridge between the school and tribal community, calling the meeting “moving” and “history making.”

In business conducted in closed session, Johnson reported that the board accepted the resignation of Janice Schott as parttime payroll clerk. The board also approved two new hires: Rick Kosloski as the girls JV basketball coach, and Brittany Jaskolka as the girls middle school basketball coach.

The next school board meeting will be held on Monday, Dec. 19, at 5 p.m., one hour earlier than usual due to the school’s scheduled Christmas concert.

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - NOVEMBER 30, 2011

Survey shows why students open enroll out of district

Lack of jobs in district cited as number one reason

by Mary Stirrat Leader staff writer LUCK — For the first time since parents were allowed to open enroll their students into other districts 12 years ago, the Luck School District this year found itself in the position of having more students leave the district than come into it.

This year, said district Administrator Rick Palmer, Luck had seven more students open enroll out than in. Earlier this fall, the board directed him to survey parents to determine why they enrolled their children in another district.

Palmer presented the results of the survey at the Monday, Nov. 28, meeting of the board. Of the 36 families who were sent the survey, 18 were returned.

The survey consisted of eight questions, but not all respondents answered all questions. Names of those people who responded are being kept anonymous.

The first three questions concerned employment outside the district. Nine of 13 who responded said they chose to open en-

roll their child or children in another district because the parent works in the other district. Four said they did not open enroll out of the district for that reason.

Three of 12 who responded said they open enrolled their child out of the district because they had day care or child care in the other district.

A question directed to parents of a K4 child revealed that two decided to open enroll out of the district because Luck’s program is not held at the school, one because the bus ride was too long, one because Luck’s program is only half day and they preferred full day, and six because the district to which they open enrolled is also where they work. Seven said the question was nonapplicable. Respondents were asked to circle as many of the answers as t applied.

Three of 11 respondents said they open enrolled out of the Luck district because of declining enrollment and fear that the district is not viable. For all 11 of the parents who responded, the fact that Luck is sharing academics, athletics and teaching staff with Frederic is not an issue.

Parents were asked to provide specifics if they felt the other district had better programming than Luck. Responses ranged from extracurricular opportunities to better curriculum, more special-needs pro-

gramming, more positive role models and following a bullying policy. Some cited a more positive environment, a gifted and talented program, more advanced-placement courses, and better scores on standardized tests.

In another question, parents were asked what issues would need to be addressed before enrolling back into the Luck district.

The three responses were that the other district just makes more sense, the parent would not consider enrolling the student at Luck and “too much drama — follow our handbook.”

The final question asked for other comments. Some indicated that the choice was a matter of convenience, others that curriculum, role models, atmosphere and lack of services were factors in the choice to open enroll out of Luck.

Palmer said he was pleased with the 50percent return rate on the survey. The comments, he told the board, were valid.

Other business

• Palmer and Roger Nelson, head of maintenance, have met with representative from Focus on Energy to determine if there is a more energy-efficient way to heat the gym. Nelson and Palmer are also looking at a cost-effective, environmentally friendly treatment for the hot water sys-

tem.

• A community meeting will be held Monday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. at Oakwood Inn to get ideas for the Carol White Physical Education and Nutrition Grant. The school will be looking for in-kind match for the grant in the form of donated time.

• Music teacher Jennifer Gilhoi was notified that, thanks to a grant request she had made, the school has been awarded a $3,074 grant from St. Croix Valley Foundation to buy a marimba. According to Palmer, Luck students took first place last year at state solo ensemble on the old marimba, supported on buckets and a sawhorse.

• Josh Hetfeld, working toward certification as a school administrator, reported that work continues on the cell phone policy. “We got input from the kids,” he said.

“They want to use them all the time.” The policy committee meets again next week.

• The board approved volunteer coaches Chad Eley for basketball, Larry Wright for wrestling and Britta Peterson for girls basketball.

• The December meeting of the board will be held at noon on Monday, Dec. 19.

Rising to the top/from page 1 ity, especially with the turmoil in Madison in the last nine months.

“He’s so personable,” Liedl said after a long pause. “But really, the governor is very open to hearing other people’s opinion.”

That political friction has also shown its face at times in her personal life, and she admits that it does make it somewhat uncomfortable at times with friends, acquaintances and even family members.

Her background

While Liedl has risen to the top in many ways, she says she never forgets her local roots, which includes being born, raised and graduating from high school in Amery, where she graduated in 1996. She later went to college and completed degrees in zoology and French, which garnered her plenty of jokes.

“All my friends would ask if I was going to teach monkeys to speak French!” She joked. But it did give Liedl a chance to move to Paris upon graduation, where she worked as a nanny for a year. While it sounds like a movie script, in reality, she faced money issues, like most college grads.

She also realized that monkeys don’t seem to care what language you speak, and she decided to go back to school and pursue a journalism degree, which also required a portfolio of work. When she returned to Polk County, she heard from a friend of a limited-term position in Assemblyman Mark Pettis’ office in the fall of 2000, which would also help build that portfolio.

“I didn’t know much about politics,” she admits, noting that her family was pretty apolitical, but it had the possibility of being a long-term job, which it did. She first started as his legislative assistant, then moved up to his research assistant, where she clerked his committee, the Assembly Tourism Committee.

“I actually really liked it. In that office, I worked on a bit of everything, from legislation to constituent work to public relations,” Liedl said.

According to Pettis, Liedl was promoted a short time later when his chief of staff left for another position, and he decided to promote Liedl to that position.

“The decision turned out to be one of the best decisions I could make,” Pettis said.

“Kimber had the knowledge of the district as well as great communication skills ... my office staff was one envied by many legislators.”

Reigning in the free spirits

Pettis relied heavily on Liedl’s professionalism, knowledge of local issues and her ability to follow-up with constituents during his tenure in the Assembly, and ad-

mitted that she was a solidifying force in his office.

“Being a free spirit, as I am, Kimber did her best to keep me out of trouble,” Pettis joked.

Liedl worked to get her master’s degree in journalism while working with Pettis, staying with his office until he lost his reelection in 2006. “Many legislators ... have concerns about their staff’s future [after a campaign loss],” Pettis said. “But I must admit, I knew my staff, being top-notch, would find another position as they did ... cream always rises to the top.”

Liedl landed a job a short time later with Sen. Dave Zien in 2006, serving as his clerk for the Senate Judiciary, Corrections and Privacy Committee. She also worked on Zien’s legislation and constituent work, as well as numerous other duties until Zien lost his seat to Democrat Pat Kreitlow later that year.

But Liedl continued to become an integral part of the state Capitol and made numerous connections on both sides of the aisle, while also gaining the respect of other legislators, which led to another position in Madison, this time with Republican Sen. Scott Fitzgerald of Juneau in 2007, who later went on to be Senate majority leader with the switch on legislative control in last year’s election. Liedl served as his healthcare-policy advisor, and also worked on policy and constituent work. Then from 2009 though 2010, she served as Fitzgerald’s communications director Working with the governor Liedl continued to move forward and make contacts within the Capitol, and last fall inquired about a position in the transition team of then Governor-elect Scott Walker shortly after his election.

“I thought it would be an interesting challenge and a unique experience,” she said, while also realizing that politics were a good fit, after all.

She was quickly hired and started working with the governor’s office in January, where she was appointed as his health-care and education-policy advisor until last month, when she continued to build on her previous experience in the Capitol, and became his policy director.

“Those 10 years in the Legislature really make this position so much easier,” she said.

But with that fast transition comes a growing list of responsibilities, duties and access, but it has also has left her with the realization that her duties are no longer limited by Wisconsin borders, that many of the issues her team faces are also staring down other states.

“Oh yes, absolutely,” she said. “The problems are very similar from state to state.”

Tasks aplenty

Liedl has been instrumental in working with everyone from various task forces, legislative contacts, business leaders, educators, Washington, D.C., officials, and yes, even officials from other states, where she has helped Walker in his role on the National Governor’s Association.

Liedl was instrumental in coordinating Walker’s role as a committee chair at the National Governor’s Association annual meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah, recently, and she continues to garner more respect and responsibility.

She also noted several educational task forces that Walker has pushed with Wisconsin Schools Superintendent Tony Evers, including school accountability, reading comprehension and even dual enrollment issues - where high school students can transition into using technical school resources, an area where Liedl has been instrumental.

“We’re kind of in the implementation phases,” she said. “It will be nice to see the results [of that work].”

The conflicts within

While Liedl has been on the forefront of numerous gubernatorial and political challenges, she has also been involved in often controversial policy issues - some of which have come under steep political and media fire, and led to occupation of the Capitol, numerous media outlet queries and even some pressure from within her network of friends and family.

She admits that some of those gubernatorial policies have not sat well with some of her family, many of whom are teachers or involved in education. But it also hit home under her own roof, as her husband is a high school chemistry teacher.

“Oh yes, it’s been a very interesting year for us!” she chided, noting that while policy issues can sometimes be an issue of marital stress, she does ask his opinion on some matters and said he has been a great help at times. But politics can be a tough topic on occasion with friends or family who may not agree with her boss’ policies.

“It can get uncomfortable at times,” she admitted with a little pause. “I find that sometimes, it’s best to just let it slide or avoid those conversations altogether.”

She has had to become a master of the ability to change the subject at times, while also noting that more and more, people tend to seek her out or ask her opinion, and also want to know what her boss thinks, and of course, what he’s really like, in person.

“I always tell them that he’s very genuine, and that he’s very involved,” she said, while noting that Walker is known to dedicate entire days to issues, conferences, task forces or pressing issues if he feels it

would help. “He’s such a personable person. Kind, thoughtful, and he’s on an even keel and always seems open to ideas ... and what other people think.”

The present and the future

Liedl is not only one of the most influential people in Madison - with one of the most potentially stressful jobs around - she is also a new mother, with a 1-1/2-year-old daughter in tow, which may have given her a different perspective about politics, a philosophy that has changed dramatically since she was a Paris nanny.

“It’s some very long days sometimes, but it’s a fascinating job ... my favorite job ever!” She exclaimed.

But she also admits that her position is again at the behest of the voters, just like when she worked in the Legislature, and she said that the recent recall moves have their attention, but that it’s not her issue.

Her job is not as a campaigner or spokesperson, but policy director, which is plenty to keep in check.

“It’s an amazing experience,” she said.

“But it’s really challenging at times ... sometimes, I just need to take a breath, pack it up and go home.”

She said that in spite of her growing responsibilities and duties, she has not forgotten her local, rural roots, and said she often finds herself as the voice of rural Wisconsin to other cabinet members, acting as “kind of a rural advocate,” whether on meeting or event locations, to how an issue may sit in her old home town.

“My heart is still in Amery!” She joked.

“I’m still a small-town girl ... but it’s hard to believe I’ve come this far!”

She said she still has to catch her breath at times as she walks into the Capitol for work, and the regality and prominence of the position and the responsibility is a trust she takes very seriously, but also there’s the realization that it’s more than just a job, but a gift.

“It’s an amazing experience,” she said with a sigh. “Being able to make a difference, finding ideas to pursue and working with so many specialists ... and all the people who are such experts in their fields ...

I’ll just have to see where it takes me.”

Your community connection www.the-leader.net

NOVEMBER 30, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 5

Luck School to consider selling land to village

by Mary Stirrat Leader staff writer LUCK — The Luck School Board Monday night, Nov. 28, voted to continue looking into the possible sale of 27.3 acres of school-owned land.

The property under discussion is located west of the school that is now practice fields and cornfields. It is bounded on the south by Chippewa Trail, on the east by school property, on the west by the United Pioneer Home property, and on the north by Butternut Avenue and property owners along Butternut Avenue.

At this time, the village is the primary candidate to buy the land, having approached the school to consider selling the land for use as a business park or possibly the construction of an institution of higher education, such as a technical school, said school board member Daryl Bazey.

Before any sale can take place, the school is required to hold a public hearing and pass a resolution approving the sale.

The board held a time for public input at the beginning of the meeting, and 18 local residents took advantage of the time to ask questions, make comments and just to learn.

Those in attendance showed some interest in having the property developed for residential use or a place of higher learning, but using it for business development did not hold the same appeal.

Sharon Smith, who moved to Luck from Kentucky and lives across the street from the school, said that living here is like living in a picture postcard, and that she feared development of the land would impact the wildlife and the aesthetics of the community.

A good portion of the land under consideration for sale is currently used by the Luck FFA alumni. The FFA alumni use the property to raise corn and hold events, with proceeds used to promote ag education. Another part of the land is used as practice athletic fields.

Three FFA alumni spoke during the public input period of the meeting, noting the property’s value to their organization.

“We like the land over there,” said Beth Gage. “We would like to continue what we’re doing.”

Mark Johnson, a new member of the FFA alumni, said that the concepts of growing local foods, biodiesel fuel and other products are growing in popularity.

His vision for the group is to eventually look into these ideas and use the land to draw in more of the “town” kids.

Mike Bauer, from the Cushing area, said that he considers Luck his home and may eventually retire to the village. He said he would be interested in seeing the land in question used for residential purposes.

Bauer’s wife, Jan, asked how the property came to belong to the school. District Administrator Rick Palmer said that the school had purchased it 22 or 23 years ago, for the purpose of building a new school. At that time, he said, the hope was to eliminate the need to cross 7th Street.

Bauer, commenting that using the property for sustainable agriculture appealed to her, noted that the poverty rate in Burnett County has jumped from 9 percent to 17 percent.

She asked whether the village has any business lined up to build on the property and what kind of wages would be paid, but the board said that the questions would need to go to the village board, who would be planning any development.

Palmer said that the village approached the school with the idea, indicating that an institution of higher learning was interested in locating there.

Using the property for higher learning or for residential development appealed more to Ann Fawver, she said, than a business park.

“I do have feelings of how that land could be better used,” she said. “I’d have some issues personally with that being industrial.”

Patricia Schmidt, who represents the town and village of Luck on the county board, said she would like to see WITC build a campus in the northern part of the county that would also draw students

Eighteen residents of the Luck School District attended the Monday, Nov. 28, meeting of the school board to learn about the possible sale of land by the school to the village. The village is considering the purchase for a business park or an educational institution. — Photos by Mary Stirrat

from Burnett County. She noted that there is no place of higher education in Polk County, which means that students from here leave the area to further their education.

Schmidt also said she hears comments that enrollment at both Frederic and Luck schools are down, asking if there is a possibility that Luck School will eventually be closed.

She added that when Milltown, Centuria and Balsam Lake were considering consolidation as Unity Schools it was warned that the loss of a school often means the loss of a community’s identity.

All three communities are now struggling to stay alive, she felt.

Palmer responded that a number of years ago the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction conducted a study on combining the Luck and Frederic districts.

At that time, Frederic had a large amount of debt, he said, and the study showed that Luck residents would be paying more taxes to cover the debt as well as increased transportation.

He noted that enrollment at Luck has dropped from over 700 to about 500 in the past 10 years, but in three more years the district will be totally out of debt.

Board member Jake Jensen told Schmidt and the others in attendance that the board is not currently considering consol-

idation with Frederic, but the two districts have been sharing services.

“We’re working together well in that way,” said Jensen. “It’s the best way to work it now.”

Jensen then explained that the school board has no control over what would happen with the property if it were sold.

The term “industrial park” draws up images of metal, noise and dust, he said, but a business park would be home to clean types of industry.

Nationwide, he said, manufacturing isn’t happening, but Luck has the technological advantages of an up-to-date fiber optic system. Schmidt said she agreed that Luck was “nothing but positive. We are moving forward,” she said, noting the new nursing home and museum/library.

Bridget Cleary said she would like to see the property kept as a resource for the school, students and FFA Alumni but if it is to be sold it should go out for bid. She noted the proximity of the property to Butternut Lake, just as the previous property the village looked at was across the road from Little Butternut.

Cleary commented that the village hasn’t done very well with what it already has, with a vacant nursing home as well as other vacant buildings downtown and a golf course that demands attention. If an institute of higher learning is to be con-

This map shows the 27.3-acre parcel of land that the village has asked to buy from the Luck School District. Eighteen members of the public attended the Monday, Nov. 28, meeting of the school board to comment or gain information on the proposal.

E-edition • The entire Leader on your computer

sidered, she said, it would make more sense for it to partner with the school rather than the village.

Final comments were made by Billy and Sharon Smith, who said that the beauty of the area lends itself better to tourism than industry.

“I’m not against progress,” said Billy Smith, “but what you have here is special.”

Sharon Smith said she felt there were more appropriate places to put a business park, but board President Bob Clifton pointed out that the land is hilly to the north of the village, and the lake is east.

There is also a landfill to the north.

“That does present a problem for the village,” he said.

Later in the meeting, the board discussed the possibility of selling the land, coming to a consensus that the possibility should be pursued.

The initial idea was for the school to retain a 400-foot by 500-foot parcel just west of the parking lot.

After hearing the comments from the public at the beginning of the meeting, the school board agreed to keep a larger area of 500 feet by 600 feet.

This property would be used for soccer and practice fields, and to act as a buffer between whatever development might occur and the homes along Butternut Avenue near the school.

An appraisal has been done on the property, but the appraised value is not available to the public since it could affect any possible sale.

“Will the village get sticker shock when they see this?” asked Bazey about the appraisal.

“It is what it is,” responded board member Amy Dueholm.

Much of the discussion by the school board centered on the need to make sure the school stays viable.

Bringing and keeping jobs in the village will bring and keep students, said Palmer, which is beneficial for everyone. A recent survey of parents who open enrolled their students out of the district, he said, indicated that many did so because they were employed outside the district (see separate story).

In agreeing to put together a resolution to look at selling the property board members also said that, when the time comes, the school can stipulate unacceptable uses for the property. Other suggested stipulations included allowing the FFA alumni to use the property as long is it is not developed and requiring that the property be developed within a specified number of years.

Early this past summer, the village, town and school discussed the possibility of building a road to allow traffic to bypass 7th Street and the school, and at that time it was discussed that a tax increment financing district would need to be created to pay for the improvements.

The comprehensive plan for the village labels the area “South Neighborhood,” defined as single and multifamily residential and specified businesses, said village Administrator Kristina Handt. Luck’s zoning code names public schools and institutions of an educational nature as permitted uses in this zoning district.

• www.the-leader.net

PAGE 6 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - NOVEMBER 30, 2011

Golden Age Manor Administrator Dana Reese on the job Nursing home could have profit for year One Dana has replaced another Dana as Golden Age Manor administrator. Pictured is the GAM Governing Committee with the two Danas; Kathryn Kienholz, Dana Reese, Harry Johansen, Gerrianne Christensen, Dana Frey, Bob Blake and Dave Ollman. - Photo

by Gregg Westigard

Occupancy for October, at 89 percent, was still below the 94-percent goal and has been down for six months. However,

there were only nine empty beds out of 114 on the day of the meeting.

Frey said the county will give Reese all the support she needs to manage the home. That will include a new half-time human resources person on-site in January to help with personnel issues when the union contracts and work rules expire.

Frey said it will be an interesting new environment in January, but no major changes are coming. He said the goal for GAM is to do what is best for the county and the employees as well as the residents.

GAM board member Bob Blake said he feels the board has changed from a governing board to a policy advisory board

with the coming of a county administrator. He said that the board should discuss how often it needs to meet in the future.

After a number of years of operating losses covered by the county, GAM has been in a break-even or profitable mode for several years. Three long-range issues have been discussed in the GAM future.

The building is over 50 years old, and a number of expensive repairs have been identified. Second, in the future nursing homes may concentrate more on acute care, and the home may need an assistedliving connection. Lastly is the future of the federal/state supplemental payment subsidy of about $900,000 which covers the operating losses.

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by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer AMERY – Dana Reese is now on duty as the Golden Age Manor administrator.

Reese met with the GAM Governing Committee as she takes over management of the county owned nursing home. The Webster native, who replaces Gary Taxdahl, comes here from managing a 50-bed nursing home in Iowa. County Administrator Dana Frey has been the interim administrator since Taxdahl’s retirement last April.

The GAM Board was told that the home could have a slight profit for the year. Revenue through Oct. 31 is $6 million, slightly under budget with a drop in Medicare income. However, the state supplemental payment, the home’s main subsidy, has just been announced as is up for the coming year. That December payment, combined with a decrease in expenses, could turn a current ten month operating loss of $115,000 into a positive number.

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Grantsburg Village budget hearing Monday Employees take a $25,000 cut in compensation

by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer GRANTSBURG – Pool future depends on public. State aid cut $19,000. Village employees take a $25,000 drop in compensation. These are some of the bigger changes in the Grantsburg Village budget for 2012. The total 2012 expenditures are budgeted at $1,559,000, down about $290,000 from the expected expenses for 2011. There will be a public hearing on the budget Monday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m.

The village pool, while not the largest expense at $45,000, might be the most noticeable budget item. The pool needs $10,000 in immediate repairs and operates at a $35,000 loss each year. The village has budgeted $10,000 of the operating loss and says fundraising must come up with $35,000 prior to the pool opening next spring.

The total wages and benefits paid to village employees, $811,738, will be down $25,000 from 2011 with the same number of workers. A raise of 2 percent is offset by a cut in retirement benefits, a part of the Wisconsin budget. The village (and other

NOVEMBER 30, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 7

governments) had paid the entire retirement cost. Now employees must pay half that benefit or 5.9 percent of their gross wages.

State revenues will be down $19,000, including cuts in shared revenue and street aids. Intergovernment revenues, mostly from the state, cover 35 percent of the village revenues. Local taxes provide 43 percent of the funds, including 27 percent from the property tax levy. The levy total is unchanged from last year. The remaining 22 percent comes from service charges and miscellaneous sources and includes the projected $35,000 in donations for the pool. If the public money is not raised by late winter, the budget will be lowered by the total pool expense of $45,000.

Most of the village expenses fall into three large categories, public safety (26 percent) including law enforcement and fire protection, public works (25 percent) and debt (23 percent). Together, this accounts for 74 percent of the expenses. Police protection will cost $266,000 or 17 percent of the 2012 expenses. The 2012 public works budget is $395,000 with fewer street projects planned resulting in a cut of $114,000. Debt service, $358,000, is the retirement of past borrowing for public works projects.

Siren Lioness install mew members 550600 15L

At the Tuesday, Nov. 15, Siren Lioness meeting, two new members were installed. Shown in the picture from (L to R) are: Lioness Lory Maurer; new member Marlene Friberg; new member Ella Livingston; Lioness Debra Pavlicek; and Lioness Charlene Hyslop who did the installation ceremony. Friberg was sponsored by Maurer; and Livingston was sponsored by Pavlicek. This brings the total membership to 37. If anyone is interested in joining a Lioness Club in your area, contact any Lioness member of the local organization. You will find it very rewarding. – Photo submitted

SCFHS to host open house, Dec. 3 ST. CROIX FALLS - The St. Croix Falls Historical Society will hold a holiday open house this Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the historic Baker Building at 106 S. Washington St. in St. Croix Falls.

The public is invited. Wine and cheese will be served.

The Baker Building was built in 1882 to house the offices of the Cushing Land Agency, later the Baker Land & Title Company. The estate of Caleb Cushing, a prominent Massachusetts politician and

U. S. attorney general during President Franklin Pierce’s administration, owned thousands of acres of land in Polk County and the surrounding area when he died in 1879; and the land agency was established to sell it off.

The St. Croix Falls Historical Society bought the building on Dec. 31, 1999, and it now houses the offices of the Society and the Falls Chamber of Commerce. - submitted by Michael Prichard

Webster Elementary donates pennies T h r e e kindergarten classes of in Webster collected pennies during Pp Week to help out the B u r n e t t County Humane Society this month.

They collected $60 worth of pennies during their Pennies for Pets drive and donated it on Friday, Nov. 18. The students were excited to help out the local pets with funds for dog and cat food.

Webster kindergarten teachers include Laura Eckart, Jessica Monarski and Linnea Swenson.

Shown with Lucas Avery and Jaida are Morgan Johnson, Kendra Jackson and Devin Stuart. – Photo submitted

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PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - NOVEMBER 30, 2011

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Down on Main Street

• Joe Heller •

Most Main Street business owners aren’t benefiting from the record-setting sales on Black Friday and subsequent Monday when Internet commerce sales skyrocket.

If you’re a local Internet entrepreneur and making a living, more power to you.

The same if you happen to work at a local big-box store that rewards its employees following big shopping events.

And if you happened to save a lot of money while Christmas shopping this past week - kudos. That’s the name of the game in this day and age.

But hopefully we’ll all find some money this year to inject into our local economy.

According to Bill Smith, state director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses, money that’s spent locally gets recirculated locally by helping to create jobs. With this economy, buying local is more important than ever, he says. According to a 2005 study by the group Civic Economics, $68 of every $100 spent in one Chicago neighborhood stayed in the local economy compared to $43 from a similar purchase made at a chain store.

Polls conducted this month suggest the average shopper will spend a little over $700 on Christmas gifts this year.

All of those numbers are fascinating and you’d think we’re all paying close attention to the formula but in reality fights - as in fists - broke out this past week as shoppers stampeded the aisles in one store to get a $200 DVD player for $50. It’s apparent that savings - especially in a down economy - have people waiting for the sale - and ready to act when it occurs.

So how much are people thinking of investing in their local community as opposed to traveling a healthy distance to get a deal?

In a way, that’s an unhealthy question, pitting personal interest against community interest. Can you have a merry Christmas and still pay your local tax bill if you don’t hunt for bargains?

But the trend to build stronger communities through local shopping is growing, or so it appears. ABC News is now promoting a “Made in America Christmas: Are you in?” project, asking viewers to buy just one gift this year that is American made.

“If each of us spent just $64 on American-made goods during our holiday shopping, the result would be 200,000 new jobs,” says the ageless anchor Diane Sawyer.

More number magic?

Perhaps. And if it worked, it would need to be something we’d keep doing each year to keep the new jobs alive, most would assume.

Might be interesting to apply that theory for just our local communities. Spend at least 30 percent of your gift budget in your hometown this Christmas. Maybe help save a business - or a job.

Editorials by Gary King

• Area news at a glance • Impact Seven gets money to help small businesses

Follow the Leader • Web poll results •

Last week’s question

ALMENA - Impact Seven, a nonprofit community development financial institution, has received $4 million in a federal government loan funding intended to increase loans to small businesses. To date, Wisconsin banks and lending agencies have received a total of more than $100 million through the U.S. Treasury’s Small Business Lending Fund. Nationally, more than $4 billion in SBLF capital has been distributed. The SBLF, which was established as part of the Small Business Jobs Act that President Obama signed into law, encourages community development corporations to increase their lending to small businesses helping those companies expand their operations and create new jobs. In receiving this award, Impact Seven recognizes that small businesses, play a critical role in the Wisconsin economy and are central to growth and job creation, as nationally, small businesses employ roughly one-half of all Americans and account for about 60 percent of gross job creation. Impact Seven is an economic development corporation located in Almena serving Wisconsin citizens by providing housing and business development. Impact Seven provides essential services to all the state’s counties including both rural and urban areas. For more information, contact Jean Slachetka in the Almena office at 715-357-3334 or Tom Patzman at 414-828-6222 in the Milwaukee office. - from Impact 7 and superiorwi.com

Couple charged with child neglect

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. Ryan Paul 1233 Longworth House Officce Building Washington, D.C. 20510 202-225-3031

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

ST. CROIX COUNTY -A Town of Hammond couple has been convicted in a case involving the abandonment and neglect of their 14-year-old daughter. Elise D. Will, 36, pleaded no contest to one count of felony child abandonment Friday, Nov. 18, and Jeremee C. Will, 38, pleaded no contest to misdemeanor child neglect. A felony charge of child abandonment against Jeremee Will was dismissed and a misdemeanor child neglect charge against Elise Will was dismissed in a plea agreement. Judge Eric J. Lundell ordered a presentence investigation for Elsie Will and set a review of the case for Jan. 18, 2012. Jeremee Will was sentenced to probation for one year, ordered to attend parenting class, undergo counseling and was fined $253. The criminal complaint said sheriff’s deputies investigating the death of a 6-week-old girl at the Will home on July 23 discovered the teenage daughter lying in a fetal position in the basement. The girl told deputies that she had been forced to sleep on the floor in the basement because she had lost all her privileges and was not allowed a pillow or blanket. She also had to earn back the right to wear clothes other than the ones she had on. The complaint said she had been kicked out of the house and forced to sleep in a tent in the backyard, forced to sit in a dark room for a month except for breaks to go to the bathroom or to school, and to stay in a garage or outside anytime her parents were not home over a sevenmonth period beginning in January. A 5-year-old brother had not lost his privileges because, the daughter said, “He listens pretty good,” according to the complaint. During a four-day stretch in July, she did not eat because she could not figure out how to do outside chores when it was raining to earn eating privileges. Her grandmother, who lived next door, took the girl into her house when she discovered she hadn’t eaten. Her father forced her to return home, the complaint said. The girl is currently staying with a relative, court officials said. Court records revealed Elise Will was convicted of felony child abuse in June 1998 in Chippewa County. - New Richmond News (rivertowns.net)

400 words

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NOVEMBER 30, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 9

• Letters to the editor • This isn’t about Wisconsin Gov. Walker has balanced the budget leaving a surplus without raising our taxes or massive layoffs. His actions have increased the number of teachers in Wisconsin and lowered the class size and mill rates in several districts. Teachers can now be compensated for their achievement and outcome rather than just on seniority, which also provides incentive for better efficacy.

He has brought jobs to Wisconsin and made it a business-friendly state.

Walker’s actions have resulted in Wisconsin jumping from 41st to 24th in the most recent CEO Magazine ranking of business-friendly states and improved from 29th to 25th in a similar CNBC list. In a recent Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce survey, 88 percent of Wisconsin business leaders said they are confident the state is heading in the right direction, up from just 10 percent a year ago.

All of these things are good for Wisconsin. So why should we recall a governor that is improving the state’s economy?

Because unions have lost some of their power due to the governor’s actions, and they will do anything to put a collaborator back in the governor’s seat.

Wisconsin citizens should not be held hostage to the unions. Look what has happened in other states and countries when labor unions promise more than the taxpayer can afford. California, Illinois, New York, Greece, Spain and Italy – they’re just some of the places where premature retirement, extravagant pensions and health benefits have broke the state/country. We can’t continue to deny the truth. We’re paying for those unsustainable programs while our private packages are consider-

ably less. A vote to recall Walker is not about what’s good for Wisconsin. It’s about ideology and devotion to a political party and/or unions that promise more than we can deliver.

Karen Johnson Webb Lake

Voter ID The right to vote is a fundamental in America. I went to get my driver’s license or voter ID yesterday and was not able to obtain either.

I drove an hour to Hudson to get my license changed from Iowa to Wisconsin so I could be sure to vote in the next election.

I was unable to because I could not “prove I am a citizen of the U.S.” I had my driver’s licenses from Iowa, I had held a Wisconsin driver’s license from 1984-1998, I have gone through FBI background checks to become a certified teacher in four states, and I brought my pay stub and Social Security card with me. I did not have a valid passport (mine expired in 2010 ... and since I have two small kids, I knew I wouldn’t be traveling anytime soon and passports are expensive.) I did not have our certified birth certificates.

(I’ve moved almost every two years my entire life and after millions of boxes, who the heck knows where anything is?) I have lived all over the country and never have needed this kind of ID to get driver’s licenses before. I then asked if I could get a voter ID card so I could vote in the next election. Again, I was denied.

It should also be noted that the DMV is only open during my working hours (which is why I made the hour drive to

Hudson on the day before Thanksgiving).

It should also be noted that even if they had accepted my identification, all of the computers where down, and they said we would have had to come back another day.

Keep in mind that I am a middle-class professional, well-spoken, highly educated and white. If I couldn’t get an ID, imagine how many people will not be able to get IDs to vote in the next election. To vote one now must have enough money to get a passport or birth certificate, be able to take a day off of work and accept the lost income, have a car to drive to a DMV, be educated enough about the system to even figure out how to get a birth certificate (I’m not sure I know how), and be passionate enough about politics to go through all of this. This is shameful.

Today, as all days, I am thankful that I live in a country where we can protest unfair laws. The voter ID law is wrong.

Please consider joining me in working to repeal this hateful law.

Jennifer Platt Osceola

Wrong road?

A year ago when Gov. Walker was elected he pledged to create 250,000 jobs in the next four years How is he doing?

To date, he has added 14,500 jobs in the private sector while reducing public jobs by 8,500. Unemployment is at 7.7 percent.

His office blames the poor performance on the national economy.

By way of contrast, Minnesota has added more than 22,000 jobs while reducing public employment by 3,100 jobs with

unemployment there now at 6.4 percent.

I spend three winter months in a state with no corporate or individual income tax, low property taxes and low taxes on its booming mining industry, a state with the best business climate of any state except Alaska. It is also the state with the lowest number of public workers of any as a percentage of its population. It seems to have all the attributes that Walker calls for, but guess what? The state is Nevada, and it has the highest unemployment of any state in the Union at over 13 percent.

Of course, its public education system is pretty bad.

Could our governor have taken the wrong road?

Eiler Ravnholt Luck

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Leader encourages readers to submit letters to the editor. All letters may be edited for length, clarity, grammatical accuracy and stylistic consistency. Letters more than 400 words in length may be returned to the writer for editing. Submitted letters should include the writer’s full name, address, daytime phone number and email address (if available). E-mailed letters are preferred. Letters may be sent to the-leader@centurytel.net or mailed to Inter-County Leader, Box 490, Frederic, WI 54837.

Firefighters from Shell Lake and Spooner systematically searched the area where a kayak was found last Friday, Nov. 25, anchored over a fish crib in choppy water. A body recovered from the scene was identified as John Frisco, 56, of rural Clear Lake. Story on page 2. - Photo by Larry Samson

Illegal tobacco sales rate in Burnett County up from last year Compliance checks by Wisconsin Wins held yearly BURNETT COUNTY - The Burnett County Public Health Department has been conducting Wisconsin Wins tobacco compliance checks at local tobacco retailers in Burnett County.

During the first round, three out of 11 clerks sold cigarettes to the 16-year-olds working with the health department; the second round had two out of 11 retailers selling to the underage youth. While most businesses in Burnett County did not sell tobacco to minors, the tobacco sales rate to underage youth still hovers at nearly 23 percent so far in 2011. In comparison, for 2010 the sales rate was 11 percent. For a first-time sale, the retailer is issued a

warning by the Burnett County Sheriff’s Department. On second and subsequent sales the retailer and clerk, if trained, will be fined.

During tobacco retailer compliance checks, the minors enter the business and attempt to purchase tobacco products. If they are asked for their ID, they present their current and valid Wisconsin state ID to the employee. The minors are trained to observe and report back to the adult supervisor the details of the attempted purchase. In each of the sales, the employees asked for and looked at the minor’s ID but did not know how to read it, so sold them cigarettes anyway.

Diane Lindh, registered nurse, tobacco control specialist with the Burnett County Public Health Department, states “We cannot emphasize enough that if employ-

ees struggle with doing the math, they may identify the yellow box under the photo which provides the employee with the month, day and year that the person turns 18. Also, a minor’s ID is now in a vertical format rather than a horizontal format; therefore it is now easier to notice if a person is underage.”

Lindh states, “It is the responsibility of employers to make sure their employees are trained to accurately identify the age of the person making a tobacco purchase.

Free online employee training is available at www.smokecheck.org . Passing the online exam will provide the employee with a certificate of completion that will meet state statute requirements for employee training.” Lindh also suggests the following procedure to help employees keep tobacco out of the hands of children and

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

avoid a fine of up to $500: • Ask for a photo ID for anyone who appears to be under age 27; per FDA regulation as of June 22, 2010.

• Look for Wisconsin license and ID cards in a vertical format for those under 18 and 21.

• Identify the month, day and year that the person turns 18 in a yellow box under the photo.

• Make sure the photo matches the person presenting the photo ID. For more information about tobacco control initiatives contact Diane Lindh, Tobacco Control Specialist for Burnett County, at dlindh@burnettcounty.org or 715-349-7600 Ext. 1258. - from the Burnett County Health Department

N E W S P A P E R

PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - NOVEMBER 30, 2011

Commission asks if village should take on golf course debt

by Mary Stirrat Leader staff writer LUCK — With an estimated debt of just over $400,000 at the Luck Golf Course, the golf course commission Monday evening, Nov. 28, considered whether to ask voters in Luck if they would be in favor of having the village take over the obligation.

No action was taken at the meeting, with three of the five commission members present.

A report presented to the commission by village Administrator Kristina Handt outlined two options for repayment of the debt if the village would assume the debt.

These options put the tax assessment for the debt at between $50 and $60 a year on property valued at $100,000. Over the course of the debt, owners of property valued at $100,000 would pay a total golf course debt tax of $804 to $1,016.

The current debt goes back to 2003, according to Handt’s report, when the existing golf course debt was

consolidated into one mortgage revenue note of $550,000. Included in the note was a previous mortgage revenue note of $381,000, loans on equipment of $32,000, payment on a short-term note of $70,000, clubhouse improvements of $7,500, cart path upgrades of $10,000, and funds to get through the winter of $45,000.

In 2009, the existing balance on the note, at $452,797, was refinanced, with a $25,000 guarantee by the village.

Annual payments were set at $34,118.

At the same time in 2009, the golf commission asked the board to approve two state-trust-fund loans. A loan for roof repairs was approved at $19,500, with annual payments of $5,395 through 2014. The second loan, at $48,300 for a fairway mower and tractor, means an annual payment of $6,727 through 2019.

Deducting the payments made on these loans as well as anticipated payments in 2012 leave an estimated debt of just over $400,000.

SCF man faces fourth DUI charge Marc V. Olsen’s blood alcohol level registered over three times legal limit

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer DRESSER – A 31-year-old St. Croix Falls man is facing driving while intoxicated charges after he allegedly was caught driving drunk for the fourth time.

According to the police report, a Polk County sheriff’s deputy noticed a southbound vehicle crossing the centerline several times while driving on Hwy. 35 in Dresser at just after 6 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26.

When the officer noted the vehicle crossing the center-

line near a curve, he pulled the car over, and noticed a strong odor of intoxicants. The driver was identified as Marc V. Olsen, 31, and after being confronted, he admitted to having several drinks. He failed all roadside sobriety tests, eventually exacting a portable breath test of a .277 blood alcohol concentration, which is over three times the legal limit of .08 percent.

Olsen was taken into custody and arrested for misdemeanor DUI, fourth, as well as a charge of driving over the centerline. He went before Judge Molly GaleWyrick on Nov. 28, where she placed a $2,500 cash bond, with random testing to determine compliance with absolute sobriety. His next court appearance is set for Monday, Dec. 19.

Food pantries seeing less venison

by Rich Kremer Wisconsin Public Radio STATEWIDE - The DNR and food pantries in southern Wisconsin say deer donations seem a bit low this year.

The repeal of Earn-A-Buck and a poor economy could be to blame.

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Since 2000, hunters have had the option to donate their deer to food pantries through the Department of Natural Resource’s Deer Donation Program, which serves pantries in the southern portions of the state. But Wildlife Program Administrator Kurt Theide says this year’s donations are down, “Despite the fact that it looks like harvest statewide is up about 5.8 percent, we were noticing some lagging in venison donations from some of our food pantry partners.”

Theide says it’s too early to say why donations are down, and there’s plenty of hunting to do. In Poynette, D and G Meat Processing takes in donated deer and processes them for food pantries in the area. Edie Miller helps run the business and says deer donations are down 50 percent this year, “The numbers are down for the food pantry, and I think it has a lot to do with maybe people are keeping the deer, keeping their meat and now they don’t have to shoot a doe to get a buck.”

That’s because the state Legislature repealed the DNR’s Earn-A-Buck program which forced hunters to shoot an antlerless deer first.

Lisa Williams, who works with the Central Wisconsin Community Action Council, says no matter the reason, food pantries need more venison because of a change in federal commodities, “With the reduction of the meat products coming in, the food pantries are very hopeful to be receiving a lot of venison to distribute.”

Since the DNR’s Deer Donation Program was created in 2000, nearly 4 million pounds of venison has made its way to Wisconsin food pantries.

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NOVEMBER 30, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 11

RCU opens student site at Unity BALSAM LAKE — Royal Credit Union and the Unity School District held ribboncutting ceremonies on Tuesday, Nov. 22, to mark the opening of the credit union’s 23rd student-run branch.

Elementary students gathered in the auditorium to help celebrate the official ribbon cutting, which included a visit from RCU’s Kid’s Club mascot Savin’ Sammy.

Middle and high school students held a separate ribbon cutting in the gym.

During the festivities, RCU presented a $150 check to each school.

“RCU has taken a proactive approach to help our children learn the habit of saving money and to develop a good work ethic,” said RCU community relations manager Jennifer Block.

First, she said, RCU “hired” 22 students to work at the school site which is open each Tuesday during the lunch hour. The student workers are divided into three

Unity Elementary students gather around RCU’s mascot, Savin’ Sammy, to get a hug or a high-five.

The student staff at Unity’s Royal Credit Union branch, in white shirts, pose for a photo with Savin’ Sammy and RCU employees. In front (L to R) are Lori Larson of RCU’s Milltown branch, Kelsey Warndahl of RCU’s Balsam Lake branch, Taylor Lehner, Sammy, Carly Nelson, Katy Hamilton, Alex Smith and RCU CEO Charlie Grossklaus. Second row: Lori Pardun of RCU’s Milltown branch, Madalyn Kostad, Henry Thaemert, Sophie Reed, Mackenzie Andersen, Heather Hill of RCU’s Balsam Lake branch and Neil Kline. Third row: Lauren Frokjer, Isabella Cash, Margaret Butler, Asher Cress, Molly Trieschmann and Joseph Niedzielski. Fourth row: Jeremiah Sutton, Dillon McKenzie, Hunter Hermansen and Andre Buck. In back are Nick Paulsen, Hunter Robinson, Madelyn Kemis and Casey Thaemert. – Photos by Mary Stirrat

Charlie Grossklaus, RCU’s chief executive officer, spoke with Unity students Tuesday morning, Nov. 22, saying that more than 2,000 youth employees have been hired by the credit union since the inception of its school site services. These employees, he noted, have found it easy to find jobs later on. teams consisting of fourth-graders, middle school students, and a high school mentor. The teams rotate working every three weeks.

Students and faculty in the school can make a deposit in any amount. There is no minimum requirement, and students can receive prizes for making a specified number of deposits. The school also benefits because it receives $250 for every 500 deposits made, which district Administrator Brandon Robinson said would be used for field trips.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremonies, Charles Grossklaus emphasized to the students the importance of saving money.

“By teaching money-saving skills to children at an early age, they will have a better grasp of financial matters later in life,” according to Grossklaus, RCU’s CEO. “We’re very proud to bring this program to the Unity School District.” — Mary Stirrat with information from RCU

Heather Hill, left, of RCU’s Balsam Lake branch, and Lori Pardun of the Milltown branch, presented Unity Administrator Brandon Robinson with a $150 check at each of the two ribbon-cutting assemblies. The school will continue to benefit from RCU’s school site. For every 500 deposits of any amount, the school will receive $250. Robinson indicated that the funds would be used for field trips.

Savin’ Sammy and “hired” students join RCU staff, school officials and RCU’s CEO Charlie Grossklaus, front second from right, as district Administrator Brandon Robinson prepares to cut the ribbon on RCU’s 23rd school site. In front, (L to R) are Lori Pardun of RCU’s Milltown branch, RCU community relations manager Jennifer Block, Robinson, elementary Principal Wayne Whitwam, Grossklaus and Heather Hill of the Balsam Lake branch.

Unity middle and high school students gathered for an assembly Tuesday, Nov. 22, to mark the kickoff of Royal Credit Union’s branch at the school. The elementary school also had an all-school assembly that morning. – Photos by Mary Stirrat

Savin’ Sammy, RCU’s mascot, was on hand for the opening of RCU’s school site at Unity Nov. 22. Unity is the credit union’s 23rd student-run branch.

RCU and Unity School held two ribbon-cutting ceremonies Tuesday, Nov. 22, in honor of the opening of RCU’s student site at the school. Here, at the middle and high school assembly, district Administrator Brandon Robinson (with scissors) is joined by RCU’s Savin’ Sammy, middle school Principal Elizabeth Jorgensen at left, high school Principal Jason Cress at right, and student mentor/team leader Neil Kline.

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - NOVEMBER 30, 2011

Breakfast with Santa this Saturday in Amery

Salvation Army joins forces with 4-H POLK COUNTY - The Salvation Army of Polk County invites the public to join them for Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Amery Intermediate School from 9 a.m. until noon. Have your picture taken with Santa along with lots of fun crafts and fun things for the kids to do. After they’ve eaten and participated in the many other fun activities, the kids can head to the Children’s Minimall shopping area to buy some Christmas presents for themselves or family.

The Beaver Brook Badgers 4-H group operates the minimall as a fundraiser and part of the proceeds from the breakfast go to help the Salvation Army in their efforts to raise money to help people in the local community.

Did you know that the Salvation Army was one of the ways the Annie’s Lunchbox summer free lunch program was funded at the First Baptist Church in Amery? Salvation Army secured the funding for the program through the state.

Without donations to the Salvation Army, many of those children would have had a different summer. The Salvation

The Moulton family children ring bells at Dick’s Market. - Special photo Army also helps many families each week with the Happy Kids Backpack Program.

There are children in America that rely on resources such as free and reduced, price

school lunch during the school year. The backpack program is designed to meet the needs of hungry children at times when other resources are not available such as on the weekends and school vacation.

Backpacks are filled with food that children take home on weekends to help meet the need.

Breakfast with Santa is just another way the Salvation Army is working toward meeting the needs of children in our community by teaming up with a great group of youngsters in 4-H and providing some holiday cheer while working to raise a little more funding to help support programs that the Salvation Army works to provide.

If you are interested in helping the Salvation Army provide the backpacks, Annie’s Lunchbox funds, rent and utility assistance to those in need, medical help and much more including the Serenity House shelter in Balsam Lake, you can send a tax-deductible donation to: 200 Polk County Plaza, Balsam Lake, WI 54810. To help this season by ringing bells in the Red Kettle campaign call 715-4851221. - from Polk County chapter of Salvation Army

Helping vets at a record pace

by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer BALSAM LAKE – Polk County veterans received $606,500 in new benefits in September with the aid of the Polk County Veterans Service Office. This set a record for the highest amount of new benefits, Rick Gates told the human services board Tuesday, Nov. 29. Gates is the county Veterans Service officer. The twoperson office helps veterans and their dependents obtain federal and state benefits set up for former members of the military and helps returning vets and their families.

The amount of benefits delivered to the county veterans is increasing. Gates said

the total amount of federal benefits received in the third quarter of the year, just over $1 million, was equal to the amount for the first half of the year. That million came from 223 new claims processed with the help of his office.

Gates said he expects his office to get busier with an expected influx of returning Iraq veterans. But he says the office helps vets from past wars who are often unaware that they are eligible for help.

Many vets do not know that help with hearing, eye sight and dental problems is available.

Changes in coverage can mean new benefits to area veterans. Recently, new coverage of heart conditions has opened up a surge in claims and benefits, Gates said. His office has reviewed files of veterans who were denied benefits for heart conditions and helped the vets reopen

their cases. One area widow of a veteran recently received a dependency claim of a quarter of a million dollars that had previously been denied. Gates said this helped her out of a subsistence situation. Some of the reopened claims go back four or five years.

Gates said the office takes an active roll in helping veterans and their families apply for benefits and receive care. That includes helping fill out application, following up on claims processing and aiding on appeals. Many attorneys are not familiar with veterans laws, Gates said, and his office can do a good job representing a veteran in most cases. Gates even helps veterans get to care appointments.

While federal benefits are increasing, the same is not true for the Wisconsin Office of Veterans Affairs. Gates said power has been shifted to the governor’s office,

the Board of Veterans Affairs has been eliminated, and many programs have been reduced or eliminated. A loan program has been canceled.

“We (the Veterans Service officers) don’t know what the heck is going on,” Gates said. “We have no committees. We have no way of giving advice to the secretary.

All is not well with the (state) veterans community.”

Some churches face resistance on social issues

by Glen Moberg Wisconsin Public Radio STATEWIDE - In many Wisconsin communities, religious leaders are petitioning lawmakers and local government officials in support of programs that help the poor. But the push for social justice is not welcomed by everyone.

This past spring, at a state legislative hearing on Gov. Walker’s proposed budget, Bruce Chopt of Wausau implored lawmakers not to cut services for the poor, “As people of faith we are speaking out because we feel a budget is a moral document that needs to represent our values. The budget is punitive toward lowerincome families.”

Chopt spoke as a member of NAOMI, a coalition of several Wausau area houses of worship fighting for the poor and for social justice issues. But the practice of religious groups getting involved in political debates has come under fire. Here’s conservative commentator Glenn Beck, in a radio broadcast from May of last year, “I beg you. Look for the words social justice or economic justice on your church Web site. If you find it, run as fast as you can.”

Beck said some church leaders, particularly in Latin America, had been duped by Marxists.

One of the leaders of NAOMI, Father Steve Brice of the Church of St. Anne in Wausau, says Beck and his followers are hurting the Catholic

faith, “Beck and his ilk are placing a wedge on the hearts of many conservative Catholics and Catholic leaders. Justice is so core to the Catholic faith, I don’t know how they can remain Catholic.”

And Brice quotes a famous Brazillian archbishop involved in the social justice movement, “Dom Helder Camara, a great bishop of South America said, “You know, when I feed the poor, they call me a saint. But when I ask why are there poor, they call me a communist.’”

Two central Wisconsin churches that had been involved in the NAOMI coalition have dropped out, because of concerns voiced by their conservative members.

Apostle Islands to remain mostly wilderness

by Mike Simonson Wisconsin Public Radio BAYFIELD - The 20-year management plan for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is done, and it leaves most of the 21-island group a wilderness area.

It took six years to get this 15- to 20-year long-range plan together, what with public comment and working with federal, state, local and tribal officials.

But Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Superintendent Bob Krumanaker likes the out-

come. It will try to preserve historic structures, add a few campsites in the more popular areas, but it will also keep 80 percent of the park a wilderness area, “They will remain as the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness, and it was never really any doubt about that. But the bottom line is this plan now says how those areas will be managed, and it essentially says we’re going to continue to manage it the way we have been.”

More people came to the park this year, with 173,000 visits, up 13 percent over last year.

Bayfield and Red Cliff are gateways to the

Apostle Islands. Bayfield Mayor Larry MacDonald says locals and tourists like this longrange plan, “They enjoy the public access in busier places like on Stockton Island or portions of Sand Island or the lighthouses, but they also really like the wilderness concept.”

The plan calls for all current docks to be maintained, with work done on all eight light stations to varying degrees from complete restoration to simple structural preservation.

New Walker ad criticizes recall effort

by Chuck Quirmbach Wisconsin Public Radio STATEWIDE - Gov. Scott Walker has launched a new television ad criticizing the recall attempt against him. The ad comes a day after the governor said he’s ignoring the recall effort.

On Tuesday, Nov. 22, in Milwaukee, Walker was asked if he’s following every step of the recall effort against him, “No. Don’t follow a thing. That’s just an unnecessary distraction.

Anything that takes our focus off jobs and helping the people of the state create more jobs,

helping entrepreneurs grow jobs, is just a huge distraction. I let others, pundits, worry about that.”

On Wednesday, Nov. 23, the state Republican Party announced that the Walker campaign has paid for a new TV ad that features a woman identified as a Wisconsin teacher criticizing the attempt to force the governor into a recall election.

The Associated Press says the woman, identified as Kristi, is a public schoolteacher in Kenosha. State Democratic Party Chairman Mike Tate says the ad shows the governor pays

close attention to the recall.

Wisconsin lost about 9,000 jobs last month.

Tate says during part of that time, Walker has been traveling to other states, partly to raise money to fight the recall effort. Tate offered no new estimate on the number of recall signatures that have been collected. Democrats said over the weekend that the total was more than 100,000. A big push to collect more signatures came as people shopped on so-called Black Friday.

(Nov. 9, 16, 23, 30, Dec. 7, 14) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY THE RIVERBANK, Plaintiff, vs.

JASON L. JOHNSON and JENNIFER R. RIVARDJOHNSON, and ST. CROIX REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER, Defendants.

Case No. 11 CV 185 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE By virtue of and pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above-entitled action on June 20, 2011, in the amount of $90,421.47, 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 Wednesday, December 28, 2011, at 10:00 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: Lots 13, 14, 15 and 16, Block 2, Setzer’s Addition, Town of West Sweden, Polk County, Wisconsin.

PIN: 048-00901-0000, 04800902-0000, 0489-009030000 & 048-00904-0000.

STREET ADDRESS: 3187 Lake Street North, Frederic, Wis. 54837.

Dated at Balsam Lake, Wis., this 25th day of October, 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

549310 WNAXLP

Polk Veterans Service brings benefits to county

NOVEMBER 30, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 13

WINTER SPORTS 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

West Lakeland boys title will be hard to get

Area’s seven boys basketball teams should offer up an exciting season

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer LEADER LAND – There’ll be a lot of interest surrounding the West Lakeland boys basketball conference this season, and no clear favorite to win title, as several teams are bringing back truckloads of talented athletes and experience from last season, while others are getting a fresh new start.

The Grantsburg Pirates basketball team had an unforgettable season last year, finishing the season as the Division 4 state runner-up, and earning a three-way tie for second place in the conference with Unity and Webster. Although the team lost its two leading scorers to graduation last season over half of its core is back again with the same attitudes that got them to the state tournament last season. The Pirates start the season ranked 11th among the state’s Division 4 teams, according to a preseason coaches poll.

“Our goals don’t change from year to year. We all commit to the same things every year. It goes without saying that we want to start the season out strong, but we want to be playing our very best basketball late in the season,” said coach Nick Hallberg.

The Pirates return a lot of strength and experience under the basket with 6-foot4-inch seniors David Ohnstad and Seth Coy. Senior center Nolan Hanson and senior guards Daniel Biorn, Zack Arnold and junior Connor Myers will have significant roles on the team as well. The Pirates are also bringing in some younger talents as well.

“Our kids are capable and have already taken on their new roles. We’ll be pretty experienced in every position,” said Hallberg.

Luck Cardinals Luck finished with an 11-1 record last season and sat alone at the top of the West Lakeland Conference. They also boasted a regional championship, but their hopes of making it to the state tournament ended quickly in a loss to Drummond in the sectional semifinals.

Although the Cardinals are coming into the 2011-12 season with just one re-

Extra Points

Siren senior Murdock Smith fights for a loose ball during a game last season. Smith is one of several athletes that will help make the Dragons successful. – Leader file photo turning starter, Luck should still be very tough and competitive. Yet it could be a difficult start.

At least two players will be out for the first three to six games, according to coach Rick Giller, so the team will be a bit shorthanded.

“We have two out of three nonconference games to start the season. Hope to be healthy by December 9 with Grantsburg,” Giller said.

The team’s only returning starter, Evan Armour, is one of the injured players, along with Trent Strapon. But look to Karsten Petersen, Kyle Hunter, John Denny and Jesse Rennicke to step up big early on. If everyone is healthy by Dec. 9, the Cards could get another great start to the season and continue a quest for their sixth straight conference championship.

Frederic Vikings Under fourth-year head coach Ryan Lind, the Frederic Vikings could be the surprise of the West Lakeland this season, and could give all six teams a run for their money.

“We are only a few weeks in, but this has been a fun group to coach because they are pretty self-motivated and they are mature for high school kids,” Lind said.

Although the team lost a handful of quality starters to graduation, the team has a deep roster and some good experience at key positions. Senior Waylon Buck could be a solid guard and defensive player, and

Lind feels Buck’s work ethic could carry him through to success.

“I think Waylon Buck is going to turn a lot of heads in this area. He is a great kid that works very hard every day to get better,” Lind said.

Senior Michael Tesch improved throughout the 2010-11 season and could be a force under the basket at 6 feet 7 inches. He has improved considerably over the past summer according to Lind, and junior forwards Adam Chenal and Ian Lexen will be logging quality minutes and playing significant roles on the team as well. Lind also said that juniors Jack Neumann and Dan Larson will be getting some playing time, along with a pair of sophomores. Lind is also working with a large freshman squad this year, which should be beneficial to the program for years to come.

“I think we will work hard every game and that will give us a lot of opportunities to win. I think our conference will be tough as always. There are a lot of good programs and coaches in the area, and we will have to be ready every game if we want to compete with them,” said Lind.

Siren Dragons Despite finishing 5-7 in the conference last year, and losing to Luck in the regional final, Siren will likely be the team to beat, as all of their returning starters are back, and the team is loaded with experience and senior leadership. The Dragons are ranked ninth among the Division 5 teams, according to a preseason coaches poll.

See boys bball/next page

••• MONMOUTH, Ore. – The Augustana Vikings basketball team suffered their first loss of the season to Western Oregon on Saturday, Nov. 19. Former Luck standout Brennan Olson had a career-high eight points in the game and five rebounds.

The Vikings won their most recent game against Dakota State on Tuesday, Nov. 22.

Olson is logging more and more minutes with the DiviBrennan Olson sion 2 Vikings, and as a sophomore, has a bright future still ahead. Augustana is currently ranked 18th in the nation according to the National Association of Basketball Coaches poll. – Marty Seeger with information from www.goaugie.com ••• SIREN – The Siren girls basketball team is hoping for a stupendous season and will be sponsoring a beef stew community dinner from 4:30 p.m - 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4 when they host Clear Lake. The meal costs $5 per person. – submitted ••• LEADER LAND – The Bruce at Luck boys basketball game on Friday, Dec. 2, is being broadcast on 104.9 FM beginning at 7:30 p.m. The Siren at Unity girls and boys basketball games can be heard on 104.9 FM beginning at 6 p.m., on Tuesday, Dec. 6. The Packers at Giants NFL football game can be heard on 105.7 FM on Sunday, Dec. 4, beginning at 3:15 p.m. The Broncos at Vikings game on Sunday, Dec. 4, begins at noon and is being broadcast on 104.9 FM. The Marquette at Wisconsin men’s college basketball game on Saturday, Dec. 3, can be heard on 1260 AM beginning at 7 p.m. The UW-Green Bay at Wisconsin basketball game on Wednesday, Dec. 7, can be heard at 7 p.m. on 1260 AM. The Big Ten championship football game between Michigan State and the Wisconsin Badgers can be heard on 1260 AM on Saturday, Dec. 3, beginning at 7 p.m.

••• LEADER LAND – Leader Sports strives to follow the college careers of area athletes. If you know of an athlete playing collegiate sports in 2011 and hasn’t been mentioned, send us an email or call and we’ll take it from there.

– Marty Seeger ••• 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

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

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PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - NOVEMBER 30, 2011

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West Lakeland basketball title is up for grabs Brittani Hughes dressed varsity last year, Katie Simpson, Carly Gustafson and Natalie Phernetton are new to varsity.”

Wink said he was looking forward to getting started ASAP in the solid West Lakeland conference.

“I think [the West Lakeland] is going to very competitive,” Wink stated. “St. Croix Falls has to be a favorite, returning all five starters. Siren is the defending champ, until someone takes that from them. Luck has on all-state player in Avery Steen, Unity and Grantsburg return a lot of key players, Webster always is well-prepared.

All of them are solid. Each game is another chance to measure where we stack up in our strong conference and area.”

Wink thinks the Vikings may be among those mentioned, and he is confident in his squad. “We will be very competitive every game,” he said. “It is our goal to be in the top three of the conference as well as be a top-two team in our regional.”

With a veteran coaching staff, two of the best players in the region and a contagious confidence, the Vikings are going to be strong and solid. “I can’t wait to get it started!” Wink said in closing. “Good group of girls to work with, it should be a fun season!”

No clear favorite in race to the top in girls basketball

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer LEADER LAND – The Unity Eagle girls roll into the new season with returning head coach Carol Kline, now in her second year. But they have a new assistant coach in Nicole Jensen and, according to Kline, the Eagles will also use 15 players on their squad this year. “Our plan is to use the five-quarter rule and float players between varsity and junior varsity,” she stated.

The Eagles are coming off a season that was unpredictable but showed the potential of the Unity squad. “Overall, we were pleased with last season,” Kline said.

“We lost five seniors, but we have six returning varsity players.

Brittany Thomfohrda is our only senior this year.”

Kline said she is one of the players to watch this season, along with several underclassmen. But she is also touting the rest of the squad. “The returning six varsity players are Thomfohrda, Hailey Olson, Anna Ebensperger, Shauna Jorgenson, Shay Nelson and Sarah Bader. All of these players will be able to make plays defensively and score.”

The Eagles will have a few new faces on the floor, with Maddie Ramich and Rayven Merrill on the inside, and Cass Hanson, Kayla Johnson and Carly Ince on the perimeter.

Unity finished last season with a 4-8 West Lakeland Conference record, and an 11-12 overall mark. They fell in the first round to the Osceola Chieftains in the Division 3 playoffs. But Kline thinks they have more Eagle ammo than they’ve had in quite a while.

“I think we will finish with a better record than we had last season,” she said.

“We are looking forward to making our push within the conference. There will be strong competition within the conference this year. We look forward to making our run at the conference title.”

Boys bball continued Head coach Jon Ruud is in his 13th year of coaching both boys and girls basketball at Siren, and he is hoping to lead the first boys basketball team, since 1990, to win a conference championship.

“Last year was a slightly disappointing year for us considering the year we had before that! There were four other very good teams last year, and all four teams had very strong senior leadership. We lost seven of eight games to those four teams and all but one of them was within reach in the fourth quarter. During the fourth quarter, those other teams had great play down the stretch by their seniors. This year we are senior heavy,” said Ruud.

Among the seniors are forward Andrew Brown and guard Elijah Hinze.

Murdock Smith and Evan Oachs are both guards and forward Luke Bollant and center William Haines make up the senior core. Ruud says that two sophomore newcomers, Jared Emery and Davey St. John, along with junior Will Barr will make contributions as well.

While there are several talented seniors on the team that add something to the mix as individuals, Ruud wants them to be remembered for what they accomplished as a team this season.

Caitlyn Olson takes a shot during a game against Unity last year. The Saints could be a powerful team in the West Lakeland girls conference this season. – Leader file photo But she also thinks the competition across the conference is notable. “I predict that basketball fans throughout the county will be impressed with all the female athletes competing for every school, and that they will not be disappointed,” she said.

Frederic Vikings The Viking girls return to the court this season with a solid group of players, with one of the most experienced local coaching duos in the region with 12-year head coach Troy Wink and assistant Sharon Schmidt.

Frederic finished last season strongly, according to Wink.

“We had a nice season, 14 wins. It got sidetracked at the end, losing two of our top scorers with one regular game “We want to be remembered. You will only be remembered by what you accomplish as a team, not by what you accomplish as an individual,” Ruud said.

Unity Eagles Unity had more than just a solid season last year, getting just one game away from the state tournament. It was also the boys first trip to a sectional final game in school history, after the Eagles ousted Northwestern in a thrilling comeback that saw the Eagles down by as many as 16 points late in the third quarter. The Eagles will no doubt try to continue that ride into this season, as they return several talented athletes.

“Last year was a season that everyone involved will remember for a very long time. It was great to see the support that the school and community provided our team,” said fifthyear coach Shaun Fisher. “I think that we can be very competitive this year and should only get better as the season progresses and our team chemistry continues to solidify.”

Seniors Xavier Foeller and Brady Turner return again this season, and Turner could be one of the area’s best scorers. Seniors Steven Kruger, who is a 6-foot-4-inch forward, and guard Clay Peckman round out the seniors, and a large junior class will be along for the ride this season as well.

left.”

The Vikings will use that same philosophy again in 2011-2012, which netted them a 14-9 overall record, and a final mark of 6-6 in the West Lakeland Conference.

“Same approach, new girls,” Wink stated, noting the graduating players they are without this season. “We lost five quality seniors last year: Sam Nelson, Jade Johnson, Vanessa Neumann, Tara Johnson and Sage Karl.”

In spite of losing so much talent, Wink is confident in his starting corps, especially in seniors Maria Miller and Corissa Schmidt, whom he unabashedly called “two of best players in the conference.”

Backing up Schmidt and Miller are several familiar faces, many of whom may be in unfamiliar roles this season.

“Kendra Mossey is our new point guard, Lauren Domagala is our new shooting guard, but both played some last year,” Wink stated. “Emily Byerly and

St. Croix Falls Saints The St. Croix Falls boys basketball team is looking at an entirely new start, not only in coaching but in the athletes taking the court. There are no returning starters for the Saints this season, yet new head coach, Chad Hall is hoping that their speed, team defense and strong work ethic can be built upon as the season progresses.

“There are new faces who lack a lot of varsity minutes,” Hall said. “Our players recognize their lack of experience, but are using that as motivation to work hard and focus on making themselves better every day.”

Hall isn’t an unfamiliar face among the St. Croix Falls area. He has been a substitute teacher at the school for several years and works with alternative education/atrisk students offsite. He has also been involved with the Saints baseball program and JV and C-squad teams, as well as summer Legion baseball. He was an assistant coach for four years. His assistant coaches are Jim Martenson, who has coached over 30 years at St. Croix Falls, and Brian Jacobson, who has coached booster basketball and with the heads-up baseball program.

Hall is working with five seniors this season, which include Rob Heilig, Ben Clausen, Jace Marek, Cody Zelinski and Erik Swenson. Hall said the seniors are fo-

St. Croix Falls Saints Expect the St. Croix Falls Saints girls to be a solid squad this season. After losing little to graduation, they start their 20112012 campaign with a strong group of seniors and a talented mix of underclassmen.

Nine-year veteran head coach Angie Maternowsky returns with Scott Petznick as her assistant, which should help with consistency. Maternowsky seemed to underplay her squad’s performance last season, where they finished with a 6-6 West Lakeland Conference record and an even better 13-8 overall mark.

“Last season was a building year,” Maternowsky said unabashedly. “We were a very young team that gained a lot of experience.”

See girls bball/page cused to prove themselves as leaders on the team, and he has a pair of juniors who should contribute as well. He also has several underclassmen eager to contribute.

Webster Tigers The Webster basketball team is coming off a year that had them finishing with a three-way tie for second place in the conference. They defeated state runner-up Grantsburg in both contests during the regular season, but fell hard against Spring Valley in the regional semifinals.

“I thought it was a good year with some ups and downs. Overall it was a good season,” said ninthyear coach Randy Hedrick.

The Tigers lost several starters to graduation, but have five seniors and a handful of other players that will be molded by coach Hedrick to compete with just about anyone.

Brad Krause, Taylor Heinze, Joey Erickson, Cody Isaacson and Josh Baer are the team seniors, and Baer was a key part of the team’s success. Nathan Puttbrese, a junior, is a fresh face on the team as well and could be an athlete to watch as the season progresses.

“We’ll go through some growing pains but hope to be competitive,” Hedrick said, adding that it should be a very fun year for area basketball fans.

NOVEMBER 30, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 15

2011 - 2012 Leader Winter Sports Schedule Thursday, Dec. 1

Boys Basketball

7:30 p.m. Clear Lake at Frederic St. Croix Falls at Cameron

Girls Basketball

6 p.m. Clayton at Frederic 7:30 p.m. Turtle Lake at Unity Osceola at St. Croix Falls

Gymnastics

6:30 p.m. SCF/Unity at Chisago Lakes

Wrestling 7 p.m.

Flambeau vs. LFG at Luck

Friday, Dec. 2

Boys Basketball

7:30 p.m. Somerset at Unity Bruce at Luck Grantsburg at Shell Lake

Girls Basketball

7:30 p.m. Clear Lake at Siren Grantsburg at Winter

Blizzard Girls Hockey

Blizzard Boys Hockey

7:30 p.m. Blizzard vs. Becker at Princeton

Girls Basketball 6 p.m.

Unity at Webster Luck at Siren 7:30 p.m. St. Croix Falls at Frederic

Wrestling 4 p.m.

SCF at Chisago Lakes

Saturday, Dec. 17 Boys Basketball

2:45 p.m. Flambeau vs. Siren at the Target Center

Girls Basketball 1 p.m.

Siren vs. Flambeau at the Target Center

Gymnastics Noon

Grantsburg at Rush City

9 a.m.

LFG at Osceola

Wrestling

Tuesday, Dec. 20

Boys Basketball

Blizzard Girls Hockey

7:30 p.m. Amery at Webster Osceola at Unity Siren at Drummond

2 p.m.

7:30 p.m. Mora at Siren

7 p.m.

Blizzard at Silver Bay

Saturday, Dec. 3 Tomahawk at Siren

Wrestling

9 a.m. Unity at Ellsworth 10 a.m. SCF at Ellsworth LFG at Rush City

Blizzard Boys Hockey

Girls Basketball Wrestling

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m. Clayton at Unity 7 p.m.

LFG at St. Croix Central

Tuesday, Dec. 6

Boys Basketball

7:30 p.m. Webster at Luck Siren at Unity Frederic at Grantsburg

Boys Hockey 7 p.m.

Blizzard vs. Amery at Grantsburg

Girls Basketball

7:30 p.m. Luck at Chetek

Blizzard Girls Hockey 7 p.m.

Blizzard at Cambridge

Thursday, Dec. 8

Girls Basketball

7:30 p.m. Webster at Northwestern

Wrestling 5 p.m.

Shell Lake/Spring Valley at Unity

Friday, Dec. 9 Boys Basketball

7:30 p.m. Somerset at Webster Unity at St. Croix Falls Siren at Frederic Luck at Grantsburg

Blizzard Boys Hockey 8 p.m.

Blizzard vs. Legacy Christian Acad. at Blaine

Girls Basketball 6 p.m.

Unity at St. Croix Falls Siren at Frederic Luck at Grantsburg

Blizzard Girls Hockey

8:30 p.m. Blizzard at Black River Falls

Gymnastics

5 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 22

Boys Basketball 6 p.m.

St. Croix Central at SCF New Auburn at Frederic 7:30 p.m. Siren at Turtle Lake Clayton at Luck

Blizzard Boys Hockey 7 p.m.

Somerset at Siren

Girls Basketball

6 p.m. Clayton at Luck 7:30 p.m. Cumberland at SCF Grantsburg at New Auburn Clear Lake at Frederic

Blizzard Girls Hockey 7 p.m.

Blizzard vs. Hudson at Grantsburg

Wrestling 7 p.m.

LFG at St. Croix Central

Tuesday, Dec. 27

Boys Basketball

Wednesday, Dec. 28

Boys Basketball 6 p.m.

St. Croix Falls at Glenwood City

Thursday, Dec. 29

Boys Basketball 3 p.m.

7 p.m.

Blizzard at New Richmond

7 p.m.

Unity at Turtle Lake LFG at St. Croix Falls

Wrestling

Friday, Dec. 16 Boys Basketball

6 p.m. St. Croix Falls at Frederic 7:30 p.m. Unity at Webster Luck at Siren

Wrestling

7 p.m.

St. Croix Falls at Chetek

Wrestling

Saturday, Jan. 7

Blizzard Boys Hockey 3 p.m.

Blizzard vs. Minneapolis East at Grantsburg

Wrestling 9 a.m.

Unity and LFG at New Richmond

Monday, Jan. 9

Boys Basketball

7:30 p.m. Clear Lake at Siren

Tuesday, Jan. 10

Boys Basketball

Blizzard Boys Hockey

Blizzard vs. Pine City at Grantsburg

Girls Basketball

Frederic at Webster Grantsburg at Unity Luck at St. Croix Falls 7:30 p.m. Siren at Northwood

Blizzard vs Northland Pines at Eagle River Sports Arena

Gymnastics 11 a.m.

9 a.m.

SCF/Unity and Grantsburg at Rice Lake Unity, LFG at St. Croix Falls

Monday, Jan. 23

Boys Basketball

7:30 p.m. Turtle Lake at Frederic

Tuesday, Jan. 24

Boys Basketball

7:30 p.m. Osceola at St. Croix Falls Luck at Ellsworth Grantsburg at Amery

Thursday, Jan. 26

Girls Basketball

7:30 p.m. Prairie Farm at Unity

Wrestling 7 p.m.

St. Croix Falls at Unity LFG vs. Clear Lake at Luck

Friday, Jan. 27

Boys Basketball

7 p.m.

St. Croix Falls at Osceola

7:30 p.m. Becker at Siren

Thursday, Jan. 12

7 p.m.

Clear Lake at Unity Turtle Lake/Clayton at St. Croix Falls

Friday, Jan. 13

Boys Basketball

6 p.m.

Webster at Unity Siren at Luck 7:30 p.m. Frederic at St. Croix Falls

Blizzard Girls Hockey 7 p.m.

Hayward at Siren

Thursday, Feb. 9

Boys Basketball

7:30 p.m. Unity at New Auburn Frederic at Luck

Blizzard Boys Hockey

6 p.m.

7:30 p.m. Spooner at Siren St. Croix Falls at Barron New Auburn at Luck Frederic at Turtle Lake

Blizzard at Chippewa Falls

Wrestling

Girls Basketball

Girls Basketball

7:30 p.m. Blizzard at Moose Lake

7 p.m.

Wrestling

6 p.m. Frederic at St. Croix Falls 7:30 p.m. Webster at Unity Siren at Luck Clear Lake at Grantsburg

7:30 p.m. Blizzard vs. North Branch at Grantsburg

7:30 p.m. St. Croix Falls at Unity Frederic at Siren Grantsburg at Luck

Blizzard Girls Hockey

Boys Basketball

Blizzard Boys Hockey

6 p.m.

Blizzard Boys Hockey Girls Basketball 6 p.m.

St. Croix Falls at Unity Frederic at Siren Grantsburg at Luck

Saturday, Jan. 28

Boys Hockey 3 p.m.

River Falls at Siren

2 p.m.

Blizzard vs. Silver Bay at Grantsburg

6 p.m. St. Croix Falls at Siren 7:30 p.m. Grantsburg at Webster Unity at Luck

Blizzard Girls Hockey

6 p.m.

Grantsburg at Webster Unity at Luck 7:30 p.m. St. Croix Falls at Siren Blizzard vs. Eveleth-Gilbert at Hoyt Lakes

Saturday, Jan. 14

Blizzard Girls Hockey 2 p.m.

Blizzard at Tomahawk

11 a.m.

SCF/Unity and Grantsburg at River Falls

Gymnastics

Monday, Jan. 16

Boys Basketball

6 p.m. Frederic at Prairie Farm 7:30 p.m. Webster at Cumberland Unity at Chetek Washburn at Siren

Blizzard Boys Hockey 7 p.m.

Blizzard vs. North Branch at Chisago Lakes

TBD

Boys Basketball

Blizzard Boys Hockey

Blizzard at Rice Lake

Girls Basketball 6 p.m

Grantsburg/Pine City at Webster 7:30 p.m. Hinckley at Webster

Unity at Cameron LFG at Glenwood City

Blizzard Girls Hockey

SCF/Unity at Superior

Girls Basketball

5 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m. Frederic at Rush City

6 p.m.

Gymnastics

Grantsburg/Pine City at Webster Bruce vs. Frederic 4:30 p.m. Hinckley at Webster

Boys Basketball

Girls Basketball

TBD

Blizzard at Pine City

Tuesday, Feb. 7

Girls Basketball

Unity at New Auburn Frederic at Luck

Gymnastics

6:30 p.m. SCF/Unity at Grantsburg

Friday, Feb. 10

Boys Basketball

7:30 p.m. Siren at Webster Turtle Lake at Unity Grantsburg at SCF

Girls Basketball 6 p.m.

Siren at Webster Grantsburg at SCF

Saturday, Feb. 11

Gymnastics

Boys Basketball

10 a.m. SCF/Unity and Grantsburg at Ashland

Monday, Feb. 13

7:30 p.m. Unity at Prairie Farm

Girls Basketball

5:45 p.m. Unity at Prairie Farm 7:30 p.m. Siren at Clayton

Tuesday, Feb. 14

Boys Basketball

6 p.m. Shell Lake at Frederic 7:30 p.m. Birchwood at Webster Pine City at Siren

Girls Basketball

Tournament at Siren

Blizzard at Moose Lake

7:30 p.m. Braham at Grantsburg

Blizzard Girls Hockey

7 p.m.

TBD

7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 15

Lanesboro vs. Frederic at the Target Center

Blizzard Boys Hockey

Blizzard at Rice Lake

Wrestling

Boys Basketball

11 a.m.

Webster at Siren SCF at Grantsburg Luck at Frederic 7:30 p.m. Unity at Shell Lake

6 p.m.

Blizzard Girls Hockey

SCF/Unity at Chippewa Falls

Wrestling

Boys Basketball

7:30 p.m. Clayton at St. Croix Falls

TBD

Unity, LFG and SCF at River Falls

Blizzard Girls Hockey

Girls Basketball

Saturday, Jan. 21

Boys Basketball

Webster at St. Croix Falls Frederic at Unity Grantsburg at Siren

6 p.m.

6 p.m. Unity at Shell Lake 7:30 p.m. Webster at Siren SCF at Grantsburg Luck at Frederic

St. Croix Falls at Cameron

Monday, Feb. 6 Boys Basketball

7 p.m.

9 a.m.

Girls Basketball

Boys Basketball

TBD

Boys Basketball

Blizzard Boys Hockey

Tournament at Siren

Blizzard vs. Moose Lake

Blizzard vs Northland Pines at Eagle River Sports Arena

Pine City at St. Croix Falls

Wrestling

Blizzard Girls Hockey

5 p.m.

7 p.m.

Wrestling

8 p.m.

TBD

3 p.m.

6 p.m. Birchwood at Webster 7:30 p.m. Cumberland at Grantsburg Shell Lake at Frederic

TBD

Blizzard Boys Hockey

Blizzard Girls Hockey

Girls Basketball

10 a.m. SCF/Unity and Grantsbur at Hudson

Blizzard at Onalaska

7:30 p.m. Webster at St. Croix Falls Frederic at Unity Grantsburg at Siren Cumberland at Luck

Luck at Webster Unity at Siren 7:30 p.m. Grantsburg at Frederic

Gymnastics

Gymnastics

Boys Basketball

6 p.m.

Girls Basketball

Blizzard at Rice Lake

Tuesday, Dec. 13

Girls Basketball

St. Croix Falls at Glenwood City Siren vs. Spring Valley Frederic at Clayton

2 p.m.

Blizzard Girls Hockey

8 a.m. St. Croix Falls at Wis. Dells 10 a.m. LFG at Barron

Friday, Jan. 6

7 p.m.

TBD

Wrestling

Unity, LFG at Frederic

Unity at Glenwood City

Wrestling

Blizzard Girls Hockey 11 a.m.

7 p.m.

Blizzard vs. Chippewa Falls at Grantsburg

Blizzard Girls Hockey

Boys Hockey

Noon

Wrestling

7:30 p.m. Frederic at Webster Grantsburg at Unity Luck at St. Croix Falls

6:30 p.m. Grantsburg at Superior

Saturday, Dec. 10

6:30 p.m. Rush City at Grantsburg

Girls Basketball

6 p.m. Spooner at Webster 7:30 p.m. Unity at Cumberland Siren at Turtle Lake Rush City at Grantsburg Glenwood City at Frederic

Monday, Dec. 5

Thursday, Jan. 5

Gymnastics

9 a.m.

Unity, LFG and SCF at River Falls

Friday, Dec. 30

6 p.m.

Grantsburg/Hinckley at Webster 7:30 p.m. Pine City at Webster

Girls Basketball

3 p.m. Grantsburg at Webster 4:30 p.m. Pine City at Webster

Tuesday, Jan. 3

7:30 p.m. Webster at Clayton Frederic at Prairie Farm

Tuesday, Jan. 17

Girls Basketball

6 p.m. Shell Lake at Luck 7:30 p.m. Frederic at Northwood

TBA Webster at Hayward 7:30 p.m. SCF at Turtle Lake

Girls Basketball

6 p.m. Pine City at Grantsburg 7:30 p.m. SCF at Clear Lake

Blizzard Girls Hockey 8 p.m.

Blizzard at Superior

Tuesday, Jan. 31

Boys Basketball

7:30 p.m. SCF at Clear Lake Luck at Turtle Lake Pine City at Grantsburg

Blizzard Boys Hockey 7:30 p.m. Blizzard at Mora

Girls Basketball

6 p.m. Pine City at Grantsburg 7:30 p.m. Unity at Osceola Cornell at Siren Luck at Northwood

Gymnastics

6:30 p.m. Grantsburg at Rush City

Thursday, Feb. 2

7:30 p.m. Siren at Northwood St. Croix Falls at Spooner Luck at Birchwood Grantsburg at Cameron

Blizzard Boys Hockey

6 p.m. Luck at Birchwood 7:30 p.m. Unity at Clear Lake St. Paul Harding at SCF Grantsburg at Shell Lake

Blizzard Girls Hockey

Girls Basketball

Blizzard Girls Hockey TBD

Blizzard at Ashland

Thursday, Jan. 19

Girls Basketball

7:30 p.m. St. Croix Falls at Cameron

Wrestling 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball

6 p.m. Frederic at Northwood 7:30 p.m. Webster at Clear Lake Clayton at Unity Shell Lake at Luck Spooner at Grantsburg

Monday, Jan. 30

St. Croix Falls at Clear Lake LFG at Turtle Lake

Friday, Jan. 20

Boys Basketball

6 p.m. Grantsburg at Frederic 7:30 p.m. Luck at Webster Unity at Siren

Blizzard Boys Hockey 7 p.m.

Legacy Christian Academy at Siren

7 p.m.

Spooner at Siren

Girls Basketball

7:30 p.m. Webster at Shell Lake Luck at Clear lake 7 p.m.

Blizzard vs. Moose Lake at Grantsburg

Wrestling 7 p.m.

SCF at St. Croix Central

Friday, Feb. 3

Boys Basketball

6 p.m. Siren at Grantsburg 7:30 p.m. St. Croix Falls at Webster Unity at Frederic Clear Lake at Luck

Girls Basketball 6 p.m.

St. Croix Falls at Webster Unity at Frederic 7:30 p.m. Siren at Grantsburg

Saturday, Feb. 4

Blizzard Boys Hockey 3 p.m.

Blizzard vs.

Minneapolis East at Parade Ice Garden

Thursday, Feb. 16

6 p.m. Webster at Frederic 7:30 p.m. Unity at Clear Lake Grantsburg at Turtle Lake

Girls Basketball

7:30 p.m. Webster at Frederic Grantsburg at Flambeau

Friday, Feb. 17

Boys Basketball

7:30 p.m. St. Croix Falls at Luck Prairie Farm at Siren

Girls Basketball 6 p.m.

St. Croix Falls at Luck

Monday, Feb. 20

Girls Basketball

7 p.m. Luck at Winter 7:30 p.m. Siren at Drummand

Tuesday, Feb. 21

Boys Basketball

7:30 p.m. Northwood at Webster Unity at Grantsburg Somerset at St. Croix Falls Luck at Chetek Frederic at Birchwood

Girls Basketball 6 p.m.

Northwood at Webster Unity at Grantsburg Turtle Lake at SCF Frederic at Birchwood 7:30 p.m. Cumberland at Luck

Friday, Feb. 24

Boys Basketball

6 p.m. Siren at St. Croix Falls 7:30 p.m. Webster at Grantsburg Luck at Unity

Girls Basketball 6 p.m.

Webster at Grantsburg Luck at Unity 7:30 p.m. Siren at St. Croix Falls

Monday, Feb. 27

Girls Basketball

7:30 p.m. Webster at Cumberland Cameron at Siren St. Croix Falls at Chetek Turtle Lake at Luck

Thursday, March 1

Girls Basketball

7:30 p.m. Webster at Luck Siren at Unity Frederic at Grantsburg

PAGE 16 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - NOVEMBER 30, 2011

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Webster boys drop season opener against Lakers Siren, Unity, Luck also battle Turtle Lake 53, Webster 49

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer WEBSTER – The Webster Tiger boys basketball team hosted their first game of the season on Tuesday, Nov. 29, against nonconferece Turtle Lake, but lost a close one that could have gone either way.

The game was tight after the first quarter with the Lakers holding a 10-8, but Turtle Lake broke the game open in the second quarter with the help of stingy defense and by out-rebounding the Tigers.

Turtle Lake led by as much as 10 points in the second quarter and maintained a 2819 lead at the half. But the Tigers came out a different team to start the second half, scoring eight unanswered points to get back within just one point.

Josh Baer led the Tigers in the first half with 10 points, but had a solid second half as he scored another 21 points for a total of 31 points for the game. He was also 9 of 11 from the free throw line in the second half, which helped keep the Tigers in contention, but they never really could grab a lead.

Webster did however, get to within one point late in the fourth quarter, and trailed by one point with 32 seconds to go. But the Lakers managed to hold on.

Along with Baer’s 31 points, Nathan Puttbrese and Brad Krause chipped in four apiece. Joey Erickson and Jake Sargant each had three, and Taylor Heinz and Cody Isaacson each had two.

Siren 83, Shell Lake 27 SHELL LAKE – The Siren Dragon boys basketball team got off to a great start against the Lakers on Tuesday, Nov. 29.

Their next game is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 6, at Unity. No game stats were available at press time.

McDonell Central 51, Luck 46 CHIPPEWA FALLS – The Cardinal boys battled a tough Chippewa Falls McDonell team in their opening debut on Tuesday, Nov. 28. The Cards kept pace much of the way and trailed by just one point in the third quarter.

“A good game defensively for 2-1/2 quarters,” said Luck coach Rick Giller.

Foul trouble left Karsten (Petersen) and

Unity senior Brady Turner passes inside to sophomore Zac Johnson against the Cumberland defense. – Photo by Greg Marsten

LEFT: Cody Isaacson of Webster looks for an open lane against Turtle Lake on Tuesday, Nov. 29. RIGHT: Webster’s Josh Baer had a solid effort against the Lakers with 31 points, but the Tigers fell short in their first game of the season. – Photos by Marty Seeger Kyle (Hunter) on the bench for a quarter losses. Aaron Koshatka has taken over possibly challenging for the West Lakeand then a hot hand by McDonnel Cen- point guard duties and is exceedingly land throne, even. If they can control the tral’s Kyle Cody left us to play catch-up.” quick. With Steven Krueger, Brady Turner final minutes of the game, they can be a Cody had 38 points on the night for the and Brandon McKenzie as scoring tools, surprise force.

Bulldogs, but Luck had some bright spots the Eagles have filled vacancies well, and Statistics and scoring results were not as well. they were even able to pulled ahead at the available at press time. – Greg Marsten “Dylan LeMay had a good shooting half by four points. which helped keep the game close,” Giller The Unity boys held that lead until the said, but added that too many turnovers final minutes, when Beaver standout and poor decision making led to the Car- Brady Rose drained a long 3-pointer with dinals ultimate downfall.

1:17 left on the clock, giving them a lead LeMay led the Cardinals with 21 points, they would never relinquish. followed by John Denny with 11, Petersen, It came down to the final minutes, and eight, Brodie Kunze, four, Logan Hamack, the Eagles had several opportunities, but three and Kyle Hunter, two. couldn’t connect the dots for the win.

Cumberland is a team to be reckoned with, for sure, with the entire varsity Cumberland 54, Unity 49 BALSAM LAKE – The Unity Eagle boys squad as seniors, save for one token sophlooked strong in their season opener at omore, they are going to be a tornado on home against the solid Cumberland whomever they play.

But Unity’s boys were impressive, as Beavers, but lost by a close margin in the well, and should have an exciting season, final moments, 54-49.

Unity pulled ahead early, and their ball handling and offensive aggression may have alleviated many fears of graduation

Andrew Brown of Siren fights for position against Shell Lake on Tuesday, Nov. 29. – Photo by Larry Samson

Murdock Smith goes in for a layup, scoring two for the Dragons. – Photo by Larry Samson

Unity's Brandon McKenzie drives in for an easy deuce against the Cumberland Beavers.

– Photo by Greg Marsten

NOVEMBER 30, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 17

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Blizzard girls open season in tourney Face off against the best in the state in opening tourney

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer BALDWIN – The Blizzard girls traveled to Baldwin during the Thanksgiving break to play in the St. Croix Fusion’s annual Turkey Tournament on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday on either side of Thanksgiving.

“The Fusion tournament always features some good teams and great competition,” stated Blizzard head coach Tim Bennett. “It’s an honor for us to be asked to participate in it every year.”

The competition and caliber of the teams was about as good as it gets - so good that the Blizzard girls dropped all three of the games they played, which didn’t set well with coach Bennett.

“I was disappointed with our play, especially the first game against the Fusion,” Bennett said. “I thought we were ready, but I was wrong.”

The Blizzard girls lost their opening game, 7-2, to the St. Croix Fusion, who are also three-time state champions.

“It was a disappointing game for us ... our play was disorganized and sloppy.

Not at all what I expected,” Bennett said.

Big wins in home tourney to start season

by Greg Marsten Leader staff writer SIREN – The Blizzard boys hockey squad started their 2011-2012 campaign

Girls bball continued The Saints fell in a close contest in the first round of the playoffs to a solid St. Croix Central squad, but had a few shining moments along the way, including an impressive nine-game winning streak midseason that garnered some real attention.

Maternowsky thinks a few players to watch this season include senior Sarah Petznick, who is back at full strength after an injury that cut her season short last year. Maternowsky also thinks Sydney Geisness and Caitlyn Olson will continue to shine on both ends of the court.

“We are taking one game at a time,” she said. “But we should be a very solid, wellrounded team.”

Grantsburg Pirates One of the big surprises last season in the West Lakeland Conference was the Grantsburg Pirates girls squad, which became a true contender and gave some strong, if not surprising, results. They finished with an impressive 8-4 conference mark and a solid 15-8 overall record. They went two games deep into the playoffs, ultimately falling to a strong Boyceville squad in the second round.

“It was a good year overall, with some nice conference wins,” stated head coach Adam Hale, who returns for his second season as the Pirate head coach, and sixth overall. Nicole Diesterhaft is on the other end of the bench as assistant.

The Pirates did lose some real talent to graduation, including 1,000-pointer Kortney Morrin, along with supporting cast Angela and Lisa Gaffney, as well as Haley Larson. But coach Hale is confident that his new squad is solid, and noted seniors

Blizzard forward Wendy Roberts scores the team's first goal of the season in a tourney game against the St. Croix Fusion last week in a 7-2 loss. – Photo submitted “We let in some soft goals to start the game and that kind of seemed to kind of set the pace.”

Bennett said the Blizzard did play better in the second and third periods, “but not enough to mount a comeback,” he said. Scoring for the Blizzard were Wendy Roberts with both goals and Johanna Lauer with one assist. Blizzard goaltender Hope Tucker had 22 saves in her debut.

The next game against Hayward was a much better effort by the Blizzard, but they still lost 5-2.

“The game had better flow and we had more scoring opportunities,” Bennett said,

noting that Hayward was the eventual winner of the Baldwin tournament.

“We started off slow again, giving up several soft goals, but then we started to make some opportunities and made a game out of it,” he said. “I think the game could have gone either way if we had gotten off to a better start. We have to play three periods.”

Scoring for the Blizzard was forward Samantha O’Brien, who had an assist by Kassie Lien.

“Defenseman Paige Johnson slammed home our first power play goal of the season, after getting a pass from Wendy

Blizzard boys roll at home

Roberts,” Bennett said. “Hope [Tucker] played solid in the net, making 22 saves.”

The third game also left the Blizzard facing a powerful squad, this time it was Sun Prairie, which was also a state tournament participant last year. The Blizzard lost the game 4-2.

“The action was a little more back and fourth in this game and we started to play better,” Bennett said, noting that Sun Prairie tied Hayward 3-3 and lost to the Fusion 3-2.

“So we knew they were a good team,” Bennett said. “The score was 3-2 late in the game, and we had many opportunities to go ahead. But Sun Prairie intercepted a Blizzard breakout pass and got a two-goal lead with less than two minutes to play.”

Scoring her first goal of the season was Ashley Dietmeier, with the assist going to Roberts. O’Brien scored the second goal, again assisted by Lien. Tucker had a solid game in the net, turning away 33 shots.

“We have some things to work on, but the season is young and Blizzard girls work hard,” he said. “I am sure we will see some big improvements in team play the next few weeks.”

The Blizzard’s next game is Friday, Dec. 2 at Silver Bay, and then they play a rare home game on Saturday, Dec. 3, against Tomahawk in Siren at the Lodge Center Arena.

on fire, pulling off a resounding victory in their ceremonial opener against the visiting Baldwin-Woodville Blackhawks, 9-1, on Friday, Nov. 25 at Siren for their annual Thanksgiving Tournament.

It would have been a shutout, if not for an errant, wacky goal off the second period face-off that jumped over goalie Thomas Labatt four seconds into play. But by then, the Blizzard had already dominated the Hawks easily, and were in no

way ever threatened.

Game stats were not available at press time.

The Blizzard also swept over their opponent on Saturday, Nov. 26, the Spooner Rails, who gave them a bit more of a challenge, but still fell victim to the Blizzard, 6-2.

Senior Joe Engelhart worked his magic with a four-goal performance, with three assists by Bryce Ryan. Also scoring for the

blizzard were Cody Benedict and Jake Langevin.

The Blizzard split up their goalie time between Labatt and Brandon Roufs, who came on in the second period.

The Blizzard ended up winning the informal tourney, and begin their true 20112012 campaign with a nonconference match in Grantsburg with the Amery Warriors on Tuesday, Dec. 6.

Nicole McKenzie and Carly Larson as players to watch, as well as junior Samantha Schwieger and sophomore Macy Hanson.

Hale also thinks Larson and junior Stacey McKenzie will rise to the occasion, and said he’s looking forward to all the West Lakeland matchups this season.

“There’s a lot of good teams and it should be a tight race,” he said. “[Our goal is] to keep improving and compete every night in the conference.”

Expect the Pirates to be contenders and an exciting squad to follow. “I’m looking forward to another start of the basketball season with a good and hardworking group of girls,” Hale said.

opponent defenses.

“It is imperative that our other kids step up and put the ball in the basket for us,” Messar said. “We are looking for senior Maia Lehmann to assert herself at the offensive end of the floor as well as to sophomore Camille Marsten, junior Taylor Joy, sophomore Darien Ogilvie, and freshman Jenni Holdt to make contributions.”

Messar also noted the play of juniors Hannah Karl, Jaimee Buck and Jackie LaDuke.

“We hope to be able to play lots of kids and expect contributions from everyone on the team,” he said, noting he has plenty of underclassmen to fill roles this season, including sophomore Darian Ogilvie, and freshmen Jenni Holdt and Angela Gore, who all have size and presence inside, as well as shooting abilities.

“We will be a better team tomorrow than we were today. We will be a better team in February than we are now. We are truly a work in progress and in order to make progress, work is required,” messar said. “The kids are excited and enthusiastic about the opportunities that await us as we move through the season.”

Messar is also in the mood for the season, even citing a holiday tune. “It’s the hap, happiest time of the year,” he exclaimed. “Let the games begin!”

talented group of seniors from the last campaign, but Roberts has three seniors to watch this season, including 6-foot-oneinch tall inside force Shauna Rein. Also assisting her are seniors Chelsea Larson and Tanya Johnson.

The Tigers are known for having a solid grasp of the fundamentals, as well as playing reliable, solid defense, whomever is on the court. Expect that to continue again for 2011-2012.

Luck Cardinals The Cardinals have one of the most tenured high school coaches in the Midwest in 36-year veteran Marty Messar and his longtime assistant Barb Melin. Messar and crew also have Luck’s All-American star and all-time Luck scoring leader Britta Petersen assisting for a spell.

The Cards had a tough time in West Lakeland Conference play last season, finishing just 3-9, but they fared better overall, finishing with a respectable 11-13 record. They lose Morgan Denny and Ashlyn Petersen, who both contributed heavily to the squad.

But Messar has arguably one of the better players in the state in junior guard Avery Steen, who was honored on many levels and promises to be an offensive force for 2011-2012. She was also the second leading scorer in the state last season, second only to Siren grad Carley Emery.

She has a supporting cast of just two seniors with Maia Lehmann and Morgan Pullin, so Steen will draw lots of attention from

Webster Tigers The Tigers are coming off a season of ups and downs, but they had their fair share of surprises along the way under returning head coach Jeff Roberts.

Webster managed a 4-8 West Lakeland Conference record and a solid 10-14 overall mark. They even pulled an upset on Glenwood City in the playoffs before falling to Boyceville in the WIAA Regionals.

The Tigers lost a

Siren Dragons The Siren Dragons are coming off another stellar season last year, finishing with a West Lakeland Conference title, and just one loss within the conference.

They finished with an overall record of 233, finally falling at Spooner in the Sectional finals to Prentice, one contest short of the WIAA state tournament.

But the Dragons roll into the 2011-2012 season as a new team, without the services and talents of some of the conference’s best players. But they have a solid group of underclassmen to hopefully fill some of the voids.

Ryan Karsten returns at the helm, and has just one senior, Abigail Mitchell, this season. But Mitchell has a strong supporting cast in juniors Brittany Coulter, Liz Brown, Raven Emery and Kyaisha Kettula, all of whom had plenty of playing minutes last season.

Other players to watch this year include sophomores Carly Good, Mackenzie Smith and Amber Moore, who have some big shoes to fill this season.

The Dragons may be without a few stars this year, but they have a strong work ethic, solid knowledge and fundamentals and even a few talented outside shooters to open the court.

Don’t count them out by any means.

PAGE 18 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - NOVEMBER 30, 2011

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Webster, Siren and Unity girls fall in opening debut Frederic starts season with a win over Solon Springs Turtle Lake 64, Webster 20

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer WEBSTER – The Webster girls basketball team couldn’t quite get their offense clicking and the Turtle Lake Lakers continued to pour on the points in a lopsided Webster loss on Tuesday, Nov. 28.

The Tigers scored 10 in the first quarter and trailed by just four points heading into the second quarter, but scored only 10 more the rest of the game as the Lakers managed to shut the Webster down. Turtle Lakes Ashley Lahti scored a team-leading 24 points, while Kally Schiller, Gabby Schiller and Stefani Wambolt each added four points apiece.

Kally Schiller of Webster eyes the basket against the Lakers on Tuesday, Nov. 29. – Photo by Marty Seeger Frederic 69, Solon Springs 29 SOLON SPRINGS – The Vikings basketball team got 20 points from Corissa Schmidt and three others scored in the double digits to power their way to a nonconference win. Their season opener featured Maria Miller’s 13 points, Carly Gustafson’s 12 and 10 points from Emily Byerly. Kendra Mossey, Lauren Domagala and Natalie Phernetton each had four points and Katie Simpson added two.

Frederic coach Troy Wink thought it was a good start to the season but the team needs to clean up a bout of foul trouble, and get to the free-throw line more.

“Saw a lot of good things. A lot of new faces playing significant roles, so hopefully we are work in progress,” Wink said.

Webster senior Tanya Johnson goes up for a layup against Turtle Lake. – Photo by Marty Seeger

Shell Lake 63, Siren 41 SHELL LAKE – Shell Lake’s Shania Pokorny poured on 22 points, Hannah Cassel had 12 and Erica Kozial added another 11 for the Shell Lake Laker girls basketball team on Tuesday, Nov. 29, over

Unity Eagle Shay Nelson works the perimeter against the Clear Lake defense. – Photo by Greg Marsten Siren’s Hope Peterson goes in for a layup against the Lakers. – Photo by Larry Samson Siren. It was a nonconference season opener for both teams.

No stats were available at press time from Siren.

Clear Lake 53, Unity 45 BALSAM LAKE – The Unity Eagle girls held steady and looked solid in their season opener on Tuesday, Nov. 29 at home against the Clear Lake Warriors.

But the senior-heavy Warriors pulled ahead in the later minutes and made it hard for the Eagles to overcome the deficit.

Unity center Sarah Bader ran into early foul trouble, which opened up the paint

for the Clear Lake girls for much of the first half, but lone Eagle senior Brittany Thomfohrda and junior Shauna Jorgenson combined to keep them in check.

Jorgenson came on very strong in the final minutes, and played solidly on both ends of the court to give the Eagles a fighting chance when it seemed the Warriors had the game in hand.

Also stepping up were underclassmen Shay Nelson and Hailey Olson, who both seem to have filled roles left empty from graduation.

Final stats were not available at press time, but the Eagle girls will definitely be a force to contend with this season, as the Warriors may be a nonconference opponent, they are a worthy foe, and tested the Eagles well. – Greg Marsten

AREA BOWLING RESULTS Hacker’s Lanes

Sunday Afternoon Youth Games Standings: The North 23, Gears of War 22.5, The Girls 22, The Dogs 22, Team Hambone 21.5, The Bowlers 20.5, Hi There 16.5, The Strikers 12.

Boys games: Jordan Bazey (TB) 219, Kyle Hunter (TB) 216, David Lindberg (TN) 178.

Boys series: Jordan Bazey (TB) 623, Kyle Hunter 546, Austin Bruss (HT) 494.

Girls games: Lauren Domagala (TG) 184, Avery Steen (TG) 138, Julia Owens (HT) 133.

Girls series: Lauren Domagala (TG) 442, Avery Steen (TG) 388, Julia Owens (HT) 374.

Team games: The Bowlers 551, The Girls 476, The North 427.

Team series: The Bowlers 1598, The Girls 1292, Hi There 1228.

Sunday Nite I No-Tap Mixed Standings: Jeff’s Team 18, Chuck’s Team 14, Long Shots 13.5, Happy Campers 13, Knaubers 12.5, Packer Backers 9, Late Comers 8, No Names 7.

Men’s games: Jon Underwood (CT) 267, Jim Murphy (LS) 263 & 258.

Men’s series: Jim Murphy (LS) & Jon Underwood (CT) 718, Chuck Kruse (CT) 667, Jerry Richter (LS) 643.

Women’s games: Gwen Larson (HC) 240, Yvonne Snyder (HC) 237, Sheila Hansen (JT) 211.

Women’s series: Jan Kruse (CT) 564, Yvonne Snyder (HC) 549, Gwen Larson (HC) 546.

Team games: Chuck’s Team 915, Long Shots 885, Happy Campers 857.

Team series: Chuck’s Team 2474, Long Shots 2309, Late Comers 2095.

Monday Afternoon Senior Standings: Eagles 28, Hummingbirds 24, Night Hawks 21, Vultures 18.5, Bears 18, Swans 18, Badgers 18.

Men’s games (Handicap): Dennis Bohn 234, Roger Messer 228, Tom Johnson 222.

Men’s series (Handicap): Dick Coen 614, Tom Johnson 593, Roger Messer 585.

Women’s games (Handicap): Mary Young 225, Joan Anderson 224, Pearl Noble 218.

Women’s series (Handicap): Mary Young 634, Joan Anderson 598, Barbara Austad 548.

Team games (Handicap): Night Hawks 845, Eagles 777, Hummingbirds 754.

Team series (Handicap): Night Hawks 2364, Hummingbirds 2202, Eagles 2148.

Tuesday Classic Standings: Great Northern Outdoors 102.5, House of Wood 90.5, Yellow Lake Lodge 82.5, Bottle Shop 81, Frandsen Bank & Trust 57, Pioneer Bar 54.5.

Individual games: Butch Hacker Jr. 258, Chris Olson 239, Dale Frandsen 237.

Individual series: Dale Frandsen 707, Chris Olson 667, Ed Bitler 663.

Team games: Great Northern Outdoors 703, House of Wood 648, Yellow Lake Lodge 614.

Team series: Great Northern Outdoors 1955, House of Wood 1790, Yellow Lake Lodge 1745.

Consecutive strikes (5 or more): Chris Olson 6x = 257; Ed Bitler 9x = 247; Butch Hacker Jr. 6x = 258.

Games 50 or more above average: Butch Hacker Jr. 258 (+79).

Series 100 or more above average: Dale Frandsen 707 (+143).

Splits converted: 3-6-7-10: Rita Bohn.

Friday Night Ladies Standings: Pin Heads 60.5, Junque Art 52.5, The Leader 50.5, SKM 45, Meyer’s Plus 42, Pioneer Bar 42, Frederic Design 35.5.

Individual games: Sandra Bannie 209, Karen Carlson & Becky Frandsen 197.

Individual series: Sandra Bannie 569, Karen Carlson 519, Dorothy Barfknecht 485.

Team games: Pin Heads 691, The Leader 646, Junque Art 632.

Team series: Pin Heads 1938, The Leader 1792, Junque Art 1708.

Games 50 or more above average: Edla Meyer; Sandy Bannie; Denise Strait.

McKenzie Lanes

Monday Night Ladies Standings: Metal Products 15, Wolf Creek Log Furniture 15, Edina Divas 12, Milltown Appliance 9, Alyeska Contracting 8, McKenzie Lanes 5, Frederic Truck & Tractor 2, Bye 2.

Individual games: Kathy McKenzie 225, Shirley Wilson 192, Patti Katzmark 183.

Individual series: Kathy McKenzie 557, Shirley Wilson 534, Patti Katzmark 505.

Team games (Handicap): Wolf Creek Log Furniture 837.

Team series (Handicap): Metal Products 2440.

Monday Night Madness Standings: McKenzie Lanes 56, Mishaps 55, Alleycats 53, Eagle Lounge 34, Bogus Punkins 28, Bye 14.

Individual games: Peggy Larkin 196, Barbara Benson 180, Debbie Swanson 168.

Individual series: Barbara Benson 485, Peggy Larkin 444, Debbie Swanson 439.

Team games (Handicap): Mishaps 628, Alleycats 618.

Team series (Handicap): Alleycats 1796, Eagle Lounge 1713.

Tuesday Women’s Standings: Gutter Dusters 128, Kassel Tap 119.5, LC’s Gals 113, Country Gals 109, Custom Outfitter 108, Hauge Dental 105.5, Trap Rock 104, Tomlinson Insurance 97.

Individual games: Mary Sue Morris 209, Kelley Hill & Lonnie Stowell 182.

Individual series: Lonnie Stowell 513, Mary Sue Morris & Jan Kruse 507.

Team games (Handicap): Hauge Dental 871, Country Gals 838, Kassel Tap 836.

Team series (Handicap): Hauge Dental 2441, Country Gals 2435, LC’s Gals 2354.

Thursday Night Ladies Standings: Bont Chiropractic 13.5, Hack’s Pub 13, Eagle Valley Bank 12, Truhlsen Chiropractic 11, Hauge Dental 9, KJ’s 8, RiverBank 7, Cutting Edge Pro 6.5.

Individual games: Penny Kammerud 212, Denise Donaghue 206, Tammy Guggisberg 200.

Individual series: Denise Donaghue 531, Penny Kammerud 519, Shannon Cox 518.

Team games: Hack’s Pub 832, Cutting Edge Pro 809, Bont Chiropractic 801.

Team series: Bont’s Chiropractic 2307, Hack’s Pub 2300, Cutting Edge Pro 2249.

Saturday Night Mixed Standings: The Bald & The Beautiful 66, Eureka Bombers 61.5, The In-Laws 56, Cutting Edge Pro Shop 55, B&K Cousins 55, Roller Coasters 44, T-Dawgs 38, Pin Busters 32.5.

Men’s games: Steve Loney 214, Cory Crowell 206, Bill Berg 202.

Men’s series: Steve Loney 612, Gene Braund 557, Cory Crowell 554.

Women’s games: Toni Sloper 189, Kathy Braund 180, Jan Kruse 175.

Women’s series: Jan Kruse 503, Toni Sloper 500, Kathy Braund 476.

Team games (Handicap): Roller Coasters 902, The In-Laws 902, Eureka Bombers 896.

Team series (Handicap): B&K Cousins 2637, Eureka Bombers 2636, Roller Coasters 2568.

Black & Orange

Early Birds Standings: Yellow River Saloon 26.517.5, The Tap 23.5-20.5, Black & Orange 22.5-21.5, Gandy Dancer Saloon 15.528.5.

Individual games: Bonnie Fischer (B&O) 168, Marcy Viebrock (B&O) 163, Kay Casey (YRS) 162.

Individual series: Marcy Viebrock (B&O) 479, Lynn Toivola (T) 417, Claudia Peterson (B&O) 414.

Team games: Yellow River Saloon 869, Black & Orange 843, Gandy Dancer Saloon & The Tap 802.

Team series: Black & Orange 2416, Yellow River Saloon 2413, The Tap 2350.

TNT Standings: Flower Power 36-12, Cashco 30-18, Larry’s LP 26-22, Vacant 4-44.

Individual games: Becky Reynolds (L) 190, Mary Reese (FP) 178, Cheryl Scallon (C) 171.

Individual series: Mary Reese (FP) 498, Cheryl Scallon (C) 478, Mary Ellen Smith (C) 460.

Team games: Cashco 902, Flower Power 843, Larry’s LP 823.

Team series: Cashco 2561, Flower Power 2509, Larry’s LP 2399.

Denny’s Downtown Lanes

Sunday Afternoon Mixed Standings: Redneck Coon Hunters 69, Spare Us 46, Team Siren 46, George’s Angels 39, Blind 31, The Pacifiers 21.

Women’s games: “Trouble” Barfknecht 147, Ernie Meyer 134, Barbara Loomis 132.

Women’s series: “Trouble” Barfknecht 369, Ernie Meyer 357, Austin Otis 356.

Men’s games: Jim Loomis 173, Scott Lamphere 172, Jorden Otis 163.

Men’s series: Jim Loomis 481, Scott Lamphere 455, Jamie Meir 386.

Team games: Spare Us 451, Redneck Coon Hunters 412, George’s Angels 389.

Team series: Spare Us 1207, Redneck Coon Hunters 1116, Blind 1080.

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With Thanksgiving Day firmly in our rearview mirror, here’s a list of items and concepts for which one might be thankful and an equal number for which one might not be so grateful.

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ter’s husband by bequeathing him a .270 pump-action rifle complete with a variable scope.

No thanks to the son-in-law who’d never in his life hunted with the aid of a scope, yet chose to forsake his .270 with open sights for the more modern weapon, then proceeded to cleanly miss the buck that bolted from the grass at the edge of a brushy creek bottom last Sunday afternoon. (He claims he’d have killed the deer if he’d had the rifle he’d carried for the last 30 years.

That’s his story and he’s sticking to it.)

Thanks to the NFL for adding regular-season night games on Sunday, Monday and Thursday. Here in the land of short summers, we hate to waste a lovely SeptemTHE SPORTS ber, October or November Sunday afternoon parked in front of our TV sets when we could otherwise be enjoying the great outdoors. Viking and Packer fans are thrilled Thanks to those who suggest that if when the schedule provides us with night games in September and Oc- Wisconsin returned to a statewide 1960stober as if to relieve us of temptations to style bucks-only season in 2012 it would turn into slothful couch potatoes during almost overnight restore deer numbers the lovely days of autumn. to a level Badger State hunters have No thanks to Ndamukong Suh for his grown accustomed to appreciate in the unsportsmanlike behavior during last past 20 years.

No thanks to the ever-growing, everThursday’s Lions-Packers game. powerful “Big Rack” cult which would Thanks to the father-in-law figure who (somewhat ironically) very likely provide recently surprised his daugh- the most vocal opposition to a bucks-

John Ryan

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only hunt. Traditionalists unite. Let’s push for bucks only in 2012!

Thanks to the “Greatest Generation” for somehow finagling the sport of bowling into being considered a bona fide high school physical education unit at Frederic High School back in the 1960s and 1970s. (Complete with school-provided bus transportation.)

No thanks to the people who decided that the Pro Bowlers Tour and Bowling for Dollars were no longer fit for the standard network or local wintertime TV schedule.

Thanks to ex north Chicago suburbanite and former Michigan State student Garth Olson for filling this column space during periodic instances of sabbatical or writer’s block.

No thanks to Olson for mentioning notalent Barry Manilow in last week’s column.

Thanks to the WIAA for going to a two-division format for hockey.

No thanks to the WIAA for considering the WSFLG Blizzard (i.e. Webster, Siren, Frederic, Luck and Grantsburg) to have an enrollment of 1,039 students and

P O R T S thereby placing them in Division 1 along with the likes of Superior, Eau Claire Memorial and Stevens Point. 1,039? Please.

Thanks to the women of the generation before this one who courageously and dutifully assisted the man of the house in one phase or another of venison processing, whether it was trimming, wrapping, labeling packages or all of the above.

No thanks to those 21st-century gals who compel their mates to go it alone from stem to stern of deer butchering, from skinning to cleanup. Many are known to vacate the premises when the phrase “cut up deer” is first uttered and do not return to their abodes until the last vestige of tallow is removed from the kitchen floor. Have you ever seen such cruelty?

Next week’s column returns to its more traditional format.

John Ryan may be reached at jmr202@yahoo.com.

Kalmoe named Caspersen U.S. Olympic Training Site Athlete of the Year PRINCETON JUNCTION, N.J. – The Princeton National Rowing Association announced that Megan Kalmoe has been named as the first Caspersen Training Center Athlete of the Year on Friday, Nov. 18.

Established under the guidance of the U.S. Olympic Committee, the Training

Site Athlete of the Year recognizes athletes who have demonstrated not only a high level of athletic achievement but also give back to their communities. Athletes must show a commitment to representing and promoting the Olympic values of excellence, respect and friendship.

“We are honored to recognize Megan

them to become more through sport.”

A 2008 Olympian, Kalmoe has been a member of the USRowing National teams since 2005 when she first represented the United States at the U-23 World Championship. This past summer, she was a part of the women’s 4x that captured the silver medal at the World Rowing Championships in Bled, Slovenia, in the process qualifying the United States for next year’s 2012 London Olympic Games. As a member of the University of Washington rowing team, Kalmoe earned honors as an Academic All-American, Pac-10 First Team, All-Academic Team and was voted team captain by her teammates.

LEADER SPORTS SCOREBOARD BOYS BASKETBALL Team Siren Dragons Unity Eagles Frederic Vikings Grantsburg Pirates St. Croix Falls Saints Luck Cardinals Webster Tigers

Standings

Conf.

0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

Scores Tuesday, November 29 McDonell Central 51, Luck 46 Siren 83, Shell Lake 27 Turtle Lake 53, Webster 49 Upcoming Thursday, December 1 7:30 p.m. St. Croix Falls at Cameron Clear Lake at Frederic Friday, December 2 7:30 p.m. Bruce at Luck Grantsburg at Shell Lake Somerset at Unity Tuesday, December 6 7:30 p.m. Frederic at Grantsburg Webster at Luck Siren at Unity

GIRLS BASKETBALL Overall 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-1

BOYS HOCKEY

Standings Conf.

WSFLG Blizzard 0-0-0 Scores Friday, November 25 Blizzard 9, Baldwin-Woodville 1 Saturday, November 26 Blizzard 6, Spooner 2 Upcoming Tuesday, December 6 7 p.m.

Amery at Grantsburg

WRESTLING

Upcoming Thursday, December 1 7 p.m.

Flambeau vs. LFG at Luck Saturday, December 3 9 a.m.

Unity at Ellsworth 10 a.m.

St. Croix Falls at Ellsworth LFG at Rush City, Minn.

Monday, December 5 7 p.m.

LFG at St. Croix Central Thursday, December 8 5 p.m.

Shell Lake/Spring Valley at Unity

Overall 2-0-0

Team Frederic Vikings Grantsburg Pirates Luck Cardinals St. Croix Falls Saints Siren Dragons Unity Eagles Webster Tigers

Standings

Conf.

0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

Scores Tuesday, November 29 Shell Lake 63, Siren 41 Frederic 69, Solon Springs 29 Clear Lake 53, Unity 45 Turtle Lake 64, Webster 22 Upcoming Thursday, December 1 6 p.m.

Clayton at Frederic 7:30 p.m. Turtle Lake at Unity Osceola at St. Croix Falls Friday, December 2 6 p.m.

Bruce at Luck 7:30 p.m. Clear Lake at Siren Grantsburg at Winter Monday, December 5 7:30 p.m. Clayton at Unity Tuesday, December 6 7:30 p.m. Luck at Chetek-Weyerhaeuser Thursday, December 8 7:30 p.m. Webster at Northwestern

Overall 1-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-1 0-1

St. Croix Falls graduate and olympic rower Megan Kalmoe was named the first Caspersen Training Center Athlete of the Year by the Princeton National Rowing Association. – Special photo Kalmoe as recipient of the inaugural Caspersen Training Center Athlete of the Year Award,” stated Princeton National Rowing Association Executive Director Kristopher Grudt. “Not only does Megan exemplify the Olympic values on the water, but she also sets the standard off of the water through her giving back to our community. Megan has played an important role in PNRA’s outreach activities bringing rowing to kids and challenging

GIRLS HOCKEY

Standings Conf.

WSFLGUS Blizzard 0-0-0 Scores Wednesday, November 23 St. Croix Valley 7, Blizzard 2 Friday, November 25 Hayward 5, Blizzard 2 Saturday, November 26 Sun Prairie Co-op 4, Blizzard 2 Upcoming Friday, December 2 7 p.m.

Blizzard at Silver Bay, Minn.

Saturday, December 3 2 p.m.

Tomahawk at Siren Tuesday, December 6 7 p.m.

Blizzard at Cambridge, Minn.

Overall 0-3-0

GYMNASTICS

Upcoming Thursday, December 1 6:30 p.m. St. Croix Falls/Unity at Chisago Lakes, Minn.

Visit www.wissports.net for local high school scores & stats

The Prediction King has been busy processing antlerless deer (and one huge 10-pointer) for the past few days so warns in advance that his opening round of predictions could suffer because of it. “I haven’t really yet devoted the time for analysis and evaluation which I normally do, so the first week of predictions might be a crapshoot,” he said. “But you can bet that I’ll quickly hit my stride!”

About the Princeton National Rowing Association The Princeton National Rowing Association, a 501 (c) (3) organization, operates the Finn M.W. Caspersen Rowing Center located on the shores of Mercer Lake, Mercer County Park in West Windsor, N. J. The Princeton National Rowing Association is dedicated operating a world-class training site for our nation’s elite athletes, providing opportunities for area youth to excel in the sport of rowing and to expand rowing in the greater Mercer County area through community-based programs.

PNRA runs the Mercer Junior Rowing Program which provides rowing opportunities for the youth from over 25 Mercer County area high schools and the Mercer Masters Rowing Program. The center is a home to the USRowing National and Olympic teams, as well as rowing clubs and schools. PNRA has teamed up with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County to provide mentors and rowing opportunities to the students of the Joyce Kilmer School. www.rowpnra.org. – submitted

This week’s games: Boys Cameron 62, St. Croix Falls 47; Clear Lake 49, Frederic 46; Grantsburg 77, Shell Lake 33; Somerset 55, Unity 52; Luck 70, Bruce 44; Grantsburg 67, Frederic 47; Luck 53, Webster 44; Siren 68, Unity 53.

The Swami THE SWAMI

PREDICTS

Girls Siren 47, Clear Lake 44; Frederic 54, Clayton 42; Grantsburg 54, Winter 33; Unity 48, Turtle Lake 41; Luck 51 Chet-Wey 45; Unity 55, Clayton 41 The Swami answers all e-mails and can be reached at predictionking@yahoo.com.

O UTDOOR S

PAGE 20 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - NOVEMBER 30, 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

Hunter mistakenly kills two heifers near Clam Falls Man breaks one of the four simple rules of firearms safety

by Marty Seeger Leader staff writer CLAM FALLS – An incident near Clam Falls shows what can happen when a person fails to follow the four basic rules of firearms safety.

On Friday, Nov. 25, at approximately 7:30 a.m., Ryan M. Stieber, 25, of Marshfield, was hunting from a tower stand overlooking a pasture near Steve and Tamara Larson’s dairy farm near Clam Falls, when he shot two of the Larsons heifers. Stieber thought the light brown colored Jerseys were deer, and fired two shots, fatally wounding both in the process. One of the heifers, which weighed approximately 1,000 pounds, was pregnant, while the other heifer weighed slightly less. Both animals were shot at approximately 100 yards according to Tamara Larson, who is not only a Polk

County deputy sheriff, but a part-time game warden. She responded to the incident and was upset enough about what had happened to contact another deputy sheriff who responded and wrote up a police report.

“I just chewed him out because I thought, ‘you don’t shoot brown because you could have hit a kid with brown hair.’

It’s scary,” Tamara said.

Larson said the man didn’t have much of an excuse, other than that he hadn’t got a deer during opening weekend. Larson admitted too, that deer are tough to come by this year, but no excuses can take back a bullet once it’s been fired. The police report stated that Stieber was extremely sorry for what had happened.

“He seen brown going by, so he shot,” Larson said.

The Larsons aren’t planning to press any charges, but hope to be reimbursed for their losses. The pregnant heifer is worth about $1,500 and the smaller heifer is estimated to cost slightly less. She said that this is not typically a DNR violation, but if charges were sought the sheriff’s office would likely pursue a criminal dam-

age to property. The Larsons also allowed Stieber and the rest of his hunting party to keep the meat so that nothing went to waste. Larson just seemed hopeful, at least, that a lesson could be learned.

“Hopefully he goes back to hunter safety 101,” Larson said.

DNR safety experts have long been touting the four basic rules of firearms safety which are easily remembered by following the TABK formula.

• T = Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Never assume a firearm is unloaded and never treat it that way, even if you watch as it is unloaded. Make it a habit to treat guns like they are loaded all the time.

• A = Always point the muzzle in a safe direction. About one-third of all hunting incidents are self-inflicted injuries. That means the muzzle was pointed at some part of the hunter’s body. A safe direction is a direction where the bullet will travel and harm no one in the event of an unwanted discharge. There are no accidental discharges with firearms, only unwanted discharges.

• B = Be certain of your target and what’s beyond it. Positive target identification is a must. To shoot at something you only think is a legal target is gambling. In the case of human injury, that means gambling with human life. You must be absolutely certain and correct in judgment before deciding to shoot. Otherwise, it’s reckless behavior. In addition to identifying the target, a hunter must know that a safe backstop for their bullet is present in every shooting situation. We don’t always hit our target, and, in some cases, the bullet passes through the target. A safe backstop guarantees that no one will get hurt.

• K = Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot. If a hunter stumbles with a firearm in one hand and nothing in the other, whatever that person does with their free hand will automatically happen with the hand holding the gun. If a finger is inside the trigger guard, that hand is likely going to close around the pistol grip of the gun and on the trigger, causing an unwanted discharge.

Preliminary count data from the nine-day season Count shows hunters harvested 226,260 deer during the nine-day season MADISON – A call-around survey of 600-plus deer registration stations all across Wisconsin completed shows a preliminary harvest total of 226,260 for the just-completed nine-day gun deer hunting season, up 3.6 percent from 2010. At the same time, hunters posted the second allaround safest season on record.

The nine-day harvest numbers are preliminary and are expected to change before a final report is published in late winter. The total does not include harvest information from the archery, October antlerless gun deer hunt, muzzleloader, December antlerless deer gun hunt or late archery seasons. The preliminary nineday gun harvest count in 2010 was 218,144 and in 2009 was 201,994.

“Overall participation was good. We had a 3.6-percent increase in deer harvested compared to 2010 and the reports

that we’ve been getting in from the field are that in many parts of the state hunters saw more deer,” stated Tom Hauge, wildlife director for the state Department of Natural Resources. “That said, we do know that not everyone got a deer this year, or saw a deer. The herd in parts of the state is still rebounding and that even within counties with higher harvests, deer aren’t distributed evenly.”

The preliminary tally showed hunters harvested 102,837 bucks and 123,423 antlerless. This compared to 2010 preliminary harvest figures of 102,121 bucks and 116,160 antlerless.

“Harvests suggest that deer herds are increasing in some of the units where deer numbers were previously below goal,” Hauge said. “We also saw an increase in buck harvest in the CWD zone with the new provision this year allowing hunters to shoot a buck first before having to go to earn-a-buck rules for a second buck in the zone. This was a popular change among hunters I’ve heard from.”

“As far as hunting conditions and deer observations, we will be interested in seeing the data hunters provided on their registration stubs,” added Hauge. “We know broadly what weather conditions

Former Grantsburg golf coach Bruce Teigen tagged a nice buck on Monday, Nov. 21, at about 9:30 a.m. – Photos submitted

were like, but data from individual hunters in the field provides a much more personal and localized perspective. We will summarize these findings along with the harvest totals in February.”

In February, DNR biologists will use unit-level harvest numbers to develop overwinter population estimates and will propose season structures for 2012 in March.

still available for many units at $12 each.

In herd control units, hunters can purchase as many $2 antlerless tags as they wish.

The holiday hunt in CWD zones in south central Wisconsin starts Dec. 24 and lasts until Jan. 8, 2011. – from the DNR

Late seasons now open There are still days to hunt in 2011. The muzzleloader hunt is already under way through Dec. 7 for hunters holding unused gun buck and antlerless deer tags.

There is also a statewide antlerless deer hunt Dec. 8-11.

“We could use some extra help in the CWD zones and herd-control units, so we want to encourage hunters to take advantage of our remaining seasons,” said Hauge. “Consider taking an extra deer for the freezer or for the deer donation program to help those in need of the meat.”

Hunters are reminded that the antlerless deer hunt Dec. 8-11 in regular units is open only to hunters with a valid antlerless deer tag for the unit in which they are hunting. Regular unit antlerless tags are

This "Spook Lake Buck" was shot by Chris Oachs, with his daughter Maria, opening weekend.

The deer had 10 points and a 22-1/2-inch spread.

Joshua Kutney, a freshman at Osceola High School, shot this 8point buck just north of Deer Lake in the Town of Balsam Lake Township on Sunday morning, Nov. 27.

Leo Illetschko shot his first deer during the nine-day gun deer season.

– Photo courtesy of Log Cabin Store

Austin Smiley shot this nice 9-pointer, which was registered at Log Cabin Store in Danbury.

Salvation Army serving record numbers

661B West Street Taylors Falls, MN Call 651-465-3333 for information.

Connect to your ommunity

550498 WNAXLP

(Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28, Jan. 4) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY BAC HOME LOANS SERVICING, L.P. Plaintiff vs.

ANGELA J. LUCAS, et al Defendant(s) NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE Case Number: 10 CV 428 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on July 23, 2010, in the amount of $100,798.15, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: January 18, 2012, 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, Wis. DESCRIPTION: The south 100 feet of lot “V,” block 17, of the first addition to the Village of Frederic, Polk County, Wisconsin, less a strip of land 10 feet wide off the west side of said lot, which is set aside of an alley.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 105 Birch Street East, Frederic, WI 54837.

TAX KEY NO.: 126-00251-0000.

Dated this 18th day of November, 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 the purpose. 280158

(Nov. 16, 23, 30, Dec. 7, 14, 21) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY ONEWEST BANK, FSB Plaintiff Vs JOLEEN RENEE FUNK, et al Defendant(s) Case Number: 11 CV 464 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on September 16, 2011, in the amount of $369,215.39, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: January 3, 2012, 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, Wis. DESCRIPTION: Lot Two (2) of Certified Survey Map 3231 recorded in volume 14 page 253 as Document No. 604680 and further located in part of the Southwest quarter of the Southwest quarter of Section 32, Township 33 North, Range 18 West, together with a 30 foot wide access easement as described in Volume 829, Page 739 of Deeds, Town of Osceola, Polk County, Wis. PROPERTY ADDRESS: 2274 60th Avenue, Osceola, WI 54020.

TAX KEY NO.: 042-00805-0120.

Dated this 25th day of October, 2011.

Peter M. Johnson Sheriff of Polk County Dustin A. McMahon State Bar #1086857 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. 279097

Hosted by:

Mary Griesbach’s Log Cabin Soaps

25337 County Road F, Grantsburg, WI Just 3 miles north of the Crex Visitor’s Center

550258 4a,dp 15Lp

An Open House Holiday Boutique

Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Also featuring jewelry, baskets, mittens, pottery and rustic furniture.

Refreshments!

Christmas Cheer!

Cash/Check Only

Completely furnished.

400/mo.

$

Plus deposit.

Includes cable, water, sewer, garbage pickup.

No pets. No smoking.

Parkway Apts.

715-485-3402 715-554-0780

ESTATE HOME FOR SALE 390 Skyline Dr. W. • Grantsburg, WI 54840

160,000

$

550383 14-15Lp

4 BRs, 2 baths, ranch-type home. Village of Grantsburg, 1.13 acres.

Cell

Call 715-566-0359 for appointment

27th-Annual

CHRISTMAS CRAFT & GIFT SALE Sat., Dec. 3, 2011, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Grantsburg Community Center (We have the old high school.)

Local & out-of-town crafters & vendors.

Noon lunch, coffee & caramel rolls.

Sponsored by American Legion Auxiliary Unit 185.

Information, call Yvonne, 715-463-5344.

TOWN OF SIREN ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE ORDINANCE #9-2008 ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE ROUTES AMENDED 9-13-2011 State of Wisconsin Town of Siren, Burnett County, Wis. An amendment to the ordinance designating all-terrain vehicle routes and regulating the operation of all-terrain vehicles.

SECTION I - INTENT The Town of Siren of Burnett County adopts the following allterrain vehicle ordinance/route for the operation of all-terrain vehicles upon the roadways in the Township of Siren.

Following due consideration of the recreational value to connect rail opportunities and weighted against possible dangers, public health, liability aspects, terrain involved, traffic density and history of automobile traffic, this ordinance has been created.

SECTION II - STATUTORY AUTHORITY This route is created pursuant to Town of Siren authority under Section 1.1.01 as authorized by 23.33 (8)(b), Wis. Stats.

SECTION III - ROUTES All roads in the Township of Siren SECTION IV - CONDITIONS 1. All ATV operators shall obey posted route speed limits.

2. All ATV operators shall ride in single file on right-hand side of hard portion of roadway.

3. All ATV operators must be 16 years of age or older.

4. Hours of operations of ATVs shall be 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. on all routes within the Town of Siren.

5. Operators of ATVs must slow to 10 MPH within 150 feet of a dwelling or business.

6. Routes must be signed in accordance with NR 64.12 & NR 64.12 (7) ©.

7. You are required to wear a helmet under the age of 18 except when traveling for the purpose of hunting or fishing.

8. Passengers under the age of 18 must also wear a helmet.

9. Maximum speed limit allowed on routes is 25 MPH. SECTION V - ENFORCEMENT This ordinance shall be enforced by any law enforcement officer of the State of Wisconsin or Burnett County, Wisconsin.

SECTION VI - PENALTIES Wisconsin State All-Terrain Vehicle penalties as found in s.

23.33 (13(a) Wisc. Stats., are adopted by reference.

SECTION VII - SEVERABILITY The provision of this ordinance shall be deemed severable and it is expressly declared that the Town of Siren would have passed the other provisions of this ordinance irrespective of whether or not one or more provisions may be declared invalid.

If any provision of this ordinance or the application to any person or circumastances is held invalid, the remainder of the ordinance and the application of such provisions to other person’s circumstances shall not be deemed affected.

SECTION VIII - EFFECTIVE DATE This ordinance becomes effective upon passage, publication and proper signing of roads.

Amended ordinance passed the 13th day of October, 2011.

Mary Hunter, Clerk DuWayne Wiberg, Chairman Philip Stiemann, Supervisor Bert Lund, Supervisor 550431 15L WNAXLP

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.

445101 8a-etfcp 19Ltfc

WEST DENMARK ANNUAL

COOKIE WALK

Sat., Dec. 3, From 8 a.m. to noon West Denmark Parish Hall West of Luck on County Rd. N. Look for signs.

Come drink some coffee & let us do your holiday baking!

(Nov. 23, 30, Dec. 7) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY HSBC MORTGAGE SERVICES, INC., Plaintiff, vs.

DOUGLAS A. NEIDERMIRE and LORI A. NEIDERMIRE, husband and wife and THE RIVERBANK Defendants.

Case No. 10-CV-445 Code No. 30404 Foreclosure of Mortgage Dollar Amount Greater Than $5,000.00 AMENDED NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on August 20, 2010, in the amount of $297,109.97, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: December 14, 2011, at 10:00 o’clock a.m.

TERMS: 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 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. PLACE: Polk County Justice Center located at 1005 West Main St., Balsam Lake, Wis. DESCRIPTION: A Parcel of Land in the Southeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter (SE1/4 of SW1/4), Section Thirteen (13), Township ThirtyThree (33) North, Range Nineteen (19) West, in Polk County, Wisconsin, described as follows: Commencing at the Northwest Corner of said Southeast Quarter; thence South along the West Line of said Southeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter (SE1/4 OF SW1/4), 345.0 feet to the Point of Beginning; thence due East 264.0 feet; thence

550251 4a 15L

due South 165.0 feet; thence due West 264.0 feet to the said West Line of the Southeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter (SE1/4 of SW1/4); thence North along said West Line 165.0 feet to the Point of Beginning; Excepting the right of way of the Town Road Extending along the said West Line of said Southeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter (SE1/4 of SW1/4); AND A Parcel of Land in the Southeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter (SE1/4 of SW1/4), Section Thirteen (13), Township Thirty-Three (33) North, Range Nineteen (19) West described as follows: Commencing at the Northwest Corner of said Southeast Quarter thence South along West Line of said Southeast Quarter 510 feet to the Point of Beginning; thence due East 264.0 feet; thence due South approximately 30 feet to the Border of Private Road as it is presently travelled; thence West along North Border of said Road 264.0 feet to the West Line of Southeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter (SE1/4 of SW1/4); thence North along said West Line to the Point of Beginning; Excepting the right of way of the Town Road Extending along said West Line of said Southeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter (SE1/4 of SW1/4); being approximately 0.18 acre.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 916 248th St., Town of Osceola.

TAX KEY NO.: 042-01029-0000 Peter M. Johnson Sheriff of Polk County, WI O’DESS AND ASSOCIATES, S.C. Attorneys for Plaintiff 1414 Underwood Avenue Suite 403 Wauwatosa, WI 53213 (414) 727-1591 O’Dess and Associates, S.C., is attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. If you have previously received a Chapter 7 Discharge in Bankruptcy, this correspondence should not be construed as an attempt to collect a debt.

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Fri., Dec. 9, 3 to 7 p.m.

526656 Sat., Dec. 10,5d816L a.m. to Noon Valley Christian School Now Located At First Baptist Church

Christmas At The Cabin

FOR RENT 1 Studio Apartment 550450 4-7a,dp 15-18Lp

Come join us at Valley Christian School for a Christmas Bake Sale. Stock up early on a great assortment of holiday goodies, including: Cookies, Pies, Breads, Candies & much more!

Thompson says Salvation Army shelters in Milwaukee have been at or above capacity for the last four years, “We work with United Ways and other coordinating agencies to try to find places for those we don’t have room for in our shelters.”

Thompson says they hate to turn people away, but they have to worry about licensing and safety issues associated with being too full.

Notices/Real Estate/ Garage Sales

549828 3-4a 14-15L

www.theleader.net

VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL CHRISTMAS BAKE SALE!

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STATEWIDE La Crosse’s Salvation Army is serving record numbers of people and has even had to turn people away. But the problem is not unique to La Crosse.

The emergency shelter at La Crosse’s Salvation Army offers a warm and safe place for people to sleep if they have nowhere else to go. Spokesperson Julie Nelson says the shelter is full at 60 people, but lately they’ve had about 90 people stay on an average night and one night they hit 99, “Now for the first time we’re having to turn people away, and talk about heartbreaking if you have a family come in and you say, ‘We’re sorry, but we’re really full. You’re going to have to go sleep in your car tonight.’ It’s just

an awful thing, and we hate to do it, but it’s where we are.”

La Crosse doesn’t have many other shelter options.

The Salvation Army in La Crosse is also serving a record number of meals, one day, it served 200.

As one way to deal with the increased need, La Crosse’s Salvation Army has set a Red Kettle Christmas Campaign goal of $50,000 more than last year.

Major Robert Thompson is the Salvation Army’s divisional commander for Wisconsin and northern Michigan. He says shelters across the state are full.

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by Maureen McCollum Wisconsin Public Radio

NOVEMBER 30, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 21

PAGE 22 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - NOVEMBER 30, 2011

Webster church decorates Chrismon tree

Burnett Co. criminal court

Siren police report

Drafted by: Andrew S. Lawton Attorney at Law P.O. Box 119 Spooner, WI 54801 Ph. 715-635-7525 State Bar No.: 1000824

(Nov. 16, 23, 30, Dec. 7, 14, 21) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY ANCHORBANK, FSB Plaintiff Vs DONALD R. JOHNSON, et al Defendant(s) Case Number: 10 CV 938 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on June 30, 2011, in the amount of $82,911.13, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: January 4, 2012, 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: Part of Government Lot 5, Section 3, Township 34 North, Range 17 West, and Lot 1 of Plat of Pine Crest Park, described as follows: a strip of land of uniform width of 60 feet lying West of and adjacent to the East line of said Lot 1 of Plat of Pine Crest Park and lying between the shores of Balsam Lake and the South boundary of said Plat of Pine Crest Park, Village of Balsam Lake, Polk County, Wis.; and a part of Government Lot 5, Section 3, Township 34 North, Range 17 West, and of Lot 1, Plat of Pine Crest Park, as particularly described In Volume 402 of Records, page 529 Document Number 382066.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 106 Pine Crest Road, Balsam Lake, WI 54810.

TAX KEY NO.: 106-00030-0000.

Dated this 11th day of October, 2011.

Peter M. Johnson Sheriff of Polk County Russell J. Karnes State Bar #1054982 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. 278406

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POLK COUNTY FIRST NATIONAL BANK & TRUST P.O. Box 32 Rice Lake, WI 54868 Plaintiff Vs. TYREL DARYL SACKETT a/k/a TYREL D. SACKETT 21 210th Ave. Comstock, WI 54826 Defendant NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE Case No. 10 CV 760 Classification No.: 30404 Under and by virtue of Judgment for Foreclosure in the above-entitled action issued by the Court aforesaid on the 30th day of December, 2010, I am commanded to sell the following described property: Lot 2 of Certified Survey Map No. 3178, in Volume 14, Page 200, being located in part of the Southwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter, and in the Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter, Section 13, Township 35 North, Range 15 West, (in the Town of Johnstown), Polk County, Wisconsin.

Tax Key No.: 028-00317-0000.

Property Address: 21 210th Ave., Comstock, WI 54826.

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on the 5th day of January, 2012, at 10:00 o’clock a.m., on that day at the front entrance of the Polk County Courthouse located in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, I will sell the above-described real estate to satisfy said judgment with interest and with costs to the highest bidder for cash.

Terms of Sale: 1. This is a cash sale. A certified check or bank check in the amount of 10% of the amount bid must accompany the bid, with the balance due upon confirmation of the sale by the 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. The property is being sold in and “as is” basis without warranties or representations of any kind.

Dated at Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, this 7th day of November, 2011.

Peter M. Johnson, Sheriff Polk County, Wisconsin

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Defendants.

Case No. 11-CV-692 Code No. 30404 Foreclosure of Mortgage Dollar Amount Greater Than $5,000 FORTY-DAY SUMMONS THE STATE OF WISCONSIN TO: DALE L. SMITH 1725 80th Street Balsam Lake, WI 54810 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 November 23, 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: Clerk of Circuit Court Polk County Justice Center 1005 West Main Street Balsam Lake, WI 54810 and to O’Dess and Associates, S.C., Plaintiff’s attorneys, whose address is: O’Dess and Associates, S.C. 1414 Underwood Avenue Suite 403 Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53213 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.

O’DESS AND ASSOCIATES, S.C. Attorneys for Plaintiff By: M. ABIGAIL O’DESS Bar Code No. 1017869 POST OFFICE ADDRESS: 1414 Underwood Avenue Suite 403 Wauwatosa, WI 53213 414-727-1591 O’Dess and Associates, S.C., is attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. If you have previously received a Chapter 7 Discharge in Bankruptcy, this correspondence should not be construed as an attempt to collect a debt.

Christmas season and make the celebration of Christ’s birth more meaningful by emphasizing God’s great gift to the world, the Savior Jesus Christ.

The evergreen tree, which symbolizes the eternal life the Savior has won for all, forms the background for tiny white lights and white and gold Chrismons designs. The lights speak of him who is the light of the world, and the Chrismons ornaments proclaim the name, the life and the saving acts of Jesus. White is the liturgical color for Christmas, and suggests the innocence, purity and perfection of the Savior. It is the color of joy and light. Gold is a symbol for the glory and majesty of God and the Son of God. The United Methodist Church celebrates “open minds, open hearts, open doors.”They invite you to worship with them at 10:30 a.m. Sundays, with coffee fellowship before and after the service.

The congregation of Grace United Methodist Church decorated the tree in the sanctuary with the Chrismon ornaments, handmade by Brande Davis of Webster. – Photo submitted

(Nov. 16, 23, 30, Dec. 7, 14, 21) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY ANCHORBANK, FSB Plaintiff Vs JEREMIAH L. GAMACHE, et al Defendant(s) Case Number: 11 CV 217 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on June 28, 2011, in the amount of $212,202.86, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: January 4, 2012, 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: Lot 2 of Certified Survey Map No. 4584 recorded in Volume 20 of Certified Survey Maps, Page 136, Document No. 685447, located in part of the Northwest 1/4 of Northeast 1/4, Section 21, Township 32 North, Range 17 West, Town of Alden, Polk County, Wisconsin. Together with and subject to that certain 66 foot wide access and utility easement area as shown on said Certified Survey Map No. 4584 and on Certified Survey Map No. 4307, said easement rights to be appurtenant to the real estate conveyed herein and in common with others using said easement area for the declared purposes.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 298 155th St., Amery, WI 54001.

TAX KEY NO.: 002-00543-0200.

Dated this 11th day of October, 2011.

Peter M. Johnson Sheriff of Polk County Annie M. Schumacher State Bar #1074726 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. 278405

(Nov. 16, 23, 30, Dec. 7, 14, 21) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY ANCHORBANK, FSB Vs

Plaintiff

CYNTHIA K. ANDERSON, et al Defendant(s) Case Number: 11 CV 205 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on June 30, 2011, in the amount of $171,925.93, the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: January 4, 2012, 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: Parcel 1: Lot 11 of Certified Survey Map No. 717, recorded in Volume 3 of Certified Survey Maps on page 209 as Document Number 399750, located in the Southeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 33, Township 34 North of Range 18 West, Town of St. Croix Falls, Polk County, Wis. Parcel 2: Together with an easement along the 66-ft. access easement as shown on Certified Survey Map No. 379 recorded in Volume 2, page 108.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 1274 211th Street, St. Croix Falls, WI 54024.

TAX KEY NO.: 044-00891-1100.

Dated this 11th day of October, 2011.

Peter M. Johnson Sheriff of Polk County Russell J. Karnes State Bar #1054982 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. 278407

(Oct. 26, Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY AnchorBank, fsb f/k/a S&C Bank, f/k/a Polk County Bank Plaintiff, vs.

Estate of Doris M. Usher, Unknown Spouse of Doris M. Usher and Unknown Tenants, Defendants.

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE Case No: 10 CV 148 Case Code: 30404 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a Judgment of Foreclosure entered August 22, 2011, in the amount of $45,643.41, the Polk County Sheriff will sell the described property at public auction as follows: DATE/TIME: December 13, 2011, at 10:00 a.m.

PLACE: Foyer Area, Polk County Justice Center, 1005 West Main Street, Balsam Lake, WI 54810.

TERMS: 10% of successful bid must be paid to the Sheriff at sale in cash or by certified check. Balance due within 10 days of court approval. Purchaser is responsible for payment of all transfer taxes and recording fees. Sale is AS IS in all respects and subject to all liens and encumbrances.

DESCRIPTION: Lot 2, Block 2, Plat of Indianhead Shores in the Village of Balsam Lake, Polk County, Wisconsin.

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 200 Indianhead Shores Drive, Balsam Lake, WI 54810. /s/ Peter M. Johnson Polk County Sheriff ECKBERG, LAMMERS, BRIGGS, WOLFF & VIERLING, P.L.L.P. Nicholas J. Vivian (#1047165) 430 Second Street Hudson, WI 54016 (715) 386-3733 Attorneys for Plaintiff 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. If you are currently in bankruptcy or have been discharged in bankruptcy, this letter is not an attempt to collect the debt from you personally. This letter serves only as notice of the commencement of a legal proceeding as required by the loan documents, state law, and/or federal law.

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WEBSTER – The congregation of Grace United Methodist Church in Webster was involved in decorating the tree in the sanctuary during worship on Sunday, Nov. 27. New Chrismon ornaments, handmade

by Brande Davis of Webster, created a beautiful and meaningful service.

Other incidents Chrismons are tree ornaments Nov. 27: Nicholas J. Morseth, Webster, reported a tracphone that proclaim the Lord Jesus Christ through the use of symbols. The taken from his car.

Angela L. Mersch, 31, White symbols used represent a variety of Bear Lake, Minn., receiving stolen property, sentence withbiblical and theological concepts. held, one-year probation, Most Chrismons are white with $385.50; passing in no-passing gold decorations. zone, $213.10.

Davis was at first reluctant to Jeremy R.A.Yerke, 27, take on the challenge of making the Nov. 18: Bernard M. Walsh, Grantsburg, operating after revSt. Paul, Minn., reported hitting Chrismons, but as she studied the ocation, $425.00. a deer while on Hwy. 70 in the meanings of the ornaments she enTown of Siren. No injuries were joyed creating them and is happy (Nov. 23, 30, Dec. 7) reported. that she was able to provide them STATE OF WISCONSIN Nov. 19: Travis A. Heller, for the church.

CIRCUIT COURT 28, Rice Lake, was arrested for POLK COUNTY The Chrismons were first develOWI and operating while reoped in 1957 by Mrs. Frances EVERBANK, voked.

8100 Nations Way Nov. 24: Charleston K. Kipps Spencer at Ascension Jacksonville, Florida 32256; Bakker, 21, Webster, was ar- Lutheran Church in Danville, Va. Plaintiff, rested on a probation violation. Spencer set out to create decoravs.

Matthew C. Erickson, 20, was tions appropriate for a church cited for underage drinking.

DALE L. SMITH and LORI L. Christmas tree and gave the copySMITH right for the word Chrismons to husband and wife (Nov. 16, 23, 30, Dec. 7, 14, 21) Ascension. The Chrismons add 1725 80th Street STATE OF WISCONSIN their white and gold beauty to the Balsam Lake, WI 54810 CIRCUIT COURT

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Nov. 22: Erin E. Dearbin, 25, Webster, was cited for operating after revocation and driving without insurance.

Nov. 23: Terry Kemper, 25, Webster, was arrested for a probation violation.

Nov. 26: Kristina I. Hall, 20, Gordon, was arrested for driving without a license.

Nov. 27: Sharalanee Staples, 35, Siren, was arrested on a Burnett County warrant.

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Arrests and citations Nov. 18: Samantha Hart, 22, Luck, was arrested in Polk County on a Burnett County warrant.

Nov. 19: Rodney D. Staples, 45, Webster, was arrested on a Burnett County warrant.

Nov. 20: Terrence K. Icard Jr., 29, Webster, was arrested on a Burnett County warrant.

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Burnett County sheriff’s report

NOVEMBER 30, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 23

Burnett County deaths

TOWN OF SWISS - REQUEST FOR BIDS GENERATORS

The Town of Swiss is seeking bids on the purchase and installation of two 20KW propane, air-cooled generators in Danbury: one for the town hall and one for the fire hall.

Bid to include the following: labor, material, permits, start up, 200-amp transfer switches, batteries, cold-weather kits and all electrical between generators and electrical panels.

Arrangements for a project walk-through and for other questions please contact George Costello at 715-656-3030.

Sealed bids will be received up to the bid opening on December 13, 2011, at 7:05 p.m., during the Town Board meeting at the Swiss Town Hall, 7551 Main Street, Danbury. Sealed bids may be mailed to “Generator Bid,” Town of Swiss, P.O. Box 157, Danbury, WI 54830.

The Town of Swiss reserves the right to reject any or all bids. Provide proof of liability and workers’ compensation insurance with bid.

Swiss Town Board 550077 14-15L WNAXLP

Monthly Board Meeting Monday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m.

Milltown Fire Hall Virgil Hansen, Clerk 550412 15-16L 5-6a,d

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(Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28, Jan. 4) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff vs.

TERRY MICHAEL MORTON, et al.

Defendants Case No. 11 CV 202 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on June 21, 2011, in the amount of $801,756.66, the Polk County Sheriff will sell the premises described below at public auction as follows: DATE/TIME: January 11, 2012, 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, encumbrances, and payment of applicable transfer taxes.

PLACE: In the lobby of the Polk County Justice Center, located at 1005 West Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wis. 54810.

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: That part of Government Lot 6, of Section 35, Township 35 North of Range 17 West, described as follows: Commencing at a stone monument 1,003.9 feet South and 50.0 feet East of the meander corner on the shore of Balsam Lake on the West line of the Northwest 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 35, Township 35 North, Range 17 West; thence East 334.0 feet to the meander line on the shore of Balsam Lake; thence along said shore meander North 8 deg. 00’ East 143.0 feet; thence North 15 deg. 25’ West 339.0 feet; thence South 200.0 feet to the place of beginning. Said land being in the Town of Milltown, County of Polk and State of Wis. ADDRESS: 1860 140th Street, Balsam Lake, WI 54810.

TAX KEY NO: 040-01213-0000.

Dated this 31st day of October, 2011.

Peter M. Johnson Polk County Sheriff Cummisford, Acevedo & Associates, LLC Attorney for Plaintiff Mark R. Cummisford State Bar #1034906 6508 South 27th Street, Ste. #6 Oak Creek, WI 53154 414-761-1700 Cummisford, Acevedo & 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.

(Oct. 26, Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY James Roush & Audrey Roush 2232 260th Avenue Cushing, WI 54006 Defendant vs.

James M. Tollefson and Malisa Tollefson 2298 260th Avenue Cushing, WI 54006 Wisconsin Department of Revenue Central Collections Unit P.O. Box 8901 Madison, WI 53708 RBS Citizens, N.A. One Citizens Drive Riverside, RI 02915 United States of America c/o United States Attorney Western District of Wisconsin Suite 303, City Station 660 West Washington Avenue Post Office Box 1585 Madison, WI 53701 Defendants.

NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE Case No. 11-CV-193 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above action on the 1st day of July, 2011, the undersigned Sheriff of Polk County, Wisconsin, will sell at public auction in the lobby of the Polk County Justice Center, 1005 W. Main St., Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, on the 14th day of December, 2011, at 10 a.m., of that day, the real estate and mortgaged premises directed by said Judgment to be sold and therein described as follows: The W 1/2 NW 1/4 NW 1/4, Section 29, Township 36 North, of Range 18 West, Polk County, WI, EXCEPT for Lot 1, Certified Survey Map No. 3338, recorded in Vol. 15 of CSM, Page 105 as Doc. #611086, located in the NW 1/4 NW 1/4, 29-36-18, Polk County, Wisconsin.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the United States of America shall have 120 days to redeem the subject property after the Confirmation of Sale. Ten percent of successful bid must be paid to the Sheriff at sale in cash or by certified check. Balance due within 10 days of court approval. Purchaser is responsible for payment of all transfer taxes and recording fees.

Terms of Sale: Cash.

Dated this 19th day of October, 2011.

Peter M. Johnson Polk County Sheriff 1005 W. Main St. Balsam Lake, WI 54810 Plaintiff’s Attorney: Todd H. Anderson #1012132 P.O. Box 507 Grantsburg, WI 54840 (715) 463-5365 Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. Section 1692), we are required to state that we are attempting to collect a debt on our client’s behalf and any information we obtain will be used for that purpose.

(Nov. 16, 23, 30) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC as servicer for HSBC Bank USA, N.A. as Indenture Trustee for the registered Note Holders of Renaissance Home Equity Loan Trust 2006-2 Plaintiff Vs Allen C. Briese Unknown Spouse of Allen C. Briese Defendants SUMMONS Real Estate Mortgage Foreclosure Case No. 11 CV 641 Honorable Jeffery L. Anderson Case Code: 30404 THE STATE OF WISCONSIN To the following party named as a defendant herein: Allen C. Briese / Unknown Spouse of Allen C. Briese.

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 November 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: Polk County Clerk of Circuit Court Polk County Justice Center 1005 West Main St., Suite 300 Balsam Lake, WI 54810-9071 and to Matthew V. Plummer 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 1st day of November, 2011.

Matthew V. Plummer Blommer Peterman, S.C. State Bar No. 1072716 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. 279453

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TOWN OF MILLTOWN

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NOTICE

Notices (Nov. 16, 23, 30) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RONALD L. BARGHINI Notice to Creditors (Informal Administration) Case No. 11 PR 78 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: 1. An application for informal administration was filed.

2. The decedent, with date of birth April 1, 1930, and date of death October 14, 2011, was domiciled in Polk County, State of Wisconsin, with a mailing address of 2734 C 80th Street, Frederic, WI 54837.

3. All interested persons waived notice.

4. The deadline for filing a claim against the decedent’s estate is February 20, 2012.

5. A claim may be filed at the Polk County Courthouse, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, Room 500.

Jenell L. Anderson Probate Registrar November 8, 2011 D. Peter Seguin 110 Second Street Hudson, WI 54016 715-386-3200 Bar Number: 1015439

(Nov. 16, 23, 30, Dec. 7, 14, 21) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY LITTON LOAN SERVICING, LLC AS SERVICER FOR THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATE HOLDERS OF CWALT, INC. ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 200319CB Plaintiff Vs. ALLAN L. OPITZ, et al.

Defendant(s) NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE Case Number: 09 CV 917 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on Feb. 12, 2010, in the amount of $120,398.51 the Sheriff will sell the described premises at public auction as follows: TIME: Jan. 5, 2012, 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: PARCEL 1: LOT 9, PLAT OF JENSON’S BUTTERNUT ACRES, VILLAGE OF LUCK, POLK COUNTY, WIS. PARCEL 2: A NONEXCLUSIVE EASEMENT FOR INGRESS AND EGRESS AND LAKE ACCESS OVER THE EAST 24 FEET OF LOT 23, PLAT OF JENSON’S BUTTERNUT ACRES. PROPERTY ADDRESS: 1514 Lake Avenue, Luck, WI 54853 TAX KEY: 146-00413-0000 Dated this 7th day of November, 2011 Peter M. Johnson Sheriff of Polk County Scott D. Nabke State Bar #1037979 Blommer Peterman, S.C. 165 Bishops Way Brookfield, WI 53005 262-790-5719 Please go to www.blommerpeterman.com to obtain the bid for this sale.

Blommer Peterman, S.C., is the creditor’s attorney and is attempting to collect a debt on its behalf. Any information obtained will be used for the purpose. 279692 549635 WNAXLP

Timothy J. McIntire, 49, Siren, warrant - failure to appear, Nov. 22.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE 1. An application for informal administration was filed.

2. The decedent, with date of birth Dec. 30, 1922, and date of death Oct. 30, 2011, was domiciled in Polk County, State of Wisconsin, with a mailing address of 121 W. State St., Dresser, WI 54009.

3. All interested persons waived notice.

4. The deadline for filing a claim against the decedent’s estate is February 27, 2012.

5. A claim may be filed at the Polk County Courthouse, 1005 W. Main St., Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, Room 500.

Jenell L. Anderson Probate Registrar November 16, 2011 Constance L. Minar 1019 210 St. Dresser, WI 54009 715-755-2705

(Nov. 23, 30, Dec. 7) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF FRANK J. WERNER JR., deceased NOTICE TO CREDITORS (Informal Administration) Case No. 11 PR 80 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: 1. An application for informal administration was filed.

2. The decedent, with date of birth October 11, 1948, and date of death October 4, 2011, was domiciled in Polk County, State of Wisconsin, with a mailing address of 1356 Northpoint Rd., St. Croix Falls, Wis. 54024.

3. All interested persons waived notice.

4. The deadline for filing a claim against the decedent’s estate is February 27, 2012.

5. A claim may be filed at the Polk County Courthouse, Probate Office, 1005 W. Main Street, Room 500, Balsam Lake, Wis. 54810 Jenell L. Anderson Probate Registrar November 17, 2011 John C. Werner 1356 Northpoint Road St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 715-483-9751

(Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28, Jan. 4) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff vs.

RICHARD MUCKLE, et al.

Defendants Case No. 11 CV 203 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that by virtue of a judgment of foreclosure entered on June 24, 2011, in the amount of $123,032.39, the Polk County Sheriff will sell the premises described below at public auction as follows: DATE/TIME: January 11, 2012, 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, encumbrances, and payment of applicable transfer taxes.

PLACE: In the Lobby of the Polk County Justice Center, located at 1005 West Main Street, Balsam Lake, Wis. 54810.

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: Parcel I: That part of Government Lots 3 and 4, Section 26, Township 33 North, Range 18 West, described as follows: From the Southwest corner of said Section 26, running 0˚ 14’ West along the West line of Section 26, 1,139.30 feet; thence North 85˚ 52’ East, 22.90 feet to the East right-of-way line of County Road “Y” and the point of beginning of the land to be described; thence North 85˚ 52’ East, 133.95 feet; thence South 70˚ 03’ East, 231.40 feet; thence North 19˚ 44’ East, 100.0 feet; thence North 54˚ 05’ East, 467.30 feet to the high-water mark, of Round Lake; thence Northeasterly to a point on the East line of said Government Lot 3 that is 600.00 feet South of the Northeast corner of said Government Lot 3; thence Southwesterly to a point on the high-water mark of Round Lake; that is North 7˚ 14’ East, 209.60 feet;

thence South 62˚ 56’ East, 346.50 feet and North 54˚ 05’ East, 493.80 feet from the point of beginning; thence South 54˚ 05’ West, 493.80 feet; thence North 62˚ 56’ West, 346.50 feet; thence South 07˚ 14’ West, 209.60 feet to the point of beginning.

Said land being in the Town of Osceola, Polk County, State of Wisconsin.

Parcel II: That part of Government Lots 3 and 4, Section 26, Township 33 North, Range 18 West, described as follows: Commencing at the Southwest corner of said Section 26; thence North 00˚ 14’ West, a distance of 1,139.60 feet along the West line of Government Lot 4; thence North 85˚ 52’ East, a distance of 22.90 feet; thence North 07˚ 14’ East, a distance of 209.60 feet to the point of beginning of the land to be described; thence South 62˚ 56’ East, a distance of 346.50 feet; thence North 54˚ 05’ East, a distance of 50.00 feet; thence North 69˚ 48’ 45” West, a distance of 371.89 feet to the point of beginning.

The Southerly line of the above-described parcel is the North line of the property described in Volume 319, Page 166, as recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds, Polk County, Wisconsin. Said land being in the Town of Osceola, Polk County, State of Wis. ADDRESS: 1997 Dwight Lane, Dresser, WI 54009 TAX KEY: 042-00570-0000 That the judgment, sale, confirmation sale and conveyance are subject to the United States of America’s 120-day redemption rights pursuant to Title 28 USC 2410 (c).

Dated this 31st day of October, 2011.

Peter M. Johnson, Polk County Sheriff Cummisford, Acedvedo & Associates, LLC Attorney for Plaintiff Mark R. Cummisford, State Bar #1034906 6508 South 27th Street, Suite #6 Oak Creek, WI 53154 414-761-1700 Cummisford, Acevedo & 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.

(Nov. 23, 30, Dec. 7) STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT POLK COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WARREN NORLANDER Notice to Creditors (Informal Administration Case No. 11 PR 79

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Notices

Burnett County warrants

Stanley Schultz, 62, Town of Wood River, died Nov. 10, 2011.

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Lucille B. Soderberg, 88, Frederic, died Nov. 16, 2011.

Elizabeth S. Esther, 63, Balsam Lake, died Nov. 20, 2011.

Margaret O. Winchell, 87, Amery, died Nov. 21, 2011.

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Chorthip Peeraphatdit, Ames, Iowa, and Timothy M. Sullivan, Macomb, Ill., issued Nov. 21, 2011.

Danette B. Anderson, Clear Lake, and Aaron L. Buhr, Clear Lake, issued Nov. 21, 2011.

Tiffany L. Hallin, St. Croix Falls, and Jonathan M. Schultz, Turtle Lake, issued Nov. 23, 2011.

Helen G. Severson, 88, Town of Eureka, died Oct. 28, 2011.

Leona L. Denicola, 93, Frederic, died Nov. 6, 2011.

Betty M. Spofford, 87, Luck, died Nov. 7, 2011.

Howard I. Bottolfson, 89, Town of Alden, died Nov. 16, 2011.

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Polk County deaths

Polk County marriages

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - NOVEMBER 30, 2011

MINUTES OF THE

Board of Supervisors adopted the above-entitled resolution, Resolution 54-11: Resolution To Fix Compensation Of County Board Supervisors And Citizen Committee Members, Commencing April 2012 Term, by a simple majority vote of 14 in favor and 8 against.

William Johnson IV, County Board Chairperson.

Dated: Nov. 17, 2011 Attest: Carole Wondra, Polk County Clerk.

Dated: Nov. 18, 2011 *FURTHERMORE, BE IT RESOLVED, a Vice Chair or any member of the assembly replacing the Chair in his/her absence by preparation and conducting of an entire County Board meeting shall receive $100 in addition to the regular per diem. Anyone serving temporarily as the Chair, while he/she has stepped down to engage in discussion is not eligible for the additional $100.

Res. 54-11 - Resolution To Fix Compensation Of County Board Supervisors And Citizen Members To County Standing Committees And Administrative Boards, Commencing April 2012 Term. Motion (Schmidt/Brown) to approve. Motion (Masters/Voelker) to amend Resolution 54-11 to strike line: Date Finance Committee Advised: November 9, 2011. Motion to amend Resolution 54-11 and strike line, carried by unanimous voice vote.

Motion (Sample/Voelker) to further amend Resolution 54-11. A motion (Luke/Masters) to the Previous Question, this was acknowledged, but was withdrawn. The motion (Sample/Voelker) to further amend Resolution 54-11 as follows: Change $ amount in 1st FURTHERMORE, BE IT RESOLVED, clause from $75.00 to $60.00.

Change $ amount in 2nd FURTHERMORE, BE IT RESOLVED, clause from $50.00 to $40.00.

Replacing the Last FURTHERMORE, BE IT RESOLVED, clause to read: "FURTHERMORE, BE IT RESOLVED, a Vice Chair or any member of the assembly replacing the Chair in his/her absence by preparation and conducting of an entire County Board meeting shall receive $100 In addition to the regular per diem. Anyone serving temporarily as the Chair, while he/she has stepped down to engage In discussion, is not eligible for the additional $100." Motion to further amend Resolution 54-11 carried by a roll call vote of 14 Yes/8 No. (Voting Yes: Supvrs. H. Johansen, D. Johansen, Brown, Kienholz, Korb, Edgell, Masters, Sample, Stroebel, Hartung, Bergstrom, N. Johnson, L. Voelker and W. Johnson. Voting No: Supvrs. Schmidt, Caspersen, Moriak, Arcand, Nelson, Luke, Jepsen and Christensen.) Motion to approve Resolution 54-11 as amended carried by voice vote. Resolution adopted.

POLK COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS November 15, 2011 - 6 p.m.

Chairman Johnson called the afternoon portion of the meeting of the Polk County Board of Supervisors to order at 2:00 p.m.

County Clerk informed the chair that notice of the agenda was properly posted in three public buildings, published in the county's legal paper and posted on the county Web site the week of November 7, 2011.

Roll call was taken by the Clerk, with 20 members present. Supvrs. O'Connell, Bergstrom and Kienholz were excused. Supvr. Masters was absent at roll call, but joined the meeting immediately following roll call.

The afternoon session of an Educational Seminar began with an introduction

by Supvr. Brown. The presentation was put together by Bob Kazmierski of the Polk County Extension Office. Speakers included Andy Phillips, John Reinemann and Mike Blaska of the Wisconsin Counties Association and Al Probst from the UWEX Local Government Center. Topics covered were: County Budget Repair Bill; Review of County Administrator Form of Government, Making the transition from micromanagement to policy development; Restructuring County Government, roles of County Governing Committees; Running Effective Meetings, making the best use of governing committee time; and Performance Measurement 101 for Supervisors - Understanding the basics with an emphasis on outcomes and analysis evaluation of County programs.

County Board recessed for 1 hour - Regular Business meeting to begin at 6:00 p.m.

Chairman Johnson called the evening portion of the meeting of the Polk County Board of Supervisors to order at 6:00 p.m.

Roll call was taken by the clerk, with 21 members present. Supvrs. O'Connell and Kienholz were excused. Supvr. Kienholz joined the meeting at 7:30 p.m.

Supvr. Kremer-Hartung led the prayer.

Chairman led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Chairman Johnson requested consideration of the County Board published agenda. Motion (Luke/Brown) to approve agenda. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Chairman Johnson requested consideration of the County Board minutes from October 18, 2011. Motion (Voelker/Jepsen) to approve. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Time was given for public comments not related to the public hearing on the budget.

Chairman's Report, William Johnson. Chairman introduced Randy Korb to the board. He was appointed and sworn in as the replacement to the vacancy in District 8. Motion (Jepsen/Edgell) to approve appointment. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

Administrator's report was given by Administrator Dana Frey.

Motion (Brown/Masters) to approve the Administrator's appointments of Joe Cronick to Renewable Energy Committee and Don Prose to the Polk County Housing Authority.

Motion to approve appointment carried by unanimous voice vote.

Corporation Counsel Jeff Fuge addressed the board regarding the Award recently presented to the Polk County Child Support Office. They were the recipient of Wisconsin Child Support Enforcement Association - Child Support Agency of the Year 2010 - 2011. Chairman Johnson presented the Senior Achievement Ruth Paynter Award to Sharron Lofgren, for her longtime service as the Milltown Meal Site Director.

Committee/Board Reports were given. Supvr. Bergstrom, Chair of Finance, announced the approved transfer of funds by the Finance committee from the Polk County Contingency Fund of: $7,500 for the purchase of lighting at garage, pool drain EDC $10,000 for the Sheriff's Dept. Claim $20,000 payment to Carlson Consulting, Employee Relations Dept. $26,242 purchase of financial software, Administration In accordance with Wisconsin Statute 65.90(5) (b).

7:00 p.m. Chairman opened the Public Hearing on the Polk County 2012 Budget.

Time was given for public comments. Chairman Closed Public hearing 7:04 p.m.

Chair called 15-minute break.

RESOLUTION NO. 55-11

RESOLUTION 54-11

RESOLUTION TO FIX COMPENSATION OF COUNTY BOARD SUPERVISORS AND CITIZEN MEMBERS TO COUNTY STANDING COMMITTEES AND ADMINISTRATIVE BOARDS, COMMENCING APRIL 2012 TERM TO THE HONORABLE MEMBERS OF THE POLK COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: WHEREAS, pursuant to Wisconsin Statute Section 59.10(3)(f) the Polk County Board of Supervisors may fix at its annual meeting, the compensation of the members to be next elected; and WHEREAS, it is in the interest of the County to review and to set the compensation of citizens members appointed to the various county committees and administrative boards at the time in which the Polk County Board of Supervisors acts to fix the compensation of members to be next elected.

THEREFORE, NOW BE IT RESOLVED, that beginning with the terms of office starting in April 2012, county board members shall be compensated at the rate of One Hundred ($100.00) Dollars for each county board meeting.

FURTHERMORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that beginning with the term of office starting in April 2012, county board members and citizen committee members shall be compensated at the rate of Seventy Five ($75.00) Dollars Sixty ($60.00) Dollars per day for attendance at one scheduled meeting of a standing committee or administrative board of which they are a member.

FURTHERMORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that beginning with the term of office starting in April 2012, county board members and citizen members shall be compensated at the rate of Fifty ($50.00) Dollars Forty ($40.00) Dollars per day for attendance at special committee meetings and any other at any other scheduled meeting of a committee of which they are a member, or any conventions or seminars approved by the county board chair.

FURTHERMORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that for purposes of computing per diem payments to county board members, meetings of the Board of Health and Council on Aging, as well as meetings of the Land Conservation, Lime and Age Committees scheduled on the same date shall be considered one (1) meeting.

FURTHERMORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that in addition to the per diem amounts listed above, the compensation of the county board chairperson shall be set, and include each of the following: 1. A salary in the annual amount of Five Thousand ($5,000.00) Dollars per year, beginning with the term starting in April 2012; and 2. Notwithstanding the mileage provisions of Policy 512, mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate per mile for any travel needed to carry out the duties and functions of the County Board Chairperson.

FURTHERMORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that in addition to the per diem amounts listed above, the compensation of the 1st Vice Chair of the county board be set at One Thousand ($1,000.00) Dollars per year beginning with the term starting April 2012.* *See below amendment.

Date Finance Committee Advised: November 9, 2011.

Date Submitted to County Board: November 15, 2011.

Effective date: April 17, 2012.

County board action: Adopted as amended.

Submitted and sponsored by: Russell E. Arcand and Patricia Schmidt.

Reviewed only by: Dana Frey, County Administrator.

Reviewed and approved as to form by: Jeffrey B. Fuge, Corporation Counsel.

At its regular business meeting held on November 15, 2011, the Polk County

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RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE POLK COUNTY OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGET FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2012, TO SET THE 2012 TAX LEVY AND TO AUTHORIZE STAFFING PLANS FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2012 TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE POLK COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: Ladies and Gentlemen: WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the Polk County Board of Supervisors to adopt a budget for the operation and fiscal management of the County of Polk for the year commencing January 1, 2012; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Wisconsin Statute Section 59.18(5) and Policy 880, Budget Preparation and Execution, the County Administrator did prepare, submit and offer for review proposed 2012 budget by the County Board at its meeting of September 20, 2011; and WHEREAS, as part of the proposed 2012 budget, the County Administrator did submit a staffing plan with respect to each county department in accordance with Polk County Policy No. 881, Staffing and Position Administration; and WHEREAS, each Governing Committee has reviewed the proposed budget for every department and forwarded that budget with any recommendations to the Finance Committee; and WHEREAS, the Polk County Board of Supervisors did consider amendments to the budget at its meeting of October 18, 2011; and WHEREAS, the Polk County Board of Supervisors did publish for public review a summary of the proposed 2012 budget and did notice and conduct a public hearing on the proposed 2012 budget in conformity with the laws of the State of Wisconsin; and WHEREAS the Wisconsin Department of Revenue delivers the Statistical Report on Equalized Value of Polk County for 2012 and the Polk County Board of Supervisors accepted the report on November 15, 2011, which sets the Equalized Value of Polk County for taxing purposes at $4,120,482,500 exclusive of TIP value increments; and WHEREAS, for purposes of satisfying the requirements of the state-imposed county tax levy rate limit formula, the budget for 2012 is in compliance with Wisconsin Statute Sections 59.605 and 66.0602; and WHEREAS, the Polk County Budget for the Calendar Year 2012 is a financial plan for the operational needs of the County and was developed in accordance with the Uniform Chart of Accounts for Wisconsin Municipalities and the pronouncements of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB); and WHEREAS, this resolution constitutes Polk County Operating and Capital Budget for the Calendar Year 2012 and is defined as the County Budget, pursuant to Wisconsin Statute Section 65.90.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that in accordance with Wisconsin Statute Section 65.90, the Polk County Board of Supervisors does hereby adopt the 2012 Operating and Capital Budget of the County of Polk, in the amount of $58,078,272 including departmental appropriations and revenues and use of fund balance as amended following the public hearing as set forth in the attached document entitled Adopted 2012 Operating and Capital Budget of the County of Polk, incorporated herein.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Polk County Board of Supervisors does authorize and appropriate such revenues and expenditures for calendar year 2012 as designated in the Operating and Capital Budget for calendar year 2012.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Polk County Board of Supervisors directs that all appropriations for 2011 shall lapse to the general fund as undesignated fund balance at the end of calendar year 2012 and that any other fund balance determined to exist at the end of 2011 shall be transferred to general fund balance to the extent said appropriation has not been expended or appropriation or other fund balance been determined by the County Administrator to be nonspendable, restricted, committed or assigned as defined by GASB. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Polk County Board of Supervisors affirms the existence of the committed or assigned fund balances in the attached table.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Administrator shall report to the Polk County Board of Supervisors by July 2012 on fund balance allocation pursuant to this resolution.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that notwithstanding any other policy to the contrary, the Polk County Board of Supervisors adopts the submitted departmental staffing plans and authorizes for calendar year 2012 those positions and the corresponding expenditures identified in said staffing plans and that any position not so identified will be considered eliminated from the 2012 department budget.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that State Taxes, in conformity with and as provided in Wisconsin Statute Section 70.58, be levied in the amount of $717,562 for State Forestation on taxable property of Polk County.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Polk County Board of Supervisors levies against all real property within Polk County for 2012, as follows: A. County Levy: 1. General County Operations: $16,897,350 2. Debt Levy: $4,094,142 Total 2012 County Levy $20,991,492 B. State-Required Levy on Behalf of Other Agencies 3. Town Bridge Construction: $19,623 4. Library Support - Act 150: $535,762 Total 2012 Levy, All Purposes: $21,546,877

NOVEMBER 30, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 25 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Administrator is authorized to make any technical corrections to the budget that is necessary for the County Budget to comply with all state law and regulations.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a portion of the unassigned fund balance as of December 31, 2011, is allocated as follows: 1. $300,000 assigned to a reserve for employee retirement expenses; 2. $600,000 assigned to an asset protection reserve; 3. $165,000 transferred to the contingency fund established pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 59; 4. $36,256 transferred to the court commissioner; 5. $10,000 transferred to land and water department; 6. $10,900 transferred to land information department; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that $250,000 of the balance in the borrowed money fund from the 2007 general obligation bond issue be transferred to the highway department for capital projects.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the balance of the vending machine fund be assigned to an employee recognition program to be developed by the department of administration and that, notwithstanding policy to the contrary, these funds may be used only to defray reasonable costs of an annual employee recognition event and associated awards.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Golden Age Manor Administrator may convert up to one-half an FTE to an employee relations support position in Golden Age Manor with the concurrence of the Employee Relations Director.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the department heads of the various County departments are authorized to enter into and to execute on behalf of the respective County department intracounty cooperative agreements and service agreements that are authorized and necessary under federal and state programs to provide services to other County departments and to secure and to account for reimbursements for those expenses that incurred by other County departments in the performance of services required by those cooperative agreements or service agreements.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that notwithstanding any policy to the contrary, with the adoption of this resolution the Polk County Board of Supervisors authorizes departments to apply and accept for any grant or revenue incorporated in this budget and to accept, with the concurrence of the County Administrator, any contract with the State whose revenues and expenditures are incorporated in this budget.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the complete budget, as adopted, be placed on file in the office of the County Clerk and County Administrator. *See below amendment.

Funding amount and source: As noted in the 2012 budget, adopted.

Date Finance Committee Advised: During the 2012 Budget Process.

Finance Committee Recommendation: Adoption, consistent with final recommendation of Committee.

Effective date: Upon Passage.

Date Submitted to County Board: November 15, 2011.

County Board Action: Adopted as amended.

Submitted upon recommendation by the County Administrator: Dana Frey.

Reviewed and recommended by: Dana Frey, County Administrator.

Reviewed, recommended and approved as to form by: Jeffrey B. Fuge, Corporation Counsel.

At its regular business meeting held on November 15, 2011, the Polk County Board of Supervisors adopted the above-entitled resolution, Resolution 55-11: Resolution To Adopt The Polk County Operating And Capital Budget For The Calendar Year 2012, To Set The 2012 Tax Levy And to Authorize Staffing Plans For The Calendar Year 2012, by a unanimous voice vote.

William Johnson IV, County Board Chairperson.

Dated: Nov. 15, 2011 Attest: Carole Wondra, Polk County Clerk.

Dated: Nov. 18, 2011 *BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County Administrator be directed to conduct studies of departments, programs and affiliated agencies to determine effectiveness and cost efficiency, beginning with low-priority programs.

Res. 55-11 - Resolution To adopt The Polk County Operating And Capital Budget For The Calendar Year 2012, To Set The 2012 Tax Levy And To Authorize Staffing Plans For The Calendar Year 2012. Motion (Bergstrom/ Masters) to approve. Administrator Frey gave a presentation to the board on the 2012 budget. Motion (Kienholz/D. Johansen) to amend Resolution 55-11: Amendment No. 1: Land and Water Technical Amendment.

Page 4, after the second paragraph, insert the following paragraphs to read: BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Polk County Board of Supervisors requests grant funding and assistance available from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources under the "Aquatic Invasive Species Control Grant Program" and the "Lake Management Planning Grant Program," and hereby authorizes the Director of the Polk County Land and Water Resources Department to act on behalf of Polk County to: • submit an application to the State of Wisconsin for financial aid for lake planning purposes and for financial aid for aquatic invasive species; • sign documents; • take necessary action to undertake, direct and complete an approved lake planning grant; and • submit reimbursement claims along with necessary supporting documentation within six months of project completion date.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Polk County Board of Supervisors affirms that Polk County will meet the obligations under the lake planning grant and under the AIS control grant including timely publication of the results and meet the financial obligations under this grant including the prompt payment of our 33% commitment to the project costs.

Committee recommendations: Recommendation Date Committee 11/9/11 Land and Water Finance 11/15/11 Summary: This amendment would authorize the Land and Water Department to apply for and receive the grants specified in the amendment and which are included in the annual budget.

Rationale: These grants are essential for the County's water quality programs and included in the department's budget. The County Board must authorize the use of these funds for the department's 2012 budget to be balanced and the DNR requires specific authorization as above.

Motion to approve amendment No. 1 carried by unanimous voice vote.

Motion (Masters/Jepsen) to amend Resolution 55-11: Amendment No. 2: Consolidation of the Department on Aging with ADRC. Page 3, before the last paragraph, insert the following paragraphs to read: BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Polk County Board of Supervisors designates the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Northwest Wisconsin, previously created pursuant to Section 46.283, as the aging unit of Polk County pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes section 46.82.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes section 48.283(1), the Polk County Board of Supervisors authorizes the County Administrator to negotiate, execute, enter into and administer any and all contracts with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Northwest Wisconsin that may be necessary for the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Northwest Wisconsin to perform as the aging unit for Polk County and to provide services required pursuant to Section 46.82 and other relevant law.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Polk County Board of Supervisors approves of and authorizes the establishment of the Subcommittee on Older American Act Programs of the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Northwest Wisconsin, which shall have the organizational requirements and powers and duties the Commission of Aging pursuant to and consistent with Wisconsin Statutes section 46.82(4) and other relevant law.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Polk County Board of Supervisors authorizes and directs the Corporation Counsel to coordinate with the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Northwest Wisconsin and the

ADRC Board for the purpose of developing the organizational structure and transition of the Polk County Aging Unit to the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Northwest Wisconsin.

Amend the budget for the Department on Aging as follows: Amend the title to read "Aging Unit of ADRC" Under revenues, general property tax, strike $118,383 and insert $105,223 and under revenues, state aids, strike $430,382 and insert $447,382.

Under expenditures, professional services, strike $81,373 and insert $85,213.

Amend other budget documentation accordingly.

Committee recommendations: Committee Date Recommendation ADRC 10/17/11 Approved Concept (not actual wording) Council on Aging 11/8/11 Approved, with budget numbers TBD Finance 11/15/11 Summary: This amendment would consolidate the Department on Aging with the ADRC. The current Council on Aging would become a subcommittee of ADRC and necessary contract language would follow. The property tax reduction and miscellaneous revenue increase reflects a conservative estimate of Medical Assistance Funding for the elderly benefits specialist; the professional services increase is an estimate of the cost of providing 8 hours per month of a registered dietician's services as required by the State.

Rationale: The current structure of aging programs is complex, with some administered by the ADRC, others by the Department on Aging. For clarity and efficiency, the State has strongly recommended that these agencies be consolidated whenever possible. Consolidation of the Department on Aging with a larger department offers opportunities for saving through a workforce reduction and sharing with a larger area. That is a recommendation in the 2012 budget. In addition, consolidation with the ADRC will result in the ability to collect Medical Assistance reimbursement for the elderly benefits specialist, yet another savings estimated to be $17,000.

Motion to approve amendment No. 2 carried by unanimous voice vote.

Motion (Masters/Stroebel) to amend Resolution 55-11: Amendment No. 3: Technical Amendments: REVISED Amend the proposed budget for 2012 as incorporated in Resolution No. 5511 as follows: Administration: 1. Under Revenues, State Aid, strike $592,010 and insert $590,108; 2. Under Revenues, Miscellaneous, strike $337,326 and insert $349,886; and 3. Under revenues, General Property Tax, strike ($2,807,396) and insert ($2,819,378).

Corporation Counsel: Under Revenues, State Aid, strike $439,096 and insert $441,425 and under Revenues, General Property Tax, strike $245,798 and insert $243,469.

Highway: Under Revenues, General Property Tax, strike $2,976,990 and insert $2,941,129 and under Expenditures, Capital Outlay, strike $55,484 and insert $19,623.

Human Services: 1. Under Revenues, General Property Tax, strike $3,619,556 and insert $3,641,111; 2. Under Expenditures, Personnel, strike $4,613,585 and insert $4,623,140; and 3. Under Expenditures, Capital Outlay, strike $18,353 and insert $30,353.

Land Information: Under revenues, General Property Tax, strike $372,832 and insert $376,632; under Revenues, State Aid, strike $20,300 and insert $23,500 and under Revenues, Other Financing Sources, strike $5,000 and insert $8,000.

Public Health: WIC: Under Revenues, State Aids, strike $203,957 and insert $198,867 and under Expenditures, Professional Services strike $15,940 and insert $10,850 Tobacco Coalition: Under Revenues, State Aids, strike $138,535 and insert $132,129 and under Expenditures, Professional Services, strike $15,963 and insert $9,557.

Consolidated Contract: Under Revenues, State Aids, strike $53,546 and insert $55,996 and under Expenditures, Personnel, strike $51,052 and insert $53,502.

Amend other financial reports totals and financial data within the resolution accordingly.

Committee recommendations: Committee Date Approved Finance 11/15/11 11/15/11 Summary: This amendment incorporates all of the budgetary changes since the preliminary budget was adopted. By department, these are: Administration: (1) A reduction in the estimate of State tax-exempt computer aid of $1,902; (2) reimbursement from the ADRC for County overhead costs through State aid of $12,560; and (3) an adjustment to property tax levy offsets to reflect these changes.

Corporation Counsel: Reflects an increase in State aid from earlier estimates of $2,329.

Highways: Levy and expenditures are adjusted to include actual Bridge Aid of $19,623. The preliminary budget used an estimate as actual amounts were not known at that time.

Human Services: Incorporates final costs of agency restructuring including incorporating lead workers for each division to replace the former supervisory personnel equal to $9,555 (initial budget used estimates) (2) and additional remodeling costs associated with the ADRC move and security enhancements of $12,000 (3).

Land Information: Recognizes new revenue from CDBG revolving loan account of $3,000, new state aid estimates that are $3,200 higher, and adds an additional $3,800 in levy to rebalance the budget after the removal of the funding from the lakes improvement fund.

Public Health: Adjusts three budgets to reflect improved aid estimates.

Collectively, these amendments would reduce property tax levy by another $2,116.

Rationale: These changes are largely a result of better information than was available prior to the October 18 Board meeting or for incorporating fully other changes that were made or recommended since that date (the Aging/ADRC consolidation).

Amendment No. 3 Technical Amendments (Revised), and striking Line #6. "$10,000 transferred to land Information department" from Resolution 55-11 In the 9th BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, clause. Motion to approve amendment No. 3 and striking of Line #6 carried by unanimous voice vote.

Motion (Schmidt/Brown) to further amend Resolution 55-11 by adding a final BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, clause: BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Administrator be directed to conduct studies of departments, programs and affiliated agencies to determine effectiveness and cost efficiency, beginning with low-priority programs. Motion to further amend Resolution 5511 carried by voice vote. Motion to approve Resolution 55-11, as amended, carried by unanimous voice vote. Resolution adopted.

RESOLUTION 56-11

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TO REVISE THE PURCHASING POLICY TO ALLOW ENERGY COSTS IN APPROVING PURCHASES WHEREAS, the cost of operating equipment, the energy use, can add significantly to the cost of equipment over the lifietime of use; and WHEREAS, Purchasing Policy 912 specifies that the county is required in most to accept the lowest purchase price or bid; and WHEREAS, the lowest initial cost of equipment may not result in the lowest total expense of that equipment.

PAGE 26 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - NOVEMBER 30, 2011

Employment Opportunities/Notices NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS MEETING

INTER-COUNTY COOPERATIVE PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION Frederic, Wisconsin

TO BE HELD

Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. with dinner being served at 11:30 a.m.

HACKER’S LANES

Frederic, Wisconsin Two directors will be elected, reading of the annual report, and such other business transacted as may properly come before the meeting.

Janet Oachs, secretary 550621 15-16L

NOTICE SIREN SANITARY DISTRICT TOWN OF SIREN BOARD MEETING

HELP WANTED

The Siren Sanitary District will hold their monthly board meeting on Thurs., Dec. 8, 2011, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Siren Town Hall. Immediately following the Sanitary District Meeting, the Town of Siren will hold their monthly board meeting at approximately 6:45 p.m. The agenda will be posted.

If you wish to be on the agenda, please call Mary Hunter, Clerk.

550378 14-15L Mary Hunter, Clerk, 715-349-5119

Experience Required

NOTICE

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH COOK

TOWN OF LORAIN BOARD MEETING

Cafe Open 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Daily Must be willing to work some weekends.

Please Note The Change Of Day: Tuesday, December 13, 2011, at 7:30 p.m.

Lorain Town Hall, 252 345th Ave., Cty. Rd. E

HOMESTEAD CAFE & BAKERY

Agenda: Call meeting to order; roll call/verification of meeting notice; approve the minutes of the last meeting; approve the treasury report; motion to pay the bills. Reports: Road review; fire dept.; ambulance; cemetery; comprehensive plan commission; appointment of election workers; additional meeting items for future agendas; motion to adjourn.

550735 15L 5a Susan E. Hughes, Clerk

7523 Main St., Danbury

715-656-3094

BE IT RESOLVED, that Purchasing Policy 912 be amended to add section 9122-111 - Energy Use: In all purchases of equipment the department requesting the purchase shall obtain the estimated energy usage of the proposed item. That department shall calculate the estimated cost of operation over the expected life of the item. The department may use the resulting overall cost (purchase cost plus cost of operation) to justify a purchase whose bid is not the lowest.

Funding amount: None.

Funding source: None.

Effective date: Upon Passage.

Date submitted to County Board: November 15, 2011.

County board action: Failed by roll call vote ending in a tie.

Submitted at the request of the Renewable Energy Committee: Jay Luke and Kathryn Kienholz.

Reviewed only by: Dana Frey, County Administrator.

Reviewed and approved as to form by: Jeffrey B. Fuge, Corporation Counsel.

Res. 56-11 - To Revise The Purchasing Policy To Allow Energy Costs In Approving Purchases. Motion (Jepsen/H. Johansen) to approve. It was noted that wording In the 2nd WHEREAS clause needed adjusting by inserting the word "cases" between most and to. Motion to approve Resolution 56-11 failed by roll call vote which ended in a tie. Resolution failed. (Voting Yes: Supvrs. D. Johansen, Kienholz, Caspersen, Korb, Moriak, Arcand, Nelson, Luke, Jepsen, Christensen and W. Johnson. Voting No: Supvrs. H. Johansen, Schmidt, Brown, Edgell, Masters, Sample, Stroebel, Hartung, Bergstsrom, N. Johnson and Voelker.)

WHEREAS, the Polk County Sheriff’s Department is committed to full cooperation in matters involving the St. Croix Chippewa of Wisconsin.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Polk County Board of Supervisors support the application for grant funding by the Polk County Sheriff’s Department pursuant to 165.90 WI STATS. Approximate funding amount: $14,651.00.

Funding source: State of Wisconsin, Department of Justice.

Approved as to form by: Jeffrey B. Fuge, Corporation Counsel.

Submitted by: Jay Luke, James S. Edgell and Gary P. Bergstrom.

Date submitted to County Board: November 15, 2011.

Action taken: Adopted.

RESOLUTION 58-11 (ADDENDUM) SUPPORT FOR APPLICATION OF CY 2010 COUNTY-TRIBAL LAW ENFORCEMENT GRANT PROGRAM Article 3, ¶ 1. b., of the Polk County Board of Supervisors Rules of Order, as amended by Resolution 65-10, provides: "The County Administrator and Corporation Counsel shall review all resolutions and ordinances prior to introduction before the County Board and shall initial on each resolution or ordinance one of the following: Recommended, Not Recommended or Reviewed Only."

With respect to the above-entitled resolution, the following information is provided: Reviewed and recommended by: Dana Frey, County Administrator.

Reviewed and approved as to form by: Jeffrey B. Fuge, Corporation Counsel.

At its regular business meeting held on November 15, 2011, the Polk County Board of Supervisors adopted the above-entitled resolution, Resolution 58-11: Support For Application Of CY 2012 County-Tribal Law Enforcement Grant Program, by a unanimous voice vote.

William Johnson IV, County Board Chairperson.

Dated: Nov. 17, 2011 Attest: Carole Wondra, Polk County Clerk.

Dated: Nov. 18, 2011 Res. 58-11 - Support For Application Of CY2012 County-Tribal Law Enforcement Grant Program. Motion (Luke/Masters) to approve. Sheriff Peter Johnson addressed the resolution. Motion to approve Resolution 58-11, carried by unanimous voice vote. Resolution adopted.

RESOLUTION 57-11

RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE LIME MANAGER TO SET AND TO ADJUST PRICES OF LIME QUARRY PRODUCTS TO THE HONORABLE SUPERVISORS OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF POLK: WHEREAS, Polk County has adopted a county administrator form of government which, by state law, requires the County Administrator to coordinate and to direct all administrative and management functions of the county, department heads to supervise the administration of the respective departments and committees and boards to provide advice and policy direction to the respective departments; and WHEREAS, the Lime Quarry Manager is responsible for managing the operations of the Polk County Lime Quarry and the production, sale and marketing of products, both agricultural lime and others, manufactured at the Lime Quarry; and WHEREAS, the Lime Quarry Manager has the specific financial duty to coordinate with the auditor and County Administrator to calculate mining or quarrying operational costs and to estimate potential income; and WHEREAS, Wisconsin Statute Section 59.70(24) imposes a mandate to sell at cost agricultural lime that counties may manufacture; and WHEREAS, it is in the interest of the County that the prices of Lime Quarry products, both agricultural lime and other products, be established in a manner that is efficient, conforms to state law and adapt readily to fluctuations in cost and market conditions.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Polk County Board of Supervisors authorizes the Lime Quarry Manager to set and to adjust, as necessary, the prices of all products that are manufactured at the Lime Quarry consistent with Section 59.70(24) and after coordinating with with the approval of the County Administrator.

Funding amount: N/A. Funding source: N/A. Date Finance Committee Advised: N/A. Finance Committee Recommendation: N/A. Effective date: Upon Passage.

Submitted to County Board: November 15, 2011.

Submitted and sponsored by Dean Johansen, Herschel Brown and Larry Jepsen.

Reviewed and recommended by: Dana Frey, County Administrator.

Reviewed, recommended and approved as to form by: Jeffrey B. Fuge, Corporation Counsel.

At its regular business meeting held on November 15, 2011, the Polk County Board of Supervisors adopted as amended the above-entitled resolution, Resolution 57-11: Resolution To Authorize The Lime Manager To Set And To Adjust Prices Of Lime Quarry Products, by a unanimous voice vote.

William Johnson IV, County Board Chairperson.

Dated: Nov. 17, 2011 Dated: Nov. 18, 2011 Attest: Carole Wondra, Polk County Clerk.

Res. 57-11 - Resolution To Authorize The Lime Manager To Set And To Adjust Prices Of Lime Quarry Products. Motion (D. Johansen/Brown) to approve.

Quarry Manager David Peterson addressed the Resolution. Motion (Stroebel/Sample) to amend Resolution 57-11, by changing the wording in the NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, clause, changing the words "and after coordinating with" to: "and with the approval of." Motion to approve amendment to Resolution 57-11 carried by unanimous voice vote. Motion to approve Resolution 57-11 as amended carried by unanimous voice vote. Resolution adopted.

RESOLUTION 59-11

RESOLUTION TO ADOPT JOINT DETERMINATION OF ADEQUATE STAFFING NEEDS FOR POLK COUNTY JAIL FOR DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PURPOSES TO THE HONORABLE SUPERVISORS OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE COUNTY OF POLK: WHEREAS, Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter DOC 350.07(2) requires that the County Board and the Sheriff determine jointly the adequate staffing needs, including support staff and services, that are required to ensure the health, safety and security of jail staff and inmates when using cells for double occupancy; and WHEREAS, said Administrative Code requires the County Board and Sheriff reduce to writing any joint determinations regarding jail staffing, signed by representatives of the County Board and Sheriff, and shall file the written joint determination with the Department of Corrections; and WHEREAS, said written joint determination shall remain in effect until rescinded or amended by mutual agreement of the County Board and the Sheriff.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Polk County Board of Supervisors adopts and approves the entitled "Staffing Agreement for Operation of the Polk County Jail,” as attached hereto and incorporated herein.

Funding amount: N/A. Funding source: N/A. Finance Committee Recommendation: N/A. Date Submitted to County Board: November 15, 2011.

County board action: Adopted.

Effective date: Upon Passage.

Submitted and sponsored the Polk County Public Protection and Judicial Committee: Jay Luke, James S. Edgell and Gary P. Bergstrom.

Reviewed and recommended by: Dana Frey, County Administrator.

Reviewed, recommended and approved as to form by: Jeffrey B. Fuge, Corporation Counsel.

At its regular business meeting held on November 15, 2011, the Polk County Board of Supervisors adopted the above-entitled resolution, Resolution 59-11: Resolution To Adopt Joint Determination Of Adequate Staffing Needs For Polk County Jail For Double Occupany Purposes, by a unanimous voice vote.

William Johnson IV, County Board Chairperson.

Dated: Nov. 17, 2011 Attest: Carole Wondra, Polk County Clerk.

Dated: Nov. 18, 2011 Res. 59-11 - Resolution To Adopt Joint Determination Of Adequate Staffing Needs For Polk County Jail For Double Occupancy Purposes. Motion (Luke/ Masters) to approve. Sheriff Peter Johnson addressed the resolution. Motion to approve Resolution 59-11 carried by unanimous voice vote. Resolution adopted.

Supervisors Reports were given Motion (Brown/Edgell) to adjourn. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned 9:00 p.m.

RESOLUTION 58-11

SUPPORT FOR APPLICATION OF CY 2012 COUNTY TRIBAL LAW ENFORCEMENT GRANT PROGRAM WHEREAS, Polk County has within its borders a federally recognized Indian Reservation; and WHEREAS, the State of Wisconsin, Department of Justice, administers funding for County-Tribal Law Enforcement grants for counties and reservation lands; and WHEREAS, Section 165.90 of the Wisconsin Statutes allows a county to apply for available grants in cooperation with the governing body of the tribal lands; and WHEREAS, the St. Croix Tribal Council has established priority cooperation between the Tribe and local law enforcement agencies in providing for the safety of its members; and

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STATE OF WISCONSIN COUNTY OF POLK

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) )

I, Carole T. Wondra, County Clerk for Polk County, do hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the County Board Proceedings of the Polk County Board of Supervisors Session held on November 15, 2011.

Carole T. Wondra Polk County Clerk

NOVEMBER 30, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - PAGE 27

Frederic Girl Scouts hold Raingutter Regatta FREDERIC - The Frederic Girl Scouts held their Raingutter Regatta on Saturday, Nov. 12. Participants blew through straws to create wind to propel sailboats down a water-filled rain gutter. Girl Scouts and their families competed for both sailboat design and race speed. - submitted

Winners kindergarten through third grade Speed First - Rachael Bugella Second - Mckenzie Christian Third - Karlie Bartlett Design First - Rachael Bugella Second - Desiree Hughes Third - Karlie Bartlett Winners fourth through eighth grade

Speed First - Sydney Domagala Second - Elaine Lahti Third - Alexis Doyle Design First - Elaine Lahti Second - Kaitlin Bartlett Third - Sam Penberthy

Winners open class Speed First - Oscar Lahti Second - Roman Lahti Third - Brett Bartlett Design First - Ashly Sanford Second - Carl White Third - Roman Lahti

Miss Snowflake coming to Frederic Dec. 17

FREDERIC – Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Club’s representative, Emily Bauer, will make her first official visit as Miss Snowflake at the Soo Line Depot in Frederic, Saturday, Dec. 17, during the Vintage Snowmobile Show.

Crowned Miss Snowflake 2011-12, Bauer, a Viroqua native, will spend the next year traveling the Midwest promoting snowmobiling, getting youth involved in recreational snowmobile riding and encouraging safe riding. The AWSC knows the future of snowmobiling is supported by snowmobile clubs, and part of Bauer’s message is to join your local club.

There will be a special trophy, titled Miss Snowflake’s Favorite, that Bauer will present to the person displaying the vintage machine she likes the best.

The Vintage Snowmobile Show takes place at Frederic’s 1901 Soo Line Depot from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Judging and awards will take place at 1 p.m. with unique trophies given to the best pre-1970, best 1971 and newer leaf spring, and best original (unrestored) snowmobile. The $5 entry fee to display a vintage sled includes an event dash plaque.

Trailer parking is available.

This is the third-annual Vintage Snowmobile Show sponsored by the Frederic Area Historical Society, and is being held as part of Christmas in Frederic this year, celebrated on Dec. 17. The depot/museum will be open for tours.

Coffee and snacks will be available during event hours.

There is no admission charged for event spectators, or museum tours.

The Soo Line Depot is located on the Gandy Dancer State Recreation Trail, right in downtown Frederic, and if snow conditions permit, the trail may be open.

More information is available at 715-327-4158 or 715-3274892 evenings. - submitted

Kaitlin Bartlett struggles to keep her sailboat on track while Lexy Doyle’s sailboat is pulling ahead in the course. – Photos submitted

Rachael Bugella’s sailboat pulls ahead of Mckenzie Christian’s in the Raingutter Regatta competition.

Katie Peterson and Elaine Lahti compete in the Raingutter Regatta held Saturday, Nov. 12.

Elaine Lahti and Sydney Domagala power their sailboats down the course.

Luck students rack up the miles

Luck Elementary students have walked over 3,600 miles in less than three months - during recess. – Photos submitted

Elementary school Mileage Club gives students a new option at recess LUCK – Luck Elementary School students have effectively walked all the way to California - in just 10 weeks!

It’s all part of the new Mileage Club, which is the brainchild of Luck Elementary physical education teacher Megan Challoner.

The club involves students being encouraged to walk or run laps around a quarter-mile course during recess each day. The course is located on the school playground, with four laps equaling one mile. For each five miles completed, a student receives a special colored toe token to put on their shoe lace or backpack.

“Students are excited about collecting all the different colors available,” Challoner said.

In total, the entire K-6 elementary student body has logged a whopping 3,658.5 total miles during their recess time. Challoner’s goal is to have the students walk enough miles to travel to every state in the United States.

She is keeping track of their route on a poster in the gym.

Susan Gregorash’s fourth-grade homeroom was the first class to reach the 100-mile mark, and Carolyn Peterson’s sixth-grade homeroom was the first class to reach the 500-mile mark.

Students earn colorful tags for their backpacks or their shoes when they walk certain distances.

“Even the kindergarten students are participating in the Mileage Club!” Challoner said. “Mrs. [Lori] Pfaff’s homeroom has walked 146 miles, and they have shorter legs!” - Portions submitted

PAGE 28 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NEWS SECTION - A - NOVEMBER 30, 2011

Filing starts for Polk County Board Sample, Christensen bow out; three open seats, one contest of incumbents

by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer BALSAM LAKE – The filing period for the April election of a new Polk County Board starts Thursday, Dec. 1, but already there will be at least three new supervisors.

Ken Sample and Gerianne Christensen have announced that they will not seek re-election. As a result of redistricting, there will be no incumbent in District 16, covering most of Garfield. But the new county board lines put incumbents Russ Arcand and Larry Voelker in the same district, assuring at least one contested election if both run again.

The filing period for county board members runs through Tuesday, Jan. 3. Candidates must file a Campaign Registration Statement with the county clerk as soon as they decide to run and before they circulate nomination papers. They need to obtain at least 20 signatures to get on the ballot. Incumbents not running again must file a Declaration of Noncandidacy by Dec. 23. The 2012 election date is Tuesday, April 3, with a primary on Tuesday, Feb. 21, if more than two people file for any seat. All 23 Polk County supervisors are up for re-election.

The open seats District 11 - Apple River, Beaver and part of Turtle Lake. Ken Sample is completing his second term of the board. The district has had four supervisors since 2000.

Tom Sykes and Rick Scoglio each served a term, and Rodney Littlefield served two terms before losing to Sample in 2008. The district lines have not changed after redistricting.

District 23 – the village and Town of Clear Lake. Gerianne Christensen is serving her first term on the board.

She replaced her father, Gerald Newville, in 2010.

Newville represented this district for just over one term but had previously represented Clayton for many years.

Tom Nilssen held the Clear Lake seat from 1994 until his resignation in January 2008. His election in 1994 was the last time there has been a contest in District 23. The new district lines are almost identical, changed only by the addition of the northwest corner of the Town of Clear Lake.

District 16 – northern and western Garfield, the eastern part of the Town of Osceola, the southern part of the Town of Balsam Lake. No incumbent lives in the new District 16, which has some of the biggest changes under

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the new county board lines.

The district has moved west, losing its southeast corner but adding land beyond CTH Y. As a result of the new lines, its incumbent supervisor, George Stroebel, will be in the newly drawn District 15 which includes half of Alden and part of Black Brook. The present District 16 was one of the most volatile in the past decade. Mark Kopp, Nick Willow and Marlin Baillargeon each served single terms. Diane Stoneking was elected in 2006 and was serving her third term when she moved from the area.

Stroebel replaced her in July.

Contested seat District 22 – most of Black Brook and the southern part of Amery. The new District 22 combines parts of the present Districts 13 and 22 and is the only new district with two incumbents. Gone are parts of Lincoln and Alden. The new lines include the homes of District 13 Supervisor Russ Arcand and District 22 Supervisor Larry Voelker. Arcand has served since his election in 2006, and Voelker since his appointment in December 2008. The present District 13 was a new district in 2002.

The seat was held by Eugene Sollman from 2002 to 2006. The present District 22 had many changes since 2000, including a contested election that year that took almost a year to resolve.

Polk County district maps are on the Web site

by Gregg Westigard Leader staff writer BALSAM LAKE – Maps of the new Polk County Supervisor Districts are all on the Polk County Web site.

The individual detailed maps are especially useful for Districts 15, 16, 17 and 18 in the southwest part of the county where district lines do not follow town and village boundaries.

The maps can be found at co.polk.wi.us. Click on Maps under Quick Links. Supervisory district maps are partway down the page, with a map of all 23 districts and separate maps of each district.

Five supervisors held the seat, one twice, before Voelker took his seat. Over a period of almost 12 years, no one served two full terms.

The other seats The other 19 Polk County Board members will face district lines with little or no changes if they run for re-election. The Town of Osceola districts 17 and 18 are each smaller, and the lines for six towns in the northeast corner of the county, Districts 1 and 5, have been rearranged.

That change means that Herschel Brown would run in District 1, Clam Falls, Lorain, McKinley and Johnstown, and Harry Johansen would run in District 5, Bone Lake, Georgetown and a small part of the Town of Milltown.

The other incumbents and their districts include William F. Johnson IV, District 2; Dean Johansen, 3; Patricia Schmidt, 4; Kathryn Kienholz, 6; Marvin Caspersen, 7; Randy Korb, 8; James Edgell, 9; Brian Masters, 10; Craig Moriak, 12; Warren Nelson, 14; Jay Luke, 15; Kristine Kremer-Hartung, 17; Larry Jepsen, 18; Kim O’Connell, 19; Gary Bergstrom, 20; and Neil Johnson, 21.

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WED., NOV. 30, 2011 • INTER-COUNTY LEADER NORTHERN CURRENTS • SECTION B

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Wedding wished upon comes true

by Priscilla Bauer Leader staff writer WEBSTER – Holding hands, Billy Puchner and Heidi Bird sat waiting for their boarding call. They were headed off to Las Vegas and the anticipation of the trip showed on their faces.

But this couple’s excitement was for much more than that of flying off for a weekend gambling junket.

Billy and Heidi were about to take the trip of their lifetime ... a trip down the aisle.

While they weren’t the first couple who wanted to fly off for a Vegas wedding, Puchner and Bird’s dream wedding trip came about in a very special way, a journey that began a year before.

On July 10, 2010, the couple’s lives changed forever, when Puchner was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the base of his tongue, which had spread to his tonsil, and then to the lymph nodes in his neck.

Puchner underwent seven weeks of radiation combined with chemotherapy on the first, 21st and 42nd days of radiation.

Shortly after his treatment, scans showed some residual cancer in Puchner’s neck, making it necessary to remove 15 lymph nodes.

“Everything seemed to be going well when the next scan showed no cancer,” recalled Bird. “But then Billy’s PET scan, six months after surgery, showed cancer in his lungs. When the surgeons went in to remove the cancer, they found it in the lining of the lung, which meant the cancer had spread to his blood and it was inoperable.”

Before Puchner’s diagnosis, the couple, who started dating in 2005 and became engaged in 2007, planned to elope to Vegas.

“Billy said he wanted to get married on a rooftop by a pool on 11/11/11,” Bird explained.

“So we called our friend Stacy Wondra at Sun Travel in Webster to see if she could help with arrangements.

She made some calls to Vegas and we realized this was going to be a big thing, as weddings held on triple dates are a very busy time in Vegas.

“Stacy contacted a wonderful woman named Nicole at the Las Vegas Platinum Hotel and Spa, and when Stacy explained our situation to her, what we were looking for, Nicole said the hotel had just joined Wish Upon A Wedding.”

This beautiful photograph of Billy and Heidi Puchner on their wedding day was done by Artistic Imaging photographer Adam Frazier. The Puchners praised Frazier, who is also the president of the Las Vegas Wish Upon a Wedding chapter and his wife for their efforts in making the wedding wish happen. The hotel provided the poolside setting for the ceremony with other wedding supply businesses donating the couple’s cake, decorations, and even their rehearsal dinner. – Photos submitted

Bird first heard about the group from a Twin Cities newspaper article her sister Jenni e-mailed. “Jenni thought it was something we should look into. Billy and I talked about it and then just put the thought aside,” remembered Bird.

WUW is a nonprofit organization specializing in making wedding wishes come true for couples facing terminal illness or serious life-altering circumstances.

Started in January 2010, the organization’s mission statement reflects the dedication to making special weddings happen.

“We celebrate the courage, determination and spirit of couples in love during their most challenging times.”

Once Wondra learned about WUW she encouraged Bird and Puchner to contact the organization, which they did via e-mails and phone calls.

“We filled out the application online, along with a photo, and within a month we were told that they would grant our wedding wish,” said Bird.

“I was overwhelmed, happy, relieved and excited,” Puchner recalled at hearing he and his fianceé had been selected.

“It was a bittersweet feeling. I was excited to be marrying the man I love, yet sad at the reason the wish was granted,” said Bird of her reaction to the news.

The couple then set about getting their wedding party of immediate family and several close friends together for the trip. Puchner asked brothers Andy and Chris to be his best men, while Bird asked twin sister, Hope Borg, to be her maid of honor. Bird’s close friends, Felecia Kallevang and Melissa Rand joined the party as her bridesmaids and Bird’s daughters, Brooke and Paige Bird were excited to be junior bridesmaids.

Once the 20 wedding party and guests arrived at the Platinum Hotel and Spa, Bird and Puchner’s wedding wish plans went into high gear. “Everyone at the hotel was amazing,” said Bird of the preparations.

“WUW covered almost all of the wedding-day expenses, and we even had our rehearsal dinner donated

by Annie’s Gourmet Italian restaurant.”

Bird had high praise for WUW Las Vegas Chapter President Adam Frazier, of Artistic Imaging, who was also the couple’s wedding photographer. “Adam and his wife

See Wedding, page 2

Billy and Heidi Puchner posed with their wedding party in front of the Platinum Hotel in Las Vegas. The hotel is a member of the Las Vegas Wish Upon A Wedding chapter and donated the poolside venue for the Puchner’s dream wedding. – Photos courtesy of Adam Frazier, Artistic Imaging of Las Vegas

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PAGE 2 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - NOVEMBER 30, 2011

Local author’s “Alice” sequel takes place in The Time of Twelve

by Mary Stirrat Leader staff writer ATLAS — In his newly published book, titled “In the Time of Twelve,” local writer Buz Swerkstrom creates an imaginary land filled with eccentric and quirky characters where wordplay, rhyme and hidden meanings bring both clarity and confusion.

The story, a sequel to Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking Glass,” takes a young girl named Alison (pronounced Alice-in) into The Time of Twelve, where life is based on the number 12.

Like the original “Alice” books, “In The Time of Twelve” has 12 chapters, but rather than using the elements of playing cards or chess, it delves into the things of 12.

To begin with, at the stroke of 12 midnight as she turns 12 years old, Alison is drawn into her family’s grandfather clock and into The Time of Twelve. Here she dances with the 12 floating notes of the musical scale, picnics with the 12 months, is introduced to some of the Twelve Good Rules lists, and successfully completes a 12-step self-improvement program.

As she travels through The Time of Twelve she meets people, objects and animals that share wisdom and absurdity with her in that dreamlike place where random and arbitrary things make sense.

Swerkstrom, a resident of Atlas who has

A new wonderland

Sherrie Voltz, owner of The Book Nook in Balsam Lake, talks with author Buz Swerkstrom as she accepts copies of his book “In The Time of Twelve” to sell in her shop. – Photo submitted previously published a book about Polk County, said he has liked the “Alice” books since he first read them as a child.

In college he did an independent study project on Lewis Carroll, the pen name of the author of the original “Alice” books.

Even then he thought it would be fun to write a sequel, but it wasn’t until after

reading “The Seven Percent Solution,” a 1974 sequel to the original Sherlock Holmes books, that he realized it might be acceptable to do exactly that.

“I realized it was OK for someone else to write a story based on the characters someone else originated,” Swerkstrom said.

He wrote his sequel, and then spent more than 10 years rewriting it as “In The Time of Twelve.” Between the fall of 1998 and the spring of 1999, he completed the first seven of the 12 chapters.

“Then life intervened,” said Swerkstrom, “and I put it on the shelf.”

Ten years later, in 2009, he once again began writing about life in The Time of Twelve, completing it this past winter.

Thanks to CreateSpace, self-publishing, print-on-demand and the technical help of fellow author Russ Hanson, “In The Time of Twelve” is now available at local outlets and on the Web. Besides the inspiration from the original books, Swerkstrom said he drew from some other sources in writing his own book. For example, the first of 12 verses of a ballad sung by a beetle is an old nursery rhyme. The story of another character is based on Alfred Lord Tennyson’s “Idylls of the King.”

Swerkstrom’s love for words and wordplay is evident throughout the book, but Local author and Leader columnist Russ Hanson, right, takes a look through “In The Time of particularly in a chapter called “A Wordy Twelve,” written by another local author, Buz Swerkstrom. Hanson lent Swerkstrom help in the Bird,” where Alison has a convoluted conversation with a 12-wired bird of paradise. technical aspects of self-publishing.

Buz Swerkstrom’s “In The Time of Twelve,” a sequel to “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking Glass,” is now available. The cover illustration was drawn and designed by the author. — Photos

by Mary Stirrat unless otherwise noted In a brief discussion on clouds, the bird blurts out, “Phantasmagoria,” explaining that it means “a rapidly changing series of things seen or imagined.”

The word is also the name of a poem written by Carroll about a ghost and man.

Interesting tidbits of information like this are hidden throughout the book, some more obvious than others.

“In The Time of Twelve” even concludes with a bit of hidden mystery. By carefully considering the details, said Swerkstrom, the exact date of Alison’s birthday when she was drawn into the grandfather can be deduced.

Swerkstrom will be at the Luck Library and Museum Saturday, Dec. 3, during the library’s Santa Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. He and local author Russ Hanson will have their books available for purchase and signing. His books will also be available at the Café Wren holiday sale Dec. 2-4 and Dec. 9-11.

They can be purchased by mail by mailing Swerkstrom at 2126 295th Avenue, Luck, WI 54853.

“In The Time of Twelve” can be found at The Book Nook in Balsam Lake and the Polk County Information Center in St. Croix Falls. Hard copies and Kindle editions can each be ordered through Amazon.com.

Wedding/from page 1 worked so hard to make our wish happen.”

According to Bird and Puchner, no detail was overlooked in making their wedding perfect. “Angelica McDonell, with Green Orchid Events, took care of all of the wedding plans. Popcorn Girl Las Vegas made party favors for the guests and even had a popcorn station at the reception. Peridot Sweets made our beautiful cake. The amazing guys at Something New took care of the videography for the wedding and reception. Layers of Lovely took care of the wonderful floral design.

They even thought of having someone do my hair and makeup with Lori White doing a great job!”

When asked to describe their fairy-tale wedding, Bird and Puchner said it was hard to put the once-in-a-lifetime experience into words. “Our ceremony was elegant, yet simple, intimate and stunning.”

“I was blessed to be a part of Heidi and Billy’s wedding,” noted Kallevang. “It was quite the event, five-star stunning, simply amazing. And because of everything they’ve been going through with Billy’s illness, very emotional.”

After the wedding, the couple took time for some sightseeing with family before heading back to Webster and their business, Glass and Mirror Works, which Puchner started in 1990.

As to Puchner’s current health status,

Billy and Heidi Puchner posed with Heidi’s two daughters, Brooke and Page for a family wedding photo. The girls were excited to be junior bridesmaids in their mother's wedding. – Photos courtesy of Adam Frazier, Artistic Imaging of Las Vegas

the couple remains optimistic. “The goal now is to maintain. Billy was having chemotherapy every three weeks, but his doctors recently changed the schedule to every four weeks after tests indicated the treatment was working, that the cancer hadn’t grown.”

“Having one more week in between treatments is much better,” said Puchner.

“It allows the side effects to not be so bad.”

The Puchner’s Wish Upon A Wedding photos will be posted in the future on the WUW Web site, but Bird said she’s not sure as to the date.

“We don’t have a timetable for the photos and videos as everyone does this on their free time.”

There will be a community celebration for Billy Puchner at Rumors Bar in Siren this coming Saturday, December 3. to support and honor Billy for the strength and courage he has shown while battling against cancer.

The celebration benefit includes a freewill offering spaghetti dinner at 6 p.m. along with a silent auction, raffle and bake sale.

More information on Wish Upon A Wedding can be found on the organization’s Web site, wishuponawedding.org.

NOVEMBER 30, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 3

A couple was in a custody case for their little son, Johnny, their only child. In order to Joe Roberts make a fair decision over the boy’s future, the judge took Johnny aside so that he could find out which of the parents the boy would prefer to live with.

“Well, Johnny,” said the judge, “would you like to live with your mother?”

“No,” replied Johnny, “she hits me all the time.”

“Well then,” the judge continued, “would you like to live with your father?”

“No,” replied Johnny again, “he hits me all the time too!”

The judge looked exasperated and said to the boy, “Well, Johnny, who would you like to live with?”

“I’d like to live with the Minnesota Vikings,” the boy replied quickly.

“Why on earth would you want to live with the Minnesota Vikings?” replied the puzzled judge.

“Well,” replied Johnny, “they never beat anyone.”

••• A drunken man got on the bus late one night, staggers up the aisle, and sat next to an elderly nun.

She looked the man up and down and said, “I’ve got news for you. You’re going straight to hell!”

The man jumped up out of his seat and shouted, “Man, I’m on the wrong bus!”

••• A child comes home from his first day at school. His mother asks, “What did you learn today?”

The kid replies, “Not enough. I have to go back tomorrow.”

••• A man walks into the sheriff’s office and says, “I want to become a deputy!”

“Good, I want you to catch this man,” says the sheriff, handling the man a wanted poster.

The poster reads: Last seen wearing a brown crepe paper hat, green crepe paper shirt, red crepe paper pants and black crepe paper boots.

“What’s he wanted for?” asks the hopeful new deputy.

The sheriff smiles and says, “Rustling.”

Just for

Laughs

It’s getting hard to deny.

Letters from

I have no trouble ignoring “Christmas in July” sales. When the skeletons are immediately replaced with reindeer I get a little bothered—especially since Carrie Classon the comparatively noncommercial Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. But after the pumpkin pie has been finished off and the turkey carcass picked clean, there really is nothing left to do but admit it.

Christmas is coming.

The evidence was piled up in my mailbox when I returned from spending Thanksgiving with my family. I don’t order from catalogs, so it’s hard to imagine why people are wasting so much paper and postage on me. I do buy things online, so I suppose the retailers imagine I am more apt to notice them if I am forced to put yet another fat catalog into recycling.

As I do, it occurs to me that I have received three pet store catalogs in the last month and I cannot remember ever ordering pet supplies online. The evidence is growing that my cat Lucy is soliciting mail.

This may sound far-fetched, but Lucy spends a great deal of time sitting on my laptop when I am not around. I always thought it was simply because the keyboard was warm, and assumed her key-punching was nothing more than random mischief. When I received my third catalog with a photo of a 5-foot-tall, cat jungle gym festooned with holly on the cover, I started to have my doubts.

Lucy has opened new spreadsheets and populated them with numbers. She photographed herself with the laptop’s camera and saved it in my photo files.

She sent (apparently nonsensical) Skype chat messages to friends overseas and, on at least one occasion, I caught her doing an online search for the word “Itgy,” which I can only assume is her secret name. (It is said every cat has at least one.) Ordering a fancy

Home

cat jungle gym for Christmas would not be a stretch, given her record.

Daniel was reminiscing about the Christmas catalog he used to pore over as a boy. The catalog depicted an unimaginable world of riches and Christmas joy. As one of ten children, his concern was whether Santa would be up to the considerable task of delivering what each of his six brothers and two sisters wanted and still have something left for him. Daniel took no chances, carefully marking in the Christmas catalog what he hoped to find in his stocking.

As I review the pile of catalogs piled in my recycling bin, I concede that I can no longer keep Christmas at bay. But looking at the photos of snowy scenes and smiling children and frolicking cats, I realize I don’t have to. Yes, it is busy and commercial and I am saddened by the efforts of advertisers to convince me (and my cat) that we can buy a happy holiday, a happy family, or a happy life.

But instead of bracing myself against the onslaught of Christmas advertising, I’m going to try something different. I’m thinking of Daniel’s childhood catalog and imagining what it would look like for me— today.

My Christmas catalog would be filled with scenes of visiting friends and making time for real conversations. It would feature an afternoon baking with my sister and mom. It would show Daniel and me sitting in front of a fire listening to Christmas music with Lucy on my lap.

This year, I’m going through my Christmas catalog very carefully. I’m going to order a happy, peaceful, holiday with the people (and animals) I love.

Till next time, —Carrie

Frederic Eastern Star makes a difference

Frederic kindergarten through third grade to present annual Christmas program FREDERIC – On Thursday, Dec. 8, 4K through thirdgraders will present their annual Christmas program. The 4K Mighty Vikes will open the show with a song and the kindergarten will sing “Hip-Hop Reindeer.” Next the kindergarten and first grade will perform a musical called “A Prehistoric Christmas,” by Teresa Jennings. In this musical, Santa drives the sleigh so fast they get pulled into a time warp and go back in time. Watch for the appearance of the Tyrannosaurus rex! Next on stage will be the second grade performing on KidsPlay handbells and doing a candy canes routine to “Jingle Bell Rock.” Third-grade students will be playing several holiday tunes on their precorders.

The evening will conclude with second- and third-grade students presenting a new musical called “The Reindeer Whisperer.” When Santa goes to check on the reindeer he finds that they won’t fly because they think he’s going to send them to a retirement ranch in California! Luckily the misunderstanding is cleared up before Christmas Eve. The program will be held at 7 p.m. at the elementary school and is open to the public and free of charge.

An added feature to this year’s concert will be a holiday bake sale sponsored by the high school band. The sale will take place both before and after the performance. - submitted

Say cheese Despite incredible technological

Cold Turkey

advances, artistic expression has changed very little over the years.

The ability to create and display John W. Ingalls images with computer-generated graphic design is nothing short of amazing, yet the creative input from the human mind remains rooted in the recesses of our imagination. George Lucas, the creative genius behind “Star Wars” commented on this very subject when he began the final three episodes of the “Star Wars” series. His imagination could see but, until computers became advanced enough, he couldn’t create.

The power of digital photography has entered into our lives full force and even untrained self-appointed photographers can capture and display images that previously were not attainable. No longer are there one or two scratchy, blurred, disorganized group photos from a family gathering, now there are thousands and most of them are now posted on the Web for the world to see. The real power of digital photography is realized with children.

I can remember as kids we had to stand straight and pose for pictures on the first day of school each year.

The small Kodak 110 instamatic camera always shook

Each year Frederic Eastern Star Chapter 239 selects a major charity project. Once again this year the Backpack Food Program for Frederic Elementary was the beneficiary. A total of $1,800 was realized to assist the Salvation Army in funding this food program. Backpacks or plastic bags of food are sent home with eligible children each Friday. One of the church groups in Frederic packs the food items provided by the Salvation Army. Joining the members of Eastern Star in the fight against hunger were business and community members in Polk County and beyond. Polk-Burnett Electric funded an Operation Round-Up grant in the amount of $800. Gratitude is extended to all who helped make a difference for children and families.

Businesses and individuals who contributed: Bremer Bank, and Mud Hut of Frederic, Cushing Co-op, Frederic Golf Course, Frederic Grocery Store, Grand Casino Hinckley, Inter-County Leader, Jensen Furniture of Luck, Larsen Auto Centers, L’Oreal – Pam Norgard – N. St. Paul, Holiday Inn Express, MarketPlace Foods, Martens Jewelry, Tangen Drugs and Wal-Mart of St. Croix Falls; Polk-Burnett Electric, R and B Services of Siren, Shirley Brust – Avon, St. Croix Casino of Turtle Lake and Village Floral of Grantsburg. Members of the Frederic Eastern Star, Margarette Haubrich of Kenosha OES and individuals who gave anonymously join this list of those making a difference. Shown (L to R) are Duana Bremer, Salvation Army; Rhoda Jensen, school secretary, Kelly Steen, elementary principal; Alice Hedberg, Tom Fedje and Hartley Hedberg – Frederic Eastern Star.

- submitted by Mary Norgard when mom took the picture. If you were the tallest child, the top of your head was usually trimmed off. If you were lucky, it was blurred enough that no one would recognize you anyway.

MD Photos were a relative luxury and, unless you were a semiprofessional photographer, you never wasted film. One photo was enough and there was no way to review them until the film was sent in for developing sometime in the distant future. When you finally got the photos back, you realized that half of the people had the top of their heads cut off and the other half had their eyes closed. Sometimes it was so long from the beginning of the film to the end that kids had grown into and out of several sets of clothes.

The younger kids were now wearing the hand-medowns from the older siblings and you had a hard time identifying everyone.

School photos were the same. Looking back through school yearbooks, I found three different years when my eyes were closed. No way to know at the time and impossible to change with the technology existing at the time, I am forever identified as the kid with his eyes shut. Even some of my senior photos were that way. Thankfully they took more than one picture so I could choose the one with my eyes open.

Taking organized photos of small kids in a group

setting is nearly impossible. Over Thanksgiving, my oldest daughter and her husband were spending time with his side of the family. One goal they tried to accomplish was a group photo of the six young cousins gathered around Great-grandma. Five of the children were age 4 and under. The concept was simple.

Grandma would hold the baby and the others would simply sit on the couch beside her and smile. The baby cried frantically. One little girl sat there innocently oblivious to the frantic wailing from her brother and her cousin. The 4-year-old, too shy to face the camera, turned away and refused to acknowledge the camera-wielding adults before her. The 2-year-old pulled her lips and cheeks wide apart and stuck out her tongue. The oldest of the children, wondering how long all of this was going to take, forced himself to smile until he had cramps in his cheeks. This photo is now a classic example of the nearly impossible task of organized group photos.

The evolution of photography from stoic and staid poses of generations past to the flash and splash of modern digital photography is nothing short of amazing. If you really want some fantastic photos with a fresh angle, just give a camera to a young person. It’s almost like teaching them to color outside the lines. If you want some really interesting and fun holiday photos, give the camera to the kids. Just like the failed group photo, they don’t pose, they don’t say cheese, they just start shooting.

PAGE 4 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - NOVEMBER 30, 2011

Brother Everett told me many years

ago that his enthusiasm for reading came about when he was 8 years old. “I realized that books were full of stories, stories about people doing all sorts of thing I didn’t do. I started to read my way through the Wolf School library.”

He said, “I took my e-book reader to the deer stand this week. With a heater, comfortable chair, and the book reader, it makes deer hunting less boring! I could have read a real book, but with the deer stand in range of my house Wi-Fi, I could surf the Internet, read the news and check my e-mail.”

This summer he bought a Nook Color, an electronic book reader. He likes to be state-of-the art in new electronic gadgets.

Some become a daily part of his life, and others are more for trying out new things.

The book reader is still only partially replacing reading books, magazines and newspapers for him.

He is always ahead of me, mostly because he is a single man. I generally get the technology things too, but only after passing it through the chief financial officer who reminds me that the car needs tires, the washer is clunking and the water softener is hardly working. I tend to come along a little later and with an off-brand version – instead of an I-phone, I get the J-phone (or more likely the Nphone).

The Nook Color, last year’s state-ofthe-art book reader, lets you read your email, download books directly like using a cell phone (Wi-Fi for my technical readers), view your photos from your camera, and pretty much everything you want except heating a cup of coffee (my first computer, a 1979 TI-99, had a flat area above the power supply that got so hot it did keep my coffee warm).

I was at Menards in August, picking up 25 long spikes to nail the cabin to the treated posts holding it high in the air— some of the 30-year-old ones were sagging, worrying Margo the cabin might slide down the hill into the lake. Anyway, on the end of one of the big rows of merchandise was an assortment of electronic specials. Included were two different kinds of electronic book readers. One was $79 and the other $64. The more expensive one claimed to have many of the same features as the color Nook, which was somewhere between $250 and $300.

My purchasing limits include $100 per month in “mad” money that I don’t have to account for in the family budget.

Mostly it goes for repairs on tractors or general maintenance, but as I read the glowing details in five different languages on the box, I was really tempted.

The English description said “Color, WiFi, web browser, 250 preloaded free books, two GB memory, USB port, speaker, text to speech (the e-book reader will read the book aloud to you), 20 dif-

ferent formats for e-books, music, pictures and movies …” All of the buzzwords that sounded just like my brother Everett’s, but within my budget! It excelled in having so many different kind of files it could read including most ebook types, pdf, and even Microsoft Word documents, and text.

I bought it and added the two-year replacement plan (hand-held electronics are dropped so often it is good to have a warranty) and brought it home and tried it out. Everything did work! Internet and e-mail access was slow and clumsy and there were some annoying features, however as a book reader, music, photo and video player it did work fine.

I looked on the Internet for more information on the Augen “The Book” book reader and found that the company had gone into bankruptcy about a week before I bought the book reader! They were sued for infringing on patents of other companies. I had an orphan machine, but a useful one and with the Menards extended warranty, would at least get my money back if it failed.

I loaded one of our local history books with all the photos on it and it worked fine—colored pictures and all. The rechargeable built-in battery was good for about eight hours. There are types of e-book readers that need charging about once per month even in heavy use—they use something called e-ink—just black and white, which is good for reading.

I used it for a couple of weeks and then came the fall family get-together, the .22 rifle competition. Son Scott came up from Pine Island to compete. I remembered when he showed up, that I had forgotten to get him a birthday present — and his birthday was just past.

Scott is an avid reader—reads all kinds of books. He had his laptop computer along and was using that to read electronic books. It is awkward to use, especially if you are trying to read at night in bed. Electronic book readers are about the size of a book, only much thinner and not any heavier. They have their own lighted screen, so at night you don’t need a night light on to read—something Margo appreciated a lot with me.

I packaged up the book reader and gave it to Scott as a gift. I told him I had tested it, and although it was weak in some features, it was pretty solid as a book reader. He tried it out and got addicted immediately! With the Augen and Wi-Fi, you can download books directly to the book reader or download them to your computer and transfer them to the reader.

Most e-books are cheaper to buy than new paper books. Most new releases are about a third to half of the paper cost.

Many new authors are releasing their ebooks for 99 cents—to try to get dedicated readers with the hope of either selling many or maybe raising the price after they get a reputation. There are a lot of very low-cost new books as well as

millions of old books, all free.

I went back to Menards the next month, and they were out of the Augen.

All they had left were the $64 Aluratek Libre. It was similar to the Augen, without Wi-Fi, no text to speech, limited file types, but color, movies, photos, sound and a fine book reader. I bought it and have used it almost every day for two months. I have downloaded 500 free books from the Internet (almost all books that are over 70 years old are available online from Google’s project to scan every book in the world).

Now Margo is thinking about getting an e-book reader too. As a result of her cerebral palsy, she is dyslexic—has some trouble recognizing words, so wants one that will read the books aloud. You can download audio versions of many books and that is best as they are read by humans and sound great. However only a small number of books are available that way. The text-to-speech feature, available on some book readers, has a computer-generated voice that reads any book to you. It is a little annoying as it is lacking in voice inflections and sometimes gets the pronunciations wrong, but overall, it is satisfactory.

Many book readers have dictionaries built in so you can get the definition of a word you don’t know immediately. The touch screen ones let you point and touch the word and get the info.

An electronic book is not formatted by the author with margins, pages, page numbers, fonts, font sizes, etc. You, as the reader, get to set the size of the print, the font, the brightness and such to fit your needs. At night, I take off my glasses, zoom the text up big, turn down the brightness and read until I fall asleep— dropping the reader on the floor just like I did with my books. The padded leather case keeps it from being damaged – at least it has so far. It is quieter than the crash of a real book, so I don’t even wake up!

Most folks who have taken the time to learn how to use an e-book reader, gradually give up paper books—especially if they travel much. My e-book reader can accept a 32 gigabyte camera SD card that will hold 650 books the size of “Cushing History Volume I” (50 megabytes with all the pictures) or 65,000 books the size of Buz Swerkstrom’s new “In the Time of Twelve” (.5 megabytes – text rather than pictures).

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In a project that began in 2004, Google planned to try to scan all the books in the world that it was allowed access to.

Whole huge university collections were scanned including the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The estimate then was 15 million or more. Millions have already been scanned. Those out of copyright are already available free to download to an e-book reader. Book companies, authors and others are negotiating with Google over what to do with the books that are still under copyright. Where the author can be tracked, the author gets to decide whether to release the book or not; where the author is not traceable, there is an ongoing court case about what to do.

It would be unbelievable to the Russ Hanson of 1970, 1980 or even 1990 that by 2010, I could find almost any book ever written and put it directly on my own little book-sized TV screen. Not only that, but Google has automatically run a program to “read” the digitized books automatically to pick out the words so I can search them for any word or phrase I want. For instance, I might use Google’s book search to find “Col. Robert Murphy” and find any book with his name in it out of millions of possible books.

Having everything ever written at our fingertips is mind-boggling.

••• If you like the taste, feel, smell and texture of real books, stop in at the Luck Library/Museum on Saturday, Dec. 3, and pick up the latest from Buz Swerkstrom and Russ Hanson. Of course, we will show you that you can get the e-book versions too, a little cheaper and immediately online at Amazon.com (search for Swerkstrom and twelve).

Maple syrup producers or wanna-bes, mark Dec. 10 all day for a visit to Anderson Maple for a program on syruping technology, equipment, techniques, candy making, etc. The Rambler will emcee the program where experts will be telling us how to improve the efficiency of our operations. Starts at 8:30 a.m. and goes to 5 p.m., with lunch – all free.

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Note New Address:

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NOVEMBER 30, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 5

Everyone Waited for the Order Box (1983)

by Ruth Bunker Schmidt I sometimes wonder if parents realize the utter delight their children experience with some event or happening in the home that their elders may consider more or less routine.

I have in mind an event that took place annually when I was a child, usually after Christmas when prices were marked down in the mail-order catalogs.

We lived on the Dakota prairies back in the preWorld War I days and because of the distance to town and the lower prices, most all store-bought articles were ordered from Sears & Roebuck. This particular order for Sears was not a matter of individual families sending in their separate lists. It was, instead, a community affair.

The orders were made out by the mothers of each family, handed, together with a personal check, to whichever “head of the family” gave their address that year for the items sent for. The entire listing was sent by this neighbor in one envelope. In due time, all items arrived in a single large crate.

How well I remember the year my parents address was given for the box. For days after the order was sent in, my mother was asked over and over, “Have you heard anything from the box?” “Hasn’t the box arrived at the freight depot yet?” Even we children waited impatiently, and when the notice finally came, it was like telling us a favorite aunt had arrived in town, waiting to be brought out to the farm home.

My mother “rang up” each family on the telephone and set a certain evening for the neighboring families to come and claim their individual orders.

This particular Saturday morning our house began to fill with men, women and children. The large crate was brought in from the coal shed and placed exactly in the center of the living room. Papa brought the crowbar from its hanging nail in the entryway and then, “crack” went the rough top boards. Mama, a systematic woman, carefully removed a layer of packing paper, folding it carefully, its future use in mind. Then, she made sure she had found the invoice before any of the articles were removed.

My father lifted out the first article. Mama peered into the package, then checked with her invoice. “I think this is yours, Lizzy,” she said. Her neighbor, with a smile, exclaimed, “Oh, yes, my wool dress goods. Isn’t it pretty, though?”

Aunt Mary hovered over the box. “Is my crinkle crepe there?” She lowered her voice to a whisper.

“My nightie is getting pretty threadbare.” When the desired package was discovered, Aunt Mary showed the material to all the other ladies, who, in turn, showed their own different pieces of yardage.

Together, Papa and Mama removed and handed over the articles to the owners. There were such things as a large box of Rub-No-More; a dozen bars of Lennox soap; barber shears; rickrack; a curling iron for my eldest sister’s chum who had hateful red hair and tried to compensate with curls. My sister, who could play the organ, gleefully accepted from mama’s hands the three or four sheets of music she had been allowed to order. I still remember the titles: “Bird of Paradise,” “Silver Sleigh Bells” and “Carry Me Back To Old Virginny.”

As the items were lifted from the order box, the piles of goods placed on the floor became higher.

Each family piled their own articles nearby so that they might occasionally tear off a wrapper and sample what they had ordered. There were shoes for the children (squeals of delight); one pair for an older girl had laces and cloth top. There were black cotton stockings; union suits of all sorts and sizes; leggings; serge, flannel, wool, silk and chambray yard goods.

Mama had four girls, so naturally many of her items included needles, J & P Coats thread and thimbles.

Behind the

Signpost Bernice Abrahamzon One sizable package came out of the depths of the box. Mama looked at the invoice, then smiled. “This seems to be yours, Grace,” she told the woman who had 10 children. Her neighbor took the package, and unabashed, she exclaimed, “Oh yes, I’d forgotten I ordered it. We do need another one. I’ve only got four now. I’ve forgotten what the price was. Look on the list, Ila.” “White enameled chamber pot,” Mama read.

“Medium size, 65 cents. Cover, 30 cents.”

“Well, it’s a dollar well spent,” the woman said. “No one will have to run outside at night in 40-below weather. Now, our family will be all set for the rest of the winter.”

I noticed the twinkle in Papa’s eye even before he spoke. “Don’t you mean you’ll be all setting?” he said, as everyone broke into laughter. No one could ever say things were dull when Papa was around.

As the box became more and more empty, the conversation became more animated. I tried to listen to everyone, but I could gather only fragments of sentences.

“Plaster? I didn’t order – oh, castor – castor oil. Half a gallon …”

“Isn’t this sateen lovely? I can get two or three petti …”

“Lookee my new stocking cap! An’ I got …”

“This 20-Mule Team boric acid – 25 cents. A real bar …”

“Did you hear that, John?” I heard Papa say. “Boric acid costs a penny a mule!” I remember how the men roared with laughter.

A few of the women had received all the items they had ordered and were talking of what they intended to order next year. “I want a carpet sweeper,” one said.

“They have a Colonel in the catalog for only $2.95.”

“You might as well say $3,” Mama remarked. “I think a broom sweeps just as well, myself.” (She was the practical one.) “But I do need a new coffee mill.

That family mill prices all the way from 39 cents to 76 cents.”

She changed the subject. “We’re close to the bottom of the box. Pa, you’d better handle this last package.”

“You bet your boots,”Papa said cheerfully. “Now, what in the Sam Hill is this thing anyway?”

“Hey,” one of the men called from across the room, “that’s my horse collar!” He took it from Papa’s hands.

“How do you like it, everybody? It’s an Emory, made from buggy harnesses.”

Finally, the lateness of the evening was noticed.

Someone reminded the others that we must all get up early to get to church on time. The families gathered up their separate bundles and packages and scrambled into their long warm coats, overshoes (and leggings for the children), mittens, scarves and muffs. Mama handed each family their oven-kept-warm and newspaper-wrapped flatirons they would be placing at their feet as they cuddled comfortably under thick lap robes in the bobsled.

The exciting “order box” event was over for another year.

Until next week, Bernice

Frederic fourth and fi fiffth grades to present annual holiday concert FREDERIC – On Tuesday, Dec. 13, Frederic’s fourthand fifth-grade students will present their annual holiday concert. This evening with be full of great performances. The fifth-grade band and bell choir will make their debut performances. Fourth-grade students will present a blacklight routine to “March” from the “Nutcracker.” The evening will conclude with fourth- and fifth-grade students presenting a new musical from John Jacobson called “A Pirate Christmas.” The story opens with the elves taking a vacation on an island before the

big Christmas rush. When the island is overtaken by pirates, the elves and “White Beard” teach them the true meaning of Christmas.

The program will be held at 7 p.m. at the elementary school and is open to the public and free of charge.

An added feature to this year’s concert will be a holiday bake sale sponsored by the high school band. The sale will take place both before and after the performance. - submitted

Humane society fundraiser set at Adventures SIREN - Adventures Restaurant in Siren is sponsoring a buffet fundraiser for the Humane Society of Burnett County. This buffet will be on Sunday, Dec. 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Besides food, there will also be a silent

auction for your holiday shopping. Proceeds from the silent auction, as well as $2 from each dinner, will be donated to benefit HSBC. – submitted by HSBC

NARFE meets Dec. 8 DRESSER - The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association will hold their December dinner meeting at The Village Pizzeria in Amery at noon on

Thursday, Dec. 8. All active and retired federal employees are welcome. Reservations may be made by calling 715-268-8618 by noon on Monday, Dec. 5. - submitted

Do you remember?

Compiled by Bernice Abrahamzon

50 Years Ago Specials at the Co-op Super Market, Frederic, included three dozen oranges for 79¢, 2 lbs. carrots at 15¢, turkeys at 29¢ lb., 1 gallon apple cider for 49¢, pot pies at 5 for 89¢, and round steak at 59¢ lb.–Bargains at Route’s, at Frederic, included pork sausage at 2 lbs. for 69¢, wieners at 43¢ lb., carrots at 2 lbs. for 19¢, and cranberries at 2 lbs. for 29¢.–Chas.

Lindfield closed his chiropractic clinic from Oct. 21 – Nov. 12.–The film “The Honeymoon Machine” was playing at the Frederic Theatre.–The Polk County budget asked for $43,000 more for next year.–New quarters were built at Marvel Gas Co., Frederic.–The grand opening was held Nov. 3 at Log Gables, north of Webster with owners Norm and Muriel Engstrom.–More specials at Frederic Co-op Super Market included round steak at 65¢ lb., T-bone steak at 89¢ lb., sirloin steak at 69¢ lb., Texas seedless grapefruit at 10 for 49¢.–Specials at Route’s, Frederic, included 10 grapefruit for 49¢, bananas at 2 lbs. for 25¢, bacon at 2 lbs. for 99¢, and chocolate-covered cherries at 59¢ lb.–The November special was thermo tumblers at 37¢ each at Carlson Hardware, Frederic.

–The West Sweden dance hall was closed for remodeling.–”The Pit and the Pendulum” was playing at the Frederic Theatre.–Over 200 attended defense meeting at Frederic.

40 Years Ago The Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association held its annual meeting at Buck’s Resort.–Santa Claus was coming to Frederic three times.–Olsen and Son Drug, Frederic, had a gift sale.–Specials at the Frederic Co-op Super Market included tomato soup at 10¢ can, cheese spread at 99¢ lb., apples at 99¢ lb., Minnesota white potatoes at $1.58 for 50 lbs.–Frederic Home Furnishings offered a free Christmas tree with a $100 sale.–Route’s, Frederic, advertised crackers at two boxes for 49¢, beef liver 49¢ lb., potato sausage at 69¢ lb. and lettuce for 25¢ head, cabbage 8¢ lb. and Old Tyme candy mix at 29¢ lb.–Local men were apprehended in Dresser Bank robbery.–Training was provided for workers at nursing home, Siren.–On sale at Olsen and Son Drug, Frederic, were tapes, records, tape players, electric clocks, Hallmark Christmas cards, key cases, Polaroid cameras, etc.–Oshkosh bell bib overalls were on sale at Carlyle’s sizes 28-36.–New dump hours at Frederic were Wednesdays noon – 5 p.m., and Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon–Lawson Greenhouse had Christmas open house set for Sunday, Dec. 19, with coffee and fruitcake served.–Mill rate down, valuation up for tax billing in Frederic.–State industry wage records survey $300 million hike.–Top prizes to children in Christmas contests went to children in Frederic and Luck.

20 Years Ago Construction continued on Frederic Care Center.–A dog pound may be built in Frederic.–The Polk County Board accepted $8,000 for Ice Age Trail in Polk County.–Donors gave 117 pints of blood in Frederic.–The annual palt supper was held at McKinley United Methodist Church Oct. 19 with palt fried or boiled, baked ham, fruit soup, cranberry jelly, homemade rolls, assorted cakes, beverage, all at a cost of $5.98.–Cobb Bros. performed at St. Croix Falls.–Peggy’s at Siren had a Moonlight Madness sale.–First Cushing Church, Cushing, had a church bazaar “Down on the Farm” Oct. 19.–A big sign was put up saying “Discover Frederic.”–A trip to Mexico was OK’d at Luck.–A column was printed on Curing heartburn.–Foster parents, Kinship, were honored.–A photographer, Tim Matz, walked the Ice Age Trail.–The Tigers home is now Seitzberg Athletic Field.–Columnist Ann Daly Goodwin spoke at a CRA benefit.–Columnist Bob Becker of Spooner wrote about finding treasures at rummage sales.–A $50 reward was offered for recovery of VCR and movies rented to an individual using the name “Brenda” of Hertel at the Hertel General Store.–Timber wolf awareness week was Oct. 2026.–Open house was held for the 90th birthday of Seward Parker Nov. 2, at the Siren Senior Center.

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

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER

Hey folks, hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving. I know we did, I just love that turkey - it’s so yummy. We had the grandkids here for the day and had fun playing with them, but boy were we exhausted by the time they left. I don’t know who took longer to recover, Mom and Dad or us dogs!

Anyway, there is still some leftover turkey and gravy so keeping my eyes on the fridge for when it comes out for leftovers.

Eli has been going on walkabout of late and taking Maya with him so Mom got him a radio collar that works great. She just calls him back with the walkie-talkie and next thing you know he is racing back with Maya in hot pursuit. I think he’s wondering where the voice is coming from and it’s pretty funny but with hunting season we have to be careful to stay close to home. Hopefully all my fourfooted friends out there didn’t have any accidents.

Remember I told you about Rocky last week?

Well his owner never came and got him so he is now available for adoption and looking for that special someone he can call his own. He may be a senior, but no one told him that, as he is full love and life. Rocky loves to play ball and will chase after it, bring it back and wait for you to throw it again. Remember November is Adopt-a-Senior month!

Great news, the last of the brown puppies was adopted and has gone to live in Duluth, Minn., with his new family. Chucky will be very happy I’m sure, he is so cute and we’ll miss him but we’re happy

Happy Tails

Await

Arnell Humane Porter is one of those pups that comes around only once in a great while. He is destined to become the pet that others wish they had for themselves. He is handsome, smart and calm. He is young and outgoing. At 5 months, Porter is a young black Lab going places. He will make a great playmate for an existing pet or a one-pet-only family. He is great with kids. Porter is still a puppy, and though he knows a few commands already, he will take direction easily to finish up his degree in obedient companionship.

With the Thanksgiving holiday behind us, thoughts turn to Christmas. The Hallmark commercial image of an adorable puppy or kitten popping out of a box with a big red bow makes your heart go “Aahhhh. Wouldn’t that be great on Christmas morning.” Every year we receive calls during Christ-

715-349-2964 The last weekend of 2011’s deer season was a repeat of opening weekend this year, dark and dreary. Many of the hunters in Zones 10 and 16 are saying that this year’s hunting season was pretty much a no-show, no deer. I think maybe the DNR needs to re-evaluate the deer numbers in these areas and why the loss. There were fawns this spring and summer as many were seen in bear country, however, none have been seen since August, only lone does and later in the fall, the bucks coming to the salt lick, now nothing at all. We have bears in bear country and I know they will take deer, but this is nature, but not to wipe them out completely. We have a neighbor who has a camera set up in the woods and a cougar was filmed passing the camera. I know the DNR says they aren’t here but my guess is that this is where our deer are going.

If there is a cougar in the area the deer will leave that area.

YAPpenings Sadie Halo for him. Some other great news is that Carly is being adopted and will be leaving the shelter after she gets spayed. Her new mom has been coming and visiting and spending time with her until she is ready to go to her new home. Jaida also has a great application on her so we’re keeping our paws crossed!

We do have some new dogs in but they won’t be ready for adoption for another couple of days so keep an eye on our Web site! Two of them are the tiniest little black-and-tan coonhound puppies, Daisie May and Amp, that are about 7 weeks old.

They’re being treated for those nasty worms which puppies are notorious for, hopefully all of you out there check your dogs for them.

I’m going to tell you about three little kittens, who haven’t lost their mittens so aren’t crying. They definitely know how to purr and ask for attention though. According to Mom, these three are all equally adorable but then she’s a cat person. Hope is the littlest one and then there are Halo and Samantha so if you’re looking for a kitten to cuddle, we have some ready for you at the shelter.

Hope Their mom, Cassie, is also available and she is only about a year old, so young to have babies but she was a wonderful mother and is a wonderful kitty!

“Cats are the ultimate narcissists. You can tell this because of all the time Samantha they spend on personal grooming. Dogs aren’t like this. A dog’s idea of personal grooming is to roll in a dead fish.” - James Gorman Have a great week everyone and don’t forget to mark your calendars for that yummy buffet at Adventures on Sunday, Dec. 11, that is benefiting my friends at the shelter! Licks and tailwags!

The Humane Society of Burnett County is saving lives, one at a time. www.hsburnettcty.org. 715866-4096. License No. 267335-DS. We’re on Facebook too!

mas week, looking for the perfect kitten. Typically there are very few kittens available near Christmas because the breeding season for cats ends in time for the cold weather.

Choosing the perfect kitten for someone else can be tricky. Which kitten or cat would they prefer? Are they really and truly ready to care for a new pet or do you just think they should have one? An easy way to answer that question is to ask the person ahead of time, rather than surprising them on Christmas morning. Surprises are great fun, but a new pet is a commitment of 10 years or more.

Wouldn’t it be great if they could have the chance to pick the perfect pet for themselves?

To help you make this a reality for your loved one, Pet Gift Certificates are available at Arnell that will entitle the recipient to a pet of their choice (certain adoption restrictions apply). We will supply a gift card with a happy adoption photo to help them anticipate the adventure they have received.

The alternative is to bring your loved one to the shelter before the holiday, to choose from the abundance of young cats currently waiting there. Our kitten room is overflowing with orange tabby kit-

tens,3 months and up.

We have longhair, short, mittens and tuxedos. If orange isn’t their style, we have black, calico, diluted calico, buff, black and white.

The gift of a ChristPorter mas honorarium in the name of the animal lover in your family, is a great way to give the gift of giving. Your honorarium donation to the shelter is tax deductible and helps the homeless animals in our area. You may send the name and address of the individual or pet you would like to honor, with your check, and we will send the card, or you may pick up a card from the shelter. Your check will be your receipt unless requested otherwise. Happy shopping.

Arnell Memorial Humane Society, 185 Griffin St. E., Amery, 715-268-7387 (PETS) or online: Arnellhumane.org.

Siren news Thanksgiving at the Niles and Marge Petersons this year was a houseful. They entertained 31 guests over the bird. They have a family of four kids, three who are married and have kids, but the three with children were elsewhere this year. That is one big clan get-together up on Peterson hill.

On Monday, Nov. 21, the Grandmas Group met at the home of Marge Peterson. A great potluck lunch was enjoyed by all and the afternoon spent visiting and doing a variety of crafts. Those present were Hazel Hahr, Marilyn Lemeiux, Dorothy Lahners, Naomi Glover and Bev Beckmark. The star of the afternoon was Aiden Foehser, Marge’s 3-yearold grandson. Erna Lueck was absent as she had a funeral in the Cities.

Those of you who have made items for the Siren Lioness/U.S. Bank Christmas tree, the tree has been up for several weeks so you can bring your items in to the bank. Let’s make this a better tree than last

Borderline news When Cheryl Carlson of Blaine died in June, no service was held. Her 68th birthday would have been Saturday, Nov. 19, so some of her friends met at a favorite restaurant of hers, the Keyport Lounge in Superior, on Nov. 18 to honor Cheryl. Those who were able to attend were Patty Koehler, Bonnie Kohll, Jeri Pearson, Jan Schnell, Kay Fornengo, Marian Dyson, Elizabeth Coffin and Fran Levings.

We miss you, Cheryl.

Fran Levings and Dave Baker rented the Cloverton Town Hall and hosted 20 people on Thanksgiving Day. Friends and relatives came from Ashland, North Branch, Minn., and River Falls. Local residents Marlene and Don Mishler, and Julie and Cody Black Elk also joined in the festivities. After the traditional turkey dinner with all sorts of food donated by the participants, the dice game was played, a door prize drawing was held, and a word game was

Engagement

Shelter

played. Fran had also lined up an interesting icebreaker because not all of the guests knew each other.

On Saturday, Nov. 12, the women of Zion Markville had their yearly bazaar and bake sale at the Northland Community Center in Cozy Corner.

The doors opened at 10 a.m. with people already waiting.

The baked goods disappeared fast. A decision will be made at the December meeting about which charities the funds will be sent to. Thanks to all who showed up and supported our efforts. Larry Kinblom is still in the hospital at St. Luke's in Duluth. Prayers and cards are welcome. The address is 915 East First Street, Duluth, Minn. 55805.

Casandra and Beth Baer came home from college to spend Thanksgiving with their family. Marian Dyson and Barb Fall visited with Sophie Slipher and

Bev Beckmark year.

Those of you who have kidlets or grandkidlets, Santa is coming to the Siren School Saturday, Dec. 3, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring the kidlets in to enjoy a lunch, get a bag of goodies and even sit on Santa’s lap to tell him what they want for Christmas. Remember, if you want a picture of them with Santa you must bring your own camera.

Coming up Saturday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m., at the Siren Bethany Lutheran Church is the annual Community Christmas Choir concert. If you miss this date, not to worry, you can catch it on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 3 p.m. Don’t miss it altogether, there are a lot of great singers in our area.

Congratulations to elementary student Shawnee Phernetton, middle schooler Allie Webster, and high schooler Casey Brown for being chosen Siren Schools students of the week. Wow! You go girls.

Bob Brewster Beatrice Olsen in Spooner last week. Both were doing OK. Santa is expected to make a visit at the Memory Tree annual Christmas party that will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Dairyland Town Hall.

Everyone is welcome. The Dairyland Homemakers will have their annual Christmas party on Wednesday, Dec. 14. We hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving, and that all of you deer hunters were successful getting your deer during hunting season.

Just a reminder that the Markville Community Christmas party will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Markville Town Hall. Everyone is welcome to the potluck starting at 6 p.m. Please bring a dish to share. If you are going participate in the dice game, please bring a couple of inexpensive gifts or prizes.

Hope to see you there.

Trombley/Martin Gordon and Barbara Trombley of St. Croix Falls are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Amanda May, to Justyn Elijah Martin, son of Paul and Cheryl Martin of Ellsworth.

Amanda is a 2008 graduate of St. Croix Falls High School and a senior at Winona State University.

Justyn, a 2007 graduate of Ellsworth High School, formerly attended Northwestern College and is currently employed at Genesis Industries in Elmwood.

A May 2012 wedding is planned. – Photo by raeannephotography

Siren Senior Nona Severson Center Thanksgiving has come and gone and now it is time to think about Christmas. Our center was decorated for Christmas on Nov. 30.

The free community Thanksgiving dinner was a success once again. We served 180 sit-down dinners, 90 home delivery and 45 takeouts. We extend gratitude to all of the people who cooked, volunteered in any way and made donations. This dinner can only be successful if we have the volunteers.

It was a nice surprise to see all the Thanksgiving decorations put up outside the building. All the decorations looked so nice. Hear they were put up by Pastor Tom’s two daughters and a nephew.

It has been mentioned that if there is bad weather, our center will close if Siren does not have school.

This will be announced on several radio stations. Also home delivery will only deliver on plowed roads.

We want to extend gratitude to Lorretta Hubbard for her donation of new large-print books for our library. We really appreciate the large-print books. Several of the books are already circulating among the readers.

Winners for 500 on Friday, Nov. 18, were Gerry Vogel, Inez Pearson, Candace Doriott, and Dwaine and Sue tied for fourth and fifth place. Winners for 500 on Wednesday, Nov. 23, were Tom Knopik, Duane Lockhart, Barb Munger, Ralph Groves and Candace Doriott.

Reminder: There will be no evening meal in December.

Until next time, stay warm and healthy!

Frederic Senior Hazel Center Hoffman Hello again. It is so nice to visit with all our friends and neighbors and fellow Frederic Senior Center members. Guess what? Not much news this week either but most of us do know we have eaten way too much but it was all so good. Barb and Lois, our two friendly, hardworking cooks from our senior center, put on a great early Thanksgiving dinner of turkey and all the trimmings. We appreciate our cooks.

The Spade winners were first place, Margaret Ulick; second place, Joyce Thompson; third place, Lorna Erickson; and fourth place, Willis Williams. 500 winners were first place, Phyliss Peterson; second place, Rick Hustad; third place, Bob Peterson; and fourth place, Leroy Booth.

This past week, with the Thanksgiving holiday and deer hunting, has been a very busy week for everyone. So now, as things get back to normal, everyone take it easy. Stay healthy and come join us at our center for cards, coffee and a visit.

www.the-leader.net

NOVEMBER 30, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 7

TOWN TALK/COUNTRY CHATTER Engagement

Jhordan Boyd of Durant, Okla. and Kevin Niedenfuer of Frederic are pleased to announce their engagement and upcoming wedding on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011.

Jhordan is the daughter of Martin and Sherry Boyd of Durant, Okla. She is a junior at Oral Roberts University.

Kevin is the son of David and Nina Niedenfuer of Colorado Springs, Colo. He is a junior at Oral Roberts University.

The couple’s wedding will take place at the Abundant Life Church in Durant, Okla. – Photo submitted

Birth announcements

Lewis Good news! A new church furnace was set up in midweek. Fortunately the weather was comparatively mild, so the temperature stayed in the upper 60s inside the church.

A quick request brought forth a good response, and a good crew to accomplish the work. More than one estimate was considered.

The Lewis church was back on track this Sunday after a week ago Sunday’s service was canceled. A new furnace was installed, and the crew really concentrated on getting it done.

Sylvia Schaetzel sang a solo as the ushers went forward to light the candles on the altar. Since we missed the before-Thanksgiving service at Lewis, we sang, “We Gather Together To Ask the Lord’s Blessings.”

Starr and Carl Warndahl lit the first candle in the Advent wreath and read the accompanying words.

Sheila Staples and Robin Peterson helped Pastor Tom with the service and a ladies trio sang a special number.

Lunch after the service was provided by Mickey Lenz and Ruth Lenz. It was a veritable feast with

Born at Burnett Medical Center:

A girl, Haven Elizabeth Rehbein, born Nov. 23, 2011, to Jetisha Eckstrom and Brad Rehbein, Grantsburg. Haven has one sibling, Majesty. Grandparents are Roger and LeeAnn Rehbein, Grantsburg, Russell Eckstrom, Grantsburg, and Denise and Bob Peck, Spooner. Great-grandparents are Sue Eckstrom, Hibbing, Minn., and Vern Allen, Rice Lake.

•••

Academic News

Visitors of Don and Lida Nordquist during the week were Donna, Nina and Lawrence Hines, Karen and Hank Mangelsen, Jan and Hannah Schott, Tom England and Jerry Nelson.

Over 30 family members gathered at the home of Hank and Karen Mangelsen Thursday to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Guests of Lawrence and Nina Hines at various times during the week were Colin, Chad, Jenny, Aubrey and Ashley Harrison.

Karen and Hank Mangelsen joined Gene, Carlotta, Carols, Jeff, Jaime, Taylor and Morgan Rom-

It looks like our nice weather is coming to an end.

Get ready for the white stuff.

I hope everyone had a happy, healthy and safe Thanksgiving.

Wednesday, Nov. 9, was the last day of Wii bowling for the ladies. It sure was exciting. Pat N. had high individual game with a 247 and high series with 492 (her second game was a 245). She had six strikes in a row in the first game and eight in a row in her second game. Nancy O. had five strikes in a row. These gals were serious. The Early Risers had high team game with 802 (wow) and high team series with 1,564. What a way to end the season. Our fun day was Wednesday, Nov. 16, when we just

LaVonne O'Brien

Thanksgiving dinner guests of John and Reeny Neinstadt were Bud and Natalie Flagstad and children and Sandy Johnson and children.

Harmony HCE was held last Tuesday at Cedarwood Manor with Pat Johnson and Karen Brooks as hosts. We said goodbye to Carole Newman who is moving near Green Bay. The Krauses celebrated Deanna’s birthday on Wednesday. All the kids were home from college for the hodiday. Fran Krause and the Glovers were guests for Thanksgiving dinner.

The Bob O’Brien family, Dave, Teresa and Amy Childers, Jack, LaVonne, Tylyn and Mike O’Brien, LaVonne’s cousin Virginia and Sue and Larry Mattson from Austin, Texas, were Thanksgiving guests of Tim and Vikki O’Brien in Eagan, Minn. Teresa and Dave spent the weekend at their cabin. Tim O’Brien came to hunt Friday and Saturday.

Saturday Teresa and LaVonne attended the first birthday party for great-grandson Jackson O’Brien.

Thanksgiving guests of Pat and Nancy O’Brien were the Tony O’Brien family and Nancy’s son and family.

bowled for fun and ate lots of snacks (actually, it was more like a banquet). Everyone agreed that was almost as much fun as bowling. Mixed bowling will start on Jan. 4.

We are still having nice groups for Dime Bingo.

Again, we appreciate all who come to play. Bring your dimes and come join us on Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. Watch for some surprises in December.

We also still play cards and pool on Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. Come join the fun.

Nikki will again be serving brunches every Friday in December. Stop in and pick up a menu. Be sure to call in your reservation the day before at 715-8665300.

Visitors of Jack and Kay Krentz over the weekend were Sue Ackerman, Joel Krentz, Terri Wilcox, Marian Brincken and David and Kathy Stoylen.

The Clam River Tuesday Club Christmas get-together will be at the home of Dixie Andrea on Wednesday, Dec. 7. The afternoon will begin with a potluck meal at 12:30 p.m. After the meeting, there will be a gift exchange for those who wish to participate ($10-$15). Also 2011 secret pals will be revealed and new names will be drawn for 2012.

Members are asked to bring items for the food shelf.

Bernie Boelter

Best wishes go out to Ruth Jerome, who had a nasty fall and broke her arm. We hope she is mending quickly and will be able to come back to the center soon.

Birthday wishes go to Millie Hopkins, Lydia Crowley, Fran McBroom and Gene Johnson who celebrated their special day in November.

Mark your calendars for the next monthly meeting, which will be Tuesday, Dec. 20, at 1 p.m. Please plan to join us.

Remember, age doesn’t matter unless you’re cheese.

See you at the center.

Luck’s

Holiday Experience Friday, December 2

Christmas Tree Lighting - 5 p.m. at Triangle Park Gazebo

Saturday, December 3 * Visit Santa - At the Luck Library from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. * Purchase Lucky Bucks - Available at Frandsen Bank & Trust * Shop - Shop - Shop - Shop our local retailers for that perfect holiday gift.

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sos, Ron and Juliann Jensen and Jake Mangelsen at Tracks Friday evening to enjoy a meal together in celebration of Thanksgiving.

Several folks from this area attended the craft fair and sales at Spooner UM Church and St. Alban’s Episcopal Church Saturday.

Mark Hines and Edgar Rodriquez visited Donna and Gerry Hines during the week.

Kay Krentz returned Tuesday from a trip to Fairview Heights, Ill. She traveled with Marian Brincken and Jackie Dahlstrom. They attended the wedding reception for a great-niece.

Karen Mangelsen

Webster Senior Center

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL — Traci Lundeen of Frederic has joined the Class of 2015 at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy. “We are immensely proud of our talented first-year students, who are committed to learning and advancing science to better the community,” said College of Pharmacy Dean Marilyn K. Speedie, Ph.D. This year, the College of Pharmacy received 512 completed applications and admitted 167 students in its Pharm.D. Professional Program. The four-year Doctor of Pharmacy degree program educates students to become pharmacists who are generalist pharmacy practitioners. The Pharm.D. is the only degree that prepares students to practice pharmacy in the United States. with submitted information

Orange

shoot any if you don’t see any.” Lots of deer beds, but the deer were on the move. Bear too.

A noon potluck was enjoyed by the Frederic Scrabble Club Monday, noon, at Sunrise Apts., Frederic, for two birthdays, Colleen Draxler and Judy Hammond.

A bluegrass jam session will be held Saturday night, Dec. 3, at the Lewis church from 6 to 9 p.m.

Welcome!

The annual November party was held a week ago Monday at the home of Sheila Staples. Those attending were Mr. and Mrs. Brian Webster and family, Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Imhoff and family, Mr. and Mrs. Shawn Gudmunsen and family, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Swanson and family, Erica Olson, Renae Peterson, Rick Abrahamzon and Bryn and Riley Anderson. This marks the 24th year for the party started by Wayne Koball as the grill chef.

Sheila Staples and Rick Abrahamzon were guests a week ago Saturday at the Darrell Imhoff home to celebrate Nolan’s 7th birthday.

Dewey - LaFollette

Born at Osceola Medical Center:

A girl, Kloe Marie Cain, born Nov. 20, 2011, to Stephanie and Jethro Cain, Shafer, Minn. Kloe weighed 6 lbs., 14 oz.

•••

cold cuts, cheese, veggie pizza, doughnuts, etc.

Plans are under way for the craft and bake sale on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sloppy joes will be available, etc. Welcome.

The monthly board meeting will be held Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the church preceded by the potluck brotherhood supper. Welcome.

Boxes are being prepared for the Frederic Food Shelf and Operation Christmas.

The December newsletter is in the works with our new secretary, Gladys, working on it.

The Lewis church was decorated for Christmas Wednesday night and looks very nice.

Roberta and Butch Sahr brought granddaughter Hannah to church with them. She was good as gold.

Erica Olson and her mother, Anita of Somerset, were in church and afterward they and Sheila Staples had breakfast at the Pour House in Siren. They came to bring poinsettias to Sheila.

Always good to see our regular worshippers and also guests, too.

We can all breathe a sigh of relief that this deer season is over. Heard a few hunters say, “You can’t

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PAGE 8 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - NOVEMBER 30, 2011

Ho, ho, ho, merry Christmas! The

night we went to the hunters dinner in Danbury it was snowing the perfect Christmas snow. It was beautiful. No one was ready for that much snow. Isn’t it strange, we know it is coming, but we are never ready.

If I had to find a snow shovel, I am not sure I could find it even today. The snowblower had not been “gotten ready” for winter, what ever that means.

Heck, I knew it would all melt in a few days so I did not know what the big deal was until my feet went out from under me as I was carrying one of my dogs down the deck stairs. Slippery!

You would think I would have known better. Nope! After all of these years there has to be at least one fall down those stairs. I remember falling on the deck one year when it was covered with ice. I was bruised where only my husband could see it. He asked me what happened and when we were outside I showed him how I had done it and fell again. Some people never learn. This time it is probably as bad as it has been.

With all of my spine troubles it is much more dangerous to fall. Of course it is never a good idea, but this time it was really bad. Twisted my ankle too. I’ll tell you, when your butt hits the edge of a wooden step, you know it!

I mentioned the hunters dinner and didn’t tell you how much we look forward to it every year. A real Thanksgiving dinner and I didn’t have to clean up.

The food was terrific, it always is. I never thought to ask how many turkeys they cook, but I am sure no one goes hungry. I am not a hunter, so I am never sure if the dinner is the first day of hunting or the night before. If you have never been to the dinner, you should really give it a try. We always meet

Christmas gifts from the heart

by Tammy Berg Program Assistant Interfaith Caregivers

Happy holidays. Do you have someone on your Christmas list that is hard to buy for? Are you still trying to figure out what to get Grandma, the nice old man who lives down the street, your elderly aunt, the disabled veteran next door? At Interfaith Caregivers, we’ve put our heads together to come up with a list of things that you can give to those folks who may not need anything.

Consider a friendly visit to the nice lady next door whose adult children live far away. Drop by with a plate of cookies or a holiday card. A few minutes of your time can make a big difference in the life of someone who may be alone during the holidays.

Maybe you have a little time to have your elderly neighbor over to help make cookies. You might end up with an oldfashioned recipe for a special treat you

Interfaith

Cares

Barb Blodgett friends, and if people are not our friends, we always find something in common to talk about with a stranger who then becomes a friend. Even the Vikings and the Packers fans talk and act civil with each other. A good turkey dinner does that to people. Turkey has a way of making everyone happy. It also has a way of making everyone full.

I remember when we had Thanksgiving when I was a child. Dinner of course was always special and we all sat at our family’s long oak table. I know I have mentioned before that the cranberry ice was my favorite part of the meal. I remember that mincemeat pie was always there. I tried it once and that was it. Never again. Just not my favorite. After dinner the turkey was wrapped in a wet dishtowel and put in the oven to pick on until the next morning. Then my grandmother would debone the turkey. I think that is a made-up word, but I am not sure.

Today there would be such a fuss about horrible diseases you can get from leaving the turkey out at all. No one even puts the turkey in the refrigerator any more if it isn’t wrapped in aluminum foil, cling wrap and put into a plastic bag. No kind of infection is going to get into that turkey, you can be sure.

Christmas is so close it is scary.

Christmas for Kids is right around the corner and I am beyond panic mode.

Donations are trickling in and we are thrilled with every single one. I feel like the little blueberry girl in Willy Wonka

Polk County

Interfaith Caregivers loved as a kid.

A book of stamps can be a perfect gift.

Many seniors still write letters regularly and would appreciate a gift of stamps.

Also, they may need someone to help address envelopes for their Christmas cards. Try leaving a stack of envelopes near Grandpa’s door and ask all visitors to write down their name and address so they don’t need to be looked up. Simply offering to take holiday cards to the post office can be just what is needed.

If you haven’t spoken to Uncle Joe for a while, make a phone call to him during the holiday season. A short call lets your loved ones know that you are thinking about them and that they are important to you.

Does Aunt Mary need a little help

who always says, “I want more.”

Thank heavens for those who are giving to the children who will have little or nothing for Christmas. I remember one year when I went back to school after Christmas and everyone was talking about their Chatty Cathy doll. I didn’t get one and no one cared about the doll I got that did nothing but sit there. I remember the feeling of being left out and made a promise that if I could there would never be anyone left out. For years I could do nothing about it. A single mom with three kids, working two and sometimes three jobs always saw that my kids had something. They chose one of their old toys to take to the Salvation Army, so they could give them to children who had nothing.

Back then it seems we had so much fun playing Monopoly and Sorry and Pick Up Sticks. Children today hardly know what those games are. I am rambling, aren’t I? Sorry, I don’t have a great long-term memory so the few things I do remember I might repeat and repeat.

Just read past the part you have already read before.

On to something more serious. The other night I had an MRI of my brain. I don’t mind being in the tube, but when my head is immobile it is too claustrophobic for me.

I was given medication to make me less anxious. Well, I was less anxious all right. I do remember asking where I change clothes and when they told me I didn’t have to change I told them I was not happy, I had bought a lacy red thong and no one was going to get to see it. I was kidding of course, but they got a great laugh out of it.

I don’t remember much after that. I think I was in la la land. I do know Denny, his dad, and I went for pizza with friends at the Log Cabin but I don’t

remember what I did with my purse. I did not have it when I looked the next day. Now here is the great part of the story. St. Anthony and I are great friends. I lose something, talk to him and explain what is lost and he knows where the something is, so he might as well tell me. Still, I could not find my purse. Sometimes St. Anthony is busy elsewhere and I have to wait. Now, this is the really good part! The dogs went crazy barking at the front door like they do when someone comes. No one there.

I even looked down the driveway to see if I might have missed someone. No one, so I came inside and noticed a grocery bag hanging on the outside door handle and of course, in it was my purse. You explain it, I can’t. Nothing was missing, not even the $4 I had in it.

(Mother always said, carry money so you can call a cab if you have to). Now that I think of it, $4 would not have gotten me far. Back to the thong. I am sure if I had not been medicated I would never have had the nerve to say something like that. I don’t think, maybe, you never know.

Well I have once again used up more than my share of space. There was so much I wanted to say and didn’t get the time. Please, please, please remember Christmas for Kids and donate. You must donate, we can’t do this without your help. Remember the reason for the season. Remember to give. While you are at it, those red kettles could use your donation too.

Christmas is coming and I feel a song coming on ... “Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?”

wrapping those gifts that she is giving to her grandchildren? You can pick up some wrapping paper and help her with the wrapping while getting in a fun conversation as well. Again, a little of your time can be a big deal for someone who doesn’t get out much.

As we get older, it becomes harder to do some of the things that make the holidays feel special. If you have an elderly or disabled neighbor, find out if they need some help putting up a tree, unpacking their favorite holiday ornaments or hanging lights and decorations. Don’t forget the outdoor decorations! It may be important to them to make their home look festive on the outside too! However, the decorations will need to come down. Agree to help with that too.

Often, time spent with loved ones will be more precious than gifts. Take a senior or disabled adult on an outing to an indoor garden, a matinee or a shopping mall ending with a meal at their favorite restaurant.

Make your gift personal and some-

thing that can be used right away. Try a gift card to their favorite grocery store or restaurant, a basket of their favorite fresh fruit or favorite homemade breads or cookies. Spend a couple of hours watching an old movie or listening to music from their younger years.

Whether you give a gift that you purchase or one of your time, you will brighten someone’s day this holiday season. But, don’t limit yourself to just the holidays! Help your older loved ones and neighbors throughout the year.

Interfaith Caregivers coordinates volunteers to help seniors and adults with disabilities in Polk County. If you or someone you know could use help with rides, needs someone to visit or help with household chores or other nonmedical services, call us at 715-485-9500.

If you are interested in donating; you can send your donation to P.O. Box 426, Balsam Lake, WI 54810. For more information about how you can help your neighbors in Polk County, e-mail us at interfaithcare@centurytel.net or visit the Web site at www.interfaithpolk.org.

Blessings, Barb

Festival Theatre offers two holiday shows this season

ST. CROIX FALLS - It’s been a busy time at Festival Theatre during the last few weeks while the theater company prepared for the holiday season with two

shows on stage: “Inspecting Carol” and “A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas.”

The first is a hilarious, albeit satirical take on a tradition gone awry, while the latter is a heartwarming tale for the entire family.

“Inspecting Carol” uses Dickens’ enduring tale as a backdrop for something more: hilarity and entertainment. Last seen on the Festival Theatre stage in 2000, “Inspecting Carol” follows the story of a Midwest acting company getting ready to run their annual production of “A Christmas Carol” and trying their darnedest to make it work. As the fictional Soapbox Theatre battles slow rehearsals, frightening financial situations, and big personalities, audiences get an inside look at all the production drama from curtain to blackout.

Seth Kaltwasser portrays a managing director desperate to explain the financial realities to the actors of the Soapbox Theatre in “Inspecting Carol” at Festival Theatre. Photo by Jordan Chartrand

This production runs Thursdays through Sundays until Dec. 23.

“A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas” tells the story of the two years in the Ingalls life that were not written about by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Though they were challenging years, these were times that strong bonds helped the Ingalls family overcome hardship. Public 2 p.m. matinee performances of “A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas” are Saturdays, Dec. 3, 10 and 17, as well as Sunday, Dec. 11. Single tickets are $13.50 for adults and $8.50 for youth. School matinees are available for public, parochial and home-schooled youth (call the box office for details).

Both shows were directed by Carl Lindberg with a collaborative set design by Fizz Kizer, Danette Olsen and David Markson. The productions also feature the design talents of Gina Bonin (costumes), Todd Reemtsma (lighting) and Jaclyn Johnson (props). Peter Weber handles stage and production management duties.

“Inspecting Carol” is sponsored by Amery Regional Medical Center and runs Nov. 26 through Dec. 23. There are Thursday 2 p.m. matinees on Dec. 1 and 8, and Sunday matinees on Sundays, Nov. 27, Dec. 4 and 18. Evening performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays.

Dual casting to accommodate many school matinees results in two young actresses performing the role of Laura in “A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas,” Olivia Peer of Dresser and Bryn Soland of Stacy, Minn. – Photo submitted Tickets and Flex Passes are available for this production. Due to the satirical storyline and modest use of adult language, “Inspecting Carol” is not recommended for elementary youth. For additional information see the theater’s Web site at festivaltheatre.org or call 715-483-3387. submitted

NOVEMBER 30, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 9

Festival’s Featured Artist - Nancy Conger ST. CROIX FALLS Festival Theatre is very excited to introduce Nancy Conger to its stage with the hilarious holiday comedy "Inspecting Carol," which opened Thanksgiving weekend.

Conger, the author and performer of the acclaimed one-woman show “The Truth About Women and Horses,” is portraying the role of Dorothy Tree Hapgood in Festival’s revival of "Inspecting Carol.”

“I am very excited to be joining the amazing ensemble cast at Festival Theatre,” said Conger. “After doing mostly solo work, the synergy of working with a whole cast is great!”

Starting with some scribbles on a napkin, Conger developed her lauded onewoman show, “The Truth About Women and Horses.” An examination of life and death for American women from the perspective of women’s relationships with horses, Conger’s production looks at the dynamic and multifaceted relationship women share with their horses: be it a power dynamic, a sense of freedom attained, or just the idea of relationships.

Through the eyes of 11 different and distinct characters Conger asks questions

about sustainability from pingpong table." Conger the point of view of a 71recalled, "Dramatic leaps year-old woman, the were very important.” power of youth by followLeaping forward a few ing a 7-year-old's quest to years into Conger's young buy a pony, and death adult life, Conger received from Sandy Wurm, a renher Bachelor of Arts in dering-truck driver who English and music from picks up dead horses for a St. Catherine’s University living. Although Conger in St. Paul, MInn., “Cretours this show all over the ativity is at the core of nation, she was happy to Nancy's heart,” said hang up the saddle and Danette Olsen, executive give a shot to working director of Festival Thewith a group onstage. atre. “That creative energy Conger is a firm believer and vision gives her a in art as a powerful way to very unique and nuanced Nancy Conger create conversation.

“I appreciation of art and love art, I love it because performance.” the audience agrees to be moved. They Always an optimist and positive peragree to be open, and they even agree to son, even in moments most would see as be disturbed.” a defeat, Conger is able to find deeper Her affinity for the power of art started meaning. “I once had a person storm out at a young age. Conger got her start in of a show," said Conger. She went on to acting at the ripe age of 8 years old. She, comment, "It was intoxicating to know along with her sisters and their friends, that I had touched or confronted somewould put on productions for the neigh- thing important in the individual.” borhood. “Admissions were a dime. When asked what lesson she wanted to Each show involved many costume pass on to young actors, she said, “Lean changes, and dramatic leaps from the into the character and trust in her.” Olsen

Santa and his 100-plus helpers “We start planning in August,” Dianne Gravesen explained, “if not well before.” The results of all that planning, eventually involving over 100 volunteers, will be on display at this year’s Christmas at the Forts celebration. Festivities kick off Saturday, Dec. 3, at 11 a.m., and run that day till 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, the hours are the same, with closing time set for 4 p.m. Then the elves take a rest before returning for Saturday, Dec. 10, repeating the 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. schedule. Gravesen, who as Burnett County Historical Society president spearheads much of the organizing details, reminisced recently about the popular event.

While most of the current crew involved have pitched in since the turn of the century, veterans who hang out at the site recall that the popular gathering was first held in the mid-1990s. It’s an event that grows on people, according to Gravesen, who added that “every year I am in awe of the beautiful decorating. The lighting, inside and out, is so beautiful.”

Each year’s revelry is built around a theme – this time it’s a North Pole setting. As Gravesen explains, “we look at previous year’s themes (let it snow was last year’s) and try to come up with something new. It has to be something

Folle Avoine Chronicles Woodswhimsy the gnome

that we have decorations for, since we have no money to buy them. We rely on what we can come up amongst ourselves – but special thanks should go to Ginny Wierschem, who supplies many from her own collections. We also take into consideration the Lions who must decorate their trees according to the theme.” The last refers to the friendly contest where local Lions clubs each decorate a tree. (Woodswhimsy aside – apparently the “Lions” referred to are actually humans – being 325 years old, I take things literally sometimes).

Gravesen’s crews (none of them elves, surprisingly) number “over 100 volunteers who work the days of the event.

Besides them, however, there are many who put in countless hours getting everything ready. The person in charge of each activity finds his/her own volunteers. Many of the latter are recruited

Santa, snow or not, will be on hand for Christmas at the Forts this Saturday/Sunday, Dec. 3-4, and again on Saturday, Dec. 10. Photo submitted via a skills sheet new historical society members are asked to fill out upon joining the group. Those names go on a database so we can easily see who might be interested in helping.”

Gravesen emphasizes, though, that any-

noted, "Nancy brings a simple and honest enthusiasm to her characters. This simple commitment makes her so easy to watch and relate to. We are so happy to have her as part of our holiday season's company!"

Beyond writing and producing her own one-woman shows and appearing onstage at Festival theatre, Conger has many other talents. By day, this superwoman is a certified professional co-active coach, “What's so great about this job is that there are always results happening somewhere in my array of clients – never a dull moment,” said Conger. She is also working on a new musical, due out next year, and she plays both the fiddle and the violin, of which she answered an ageold question: “Same instrument, different attitude.”

You can see a few of Conger's talents onstage now through Friday, Dec. 23, at Festival Theatre. "Inspecting Carol," opened Thanksgiving weekend to uproarious laughter and warm audience reviews. Call the Festival Theatre box office at 715-483-3387 or visit them online at www.festivaltheatre.org to reserve your seats.

one – society member or not – can volunteer at any time simply by inquiring at the site or calling the office at 715866-8890.

“Over the years,” Gravesen says, “we’ve added numerous activities, ranging from storytelling with Angelique (who interprets the fur post site in summers) to making the Karlsborg School building Santa’s headquarters.”

This year’s schedule includes a number of attractions, such as the Wild Rice Cafe, serving up wild rice soup, chili, homemade bread, beverages and cookies; a special Elves Store for children with low-priced specialty items available; a silent auction (the first weekend only); performances by area musicians; horse-drawn sleigh rides; blacksmith shop demontrations; outdoor food stand; and of course Mr./Mrs. Santa in the schoolhouse, along with face and ornament-painting activities.

While involved with many events, Gravesen admits to a special affection for Christmas at the Forts. As she puts it, “this is such a wonderful family event that I would love to see our communities consider it as a destination for beginning the Christmas season.” And, she adds, “I hope visitors will go home with an appreciation for the Forts and will return there for its other programs in the future.”

Signed, Woodswhimsy

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PAGE 10 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - NOVEMBER 30, 2011

LIBRARY NEWS Frederic Public Library

Luck Public Library December is an exciting time for the Luck Library. Santa will be visiting the library Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring your kids and camera and get a photo with Santa. The Luck Historical Society Museum has put up their wonderful train display with some added extras this year. Stop in for Santa, treats and an old-fashioned Christmas.

Tuesday, Dec. 6, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., children’s author and illustrator Nancy Carlson will be at the Luck Library to teach students how to create characters for their stories. Space is limited to 40 participants so please preregister by calling the library, 715-472-2770, to reserve a spot Every second Tuesday from September 2011 to June 2012, Luck Library hosts an after-school art program called Artsy Smartsy. The next Artsy Smartsy program will be held Tuesday, Dec. 13, from 3:30 – 5 p.m. Instructor Tiffany will be teaching kids how to make pop-ups. We will look at examples from professional pop-up engineers and learn how to build our own in holiday cards, books or just for fun. You do not need to preregister for any of the Artsy Smartsy events. Just show up and have a great time. Snacks will be provided by the library.

Tuesday, Dec. 13, at 6 p.m., the library will be holding a class titled E-Book Readers and You. Polk County Library Federation’s technology specialist, Kay Fitzgerald, will be bringing examples of the many different e-book readers you may be getting for Christmas or have already gotten. She will be demonstrating the differences between each device, explaining the digital format, exploring the many options for free media downloads and paid content, and answering all your questions about your new device. If you got a new e-reader and don’t really know what to do with it, this is the class for you.

Use the library’s Wi-Fi and get registered and hooked up. It is time to become friends with your e-reader.

Monday, Dec. 19, from 6 – 7 p.m., the book group meets to discuss their book of the month. December’s book is Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. A great

holiday classic, “Little Women” was written in two volumes in 1868 and 1869 shortly after the ending of the Civil War, in Massachusetts. The novel follows the lives of four sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy March. The book was an immediate success. Miss Alcott was surprised by the success of her novel for girls. Louisa’s father initially approached publisher Thomas Niles to ask about a book he intended to publish. However, Niles was more interested in Miss Louisa’s stories and pressed her to write a book for girls.

Louisa finally consented but did not believe she could write a successful book for girls and did not recall enjoying it. “I’ll plod away,” she wrote in her diary. In June she sent several chapters to her publisher and both Louisa and Niles thought the story very dull. However, Louisa’s niece, Lily Almy, thought they were splendid and so did many other girls who read them. It was decided to go ahead and publish the story and “Little Women” became an instant success. “Little Women” was immediately followed by “Good Wives,” “Little Men,” and “Jo’s Boys.”

The March family is just as charming today as it was when it was originally written. All are welcome to join the book discussion on Monday, Dec. 19, at the library.

The knitting group meets at the library every Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m., or sometimes 6 p.m. This is a loosely organized group that comes and goes on Wednesdays. Audrey Anderson will be joining the group the first and third Wednesdays to teach techniques, answer questions and just hang out and knit and chat. Everyone is welcome. Crochet, knit, needlework … it’s a good time to connect with fun people.

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

www.the-leader.net

It’s a gingerbread house event Turn on your oven and get out your frosting and sprinkles. The Frederic Library is hosting a gingerbread house contest for children and adults. Stop in to get the contest rules or find them on the library Web site. Entries will be accepted Friday, Saturday or Monday, Dec. 2, 3 or 5. Join in the fun and be sure to stop by the library to see the display.

What are the book groups reading?

The evening book group will meet Tuesday, Dec. 13 (note date change), at 6:30 p.m., to talk about “A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man,” by James Joyce. This is the author’s picture of an Irish boy growing up in Dublin in the late 19th and early 20th century. The Thursday morning book group will meet Dec. 15, at 10 a.m., to discuss “The Alchemist,” by Paulo Coelho.

An Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure buried in the Pyramids and meets a Gypsy woman, a king, and an alchemist along the way. What starts out as a journey to find worldly goods turns into a discovery of the treasures found within. Copies can be borrowed from the library and new members are always welcome at the book discussions.

Holiday open house at the library Make plans to visit the library the week of Dec. 12 for hot cider and Christmas goodies. Take a breather from your busy life and spend a few minutes in one of the most relaxing spots in town.

Santa Claus is coming to town Dec. 17 Mark your calendar for a visit with Santa Claus and the Frederic Royalty at the library Saturday, Dec. 17, from 9 to 11 a.m.

Bring your camera for photos with Santa

Looking for some ideas for Christmas?

The MORE online catalog has nearly 10,000 items with the word “Christmas” somewhere in the title or description. We have stories, crafts, music, recipes, history, humor and more – stop in and ask a librarian to help you find just what you’re looking for to help you prepare for this December holiday. We also own 200 children’s books about Christmas, providing you lots of opportunities to share them with your favorite kids.

Wednesday story time Preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to attend a lively hour of books and activities on Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Do you like to share stories with children? We welcome guest readers – please talk to a librarian.

Tuesday morning computer sessions Basic computer training is offered Tuesdays, 9 – 10 a.m., in comfortable, drop-in sessions. If you have questions about terminology, the Internet, e-mail, Facebook or anything else computer-related, register at the library for a space. If the time is not convenient for you, talk to library staff about scheduling other computer training sessions.

Keep up with what’s happening at the library Find us on Facebook at Frederic Public Library.

The Web site is www.fredericlibrary.org. E-mail us at library@fredericlibrary.org. Frederic Public Library, 127 Oak St. West, 715-327-4979. Library hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Story time for preschoolers is held every Wednesday morning at 10:30 a.m.

St. Croix Falls Public Library Rivertown Holiday – Wednesday, Nov. 30, community dinner at the senior center, 3 – 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 3, Rivertown Holiday events: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., bake sale and cookie decorating – all ages at the library.

SCF High School choir sings at 12:30 p.m.

Santa’s downtown stroll begins near the library at noon. Noon – 4 p.m. - Bake sale and goodwill donation drop boxes (food/personal care). 1 p.m., high school choir sings. 1-4 p.m., lunch and photo op with Santa at SCF Senior Center. 4 – 7 p.m. - Community caroling around the fire at the Overlook Deck, birdseed ornaments, tree decorating, cider, hot chocolate, cookies. 5 p.m. - American Swedish Institute men’s choir concert on the Overlook Deck – sponsored by the Friends of the St Croix Falls Library.

Sunday, Dec. 4, Rivertown Holiday Kids Day at the Overlook Deck 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Community caroling around the fire, real sheep, Santa, tree decorating, coffee, hot chocolate, cookies. At noon, the Balsam Lake Faith Lutheran Children’s Choir will perform. All events brought to you by the St. Croix Falls Business Community.

Tuesday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m. – Arts advocate, teacher and local poet LaMoine MacLaughlin will be here at SCFPL .

Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Holiday cardmaking – make your own gift tags and cards here at the library. A donation of new adult-sized socks for the Serenity House in Balsam Lake is requested but not required. Preregistration preferred. Call 715-483-1777 or stop in at the circ desk.

Wednesday, Dec. 14, 4 – 5 p.m., School’s Out special – holiday ASL Learn some holiday American sign language. ASL instructor Julie Nelson will be presenting and teaching some holiday poetry and stories in ASL.

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during this event sponsored by the Frederic Area Chamber of Commerce.

Artsy Smartsy authors and illustrators We are pleased to welcome back teaching artist Tiffany Paige Meyer for this amazing visual arts program created exclusively for children ages 3 – 6 and their

caregivers. The third Tuesday of each month, through May, participants will take a closer look at some favorite authors and illustrators through books and creative expression at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Croix Falls Public Library. Preregistration is required. Register at the library circulation desk, online or call 715-483-1777. This is a free program. Remember to wear artsmart clothing (dress for mess). See you at the library.

School’s Out! SCFPL’s after-school program for kids age 8-plus. Meet friends, get homework help and hang out at the library on Wednesdays during the school year 3:30 – 5 p.m. Take bus No. 9 down to the library on Wednesday afternoons (with a note from your parent or guardian). Contact Cole czrostlik@stcroixfallslibrary.org for more info and to sign up for updates.

Community meeting room is available for your organization Reserve the meeting room with our online form at www.stcroixfallslibrary.org.

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

Check out our Web site It has up-to-date information on what’s happening at the library and other useful library tools you can use at home. www.stcroixfallslibrary.org. Look for us on Facebook! Our newsletter will be out the first week in December.

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

Hours The library is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 715-483-1777. Email: scflibrary@stcroixfallslibrary.org Online: www.stcroixfallslibrary.org.

NOVEMBER 30, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 11

Lighting Festival

Taylors Falls

A Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer costume brought lots of laughs from the spectators.

Addison and Audrina Glass of Taylors Falls had front-row curbside seats for the holiday parade on the Main Street of Taylors Falls last Friday evening, Nov. 25, a kickoff to the city’s annual lighting festival and celebration.

- Photos by Garth Olson

This boy made sure Santa got it right, since he brought his toy catalog to Santa after the parade.

Arnold, the giant puppet, made his annual appearance in the parade.

Mayor Mike Buchite and his wife, Vicki, welcomed parade watchers.

The Girl Scouts and many other community organizations enjoyed warm temperatures on Friday, Nov. 25, for the Taylors Falls Lighting Festival parade.

The First Evangelical Lutheran Church float featured singers in church pews.

Two walleye fishermen reeled in some nice fish through the ice on a funny float.

PAGE 12 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - NOVEMBER 30, 2011

A final act of love WITC-Rice Lake student, Webster resident, builds casket for dying grandfather RICE LAKE - The wood technics lab at WITC-Rice Lake was quiet as Will Janssen applied the final coats of lacquer to his project. With no class scheduled that day, Janssen was able to concentrate on the task at hand. The wood gleamed with a shine that rivaled the finest-made furniture. While it’s common for students in the program to construct tables, chairs and cabinets, Janssen’s project was like nothing else in the lab. He was building a casket for his dying grandfather.

After spending six years on active duty in the Air Force in North Carolina, Janssen moved back to his hometown of Webster

ABOVE, LEFT AND RIGHT: Will Janssen of Webster built a casket for his dying grandfather, with help from WITC’s wood technics program. - Special photos last year with his wife and two daughters.

He put his veterans benefits to work by enrolling in the two-year wood technics program at WITC-Rice Lake this fall.

With a background in woodworking, Janssen had discussed with a funeral director friend the idea of starting a business constructing caskets. Little did Janssen know that the first casket he would build would be for his grandfather.

William George Janssen, Will’s grandfather, was born in 1930. He served in the

U.S. armed forces and then worked for the U.S. Postal Service and machine shops until retirement. William George married Doris Niemann in 1957 and raised seven children in Webster. The couple was blessed with 29 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

This spring, not long after his 81st birthday, William George was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given six to 12 months to live. In the summer, as his health gradually deteriorated, Will’s

grandmother asked Will to build a casket for his grandfather.

“It’s one thing to build a casket for someone you don’t know, but when it’s your grandfather – you don’t like to think about what it means,” says Will.

But keeping the hands busy can be good therapy.

Will found plans for building a casket, searched out the required hardware and got to work in his garage. He used the basic plans for a starting point, but then brought some of his own design to the project.

Then in September, William George was moved to hospice and Will had to hurry to finish the project. Hearing of the situation, WITC wood technics instructor Chris Harder granted permission to bring the casket into the program’s lab to finish. The building of a casket actually related to the type of projects that students build in their first year in the program.

When Will graduates from the wood technics program, he aspires to turn his experience and training into his own business designing and building caskets and burial urns.

On Oct. 21, the wood was stained using the lab’s spray booth. The next day Will didn’t have class, but he and his brother decided to go to the wood technics lab and put the last coats of lacquer on the casket. Just a short time later, Will got the phone call he was dreading, but had been preparing for. His grandpa had passed away.

In the days leading up to the service, Will had enough time to complete the last few touches to the casket, adding the lining, throw and pillow.

His grandmother had seen some photos of the casket, but didn’t see it finished until the funeral.

The funeral for William George was held Oct. 29 in a church filled with his children, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, other relatives and friends. All were impressed and proud of the labor of love that had gone into the finely crafted casket that Will had built in tribute to his grandfather. – submitted

Follow the Leader

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NOVEMBER 30, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 13

Grantsburg students inducted into the National Honor Society

by Priscilla Bauer Leader staff writer GRANTSBURG – Seventeen new members were welcomed into the National Honor Society Grantsburg chapter by the group’s current 16 members in an induction ceremony held in the high school auditorium on Tuesday, Nov. 15.

NHS member Benjamin Davis lit the knowledge candle, representing all the knowledge a student can gain while in school. Four additional candles were lit representing the core values of NHS - scholarship, character, service and leadership - each by a current chapter member who read a definition of each value as the candle was lit.

The focus of the NHS is to encourage academic achievement while developing the other characteristics essential to citizens in a democracy: leadership, volunteer service and good character.

Students are chosen to be in NHS on the basis of scholarship, leadership, service and character. Juniors and seniors with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better receive an application form after the first-semester grading period.

Teacher recommendations are then gathered for students who apply and a committee of teachers decides membership based on all available information.

Grantsburg Middle School Principal Brad Jones was the guest speaker at the ceremony. Jones praised the students for their dedication of service to the Grantsburg community.

Current Grantsburg NHS member Nicole McKenzie prepared to present new inductee Connor Myers with his honor collar during the NHS ceremony held on Thursday, Nov. 15, at Grantsburg High School.

Sixteen Grantsburg students were inducted into the NHS on Tuesday, Nov. 15. New inductees were Stephanie Anderson, Lily Benge Briggs, treasurer; Haley Burkhardt; Elizabeth Corbin; Grace Corbin; Melissa Dahl; Arikka Davison; Chelsey Goepfert; Johanna Lauer; Kassie Lien; Stacey McKenzie; Jenna Michel; Tiffani Moyer; Connor Myers, vice president; Kylie Pewe; Jennifer Schwieger; and Samantha Schwieger.

“There will be times when you have to rely upon the help of others to get through a situation. Remember those times. When you see other people struggling or needing a boost, use the knowledge, leadership, and character skills you have in order to be a service to others,” urged Jones. “Do what’s right and trust in your beliefs.”

Jones, a former second lieutenant in the Army National Guard, also spoke on the importance of the core value, character.

“I can’t stress enough the importance of your character,” said Jones.

“You have been selected to the National Honor Society because you have Grantsburg students Lily Benge Briggs, Connor Myers, Benjamin Davis and Han- upheld the principles of morality and ethics. You have shown high standards nah Rod were installed as the new officers of the Grantsburg NHS chapter. of honesty and reliability. In some sense, I like to think at the end of the “I see students here who are genuine in their service to their community. Kids in Grantsburg grow up with the day, no matter what happens, your character is what you hang your coat on.” understanding they must help others,” said Jones.

The ceremony closed with the installation of new NHS “When I look at you, I see the potential to help others,” officers.

Jones said looking over at the students.

Grantsburg National Honor Society members recited the NHS pledge during the special candlelight ceremony held in the school’s auditorium on Tuesday, Nov. 15.

NHS member Mathew Swenson lit the scholarship candle during the NHS new member induction ceremony.

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PAGE 14 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - NOVEMBER 30, 2011

Legion Thanksgiving dinner

Grantsburg

While Les Cowan and Steve Peterson were eager to eat their Thanksgiving dinner, they paused to pose for a photo with their plentiful plates, saying they’d never been in the paper before.

Nancy Weiler and Kathy Bonneville dished up dinners on Thanksgiving Day at the Grantsburg Legion Hall.

Photos by Priscilla Bauer LEFT: Ed Schnuhl grinned as he gravied his stuffing while in line for Thanksgiving dinner at the Grantsburg Legion on Thursday, Nov. 24.

RIGHT: Joe and Tom Hunt of Woodbury, Minn., arrived in Grantsburg for a visit and dinner with family at the Grantsburg Legion’s Thanksgiving dinner.

Rebekah Curtin was in charge of keeping plenty of pumpkin pie on the table for at the Legion’s annual community Thanksgiving dinner.

Nelson kindergarteners celebrate Thanksgiving feast

Elena Lester

Jordan Java

Dana Aitken

Blake Wedin

Brandon Lucas

Aden Erickson

GRANTSBURG – Donning Pilgrim hats and bonnets, Nelson kindergarten classes enjoyed a special Thanksgiving feast on Tuesday, Nov. 22. The students dined on fruit salad, jellied cranberries and corn bread. On the morning of their feast the kindergarteners had fun shaking jars of cream until it turned to butter, which naturally tasted especially good when they spread it on their corn bread. - Priscilla Bauer

Mrs. Jones was having fun spooning out fruit salad for Nelson kindergarten classes Thanksgiving feast on Nov. 22. The classes also enjoyed corn bread, spread with fresh butter made by the students earlier that morning.

Madison Hanson and Anja Rathje

Photos by Priscilla Bauer

Xavier Anderson and Lane Hennessey

NOVEMBER 30, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 15

Grantsburg High School Honor Roll A honor roll

Freshmen

Drew Alderman, Dylan Belkholm, Trevor Brewer, Avery Buggert, Andrew Coy, Laura Drohman, Tatianna Eckstrom, Kelsey Fiedler, Ethan Henneman, Marissa Jensen, Anneka Johnson, Audrey Lauer, Carter Lee, Brittney Luedtke, Kathryn Miller, Matthew Miller, Sarah Morley, MacKenzie Omer, Christopher Parker, Carolyn Peterson, Chelsea Pitts, Desirae Rasmussen, Richard Schneider, Heidi Schoettle, Kathryn Segner, Jeremiah Stevens, Nathan Swenson, Alyssa Taylor and Lydia VanDeusen.

Sophomores

Brittany Butler, Rebekah Curtin, Austin Handy, Haley Larsen Nathan Lewis, Jonas Miller, Jacob Ohnstad, Wendy Roberts, Katharine Rod, Brooke Roufs, Austin Thoreen, Lars Thoreson, Hope Tucker and Keith Vollendorf.

Juniors

Stephanie Anderson, Elizabeth Corbin, Grace Corbin, Arikka Davison, Jonathan Haley, Sean Handy, Aimee Lerud, Kassandra Lien, Stacey McKenzie, Jenna Michel, Scott Mor-

ley, Tiffani Moyer, Connor Myers, Kylie Pewe, Jacob Radtke, Samantha Schuldt, Jennifer Schwieger, Samantha Schwieger, Bradley Taylor, Brady Thompson, Hannah VanSlyke and Mariah Zastrow.

Seniors Anika Ames, Cody Benedict, Daniel Biorn, Haley Burkhardt, Benjamin Davis, Kali Fleischauer, Lucas Henneman, Jack Kard, Daniel Larsen, Kaelah Maslow, Nicole McKenzie, Kaitlyn Muellner, David Ohnstad, Kyle Roberts, Hannah Rod and Gabrielle Witzany.

B honor roll

Freshmen

Anthony Britton, Taylor Byers, Sarah Coppenbarger, Andrea Dumas, Joshua Glover, Lora Glover, Taiylor Harmon, Sherice Hartley, Bryan Hoffman, Bill King III, Clara Leonard, Sawyer Morgan, Mark Olson, Taylor Olson, Tyler Peasley, Alexis Jo Plunkett, Corey Sandberg, DJ Scherer, Jacob Timmer and Victoria Vitale.

Sophomores

Mariah Anderson, Jaicee Bowman, Jake Carlson, Joseph Dumas, Rebecca Glover, Macy Hanson, Gustav Johnson, Rheanna Johnson, Whitney Oachs, Erland Olson, Tiffany Peterson, Raelyn Pochman, Damon Roberts, Bethany Segner, Abigail Stevens, Robert Timmer and Chandler Witzany.

Juniors

Liliana Benge Briggs, Kayla Choronzy, Melissa Dahl, Zachary Emerson, Jessica Glover, Chelsey Goepfert, Seth Ilgen, Paige Johnson, Catherine LaMere, Johanna Lauer, Dakota Linke, RuthAnn Pedersen, Brandon Roufs, Brandon Ryan, Bryce Ryan and Jacob Wald.

Seniors

Zackery Arnold, April Campana, Rachel Diffee, Benjamin Dorff, Joseph Engelhart, Breanna Fickbohm, Elizabeth Gaffney, Volkan Kuyu, Thomas Labatt, Carly Larson, Darian Larson, Paul Lewis, Amanda Lindus, Devin McDaniel, Kelsey Meyer, Stephanie Miklya, Cora Olson, Carl Palmquist, Isaac Peterson, Samantha Scribner, Mathew Swenson, Nicole Ticknor, Matthew VanDeusen and Craig Vollendorf.

Unity High School Honor Roll Honor roll

Freshmen

Mikayla Allison, Tanner Amrhien, Tevin Anderson, William Anderson, Sabrina Bratland, Briana Colbert, Shallena Davison, Hunter Fjorden, Joshua Grams, Ashlee Hoffman, Rebecca Houde, Beth Johnson, Tatum Kline, Destinie Kobs, Carrie Lamachia, Brian Locke, Jordan Lowe, Paige Lunsmann, Eryn Mares, Charles Moore, Olivia Nelson, Nicole Paulzine, Leslie Peterson, Dylan Ruck, Bailey Soper, Josh Stage, Ben Traynor and Zoe Vondrasek.

Sophomores

Therese Anderson, Kayla Bramsen, Alex Burton, Nicole Bystrom, Olivia Coen, Kaitlyn Collins, Courtney Galle, Rebecca Garvey, Emily Gross, Caleb Hacker, Cassandra Hanson, Cash Hickethier, Carly Ince, Zachary Johnson, Alex Juleen, Neil Kline, Mitchell Krueger, Lillian Lenk, Ella Luepke, Danielle Mares, Heidi McCurdy, Kennedy Olson, Ashley Ouellette, Sophie Peterson, Oliver Raboin, Kelly Radke, Madeline Ramich, Valerie Schultz, Sierra Thomfohrda, Desiree Walton and Dakota Ward.

Juniors

Justin Aronson, Sarah Bader, Elaine Butala, Kourtney Collins, Anna Ebensperger, Mitchell Egge, Taylor Heathman, Kasey Heimstead, Morgan Hoehne, Kayla Johnson, Kelsy Johnson, Megan Jones, Shauna Jorgenson, Aaron Koshatka, Brittany Kruse, Anna Luepke, Dawn Michaelson, Shay Nelson, Hailey Olson, Jacob Ruck, Colton Sorensen, Ethan St. Amand, Megan Volgren, Benjamin Zahler and Kaina Zygowicz.

Seniors

Jade Baerg, Brittney Bublitz, Kevin Bystrom, Jenna Christensen, Aaron Cousins, Nathan Despiegelaere, Xavier Foeller, Paige Gurtner, Ashley Johnston, Steven Krueger, Alec Lar-

son, Connor Mackinnon, Kaitlyn Mackinnon, Kristy Mikl, Autumn Peterson, Luke Peterson, Emily Petzel, Jesse Simon, Brittany Thomfohrda, Elizabeth Thuerkoff, Brady Turner and Jennifer Vlasnik.

Honorable mention

Freshmen

James Butala, Kori Einberger, Emily Ferguson, Brendon Mattison, Lakeesha Merrill-Fowler, Noah Neault, Collin Nelson, Mackenzie Overby, Evan Schlechter, Spencer Schultz, James Toland, Danielle Tonnar and James Vander Wyst.

Sophomores

Ashley Ackerman, Alexis Bates, Tanner Bjornson, Carly Holin, Cassandra Hughes, Bradley Knutson, Angela Larson, Colin Loehr, Rayven Merrill, Jamie Moe, Josephine Owen, Eric Smith, Mercedes Swanson and Sommer Wakefield.

Juniors

Alisha Aronson, Emily Bethke, Scott Bever, Michael Jones, Paige Jones, Mercedes Kobs, Anthony Koethe, Jonathan Larsen, Andrew Lieske-Daniels, Elijah Marek, Justin Mooney, Justin Moore, Marissa Paulzine, Isaiah Schadow, Brittney Vasey and Dominque Wendt.

Seniors

Steven Anderson, Benjamin Bengtson, Faith Christensen, Jessteena Grillo, Mollie Hanson, Matthew Hays, Jordan Hughes, Amanda Minke, Nicholas Murphy, Austin Ostby, Samantha Palmquist, Kymberly Radke, Michelle Rindal, Matthew Schultz, Mitchell Stage, Serena Stelton, Jonathan Struck, Ashley Tenold, Alexis Von Doehren and Amanda Vondrasek.

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WHAT’S FOR LUNCH???

Menu LOCATION

FREDERIC GRANTSBURG

DECEMBER 5 - DECEMBER 9

MONDAY

TUESDAY

BREAKFAST Uncrustable, oranges.

LUNCH Italian dunkers, green beans OR chicken-strip salad.

BREAKFAST Egg wrap, apple slices.

LUNCH Chicken patty, smile fries OR beeftaco salad.

LUNCH Mini corn dogs, whole-wheat buttered noodles, corn, fresh pear, apples, oranges, bread basket.

LUNCH

WEDNESDAY BREAKFAST Blueberry muffin, pineapple.

LUNCH Taco max snax, raw veggies, dip, refried beans OR chicken-taco salad.

LUNCH

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

BREAKFAST Bagel and cream cheese, banana.

LUNCH Large pretzel, cheese sauce, cottage cheese, broccoli OR chicken salad.

BREAKFAST Cinnimini, peaches.

LUNCH Pizza dippers, dipping sauce, carrots OR tuna salad.

LUNCH

LUNCH

Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, dinner roll, mixed vegetables, sliced peaches, apples, oranges, bread basket.

Italian dunkers, meat sauce, french fries, sliced carrots, pineapple tidbits, apples, oranges, bread basket.

Chicken fajita w/fixings, brown rice, steamed broccoli, pudding, apples, oranges, bread basket.

Ham & cheese stacker, potato salad or chips, fresh veggies, dip, fresh grapes, apples, oranges, bread basket.

LUCK

BREAKFAST Cereal/breakfast pizza.

LUNCH Meatballs and gravy, mashed potatoes, peas, fruit sauce. Alt.: Hot dog, 7-12.

BREAKFAST Cereal/donut holes.

LUNCH Taco Tuesday, hard/soft shell/bag, winter mix, fruit sauce. Alt.: Chicken nuggets, 7-12.

BREAKFAST Cereal/French toast sticks.

LUNCH Chicken patty on a bun, tater tots, corn, fresh fruit. Alt.: Hamburger, 712.

BREAKFAST Cereal/long john.

LUNCH Spaghetti hotdish, hot buns, green beans, fruit sauce. Alt.: Hot dog, 712.

BREAKFAST Cereal/cinnamon roll.

LUNCH Chicken noodle or tomato soup, grilled cheese, fresh veggies, fresh fruit. Alt.: Chicken patty, 7-12.

SIREN

BREAKFAST Assorted cereal and toast, juice and milk.

LUNCH Spaghetti w/meat sauce, bread, peas, lettuce salad, peaches. Alt.: Peanut butter & jelly.

BREAKFAST Pancake and sausage on a stick, juice and milk.

LUNCH Baked chicken, mashed potatoes, lettuce salad, green beans, apple crisp, peaches. Alt.: Hamburger.

BREAKFAST Assorted cereal and toast, juice and milk.

LUNCH Sloppy joe, Tostitos, shredded lettuce, corn, oranges. Alt.: Ham wrap.

BREAKFAST Cheese omelet and toast, juice and milk.

LUNCH Mini corn dogs, pretzel, steamed broccoli, veggies, pears. Alt.: Soup and sandwich.

BREAKFAST Assorted cereal and toast, juice and milk.

LUNCH Pizza dippers, Chicken nuggets, rice,noodles, corn, carrots, green celery, pineapple tidbits, beans, veggies, apricots.

Alt.:banana.

Cook’s Alt.: Cook’s choice. choice.

ST. CROIX FALLS

BREAKFAST Cheese omelet, potatoes and toast.

LUNCH Pork riblet, bun, french fries, baked beans, pineapple. Alt.: Beef stew, bread sticks.

BREAKFAST French toast sticks.

LUNCH Hot ham and cheese, macaroni salad, green beans, fresh fruit. Alt.: Gyros.

BREAKFAST Breakfast pizza.

LUNCH Lasagna, lettuce salad, garlic toast, carrots, pears. Alt.: Turkey sandwich, chicken wild rice soup.

BREAKFAST Pancakes and sausage.

LUNCH Chicken nuggets, scalloped potatoes, peas, apple crisp. Alt.: Cheeseburger.

BREAKFAST Egg, ham and cheese muffins.

LUNCH Grilled cheese, tomato soup, veggies, dip, peaches. Alt.: Burritos.

UNITY

BREAKFAST Breakfast bites.

LUNCH Barbecues, hash browns and fruit.

BREAKFAST Oatmeal and toast.

LUNCH Chicken a la king, potatoes, biscuit, peas and fruit.

BREAKFAST Breakfast pockets.

LUNCH Tacos or chicken fajitas with fixings, soft shell or chips and fruit.

BREAKFAST French toast.

LUNCH Pizza calzones, corn and fruit.

WEBSTER

LUNCH Taco hotdish, salad, green beans, mandarin oranges.

LUNCH Meatball sub, marinara sauce, salad, carrots OR hamburger gravy, mashed potatoes, corn, peaches.

LUNCH Baked potato bar, cheese sauce, ham, California-style veggies OR barbecue pork, bun, carrots, pineapple.

LUNCH Pizza dippers, marinara sauce, salad, Monaco-blend veggies, pears.

Each building will have their own breakfast menu.

Long johns.

BREAKFAST

LUNCH Sub sandwich, cottage chips and fruit.

cheese,

LUNCH Corn dog, baked beans, fresh veggies, fresh fruit.

PAGE 16 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - NOVEMBER 30, 2011

Author Nancy Carlson coming to Luck

LUCK – The Luck Public Library and the Luck Elementary School are hosting an all-day visit with children’s author and illustrator Nancy Carlson Tuesday, Dec. 6.

During the day, Carlson will give three presentations at school speaking to all the classes and teaching children how to create a story. After school she will be presenting a library program teaching students how to create and draw characters for their stories. The library portion, which begins at 4 p.m. and goes until 5:30 p.m. is open to the public but limited to 40 participants due to restricted space. The library will provide paper, pencils and colored pencils for creating your characters.

Please register beforehand at the library or call 715-472-2770 to reserve a space.

Carlson is an accomplished children’s book author and illustrator who has published more than 60 books. She is one of the few people who knew even back in

kindergarten what she wanted to do for a living: “Make pictures and tell stories!”

Carlson is a lifelong Minnesotan.

Born and raised in Edina, Minn., Carlson had a happy and fulfilling childhood surrounded by Nancy Carlson an outgoing family. Her parents read to her and her brother and sister every night. The comic books she loved to read as a child have influenced her style of drawing and use of color. Many of Carlson’s stories are taken from her own childhood experiences.

Carlson graduated from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design with a major in printmaking, and shortly afterward became fascinated with children’s books while working at the Minneapolis Walker Art Center. Carlson began to write her own stories and created accompanying drawings. It wasn’t long before she found herself approaching publishers with her own ideas for children’s books. She had numerous art exhibitions before getting into the publishing world and her artwork is held in many private and public collections. Recognition for her published work includes several Reading Rainbow selections, the Children’s Choice Award from the International Reading Association and Children’s Book Council, the Minnesota Children’s Museum Great Friends to Kids Award and several others.

Carlson believes that life should be fun for everyone, but especially for children.

This optimistic message permeates her picture books and provides a positive counterpoint to much of what children are influenced by in today’s society. Her characters aren’t always perfect. They often have fears, anxieties and disabilities.

Through her books, kids learn to cope with different challenges. They can learn that they don’t have to be perfect to be a good person. Her characters also convey positive messages without being preachy.

They gently remind children what is right.

Carlson is also a guest author and illustrator at over 150 school classrooms each year, and has touched the lives of thousands of children across the country.

Today, Carlson lives in Minnesota with her husband, three children and her dog named Lily. Carlson’s entire family is into sports and enjoys the outdoors. Carlson enjoys running, hiking, biking, swimming, skiing and golf. - submitted

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NOVEMBER 30, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 17

SIREN – Anytime Fitness in Siren is expanding and is proud to announce that group exercise classes are now available. The 30-minute circuit training classes are for all fitness levels and are a combination of yoga, kickboxing and core work that provide the perfect car-

dio and strength workout. Classes are open to the public and are taught by Megan Fandrich most days of the week. Contact Fandrich for more information at 701653-6020 or Megan_Fandrich@hotmail.com or contact Anytime Fitness at 715-349-2582. – submitted

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Anytime Fitness Express in Siren announces exercise classes

CHURCH NEWS Rite of confirmation at Bethesda

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On Oct. 30, three young ladies, Allison Fox, Taola Swenson and Bailey Hallen, affirmed their baptisms in the rite of confirmation service at Bethesda Lutheran Church. This service included a public profession of their faith as each of these candidates affirmed God’s promises for them in baptism. Also pictured is Pastor Peter Rimmereid. - Photo submitted

Baptism at Bethany Lutheran

Lydia Elizabeth Peterson, daughter of Dan and Karla, was baptized at Bethany Lutheran in Siren on Sunday, Nov. 27. Lydia’s sponsors were Dale and Missy Peterson. – Photo submitted

Infant twins baptized at Bone Lake

Infant twins, Gemma Gail and Harper Marie Jilek, were baptized into the Christian faith at Bone Lake Lutheran Church on Sunday, Nov. 27. Gemma and Harper’s parents are Jennifer Greenwald and Steven Jilek. Gemma’s sponsors are Dylan Broome and Devon Broome.

Harper’s sponsors are Amber and Jared Langford. - Photo submitted

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PAGE 18 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - NOVEMBER 30, 2011

CHURCH NEWS Eternal

Perspectives Sally Bair

Disabilities Dec. 3 is International Day of Disabled Persons.

The number of people with disabilities in the U.S. is staggering. According to a 2002 report by Americans with Disabilities, 18 percent of Americans live with some level of disability. The severely disabled represent 12 percent. Four million kids 6 to 14 and 72 percent of seniors aged 80 and over are disabled.

My grandson was born with hydrocephalus and spina bifida. My nephew, 51, has the mental capacity of a 3-year-old and cannot speak. Part of their care is funded by the states where they reside. Today’s economy, however, has forced many states to cut programs for the disabled.

You too may have a disabled loved one or acquaintance. If you do not, perhaps like most people you turn your gaze away from them. It may be scary to interact with someone unlike ourselves. How do we communicate with them? Do we need to shout to the deaf and the blind? What if they speak to us and we don’t understand them? How will the mentally handicapped react toward us? How do we communicate with war veterans who have lost limbs or who suffer with obvious post-traumatic stress disorder?

The disabled are often left out in the spiritual community, too. Churches accept handicapped people as members, but how many offer programs specifically geared toward their spiritual guidance and growth?

Thankfully, one church-related group that offers services for the disabled is Special Touch Ministry. They provide fun and fellowship at summer camps in an environment of unconditional love, safet and total care. I know. I spent a week at their Wisconsin camp and it changed my life.

More than that, Special Touch helps Christian groups organize ways to offer fellowship, fun and acceptance to the disabled and their families. Chapters meet regularly to provide spiritual training and encouragement to handicapped people who don’t receive it elsewhere. The chapters also bring new awareness to the Christian community about the needs of the disabled.

I had planned to use this column as a metaphor to help us see ourselves as somewhat spiritually disabled. Perhaps I will address that issue in a later column. I believe the Lord meant for me to focus on the needs of the physically, mentally and emotionally handicapped. They’re the ones Jesus healed. As his followers, we must do likewise – bring some kind of healing to the handicapped. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” (Matthew 5:7) Lord, may we never turn aside from those you love, those who are not as able to function in society. Give us compassion and willingness to open our hearts to everyone we encounter, not merely those more like us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Bair may be reached at sallybair@gmail.com.

St. Peter's holds firrst progressive dinner fi

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church held its first progressive dinner on Sunday, Nov. 27. After visiting various homes for the meal, everyone gathered at church for pie and coffee. Karaoke and dinner prizes were part of the entertainment for the evening. Photo submitted

Lakeside Community Lutheran Church Is Welcoming A New Pastor On Sun., Dec. 4 Come Join Us At 10:00 a.m. For Worship And Fellowship As We Greet

Pastor Bill Schroeder

Lakeside is located on County Road H, 1 mile north of County A, east of Webster, WI. 550713 15L

News from the Pews at Pilgrim Lutheran FREDERIC – On Sunday, Nov. 20, Christ the King Sunday, Nadia Ann Hermanek was baptized during worship services and became a child of God through the sacrament of holy baptism. Her sponsors were her cousins Jordan, Robyn and Zach Sellman. Nadia’s parents are Robert and Jennifer and her older siblings are Natasha, Anya and John. During the offering, Nadia’s uncle, Jim Sellman, sang the Apostles’ Creed and played the guitar as he had put together the musical arrangement 25 years ago while attending Luther Point Bible Camp. Another exciting event for the family was when Natasha was presented with her very own Bible. There were grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, cousins, other family members and friends all celebrating these special occasions. The banner was hung with the Bible verse “I have called you by name, Nadia, you are mine!”

Worship this past Sunday, began the first Sunday of Advent. The season of Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. Advent is the church’s name for the turning of autumn into winter. One of the definitions in the dictionary for Advent is – “the coming of Christ into the world.” In this season of Advent, we are waiting and preparing to celebrate the birth of baby Jesus. The church was beautifully decorated for Christmas so let the countdown begin.

It was one year ago that Pastor Andrew Hinwood became our interim pastor. Voting and meetings continue to take place at both Bethany Lutheran in Siren and at Pilgrim to continue with the plan of “yoking” the two congregations and becoming a two-point parish; the same pastor would serve both churches. Excitement continues to be in the air over this adventure for both churches.

Everyone is invited to come join Pilgrim on Wednesday evening, Dec. 7, for LWF3 = Learning with Fun, Food and Fellowship beginning with a free supper at 5:15 p.m.

After supper, at about 6 p.m., the students from birth through sixth grade and parents as well as adults will gather for some singing, Bible stories, crafts and then gathering at 7 p.m., for a closing prayer. There will be a

Nadia Ann Hermanek was baptized during worship services and became a child of God through the sacrament of holy baptism. Her sponsors were her cousins Jordan, Robyn and Zach Sellman and pictured are Jordan and Zach. – Photo submitted special play group for parents and children from birth to age 4. All children from birth through sixth grade are invited to join in on the fun. Details will be forthcoming on the special Christmas program that the children will be performing on Wednesday, Dec. 21, at Pilgrim.

Pilgrim invites everyone to join them for Sunday morning worship at 10 a.m. and confirmation classes begin at 9 a.m. for seventh- and eighth-grade students, led by Pastor Andrew in the upper fireside room. For more information about the church or coming events, please call the church office at 715-327-8012 and leave a message and someone will call you back. You can also go to their Web site www.pilgrimlutheranfrederic.org or check out other activities on FaceBook. - submitted

Advent celebrated in local churches

GRANTSBURG – The first Advent candle was lit at New Hope Lutheran Church and in many other local Christian churches last Sunday, Nov. 27.

The candle lighting starts the calendar remembrance of when Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, and the hope of when he his coming again.

In this collective celebration, the children of New Hope Lutheran Church joined other Christians, both young and old, by singing songs of praise and shining the light of Advent.

The English word Advent comes from the Latin word “adventus,” which means coming. Advent is a time when Christians of many different denominations follow a common teaching in the New Testament by watching for the Lord’s return.

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” (Matthew 24:42) Catholic and Protestant churches start their religious calendar year by marking the first five weeks of Advent by lighting one different-colored candle every week. The liturgy ends at Christmas, celebrating the birth of baby Jesus. And inherent in the liturgy is Jesus’ Second Coming, as well.

“For Christians, the season of Advent serves as a reminder both of the original waiting that was done by the Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah as well as the waiting of Christians for Christ’s return,” states Wikipedia.

The foretelling of Jesus as Messiah is found throughout the Hebrew Bible, said Dr. Emory Johnson, pastor of New Hope Lutheran. “There are 600 prophecies fulfilled from the Old Testament that reveal Jesus is God’s Messiah,” said Johnson. “The mathematical probability of this occurring is staggering. The fact that God brought this all together is no mere coincidence.”

The children of New Hope Lutheran Church offer the Advent candle and lift their voices, hands and hope in anticipation of Christmas and Christ. (Front) Amber Wedin, Logan Johnson, Alexis Wedin and Grace Lahners. (Back) Alma Karels, director, Austin Wedin, Garrett Johnson and Luke Lahners. – Photo by Wayne Anderson The improbability, miracle and celebration of Advent continues at New Hope Lutheran and other local churches in anticipation of the coming of Christmas and Christ.

For more information about Advent or New Hope Lutheran Church call 715-463-5700 or visit www.newhopelutheranchurch.org. - Wayne Anderson

Ecumenical Choir to present "A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols" CENTURIA – Prepare and await, prepare and await— sounds like one is preparing for Christmas, and one is— getting the shopping done, writing out the Christmas cards, preparing the Christmas dinner and the family gathering. Prepare and await is what Advent is also about but can be less stressful and more relaxing. To set your mind at ease and set the mood to why we really celebrate the Christmas season, the Ecumenical Choir will help you when it presents its annual Advent/Christmas program, “A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols,” Sunday afternoon, Dec. 4, at 4 p.m., at Fristad Lutheran Church in Centuria.

The choir, composed of nearly 50 voices and musicians from surrounding area churches, will perform traditional Advent and Christmas carols and coral selections interspaced with scriptural readings appropriate to the season.

The Fristad Lutheran Church handbell choir will also perform.

Congregational singing will include the well-known carols “O Come, O Come, Emanuel,” “Of the Father’s Love Begotten,” “Silent Night” and “Angels We Have Heard on High.” Organ and trumpet prelude music will begin at 3:30 p.m.

Choir members represent nearly 20 congregations in the central Polk County areas of Amery, Balsam Lake, Centuria, Cushing, Dresser, Frederic, Luck, Milltown, Osceola and St. Croix Falls. Clergy from 12 area congregations will also participate in the service and local residents as lay readers. Directing the choir is Brenda Mayer.

A coffee-and-cookie social will follow in the church hall.

An offering will be taken to help defray the cost of music and performance expenses, proceeds in excess will be donated to the local Operation Christmas program to buy food and gifts for needy individuals and families. - submitted

NOVEMBER 30, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 19

Edith Virginia Mohnsen, Frederic, 88, died peacefully at Frederic Nursing and Rehab on Saturday, Nov. 26, at 2:25 p.m. This was just four months to the day from her sister’s death. Her son and daughter were by her side when she passed.

Edie was born on Oct. 24, 1923, to John and Emma Bengtson of Lewis.

She grew up in a loving family with her big brothers, Gordon and Ernie, and her big sister, Lucille. She spoke Swedish at home until attending Rocky Ridge Country School. She spent many years teaching Sunday school at the Methodist church in Lewis. She graduated from Frederic High School in 1941.

After high school, Edie graduated from Polk County Teachers College in St. Croix Falls. She taught grades one through eight in a one-room schoolhouse in Clam Falls.

Later she taught at La Follette Country School in rural Frederic. She often talked about the two one-room schoolhouses and how she loved teaching there. She met her husband, Alvin Mohnsen, when she boarded at his family’s home while she taught at La Follette. She boarded with the Mohnsens because 20 miles was way too far to drive to work every day.

Edie married Al Mohnsen on June 18, 1949. They built a small house on Ward Lake across from Al’s parents farmhouse so that they could farm the Mohnsen family farm together. They moved to Luck when Al was diagnosed with asthma and his health no longer allowed him to farm. During Al’s illness Edie was always by his side, helping him as he faced severe asthma attacks and many hospital visits. Her calling in life was to be a servant to her family and friends. She always thought of others rather than herself.

Edie taught Sunday school at Bone Lake Lutheran Church and taught fourth grade at Luck Public Schools in Luck. While teaching at the Luck Public School her children had the opportunity to have their mother as their fourth-grade teacher. Amazingly it was a good experience for all involved! She was “Mrs. Mohnsen” during the school day and “Mom” after hours. They may have called her “Mrs. Mohnsen” at home but definitely not “Mom” at school.

During the summer of 1969 the family left Wisconsin to move to California because of Al’s health. They made it as far as Gila Bend, Ariz., where car trouble stopped the family from going on. It was one week before school was to start when Edie met the Ajo, Ariz., principal while at the laundromat. He had a job opening only a short distance away and she was hired on the spot. As a result, the family spent a year in Arizona before continuing on to Desert Hot Springs, Calif. She finished her teaching years there and retired to Wisconsin near her family.

In her retirement, Edie spent most all of her time babysitting her grandchildren, helping out in her children’s homes, volunteering at the nursing home and helping her mother-in-law in her last years. She became “world famous” for her cookies, baking them for church events, hunting season and even boxing them up and mailing them to her grandson during his semester abroad in Scotland. She always said they were no good but somehow we “managed” to enjoy them.

Edie was preceded in death by her husband, Al; brothers, Gordon and Ernie Bengtson and her sister, Lucille Hedlund.

She is survived by her son, Bruce Mohnsen (Marsha) of Chippewa Falls and her daughter, Karoline White (Bill) of Frederic; her grandchildren, Nathan White (Christina) of Fairchild, Josh White of Eau Claire, Tamara Foster (Kelly) of Chippewa Falls and Abigail Mohnsen of Chippewa Falls; great-grandsons, Trevor, age 5, William, age 2, Landon, age 1, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation was held Wednesday, Nov. 30, from 5-7 p.m. at the Rowe Funeral Home in Frederic.

Funeral services will be held at Bone Lake Lutheran Church in rural Luck on Thursday, Dec. 1, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Mary Ann Bowman officiating. There will be one hour visitation prior to the funeral service at the church.

Burial at Bone Lake Cemetery will take place immediately following the service.

Online condolences may be left at www.rowefh.com .

Please continue to check the Web site for updated information or call Bruce Rowe at 715-327-4475.

Rowe Funeral Home of Frederic has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.

Michael G. Owen

Fay Myrtle Nordin

Michael G. Owen, 64, Wolf Creek, died Nov. 23, 2011, of cancer while at Good Samaritan Center in St. Croix Falls.

He was born Dec. 23, 1946, in Waterloo, Iowa. He was the son of Earl and Leona Owen.

He married Sharon Roen on July 22, 2010, at Wolf Creek Church.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon; stepson, Matt; Matt’s girlfriend, Stacy; and grandchildren, Quin, Lauren and Ryan. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and close friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jim, Bob, Arthur and Dave; sisters, Pat Lillard, Colleen Rice, Marsha Nelson, Mary Spore and Donna Dietz; and stepdaughter, Angela Roen.

A Celebration of Life was held at the Wolf Creek United Methodist Church on Saturday, Nov. 26, with the Rev. Mike Weaver officiating.

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.

Rowe Funeral Home of Luck and the Northwest Wisconsin Cremation Center in Milltown have been entrusted with funeral arrangements.

Fay Myrtle Nordin, 100, New Richmond, died Nov. 28, 2011.

She was born July 27, 1911, to George and Myrtle Lewis in the Town of Rusk, Burnett County. She received her elementary education at the Green Grove rural school and her high school education at the Shell Lake High School. She graduated valedictorian of her class.

She attended the Eau Claire State Teachers College, where she earned her Wisconsin teacher’s certificate.

She later upgraded her education at the Superior and River Falls teachers colleges. She spent 15 years in the teaching profession, and in later life she spent 13 years as secretary to the administrator of the Siren School System.

Fay married Carl Nordin, the future Siren postmaster, in Siren on Feb. 16, 1946. To this union, two children, Carleen and Susan, were born. Fay spent the major part of her life in the Siren community. However, in 1991, she and her husband moved from Siren to New Richmond to be closer to their children. She and Carl were faithful members of Bethany Lutheran Church in Siren and then First Lutheran Church in New Richmond. Fay taught Sunday school and was vacation Bible School leader for many years.

She was active in the former Women’s Missionary Society, in the Lutheran Church Women’s Organization, and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Lund-Brown Post No. 132 for 64 years. Fay’s life revolved around her family, friends, church and community. Her hobbies included sewing, gardening, knitting, crocheting and reading. She and Carl shared a love of camping, walking, playing cards and traveling.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl; her parents; two sisters, Ardys Forseth and Theone Doner; and three brothers, Leon, Lloyd and Keith Lewis.

She will be sadly missed by her daughter, Carleen Tjader, and son-in-law, Mike; her daughter, Susan Allan; four grandchildren, Michele Tjader (Tom Wilmouth), Melissa Tjader, Mark Tjader and Sarah Allan; three greatgrandchildren, Zachary Corbo, Lilly Allan and Micah Tjader. She will also be missed by Carl’s family, brothers, Ken (Elaine) Nordin and Glenn (Mary) Nordin; sisters, Ann Smith, Luella Monson, Esther Conroy, Hazel Keppen and Betty Anderson. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Fay was the kindest, gentlest and most gracious of ladies.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, Dec. 1, at 11 a.m., at First Lutheran Church in New Richmond. Visitation will also be held on Thursday from 9:30-11 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Siren. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to ELCA World Hunger C/O First Lutheran Church.

The Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services, Beebe Chapel of New Richmond, was entrusted with arrangements.

Elizabeth Sue Esther Elizabeth Sue Esther, 63, author, Balsam Lake, died Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011, with her family by her side.

She was born in Indianapolis, Ind., and moved to Washington, Ind., at the age of 2. She moved again with her family to Atlanta, Ga., at the age of 10 where she graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Liz taught school for many years until joining AO Smith in 1973. Her career in human resources grew with AO Smith, where she became vice president. She left the business world and moved to Balsam Lake permanently in 1996 to write her novel “Murder in the Pines.”

She was very active in her church, First Presbyterian Church of St. Croix Falls, where she served as deacon.

She initiated several programs within the church including directing and producing last year’s Christmas play “A Stranger For Christmas.”

Liz (known to her family as Becky) is survived by four sisters, Mary Waller of Belleville, Ill., Shirley Charles of Indianapolis, Ind., Margie Hogan of Palm Coast, Fla., and Theresa Fay of Jackson, N.J.; and five brothers, Robert Esther of Denton, Texas, Richard Esther of Weyers Cave, Va., Douglas Esther of Chattanooga, Tenn., Michael Esther of Savannah, Ga., and William Esther of Fort Wayne, Ind. She is also survived by 35 nieces and nephews and many great-nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held on Friday, Nov. 25, at First Presbyterian Church of St. Croix Falls. To sign an online guest book visit www.williamsonwhite.com.

The Williamson-White Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Amery was entrusted with arrangements.

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OBITUARIES

PAGE 20 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - NOVEMBER 30, 2011

CHURCH NEWS

Remind kids that Christmas is about giving, not Santa Q: Our 7-year-old daughter is asking skeptical questions about Santa Claus.

We have encouraged her belief in “old St. Nick” up to this point. How do we break the news to her now without coming across as total liars?

Jim: Most kids aren’t as traumatized by the revelation that Santa isn’t real as their parents assume they’ll be. My wife and I made sure we “broke the news” to our boys ourselves. That way, they wouldn’t hear it from their peers, which may have been more distressing to them and more likely to cast Mom and Dad in a bad light. Our counseling team at Focus on the Family has addressed this question, too, and recommends using language like this: “When you were little you liked to play make-believe. I remember when you pretended to be a princess for months after watching ‘Cinderella.’ In the same way, it was fun for you to believe that Santa Claus is a real person when you were younger. But now you‘re growing up, and your understanding of the world is changing.”

When you have the discussion, touch on the fact that families all over the world have stories about Santa, whether he takes the form of Sinterklaas in Holland

Jim Daly

Focus on the Family

Juli Slattery

or Father Christmas in England. You might also want to do some research online about St. Nicholas of Myra, the 4thcentury Christian bishop upon whom most historians agree our modern Santa is based. Apocryphal stories about St. Nicholas abound, but everyone agrees with the general idea that he was a pious individual who gave generously to the poor.

The celebration of Christmas is ultimately centered on the birth of the Messiah. Because St. Nicholas and Jesus are both “invisible” historical figures, be sure to make a distinction between them with your daughter. Christ’s birth set the stage for his life on Earth, and his eventual death and resurrection to save sinners.

Even if your family doesn’t embrace this view, it’s certainly worth talking with your daughter about the themes of selfsacrifice and selflessness that it embodies. Helping your daughter find joy in blessing others at Christmas will likely evaporate any disappointment she may feel at the realization that Santa isn’t real.

First Baptist Church Christmas schedule FALUN – Sunday school Christmas program, Sunday, Dec. 11, at 9:30 a.m. Coffee and fellowship time following.

Christmas fellowship time, Sunday, Dec. 18, at 9:30 a.m. (during Sunday school).

Classes will celebrate with their teachers; a movie will follow for the younger children.

Families please bring two dozen cookies to share.

Christmas Eve candlelight service, Saturday, Dec. 24, at 4:30 p.m.

No worship service on Christmas Day, Sunday, Dec. 25.

No Sunday school on Christmas Day, nor New Year’s Day, Sunday, Dec. 25 and Sunday, Jan. 1.

Resume regular Sunday school, Sunday, Jan. 8. - submitted

••• Q: I am 32 years old and have two small children. Over the past year or so, I’ve had random thoughts, dreams and memories of sexual abuse in my childhood. I try to ignore these thoughts, but they won’t go away. It has started to interfere with intimacy in my marriage. Is it possible to be remembering something that happened so long ago?

Juli: I am so sorry for the disturbing thoughts and memories you are having!

Yes, it is possible to be remembering things that happened long ago. In fact, in many cases, memories of childhood abuse can surface in adulthood, once you have had children of your own.

There is a lot of controversy in the psychological world about the accuracy of repressed memories. However, most professionals agree with the fact that highly traumatic events are stored in our memories differently than normal childhood interactions. I believe that God has given our minds the ability to temporarily block traumatic experiences that are too painful to process. As you grow and mature, you develop the capacity to process and understand things that you couldn’t as a child.

Addressing traumatic memories of childhood abuse is certainly a painful and difficult process. It may be disruptive to family relationships and is likely to create stress and chaos while you are in

the midst of healing. It will be very helpful for you to work with a counselor who is trained in sexual abuse recovery. In addition, you will need a strong support network to encourage you through the process. At Focus on the Family, we would love to help you find a counselor through our national referral network or to point you to excellent resources to encourage you on your journey to healing.

••• Jim Daly is president of Focus on the Family, host of the Focus on the Family radio program, and a husband and father of two. Dr. Juli Slattery is a licensed psychologist, co-host of Focus on the Family, author of several books, and a wife and mother of three. Submit your questions to: FocusOnTheFamily.com. Copyright 2011 Focus on the Family, Colorado Springs, CO 80995. International copyright secured. All rights reserved. Distributed by Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St. Kansas City, MO 64106; 816-581-7500.

This feature may not be reproduced or distributed electronically, in print or otherwise, without written permission of Focus on the Family.

Brought to you by:

Luck and St. Peter’s Lutheran Churches

Candlelight service set at Trade Lake TRADE LAKE - The Trade Lake Baptist Church at 20750 CTH Z, Frederic, seven miles west of Frederic on Hwy. 48, is having their candlelight service Sunday evening, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m.

The TLBC choir will present a cantata, “Symbols and Expectations” with the Frederic Middle School bell choir. Refreshments will follow. - submitted

Vezey-Oteka to speak at Siren Assembly SIREN– Siren Assembly of God presents Benjamin and Carol Vezey-Oteka, “Favor God out of Uganda,” Sunday, Dec. 4, at the

6 p.m. service. Come and learn about the miracles that God is doing for people in Africa. Come expectantly. -submitted

Church listings sponsored by the following area businesses: BREMER BANK, N.A. Full-Service Banking Member FDIC Frederic - Danbury - Siren

DAEFFLER’S QUALITY MEATS, INC. Wholesale & Retail Meats Custom Butchering & Processing Phone 715-327-4456

NORTHWESTERN WISCONSIN ELECTRIC CO.

“Your Electric Servant” Serving Polk & Burnett Counties “Use Energy Wisely”

CARLSON-ROWE FUNERAL HOME

Frederic, Wis. 715-327-4475 Duane Lindh

HAULING

INTER-COUNTY CO-OP PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION

• Gravel • Sand • Rock • Top Soil • Trackhoe 715-472-2717 Mobile 715-491-1861 1065 290th Ave. Frederic, Wis.

Frederic, Wis. - 715-327-4236 Shell Lake, Wis. - 715-468-2314 Siren, Wis. - 715-349-2560 St. Croix Falls, Wis. - 715-483-9008

• Gravel • Sand • Rock • Topsoil • Track Hoe 715-554-0526 Frederic, Wis.

Printers & Publishers Office Supplies

STATE FARM INSURANCE COMPANIES

Corey T. Arnold, Agent Frederic, Wis. Phone 715-327-8076

BEAN’S COUNTRY GRIDDLE Hwys. 35 & 48 Downtown Frederic Phone 715-327-5513

R&S TRUCKING

LUCK VAN METER’S MEATS

Government Inspected Slaughtering and Processing, Sausage making • Ham & Bacon Cured & Smoked Sides and Quarters of Beef and Pork Available Old-fashioned Fresh Meat Counter Tim Van Meter and Ross Anderson, Owners Luck, WI 54853 Plant 715-472-2141

WEBSTER

ALPHA

CUSHING

CASHCO BUILDING SUPPLIES

BASS LAKE LUMBER

CUSHING COOPERATIVE SOCIETY

Complete Lumber & Building Supplies

Phone 715-866-4238 Hwy. 35 N. Webster, Wis. Tom & Becky O’Brien, Owners

HOPKINS SAND & GRAVEL, INC.

Sand, Gravel, Ready-Mix, Concrete, Black Dirt, Dozer Work, Landscaping & Septic Tanks Installed

• Complete Line of Building Supplies & Lumber • Cabot’s Stains Grantsburg, Wis. 715-488-2471 or 715-327-8766

BURNETT DAIRY CO-OP 1988 World Champion Cheesemaker Earl Wilson, Cheese Plant Mgr. Dan Dowling, Ag. Supply Mgr. for Feed, Propane & Fertilizer Alpha, Wis. 715-689-2468 715-689-2467

Feed Mill - Grain Dept.

Cushing, Wis. 715-648-5215

WILD RIVER FLAGS Jerry & Pat Willits 2815 285th Ave. Sterling Township St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 715-488-2729

Hwy. 35 North Webster, Wis. Phone 715-866-4157 M.P.R.S. #03059

SWEDBERG-TAYLOR FUNERAL HOME Webster, Wis. Phone 715-866-7131

SIREN

Churches 6/11

FREDERIC

OLSEN & SON

Your Full-Service Drugstore Siren, Wis. Phone 715-349-2221

D & L FINANCIAL SERVICES 10022 Elbow Lake Road Siren, Wis. 54872 715-689-2539

Any area business wishing to help sponsor the church listings should contact the Leader at 715-327-4236.

NOVEMBER 30, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 21

Church Directory 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

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 Rediske 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 Peter Rimmereid, 715-755-2562 1947 110th Ave., Dresser Sunday Contemporary Service 8:30 a.m.; Education Hour 9:45 a.m. (Starts 9/18/11); 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, 8:45 a.m. Prayer; 9 a.m. Sun. Schl. & Adult Bible Study; 10:30 a.m. Worship; 11:30 a.m. Fellowship 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 www.clamfalls-zion-aalcparish.net 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. 10:20 a.m.; Holy Communion 1st & last Sundays

FAITH LUTHERAN - GRANTSBURG

Pastor Victor St. George, 715-463-5388 Worship 9:30 a.m.; Sun. School 10:45 a.m.

FIRST EVAN. LUTHERAN

561 Chestnut St., Taylors Falls, MN 651-465-5265 Traditional Worship - 8:30 a.m.; Contemporary Worship - 11 a.m.

FIRST LUTHERAN - CUSHING

Pastor Dorothy Sandahl, 715-648-5323 or 715-648-5324 Sun. Wor. 9 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 9 a.m.

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, 715-416-3086, 715-327-8384 Pastor Theresa Riewestahl 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 Pastor Bill Schroeder Sun. Schl. 9 a.m.; Sun. Worship 10 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. Pastor Ralph Thompson Office 715-472-2605; Home 715-472-8424 Sun. Wor. 8 &10:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl 9 a.m.

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

Pastor Maggie Isaacson, 715-825-3559 3 mi. W. of Milltown on “G” Sun. Wor. - 9:15 a.m.; Wed. Wor. 6:30 p.m.

Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sundays

OUR REDEEMER LUTHERAN, (LCMS) WEBSTER

Pastor Gerald Heinecke Church Phone 715-866-7191 Sun. Schl. - 9:30 a.m.; Sun. Wor. - 10:30 a.m.

Communion 1st & 3rd Sundays

PEACE LUTHERAN - DRESSER (ELCA)

2355 Clark Road, Dresser, WI, 715-755-2515 Web site: plcdresser.org Pastor Wayne Deloach, Intern Melissa Carmack Sun. Wor. 8:30 & 11 a.m., Sun. Schl. 9:35 a.m.

PILGRIM LUTHERAN - FREDERIC (ELCA)

Interim Pastor Andrew Hinwood 507 Wisconsin Ave. N., 715-327-8012 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

METHODIST

METHODIST

ATLAS UNITED METHODIST

Pastor Carolyn Saunders, 715-463-2624 Sunday School - 11 a.m.; Worship - 11 a.m.

CENTRAL UNITED METHODIST GRANTSBURG

Pastor Carolyn Saunders, 715-463-2624 Worship - 9 a.m.; Sunday School - 10:30 a.m.

DANBURY UNITED METHODIST

Cindy Glocke, Pastor, 715-866-8646 Sunday Worship - 9 a.m.

GRACE UNITED - WEBSTER

Cindy Glocke, Pastor, 715-866-8646 Sunday Worship - 10:30 a.m.

HOLY TRINITY UNITED METHODIST Holytrinity@wisconsinumc.org 1606 165th Ave., CTH I, Centuria Pastor Freddie Kirk, 715-485-3363 Pastor Tammy Clausen Sunday Worship - 8:30 a.m.

LAKEVIEW UNITED - HERTEL

Pastor Jack Starr Wor. - 9 a.m.; Sun. Schl. - during worship hour

LEWIS MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST Tom Cook, Pastor Worship 8:45 a.m.; Sunday Schl. 10 a.m.

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

1614 CTH B, North Luck, Pastor Rob Lubben Sunday Worship - 9 a.m.

Contact Leslie Valentine, 715-646-2390; E-mail: leslie56@centurytel.net

Rev. Mike Weaver Sunday Worship Service - 10 a.m.

Sunday School is at 9 a.m., Nursery available

SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN

ST. LUKE UNITED - FREDERIC

ST. CROIX FALLS UNITED METHODIST

(Missouri Synod) 140 Madison St. South, St. Croix Falls Pastor Mark K. Schoen Sun. Service - 9 a.m.; Sun.School - 10:30 a.m.

Pastor Arveda “Freddie” Kirk, 715-327-4436 Pastor Tammy Clausen Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.

TRINITY LUTHERAN - ELCA

Tom Cook, Pastor Sunday School 9 a.m.

Worship - 10:15 a.m. (Nursery available)

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

300 Seminole Ave. (CTH M) Mark Kock, Pastor, 715-294-2828 Sunday Worship 8 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.; Summer, 9 a.m.

WEST DENMARK LUTHERAN

Pastors Mike & Linda Rozumalski 1 mi. west of Luck on N, 2478 170th St., Luck Sunday Worship 10 a.m.; Sunday School 9 a.m.

Fellowship 11 a.m.

WEST IMMANUEL LUTHERAN - ELCA

Rev. Rexford D. Brandt 447 180th St., Osceola, 715-294-2936 Sun. Wor. 8 & 10:30 a.m.; Sun. Schl. 9:15 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; www.clamfalls-zion-aalcparish.net Sun. School 9:30 a.m.; Worship 10:30 a.m.

Communion - 1st Sunday

ZION LUTHERAN - EAST FARMINGTON (WELS ) Pastor Martin Weigand - 715-294-3489 Sunday Schl. 9 a.m.; Bible Class 9:30 a.m.

Worship Serv. 10:30 a.m.

Communion - 1st & Last Sunday

ZION LUTHERAN - MARKVILLE

Pastor Tim Faust Worship - 11 a.m.; Sunday School - 10 a.m.

Holy Communion - 1st & 3rd Sunday

ZION LUTHERAN - TRADE LAKE

Pastor Theresa Riewestahl 715-327-8384, 715-416-3086 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 UNITED METHODIST

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 Dan Pearson Sunday School 8:45 a.m.; Worship 10 a.m.

CATHOLIC

CATHOLIC

ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Rev. Thomas E. Thompson, 715-247-3310 255 St. Hwy. 35, East Farmington Mass Friday 9 a.m.; Sacrament of Penance Sat. 3:30 p.m.

CHURCH OF ST. JOSEPH

Pastor - Father Frank Wampach 490 Bench St., Taylors Falls, 651-465-7345 Sat. Vigil 5:30 p.m.; Sun. 7:30 & 10:30 a.m.

Tues. - Thurs. 7:30 a.m.

OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP

Danbury - 7586 St. Rd. 77, 715-866-7321 Pastor - Father Michael J. Tupa Mass - Sat. 4 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m. (Sept.-May).

Reconciliation as per bulletin & by appt.

OUR LADY OF THE LAKES

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.

SACRED HEARTS OF JESUS & MARY

Pastor Father Michael J. Tupa CTHs A & H - 715-866-7321 Crescent Lake Voyager Village area.

Mass Sun. 8 a.m., Thurs. 9:30 a.m.

Reconciliation as per bulletin and by appt.

ST. DOMINIC - FREDERIC & IMMACULATE CONCEPTION - GRANTSBURG CATHOLIC MASS SCHEDULE

Pastor: Rev. Dennis M. Mullen, 715-327-8119 St. Dominic: Sat. 4:30 p.m.; Sun. 10:30 a.m.

Immaculate Conception: Sat. 6:30 p.m.; Sun. 8:30 a.m. Call the office for daily & holy day Mass times

ST. ANNE PARISH

Rev. Thomas E. Thompson, 715-247-3310 139 Church Hill Rd., Somerset Mass Sun. 8:30 a.m.; Wed. 9 a.m.

Sacrament of Penance Sun. 8 a.m.

ST. FRANCIS XAVIER

GRACE BAPTIST - GRANTSBURG

Pastor Father Frank Wampach, 651-465-7345 25293 Redwing Ave., Shafer, MN Sunday 9 a.m.

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.

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

LIVING HOPE CHURCH

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)

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. JOSEPH CATHOLIC

Pastor Merrill Olson, Interim Pastor 715-327-8402 Sun. Schl. - 9:15 a.m.; Wor. Serv. - 10:15 a.m.; Nursery provided.; www.tradelakebaptistchurch.org

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC

CHURCH OF CHRIST

1050 North Keller Ave., Amery, 715-268-7717 Father John Drummy, Pastor Sat. Mass 4 p.m., Sun. Mass 10:30 a.m.

Mass Wed. & Thurs. 9 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 ASSEMBLY

ASSEMBLY

CENTURIA ASSEMBLY OF GOD Pastor Don Wiltshire, 715-640-6400 Centuria - Phone 715-646-2172 Sunday Service: 10 a.m.

OSCEOLA COMMUNITY CHURCH

Pastor Larry Mederich, 715-294-4332 www.occconnect.org Mtg. @ St. Croix Art Barn; Sun. Serv. - 9 a.m.

Nursery and children church

SIREN ASSEMBLY OF GOD

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.

EVANGELICAL

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

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

HOPE EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

Pastor Dave Williams 933 248th St., Osceola Morning Worship 10 a.m.; Sunday School Sept.-May 8:45 a.m.

Children’s Church & Nursery provided

TRADE RIVER EVAN. FREE

Pastor Dale VanDeusen, 715-488-2296 or 715-488-2653 20296 Hwy. 87, Grantsburg Morning Wor. 9:30 a.m.; Sunday Schl. 10:45 a.m.; Nursery provided for all services BAPTIST

BAPTIST

EAST BALSAM BAPTIST - BALSAM LK. Pastor Gabe Brennan, 715-857-5411

Wor. Service - 9 a.m.; Sun. School-10:15 a.m.

EUREKA BAPTIST

2393 210th Ave., St. Croix Falls Pastor Willis Christenson, 715-483-9464 Sun. School - 10 a.m.; Wor. Service - 11 a.m.

FAITH FELLOWSHIP

Hwy. 35 and CTH N., Luck Bill McEachern Pastor, 715-485-3973 Sun. Bible study - 9 a.m.; Sun. Wor. - 10 a.m.

FIRST BAPTIST - AMERY

131 Broadway St., 715-268-2223; www.fbcamery.org; E-mail: churchoffice@fbcamery.org Reg. office hours: Tues.-Thurs. 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Pastor Charlie Butt, Lead Pastor; Nick Buda, Associate Pastor Sunday Service: 9 a.m.; All ages Sunday School 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Nursery available

FIRST BAPTIST - FALUN

Pastor Steve Ward Sunday School - (all ages) - 9:30 a.m.

Church Serv. - 10:45 a.m.

FIRST BAPTIST - MILLTOWN

Pastor Marlon Mielke, 715-825-3186 Sunday Schl. 9:45 a.m.; Worship 11 a.m., 7 p.m.

FIRST BAPTIST - TAYLORS FALLS, MN

Located across from elemen. school on West St., Pastor, Dr. Kevin Schumann; 651-465-7171 Sun. Morn. - Sun. School for all ages - 9 a.m.

Morn. Worship - 10:15 a.m.; Nursery provided.

FIRST BAPTIST - WEBSTER Church Phone 715-866-4111 Pastor Tim Quinn Sun. School 9:30 a.m.; Worship - 10:45 a.m (Nursery Provided)

GRACE CHURCH OF OSCEOLA “The Cure for the Common Church”

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.

TRADE LAKE BAPTIST

CHURCH OF CHRIST

CHURCH OF CHRIST - WEBSTER

Minister Garret Derouin, 715-866-7157 Musky & Birch St., Avail. in office 9 a.m. - noon, Tues.-Fri.; Sun. Bible Study 9:30 a.m.

Worship 10:30 a.m.

WESLEYAN

WESLEYAN

WOODLAND WESLEYAN

Dairyland - Rev. Andrea Wittwer 715-244-3649 Sunday School - 10 a.m.; Worship - 11 a.m.

FULL GOSPEL

FULL GOSPEL

WOOD RIVER CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Pastor Dan Slaikeu 4 mi. SE of Grantsburg on Williams Rd. Worship 9:30 a.m.

Sunday School 10:30 a.m.

HOPE FELLOWSHIP OF SOMERSET

231 Bluff Drive, 715-247-2435 Services are Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

CHRISTIAN CENTER

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

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN

CHRISTIAN ORTHODOX

HOLY TRINITY ORTHODOX

523 1st St., Clayton, 715-948-2493 Fr. Christopher Wojcik, Pastor Saturday Vespers - 5 p.m.; Sunday Liturgy - 9:30 a.m.

HOLY CROSS ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN Meeting at Zion Lutheran Church, 28005 Old Towne Rd., Chisago City, MN, www.holyx.net 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

CROSSROADS CHRISTIAN CHURCH

2390 CTH A, 1/8 mi. east of A&H intersection Pastor Tryg Wistad, 715-635-9222 crossroadschurch@gmail.com Sunday Worship: 10 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 Tony Minell, 715-417-1982 Sunday Wor. 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Schl. 9:45 a.m.

NEW WINE CHURCH - CENTURIA 309 5th Street, , 715-338-2751 Pastor Scott Petznick Sunday Worship 10 a.m.; Sunday School 9 a.m.

NORTHERN PINES FRIENDS WOR. GROUP

715-733-0481 or 715-733-0480 for time of meeting.

INTERDENOMINATIONAL

INTERDENOMINATIONAL

RIVER VALLEY CHRISTIAN

1289 160th St. (Hwy. 65), St. Croix Falls, 715-483-5378 Senior Pastors Paul and Sonja Hanson Sunday Adult Bible Class 9 a.m.

Worship and Children’s Sunday Schl. 10 a.m.

ST. PETER’S COMMUNITY CHURCH “Faith on Purpose” (Love God, Love People...period) faithonpurpose.org CTH F, Dresser, 715-483-2911 Pastor’s res./office Sunday Worship 10 a.m.

church directory

ADVENTIST

PAGE 22 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - NOVEMBER 30, 2011

Central Boiler Outdoor Wood Furnace. Twin Waters Energy Wisconsin’s premier stocking Dealer. In stock Classic, E-Classic and Maxim. Cash and carry, call for sale prices. 715-542-3432 (CNOW)

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ALL NEW! Quality Mattresses— Twin sets $79, Full sets $145, Queen sets $165, King sets $225. Furniture too! Call Janet at (715) 4562907 www.cvfd.biz Eau Claire. (CNOW)

HELP WANTED – TRUCK DRIVER

Driver- Dry and Refrigerated. Single source dispatch.

No tractor older than 3 years.

Daily Pay! Various hometime options! CDL-A, 3 months current OTR experience.

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EOE M/F/D/V (CNOW)

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715-472-4222

715-463-2222

Old-Fashioned Christmas Program

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Used, new, rebuilt, aftermarket. Downing Tractor Parts, Downing, Wis., www. asapagparts.com 877-5301010. 32Ltfc

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JOIN US FOR OUR ANNUAL HOLIDAY EVENT Friday & Saturday, December 2 & 3

Saturday, Dec. 3 Siren School Commons Area

(Friday Only at Grantsburg Salon)

20% Off All Aveda Retail (gift sets not included) PURCHASE ANY GIFT SET OVER $25 AND RECEIVE 25% OFF ALL AVEDA RETAIL.

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Parents, bring your cameras!

Kids, bring your wish list!

Goodie bags for children 12 and under!

Free hot dog lunch for all!

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Pure Privilege Members Receive Double Points on all retail purchases!

Sponsored by the Siren Lioness

Heather, Missy, Christi, Jenna, Jonie, Kelly, Janelle, Kristina, Sarah, Sara O., Susan & Katelyn

Phone (715) 472-2121 Eye health exams, glaucoma checks, foreign body removal, full line of street wear, safety and sport wear, contact lenses

Dr. T.L. Christopherson Dr. B.A. Christopherson OPTOMETRISTS

341 Keller Ave. N. • Amery, Wis.

Phone 715-268-2020 Daily: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home Webster, Wisconsin

“Distinctive Funeral Service”

Guns & More

Saturday, Dec. 3 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Fundraiser for Shirley Barenz Adults........................ 8.00 $ Kids 5 - 12................. 4.00 4 & Under...................Free $

Dreamers St. Croix Grill 710 West State Rd. 70, Grantsburg, WI 715-463-3055

Supplemental funding applied for from Polk/Burnett Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

BRING YOUR DEER HIDES TO BIG MIKE’S! Big or Small, We Buy ‘Em All!

(25% Off Remaining Deer Stands)

Sat., Dec. 3 1 - 4 p.m.

Located on Hwy. 70 by Clam Lake Narrows 4 miles east of Siren, Hwy. 70

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church

715-349-2400

Open Sun. - Thurs. 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.

St. Hwy. 35 & B, Luck No gifts, please.

Hwy. 35 & “FF,” Webster Flowers Phoned Anywhere

Robert L. Nelson New York Life Insurance Company Box 313 Luck, Wis. 54853 Phone

715-472-2502

NEW YORK LIFE

Call 715-866-7261

AT THE LODGE 24226 1st Ave. No. Siren, WI Local Movie Line 715-349-8888 timberstheatres.com

SHOW TIMES FOR FRI., DEC. 2 THRU THURS., DEC. 8 Let’s Thrive.®

Cris A. Moore, FICF, FIC Wealth Advisor

THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - PART 1 Rated PG-13, 117 Minutes.

Fri. & Sat.: 1:00, 3:30, 6:00 & 8:15 p.m.

Sun.: 1:00, 3:30 & 6:00 p.m.

Mon.-Thurs.: 5:00 & 7:15 p.m.

Joel L. Morgan, FIC

HAPPY FEET 2

Assistant Financial Associate

Rated PG, 100 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.

Matt P. Bobick Financial Associate

ARTHUR CHRISTMAS

201 Main St. S. • Luck, WI 54853

715-472-8107 office 800-500-2936 toll-free 22854A N1-07

Rated PG, 98 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.

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THE MUPPETS

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INTER-COUNTY COOPERATIVE PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION Visit The Leader’s Web Site: www.the-leader.net

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Shows and show times subject to change.

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• Frederic, 715-327-4236 • Shell Lake, 715-468-2314 • Siren, 715-349-2560 • St. Croix Falls 715-483-9008

Rated PG, 112 Minutes.

Fri. & Sat.: 1:00, 3:30, 6:00 & 8:15 p.m.

Sun.: 1:00, 3:30 & 6:00 p.m.

Mon.-Thurs.: 5:00 & 7:15 p.m.

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Serving Refreshments 5-6 p.m.

Park at the town hall, ride the shuttle bus to the church. Shuttle service starting at 6 p.m.

95th Birthday Party for

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Also: Trade Lake Town Hall Open House

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NOVEMBER 30, 2011 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - PAGE 23

Students of the Week GRANTSBURG

FREDERIC

Allitny Swanson has been chosen Frederic Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in kindergarten and the daughter of Rob and Julie Swanson. Allitny is a delightful person and is wellliked by her classmates. She is caring, helpful and very creative.

She enjoys math and her favorite sport is basketball. She loves animals and takes care of her cats, dogs and bunnies. Allitny wants to be a mom when she grows up.

Madeline Ammend has been chosen Frederic Middle School’s student of the week. She is in seventh grade and the daughter of Maria and Dave Ammend. Madeline is honest and pleasant to work with.

She is involved in volleyball, track, softball, band, youth leadership group and walking dogs. She enjoys skiing, snowmobiling, riding horse and swimming. She plans to attend college to become a veterinary technician. Her greatest influence in her life is her dad.

Randy Brunette has been chosen Frederic High School’s student of the week. He is a junior and the son of Brenda and David Buck. Randy is a good listener, kind and always there for others.

He is involved in band, pep band, and youth group. He enjoys listening to music and studying. He plans to attend college and become wealthy.

Melanie Lee has been chosen Grantsburg Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in first grade and the daughter of Kathy Hanson and Steve Lee. Melanie always seems to have a smile on her face and is very kind to her classmates. She has a “winner” personality. In music, Melanie is a great listener and always follows directions. She has a positive attitude and always does her best. Reading is Melanie’s favorite subject.

LUCK

Gage Johansen has been chosen Luck Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in fourth grade and the son of Kyle and Heather Johansen. Gage is friendly, fun loving and enjoys being with his friends at school.

He enjoys reading and learning new things and is responsible about his assignments. He loves almost anything related to sports and doing things with his family.

Ben Dorff has been chosen Grantsburg High School’s student of the week. He is a senior. Ben works part time at Oachs Bros.

Construction, and at Wild River Outfitters. He is involved in jazz band and marching band. He enjoys playing piano, hunting, working on his car and hanging out with friends. Next year he hopes to go overseas for foreign exchange, and then attend college for criminal justice.

ST. CROIX FALLS

Kerrigan Ekholm has been chosen Luck Middle School’s student of the week. She is in eighth grade and the daughter of Eric and Renette Ekholm. Kerrigan is a kind, motivated, reliable student who always gives her best effort.

She is involved in band and volleyball. She enjoys four-wheeling, hunting, watching movies, bonfires, sledding, drawing and eating Flying Pie Pizza. Her greatest influences in her life are her grandparents.

Jes Pedersen has been chosen Luck High School’s student of the week. He is a freshman and the son of Karen and Paul Pedersen.

Jes is involved in class discussion and is willing to explain ideas to other students. He is a good person who is always positive.

He is involved in band, choir, drama club, forensics, FCCLA, cross country, basketball, crosscountry skiing and track. He enjoys spending time outside.

Josey Wilson has been chosen St. Croix Falls Middle School’s student of the week. He is in fifth grade and the son of Jim and Kellie Wilson. Josey is involved in wrestling, football, baseball and soccer. He enjoys farming with his dad, hunting and hanging out with his brother. His favorite subject is phy ed. A teacher commented, “Josey has the most contagious smile and he readily shares it, brightening everyone’s day.

Evan Gorres has been chosen St. Croix Falls High School’s student of the week. He is a freshman and the son of Brett and Angela Gorres. Evan has a younger brother, Joseph, and a younger sister, Natalie. He enjoys sports, movies, hunting and spending time with friends and family. He is in football, soccer, SOS and band.

WEBSTER

SIREN

Sara Baxter has been chosen Siren Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in fifth grade.

Sara always gets her work finished on time, follows the classroom rules and has good insights to add to discussions. She is a very good friend, is kind, and helpful. She is the kind of person who makes our school a good place to be.

Lindsy Chute has been chosen Grantsburg Middle School’s student of the week. She is in eighth grade and the daughter of Lisa Britton. Lindsy has worked hard this year to improve her academics. She shows perseverance and an appreciation for getting her work completed correctly and on time. Lindsy is also always very helpful to those around her.

She is interested in reading, football and Girl Scouts. Her favorite class is math.

Kayla Eideh has been chosen Siren Middle School’s student of the week. She is in seventh grade and the daughter of Jennifer Lang and Mike Eideh. Kayla is a great student who strives to be great in the classroom and out of it. She is involved in band, choir, volleyball, basketball, track and she also plays on the traveling basketball team. Kayla is very helpful in all of her classes and is a pleasure to have in class.

Taylor Hagen has been chosen Siren High School’s student of the week. She has worked as the photographer for the student of the week pictures and has photographed many school events.

She is in the SHE Club, journalism and yearbook and has a passion for snowboarding. Taylor works with her mom managing a store in the Outpost Mall that recently opened. She is reponsible, caring, dependable and works well under tight deadlines.

Ian McFaggen has been chosen Webster Elementary School’s student of the week. He is in kindergarten and the son of Kyle Hulleman and Bemosaakwe. Ian is considerate, kind and sharing to his classmates. At school, he enjoys playing outside, community play and math. He is terrific at math. Ian likes his blocks and playing in the leaves at home.

Dylan Kegel has been chosen Webster Middle School’s student of the week. He is in seventh grade and the son of Theresa Kegel. Dylan is a friendly student who has been working very hard at getting good grades and he has succeeded. His favorite class is math. Dylan is proud of his heritage and participates in Native American activities whenever possible. He enjoys playing football, shooting baskets and playing video games.

Steven McCain has been chosen Webster High School’s student of the week. He is a freshman and the son of Jody McCain. Steven does a nice job in the classroom.

He is kind, polite, respectful and hardworking. He does an awesome job completing his assignments on time. He enjoys target shooting. He plans on going to school at Pine Tech to become a gunsmith.

UNITY

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Supporting our area students and their accomplishments.

INTER-COUNTY

Serving Northwest Wisconsin

Stop In or Call Us Today

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

Devon Mares has been chosen Unity Elementary School’s student of the week. She is in third grade and the daughter of Diane and Tim Mares. Devon has a strong work ethic and is an overachiever. She always thinks of others first and models fabulous behavior for everyone. She is always cooperative and is involved in student council to foster leadership. She is a top-notch student.

Justin Buck has been chosen Unity Middle School’s student of the week. He is in eighth grade and the son of Ameilia and Joe Buck. Justin is hardworking and has a positive attitude. He has a good work ethic and puts forth a good effort in his studies. He has a nice smile and is respectful.

Caleb Hacker has been chosen Unity High School’s student of the week. He is a sophomore and the son of Mary Jo and Brad Hacker.

Caleb is involved in football, baseball, student council, Upward Bound and is a sophomore class leader. He enjoys hunting, fishing and snowboarding. After high school, he would like to attend college and medical school to be a doctor. Caleb lives in Balsam Lake.

PAGE 24 - INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B - NOVEMBER 30, 2011

Coming events

Photo by Gary King

Happenings in the Upper St. Croix Valley communities

DECEMBER

MONDAY/5

St. Croix Falls

• Compassionate Friends, Tri-County Chapter, grief support in death of a child at First Lutheran, 7 p.m., 715263-2739.

Clear Lake

THURS.-SUN./1-4 • “Inspecting Carol” at Festival Theatre. Thurs. 2 & 7:30 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m., 715-483-3387.

TUESDAY/6

THURSDAY/1

Amery

St. Croix Falls

• Cardiac support group at the medical center, 1 p.m., 715-268-0291.

FRI. & SAT./2 & 3

• Historical society meeting at the Sunrise Apartments, 6:30 p.m., 715-327-4271 or 715-327-4892.

• Luck’s Holiday Experience, tree lighting Fri. 2 p.m.; Santa at the library, Sat. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Author Nancy Carlson at Luck Public Library. RSVP. 4-5:30 p.m., 715-472-2770.

• Year One: Bringing Up Baby class at the medical center, 6-7 p.m., 715-483-0431.

Frederic

Luck

Luck

FRI.-SUN./2-4

St. Croix Falls

Luck

• LaMoine MacLaughlin at the library, 6 p.m., 715-4831777.

SAT. & SUN./3 & 4

• Early-stage Alzheimer’s support group at the senior center, 10 a.m., 715-268-6605.

• Christmas at the Fort at Forts Folle Avoine. Sat. 11 a.m.6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., www.theforts.org, 715-8668890.

• Blood pressure screening at Bremer Bank, 9 a.m.1 p.m.

WEDNESDAY/7

• Holiday art sale at Cafe Wren. Fri. & Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 715-472-4700.

Amery

Danbury

Frederic

Siren

THURS.-SUN./8-11

St. Croix Falls

• “Inspecting Carol” at Festival Theatre. Thurs. 2 & 7:30 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m., 715-483-3387.

• Community Choir Christmas concert at Bethany Lutheran. Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m.

St. Croix Falls

• Rivertown Holiday - bake sales, Santa, caroling, tree decorating, etc., downtown, www.fallschamber.org.

THURSDAY/8

Taylors Falls, Minn.

Amery

• Folsom House tours, 1-4 p.m.

• NARFE meeting at Village Pizzeria at noon. RSVP by noon, Monday, Dec. 5, 715-268-8618.

SATURDAY/3 Amery

• St. Croix Valley Orchestra winter concert at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 7:30 p.m., www.scvorchestra.org.

• Cookie walk at Balsam Lutheran Church, 9 a.m.-noon.

• Breakfast with Santa at the intermediate school, 9 a.m.noon.

Balsam Lake

• Pancake supper at Faith Lutheran Church, 4-7 p.m.

• Biscuit & gravy breakfast fundraiser at the Balsam Lake Public Library, 8-10 a.m.

Centuria

• Holiday auction and luncheon at Holy Trinity United Methodist Church, noon-?.

Clear Lake

• Holiday expo at Lucky’s, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Danbury

• Ruby’s Pantry at the town maintenance shop, $15 donation. Doors open 9:30 a.m., distribution 10-11:30 a.m.

Frederic

• Ladies Christmas tea at Crosswalk Community Church, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 715-327-8767.

Grantsburg

• Feed My Sheep at Grace Church in Grantsburg. Doors open 8 a.m., 715-463-5699.

• Legion Auxiliary Christmas craft and gift sale at the community center, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., 715-463-5344.

• Dinner & silent auction fundraiser for Shirley Barenz at Dreamers, 4-9 p.m., 715-463-3055.

You can’t just attack the suet willy-nilly, so this male pileated woodpecker appears to study his food before starting to dine. - Photo by Carl Heidel • Terri Stellrecht book signing of her book, “How My Savior Leads Me,” at the library, 10 a.m.-noon.

Lewis

• Lewis Jam - bluegrass, gospel and country music at Lewis United Methodist Church, 6 p.m.

• Christmas bake and craft sale at the Methodist church, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Luck

• Cookie walk at West Denmark parish hall, 8 a.m.-noon.

• Santa at the library/museum, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Osceola

• Ho-Ho-Ho-Liday expo at the elementary school, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Siren

• Lioness’ lunch with Santa at the school, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 715-349-8399, www.visitsiren.com.

• Benefit for Billy Puchner at Rumors, 4 p.m.-?, 715-8664492.

• Skating with Santa at the Lodge Center Arena, 6:308:30 p.m.

St. Croix Falls

• American Swedish Institute men’s choir concert on Overlook Deck, 5 p.m.

ONGOING Every Day

AA &/or AlAnon, Polk & Burnett counties, 715-931-8262 for time/location. Amery, 715-268-8431.

• Open house at the historical society, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

• St. Croix Falls Historical Society open house at historic Baker Building, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Divorce care support group at Apple River Community Church, 715-268-8360, 715-268-2176.

Webster

Indianhead Barbershop Chorus meets at the Balsam Lake Government Center, 7:30 p.m., 715-483-9202.

Baby and Me class - Amery Medical Center, 1-2 p.m.

Grief Share support group at Centennial Hall, Amery, 715-268-2176 or 715-268-8360.

Moms In Touch International, First Baptist, Amery, 2 - 3 p.m., 715-268-5408, www.momsintouch.com

• Workshop for blowdown-area property owners by DNR at the community center, 920-465-3006.

SUNDAY/4 Centuria

• “Festival of Nine Lessons” and carols at Fristad Lutheran Church, 4 p.m.

Dresser

• Dresser & St. Croix Falls area VFW Auxiliary all-youcan-eat breakfast at the VFW Hall, 8 a.m.-noon.

Luck

• Christmas tea at the new United Pioneer Home, 24 p.m., 715-472-2164.

MON.-SAT./5-10 Milltown

• Operation Christmas drop-off at Unity VFW basement, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., 888-351-9627.

Every Monday

Every Tuesday

Bingo - Burnett County Moose Lodge, Siren, 6 p.m.

Survivors of domestic violence & sexual assault support group, Polk Co., 800-261-7233, 6-7:30 p.m.

Anger management group at Amery Regional Medical Center, 6:30-8:30 p.m., 715-268-4094.

Every Thursday

Breastfeeding support group at the St. Croix Regional 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.

Every Saturday

AA meets at the West Denmark Lutheran Church, rural Luck, 9 - 10 a.m.

Open skate at The Lodge Center Arena, 6:30-8:30 p.m..

Visit the Web site: burnettyouthhockey.com.

ABC creates fi firrst collectible Christmas ornament

BURNETT COUNTY – On a snowy November Saturday, members of Arts Burnett County gathered to hand paint little wooden sleds, the first in a series of collectible Christmas ornaments created in, and unique to, Burnett County.

“This is a project inspired by a similar one that was done in Taylors Falls a couple of years ago,” said Chris Moeller. “We were looking for a fundraiser that would be something unique to share with everyone

The first-annual Arts Burnett County collectible Christmas ornament is a wooden sled with runners measuring 7 inches. The top surface is 5 -3/4 inches by 3-1/2 inches. The handpainted design was created by ABC members Bryan Shanoff and executed by Chuck Awe.

who lives here, and we intend to make this an annual tradition.”

“We’re selling these collectible ornaments to raise funds so ABC can fulfill its mission,” explained Juli Kannenberg. “Our mission focuses on fostering creativity that enhances our culture, beautifies the community, enhances the economy and makes people proud of their county — as stated in the Burnett County long-range plan – Vision 2030.”

Members Chuck Awe and Bryan Shanoff pitched in with sanding, stenciling and labeling the sleds, while Kannenberg created the handcrafted clay beads and twine loops for hanging.

“The idea is to raise awareness about ABC, the arts, and the talents of the people in our communities,” said Awe. He and Shanoff also designed and built a larger sled to showcase ABC in the Siren Christmas parade and as part of the Crooked Lake Park holiday decorations.

Arts Burnett County was active during the past summer, sponsoring one of the Music in the Park concerts, staging a tornado art exhibit for the 10th anniversary observance, and supporting the Village Players Community Theater by group attendance at their summer production, “Don’t Mention My Name.”

Most recently, ABC members assisted the Siren community with logistics and publicity for their production of “Annie.” “ABC members also serve as a resource for the community,” noted Kannenberg. “We have members with all kinds of skills and many creative ideas that can benefit the county.”

The sled ornament is versatile and not just for hanging on the Christmas tree. “It can be the focal point on a wreath, used as tabletop or shelf décor, a wall hanging or a stocking stuffer,” noted Moeller.

The ornament is for sale in a limited quantity. In Siren, it’s for sale at Adventures restaurant, the Nuthouse Deli and U.S. Bank. In Webster, the ornament is on sale at Curves and Yellow River Pharmacy.

Membership in ABC is free and open to residents of all ages who express themselves through any creative outlet or who want to support the creative economy in Burnett County. Meetings are on the third Thursday of each month in the Nexen Community Room of the Larson Family Public Library at the corner of Lakeland Avenue and Main Street, Webster. Follow ABC on Facebook. e-mail artsburnettcounty@centurytel.net or call 715-3498399. - submitted

Siren’s Juli Kannenberg was one of five ABC members who spent a Saturday morning handpainting the runners of the wooden sleds. The limited-edition ornament is for sale at selected outlets in Siren and Webster. Each sled is accompanied by a card with information about ABC. – Photos submitted